Holiday Peeps and How They Changed Me

I can't believe Christmas (and my baby's due date) are only 43 days away.   I am trying to get my Christmas shopping done as early as possible in case the baby arrives early, and I wanted to share a great addition to those holiday gifts. 
PEEPS.

I have to admit, my husband and I never liked PEEPS.  I don't know why...maybe it's because we never gave them a real chance.  Well when I was sent these tasty little delights to try, we had to give them a second chance..especially the ones with chocolate. 

 

We are now in love.  Especially with these little guys:

They are nothing but wonderful.  Candy cane flavored PEEPS dipped in even more wonderful chocolate.  I am now going to be stocking up on these for us and to add to my family's gifts this year.  There are so many other great flavors this holiday from PEEPS including:

 

• New Sugar-Cookie Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Dipped in Milk Chocolate (3 count)
• Gingerbread Flavored Gingerbread Men (6 ct and New 3 count)
• Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Flavored Marshmallow Chicks (3 count)
• Chocolate (milk or dark) Covered Mint Flavored Marshmallow Trees (individually wrapped)
• Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Reindeer (6 count)
• Trees (3 and 9 count)
• Snowmen (3 and 9 count)
• Peppermint Flavored Marshmallow Stars (9 count)
• Christmas Rainbow Pop (4 count)
  
  PEEPS has a wide range of Christmas offerings this year.  I know you or your children would love to find these in their stocking, and they make the perfect little gift for friends, co-workers, or family!

Disclosure:  I have received a free sample of the PEEPS Christmas offerings so that I may complete an honest review of their product.  All opinions are my own.   

Halloween

Happy Halloween from Mike Wazowski!

 

I hope you all had a great Halloween!

4

Today Jack is 4....I can't believe it has been 4 years already.  We had a party with his friends over the weekend, ate, lots of cake and Jack opened tons of presents.  Last night when we were talking about his birthday he said to me "I want to stay 3 forever, I like being 3".  I feel  the same way.  Happy Birthday.

 

Pumpkin Chocolate Bundt Cake

The above picture does not do this cake justice.  This is one of the moistest, simple yet delicious tasting cakes I have made.  Making this made me realize how much I love a bundt cake. There is just something about it. 

Anyways, my love of pumpkin continues with this recipe, and if you are a pumpkin lover, I suggest you give this one a try. 


Marbled Pumpkin-Chocolate Bundt Cake

 

 Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 2⅔ cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
• 2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 stick(s) (1 cup) butter, softened
• 1¾ cup(s) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2⅓ cup(s) canned 100% pure pumpkin
• 6 ounce(s) semisweet baking chocolate, melted as pkg directs and cooled
• 2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoon(s) pumpkin pie spice
• Garnish: confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Coat a 10-in.-diameter (12-cup) bundt pan with nonstick spray.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with mixer on high speed 3 minutes or until pale and fluffy. On medium speed, beat in eggs, 1 at a time. On low speed, beat in pumpkin (mixture will look curdled), then flour mixture until just blended.
3. Pour 1⁄2 the batter into another bowl. Stir melted chocolate, then vanilla into 1 bowl, pie spice into the other. Alternating batters, drop large spoonfuls into bundt pan. Run a knife through batters to marbleize. Smooth the top.
4. Bake 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes (cake may settle a bit). Invert cake on rack. Turn cake right side up and cool completely.
5. To serve: Place on a large cake plate; surround with pumpkins and leaves. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.

Wordless(ish) Wednesday..first day of school

Yes, it was Jack's first day of Preschool Monday.  I couldn't sleep the night before, worrying that he will be scared or sad, or that other kids will be mean to him.  I worried about making friends and about him growing up.  But I knew the day had to come.

 

There were some tears (from both of us) but on our way out we peeked in to see Jack playing and smiling....and that's all I could ask for.  He even came home saying he loved school!  I hope you all are having a great week, it's almost fall!!!!

20 weeks

This is my last full week off of break.  I have been spending everyday with Jack, swimming, going to the park, going for walks, etc. ...just enjoying our last Summer alone together.  We are excited to have a new member to the family this Winter, but it's also a bit sad that Jack and I won't have as much alone time. 

So last week we went for our 20 week ultrasound.  I can't believe I am half way!  We didn't know what to expect, from it all, and Jack was really hoping for  brother.  Well this Christmas we will be having a......

 

 

GIRL!!!!!

 

Jack was a bit upset at first, and my husband was in shock, but it will be so nice to have girl in our family!

 

I will be back in action more once school starts and as the pregnancy progresses...now I need to start maternity clothes shopping!!

 



a few vacation pics...

I am a little late with these, but over the 4th we went to Disney.  We did all of the parks and had a blast.  Jack loved all the rides and the fireworks were amazing.  I think Jack's favorite part was the Art of Animation hotel.  All of the rooms were Cars themed and I loved it there!  I just wanted to post a few pics of Jack for you all.  I hope you are enjoying your Summer, it is flying by!

Clearwater Beach

Animal Kingdom!

S'more squares....no campfire needed

I posted this last year, and just had to post this again, they are a hit at home, easy for Jack to help me make, and no campfire (or mosquitos!) required.  

Have a great weekend!

Summer S'more Squares
Yields 24

Ingredients:
12 graham cracker sheets
12 large marshmallows
24 Hershey's Kisses

Directions:

Break graham cracker sheets in half. Using a knife (or clean scissors) cut each marshmallow into 2 halves. Heat oven to Low Broil and place oven rack two levels below broiler. Align graham crackers in the center of a cookie sheet about 1/2" apart from each other (be sure they are near the center so they are directly under the broiler and cook more evenly at the same time). Top each graham cracker with a marshmallow with the cut/sticky side down. Place marshmallow topped graham crackers under broiler (turn oven light on if you have one). KEEP WATCHING! Watch them closely as they will toast quickly, allow to toast until golden rotating pan with oven mitt as needed. (I burnt a batch becuase I wasn't watching, so be careful!). Once golden immediately remove from oven, place 1 Kiss in the center of each toasted marshmallow and gently press down. For best results serve warm, just like a real S'more.
*You will probably have to broil two pans, as only about 12 crackers fit on a pan.

A great deal....

I love deal sites...LOVE them, and lately it seems like there are so many great ones.  Well Lilly Lou Finds is one of the newest and cutest deal sites which features handmade shops. They have new deals daily and offer some really great things. 

And it just so happens that right now they are featuring prints from my Smitten Image shop on Etsy!
 

You can choose from the print above and have them personalized for your little one!  Check out my deal here, and be sure to check out all the other great things they have to offer.

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Moms Meet Jamba Juice Review

 Jack and I love smoothies.  So you can imagine how excited we all were to be chosen to try out the new fruit and veggie smoothies at Jamba Juice.  I ordered the Tropical Harvest Smoothie and Jack the Berry Beet It! Kids Smoothie.

I was a little worried that Jack would not like the fruit and veggie smoothie; I thought for sure he would taste the veggies. I took a taste and thought it was really good.... the berries tasted great, and I couldn't even tell there was spinach, kale, or broccoli in it.  

 

The Tropical Harvest smoothie was also WAY better than I thought it would be, it may be one of my new favs.. The flavor from the squash and sweet potatoes was a nice complement to balance out the sweetness of the mangoes. Over all, we really liked both flavors and will definitely be trying them again. The Apple 'n Greens smoothie is next on my list.

Jamba Juice smoothies have also really helped out with my morning sickness during this pregnancy.  They soothed my stomach and gave me the nutrients I need for my day 

Here is more information about the two smoothies we got to try' give them a try for your little ones and I'm sure they will be a hit!

 

 

www.jambajuice.com

www.facebook.com/jambajuice

image (c) Jamba Juice

Tropical Harvest Smoothie - 230 Calories, 16 oz 

Made with a blend of mangoes, peaches, and passion mango juice blended with juices from butternut squash, sweet potato, and carrot. It is dairy and gluten free and a great source of Vitamins A, C, B6 and fiber.

image (c) Jamba Juice

 

 

Berry Beet It! Kids Smoothie - 190 Calories, 9.5 oz 

Made with a blend of strawberries, mangoes, bananas, and mixed berry juice with carrots, beets, broccoli, spinach, kale, and lettuce. It is dairy and gluten free and a great source of Vitamins A, C, B6 and fiber.

Celebrate the 4th with these great ideas....

The 4th is next week.  Next week!?!?!?  I can't believe it.  One reason is probably because we just got out of school, but the 4th always seems to creep up on me and it's one of my favorite holidays.  I love the parades, I love the fests, I love the fireworks, and I for sure I love the food.

This year however, we will not be home for the 4th, we will instead be at....DISNEY WORLD!!!  We cant' wait and I can't wait to share our trip with you.

In the meantime, I have some wonderful 4th of July eats and treats.  Have a great weekend!

Two Pea's and their Pod's Blueberry, Strawberry and Jicama Salad

SnoCone Cupcakes from Bakerella

4th of July Marshmallow Pops

Cookin Cowgirl's Firecracker Cookies

Free 4th of July Printable from My Fabulous Life

Patriotic Popsicles from Just Another Manic Momday

Mom.me's Fruity Ice Drinks

4th of July Banana Splits

Just A Taste's Pinwheel Cookies

Makoodle's Patriotic Oreo Pops

Red White and Blue Jello at Brown Eyed Baker

Wordless(ish) Wednesday

Schoool is finally out!!!! I am so happy and can't wait to relax with Jack.  This will be our last Summer just the two of us so I want to be sure to do tons of fun things.  We will start by going to Disney next week....in the mean time, I wanted to share a few new photos of Jack (and lenny).

Enjoy!

 

 

 

The "I just had a baby" Summer Bucket List

The following is a guest post written by Lindsay, who blogs over at The Naughty Mommy. We are participating in A Grande Life’s Summer Blog Swap! Check out Lindsay's blog to see my guest post, "50 Summer Fun Activities."

 

 Last week I gave birth to my second child. I also have a two-year-old. Let’s just say that I expect this summer to be about SURVIVING. Hence, my summer bucket list is not going to have cool things like “go deep-sea diving off the coast of Florida” or “go see one of my favorite bands play in concert.” No, my summer bucket list is going to have “mom things” on it. I present to you my list of challenging feats that I will attempt to accomplish during the months of June, July, and August. I call it… The “I Just Had A Baby” Summer Bucket List:

1. Get dressed in something other than nursing shirts and sweatpants.
2. Take both kids to the store (any store), by myself.
3. Enjoy a summer cocktail…well, several summer cocktails.
4. Go for a run alone. Without a dog, without any kids, and without the jogging stroller.
5. Wear a bikini again. In public.
6. Tell my husband I’m sick and then marathon the 25 episodes of old-school Real Housewives of Orange County that have accumulated on my TiVo.
7. Figure out how to set up the darn sprinkler in the backyard.
8. Learn how to blow better bubbles so my two-year-old doesn’t always say “Oh no, bubbles broken!” when I try to do it.
9.  Eat a meal that doesn't consist of my toddler's leftovers or a granola bar.
10. Get a full night of sleep. (Just once, pretty please??)
11. Start pumping so that I can go out sans baby for more than twenty minutes at a time.
12. Eat dinner out at a restaurant with my husband.
13. Make it to the beach somehow!
14. Get my daughter to kick her Caillou habit...it's starting to look like a full-fledged addiction.
15. Figure out the trick to a baby boy NOT peeing on you every time his diaper is changed.

Be sure to follow Lindsay on Pinterest and Facebook as well!

Sprout Organic Toddler Snacks #sponsored #SproutFoods

I really make an effort to add more organic, healthy foods into Jack's diet.  . I want him to have quality snacks that do not have any additives or fillers and will start him off on the right foot when it comes to liking fresh fruits and veggies. 

I was so happy when Sprout recently sent us samples of their toddler snacks: Fruit & Veggie Crispy Chews and Fruity Yogurt Bites.

I love the flavor combos like red berry and beet or tropical fruit and pumpkin.  What's even better is Jack loved them too..they are even a snack I wouldn't mind bringing to work with me!

The first time Jack tried these he was a bit unsure, but after  a few days, he asked for them, and now tells me he wants the "new fruit snacks" all the time.  

Now until June 30th you can get $1.00 of your purchase of Sprout snacks at Diapers.com.  Just enter code SPROUTSNAX at checkout!

Winners all around...

I first wanted to announce the winner of the Olay Prize Pack:

#17 Christina Gomez, you are the winner!  Contact me at justanothermomdayblog@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Speaking of winners, I have a winner of a photo:

We are so excited to add to the fam this December.  This may explain for the lack of posts the past couple months.  I've been sick.  Like super sick...and exhausted.  Something I never had with Jack.  But now I am feeling better and ready for #2. 

Have a great Thursday!

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts

I am always last minute with gifts.  I always THINK I have time, but then the day comes and I am scrambling to give the perfect gift.  Well if you are like me, I have put together some gift ideas.  These should make every dad happy, and although they may not come in time, a little picture of what's to come will still make dad's day. These have all been approved by my husband. :)

Clockwise:

Great Fishing Lodges of North America Coffee Table book

Pottery by Dan's wood 6 pack holder and bottle opener

Bacon Lover's gift pack from Oscar Meyer

Men's Fragrance Sampler from Sephora

Clockwise:

Blue Petalz Leather iPhone wallet case

Daddy is my Superhero shirt by Once Upon a Story

Handmade Guiness soap

Cicada Leather Company's Leather Growler Carrier with bike strap 

And now for my Chicago peeps some great Chicago themed gift ideas....

Clockwise:

Beer in Chicago print from Lucius Art

Ditka Tee from Chitown Clothing

Gemini Studio's Lincoln Park Art

Chicago flag guitar from Chris Knight Creations

Golden Doodle ball club print

Olay Regenerist Giveaway!

 I'm very excited about today's giveaway, because it features one of my all-time favorite skincare products!
I love Olay products.  I have been using Olay products regularly for years.  I've always heard good things about Olay products and started using them in my mid 20's, But when I discovered Olay Regenerist, particularly the Micro-Sculpting Cream, I fell in love. This cream is velvety-smooth and moisture-rich, but it never feels heavy on your skin.  It is a fantastic product for the price, and I see and feel the improvements it makes in my skin every day.

Olay also has a new eye care product in the Regenerist line too....the Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream and Lash Serum Duo. This is a dual-ended tube with the eye cream on one side, and a clear lash serum on the other side (you apply it with a mascara-style brush.) I started using this a few weeks ago when I received a sample in the mail and I like this as well. The eye cream is a lot lighter in weight than my usual eye cream, and it has the same luxurious, velvety texture that the skin cream does.
I could go on and on about how much I like these products, but let's get to the good part... one of you will win BOTH of these to enjoy! 

{win it}

For a chance to win this Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Skincare package, which includes one full-size Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, one full-size Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo,and one Regenerist Cleanser simply enter via Rafflecopter below! 


This giveaway ends Wednesday June 12 at 11:59pm CST.

---

More about these Olay Regenerist products:
To help you start looking younger, Olay is introducing their latest anti-aging innovations.


Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
America's #1-selling anti-aging moisturizer just got better! With two new anti-aging ingredients, you'll start seeing visible wrinkle reduction on day one.

1 Day: Within 10 minutes, reduces the appearance of lines, boosts hydration and brightness
2 Weeks: Skin is noticeably firmer, and skin elasticity is improved.
4 Weeks: Reduces the look of up to 10 years of wrinkles.

New Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo
The future of eye care is here! The new Regenerist Eye & Lash Duo takes anti-aging beyond skin care to target lines, lids and lashes. It combines a hydrating eye cream with a nourishing lash serum to provide smoother-looking lids, firmer skin, and instantly thicker-looking lashes. You'll see younger-looking eyes that are brighter and firmer in one week.
Defy the signs of aging with an Olay Regenerist regimen. Revamp your skin care routine with the latest in anti-aging technology.




Now enter below, and GOOD LUCK ! a Rafflecopter giveaway

cool it! 101 popsicle recipes...

I have been mia again for a few days.  I was in DC...as a chaperone.    I was imagining awful AWFUL things with 42 8th graders, and I was really anxious about leaving Jack for 2 days, but you know what??  It was sooo much better than I imagined.  The kids were amazing, and Jack survived without me for 3 days.  Having never been to DC, I was amazed with it all.  It is a place I definitely want to go back to one day as a family.  I will have picture later this week, but in the meantime I wanted to share these delicious treats now that things are starting to heat up outside. ( I can't believe it's almost June!).  

Embracing homemaking has 101 homemade popsicle ideas and they are all sure to be a hit this Summer.

Orange Julius is one I just have to try....go check it out and get ready for Summer!

Gone fishing....

My husband loves to fish.  He waits all winter for that first nice day where he can get out on his own and get some fishing done.  Well now he has a new fishing buddy....Jack.  Jack is getting just as into it as my husband.  So last night they grabbed their poles, loaded the wagon and headed down to the nearby pond.  

Jack got his first fish of the season.  

Hopefully it's his first of many this season.....Have a great Wednesday.

I'm in heaven

Reese's is my all time favorite candy.  I could eat them all day everyday.  So when I saw this post from Something Swanky titled "100 ways to eat a Reese's, I knew I had to share.  I never knew there were so many desserts using my favorite little treat.

Be sure to check out all the recipes HERE, and have a great Thursday.

Wordless(ish) Wednesday

I am so happy to get out with Jack and ride bikes, play with bubbles and go for walks.  That also means many more pictures to come. It is so hard to get a picture of Jack but he managed to stop moving for a second so I could snap this.

of course I couldn't forget Lenny....