Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sunday Special giveaway post

Giveaway:

Just because I know how much my daughter and her bestest bud would love to go to this show I can't help but blog on a Sunday!  It's the last day to enter this giveaway on Toronto Teacher Mommy but you have until midnight to win {4} tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba Live!  Fingers crossed!!!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Live preformance of the exorcist....tickets available!

Now starring E as the possessed lol. Well that's not really fair of course it's not her fault, the poor baby is sick.  She made a mess of her crib and the wall and herself.  How does a body that little have so much puke in it?  Poor thing. I gave her a bath, cleaned the walls and the crib, threw laundry in, got her all cleaned up and laid down in our bed with her, gave her some juice AND puke!  In our bed now.  More laundry and another bath and she slept the night, thank goodness, she really needed it.  Phew lol, I have to laugh.  So now all I day I do laundry and pray J doesn't get it.  I took gravol cause I was feeling icky too but I think maybe I can just handle it a bit better and fight the feeling of puking.

She seems to be acting fine today.  So I hope other than the runs (TMI I know) she's over it.  And today all day laundry, not to mention the stains from what she ate, I may end up having to scrap some of it :(.  Lets hope oxyclean comes to the rescue again.

Karma came to my rescue.  I am the LUCKY winner of the Zooper stroller from Two of a Kind's blog  She really does have some fantastic prizes including a bouncer and Boon products... and you know I'll be back to try my luck :D  I really needed this today.  Thank you so much! 

Also I know I haven't been updating my weight loss journey but I have been keeping up with it.  Calorie counting and working out five days a week and I'm proud to announce that I feel great, I have more muscle and tone AND I'm down 8.5 lbs.  With the muscle I've gained I'd estimate it's closer to 10 actual pounds!  I plateaued for a while but it seems to be starting again.  Sweet!


 
I'm not so good with the self portraits.  This was pre puke fest :D
Giveaways:

* Feisty Frugal and Fabulous is giving away {4} tickets to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live in Toronto!!  I'm not sure who likes YGG more, J or E.  Either way they'd be thrilled and I would be ecstatic to be able to take them.  If you haven't seen the show it's suprisingly re watchable unlike most of those kids shows that make you want to claw your eyeballs out after seeing it the 3rd time.  The songs aren't super cheesy and they have guest stars like Jack Black and Mya.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Any Bachelor Fans?

I've been a 'fan' of the show for a while.  I don't love it but it's a guilty pleasure.  Is it just me, or are they not even trying to cover up how set up it is?  I can suspend reality enough for a show, that's not the problem. I can pretend to believe that the Bachelor can't make up his mind til the last second and that he is genuinely in love with both women and has to make a heart wrenching decision, even though he most likely has a good idea very early on who he's going to choose.   I can believe that all these women are there for love and not just their fifteen minutes of fame.  Heck I even belived the latest Ali story on the Bachelor until last night on the 'final rose' the women tell all..........  Could they have made it more obvious she is going to be the next Bachelorette?
Lets look at the facts....

* The Bachelor/ Bachelorette shows  ALWAYS choose their next 'dater' from the previous season.  They get big ratings from it and it strings viewers from season to season. Very clever. I'm not faulting them it's just a point in my theory.

* The audience must love this person aka they must be scorned, rejected in some way. 

* I very much doubt that Ali knew the entire time how much time she had off yet had no idea until the last second when they called her to come back.  She would have known it was approaching. 

* When she she spontaneously decides in the rose ceremony she must talk to Chris/the host she very OBVIOUSLY mouths (likely to a producer)  Now? with a head nod no less.  Ok that alone isn't evidence. They have to make it look fluid, no problem.

* Then when she goes up to talk to Jake she has a half smile on her face virtually the whole time.  We know she's not nervous on camera so what's the deal??

* The phone call back to Jake to come back  is maybe the thing that tipped me off.  She is CLEARLY in a hotel room.  She's not at home in San Fransisco pining for him.  They obviously planned the phone call before she left and therefore planned the rejection.   Bringing Ali to the woman rejected category. Just in case anyone though well she chose to leave...

I think most likely Jake knew he wasn't choosing her and so the producers told Ali they wanted her to be the next bachelorette and set it up for people to love her.  She's cute anyhow, I think she was pretty popular. In my opinion they went overboard. They could have left her to the final two and just done it like they always do.  I think ironically they wanted it to look like it wasn't the same old formula.

Am I right??  

Friday, February 19, 2010

The wonderful 'gift' of being a woman

The 'gift'? Who said this???  A MAN?  Seriously I get the whole miracle of life thing and I appreciate pregnancy and birth for the incredible things they are but, having to go through this cycle every month, UGH.

I'm trying to lose weight, I've been exercising, at a challenging level, five days a week, counting calories and drinking enough water.  And still since beginning six weeks ago, according to the scale this morning,  I've lost a total of 5.5lbs :O  WHAT?  This is not worth the work I've been doing seriously!  I am beyond frustrated.

I suspected my monthy 'gift' insert eye roll, might have something to do with this.  Not just the normal PMS stuff but now ovulation bloating? I've been doing some reading about the female cycle, weight loss and water retention.  It's a joke!  Virtually two weeks out of four we're carrying excess water that our body doesn't need because of hormones.  I never used to be like this.  As much as I adore my kids I hate what pregnancy did to my body.  I'm still 18 lbs above where I was when I got pregnant despite my best efforts I'm having a hell of a time losing it.  Not to mention the sagging mommy pouch I have now.  I highly doubt even when I do get to my pre pregnancy weight I'll even look the same as I did. Add to the list saggier breasts, receded gums and forever sensitive teeth, darker roots (believe it or not) skin tags I could go on....

Today I am not celebrating being a woman.  I am tired of it!  I just want to curl up and feel sorry for myself.

Here's my photo of the day...(not me but exactly how I feel)


That about sums it up.


Giveaways:
* While we're on the topic of annoying!  What is up with razor burn and ingrown hairs?  I have all but given up on shaving my unmentionables.  UNTIL I read about Prince Reigns shave gel.  It softens and straightens hairs so you never have in growns again.   Hallelujah!  Heck it has Gisele Bunchen and Oprah singing it's praises.  Who am I to argue?  I ordered two bottles!  It's not much more than shelling out for Nair and way less trouble.  In the mean time.... Cool Canucks is giving away a bottle, head over and throw your name into the hat. 

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

ALMOST wordless wednesday

 
My new Etsy shop banner Thanks Landa of Kanga Crafts

Giveaways:

* Sweeps 4 bloggers is giving away a pair of Hi Tec Men's V-Lite Eiger Quick Zip Boots (ARV $100 US).  Super stylish, I know my hubby would love to have these.  He's always wearing the bottom right out of his.  Poor guy.

*  ALSO Sweeps 4 bloggers is giving away a pair of Women's Hi Tec V-Lite Snowflake Chukka Boots (ARV $110 US).  Beautiful boots.  I have been drooling over them since I saw them.  You can just tell they are quality boots by looking and SUPER comfy.

* A Mom's balancing act blog is giving away a Flirty Apron of the winners choice!  I think I'd choose the sassy red.  For someone who doesn't like cooking at all I think these aprons would actually make cooking fun!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Finally caught J's Cold

Why is it when you're almost at the end of a baby's cold and you think you're out of the water all of the sudden the scratchy throat creeps in and ruins your day.   That's how I woke up today.  Great.  I hope this moves fast or I can manage to miss it with food and sleep.  Always two major factors for me, if either are missing I'm screwed.

Yesterday was 'family day'.  I swear those holidays where everything is closed so your family can be together are the worst.  That sounds awful but you try spending the day inside with a restless two year old who wont sleep and a teething infant.  NOT fun.  I wish the weather had been snowy and not too cold or warm enough to play outside.  Instead we spent the day entertaining her in 20 minute intervals (that's as long as her attention span lasts most of the time).  Back to normal today she's at daycare this morning and slept well. Now if we can only get J to sleep and not wake up 5 times a night crying for his soother or from teething pain.  I love my kids but I will be sooooo happy not to wake up during the night anymore.

J is starting to lift his belly off the ground and rock himself back and forth. I can't wait til he crawls. I think he'll be more happy when he's mobile and the place is baby proofed anyhow.   He's going to be more of a climber than his sister I think.   Here's a photo of him practicing on his hands and knees.

 


Giveaways:
Apparently I had been neglecting Born 2 Impress's blog.  I missed a bunch of great giveaways...

* Giveaway for a personalized stamp from Stamp Out...they're really cute and with the amount of mail I'm sending out nowadays it would really be handy. 

* Another giveaway from Born 2 Impress for a Plasma Car.  I think E would have a blast on this when the snow melts.  We'd probably bring it to Nana and Grandad's where she could ride on the street with MUCH less traffic than home. 

*ALSO they are giving away a Remington wet2dry straightener.  I've been dying to try one of these. I swear it would save me so much time and when I go back to work those extra 15 minutes will be like gold!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Monday-Family day

A day off...around here same old. With the Hubbs being off work and me being on Mat leave I barely can tell when the weekends are.  No where to go and E was going stir crazy.  She wouldn't nap and probably had at least four or five time outs some back to back. UGH...

Well here are some soccer photos I promised.

I love her little uniform.  She seemed to get into it near the end. Ironically she just wanted to run around and it was mostly  structured.

GIVEAWAYS:

Cool Canucks is giving away a beautiful CityX3 Swivel Single Stroller  from Tike Tech.  It's a gorgeous stroller.  I'd love to win and be able to get rid of that old Graco behemoth. 

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Techincally Saturday?

E has socatots soccer tomorrow for the first time.  I am SO thrilled! I think she's going to love it and for a kid with that much energy it's perfect for her.  Sometimes we play a game where we just count 1-2-3 GO and she runs back and forth from the living room to the dining room.  May as well give her a ball and a net lol.  It's going to be adorable and I will be sure to post pics. 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Aaaalmost...got backward sliding down to a science.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Why did God make food taste so good?

Ok so I've done pretty well I guess so far with the working out and weight loss. I've averaged about a pound a week give or take since I know I've gained some muscle.  But dang if it doesn't seem to take foreeeeeever.  Ok I have no patience, I was feeling kinda blah about it today but as I think about it, I've been able to do it with some exercise and really not missing out on much of the food I enjoy with some creative calorie placement. So I'm done whining about it and back on the treadmill tomorrow.

J isn't feeling well, seems he's got a cold.  He woke up coughing on Friday night and it sounded like croup.  I hate that sound, yet another thing to worry about.  A humidifier seemed to help but we went to the doc today since it didn't seem to be getting better.  Just a virus, no ear infection (which is what I worry about) and just a little chunky lung.  That I can deal with. 


No photo today.  I'll stop slacking and do one tomorrow.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Super --- Bowl Sunday- Single 'football' Moms unite

Super bowl Sunday is one of the days the Hubbs gets to go no questions with his friends for the day and I take care of the kids.  So today with J being sick and E her usually squirmy energetic self. I brave the day.  I hate football lol.  But to be fair he doesn't make football a priority ever.

Giveaway:

*I don't usually blog on weekends but I had to for this amazing giveaway!  Northern Mama is giving away (following taken from the website) Dyson is offering one Northern Mama reader a Breast Cancer Awareness Dyson DC23 motorhead pink canister model vacuum {$649.99}!Dyson DC23 Motorhead pink is a canister vacuum with Root Cyclone™ technology + core separator and a motorized brush bar to remove dirt and pet hair from carpets.  WOW  this would be just so handy in our house.  Dragging the vacuum up and down the  stairs is killing my back and our vacuum has become dangerous since it is so top heavy it topples over at the drop of a hat. With two young kids around no thank you.  Wish me luck!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Friday--- No such thing as a weekend these days

I remember when Friday used to mean something. When I was a student mostly.  Other than that it was just that Fridays mattered for other people and that's when stuff was happening.  Being a Mom on mat leave weekends might mean some extra help but other than that it's really just more work.  Time to get all of the out of the house errands done like groceries and the trek to Costco.  Packing all the kids up and a humungo diaper bag.  And with E being a drama queen all the time we mostly just split up to run the errands.

Today is flying by.  I have been entering the flirty apron giveaway on Tara's view of the world blog all day.  She must hate me but hey, she said unlimited.  I want that apron! lol.

So the Hubbs says today is my week end for weight loss.  I usually do mondays but I guess this is the time we bought the scale last week so it's probably the most accurate.  Anyhow down 2.5lbs Yes!  Could it be because my Aunt Flo is visiting maybe, but I'm holding out hope that I'm still bloated and it will go down even more.  A girl can dream right?

Anyhow for my photo of the day:

 

E and her cousin L.  Adorable when E isn't pushing her out of the way.  I'm sure L will get her back soon enough!
Have a good weekend! I hear E is awake from her nap. Perfect timing.

Giveaways:
*Snafood (cute title) blog is giving away a flirty apron, open worldwide til Feb 23.  My favourites are the black and red sassy aprons.  I can't decide!

*Nate Hines is giving away a flip ultra HD.  I'd love to win this for my Dad.  Click on this link to enter  WIN a FLIP Ultra HD !!
 
* Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving THREE (3) winners a $96 hair care kit.  You have to visit the website.  They have a progressive straightening treatment that is so ingenious I don't know why everyone doesn't have it.  If you have annoying wavy hair like me you know why this is so remarkable.  Ends Feb 13th.  US and Can

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Thursday already?

Wow this week is flying.  My love hate relationship with the scale continues.  I'm back to weighing myself everyday only because this scale shows down to the .2 lbs so I can see it going down faster than on most other scales.  It's good thing. I think I'm set to finish out the week down 2lbs.  Now that I have my calories sorted and working out figured.

The week is flying. We've been busy.  The Hubbs is going to be going back to work soon so we're focused on finishing a few chores.  We're getting some new windows and a front door and painting the basement FINALLY I'm really happy about it.  So busy but good.

Yesterday I cleaned main floor including windows and mopping.  I did the 30 day shred and burned approx 160 calories and trust me it is challenging. I can't even do all the weight moves, mind you I'm using heavier weights but it's hard!  Mopping and cleaning moderately for an hour (which I did at least) is 274 calories!  Walking briskly on the treadmill for 20 mins is 100 calories.  Why waste your time walking when you could clean? A win win. Why is this a secret?  I actually have run out of things to mop lol.  And my floor looks great.

Photo of the day

My little sleepy boy...

 


Giveaways:
* Feisty Frugal and Fabulous is giving away a 7-8mm Freshwater pearl stud earrings AND a 7-8mm Freshwater pearl bracelet set! (total value $86 USD )    From Pearl Paradise.com

* Feisty Frugal and Fabulous is also giving away a pair of  Aiko Bootcut Mid Rise Jeans, by Silver. Great quality jeans. I used to love wearing silver jeans when I was younger. I think it's about time I tried them again!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Busy day

Today was a good paced day. It feels good to get things accomplished how I'd hoped and not feel rushed and barely get done.  Seems like things were busy but followed the schedule.

Battle of the bulge...
so weekly results are weight lost 4lbs.  That makes the weight to lose 11.5lbs.  But it seems to be picking up speed. I got my calories figured out with livestrong.com and I have a really good idea where things are at.  My body fat went down 1% woo hoo!  I am only .5% from being in the 'healthy' category.  I think gettting under 151 (which is the lowest I've been since being pregnant) and getting below or at the healthy weight mark is going to mean A LOT.  I'm actually feeling pretty good today.  I did the shred and 20 mins of walking.  Seeing my calories actually makes me want to exercise.  You get to eat more and then it seems worth it.  Otherwise I'd be eating so little it would really suck.  That's the only part that sucks as your weight gets lower your calories drop.  Boooo.

So I had my workout, and we had someone come by for an estimate on some of our windows...wow $$$$  and then I had some bows to make from Etsy orders in my bow shop Cushy Tushy Designs.  

Today's photo.  Compliments of E, photo essay of a two year old. These photos are within a minute span.  I can never get her to stay still so I take them quick and weed them out later.

Mommy says... E smile....


E:  No!  Me:  Here unzip your hoodie a bit.  E:  No Mommy don't touch.
 

Me:  E come over here by the window so I can take a better picture.  E: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  *insert total melt down here*

Me:  Nap time!



An all to familiar exchange with a two year old, lol.   I wouldn't change it for a thing. I love her personality even when she drives me up a wall some days.  As a matter of fact at one point today I said....You are TOO much like me!  Not that I'm not wonderful ;) I just can't deal with myself.  That's why I married my opposite lol.   I think I'm lucky ;)

Giveaways:

I am super stoked to be the lucky winner of the purse at penny pinching Mama.  I'm in a pretty good mood to say the least.  :D