Gift Ideas For The Beer Lover In Your Life

Okay I respected the turkey, but Thanksgiving is over.  So even though it's not even December yet, I am going to go ahead and start with the first, of probably many, Christmas posts.  And there will be plenty, because Christmas is my favorite time of the year! 

I thought I'd kick off my Christmas posts with some fun gift ideas for the beer lover in your life.... whether it's your hubby, dad, brother, dad-in-law, friend, or even coworker (assuming you like your coworkers... otherwise just leave them a lump of coal). 

1) Traditional Gift Basket - I don't think I need to go into too much detail.  This is just your typical beer gift basket with your hubby's favorite beer and some beer snacks (peanuts, pretzels, etc...)  You can buy one of these online, but please save your money and make it yourself.  I would recommend wrapping with celophane and raffia. 

2) Beer of the Month Club - You can find various forms of these clubs anywhere on the internet, so shop around if this an option you'd like to explore (or comment below if you can recommend one!)  Each month, the club delivers 12 new and hard-to-find specialty microbrews from award-winning breweries across the country.  (Amount and type of beer varies by club, of course.)  These clubs can be pricey so most offer options like 3 month, 6 month, 12 month, or seasonal (delivery every 3 months) clubs. 

3) Rein-beer - Seriously, how cute are these guys?  No description necessary. 

(World Market carries an impressive line of import microbrews.  You can mix and match to make the 6-pack of your dreams.)

4) Beer Advent Calendar - How fun and creative is this??  And a box of beer just happens to hold 24 beers.  I may have to get my craft on and make this for my hubby... I wonder if I can find 24 different beers.  (This gift would definitely score me a bunch of points with the hubby.  I wonder if it would be enough points to get that purse I have been wanting.  It's definely not enough points to get the camera lens I want, but probably the purse...)

(So after I finished this posting, I asked my hubby to "proofread" it [aka: read how badly I want that purse and camera lens] and he said I should explain what an advent calendar is because he has never heard of one. Seriously?!  Who has never heard of an advent calendar??  (Probably the guy who doesn't want to buy his wife the expensive ass purse she doesn't need.)  In any event, I found a description on Wikipedia, but it is too long to write, so feel free to look it up and read the first 2-3 short paragraphs.  Here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_calendar  So much for impressing my hubby with a fab gift that was sure to get me a fab purse.) 

5) Beer Holster - Because every guy needs one of these to free up his hands so he can barbeque... or wash the dishes when you ask him to ;) 

6)  Beer Bottle Opener Ring - Feel free to inscribe with a declaration of your love... even though the ring itself shouts "love" from all angles.  World Market sells these bad boys for $5.  You can buy them in bulk for really cheap too at http://www.aliexpress.com/ .  

http://www.aliexpress.com/

No need to thank me after your gift has rocked your hubby's socks off.  That's what I'm here for ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I am out-of-town and on vacation so that means no blogging.  The only things I am going to do all weekend is sleep in late, eat fabulously fattening food, watch lots of football, and shop my pants off...  In store and online.  Until I return, have a blessed holiday!

Getting My Craft On: Chalkboard Wine Glasses

You may recall my little posting on chalkboard china a couple of weeks ago. Well, a fellow mommy in my mom's group (thanks, Jess!) gave me the brilliant idea of making some chalkboard wine glasses myself!  She recommended Rustoleum's chalkboard spraypaint and, as they say, the rest is history...

Before

After

Who said Santa wants milk with his cookies? This Santa wants a little wine!

I didn't include any "during" pictures, because it really is such a simple do-it-yourself-project.  I bought the glasses at Dollar General for .99 cents each and the Rustoleum cost me $4.50.  (This stuff is great.  You can turn virtually any surface into a chalkboard!)  I used contact paper to wrap the stem so I wouldn't get any paint on it.  I held a piece of cardboard up to cover the glass while I spray-painted the base with my other hand.  (Let paint dry 24 hours before writing on it with chalk.  I learned that the hard way when I got eager to take pictures of Santa's wineglass.)

These are going under the tree for a certain sister I know...

I think I might do some stemless wine glasses like the one pictured below.  The carafe is cute too!

And if you're really lazy, you can just buy some vinyl chalkboard decals!

Happy crafting!

Thanksgiving Sides: Sweet Potato Casserole

One of my all-time favorite recipes!  It's always a big hit, it's easy to make, and it's delicious!

Ingredients:
4 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup butter
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:
Beat first 5 ingredients on medium speed, until smooth.  Spoon into a lightly greased 3 quart baking dish.  Mix together brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans.  Sprinkle over top of casserole.  Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Yields 8-10 servings.

Sorry I don't have a picture.  I am making this for Thanksgiving, so I won't have a picture to share with you before then.  But trust me... it's sooo good!  Happy baking :)

Bizarre Massages

I'm a huge advocate of massage therapy. I have chronic (hereditary) back pain that got worse during my pregnancy, and which continues to ail me now as a busy Mommy.  I love professional massages, and they do so much to relieve my back pain, but seriously who can afford to get one as often as they'd like?  I'm always looking for new exercises and stretches to help alleviate my discomfort.  I've also noticed stress and tension causes my muscles to knot up and my back pain gets worse, so I am always trying to keep my body (and mind) as relaxed as possible.

During my pregnancy I read an article describing 10 "under-the-radar remedies" that help relax and relieve tension. I read through the 10 remedies and found one that has always stuck out in my mind for its absolute ridiculousness (is that a word?).  Although probably unnecessary, let me preface the description of this particular remedy by making very clear that I would never entertain this remedy... atleast not in this lifetime. 

Apparently, some (very crazy) people like the feel of reptiles slithering across their bodies in spa-like settings, with larger, heavier snakes providing a deeper kneading as they crawl across the flesh. According to some massage therapists, a snake's general pressure on the body can be really relaxing, and contact with the reptiles can be soothing.  (One reporter documented his experience with an authentic Israeli snake massage.  Just as he was psyching himself up for the treatment [which costs about $80], one of the snakes opened its mouth and coughed up a half-digested mouse.  Oh hell no.) 

What kind of stress are these people dealing with that a snake massage is relaxing and therapeutic for them? If you are dealing with that level of stress, I don't think snakes will do the trick. A hospital setting may be more appropriate. But that's just my unsolicited, non-medical advice.  What ever happed to relaxing music and aromatherapy? 

And I seriously have no idea what this fool is trying to do or how he finds this remotely relaxing or therapeutic.  I would love to hear how the masseuse convinced him this was a great idea.  I would not feel bad if one of those snakes bit him on his ding-ding.  That would really give him something to stress about.

Tuesday's Tip: Amazon's Name Brand Diapers

I have to put in another plug for Amazon, the best shopping site in the world...

I am currently getting diapers delivered to my home every month for $33.03 total.  This is for the size 5, Pampers Baby Dry, 172 count.  I don't pay tax and I don't pay shipping.  This same box of diapers costs $45.99 at Babies R Us and $44.99 at Target, plus tax.  All I did was sign up through Amazon as an "Amazon Mom" (automatic 15% off), and then I chose the "subscribe and save" option (another automatic 15% off).  Shipping is free and most of the time I can get the 2-day shipping for free.  I can change the size, brand, count, or frequency of deliveries whenever I want.  Plus, I can stack coupons on top of this offer if I have any (Parents magazine frequently has 20% off coupons). 

I'm doing this with our baby wipes too.  At Babies R Us, ONE 184-count package of Huggies refills wipes costs $7.39.  I am getting THREE 184-count packages of Huggies wipes from Amazon Moms for $15.07 .  That's $5.02 per package.  You can't beat that!   

I am all for the generic diapers and wipes at Walmart and Target too.  My baby boy wore the Up and Parents' Choice diapers for most of his first year.  As he has gotten older, though, I have personally found Pampers Baby Dry to be the best, with regards to absorbency.  And I love the Huggies baby wipes.... smell and quality.  :)

Five Things I Love Right Now

1) The Christmas shopping app on my android phone.  It helps me keep track of everyone's wish lists and my shopping budget.  It updates totals as I buy gifts and mark people off.  It also serves to remind me of how behind I am in my Christmas shopping :) 

2)  Keebler Fudge Shoppe Coconut Dreams.  I don't even like chocolate and I love these.   I may never buy another Samoa Girl Scout Cookie again, because the Coconut Dreams are just as good, but cheaper.  Plus, they are available year-round!

3) Wireless Aputure Pro Coworkers camera remote.  I love this remote control shutter trigger for my Canon Rebel.  I use it to take family pictures when there isn't someone around to snap the picture, and I know my baby boy won't sit still long enough for the timer to work.  My husband and I just smile and stare at the camera until our son does the same (we have him trained pretty well), and then I click the remote I'm hiding in my hand.  I also use the remote when I am taking portraits of my son.  Using the remote frees up one of my hands, (camera is on tripod), so I can hold toys and other attention-getters.  When he looks up and smiles, "Click!"  (Note: It eats up batteries so I have to remove them after every use.) 

4) Pinterest.  It's an online pin board that allows you to organize (and share) things you love.  Its mission statement is "to connect everyone in the world through shared tastes and the 'things' they find interesting."  I'm hooked. 

5) Revlon Color Stay Overtime Lipcolor.  I finally found a lip stain that works!  I don't always use the clear gloss that comes with it, because it tends to dry out my lips a bit.  However, the stain lasts most of the day for me and I rarely have to reapply.  

Bikini Waxing Gone Wrong... A Personal Anecdote

MSNBC published an article a couple of years ago about how increasingly younger girls are getting bikini waxes. According to several aestheticians interviewed, there is a growing demand for bikini waxing for preteens, or "tweens". One Beverly Hills aesthetician reported that almost 20% of her bikini wax clients are tweens. One New York City salon, Wanda's European Skin Care Clinic, offers discounts for clients as young as eight years old, and Wanda claims her pre-teen business is booming.


According to Wanda's website, children 8 years and older can get discounted waxing for "virgin" hair.  It also indicates that virgin hair can be waxed so successfully that growth can be permanently stopped in just 2 - 6 sessions. The website was quoted as reading, "Save your child a lifetime of waxing... and put the money in the bank for her college education instead!" (I checked the website myself and it appears she has since replaced the word "child" with "teenager".)   Wanda told the NY Post that children should begin waxing at just 6 years old. She was actually quoted by the New York Post as saying, "... in 10 years waxing children will be like taking them to the dentist or putting braces on their teeth."  WTH??

Bikini waxing for six year olds? Seriously? I find this a bit disturbing. Almost as disturbing as Wanda's rationalization that waxing your little wildebeest now will benefit you both, come college time. However, none of this disturbs me quite as much as a particular memory I have been repressing regarding my own bikini waxing experience several years ago...

I remember, very vividly, that I hastily placed the two wax strips, without a fear or care in the world. (You would have thought I had done this 1,000 times before, or that I was part-Vulcan and incapable of experiencing any pain or emotion). The instructions said the more quickly you remove the wax strip, the less "discomfort" you would feel. True to my over-zealous and highly exaggerated manner, I ripped the first strip off with all the strength I could manage.

OHMYGOD! HOLY BALLS! and HOLY SHIZNIT! I actually checked the strip to make sure I hadn't removed my skin. I, quite literally, saw stars. They were circling around my head. I suddenly knew where the image of stars circling a cartoon character's head came from... from a cartoonist who had tried to wax her bikini area right before swim suit season.  I really thought I was going to die that day... or at the very least, faint. I was pretty sure my mom would eventually come into the bathroom and find me naked on the floor with one wax strip clenched tightly in my hand and the other one still adhered tightly to my vajajay.

After I had regained consciousness and could breathe again, I began the hour-long, pain-staking process of removing the remaining strip with a gallon of alcohol, cotton swabs, and the sweat and tears that were falling from my face. Never again did I entertain such foolishness.

Do I find the whole parent-pushing-preteen-waxing-movement bothersome? Sure I do. Let your kids be kids!  Even worse, my son will be going to junior highschool, (and probably elementary school), with some of the daughters of these must-be floozies.  But I must admit, I am more amazed at the pain tolerance level of these children.  The fact that they have survived these traumatizing ordeals and gone back for additional treatments is well beyond my level of comprehension.

Do not let her smile fool you.  This is false advertising like I have never seen it.  She was paid a lot of money to smile all serenely like this.

They should have put one of these girls on the packaging. 

This is what I'm talking about...

   

Tip of the Day: Today's Cyber Sales

One day only cyber-sale at Babies R Us going on today, Monday, November 7.  Save up to 20% on car seats, strollers, carriers, and much more.  Free shipping on everything up to a $20 value with purchase of $100 or more. 

Today only, all sweaters are on sale (starting at $12) at The Children's Place.  Free shopping on orders over $75.  $5 flat rate on all other orders.

Save 30% of everything at Gymboree.  Use online code GYMCIRCLE at check-out.  $5 flat rate standard shipping for a limited time only.

Save 30% on your Old Navy purchase (excludes everyday steals and outerwear online only).  Use online code ONFRIENDS at checkout.  Free shipping on orders over $50.  Sale ends tomorrow.  Print coupon from Old Navy website to redeem in stores.

Getting My Craft On: Decorative Step Stool

Well, I didn't finish cleaning my walk-in closet last weekend.  I was way too busy getting my little one ready for Halloween, baking a ton of cake balls (delish), and just generally avoiding the task at hand.  So this weekend I decided to procrastinate a little more and be crafty instead.  I've been wanting to decorate a little step stool for my son to use in the bathroom.  I figured this weekend was as good as any!

Here's my step-by-step guide to making your very own mod-podge step stool:

1) Purchase Supplies - step stool, spray paint, printed cardstock, mod podge, and clear varnish.  You will also need scissors, paint brush, and possibly sand paper (I didn't use sand paper).  I purchased my supplies at Hobby Lobby with 50% off coupons, so I didn't spend a lot of money on this project. 

2) Spray paint your stool with your base color.  Let dry.  (Choose a color that compliments your cardstock because some of the painted wood will show after your stool is finished.)

3) Choose cardstock for each section of the stool, unless you want to use the same pattern throughout.  (I used 3 different patterns for mine.)

4) Lay stool on paper and trace around it to make a pattern.  Cut out each piece.

5) Use Mod Podge to adhere your cardstock to the stool.  Let dry.  Make sure to smooth out cardstock during drying process so that you don't get any bubbles or air pockets. 

6) Once the stool is covered with paper, lightly sand off any rough edges, if necessary.  (As you can see, I did not cover bottom of stool or in between panels on top.)

7) Coat stool with clear varnish.  Let dry.

8) Display your stool!

This project was super easy and really quick.  I know this one looks all grown-up and mature, but it's going in our guest bathroom so I wanted it to match.  I am going to make another step stool for our master bathroom.  This time I will make a fun kiddy stool... I'm thinking sports balls or longhorns or my son's name.  I'll keep you posted!

Chalkboard China

If you've never heard of chalkboard china, check out their website now!

http://chalkboardchina.com/

Cute right?  Kind of reminds me of The Write Plate (http://www.thewriteplate.com/) but with a greater variety of items.  Chalkboard China is "woman-owned and made in Texas".  The china allows you to change the message for every occasion and makes a perfect gift to personalize for family, friends, or even yourself :) 

Chalkboard China was featured on Good Morning America (GMA) this morning on their Secret Deals and Steals segment.  Original prices range from $20 - $65.  Today's GMA exclusive deal is 50% savings on the entire website using promo code GMA.  That's $10 - $33!  This deal is valid today (11/3/11) only and while supplies last.   Only catch is you must use the links and promo codes provided on the actual GMA page to receive promotional savings.  Here is the link they provide on GMA:

http://chalkboardchina.bigcartel.com/

If that doesn't work, go directly to GMA's Steals and Deals page at:

http://gma.yahoo.com/gma-viewers-8-exclusive-deals-steals-discounts-great-195432904.html

You may experience delays or technical issues because of the high volume of traffic.  Happy shopping!



Favorite Pregnancy Things

I think I'm going to do a series of "Favorite Things" postings over the next month (or two... or three).  You know, my favorite baby things, favorite toddler things, etc... Today's entry will be a list of my favorite pregnancy things for you prego girls out there!  These are in no particular order.  (And feel free to add some of your favorite items in the comments section :)

Be Band - The Be Band is Target's version of the popular (and more expensive) Bella Band.  This stretchy piece of fabric serves as a transitioning accessory when you are getting too big for your regular clothes, but are still too small for maternity clothes.  It basically lets you get around with your pants unbuttoned because it holds your pants in place.  (My shirts concealed the band, so no one knew I had my pants unzipped and unbuttoned.)  It's a great way to postpone buying maternity clothes.  And if maternity pants are still too big for you, the Be Band holds them in place so they don't end up around your knees!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Belly Butter For Stretchmarks - I started off using the Palmers Cocoa Butter Lotion, but I found that, aside from being expensive, it didn't go very far.  The belly butter is a more concentrated formula than the lotion, so it's a lot thicker and therefore goes a really long way.  According to the website, it is "widely recommended for stretch marks during and after pregnancy".  It contains Vitamin E, collagen, elastin, and soothing lavendar.  It also soothes and moisturizes your dry, itchy skin.  It's clinically and dermatologically tested.  I used this stuff every single day when I was pregnant!

Especially For Mom Maternity Support - My back/belly support (plus a lot of pregnancy massages) really helped relieve my lower/middle back pain.  According to the packaging, it is also meant to relieve pain in the legs and abdomen.  It's lightweight, easy to wear, and doesn't show under your clothing.  Its not restrictive like a corset with boning, but it still does its job.  It's made from a lightweight, beathable elastic and fastens with velcro.  Because of the elastic and velcro, it grows with your belly, so you can wear the same support throughout your pregnancy.  My only complaint (which isn't about the product itself) is that toward the end of my pregnancy, the belly support put a lot of pressure on my already compressed bladder.  But it helped with the back pain, so I had to suck it up! 

Prenatal Massage - I can't say enough wonderful things about the physical and mental benefits of a professional massage (or any good massage, really).  Studies indicate that massage therapy during pregnancy is extremely beneficial to  you and baby for a number of reasons.  If your obgyn approves, and you can afford it, I would highly recommend prenatal massages from a certified prenatal massage therapist or doula.  I had some serious backpain my last trimester and a doula helped me through it.  Unfortunately, it was a bit too pricey for us, so I couldn't do it as much as I would have liked.  My hubby was a suitable replacement masseuse, though ;)

Polar Heart Rate Monitor Watch - I enjoy running so this little gadget was pretty important to me.  My obgyn approved my running as long as I monitored my heart rate and kept it below a certain level.  A heart rate monitor watch helps you track your heart rate so that during exercise you get to just the right intensity and stay below a certain exertion level.  These can be pricey, but I got a great one on Amazon for about $30.