The Uglier the Better

 

One of my favorite things lately is graphic sweaters, like this heart one from Old Navy last year.  Although I have to admit that the other day I dressed Addilyn and realized we pretty much have the same sweatshirt.  Which made me question my outfit choices since I seemed to be right on par with the wardrobe of a four month old.  

Speaking of graphic sweaters I was surprised to see ugly Christmas sweaters at Target the other day! It is a little funny to buy something with the intentions of having it look the"ugliest."  I have sadly only been to one ugly Christmas sweater party and I don't even have a picture to prove it.  Where was instagram four years ago? 

Thankfully I know that if I was invited to an Ugly Christmas sweater party this year I'd have a whole lot of choices thanks to Target.  Which is good because when I went in search for one at a thrift store a few years ago, I found nothing.  Here's a few other options: 

Do you have an annual Ugly Christmas sweater party?  Want to invite me? 

This post is brought to you by Target, but all opinions and content are my own.  Follow along with #hilariousholiday

Pumpkin Carving Success

I have to start this post by telling you that you should read this first.  Last year I shared our evolution of pumpkin carving, which started with real thoughtful, time consuming carving, proceeded by drawing on our pumpkins with sharpies and ended last year with not even purchasing a pumpkin but just holding on up for a picture at the pumpkin patch.  

Basically it comes down to the fact that pumpkin carving is hard work and I'm lazy about it.  However, having a baby means stepping up our yearly traditions and no more faking it by just taking pictures.  (Okay, we could actually fake it since Addilyn won't remember but we won't get away with it for long).

So we decided to actually carve our pumpkins this year, motivated by the fact that I have always dreamed about putting my baby in a pumpkin.  But I was dreading the actual pumpkin carving part, which is why I was SO glad that I got a chance to try out the Pumpkin Masters Carving Kit, which you can buy at any local grocery store or Target or Walmart. 

I got a large amout of books and supplies to test out and I can honestly say that made a huge difference.  I knew we wouldn't have too long to carve our pumpkins, as Addilyn can only be entertained by watching us for so long.  Thankfully we managed to carve both our pumpkins in less than an hour.  

My least favorite part of pumpkin carving is the scooping out of all the disgusting goo and pumpkin insides. This tool made a world of difference as I could just scrap it all down to the bottom of the pumpkin and then pull it all out in just a few handfuls.  I also hate craving the top part and am afraid of using knives, but this kit comes with a little tool that makes it easy and safe for kids (or adults that are babies like me). 

The kit came with a lot of different design options and tools to help make them.  I picked this circle design and taped it to the pumpkin to outline part of it.  I then made Chris do the rest of the "hole punching" and I moved on to write Addi's name in the other pumpkin.  
There was this sweet razor tool that just took off the skin of the pumpkin so you could carve letters and designs.  I used this for the sides of the other one too.  

Clearly this is how you hold a razor for a picture.

Now I failed to get a good picture of this and am saving the lights for halloween but Pumpkin Masters has these flashing lights that you can put inside, which made our holey pumpkin look pretty sweet.  

Only one of our many tools broke (probably from Chris jamming it too hard in the pumpkin), which means we'll have all of these to use next year.  
And while my dream did come true of putting a baby in a pumpkin it took quite a few not so successful shots that are worth sharing. 

Pumpkin Masters is searching for the best carving talents and is giving away six prizes, including $5,000 for the best pumpkin.  Share a picture of your carving via instagram or twitter with #PumpkinMasters2013, submit via facebook or send an email to social@pumpkinmasters.com to enter.  View details: here.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Project 7

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Project 7 but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #chewforchange  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO”

I am so excited to be part of bringing awareness to the company Project 7 because I love what they do and what they believe in.  Their mission is to make sure that everyone around the globe has access to the fundamental human needs for a healthy life.  They make everyday products like water, gum and coffee and then use the proceeds to work with nonprofit charities that help meet Project 7's seven needs: feed the hungry, heal the sick, hope for peach, house the homeless, quench the thirsty, save the earth and teach them well. 

Inspired by Project 7's mission to do good for others I wanted to make a meal for someone to make their life just a little easier.  I know what a blessing a meal is right after having a newborn.  We were blessed by family and friends with a handful of meals when Addilyn was born and it was so nice to not worry about what we would eat.  So for my meal I figured I'd pick someone who would appreciate it in the same way.  My friend Jen is due in a week and I thought it'd be nice for her to have a meal ready for whenever they needed it. I brought it over before the baby came and told her to put it in the freezer.

(Jen and I at my baby shower)

For my meal I decided to go with one of my favorites.  Chicken chili. Easy, delicious and a perfect fall meal. I actually shared this recipe quite awhile ago when I started blogging.  I don't think there is a better comforting meal than chili.  Especially when enjoyed on a cool, fall day.  I shopped for my ingredients at Meijer.  I actually made a batch for Chris and I too, which made it so easy to make a meal for someone else.  It was a reminder to me that doing something nice for someone else does not need to be an overwhelming task!  
Another easy way to do good for others is to simply purchase one of Project 7 products at a store that you already shop at, like Target or Meijer.  

I purchased ten packs of gum and started by giving one away to the cashier at Meijer.  He seemed a little confused when I told him to keep a pack of gum.  I told him a little about Project 7 and the lady behind me heard about their mission as well, so I gave her one too.   It was fun to share about such a neat company.  I gave him the SAVE gum, which plants 10 trees for every pack purchased.  I also purchased some of the FEED gum which feeds 7 meals to Americans for every pack purchased.   It fun to picture trees being planted or people being fed, just buy picking up a pack of gum.

To help spread the word about Project 7 I had seven more packs of gum to give to others.  I made little cards that said "Chew for Change" and attached them to the gum.  When I was out running errands the next day I handed them out to strangers and got to share with them a little about Project 7 and their mission. It was fun to bring a smile to others' faces.  And to know that doing something good is as simple as buying a pack of gum or giving one away. 
To learn more about this amazing company, check out the video below.  And make sure to follow Project 7 on facebook and twitter.  Next time you're in the check out line purchase a pack of this gum and know that you are helping to make a difference.  And better yet, buy one to give to someone else too. 

The Pet Tracker

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Tagg™ Pet Tracker, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #pettracker  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.” Our poor Molly has been slightly neglected since bringing Addilyn home.  I know I've shared before about how Chris used to treat Molly like his own little baby.   Since bringing Addilyn home, that is definitely no longer the case.  While we of course still love Molly, she definitely doesn't get the attention that she used to.  Soon after we got home Molly started eating diapers.  Clean ones thankfully, but I know it's because she is jealous.  

When Chris took her to the vet last month she had gained ten pounds since last year.  Now I'm sure a few are because she's just getting older, but I'm sure a few are because she's not as active as she was before Addilyn.  Which is why I was so excited to get a chance to try out the Tagg Pet Tracker.  The light weight, durable device attaches to your dog's (or cat's) collar and monitors their activity level throughout the day.  It also has a GPS tracker so you're able to tell where your animal is at all times.  It comes with an app for your phone so its easy to access information.

I love the GPS tracker because if Molly were to ever get lost we would have no problem finding her.  At any time I can look up on my phone and see were she is.  Thankfully we never have issues with Molly running away, but if she did I'd be SO thankful we had this.   You can set it up to have it text or send you emails when your dog is outside the home GPS range.  Which can also be convenient for tracking your husband.  Like the other day when I was waiting for Chris to get to my parents house for dinner.  He was bringing Molly and I knew he was on his way because I got a message saying that Molly was outside the GPS home range.   My favorite part of the Tagg Pet Tracker though is the activity tracker.  You can see what levels of activity your dog does throughout the day.  It is definitely motivation to get Molly moving and out of the house.  The other day we went on a picnic and with a baby, lunch and everything we brought it seemed like a hassle to add Molly to the mix, but this was good motivation to bring her, and I'm so glad we did.  She was SO happy and I could tell that day her activity levels were higher.   I was happily surprised that she spent the majority of the day doing moderate activity, even when we're out of the house.  Unfortunately some of that moderate activity may be tearing up diapers but at least she's getting energy out, right? :)   I'm excited that we get to continually monitor her activity.  Plus I know if Molly ever did run away the thought that we'd be able to know exactly right where she is, would be definitely worth the cost of the device!
If you would like to buy a Tagg Pet Tracker for your pet you can use the discount code TAGG10 and take 10% off.   The Pet Tracker is normally $99 and it comes with three months of service.  

ups and downs

blouse: c/o so kate   necklace: groopdealz   shoes: kohls (recent clearance $8)

Ups This blouse from the online boutique So Kate.  There are so many cute clothes that I had a hard time picking out one thing! I would also like to own this polka dot blazer or this floral necklace.   We made it through our first trip to a store alone last week.  I was nervous the whole time that Addilyn would start crying, but she slept the whole time.  She must love Target.  Thank goodness. 

I usually do not do anything cute or impressive with my nails, unlike my sister Lauren.  But I tried out the new Sally Hansen fuzzy nail polish and loved it.  Read more about it, as well as my tutorial for my nails here!
I got through the one day of work that I had to go to for a long time.  I left Addilyn home with Chris for the morning half and picked her up at lunch to come back with me for the afternoon.  I missed her like crazy and couldn't not think about what she was doing every minute.  Thankfully Chris did great with her!  I've made a few desserts since Addilyn was born, and finally made a real dinner last week.  I'm looking forward to getting into a routine of cooking again, as it's been quite a long time since I wanted to make dinner.  Like over 9 months a long time.  Now if someone would just do the grocery shopping part for me.

Blogging friends.  My friend Maria sent this sweet card and book all the way from Holland!  I am continually amazed at the thoughtful and amazing woman I've met through blogging who have prayed for me and encouraged me this last year and a half.  

Downs The bachlorette is over.  I didn't even like this season but am a loyal fan and will probably watch it no matter what.  And so I miss it.  Hurry on up Fall shows.  
Nighttime.  It stresses me out.  Sometimes a lot. I struggle between the idea of starting some kind of schedule and just letting her do own thing for now as she is still so little.  Sometimes I find reading about it and hearing what others are doing helpful, but sometimes it stresses me out more.   Alone time with Chris not happening.  Working through this major transition has had its challenges as eight years of marriage has made us very used to plenty of time alone together.  I'm absolutely loving that we are now a family of three and realizing that this is a season of life we are in and we'll just have to work harder to work on our marriage.  While she does look happy here, I know Molly is struggling to adjust to life with a baby in our house.  Inevitably the amount of attention she gets has definitely decreased and I feel sad for her.  Hopefully once Addilyn requires a little less attention and we get into more of a routine, I'll be able to love on Molly some more!
I went to Kohls with my mom last weekend and Addilyn had a huge spit up/throw up disaster.  It was all over her onsie, carseat, stroller - everywhere.  And it just kept coming.  I felt so bad and was SO glad my mom was with me to help.  
What was the best part and worst part of your week last week?

I Heart My Nail Art

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client.

I usually fail in the creative nail department, unlike my sister who always has the cutest, fancy nails.  I was really excited to try out the Sally Hansen fuzzy nails, as it would give me some motivation to not just paint my nails but to do something creative with them.  So of course I called Lauren and asked her which nail polish I should buy, as she's already used the fuzzy nails.  Combine that with some pinterest searching for nail designs and I was ready to go to Walgreens to buy my nail polish.

I went straight to the Sally Hansen display and there were so many color choices that it took me awhile to decide.  And lucky for me both polishes were on sale.  The fuzzy nail polish was two for ten dollars and the xtreme nails were only two dollars.  I am wishing I bought a few more shades of the xtreme nails for the future!

I went with two purple colors for the base and a light pink for the fuzzy nail top coat.  

lacey lilac    wool lite    violate voltage

Going with the color blocking trend I painted all but my ring finger with the lacey lilac x-treme wear nail polish.  I love how fast this polish dries!

I used the violate voltage color to paint my ring finger.  It looks like I needed to add a second coat.  But the nice thing is that when you put the fuzzy coat on it covers any area that isn't perfect!

I then put a coat of fuzzy nail polish in the wool lite color over each nail.  It looks pink in the bottle but appears white on your nails.  

I wasn't sure if I would love the fuzzy look or not, and wasn't sure if it was worth the $5 (on sale) a bottle, but I really did love it.  I love that it covers any mistakes you make on your base coat and it doesn't have to be applied perfectly to still look good.  Which is great for me since I am far from an expert when painting my nails.  It also didn't take too long to do and gives your nails a much more fun look than plain nail polish.  

Now I'm wishing I would have bought one in another color!

Check out the rest of my shopping experience in my google plus album here!

one month favorites

My sweet blogging friend Jennifer and I have known each other since I started blogging and her friendship has been such a blessing, as we've gone through a lot of the same things in regards to getting pregnant .  We found out we were both pregnant within a few days of each other and had our babies within a few days of each other too.  Jennifer asked me to share some of things that I have loved this first month and shared hers as well.  She did a great job putting it all together and let me share it on my blog too! :)

Here are my favorites from the first month: 

1. Circo Love n Nature LED Tap Light
When I registered for this I didn't realize how much I'd love or use it.  We keep this next to our bed and leave it on all night.  I love that when I wake up I can see Addilyn right away and know that she is okay.  It's also not too bright where it seems to get her really awake, but bright enough I can see to feed her and change her.  Plus, it plugs in so you don't have to keep buying batteries.

2. Gilligan & O' Malley Nursing Bras
I did not think much about having to wear a bra to bed but I definitely need too and am glad I found these.  And I wear them most days too, which once I start actually going out more I'll have to wear real bras I guess. :) They are super comfortable and easy to move to the side quickly when you have a crying, hungry baby in the middle of the night!

3. Happy Baby Wrap Carrier
I won this in a giveaway and had registered for the Moby Wrap but was happy to use this instead. Addilyn loves it and usually falls asleep after ten minutes or so of being in it.  She spends at least a few hours a day in it.  I love it because I can be on my computer, eat or do things around the house with it.  I still feel a little nervous not holding onto to her with at least one hand but hopefully I'll get over that soon!

4. Arm's Reach Mini Co-Sleeper Bassinet
The first few weeks Addilyn did not want to sleep in anything but my arms.  Many nights I slept on the recliner in our living room, which helped too since I felt like I was nursing every hour.  We tried everything to get her to sleep on her own: a swing, the bouncy seat, the little section on the pack and play. We pretty much at a little store of baby furniture next to our bed.  We decided to try this co-sleeper and have had much better luck.  I love that I can see her on my same level, can easily hold a pacifier in her mouth for many minutes and can easily pick her up too.

5. Summer Infant Swaddlers
Addilyn does not like to be fully swaddled, but we still use the sleep sack so that her legs are nice and snug.  We just leave her arms out.

6.Water Bottle
I thought I drank a lot of water when I was pregnant but I am drinking way more now.  And thankfully water sounds much better now than when I was pregnant.  I know it's a good thing to drink lots of water when you're breastfeeding and I definitely feel the need to.

7. Fisher Price Baby Bouncer-Forest Fun
We both love this!  I think Addilyn loves that it vibrates and is at an incline and I love that it is easy to carry from room to room while she's in it.  She's pretty content in here while she's awake (of course depending on the time of the day) and will take naps in here too.  Without this I'm not sure how I'd go to the bathroom or shower.

8. Gerber Newborn Gowns
These are the only thing we put Addilyn in for pajamas.  It is so much easier than zipper or snap pajamas to check her diaper at night.  And since we put her in a swaddle/sleep sack I know her legs or feet don't get cold.

And here are Jennifer's favorites for her sweet boy Bryce:

  

1. Gerber Newborn Mittens
You'll be amazed at how babies can come out looking like Edward Scissorhands. Their nails can be quite long but they are thin like paper making it darn near impossible to file down. I actually packed these mittens in our hospital bag and the nurses kept swooning over what a good idea it was to bring them to with (I know I'm a genius). Much to my hubby's dismay, I made Bryce wear these puppies until the day we took him for his newborn pictures. Couldn't risk scratching up that pretty lil' mug of his!

2. Nosefrida
You know how some people have a weird fetish with popping pimples? Yeah, well, I kind of have this odd obsession with sucking my son's snot. Okay, so it may sound strange but this non-invasive nasal aspirator is awesome (and yes, there is a filter so the snot doesn't come anywhere near your mouth). I had read rave reviews about this sucker (haha no pun intended) and figured I would give it a try. Bryce's nose get's congested a lot and so far I have found the Nosefrida works a whole lot better than the bulb aspirator at clearing it out.

3. Fisher-Price Snug a Bunny Swing
Swings, some babies love them, some babies hate them. Thank goodness Bryce loves his swing (most of the time).

4. Graco Pack n Play with Newborn Napper
This thing has been a lifesaver! The baby's nursery is on a different floor than our master bedroom so it's nice because not only can we have him near us while we sleep at night (and I don't have to walk the stairs semi-conscious to nurse) but it also has a changing table. Definitely glad we registered for this!

5. Baby K'tan
This carrier is so easy to put on versus the Moby which looks really complicated. Any time Bryce  has a full belly and a clean diaper and is still fussy I know I can always count on this carrier in calming him down. In addition, it allows me to use the restroom, eat , and do laundry!

6. Gerber Soothe Colic Drops Probiotic Supplement
Our little man has problems digesting after his feedings and I hate seeing him in pain trying to pass gas. It was a relief when our pediatrician recommended these colic drops. Unlike the other drops on the market this is the only supplement for breastfed babies with the priobiotic L. reuteri (which is a friendly bacteria!) It has definitely helped a little in easing his tummy troubles.

7. Aden & Anais Swaddle Wraps
When I was pregnant this was the one brand that other mommas constantly recommended to me. These swaddle blankets are perfect for summer babies because they are lightweight and breathable. Originally, I was intimidated by their large size (seriously, they look like you can swaddle a baby rhino in them) but once you ace your baby burrito wrapping skills you will love them. I use them for multiple things like draping over his car seat to block the sun and to cover myself while nursing in the doctor's parking lot (yes, something I thought I would never do!)

8. Babyganics Hand and Face Wipes
These wipes are great to have on hand for in between baths!

If you want to check out Jennifer's adorable baby boy and her amazing projects she shares visit her here!! And moms - please tell me some of your favorite items for the first few months!