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Happy Valentines Day

Happy Anniversary and Valentines Day!!

Two years ago I married my best friend! We have been together for 10 years now and we have grown so much. I fall more in love with him everyday and now he is not only my best friend, but the best father to our 2 month old son. Here is just a couple things that make me fall more in love with my hubby everyday…

• Good Looking

• Funny

• Best Smile

• Big Lips

• Makes brown eyes look good

• Best Hair that doesn’t need any product

• Shares useless info

• Protective

• Caring

• Big Heart

• Tall

• Strong

• Loves Sports

• Loves his family

• Loves animals (sometimes more then people)

• Best Friend

• Great Husband

• Greatest Father

The list could go on and on, but I am hungry and want lunch!

 

Check out this old post on great money saver websites!!

More Freebies; Baby Slings and Udder Covers

Checkout the Giveaway at the bottom of the page…

Free Baby Carriers!

Use Promo Code “Love” Today

I just ordered mine today and they are normally $39. You do have to pay for shipping which is $11.95 and $3.50 for insurance on sizing. The insurance is in case you ordered the wrong size you can send it back at no charge to you and they will exchange it. They include the return postage.

This is the one I ordered!

Free Udder Covers!

Use Promo Code “One Free” Today

I just ordered mine back in the summertime before I knew what I was having. They are normally $32. You do have to pay for shipping which is $9.95.

This is the one I ordered! The coloring is darker in person.

***Click on the pictures to take you to the links!

Check out Posh Little for a really cool High Chair from Zopper, The Zopper To – Go!!!

Freebies, Giveaways and % off

I am a huge fan of all those sites that have designer brands for 40 – 70 % off. I always checked out rue la la, gilt, hautelook...etc. (On these sites you get $10-$15 when you refer a friend and they make a purchase. Can’t beat free money!)

Then when I had a baby I became a fan of zulily and totsy. Also, you get $15 dollars when you refer a friend and they make a purchase. Sign into Zulily NOW! Free money can’t beat it!

Today I found some great blogs and different sites that give you coupons, let you know of upcoming giveaways, and tell you about big savings. One site even tells you about how to get stuff for free. AWESOME!!!

The first blog I found was My City Mommy, Paying it Foward this site is really cool becuase it tells you about sales, coupons, freebies and they even have a coupon database! I heard about them this morning on Good Morning America and spent all morning while my little man was napping. You could spend hours on their site and I LOVE IT!! Off this site you can check out other blogs from different cities.

Another site I found is Mr. Rebates and you get cash back on all your online purchases. All you have to do is Sign Up to be a member of Mr. Rebates.  It’s free, fast and easy plus you get a $5.00 registration bonus!

Tanga is a site that saves you money with great deals. They offer new deals every 24 hours on electronics, gadgets, t-shirts, magazines and more. Every night at  7:00 p.m. PST the new deals come out. They also have puzzles that are real brain teasers. I have fun trying to solve them!

Ever Save, Share the Save is a site where you sign up and become a member and they send you emails on the local deals. When you sign up you pick the city you live in or is closest to you. When you see a deal that you want you purchase that deal and your voucher is redeemable with that merchant for the product or service specified. These make great gifts because the voucher does not have the price written on them. To use them all you have to do is print your voucher and take it to your local merchant or go to their website and at the checkout enter your coupon code to receive your discount. 

Do you have any websites that save you money?? If so please share…

 

The creamiest Macaroni and Cheese

When our son was born we were so lucky to have a nanny or au pair (Bernice) for a couple of weeks. Bernice arrived while I was still in the hospital and stayed for a week and half. It was amazing because she helped with all the cooking, laundry, and helping us with the baths. Richard would sleep in Bernice’s room at night so I could get a good nights sleep and she would bring him in for feedings.  It was the best experience because I learned so much. Things I will share with you in further posts, but for now the mac and cheese recipe!

I acquired the creamiest and most delicious Mac and Cheese recipe from Bernice.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of elbow macaroni or medium shells
• 3 bags of yellow or white cheddar cheese (I mix yellow and white)
• 1 stick of margarine or butter
• 6 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• salt and pepper
• paprika

Steps

1. In a large pot boil the water with salt cook the pasta for 7-9 minutes. DRAIN, DO NOT RINSE
2. Put back in the pot, stir in the stick of butter or margarine and sprinkle with black pepper.
3. Layer in a pyrex pan the pasta and cheese and cover with the cheese completely.
4. In the pot whisk together the eggs and milk
5. Pour on top of the pasta and cheese almost to the top
6. Sprinkle paprika on the top for coloring.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour. At the end I put on the broiler so the top will get crunchy, but make sure it doesn’t burn.

 

Baby Richard

Richard Hollis Simon

December 10, 2010

7 lbs 15 oz. / 21 inches

6:19 AM

Sorry, it has been a long time, but I have been very busy. Almost a month and half a go my baby boy was born and do I have a story for you. I had the best delivery in the world!!

My Birth Story:

On December 9th I had lower back pain all day, but didn’t think to much of it and went to work and out to dinner. Later that night I must have had a hunch because I put a towel in bed to lay on in case my water broke. Well at about 4 AM I got out of bed and Sam asked, “are you ok?” I told him “I think my water broke, but don’t worry and go back to bed.” I went down stairs so he could sleep. Hearing that news he could not sleep and he immediately came down as I was ready to go up and hop in the shower to see if that would help. Sam got dressed and got out a notebook to start recording my contractions. I knew I was in labor, but didn’t think I was that far into it. I told everyone that I was afraid I would not know when I was in labor and they told me I would know.

I could not tell Sam when exactly the contractions would start and end. This is when I was supposedly mean and cursing at him, but I have no recollection of that.  It was painful, but not unbearable. I got out of the shower and grabbed 2 towels and yelled at Sam to dry me. He told me to get dressed so we could go to the hospital. I didn’t want to go because I was afraid I would get there and they would tell me I was only 1cm dilated and to go home. I did not want to be sent home. Finally, after a long time and Sam telling me to get dressed for a while we finally headed to the hospital. I could not sit in the car and did not know how I was going to make it. So I climbed in and faced the back of the car on my knees and hugged the seat. Once we got to the hospital which luckily is only about a 5-10 minute drive away. I got out of the car and walked into the hospital and Sam went ahead of me to get someone. It must have been a funny sight me trying to walk normally and Sam holding 2 pillows, a blanket, my purse, my bag, and his huge camera bag. We were moving in!

The front desk guy who seemed to young to be helping me tried to get me into a wheel chair and with all my lower back pain I told him I was not sitting. He said this is the fastest way I can get you there so I leaped into the chair. We got onto the elevator and he told us he had to stay at the front desk and he hit the number 3 button and the doors closed.  The only person who had helped since arriving to the hospital had just closed the door on me and we were alone. That was a sad moment for some reason.  I sat in the wheelchair and when the doors opened I wheeled myself out because Sam’s hands were full. I walked into the maternity section and left the wheelchair in the hall. You do things without caring. Usually I put everything back and feel sorry if I don’t. Today I did not care. So when I walked in I was holding onto the wall and three nurses were just standing there looking at me. They didn’t say anything and I was like well were do I go. They told me I shouldn’t come in crying and I told them loudly and firmly that I WAS NOT CRYING! So I went into a room and got into a gown and noticed I was bleeding. At that time I didn’t know that was normal and began to freak out. They told me to lay down on the bed until they come back and I thought there is no way I can lay down. I stood and waited for all the nurses to come back. I asked which Doctor was on duty and they told me Dr. R (I wont give the full name). Without thinking I blurted out, “oh, Shit that is the only Dr. I did not like.” They started prepping machines and things and I finally laid on my side and they checked to see if I was dilated. To everyones surprise I was fully dilated and they quickly covered me up and wheeled me into a delivery room.

When we were on our tour there was only one room that was a model room and it was new with dark wood and modern furniture. So I said “ohhh am I getting the new room!” Since I was ready to go they said why not you deserve it. I rolled into the new bed and the Doctor came in. The nurses were all great and coached me and told me I was doing great. The Dr. turned out to be great and didn’t say anything to me at all. That is the way I like it. I am not going to get too graphic, but all I am going to say is that it didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would and that it just burned liked hell. After about 20 minutes of pushing my baby boy was born and on my chest and in my arms. Daddy cut the cord, but I had no idea. It is a weird feeling. I was obviously in the room, but felt like I was a million miles away. It was all a blur while I was pushing.

While I was holding my baby and waiting on the placenta I looked up and looked at one of the nurses and said, “I know you. Didn’t I go to middle school with you?” How weird and what are the odds of that happening??

They took Richard and cleaned him up a bit and did all the tests and when I got him back I tried feeding him and he latched on right away. He looked really funny because he had a big cone head, but he was beautiful with  a little bit of blonde hair and blue eyes.

Richard Hollis Simon

December 10, 2010

7 lbs 15 oz. / 21 inches

6:19 AM

38 Weeks

I was really hoping that our baby would arrive on December 2nd, but no such luck. It is hard to believe that I met Sam (my husband) 10 years ago yesterday. I thought it would be so special for our baby to be born on that day. We always have December 9th too. Even though Sam and I met on the 2nd and were together every day he didn’t ask me to be his girlfriend until a week later on the 9th. So here is hoping that baby Richey arrives next Thursday, December 9th!!!

How your baby’s growing:

Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he’s over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you’ll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby’s eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he’s born with brown eyes, they’ll likely stay brown. If he’s born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he’s 9 months old. That’s because a child’s irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he’s born, but they usually won’t get “lighter” or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

How your life’s changing:

For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby’s nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby’s born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can.

Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your practitioner without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or have a sudden weight gain. Also let her know immediately if have severe or persistent headaches; visual changes (such as double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, light sensitivity, or a temporary loss of vision), intense upper abdominal pain or tenderness, or nausea and vomiting. These are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.

37 Weeks

How your baby’s growing:

Your baby is now considered “full term,” even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you’re planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there’s a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don’t be surprised if your baby’s hair isn’t the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

 

How your life’s changing:

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some “bloody show” (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn’t yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you’ll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby’s movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you’re sleeping, you’re likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

 

 

36 Weeks

How I am feeling:

Sam and I went for our last ultrasound today and found out that our baby is already seven pounds. OH BOY!!! It looks as though he will be an 8 pounder and in the upper 8’s at that. We got some pictures and I must say he is a cutie!!!! I am in love and can not wait to hold him in my arms.

I am feeling really tired and my belly is itching like crazy. It is hard to find a comfortable sleeping position for the whole night. Before I could sleep in the one position, but now I am uncomfortable and it is really hard to get up. Slip on shoes are my best friends now because it is so hard to bend over. Scroll down to the bottom to see some pictures.

How your baby’s growing:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He’s shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he’s in a head-down position. But if he isn’t, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an “external cephalic version,” which is a fancy way of saying she’ll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

How your life’s changing:

Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to “drop” down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you’ve given birth before, it probably won’t happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you’ll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they’re carrying a bowling ball between their legs!

You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you’re full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn’t broken, she’ll probably have you wait to come in until you’ve been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you’ll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby’s activity or think you’re leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

Even if you’re enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it’s best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. In fact, some airlines won’t let women on board who are due to deliver within 30 days of the flight.

Week 35

Week 36

Baby Richey!!!

 

Arbonne

I have recently started my home based business with Arbonne International. I have had about 4 parties so far and have enjoyed them so much because people get to try the products and get chances to win free gifts!

Arbonne offers amazing products at great prices, they also offer additional discounts to Preferred Clients. It costs $29 to become a preferred client for the year and to renew the following year it is only $15.
The benefits of being a preferred client include :  20% – 50% discount on products for the next year, starting immediately, ongoing specials and extra discounts throughout the year. You get your own ID and PIN number for easy internet ordering.

ARBONNE

is the Premier Leader in Natural Skin Care Arbonne was founded in the U.S. in 1980 by a Norwegian named Petter Morck. Decades before people understood the importance of safe cosmetics and protecting the environment, Petter and his team were formulating botanically based skin care that was completely different from anything on the market. Today we know that what we put on our skin affects our health. As science begins to reveal the importance of “safe” skin care, people are actively seeking natural alternatives.

Arbonne has the answer…

ARBONNE products are completely FREE of:

Petroleum, Phthalates, Hormone Altering Ingredients, Artificial dyes, PABA, Animal Derived Ingredients, Fragrances, Propylene Glycol, Parabens (skin care products now, the rest soon), Sodium Laurel Sulfate, FSC Certified (see http://www.fsc.org )

ARBONNE Owns “Fresh Cell Technology”

“Fresh Cell Technology” is a process exclusive to ARBONNE that extracts the freshest, most potent nutrients from the botanical source, leaving them completely intact until they touch the skin. The result is nothing other than “miraculous”. Arbonne made history as it announced this world class science in the Feb 09 edition of “allure” magazine. And this is just the tip of the iceberg!

ARBONNE Has The Dynamic Duo

Proprietary formulations are developed at the Arbonne Institute of Research & Development (AIRD) in Sion, Switzerland, under the watchful eye of Pierre Bottiglieri and Peter Matravers, PhD. Dr. Matravers put Neutrogena on the map with T‐Gel and helped lead AVEDA from a 50 million dollar company to a 700 million dollar company. Mr. Bottiglieri is the President of the Swiss Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Europe’s leading technical association for natural skin care. This prestigious team of scientists is poised to lead Arbonne into its most DRAMATIC GROWTH EVER! ARBONNE is leading the way to a NEW ERA in personal care products!

PURE: Arbonne is committed to the development of unparalleled products free of harmful ingredients,our commitment begins with research and testing to ensure that each of our ingredients meets andexceeds industry standards for purity.

• Arbonne products are Vegan certified

• They are never tested on animals

• They do not contain animal ingredients or by products

• We do not use Formaldehyde preservatives

 

SAFE: Our products are hypoallergenic. We don’t bring anything to market unless we’ve tested every ingredient and every formula.
BENEFICIAL: Our products are like FOOD for your skin. They don’t just sit on your skin – theynourish it. We give you beauty with benefits!

 

***If you are interested in Arbonne at all to host a party (great way to get lots of products), as a part time business, or to order some great products please comment or email me at stefe1202@gmail.com