Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
August 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag Review Value
August 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag Review Value
I completely forgot to schedule this when I delayed it and so there it sat, un-posted. I didnt even think to check. Blogger fail!
Are you ready for another Ipsy Glam Bag review?! I feel like I havent done one of these in such a long time. You know Ive been a long-time subscriber of this beauty service and I still love it. Sure, some months are better than others but for $10 (plus tax) it cant be beat!
Lets get started:
Product: Marc Anthony - Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Oil Treatment -
Price: $7.99 - Full size is 4.05 oz
Value: $.13 (Sample is .07 fl oz)
Review: Ill tell you straight up that I used this one whole time and Ill be giving it away to someone else. The smell is ridiculously overpowering and its manly which typically Im fine with but jeez. It needs to go to someone where it wont trigger migraines! I also didnt notice my hair being any softer the next day (which is how I used it).
Product: La Fresh Group Good Night. Night Cream
Price: $40.00 - Full size $40.00 is 1.7oz
Value: $11.76 (Sample is 0.5oz)
Review: Ive used this three times and while the smell initially is a bit unpleasant it dissipates pretty quickly. I liked the way my skin felt in the morning and I didnt feel like I woke up super oily! I like it, but I dont think Ive seen enough to actually be really excited and go out and purchase it. Im going to keep using it and see if I can tell a difference!
Product: Skone Cosmetics Luxe Doubler Eye/Lip Pencil in Wine - Full Size
Price: $12.00
Value: $12.00
Review: Other than their website being absolutely ridiculous (maybe they werent prepared for the Ipsy traffic?) this is a nice LIP PENCIL. I say that extremely specifically because I tried to use this on my eyes today and I immediately covered it up with black. This is not a wine color, its pink. Im dead serious. It comes out PINK. Its a pretty, deep pink, but pink nonetheless. I did an ombre lip with the lipstick sample I received in this bag:
Product: noyah Natural Lipstick in Desert Rose
Price: $18.00 - Full Size is 4.5g
Value: $5.60 (Sample is 1.4g)
Review: Ive had this before in a deep burgandy color and it was okay. I find this pink to be way more wearable. I layered it over the pencil to create an ombre effect on the lips, which I think was really cute! Unfortunately this is the only picture I got of it, but it gives you an idea. Sorry for the wacky lighting! This is a nice lipstick, but I find that it leaves your lips REALLY FAST, so touch ups are frequent, but its pretty! Im not sure its $18.00 pretty but its pretty.
Value: $5.60 (Sample is 1.4g)
Review: Ive had this before in a deep burgandy color and it was okay. I find this pink to be way more wearable. I layered it over the pencil to create an ombre effect on the lips, which I think was really cute! Unfortunately this is the only picture I got of it, but it gives you an idea. Sorry for the wacky lighting! This is a nice lipstick, but I find that it leaves your lips REALLY FAST, so touch ups are frequent, but its pretty! Im not sure its $18.00 pretty but its pretty.
Price: Full Size is $16.00
Value: $16.00 (Sample is Full Size)
Review: I used this cream blush on the same day that I did the ombre lip. I really liked it! It was very pigmented but blended out well. I set it with a Laura Gellar blush and it lasted all day! Unfortunately, the lighting at work really washes me out and I snapped the one below at the end of the workday. Im sorry I didnt make a point to take a better picture!! (Also, by then I had switched to Maybellines Matte lipstick in Daringly Nude). Trust me when I say my cheeks looked healthy all day. In all honestly blush doesnt stay on me usually, but this cream blush really made it last. I was so happy about it! Ill definitely keep an eye on this brand for sales, because $16.00 is just a tad too pricey for makeup. I also want to use it more to make sure that it doesnt cause any skin issues. So far, so good!
The big question: what was the value of the bag! This month it was actually a great value of $45.49. Especially when you consider that I only pay $10.75 a month to get new beauty products! That means that I got $34.74 in free product this month and I actually like most of the products! I still think that Ipsy is hands down one of the best beauty subscriptions out there and I recommend it all time! If you havent signed up yet, I have great news! There is no waiting list if you sign up right now. If you are ready to dive in, will you use my referral link? I receive points that I can use toward product and I would so appreciate it!
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Friday, December 2, 2016
Personalized Necklace Review Giveaway
Personalized Necklace Review Giveaway
I love personalized jewelry, do you? Of course I love anything monogrammed and I was so excited to received this personalized monogram necklace from Personalized Necklace. It came in the cutest little box and is a great necklace! I absolutely love it and you would too! :) Personalized Necklace has so many adorable monogram items available.
Personalized Necklace is offering one of my readers a necklace just like the one I received above in monogram of choice! Please enter below!
1. Be a follower of become a follower of my blog - 1 Entry
2. Visit Personalized Necklace and let me know your favorite item the shop offers- 2 entries
3. Visit Personalized Necklace and heart their ETSY shop- 3 entries
4. Add my button to your blog- 4 entries
5. Blog about this giveaway - 5 entries
This giveaway will end on Tuesday March 26, 2013!
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February 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Review Value
February 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Review Value
Howdy, yall! I received my first Ipsy glam bag in the mail and thought Id just pop in a picture for those of you who might wonder what it is all about.
Ipsy was created and co-founded by Michelle Phan (who recently launched em Cosmetics) and is a subsciption service that costs $10 (+ tax) per month. You receive at least five deluxe samples from different cosmetic and skincare brands in a cute little make-up bag!
Ive been wanting to sign up for a long time and I finally pulled the trigger last month. I was so excited when I got it in the mail! It came about a week and a half ago so Im a little late to the party.
I received the following items:
Plump Pout Mini by pop Cosmetics (4 oz.) in Fuchsia Freesia ($16~ value)
Zoya Nail Polish in Dot ($9~ value)
tini Beauty Eye Shadow + Base in Violet ($18~)
skyn Fresh Start Mask with Ice Age Mud [one packet] ($6.50~ value)
J. Cat Beauty False Eyelashes in EL 05 ($4~ value)
Total value: $53.50
Quick Review:
Plump Pout Mini by pop Cosmetics (4 oz.) in Fuchsia Freesia - I like the color and wear time, hate the smell. Seriously bugs!
Zoya Nail Polish in Dot - The color is really pretty but I found it super difficult to apply. It was uneven and streaky. Maybe my bottle just needs a little bit of nail polish thinner? It dried well but it took a while, probably because of the multiple coats! Im going to thin it just a tad to see if that helps. I was kind of underwhelmed.
tini Beauty Eye Shadow + Base in Violet - I swatched it on my hand and it was a gorgeous color, but it didnt seem tacky enough to be a real base. I think it would be great for those no make-up days all over the lid.
skyn Fresh Start Mask with Ice Age Mud [one packet] - This is a two step mask. First you spread the mud and then you spread the gel to activate it. It felt really good going on, did burn/tingle a little bit and my skin was pretty red after. It said to finish with a toner so I used witch hazel and my skin felt really dry, like unable to move dry, so I patted some moisturizer on my face. My skin felt really smooth after but I didnt feel like it was "less dull".
J. Cat Beauty False Eyelashes in EL 05 - These look crazy intense and I have super small eyes. I think they are really gorgeous though and the price seems really good!
Overall, Im really stoked with the range of products I received, their price points and the overall value of the bag. I know that every month wont be a hit but I think Ipsy is a solid choice for a subscription service!
Have you signed up for a subscription service or do you have Ipsy? What are your thoughts?
PS. If youd like to sign up, use my link and I get referral points! Id appreciate it. :)
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Sunday, November 27, 2016
Review USC School Business Management Program
Review USC School Business Management Program
I applied for the USC School Business Management Program in early 2014 and the program started in July. Before we even met for Boot Camp, we had various assignments and tasks to complete. Nothing major, but work none-the-less.
I arrived at the USC campus a day early and spent the night with my friend Denise, who lives in the area. I slept poorly, anxious for the next day that I first experience campus life. I had no idea what to expect, if my fellow cohort members would be welcoming, if I could even do this.
Turns out, I can. and I did.
If you found this because you are thinking of taking the next step in your career in California School Business, this is what I would have wanted to know:
Its Worth It
I have been in school business for almost seven years. I have never worked so long in a job without a change in title or pay. While I have been given increased responsibility over the years, the title hasnt changed and I knew that I was ready to take the next step. My district was not able to support this step in a way that I had hoped, but I determined that my career needed to progress and it was up to me, ultimately, to push forward. So, Bryan and I did it. We used our savings, I applied for scholarships, I withdrew an annuity. We made it happen because it needed to happen.
Every penny I spent on this course was worth it. The instructors that I worked with (the best of the best in our field) and the relationships I built (not only with my fellow cohort but with my surrounding community as I sought help in areas unfamiliar to me) have given me the ability to expand my network. This network I will be able to call on if ever I need help, advice, or clarity on issues that arise.
Its Intense
They are not lying to you when they say that it will be intense. Boot Camp and the Mid Year Meeting is intense but a connecting experience with classmates. The content is overwhelming. Combined with the normal flow of life this program is not for the weak. I do have some tips on lightening this load, so stay tuned.
You Will Grow
Hands down, you will grow in this program. You will define who you want to be in the education industry, whether you are a principal looking to understand the business side or a business person seeking to prepare for increased leadership. This program will refine you. At times, youll want out. At times, youll wonder why you even chose this profession. However, the people that you work with will renew your passion to provide the supplies, tools and training for teachers and students so that we can usher in a new generation of thinkers and world leaders. You will be revived and renewed just when you get to the point where you are looking at private industry jobs.
Its Not What You Think
This program is not technical. You will not learn the accounting laws regarding school finance. This job doesnt give you the minutia of the position. However, this course is a leadership and preparation course. You will follow the school business calendar and you will understand the big picture of being a Chief Business Official.
How to Make the Most of the Program:
- Meet with your group even on individual assignments. Work together and share your information. This will make your life and your understand of each assignment increase tenfold.
- Towards the end of the program, there were less group assignments, so we turned every assignment into a group assignment. We shared our frustrations and our successes. We were all at the end of the rope, barely hanging on, and meeting, laughing and stressing together really helped get us all to the finish line. We spoke with other cohort people that didnt meet with their groups at all and they were jealous that we had a community to go to when they felt alone.
- HELP OTHERS. School business is not private industry. Our job is to help others and to be a light when someone is in the dark. Dont hoard information and resources. Send out emails, post on the discussion boards.
- Pay attention in Blackboard sessions. The instructors go out of their way to get the best content specialists for your assignments. Listen during the sessions. Ask questions. Engage as much as possible.
- Develop meaningful relationships with your classmates and even stay in touch even when you are moved to a different group.
- Start your in-depth study early. Dont procrastinate.
- DO. YOUR. REFLECTIONS. This is essential. You probably wont want too. Do them anyways. Reflect on the assignment and what you learned. Its that easy.
- Reach out to your community. Utilize your county office and district office. They will help and collaborate with you.
- Find past cohort survivors if you can. Its helpful.
- Engage in after hours fun with your cohort. Some of the greatest moments I had were sitting around after a long day at boot camp, telling our stories and relating on job experiences. Youll be tired, but it deepens ties. Share a meal together. Go out. I never stayed with the late, late crowd, but I participated and made sure that they knew I was there. Find the balance between sleep and fun. Itll save your sanity.
- Engage with instructors. I spent the year feeling like I was not worthy to call upon my instructors. Dont be like me. They will help you. They will be there for you. Utilize the relationships.
- Do your assignments on time, every time. Get them done early and get them off your plate. Life happens and youll be tempted to put it off. Dont do that.
I met an amazing crop of people. I built friendships that will last and I learned a lot of content. I could have gotten more out of it, but hindsight is 20/20. You will, without a doubt, get out what you put in. It is not a cliche, it is fact. I encourage you to take the step! Dive in. You wont regret it.
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Thursday, November 24, 2016
Staples Review Nook
Staples Review Nook
The thought of getting a nook has ran thru my mind several times but I always just think I will grab a hardback book or read a book on my iPhone, so I never took the plunge of getting a tablet! Staples contacted me to do a review on a tablet and I got so excited! Not sure about you all but often times when I grab a hardback book I want to read at night while the kids are asleep ( in my bed of course) but I dont want to turn a light on, so on this nook I received it actually is a Nook simple touch with a glow light, PERFECT! The Nook simple touch is just the perfect size, small enough to throw into a bag or carry with you yet the perfect size for reading. It is slim and sleek, perfection! I also like that it is just an e-reader, it is simply to read. You wont get distracted by wanting to get online and play games. I have already downloaded a few books and started reading and I love it, I cant wait to read more on it! It is very simple and easy to use! What I love most about this Kindle Nook is that it is user-friendly, light weight, compact, crisp text, and the glow light is my favorite feature! If you dont have an e-reader or tablet and are in the market for one, I would definitely recommend this Nook that you can order from Staples.
Full disclosure: Staples.com provided me with these products for review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own. Feel free to shop their entire line of tablets online.
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Saturday, November 19, 2016
Sanus TV Mount Review Giveaway
Sanus TV Mount Review Giveaway
I was recently contacted by a company that is recommending and promoting a new product recommended for families to enhance safety for children, which I am always looking for ways to do so.
SANUS and Safe Kids Worldwide
Launch TV Safety Initiative
For many Americans, a flat panel TV is a great way to enjoy family time and entertainment. However, most parents are unaware of the safety risks that flat panel TVs pose for kids. Due to increasing size and new ultra thin designs, today’s flat panel TVs can easily tip over when bumped or pulled, toppling off of furniture and causing injury or even death.
Bringing this risk to the forefront, SANUS, the leading designer and manufacturer of flat panel TV wall mounts, has partnered with Safe Kids Worldwide. By educating consumers on the risk of unsecured flat panel TV’s, SANUS and Safe Kids Worldwide offer safe solutions for families across the nation by reducing TV tip-over related injuries and fatalities.
A 2011 US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report on flat panel TV safety revealed:
· A child is killed every three weeks from an unsecured TV
· Every 45 minutes a child visits an emergency room due to a TV tip-over related injury
· Between 2000 and 2011, 215 fatalities have resulted from TV tip-over
· An estimated 17,000 people each year, the majority of which are children, are treated for injuries from TV tip-overs
· Reported cases have increased almost 25% from 2006 to 2010, and over the last 10 years, injuries have increased by 31%
SANUS TV Mounting Tips:
· Easy 1, 2, 3 installation with a wall template to ensure even placement
- Online video walkthrough of simple installation available at any time
- No additional tools necessary – all required installation hardware is included in package
- Live customer support available 6 days a week
Below please find a link to a SANUS TV Safety Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyCHsr9NKqY
SANUS encourages you to join their efforts and advocate mounting of flat panel TV’s in your homes.
SANUS would like to offer one of my luck readers a complimentary flat panel SANUS TV Vuepoint Mount F180, courtesy of SANUS (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sanus-VuePoint-F180-TV-Wall-Mount/16621470). You will be able to receive a mount that fits your respective TV. This giveaway will not include the actual installation of the equipment.
To enter this giveaway:
1. Be a follower of become a new follower of my blog and let me know- 1 entry
2. Let me know why you would want to win a SANUS TV wall mount- 2 entries
3. Add my blog button to your blog - 3 entries
4. Blog about this giveaway - 4 entries
This giveaway will end on Monday June 17th, 11:00 PM
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Friday, November 18, 2016
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Ipsy September Glam Bag Review! Review Swatches and Value!
Ipsy September Glam Bag Review! Review Swatches and Value!
*This post contains affiliate links. A small percentage, stipend or credit helps support my blog without any additional charge to you. Thank you!
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Oh, hi.
Work and school have literally kicked my ass the past few weeks. Ive been such an Eeyore lately and a few nights ago, my beloved husband says, "You know... You havent blogged lately." and I said "I know. Ive just been such a downer. I dont want to drown my blog in my sorrows when I have no solutions to them... especially cause Im not READY to have solutions to them. I just suck." And he pauses for a moment and says ".....Maybe you need to write again so that you can work through it all."
He knows, as I do, that Im a better person when I write. Seriously. Its no secret that my mind is clearer and things are revealed when I write. Which is why I hate doing it. Its emotionally exhausting even THINKING about writing for me. I cant handle emotional exhaustion on top of physical and mental exhaustion from work and school. Facing my never-ending issues is just too much.
BUT..... You know what is NOT emotionally exhausting? MAKE-UP.
Oh make-up, how I love thee. I wish I could just play all day long with make-up.
The only problem is that you only have so much face. You get what Im laying down?
ANYWAYS, today Im going to go over last months Ipsy Glam Bag! Because I am nothing if not timely. I took these photos so long ago and I never even looked at them. Hopefully I did an okay job...
Heeey! Not too bad. The September 2014 Glam Bag was themed Street Style. It was a little edgy and grungy and I liked it a lot. For those of you that may not know, Ipsy is a beauty subscription service that costs $10 a month. A subscriber receives four to five deluxe size samples (with the occasional full size thrown in!) and a cosmetic bag monthly.
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What: Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss by Cailyn in Basic Instinct
Value: $19
Review: The first item I pulled out of the bag was this Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss by Cailyn. Its a very smooth formula, not sticky at all and is a really pretty color. This is a full size lip gloss and Ive used it a bunch the past month! It is extremely opaque. Here is a swatch (excuse the Fitbit):
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What: Crown Brush Deluxe Infinity Shadow and Crease Brush Duet
Value: $6.99
Review: One of our previous Glam Bags had a Crown Brush Shadow Brush in it and I wasnt wowed. It wasnt very soft and it was so large that I couldnt use it well on my small, hooded eyes. However, I love this brush. I have used it over and over again throughout the past month. It is sooo soft. The shadow side is still really large for me, but this is so soft I can actually use it as a crease blending brush with no problems. Ill lay the color with the crease brush side (the small pencil brush) and then blend it out with the large shadow side. Ill also use this to quickly set my shadow primer with a skin-toned shadow as well. I dont typically like duel end brushes because its hard to store them (they should be laid flat) but they are amazing for travel. Would definitely recommend this brush!
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What: NYX Cosmetics Hot Singles Eyeshadow in Addiction
Value: $4.50
Review: Come on now. Another full size product?! Go Ipsy! I love this shadow. Its pigmented and so so pretty. Easy to blend, all that. Want to really amp it up though? Prime your eyelids (I like Behind the Scenes by Lorac), then Maybellines Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk AND THEN pack on NYX Addiction. The two together are just absolutely beautiful and its pretty enough to be a one color shadow look if youre in a hurry. Love!
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What: Alterna Caviar CC Cream 10-in-1 Leave-In Hair Perfector
Value: $8.75~
Review: This product has the longest name ever. Sheesh. This is a great product. I use it most often after Ive curled my hair and brushed it out. This smooths the hair and renews it. The sample size is generous - definitely enough for me to figure out if I like it. I would consider purchasing this as full size even though the price is pretty steep, only because I believe is seriously would last FOREVER. A little goes a long way.
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What: Pacifica Natural Eyeliner in Gun Metal
Value: $11.00 (Cheaper at Target, usually)
Review: I was so not impressed with the shadows that we received in a previous Glam Bag so I didnt know what to expect. I think the swatch below is pulling blue because of my Fitbit, but it is a really pretty color. The formula is smooth and soft on the eye... however, this is a natural vegan brand and sometimes people with oily skin dont see long lasting results. By mid-day, my oily eyelids basically broke down the formula and it was gone. If you dont have oily eyelids this could be a product for you! If you do have oily eyelids, prime those babies, lay down a trusted black liquid liner and then maybe layer this on top? Havent tried it yet, but it may work!
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Total Value: $50.24
Overall Thoughts: For me, this months bag was a hit! I really loved the products and I feel like the value of the Ipsy Glam Bag is astounding. I definitely feel like Im getting my moneys worth this month (and pretty much every other month!)
What do you think? Have you signed up for Ipsy yet? Do it!
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Sunday, November 6, 2016
Thread Mama Embroidery Review Giveaway
Thread Mama Embroidery Review Giveaway
I am always looking on ETSY for new shops and new items and an ETSY shop called Thread Mama Embroidery caught my eye! She has the most adorable pillow cases that are just too cute!! Melanie sent me an adorable pillow case for Brody. It has his name on it with a basketball and he loves it! She did a beautiful job and the pillow case goes perfect on his bed!
A little bit more about Melanie and her shop....
Hello, and welcome to Thread Mama Embroidery! Im Melanie, a Mom & Grandma, married to the love of my life for over 40 years. I have 50+ years of sewing experience, and I want everything I sew to be as special as the person receiving it. I especially love creating with embroidery to make very special personalized gifts.
I am now retired from nursing and have more time for my hobby (when not spending time with family and friends).
Thanks so much for stopping by! Please drop me a line - Id love to hear from you.
Head on over and check out Melanies shop Thread Mama Embroidery you will love her handmade items and most definitely check out Embroidered pillowcases!
Lucky for you Melanie is offering one of my readers a $10.00 Gift certificate towards an item in her shop!!!
To enter this giveaway:
1. Become or be a follower of my blog- 1 entry
2. Head on over to Thread Mama Embroidery and heart her ETSY shop- 2 entries
3. Head on over to Thread Mama Embroidery and tell me your favorite item! 3 entries
4. Blog about this giveaway - 4 entries
5. Add my button to your blog!- 5 entries
This giveaway will end on Sunday 4-28-13
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Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Dixeland Doodles Monogram review
Dixeland Doodles Monogram review
I was super excited to receive this little pretty in the mail a few weeks ago! It is a wooden monogram ( which are become very popular) from Dixieland Doodles It is such a pretty little monogram and I wasnt quite sure where I wanted to put it. I chose to hang it on my front door with a little burlap and I just love it!
Head on over to Dixeland Doodles and check out her wooden door hangers, they are adorable!! You will love all of the door hangers that she has to offer!! They are too cute and would add such a cute touch to your front door!!!
You have the chance to win a $20.00 gift certificate for Dixeland Doodles!!!!
To enter...
1. You must be a follower of my blog- 1 entry
2. Go to Dixeland Doodles and let me know what you would use your gift certificate on- 2 entries
3. Heart Dixeland Doodles on ETSY- 3 entries
4. Add my blog button to your blog - 4 entries
5. Blog about my giveaway- 5 entries
This giveaway will end on Tuesday September 18th!
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Saturday, September 17, 2016
Canvas Champ Review and Giveaway
Canvas Champ Review and Giveaway
I absolutely love pictures of my precious little boys and I love a good quality canvas and I found just that with Canvas Champ. As most of you know we just added baby boy #3 to our family so of course I was needing a few new pictures of my sweet baby boys! Canvas Champ allowed me to send them a picture for them to print on canvas and I was so excited to receive it!
The quality of the canvas is fantastic!
I love that it comes with the hardware on it so it is ready for you to hang!
Canvas Champ offers canvas prints, peel and stick photos, photo boards, metal prints, acrylic prints, canvas banners and more all at very affordable prices! Visit Canvas Champ to check out all of the awesome products they have to offer and the great prices!!
Canvas Champ has allowed me to offer a giveaway for my wonderful readers for a chance to win a 10" x 8" canvas of picture of your choice! Enter below!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Catch Up and Week In Review
Catch Up and Week In Review
First things first - must catch the blog up with photos I nicked off Joels phone.
These kiddos freely and willingly took some of their candy leftover from Lilys birthday party and filled up these Easter eggs for the daycare/church. I figure were essentially just trading some of our candy for new candy that the kids will get when they do the Easter Egg hunt in a few weeks.
Tyler wanted to get some books from his dresser so he drug the ladder (which I had forgotten to put away) over to his bookshelf. Smart little dude, eh? Lily then saw this as an opportunity to thief the Olaf from on top of his dresser.
If these pictures had a timestamp on them, it would say 5:29am. Cause thats a totally appropriate time to do artwork in the playroom.
We love snuggling on the couch.
On Valentines Day, the daycare had a parent appreciation breakfast. It was a nice treat to get to eat with them!
These two were pretending to take a nap on the floor and were snuggling. How stinking cute is that?
And that gets me all caught up from Joels phone and on to this week. And what a week it was! I had a trying week with travel and Joel had a trying week flying solo with the kids.
My travel was a nightmare. I flew out of Indy early Monday morning – was headed for Memphis by way of Charlotte. I landed in Charlotte to find out my flight to Memphis was cancelled due to the ice storm they were getting. The airline couldn’t get me to Memphis until late Tuesday night – best case – and I decided I didn’t really want to hang out at the Charlotte airport for 2 days so I opted to return to Indy. I get back to Indy around 3:30pm – my luggage did not arrive with me. Awesome. Talked to the agent and all he knows is it’s in Charlotte – but no one in Charlotte has eyes on it and he has no idea if it’s going to come back to Indy or head on to Memphis at the next available flight (since the bag was tagged for Memphis). Okey-dokey!
So then I book another flight to Memphis (direct this time) on another airline for Tuesday morning. Then I make the crappy drive back to Columbus on snow covered, slick roads. I go straight to Walmart to basically restock all my toiletries since they were stranded somewhere in the Charlotte airport.
I get home around 6pm with dinner. When I walked in the door Lily said “Is it four days already??” The kids were not expecting me because they thought I was going to be gone for four days so they were somewhat excited.
There was 3 inches of snow on the ground and since it was the first snow, the kids were DYING to play in it. We scrambled through dinner and got them suited up. It was FREEZING but they were determined. They had a great time. The snow wasnt very wet so they had a rough time trying to make a snowman. Joel improvised...
After snow, they enjoyed some hot chocolate.
We get them off to bed without a hitch and I then go about packing a new bag for my early morning departure and redo at getting to Memphis.
I get off without a hitch on Tuesday morning. Once I arrive, I spent pretty much the rest of the day making phone calls to see if the remaining 14 people I’m supposed to meet up with are actually going to make it to Memphis. It was kinda miserable and stressful.
Meanwhile, Joel was having a MUCH more traumatic experience with the kiddos Tuesday morning. Wouldn’t you know that they both decided to sleep in? At 6:00am, neither of them were up yet. THEY NEVER SLEEP THIS LATE. NEVER. Well, when our kids don’t wake up naturally on their own, they are in HORRIFIC moods. Especially Lily. She fought Joel every step of the way. Wouldn’t get dressed for anything. At one point, Joel is putting Tyler in the car and Lily is standing in her underwear and bare feet in the driveway screaming (recall we had 3 inches of snow and it’s sub-zero temperatures outside). He finally wrestles her in to some clothes, gets them school and gets in to work 15 minutes. So for all his troubles with the kiddos, he’s awarded with an occurrence at work.
Fast forward to the end of the day of and the kids pretty much pick right up on where they left off. Joel sent me a video of Lily screaming, slamming doors and throwing things. “I WANT MOMMY!” I think part of the reason this happened is because I came back unexpectedly on Monday night and then left again early Tuesday before they got up. Talk about gut-wrenching Mommy guilt. Joel said the kids took turns screaming and yelling all evening with only about a 15 minute respite the whole time.
To top all that off, Tyler crapped in the bathtub. He’s never done this. Never. Not even as a little baby.
Wednesday was a lot better with no tantrums so that was a relief for Joel but then Wednesday night Tyler got up at 11pm, 3am, 4:45am. Then Lily got up at 5am and had wet through her pull up so her sheets were wet. Then Tyler got up too. So, Thursday morning, while there was no fighting, there were plenty of other disturbances – at least no one was screaming.
Joel was exhausted. I felt like crap for not being there. Nobody wins. They did at least go and enjoy some pizza together on Thursday night. There is just something about this place that seems to set things with with the world!
And, I had a stroke of luck with my luggage. My colleague also flew in to Memphis late Tuesday morning and I had to pick him up from the airport. I checked on my luggage and found out that it was en route to Memphis from Charlotte! It arrived about the same time as my colleague so I was able to retrieve it! Yes! I suppose something was bound to go in my favor!
And the last installment for today is that we sent Lily off on vacation to Grams house for the week so we could work with Tyler on his sleep issues. See, when Tyler wakes up at 2am, 3am, 4am - whatever - we end up doing whatever he wants us to do just to try to keep him quiet so he doesnt wake Lily up. Well 7+ months of this and we are throwing our hands in the air and calling and intervention. Its ridiculous. Were tired. This has to stop.
So were taking this week to work with him on this. Weve put a baby gate at his door. We plan to leave his door open so that he doesnt feel as trapped, but he is not allowed to come out of his room (unless its to potty) until its wake up time. And if he screams, he screams. We have to find a way for him to realize that when mean it when we say 5am is not wake up time. Locking him in his room just scared him. At least this way, even though hes still stuck in his room, he can see out so maybe he wont be frightened and will just go back to bed.
Wish us luck.
Meanwhile, Im missing Lily like crazy. Since I was gone most of the week and then took her Mom on Friday night, Ive hardly seen her and now I wont see her until next Saturday. Im a little Lily-sick.
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