happy New Year!

I just want to wish everyone a safe and happy new years and I hope that 2011 is a great year for everyone.

Today, I will be writing down my resolutions and putting them on the mirror in my bathroom and bedroom. Read the rules to accomplish your resolutions all year in my other post!

Thank you everyone for an amazing 2010, thank you for the love and support. I sm really looking forward to 2011 and what it will bring!

Enjoy ringing in the new year with friends and love ones!

Family time

Sure you say the holidays are over so why is family coming into town now, well I guess that's just how we roll in our family. So today I will be having 7 relatives coming in before lunch time. Yes, I can see your eyes bugging out of your head right now. Don't worry I did the same thing.

Dont get me wrong I love my family and am very excited to see them. Some of them haven't met Liam yet, that's how long it has been. It's just that it's a lot of things happening with a lot of people at once. But what can I say...bring it on.

I almost forgot to mention that they are not quiet talkers so the loud will be as loud then stadium when we beat the cowboys.

So I found this little recipe that I may be partaking in lately. Check it out:

Hibiscus Tea with Vodka & citrus

( serves 6)

6 cups of water
3 cups dried hibiscus flowers
2 1/2cups of sugar
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of lime juice
1 1/2 cups vodka
2 cups of ice

How to make:

In medium saucepan combine water, hibiscus flowers, sugar over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved.

Allow mixture to cool for 25 minutes. Add lemon juice, lime juice and vodka.

Place ice in a tall pitcher, strain tea into the pitcher and discard flowers. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Yes , I know it takes a little time to make but since it will be in a pitcher, you can go to it anytime you need a little "adult tea".

Enjoy!


Search Amazon.com for bormioli rocco glasses

Keeping those New Year's resolutions

It's almost that time again, to make your 2011 New Year’s resolutions. We all want to change things every year and are motivated to do so but by mid February those seem to fall by the way side. So, I have come up with a few sure fire ways to keep your track to accomplish those resolutions this year.

Think small. Sure you are thinking, why not go big for 2011? Well for example if you want to lose 50 pounds in a year, set a lower weight each month and work on that. That way you don’t overwhelm yourself. If your goal is to work out everyday that might not be possible time wise set it to 3 times a week for sure and if you have extra time go for it.

Don’t make the list too long. Think of the things that are most important to you. If you put too much on your list you will be worried about trying to fit them all in and you lose track of what the real goal is.

Set goals that you can start at different times. For instance if you want to train for that marathon or be outside more with your kids then maybe spring would be a good time to start. You can start in the gym for that marathon but then move some of your exercising to the outdoors and make a list of the things you want to do with your kids. that leads to my next point.

Write them down! Write them anywhere that will be a reminder to you of what you have set for yourself. Write them in multiple places if you have to, set an alarm on your phone or computer to pop up. Even tell your friends about what you are doing, they will be great encouragement and a good friendly reminder.

Reward yourself. we all like to be rewarded for when we do something good or accomplish something. Don’t take it to far by eating a whole bag of cookies or spending hundreds of dollars on a new outfit but a little reward now and then for keeping yourself on track will be something that will keep you going. Sure, if you keep it up all year and its almost 2012, go out and have a party for yourself, buy those incredible shoes, amazing handbag, sexy dress or eat a big piece of cake. Do something just for you.

Lastly,

6. Don’t worry if you slip up every once and awhile, we are all human and we all do it.

* Also posted on Momtrends.blogspot.com.*

Curl your hair with a straightener: Conair You Style Review

Who knew you could Curl your hair with your straightener, seems like an oxymoron but it's true. You can do it with most straighteners. I tested with mine last night and was very pleasantly surprised. It made s nice big curl, I think it will take time to perfect it.
You start a little away from your roots and turn the straightener 180 degrees and go down your hair. The slower you go down your hair the tighter the curl.

Today I went to one of my favorite places Target and bought the Conair You Style $39.99) it has flat plates for straightening if you want to do and plates on the sides for you to curl your hair too. I think this is going to easier since it's made to curl too.

Search Amazon.com for hair straightener
Search Amazon.com for hair accessories

If you are like me, using an actual curling iron isn't one of my strengths and honestly scares me a little. I always manage to get some really good curls the way I walnut and then others look awful and of course burning myself of my hair. The Conair seems much easier and less scary.

One point that I should make is that we all know to use heat protector on our hair before using anything liken heat dryer or curler/straightener. But doing this to your hair you want to make sure you really protect it. If you have a spray that you use I would even mist it over each section you curl or spray on your hands and then put some on your hair if you won't want to put too much product in your hair ( or if you are like me and have thinner hair)

So have fun trying something new with your hair that doesn't take too much to do.

Let me know if you try it and what you think.

Happy hair day!

Better than Old Navy flip flops....what???

Yup, I said it I found something better than my beloved Old Navy flip flops that I have to buy every spring because I wear them so much. Mine usually ended up with a hole in the hell that I McGaver with duct tape to last the rest of the summer but once I saw this post from one of the mom blog I follow (In the Know Mom) I fell in love!

The company called Plant Flops! THey make any color you could dream of to put on your feet but the best part is that this flip flop is ECO FRIENDLY.. we know my favorite thing! Plus, these will give you more sopport then the Old Navy ones. THey are make with rubber as well but its not synthetic. Check out their website here

In the Know Mom is giving away a pair to a lucky reader!! How great is that?? Yes, I know its cold now for most of us but winning a pair will be giving you something to look forward to for the warmer weather knowing your feet look amazing and you are helping the planet! So head over and enter her giveaway and look around, she has some of the neatest stuff for kids and parents that are all "green". I ABSOLUTELY love her site and look on it almost daily!!

I Have already entered the giveaway but I think its time for me to do some online shopping...im heading over to Plant Flops to pick some colors! So excited!!! See you there!

For the colder days: Search Amazon.com for eco friendly coffee cup

Veggie Burger Recipe

As we all know burgers are so good, why not turn it into something healthy for you: Veggie burger. I know when you think veggie burger you think it will probably think it will taste like cardboard but not this one. Your family wont know the difference.
Here is a great recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups ( one 14- ounce can) black beans, red beans or chickpeas, drained

1 medium onion, quartered

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 tbs. chilli powder

salt for taste

freshly ground black pepper for taste

1 egg

Bean-cooking liquid, as needed

1 tbs. olive oil or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn for cooking


How to Make:

Step 1: Place the beans, onions, oats, chilli powder, salt, pepper and egg in a food processor and pulse until chunky but not pureed; if it seems dry or not sticking together well, add a little liquid ( a tablespoon at a time). You want it ro me moist but not wet. Let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes.

step 2: With wet hands, shape into patties, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes

Step 3: Heat a large skillet or griddle ( whatever you have) over middle heat and add just enough oil to coat the bottom of pan. When its hot, add the patties and cook until they are nicely browned on one side ( about 5 minutes) turn over carefully and cool on the other side until firm and browned ( another 5 minutes). Serve on buns and make sure you have everyones favorite burger fixings!

Nutrition: 262 calories

( also check it out on MomTrends, along with my other posts!! :) )

Another Favorite thing: Fast Flats!!

Okay, I want to start off by saying.. this is by far one of the best inventions. ever.

I do wish I had thought of this but i will not complain! These by Dr. Scholl's are amazing and very great to have.



I am totally bring these with me on New Years Eve. I know my shoes i am wearing are going to incredible but lets be honest by the end of the night I will be dying to take them off. All women I know right now are shaking their hand in approval and thinking of the places they would have used them or where they will be bringing them next.

I got mine at Target so go grab you a pair and don't worry about your feet. You will just enjoy looking fabulous!

Give Back this Holiday

I know this year the money might have been tight, you want to give but you dont have the funds?? Well here is a way you can give that loved one a gift and give to those less fortune or your favorite charity. Here are ideas.

How about give an oranment made by your favorite designers like Sarah Jessica Parker or Gwen Safani?? ( $20-$50) at HSN



100 percent of the profits, no less than 30 percent of the purchase price of each ornament, will be donated to St Jude Children's Research Hospital

How about a Ring for the women in your family. Even for the men- tell them that men celebrities wear them too!) With each purchase, $70 goes to the Save the Children Foundation. From Bvlgari.



Give for the kids that they can hold while you read their favorite book to them. Also, Build-A-Bear Workshop will donate 50¢ to First Book to provide new books to children from low-income families and 50¢ to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation to support other literacy and education programs. Build-A-Bear Workshop.





I know you will be baking those cookies to share and of course leave for Santa. Why not make yummy cookies and give to your favorite at the same time? or how about giving to the ofice staff so you can start pay it forward?? Try this by Baking for Good.



Fifteen percent of each purchase benefits a charity of your choice, including a wide range of women’s causes.


Now, of course there are so many more ways to give this season. So, just remember when you are out buying for your friends and family, there are other out there that would love to be able to have a great holiday season as well, so why not help any way you can. If its giving coats to the cold or homeless. Giving to cancer research so those who are effected can spend next Christmas with their loved ones. Or how about those men and women outside ringing the bells for the Salvation Army, drop a few cents or dollars in there to help. When you are t the toy store, why not pick up something extra for those kids who cant wait for Santa to come! Anything you do will be a big help and not only make someones holiday but give you a great feeling.

Merry "giving" Christmas Everyone!

Gift Guide 2010

Now, we all know I love shopping. That is another reason I like this season I get to bring smiles to other faces with shopping!!
I have found great things for everyone on your list, family or friends. Some are just fun, useful and just plain cute! check it out:

Kids:

Jump Rope




Sing-a-Ma-Jings

The Gamer: Rock Band 3

Watches: Rubber

Girly Girl: Necklace



THe NEW skateboard: Razor



Friends and Family:

the martini to go:





THe blackberry gloves: For use with your touch screen mobile




Dice salt and pepeer shakers: for the game lover in your life

Juicer

for her:

Fur Gloves: Loft

The Tech Lover Mom: Ipad Case and Iphpne cases


Nail polish: Zoya

A pandora braclet

How about a centerpiece but also S & P shaker?? Check it out!



The Man in your life:

XBOX Kinect: Cant go wrong

The fitnes Lover: The fitbit

For the guy that has everything: Charge his world

SKullCandy Headphones





On a buget?? Here area some great finds!!!

Marc Jacob Geo Rings

American Eagle: Scarf

LOVE this Brand: Tarte. Eyelash Curler



Coffee lover. a creamic Mug and this Cuff

A New twist on something old. Stackable glasses



New Apartment? House? College?? Here is for any age: Shower Curtain you can write on!!!

I hope that I helped you out and gave you some ideas for your last minute shopping.

It makes me what to go out now.

Happy Shopping everyone!!

Betty home maker today!

Today besides catching up on my Christmas movie obsession. I am baking cookies for the family and the relatives that are coming.
Here are a few of the ones that we will be tasting this year...

Chocolate chips:



Peanut Butter Buckeyes:




Chocolate crinkles:



Sugar cookies:




That is just a few for today. I am not quite done! Too come: fudge, cookies to reeses in the middle.

If you have any recipes you would like to share.. I would love to try new cookies or desserts!!

Happy Baking!

I am BACK!!!!

I am starting my blog up again everyone!! Look for more posted to come, I have a ton of things to share and write about. I am very excited!!!

A revised sample coordinates the mod wallet.

Bucket LIst: Leesburg Animal Park

Summer Bucket List:

Leesburg Animal Park

duck...duck..goose

awww....

no fear...

He totally wanted to sit with me...riiiight

One Sunday afternoon my parents, Liam and I went on a trip to the animal park...it was hot but was definitely a lot of fun. LJ loves animals and couldn't wait to pet them!

His favorite part was when we got to going to the free roaming area...he had absolutely no fear of the animals.. he got in their faces and just chased them. The sheep was his favorite but they had no interested in them.. they only like Gammy because she had that cup of food...let me tell you, you want to get rid of that food right away.. those animals will not leave you alone until you give them everything.. even the cup! Some even jump up on you to get it.. i am not a fan of that.. but what can you do. One sheep in particular was so greedy.. we refused to give him even more than he had! HA!

We took a wagon ride down to the big pond, that was fun. You can fish out there...they were even having a competition at weekend..I am sure GPop was dying to fish but he controlled himself. On, the way back to the we got to see the Zebras :) When we got back, we left LJ play on the playground, he loved it.. it was very hard to get him to leave but he did a great job!

I would definitely bring him back there...when it is not so hot...it was great for all ages... all you moms out there...go check it out! It would be a great half day trip! ( they even having a changing table there outside..nice :) )

Fun Deals Everyday..

What do I normally do when LJ is sleeping...well, I could be invent something..work out..study...nope none of those things...I look and find new blogs and deals and giveaways...yup.. it has become something I really enjoy...

One day I was googled and came across this website:

www.ecomom.com

Now me being me.. I got quite excited by just the name...but as I looked more into this site.. i feel in love...it has everything..for moms-babies-kids...it has become one of my favorite sites to visit. Not only is there a blog that you can read and join. They have a store you can buy some of the coolest and cutest things I have sen and its all good for the environment :)

One of the best things they have though, that I can't wait to get in my email is their Daily Deals...They put together really awesome bundles that you can buy at a discount or other products...the prices are amazing!

I bought the "preschool bundle" it came with banana snacks ( LJ loves himself some banana) a set of eco friendly spoons ( pack of 6) and a book! Cutest.thing.ever! oh yeah and a little thing of hand sanitizer ( which if you know me.. I love). I got all that for $15!! They also shipped it so fast!

Since, I love them so much.. I needed to share this site with you. They are so awesome that I have a code you can use because I referred you you can get !5% off your first order!!

use this code: SB004992

recycled things can be beautiful too...

IT'S HERE.. IT'S HERE!!

My Maggie bag!!!

I know you are wondering what I a Maggie Bag is... well let me tell you.. just ready for this...

it is a purse made from...recycled seat belts... yes, seat belts! Okay so You might not have the best image in your head right now, but it is great!

I got this one: In dark gray

It is stylist and eco-friendly.. what could be better?? One of the best things about this bag is that it is machine washable, yes lady.. you can put it in the washer and it will ruin it! I love that because you know if you use a bag enough it will get gross, but you don't have to worry about that anymore! It has a lifetime warranty as they say..its make from something that has a life time warranty and save your life so it makes sense for the bag to have one as well...

They made bigger or small totes, clutches, diaper bags, etc.. with simple colors, bright colors and even multi-colored! So there is something for everyone. You can feel good about this purchase on so many levels...you should totally check the website out... from fashionista to mommy to be... you will fall in love with these.

I just be prepared to get stopped all the time for questions about your bag... no one will ever guess that its seat belts.. and you will be that girl that has the thing that everyone wants. You can show people that being green doesn't have to be dull!

I think I found what I am going to get my sister and mom for Christmas.

Here's the website: give it a chance!!! ::Maggie Bags::

Purity

These are some of my favorite products...ever!

My Favorite things: 100% Pure

100% Pure Website

I have always been into recycling and trying t be as green as possible. When I got pregnant with Liam, I decided that I wanted to give him the safest and cleanest and natural start in this world. I started researching diapers, lotions, bath things, clothes, food..etc.

Recently, I started to try to do whats best for my mind and body. I have had problems for years with my skin and I have tried many different things and they have worked for awhile then my skin got used to them. I decided to go 100 percent natural with nothing much things you can basically eat to see if that would help. I completely fell in love with all these products!

I have the foundation and make up. Also, I use the foaming face wash and face lotions. They are incredibly. One thing that I can not rave about enough is the the under eye cream.

They also have baby products, which excites me and I hope other mommies out there.

The colors of the make up are make of berries and natural colors...if you are looking for a extreme look, these aren't for you but if you are looking for being natural and everyone turns their head and wonders " wow, wonder what she uses" this is my make up line for you!!

Then you are picking make up this of this phase I say to myself and I have said earlier.

If you can eat it, why put it on your face?...

Since using these products my skin has been amazing and has felt amazing. i don't even have to wash my face twice a day if I am feeling lazy.

Next time you are in the market for make up, lotions, shampoos.. please check this out. They are a little pricey.. but they are worth the money by far.

Now, that I have got have tried and loved these products.. I have been on the kick to find everything as natural as possible so look for blogs on other brands I find and love!

Check. it. out :)

Old MacDonald had a farm...and a glass of wine

Bucket List: Random Trip out to VA

This wasn't one of the place that I had wrote on down LJ's bucket list but one weekend, my parents and I decided that we wanted to go to a winery or two. I had from this farm that was having a Strawberry Jumbree and also was a winery...talk about killing two birds with one stone! It had a ton of areas for kids of all ages to play and run around, a petting zoo, tractors to climb on and cow train that you and your kid can sit in and ride around the farm. Each little cow has a name too...so cute! Also they had a rope swing and the biggest moon bounce I have ever seen!!
One of the things i loved about it was that you could go strawberry picking..even though we didnt get a chance to, i would go back and do it with some friends or even when LJ is a little older
I would say though after going through the whole thing, this is more of a place for kids a little older probabaly starting at 4 or 5. They seem to get more out of it.
Liam loved going to the petting zoo.. here are a few pictures of him and parents interacting with the animals.
We had so much fun, minus the fact it was sooo hot that day.
"She thinks my tractor is sexy..."

"on his farm he had some cows...."

min. pony...so cute..

he loves sheep!

This is the view from the winery...best ever! I fell in love with this place!

I could have stayed at this place forever. It is across road from the farm. You drive up this steep hell to a stone like building.. it is absolutely beautiful. Then you go to the top, some wine tasting, buy some cheese and go out on the top balcony and look out over the whole middle of VA area!! Not only is the building and views are amazing but the wine is great! I can.not.wait to go back.

if you are looking for a wedding venue..please please check this out!! or a good glass of wine.

BlueMount Vineyard