Sew fun!

Okay, I've been hiding out in my "sewing" room these past couple days and I'm sure hubby enjoys it! It's been a while since I have sewn but I wanted to share with everyone my projects!

Yes, I realize that my pockets on the half apron are a little SMALL but oh well! :)

Drama King

Yes, I said that right, Drama King. Who needs a Queen when we have a King. Our DS has been extremely moody lately. My baby is hitting his "terrible twos" and I am confused at how to handle his little outbursts, tantrums, and mood swings. I feel like I am a mom to a middle school girl!

DS can be playing peacefully by himself or with me and Daddy and then BAM his little inner devil comes out and he's angry that his car didn't turn in the right direction or that the blocks wont stay connected (though I tried to explain the are two different sizes).

I am sure that it doesn't help that 95% of the time we are inside due to the freezing cold temperatures and almost foot of snow that we've had for the past three weeks. Maybe it's cabin fever? We take him to the YMCA and use their water park about once or twice a week to get the energy out.

I am getting so impatient with our weather. Why can't Spring arrive earlier. DS loves playing on his play-set, riding his tricycle, and pulling my flowers. Is there such a thing as a "Spring" dance? Bring on the rain and green grass!

Anyhow, does anyone have good advice to keep an active toddler busy while stuck inside? How about controlling tantrums and anger? Should I just go with it and let it pass?

Military Monday Blog Hop! #11

It is that time again for MILITARY MONDAY BLOG HOP! This is a great way to meet other military spouses. All bloggers (even non military) should participate in this hop. 

Just click on the button, sign up, and have fun!

The weekend...fast and furious

So far we've had a wonderful weekend. 

Friday night we celebrated birthday's at Benihana's with our Marine friends and family. I have never been to a Benihana's before. We took our DS. Although it's a long wait until our main entree is served he was entertained by our friends and the other chef's at other tables. Okay, you may laugh at what I ordered! For an appetizer I had:

California Rolls! Yummy (I ate them all)

Then for the entree I ordered the Benihana special. A trio: steak, chicken, and large shrimp over vegetables. I ordered the most, beating out all the Marines! For one DS and I were sharing and the other I wanted to try a little of everything. PLUS it made for amazing leftovers for Saturdays lunch!

Oh! I can't forget about my Appletini. Wow, it was scrumptious. 

Saturday: Nothing special, just that I bought a BRAND new sewing machine. Yay for me. I spent all evening after dinner in my sewing/guest bedroom practicing and learning my new machine. It's so easy to use, simple, within my budget, and nothing extravagant. It gets the job done. I will definitely be posting what I make on here for all my fabulous readers to see. I haven't used a sewing machine routinely for about six years.

Sunday: Woke up and decide to use my two year old crock pot that has been sitting around. Never had I used it before. I am making a beef roast for dinner tonight. I hope it turns out well. I have not made a roast before but it smells so good and it's only been cooking for an hour. 

Tonight, I have my first college TEST! Ahhh. It's for my Business Law class. Wish me luck!

In the meantime: For all my mommas, my DS is 22 months old. He seems to be so emotional lately. This morning he woke up happy and then 10 minutes later is was upset. It seems like a roller coaster with him. First he's angry then all of a sudden he's bouncing off the walls all giddy! Is this normal for the age?

Mommy and Me at Home Photo Fun!

What we do on a snowy day! :)





























AND
We can't forget our furry friend!

MilSpouse Friday Fill In #28

Just a fun thing to learn about me and other milies! Thank you Wife of a Sailor for this fun posting idea!

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE

1. If you were a famous movie star, what types of movies would you star in?
 Cheesy chick flicks! Maybe one of those romance comedy novels that they make into movies! :)

2. What is a vacation you would like to take if money were no object?
 I would love to go to an exotic tropical place with my hubby! Like Tahiti! We would stay in one of those huts above the shallow WARM water and have someone wait on us hand and foot!

3. Did you have pets growing up?
 Yes, we had a cocker spaniel named Maggie. She lived a long life. We also had farm animals, a horse, donkey, chickens, and peacocks. We are country! And in my recent years cats.

4. What do you do for exercise?
 Um, you mean what should I be doing for exercise. Hehe. I do like to take my son swimming (in the wading pool). I have a Wii fit that I should definitely use. Okay I will use it today, are you happy? :)

5. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received as a MilSpouse?
 To keep yourself busy and to keep your independence because come deployments your going to need to do both! It keeps your mind distracted and always learning.

Blizzard Blog Hop

Welcome to my blog! Well the name Blizzard Blog Hop sure does fit our weather here in Pennsylvania! We have lots of snow.



I am a Marine wifey, full time college student, and mother to our very handsome 22 month old son. He is everything to us. I have been married to my Marine for almost six years now. We have mostly lived in Southern California but our home is Oregon. We are small town folks, literally. I had about 60 kids in my high school graduating class. I like to blog about anything that may be related and/or resources for military families, cooking, life as a mom, products, reviews, and great giveaways offered from other bloggers!

I am new to the blogging world but I think I am fitting in just fine! Join in on the fun!

In the Kitchen Thursdays: Striped Delight!

I have been waiting DAYS to share this recipe with everyone! This is an ever so yummy dessert that I am sure is sooo not healthy for us but it is DELICIOUS. I took this from our family cookbook and with permission from the original recipe owner, my cousin, she let me share this amazing dish with you all. She calls it:

"Striped Delight"

Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cups Graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole graham crackers)
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup melted butter/margarine
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 tbl milk
1 (8 oz) Cool whip, thawed
1 pkg (6 serving size) Jello Brand Instant pudding and pie filling (Chocolate)
2 2/3 Cups cold milk

(YIELDS 15)

Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 Cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well. Press firmly into bottom of 9x13 pan.

Beat cream cheese with 1/2 Cup sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Then fold in half the cool whip (4 oz). Spread this over graham cracker crust.

Prepare pudding as directed on the package with the 2 2/3 cups milk. Pour over cream cheese layer.

Chill in refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Then spread the remaining Cool Whip (4oz) over pudding. Garnish with grated chocolate or nuts. (Which if both I did not have)

The first slice for ME!!

Trust me. It looks like nothing special but it is divine. It's always a party and reunion hit!

My 100th Follower

I would like to share the love as she did by following me. Drum roll please! My 100th follower is Brooke from Girl Boy Girl Inspired. She is a mom, wife, and a very crafty lady. She has her own business making hair accessories. She has an Etsy shop! Go check her out!

Thursday Blog Hop!

Okay fabulous followers and soon to be fabulous followers...it's time for a (early) Thursday Blog Hop! Just  enter and you'll meet other FABULOUS hoppers!! Yay.

Wednesday Review: Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

With winter still as strong as ever the weather can be very dry. Our little ones' sinuses can get stuffy. I bought our adorable cool mist humidifier from Target.

This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier from Crane has saved us from many dry weather bloody noses and congested airways from colds. It's adorably cute design and bright green color screams "All Boy" for our DS's room. He loves his froggy. He likes to climb on his couch in his room just so he can reach it and "pet" it. He is a goof ball!

As long as you keep it properly cleaned and are adding cold water as directed this Frogalicious humidifier works like a charm!

It retails for about $38 at Target. It's lasted us two years so far!

Crane also offers more adorable children designs and contemporary designs for all rooms in your house.

What's for dinner?

We had a very delicious dinner tonight! I wanted something very fast and easy to make as I was trying to get the laundry finished. Here's what I came up with!

Dressing was a Balsamic Vinaigrette

This was DS's version. He wasn't too fond of the eggs!

What's for dinner at your house tonight?

Attention to Military Spouse Bloggers

Household 6 Diva is hosting a Blizzard Blog Hop starting on January 27th at 12pm EST. This HOP will last through the weekend so everyone will have a chance to meet and greet (Follow). When the blog hop begins she will have a "Link up" for anyone who wants to join!



Join me in this fun HOP to meet other spouses! Yay, I'm almost at my 200 GFC followers goal! Where are you at with yours?

Cloth Diaper Giveaways

Good morning followers!!

Fitteds and Pockets and Snappis, Oh My is having amazing cloth diaper giveaways right now! Hurry because one ends today and the others soon enough! I've entered for the three most recent giveaways! Smartipants, Gro-Via, and Bummis!



Read more: http://www.change-diapers.com/#ixzz1C3j1P6Jn


Although, I have never tried Smartipants they seem like a fun product! 
Gro-Via of course I LOVE. I have their AIO's, AI2's, Bio Diaper (for gym daycare if needed, it has not been needed yet),  Magic Stick, Liners, and Wet Bag!
The only products I have from Bummis are their organic prefolds. Hubby and I like how they fit the best in Gro-Via's shells!


Head on over and good luck!

Monday...not a good day for the grocery store!

Some advice...do NOT go to the grocery store exhausted! It's totally Monday. I thought the "Dreadful Mondays" was only for the corporate world. It proved me wrong! :(

It's my fault that I don't get much sleep. I stay up way too late and get up (in my mind) way too early! But I needed to go to the grocery store as we are on low supply of food until payday. So DS and I weathered the nasty cold weather, picked out the food and then got to the checkout line. While the cashier is ringing everything up I was being helpful (so I thought) by putting the food into the cart, as there was no bagger. Next thing I know a bagger hopped over and said "Here let me help you." I thought, "Oh how nice!" I then looked into my grocery cart and realized I had not bagged ANYTHING. I just was piling in the food. I was somewhat embarrassed but everyone got a good laugh about it! I kept laughing and saying "I am so sorry"! - My little silly story of the day!

Mingle Monday!

Not only is it Military Monday Blog Hop but it's Mingle Monday!!!

Join in on this fun adventure with me! What a great way to meet other bloggers to follow!

Military Monday Blog Hop!

It's that time again. The weekend has come and gone and we are starting a new week in fabulous January 2011!

Follow the link and join in on the fun!

As a student...Amazon.com

THANK YOU Amazon.com

I am excited to be a Full Time college student! Not like being a housewife and chasing after a toddler is enough, but my husband and I agreed that if I was to be a stay at home mom for a little while that I need to go back to college and try to finish up my degree!

As you know college textbooks can be pricey. For my four classes it has cost me (well my grant money) almost $500 for one term. Next term when I have my leftover grant money from Fall Term I'm going to be buying my textbooks from Amazon.com. Amazon has a wonderful opportunity for enrolled college students. As long as you have a college email address (which you should if you are enrolled in an accredited school) you can register to be an Amazon.com Prime Member for FREE! I just love FREE don't you? You get these amazing benefits for ONE year. So what comes with Amazon Student Prime Membership?

• Free two day shipping from Amazon or one of their affiliated sellers
• Upgraded next day delivery for only $3.99
• Unlimited weight in the shipping terms stated above
• Free shipping on other items not necessarily related to school

So go sign up now my fellow college students!

Proud Mommy!

Today I had an amazing day with my DS. He is growing up way too fast. I can't believe he will be two in just a few short months. I want him to stay little forever. The first half of the day we just cuddled on the couch and watched back to back episodes of Franklin..."Hey, it's Franklin." I thought my days of cartoons were over, than I had him and that all changed. (Our favorite channel for cartoons is NickJr).

Then he took a nap, had lunch with daddy at home, which is an everyday thing, colored, colored some more (his favorite thing to do is color), played Wii (so he thought, I took the batteries out as he will press random buttons and turn it of), then cleaned house!

DS loves to help mommy clean house. He attacks the vacuum kind of like what dogs do but without the barking! I bought him his own mini broom and he insists on using it when I or hubby sweeps. He thinks wet wipes are for anything and everything, including EATING, I had to stop that one from the get go today! He helped me clean by rubbing his blueberry oatmeal cereal bar into the hardwood floor and spread the crumbs everywhere. So I (we) got to sweep again!

When hubby came home I decided tonight I did not want to make dinner so we went out to Olive Garden! Yummy! I forgot how delicious that place is. Normally, every time we go to Olive Garden I get the lasagna. Yes, very daring, I know! :) This time I thought I would buck up and try something different. I had their chicken and steak marinated skewers with veggies and potatoes. What an excellent choice as my belly was and still is very full! By the time we got home it was almost 10:00pm. DS was a trooper the whole night, even at the restaurant. There were no fits or temper tantrums, no food throwing, no yelling, he was, like I mentioned AMAZING!

I love our son so much. I am thankful everyday that the hubby and I created such a perfect little boy! I whispered in DS's ear today letting him know that I will always be there for him and will always love him!

Fashion/Beauty Friday!!

So I wanted to share with all my lovelies my favorite online places to shop! They are the "deal a day" websites. Some of them you may have heard of and some you may not. These online shopping stores offers FABULOUS discounts on designer brands for everyone in the family...even your furry family members! The thing about these stores is all items are usually Non Returnable. So be sure to shop around!

GILT !! Oh how I love thee! This online "deal a day" store is where I have boughten the most products from. From these sassy blue sandals and sexy high heels to our son's books and cute little shoes. These blue leather sandals are BY FAR my favorite purchase from GILT. What woman can't resist a pair of these Jeffrey Campbell shoes!

Zulily: This online store has amazing products just for children, infants, and mommies! They offer great deals from clothing to gear and sometimes items for your home. My most prized possession from this store is my Petunia Pickle Bottom Cake clutch. It is OOHHH so yummy. It's a diaper bag/clutch that I use on the go. I did a post on it before but here's another picture! 

Ideeli: Ideeli offer steals on mostly women's products. They always have the most fashionable dresses! Today they are carying the ABS Collection. Check them out. I've always founds some great items but I have yet to purchase from Ideeli.

Okay! Now it's time to go shopping or at least window shopping! Let me know what your favorite items are that are on a steal for today.

Lodge Cookware

Alright!!! My favorite brand LODGE is on sale right now at The Foundary. The Foundary is a "deal a day" website for home goods! Anywhoo, Lodge brand makes their products out of cast iron. They have a new line with an enamel coating over the plain black cast iron. The pans with the enamel coating are NOT made in the USA. Even though they are not made in the USA it is still a brand I can trust AND if you take care of them properly they will last you for year! The new colors and styles for the enameled pans are adorable!

Haven't forgotten...

Don't you all worry now! I have not forgotten about In the Kitchen Thursdays! I have a yummy delight to be posted in a few hours that I know you all will enjoy!



UPDATE 6:40pm: Item is in the oven. This is a new recipe to me through our family cookbook with NO pictures. It's an old recipe so I am hoping it tastes the same as how my Aunt Makes it. If it turns out great than I will post it. If it doesn't I may still post it anyways for some hints! :)

Career woman or not?

This issue is such a touchy subject for most military spouses. For me especially. You PCS (you get orders to move), you unpack and get settled in to your new state (or country), you look for a new job. For working military spouses (like I was) this occurs every two to four years. Changing jobs is not easy weather your civilian or a spouse, but when employers are hesitant on hiring you because you are a military spouse is another subject. I understand they have a right to their own opinion but if the only reason they don't want to hire you is because you're a spouse of a military member is plain out silly. Many military spouses like myself have quite a background under them due to constantly getting new jobs.

I have been fairly lucky by staying in the hospitality industry. I've had the most awesome employers who understand my need for "family first" and employers who don't give a darn. That employer who didn't give a darn had me for one week over here on the East Coast. After that I vowed to be a stay at home mom (at least while my hubby was stationed over here). Once you land the job most job seekers are okay but the interviewing process is critical.

I am very proud of my husband's career in the military but when I was looking for work and in the interview process I found myself angry. Not necessarily at him being in the service but for the lack of patriotism of some organizations in our country. I've had prospective employers ask me "Well since your husband is in the military how long are you guys going to be living here?" And "It seems like you've had a lot of jobs in the last five year" DUH, we move a lot, that's my lifestyle.

So what prompted me to blog about this subject was my recent job offers here in PA. When we first moved here I was actively looking for work outside the home in the hotel industry. I was trying to find a full time job at a hotel that would provide me with the hours and workdays that I needed. (Monday through Friday 8 to 5 or 6), which can be tough in that industry. I had interviews with two different hospitality companies...one with that job that I was at for a week that didn't give a darn about what I needed and had asked for when I was interviewing with them and the other with a company that I really wanted to work for they just didn't have any openings yet that fit my schedule.

The lady who represented the company I really wanted to work for understood me, my life as a mother and military spouse, and my needs. We had an amazing interview over coffee at a bookstore. She wanted me on her team and I wanted to be on her team as well. The problem was that she didn't have anything open for me. (I had submitted my resume to their company when a job was not open). I told her what I was looking for and she thought I would be great for their organization. She knew that I would be living in PA for possibly less than two years or possibly more, which all depends if my husband reenlists. Her dad was in the military and she grew up as a military brat. I felt relieved that she was willing to take the risk and hire me and invest in her time and her company's time in guiding me and grooming me. This was back in November. She and I were hoping that something would open up for me and it didn't. One month went by and I didn't hear from her and I stopped actively looking for work. Hubby and I decided that I would stay at home with our son and I would go back to college full time. That's exactly what I did.

Well, yesterday, I get a call from this lady again saying that her company needs a team member like me. I was flattered. She threw the idea in my head about working in sales (which offers steady days and hours) plus it offers bonuses and commission! Why didn't she offer this to me just four weeks ago? Before I signed up for school and before I made up my mind on staying at home. If Hubby decides to get out of the service our last month in PA would be December, leaving me less than one year to work outside of the home. I had to tell her "Thanks, but no thanks." It was the hardest decision I have made in a few months. I knew this job could provide for us financially when we most needed it since I am not working. After carefully thinking about it I was okay with my decision. Better yet, I felt great. I sent off my resume months ago to this company and the fact that they keep coming back to me to join their hotel team made me feel special, that I was wanted, and that I know I have what it takes. I know that this lady represents her organization well and they should be commended for willing to work with a military spouse and to provide the best work situation that fits their needs.

Potty Training...Bjorn style

Well, we are about to start the adventures of potty training our almost 22 month old son! I'm excited to be done with diapering but I will secretively miss my obsession for cloth diapers until we have a second child. I know our DS is ready to learn as he takes his diaper off whenever it is wet or even worse, which makes for a big mess. Nap time and bed time I usually put the diapers on him that have snaps because the hook and loop closures he easily takes off.

We got him a potty chair, one that I have been reading reviews on for a few months. It's simple and supposedly does the trick!
Ours is in Bright Red!


(A couple weeks ago one of my favorite "deal a day" website at this potty chair on sale!) So keep your eye out...we paid regular price at Target)
I try to get our Mr Bman to sit on it a couple times a day. Sometimes he will let me know that he needs to go potty (he thinks) but when we take off his diaper I notice he already went.

I haven't started the learning process full time with him. I just want him to get familiar with the potty. I say in a week or two will be a good time to work a little harder with it.

I am extremely new to potty training so any helpful advice is very appreciated!

New beginnings

So here I am with so many new ideas in my head. I want to own my own business.
-----------------------------------------------------
I want to start it RIGHT now but financially it'll have to wait a few weeks. I am not going to share what it is yet but it will allow me to stay at home. It will be sew crafty! :) I'm hoping to get started by mid February! I'm not one for keeping secrets so holding this in for all to know is very hard. Followers...you will be the first to know when I am up and running! I will definitely blog about my adventures turning my ideas into reality!

Charlie Banana CD Giveaway from Haute Mommy!

Hey there lovely followers! Haute Mommy is hosting a giveaway of the ever so fashionable Charlie Banana one size cloth diaper!
Charlie Banana is known for their trim design and adorable solid colors. They also have a few adorable prints to choose from.

 

I also have noticed they sell Charlie Banana online at Target.com. Finally a nice CD at Target! Haute Mommy also states they are sold at Amazon.com.

I know I would LOVE to win one of these as they are so cute and we don't own one!

To enter just go to Haute Mommy's blog and follower her instructions! Good luck!

Busy Weekend

Our long weekend has almost come to an end. :( Wow, we actually did a lot.

1st off: Friday night I took a girlfriend to her first Rodeo! All I can say is that East Coast Rodeos are not as fun as West Coast (Oregon) Rodeo's. We made it fun though by just having girl talk during the boring parts, which was pretty much the entire show. For those of you who have been to rodeo's the entertainment of the clown is what keeps the crowd motivated for the entire show. The clown on Friday night was not so funny. Oh well. I fulfilled my craving of a Carmel Apple, a must have when you go to the fair or rodeo. But this vendor made a HUGE mistake by not using a Granny Smith Apple. It was a red and mooshy apple, not so appetizing. The only good thing was the fattening hot dog smothered in mustard and a coke! Yummy!

Day Two: Saturday afternoon: After arriving a tad late to a January Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner party; we enjoyed the company of our friends out here. She made a delicious holiday meal. I made Peach Cobbler to top of her yummy dinner. The guys watched football and our little one played with their puppy (Who is full grown)!

Day Three: Sunday. What did we do? Oh yes, Family Pictures! They turned out wonderful and as soon as I get them back I will surely post it as the most recent family picture of us our son was just one month old!
Day Four: The last day of our long weekend: Monday (Today): Field day at home with the hubby and then a fun and relaxing hour at the swimming pool! Our little man's belly was so big when we left (He drank his way out of that pool)!
Ta ta for now!

Now how about some Wii Super Mario??

Military Monday Blog Hop---Field day

It's field day here at the family household! Because it's MLK day hubby has the day off. I just found time to blog for a moment. Son and I locked ourselves in his room while the hubby mops the wood floors (which is the entire flooring of our house)! Smells piney fresh!