November 2, 2012

Halloween

HOW ON EARTH IS IT NOVEMBER? Sorry, slight freak out!

I'm such a bad, bad blogger!! I wish there was a fantastic app on my phone, then I would post more. There's a blogger app, but i've tried it and hate it. I'm just never on my computer anymore. I work and then relax. I'm always on my phone though! *Sigh* I'm sorry!

Halloween this year was fantastic! Liam is 16 months old so he could understand a little bit. We carved pumpkins about a week ago. We found him a cute dragon costume and he loves it. We met with my friend (who has a son about a month or month 1/2 older than Liam) and we went to this old folks type home. They had a few of them sitting at tables, passing out candy. I'm sure they love seeing the little kids and I thought Liam could get used to trick or treating that way. After, we came back to our place, ate dinner and then headed out. We hit up quite a few houses and the boys loved it! They both got the hang of it quick! Liam walked almost the whole hour or so we were out and held his bucket too! He only cried once and that was when it broke so he couldn't hold it that well and I had to take it away. :( I felt so bad. He had such a great time though! I held his hand and took him to the door and he would just stand there and hold his bucket. He would even grab the candy and put it in there when I told him too. We let him have a little bit when we got home. All in all, he had a blast and so did we!

After that was all over, I went out for a few drinks and some dancing in my costume with friends. I had a good time, it was nice! I didn't want to get up for work though ha. How was your Halloween? I can't wait until next year!







October 4, 2012

It Has Been A Long Time Blogger Friends...

I just want to say that I haven't been on here in a while very long time, seriously. I miss blogging so much, but I have been ridiculously busy with work. I work 40 hours a week and when I am not working, I sleep. When I'm not sleeping, I see my family; that is about it. I barely even see friends anymore because I am always exhausted. I hate it and I am currently looking for work else where. On a better note, the husband has signed up for college. He's late,but he has his classes ready to go. We shall see how this goes with him at school and me at work. Just a couple years ago, the roles were switched (turn on panic mode).

I haven't been on so long that I realize I need that oompf. I need need to know some read this blog. By all means spread my blog around. Maybe that would get me in the mood to write more. I'm so thankful for those out there who still pay attention. 

I'm still couponing, still wanting to blog about my baby big boy, Liam. Did I mention that he is FIFTEEN months old; fifteen...1-5 months old. I am in utter shock. Where did my little baby boy go? I barely remember when he was an infant. He is so crazy now. You thought he was crazy before? Well now, you don't even know! He's hyper, running all over the place and climbing on evvvverything - seriously like the stove drawer and the couches - it's nuts. He had a huge growth spurt too; he's now 22.5 lbs and 30 1/4 inches long. He jabbers on like crazy and the doctor said he wouldn't be surprised if he surpassed the amount of words he should be saying by 18 months. He still only has eight teeth, but it looks like a couple more will come in sooner or later. He's definitely been teething again lately. He has been working on his throwing (we have angry bird plushies he likes to throw, go figure HA) and he has been working on how he eats. We now finally use toddler bowls, plates, forks and spoons. He loves using it and I am glad; it's a big transition from using his hands. He also loves his straw cups! Don't even get me started on his eating habits; he eats more than we do!

Work is...okay...horrible ...going. It is basically there to pay the bills for now. I liked it at first but now it's just annoying. We do the same thing every day and we all get treated horribly. Management is awful. I do love the people I work with though, aside from some drama. I crack up laughing almost every day! This job is really hard on me; I am always sore and in pain. I need a better nights sleep, but I would need to waste my day doing that. Instead, I wake up no later than 10am so that I can play with Liam before work. My shift is always 4pm-1am, which isn't too terrible. I am definitely looking for other work though. At least I am proud to say that I have lost THIRTY-TWO pounds so far...32...3-2!! This is fantastic for me and I hope to keep it up. It is all thanks to my job and our Paleo lifestyle (which we cheat once a week or so and I am still losing weight). 

Now for a photo overload!

From when I lost about 20lbs (now at 32+ lbs lost)...this is embarrassing for me!

Click to make bigger - latest photos of Liam
Finally - his first haircut!! He looks like a big boy now!
I'm going to try harder to keep up with blogging! I miss it; I miss getting into my own world and typing about anything - even if others didn't care to read it! Stay tuned blogger world!

September 6, 2012

I Will Return!

I have been busy with work (what's new). The husband is also getting ready to get into the whole college life. Liam has been...crazy haha. I wish you could all see how hyper he was today. Anyway, I have a few things to blog about. I did a great couponing trip today; well, two trips technically. There is that and the fact that I have some recipes I need to share. Sit tight and I hope there are still some of you out there who still read this. Hope you all are having a good week!

August 28, 2012

My 14 Month Old

I totally failed on updating on Liam's progress. He is 14 months old now; WOW! I'm not sure how tall he is or how much he weighs, but he's definitely growing. He eats a LOT, not even kidding. I know he had a growth spurt for sure! He is beyond crazy and has quite the personality. I miss him being a baby, but I love this stage as well. He is so funny at this stage and he makes me smile a million times a day. Whenever we take him places, as soon as I open my door to get him out of his car seat, he has a big grin. When we take him to the car, he will try to get into it when we open the back door. He is getting so smart too! He loves his Learning Frog Scout dog; absolutely loves! When we put him down for bed, we give him that dog and he cuddles with him
 and goes straight to sleep. That was the best birthday present ever (other than his tonka truck maybe). He knows how to press the buttons on both his Scout dog and his Fisher Price Laugh and Learn dog. He picks his nose and thinks it is historical and he will let you know when he's mad. When I have to work, sometimes he wakes up around 1:30am because that's when I get home and he strictly wants me during that time. Nothing can stand between him and his fruits and veggies; especially blueberries and peas. We have yet to cut his crazy curly hair because my dad says I can't haha, but I need to get him a trim because his hair is in his eyes. He loves it when we say 'I'm gonna get you' because he will run away laughing as we chase him. As a boy would, he loves to play in dirt and we
found out just how much he loves slides. He even knows how to go down them; of course he just plops down on his butt all sloppy, but he smiles the whole way down. The tv and xbox are his favorite. Every time my husband plays, he has to grab his controller too (just an extra one we let him play with). He likes to steal sips of our water all the time and still loves mum-mums over anything else; aside from maybe dried fruit. He climbs on everything, including the couches and loves to run across them. He has a wild personality and is a big ball of energy but I love him. I will have stats next month when we have his doctor appointment. I can't wait to see how his personality turns out even more. I can't even imagine him making me any happier than he does now. I love watching him grow and interact with my husband. <3

August 27, 2012

Couponing On No Sleep

I have been working during the week,so when I found out there were doublers at Albertsons this week, I jumped on it. However between work and Liam being a crazy boy, plus seeing my family... I haven't had time to see deals. Well I spent the last few days rounding up deals. I worked Saturday, so I didn't get off until 1am. Then I came home and clipped coupons and worked on deals. By that time, it was already 4am and I wasn't even tired. I planned on getting up at 7am to hit the store since there were a lot of free items. I hate dealing with crazies all over the store ;) haha. Anyway, since a couple hours of sleep would have sucked, I just stayed up all night. I dozed off for maybe an hour and went on my way. I was so out of it, that it surprised me I didn't take all day in there ha. For my1st and 9th transactions, I was supposed to receive a Kraft catalina worth $2 on my next order. At least, that's what I kept seeing online. So I am going to email the catalina site in hopes I am right and get those in the mail later. Other than that, my shopping went pretty well!

Paid $11, worth $117 (90% savings)

Transaction 1:
Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese - $2.29
Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese - $2.29
Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese - $2.29

Doubled $1/1 Velveeta Shells & Cheese
Doubled $1/1 Velveeta Shells & Cheese
Doubled $1/1 Velveeta Shells & Cheese

Paid: $0.87

Transaction 2:
Multi-Grain Cereal Bar - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.99 each orig)
Multi-Grain Cereal Bar - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.99 each orig)
Pop Tarts Mini Crisps - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.69 each orig)
Pop Tarts Mini Crisps - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.69 each orig)

Doubled $1/2 Multi-Grain Bars
Doubled $1/1 Pop Tarts Mini Crisps
Doubled $1/1 Pop Tarts Mini Crisps

Paid: $2.72

Transaction 3: 
Capri Sun - $2.49
Capri Sun - $2.49
Capri Sun - $2.49

Doubled $1/1 Capri Sun Product
Doubled $1/1 Capri Sun Product
Doubled $1/1 Capri Sun Product
 
Paid: $1.71

Transaction 4:
Chex Mix - $1.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Chex Mix - $1.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Chex Mix - $1.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Ken's Dressing - $1.00 ($4.29 each orig)
Ken's Dressing - $1.00 ($4.29 each orig)
Ken's Dressing - $1.00 ($4.29 each orig)

Doubled $0.60/1 Chex Mix
Doubled $0.60/1 Chex Mix
Used $0.60/1 Chex Mix
Used $1/1 Ken's Dressing
Used $1/1 Ken's Dressing
Used $1/1 Ken's Dressing 

Paid: $0 - FREE

Transaction 5:
Maruchan Yakisoba - $1.19 ($1.39 each orig)
Maruchan Yakisoba - $1.19 ($1.39 each orig)
Maruchan Yakisoba - $1.19 ($1.39 each orig)
Super Chill Soda - $0.89 ($1.19 each orig)
Albertsons Donut - $4.49 B1G1 Free ($4.49 each orig)


Doubled $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba
Doubled $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba
Doubled $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba
Used coupon for a free donut (sizzling summer game)
Used coupon for a free soda (Albertsons email)

Paid: $0.57

Transaction 6:
Multi-Grain Cereal Bar - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.99 each orig)
Multi-Grain Cereal Bar - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.99 each orig)
Pop Tarts Mini Crisps - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.69 each orig)
Pop Tarts Mini Crisps - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.69 each orig)

Doubled $1/2 Multi-Grain Bars
Doubled $1/1 Pop Tarts Mini Crisps
Doubled $1/1 Pop Tarts Mini Crisps

Paid: $2.72

Transaction 7:
Quaker Baked Bar - $1.67 ($3.79 each orig)
Maruchan Yakisoba - $1.19 ($1.39 each orig)
Capri Sun - $2.49

Doubled $0.75/1 Quaker Baked Bar
Doubled $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba
Doubled $1/1 Capri Sun Product

Paid: $2.72

Transaction 8:
Quaker Baked Bar - $1.67 ($3.79 each orig)
Quaker Baked Bar - $1.67 ($3.79 each orig)
Chex Mix - $1.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Super Chill Soda - $0.89 ($1.19 each orig)
 

Doubled $0.75/1 Quaker Baked Bar
Doubled $0.75/1 Quaker Baked Bar
Doubled $0.60/1 Chex Mix
Used coupon for a free soda (Albertsons email)

Paid: $0.14

Transaction 9:
Kraft Miracle Whip - $3.49 ($4.89 each orig)
Kraft Mayonnaise - $3.49 ($4.89 each orig) 
Oscar Meyer Selects Hot Dogs - $3.99 ($6.99 each orig)
 Oscar Meyer Selects Hot Dogs - $3.99 ($6.99 each orig)


Doubled $1/1 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip
Doubled $1/1 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip
Doubled $1/1 Oscar Meyer Selects Hot Dogs
Used $1/1 Oscar Meyer Selects Hot Dogs
- $3.00 off Manager Special
- $3.00 off Manager Special

Paid: $1.96

August 21, 2012

Me, Myself and I Link Up!

I am joining the lovely Amanda from For Love of a Cupcake to do a link up!

 

1) What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? 
 I would open up my own photography studio or have one outside of our home for sure!



2) If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time?
I would want to travel all over the world, or at least Europe and spend all the time I could with my family.

3) If a front page news article was written on you, what would the headline be?
'Woman opens up her own mini mart at home from her couponing' 
hahahah kidding. =]
4) What is your biggest pet peeve?
I absolutely hate slow drivers; stupid drivers in general. I also can't stand loud chewing. You know, with the mouth open, smacking gum or food.
5) What is your favorite chick flick movie?
The Vow was...amazing!

Now it's your turn! Link up!

August 18, 2012

More Couponing; Sick Of Me Yet?

Albertson's had their round up days (which I'll explain in a minute), even though they just had their doubler days. I scored probably my best run yet, for sure. I only spent about $8 worth on about $93 worth of stuff. Here is a quick run down of how round up days work:
  • They run all week; this week is the 14th-21st.
  • There are no limits to how many coupons you can use (unless the coupon states otherwise).
    • This means you only have to do one transaction, rather than many. 
  • Coupons valued at $0.24 or less will be quadrupled. 
  • Coupons valued at $0.25-$0.99 will automatically be rounded up to $1.00 
  • Coupons $1.00 or above will remain at that face value price.
  • Round up cannot exceed price of item and give overage
    • Say I have an item for $0.50; the coupon is for $0.30 - The round up will only ad an extra $0.20, to make the item free (instead of rounding up to $1.00); make sense?
Hopefully that helps understand how round up week works. Now, I like round up more sometimes just because it gives me the chance to use coupons that are almost useless because the value is so low. It makes for a very good deal! Any questions or anything, just ask or click that comment tab up top!

About $93 worth, for $8
Here were my items; hopefully this helps you understand!

Bounty Paper Towels (3) - $1.00 ($1.00 orig)
Used $0.25/1, rounded to $1.00
Final Price: FREE

Yoplait Simplait (7) - $0.50 ($0.75 orig)
Used $0.40/1, rounded to $0.50
Final Price: FREE

Colgate Toothpaste (4) - $0.99 ($3.19 orig)
with in-ad coupon 
Used $0.50/1, rounded to $0.99
Final price: FREE

ZonePerfect Product (3) - $1.00 ($139. orig)
Used $0.55/1, rounded to $1.00
Final price: FREE

Renuzit Fresh Accents Air Freshener (3) - $1.00 ($3.49 orig)
Used $1.00/1 (didn't round to anything)
Final price: FREE

Beech Nut Stage 4 Fruities (4) - $0.99 ($0.99 orig)
Used $0.50/1, rounded to $0.99
Final Price: FREE

Huggies Baby Wipes 56 ct. (4) - $1.99 ($1.99 orig)
Used $0.50/1, rounded to $1.00
Final price: $0.99

Skittles, Starburst, or Life Savers Gummies (4) - $0.69 ($0.79 orig)
Used $0.50/2, rounded to $1.00
Final price: $0.19 wyb 2

Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese (4) - $2.99 ($6.29 orig)
Used $0.55/1, rounded to $1.00Plus I had a $1.00 off manager special
Final price: $0.99

Donuts (2) - $0.79 ($0.79 orig)
Used FREE donut or bagel from Sizzling Summer Game
Final Price: FREE

Jennie-O Ground Turkey (2) - $3.99 ($5.29 orig)
Used $3.00 off manager special
Final Price: $0.99

Canadian Bacon(2) - $2.99
($3.99 orig)
Used $2.00 off manager special
Final Price: $0.99

August 16, 2012

It's Ok Thursdays

Its Ok Thursdays

It's Ok...

...to be obsessed with couponing (haha).

...to miss your son while at work.

...to sleep in after a long day at work.

...to be extremely happy about losing almost 20lbs for the first time in your life.

...to be upset about your blog being kind of boring.

...to hate this heat, even though it's finally summer feeling.

August 15, 2012

Wordless-ish Wednesdays

From our trip to the falls yesterday!
Sorry they are blurry; I forgot to charge the batteries for my camera.


August 12, 2012

Getting Back In The Game...With Couponing

Today I found some fantastic deals at Albertsons. I have been way out of the game, but it feels so good to be back. All in all, I only spent $16! Hopefully I can keep this up. Maybe not always this extreme though. I just haven't had time since getting my job. I went to bed last night before midnight for once and woke up super early. I got up about 6:45am, ate and went on my way. I made sure to get back so I would have plenty of time to relax and see my boys before work tonight. Anyway, here were my transactions! Any questions, please ask!

$167, paid $16 (89% savings)

Transaction 1:
Lance Cracker Creations - $2.00 ($3.49 each orig)
Lance Cracker Creations - $2.00 ($3.49 each orig)
Cherrios - $1.88 ($4.99 each orig)
Cherrios - $1.88 ($4.99 each orig)

Doubled $1/1 Lance Cracker Creations
Doubled $1/1 Lance Cracker Creations
Doubled $1/2 General Mills Cherrios

Paid: $1.76

Transaction 2:
Lance Cracker Creations - $2.00 ($3.49 each orig)
Lance Cracker Creations - $2.00 ($3.49 each orig)
Cherrios - $1.88 ($4.99 each orig)
Cherrios - $1.88 ($4.99 each orig)

Doubled $1/1 Lance Cracker Creations
Doubled $1/1 Lance Cracker Creations
Doubled $1/2 General Mills Cherrios

Paid: $1.76

Transaction 3: **Apart of the buy 10, save $5 promo**
Planters Peanut Butter - $2.49 ($4.49 each orig)
Planters Peanut Butter - $2.49 ($4.49 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Crest Toothpaste - $1.49 ($2.99 each orig)
Crest Toothpaste - $1.49 ($2.99 each orig)
Crest Toothpaste - $1.49 ($2.99 each orig)

-$5 for promo savings
Doubled $1/1 Planters Product
Doubled $1/1 Planters Product
Doubled $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Used $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Used $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Used $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product) 
Used $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Used $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste
Used $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste
Used $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste

Paid: $4.65

Transaction 4: **buy 3, get a FREE milk**
Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt - $2.00 ($2.69 each orig)
Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt - $2.00 ($2.69 each orig)
 Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt - $2.00 ($2.69 each orig)
Whole Milk - FREE ($3.65 orig)

Doubled $1/1 Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt
Doubled $1/1 Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt
Doubled $1/1 Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt
- $3.65 off for the free milk promo

Paid: $0 - FREE

Transaction 5:
Mrs Cubbins Croutons - $1.00 ($2.19 each orig)
Mrs Cubbins Croutons - $1.00 ($2.19 each orig)
Smuckers Uncrustables - $2.50 ($3.69 each orig)
Smuckers Uncrustables - $2.50 ($3.69 each orig)
Pasta Prima - $4.49 B1G1 Free ($4.49 each orig)
Pasta Prima - Free ($4.49 each orig)
Lunchmeat - $1.99 ($1.99 each orig)

Doubled $1/2 Mrs Cubbins Product
Doubled $1/1 Smuckers Uncrustables
Doubled $1/1 Smuckers Uncrustables
- $2.00 off managers special
- $2.00 off managers special
- $2.00 off managers special

Paid: $1.49

Transaction 6:
Mrs Cubbins Croutons - $1.00 ($2.19 each orig)
Mrs Cubbins Croutons - $1.00 ($2.19 each orig)
Johnsonville Chicken Sausage - $5.29 ($5.29 each orig)
Johnsonville Chicken Sausage - $5.29 ($5.29 each orig)


Doubled $1/2 Mrs Cubbins Product
Doubled $1/1 Johnsonville Chicken Sausage
Doubled $1/1 Johnsonville Chicken Sausage
- $3.00 off managers special
- $3.00 off managers special

Paid: $0.58

Transaction 7:
Beechnut Steamies Meals - $2.09 ($2.99 each orig)
Beechnut Steamies Meals - $2.09 ($2.99 each orig)
Beechnut Steamies Meals - $2.09 ($2.99 each orig)

Doubled $0.75/1 Beechnut Steamies
Doubled $0.75/1 Beechnut Steamies
Doubled $0.75/1 Beechnut Steamies

Paid: $1.57

Transaction 8:
Beechnut Steamies Meals - $2.09 ($2.99 each orig)
Dove Dry Shampoo - $3.00 ($4.99 each orig)
Dove Hair Mousse - $3.00 ($4.99 each orig)


Doubled $0.75/1 Beechnut Steamies
Doubled $1/1 Dove + Care Product
Doubled $1/1 Dove + Care Product

Paid: $2.97
Transaction 9:
Windex Spray - $2.99 ($4.39 each orig)
Windex Spray - $2.99 ($4.39 each orig)
Windex Spray - $2.99 ($4.39 each orig)


Doubled $1/1 Windex Original (peelie found on product)
Doubled $1/1 Windex Original (peelie found on product)
Doubled $1/1 Windex Original (peelie found on product)

Paid: $2.97

August 9, 2012

Blueberry Muffins (Paleo Friendly)

Paleo Blueberry Muffins 
yields about 9 muffins


Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup softened butter or coconut oil
4 TBSP pure maple syrup or honey
1 tsp pure almond extract
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 TBSP full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk
dash of salt
1 cup dried or fresh blueberries

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line 9 muffin tins or grease with coconut oil. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, maple syrup or honey, almond and vanilla extracts and coconut milk. Beat in eggs. Add almond flour, salt and baking powder and beat until combined. Fold in the blueberries. Generously fill each muffin tin and cook for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

August 7, 2012

Paleo Bread

I have a new recipe for you all. Being on Paleo, I miss breads sometimes. However, I found a fantastic recipe for paleo bread. It uses almond flour and eggs, as well as a few other things. It definitely holds up well enough for bread. We had it for toast this morning and it was fantastic. Next time, I want to make a little more so that the pieces are bigger for sandwiches and such, but it's great. It's pretty amazing with almond butter too (like peanut butter but with almonds). I found this recipe from this fantastic site called Multiply Deliciousness.

Paleo Herb Bread
1 ½ cups blanched almond flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
2 tablespoons golden flaxseed meal
2 tablespoons fresh herbs of choice (I used rosemary and thyme), chopped
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
5 eggs
¼ cup coconut oil, melted 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (I just used water)


Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a standard loaf pan.  Set aside.
Place almond flour, coconut flour, flax, herbs of choice, salt, baking soda in a food processor and pulse together to combine.  Pulse in eggs, oil, and vinegar.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean

NOTE: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand you can use dried herbs but just use less of them.  Maybe ½  to 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon at most each of the dried herb of choice.

July 31, 2012

Time To Catch Up

If I still have anyone reading out there...

I have been so behind in blogging, it's ridiculous. Work has me beat everyday to where I don't want to even get out of bed. I absolutely hate it because I miss Liam all the time, but don't really have the energy to play or see him. I try, I really do but it's so hard. I normally work 4pm-1am and when I get home around 1:15am-1:25am, I am suddenly awake. Therefore I don't go to bed until 2-3am. I try to wake up around 9am but I just can't. I end up falling right back asleep and wake up around noon. By then, I have to eat, shower and get my 'lunch' for work done. That leaves me maybe 2 hours to see Liam. It's the worst thing ever. I'm hoping things get better so I can quit that job soon. As much as I'll hate the thought of quitting and feeling like a failure. I want my life back, I want to see my son. Plus, I want one of us to watch him, not family or a stranger. I only have the job because I HAVE to at this moment. Speaking of which, it is SO HARD. I didn't think it would be too bad, but I have to talk myself out of staying home daily. I get there around 3:40pm, relax and do whatever I need to before clocking in at 3:55pm-4pm. Then I go check my tasks for the day, which the first is ALWAYS unloading trucks. Usually it is just one though, but sometimes two. We have to get that done within an hour or so, but it just wears on your body. There is a reason why there are only a couple girls doing it. Then I usually do picks, which are basically pulling out random items needed to take to the floor OR I will take pallets out to the floor. Pretty much the stuff we just took off the truck and stacked. Then sometimes we have to unload the grocery truck (which is only a couple of pallets - those wood planks if you know what I mean) and that takes maybe 15 minutes. The rest of the night is either more picks or cleaning and such. It's a pretty boring routine, but so exhausting. I did six days in a row and almost backed out by day 4. I didn't even care by then and everything was irritating. Not to mention we have certain timelines to go by and if we are too slow, we get lectured and yelled at. It's horrible. If I didn't work with fantastic, funny people, I would have quit the first week.

Other than that, Liam has been getting bigger every day. It is making me extremely sad because I am not home much and I miss times when he was a baby. My friend is pregnant and sometimes I miss how happy I was and how much I enjoyed the experience. Don't get me wrong, there is a whole new level of happiness with the stage he is at. He is now 13 months... 13!! I can't believe it. He doesn't say too many words yet, but babbles constantly. He says 'mama' and 'dada.' Rarely he will say 'no' or 'buh-bye' or 'kitty' but those only happened a couple of times. He waves goodbye and hello, plus he knows what I am saying. If I say his name or point and tell him to get the kitty, he will. He is such a smart little boy. He has started putting his straw cup in the holder on his high chair and loves to run around. He kicks when we tell him to kick in the swimming pool and he knows how to turn the comcast box off and on (although that is not good haha). I think he is going through a growth spurt because he is eating a LOT. He loves fruits and
veggies, especially bananas and peas. I found some dried fruit for him to snack on that he would eat the whole bag of if we let him. He also loves beans and kix cereal. I haven't found anything he doesn't like. He drinks a soft spout for milk and a straw cup for water or juice. I just love watching him grow each day. He has a crazy personality too. When he's mad, he screams and yells and tries to bite you. He's getting better about biting, but boy don't make him mad ha.



Nothing else has been going on in my life. Well, I have been losing weight slowly. My job is my workout and we have still been doing Paleo. I hate not being able to try new recipes since I haven't been home much, but we are making it work. So far, I have lost 8.8lbs in the last two weeks or so. It's always been hard for me so this is amazing. I have a long way to go, but this is definitely a start.

I hope you are all doing well. I have been slowly catching up on blogs, but haven't been commenting much so I am sorry! I feel like no one reads this anymore haha. Oh well, a good way for me to vent and get over some things.

July 25, 2012

Currently...

  Got this from lovely Kiranda from Mommyhood; check her out!
 
what i'm listening to >> Greg Fitzsimmons (Comedian) on Comedy Central - I don't know, the husband is watching it.
what i'm watching >> Same thing ha.
thinking about >>  Mostly the fact that I don't want to go to work. I think about this a lot haha. I'm also thinking about some other more personal things that I don't want to mention...
loving >> The fact that since being on paleo and starting this job (about 2 or 2.5 weeks-ish), I have lost about 7lbs. That is AMAZING for me.

anticipating >> What the future will hold and when I will ever get my new phone (old phone was dumb so I sent it in and should get a gift card for a new one).

feeling thankful for >>  Having Liam in my life; he's quite an amazing little boy.
working on >> Trying to be more positive in life.
eating lots of >> Healthy paleo foods! You should look it up; google it!
wishing >> Things were easier at the moment.
 

What is your life currently like? I need to head to work (did I mention I am working SIX days in a row this week?), but I may fill you all in on that tomorrow. That is, if you care to hear about all that ha. For now, I leave you with this short thought for the day. Hope you are all doing well! I need to catch up on blogs ASAP!

July 19, 2012

The 4-1-1!

I have been a bad blogger lately. As if I don't have many of you lovely followers anymore I am sure ;), but I have been SUPER busy lately with my new job. I never do a late post, but I have to stay up late to get used to my new hours (4pm-1am, but I have inventory 6pm-3am tomorrow today); more on that later. Anyway, I found this awesome blog hop thanks to the lovely Ashley! This was from Tuesday, but I haven't had a chance to blog this week!


1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed? I started back in 2010 to help document my pregnancy and my son's life; a baby book as you would say. It has definitely changed. I changed the name and it developed into not only a blog about my son, but a blog about me, my marriage, my son, my friends, recipes, couponing, and everything else that goes through my head.
 
2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?

I went to South Puget Sound Community College here in Olympia. I got my generaly AA degree, so I studied everything. Mostly arts and psychology it seemed like ha; those were my favorite classes.

3. Where have you traveled?

I haven't had the chance to travel anywhere yet. I have only been to a couple different states and Vancouver, BC once on a band trip in high school. I am determined to visit Europe one day!



4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?

I would buy a house and a different car; probably a crossover (as much as I love my car). I would also probably give some to my dad!

5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?

  • Loud chewing; food or gum, it's all annoying to me. Learn some manners!
  • Uneven numbers on the radio or tv; more OCD haha.
  • People who butt into others conversations when they have no idea.
6. What is your favorite movie?
That is a very hard choice. One of the newest would be 21 Jump Street. I need to buy that eventually, but I haven't laughed that hard in a while! I also love Superbad; never gets old!

7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?

I love water and tea, so one of those for sure. I love wine and all that, but only on occasion. 

8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?

Just sit and relax; especially lately. It seems like I am always going, going, going. To just sit there and watch tv or go on the computer is plenty for me. I love to read, but I am the type who reads a good book and has to finish it right then and there. Having Liam, it's hard to do that so I haven't even read lately; sad day!

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?

Clothes wise, Maurices! It's my new favorite store for sure. It's not new, but it's new in our mall and I love all their clothes.

 
10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.

 I honestly have no idea. Moments like that happen to me constantly though.

11. What day would you love to relive again?

That is an obvious answer; Liam's birth! I was so happy and just glad he was there. I would give anything to relive that moment. 

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?

Zooey Deschanel. I absolutely love her as an actor. She's quirky, funny, serious, and dorky. I love her rolls and I think she would be perfect.  

13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?

I actually haven't worked much at all. Aside from now, I had a job working seasonal at Lane Bryant until that store closed while I was in collage. 

14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

 This was on of my favorite moments from high school. It was our senior year and we were taking pictures for something in digital photography. It shows one of the many random funny moments my friend, Faith and I had. I miss those days!


15. If you could travel
anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
Europe, no doubt! Now, where in Europe I have no idea. I'd love to go to France, England, Spain, Ireland... all over! 

16. Show us the most current picture of you or you, or your family, or anything of meaning to you. 

These two definitely are meaningful! This was just a couple weeks ago! One of my favorite pictures of them.


17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?

Happy as ever. Maybe Liam will have a little brother or sister by then, we shall see! I hope to see us happily as a family in a house. Who knows what the future will hold.

July 16, 2012

Paleo Mini Meatloaf

Mini Meatloaf Wrapped in Bacon. That is all that needs to be said. It's AMAZING. I think they are cute too, but that's just me. Perfect to take to work; that's what I did. YUM. You must try this if you like meatloaf.



Quantity: 8-9 single-servings
Time:  10-15 prep time + 50 minutes cooking time

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1lb. ground pork
  • 1/2 yellow or white onion, minced
  • Handful of mushrooms, minced
  • 2/3 cup almond flour
  • 2 pastured eggs
  • 2/3 cup of tomato sauce (ours was homemade)
  • Salt and pepper (and any other herbs/spices - I added garlic)
  • 7-8 slices of  bacon (regular would be better, but our turkey bacon was good too)
NOTE: If not doing Paleo, you can always use your favorite meatloaf recipe, mold them into a mini loaf and continue with numbers 5-7.

Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and place your oven rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  It’s VERY important to use a baking sheet with sides (at least 1/2″).
    Your meatloafs are going to release a lot of juice/fat in the cooking process, and I guarantee you don’t want it all over the bottom of your oven.
  3. Create your tomato sauce by placing the fire-roasted tomatoes (with liquid), garlic, salt and pepper in your food processor and blending until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, get your hands dirty and combine your ground meats, eggs, veggies, almond flour, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
  5. Separate your mixture into 7-8 portions and form into mini loafs, placing them on your lined baking sheet.
  6. For each loaf, cut a piece of thick-cut bacon in half, lay parallel across loaf, and tuck ends under.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. At 40 minutes, turn on your broiler and cook for another 10 minutes to crisp the bacon.
Enjoy!

July 12, 2012

Zucchini Lasagna

So the other night I knew I would be starting orientation for MY NEW JOB. I made a note about that in yesterday's post. Anyway, so I wanted something with leftovers. Lasagna came to mind. Instead of pasta, you use zucchini. If you like lasagna and zucchini, you will love this!




PREP: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total: 55 – 60 minutes

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 lbs grass fed ground beef
  • 1lb mild Italian sausage (we used Italian sausage rope)
  • 5 - 6 zucchinis (I used a knife to cut rounds- you can slice long ways if you want)
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 cloves crushed garlic
  • 2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 can (28 oz) of diced tomatoes draine
  • 1 small can (6 oz) of tomato paste
  • 1 can black olives sliced (optional - I left these out)

DIRECTIONS
  • Preheat
 ovento 350
 degrees 
  • Ina large pan, sauté the onions and garlic in the oil for about 3 minutes
  • Add the ground beef and sausage until brown
  • Season the meat mixture with all of the dry ingredients,add the drained diced tomatoes and tomato paste,and mix well
  • In a 9 x 11 glass baking dish, place a layer of sliced zucchini, making sure to overlap
  • Next, ladle on a thick layer of the meat mixture, and top with the sliced black olives
  • Top meat and olive layer with another layer of sliced zucchini and top with a final layer of the remaining meat mixture
  • Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes
  • Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving
 Enjoy!!

July 11, 2012

Not So Wordless Wednesday


....and everything just got real haha. It's now called IMS, but close enough. Anyway, I went to orientation today for my new job. Not sure if I talked about it before. I got hired at Walmart, obviously. It's at least until the husband goes to college in the fall, if not longer. Hopefully I'll like it when I really start. It's not too bad. Most people wont like my shift because it's 4pm-1am, but that gives me all day with my son. I think that is fantastic. Orientation was from 9am-4pm today and I could never be away from Liam that long. I have orientation tomorrow and Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm and then I am done. I start next week with some computer and training stuff with odd work days Sunday-Tuesday. After that though, we have inventory and then I finally start normal work hours. Oh joy of inventory - 6pm-3am. =/ Guess this is a step in a new direction after being a SAHM for the past year. Bring it on.

July 9, 2012

Maple Walnut Sweet Potato Loaf

I usually don't post more than once a day but since people are asking about this, I thought I would share. We absolutely loved it. Even Liam ate some of it. It is sweet and tastes kind of like pumpkin bread (there are sweet notes and nutmeg notes in it). There is also some hint of a maple bar because of the topping. I am definitely making this again, but a double batch for left overs since we demolished all of it. This is perfect for all of you people trying out the Paleo diet. We had it for breakfast but it would probably be great if you used a small piece for a snack or even dessert! I found it over at PaleOMG. Lots of good recipes on there and also on google. I found tons of blogs and websites with recipes on great food.


Maple Walnut Sweet Potato Loaf

Prep time: 30 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Total time: 45 mins
Serves: about 4-5 (next time I am doubling
 
Ingredients:
 
For the bread
  • 1 medium sweet potato (or yam) ~ equivalent to 1 cup, skin removed after baking**
  • 1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews
  • 6 dates, pitted (I didn't have any but it still came out great)
  • 3 eggs, whisked
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch of salt 
For the topping
  • 1.5 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup raw honey
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon maple extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Poke holes in your sweet potato and bake for 30-40 minutes or until soft and completely cooked through.**
  3. While your sweet potato cooks, add your dates to a food processor and pulse to combine. Then add your cashews and let run until you have paste with the cashews completely broken down and combine with the dates.
  4. Once your sweet potato is cooked, reduce heat of oven to 350 degrees.
  5. Add cashew and date mixture to a bowl, along with your baked sweet potato with the skin removed, eggs and all other bread ingredients. Mix well.
  6. Grease two bread pans (I used bread loaf pans) and add your sweet potato mixture equally to both pans.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes then let cool.
  8. While the bread is baking, place a small skillet over medium heat and add your coconut oil then chopped walnuts.
  9. Let the walnuts begin to toast for a minute or two, then add your honey, cinnamon, maple extract, and pinch of salt.
  10. Mix to combine and let cook for about 1-2 minutes more.
  11. Add your sticky nut mixture to the top of your sweet potato breads.
  12. Let cool completely (the nut mixture will harden a bit) then cut and serve!
Notes
**If you want that process to be quicker, add your holey sweet potato to the microwave and cook on high for 3-4 minutes or until soft.

Paleo Pork Stir-fry

I posted the other day about how we started on the Paleo diet. Well the other night I made stir-fry. Let me tell you; it was amazing! You would have never known I was on a diet ha. It was full of flavor and food! Try it out; it's a nice change for dinner. I will for sure be making this again soon!


Paleo Pork Stir-Fry

Ingredients:
2 small pork tenderloins, trimmed of fat and sliced into thin strips
1/4 cup chopped cashews 
1/2 med sweet onion, chopped (green onions would be better but I didn't have them)
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
4-5 stalks celery, sliced
2 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-size pieces
1/2 head cabbage, shredded
1 small can sliced water chestnuts (I don't like them so not included)
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
6 tbsp soy sauce (the only cheat as far as Paleo goes)
Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:
Heat a wok or pan over high heat. Add coconut and sesame oils and swirl to coat. Add pork to pan and cook until meat has browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms, water chestnuts, celery and broccoli; stir for 1 minute or until vegetables begin to release some of their liquid. Add  cashews, garlic, ginger, cabbage, and green onions. Toss to combine and then pour in the coconut aminos. Cook for 3 minutes or until cabbage has wilted. Garnish with sesame seeds.

July 7, 2012

Paleo and Big News

Ok, so the news isn't that big, but I landed a job. It's for Walmart (I know, some people hate it and don't like shopping there). However, a job is a job. I'll be doing stocking from 4pm-1am. This is a weird schedule but I like the idea. I'll be home to sleep just a couple hours after my son and husband. Then i'll have all day to see Liam. We will see how crazy things get once my husband starts college in the fall though. I just hope I like it or can stand it for a while. At least I can wear jeans and a shirt haha. Navy blue, but still a shirt and nothing fancy. Maybe i'll be comfy, since I don't have to wear slacks and flats. I hate flats a lot ha; tennis shoes are better to me. The only problem I may face is the fact that the store is remodeling but that shouldn't be too bad. Hopefully things will work out with this job! I AM sad that i'll be missing Liam for part of the night though.

Anyway, my husband and I decided to start on the Paleo diet once again. We did this a while back for about a month. If you don't know what that is, I suggest you read up on it here. I haven't lost anymore weight since having Liam and losing half of the baby weight. Quite frankly it's making me pretty upset. I'm hoping this will jump start some weight loss. Add in my job (since i'll be constantly moving and lifting) and I should be golden. Not sure how long we will keep up with it this time. I did find some pretty amazing looking recipes though. This morning we had chocolate coffee pancakes and boy they were amazing. Last night for dinner we had turkey burgers wrapped in lettuce with butternut squash fries. It was actually satisfying without the bun. I wanted something sweet so we had a blueberry cobbler type desserts last night as well. Used blueberries, almond flour and a few other ingredients. That was only from day one and this morning. I hope we can stick with this and get some results. I felt good last time we were on it.

Are you doing anything different to your lifestyle?

July 3, 2012

Steals and Deals

 

So if you recall, I did doublers at Albertsons last week, but they also had them this week. I got up bright and early Sunday so I could snag all the good deals. They had their buy 10, save $5 promo again so I got in on that. This is why I have so many bottles of Propel. That was my filler so I could equal 10 items to get all the sales. I found so many that I ended up doing 8 transactions so bare with me. Again, if you need any help, let me know. There is a contact page if you would like to email me! I have also been thinking about doing a vblog one day since it is easier to show people how to do couponing, rather than with words and pictures. For abbreviation lingo, read this page.

Worth $136, spent $31 (77% savings)

Transaction 1: **Apart of the buy 10, save $5 promo**
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $1.99 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $1.99 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $1.99 ($4.29 each orig) Propel (7 bottles) - $1.00 ($1.49 each orig)

-$5 for promo savings
Doubled $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Doubled $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Doubled $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
**doubled to $1.99 instead of $2 since you can't have overage - but that still made them FREE**


Paid: $2.00

Transaction 2: **Apart of the buy 10, save $5 promo**
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $1.99 ($4.29 each orig)
Pacific Soup - $3.00  ($3.99 orig)
Pacific Soup - $3.00  ($3.99 orig)Propel (9 bottles) - $1.00 ($1.49 each orig)
 
-$5 for promo savings
Doubled $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)

Doubled $1/1 Pacific Soup Product (printable coupon)
Doubled $1/1 Pacific Soup Product (printable coupon)
**doubled Kraft Dinner Kit to $1.99 instead of $2 since you can't have overage - but that still made them FREE** 

Paid: $6.00


Transaction 3: **Apart of the buy 10, save $5 promo**
LA Victoria Salsa (6 bottles) - $2.19 ($3.59 each orig)
Everyday Essentials Beans - $1.99  ($1.99 orig)Propel (4 bottles) - $1.00 ($1.49 each orig)
 
-$5 for promo savings
Doubled $1/2 LA Victoria Salsa (SS insert)
Doubled $1/2 LA Victoria Salsa (SS insert)
Doubled $1/2 LA Victoria Salsa (SS insert)
Used $1/1 Everyday Essentials Item (Albertsons Coupon Book)

Paid: $7.13


Transaction 4:
Heinz White Vinegar - $1.69 ($1.69 each orig)
Heinz White Vinegar - $1.69 ($1.69 each orig)
Heinz White Vinegar - $1.69 ($1.69 each orig)
Essential Black Beans - $1.19 ($1.19 orig)



Doubled  $1/1 Heinz Vinegar (SS insert)
Doubled  $1/1 Heinz Vinegar (SS insert)
Doubled  $1/1 Heinz Vinegar (SS insert)
Used $1/1 Everyday Essential Item (Albertson's coupon book)

**doubled Vinegar to $1.69 instead of $2 since you can't have overage - but that still made them FREE** 

Paid:$0.19

Transaction 5:
Capri Sun - $2.99 ($3.49 each orig)
Coffeemate Creamer - $2.00 ($2.99 orig)
Coffeemate Creamer - $2.00 ($2.99 orig)
Essential Black Beans - $1.19 ($1.19 orig)


Doubled  $1/1 Capri Sun (Newspaper Insert)
Doubled  $0.55/1 Coffeemate Creamer (printable)
Doubled  $0.55/1 Coffeemate Creamer (printable)
Used $1/1 Everyday Essential Item (Albertson's coupon book)


Paid: $2.98 + tax

Transaction 6:
Planters Sunflower Kernels - $2.19 ($2.19 each orig)
Precious Mozzarella - $5.19 ($7.29 orig)
Precious Ricotta - $4.39 ($5.29 orig)

Doubled  $1/1 Planters Product (Newspaper Insert)
Doubled  $1/1 Precious Product (Newspaper Insert)
Doubled  $1/1 Precious Product (Newspaper Insert) 
Paid: $5.77

Transaction 7:
Jamba Juice Smoothie - $2.50 ($3.29 each orig)
Jamba Juice Smoothie - $2.50 ($3.29 each orig)
Precious Ricotta - $4.39 ($5.29 orig)

Doubled  $1/1 Jamba Juice Smoothie (Printable)
Doubled  $1/1 Jamba Juice Smoothie (Printable)
Doubled  $1/1 Precious Product (Newspaper Insert) 
Paid: $3.39

Transaction 8:
Lance Crackers - $2.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Lance Crackers - $2.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Precious Mozzarella - $5.19 ($7.29 orig)

Doubled  $1/1 Lance Crackers (Printable)
Doubled  $1/1 Lance Crackers (Printable)
Doubled  $1/1 Precious Product (Newspaper Insert) 
Paid: $3.19