Food, Clothing, Shelter, Water, and a Baby...That's All You Need

I have been thinking about how much Audrey needs me. Her life is dependent upon me. Everytime she nurses I think about that. But then I stop and think about how much I need her. I mean, I really need her and she doesn't even know it yet. She gives my life meaning. She gives me such joy. Even in the tough times. Like today when my arm was becoming numb from having it extended behind me in the car trying to soothe her for the 3.5 hour car ride. I told my husband it reminded me of being on a first date and the guy doesn't want to remove his arm from around the girl and then he can no longer feel it. That was me, but with our daughter. That's okay, because I need her too.

Success.

It takes energy to blog. It doesn't seem like it would, I mean it is just typing, right? But I have a 5 month old teether, so everything is requiring extra work. Today I opted for a nap instead of a shower while Audrey napped. And truthfully, I take a shower everyday. Not because I want to be clean [that is just a bonus], because it is me time. I am fully aware that this whole teething thing could take days...or weeks- yikes! Her top teeth haven't poked through yet. On a happy note, my haircut was a success. I ended up being my normal, all-talk-no-show, change just a little, self and not going out on a limb with the color. I did lowlights and highlights, I guess you could say I went for the Jennifer look. And it worked, at least I think so [or hope so]. I also got bangs. Which are super fun because I can sweep them to the side or wear them in the front, like so... I now feel like a mom with a tiny bit of style. Yay!

The headbands I made for Audrey have also been a success. I pretty much have a color to match every outfit.

Hair Did.

I am uber excited about tomorrow. I get to have my hair did. I think I would do some cartwheels right now if I wasn't so tired. I haven't had my hair professional done since last August. [I went to a beauty school in Dec. and got it done, but I am not going to count that- it wasn't with my stylist] Hubby gave me the go and said "do what makes you happy." He kind of prefers me as a blonde (which I have always been one), but I am feeling like a change. This mom needs change. And I don't want to cut my hair (I am attempting to grow it out, but it is going s-l-o-w), so the next best thing is a color change, right? As silly as I feel posting these pictures, I need some advice. Which color should I go for? Honey-caramel like Miss Aniston or brown like Alba? Again, I feel lame posting them and probably will regret it tomorrow, but here goes nothing...

Tutu Please.

I just got word from Midwest Magpies that Gymboree is having a good sale. And they have a tutu. That is only $9. I have been wanting one for Audrey for her 6 month pictures. Next on the agenda: nurse, hit up Gymboree in hopes that the tutu is still there!

BTW- My Goodwill is having a 50% store sale tomorrow. You might want to check if yours is too! Unfortunately I will be in Ohio [visiting the grams]. But, I will probably be thrifting there, my grandma is queen of thrift stores!

Flower Child.

Audrey doesn't have the whole hair thing down yet, so I can't do the oh, so cute clips. So, I have been eyeing some adorable flower headbands on etsy. But, I just can't get myself to spend $12 on one. I came up with a solution at Target. [Because Target always offers a solution, right?] I bought some flower bands for little girls and some wrap headbands all for $6. It took me about 10 minutes to handsew 6 headbands. Yup, that makes them each only $1. And this is what I came up with...

I can't wait to try them on Audrey tomorrow when she wakes!

The Park and My Wondering Mind.

I went to the park for the past two days. It has been lovely. I find myself sitting on the bench looking around at all the other moms (and dads) and children there and just wonder. I wonder what their job is. If they have a job. Where they live. Then I think about Audrey at that age and what she will be doing. Will Audrey enjoy climbing the giant lizard when she is two? Will she come running to me to show me something on the ground when she is 5? How many kids will I have when Audrey is 8? Then I go back to the moment I am in right then. Me sitting on the bench holding my precious 5 month old daughter. Who is looking around and taking everything in. Oh, and I also think about how put together every mom looks there at the park and wonder if I look even remotely close to that. I mean seriously, there are moms there chasing a one or two year old and fully pregnant and look as if they do not have a care in the world. It is pretty impressive.

Stealing Can Be a Good Thing.

I love this site. I check it everyday. But unfortunately I only get as far as drooling over some of the things because of well, limited funds. But that's okay. I can dream can't I? Let me know if you ever steal anything from it!

Kiss Me.

My adorable, lovable, kissable daughter on St. Patty's Day. And today she is 5 months. 5 months. Really? Goodness, it's true, time flies.

When Life Hands You a Lemon. Make Lemonade.

Literally. I have been on a lemon kick. Sometimes I feel like I am still pregnant because I get these cravings and I have to fulfill them. I bought a bag of lemons last week on sale. And I have been coming up with ways to use them. Obviously, I made a lemon bundt cake last week.

Here is the recipe for it: (I did not create it and unfortunately I don't remember where it came from, but it is soooo good, I think I got it off of some website) Oh, and this is not for those calorie watchers. :)

Ingredients: 2 1/4c. flour, 2 c. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2tsp. baking soda, 3 lg. eggs, 1 tbsp. lemon rind grated, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 c. butter softened, 1 sm. carton sour cream

Put all the ingredients into large mixing bowl. Blend mixture at low speed, then beat at medium speed 3 minutes. Put in greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour. Cool completely. Drizzle with glaze.

Lemon Glaze: 1 c. sugar, lemon juice (1-2 tbsp).

Mix powdered sugar with enough lemon juice to make glaze to drizzle.
_________________________________________________
Last night I made Lemon-Cream Cheese Cupcakes. It is suppose to make a batch of 24. But I just could not. stop. licking. the. bowl. And I ended up with like 17. Oops.

This recipe came from a Food and Family Kraft magazine. And again, not for those calorie watchers. But it is great for those who want to be happy. Because eating one makes your very, very happy.

Ingredients: 1 pkg. white cake mix, 1 pkg (4-serving size) Jell-o Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling, 1 c. water, 4 egg whites, 2 tbsp. oil, 1 pkg. (16oz) powdered sugar, 1 pkg. cream cheese softened, 1/4 c. butter softened, 2 tbsp, lemon juice, 1 tsp. grated lemon peel plus more for garnishing if desired

Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, water, egg whites, and oil in large bowl on low speed until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 min. Spoon into 24 muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 21-24 minutes.

Cream-Cheese Icing: beat sugar, cream cheese, butter, juice, and lemon grated peel on low speed until well blended. Frost cupcakes.

__________________________________________________

And lastly, use lemons to make...lemonade! I can't believe I had never made real lemonade before last night. It is way easy and taste terrific. It will be perfect on a day like today. I plan on sitting on the back porch and enjoying a nice glass and the 70's degree weather.

Ingredients: 2 lemons freshly squeezed, 1 c. sugar, water

Mix the lemon juice and sugar, then just add water until you like it!

_____________________________________________________

Please don't think I am this major baker or anything. Yes, I like to bake and cook. But I do not do it all the time. All of this was really just out of self-satisifaction. I had a craving. That is all. I hope one reader will enjoy at least one of these recipes!

P.S. I haven't posted in a couple of days because I felt like the last post was way lame. And I wanted to wait till I had something better to share. I mean I love label-makers, but I don't think it was blog worthy. Oh, well. I think food is always blog worthy.

Label Maker. A Must-Have.

Isn't it funny how getting a label tape refill can make someone so happy? Yeah, that's me. I finally got some more tape today and I am ready to go nuts. I love, love organizing. And with spring cleaning on the rise it is time to get organized. I am dreaming of all the things to label right now...

• Audrey's packed away clothes
• More spices in the kitchen
• Unlabeled totes in the garage
• Craft supplies

Maybe I should stop blogging now and get to it. While the baby sleeps. And you should go out and get yourself a label maker [no need for a fancy one] if you don't already have one. And if you already have it, share what you use yours for.

Tip Time.

Who doesn't love Chick-Fil-A? I mean seriously. The waffle fries. The lemonade. The little chicken nuggets. And I dare you to dip them in honey mixed with polynesian sauce. So delightful. No seriously. It is so good. And tomorrow is the day to go. It is Save Your Receipt Day. Which means- you make a purchase tomorrow [of anything at anytime], save your receipt, bring your receipt back within 30 days and you get that same meal for free! It is totally great for families. You know I will be there. Be sure to check your local Chick-fil-a to make sure it is participating. By the way, it happens monthly here.

Brand vs. Generic.

Are you kidding me? Look at this poptart box (and the actual poptarts). Are kids shopping nowadays for the food of the house? This is just crazy.

I just made myself a bowl of oatmeal. It is Kroger brand and quite delicious. I have had the real stuff before and I must say, I could do Kroger oatmeal more often. Other things I could do Kroger brand: cottage cheese, ketchup, tortilla chips, and I could come up with a long list but I am too lazy to go upstairs and look in my fridge. However, there are some things that must remain Brand name. Like ice cream, for example. Hello, Breyers all the way. And many times you can find it on sale like 2 for $5. Not bad, not bad at all.

Buying generically is a great way to save. Feel free to share what you buy off-brand. [Off-brand sounds not so cheap, right?)

Dreaming of Spring and Dresses.

What a tease it was yesterday. 75 one day and 40 the next. If I get even one day to put baby Audrey in a dress, I do. Spring means dresses. Cute, adorable, very girly dresses. [However, no frills or large ruffles please]. A dress and babyleggings is all I need. And now Target sells baby legs. Of course, that isn't necessary a great thing. Because now I will be tempted everytime I go. I was told the other day that you can make babylegs yourself. Take long socks (with an adorable design), cut, add elasticity and presto. Okay, easier to type than actually make. Maybe one day I will attempt it. In the meantime, I will just dream of dresses I would buy Audrey for spring if I could...


With a dress this cute, I wouldn't mine dressing like my daughter.

I wouldn't be able to keep my hands out of those pockets, Audrey would be in trouble.
Link to Pictures: Shabby Baby

I'm a Little Nervous.

After much deliberation I am finally starting this blog. Ever since I found out I was pregnant last February I wanted to start a blog just about babies and mothering and challenges and everything nice. I even have a folder of ideas that I have been storing away to use. Like saving ideas for budgeting moms [yeah, that's definitely me]. And organizing tips. And things to do with baby. Now it's time. I have been hesitant to add another blog [yes, I already have a personal one] because of well, failure. But really, can you fail at blogging? I don't know. I hope not. Will I have followers? Geez, that makes me really nervous. I get so intimidated by all the other great blogs I read. But here goes nothing. I never majored in writing or telecommunications or any other major that would make sense to become a blogger. Just elementary education. But I think I have a lot to say about babies and being a mom. So that is what I am going to do. And I would love any encouragement. And comments. And lots of love. Because that is what I am going to give.

When starting this adventure I had no idea I would spend precious hours on just coming up with a blog title and the design. And I mean precious hours. You know, those hours when your baby is sleeping. I just got done making a lemon pound cake late last night after baby went to bed and instead of unloading the dishwasher or sweeping the floor or putting away things, I took a nice slice of cake and sat in front of my computer. And that was it. It hit me. There were so many things I could be doing, but instead, I wanted to enjoy a delicious lemon cake. And that is how my title came to be. And the picture. Don't you wish you had a slice of that cake? I don't mind sharing.