Just Another Manic Momday

Filling....

2012-05-25T07:26:00.001-05:00

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

2012-05-23T09:32:00.001-05:00

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...

2012-05-21T12:27:00.001-05:00

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!

2012-05-19T07:04:00.000-05:00

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...

2012-05-18T07:18:00.003-05:00

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

2012-05-16T21:21:00.000-05:00

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...

2012-05-16T06:10:00.001-05:00

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

2012-05-14T22:21:00.000-05:00

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

2012-05-08T20:47:00.002-05:00

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

2012-05-06T08:02:00.002-05:00

***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

2012-05-04T08:16:00.002-05:00

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...

2012-05-02T07:16:00.002-05:00

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!

loss...

2012-04-28T08:45:00.000-05:00

I am sorry I have been sort of MIA lately. I've been a bit down.

In the past week I've lost two things...my job and my Grandpa. I don't even like talking about it but maybe it will relieve some of the stress I have inside and make me feel a bit less sad.

First my job. With the numbers down in our school system I (being the last one hired) was let go so that a tenured teacher could take my place. I don't think it's fair and I have a lot of anger and sadness inside about it, but it is what it is I guess. This is a job that I worked my whole career to get, and worked more than I have at, and after a year it's gone.

As for my grandpa well.....

he lived a wonderful 98 years. His name is Angelo...and that's him at my wedding. I love that picture.

He lived a great life and, and in the end, age won. He was one of our few remaining World War II vets and I loved listening to his stories about the war and "way back when". He was loved by many, and I will miss him every day.

So I'l be back in full swing too, I just have to get myself together and feel 100%. There is nothing I can do to control either of these things but it's just a really awful feeling.

Have a great weekend.

**p.s. if you know of any jobs in the Chicago area, I'm all ears! ; )

fill it

2012-04-27T20:25:00.001-05:00

1. When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is, get my phone and check my email .

2. I can hardly wait for summertime .

3. The quickest way to my heart is helping me clean because it shows you care about me!

4. A little known fact about me is that I love Mickey Mouse, always have.

5. The best part about my job is right now, nothing...but I'll save that for another post next week.

6. Something I just couldn't live without is makeup, it makes such a difference .

7. Something useful that I wish I knew how to do is speak Spanish fluently .

sponsor spotlight....tamara lynn photography

2012-04-26T08:49:00.002-05:00

You may have noticed the cute, new little button on my side bar for Tamara Lynn Photography.

(how cute is she!?!)

The shop is run by Tamara, an American photographer, and she lives in the UK with her boyfriend James, an English painter. Together they run Red Coat Studio, which has just opened up an Etsy shop http://redcoatstudio.etsy.com It features affordable prints of their original artwork. They are having a great sale for free shipping worldwide, the code is REDCOATSTUDIOFREE.

These are just some of my favorite items from her shop:

She has also been blogging for a little over a year now. At first it was just a simple place to share some of her photographs, but it has become a personal window into their work and lives.

If you get a chance, check out her shop and her blog, both are great...her shop has so many cute items! IF you're a Facebook freak like me, check out her facebook page as well!

Winner..Photo Card Creations Giveaway!

2012-04-26T08:49:00.001-05:00

I hope you all are having a great week!

I have a winner for the Photo Card Creations giveaway.....

#11 Tabitha!!!

Congrats...please email me at justanothermomdayblog@gmail.com

it happened...

2012-04-25T08:26:00.000-05:00

So I have talked since this blog started about how difficult it is to leave Jack everyday to go to work. I am actually happy I leave before my husband and Jack are awake so that I don't have to actually say Goodbye to Jack...it would make me too sad everyday.

But Friday, I had a later start, which meant Jack was up before I left. And it happened. Jack looked at me and said "Don't go to work Mama." My heart hurt a little and I said what would make sense to any kid...."Jack, do you like toys?"
"Yes Mama!" he replied.
"Well then Mama has to go to work to buy you toys."

It didn't make it any easier to leave to go to work that day, but it seemed like a good enough reason for Jack.

I am counting down the days until Summer break.

I hope you have a great Monday.

$100 Stanley Steemer Gift Card Giveaway!

2012-04-24T07:06:00.000-05:00

I couldn't imagine living in a huge house. Or even a semi-huge house. I feel like all I do is clean, in our average size place. If I could splurge on something extra each month, it would for sure be a cleaning service. Will Stanley Steemer and MyBlogSpark have made it a little easier for me and also for you this month. All you have to do is call over to the folks over at Stanley Steemer and tell them what you need! Not only can they clean your carpets, but they can also clean your rugs, sofas, and tile. I even learned that they clean car upholstery!!!

Here is some information about Stanley Steemer from their site: For more than 60 years, we have been bringing cleaner, more comfortable homes to America. To serve customers nationwide, we now boast over 300 locations in 48 states. From a humble, one-man, one-truck beginning in Columbus, Ohio, we’ve done pretty well—all because we’re driven to deliver the best, and proud to stand behind every service 100%.

To combat this difficult allergy season this spring plus truly make your homes clean, consumers should consider a deeper cleaning twice a year by the professionals at Stanley Steemer.

Not just for carpet cleaning, Stanley Steemer’s expertise extends to hardwood, tile, air ducts, water damage restoration, and more!
Stanley Steemer’s proprietary equipment and cleaning processes remove more than 98% of dry soil from floors
With over 70 branches and 220 franchise locations in 48 states, Stanley Steemer services 95% of the country

Want to see Stanley Steemer in action? Check out the Stanley Steemer van and crew as they visited fellow blogger Corine Ingrassia’s home of Complicated Mama:

Stanley Steemer was nice enough to send me a gift card to try out their services. I am for sure going to use them on our upstairs carpet. With kids and pets, these carpets could really use it....I can't wait to see how they look!

Could you use some help with your spring cleaning? Stanley Steemer is offering one lucky reader a chance to win a $100 gift card! For your chance to win, just follow the rules below.

How to Enter:

1) Tell me which Stanley Steemer service you would get with your gift card.

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)

2) Subscribe to my blog.

3) Follow me on twitter (JustAnotherMM) and tweet about this giveaway, including the #MyBlogSpark. (Once an hour)

4) Like my facebook page and comment on my wall.

5) Become a fan of Stanley Steemer on Facebook.

6) Follow Stanley Steemer on Twitter.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on May 1st. Winner will be announced on here and have 24 hours to respond.

Open to US residents only.

You Must Leave a Valid E-mail Address to be eligible.

Disclosure: The gift certificate, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by Stanley Steemer through MyBlogSpark.

Old Navy & Crowdtap Bottoms Bonanza!

2012-04-22T20:16:00.003-05:00

I have talked about Crowdtap before, and maybe this post will convince you to join.

I got to go shopping with 3 friends for FREE Old Navy Bottoms! What is a "bottom?" you ask? Well, for this event we got to choose one pair of shorts, pants, or capris and 1 pair of shoes to start the Spring off right.

It was so much fun! I had an idea of what shoes I wanted to get before I went there because I checked out Old Navy's website before going in, but even without the research I would have been drawn to these Animal Print Cross Front Sandals

(seriously, how cute are they?).

I headed out to Old Navy to start shopping and as soon as we got started we had employees offering assistance. They were so friendly and made the shopping experience even more fun because they would talk and joke with us as we shopped. Sometimes when you use a discount, employees can treat you differently but that wasn't the case at Old Navy. My only complaint would be that they were out of sizes for some of the styles, which made it more difficult to find the perfect look. I understand why though, they were so cute!

I ended up going with the sandals I mentioned above and the Button Front Pencil Skirt. I can't to wear them!!

If you are interested in scoring some free swag and other fun things, join Crowdtap just like I did!

*Disclaimer: I am a Member of Crowdtap and the Old Navy Style Council. I got to sample items for free, but all opinions expressed are my own.

Working Mom Meals...Shrimp Tacos

2012-04-18T20:32:00.002-05:00

So we are trying to eat healthier. No chocolate, no carbs, no beer, no snacks......who am I kidding.

But we are trying to have healthier dinners, and those delish shrimp tacos above fit the bill. They are easy for you working moms and the avocado-cliantro sauce goes oh so well. I found this recipe on Favorite Family Recipes..enjoy!

Shrimp Tacos (serves 2)

COLESLAW:
2 cups shredded green cabbage
2 Tbsp Lime Juice
1 Tbsp dried oregano
-Toss and season with salt.
CILANTRO DRESSING:
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 avocado
1/2 cup cilantro
3 Tbsp lime juice
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
-Mix thoroughly in a blender adding a little water if needed.
SHRIMP:
1/2 pound shrimp
pinch of sugar
1 Tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

Peel shrimp, pat it dry, season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Heat oil over high heat and add shrimp. Cook until shrimp are curled and pink.
Layer the sauce, shrimp, and cabbage in a warm corn tortilla. We topped it with a little cotija (or feta) cheese.

My Vintage Designs Winner!

2012-04-17T17:58:00.002-05:00

Hello all.

I have a winner for the My Vintage Designs earrings!

#9 Connie! Congrats! Email me at justanothermomdayblog@gmail.com

well hi.

2012-04-14T14:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the party! I am so happy to be joining this party again! I have already visited some amazing new blogs and I hope you like what you see! This is just a little bit about your fam....enjoy!

Hi. I'm Amy. A wife to my best friend, new(ish) mom to the sweetest little guy in the world, Jack, and a Special Education teacher. Being a mom has taught me many things..about myself, and about life. Being a working mom has taught me so many more things; (organization being one of them). I love cooking, baking , shopping, blogging, and working on my photography. I just opened a new little etsy shop as well, you can see that here. I thank all of you for reading and taking the time to comment, and I love meeting you all too!

The hubs, Tom. We met, at a bar, on Thanksgiving Eve, 2004. We had our first date the next night. The rest, they say, is history. He is my "Mr. Fix It", the best dad, and my best friend.

This is my little man Jack. He came into this world on October 21, 2009. He is everything I imagined children would be and more. He is always amazing me and will ALWAYS put a smile on my face. Oh yeah, and he is growing up WAY TOO FAST.

Lenny, is Jack's big brother, and the most patient, loving little yorkie (and doggy) I have ever met. He gives us all unconditional love, and he loves having his belly rubbed.

Thank you for visiting and come back and visit soon!

Photo Card Creations Giveaway

2012-04-14T07:02:00.001-05:00

I love sending cards. In fact, I try to make up reasons to give cards. You can imagine how excited I was when Photo Card Creations contacted me.

Photo Card Creations is a leading online retailer of premium custom thank you cards, announcements & invitations. They specialize in wedding, baby, party & holiday cards. They are passionate about providing exceptional quality products & customer service. They are excited about their new Online Design Tool, which was recently implemented and the over 100 new card designs that will be added in 2012! The new design tool makes ordering much easier by allowing customers to design, view & approve their cards online!

These are just two of the great designs they have to offer:

There is always an occasion to send cards. From birthdays, to announcements, to "just because", they have everything you could ever want!

Photo Card Creations is offering one of my readers 25 cards of their choice!

to enter (mandatory):

Visit Photo Card Creations and comment on which cards you would choose!

Extra Entries:

1. Like Photo Card Creations on Facebook and tell them I sent you!

2. Follow or subscribe to me

4. Like me on facebook

5. Follow me on Twitter

goog luck! Contest ends Monday April 23. Winner will have 24 hours to respond!

fill it!

2012-04-13T16:21:00.000-05:00

1. Today is a good day because It's Friday! .

2. The best thing I did all week was had my last big meeting at work...it was a great feeling .

3. The current weather is sunny and cool and it makes me feel pretty ok .

4. The best thing about spring is seeing the flowers come up and being able to go for walks!

5. A fashion trend that I'm dying to try out for spring is all the bright colors. I need to add some color to my life!

6. A person who made me smile this week was Jack, but then again he makes me smile daily .

7. The most delicious thing I ate all week was I made a great southwest chopped chicken salad...the recipe can be found here .

Hope you have a great weekend!

Wordless(ish) Wednesday..Easter

2012-04-11T10:52:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share a few pics from Easter. Jack had a blast. He had 3 Egg hunts, ate tons of candy, ran around all day, and the Easter Bunny bought him his first tricycle. What more could a guy ask for??