Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!


May you and your family have a blessed and safe 2012!

Friday, December 30, 2011

A New Year Approaches

Can you believe 2011 is almost over? It's been a wild year with a lot of emotional upheaval in my life. I'm hoping 2012 will be a little less crazy and a little more mellow.

One of the biggest things that hubby and I have discussed is our eating habits. They are atrocious. I am an emotional eater and have been all my life. It wasn't a big deal when I was in high school and weighed barely 100 pounds. I would come home from school and eat an entire box of Macaroni and Cheese by myself. I can still do that today and still be hungry.

I've basically doubled in weight. :( And it's depressing. I've tried working out in the past and we start and stop on the eating 'healthy' bandwagon. But we always seem to fail.

Maybe it's because we aren't usually on the same page with our eating habits...having a hubby work night shifts can be challenging for making dinner plans.

On top of our eating challenges I am struggling with my future. Should I be a stay at home mom? Or should I cut my hours at work and stay home more days a week but still work. This year may be one of transformation.

Hubby and I have also started talking about having another little kiddo...and that will have a huge impact on my decision to work or not. I cannot imagine paying for care for two children. Paying for one child is hard enough. But I think we could arrange to pay for part time care of two kids.

One of my goals for the coming year is to blog more often and consistently. I'd really like to be able to add value out here in the big world wide web and perhaps earn some extra income for my family through small unobtrusive ads or affiliate links.

Lots to think about and blog about.

Here's to a great New Year! Be safe!

Monday, December 5, 2011

More Gift Ideas - Christmas 2011

For some reason this year I haven't got a huge list of people to buy gifts for...there are some depressing reasons for this, but also just fewer gift obligations.

If I could, I'd love to get these gifts for people...but maybe you could find them the right home.

Don't tell, but I may have to order one of these for a stocking stuffer for a certain sister in law. These big Twig colored pencils are so cool.

Well, you can't have this particular one 'cause I'm getting it for hubby's stocking. But SoFino has lots of other options that are sure to meet your needs. And it's such a unique and cool idea.

Have a stressed mom, grandma, aunt, niece, or really anyone? This eye pillow is the perfect calming gift.

And this is the ultimate cool gift for any Harry Potter fan. Although I don't love the idea of an HP book being mutilated, I love this idea...a secret safe made from a Harry Potter book!

Happy Shopping!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Gymnastics with a Two Year Old - Stretching

Marshal started doing gymnastics a few months ago. It's been an interesting experience.

He wasn't quite two when we started...and had only had one month of daycare so his "classroom" experience was extremely limited. It's a mom and tot class so I'm "lucky" enough to participate as well (please read the sarcasm there).

Class starts with the stretch circle where all the kids have to go get their carpet squares (or circles). Marshal picked this up pretty quickly and can pick out and then put away his carpet pretty easily.

Stretching is a foreign concept to a two year old. But moving his knees up and down like a butterfly is fun. And pointing out the butterfly catcher and then ducking is fun. So is smelling your stinky toes.

Oh, and stretching with your legs straight out is actually making a pizza or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Or chocolate chip cookies. It's fun.

Especially when you get to pound the peanuts to make the peanut butter. Then you "slice" your pizza or sandwich so you can eat one side and then the other.

Marshal isn't quite there but last class he held his stretch for the count of ten...which was a first.

I'm not sure how our teacher Katrina has the patience to put up with a class of two year olds and their parents. I barely have the patience to last the 50 minute class. Especially when Marshal is grouchy. But it's a fun experience.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Jewelry Gift Ideas from Low to High

Can you believe it's already December?

If you're looking for something special for that special someone may I suggest a jewelry piece from my shop?

These copper focused earrings are beautiful waves with sparkling Swarovski crystals swaying below. At only $19 these are a great affordable gift option.

I love these pretty sterling silver ball earrings. I added a natural faceted Rock Crystal rondelle on top for an affordable gift at $25.

If your special person loves the ocean, fish, the tropics, or the colors of a tropical sea this is the bracelet for them. Made using Swarovski crystals, handmade glass beads, and Sterling silver as well as a cute little turquoise blue sterling fish charm, this bracelet is $67.

I generally focus on silver toned jewelry, but this golden inspired bracelet is a beautiful exception. Three strands of random patterned freshwater pearls in ivory and gold accented with gold filled and vermeil gold beads, this bracelet is $57.

There are many others pieces listed in my Etsy shop. And if you'd like a custom created piece feel free to contact me through my shop. Custom orders can only be guaranteed to arrive by Christmas if placed by December 10.

Happy Shopping!