The Big One...July 29th...

I realize that it sounds totally cliche when I say that time flies by. But it does.

  I cannot believe that my Madelyn Reese is one today.

One.

And my Madelyn? Is one of the sweetest little babies that I have ever met.

Sure--I know so many parents say that...but seriously y'all. She just is.

Happy Birthday sweet Madelyn. I love you more than words could ever express.

For you? Have truly made me see the beauty in life and live it to the fullest.

Love you princess. I hope that your first year with us was as wonderful as my first year with you.


Love Always & Forever,
Momma

Peace Out Lovers....

I may have forgotten to tell y'all this...but I'm leaving tomorrow! We'll be in the great state of Texas for over a week--I may have a little bit of computer access, but I'm not really sure.

*sobs*

I'll miss you all! Don't forget about me--just know I'll be enjoying some of the best Tex Mex & margaritas that a girl could ever want.

xoxo

Beach Love...

I took the girls to the beach today to do a little photo shoot for Madelyn, you know, since she is turning ONE in a matter of days. I could have stayed at the beach for hours. 

However, with the insane amount of sweat pouring into my eyes we decided to cut our visit a little bit shorter than that...

These are a few that I have edited so far...and have I told you how much these girls?!

Brownie Batter = Cuteness {Wordless Wednesday}

The Cutest Mad Face. Ever.

The video below is short--and so freaking adorable. See, Madelyn has this new face.

I say it is new because a week or two ago she woke up and just had this new expression...and I must say that we all?

Love it.

Yeah...It Was That Kind of Nite...

I should have known that once we left the house and it started pouring down rain that we should have gone home. I mean, when all you want to do is go to Target and go drink some Presidentes to Chili's you think, hey--what could possibly go wrong?

Let me just say that it started in Target--screaming. Crying. Tantrums. All by Isabella...nothing new really.

So, we had to leave.

Thinking things would be better once we got to Chili's was shot down right after the words I'll get started with a Presidente. Hold the salt.

Isabella threw--scratch that--launched a damn fork into the air. It was as if the thing was on a mission to space.

I peeked my head up above the side of our table. Thank God the fork didn't hit anyone.

And thank God the closest table to where it landed was full of margaritas and draft beer.

They laughed. I apologized.

Isabella?

Had to go out to the car and then come back in and apologize to them.

They loved her and laughed about it even more.

Pretty sure that table was meant to be our new bff's...

Wazaa Ardhi Originals Apparel

If you're looking for urban streetwear clothing you will love Wazaa Ardhi Originals Apparel. Their clothing is all inspired by history--and when someone is wearing a piece from Wazaa Ardhi Originals Apparel it is as if someone is walking with history on their clothing teaching others about history.

Their clothing for is for men or women and they all have a mark on an event that has happened in our history. The i.a.m.b.k shirt above is my favorite. It stands for "I am my brothers keeper". When you make a purchase from this line you are taking a pledge and joining the movement to tell the world that you are involved as well as serious as helping others out and learn about life--teaching those around us that life is full of bumps, twists and turns, but you are there for them to help them and guide them.

I love their entire line of urban streetwear and I love the message behind it. I admire founder and CEO Dwain Young as well as designer Brian Thomas for developing clothing and accessories that not only appeals to men and women but teaches history at the same time. I showed Leo the shirts and he liked them as well--with prices starting at $15.95 for the shirt above they are very reasonably priced--and a great item to buy for the upcoming holiday season.

The above post was a sponsored post. No other compensation was given. All opinions above are based on my own and were not influenced in any way.

Getting to Know Me...

So, it's Sunday again which means it is time for another round of Getting to Know You from MannLand5. I love this meme--it's easy, fun, and I've discovered some fabulous blogs on the way!

1. If you had to choose a country to live in besides USA (or the country you live in), which would it be?  Hm. That's a tough one...I would love to live somewhere tropical--maybe somewhere in the Bahamas? I may need to do a tropical island tour and then I'll know for sure where I would want to live, ha!



2. Which would be worse, wearing flip flops in the snow or wearing gloves in the summer?  That one is so easy for me to answer...the gloves in the summer. My skin is crawling just imagining that one!


3. Fried or Bake and why?  Baked. I'm not really a fried type of girl...



4. If you were an entertainment reporter, which celeb would you love to interview and why?  Ellen DeGeneres! I LOVE her--and she cracks me up--I think it would be a fabulous interview!


5. What was your favorite book as a preteen/teenager?  I loved Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley High, Nancy Drew, Sleepover Club and who knows what else. I loved {and still do!} to read!


6. List your top 3 guilty pleasure television shows.  Big Brother, Glee and Pretty Little Liars.


7. What bumper sticker slogan best describes you/your attitude/your life?  "Sarcasm: the body's natural defense against stupid." I'm pretty sarcastic so I love this!


8. If you were to join a circus - what performer would you be?  A trapeze artist! Although I am afraid of heights, so I'm not sure how that would all play out...



Have a fabulous Sunday! And if you want to see a tasty treat that I blogged about, go and and visit Marvelous Mommy--I think you'll like it...

SnuggStuff Winner

Congrats to Jenn S. who won the SnuggStuff giveaway! She has been e-mailed and has 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be drawn.

Thank you to all who entered!

Not Mom of the Year? Don't Worry--I'm Right There With Ya....

When I first heard about the "Not Mom of the Year Contest" hosted by the ever fabulous Mommyologist and Life Without Pink I giggled. Because let's face it--we are all guilty of doing something that could allow us to wear that hat. And some more than others....

Ahem.

I remember before I gave birth to my first daughter, Isabella, I had it all figured out. It was pretty much the list of awesome--and I just knew that I would be the most perfect, amazing mommy that ever walked the face of the earth. I would do it all and prove to everyone that motherhood was4 perfect and easy and a piece of cake.

Some of my goals included:

*No sweets, unhealthy snacks

*No television

*Never missing a bath

*Sunshiny, singing in the mornings

*A spotless home at all times

*Homemade dinners every nite of the week. Natural, organic and homemade baby food, too

*Toss that pacifier out on the day she would turn 1

*Fix my hair, wear makeup daily


Now nearly three years later and two little girls later I am sitting on the couch still in my pj's. For breakfast today we started out with a Rice Krispy treat and followed that with Apple Jacks and Golden Crisp.

So much for no sugary sweets, eh?

I've thought up a list of all the "Not Mom of the Year" worthy events that have happened in the past few years...

*The time Isabella ate dog poop...

*The time Madelyn slept in poop...

*The time Isabella fell off the bed...

*The time Madelyn fell off the bed...

*The time that Isabella ate chocolate frosting out of the trash can...

*The time we ate cake for breakfast...

*The time we ate cookies for breakfast...

*The times we go to McDonald's for nuggets, fries and Diet Cokes...

*The times I have secretly laid in my bed praying and hoping that they would go back to sleep...

*We eat instant oatmeal more than healthy oatmeal...

*The amount of times that I have bribed with Goldfish, fruit snacks and ice cream...

*I sometimes let them skip a bath...

*Isabella learned how to count in Spanish--and not from me, but from Dora...

*Or the time that Isabella found an old sippy cup and took a drink...and what was in said cup? Milk. Gag...


That's my list of my "Not" moments. I know there are more {believe me when I say that...}, but in my daughters' eyes? I will always be their mom of the year--and to me? That's what rocks mommyhood.

Because for all of our "Not" moments we have many, many wonderful moments...even if on some days it just doesn't seem possible.

Breyers Smooth & Dreamy Bars & Sandwiches Giveaway!

I am a huge ice cream lover. With my first job being at a frozen custard place in Missouri, I have found myself to be addicted ever since. And now that the temperature is rising outdoors I find myself wanting more and more ice cream...but maybe without a lot of the guilt that comes after eating it!

If you are an ice cream lover you are going to l-o-v-e this giveaway for the new Breyers Smooth & Dreamy Ice Cream Bars & Sandwiches. They are in one word--delicious.

There are a variety of flavors to include: Chocolate Caramel Brownie, Vanilla Caramel Chip, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Vanilla Fudge Brownie and Triple Chocolate Chip. Each bar or sandwich contains 160 calories or less, they are made with no artificial flavors and have 4 to 6 grams of fat. There is such a huge variety in flavors which is great when you have a pickier eater at home!

My family sampled the Vanilla Fudge Brownie and we loved them! I thought that it was the perfect snack for after dinner and after eating one I didn't have the normal guilt that I do after eating a yummy treat. They are delicious and I know that we will be purchasing more in the future! We have always been Breyers Ice Cream fans and now I can add their Smooth & Dreamy treats to my list.

***Win It***

FOUR  lucky winners will each receive a coupon for a free box of Breyers Smooth & Dreamy Bars & Sandwiches. To be eligible to win leave a comment on which flavor you would choose if you win! 

This is mandatory and no bonus entries will count if the mandatory entry is not done. Leave a separate comment for each bonus comment.

***Bonus Entries***

1 entry each: Follow my blog via Google Friend connect, subscribe via RSS, and/or subscribe via e-mail

1 entry each: Follow Breyers Ice Cream on Twitter and/or Winey Mommy on Twitter

1 entry each: Like Breyers on Facebook and/or Winey Mommy on Facebook 

1 entry: Place my button on your blog--leave me the link of your blog in comment

1 entry: Click the retweet button above--leave link of tweet in your comment. Can be done 1 time daily by simply copying and pasting previous day's tweet.

***Rules***

This giveaway will end on July 23rd  @ NOON CST. Open to all US residents 18+. To be eligible to win you must do mandatory entry. If you do not follow that rule all entries will be void. Leave a valid email address in comment or available on profile. Winner will be drawn via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to notification email. If winner does not contact back w/full name/address a new winner will be picked. All winners will be posted on blog when picked. This blog is not responsible for prizes not being delivered, getting lost, etc. I will try my hardest to work with company if something should go wrong. This blog is not responsible for anything regarding to your use of product.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Might As Well Face It...She's Addicted to Fireworks...

The girls and I were hanging out in the living room this morning. I was watching the news, they were playing nicely with some of Isabella's dollhouse toys.

All of a sudden Isabella jumps up with a look on her face.

Ssshh! Listen!

I sat there and listened, not really sure where this was going.

What's that noise? Mom?! Listen!

I sat there and once again listened....careful to not make a noise.

Is that....FIREWORKS!!

She was so excited at this point and when I heard the word fireworks I almost giggled.

No, honey, no fireworks. That was just the coffeepot...

I'm thinking it's time for me to get a new coffeepot now. I mean, if Isabella thinks that it's fireworks? Wow. That is pretty loud!

Dove Men + Care: Journey to Comfort

In the past it was hard to find products for men--sure there were plenty of products for teen boys, but to find products for men to use was close to impossible. Enter Dove + Men Care products. Their products are for the man who is comfortable in his own skin and wants to smell great.

We recently got sent three amazing Dove Men + Care products to test out and let me tell you--he smells so, so good! We received the extra fresh body and face bar, clean comfort body and face wash, and the active clean dual sided shower tool. Dove Men + Care products are clinically proven to fight dryness, no irritation or tightness and are recommended by dermatologists.

Dove Men + Care products smell how a man should smell. Fresh, clean, not too overpowering. Leo has told me before and told me again how much he loves the Dove Men + Care line. With his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan I know that I can send him these products in his care packages and he will appreciate finding them in the box of goodies.

You can join Dove Men + Care in their Journey to Comfort by going to the Dove Men + Care website. There you can watch videos from Andy Pettitte, Joe Girardi, and Albert Pujols while you learn about the different products that they have available for the man in your life.

Enjoy! And if you decide to surprise your man with any of the Dove Men + Care products let me know how he--and you--like them!

I received the three products mentioned in the post above. No other compensation was given. All opinions are based upon my own experience. 

Bird in Hand

I've been addicted to books my entire life. From curling up in a cozy chair, to hiding under my covers with a flashlight, some of my happiest memories from childhood involve a good read that takes me away to another place with new lives to get to know and different worlds to discover.

The newest book on my nightstand? Bird in Hand by Christina Baker Kline. I was hooked from the moment I began to read Bird in Hand--I can always tell if I'll love a book by the first page or two.

I was immediately drawn in once I started reading and turning the pages. I felt like I could relate to her characters as if I were there with them during their lives and the changes that started unraveling before their very eyes.

Bird in Hand is based around two couples: Alison and Charlie, Claire and Ben. They have been close friends for ten years. Alison and Charlie moved to the suburbs and had two children. Claire and Ben stayed put in New York City and were focused on their careers.

Although their lives have changed since initially becoming friends, they have tried to remain as close as possible--which we all know that is hard enough once someone moves away, one couple has children and the other couple does not.

Then a horrible, tragic event happened on a rainy evening in New Jersey after leaving a party in the city. In that very instance lives are changed forever--for all four characters. And once this event takes place everything is unraveled and they must start truly examining their own lives, who they are, who they aspire to be.

Here is an excerpt that I want to share--and that I believe may have you hooked, too:

The accident was just that — an accident. It was dark, it was raining, Alison had two drinks in her, and the other car ran the stop sign. She just didn’t get out of the way fast enough. But now a little boy — not her own — is dead, and Alison finds herself trapped under the twin burdens of grief and guilt, and feeling increasingly estranged from her husband . 

That is all I want to tell you about the book without giving too much away--I definitely do not want to spoil any secrets from Bird in Hand--I love surprises and definitely do not want to ruin it for any of my blog readers!

Christina Baker Kline is a novelist, non-fiction writer and editor. Residing in New Jersey with her husband and three boys, they enjoy spending their summers in Maine. She has three other novels that include The Way Life Should Be, Desire Lines and Sweet Water.

She is also available to follow on Twitter and Facebook--I have joined in her following and hope you will, too!

I'll definitely be reading her other novels since reading Bird in Hand. I highly recommend this book to all of my readers--I've been raving about it to my Mom ever since I started to read it. I loved it!

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Christina Baker Kline for the opportunity to read Bird in Hand.  I loved the book so much!

There's This Blog...And It Sort of Has My Heart...

Lately I have discovered the world of Photoshop and the actions/presets available for it. I am in love.

There is one site in particular...wow. There are honestly no words for my love. It's the type of love that kept me up way past my bedtime last nite. As in late lat.

But the thing of it is that this morning? I didn't mind so much--I was still on this high of PSE actions {Photoshop Elements in case you're wondering}.

So if you have a type of Photoshop {she offers items for Lightroom, too!} go and check out Coffee Shop...and fall in love with her--and please do not blame me for your newest addiction.

Are there any sites or blogs that you LOVE for photo tutorials, actions, or other photography related things? Tell me in the comments--I can't wait to find more addicting sites!

An Inside Glimpse of My Thoughts...

~ I cannot believe it's already well into July. Summers go by so fast don't they?

~ Can you keep a secret? I secretly love summer flying by because I? Already have pumpkins, trick or treating and jackets on my brain. I know, I know...strange...but I love fall. Puffy heart it.

~ But this fall will be bittersweet. My better half will not be here. For six months. You may be asking why? What? And that's because for the past month and a half I have been keeping a secret from you, my friends, my readers. He will be in Afghanistan.

~ My heart aches. My head spins. But I know that we all will be okay...just lonely...nervous...and quite possibly a little stressed. I had hoped he would have gone to Haiti like he was told so we may get out of the Afghanistan portion. Looks like the man upstairs had a different plan...

~ We watched It's Complicated on Friday nite. Loved it--it was my type of movie...and I seriously want to open a bakery like hers. The atmosphere, the kitchen, the decor. Loved it all.

~ On Saturday nite we watched Matilda and I drank my new favorite beverage Honey Moon. It was a perfect nite with the perfect people.

~ I'm reading an amazing, amazing book right now. I'll be doing a review on it Monday nite. I've been a little MIA because I literally do not want to put it down--it's seriously that good.

~ We're either having a garage sale or painting next weekend. The insane part of my brain is telling me to do both. My logical husband is telling me no--pick one.

Movin' On Up...

With Madelyn's first birthday rapidly approaching I am starting to get more excited about her transition into a big girl bed in the future. Isabella and Madelyn will be sharing a room--and the bed situation possibilities are endless!

I have considered getting a twin mattress for each of them and then search for the perfect pair of headboards. Their room is a green color with pinks, blues, and so many other colors--fun, bright and just a great room for my two little munchkins.

I fell in love with this one:

I love the white furniture look and I could even see myself distressing it a little for a more shabby chic feel.

No matter what we decide on I cannot wait to transition the girls into their new beds--although it is a little insane how quickly time is going by...

This post is made possible from CSN stores. Stay tuned to an exciting review coming soon!

The Phone Call that Momentarily Has Changed My Life.

Yesterday afternoon was great. We were all exhausted from our beach walk and jaunt in the park. It was a kind of day that I would love to plaster all over the place--except I usually can't stand that crap and decided to play some Bejewelled on the couch instead.

I know, I know--some life, huh?

I was sitting on the couch in fact, open can of Diet Coke aka bestdrinktoeverentermylife. Well, except for wine.

Ahem.

And my phone rings.

Hey Soul Sister
Ain't that mister mister
On the radio, stereo
The way you move ain't fair you know 

I look at caller id and see that it's my hair girl. The girl that has made my hair so incredibly happy and beautiful and more importantly? She has made me hair confident.

She is just. that. good.

I answer and get the news that no girl ever, ever wants to hear after she has found someone fabulous to bring life and love back her hair.

She? Is moving.

Upstate.

*Insert sobbing here followed by a glass or two of wine*

I moved my next appointment up just to get in to see her one more time.

I'm sure that I can see someone else at the salon. But it's not her. My hair soul mate.

*Sigh*

So here's to you, oh fabulous one. I know you'll be making so many other heads of hair oh so happy.

Luckies....

SnuggRugg Review & Giveaway

Isabella has always had a certain lovey {or "mimi" as she calls it}. Her mimi goes everywhere with her--and I love that she has it to comfort her and make her calm down when she may be having a rough day.

With Madelyn I've tried so many different loveys with her. Some are too big, some are just too hot for her--after all we do live on the Gulf Coast where you will find the temps well into the 100's during the summertime.

Enter the SnuggRugg. The SnuggRugg is a lovey that is super soft and breathable. Made of 100% cotton muslin--which is a loosely woven cotton fabric--it has ribbon bordering the outside which makes it a great lovey for your little one and for their little fingers to have fun exploring and discovering. I can tell you that Madelyn--as well as myself--loves her SnuggRugg. We now have a lovey that we can take anywhere and I love that!

About SnuggRugg:

"The SNUGGRUGG breathable baby blanket (baby lovey) is handmade with natural cotton muslin and surrounded with ribbons of different textures and colours for baby to suck, twirl and soothe on.
It is perfect for babies to take to bed as the cotton muslin we use is a natural breathable fabric that is loosely woven, which allows air to flow. The SNUGGRUGG breathable baby blanket is machine washable, quick drying and gets softer with every wash.
Measures 12" x 12".
In baby girl, boy and neutral designs."

Win It:

  

One lucky winner will be picked to win a SnuggRugg, SnuggMugg or SnuggBugg of their choice! To be eligible tell me what product you would pick and what pattern choice you would like to have. This must be done before any bonus entries will count. Please leave a separate comment for every bonus entry.

Bonus Entries:

1 entry each: "Like" SnuggStuff on Facebook and/or follow SnuggStuff on Twitter

1 entry each: Follow "The Winey Mommy", subscribe to RSS feed, and/or subscribe via email

 

1 entry each:  "Like" Winey Mommy on Facebook and/or follow Winey Mommy on Twitter

1 entry: Place my button on your blog

1 entry: Tweet the following: "WIN a SnuggStuff item of choice from @bsnuggstuff & @winey_mommy! Ends 7/16 http://bit.ly/bKSPwX #giveaway #win #DDDivas" This can be done daily!

Rules

This giveaway will end on July 16th @ NOON CST. Open to all US residents 18+. To be eligible to win you must do mandatory entry. If you do not follow that rule all entries will be void. Leave a valid email address in comment or available on profile. Winner will be drawn via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to notification email. If winner does not contact back w/full name/address a new winner will be picked. All winners will be posted on blog when picked. This blog is not responsible for prizes not being delivered, getting lost, etc. I will try my hardest to work with company if something should go wrong. This blog is not responsible for anything regarding to your use of product.

This product review was made possible by the Double Duty Divas.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by COMPANY NAME. All opinions are 100% mine.

The Moment I Knew...

Leo and I tried for almost two years before we successfully conceived our Isabella. I can remember the day that I found out I was pregnant like it happened yesterday...

I was lying on my couch and had a ham sandwich on the coffee table. I swear I could smell the ham and it made me so sick. I decided to take a pregnancy test right then and there. I'll never forget seeing the big positive staring back at me--it was the miracle that I had prayed for for so, so long.

When I showed the test {okay, I think I took somewhere around six tests--I may have a pregnancy test addiction...} he asked me if that's what we wanted--he was so shocked that it had finally happened!

With Madelyn we conceived fairly quickly to say the least. With Madelyn I felt nauseated for a few nights as I would be trying to fall asleep. It reminded me of the beginning of morning sickness with Isabella--not a high point during pregnancy.

I ran to Wal-Mart, picked up a pack of e.p.t pregnancy tests and called my Mom. Sure enough, pregnant. I taped the pregnancy tests {I took two that time just to make sure. And I may or may not have gone back to the store and picked more up the next day. Told you I had a problem...} up on our door--they were the first things that Leo saw when he got home that day.

He walked in and smiled and was in shock again. I still giggle about his reactions--he was just so adorable and happy--definitely a beautiful moment for our marriage.

I still have pictures of my pregnancy tests as well as a few of my test stashed away in my sock drawer--they're pushed waaaay in the back and occasionally I'll take them out, smile and look over at how big my girls are getting. Those were two of the most special days of my life and I never want to forget them--I want to remember the joy that I felt when I got the positive tests forever.

e.p.t has now come up with a great way for women to always remember and store their pregnancy memories--they now offer a commemorative Keepsake Case and scrapbook card to mark the life-changing occasion (available with a mail-in proof-of-purchase). I think that it's a fabulous way for women to have that on hand--much better than my sock drawer if I do say so myself.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of e.p.t and received an e.p.t. keepsake case and a $20 gift card to JustGive.org to facilitate my review.

KinderCare Blog Tour

Now that Isabella is almost three years old I have been debating whether or not to enroll her in preschool or have our own home preschool at home.

There are so many choices and decisions when it comes to preschool and school for your child or children. Class size, tuition, location, what programs will be taught, curriculum...it honestly is a dizzying time in my life. I want the best for Isabella and Madelyn--and when it comes to who is going to teach them and help them learn I simply want the best {don't we all?!}.

I was recently introduced to KinderCare and what they have to offer. Right away hearing the name KinderCare put me at ease--one of my cousins attended KinderCare many years ago. I love the fact that they're still up and running so many years later.

KinderCare provides low teacher to student ratios, strong and open communication between teachers and families as well as a safe and nurturing environment. Their projects are tailored to excite a child's imagination and they provide a stimulating learning environment for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary aged children.

What do you look for when choosing a preschool for your child? Are you planning on enrolling them somewhere or are you leaning towards a homeschooling program? Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of KinderCare Learning Centers and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.
 

She Pulled Her Diaper Off the Other Nite...

Right away I should have realized that something wasn't right. See, Madelyn woke up at 8:00. She never sleeps past 6 in the morning--I am not kidding.

Girlfriend is our alarm. Need to wake up early for some reason and afraid your power will go off or your alarm won't go off? Madelyn will take care of that for you--no worries!

I picked her up out of her crib. She was smiling and kicking her happy baby legs...and I saw that her diaper was off.

Right away I had a big "uh-oh" moment. Huge.

As she's still smiling away and kicking her legs away I turn on my lamp. I started to put her diaper on and I saw something. Something brown.

All. over. her.

Face. Hands. Baby booty.

Holy hell. There was poop freaking everywhere!!

I yelled at Leo to wake up--and then we started laughing. Hysterically--because seriously, when you have the cutest, sweetest little baby girl grinning at you--with poop literally all over her--you have to laugh.

And for the record--when I was filling up the bath for her? She peed all over me while we were sitting there waiting for the tub to fill. Awesome.