Who's that in the mirror?

So precious Tiffany got a purse from daddy for Christmas that had a bracelet, fake lipstick, keys, money and a mirror. Tonight while she is playing with all her new stuff I notice her off to the side moving something to and from her face. She is making faces and blowing fake kisses when I realize she is playing with her little mirror. So adorable these are precious moments I don't want to ever forget.

Big sipper

My precious girl is getting so big. We went to pizza hut for dinner and she drank her water out of the cup all by her bigself. She amazes me at how smart she is everyday!

My little hugger

Today was an amazing service at westwinds church. My friend Bianca came and it was her daughter Samiyah's first day at Sunday school. My precious Tiffany, the social butterfly she already is I think gets amped up on the positive energy there as well. We walk to the info counter and she walks up to a little boy and hugs him. He is very kind and talks to her. She then blows him and his grandma kisses as we walk away. At this point she has a small crowd oeing and awing over how cute she is. When we are at church this is the only place I've really noticed she walks up and hugs people and kids. It's adorable. During the service today a new born baby was in the row in front if me that reminded me so much of Tiff as a baby. The joy at how perfect and precious they are. As we were praying at the vary end everyone says amen, and a little girl yells out after everyone is silent, amen! The simplest things are so precious

Witch hat project

This super cute witches hat is super fun and easy for any little ones party. Simply get 12 x 12 scrapbook paper of your choice and fun ribbon and glue and there you have it! You can even turn it into a princess hat with pink paper and ribbon.

All ready to go get some goodies

The entrance to Westwinds Church on Halloween

First time trick or treating

Her first Halloween Tiff was only 4 months old and was a flower. This year she was a Detroit lions cheerleader. We went to westwinds church in the morning and the evening for festivities. Her and her sister had a blast!

Soccer Saturdays

My girls hiding in the car because it's freezing right now. A beautiful drive this morning to jonesville. I love the mornings when it is just so perfect you can't thank god enough for all your blessings. So I stop to get gas and coffee and find of course the day before Halloween nail decals I've been hunting for. Grrrrrrr. Well hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. Lovin my life!

My garage sale find

I'm a huge bargain shopper and I bought this shirt for .50 cents at a garage sale this summer. Brand new with the tags still on it from gymboree! Now that's a deal! I checked the paper every Friday to find sales that listed toddler clothes. I don't think I've paid full price for many of her clothes, shoes, boots or coats! One thing you have to be aware of and I hare to say it is the outbreak of bedbugs. Even the cleanest of people can get them. I always put all purchases in a plastic bag in my trunk then put them straight in the washer and dryer.

Candy corn tree

My latest project, the candy corn tree! I love Halloween!

Another fun project

I'm obsessed with holidays. I love little accessories that help to get you in the holiday spirit. My latest project is barrets and Bobby pins for Tiff and myself. Here is a pic of the glittery fun result!

Candy Corn Wreath

This is my finished candy corn wreath. A styrofoam circle, black tape, hot glue, candy corn and ribbon and voilà. A super cute decoration!

Tiffany at her first football game

On friday the entire family went to watch our cousin Marks football game. Fall and football with family is the greatest! Tiffany was so happy that every time a great play was made she had a reason to yell and clap with everyone. The cheerleaders had her so excited so we decided that's what she will be for Halloween. It's times like these that I try to forget all the negative and appreciate the wonderful things in my life.

Finally I'm in control......

Anyone that knows me has known over the years how my weight has fluctuated. I've never been comfortable in my own skin. The only thing going for me is I have a good personality and a huge heart. After my daughter was born I stepped on the scale when she was 12 months old and cried. I cannot believe I had become one of those woman I swore I wouldn't. Putting everyone and every stress first and forgetting to take care of myself! On September 3rd, I made a promise to myself that I would change my life as a whole for the better. I will not focus on weight loss but more so being healthy for my family. I have always been a freak about disease and cancers so I was reading up on how the foods we eat now days are a huge part of this. I came across eat clean and since then I have not looked back. Tosca Reno in the photo below is a huge inspiration. At 54 years old now she started her journey at 40 in A similar situation to mine. I'm not even 30 and if she can do it starting at 40 I know I can. It's the most amazing feeling to not even have cravings for foods I use to love. Once your body has rid itself of all the chemically unhealthy processed foods you only have a hunger for healthy food! This is something I thought I would never say. We will see where this journey takes me!

Candy Corn Tree.....

Well I came across this in a magazine yesterday I thought it was such an adorable idea! They even sell autumn mix candy corn that has pumpkins in it. A few supplies and you can make a super cute gift or decoration for Halloween!

Her first walk in the fall....

So my little angel and I went for her first fall walk yesterday. She is smelling a pretty purple flower she picked. Then she tried to eat it! I cannot begin to express how blessed I am to enjoy the beauty of everyday! What have you done to enjoy this beautiful place lately! The simplest best things are free!

Best Lip Stick on the Planet..............

Okay any of you ladies looking for lipstick that stays on ALL day you have to try Loreal Infallable Lip Color. This stuff is amazing. A little pricey at around $9.99but if you think about it you will use so much less. You can find it anywhere, I purchased mine from Target and Meijer. I have found that I apply in the morning and I when I am washing my face to go to bed I still have on lipstick that looks just as good as it did when I put it on!! You do then have to wash it off with soap and water or you would probably wake up with it still on. The colors on the container are pretty true as well, not like most that you purchase because it looks so pretty on the container and you get home try it on and it's five shades darker than the tube! I must say check it out and let me know what you think I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

Helpful Cleaners for your Home from your cupboards...........

Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.

Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.

Furious................

I cannot believe it, I get to work today to be informed that the service team found a cat still alive frozen to the ground by the dumpsters. O my goodness, did no one notice this poor animal while dumping there trash, I mean come on this is a busy area!! So of course we are all trying to nurse it back to life currently with no avail! I am just so mad and cannot believe the heartlessnes nowadays. You can easily drop a cat off the the shelter or humane society to get help if you cannot take it in!! We are doing our best and waiting for one of these place to open so we can get this animal help. Everyone keep there fingers crossed that this poor animal lives and I just hope that people will start caring for animals!

Our little beauty.............

So I took Tiffany to her first Sunburst Beauty Pageant on Valentines Day. Some may say bad idea and others think it's cute. I'm one of those mothers that think it's cute. I also think it's a good way to get your child use to being in front of people. One thing that always held me back was I was shy in front of people until my late teen years. Which by then doing any sport and activity was pretty much out of the question. I think this is a fun way for our family to get involved. We had such a great time. All of her metals, trophies and crown will be something she will have forever to look back on and tell her friends about. She won 2nd runner up and received a crown and trophy, she won four medals for pretties smile, prettiest eyes, best hair, and best personality and she won a trophy for most photogenic! I'm so proud of my little peanut. Then after all that excitment she got her ears pierced. It was a fun, memorable and eventful day for our entire family!

Groundhog Gallop

So I did my first 5k run/walk this past Saturday! I am so darn proud of myself I ran way more than I have ran since high school and believe me I was no runner!!! I am going to do most if not all in the Jackson Citizen Patriot run walk series this year. I have wanted to do it for the past 3 years and never got the cahonas to do it and finally my dear friend Martie decided we are going to do it! I did 3.1 miles in 38 minutes. I have no idea if this is good or bad but it's damn good for me!! The next one is is March for Hospice. I am getting $50.00 in donations for Hospice in order to attend. This makes me feel great because I am helping a great cause. Who wants to join me for the next one????? If only this baby belly would go away! O well can't be perfect all the time and my hubby seems to always make time to rub it and say how much he loves it so I guess it can't be that bad....can it? LOL

The Joys of Meal Planning................

So in our families efforts to save money especially now that my husand just got word of his layoff, momma is on a mission to save save save! I just started meal planning on sunday and I found some really cool pre made templates at www.microsoftofficeonline.com. This will get rid of our temptation to go out to eat because I don't feel like thinking about it when I get home. I do feel a little more organized I must say since starting this. I also have been packing my lunch with some cool items I purchased thru tupperware. If anyone wants cheap good recipies go to Campbellskitchen.com, check it out I've found some budget friendly and yummy recipies on here! I am such a strong person I feel that no matter what I have to do I will take care of my family. I have always been so self reliant and independant I plan ahead and if I have no plan I have nothing! I guess I'm getting back to the basics which really isn't so bad. It will make our family stronger and closer. I have so many money saving ideas I will implement, making cards (Thank You-Birthday-Holiday), planting my garden in the spring, not going out to eat, packing my lunch, walking at the Jackson Crossing Mall in the morning instead of paying for a gym membership, doing my own nails instead of getting them done(I am a beauty school drop out), turning down the heat a couple degrees and having the fam wear clothes in the evening instead of running around barefoot, making safe cleaning supplies that really do work!!!! I have so many ideas that come to me and if anyone has any other please pass them along I love a good idea or project to keep my mind busy!

The Poop MONSTER......................

Well my darling baby Tiff for the first time broke me and daddy in. She crapped from head to toe. I have never seen so much poo in my life. So I'm making dinner and walk in to give her cute little face a big kiss and I was smacked by the most retchid smell ever!! So then I give Brian some crap about not changing her and then pull off her tights to find it clear up her back, stomach and all over her pretty little outfit. So much for enjoying dinner after that one. This was a two man job for sure so as I'm folding poo spattered clothing Brian is holding arms and legs from flailing all over the place to prevent it from going even farther! O the joys of motherhood!! So then I carry her by her feet to the bath tub and she proceeds to kick the crap out of me and splash water in my face. She is soooo lucky she is so darned cute and I love her more than my life itself! After that I had a wine spritzer and attempted to finish reading New Moon to no avail! We'll see how tonight goes!!

Safe Dishwasher Detergent

Have you ever wondered what they put in those little tablets to clean your dishes? Well I wondered one day because I kept have these white powdery spots all over mine. I thought it was gross so I always had to rinse things before using. Once I started digging a little more as to what they actually have in them I soon realized it's practically toxic and I sure the heck don't want my family ingesting it. I don't know about your husbands but mine sure the heck doesn't inspect dishes before using them. After doing some googling I came across some home made remedies to cleaning supplies. Did you ever wonder what our grandmothers and great grandmothers did before there was such a thing and windex and clorox bleach wipes, or even pledge? Well I figured it out and almost all of it is found in your cupboards. This will be the first of a few posts on my newest project of ridding my home of toxic cleaning supplies and replacing them with safe natural ingrediants. I made this dishwasher soap can with some left over scrapbook paper and an old formula can which I might add comes with the handy dandy scoop already. I still have to apply modge podge from Michaels to the entire container so if it gets wet it won't ruin it. All you need is 2 cups baking soda and two cups borax mix together and voila a safe and cheap I might add dishwasher detergent and stop buying jet dry put white distilled vinegar in instead. It's safe and does the same job!

Nap Time................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

One thing I absolutely love is being able to take naps with my mom and daughter. My mom and I always use to take naps on sundays and snuggle up. This is something that was always comforting and even though I'm grown now I still love our Sunday naps. My brother Kris thinks he's a photographer and runs around snapping random photos and he caught us all napping so I thought I would post.

Tiff and her two teeth!

Well, well my baby girl is now cutting two teeth at once, this all started to show on Tuesday of this week. My baby girls is growing so fast it seems like just yesterday I was in the delivery room crying from contractions. I am amazed by her daily and cannot even express in words the absolute love I feel as a mother. I will give my life for her and now I know where that saying comes from. My mom always said I would die for you kids and now I know what she means by it. I cannot even express to her the gratitude I feel for her being such and amazing woman and mother. I am being all sentimental and mushy today for some reason. Probably because I am sick and being a big baby, well I am going to go nap with my princess.
Hugs

Let's Ride.......

Yes, yes, I am going to get a new bike this spring so I am saving my pennies. I love these new bikes that look like old bikes! I want to purchase a baby seat for the back and take long bike rides with Tiff. I'm super excited and hopefully the rest of the baby weight will come off. I'm hoping this will help Tiff enjoy the outdoors as well as biking so when she gets older we can ride together. Any other mommies out there that would like to start riding with me in the spring, please please let me know. This could be a fun way to catch up and get exercise. Something Kaly and I always did in the summer was go for walks to pick wildflowers to set the big beautiful bouqet on the kitchen counter. Ummm, yes I am a a nerd who will be purchasing a basket for the front of my bike. I can picture it now, me and Tiff on my bike with a basket on the front full of flowers to bring home and put in the kitchen. I'm cracking up at myself this very instant! Have a great day everyone!

Lets have a tea party!

Well on my constant pursuit to naturally find ways to prevent illness as well as aid in my daily gripes I have come across some fabulous tea. The Republic of Tea has amazing tea for one and for two there are so many healing and health benefits of drinking tea. Of course in my constant battle to stop buying things and never using them I have pulled out my two canisters of loose leaf tea I purchased over six months ago and made myself a cup last night. I woke up feeling amazing and have decided that a nice cup of tea will be my daily ritual from today forward. My grandmas have always drank tea but now days you don't really see woman sitting around having tea like you use to! Heck where do you think tea sets and tea parties came from. All of us have played tea party when we were little girls once or twice. Another amazing tea I must add really quick is from India and it's called Assam tea. YUMMO! Add warm milk and a little brown sugar! My friend Nidhi makes it for me when I visit, yes "For tea", it's so cool to get an invitation to come over to chat and have a cup tea! I just love it. Why don't we get back to the good old days and start inviting the girls over for tea! Cool tea cups and tea pots are fun. I think I will do it! Watch out for your next invite for a play date and a cup of tea ;)

Did you say Tupperware Party?

So I haven't heard of a tupperware party since my mom was young! I attended one this evening and I envisioned a woman like in the old adds with a red and white gingham apron on smiling and holding plastic bowls! Well I must say things in the tupperware world have really evolved, I did indulge and I ordered a lunch set. My plan of course is to start packing my lunch to save me money in the long run! I am using this excuse to justify my purchase by the way! And yes I did get sucked into having a party so let me know if you want tupperware! LOL

Guilt FREE Margarita!

I don't know about you but I love following the, "Real Housewives", series on Bravo tv. I am a big fan of all of them but a favorite is Bethenny Frankel. She has a new book out called Naturally Thin. Great book by the way! While watching the show she has come up with some guilt free drinks and one of my favorite is the skinny girl margarita! OMG it tastes just like a 500 calorie margarita but only has around 100 calories! Yumm! For those of you who don't know about it here is my version of the recipe! Enjoy guilt free:
2 Oz 100% agave tequila
1 Oz Orange flavor liquor
1 Whole Lime
Club Soda
Ice

Fill a large margarita glass with ice, pour in tequila and orange liquor, squeeze entire lime into glass and top off with club soda and a lime wedge for that sitting on a beach feel! Enjoy, I know I do when I get a chance to have one!!
Here is her website:http://www.bethenny.com/products.htm

Lets read a book!

So the cutest thing ever is watching your husband read "Moo Baa Laa Laa Laa", to your infant daughter. She thinks she is such a big girl she holds the book while you read but won't let you turn the page. I can tell she is very stubborn like her mom already. It's times like these that I almost cry because looking at both of them together melts my heart. I never imagined I would be so blessed with a husband and daughter. I will say my life feels as close to perfect as it can I think. Tiffany has completely changed my life and to all those mothers out there I will say we are AMAZING and an awesome quote I seen on facebook today is so true:

Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater, give her sperm she will make a baby, give her a house she will give you a home, give her groceries she will give you a meal, give her a smile she will give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what she is given. So if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit...

Haaa haaa Ilove this! Have a great day Ladies!

A Gift Just For You.

So my dear friend Nidhi gave me a fabulous gift, it's the Quik Kutz Silhouette SD, a lot like the Cricket Machine. This machine is amazing, you can make anything from gift tags, gift boxes as seen in the picture above (crazy paper I know) to scrapbooking embelishments and cards. If you are a scrapbooker or card maker this machine is a must. Check it out at www.quickutz.com.