Eleven Things

The fabulous Stephanie at Mrs.Stephanie T tagged me to tell you all 11 things about me, answer 11 questions, and then ask 11 questions myself for other bloggers. And considering I was once a Myspace survey taker extraordinaire, I was all like "Lets".

there are 5 rules:

1. post these rules.

2. post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.

3. answer the questions set for you in the original post.

4. create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.

5. go to their blog/twitter and tell them that you've tagged them.

 these are my 11 random facts:

1.My first car was a 1995 Lebaron convertible. Cherry red. His name was Aaron & I loved him... until he died because I'm a total girl & didn't know what an oil change was. Or it's importance.  

2. My laminated card consists of Paul Walker, Bruce Springsteen, Bradley Cooper, Dylan McDermott, & John Stamos. humina humina.

3. I watch the food network religiously. Barefoot Contessa, The Neely's, Worst Cooks in America, Chopped, even misproportioned Giada are viewed daily by me.

4. I had a Baby Sitters Club obsession in elementary school. Super specials, the mysteries, Claudia's wardrobe, I floved it all. And can't wait until the girls learn to read so I can drag the tote from my mom's attic down and read a few myself. ::swoon:: Logan Bruno.

5. My favorite mixed CD consists of Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Britney Spears, Blink 182, Bruce Springsteen, Ingrid Michaelson, & Justin Timberlake.

6. I believe Nutella is a gift from heaven.

7. The smell of cantaloupe, bacon, fried eggs, & coffee always take me back to my 97 year old great grandma's house. I used to love spending the night there.

8. I have the maturity level of a 12 year old boy when it comes to humor. Fart. Boobie. Buttcrack.

9. Dustin's & my pet name for each other is babsullah. Started out as baby, then onto babe, then babs, & finally babsullah. Fancy, I know. And absolutely adorable.

10. Favorite movie of all time? Dirty Dancing. Pillow Talk also ranks high on that list.

11. When I hear women moan & groan about their horrendous MIL, I breathe a sigh of relief because my MIL? Is awesome. Seriously.

questions from stephanie:

1. what is the one thing that makes you the happiest?

Easy. Watching my girls laugh & smile. I swear it could cure me of anything.

  

2. what are your favorite names for little girls? boys?

 I love thinking of names. I'd have 10 children just so I could use all the names I love on them. For girls, along with Brooklyn (Brook) & Emily (Emmy), I love Lily, Marin, Reese, and Cora. For boys, I love (love love love) Nolan. I also like Wyatt, Harrison, and Jack.

3. if you had one day completely to yourself and money was no obstacle, what would you do?

 SPA DAY! Followed by wine, pasta, & furniture shopping.

 

4. tell me something that i (and your readers) may not know about you!

 My right eye is my wonky eye. Always wants to sqint a smidgen more than my left. Drives me batty.

5. what's your favorite color?

 Change with the seasons. Winter--kelly green. Spring--turqouise. Summer--yellow. Fall--rust.

6. what is one thing that you absolutely love about yourself?

 My grill. It's a biggin', but I'm proud of the fact I never needed braces for these pearly whites.

7. what's your all-time favorite blog?

Gah. No way I can pick just one. Here's just a few of many favorites--Erin at Sunny Side Up, Mandy at Harper's Happenings, Meggy at Chasing Davies, Veronika at Tick Tock Vintage, & Mindy at Colemans in Love.

8. what would your "last meal" be?

 Pot roast, veggies, mashed potatos, cresent rolls, and a chocolate cupcake with chocolate ganache with a big ol' glass of milk. BAM.

9. what would be your ideal state to live in?

 As much as I am an Ohio girl at heart, I'd love to live near an ocean. And a Starbucks.

10. what's your biggest online pet peeve?

 They're.There.Their.Your.You're.

Learn it.

11. anything else you'd like to share?! :)
Yes. It's Dustin's birthday on Monday & I think I'm more excited than him for birthday cake. 'Tis all.

my questions for those i'm tagging:
1. Salty or sweet, which is your snack vice?
2. Why did you start blogging?
3. Who's on your laminated card?
4. What's your favorite piece of jewlery?
5. What movie can you recite all the lines of?
6. Favorite childhood memory?
7. Where did you last vacation at?
8. What blog makes you smile when you read it?
9. Last concert you went to?
10. Favorite comfort meal?
11. What word/phrase annoys the bejesus out of you?

i tag:
Tottums, Libby, Jenni, Sarah, and Melissa. have fun!

Steppin Out for a GTG 2-25-12

::deets::

head to ankle f21 with target glitter flats. GLITTER y'all. and hello $12.80 jeans that fit awesomely AND are long enough for this goliath. where have you been?!

so, back to the picture. yes the backdrop is less than desired but in my defense, it was 1am and i (and my lovely photographer lyndsay) were three sheets to the wind. maybe four. i'm just grateful i'm IN the shot.

Last night I had my first mommy's night out since....umm....well, since becoming a mommy. Sure I've gone out shopping or to dinner or the movies, but a whole night? Whajusay?

I mentioned in my Layla post about belonging to a group of moms on the internet. Yes, I expect a few side eyes for this but this isn't just some random internet forum. We aren't just a bunch of random trolls. We're, well, friends. And last night I had the pleasure of getting together with 6 of them, 3 of whom I was meeting for the first time (although I swear I felt I already knew them.) We ate dinner at Brio where I'm fairly certain I gained eight el-bee's just by looking at my dish of pasta, chicken, bacon, spinach, & cheese. Oh yes, the emphasis on cheese was necessary.

Tina, Megan, Kendall, Andrea, Lyndsay, Stephanie, & myself. Pretty sure we didn't make use of our inside voices here.

Tina & I both traveled a good ways, so thanks to the fabulous Lyndsay who provided us beds in her basement (and doritos at 3am), we were able to have a good time and not have to worry about driving anywhere.

Enter these guys. 84 ounces for $18 AND a lizard?! Pshyeah, we want three!

Although I'm preeeetty sure everyone could tell it had been awhile since this momma had a carefree night sans husband & children, it was so much fun. And I remember everything, although I'm not sure if I'd own up to it all :)

Oh and? The cherry on top? Taco Bell on the cab ride home. Complete with a conversation that driver will never forget. And my wallet covered in sour cream & cinnamon twists. So worth it.

{linking up with mandy at harpers happenings.}

StickyGram Review & Giveaway

As an iPhone and Instagram fan (and by fan, I mean obsessedaholic), I was SO excited when I heard about a company called StickyGram where you can turn your Instagram pictures into magnets. Fun, huh?! And perfect for me since lately I've been finding myself whipping out my iPhone instead of my SLR to capture pictures (which, I think, is saving Dustin some embarassment of me lugging out the big lens to snap one shot of Emmy eating spaghetti in a restaurant.)

Ordering from StickyGram couldn't be easier. Seriously, the hardest part was choosing what 9 pictures I wanted. Best of all? Shipping is free worldwide. And the quality is awesome. Identical from the shot you took on your phone, filter and all.

Love 'em? I know, me too. Want to win a pack? Of course you do! Here's your chance. The awesome people at StickyGram are giving away ONE pack {of 9 magnets} to one lucky Stauffer Shenanigans reader!

This is a rafflecopter giveaway, so just follow the rules below to enter! Good luck!

*While I was given the 1 pack of StickyGram magnets at no cost to review, my opinions are & always will be 100% my own*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Little Bits of Happiness v-1

top knot on the babe// pink glitter mani on sweet 3 year old hands// mac & cheese from the box on a rainy day// the jt station on pandora.

linking up at mrs.stephanie t. for her new weekly 'little bits of happiness' post. my week is usually hectic with working in a busy office or chasing around two sillies. it's nice to look back on the little things that made me smile during the week. (pardon my instagram pics this week. i have been AWFUL about using my camera lately, and i really need to quit it. next week will be less grainy, pinky swear.)

The One Where She Broke Up with Me

I thought I had a good ten years before this was supposed to be happen. It was supposed to happen right before "You're ruining my life" and after "You just don't understand". But alas, it happened now. Brook threw a tantrum, was sentenced to 3 minutes on the naughty stairs, disapproved of this, and instead of the "you're not nice" or "I want my Daddy" comment, she went there.

"You aren't my best friend anymore"

Whoa whoa whoa, kid. You're breaking up with me? That was below the belt. Pow! Right in the uterus. Ya know, MY uterus. Where I kept YOU safe, warm, & pruney for 9 months. But I couldn't let her know that her 3 year old remark stung. I had to stand firm even though I was completely crushed inside. The 5 year old in me wanted to counter back with a "fine by me!" but the parent in me told her that she was on the naughty stairs & that if she sassed again, the timer was going to start over. Then I turned around, left the room, & eavesdropped on her conversation with herself.

"I'll never watch Tangled with her again"

"This isn't fair"

"I'm so firsty. I want my Capri Sun"

"Don't look at me, Emmy"

As soon as the timer went off, I went to her sitting on the stairs. Looked at my spunky girl. Saw myself. Remembered when I always tried to get the last word in with my mom. Realized I do the same thing with Dustin. What is it about that last word that is so justifying? Even if the other person doesn't hear you say it, you know you said it.

I asked Brook what she had to say for herself. Her reply?

"I'm sorry for my behavior. We're best friends forever silly nugget. Do you forgive me? Let's watch Tangled!!"

And everything was copasetic again.

p.s. The tween years? Can take their sweet ass time getting here, thankyouverymuch.

Steppin' Out 2-18-12

::deets::

dress--kohls

cardigan--old navy

belt--thrifted

tights--f21

boots--target

earrings--f21

Last night Dustin & I had our first date night of the new year. To say we were overdue is putting it mildly. As much as we love those nuggets of ours, it was totally worth the $90 dinner tab just to actually sit & taste my meal. And taste we did. Spinach salad, strip steaks top with onion rings & mushrooms, fresh bread & oil, loaded baked potatos, creme brulee, amaretto sours, peppermint cappaucinos. Pretty sure I waddled out of the restaurant & praised myself for thinking ahead and wearing tights, not jeans.

After doing what I do best (ahem, ransack the Target clearance racks) & finding Brookie and Emmy fabulous purple jeggings for spring, some random Valentines Day decor that was 70% off so I couldn't not buy heart plates & cupcake liners, and lusting over a $75 floral wall painting we have no room for in our house, we headed to the movies. Dustin wanted to watch "Safe House". I wanted "The Vow". He claimed that kind of action needed to be seen on the big screen. I said Channing Tatum needed to be seen on the big screen. He said Ryan Reynolds was in his movie. So I reluctantly caved. And? It was pretty good. A decent action flick. Not nearly enough skin shown on his behalf but hey, that's what "The Proposal" is for. And my dreams.....

Aaaaanyway. It was a fabulous night with my main squeeze. Best of all? When we got home around 1230 in the morning, my mom had informed me that Emily stayed up til 1030 & Brookie didn't crash until midnight. Which means? High hopes of sleeping in until 9a! (were crushed when these early birds were staring directly in my face & poking my eyelid at 7am.)

Coffee...large quantities...I beg of you.

{linking up with mandy at harpers happenings.}

Color Pop

Yesterday I posted about what was inside my Birchbox this month. And? I'm already smitten with one of my samples & just ordered the retail size.

Jouer lipgloss in birchbox pink. At first when I saw the bottle I thought the color might be too neon, but on? It's fabulous. The perfect splash to this winter white face. Not sticky at all, moisturizing, & the color stays put for a long time.

Although I can see myself wearing this lip pop in these last few winter months, I truly think this color deserves to be seen in the sunshine. Which is why I am counting down the days to pair this lip with this ensamble...

Now, who wants to help me find the perfect red lip to hold me over until then? I've tried red in the past, but I'm pretty sure I looked like a little girl who just got into her momma's makeup drawer. Either that, or a two dollar holler. So you red vixens, lay your favorite shade/brand on me!

February Birchbox

I had seen a few friends of mine, Katie and Stephanie, sign up for Birchbox recently and I was intruiged. So I went to their website, fell smitten with what I read, and signed up for the waiting list right away. Basically, you receive a pretty pink box every month filled with 4-5 samples of anything from skin care, to nails, to makeup, to perfume. You never know what you're going to get each month, which I think is totally fun, and best of all? It's cheap! $10 with free shipping. Plus if you love the product, you can go to Birchbox to order the larger size.

So imagine my excitement when I was only on the waiting list for a week & got the email to get started. Times that excitement by twenty when I saw this arrive last Monday afternoon...

And inside was....

~Viva La Juicy perfrume. My sister in law wears this & I LOVE it. Smells so good.

~Colorescience glow & go travel puff. I will definately put this to good use next month when we go to Kalahari. I'd hate to frighten all the children with my Cullen skin.

~Show Stoppers fashion tape. 2 in black, 2 in nude. Perfect for avoiding an Oops moment.

~Jouer lip gloss in Birchbox Pink. Awesome summery color. Brookie definately approved of this one.

~Eye Rock designer liner. I don't wear eye liner often, if ever. But I'm kinda loving the Adele cat eye, so maybe I'll give these a try.

Convinced to join? I knew you would be. I already can't wait for next months box.

Toddle Along Tuesday--Parties

The lovely Melissa at Growing Up Geeky invited me to co-host her weekly Toodle Along Tuesday & this weeks theme is something that definately strikes my fancy.

Parties!

To say that I love party themes & details is a tad of an understatement. It's more like "I lose hours of my day to Pinterest pinning ideas for parties that I'll never actually host, but LOOKIE! Make your own mimosa bar with fresh fruit add ins!!"

Now I've been told that I go above & beyond what a birthday party for a youngin' should entail. And perhaps that's true. (Ask Dustin? Totally a bajillion percent true.) I mean, just give the kid her smash cake & she won't even care that the water bottles have personalized labels on them. But? It's fun for me! Honestly, I get a real kick out of hitting up Hobby Lobby, the Dollar Tree, & Etsy to create fun parties for my girls. I know they aren't going to remember the details of the party & that's okay. But I'll remember the nights I spent putting together their birthday party banner or making goody bags and thinking to myself "How can my baby be turning another year older?"

So my advice to you when you're throwing a party whether it be for your childs birthday, for a baby shower, or even for an at home spa party with your friends (MIMOSAS!), just have fun with it! Pick a theme or a color scheme or both, and run with it.

Aaaand because I love going down memory lane, here's the parties I've thrown for my girls. (Pssst...and Emily's 2nd party planning is in the works. Oh Cricut how I've missed you.)

Brooklyn's 1st cupcake theme party...

her 2nd Minnie Mouse theme party,

  her 3rd puppy pawty theme party,

and Emily's 1st pink and orange giraffe party.

This week's Toddle Along Tuesday topic is Parties! Show off one of your child's parties, or post about party ideas. Feel free to use an old post, or write a brand new one. There are no rules, except that you link up a relevant post rather than your whole blog.

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Welcome Home Layla

I cannot express how happy I am to write this post. I've been apart of an online mommy group since I found out I was pregnant with Brookie in January of 08. What started as me being a tiny fish in a giant pond with thousands of women on those boards became a smaller seperate group of about 300 women who have been through it all together. Pregnancies, births, deaths, marriages, divorces, happiness, sadness, arguements, differences of opinions, we've been through it all. Together. Sure the majority of us won't ever meet face to face, but you better believe that in times of need, we're "there".

Last October, one of our MeMo's, Jeni, developed a terrible medical condition that forced her to have to deliver her baby girl early. Layla Kathleen was born at 24 weeks, 2 days gestation weighing in at 1 lb, 6 oz. We were all shocked. Scared. We felt helpless. All being mothers ourselves, our hearts ached for her. Knowing Layla was just 2 days past viability, we prayed for a miracle. Pray that this sweet tiny baby was as much of a fighter as her momma was. The next 3 months were tough. Jeni had to leave her baby in the arms of NICU doctors & nurses and try to divide her time between staying home with her older daughter & bonding with her new daughter at the hospital. A day didn't go by where us "aunties" didn't think of Layla, or demand more pictures of her. I'm telling you guys, this iddy biddy girl is SO loved by so many women.

And nothing makes my heart happier than to tell you that Layla went home yesterday, where she belongs with her mommy, daddy, & big sister Alaina! She's weighing in at a beautiful chunky 5 lbs and had a great first night in her own bed. When Jeni posted this news, I beamed with a perma-smile on my face. I felt so proud! Proud of this sweet miracle. Proud of her amazing momma. Proud of the women who banded together for this family. I'm a lucky gal, to be apart of something so miraculous.

Welcome home Layla Kathleen! We love you baby girl!

Happy Friday

~I fell even more smitten kitten with Hunter boots after seeing Meggy rocking her cherry red ones. Luuuuust.


~I'm feeling pretty Valentiney & want to make this. Plus it's chevron, which warms my heart. And on that note---gimme.


~Whenever I feel down, all I have to do is watch this. Instant belly laughs.


~I made these yummies for the girls lunch the other day. HUGE hit. And only 3 ingrediants.


~The Kelly Kapowski in me wants these jeans so bad. But the mom in me can't justify letting her.


Happy Friday, dolls!
I had uber important plans this weekend that included going to Target, raiding it's clearance racks, & then shoving my face full of Panera goodness buuuut we're expected to get 6 inches of snow tonight. Apparently mother nature thinks I should get a tighter hold on my purse strings. I think she should mind her own binniss & bring forth the vitamin D in ultra violent ray form.

So to all you in your sunshiney glory, you can color me jealous. How lame is it that I am truly longing for the day I can walk out to my car without having to let it sit & warm up before driving away. Who thinks to add 7 minutes to your morning rountine to do this? Winter blues, party of one. Hopefully the little overnight getaway I just booked here for next month will snap me out of it. Or a hot fudge sundae....

A Year and a Half

And 5 weeks....
Better late than never, right? Especially since she turned 18 months on the 30th of December. Poor second child, so deprived. Don't even mention her baby book (that doesn't exist)....

Okay, stepping away from the mommy guilt. And onto the mommy sap.

Emily Kay, you are one and a half years old. And this flabbergasts me. How you've honestly gone from this on your first birthday...

to this what seems like overnight just astounds me.

Where'd your cheeks go?! Where's your fluff?! And those curls? Where'd they come from?! You truly aren't a baby anymore, Sis & that makes Momma sad. Not that you aren't the sweetest girl who says "Hiiii" to everyone you come in contact with or that you still don't love snuggling, but when I see your face now, I see a kid. I see a growing girl. You just might be my last kiddo & while I'm excited at the thought of no diapers, I'm sappy at the idea as well. And you know it's gotta mean something when I'm actually admitting to the idea of missing wiping your stinky biscuits.

You love playing on your toy phone & holding it up to everyone's ear saying "Hewoh!" You love taking your babies for stroller rides. And giving them kisses. You love peanut butter & jelly sandwiches & animal crackers, which you call cookies. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Bubble Guppies, & Little Einsteins are your favorite shows. And while you're still a total Momma's girl, you have become alot more social.

I love when you put your hand on your chest & say "Emmy!" When I get you from your crib in the morning & the first thing you say is "Where's Sissy?" How hard you laugh when you burp & then try to do it again. How you bounce your tush up & down while you stand and watch tv. How you spin around & ooooh and ahhhh when music is played. How you think it's hilarious when you hide in the closet & then shout BOO when one of us opens the door. Your fake "achooo" sneeze. I love your deep laugh, your pot belly, & outtie belly button. The way you chase your sister around & always hug and kiss her before naptime & bedtime.

Now, this isn't to say you don't have your crankypants moments. I'm pretty sure only dogs can hear you when your sister takes a toy out of your hands or you're told No. Lucky for you you're cute.

You bring such a joy to my life & I am absolutely smitten with you, Emmy Kay Doodle. Happy half birthday...ish.


And just for funsies, here's Brooklyn's 18 month post.

Q&A Part 2

*What are you most looking forward to doing with the girls in the future?*

I suppose it's my right of passage to admit that I am SO excited at the thought of helping the girls pick out their homecoming/prom/wedding dresses. I remember going with my mom & her making a whole hoopla out of it. I only hope my girls actually want me to come inside with them & not drop them off in front of the mall with my credit card in their hand while I wait in the car :/

*How do you spend your "me time"?*

Ahhh, "me time". To be honest, I don't get much time alone. This girl can't even pee without an audience, let alone enjoy a bubblebath & book. After the girls go to sleep, I spend my time with Dustin. Brookie doesn't take naps anymore, so it's never just really me. And I carpool to work, so my drives aren't just me. And? I'm alright with that. Would I absolutely adore a day by myself to go up & down every aisle at Target and shove my face with Chipotle's guac & chips? Um yes. But I'd get lonley after about 4 hours. And probably spend the entire time texting to avoid feeling awkward all by myself.

*Any plans to visit NOLA anytime soon?*

Yes! Dustin & I have been talking about going to Mardi Gras for years now. One of these days we're going to cash in on that. And I know of two certain hussies in NOLA to help make our trip extra special ;)

*Any Hobbies?*

Besides losing track of time on Pinterest & Polyvore? I love reading, taking pictures, shopping (waaaay too much online), & crafts. The girls & I are planning a Valentine's Day craft for everyone & I think I'm more excited to buy the supplies & do the craft than they are.

*Favorite ice cream flavor?*

Plain ol' vanilla soft serve.....smothered in carmel & pineapple.

*Do you design your blog yourself?*
Ohhh no. HTML's confuse the bejesus out of me. I turn to who I think is one of the best blog designers out there, Becca at Jumping Jax Designs. Looking for a makeover? Contact her! And use the code STAUFFERLOVE for 15% off your purchase until 2-14-12.

*What's your go-to family meal?*

I have a few. We're big into crockpot recipes around here. Mainly because we're both stubborn asses who hate loading & unloading the dishwasher. A recent favorite has been shredded chicken burritos, which is also made the in the crockpot.
Just take frozen or thawed chicken tenderloins & cover them with a big jar of salsa (we use the medium), & a tbsp of taco seasoning. Cook for about 5 hours for frozen & 4 for thawed. Remove the chicken, take 2 forks & shred away. Add it back to the salsa mix. We put the mix on tortillas with pinto beans, lettuce, cheese, & sour cream. SO good & SO easy!
Oh & I have the Pizza Hut order app that's probably used too often. We're pan style pepperoni lovers here.


*How did your husband propose?*
Dustin & I had been dating for about 2 and a half years. We were in a good spot & knew that this was it for us, even though we were only 20 & 22. After Christmas Eve church service in 2005, we were driving to his grandparents house for dinner & presents. About half way there, he blindfolded me. I knew something was up but was trying not to get my hopes up in case he was taking me somewhere as my Christmas present. I stayed blindfolded the entire drive & when he stopped the car, he led me out of the car & we started walking. I was cold, blind, & wearing dress shoes in 4 inches of snow. This had better be good.
Next thing I knew, he told me to take off my blindfold & we were at the jungle gym at the local park. It was where we had "re-met" (long story short, we knew each other in high school but never really talked. our friends started dating, so we started spending time together, and it all began at the park with a game of night time hide & seek).
There was my man, down on one knee in the snow in his dress pants. Holding out a box with a gorgeous princess cut ring, asking me to be his wife. And I said? "Are you sure?!?" Before his knee became numb though, I of course said yes. We went to his grandparents, shared our amazing news with everyone, & beamed all night. Best. Christmas. Ever.

*Where to buy stylish curtains?*

Gah! I wish I knew. I have been looking everywhere for new curtains for our living room & all I can find is fugly patterns or solids. Or ones that would make Dustin's temple vein pop out if I bought them. I'm thisclose to going the 'buy fabric & beg my MIL to make them for us' route.

*What happened to your father?*
My dad died on March 3rd, 1989 from complications of type 1 diabetes. My memories of him are basically non existant & I have extreme guilt over that. I know that probably sounds ridiculous, but to not remember even one thing about your father is a pretty hard thing to come to terms with. My earliest memory is his funeral & even that is fuzzy. What I can carry with me though is the reminders I know he leaves for me letting me know he's near. The number 3 is very important to me & I'll tell you why. He passed away on the third day of the third month at 33 years old. I was 3 years old. This may sound bonkers, but I see threes everywhere.
 In the middle of the night, I'll wake up, look at the clock, & it's 3:33 am. This happens all the time. Brooklyn was born exactly 3 months after my 23rd birthday. On her first birthday, the sun was set to rise at 7:06 am, the time she was born. Emily was born on the 30th. I could go on & on. And yeah, perhaps these things are all coincidences that I'm craving to believe in. But to me? They're my dad, saying he's here. That he's watching over us. And will always be near by. How can I be sad when I witness magic like that on a daily basis?

Soooo y'all, thank you for all the questions, the comments, the love. What once was just a place for me to keep track of what Brookie was doing & have out of state family watch her grow has become a comfort zone for me. A place for me to vent, to brag, to be 100% honest.  It's allowed me to meet amazing people, read amazing stories, learn so much about life that I wouldn't have without this lil ol' blog. Having such fabulous readers is just the cherry on top. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I love your stinkin' guts. Yes, you :)

Q&A Part 1 and a half

Yes, 1 and a half. Part 2 of my "please leave me a comment with a question & don't make me look like an L7 weenie in cyberworld" Q&A will be posted soon. Missed part 1? No worries. Here ya go.

Until then, I get you Q&A part 1...(insert dramatic pause)...and a half. The other day during Emmy's nap, Brookie & I held our own little interview. To most, it's just a 10 minute iPhone video of a rambling kiddo & Momma. But it made me giggle & hey, it's Monday. Not like you're reeeally itching to open up those emails you left in your inbox from Friday.

Enjoy!

Not too sure why I said fRavorite or why I repeat everyone of her answers buuuut it was pretty fun. I'm pretty smitten with this sills bills.

Steppin' Out 2-4-12

::deets::

button down--old navy

tank--I got a new one! a woo hoo. from target.

jeggings--vera wang at kohls

flats--old navy

bracelet--christmas 2006 present from dustin

Keeping in theme with my post below, I kinda really yeah want spring. Now.

So yesterday was pretty much just an errand day. Running around to get food for our super bowl party. (And I know I can't be the only gal more excited about the football grub that the actual football game.) Dustin's beer chili, spinach dip & hawaiian bread, meatballs, red velvet cake? Saaaalavation time, come on!  

Linking up

Spring Fever

I know, right? Already?!? But we've been spoiled in Ohio. It's been in the mid 50's the past 3 days & all it has me doing is thinking about spring. And thinking about a new season means thinking about new clothes for that particular season. As much as I love my scarves & boots, I'm ready for my jean jacket & dresses.

But it seems as if that lazy groundhog has predicted 6 more weeks of winter, so until then I'll have to swoon at Polyvore to keep me at bay, which is totally fine because there? I don't have a budget. Come to Momma...

Admit it....you're over winter too. And jonesin' to own a pair of colored denims. I've yet to commit to buying a pair, BUT it's high on my to do list. Have you crossed over to the modern side? Tell me your favorite brand & that they, of course, make you look 15 lbs lighter.

Q&A Part 1

We've officially been puke free for 24 hours (praise Gaga) so while the girlies are watching "Dumbo", I'm tuning it out to answer some questions. Side note--I reaaaally wish we would've just rented this movie before buying it because it's really an adult snoozefest. And sad. And trippy. But they like it so I'm not gonna protest for 80 minutes of silence.

Let me start by saying you guys are awesome. I've been super excited every time I open up my email & see a new message or alert that I have a new comment. It's like having your Valentine's day box shoved full of Power Rangers "I like you" cards.

So without furthur ado & reminiscing, onto the answers!

*When/Will you have anymore babies?*
Ahhh, the ever popular question. And my answer is? I don't know. While we were dating, we had always said we'd have 3 children. Then after Emily was born, we started feeling like we were complete with our family of 4. But then the gemini in me questions that decision. Was I really done having children at 25? Will I never feel a kick from within again? Or rock a bump? I really don't know. But I will say for right now, we are content with our beautiful two and aren't 100% sure what the future holds for us. Nothing permanent has been done & I think we both like knowing that.

*Favorite alcholic beverage*
I have several (is that bad?) I love the Outback's Wallaby Darned's. Peaches &champagne? Who wouldn't?! Moscato, Merlot, Yuengling, summer shandy, amaretto sours, ....I think I should stop there before someone feels compelled to call AA.

*Favorite vacation spot*
I wish I could regail you all with stories of my exotic travels. But that would be fibs. Truth is, I haven't traveled much. When Dustin & I went to Las Vegas last May, it was our very first plane ride together. When I was a child, my mom took us to Cancun which was alot of fun. And for my great Grandma's 90th birthday, all the ladies of the family went to Nassau, Bahamas for a long weekend. So I'll have to say my favorite vacation spot is one that hasen't occured yet. Dustin & I are planning to go somewhere where every drink is served with a little umbrella for our 10 year wedding anniversary....so ask me again in 5 years!

*Is Brooklyn potty trained? Any tips?*
Hallelujah, yes she is. And I owe alot of it to my mom, who watches the girls while Dustin & I are at work. She stayed consistent with her training & I think that helped her train earlier, at 2.5 years old. What helped the most I think was having Brookie come into the bathroom with us (and if your kids are anything like mine, they're banging on the door begging to come in & watch you do your business anyways) and the thick cotton undies to wear during the day. We found that she became more uncomfortable when she wet the thick undies because the wetness stayed up against her instead of going right down her leg. Oh & stickers. Lots and lots of stickers. And claps. And high fives :)

*Where in Ohio are you?*
I'm in north central Ohio, about an hour from Columbus, in a small town where this isn't a Starbucks, mall, or Chipotle within a 30 mile radius.

*Can you do a hair/product post?*
Absolutely! I have a massive amount of thick unruly hair, but I adore it long & blame pregnancy insanity when I cut 12 inches off in 2008. *shudders* Never again. So even though it takes a good amount of time to tame this beastly mane, it's well worth it to me & I'd love to share with y'all how I do it. Look for a post in the near future!

*Are you growing out your bangs?*
Ohhh I don't know. You'd think with this hair that it would require more upkeep, but I honestly only get my hair cut & colored maximum 3 times a year. It's usually more like twice. Good thing is that my hair is naturally black, so my roots aren't ever too bad. So, as much as I love my bangs, they're alot to keep up with. I feel like a 4 year old with safety scissors when I attempt to trim them myself. And I'm kind of enjoying being able to leave the house without having to flat iron a million wispies. But I do love the look of them....I bet they'll be back by summer.

*How do you get your brows so perfect?*
Um, I ignore them. lol.
Honestly, I remember in middle and high school being so jealous of my friends perfectly plucked thin brows. But being such a pusscakes, I dreaded waxing/plucking them. So I just let them be. And now, I love my bushy brows.

*Are you obsessed with Forever 21?*
Bwahaaha. Great question.
And yes, yes, a thousand times yes. While I don't disagree there's some really umm...eccentric stuff there, there's also alot of good finds there as well. And it's cheap. And holds up. Winning.

*What kind of nurse are you? Do you love your job?*
When I graduated nursing school, I had every intention on becoming a maternity ward nurse. But the hospital I wanted to work at had no opening positions. Then I heard for an opening in a local family physician's office & applied. I loved the set schedule with holidays & weekends off. I got the job on a Wednesday & found out I was pregnant with Brookie that Saturday. Oops.
Luckily the doctor I work for is amazing & was very excited for us. She's also been awesome in the fact that I've gone from working 5 days a week, down to 4, then 3, & now down to 2 that Emily's arrived. She's a mother of 2 girls & truly understands my desire to be home with them.
I also work half a day a week at my OBGYN's office. When I was pregnant with Emily, I'd chitchat with the PA & OB about being a nurse and they both mentioned being short staffed on Friday mornings. At my 6 week postpartum visit, I was offered the job. It helps ease my maternity ward working desires. And? I absolutely love working at both of my jobs. Both staffs are fantastic, I get to work with my best friend at the family doctors office, and I get to see pregnant bellies weekly :) Oh & drug rep lunches? Fab.


I think that's good for now. Thanks so much everyone for all the great questions! I'll be posting part 2 soon.

Ok, well maybe one more for the road. Lyndsay? I circle YES! Duh.