Gymboree Coupon

Here is a coupon code for 30% off at Gymboree. I love the cute clothes they have but I think they are a little to expensive for someone who is going to smear spaghetti and dirt on them. 30% off helps a lot!
I might have to get Addie these cute flip flops for the 4th of July.

The Winner is...

Thanks to everyone that entered the Weekend giveaway! The winner was chosen using Random.org. 

The winner is....... Julie Sukert

What did you think about the google document format? Was it better than just leaving a comment? I think it's kind of fun, maybe I use it again with my next giveaway.

These is my words

My new favorite book right now, These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-190 by Nancy Turner. 

"A moving, exciting, and heartfelt American saga inspired by the author's own family memoirs, these words belong to Sarah Prine, a woman of spirit and fire who forges a full and remarkable existence in a harsh, unfamiliar frontier. Scrupulously recording her steps down the path Providence has set her upon form- from child to determined young adult to loving mother- she shares the turbulent events, both joyous and tragic, that molded her, and recalls the enduring love with cavalry office Jack Elliot that gives her strength and purpose."

I cannot even tell you how much I loved this book. I had a really hard time starting because the title and cover are just, blah. That doesn't matter at all once you get into this book because it's amazing. Sarah is my hero, she is a strong stubborn woman that does what needs to be done, Period. Several times during this book I was in awe of her and all the trials she had to deal with. I told Reed a number of times that I would have died if I was in her shoes, I don't know how she did it.  I got so emotionally involved in this book that it tore my heart out and I cried like I haven't done in a long time. Normally that would make me hate the book but I don't, I expected to cry and that's what I did.

I have to mention the romance between Jack and Sarah, this is probably my favorite romance ever, as of right now. I may change my mind later since I just finished the book about 5 minutes ago, but you will love the connection between Jack and Sarah. It feels like Anne and Gilbert to me, but more. LOVED IT, is all I have to say. I'm going to go back and reread my favorite parts of the book now.

If you are like me just waiting for  Mockingjay  to come out so you have something good to read, go check this one out and start reading, you will get so caught up in this story you will forget to feed your baby breakfast. 

Read it, tell me what you think. I've got to talk to someone about this book!

Weekend Giveaway

UPDATE: This giveaway is now over.

I've decided to do a little giveaway this weekend to thank any readers who are still out there waiting for me to start posting again.

We've been going through a TON of yogurt at our house lately. Addie eats at least 2 cups of yogurt a day in her smoothies.  I have to admit that I've never been a huge fan of yogurt, but I like it when it's creamy and this stuff sure is creamy and thick!

Here is what Yoplait has to say:

With 12 grams of protein -- twice that found in leading yogurts-- new Yoplait Greek nourishes from the inside out. Available in four delicious flavors, Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain, the brand´s newest offering has a unique thick and creamy texture with the unmatched taste expected of Yoplait. 

 Ready for the giveaway? One winner will receive:

• 2 VIP coupons for 2 free New Yoplait Greek Yogurt
• 1 Robe, towel thingy
• Slippers and other fun spa items

 All you have to do to enter is just leave your name and email address below. Your name and email address will only be used to notify the winner. The giveaway will only go until Monday at 10:00 PM Mountain time. 

Anyone can click Here for a coupon good for .30/1 off one!
Thanks to Yoplait Yogurt and MyBlogSparks for the coupons, gift packs and information.

Black Bean and Mango Tostadas

We love beans in our family. They're cheap, yummy, and really good for you. I'm always trying to find new recipes using beans and I found a new good one. I'd never thought of making tostadas but they turned out to be REALLY easy and fun to make. You don't even have to use the mango salsa, any of your favorite salsa would do, although the mango salsa does give it a really yummy sweet flavor. I think these will be perfect for the hot summer nights since they only cook for about 10 minutes.

Black Bean and Mango Tostadas

1 15 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 scallions white and light green parts, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. chili powder
3/4 tsp. salt
4 8-in flour tortillas
6 oz. grated Monterey Jack
1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced
1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. lime juice

Preheat oven to 425. Combine beans olive oil, scallions chili powder and 1/2 tsp. salt in bowl. Mist a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place tortillas on sheet and spoon bean mixture on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. While tostadas are baking combine mango, onion, lime juice, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a bowl. Remove tostadas from oven, spoon mango mixture on top and serve immediately.

Serves: 4
Cost $1.54

Source: All You, March issue.

Just talking...

I apologize for the lack of posting recently. My husband just made a switch in jobs so we had him home with us for the last three week. It was so fun to have him home that it just felt like a nice long vacation.

In other news, we are in the process of trying to find a home.  Which is probably the most horrible experience I've ever been through! I've dreamed of the house I would some day own, but right now I just want to curl up in my little apartment and never leave if it means I can stop all of the hassle that goes with house hunting.  I'll be back soon with new posts.

Big Girl Bed

Addie jumped to freedom last week from her crib so we decided it was time for a toddler bed. I found this cute Pottery Barn Bed on CraigsList for a fraction of the price. She loves her new bed. Well, she loves to sit on it and pretend like she is going to sleep. Her bedroom door doesn't stay closed so we are having a hard time figuring out how to get her to stay in bed. Any suggestions?  Does anyone have experience in moving a toddler to a new bed?

I love my drawers.

Are you in the mood to reorganize all of your drawers? I wasn't, until I watched this clip. I then threw all of my clothes on the floor and refolded everything. I love looking in my drawers now, it makes me smile.

I also realized I need more shirts with patterns. 

Guest Posting

Today I'm guest posting over at Sumo's Sweet Stuff. Go check it out!

Elmo and Cookie Monster Cupcakes

Sorry I haven't posted in such a long time. I just wanted a little break from the computer for the last few weeks. I haven't even looked at other blogs and hardly checked my emails. Well I'm back with a fun post! My little Addie turned two yesterday! I can't believe how fast the time has flown, she has turned into such a fun little toddler.

For her birthday party yesterday I wanted to make Elmo cupcakes, she LOVES Elmo so I knew she would love these. They were really easy to make and turned out really cute.

First you get a cupcake.

Then you frost the top of the cupcake with red. I used the "grass" tip to make the fur.

Then you add the eyes, I used white candy melts or you could use marshmallows or just pipe white frosting into circles.

 

Pipe on a orange nose.

 

Add black dots to the eyes.

 

And don't forget the mouth.

 

I also decided to do cookie monster so Elmo would have some friends. Just make him the same way only in blue.

 

Add eyes...

 

I ran out of black frosting for the mouths so most of them only got small lines, but I don't think Addie noticed.