Civilian Friends and Military Friends

Now that I have been a working mom I have had the opportunity to broaden our range of friends. I work with a few amazing people that are so genuine and are NOT living, no never have lived, the military lifestyle.

I have many things in common with my civilian friends except for the fact of the military life.

Have any of you ever tried to have a get together or party and invited both civilians and non civilians? How did it go?

I can tell you that at our DS's birthday party; my civilian friends and their families felt out of place. They never admitted it, but you could tell. The Marines felt out of place as well. Us women, civi or not, can spark a conversation with anyone, but the men had a harder time! The Marines felt lost and out of the loop and the civilians seemed like they felt intimidated. I never ask them, nor did I want to.

Has anyone else have this issue? Did I make sense?

I told my hubby, "I think I want to have a BBQ with my civilian friends only!" It was just an awkward mess at DS's birthday.  I felt like I had to spend my time in different parts of the house because that's exactly how it was! Military families in the kitchen and front patio; civilian families in the living room!

Maybe my guests don't talk to strangers! Haha. I'm not sure!

Changes

Changes are always for the better. When I was writing as SAHM and Marine Wife I was having fun, but also I couldn't keep up with the demand of giveaways and trying to reach numbers. It was too much time spending away from my family. I would find myself up all hours of the night to get the "perfect" post. I'm sorry for not being the best at giveaways, the best blogger, or even the best "blog" friend.

I no longer am a SAHM as you may now have recognized. In fact, I tried, I really did, to want to be a SAHM. My family knew me better than I knew myself. I like working. Yes, I'm a work-a-holic. Did I want to admit that now that I am a mom? NO! I didn't. I didn't want to face people telling me that I would miss many things in your child's life by being a way from them. Oh and DAYCARE. The world will end by putting your child in daycare? I turned out okay and I went to daycare starting at just a few weeks old. I think it may have even been beneficial to my social life. I've met wonderful people through day care.

I am a corporate girl. Hospitality and hotels are my passion. People are my passion. My son and family are my passion. I can balance all of this. I can multi-task. I just have had to learn to rekindle my "SAHM" relationship with my son in another way. It means more mommy and me time in the evenings and the weekends. It means, only MOMMY puts DS to bed!

Back to the daycare concern. I love our daycare. Which our son loves as well. It's a military daycare. So, yeah we can't cloth diaper there but I do still try to save the environment by using a biodegradable diaper. His daycare more or less has a curriculum concept than "baby-sitting". Our son is speaking more and more clearly everyday. I am a huge advocate of daycare/learning centers for little ones. Even if  you don't work a child should be in a group environment for their social skills at least a couple days a week. Our son is an only child right now so his social development from his peers is beneficial to his growth.

With that being said you will see me "around" the blog sphere more often. I probably wont be posting every day or even every other day. I will post when I have time. Working outside of home, owning my own business, and being a wife, and mom, may have me bogged down but I will be around.

I will not be focusing on giveaways. Like I said, I had fun while doing it, but I don't have time for it. If it comes across me without intentionally looking for one, I will do it. But seeking out businesses and vendors took a lot of work!

Enjoy my family friendly posts!

Cio for now!

Military Monday

Hey...I think I have been doing a decent job lately making an effort to link back up with my weekly link ups.


Oh where do I start with my weekend! We had a GREAT anniversary. We spent time as a family ALL day Saturday. We went shopping in Hershey, had a yummy and filing dinner at Red Robin, and came home to have movie night! Everything went well except for movie night. We were hoping to watch an On Demand Movie but the service happened to be down! AHH....so we put DS to bed (we were going to let him stay up late for our special night), I fell asleep on the sofa, and hubby probably just ended up watching sports center! Oh well, at least we had a nice afternoon.

Have you checked out my online baby boutique? It's called Milies! I sell everything from Cloth Diapers to Blankets to BabyLegs! www.miliesboutique.com

A Special Anniversary!

You know you are a military wife when: You're husband has been gone for the past TWO wedding Anniversaries due to a deployment (OR unaccompanied tour in Japan!).

This is a very special Anniversary! SIX Years for us. It has gone by super fast! You know what the BEST part is so far about today? DS slept in until 8am! This RARELY happens! Thank you baby boy for a great anniversary present for mommy and daddy!

A short background on the anniversary couple:

*We are high school sweat hearts
*Cheerleader/football play (yes we were THAT couple)
*I stayed with him KNOWING he was going to join the military
*HERE we are six years later! Love you Hubby!

 

Look at how YOUNG we are!

What I Wore Wednesday/All Dressed Up !!

Woohoo. I did a LOT of participation for this weeks WIWW & All Dressed Up! Once again I'm linking up with No Model Lady and The Pleated Poppy!!

 Dress: Ross Dress for Less (Ralph Lauren)

 Sandals: Lucky Brand @ Macys

 Look at that cutie next to me!

 Shirt: Gap Outlet

Leggings: Probably Old Navy (I have tons of leggings)

 MOTHER's Day!!!

Dress: Kohls

Necklace: Don't remember (its old)

Hat: I honestly can't remember....maybe Target a few years ago!

Twitter Hop Tuesday

TWEET TWEET!! Let's follow eachother! Link up with Real Mom Reviews first! Okay?




I hope you all had a FABULOUS Monday. Tweet tweet!

Okay!! I posted this not realizing I forgot to add MY Twitter Link: HAHA @SAHMUSMC

Military Monday Blog Hop

Just another Monday.....a Military Monday! Link up all you military spouses, military families, and military supporters! That's right you don't have to be military to join in on the fun!


Have you checked out my baby boutique online? www.miliesboutique.com

Mother's Day-FREE Shipping

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MAMA'S! FREE shipping for orders place today ONLY for Milies Baby Boutique!!! www.miliesboutique.com

Milies carries "Simply the Finest Designers and Products for Baby & Mom"! From cloth diapers to BabyLegs! This baby boutique just opened up last month! Check it out!

Sunday Social

Because tomorrow I will be spending with my family I am choosing not to blog until the evening. So about about some socializing time! I will follow up later and make sure to follow you back when I get back to blog land!

Spring, Summers, and ANONYMOUS Plant!

On my days off (weekends) I spend my time of course with my familia but also with my love of gardening. I do the best I can with base housing.

I just LOVE Gerber Daisies!

OKAY! These BIG GREEN LEAFY Plants! Does ANYONE know what they are? AMY, my dear Amy...do YOU know?

Mother's Day Weekend

My official 3rd Mother's Day is tomorrow! DS was just a month old on my first mother's day! Isn't he precious!

2009 WOW How time flies. Look at my baby!

I feel so blessed to be a Mommy and that I've been able to spend all my THREE Mother's Day with my son. This year is EXTRA special as Daddy will FINALLY get to be here for a Mother's Day.

I'm not sure what our big plans are (or little plans) but for me; as long as they are with my "men" I am completely content!

Oh AND I have been notified by the Exchange that our NEW sectional sofa should be here today OR tomorrow! What an AWESOME Mama's day gift. After all we have been waiting for about 3 weeks for this HUGE sofa!

Mommies out in Cyber World...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU!! Have a FANTASTIC day with your family!

Circle of Moms Top Military Moms Blogs!

Okay! So I heard about this and decided to add my blog. I should right? Afterall I am a military wifey and mommy! Can you help me get some votes! You are all so fabulous!


 

Sicky baby

My poor baby boy is sick. I'm pretty sure he has a respiratory infection. We will be taking a trip to the doctors tomorrow. Got to love base medical! Actually, ours isn't that bad here. The office crew are really helpful and the nurses are so sweet.

They will take good care of the Bman I just know it! Hopefully he feels better soon that way I can get back to work.

Oh and have you checked out my NEW business? I have an online baby boutique! www.miliesboutique.com

What I Wore Wednesday / All Dressed Up

Yay...um...no excuse for not linking up last week! Sorry No Model Lady and The Pleated Poppy!

Okay...Here's my week (in clothes)!

(A very blah attire)

(My Birthday outfit)!!

(Today's outfit)

Okay your turn to link up now!

Milies...a Baby Boutique

Were have I been? I know! Opening up my own online retail baby boutique! Yes, that's right I am a new small business owner. I have been slowly adding inventory to my store, Milies, and there's more to come!

Please check it out. I carry some fabulous products for baby and soon I will carry products for mommy too! Brands include: Charlie Banana, Happy Heinys, Aden+Anais, and much more!

FREE shipping on orders over $30 and a flat $5 shipping for orders under $30. Watch my blog for coupon codes!

Right now I am offering a 5% off coupon code to my friends! SPNG5OFF

Take a look new.... inventory will be added at the end of this month!

Here's a little sneak peak! Thank you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Me!

Today I turned a QUARTER century old. Oh my. I remember joking with hubby a couple years ago about him turning 25 and now here I am in his shoes. Wow how time flies!

So you ask "What did Kara do today for her birthday?" Oh it was such a FABULOUS day. My work celebrated with me with a cake for everyone to share, a card, and some balloons. I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work where I do because my coworkers and superiors are AMAZING people that I know will be there for me professionally and personally.

After work I went and got my ONE hour deep tissue massage (a gift from Hubby). The lady did an outstanding job. I feel like a new woman! Stress and pain free (For now at least).

I got home and dinner was made, smiles to be found, and dessert to be had! Coldstone Ice Cream Cookie Dough Cake! YUMMY!

Thank you hubby and DS for giving me to best birthday I have had in a while!

Oh and my Facebook was filled with Bday wishes from my friends and family.

Inchbug Winner!

Comment number 24 Annie!! Please email me at sahmusmcwife@yahoo.com in order to get your personalized Orbit Label!!

Military Monday Blog Hop

Okay. I guess I didn't do this last week. SORRY!

Link up and have fun! You do not need to be a military spouse to join in!

A Beautiful Weekend

I don't know about you all but we had AMAZING weather here in Central PA pretty much ALL weekend.

I am also sad to say that I got lost trying to locate "The Great Cloth Diaper Change" as I drove around FOREVER in a "foreign" town only to get more lost and had to call my hubby to mapquest where I was! I was SO bummed that we missed it. As soon as we got home we changed his cloth diaper in "spirit"! Sorry Candy and "Real Mom Reviews"! I really wanted to meet the two of you. Okay, okay. Next time. How about a mom's meet up ladies! Next time I will also get your phone numbers. Oh boy. I was so frustrated and upset about it when I got home. Hubby knew and backed off from me for a while.

Easter turned out to be such a great day. Bman and I went outside to play in the morning and it was already in the 60's. Then once lunch time hit it was in the low 70s. We had TOO much food and dessert but it was ever so yummy. We also did an Easter Eggs hunt. I hope everyone had a great weekend like we did!

The look on his face was priceless!

 HAPPY EASTER!

The Great Cloth Diaper Change



I'm sure all of my bloggy and Facebook friends are now aware of The Great Cloth Diaper Change event that is happening ALL across America this Saturday. PLUS I get to meet some new mamas in my area (well somewhat my area)!

Here's the rundown for my non cloth diapering ladies (This information is from http://www.greatclothdiaperchange.com/ ):

Help Put Cloth Diapers in the Record Books


"Cloth diapers have come a long way in past 10 years, and it’s time to stand up and be noticed. Celebrate Earth Day, by joining the North American and International cloth diaper community on April 23rd, 2011 at 9AM PDT to set the world record for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously.

There are many ways to participate so please take a few minutes to explore the site to find a location near you or offer to host a location of your own. ( http://www.greatclothdiaperchange.com/ )The more babies participating the better, so every cloth diapered bum counts. Can’t attend an event near you? Consider getting involved in your local cloth diaper community by learning more about organizations like the RDIA and RDA.

We can’t wait to put cloth diapers into the record books!"

Okay! So all you CD mamas and non CD mamas I hope you have fun on Saturday! I know I will thanks to Candy at Diaper Parties!

What I Wore Wednesday/All Dressed Up

Yay! Another week of what I call having fun! If you LOVE fashion and LOVE clothes you should join in on the fun!

I'm linking up with No Model Lady (Military Wifey - with a deployed hubby) for All Dressed Up and The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!! Come join us!

 NO MORE Boots for me! I don't remember where I got these heels!

 Today's outfit! Thrift shop dress, belt from another dress from Marshalls.

 Lounge wear! 

Top: Express

Sweat Pants: Old Navy from my sister's closet! Is it too late to return after I've had them for a year?

 Work wear!

Button Up Blouse: JC Penny

Cardigan: Ummm? Don't remember

Skirt: Macys

 Cardigan: Old Navy

Blouse: New York an Co.

Skirt: New York and Co.

Sun glare shot! Thanks hubby for helping me take photos for this week! ;)

What is your FAVORITE Cloth Diaper Brand?

Okay mommas!

I would like to know what your favorite CD brands are! Please feel free to leave me a comment here letting me know.

Also, if you can explain why that would be just as AWESOME.

Good night my FABULOUS ladies!

CLOSED---Inchbug Orbit Labels Review AND Giveaway

 OKAY! I have waited WAY TOO LONG to post this giveaway.

This review's sponsor is Inchbug! Inchbug is well know for their customized labels. Like these labels below. Not only do they carry these ONE OF A KIND Orbit Labels but they also have Self Adhesive labels for your child's lunch box, plastic wear, schools supplies, etc... What a great invention huh?

We received our pack of customized Oribit labels and hubby and I thought they were the COOLEST things ever. We immediately had to put one on Bman's Car's sippy cup. These things can STRETCH. I thought it was going to break because the Car's cups are wide. Inchbug brand proved me wrong!

The labels states "This Belongs to _______" I didn't want to show our last name BUT on the other side they say Inchbug in brail as well. Our said, "This Belongs to the _______ Family"


What You Will Win: 1 Pack of Customized Orbit Labels sent to you directly from Inchbug.

Closes: 4/27/2011 at 10pm(EST)

How to Win: Follow the Rules and Enter the Mandatory Entry. Please post ONE comment for each entry.

Mandatory Entry:
Go to Inchbug.com and let me know what your color choice would be if you won! ~~1 Entry~~

Extra Entries:
Be a public follow of SAHM and Marine Wife's Blog via GFC ~~1 Entry~~
Follow SAHM and Marine Wife on Facebook ~~1 Entry~~
Follow Inchbug on Facebook ~~1 Entry~~
Follow @SAHMUSMCWIFE on Twitter ~~1 Entry~~
Post on Facebook about this giveaway ~~1 Entry~~

My Absense and NEW Camera!

Okay. My life has been a little crazy with working, starting up my OWN business, family...etc... No more excuses Kara, no more!

Anyways, my birthday is next week 4/28, and my hubby got me a BRAND new Camera (he also just surprised me another Bday present! A ONE hour massage!!). Wohoo. I'm spoiled I know. You all know that I normally use my cell phone which takes decent photos.

My camera is a Nikon Coolpix L110! I absolutely LOVE it. It was affordable and does exactly what I needed it to do!

My loves and latest project:

 My Handsome Marine!!

My Adorable Son!

New Wall Art! I found these at the Family Dollar Store! $15 each! Not bad huh?

Okay, so I have a review that I really REALLY need to do, and a couple more that I am still in the "testing" stages for my review. Now that Bman is already two reviews will be more sporatic.

 

And the winner is...

Comment Number 57 Mindy!

Congratulations! You won a Happy Heinys Pocket Cloth Diaper from Diaper Parties by Candy! I emailed you!

Thank you everyone for participating!

WIWW & All Dressed Up!

Have you ever wondered what to wear to work? Now that I am working temporarily I have expanded my wardrobe to some new career wear outfits. My new favorite store: DRESS BARN! I LOVE this store. Their dresses are exactly how I define my style; classy, chic, mod, and sophisticated, ALL wrapped in together.

As you know I always link up with No Model Lady and The Pleated Poppy! Join in on the fun! I love having an excuse to dress up.

Dress: Dressbarn

Pearls: Gift from my dad for high school graduation

Shoes: Candy at Kohls

It was 80 degrees out Monday and I had to wear Yellow to be with mother nature!

I got home from a long day and changed into some comfy clothes to do some light gardening outside!

Shirt: $3.00 a Gap!!

Capris: Hand me down from my cousin!

My work suit from today:

Suit: Macys (I don't remember the brand) Yes, this is after work (my green shirt was tucked in today!!)

Military Monday Blog Hop

WOW, okay so I've been WAY behind on participating in Military Monday! So sorry. At least I did a Military related post today!

You know the drill! Go link up with April over at Marine Parents to join in on the fun!

Have you entered my Happy Heinys Cloth Diaper Giveaway yet?  Enter HERE!

A Proud Marine Corps Memory!

Today I received a box from my dad in the mail. He had sent DS a gift and then sent me an old purse (one that I've had since high school) that he FINALLY got rid of by giving it back to me! I trashed the OH SO OUTDATED purse but found treasures inside. Of the money, old receipts, some OLD Mary Kay lipstick, was a charm. Not just ANY charm. A charm I received just a few short months after hubby and I got married.

And the story goes:
I was working at my first hotel job in California, a newly wed. Just shy of our one year wedding anniversary. 19 years old trying to figure out how to be a Marine Corps wifey. Hubby was gone on his first deployment on a six month MEU (ship tour) in the middle of the sea somewhere. I was a breakfast hostess during that time. I loved talking to people, especially other military families (The hotel was 1/4 mile to the north gate at Camp Pendleton). There was a Marine Corps Officer and his family staying at the hotel as they were waiting on base housing to get their 'act' together and give them their keys. They stayed at the hotel for a few weeks. Mrs. Officer was such a sweet lady. She gave me some wonderful milspouse advice. When it was time for them to check out she came up to the breakfast area and gave me a gift. It was this:

 A Marine Corps dress cover (hat) with the Eagle Globe and Anchor on the top. This was a very special moment for me. It made me very emotional as my hubby had just left a month before on his ship tour. I remember Mrs. Officer saying to me "Welcome to the family!" They will be a family I will never forget.

The military community is such a close community. We really hold tight to those we love and to the new "family" members we gain.

Advice for all my milies, take all the support and advice that you can get. You can learn from it and grow from it. For some of us we have been through deployments and know what to expect and to the "sisterhood" that a wife joins.

Semper Gumby ladies!

P.S. Thank you Dad for sending my old purse. What a treasure hunt inside it!

Did you enter the Happy Heinys Cloth Diaper Giveaway yet? Enter HERE!

Military Day at Hershey Park!

                                        

Have you heard that TODAY, Sunday, April 10th 2011, is Military Appreciation Day at Hershey Park in Hershey, PA?

We are going; how about you?

Here's the lowdown!
Park Hours today: 10am to 6pm
$25 all ages (2 and under free, yay for us!) The regular admission is a little over $50!
ALL rides except for water are open!
Live entertainment
FREE Parking (Normally $10)
This event is NOT open to the public. Just for Military and their dependents...wohoo!

Will we see you there? There will be pictures posted for sure!

IF YOU LOVE CHOCOLATE you will be there!

Here's a flyer I found! http://193sow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/2011_Military_Flyer1.pdf

We have a winner...

For the Thirsties Cloth Diaper!!! Candy! Comment #83 out of 144!! Congrats Candy! You just won a Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold and Duo Wrap from Thirsties Modern Cloth Diapers!!!

Please email me at sahmusmcwife@yahoo.com with your mailing address!

Scentsy for my senses!!

Okay. I know cheesy title. All day I've been feeling cheesy!

I am a NEW Scentsy Consultant. Wohoo. I love their products so far. I have a full size warmer in my living room and it's amazing. It Scensifies the living room, dining room, and kitchen! Now...I just need to buy some plug-ins for the bathrooms and office!

Does anyone want to host a Scentsy party online? It's really easy to do. Here's how the hostess plan works:

Unsure what Scentsy is? It's all about being "Wickless"! Electric candles that smell! Haha. Yummy. They are very safe for children and MEN in the house.

 

Plugins!!

Even ones that show support to our troops! OH! They have a Coast Guard one too!!

Interested?! Here's my website: www.kcampuzano.scentsy.us