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Apr 30, 2010

Organizing, cooking and errands...


What a long day!  Tomorrow is our big yard sale, so the morning started off with cleaning up the pantry and kitchen.  That was our main task this morning.  We found so many things that we needed to sell, and I was very proud that my mom was behaving and not being nostalgic over appliances that were still in the boxes never used. ha! Along the way of cleaning out the pantry, we also got the chance to actually organize it.  I am so thankful that my mom agreed to help with that!  Now, I have my low fat/low cal food on one shelf all organized, my kids have their snacks all organized and everything else is on another shelf.  This is a huge difference seeing as how yesterday we had to jump over Stop and Shop canvas bags to even get INTO the pantry.  I enjoy having a pantry that we can actually walk into without killing ourselves on something. :)

I had to run out and do some errands, grocery shopping for the weekend, I had to return a shirt at Dots, get the kids shoes at Payless and I got a dress from a discount store here. (Called Deals & Discounts)  I paid $9.99 for this beautiful halter dress that I have been eyeing for weeks.  It's just gorgeous.  I tried it on when I got home and it looked so great on me.  I was so happy that it looked good!

Most of our day after that was spent in the back yard setting up tables, carrying out boxes and setting some things up.  We put a lock on our gate tonight so no one could get into the backyard and steal anything.  It's not supposed to rain, so I think we're ok!  It's crazy.  I just hope we sell a lot of our stuff because honestly, I just want to get this stuff sold and out of here.  I could also use the extra money.


Since I woke up today being 201.6, I was very excited to keep my diet on going.  I wanted to try something completely new for dinner.  At Stop & Shop today I found Tyson Grilled Chicken Breast Strips in the freezer section and Webber Tequila Lime marinade.  I had some extra pita pockets in the freezer and wanted to use them, so I made Tequila Lime Chicken Pitas. :)  They were absolutely delicious and under 300 calories!  I will post the recipe for them coming up.  They were just the best tasting things ever.  To me, it tasted like a chicken fajita!  I had some leftover chicken and I might throw them in a salad tomorrow. 


Wish us luck for our garage sale!!

Welcome, Friday Follow 04/30




WELCOME!!!  I can't believe it's Friday AGAIN!!  Time seems to be just flying by!  How is everyone on this great Friday?  I'm doing pretty well!  We're up and getting things ready for our huge blow out yard sale tomorrow.  Hopefully, it will all go smooth and we will end up with some money in the process! :D  The weather is supposed to be awesome, in the mid to high 80's all weekend, which is such a welcome change from what it has been around here.  The yo-yoing of the weather is just crazy!  I can't stand it anymore! Ha.  I hope the weather is doing great by you as well! 

My name is Krissy, I am a 25 year old single mom and loving every minute of it.  My kids are my life! :)  They're just so important to me.  I'm also an artist, music lover and perfectionist.  I love blogging and find it very important and therapeutic.


1. If you could, would you go back to high school? I probably would, but I wouldn't go back to the high school that I attended.  In my opinion, high school (for me) was just a horrible place that lowered my self esteem.  I had threats for my life, I got punched in the stomach...  It wasn't a very happy time.  I was the "geek" in the class.  (And it was an all girls school too)  The principal never took my side and always said it was "childish stuff" and that I "should be glad I never got seriously hurt."  If I could go back to High School, I would want to try the OTHER high school in my town...the one I originally wanted to go to anyway.
 
2. If a genie appeared and granted you two wishes, what would they be? (And, no saying "more wishes".) 
I would wish for the ability to be super mom.  I try my best with being patient, putting up with my kids when they're spitefully destructive and I try to make everyone breakfast, lunch and dinner. (And in that order too!!)  But taking care of myself, my mother and sometimes my uncle comes here and is thrown in the mix; it's difficult no matter how hard I try.  I just want to be able to do everything and not feel exhausted.  I love my family and want to be someone they all can look up to and respect.

 
 
A second wish would be for a job in which I feel happy. Right now I am unemployed and yes it is very difficult.  There are times I feel like a failure because I am unemployed and there are times I feel like I could do so much better if I was.  It's not for lack of trying, I apply everywhere and go on numerous interviews.  It's just completely difficult to find a job in the metro NYC area in this economy.  People are getting laid off and I am trying to get into the work force.  It's just a terrible time.  

3. What kids show do you secretly like?  I secretly LOVE Imagination Movers. lol  I find that show so interesting and the music is just great.  I don't know what I'd do without that show!  My two kids are just obsessed with it.  We've gone to three Movers concerts and met two of the guys, and I have to say -- the live show is just as amazing as the TV show.  Any 5 guys who can keep a 2-6 year old's attention for an hour and a half straight...they deserve the credit they get!
 
4. What is your beverage of choice?
Tall Skinny Cinnamon Dolce at Starbucks, Diet Orange Soda or Diet Coke. :)  If it's a beer, I'd have to go for a Bud Light.  Cocktail?  A June Bug from Virgils BBQ in NYC.  

 
5. What is something that you would change about yourself (or are working to change in yourself)?
I am working on my self esteem as well as losing weight.  I'm half way to my goal and I couldn't be happier.  I can see it as an actual accomplishment for myself and I am the lowest weight I have been in YEARS!!  I know I'll accomplish it by the fall and when that happens...get ready for the biggest party ever! :)

So guys, now that you know a little more about me -- Follow, Comment, have a blast!  Don't forget about following us on twitter and fanning us on Facebook. :)  We return all comments, follows and so on!  I love finding and reading new blogs!  Also, feel free to read and comment on whatever post you'd like!  
FRIDAY FOLLOWER APPRECIATION GIVEAWAY: That also happens today!  This time, I am sending one lucky Friday Follower a handmade bracelet!  I will contact them on Monday to ask about style and color. :)  All you have to do to enter is comment and follow us!  

Comment Prompt:  What is your guilty pleasure? 



 

Apr 29, 2010

Fully Loaded Mock Potatoes Recipe - LOW CAL!

How hard is it to get kids to eat veggies?  If you live in my house, it's almost impossible!  My kids' healthy idea of food is Mac and Cheese, Spaghetti, Scrambled Eggs, Chicken Fingers or Grilled Cheese.  Definitely not the same idea that I have!  Once in a while I can get them to eat some broccoli or raw carrots...maybe some celery, but that has to be with peanut butter!  It's like World War III at our house when I try to get my kids to eat healthy!!

Mashed Potatoes are the only "vegetable" they will eat aside from french fries, but they absolutely love Mashed Potatoes.  I had a little light bulb go off the other day in my head -- which is rare!  I realized that Mock Potatoes can be just as good as Mashed Potatoes!  So, I tried to come up with different ways to "spruce" them up a bit.  Tons of ideas went through my head, but nothing too specific.  

My mom and I started talking today about how much we loved fully loaded baked potatoes.  There was only one problem with that; I'm on a diet and eating baked potatoes is frowned upon by the Diet Gods!  lol  Another light bulb went off (wow! 2 within a 24 hour period!) I could make Mock Potatoes with the same ingredients I would put on top of a fully loaded baked potato!  I prayed that my kids wouldn't know the difference upon tasting it...

Alayna, my oldest, helped me with the food processor, which she loved to press the button.  Olivia held her ears and said "Loud" the whole time! LOL  We had such a good time, though.  The whole recipe took about 20 minutes to make, and it tastes absolutely delicious!  To my surprise, the kids ate the entire bowl and asked for more!  I also enjoyed it because of the fact that it's low calorie! :)


  • 1 head cauliflower, washed and broken into florets (about 4 cups florets)
  • ⅓ cup Hidden Valley® The Original Ranch® Dressing Light
  • 1 tablespoon fat-free milk
  • 1 tablespoon light margarine (tub-style) or butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fat-free sour cream
  • A pinch of chives
  • 1 tablespoon of real bacon bits
  • 1 tablespoon of fat -free shredded cheese
  • 3 florettes of broccoli 
Place cauliflower florets into a steamer and cook for about 20 minutes or until tender.


Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor.


Add Hidden Valley® The Original Ranch® Dressing Light, milk and margarine to the cauliflower and blend until the mixture reaches the consistency of mashed potatoes.

Mix in sour cream, chives, bacon bits

Microwave 3 florettes of broccoli for required time on package.  Chop with food processor.  Mix in.

Salt and top with a pinch of cheese, bacon bits and chives.  Serve

If you register with Hidden Valley Ranch, you will get a $1 coupon as well!  Definitely great to get some ingredients for a great price! 

Disclosure
This post is part of a blogging contest from the TwitterMoms community. There is a chance this post could be selected to win a $25 AmEx Gift Card, so wish me luck! For more details, you can view the contest page here.

.....

I think I complain about the weather all too much on here, but there is so much to complain about!  It was freezing this morning and for the past few days.  The weather going from 79-80 degrees and then down to 49-50 is making people sick.  Personally, I have terrible allergies and especially since the wind has been blowing the pollen all around.  Today was terrible.  My mom was feeling the allergies and so was I.  Moms don't have downtime, unfortunately! We have to keep going even when we're half dead! lol  Especially today.  It was a crazy busy day.  I had about 10 minutes to nap!

We're still not sure what is going on with our moving status, but we are having a large garage sale this weekend.  (Thank God!)  We need to get the excess out of the house just in case we have to move.  I had to run to Home Depot to pick up some moving boxes for organization.  (Or our hopeful organization...I can't make any promises!)  Wind + trying to push a cart with 10 cardboard boxes = Not easy to do. It was slightly comical, actually!

Olivia was hilarious today.  She somehow memorized the channel that Sprout is on our TV.  My mom and I had been watching Food Network with Alayna this afternoon, and Olivia takes the remote and puts Sprout back on.  Damn kids and learning technology early!!  I'm realizing that she's growing up and probably should learn more about technology!  She already knows how to unlock and find games on my iPhone. :)

I did get some awesome mail today.  I got a Childrens Claritin campaign from BzzAgent as well as my hair straightener to review from Missakko!  That giveaway will also be coming up!  Keep posted to our blog for those! 

This entry is all scatterbrained.  I have a headache coming on and I should get to sleep since the kids are.  

I'm gonna add some questions from That's My Answer just to make this more interesting. lol

Do you have a go-to outfit that you always pull out in the event of a  wardrobe emergency? What would constitute a wardrobe emergency?  Definitely!  I have a nice pair of skinny jeans, a black tank top that has a cute little heart chain connected to it and my black boots.  That's my emergency outfit.  I would constitute a wardrobe emergency being my having to go somewhere and not having time to really pick anything out.  :)  It's happened more often than I'd like to admit!

What do you want most? To be my goal weight!  That's what I want the most and that's what would be the most attainable.  Other than that, I'd want a mustang convertible,  the pink sequined coach purse that I dream about and I want to have enough money that I don't have to worry about bills and not being able to give my kids what they want. :)  I do my best and am happy that I am doing all I can!  Materialistic things aren't the most important anyway!

Do you like your food to be spicy? How much is too much? I love spicy food...way too much, actually.   I don't think anything is too hot for me.   Olivia is turning out to be the same way as me, she absolutely loves spicy food.  

Where is your favorite place to retreat to when you have some time to yourself? When that rare moment happens, I love to go to Starbucks and bring my laptop with me. :)  Other than that, it would be at night being in my room.  It's just calming for me.

Apr 27, 2010

Keeping kids busy at a restaurant or on the road?


I recall so many times in the past few years that I have taken my kids or one of my daughter's out to dinner and ended up with boredom on my hands.  Sure, those lovely coloring sheets and two crayons keep them busy for a few minutes, but after that novelty wears off, you may have flying napkins, chicken, fries or other intimate objects that seem to be catapulted from their small hands or from a spoon!  This was a common occurrence when we went out to dinner, that I stopped taking my kids to dinner.  

That was until I got my iPhone.  When I realized the great variety of things I could do with the phone, including things that could keep my kids busy, I was ecstatic.  I loved the idea that it could definitely keep them busy at a restaurant.  I did a trial, taking them to a local restaurant and when the coloring books and other means of side tracking failed, I decided to pull out my iPhone.  That thing is a lifesaver.  
My 4 year old could sit at the table with her earphones and listen to her favorite songs (Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, Imagination Movers, etc...) if her sister is pre occupied, or they could watch videos on YouTube or iTunes!!  We have downloaded many different episodes of their favorite cartoons on my iPhone and that usually works perfectly!  

If all else fails, we also have many different children's games.  Some are free and some are very cheap ($0.99-1.99) and we love the games.  They keep my kids very occupied.  Some of our favorite games are:
  • Bejeweled 2
  • Skee-Ball (Most Popular)
  • Checkers
  • 300 Bowl
  • Wack A Groundhog
  • Bubbles (Most Popular)
  • Make Me A Princess (Most Popular)
  • Bug Squash
  • Fairies (By Disney)
  • Slingshot
  • Shapes (Most Popular)
  • Dora Saves Crystal Kingdom
  • Ice Tycoon
  • First Words
  • iChihuahua
  • Puzzle Time
Those are the games that we play an awful lot and love them!  They keep my kids very occupied and definitely gives the adullts time to eat and have our own conversations. :)  The great thing is, my kids learned to share the iPhone and take turns playing.  I believe that has been a huge part of their learning to share as well. 

We're taking a trip this summer which will consist of 5 hours in the car with my kids.  I'm hoping to get an iPad to use mostly for myself for my business as well as my kids for their amusement in the car!  Since I can't afford one myself, I am hoping to win one.  Please pray for me! :D

DISCLAIMER: I’m participating in a contest at Best Kids Apps, a blog about iPhone apps for kids, for a chance to win an iPad.

Getting To Know You by MannLand5.com!


1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action? Probably comedy!  I would be too frightened even to be in a horror movie! Eek! I would definitely be scarred for life. Ha!  That's why I say comedy.


2. Do you recycle? We do sometimes.  We have a recycle bin, however it's never filled.  We usually throw water bottles and cans (shame shame, I know) into our regular garbage can.  I want to make a conscious effort to start  recycling more.  I just feel like it is important for the environment.

3. Have you ever been to a strip club?  I haven't, but my friend used to go to one all the time and I was supposed to go with her for her birthday a few years ago. lol  She's not a bad person, I swear.

4. Do you have a nickname? Krissy.  I like that name better than Kristin! lol 

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called? Kristin or Kristin Patrice.

6. What are your Summer staples? Lemonade, Flip flops, one awesome pair of sandals, headbands with flowers, flowy skirts and dresses and cute tank tops! :D

7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself? I bought myself some self tanner the other day.  Let's pray I don't turn out orange!  But I have used it already... Just need to keep using it to get the tan darker. :) I also bought myself a skirt and a shirt the other day.

8. Are you happy with your boob size? I guess so!  I would like one more size, but that wouldn't be my first plastic surgery priority.  My first priority would be lipo and a tummy tuck.

Apr 26, 2010

Monday Mingle: April 26, 2010 :)

Since I completely forgot about Monday Mingle last week, we're back this week! Yay! :)  I missed V-Logging!  Comments are fun and so are followers. ;) Ha!  If you did Monday Mingle as well, leave us a comment and we'll visit yours!  (Even if you don't have one, comment! Hehe)

Apr 25, 2010

I feel so old because I am about to say this...


...And you know, it's so funny because when I was a teenager and into *N Sync and BSB and Britney Spears, I was the same exact way.  It's funny how your opinions change as you get older and funny how your vision gets clearer!

Today we celebrated my best friend's 26th birthday.  I love her to death and would do anything for her.  When she invited me to an Honor Society concert, I jumped at the chance to be with her when she celebrates her birthday and does something she absolutely loves.  Honor Society is her favorite band.  I had gotten a CD from her a few months ago, and I have to say that their music is very good!  Though, I wasn't very familiar with them.  

Now, Honor Society is basically a boy band.  I would compare them to Hanson, even though they aren't brothers and even though there are 4 of them.  When I say this, you'll understand further where my rant is coming from...
They had opened up for Jonas Brothers last year...
...Need I say more. (For the record, I do not like Jonas Brothers, but my daughter does. lol)

The concert was general admission, so my friends got there at absurd hour of 6 am and completely understood that I didn't want to couldn't get there until noon, THANK YOU GUYS!!  Thankfully, they ended up being the 8th-11th people online, so we were sure we were guaranteed first row for her birthday -- which would make her so happy.  

Frustration started when the 10-14 year olds started their teenybopper bragging, screaming, etc...  Which, I know they were excited, I was their age at one point in time, but they were just obnoxious...  My youngest friend there was 21 and even she understood that what they were doing was annoying.  I was a little annoyed by their antics, but understood because we were all that age.  I'm sure I was like that too...

We had a great time in the line, my friend got her meet and greet and went to soundcheck, she was very happy because she got a birthday greeting from them and when she came back to the line and it was time to go in...the mess started.

Teens from the back of the line started to sneak in the front, we had 20 year olds arguing with the teens, security guards had to kick people out of the line, the entire line started going awry...  When the doors opened it got worse.  People started pushing others... (Frustration!)  

To make a long story short, once we got in we ended up a lot farther back than we would have liked because of the fact that people pushed, made a run for it and so on...  My friend wasn't upset, just frustrated just as I was... We decided to sit in the seating farther back because we couldn't stand the entire time with the kids/teens screaming and pushing down on the floor.  

We felt old... We opted to sit in the seats with the parents... lol

Despite the teens screaming, and despite the opening acts being way too long (YES...3 opening acts)  We had a good time.  Unfortunately, we did leave before the show was over because we didn't want to get stuck in the line getting out of there.  We went to dinner instead.  

We felt even older!!

It's all a part of growing up.  It's all a part of being an adult and all a part of opening our eyes to what we probably were when we went to concerts at that age.  We had some laughs, we shared our frustrations and had a great time.  I wouldn't change a thing... And she is still one of my best friends anyone can ever have.  Everyone should be as lucky as to have a friend like my friend Gina. :)

OH!  And when I got home, I came home to the Cascade 24 Hour Challenge sitting on my kitchen table!  Any excuse to bake a blueberry cobbler, I'm there! :)  That means we are going to have a giveaway soon for a $25 Walmart Gift Card!!

Apr 23, 2010

Where are my good kids? Part 2.

Once upon a time I had two kids that were complete angels.  I would praise my girls on how they would both go to sleep on time and how they would eat anything that was put before them.  Teeth would be brushed, hair would be brushed, clothes would stay on all day...  Everything was perfect.  My girls were the two most behaved kids that I could know of.

About a month ago, that all changed.  I understand that Olivia is going through the terrible 2's, but Alayna is adding to it so much so that I can hardly handle it.  Tonight I had to walk out and take an hour break because I was about to have a breakdown.  My mom completely understood and told me to just take a break.  Tonight was the worst it has ever gotten, I was so tempted to e-mail super nanny.  

#1. I know my kids aren't bad...it's just a phase, but it's a phase that better end soon.  Olivia is in the phase of taking off her clothes and walking around naked.  I constantly tell her to put her clothes on, but she just takes them off again.  I understand that babies go through that phase, but Alayna decided she wanted to do the same thing -- unacceptable.  I took her blankie and her favorite webkin away and told her to put her clothes on or she wouldn't get it back.  After 45 minutes of screaming, she finally put her clothes back on.

#2. We were running out of toothpaste for the kids, so when I was at Stop and Shop I found Hannah Montana toothpaste.  The girls both love Hannah Montana, so I picked it up.  As I got home, Olivia wanted to brush her teeth.  So I put some on her toothbrush and helped her to.  Well, when Alayna saw that I had put "her" Hannah Montana toothpaste on Olivia's toothbrush; screaming ensued...and I mean SCREAMING!  Kicking her feet, throwing things, trying to pull the toothbrush out of Olivia's mouth... Time out #2 for Alayna today.  

#3.  The kids were watching Buddy The Elf (Their favorite movie...Yes, I know it's April ha!) and I had made them popcorn.  They ate the popcorn but THREW the kernels EVERYWHERE.   They were kicking them around and throwing them when I got in there... Time out for both of them.

#4.  I'm in the kitchen washing the dishes and I hear the sound of something being spilled...  I walk into the living room and a box of Macaroni and Cheese (that I got for one of my friends because it had peace signs on it) was spilled ALL OVER THE FLOOR.  Cheese packet and noodles.  I walk in there and fall on my butt because I slipped on noodles... (Thinking back, the falling is funny...but not the fact that it was everywhere.)  I started to sweep it up and Alayna KICKED THE DUST PAN.  They went everywhere AGAIN.  This was the last straw for me.  I tried ALL I could to get them to stop and to behave, I do all I can...I use every last bit of strength and energy I have, but when I put Alayna in time out, she kicked me in the face and ran into the kitchen.  That almost broke my glasses.  My mom could see I was getting upset and told me to just go take a break, she would calm them down for me.  Which I am grateful for.

Why are my kids like this all of a sudden?? They're such good kids.  I do everything for them.  I get them whatever I can get.  I know they're grateful that I do all I do for them, but why won't they just calm down and respect me right now?   I feel like I'll never past that phase.  I feel like it will be like this for years.  I just want to sit down and cry. :(  I needed to vent...

Thank you for listening.

and

Apr 22, 2010

Welcome Friday Follow! 04/23/10 - Appreciation Giveaway!!


Why do I love Fridays? Well, Friday Follow, of course!  I love meeting new bloggers and discovering new blogs.  I have found some amazing blogs through FF and anticipate it every week! (Though, every week seems to go so quickly!)  For our new followers, let me tell you a little about myself and my family.



My name is Kristin or Krissy.  (I usually only am called Kristin when I am in trouble!)  I'm 25 years old and a single mom of two girls.  Alayna and Olivia are my lovely girls, and they are 4.5 and 2, respectively.  They are my life!  I love to be a stay at home mom because I am so happy to play with my kids, watch TV with my kids and just be an idiot with my kids. :)  I love being a mom.  Their favorite show is the Imagination Movers and actually...so is mine. (Shh, don't tell anyone.)  We have been to three Imagination Movers concerts and I have to say that those concerts are the BEST. (Actually, the picture of us above is from the Imagination Movers concert!!)  Alayna tells me the best moment in her life was when she met Movers Rich and Dave.  (I was a little starstruck when I met Mover Rich too!)

As of now, I am a work at home mom.  I do have my own business, I am a freelance artist as well as a jewelry designer, but that is on hiatus as we figure out if we are moving or not.  Art is my life.  I attended Moore College of Art and Design on a full scholarship -- I LOVED LIVING IN PHILADELPHIA!!
I am a purse addict and make up addict...I love fashion.  Watching TV really isn't one of my hobbies since I am busy with my kids, but if I have time to watch TV, my favorite shows are Project Runway, Medium, Will and Grace, Friends, Wife Swap, Castle and Law and Order.  :)  If I had felt more confident, I would have wanted to be a Forensic Investigator.  I am basically a normal 25 year old other than being a mom.  :)  I love to be with my friends.  At least once a week my mom tells me to go out and have fun.  Even though she's a hard ass sometimes, she is great at kicking my butt out of the house to de-stress.  Of course, I'm always homesick when I go with my friends.  Since I live 20 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, we usually always go to New York City!

If you guys have any questions for me, I fell into the trend.. You guys can ask me whatever you'd like on The Artsy Mom Formspring.  I'll answer anything!

Also, I am currently on a diet.  It's a modified Nutrisystem program.  I do post some good recipes on here and my diet blog, so if you're looking for something new, feel free to visit!  You can also follow my diet journey.  Since 2008, I have lost 65lbs.  Though, I did fall off and gain some back.  I currently have been back on my diet for 7 weeks and have lost almost 20lbs. :)  Artsymom Weight Loss.

Thanks to all the new followers!  I will pick one of my followers from my comments on this entry and they will receive a special little surprise!  Past prizes have been gift cards and make up products!  I will pick someone on Monday that will be the Friday Follow Appreciation winner!

We got the chance to go to the local carnival today!  It wasn't bad, but it had very few rides, a lot less than usual!  Alayna only got to go on 2 rides because that's all there were for children; Olivia was too small to ride anything.  We didn't stay long at all, but we had fun anyway!  They won some little stuffed animals. :) Other than that, my day was uneventful -- errands and food shopping. 

Apr 21, 2010

Product Review: Sally Hansen 14 Day Nail Shield


The 14 Day Nail Shield by Sally Hansen claims to strengthen nails against chipping and cracking for 14 days.  It also "gives a hint of color".  It retails for $7.49 at drug stores and grocery stores.  
I have used the nail polish decals for quite some time now.  I often use the Sephora Nail Patches, but going to Sephora isn't something I do often.  When I saw these at my local Stop and Shop I thought they would work the same way.  Well, they are supposed to work the same way and should be easy to apply.  Were they?
There were a few things that I had complaints about:
  • They were too thin and ripped easily when I tried to apply them.
  • They were too sticky, and that caused them to rip.
  • The "light hint of color" looked more like yellowing nails than what they claim.
  • The sizes are too big for anyone's natural nails.  It takes a lot of work to actually get them to fit.
  • The shine is very strong.  If you don't like incredibly shiny nails, these aren't for you.
  • They only have the "hint of color" and don't have any other colors.
Let me start with the first complaint.  I have used the nail polish decals before in a different brand.  From my experience, they should be sticky enough to stick to your natural nail and should harden like regular polish with time.  The 14 Day Nail Shield was very thin and very sticky.  Therefore, when I tried to apply them to my nails and had to reposition them, they would stick too much, stretch or rip.  That caused a problem when I wasn't given enough to remedy that.  

If you have regular normal sized nails (like 98% of the population! ha!) these aren't for you because the sizes are way too big.  It takes a lot of work to get them to actually fit, and that is only given that you have long nails and can perforate around the nail bed.  I do have longer nails and I had a difficult time getting these to size.

The hint of color comes in 3 shades.  Sheer Nude, Sheer Buff and Shell.  Honestly, the hint of color looks like yellowing nails.  The Shell is the ONLY color that actually seems like it may look natural.  However, I just wouldn't use these again.  

Being strapped on time for doing your nails when you're a mom is so common.  However, we still want to make ourselves feel good and dress up our nails sometimes.  Even though I wouldn't go with the Sally Hansen brand, I definitely would recommend the Sephora Nail Patches. They retail for about $10 and are excellent.  The colors they have are just so eye catching.  It does prove that drug store/supermarket brands aren't always the best. 

Apr 20, 2010

Spring, come back!

We had spring for a total of three weeks, now it's back to being cold.  Today wasn't too bad, it was in the lower 70's.  Very breezy.  Either way, I got to get out with the kids for about a half hour.  Unfortunately, it didn't make them tired AT ALL.  Tomorrow is our local carnival.  I am hoping that running around with them there will make them tired.  I can only hope.

 I guess playing in the dirt is oh so fun!!

My youngest, Olivia, found this old christmas decoration that we have been meaning to throw out.  She was so hilarious with it! She kept on calling him "Ella" and hugging him.  She'd say "Hi Ella" whenever she walked past him.  I couldn't stop laughing.

 All in all, I wish it was nicer out so we didn't have to wear sweaters and could have been out longer, but that day will come!!  I just had fun spending some time in the fresh air. 


Apr 19, 2010

We're all registered!

Well, my daughter is.  For pre school in the fall.  If you want my opinion, she is so much more advanced than the kids I saw there today.  (Not to mention, her being tall is making her stand out like a sore thumb!)  But since she was born a few days after the NJ State cut off date, she has to be in pre school right now and not last year.  She is excited and I'm excited for her because I know how happy finally going to a real school is making her. 

I do have to say -- our school district really is disorganized when it comes to this mess.  I showed up two hours earlier than when I was supposed to be there and there was already 14 people in front of me.  Thank God I got there early, because there were so many more people there after me.  It seemed more like a cattle call than registration.  It was mostly first come first serve due to overcrowding, so if I went later, I would have risked my daughter not getting into a pre school at all.  

Monday Mingle just didn't happen for me today! (Unless I can quickly do it tonight.)  I was so busy this weekend and today.  I have been really good with blogging until life got a hold of me!  Sorry this is so short!  Just wanted to let you know I am still around. Haha. Tomorrow will be a better blog, I promise!!

Apr 16, 2010

Welcome Friday Follow - April 16, 2010


Hi Friday Followers!! My name is Kristin and I am a 25 year old single mom of my two girls.  Alayna Danielle is an outgoing, beautiful and spunky 4.5 year old.  She is my life and my little lucky baby.  She was born in 2005 5.5 weeks early.  She was considered premature, except she was 8lbs 7oz.  Her weight didn't prevent any problems normal preemies have -- she did not have the sucking reflex.  She stayed in the hospital for a month and a half.  My youngest, Olivia Nichole, is 2.  She was born on Dec. 21, 2007.  However, she was due on Christmas itself.  My kids are my life.  I would give up anything for myself to give to them.  :) 
I'm an artist, and I believe so in the truest sense of the word.  I attended Moore College of Art on a full scholarship and enjoyed my time there.  I am a fine artist, digital artist, jewelry artist as well as a web designer.  I did freelance mural art for a while.  I loved it.  I painted a wall mural in my girls' room and I am absolutely in love with it.  Art is really my emotional outlet and a way for me to just feel calm.  It's much harder now to do with two kids, but I'm sure that I can find a way to incorporate it back into my life!!

I don't want to bore you with my life, but if you want to read more, there is a link either above or in my right sidebar. :)  I love new followers AND new comments, so go ahead!!  

Oh yeah!  I'm also on a modified Nutrisystem plan. :)  To read more about that, you visit my diet blog: Dying To Be Thin

Apr 14, 2010

10 Tips on Managing and Organizing Your Life & Time


Does the above image look all too familiar to you?  Yeah, it does to me too!

Being a mom is time consuming enough, how do we manage our time?  Between kids, housework, family, work, cooking and just life -- There aren't enough hours in the day!  I find that being a single mom, especially, is very difficult.  It's challenging.  I have had to come up with some easy ways to keep myself organized. Unfortunately, it wasn't too easy at first, but it definitely helps me stay organized. 

1. Coupon Organizer/Binder: I just take an ordinary binder from the dollar store & seperate it into different sections. (Dairy, Produce, Baby, Pet, Frozen Foods, etc...) Use trading card sheets and label them by manufacturer or sub category you wish to use.  Put each coupon into the appropriate sleeve.  Honestly, this saves you so much time at the grocery store.  Your coupons are right at hand when you need them.  I also use envelopes with holes punched into them so they fit in the binder to organize Target coupons, Walgreens, Catelinas, CVS, etc...  It definitely keeps things separate so you know where they are when you need them.  I also have an extra sleeve in the front for store/discount cards.  Easier than digging in your purse/wallet!  Folders can hold coupon policies or current week flyers.  Make sure to keep binder paper in there for lists!  This is honestly one of the BEST things I have ever done.  It cut the time of my shopping trip in more than half!!


2. Checklists: This is something that is also very important in my life. I get overwhelmed VERY easily when I'm doing something, so having things organized in front of me is a major plus. There are so many tasks that need to be done and even tasks within those tasks.  (i.e. Cleaning.  I make a checklist of things that need to be done when I am cleaning, and I make sure to list them in order of importance.)  I also make checklists for packing for trips, packing a diaper bag, shopping at grocery store, running errands, putting together a party, safety, etc... Checklists can be used for many things and they're very useful -- they reduce stress!

3. Create a cleaning schedule: I have tried cleaning the entire house in one day - IMPOSSIBLE!  I decided to create a cleaning schedule so I don't overwhelm myself.  Just take it day by day and write the schedule down.  Small cleaning can be done in between, but major things such as cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, mopping the floor/vacuuming or sorting out toys.  Definitely schedule on the cleaning schedule.  It really does help with reducing that terribly overwhelming feeling when you are starting cleaning.

4. Family Binder: What would go in a family binder? Phone numbers for friends/family, school contacts - It is so much easier to have these numbers at hand than sorting through papers or a phone book when you need to call someone right at that moment.  A calendar - Keep that months calendar in there so you can flip to that at the beginning of the day to ensure an easier way to see all you have to do.   Checklists - Definitely keep these in there as well.  Bills to pay, tracking your budget, invites to parties, school notices, AND YOUR WEEKLY MENU/RECIPES!

5. Weekly Menu: Very important as well.  PLAN AHEAD!!  Don't stress the day of what you're going to eat for dinner, lunch, breakfast, etc...  That wastes time.  Make a menu plan at the beginning of the week.  Do the shopping that day or the day after making sure that you get the right amount of food for what you are going to cook.  Also pull out the recipes for what you plan to make so you have those right at hand.  (Stick them all in the Family Binder. ;) )

6. Everyone Must Chip In:  We know back in the day the woman did the housework and cooking and the man worked to bring in the dough.  Not so much these days!  Everyone really should chip in with the chores.  Husband, kids and even the dog if he was talented enough. ;) Ha!  It's very important that you can split the chores between all of you - Washing dishes, taking out trash, etc...  It relieves the stress on you yourself and also teaches your kids (oh and your husband!) responsibility.  There are ways to make things more interesting for your kids as well!

7. Cook Extra: If you have time at the beginning of the week, try to make some extra meals and freeze them.  I sometimes do this when my kids are napping or playing quietly.  When it's time for the meals, just take them out of the fridge, finish the preparation and put them on the table!  I do this when I have the time because it's just a lot more helpful.  Especially when you're doing activities with your kids and driving here and there.  Life gets complicated.

8. Keep Important Things At Hand:  Keep a little wall organizer near the door with important things such as keys, important notes, mail that has to be sent, cameras, extra socks, keep shoes near the door in a basket or on an organizer, back packs (after homework is done of course!) or your purse.  Just so when you're walking out the door, you know where those things are rather than spending extra time looking for them.  

9. Donate / Throw Out / Store: The last tip is really to just stay organized by throwing things out.  If you find a toy that has missing pieces, don't just keep it around hoping you'll find the other piece.  Chances are you won't find that piece and that toy will sit there useless until you remember you still haven't found the pieces.  I really hate to throw things out, but I used to keep everything until I realized it wasn't possible to do that anymore.  When it comes to clothes, if your child outgrows something (or if you do!) either put it in a storage box/space bag for your next child or donate/sell it.  Don't keep it in your closet because it will make it more challenging to actually find the size you really need when you need to find something to wear.  

10. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF: This is VITAL in my staying organized.  I need to take at least one day for myself per week or every other week to regroup.  Go out with some friends, go see a movie, send the kids to grandmas and just spend some time with your husband...  It's vital to your sanity as well.  :)  When your kids are around, you do everything for them.  You have very little time for yourself.

Disclosure
This post is part of a blogging contest from the TwitterMoms community. There is a chance this post could be randomly selected to win a $50 Target GiftCard, so wish me luck! For more details, you can view the contest page here (http://icomp.ly/IconApps).

Hot Locks Review & GIVEAWAY! UPB 2010!



*ENDED WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED*

As a mom of two little girls, dolls are a large part of our lives.  What little girl doesn't love to play in a fantasy world with dolls?  I know I used to.  Of course, the majority of dolls that are out there are completely unimaginative.  They're electronic, they eat, poop, pee, walk, move... I miss the old days where I had dolls that were completely different than that.  They didn't move, didn't talk, didn't do anything.  They had a few accessories and you used your imagination!  When I saw Hot Locks, I was brought back to those days.

Meet Hot Locks!

Introducing the “Hair-rageous” world of Hot Locks. Each day is guaranteed to be the “Perfect Hair Day” with these spunky, funky girls that have lots and lots of luxurious hair to style.
Ami, Sydney, Nahla , Harlow, Kai, Lily, Morgan and Ryann, make up the Hot Locks family of dolls.  Each has their own personality and own story.  The dolls are 4" dolls with a whopping 14" of colorful and beautiful hair! (The deluxe dolls have 26" of hair!!)  They also come with hair accessories that you can style up or style down to  your heart's content!  These dolls are just absolutely adorable and have a lot of detail.  They're hip, they're cool and they are just the hottest thing. 


My kids absolutely LOVE their Hot Locks dolls.  They could hardly wait to style their hair and use their imaginations!  I loved seeing them play with their dolls, talking to each other, doing the hair and even doing each other's hair with the little hair barrettes!  I was so happy that they had dolls that could actually be a benefit to their imaginations!  These dolls are definitely great additions to their playroom and I just love how they're also colorful and spunky, just as my darling little girls are!


You can visit their website by visiting WowWee's site here.  To purchase Hot Locks, you can get them at Toys R US and Walmart locations!  The dolls retail at $7.99 for the Basic dolls and $12.99 for the Deluxe!

One lucky winner will win a Hot Locks doll!  Just follow the steps below to be entered to win! (If you are already a follower/subscriber just state that and you will still be entered!) You can do either one or all of the steps below.  Each count as ONE entry.

Mandatory Entry: What was your favorite doll as a child?  What did you play with more than anything else?

Optional Entries:
 
  • Follow us on Google Friend Connect
  • Subscribe to our feed
  • Fan us on Facebook (leave name)
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Tweet about our giveaway (leave link)
  • Blog about our giveaway (leave link so we can visit) - 2 ENTRIES
  • Add our button to your page
 Good luck!!  Giveaway ends April 25, 2010 at 12PM EST.

Disclaimer: I was sent a Hot Locks Doll to review by WowWee.  That is the only compensation I received for this blog.  All opinions in this blog are my own.




Apr 13, 2010

Nick JR. Storytime Live - What a great world for a child!!


My 4 year old had been talking about something she saw on TV called Nick Jr. Storytime Live.  Of course, I haven't been sitting in her room with her when she watches TV and plays because I would be washing dishes or cleaning the house during the quiet time that I do have! Ha!  Well, I really pushed it aside thinking it would be just like everything else she and I have gone to see.

While sitting in the living room with them one night and watching TV, a segment came on about the making of Nick Jr. Storytime live and I was just amazed at how they really used their artistic ability to make the set idea, costumes, puppets, etc...  It seemed completely different than anything else I had ever seen with my daughter and was a lot more thought out than just a throw together production.  I decided to look up a little more about it, being very interested in the artistic and technical side of things.  I also felt that the combination of Wonder Pets, Kai Lan, Dora, Backyardigans and the "hosts" Moose and Zee really would make for a great show for the kids!

From the producers of Dora Live and Backyardigans Live, comes a brand new show! Nickelodeon presents their newest, biggest, most exciting live show ever – STORYTIME LIVE! Come play along with your favorite preschool pals live on stage. Leap into Fairytale Land with “Dora the Explorer,” journey through Filthingham with “The Backyardigans,” hop into Wonderland with “Wonder Pets!,” and join the Monkey King’s celebration with “Ni Hao, Kai-lan.” Hosted by Moose and Zee, Nickelodeon’s musical adventure, STORYTIME LIVE features four of the top-rated preschool shows on television today and is sure to be the hit live show you and your family have been waiting for! - Credit NickLiveTour.com
 The show itself is 1 hour and 30 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission and it's just pure fun from start to finish!  My daughter is actually very excited about going and absolutely can't wait to see her favorite, the Wonder Pets.  That's all I have been hearing about for the past two weeks! The Wonder Pets characters are actually large puppets worked by puppeteers with their faces visible.  This is a big difference from many other kids shows, but I also believe this really helps the kids to understand that there are talented actors and actresses behind their favorite characters. Songs are sung from the shows as well, but some songs are brand new and only exclusive to Storytime Live.  So for the younger children who are creature of habit, they will still be enthralled by songs that they may have heard on TV.   I know for my youngest it helps her to understand better when she hears something more familiar.


Storytime Live is coming to the beautiful State Theater in New Brunswick, NJ, but have dates all through October 2010!  Nick JR Storytime Live Tour dates.

Make sure you go and check it out!  If you're in the NY/NJ area, make sure to check out Nick Jr Storytime Live at the State Theater in New Brunswick, NJ!




Disclaimer: I was given a 2 tickets for myself and my daughter to Nick Jr Storytime Live provided by the State Theater for this review.  That was the only compensation I have received for this blog posting.  Thank you to the State Theater in New Brunswick NJ!

Apr 12, 2010

Peanut Thai Chicken and Noodle - RECIPE! (Nutrisystem Friendly)


I made this for dinner tonight because I was really craving Thai food.  Of course, Thai food completely is NOT in my Nutrisystem plan, but this recipe is!!  :)  It was so delicious and approx 310 calories.  Everyone loved it, not only myself!


Ingredients
  • 1 boneless skinless chicken breast / Perdue shortcuts
  • 1 tsp. reduced fat peanut butter
  • 2 to 3 tbsp. water
  • 1 tsp. low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. Splenda® Brown Sugar
  • ¼ tsp. curry powder, or hot pepper sauce to taste (Franks red hot!)
  • 1 tbsp. minced onions or scallions
  • ½ cup cooked noodles or spaghett - Wheat (180-190 cals)
Directions
1. Put peanut butter, water, soy sauce, sugar and curry or hot sauce in a small, microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on high for 30 sec. until peanut butter is softened.
3. Stir.
4. Microwave another 20 to 30 seconds and stir again until smooth.
5. Add the onions.
6. Dice the chicken breast and heat, according to package directions.
7. Mix the peanut sauce, chicken and noodles together in a serving dish.

Monday Mingle - 04/12/10

My kids are sick today, so here is Monday Mingle coming to you straight from my car at the park!! LOL  This is the main reason I have a Netbook with Verizon Wireless. lol For trips I have to take for business/bloggy and for taking a ride to the park on a beautiful day to do Monday Mingle. :p




Apr 11, 2010

UBP Day 3!! Get to know me more. :)

Decided to write a little more about me for those who are new to the blog from the Ultimate Blog Party or from Friday Follow!  :)  

♥ My middle name is Patrice.  I hate it, but my parents named me that because of the fact that I was born on St. Patrick's Day.  It was also because of the social worker who placed me with my mom, her name was Patricia

♥ We have been very close to the adoption agency that I was placed from.  In fact, I donated some of my art to their silent auction in 2003.  I was very proud to donate my art to something I feel so strongly about

♥ My dad died when I was 2 years old.  He had leukemia.  I don't remember him, but my mom has always kept his memory alive through home videos of when I was a baby.  Sometimes I miss him a lot and wish I had the chance to get to know him.  I never got to be daddy's little girl.
♥ I started figure skating when I was 3 years old.  I skated competitively solo and on a synchro team until I was 16 years old.  After I broke my ankle, I wasn't able to skate for a long time.  After my ankle healed, I never had the strength to go back -- I regret that.

♥  I, yes me, am a HUGE fan of the Imagination Movers.  I'm always happy to take my kids to their concerts because I have a great time myself!  My favorite mover is Mover Rich. :D

♥  Hanson has always been and will always be my favorite band.  They're amazing performers.  Zac used to be my favorite.  Hell, he still is.

♥ In 2001 (i think?) I got to go to the N'Sync Pop Odyssey tour sound check Party.  I was ecstatic.  I also saw the concert at Giants Stadium from the second row.  It was one of the best nights of my little teenage life.

♥ My art was exhibited at the Newark museum in Newark, NJ when I was in High School.  It was an amazing feeling to be respected as a fine artist.
♥ I love cell phones.  I have a Blackberry Storm and an iPhone.  They are both my baby!!

♥ My ex fiance left me when I was 6 months pregnant with Alayna.  He was cheating on me and my birth mother found that out.  He was the first person I ever fell in love with and I thought he was the world.  It was very hurtful and took me a long time to get over.

♥ Alayna (DD#1) was born 6 weeks early.  She was considered a preemie, but weighed 8lbs 7oz.  She was in the hospital for a month and 2 days in the NICU with feeding problems.  That month and 2 days felt like an eternity to me.

♥ I am obsessed with makeup.  I absolutely love to do my makeup.

♥ Coach is my obsession.  I think their purses are the best.  My budget is one every year or year and a half.  They last such a long time and are the most durable of all the purses I own.

♥  Oh yeah, I am also obsessed with purses.

♥ ...And jewelry.

♥ I make my own jewelry.  I actually have my own business...though, right now it is on hiatus since life is more important.

♥ My dream car is either a Lincoln Navigator (pink!) or a mustang convertible.
♥ I absolutely LOVE Broadway shows.

♥ I live 20-30 minutes outside of NYC.

♥ I actually started blogging in 1998.