Wordless(ish) Wednesday..Easter

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?? 

I've got the fever...for Children's Advil!

       

 Thank God, Jack has only had one or two fevers since his little life started.  I know, however, that    more are to come.  I want to be sure to make him better in a jiffy.  That's where Children's Advil comes in.

Children’s Advil® conducted a survey from more than 1,000 parents and 250 pediatricians across the country and discovered that 52% of parents feel anxious, fearful, or helpless when their child has a fever.

That doesn’t need to happen; we just need to know a few tips and facts about fevers. Children’s Advil has teamed up with Alanna Levine, M.D. (a nationally recognized pediatrician) to offer a “fever relief” program to help us parents.

Stay Cool:  Remember that most fevers are the body’s way of fighting an illness.

Be Prepared: Talk with your child’s doctor about what to do when your child runs a fever. And make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked with non-expired and non-recalled medicines.

Watch for Serious Signs & Call Your Doctor If: 

• your child is less than three months and has a fever of 100 degrees or higher. 
• your child’s fever is over 103 degrees, no matter their age
• your child’s fever lasts for more than 3 days
• your child has a fever and looks and acts very sick
• you have concerns. Never underestimate your mother’s intuition! If something doesn’t seem to right to you, call your doctor!

Long Lasting Relief: When choosing a fever medication, be sure to consider how long the medication will last.  Children’s Advil®, which contains ibuprofen, provides up to 8-hours of relief with one dose.

Common Mistakes and Missteps, according to the survey:

• 52% of parents send their child back to school less than 24 hours after their fever went away
• 52% of parents wake their child in the middle of the night to give them fever medication
• 17% of parents have brought their child to the emergency room for a fever without consulting with their doctor first
• 36% of parents base medication dosage on age versus weight.

When our kids get a fever, it’s good to know the facts ahead of time so we don’t stress (as much) when they get sick. All these tips are good, but the most important tip is to trust your mother’s instinct. I’ve been there many times, where I’m hesitant to call the doctor in the middle of the night with a question. But I’ve learned that if I’m really worried, I call.

Packaging on the medicines are not always correct, I always check with my Dr. for their recommendations of the dosage to give.

From now on, whenever Jack gets a fever, I know I can trust  Children’s Advil.  The best part is Children’s Advil lasts 8 hours which will let him get the sleep he needs when sick. Whether it’s a sick child or a teething baby, Children’s Advil helps to relieve pain and discomfort and allows them to rest peacefully.

You can find more information about fevers and Children’s Advil at their Facebook page too.

Disclaimer: Thank you to Children’s Advil® for providing free product samples, the survey information, and gift pack. I received no monetary compensation and regardless, my opinions are my own and were not influenced by the sponsor. 

  Serves 4-6

eggs eggs everywhere...a working mom meal

So I am not a big egg fan.  I don't really eat eggs for breakfast and don't usually like the smell of hard boiled.  But I like egg salad.  Jack and I did some Easter egg coloring last week and so we had all of these beautiful eggs sitting in our fridge.

Then I came across the blog Grab a Plate.  She featured an avocado egg salad which I immediately fell in love with.  Avocados make everything better.  Last night I made it.  In the dark in my kitchen. (I don't know why I didn't just put a light on). This is the instagram picture I got.

I am still working on my Instagraming techniques.

The picture from Grab a Plate is much better.

This Avocado Egg Salad is pretty excellent The avocados are an great creamy sub for all of that mayo found in most egg salad recipes.  I did add a bit of mustard to the recipe below because I like that added taste to my egg salad, I also added more lemon juice to give it that extra zing.

IF you are looking for a way to use all of those Easter eggs, and want something a bit different, try this, it's sos easy, fast, and delish.

Ingredients

• 4 hard boiled eggs, chilled and peeled
• 1 avocado cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4 radishes, finely chopped
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of half a lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon of mustard

Directions

1. Hard boil 4 eggs. Once cooled, peel them and separate the yolks from the whites. Dice the whites into small pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks, avocado, mustard, and non-fat mayonnaise. (at this point you can mash or leave slightly chunky, like I did)
3. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, parsley, radishes, green onion and salt and pepper to the mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
4. Gently fold in the diced egg whites and combine.
5. Chill until ready to use. Serve as you like!

 Serves 2-3

the big hunt

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and get to spend some time relaxing and with family.


I just thought I'd share a quick little post about Jack's eggperience with the eggs.  This was Jack's first year doing Easter Egg Hunts, so we tried to get to a bunch of them.  I think he liked them.

 He didn't quite get the idea at first, but once he knew there was candy inside, he learned very quickly!
I had so much fun watching him, and this age is just the best to watch him experience everything.

Easter, a great time to shop!

In case you were looking for a cute new Etsy shop to spend some of that extra Easter money, look no further!


This weekend only my shop is offering 15% off...just enter the code EASTER at checkout!


You can also check out my new Etsy Mini widget on the sidebar to see some of what I have to offer!  I hope you are having a great Friday!

my vintage designs giveaway!

Do you like these?

or these?

Well I do.  The best part is that they come from a new cute little Etsy shop over the pond in England.  My Vintage Designs was started by Clare and she has adorable rings, earrings and hair clips at great prices.  Maybe you noticed, but her designs started out as buttons, and now you can win a pair!

{{win it}}

One of my readers will win the Handmade Purple Weave Earrings

I love the bright colors, they are so in for the Summer season!

To enter just do one of the following:

Mandatory:

Visit My Vintage Designs etsy shop and comment on your favorite item!

Extra Entries:

1. Follow My Vintage Designs on Twitter

2. Like me on Facebook

3. Follow Just Another Manic Momday

4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the link below!

Contest ends Friday April 13 at 11:59 pm. Central Time. Winner will be announce on here and have 24 hours to respond.  Good Luck!

I have been waiting for Instagram for Android to come out.  I read with jealousy every week on the blogs with their  "Week of Instagram" photos and felt like I would never get to feel the joy of posting my own "week of Instagrams".

Well the time has come.

(isn't that such a cute picture of us?!?)

You can now download the app here.

And since I am new to this whole craze, I am trying to learn all that I can do with it, and of course how to take better photos.  Because of course I don't have enough things on my list that I am trying to get done, it's best to add one more.

I found this post really helpful in learning to take great photos with my phone for Instagram, and will be using this in the upcoming days, if I remember to get around with it, I'll share.

For now, I'd love to know your secrets for getting a great Instagram, and what your favorite theme is to add to your pics. 

Until next time, have a great Wednesday, and come back later for a great little giveaway!

Take a PEEP at this!

I admit, I don't like Peeps.  I have tried to, but I just am not a marshmallow fan. My husband however, is a fan, and Jack loves marshmallows, so I am assuming he will love these colorful, sugary little pillows of cuteness.  I am just amazed at all of the things you can do with peeps, and may, just may give PEEPS another chance this year.


Anyways, take a look at these cute ideas using PEEPS, and have a great Monday!

Chocolate Covered Peeps from Love from the Oven

Lemon Peeptini's from Home is where the boat is.

Peeps Bunting at MADE

Peeps Stuffed Rice Crispy Treats at Love from the Oven

Peeps Centerpiece from Mommysavers

Peeps S'mores from Steamy Kitchen

fill it.

Spring Break is almost over, which really is depressing.  I am hoping you are all having a great Friday and a great Spring weekend!

1.  My greatest strength is   probably the face that I am not lazy.  I am always doing something and always a hard worker  .

2.   My greatest weakness is   That I never relax.  I always feel like I should be doing something   .

3.  People always compliment me on     Jack.  I must agree    .

4. If you found me procrastinating you'd probably find me    on the computer...pinning or reading blogs...it's a great time waster .

5. The most cozy place in all the world is  home .

6. Something new that I tried recently was    my new converse sneakers.  I have never had a pair, and I am so excited to wear them!

7.  This weekend I would like to   sleep.  I am exhausted and I just need a nap   .

Wordless(ish) Wednesday....25 years

Happy 25 years Disney Store!!!!!

There's a new sheriff in town

Jack's new obsession is Woody.  We have watched Toy Story about one million times.  I have to say I really don't mind watching it, I have always love the movie and there could be worse things to watch over and over (Yo Gabba Gabba).  


So Jack decided that he wanted a cowboy hat just like Woody.  My mom went out and found him the closest thing she could. 

And while I don't like toy guns, Jack just loves his new water gun, and had to take the hat gun out on a walk.

 Have a great week! I am on Spring Break!  Woo hoo!

Last day to enter Stamped With Love Giveaway!

Just a reminder that today is the last day to enter to win a personalized Mother's Necklace!  This is perfect for a Mother's Day gift or for yourself!  

You can enter here!

Stamped with Love Review and Giveaway!

I haven't done a giveaway in a while, too long.  So I am super excited to be back in action with the cutest little shop on Etsy...Stamped with Love.  


Erica is a fellow teacher who now stays at home with her little one. This gives her more time to make great items like these:

Wine Charms

Mother's  Handprint Necklace


{{win it}}

One of my readers will win their very own Personalized Mother's Necklace.
 

Erica was so generous to send me one of my very own charms.  I can't wait to wear it, it's perfect with his October birthstone!     

With Mother's Day coming up, Stamped with Love is full of great gifts for every mom, grandma, or sister on your list! Erica also does grill sets, golf ball markers and guitar picks; it's never too early to think of your guy for Father's Day!

Be sure to enter below, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I've been bad...

I feel like I have let myself down.  And you.  I have not been blogging much lately.  It may be because I am super busy and stressed out about work.  It may be because I can't seem to find the time for anything and blogging has been getting pushed to the side.  It MAY be because the past few months, I feel like I don't have anything to blog about.  Or it may be that I have been kinda down about having little to no comments on here daily.  Maybe it's all of those put together.

Whatever it is I am really going to try to be a better blogger.  Spring Break (and summer ) is almost here, so I plan on taking tons of pictures and blogging a lot that week.  I also hope the weather is as nice as it has been here this weekend. In the 80's!  I can't remember having 80's in March!  We biked, played outside, went for walks, went to a maple syrup fest...and it was perfect out.

I like it but I also feel like it's a little too much too soon.  I like my spring.  Jack (as you can see below) likes his new sunglasses.  He wears them EVERYWHERE.  

I hope you all had a great weekend.  I hope you all comment more, it makes me happy, and I hope I will be back in the swing of blogging from now on.

Have a great Monday.

thank God I'm not alone...

I have to admit, there are days I sit and rock my sweet boy to sleep or go into his room at night and scream to myself, "Stop getting so big, stop growing up!".  Do I really want him to stop growing?  No, of course not.  I want him to have a great, fun filled, life, enjoying every year, every age....just as long as he's doing it with me.  

I know that day will come when he will leave me.  I know.  I am just trying to push it as far back in my mind as I can.  I would like to think that it will never happen.  My husband thinks I'm crazy.  I am happy to know that I am not the only one who feels this way.  Jenny Isenman, is one of those mom's who feels the same as I do.  Her article in The Huffington Post says it perfectly:

The moment you bring a baby boy into the world, you start to wonder when he's going to leave you. That's right. You know that one day he'll leave you for another woman -- even though he'll propose to you all through toddlerhood and tell you that you are the only girl for him.

Liar.

You're already quite certain that the woman he marries will probably resent you for being so awesomely cool. And you're betting she'll do whatever she can to break the strong bond you have with your sweet prince. Women say it's good to marry mama's boys, but they don't really want to deal with the mama part. 

Wenches!

My husband has told me time and time again to cut the cord... no f*****g way! I'm waiting until that thing rots and falls off. I mean, for how much longer is he going to say "I love you" when he walks out the door, or hug me in front of his friends, or ask me to lie with him at night? Frankly, I don't know, but I won't be the one to stop it.

If he's 40 and wants me to lie with him and scratch his arm, I'll be all "Move over, Megan," or whatever his unappreciative, son-stealing wife's name is.

Let's be honest: he may be 5 now, but before we know it, he'll be shaving, and driving, and then he'll leave us to go to college somewhere cold. Then he'll get married and move to be near her mother, because that's what girls make boys do: move near their mothers! Then he'll be a father, and then one fine holiday he'll have "wifey" call us to cancel our plans. Then he'll try to make up for it by sending one of those Harry & David gift baskets filled with pears, because he'll remember that we love pears, but they'll be bruised -- like our hearts.

No, we can't go down that road. We have to take a stand against son stealing right now.

We'll make those Jezebels pay... no, sign! Yes, a contract for us to make them sign, besides the pre-nup. That's right, like using WiFi in Starbucks, they'll have to agree to our terms. 

This is a MIL-nup, and it goes like this:

• I will compliment my mother-in-law's (MIL's) cooking, her decorating, and, most importantly, the incredible way she raised her son, my husband.
• I will marvel at my MIL's beauty and miraculously never-aging skin every time I see her.
• I will acknowledge that my MIL's son is on loan to me so that we can make grandbabies, which will probably look like her and have her wonderful traits, which I will mention in conversation frequently and with great fervor.
• I will remind my husband to call my MIL daily, saying, "Have you told your mother you love her today? You should, she rocks." Plus, I will throw in phrases like this:
  • "That amazing woman raised you! You should call and thank her... again."
  • "You can truly never thank her enough."
  • "Let's go over and thank her in person."
  • "We should bring her a gift when we go."
  • "She's so deserving of gifts."
  • "Let's take her on vacation with us."
  • "And get her another gift."
  • "Maybe a beautiful locket with pictures of you and our children."
  • "No, I don't need to be in the pictures; she didn't raise me... unfortunately."
• I will tell other women that their mothers-in-law are not as fabulous as mine, and I shall be willing to throw down in the event that said women disagree.
• I will take my MIL to her weekly hair salon appointment and shopping at Loehmann's, when it is deemed necessary by age.
• I will spend all holidays with my husband's family, because they are so awesome and gracious, and I realize how much mine sucks by comparison.
And lastly:
• I will move to be near my MIL, whether she has retired to Century Village in Florida, decides to live in a nudist colony in Arizona, or goes bat-s**t crazy and moves to Alaska for the fresh sushi. She is so wise and wonderful that I'm sure her choice of habitat will suit me and my husband perfectly!
Oh, and:
• My MIL can so live with me and my husband when she's old and can't remember who I am.

There. You can print this to be signed when the inevitable happens. I just saved you from losing your sweet, sweet boy. You're welcome.

Enjoy your Wednesday.