It's no secret that I take care of baby butts all day, right? Well, that means I get to dress like a scrub and still make money! Unfortunately, dressing like a scrub get's old, real quick, and I find myself longing for a reason to get pretty every now and then. I'm sure Raymond loves that I look like a trash bag every day, too. Sorry, hunny!
Luckily, I know of a cute little apparel company and I was provided with a few cute AND comfy tees. It doesn't really get much better than that! Seriously, I pretty much wear one of these shirts every single day. Below you can see some of the awesome shirt designs and FYI: I am not a very good model!
"Meechoo Apparel sells cute, high-quality garments personalized with female first names and printed with velvety and shimmery, vibrant, durable text. Available in almost 400 names, including 5 different spellings of “Caitlyn.” (We swear.)"
Hot Pink on Black Laverne T Shirt Dress
White on Red American Apparel Tee
Silver-Grey on Brown American Apparel Tee
Hot Pink on Black Bella Double V-Neck
Back of Double V-Neck
Chocolate on Heather Green Bella Tee
Gold on Heather Blue Bella Tee
Pink on Charcoal Hoodie
Gold on Heather Pink Bella Tee
I love every shirt offered and what's cool about them, is that you can mix and match colors and find the one that is perfect for you! What really makes the shirt worth the purchase, is that the letters DON'T fall off or fade after washing. They stay right where they came, and they don't fade. Oh yeah, and the prices are awesome, too. Just a little extra bonus for ya there!
Be sure to stop by and check out the other designs and colors offered on the website or on Facebook!
Another week, another "I wish it was the weekend!"
This weekend was nice and low-key, and it was great! We spent the days hitting around the softball, watching movies on TV, hanging out with good friends, and being lazy. It was fantastic!
For the last 2(ish) months, I have been having trouble sleeping. I noticed having trouble when I took my month off from the gym. I chalked it up to just not getting enough exercise, so my body wasn't as tired. Makes sense, right? Well, I got back to the gym and was still having trouble falling asleep.
My entire life, it's always taken me about 20-40 minutes, give or take, to fall asleep. It wasn't until a few months ago that it has been taking me over an hour most nights, and sometimes up to three hours. Three freaking hours!!! And it's been on more than one occasion that this has happened.
If that isn't bad enough, within the last 2 weeks I've been waking up at least 3 times a night. Sometimes every hour. Frustrated is not what I am anymore. I am pissed off about it. It messes up my day. Not falling asleep until 2 AM after tossing and turning since 10:30 is not fun. Then pile on waking up once an hour on top of that? Sorry, but I'm not about to wake up at 6 AM to go to the gym -- which is obviously something I want to be doing!
I've increased my workouts, changed the timing that I eat dinner/snacks in the evening, and have found no rhyme or reason as to why this is happening. There is no consistancy in it, I don't know what nights it's going to happen. I do know that if I have alcohol, I have no issues, but I'm not about to drink a bed-time beer. No thanks. I've never tried any type of meds, downers, etc. and have never even thought about it. It hasn't been until as of late that a sleeping aide has crossed my mind, which I am terrified to try. I don't want to have to rely on anything to function in my life.
This weekend, we made a pit stop at GNC, and I saw an all-natural sleeping pill called NatraSleep (I think). I haven't looked it up or heard anything about it, let alone any other sleeping aide. But after getting awful sleep again last night, I'm becoming more intrigued. Hopefully I can find something that will help me, better yet, maybe this crap will end on it's own!
Have you ever had trouble sleeping? If so, what did you do to solve the problem? Ever tried sleeping pills? Which brand?
TGIF and what a happy Friday it is! Today (so far) has been a great day and I am more than ready for the weekend!
Lately, the boys have been super... (looking for the correct term) two. When they turned 2 in November, nothing changed. All this "terrible two" talk that you hear from parents is a load. Or so I thought. Within the last couple weeks they have begun to test everything I tell them. They do something they know they aren't supposed to do, and they tell you "no no" while they do it. My days have been frustrating, to say the least! I remind myself that it's just a phase (just as everything else once was) and that it too will pass. Plus, everything is all worth it when you get to love on cuties all day!
Raymond's birthday is on the 4th and mine is on the 9th. Usually I go all out for his birthday (seriously, it's ridiculous), but this year I promised him I wouldn't do anything at all. Well, being myself, I can't not do anything... but if you are reading Raymond... I promise it wont be anything crazy! I usually am super excited and counting down the days to our birthdays but for some reason this year they completely snuck up on me. I guess the whole getting older thing really is starting to set in, and it just isn't as exciting anymore. As for my birthday... I never really do anything. I had a pretty big bash for my 21st, and last year I had the flu. If I do anything this year, it will definitely be low-key.
I have been drinking at least 80 ounces of water a day for the past 2 weeks (with the exception of weekends).Typically I drink more around the 90 oz. zone, and yesterday I drank about 110 oz. Holy moly, am I peeing every 10 minutes or what! Not really... but a lot. It's so worth it though. I feel much better and can see a good change in the way I look. My skin is nicer, and my tummy is looking better as well. Definitely a win-win in my book! Now I just need to get better at staying on track over the weekends- it's really hard to do!
Last weekend I went out with Raymond and his co-ed softball team to practice with them. I have never played softball in my life, let alone held a baseball bat, so I was a little bit nervous. Well, turns out I'm not half bad and ended up having a blast. Raymond says I got bit by the softball bug and I totally have to agree. All I've wanted to do all week was get back out there and play, and it's been driving me crazy! Hopefully we can squeeze in a few hours of playing time this weekend!
Can someone please tell me what is so cool about either of these? I think I am going to start a series called "D Bags and Their Dumb Cars". Every time I see a "cool" car on the streets, I'm going to photograph it and post it on my blog for the world to see! Now taking picture submissions. PS- Sorry if you drive one of these. Oopsies!
Upside down letters mean you're a real gangsta.
Gotta take the kids to soccer practice, then it's back to hittin' the streets hard!
Last night as I was dozing off to sleep, I was thinking about the resolutions I set for myself this year. Typically I'm not one to set NY res. If you don't set goals, you can't fail at anything... right? Well, this year I decided I would step my game up, and set some goals, with a few exceptions. I will not let myself get crazy and obsessed with trying to complete a goal by a certain period of time, and I will not be upset and depressed if something just doesn't work out the way I had hoped. With that being said, I figured now was a better time than ever to re-set my goals and wants not just for the NY, but for my life!
Save Money - Whether it's $1 or $100/month, any and everything counts. My main focus with saving money is really just to not spend money on things I don't really need. I have learned over the years that there is no reason to buy the pricer item just because its packaging is prettier or because you see more commercials about it. If name-brand is available, that's what I'll be buying (unless I prefer a particular type). I've we have also learned that cutting back on entertainment activities (i.e.- going out at night, going out to eat, etc.) can save HUNDREDS. Yes, this is something I've known forever, just never thought was possible for our lifestyle. Well folks, I'm here to tell you anyone and everyone can make grocery shopping and cooking a part of your life if you want to save money badly enough. We easily are saving a couple hundred bucks a month by eating at home! There are millions of other ways to save money, but these are just a few of the "well, DUH!"s.
Spend More Time with Friends - I'm sure a lot of you can relate with me on this one. I feel like as we get older, we lose touch with friends. The people that can mean the most to us growing up can be nowhere in sight 10 years later. I want to not only reunite with old friends, but grow even closer to the ones I have now.
Run More - Meh... let's not talk about it! I have a want in life (this year) to run a race. Whether it be a 5k, 10k, or a half. I don't care. Running is something that I have never in my entire life enjoyed doing. To me, it is so boring and most of all so hard to do. I read blogs of people that run over 10 miles a day and it makes me feel like such a loser that I hate to even run one! I will incline walk, stairstep, and eliptical my life away... but make me run and I hate everything. I want to learn more and be able to understand what it is about running that people find peace in. Then maybe I can learn to enjoy it myself. Then maybe I can be more like her.
Learn to Cook (better) - I want to learn to cook food that Raymond grew up eating (and still does when we go home to the Ranch). That means homemade tortillas, beans, migas, and all of the other authentic Hispanic food that most of us have probably never had. And no, I'm not talking about Chuy's Tex-Mex or any of the other chain resturants you're thinking of. Believe it or not, Raymond told me today that he wants me to "work on a roach coach (Hispanic food truck) for atleast a year" so I can learn to cook like them. Um, I'll pass, thanks! But I do want to learn how to make the real deal gain 5 pounds from one plate kind of thang!
Do you have any resolutions that you've added to your list since the New year? Any tips on how to reach goals?
November 11, 2011. My little buttheads turned 2! I can't believe that they are so stinkin' huge, and it makes my heart sad knowing that one day, they will be bigger than me... their beloved "SamSam".
Because they are so close to me, it's a given that I will forever make a huge stink about their birthday, and will always make sure they have the most fantastic party to go along with it.
Last year we through an amazing Panda Extravaganza. This year's theme? Well, none other than a Monster Bash!
Milo & Finn's 2 Year Monster Bash
No monster bash is complete withouth shirts and feet!
Monster feet trailed from the front porch onto the inside walls.
Silverware/Napkin Holders
Everything (including the cupcakes and fruit monster) was hand-made. And yes, it took a million years to cut out over 400 polka dots to glue onto monster feet.
If you know me, then it's no secret that I have a sweet spot for baking, especially cupcakes! I thought I'd do a round up of some of my favorites that I've made over the last year. Technically, some of them don't count as cupcakes... but I just couldn't leave them out!
Just 'Cause Cupcakes
Dark Chocolate with Peanut Butter Buttercream
Easter Cake In-a-Jar
Raspberry Devil's Food with Raspberry Buttercream
Raymond's Surprise 35th Birthday Party
Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting
Summertime BBQ Dessert
Pink Lemonade with Lemonade Buttercream
Savory and Sweet Cupcake for Breakfast Excuse
Cinnamon Roll Cake with Heavy Whipped Cream Buttercream and Sweet Glaze
Mary Kay Holiday Party Cupcakes
Chocolate with Vanilla
Twin's 2nd Birthday Party - Monster Theme
Vanilla with Vanilla Buttercream
Twin's 1st Birthday Party - Panda Theme
Chocolate with Vanilla and Chocolate Frosting
I plan to eventually share the recipes for all of the homemade cupcakes and frostings with you guys soon! Until then, I hope you enjoy!
Do you have any awesome cakes/cupcakes/desserts that you're proud of making??
I did a post about a few things that I was lovin' last Friday... you can check it out here. I figured that this would be a good idea for a weekly post... or until I run out of things I love!
Chobani Greek yogurt. I kid you not when I say that I tried every single Greek yogurt available to me before I laid my hands on this stuff. I had seen Chobani all over the blog world and only heard good things about it... but every time I went to the grocery store, it was no where to be found. All other Greek yogurts I found to be so sour and to me, inedible. Finally a few weeks ago my local grocery store had the stuff stocked! And it's amazing. I recently tried their 3 new flavors and every single one of them is fantastic! Not only do I love the yogurt, but I love the people that work for Cho as well. I tweeted the other day that I thought the new Apples and Cinnamon flavor was so good (and it is!) and someone from the company contacted me and are sending me a case of the stuff. Score!
Sh*t Girls Say. These videos are great, and so true!
Karma. I know, you're all thinking what is this girl talking about? Lately I'm loving karma. I am a big believer in treating others the way you'd like to be treated. I feel like the only way you're going to get good things out of live is to give good things. Don't treat someone like a pile of poo' and then expect them to invite you to their wedding. It's nothing we haven't heard before, now we all just need to utilize it. I promise, the world would be a better place if everyone was nice. Anyway, in the past 6 months to a year I have been focusing on being kind to others. Raymond and I always open our door to friends and family and they know (hopefully) that they are always welcome, and that we will do pretty much any and everything for those in need! With that being said, I feel like we have been blessed, so to say, with great things in life and they are only getting better for us. I finally feel like our life is coming together, the way we want it to be!
Someecards. I am sure you all have seen these everywhere before, and they are nothing new to me. I just have found them more hysterical lately. For some reason I can find a card for everything I'm thinking! They are the greatest thing ever. They say everything you're thinking for you, and spare you the jerk title, all while using humor. Doesn't get much better than that, folks!
Happy Thursday, folks! Every Monday I am so disappointed that it's only Monday... and then all of a sudden here we are, and we've only got one more day to get through until the weekend. Woo hoo!
Have you guys heard of Texts From Bennett yet? Please, please tell me yes! And if not, then you're in for a real treat! Before I get started, let me warn you that some of the stuff written is rather dirty, disgusting, and should definitely be read by those with a sense of humor and that can handle really awful, gross things!
This guy started a blog of screen shots of his texts messages between himself and his cousin.
Via Texts From Bennett: "These are text messages I exchange with my 17 year old cousin Bennett. He is a white boy that thinks he's a crip, works at Aamco, has a girlfriend named Mercedes, and is one of the most unintentionally funny and brilliant souls on the planet."
I first heard about TFB from someone on my Facebook (can't remember who, sorry!) and have been addicted ever since. I make sure to check the site at least once a week for updates. They are hysterical every time. If you guys haven't check it out yet, make sure you do!
What insane/hysterical things have you found via internet? Please, share!
Today I wanted to reach out to you guys and ask for your help.
If you're from the Austin, or possibly even the Texas area, you most likely have heard about the fires that devastated Bastrop late last year. The fires went on for days and remained uncontained. I remember listening each day about how the fire crossed the highway or spread to a new area. The fire is said to be the worst single fire in Texas' history, and took over 500 homes.
The video below takes a few seconds to begin, but once it does you can see just a pinch of the area that was affected.
It's so sad and horrifying to read and hear stories of some of the families that lost not just things, but everything. House: gone; car: gone; clothes: gone; pets: gone; jobs: gone; family members: gone.
After the fires, almost every radio station I listen to was doing "provide a Christmas" for families involved in the wreckage. A few weeks ago, I remember hearing an update about the family that won the Christmas. Two early-teenage brothers had lost their father when they were young, and their mother a few years later. They had gone to live with their Aunt and Uncle in Bastrop. Not even a week before the fires, the boys had just finally gone back to their home where they grew up to collect all of the things that were dear to them. Pictures, clothes, sentimental items. A few days later, they lost it all. Their new home with their Aunt and Uncle had burned down to the ground. Nothing was left. Talk about a hard life.
I remember being able to smell and see the smoke 50 miles away. I remember watching the news and seeing images taken from the sky of just pure smoke clouds. My heart hurt for those involved and I remember being so thankful that I was ok, but praying and hoping that Austin would remain untouched. Maybe things mean more to people when they are close to home, but I personally know that I didn't do enough anything to help. I didn't donate money, time, clothes, food to anyone. I'm a short hour away from Bastrop and I didn't reach out to help anyone. No, that doesn't make me a bad person. But I do know that I could have done something.
But now, I have a chance to provide, and I'm asking for your help. The amazing women that I work with are sponsoring 30 women that lost everything. Our goal is to provide them with a package complete with great beauty essentials. These women need to feel beautiful again, and know that there are people out there that want to and will help them recover. I personally am sponsoring 2 of the 30 women, and would be so thankful for anyone that would love to help me out!
I am offering my products 2 for the price of 1. Any item on the list that you purchase, another will be donated to the fund. Monetary donations are accepted as well. Anything helps, even 5 dollars.
If you're interested in learning more about how you can help, please feel free to email me here. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated not just by me, but the women of Bastrop, as well!
Sweet ol' Paula Deen has Type 2 Diabetes. Shocker, right??
This morning as I was getting ready for work in the gym locker room while I was watching GMA. The guest was Paula Deen. By absolutely no means do I think it's funny or am satisfied that she's been diagnosed with such a crappy disease. Seriously, diabetes is not a joking matter and takes lives all the time.
In 2011 alone, 1.9 million people aged 20 and over, were diagnosed, bringing the grand total to 18.8 people ever diagnosed. You can view more stats here.
Give me a break, woman! Okay, I get it... you're struggling to figure out what the next step in life is and how you're going to handle it. Let me help you out, DON'T continue to endorse eating the WORST foods possible. Don't tell people to use 8 sticks (exaggeration) of butter in a lasagna. It's ridiculous!
And yes, I know, butter is not the only thing that causes diabetes. I just feel like people that are put in the spot light should know that they are being watched by millions of people. Don't they want to help people, or is everything just about making a buck these days?
It frustrates me beyond belief that now she is saying I've always said "in moderation". "Honey, I'm your cook, not your doctor... you are going to have to be responsible for yourself." No, YOU listen honey, I'm pretty sure she didn't develop this disease by eating moderatly and these meals being only 30 out of 365 that she eats. She needs to get over herself, stop back peddling and just own up to it. Yep, you eat like crap, you're gonna look and feel like crap. She should use her fame and new-found disease to change the way people eat and prepare their meals. Duh.
While she is right that everyone is responsible for their own self, she needs to realize that includes HER too. Basically, she wants everyone to feel sorry for her for being unhealthy, but she still wants to make millions off of her unhealthy recipes. Get ovah yourself, lady!
I thought her wake-up call would have been being smacked in the face with a turkey. Guess not.
Okay, rant over with.
What do you think about PD's disease news?
Disclaimer:I am not a dietitian or nutritionist, these thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, this post is in no way meant to be personal, and is strictly good-hearted, and meant to be helpful.
