Yes, You Need a Nap.

This week has been a little...rough.

Monkey has decided that she doesn't need to sleep. Ever.

Usually she takes one nap mid-day and then goes to bed for the night about 8:00pm. But Apparently she is now a member of the Cullen family (Twilight. For those of you that aren't familiar: Cullen Family = vampires that don't sleep) doesn't need sleep anymore.

I mentioned recently that she was a great sleeper and I could count the number of times she had trouble sleeping in her life on 2 hands. Well, she had doubled that number in the last week. So I'm pretty sure I jinxed myself.

She has also taken to throwing huge temper tantrums. Huge. The kind that I have to video because her Grandparents would never believe me and say something like "Poor girl, I'm sure it wasn't that bad. She's too sweet to do something like that." Well, yes she is sweet but she does have her moments.

So she cries and cries at nap time and then cries and cries at bed time. I think I am going to lose my mind.

She absolutely still needs a nap. And I absolutely still need her to take a nap. Around 5:00 on days without a nap is when it really starts to be apparent that she should have napped and then it is too late for a nap and yet still so far from bedtime. It's like torture.

We have been working to stay on a "schedule," not that we weren't in the neighborhood of a schedule before. We have been doing the same nap and bed routines forever. Although tranquilizers and whiskey are an option I don't want to deal with child services so I think we'll stay clear of that.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Or maybe you know of some gypsies in my area that I can sell her to? No I'm just kidding, mostly.

Would You Just Sit Still? - A Thousand Words Thursday

I hope that some day I won't have to trap her against the wall just to put her hair up.

For more ATWT visit Jen at Cheaper than Therapy.

"Car"

Some crazy lady ran into the back of our car a couple of weeks ago. It didn't cause any major damage but enough that the bumper needed some TLC. So yesterday morning Luke dropped our car off at the body shop and picked up our rental car. We got our car back this evening so we took the rental back (as fast as we possibly could).

We drive a German car. I love it. .Love.It.

Its sturdy, has great handling, hugs the road and looks good.

This rental "car*" not so much. Yes I said "car" in quotes because I'm still not convinced that it was a car.

*I don't want to name this car because it is American made and I really like the idea of a good economy and obviously me bitching about it won't help these cars move off dealers' lots. Not that my opinion matters all that much to the masses. All I am going to say is I felt like I was driving a big hunk of plastic...so in other words if felt really safe or something.

I hope some of billions the Big 3 are getting will be used to purchase some metal...and some new designers and engineers. I guess it's like they say...once you go German you never go back, or something like that.

Safe Sippy

I have had a hard time finding a decent sippy cup for Monkey. By hard time I mean we have gone through 5 different types...before finding a good one. One day I will fill you in on all the duds so that you know. But we finally found a good one.

Monkey got a couple of awesome sippy cups for Christmas and I love them. These wonder cups I speak of are Safe Sippy's. They are made of stainless steal and BPA/PVC free plastic and they are cool looking too. I even did a little vlog about them that you can find in the NewBaby.com section of my left sidebar.

Well, right now Dee at Two of a kind is hosting a little giveaway for a set of 3 Safe Sippy's! You can visit Safe Sippy to learn more. Just thought you might like to know.

See the Little Fox Diapers button to the left on my sidebar? *Hint Little Fox carries Safe Sippy's and since the owner is not only wonderful but also my friend I thought I would add a little plug in here. ;)

My First Follower

Followers.

I don't know of a blogger that does not like having followers. Readers. Friends.

I know I like having followers. There is something special about knowing that a fellow blogger or friend likes you enough to put their little tiny picture on your sidebar and get updates of your every word on their blogger dashboard. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to think about it.

There is one follower on my sidebar that I feel particularly warm a fuzzy about (Although I love you all). This follower has been with me from the beginning. Okay really from about a week into my blog. I would like to think that she started following me because of my wit, charm and good looks but I am pretty sure it had more to do with our common love of NPR and Mexican Chicken Stew. Either way she was my very first follower and I will never forget the excitement I felt when I signed in and noticed on my dashboard that I had 1 follower! Since that faithful day when she stumbled upon my blog she has returned frequently always leaving comments.

Who is this wonderful blogging angel lady? Why, it's Ali from Home of the Lazy dog, of course! I am sure that most of you are already regular visitors to Ali's place but just in case your not if you pop over there you'll find beautiful poetry, recipes, pictures, and posts on random stuff that makes you think or laugh out loud. She's great and she holds a very special place in my little blogger heart.

Thanks for giving blog love to a brand new clueless blogger, Ali.

See guys you never know what the little things you do will mean so someone else. Now go visit Ali and check out her great pic of her son "Big Pup."

Mexican Burgers

I know I post a recipe every Monday...but this one is different. This one proves that I really like you guys. I mean why else would I share one of my very favorite and most loved recipes?

Really, if you were to ask Luke what his favorite meals that I make are he would for sure say Mexican Burgers somewhere in the top 3. Every time we eat these we sit there and moan and yum and talk about how damn good these things are. We love to serve these bad boys up with lots of toppings and black beans and corn on the cob on the side. We sometimes grill these on a piece of foil so that the turkey doesn't stick to the grill, although it usually comes out just fine without the foil too.

Ingredients
1 lbs ground turkey, chicken or beef. (we prefer ground turkey for both the price and flavor)
1 Four (4) ounce can diced green chilies
Taco Seasoning Mix (either store bought or from recipe below)
1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach (optional)
4 slices of sharp cheddar, monterey jack or pepper jack cheese
4 whole wheat hamburger buns
butter
Sliced avocado
salsa
tomato
onion
lettuce
cilantro

Heat grill.

Mix turkey, green chilies, taco seasoning and spinach in a medium sized bowl. Divide mixture into 4 equal parts. Make each part into a patty, if using turkey it may seem loose. Lightly butter top and bottom of each bun.

Cook the patty's on the warmed grill until cooked through (until no longer pink and at least 160 degrees in center), only turning once. When burgers are about done place buns on grill to lightly toast the insides. Top patties with cheese and cook 1 to 2 minutes more or until melted.

Top with avocado slices, salsa, lettuce and cilantro, onion and tomato slices. Enjoy!

Taco Seasoning
This recipe makes enough for about 1 pound of meat.
ingredients
1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
pepper to taste

mix all ingredients together and use immediately or store in an airtight container.

I've Got the Warm Fuzzies

I am feeling really. really. loved this week. I mean really loved. How loved you ask... Oh let me tell you how loved.

Meridith from 24 Hours... passed along not one but 2 awards to me this week.

Thanks, Meredith!

Then the one and only Annie from Cookies, Chaos & Conversation called me cute and gave me an award.

I feel so lucky cause Annie thinks I'm cute! Thanks, Annie.

Then I started through my daily reading this morning and noticed that not only was Lee from Moms Without Blogs giving out her very own brand new-madeup-award-meme-tag, she gave it to me. And...she thinks I'm nice! Ha...is she easy to trick or what?!

I love originals. It makes me feel so cool it's like having...um...well, it like having...um...something...that other people want and don't have, but you do, um yeah. Wow, that was a good analogy wasn't it. Well, at least Lee thinks I'm worth it. Thanks, Lee!

Since I am a bit of rule breaker at times and I love too many of you to pick just a few I will not be passing these lovelies along. But you should go visit these Lovely ladies and tell them that I sent you. Okay you don't have to tell them that I sent you but you should tell them how cool they are or that they smell nice or something.

Sunday = Grocery Day

Since today is Sunday and Sunday = grocery day in my house I have a grocery related item or two to discuss with you.

Mean Grocery Store Lady Update: I get the feeling that she might stand in her bathroom starring into the mirror on Sunday mornings before leaving for work to practice her patented super special "Catherine Glare." Yep that's right she glared at me again today and you know what I did...I went to a different line.

Yup. I sure showed her or taught her a lesson, or something.

I wasn't going to let her ruin my grocery shopping high this week not when I knew I would be saving us so much stinking money. Nope today was my day not her's. You might have won last week Mean Grocery Store Lady...but this round is mine....hahahahaha.

I have mentioned before how crazy we are about "the budget". I know we are all trying to save money where we can so I would like to share a secret with you. Shortcuts. I love Shortcuts.

No, I'm not talking about ways to save time. I'm talking about coupons...super-duper electronic coupons. These are the kind of coupons that anyone can love. My King Soopers lets me use these coupons on top of my paper coupons, and all I had to do was register my loyalty card with Shortcuts.com and add coupons to it when they come available.

Today I got paid to buy veggies with the help of these coupons, along with some paper coupons and sales. Say it with me now... Woot Woot!

To Swim or Not To Swim?

I do not like to swim. I think I liked it as a young child but now I would really rather stay dry. This could be because I am not a great swimmer. Or maybe that I do not like the getting cold when I get out of the water. Or maybe it's the woman in me that doesn't like swimsuits. I don't know.

Okay I do know...I don't like water.

You will never find me on a cruise, never. The ocean is beautiful but only if I can still touch the sand with my feet and preferably see all the way to my feet too. I don't like lakes either, who knows what hiding in those murky waters.

I am not scared of much, but drowning scares me. I like breathing... I really like breathing.

So when my mom asked last night if we would be taking Monkey swimming at the family gathering we are going to today my first reaction was no. Why on earth would we do that? But I know Monkey would love it so I think I will have to suck it up and do the mom thing (you know... put your feelings aside for your child's) and venture into the pool.

At least she'll enjoy it.

The Better to Eat You With - A Thousand Words Thursday

"Boy Nana, that alligator sure does have a lot of teeth. Are you sure he isn't hungry?"

For more ATWT visit Jen at Cheaper Than Therapy.

My Baby Can Read!

Yesterday we had a few first in our house.

I don't want to brag but Monkey is only 16 Months old and she is a genius. Seriously.

While I was making dinner Luke was holding Monkey and standing next to the refrigerator. I walked over to them and Monkey started pointing at the badge and saying "more." She just kept point at the name badge and saying "more,more, more." Um, we own a Kenmore refrigerator...my daughter can read! This really could be the only possibility since there is now reason that she would be pointing at the refrigerator and saying more, it's not like there are things in the refrigerator that she would want more of.

Yesterday she started talking about Obama. As in President Obama. Yep, while we were eating dinner Luke was watching some inauguration coverage he missed because he was working today and when Monkey saw President Obama on the screen she pointed and said "Bama," and she kept doing that every time his face was on the screen. Um. Seriously, I think we have a democrat on our hands...what will her conservative grandparents think? I didn't know she was so into politics. Hmmm.

Should I start filling out her college applications and looking into financial aid?

What I Would Like To Remember

I didn't plan to spend the morning in my pajama's but I did. I got sucked into the inauguration coverage and didn't want to lose sight of the TV. What a historical day, although I believe every inauguration day is historical. What a moving day, even though watching a day with such meaning to our democratic process is always moving. What a great day to be an American, like so many days before and so many days will be in the road ahead.

Despite all of the positive feelings I have about today I have to admit that for a few moments there I felt embarrassed for our country.



Regardless of your political beliefs, on such a beautiful day, is it really appropriate to boo the out-going President of the United States? If change and positive thinking are such an important part of why Barack Obama was elected President are you representing him and yourself in the right manner when you act so disrespectfully?

Shame on those people. Shame on them for acting so childish and tainting a lovely ceremony.

I guess I might think about what life is like in other peoples shoes too often because all I could think was "You may not like the decisions that this man made, but he gave 8 years of his life to this country." The things he must have had to endure in those 8 years, and all that crowd could do is boo. I know people don't like George Bush...I don't like the Mean Grocery Store Lady, but I don't boo her! All I'm saying is I think it is possible to both disagree with someone, dislike them and still act like an adult toward them. That's all I'm saying.

What do you think, is it perfectly acceptable to boo in this type of situation? Am I off my rocker and overreacting?

Today is a day to be remembered, I hope that when I look back on today I will remember the wonderful things about today instead of the blatant disrespect demonstrated by people in that crowd.

I would like to remember the breathtaking sight off all those people crowded in to witness this occasion.

I would like to remember that America is the land of opportunity, for everyone.

I would like to remember the warm exchange between the Bush's and the Obama's at the White House. Further proof that people do not need to agree with each other in order to be civil to each other.

I would like to remember Malia taking pictures of her father giving his first speech as President of the United States. What a sweet, childlike and innocent thing to do. I can't imagine how proud she is of her dad.

I would like to remember the smiles on the faces in the crowd and the smiles on the faces of the Obama family. What an exciting (and stressful) time it must be for all of them.

I would also like to remember the look of sadness on the faces of the Bushes. Watching them board the helicopter and leaving for the last time was a very moving moment for me. There has been a lot of focus on the changes in store for the Obama family, but it is hard to imagine what it will be like for the Bush's tomorrow, to wake up and not be in the eye of the storm anymore.

I hope you were able to take the time and enjoy the pomp and circumstance surrounding this day. What would you like to remember about today?

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie is a great way to get your veggies, protein, and starch all from one pan. This recipe is quick, easy and tasty and you can make it to suite your picky eaters if needed. As always I am open to suggestions and feedback.

Ingredients

2 large potatoes, cubed
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 pound ground beef or turkey
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 or 2 cups green beans
Salt and pepper to taste

Boil potatoes until tender. Drain potatoes, add butter and milk then mash potatoes.

While potatoes boil, preheat skillet to medium-high heat. Add oil, carrots, onion and garlic to hot pan. Cook for 2 minutes. Add ground meat to pan and cook until brown and cooked through, breaking it up as you go. Drain fat from pan.

Pour meat mixture into baking pan or casserole dish. Mix Italian seasoning and tomato sauce together. Pour tomato mixture over meat. Layer green beans over the meat and tomato mixture. Spread the mashed potatoes over the green beans. Place in oven until warned through.

A Grocery Store Meany and A Very Un-mean Friend

There is this woman that works at the checkout on the grocery store I work out, lets just say I am not this woman's biggest fan...and she is most definitely not mine.

The first time she was rude to me while checking me out at the store I thought she was just having a bad day.

The second time I thought maybe she hated her job and was taking it out on me.

Now after today I just don't think she likes me...at all. I came to this conclusion after I caught her glaring directly at me as a strolled past her to the cereal ales.

I know what your thinking... "How could someone not like Catherine?"

And I am wondering the same thing right along with you. What is it about me that this lady despises so much? Is it the number of coupons she has to process when ringing me up? Is she jealous of the amount of money I save every week? Or maybe she is secretly in love with Luke... whatever she can have him, just don't tell me I can't use that $1 off coupon because I have reached my limit for the day! (okay she can't really have Luke...I kinda like him and plan on keeping him).

Either way her constant rudeness has caused me to proclaim my dislike for her. Between her and all the other crazies that don't know store etiquette I might lose my mind! (Tip*Go visit Under the Influence to see a great grocery store rules of conduct.)

Do you know who isn't rude? My bloggy buddy Kel over at Girl in the Glasses. She is actually very unrude...is that even a word? She is so unrude and lovely that she recently got an award for being such a wonderful blog stalker and all around super star commenter. A very well deserved award if you ask me...she is a wonderful commenter and a great blog friend to have. When I started blogging I thought it would be a way for me to take time for myself everyday, I didn't realize that I would have the opportunity to become friends with such a great girl.

Well, much to my surprise Kel passed the Super Stalker award on to me. What?! Kel actually thinks I am worthy of this super prestigious commenter award! I am so honored. And not only do I heart kel...I think she hearts me too! Awwww.

I love to read posts and comment and when I have spent hours just commenting, neglecting writing my own posts, and driving my hubby crazy with the amount of time I have ignored him spent on the computer I didn't know that such a great award was on my horizon.

This award is presented to a Super blogger. This person is not only a terrific person, but a great bloggy friend. More than just a Stalker, they are a loyal reader who cares. The comments that they leave in their wake are sincere and heart-felt -making it apparent that they are truly interested. That someone cares. To which we reward them by saying:
YOU ARE A SUPER STALKER!

All we ask is the following:
1-In your own time, share this award with ONE other blogger who you feel is worthy of the Super Stalker title. This award is not to be handed out freely, but deliberately given from one Super Stalker to another -Making the recipient deserving. Keeping the award true to its form and the reason for its beginning.
2-As you award that one Super Blogger, include this message in its entirety along with your acceptance speech.
3-Enjoy your REWARD! You DESERVE IT! You EARNED IT!

Well, I am allowed to pass this along to one very deserving person and although there are countless fantastic commenter's in the world I would like to bestow this honor on a fantastic commenter in My world : i.e. The Great Big World of Evolving Mommy.

And the winner is :

Noah's Mommy from Project Mommyhood. Noah's Mommy leaves such thoughtful comments that show she really reads and thinks about what I have said. She is a great blogger and I am so glad that she is my bloggy buddy! Now go visit her and congratulate her!

Photo Meme

Jenn over at Just Jenn tagged me with a photo meme with week. Not just any photo though...the 4th picture in the 4th file on my computer.

This is sort of a tough task for me.

I know why would posting the 4th picture in your 4th folder be hard.

Trust me I'm not that technologically challenged and I can count to at least 7 so 4 isn't a problem. But, since Luke is a photographer extraordinaire we have pictures on the C drive and 2 external hard drives and not all of them are the same...so which drive do I pick? Hmmm...

I present to you the 4th picture in the 4th folder... on my C drive.

This picture was taken this last October in my In-Laws back yard. There were at least 30 butterfly's hanging out on the half dead flowers...it was awesome and of course Luke was there to capture the little beauties.

Not Just There but Present

Monkey is 16 months old today. For the first time she said Mommy yesterday, not the usual Mama, but Mommy. She is growing and learning so quickly.

Last night we did kisses and hugs, I love yous and tucked her in as usual. She fussed a bit. Then the fussing escalated to crying...well more like sobbing. Crying at bedtime is not a regular occurrence, I could probably count the number of times in her life she had trouble falling asleep at night on 2 hands, so I went in to resettle her. As soon as I walked in the door she shot up and started reaching for me... so I caved and picked her up. It wasn't my intention to hold her or rock her, but for some reason I walked with her over to the now rarely used rocking chair in the corner of her room and settled in with her.

Once she was in my arms she didn't shed another tear, she just laid her head on my shoulder and cuddled up against me. She didn't move around like she usually does she just stayed right there pulled up tight to me sucking her thumb.

So together we sat there and rocked.

Sitting there holding my little girl, brushing her hair and cheek with my finger tips, I couldn't help but think about how much she has grown. Not so long ago she took up just a small spot while laying against my chest. Not so long ago she was just a 6 pound baby that could lay across my lap in that same chair. Now she has to pull her knees up around my waist just to fit.

In those moments kissing her forehead and pressing my cheek to hers I felt this tug-o-war in my heart. I so badly want her to grow up and be the little girl I know she'll be. I love to see the new things she learns everyday. I love to watch her become more and more independent. But there is a part of my heart that wants to keep her small as long as possible, time has flown and I have not had my fill of my sweet baby.

Is it possible for her to hurry up and slow down?

No? Well I didn't think so.

I look back and feel like I haven't focused on her enough.

I was told to spend time with my baby while she was a baby because things like housework and cooking would always be there but she wouldn't always be a baby. I should have paid a little more attention to that advice and less to my list of things to do.

I have spent too much time trying to be both a mommy and productive.

I should have spent more time savoring every moment I could with her. I know she is still young and I have plenty of time but at the rate time is flying I'll be taking her to her first day at kindergarten soon.

I want to be present for her life. I want to really be with her while I am with her. I just hope that I haven't realized this too late. I hope there is still time to marvel at my little girl, my sweet baby.

MagnetStreet Baby Review and Giveaway *Winners*

Okay so thanks to everyone who participated and helped to make my very first giveaway a success. I used Random.org to generate the numbers of the three winning entries

Here are the winners:

#5 Timestamp: 2009-01-16 06:28:55 UTC
Dee said...
I signed up for the newsletter! I think I'm going to use these as my birth announcements!

#85 Timestamp: 2009-01-16 06:30:41 UTC
Christine said...
I follow your blog...



#22 Timestamp: 2009-01-16 06:31:20 UTC
Andreah @ Life's A Hoot said...
I love the blossom labels in green and purple.

Thanks to all of you that entered! I have contacted the winners and they have 48 hours to get back to me, if for some reason I do not hear from them after that time I will select new winners.

Lost in the Pages - A Thousand Words Thursday

This is one thing I hope she never grows out of.

for more ATWT visit Jen at Cheaper than Therapy

Pedoodles on Sale!

Thanks to my friend Gillian I found a great deal on Pedoodles shoes. You can find the bargain at GreenBabyBargains.com . This deal is only good today so if you want 'em you'll have to hurry.

Little Tykes - Tuesdays Trubiute

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on my favorite piece of furniture....

Okay, it isn't really furniture and it isn't really my favorite piece, but I do love it. Although the bright orange, yellow, green and blue don't go with my homes decor, and it takes up a huge portion of my loft I can't help but love this child's play thing.

You wanna know why?

For the last 8 months this little slide guarantees me at least 20 minutes a day without the kids hanging on me. At least 20 minutes a day this slide is a go to toy and Monkey and her best friend Boo will climb up the back and slide down the slide without fussing or fighting or requiring anything from me besides wanting me to watch their awesome slide skills.

I only wish it were big enough for me. By alas, my hips are too wide and my legs are too long.

Spicy Chicken

A little while back my super awesome fantastic cool friend Gillian, lent me her Indian food cookbook. I loved this book so much I kept it...for much longer than I should have, but being the super awesome fantastic cool friend she is she didn't even get too mad at me. As soon as I made myself give back the book I jumped on Amazon and ordered a copy for myself.

This recipe for Spicy Chicken is from "Step-By-Step Indian," by Cara Hobday and Louise Steele. We used chicken breasts cut into portions instead of thighs or drumsticks.

3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil

8 small chicken portions such as thighs or drumsticks

1 large onion chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1-2 fresh green chilies, deseeded and chopped, or use 1-2 tsp minced chili (from a jar)

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground turmeric
14 oz can chopped tomatoes
2/3 cup water
1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
salt to taste
natural yogurt, to serve (optional)

Heat the ghee or oil in a large skillet and fry the chicken pieces all over until sealed and lightly golden.

Remove from the skillet. Add the onion, garlic, chili, and spices and cook very gently for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Stir in the tomatoes, water, mint, and garbanzo beans. Mix well, return the chicken portions to the skillet, season with salt to taste, then cover and simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and drizzled with yogurt, if using.

As always I am open to comments, suggestions and questions.

Lets Talk Money....5 Little Things

I have mentioned before that Luke and I are dedicated to our budget. Since we don't have 2 full incomes we have created a monthly budget. We have long term goals and short term goals and the budget is our road map to things like new carpet and sending Monkey to college someday.

I am obsessive about the budget, seriously obsessive. It is Luke's job to bring home the majority of our income and it is my job to make sure that money can pay all of our bills. I take my job seriously.

The Budget.is.the.law.

I heard an interesting piece on NPR yesterday where people shared their financial goals for 2009...our goal is to save money and live like we are "poor" (which for us basically means that we will do our best to maintain our strict budget and focus on what we need and not what we want.) So here are 5 of our little money saving tips:

1. Set realistic goals for your self. Nothing kills budgeting like unrealistic perimeters.

2. Coupons are your friends! Especially if you use them at a store that doubles them. After getting the hang of matching up coupons with sales I save a bunch of money every week and we still manage to eat a lot of all natural, organic and healthy food.

3. Make Cuts. I know I am in the minority here but we decided that saving money for fun things like vacations or home improvements was more important to us than spending money on TV every month. So we don't really have TV. We also decided that we didn't need two cars and we could get along just fine with one, that way we only have one car payment, we only put gas in one car, and we only insure and maintain one car. There are lots of ways to make cuts that will save you money every month...you just have decide what is a "Need" and what is a "Want."

4. Bring your own bags to the grocery store and the store usually pays you. Because of this I usually save and extra .20 to .30 cents a week at the store...I know it's not much but every little bit adds up and I am reducing our waste.

5. Eat local. We have these great coupon mailers come to us every couple of weeks filled with coupons to local restaurants. Coupons for everything from pizza and Thai to coffee shops and pubs. With coupons for your meal not only are you saving money but you are also supporting local business owners instead of spending money at a huge chain restaurant that most likely serves bland and boring food. Awesome.

So what is your Financial goal for 2009? Are you going to Save more? Spend more? Donate more to charity? Send your son to Space Camp? Get rid of your credit card debt? .........

Brain Snippets and some Randomness

Lots of randomness happening in my head this lovely (windy) Friday. Actually, I am having a hard time getting my brain to focus on much of anything so here are a few snippets floating around my head today.

***Monkey and I made stop by Sams Club today and ate lunch after taking Luke to work. We just moved from sample station to sample station trying salmon salad with green olives, trail mix, chicken noodle soup, smoked sausage, pizza, fruit bars and protein bars. Do you think the sample people get mad when you are so obviously cruising for free food? (We did buy a couple of things but none of the stuff we tried, not that it wasn't yummy... I'm just a stick to the list kind of shopper.)


***After all the work he did on the basement shelves, Luke decided to build a work bench down there too. Our basement is so stinkin' organized now. All that organized space It kind of makes me want to hang out down there, but concrete floors make my feet cold so I think I'll stay upstairs.

***I noticed Jay, from Halftime Lessons leaving comment love for people regarding their damn comment word verification and it makes me heart him even more. Word verification drives me crazy people. Crazy! So just in case you don't know how the heck to turn off your word verification go here and Jay will break it down for you. While your it you can go here and learn how to make your comments replyable.


***Remember way back in the day when I said I was going to work out more often? Well, I am working out regularly (with Luke's help to keep me motivated). I am way to cheap for a gym membership so when it is cold I usually just put in a video but I am getting way bored of what I have. So I'm looking for a couple of good workout videos to spice things up. I am thinking something dance-ish would be fun and maybe some Pilate's or yoga. Give me some suggestions. I hate buying a random video and then hating it and never using it.


***Have you seen my review/giveaway for MagnetStreet Baby? Go here to see the review and enter to win 1 of three sets of personalized address labels and seals.

This Probably Means I'm Old - A Thousand Words Thursday

I'm bending the rules slightly today, a 6 second wordless video is basically the same as a picture right? You know how I went dancing with my sister for her 21st birthday? Well, there something I didn't tell you about...

This was the exact moment I realized that I'm old. No, technically I'm actually quite young but, I have a feeling that reaching for your tums because you have heartburn because of the margaritas you are drinking is not a sign of your youthfulness. What do you think?

For more A Thousand Words Thursday visit Jen

MagentStreet Baby Review and *Giveaway*

I recently had the opportunity to visit MagnetStreet Baby and shop around. Have you checked out this store? If not you should. There are baby announcements galore, and they are so cute and tasteful. Seriously, they have a ton of stuff to choose from.

How cute is this Birth Announcement from a siblings perspective!

If I were throwing a baby shower I would pick this invite. I love that you can personalize it with a picture of the mommy-to-be!

I don' t think I have ever seen an adoption announcement, isn't this one adorable?

There are; birth, baptism, christening, and adoption announcements just to name a few. They even have holiday cards and baby shower invitations, so you should definitely keep MagnetStreet Baby in mind when you throw baby showers for your expectant mommy friends.

To go along with all of these invitations and announcements there are matching address labels and envelope seals. So not only can you send out an adorable personalized birth announcement for your baby or shower invitation for your best friend, you can put coordinating finishing touches on the envelope too.

I ordered personalized address labels and seals for some of my family members to go along with some hand made cards for Christmas. Since everything on MagnetStreet Baby can be personalized and made to your liking, I was able to customize address labels and seals for everyone.

Here are some examples of what I was able to do:

While I was there I ordered some for myself, too. Because I am a bossaholic really into the details I was able to change fonts, text size and colors and really personalize each set of labels. I loved how each set came out, it makes me feel so chic to put my address label on my outgoing mail in place of my dull handwriting!

Okay so in honor of the new year, getting organized and giving you the motivation to send some mail to the people you love, MagnetStreet Baby has generously offered to give 3 of my lucky readers 100 personalized address labels and seals! Whew, That's a lot of mail!

To enter:

(this one is a requirement) Visit MagnetStreet Baby and pick out your favorite Address Label design then come back and tell which one you love. I am not locking you into anything now, if you are one of the lucky winners you can always change your selection.

You may do the following for extra entries for a total of 5 entries per person (What can I say, I'm generous) :

1. Go here to sign up to receive email newsletters, discounts and special offers from MagnetStreet Baby and leave me a comment letting me know you did.

2. Pick out your favorite MagnetStreet Baby Announcement or Shower invitation. Then come back and leave a comment telling me which one you love and what you might use it for.


3. Twitter about this contest and comment the link to your tweet or write a post about this giveaway. Be sure to link to MagnetStreet Baby and Evolving Mommy and leave a comment letting me know where to find your post.


4. Follow this blog and leave a comment letting me know you did. Current followers can gain an entry for following as well.

This contest is open to anyone not just bloggers. If your email address is not enabled or you are not a blogger please be sure to leave your email address in your comment.


The Fine Print: This contest will close Thursday, January 15, 2009 12:00am EST. Three (3) winners will be chosen and announced Friday, January 16, 2009 in a post on Evolving Mommy.
Each winner will have 48 hours to contact me before a replacement winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is closed

Tiny Love, Musical Stack and Play Review

Grandmas

When Jay at Halftime Lessons suggested that we take a day off from talking about ourselves and shine the spotlight on someone else I thought... "Whoa, is that even possible?"

Okay really I thought...
Look at these beautiful ladies ...

Grandma F

Grandma C

Friends I would like to introduce you to my Grandma's. Besides the fact that these two are seriously cool they know all kinds of seriously cool things. Things like cooking, baking, knitting, refinishing furniture, sewing, soap making, crocheting, blogging and way way more. Look at some of the awesome stuff they have made:

Knitted reusable shopping bag, handmade orange scented soap, large tote bag with pockets. That white and pink striped bag is knitted out of plastic shopping bags, how cute and green huh?

Knitted newborn and 6 months sweaters (and hat), Curling iron holder (great for transport ting a still hot curing iron), Tiny crocheted snowflake ornaments.

Not only are Grandma C and Grandma F super cool, and talented they are totally loving and giving. I couldn't ask for a better pair of Grandma's, and Monkey is a very lucky little girl to be their great granddaughter! I can only hope that when it is my turn to be a grandma I am a quarter as wonderful as my grandma's are.

Remember #1 on my New Years list? You do! Good, then I bet you have already figured out who I will be bugging to teach me some cool stuff so I can cross that goal off my list. Surprise Grams and Grams your my new teachers and all I want to know is everything so it should be easy!

Lime Grilled Chicken and Chili Home Fries

This recipe for Lime Grilled Chicken is from Rachael Ray's 2,4,6,8 Great Meals For Couples or Crowds cookbook. I suggest reserving some of the marinade to top the chicken after cooking. The home fries are delicious on their own but also taste great with ketchup.

Lime Grilled Chicken
ingredients
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
Zest and juice of 2 limes
2 large garlic cloves
1 jalapeno, seeds removed
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon cumin
salt and pepper to taste
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, lime zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, salt and pepper. Puree until smooth. Place uncooked chicken breasts in shallow pan to marinate. Pour roughly 2/3 of the lime mixture over top, reserving the remaining 1/3 to top the chicken after grilling. Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes or up to a day.

Preheat grill. Char the chicken on both sides and make sure to cook thoroughly (to an internal temperature of 160 degrees).

Chili Home Fries
ingredients
1 pound gold potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon coriander
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice potatoes into wedges. In a lidded food container mix the olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, allspice, paprika, coriander salt and pepper. Add potatoes and cover bowl with lid. Shake the mixture until all potatoes are coated with mixture. Place coated potatoes on baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until crisp, turning occasionally.

Happy cooking and as always I welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Love, Love, Love

Bloggy love that is.

April over at DeltaKids was so sweet to pass along the "One Lovely Blog" award. I think April's blog is lovely too!

Thanks April!

The rules for this award are to link to the person who gave it to you and then pass the award on to seven people. I am going to give this to 2 peeps, I'm just to lazy to give it to 7 people. And the award goes to....

Michelle @ There Must be More to Life Than Dishes and Laundry

Mommy-Momo@ Mommy- Momo

Jo over at Under the Influence just gave me this little gem:

Thanks Jo!

Now for the rules: Link to the person who bestowed this award on you and pass it along to 10 people, but lets be real... if I'm too lazy to pass an award along to 7 people I am definately too lazy to pass it along to 10. So I will pass it along to 2 Super-bloggy-ladies...

Abby @ Me and My Boys

The Happy Mom @ The Happy Mom Blog

Congrats to Abby, Mommy-Momo, The Happy Mom and Michelle! I'm so glad your all so great! ;)

The Sunday 5 - New Years Edition

Well its that time of year again. Besides all of our "family goals for the year," I have a few for myself. We will see how good I am at keeping them, but we'll see because I am going to share them with you so that if I do fall of the wagon you can berate and chastise me until I get back on the wagon.

Yup, that's right I am giving you permission to bully me if needed.

And besides all the cool people are posting their resolutions, and I am so in the cool crowd. Okay this is an exaggeration, it's not like I made it onto Mom Dot's Top 50 list like Jen or Jenni or Petra, but I can pretend I'm in the in crowd right? By the way, you should go over and visit these ladies and tell them how wonderful they are.

What was I talking about before anyway? Oh, yeah goals and resolutions and stuff. Well, lets just jump right in before I loose my train of thought again.

1. I would like to learn something cool. Is that to broad? Damn, your demanding! I would like to learn something cool such as; knitting, crocheting, or swing dance.

2. I am going to organize the heck out of myself. For those of you that know me you might be wondering if this is possible. Well it is, just you wait! You may have noticed that I have a handy geek and "we" have already put quite a few man hours into working on this one.

3. Luke and I have made a "plan" to eat local when we eat out for the next 3 months and if it goes well we are going to extend it. There is so much good, quality food to be had in our area, why support huge chains when we can support local businesses, workers and families?

4. I resolve to blog like a maniac. Okay, really I think I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. But rest assured I plan on sticking around! Although I do hope to find the time to spread some comment love to all you lovely people. Also, there are some fun things happening around here in the coming month.

5. I hereby make it my goal to make at least one new recipe/dish every week. I love to cook, but sometimes it is easy to get into a rut and cook the same meals over and over. Not only will Luke love this , all these new recipes will really pay off for you too since in kindergarten I learned sharing so well and I will most likely be sharing all this yumminess with you! (I'm not sure that yumminess is a word but, I am using it either way, and often. I also plan of using the word "gander" more ofter but that has nothing to do with this post.)

So there is my list of 5 goals or resolutions or plans or whatever the "in vogue" title is these days. Have you whipped up any for yourself?

He Sure is a Handy Geek

I am a bit of a pack rat...Luke is not, well at least he thinks he's not.

Our basement has been covered in random boxes since we moved into our house in February, and it has been driving Luke CRAZY. So he decided that since he would be taking time off for the holidays we would use that time to get organized.

Like any good man he mapped out a half dozen different projects that could conceivably take us 2 full weeks to do. And like any good man he expected us to finish these projects in about 3 days...with a toddler.

Well, there is something to be said for a motivated man. Luke has spent the last two days in the basement working with wood, drilling and screwing (I'm talking about building shelves here people, get your mind out of the gutter!).

I helped so much...look! I promise I did more than stare at a computer monitor... sometimes.

So here is the result...

I am thinking about marketing his handy man services. I am still working out my our business name and logo and our hourly rate so I'll have to get back to you with the details. I am sure he won't mind working more since he only spends about 60 hours a week working as it is. Who knew that a computer geek could be so handy?

And after all this organizing we have a pile of stuff to list on Craigslist at bargain basement prices. Just think, if you play your cards right you could be the proud owner of a half set of dishes, a dinning table that wobbles when you cut your food or these bronze colored sofa tables (the paint is only chipped a little bit, you'll hardly notice it!)...

5 More Minutes Mom - A Thousand Words Thursday

So in honor of both the Hubby and the Monkey sleeping in this morning, due to our late night last night, here is a picture of Luke and Monkey sleeping in about a year ago. Its funny, she has more hair and he has less

For more A Thousand Words Thursday visit Jen.