Happy New Year's (Eve)

I thought I would stop by and chat for a bit since I won't be posting tomorrow. I can not believe 2012 has come and gone. 2012 has been pretty good to me so I'm actually very excited about 2013. I normally don't make resolutions, but I do try to achieve certain things during the year. Which I guess one could argue that that's the same thing. Resolutions and goals. 

In 2013 I want to continue to have a healthy pregnancy accompanied by a safe and smooth delivery. I want to eventually start doing my pregnancy workouts. With Savannah I did water aerobics when I could and I went for walks on my lunch break with my co-workers. This time around I think I'll do walking and pre-natal yoga. I haven't really gained any weight yet so I need to start exercising before I start packing on the baby pounds. 

Of course, one of my goals for 2013 will be to get back in shape after I have the baby. With Savannah all I did was breastfeed and monitor what I was eating and I lost all my baby weight plus an additional fifteen pounds. Don't hate me. I gained all fifteen of those pounds back once I stopped breastfeeding which put me right back at my pre-pregnancy weight. I am happy at that weight and I hope I can get back there after baby number two. I am not about that diet and exercise life so I'll need to stay in shape while pregnant.

In 2013 I am going to submit my children's book story ideas to publishers and literary agents. I spent too much time in 2012 trying to work on illustrations and self publishing. After doing some research I have decided to try another route to becoming an author. Self publishing is a great option if you can do it, but I am going to try something else in the new year. Wish me luck!

That's pretty much it. Eating right, being positive and becoming a better person don't really need to be on my list because I am always trying to improve upon those things. What are your goals (or resolutions) for 2013? Happy New Year and I'll see you in January!!!

Friday Funny

I know it's Saturday but I came across these two funnies and thought I would share! Tomorrow my husband and I will be celebrating seven years of marriage. We don't have any big plans. We'll probably grab some dinner and just hang out. The different smells of the public places have made it pretty hard for me to be out so we'll see. I hope everyone is enjoying their last weekend of 2012.

- posted from my chic iPhone

Shoe Shopping tips for Little Boys

The best shoes and boots for your little boy

Kids go through shoes like nobody's business and replacing their footwear can be an expensive affair. With so much on offer, you can end up with countless pairs of shoes that your little chap is quickly going to grow out of. Shelling out to replace a full shoe wardrobe every six months isn't an option for the majority of us, so until the size of their feet stabilize, it's good to plan ahead and purchase key pairs that will cover all occasions. Here's some handy tips on what to look for when you're out to buy some shoes for your little boy:

A pair of trainers or boots for tearing about in - It's essential that you get a good pair of trainers as they offer casual comfort and are perfect to send them out to play in. Kids will love looking cool in their favourite trainers and they can really take a battering so you don't have to worry about wearing them out.  

Wellies for the wet weather - When you're sending them out into the rain or your little ones are about the embark on some muddy fun then wellies are a great choice as it means their other shoes stay pristine and that little legs won't suffer in the cold. It's no longer a challenge to get the kids to put their wellies on as there are so many designs on offer featuring their favourite cartoon characters or in fun colours. The challenge now is to actually get them back in to their smarter shoes! 

Smart shoes for school - They are an absolute essential but it used to be a real chore to find a pair of sensible shoes to send them to school in. As more and more styles seem to on offer for the boys, getting a great pair of hard-wearing school shoes has become a breeze.

So, with these three footwear favourites, you'll have a shoe wardrobe designed to deal with every eventuality. There are all kinds of boys shoes out there, so whatever his style is, just pick up the pairs he prefers and avoid spending money on countless shoes that won't last for long. 

*This post was brought to you by ASDA.

Giveaway: Vintage Inspired Earrings

How would you love another giveaway? Tis the season to give so I'm giving away these stunning Tangerine Topaz and Aquamarine vintage inspired ear rings.

These beautiful Castellemmare Designs earrings had me at hello. I love the simplicity of them and their vibrant color. Perfect for a night out or a day at the office.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas at the Riverwalk

We had a great time taking Savannah to see the lights. She squealed and clapped the whole time. It was beautiful. If you're ever in San Antonio during the holiday season you must check out the Christmas lights on the Riverwalk. It was actually a little chilly when we went and that added to the already perfect setting. There was a mariachi band playing Christmas music. It was absolutely perfect. Here are a couple pics from our night out.

The pics of the lights don't do them justice at all. They were really amazing!

- posted from my chic iPhone

Friday Funny: Christmas Edition

We're taking Savannah down to the Riverwalk tonight to view the Christmas lights. She's going to love it! I want to make some hot chocolate for us to take with us. I'll be hitting up Pinterest for some ideas. I'm also trying something different with my hair. If it comes out cute I'll post it to Instagram. Since I'm actually getting dressed and leaving the house I might even do a style post tomorrow on my look tonight. That is. If my outfit it post worthy, ha ha! I have no I idea what I'm going to wear. Something comfortable for sure. I hope everyone has an amazing weekend. At some point I need to encourage my husband to start putting these toys together. Tis the season!

- posted from my chic iPhone

Chic Bump Watch: Week 10

Where do I even begin? I am not a good patient or that good at being sick. Since I've been feeling bad for the past few weeks you can imagine that has made it difficult for the people around me. Lucky you. Honestly, my morning (24/7) sickness has been getting better. Some days I don't throw up at all. Then there are the days when I can't keep anything down. That's actually progress from being sick everyday. 

I still haven't quite learned what makes this baby tick. With Savannah as long as I had fresh fruit (mainly watermelon) and fresh ingredients to make salad I was good. I couldn't eat meat with her at all. This time around it appears that anything fried grosses me out. So far the only thing that I've been able to keep down is baked potatoes. Baked potatoes and those little thirty nine cent burritos that you microwave. Don't judge me. Those things are pretty good after you sprinkle cheese on them and smother them in sour cream. Don't knock it 'til you try it.

I haven't had a problem with breakfast lately. It seems that my normal egg, bacon and pepper jack cheese sandwich on toast is still good to go. I've been trying to narrow down all the things that could be triggering my sickness. Am I not eating enough? Am I going too long between meals? I have friends who talk about how they never got sick while they were pregnant and all they did was eat eat eat. I wonder what that's like? To be able to freely eat without the food aversions...must be nice. Hopefully, things will work themselves out as I get closer to my second trimester. With Savannah I was sick until exactly week sixteen. One can only hope I am in a similar situation. 

I don't have a bump pic for you yet because there's no bump to show really. My stomach just looks like I had a big lunch. I've been told that B6 and half a Unisom could help with the sickness but I am just not a fan of sleeping pills. Has anyone tried that? My doctor suggested it but I'm not really feeling it. I'll just have to tough it up and wait it out like most women do. Did any of you have really bad sickness? How many of you made through pregnancy without ever being sick? Lucky heffas. 

Holiday Inspiration from Hollywood

This is such an eventful time of year. In the military world many of us may be attending one of the Holiday Balls. In the real world you may be going to a ball, party or some other gathering that is festive and calls for an amazing gown. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite red carpet looks that also fit the holiday theme. What do you think?

                                                                          Source: harpersbazaar.com via Jeanette on Pinterest

                                                                              Source: nymag.com via Debbie on Pinterest

And because there's always going to be the girl at the office party that completely shuts it down...

                                                                                  Source: mtv.com via Karen on Pinterest

                                                             Source: www-hollywoodlife-com.vimg.net via Danielle on Pinterest

I wouldn't be staying true to myself if I didn't include a lady tuxedo. I have one and I LIVE for it! I prefer a skinny or cigarette leg on my tux but this one is pretty nice too.

                                                                             Source: uk.burberry.com via meg on Pinterest

                                             What will you be wearing this holiday season?

Support for Sandy Hook

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area."

  Donations made to the Newtown Youth and Family Services will be donated directly to those effected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.

 Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation. 

My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with this community.

Giveaway: Comotomo Bottles

I am so excited to be doing my first baby/pregnancy related giveaway! This giveaway features some amazing new bottles from Comotomo. One lucky winner receive two bottles from the brand that's introducing the new "Natural-Feel Baby Bottle". 

Winner will receive one green 5 fl oz Slow Flow bottle designed for 0-3 months and one pink 8 fl oz Medium Flow bottle designed for 3+ months.

The facts about Comotomo

Mimics breast-feeding - Natural shaped silicone nipples to replicate breast-feeding experience.

Skin-like material - Squeezable & silky soft silicone body is soothing to touch.

Non-toxic - 100% free of BPA, PVC, Phtalate, Nitrosamine

Durable - Scratch - resistant silicone won't capture bacteria like scratch-prone plastics.

Easy to clean! - Wide-neck design makes cleaning a blush less bliss.

Anti-colic - Smart vent system allows consistent air flow to eliminate vaccum build-up.

No drip design - At last! A truly leak-free bottle.

As you will find out as I get closer to my due date I am an advocate for breastfeeding. Always have been. Always will be. Bottles are great for mothers who pump their milk. A bottle that mimics the breastfeeding experience is perfect for those times when you have to be away from your baby. 

If you're not a breastfeeding Mama then I'm sure you already know how difficult it can be to find the right bottle or nipple for your little one. Give these a shot. Good luck to everyone entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Funny

It's the weekend baby!!! I was suppose to be attending a very fun blogger event this evening but I don't think I'm going to make it. I'm still battling with 24/7 sickness and going to bed early helps me keep my dinner down. I'm not sure what I'll be doing this weekend. Today I'm going to get some cleaning done. Very exciting, right? We'll see what I have the energy for as the weekend goes on. When you're done catching up here go over to my friend Alisha's blog, Coily Locks. I am guest blogging over there today, sharing some of my favorite things for natural hair. Enjoy these funnies!

- posted from my chic iPhone

Sleepless with Savannah

Welp. The good news is that we have made some progress. The not so good news is that she's still getting out of bed a few nights out of the week. I stopped rocking her sleep a couple weeks ago which means that she's not going to sleep as early as she once was. That irritates me a little. I like my time to watch tv and decompress. 

The nights that she has been sleeping all night have been giving me hope. I'm thinking that by the time baby number two gets here we might be okay. I've got to figure out what the missing piece to this sleep mystery is. I have already decided that I'm going to try not to make these same sleep mistakes with number two. I'm going to try anyway. At least Savannah is putting herself to sleep now. That's progress.

I know if I could get her from drinking right before bed that would help. Wetting the bed or having to go potty has been causing her to wake up too. There's always something. Has anyone else had luck getting their little ones to sleep since we last talked about our sleeping issues? 

Ferrero Rocher

Yum! Yum! Yum! I received this complimentary sweet golden gift as part of the Influenster Holiday VoxBox. If you have never tried the amazing goodness that is Ferrero Rocher you are missing out. Imagine with me if you will a tempting combination of whole hazelnut surrounded by chocolatey cream inside a crisp wafer wrapped in milk chocolate and finely chopped hazelnuts. Delicious.

Ferrero Rocher offers all different sizes of golden gift. They have everything from a stocking stuffer size to the beautiful golden box (18 count) that you see above. I am in heaven. 

I know a lot of us will be attending lots of parties within the next couple weeks. If you're looking for something take along with your bottle of wine this is a great choice. You don't have to cook it or pack it up. Grab your chocolate and visit the wine pairing section on the Ferrero Rocher website to see which wine goes best your golden gift. You can thank me later.

I hope you all are having fun getting into the Holiday spirit. Have some of these with your hot chocolate or spiked egg nog while your wrapping gifts and watching Christmas specials. I've already started enjoying my box. Merry Christmas y'all.

Use Your Filter

Today during a texting jam session with one of my closest friends we talked about how rude some people can be without knowing it. She was telling me about some of the comments she gets about her sweet baby girl. It reminded me about how people made me feel so uncomfortable after I had Savannah. She was a tiny little something when she was born. She was full term but do to my special little uterus she was just tiny. Knowing that didn't make all the comments from strangers any easier. 

Reading my friend's text really reminded me of how clueless some people can be. They don't know that words hurt. I always like to think that one of God's greatest gifts to us was the ability to filter ourselves. You see. Your mouth is a very interesting little gadget. You have the ability to control whether it's open or closed. You can even control what comes out of your mouth. Believe it or not you don't have to say everything you're thinking. Whatever happened to "If you don't have anything nice to say..."

Or maybe we should change that to "Strangers don't need your advice. Zip it." I shared some other crude and sarcastic comebacks with my friend via text earlier so she could at least entertain herself during these awkward situations. Let's remind ourselves that once you walk up to a complete stranger giving unsolicited advice or giving your two cents you open yourself up to a response. Sometimes that response you're opening may be a can of crazy. So. I am going to end this rant by saying if you're one of those people who find it hard to keep some of your thoughts to yourself make it a point to remember your filter. Turn it on and use it. Merry Christmas y'all!

Blogger Link Up: Sunday Social

1. Favorite Holiday Movies/TV Specials? We absolutely LOVE all the Peanuts specials. Charlie Brown and his friends have a very special place in Savannah's heart. As a kid, my brothers and I loved watching the Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer narrated by Burl Ives. Oh. And I can't forget How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I was so afraid of the Grinch as a kid. His smile was frightful, LOL!
2. Do you do any volunteering during the holidays if so what? If not what would you do? We normally donate toys, but this year I decided to donate money to our local Family Readiness Group. They wrap gifts for you and accept donations to provide for military families.
3. Favorite toy received as a child for the holidays? I'm pretty sure it's a tie between my Baby Alive baby doll and my play kitchen. I got both of those toys at the same time. I was in the second grade and so happy!!
4. What was your must have item in high school for the holidays? Clothes, Shoes, Purses. Repeat. :-)
5. Item you begged for the most and never got? Hmmm. I'm at a lost for this one. My parents and Santa were always pretty good to me!
6. What do you do on Christmas Eve? If you are Jewish what does your family do for Hanukkah? Well. Now that I'm a Mom I will be spending Christmas Eve watching my soldier put all those toys together. I'll probably make some hot chocolate and watch movies until he's finished or I fall asleep, which ever happens first. 

Stylish Saturday: Dance Recital

I just wanted to share the blouse that I wore to Sav's recital. I am in love with it. It's a silk top I found a year ago at White House Black Market. It was on the clearance rack and I couldn't pass it up. It was my first time wearing it and I paired it with jeans. I originally bought it to go with my tuxedo pants but those were fitting a bit snug tonight so I did jeans instead.







And some pics of my little ballerina...






- posted from my chic iPhone

Hol-la-la-la Holiday Tag

Brandyne over at uniquely Brandid was sweet enough to tag me in a fun Holiday link up. The questions are really fun and I thought it would be great to join the party. Make sure you take some time to head over to her blog and read her answers too, they're great!!!

1. What is your favorite Christmas song?

My favorite Christmas song is "What do the Lonely do at Christmas" by The Emotions. I have loved this song since I was a little girl. My Dad has a Christmas CD full of all the classic old school Christmas tunes and this was always one of my favorites. It's not the happiest song, but it's great!! 

2. What is your favorite Christmas treat?

I know y'all are going to get sick of me pushing this "Chewy" cake on you, but I absolutely love it. My Grandma would make it for us as kids and I am still a huge fan. The people who have taken me up on my offer to try have not been disappointed. Bake one. It's my Christmas gift to you.

3. What is your favorite childhood memory?

I would say that my favorite memories of Christmas as a child was waking up and being excited along with my brothers. I just remember spending days playing with them. They would teach me how to play video games and sometimes they would play with some of my girl toys. It was always so much fun hanging out with them. I miss that as an adult.

4. What is the best Christmas gift you've ever given?

I think the year I got my husband the original Nintendo and tons of games to go with it was a good one.

5. Do you make or buy keepsake ornaments for your family each year?

No. We haven't started this yet. We got Savannah some keepsake ornaments for her first Christmas but we haven't done it since.

6. Would you rather be one of Santa's elves or a Reindeer?

Hmmm. This is a tough one because I am a huge fan of Santa's elves on the Rudolph story. "I don't wanna make toys. I want to be a dentist." Ha ha ha, it cracks me up!!! So I think I would want to be a Reindeer because those elves just never seemed really happy with their jobs. Plus, I think it would be fun to travel around the world. I think I would make a great Clarice. You know. Rudolph's boo.

7. Gift wrap or gift bags?

I'm not great at wrapping gifts so I do a mix of both boxes and bags. 

8. Do you own a Santa hat?

Nope and don't ever plan too. LOL!

9. Do you prefer Black Friday or the Day after Christmas sales?

Neither. I can not do the crazy shopping thing. I just can't.

10. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Hot Chocolate. Egg Nog if it's spiked.

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Friday Funny

Any big plans for the weekend? We will be attending Sav's recital on Saturday. The dress rehearsal was last night and she did very well! I hope she does it again tomorrow for the real show. When they're two you never know what to expect. Here are some funnies that I found this week. Enjoy them and have a great weekend!

- posted from my chic iPhone