Things I love....happy hour edition

The weather is getting warmer, the pools are opening and the summer parties are beginning.  What goes great with all of those things?  A refreshing summer cocktail!  This Thursday's list features 10 perfect summer delights that are sure to please everyone.

 

Key Lime Pie Mojito from Day Dreamer Desserts

 

A cup of Mai's Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Riesling Strawberry Slushy from With Style and Grace

Lemon Martini courtesy of Bobbie's Baking Blog

{pink grapefruit margaritas}

 Annie's Eats Peach Wine Coolers

{Blueberry Lavender Mojito}

Grapefruit Ginger Rum Spritzer  by Pickles and Honey

{Vanilla Pear & Vodka Cocktail}

 

White on Rice's Blood Orange Margarita

Filling....

1.  The best surprise ever would be,  surprised with a vacation...or a spa day...or just a few hours alone ; )   .

2.      I can't choose one, but probably when Jack was born..   is my most favorite memory .

3.  The hardest, but most worthwhile thing I've ever done was     working and being a mom.  It's tough, but I love my job and I love buying things! 

4.  The best part of my day is    my drive to work.  It's quiet, I drink my coffee and listen to music.  I love it .

5. Something I like that most people don't is        hot sauce on my popcorn.

6. Something I am willing to fight for is     family  .

7.  Something you might not know about me is   I am a beauty school graduate, but have not used it since. .

Happy weekend!

Wordless Wednesday...random faces

I haven't taken many pics lately, but here are a few of my little cutie.

Have a great Wednesday!

Check out this ADORABLE shop...

I love Etsy.  Love it.  I could spend all day on there; in fact, sometimes I do.  They have something for everyone.  Yet I don't think I've loved an item more than this one:

Dogs Incorporated is a newcomer, and one of my favorite shops ever on Etsy.  Their  custom dog breed art prints celebrate and join our faithful friends with our favorite things in life. Whether you are a pro in the kitchen, love the outdoors or an avid music fan, their designs will suit just what you love. With so many custom dog print collections to choose from, we're sure you'll find just the right print to place in your home.   Of course our print looks just like our little guy Lenny:

And it is going to look amazing in Jack's new big boy room.  

They have so many cute prints, you will have a hard time choosing!  These are just some of my favs:

Pug Print

Chihuahua Coffee Print

Chocolate Lab Canoe Company

There are so many other great prints; all my dog lovers are going to be getting gifts from here.

Be sure to check them out on Etsy, and on their Facebook Page and thank you to Dogs Incorporated for the print for our Lenny!

Just in!

Things have been going really well at Etsy Shop, and I hope things continue to do well.  I wanted to share some of our newest items with you all and offer a 20% off this weekend to all of you.  Just enter MANIC at checkout!

Super Hero in Training

Merry Go Round Horse

Rat Rod Bike Print

I hope you have a great weekend!

Fill in the blanks Friday...

The weather is great, it's Friday and school is almost out....what more could I ask for?  Well I'll tell you...a chocolate donut.  Oh wait, here's one.....

1.  Something that is very near and dear to my heart is,   family.     

2.      Summer   is good cause to celebrate .

3.  The most fun I ever had was     being in England for an exchange program.  We had a blast and went all over the place.  I would move to England in a heartbeat  .

4.  True friends are    the ones I can count on.  The ones that call or text just to say hello, and would drop anything to be there for me when things are rough.

5. Something that makes me terribly happy is        Jack. He does something everyday that makes my heart melt.

6. A good way to spend a sunny day is     at a Cubs game.  

7.  My favorite celebratory food is   anything with chocolate chips.  

Happy weekend!

Lovin on a Thursday...Strawberries

I love berries.  Love them to pieces.  So around this time of year I get a little crazy with strawberries and buy them like crazy and try to make as many strawberry recipes as I can find.  Well it's your lucky day because I am going to share some of my strawberry love with you.  These are all recipes I have on my list to make this year.    I also decided to start a weekly post on Thursdays about things I love.    I would love it if you would join me and post about things you are "lovin on a Thursday", as well!  In the meantime, take a look...there is everything from drinks to breakfast on here so take a look and share your fav strawberry recipes with me! 


Enjoy!

Double Chocolate-chip waffles with Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry Quinoa and chopped Spinach Salad

Strawberry Mojitos

Savory Strawberry Pizza

Shortbread Fries with Strawberry Jam

Strawberry and Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad

Please do me a favor...

And vote for Jack!  I entered this local photographer's "Cutest Kid Contest" and would love if you can help me out and vote for Jack.  I have the chance of winning some great things including a free photography session.


All you have to do is click HERE.  He is down at the bottom with the boys...the red background!




Thank you if you do, and thank you anyways if you don't!

Have a great Wednesday.
  

Working Mom Meals....Greek Salad

In case you haven't noticed...Summer is coming.   This also means I will have to squeeze myself into a bathing suit and head down to the pool with Jack.  Panic mode has set in a bit and I am trying to eat a bit healthier.  


This greek salad from Annie's Eats,  will not disappoint.  It is light, healthy, super quick, and tastes amazing!  We had this for a meal along with some toasted garlic pita that I made. 
I think this is one of those salads that I will be adding to my weekly rotation of meals. 


Greek Salad (adapted from Annie's Eats)
Ingredients:
For the dressing:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tbsp. minced fresh dill
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:
Romaine lettuce
Sliced red onions
kalamata olives
sliced green pepper
Grape tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
Crumbled feta cheese


Directions: 
To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together  all the dressing ingredients until well combined.

To make the salad, add romaine lettuce to a salad bowl.  Drizzle with the dressing and toss well to coat.  Top as desired with red onions, black olives, tomatoes, cucumber,  green pepper, and feta cheese.  Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and shake well before using again.


  

Full of Words Wednesday

So I am starting to get back in the mood to blog.  It's funny how loosing a job can make you go through the same stages as when you lose someone.  I went through denial at the beginning, pretending it wasn't happening. I went though the crying, and feeling sorry for myself.  I went through the anger (and still am)..  And I am now starting to go through the acceptance stage.  Today I even laughed about it when I spoke with someone about it.  So I am hoping this time next year I can really laugh at the fact that I ever got upset about this because I will be in such a better place than where I was.


In other news....I am a freak about giving Jack juice.  I am not okay with it.  Why? I don't know.  He eats cookies and candy once in a while, but I have this fear of giving him juice..that he will never want a drop of water or milk again.   I think my mother in law gives it to him when I'm not around and I just pretend it's not happening.  BUT over the weekend he had punch for the first time at a birthday party.  


He loved it.

...and I lived through it.


I hope you are all having a great week.

 

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation Electric Toothbrush Giveaway

***The following giveaway is for Illinois residents only

Many parents don’t know that children should visit the dentist within six months of getting the first tooth – and no later than the first birthday. In fact, Illinois children don’t visit the dentist, on average, until they are 3 ½ years old.

A visit by age 1 allows you and your child to develop a relationship with a dentist, which can help set a foundation for good oral health and detect potential dental problems before they progress. Your little one could have pain in one of his or her teeth, but may be too young to tell you.

The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is kicking off “Dentist by 1,” a statewide public service campaign to educate parents about the benefits of taking their children to the dentist by age 1 and to encourage them to schedule a visit.

{{{win it}}}

In conjunction with the campaign, the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is offering one of my readers an electric toothbrush ($160 value) to help promote good oral health! (Open to Illinois residents only).

To enter (mandatory):

 tell me about your child’s first trip to the dentist or something funny about their oral health care habits in the comments under this article. This Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation “Dentist by 1” Electric Toothbrush giveaway begins today and ends on May 16.

For additional entries:

• Pledge to take your kids to the dentist by age 1 or to regular visits at www.dentistby1.com and tell me in the comments below. When you pledge, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation will donate an oral health kit to a local, underprivileged child and will also send you a kit! (Kits include a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste and a children’s oral health tip sheet.)
• “Like” Delta Dental of Illinois on Facebook for more information about upcoming contests and tips on establishing good oral health habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
• Follow my blog

Good luck!

fill it

1.  My bedtime routine includes,   I don't really have one.  I go up around 10, wash my face and dream away   .

2.   I am    super hungry.....what else is new?     .

3.  I can't stand     jello       because     the texture makes me sick  .

4. My idea of relaxation would be   sitting by the pool with a nice drink and a book

5. If I had an extra $50, I would     get a massage...I really need one.

6. The best thing about a bloggy friend is     they can relate.  I think a lot of people think blogs are strange (along with the people who do them)  I like that they are there to support me and send me messages when things are not so great in my life. .

7.  A recipe I've been dying to try is   So many, but this penne with roasted asparagus and balsamic butter is on my list for next week!   .

Hope you have a fun weekend!

New Photocard Creations Winner...

I have a new winner for Photocard Creations since the first winner did not respond...


Latonya, congrats!!! You are the new winner!  Please email me at justanothermomdayblog@gmail.com within the next 24 hours!