Life, as it is...

Holiday Cookie Swap!!

2011-11-21T22:51:00.001-05:00

I'm joining in for the blogger holiday cookie swap hosted by Katie over at Practical Parenting...check out how you can join in the fun here Can't wait to dig up a delish recipe to swap!

The Christmas Debate: Does Santa Wrap His Gifts?

2010-12-22T22:59:00.006-05:00

Tensions will typically run high when your doing your Christmas shopping on December 22 @ Target with an hour and a half time limit but that, my friends, is a post for another time. Though it was the reason for such a heated debate between me and Hubs today!We were heading to the checkout lines when we realized that we forgot to grab more wrapping paper. We already had a few of those half height

Is anybody out there??

2010-10-22T01:54:00.000-04:00

Hi there! Not really sure who I’m greeting considering I’d be willing to bet that my list of followers is practically nonexistent!! If you are still following me, THANK YOU…and if you’re not, well then I guess you’re not reading this, but I understand why... I’ve been so inconsistent with the blog that I really can’t blame anyone for losing interest. I don’t not blog by choice, trust me! I’ve

Our trip to New Hampshire

2010-08-12T14:12:00.000-04:00

Last weekend the whole family packed up and headed to our cottage in Alton Bay, New Hampshire for a few days. We totally needed it! We had a great time! It was a packed house though, let me tell ya! There was me, my husband, our daughter, Papa Neno (hubby's grandfather), cousin John, John's wife Sabrina, their daughter (my goddaughter) Jordin, cousin Justin and his girlfriend Anaiese. Thank

Prayers and Positive Vibes needed

2010-08-12T01:34:00.000-04:00

The 31dbbb challenge has allowed me to find some really cool blogs and meet some really amazing people with incredible stories. I want to share one of those people with you. Meet Erin of Amundsen House of Chaos. She's a wife to an Army recruiter and mother to 3 of the cutest kids you've ever seen!! Her oldest daughter Jahnna has been diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and

SOS, please someone help me....(giveaway! and sliding in a 31dbbb assignment)

2010-08-11T22:01:00.000-04:00

Sorry, that songs been stuck in my head all day! But, I DO need help... If you've been following my blog, you know that I just started a weekly post called Entertaining Tuesdays (this week's post was summer party themes)...well, I want to start weekly posts about crafts, recipes and an archive highlight day...only I don't know what to call them!?!? I'm asking my readers to help me come up with

Entertaining Tuesdays: Summer Party Themes Wednesday Edition

2010-08-11T14:30:00.003-04:00

Hey all! Welcome back to Entertaining Tuesdays...the Wednesday Edition since I was too stupid to schedule my post before I left for our New Hampshire vacation!! Incase you missed the previous Entertaining Tuesdays, you can find my Summer Party Recipes here and Summer Party Basics here. Today, Im going to talk about some cool summer party themes you can use for your next summer bash! Nothing

Reward If Found: Lost Blogging Mojo

2010-08-06T11:55:00.000-04:00

I have lost my mojo. I havent blogged in days, updated my Facebook or sent a single tweet! I have officially lost my mojo. Things have been crazy here and I have been totally stressed out!! I'm super behind in my 31 DBBB challenges-which I updated this morning from Day 8 to Day 19- and there was a Blogger error! The page didn't save and it's still on Day 8!! WTF?!?!?! This has been my luck

Works for Me Wednesday- Kitchen Tips

2010-08-04T01:13:00.001-04:00

I don't know about you, but the majority of my time spent at home is spent in the kitchen. Whether it's cooking or cleaning or just hanging out, the kitchen is the center of most homes. Today I'm sharing some of my most helpful kitchen tips! I've picked these up from friends, the web, family and magazines. I've tried and use all of them and I hope you can find one or two that works for you!

Entertaining Tuesdays-Summer Party Recipes

2010-08-03T02:06:00.019-04:00

Welcome back to week 2 of our Entertaining Tuesday series. Today I'm going to share some easy, yet delicious summer party recipes!! Incase you missed last week, check out my Basic Tips for Summer Parties. Now let's get on to the best part of any party- the food!!! pic from en.fotolia.com The food you offer for your party depends on the type of party your having- pool party, summer dinner

Tackle It Tuesday- Kitchen Stove

2010-08-03T00:51:00.001-04:00

So one day last week I decided that it was high time I attacked my kitchen stove!! Here's what it used to look like (I'm almost embaressed to even post these!!): I know, I know- gross, right? Well I went to work with an SOS pad, hot water, Lysol All Purpose spray and viola! I started my attack before I remembered to take a before picture of my range hood, but trust me it was worse than

Follow Me Chickadee Friday

2010-07-29T23:31:00.000-04:00

Hey there, thanks for stopping by my blog!! I hope you take a look around and find something that you like, makes you laugh or you find useful!! Here's a few links to some of my favorite posts... Mixed Berry Crispy Crumble Office: Before & After Spring Cleaning: The Kitchen Fave Family Foto Friday 3/27/08 Those are just a few...feel free to snoop around my archives!! Enjoy your visit! If

Just for fun...

2010-07-29T15:28:00.000-04:00

I write like David Foster WallaceI Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing! Wasn't sure who this was so...here's his Wiki....coulda been worse, huh? They coulda said like Dr. Suess!

Works for me Wednesday- Coupon Organizing System

2010-07-28T13:07:00.002-04:00

One of the best things you can do to save money is to actually use all those coupons that you have!! I don't know about you, but I used to spend hours cutting coupons and scouring the web for coupons on all the products I use then when it came time for checkout, I either forgot my coupons or realized that I forgot I had coupons for things I bought!! That sure don't save any money, but it does

Entertaining Tuesdays- Basic Tips for Your Summer Parties

2010-07-27T07:44:00.008-04:00

Welcome to the first post in my new Entertaining Tuesday series! With summer in full swing, most of us are spending more time in our yards and that means having friends over. I'll be sharing tips for easy summer entertaining and recipes- maybe even a summer craft or two thrown in just for fun!! Let's start with some basic tips for easy summer entertaining. Pic from diylife.com Start with

Monday Mingle Vlog

2010-07-26T18:24:00.001-04:00

Well, I've done my very first vlog!!! I joined in the Monday Mingle hosted by EightyMphMom.com and you can too!! Just head over there for this week's questions (submitted by Robyn @ Robyn's Online World ), vlog your answers and then link it up!!

Life, as it is- On Facebook!!!

2010-07-26T15:43:00.000-04:00

Ok everyone, listen up...Life, as it is is now on Facebook!!! Hip hip, hooray! Hip hip, hooray!! If you follow me here, please head over to the Life, as it is fan page and "Like" it!! Puhleeeze??? There's also going ot be a few changes here at Life, as it is...with targeted weekly series posts, some vlogs and there's some really cool giveaways coming up too! Feel free to suggest the Life,

Straight out of the Camera Sunday

2010-07-26T00:02:00.003-04:00

Here's all the Chickens @ the Bon Jovi concert last night!!! This post is part of Straight Out Of The Camera Sunday hosted by Murrieta365...if you want to join in head over and link up your own unedited pic!!!

Follow Me Chickadee!

2010-07-23T01:20:00.000-04:00

Well let me just tell you that for my Day 4 31DBBB homework, I have been searching the net all day and coming across a ton of blogs that I will be stalking!! One of my new fave's is The Life of a Sippy Cup Mom! It just so happens that she's one of the co-hosts of Follow Me Chickadee Friday...which is another meme I'm participating in!! I've found so many cool blogs with weekly meme's that

Freezer Food Friday-Pork Tenderloin with Plum BBQ Sauce

2010-07-23T00:46:00.003-04:00

It's my first week participating in Freezer Food Friday hosted by What A Crock!My recipe comes from Rachael Ray, who I stalk love!!! I've made it a few times and each time is more delicious than the last! Enjoy!Pork Tenderloin with Plum Barbecue SauceServes 4Ingredients:•1/2 cup sugar•1 cup water•1 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and grated•4 plums, sliced•1 teaspoon five-spice powder•1/

Writer's Workshop: Good Mom Moment

2010-07-22T23:20:00.002-04:00

So a few weeks ago I was having "one of those days" and was about to lose my mind!! This house can be detrimental to one's mental health (there'll be more on this later but the short story is that we live in a 3 family house surrounded by family! Yeah. Fun.) and it was happening to me!! I was washing dishes and I can't remember if the phone rang, or someone knocked on the door or if it was Papa

31DBBB Challenge-Day2: List Post

2010-07-21T16:57:00.000-04:00

Day 2 of the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge has us writing a list post, which is right up my alley!! I'm all about lists! I seriously have a list for almost everything. I live and breath for checklists. 8 Ways to Make Your Mornings Less Hectic Get your coffee ready the night before. A coffee maker with an auto start timer is priceless!! If your a tea drinker- set out your cup with

31DBBB Challenge-Day 1: Elevator Pitch

2010-07-19T12:44:00.000-04:00

The challenge is to create an elevator pitch for your blog. Day 1 and I'm already screwed! 1.What is your short elevator pitch? My blog is to share tips, tricks, links-anything I find that could make a SAHM's life a little easier. 2.Did completing this task change your blog, or change the way you think about your blog? Well I guess so because now I realize that my blog's kinda all

7 Link Challenge from ProBlogger

2010-07-19T12:13:00.004-04:00

As usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short (or in this case a few days late and a dollar short!)...the other day ProBlogger posted a 7 Link Challenge. Check it out and join in (hey I'm late too and I knew about it! LOL) 1. Your first post- My first post was written in July of 2008 and titled A Day at the Aquarium...it pretty m,uch summed up a family outing with lots of pics (which I have to

Lookin for a cool coffee (or tea) travel mug??

2010-07-19T11:34:00.001-04:00

You gotta check out Misfit Mama and the cool giveaway she's having for a Brugo Travel Mug! If you've never heard of Brugo check out their website (you gotta to enter the contest anyway!) and see how their Thermodynamic Technology delivers the perfect temperature sip everytime!! Trust me, your gonna want one of these!!! It's easy to enter! Just head over to Misfit Mama's blog, check out her

Writer's Workshop: Are your medicenes fake??

2010-07-15T10:54:00.001-04:00

*Choose a headline from the Today Show and write an opinion piece* We all know about the very large market of counterfiet accessories such as handbags, watches and sunglasses. But did you know that your kids cough medicene could be fake?? According to a segment which aired on the Today Show on July 14, it's a real possibility! Counterfieter's aren't just making wallets and watches anymore,

A warning (and a thank you!)

2010-07-14T15:28:00.000-04:00

Let me start by warning you that I'm in the process of updating things here at Life, as it is...if you visit me and things look a little "outta whack"- it's only temporary!! I'm also updating my blog roll, blog list and most everything else so if you suddenly don't see your link I assure you it will be back soon (maybe in a different spot, but still here!!) If you have any tips or sites that

Follow me back Tuesday

2010-07-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

Follow Me Back Tuesday is another day of the week that you can gain more followers and find other great blogs to follow on a weekly basis. Follow Me Back Tuesday is hosted by Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's, Review Retreat and Boobies, Babies & a Blog. This week's guest host is Hiding From the Kids It's a great way to start off your week and get more BF's !! Each week we will choose a random

Crafting Craziness

2010-07-13T03:32:00.002-04:00

I'm participating in this week's over at Today's Creative Blog! I can't wait to see all the cool crafts and add some to my list! I thank heaven's everyday for my daily email from TipNut for all the amazing sewing, crocheting and just plain old crafty tips they've got!! I've decided to share my "upcoming projects" folder with you and I'm sure you'll add a few to yours! This is the Fun

The Bedtime Battle

2010-07-13T03:23:00.002-04:00

I have no idea what caused it, but a few months ago when my daughter turned 3, she decided that she no longer needed to sleep at night! She had already given up a "real" afternoon nap about 6 months before that, so what gives?? Isn't she exhausted? The kid doesn't stand still during the day- how can she not pass right out? Trust me, she does not. Every night in my house a battle is fought

A crafty giveaway

2010-07-11T21:14:00.000-04:00

I've been following A Little Birdie Secret in my reader for a loooong time now and have gotten a TON of project ideas from the site!! Right now, she's got her KitchenAid mixer decorated with a vinyl cutout that was made with an awesome tool from Silhouette. It's the Silhouette digital cutting machine and you won't believe what you can do with this thing!!! My evil crafting twin is going

It's a Click Carnival!!!

2010-07-11T17:23:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty excited to be participating in the Click Carnival this week over @ SITS! It's a pretty cool idea, a great way to meet new bloggy friends and what better way to add to my blog reading list?? Here goes... Hi! Welcome to Life, As It Is...I'm Tara and this blog is my place to share what I love with you! You'll find recipes, mom stories, craft projects, cleaning tips, freebie finds

Wanna win an iPad??

2010-06-16T09:51:00.002-04:00

Ok everyone, listen up! You remember that cool site I told you all about moths ago that sends you email reminders for your friends and co-workers birthdays and has all the resources to throw a great party and has a TON of online invites, right?? Well MyPunchbowl just launched their new digital invitation studio and its awesome!! There's customizable digital invitations, envelopes, postage, and

Eureka(Fest)!!

2010-06-15T20:50:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I'm ALWAYS looking for something new, fun and exciting to do with my daughter! With the rash of crappy weather we've been having here in Boston, the options are dwindling fast!! Well I've found something that fits the bill for fun and exciting called EurekaFest! Its a special program hosted by the Museum of Science and MIT (yes, the MIT) this Saturday, June 19th

Im here, Im here!

2010-04-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

Well hello there! Its been so long since Ive blogged I don't even know where to begin!! There have been some HUGE changes in my life (we'll get to those eventually!) over the past 9 months-some good some bad- but thankfully I will be able to blog again!!! You have no idea how much Ive missed blogging and all my blog friends!! I probably wont be blogging daily but will definitely be blogging!!

Deadbeat blogger. (and a watermelon extravaganza!)

2009-07-02T17:04:00.002-04:00

I have been seriously neglecting my blog, I know...I don't mean to, really! I just come across so much stuff that I want to share and blog about and when I don't for a few days it gets overwhelming!!! I promise I will try harder.... I don't know where many of my readers are from, but I'm from Boston...I pray for you that your weather has not been as sh*tty as mine has been here!! Our local

Newsflash...

2009-06-24T22:51:00.000-04:00

Hey bloggy friends!! I've been outta the loop for the past week or so, but have soooo much to share with you!!! Just wanted to let you all know that I'll be back and blogging tomorrow about all the stuff that's been going on...

Doesn't this sound like fun?

2009-06-14T01:30:00.002-04:00

I am lovin the swaps that are being held all around the bloggy world and this one sounds like sooooo much fun!!Angie of Angie's Spot is hosting a Christmas In July swap and who doesn't love Christmas?? I know I do! I heard about this swap from my most recent swap hostess (more about that tomorrow!!) Shannon of Welcome to the Nuthouse ...I had never visited Angie's blog but didn't want to leave

Favorite Family Foto Friday time!

2009-06-12T15:23:00.000-04:00

It feels like it's been ages since I participated in Favorite Family Foto Fridays hosted by Deborah @ Pictures Post Pens!! Check out her blog for more favorite fotos- here's mine... This is a new picture but I fell in love with it the moment I took it!! Kassie and I were getting ready to go for a walk and she ran to her room, grabbed her bag and said "I ready, let's go Mama." The bags not

My (perfect) weekly writing assignment

2009-06-10T07:50:00.000-04:00

So my return to the blogging world has begun and what a great omen to kick it off with...I headed over to one of my favorite blogs (it was the first blog I followed) knowing it was time for her weekly meme of a writing assignment...Kat, you must've been in my head when you chose the prompts for this week! Amongst the other great prompts to write about this week, there were 2 that I had a hard

Dear Blogger

2009-05-28T12:05:00.003-04:00

How do I hate thee, let me count the ways... You won't let me upload photos without getting an error message, therefore making me use Photobucket and a whole mess of internet codes to post my pictures... You give me the option to pre schedule my posts and when I do, you don't publish them... You won't let me copy and paste ANYTHING when I'm trying to create a post, instead you freeze up

What the...?

2009-05-21T12:37:00.000-04:00

Ok, so for those of you who follow my blog (I love you!) you might've been wondering where the heck I've been??? Well, I've been a baaaad blogger (scrapper too, just check my scrap blog! LOL) and I'm sorry! I had some very serious and unsettling family issues to deal with in the past few weeks and because of that, I seriously neglected both my blogs!! I have soooo many posts to finish and

Cool giveaway!

2009-05-05T14:34:00.001-04:00

On my daily visit to SITS I came across a fellow SITSa whose having an awesome giveaway on her blog!! Carebear of Two Under Two. Whew! is from Seattle and her hubb's has been in Oklahoma for 5 months...well he's coming home today and in celebration of that she's having an "I heart Seattle" giveaway!! You've got to see what's in this prize- it's over $70 worth of stuff!! You know there's

I've been tagged...

2009-05-04T19:30:00.000-04:00

My new bloggy friend Liz of LovingMom2Boys tagged me with this fun meme.... 8 Things... 8 Things I'm looking forward to SummerTaking Kassie on the Swan BoatsJay going back to workMy godddaughter coming homeGirls NightGoing to the cottage this summerMy nephew's baseball gameMy mom being off all summer and taking Kassie, often 8 Things I did yesterday The 20 mile Walk For HungerBlogged (of

New England Bloggers May Day Giveaway Winner...

2009-05-02T17:04:00.001-04:00

I want to thank everyone who visited my blog and entered my May Day Giveaway! I apologize for not getting to everyone's blog yet...I've been having serious internet problems all week...GRRRRR! I promise, I will get to everyone's blog to say hi- there are plenty I'm really looking forward to visiting! I hope everyone had fun....and now, what you've all been waiting for... The Winner of The

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

2009-04-28T14:51:00.000-04:00

*If you're looking for the New England Bloggers May Day giveaway, it's one post down* I received my Martha Stewart's Everyday Food Magazine yesterday and found a recipe for blueberry-almond granola. I love granola, especially in my yogurt, but it's so expensive at the market...this is easy enough to make and will definitely save money instead of buying the containers of granola!! Though the

New England Blogger's May Day Giveaway!!

2009-04-28T02:11:00.002-04:00

The New England Bloggers are having a May Day Giveaway Carnival!! Elizabeth from Thoughts from an Evil Overlord organized our group and carnival so be sure to give her a big thanks when you visit!! There are 13 N.E. bloggers participating and giving away all kinds of cool stuff...you can visit all the New England Bloggers in my blog roll on the left and the participating giveaways here! You

Favorite Family Foto Friday 4/24

2009-04-25T00:32:00.000-04:00

For whatever reason I was in a blog fog today and forgot about my Favorite Family Foto!! If you saw last weeks post, then you know what these pictures are... My mom was soooo estatic that Kassie was beginning to eat solid foods in time for Christmas '07 so she could eat my mom's famous mashed potatoes!! Kassie LOVED them, as you can see!! She used her hands to shovel in the potatoes and

Spring Cleaning: Get Organized/Laundry

2009-04-25T00:13:00.001-04:00

*Note to readers: I don't know how I messed up my posts and scheduled them for next week (????) so I'm combining Thursdays Organizing and Friday's Laundry posts...sorry!* Spring cleaning is the best time to organize!! You've got everything out and cleaned so why not get it in order, right?? I've found some great tips, tricks and projects to help you get organized! You know those ugly

Spring Cleaning: The Bedroom

2009-04-22T15:17:00.003-04:00

Here are Tipnut's Quick Tips for Mattress Care: 1. Use a mattress cover to protect the mattress and wash at least once a month. 2. Remove stains by lightly dabbing with liquid dish detergent that has been well diluted in water. For tough stains like blood spots, try blotting with hydrogen peroxide. (If you've got bedwetting stains, check out this guide to cleaning bedwetting stains from

Spring Cleaning: The Bathroom

2009-04-21T15:04:00.004-04:00

Be sure to visit http://www.wearethatfamily.com/ to join in the fun! I found these 10 Quick Tips for a Shiny Bathroom on Tipnut 1. Apply a thin layer of lemon oil to shower doors. This helps keep soap scum from building up by making the soapy water bead up on the glass and slide on down the drain. Pour 2 tsp of lemon oil on a clean cloth then wipe the doors. Do this every other week for

Spring Cleaning: The Kitchen

2009-04-20T22:03:00.001-04:00

The kitchen is the room in your house that you probably spend the most time in. I know everytime I have company, we all end up in there around the table chatting!! Even though your kitchen gets cleaned everyday, it still needs to be tackled during spring cleaning time because let's be honest- how often do you clean inside your cabinets or under your fridge?? Same as me, close to never!!

It's Spring Cleaning Time!!!

2009-04-19T22:29:00.001-04:00

Here in my house this week we're doing our Spring Cleaning!! This is really one of my favorite times of year...I know, I'm crazy- who loves spring cleaning, right? Well if you know me, then you know I love to clean and organize!! Spring cleaning is like Christmas to me!!! I'll be cleaning all week and decided to share some spring cleaning tips and tricks with you!! First things first, you

Mark Martin Wins!!

2009-04-19T18:19:00.000-04:00

Some of you may not like NASCAR, but I do and it's my blog, so there!! Saturday night, they drove under the lights at the Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. From the pole position, Mark Martin had his 36th career win and snapped his 97 race losing streak by passing Ryan Newman and holding off Tony Stewart with 6 laps to go!! He led 157 of the 312 laps for his first win since

Favorite Family Foto Friday 4-17

2009-04-16T22:18:00.001-04:00

I'm having a 100th post giveaway (this is actually post 102) make sure you go HERE to check it out!!! Here is this week's Favorite Family Foto Friday post, hosted by the lovely Deborah @ Pictures Pots Pens This is me and my mom...the picture was taken on Thanksgiving 2006 and as you can tell, I was extremely pregnant!! I was only about 6 months pregnant but looked much bigger~ I was all

Weekly Writing Assignment for 4/16

2009-04-16T22:02:00.000-04:00

This is my 101st post!!! (people all around the blogosphere take out party horns to celebrate) To celebrate my little milestone, I've got a cool giveaway for you...check it out HERE And now for my weekly writing assignment hosted by everyone's favorite attention craving poodle, Kat @ Mama's Losin' It 3.) Tell us about a local news story that's all the buzz right now in your neck of the woods

Review: My Punchbowl Birthday Reminder (and a Giveaway!!!)

2009-04-14T16:23:00.002-04:00

When I was contacted by Stephanie from My Punchbowl to review their newest release, Birthday Reminders, I admit- I had never heard of My Punchbowl!! Not only do they have this great birthday reminder program, they also specialize in party planning and have tons of free e-cards for you to send to your friends and family!! Check out their personalized candy too!! After looking around the site,

Homemade Energy Bars

2009-04-14T16:02:00.000-04:00

I found this yummmmy (and healthy) recipe from Whole Grain Gourmet for homemade multi-grain energy bars. Whip 'em up, don't tell anyone how healthy they are and watch them disappear!! Ingredients: 1/4 cup slivered almonds 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds 1/4 cup dried tart cherries 1/4 cup dried currants 1/4 cup dried blueberries 1/4 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup of your favorite 7 grain cereal 2

Bad blogger, bad! (And an Easter Egg-stravaganza!!)

2009-04-11T02:14:00.000-04:00

I have been a bad blogger!! I've neglected this here blog and I'm sorry...I've been extremely busy here at home, as well as scrapping and was having some computer problems to boot! All is well, computer's been fixed and I am ready to blog away!! I have a TON of stuff to share with you this week, including my 100th post!!! I'll be celebrating that on Wednesday (though I think I'll hit 100 on

Favorite Family Foto Friday 4/3

2009-04-03T07:54:00.001-04:00

For more Favorite Family Foto's, visit our lovely host Deborah @ Pictures Pots Pens My favorite family foto this week is a picture of my hubby and Kassie from May 2008. It's a picture from Project Bread's Walk for Hunger. For 41 years Project Bread's Walk for Hunger has provided critical resources for hungry families and children in Massachusetts. Today, it is the country's oldest continual

Weekly Writing Assignment: I won't take your sh*t!

2009-04-02T23:45:00.000-04:00

I don't know why, but alot of people assume that I'm a pushover and won't (or can't) stand up for myself...that I'll just keep on lettin you pile it on while I sit and suffer in silence. You got the wrong chick!! I am the last person to sit back quietly and let someone walk all over me, or my friends for that matter! If I'm unhappy with a situation, trust me- you'll know, I don't hold back!

Potty Training Tuesdays

2009-03-31T16:59:00.001-04:00

I don't know how this email ended up in my inbox, but I sure am glad it did!! I received an email from The Healthy Moms telling me about their weekly Potty Time Tuesday. It's a weekly blog carnival for potty training moms to join and support each other during training while reading about tips, tricks and products. It's like they knew we were starting potty training this week!! Well this

Adventures in potty training

2009-03-31T02:37:00.001-04:00

The time has come for Kassie to start potty training! I have heard such horror stories that it's almost compelled me to say a novena before bed every night!! I have started the hunt for pottys and anything that will make this ordeal as painless as possible. That's how I came across "Deal"ectible Mommies...they're having a giveaway for The Potty Tot Kit which is a complete potty training

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

2009-03-30T23:00:00.002-04:00

This is my first week joining in the fun of Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays hosted by Lisa @ Blessed With Grace and her sister Lana. This is not just recipes but kitchen and cooking tips, resturant reviews and anything else food related...This week Lisa has an amazing cream cheese pound cake- does it get any better than that??? Since my sweet tooth's up and running, I've decided to share my Pumpkin

Giveaway Winner...

2009-03-30T18:10:00.030-04:00

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by during the UBP 09 and I'm so glad to meet all my new bloggy friends!! The random number generator widget isn't working for me for some reason so I'm using the list randomizer. I've listed everyone's name that commented in the order they posted as well as the additional entries for following my blog. And the winner is.... Katy Lin of The Great Adventure

A BIG thank you....

2009-03-30T13:42:00.001-04:00

I wanted to say thank you to 5 Minutes for Mom for hosting last week's blog party and for all the cool new blogs I've found. A BIG thank you for all those that visited me, I hope you continue to join me in my blogging journey... There are plenty more blogs I intend to visit and I apologize beforehand for not getting there sooner, if you've peeked at my other blog For the Love of Scrap, then

Homemade Oven Cleaners

2009-03-30T08:51:00.004-04:00

It's about that time for.... Spring Cleaning!!! What is the worst thing to clean in your house? For me, it's always been the oven! I've never understood how it gets so dirty in the first place. I mean, really, is there a little guy in there that throws the food around? I'm pretty positive that everything that ever entered my oven was either in a pan or on a baking sheet so how food ended

Monday Musings 3/30

2009-03-30T08:37:00.002-04:00

"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain For more Monday Musings, visit our lovely host Barbara @ Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers. Be sure to wish her a Happy Blog Birthday too!!

Favorite Family Foto Friday 3-27

2009-03-27T16:25:00.001-04:00

Another Friday, another Favorite Family Foto.... This was Kassie's first time in a pool! It took her only a few minutes to get used to it, and after that she had soooo much fun!! She was about 4 months old and probably not too far removed from swimming around in my belly...only this time she had to wear a swim diaper, which are not the easiest things to put on a squirming 4 month old!! Jay

Gotta love a good blog party!

2009-03-26T15:37:00.001-04:00

So hopefully you've checked out the Ultimate Blog Party 09 being hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom...if not- What are you waiting for????? I'll admit, it looks a litte intimidating at first to see over 1300 blogs linked up...but it's soooo worth browsing through the list. I have come across countless blogs that I never would have been able to find on my own and have added an obscene number of blogs

Cool site with a GREAT giveaway

2009-03-25T15:19:00.001-04:00

I gotta thank my best friend Michelle from Blonde Ambition for introducing me to the blog Nicole's Nickle's. After you stop by Mish's (that's what I call her) go check out Nicole's Nickles for some great money saving tips and discounts from around the web. You won't believe what this gal has on her blog: lists for the best sales at CVS and Walgreens, Friday Freebies from around the web, ways

Get your (blog) party on! (Someone say giveaway???)

2009-03-24T11:48:00.002-04:00

It's the talk of the blog world...it's THE place to be this week...it's a great way to connect with people around the blogsphere...it's The Ultimate Blog Party 2009- hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom!!!You've got to head over there and check it out! You can link up with them, post about this awesome party and get people to visit your blog...plus you can win some great prizes!! They're also having

Tackle it Tuesday: Pantry

2009-03-24T11:28:00.002-04:00

I've got a list as long as my arm of things to "tackle" around here, believe you me!! First thing to check off my list was my pantry...here's the before pictures: What a mess, right? I can never find anything in there and always forget what I have and end up buying things that I already have!! After about 30 minutes, this is what it looks like now:Ahhh, now that's nice!! I have all my spices

My little girl's not so little anymore!

2009-03-23T00:53:00.001-04:00

Today was Kassie's 2nd birthday...I can hardly believe it! It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital (in excruciating pain, might I add) ready to meet her and have my life changed forever... We threw her a small party, here at home, with close friends and family to help celebrate her day. For weeks now we've been asking her, "How old is Kassie right now?", to which she'd reply "One"

I've got great news!

2009-03-21T23:27:00.001-04:00

So I was wandering around cyberspace today and came across a CT call for Digital Scrap Fun! and decided to submit some work for consideration... I got it! I am so excited...I can not even tell you! This means that I receive kits prior to release to scrap with to show some ideas for using it and then I get to keep them!! I get to tell people about sales and specials she's having and announce

Digiscrap Layouts....

2009-03-21T02:00:00.001-04:00

I don't know if you all know or not, but I have another blog...it's called For the Love of Scrap. I just recently started it as a place I could post my layouts to share and talk about other digiscrap stuff...At DSP (digital scrapbook place) we were encouraged to set and share our scrapping goals for 2009. My goals were to complete at least 15 layouts a month, join and complete at least 4

Favorite Family Foto Friday 3-20

2009-03-20T12:51:00.001-04:00

This was one of my all time favorite pictures ever taken of Kassie. She was about 3 months old and just beginning to laugh- at everything!!! You could look at her and smile and she would crack up laughing...so much so that she'd topple herself over, like in this picture! I've been looking through photos so much lately because I'm organizing them as well as posting them for Favorite Family Foto

St. Patrick's Day Medley

2009-03-17T00:01:00.026-04:00

It's a St. Paddy's Day celebration here at Life, as it is...what's a St. Patrick's Day party without green beer? Here's what you need: A pale colored beer A large, cold beer mug green food coloring a long spoon to stir Take your pale beer, since it's St. Paddy's I suggest using Harp, and pour it into a clean, cold glass. Make sure you tilt your glass to get the least amount of foam

Menu Planning Monday for 3/16

2009-03-16T08:00:00.002-04:00

I missed MPM last week but it worked out pretty good for me...I didn't have to stress over figuring out what was for dinner though because my mother in law did alot of cooking last week and kept sending it my way! Thanks, ma! This week, I must have my menu set because I have far too many things to do to spend time wondering, "What am I gonna cook tonight?". I have an appointment on Tuesday (

Monday Musings 3/16

2009-03-16T00:07:00.001-04:00

brought to you by Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -Thomas A. Edison

Favorite Family Foto Friday 3-13

2009-03-13T08:07:00.002-04:00

Another week, another photo. This week's photo is one of my favorite that I've ever taken, as I'm sure you can see why! Kassie Grace was born on March 22, 2007 at 8:38am weighing 7 lbs 3 ozs and 19" long. It took her awhile to make her appearance- I was in labor for 36 hours and ended up delivering her C-section! She was just not ready for her close up... She was only a day old in this

Babyshower Planning- Part 3 *fixed link

2009-03-12T10:21:00.007-04:00

Budget. Check. Guest List. Check. Location. Check. Theme. Check. Let's talk shower games!! At my babyshower, thrown by my fab group of girls (see them all here), we played games that were fun, got everyone involved and got quite a few laughs! The point of shower games is to break the ice, have some fun and give people a break from all the "ooh-ing" and "aah-ing" of opening gifts. At

A day late and $3.50 short...

2009-03-11T15:22:00.000-04:00

We've all been there, right? Just missing out on or forgetting something bythismuch? I know I have...and today, I'm 4 for 4!! I woke up today and realized it was Wednesday and not Tuesday which screwed me up completely!! Why, you ask? For starters, I missed American Idol last night...I'm watching it on DVR right now. I missed it because I was totally wrapped up in organizing!! It all

2009-03-08T19:17:00.001-04:00

I posted a few layouts on my other blog, For the love of scrap. Go check 'em out!

Soup-er Saturday 3/7

2009-03-07T09:17:00.014-05:00

Pasta e Fagiolo with Sausage- serves 6 Ingredients: 1 Tbsp Olive Oil1 1/2 lbs hot or sweet ground italian sausage1 carrot, finely chopped3 celery rbs, finely chopped1 onion, finely chopped3 cloves garlic, finely chopped1 bay leaf2 sprigs rosemary3 sprigs thyme4 cups chicken broth1 can cannellini beans1 cup ditalini pastasalt and peppergrated Parmesean cheese In soup pan, heat olive oil over

Friday's Favorite Family Foto

2009-03-06T09:13:00.002-05:00

For this week's Favorite Family Foto I'm gonna cheat a little because the picture is not actually of my family. from lef to right: Kristina, Michelle, Kelly holding herdaughter Sorcha, Nicole, Michelle, Lauren and sittingis me very pregnant!If it counts, I love everyone in the pic like family and to be quite honest, I might like them more than a few family members!! Ha ha, just kidding! So

Writer's Workshop

2009-03-05T15:02:00.002-05:00

For those of you who don't know, Kat over @ Mama's Losin It has a weekly writer's workshop. She gives you a list of prompts every week to choose from and then you write about which over one you choose. You can choose more than one if you like and when you're done, you link up at her site, check out the other blog's of people who participated and of course leave some comment love!! It's my

Babyshower Planning- Part 2

2009-03-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

Now that you've figured out your budget, compiled your guest list and scoped out possible venues (see Babyshower Planning- Part 1 here) let's talk themes. The theme for your babyshower (or the one your planning) is so important because it dictates your invitations, decorations, centerpieces and even favors!! Choosing a theme can be as stressful as choosing baby's name because trust me, the

Crochet Pattern Freebies and a tutorial!

2009-03-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

A few months ago I came across a post by the Crafty Homemaker that was part of a series called Try and Learn Mondays. Her post was about crocheting and if you read my post about it, then you know that I had just bought the supplies to start this craft!! It took me a while to get the hang of the stitches, and after many many failed squares of yarn, I was ready to begin a project. Do you have

Layouts!! Layouts!! Layouts!!

2009-03-03T02:10:00.002-05:00

I finally found a little time to do some digiscrapping!! Hop on over to my other blog, For the Love of Scrap, to check them out!!

Menu Planning Monday for 3/1

2009-03-02T15:57:00.000-05:00

Well it sure has been a while since I've participated in Menu Planning Monday... With our current financial situation, menu planning is a great way to be sure I stick to our grocery budget (and put an end to the dreadful sound of "what's for dinner?") Here's what we're having at my house this week: Monday- mom's not feeling well today so we're ordering in! Tuesday- Brown Sugar Chops with

Monday Musings 3/2

2009-03-02T08:55:00.003-05:00

hosted by Barbara @ Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers "The kind of beauty I want most is the hard to get kind that comes from within-strength, courage, dignity."-Ruby Dee

Soup-er Saturday

2009-02-28T01:20:00.000-05:00

Here in the Northeast, we're expecting a rather large snow storm that when all said and done is supposed to drop between 12 and 15 inches on us!!! I can't think of anything that will fill you up and keep you warm better than Baked Potato Soup! This recipe takes 10 minutes prep time and only 20 minutes to cook- gotta love Rachael Ray! Ingredients: 2 large potatoes-peeled, halved and thinly

Doh!! (And Friday's Favorite Family Foto)

2009-02-27T23:03:00.007-05:00

I don't know where my brain's been at...all day today I'm thinking to myself, "hmm, there's something I'm supposed to do today..." What was I supposed to do?? Friday's Favorite Family Foto, that's what!!! From left to right: My cousin Carla, my mother with Kassie on her lap, me, my nephew Anthony, my cousin Danyelle and my aunt Linda. This picture was taken at my house during the surprise

Babyshower Planning- Part 1

2009-02-26T18:23:00.001-05:00

I am a firm believer that one can never be too organized!! I am obsessed with organization- checklists and charts are my best friends!! I have lists for doctor's, medications, account numbers and contact info- you name it, I've got it on a list somewhere!!! Obviously, when planning a babyshower the same holds true... I think the most important part of planning any party is the budget!! If

Babyshowers, Giveaways and Links

2009-02-23T12:08:00.000-05:00

I have nothing to blog about. What's a girl to do?? Plan a babyshower! My cousin (well, Jay's cousin) John and his girlfriend Sabrina are having twins...since I am the queen of planning and details, they asked me to plan their babyshower!! Oooh, I'm so excited. I love planning parties- and trust me, I have no shortage of resources. Websites, lists, spreadsheets, buget forms, guest lists and

Got Jeans?

2009-02-18T16:34:00.000-05:00

My friend Michelle from Blonde Ambition emailed me the other day about this great organization, Do Something.org. They really encourage people to volunteer how ever they can for a slew of different causes. Well, they've teamed up with Aeropostale for what they call Teens for Jeans. This is a national campaign to collect gently worn jeans for homeless teens and last year they collected over

Gotta get my arse in gear!

2009-02-17T20:35:00.000-05:00

I've bene back in the blogsphere for a few days now and have yet to post a single thing!!! Oh, I've been doing stuff, I've just not gotten myself back into the swing of things!! Menu Planning Monday @ I'm an Organizing Junkie - totally spaced!! Tackle it Tuesday @ 5 minutes for Mom - no tackling here!! Make it from scratch carnival hosted by 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven this week- not this

My saga

2009-02-09T22:07:00.188-05:00

Hello my dear bloggy friends, it's been a while! I can not tell you how much I have missed the blogosphere!! But I'm baaaack!!! I had originally written a long, detailed post explaining my absence and all the bullsh*t surrounding it but decided to give you the short version! After dealing with some family illnesses (everyone is happy and healthy) the drama hit closer to home. Jay had been

Almost back to normal!!!

2008-11-20T18:12:00.000-05:00

Quick update: Things are starting to settle down around here and I can almost feel normalcy making a comeback!! Papa Neno is on the road to recovery, Auntie Nene is feeling better, my mom is home from the hospital, and things are starting to settle down a bit!! I have not had a minute to myself to do anything between running around from hospitals, doctor's appointments and such, and cooking