Today I am officially a quarter of a century old. I have to say I am excited to grow older and wiser. I'm not afraid of age, even if I do use anti-aging cream every morning and night.
I've been seeing the 25 in 25, 30 before 30, etc, posts floating around blog world. To be honest, they look like a fun time. Now only if I can actually do them....
Welp! Here we go!
Become someone who enjoys running
Go to a blogging conference
Learn how to properly use my DSLR
Take amazing photographs with DSLR (Canon Rebel T3i)
Create 5 DIY/Food/Whatever pins from Pinterest a month
Read more books
Make more child geared posts
Go back to Olympia, WA and visit home for a couple weeks
Exercise 5 days a week
Become a budgeting rockstar
Read the bible consistently
Go on a date with my hubby. I think we haven't been on one since Valentine's Day 2010....
Meet a blog friend in real life
Start making Youtube videos
Call my friends more often instead of texting (should be easier now that I will be a stay at home mama next week)
Go camping
Take my family on a fishing trip..even for a day
Start Damian's scrapbook
Eat a week of meat-free meals
Be at my "I just turned 21" weight again
Take my son to the library at least twice a month
Religiously keep track of every dollar spent
Wear my glasses more, and contacts less
Go on a cruise (I used to go every year until Damian was born)
Hello my lovely readers! I have a treat for you guys today. Meet Kimberly from Kimberly Erskine. She is our lovely guest blogger for the day. Kimberly is a beautiful young lady who knows a thing or two about multi-tasking and keeping calm in stressful situations. Definitely two things I think we can all try to work on!
Learning to let go and not stress is a talent that takes time and perfection.
I'm a mile-a-minute kind of girl.
I took 18-credits in college like it was nothing while working more than 2 jobs at any given time.
Was I stressed? At times, yes, but I most certainly savored it.
I love being busy but I have a personality that works with that.
Folks ask me all of the time how I manage life and not end up with my head in my hands.
My first go-to rule is: Don't sweat the small stuff.
Yes, it's easier said than done, but if you take a step back from the situation, and I mean really look at the whole picture, it's easier to handle. If you worry about every little problem in your life, it's only going to stress you out more. Don't sweat it, instead become proactive. Give or take, I bet 10% of the things you worry about are absolutely unnecessary in that moment. If you cannot fix a problem right then and there, what can you actually do about it? Can you make a few back-up plans? Can you be proactive about one aspect of it? Do that instead!
At 10 o'clock at night, is there really anything you can do?
No, people are not at their jobs to answer phones and I'm sure a few hard-working people are asleep prepping for the next day. If you really can't get your mind off of it, that is when you can create a more pro-active plan for the next day. Write down useful numbers, questions that you would like to ask, and take the time to do some research. I'm an online research junkie. I love reading customer reviews on Amazon, yahoo answers, and finding forums on frequently asked questions. Doing some research may help to calm you down or just help the situation in adding to your arsenal of information. All of this was accomplished because someone took a deep breath and said, "I'm exaggerating this problem."
Breathe easy
Here are a few things that I do to make my life a wee bit simpler:
Phone applications
My iPhone is one piece of technology that still amazes me. I feel like there is an app for just about anything you could wish for and this is something that can definitely be used to your advantage. Two things already provided on iPhones include "notes" and "reminders." I use notes for basically everything in my life. It's a way to keep a running grocery/shopping list and helps out the household in the prevention of forgetting those little things you need around the house. "Reminders" is also a great built-in application for providing a quick pop-up of things you need to get done. What's even better is that you can program it to go off right when you get home based on its location finder. Talk about handy.
After spending a copious amount of time on Pinterest, you may find yourself itching to work with canvases or paint swatches. Hobby Lobby and Michael's both have FREE apps for your phone. What's even better is that they offer coupons via phone that can be scanned at the register. Last time I was in Michael's, I received 40% off canvases thanks to that little tip.
Store reward cards
This is something that I have been using more often because I actually just noticed how awesome these are! Have a favorite grocery store? Check out their website and see what they offer in coupons. Some grocery stores allow you to log into your online account and actually load up your rewards card with their online-exclusive coupons. All you need to do is make sure they're loaded onto the card as you check-out at the store. This becomes a mega time-saver that prevents paper cuts!
I got a friendly reminder from PETCO that I had three coupons for my account. Well guess who didn't realize how the system worked? This lady and so I waltz up to the counter and say I'd like to use my three coupons. The cashier was super friendly and explained that if I hadn't printed them (durr Kim) then I could show her the e-mail and she could get the codes off of that. Handy dandy iPhone makes its appearance and I saved $15 at PETCO. Gosh, I love coupons.
Planner/Organizer
This might be a no-brainer but there are so many ways to go about organizing your time and events, that I think it's awesome! I'm still a big fan of having my obnoxiously large paper planner with coordinating color pens but I have been dabbling with Google Calendar. I really like having my appointments logged onto that for easy access. Once again, let's say my planner has gone missing in the abyss that is my tote bag, I mean house. Well you can access your appointments through multiple locations thanks to Google Calendar.
Customer Reviews
Have you ever been super disappointed with a product and just mad that you spent the money on it? It happened to me a lot with make-up. Make-up isn't cheap either, which is the real kicker. How do you know if that $13 foundation is worth it and what's even worse, designer foundation at $40. A great helpful tip with make-up and beauty products is to check out YouTube. There are so many make-up gurus on there that they can help you figure out your make-up sitch in under 10 minutes. With a make-up haul (a video based on a shopping trip) or a product review, you can figure out what foundation, powder, blush, bronzer and brushes are best for your skin type. If you're curious about a new mascara line or what make-up brushes are the best bang for your buck- this seriously helps and saves you $$. Plus if you're unsure on how to put on eyeshadow or create a wing tip with eyeliner- YouTube has awesome tutorials.
In general, I adore Amazon customer reviews and admittedly, I check the 1-star ratings first. I'm not usually a cynic but 1-star reviews dive into the worst of the product right off the bat. It tells you why you should or should not buy something and then you can compare it to the mediocre, 3-star reviews and then the stellar 5-stars. I lurve Amazon and while my husband was deployed to Afghanistan, I used it to buy bulk of things that he needed. They have two awesome services that I used all of the time. The first is Amazon Prime. If you're a student, there's an offer of 50% off its original price and Amazon Prime gives you awesome prices with free, 2-day shipping. The second are subscription services (Mom's out there, it's a sweet deal) that give you a few bucks off of the price and helps you re-stock. I used subscription services to get instant coffee packets for Ry because he loves coffee as well as baby wipes because he deployments = few showers. Amazon is great for figuring out what items have the best reviews and to help you find discounts. In the past 24-hours, I've used it to find the best-selling dog shampoo, dog mouth wash, and a bestselling book. This way I could comparison shop before figuring out if I wanted to make the trip to the store or buy it online. Time and money savers!
These are just some of my "don't sweat the small stuff" tips to help make your life a little bit easier and to save your household from arguing. The important thing about life is to actually live it and enjoy every aspect of it.
You can find some more tips and read more of my antics at kimberlyersk1ne.blogspot.com. Thank you so much to Andrea for featuring me on Glam Hungry Mom.
It's time for another Sunday Social and it's all about how we were in middle school and high school....yikes! Are you ready? Can't wait to see everyone's pictures and posts about this week's link up!
1. What were you like in middle school and high school?
Gah! I was completely opposites in middle school and high school.
In middle school I was dorky, was in my awkward stage, had very few friends, and was bullied everyday. No fun. I had coke bottle, thick-rimmed glasses, huge cheeks, and god awful eyebrows. I pretty much burned all my middle school pictures my freshman year of high school, but some old classmates posted this gem on Facebook.
Everything changed when I went to high school and switched school districts. Luckily, I grew out of my awkward stage the summer before my freshman year of high school, and looked like a normal kid. Finally. I made tons of friends, became a cheerleader, was FBLA treasurer, and tried my best not to let my mouth get me into trouble. I had a tendency to talk back or argue...a lot. I wasn't really into boyfriends at the time because I thought love was a crock of bull. My how things change!
Senior Year at a concert with friends
I was still a total goober
Looking back at high school fashion..
My friends and I like to dress up and go out...for no reason
And dress up like idiots just because we thought it would be funny
I would have laptop parties with guy friends
I loved to travel-this is the last day of the Europe trip
I think that's enough of a yearbook for you guys.
I 100% over did it with the pictures. On to question 2.....
2. What were your favorite past times?
I think some of the pictures showed I liked to random stuff just because. I loved the typical stuff. Going to movies, eating at restaurants, having girls night in, driving around for no reason, partying, and staying out way past curfew.
3. What songs were you obsessed with?
In middle school I was obsessed with *Nsync, Britney Spears, Aaliyah, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child, Blink 182, and Modest Mouse. Everything bubble gum pop that you could think of.
In high school, I liked everything. My CDs, and iPod at the end of my senior year, consisted of: all Frank Sinatra, "Let Me Love You" by Mario, "Yeah" and "Get Low"...duh, "The General" by Dispatch, "Crazy Game of Poker" by O.A.R., Justin Timberlake's first album, "Confessions" by Usher (as in the whole album), "Ashes" by Pepper, "Charlene" by Anthony Hamilton, Jack Johnson, Damien Rice......I had music A.D.D.
Oh yeah, Brand New was the soundtrack to my high school life.
4. What fashion statement do you look back on and cringe?
In middle school it had to be the butterfly hair clips and chokers.
High school had to have been early high school prom/homecoming dresses..that goes for everyone, Abercrombie/Hollister, leg warmers...
5. Who were your celebrity crushes?
Paul Walker
Ryan Gosling
6. What were your favorite TV shows and movies?
I was, and still am, obsessed with things Disney. I loved watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S., The O.C., Laguna Beach, Passions (yes the cheesy soap), and I'm sure there are more that I'm missing....help!
This is going to sound pathetic, but I don't remember which movies I watched. I of course watched Cruel Intentions, 10 Things I Hate About You, and the like. I just can not remember what big movies came out when I was in high school. The Notebook? Spiderman? Old friends...refresh my memory please :)
Hello everyone! I've been working a lot lately, and that is going to change very soon. I already gave my work a heads up that my 2 weeks notice is coming, and I am in the process of writing one to my son's daycare. That's right...I'm going to be a stay at home mom!
After really looking at everything going on, my husband and I decided that I will be staying at home starting September 1. I stayed home with my coconut for a year and loved every second of it. I realize some moms prefer working, but I am not one of them. After being a working mother and a stay at home mother, I realized I love staying at home. I never want away time from my son. When I stayed at home, my "me" time was his naps and when I went to the hair salon. That's all I need.
I went back to work when my son was 15 months, got a promotion, and made great friendships and relationships. The only problems is with my husband's career the hours just don't mesh. At first, I was upset about leaving a good job with great benefits. However, I've been meditating and realized this has been a blessing in disguise. I am always so sad at work (even if I don't show it) because all I want is to cuddle, read, and play with my coconut. I am blessed to be able to stay home and help him learn. I get to teach him about everything a toddler needs to, and I have so many fun activities in mind. Don't worry guys, I will definitely share with you! I will have more time to develop more recipes, make videos, crafts, and really up my blog game.
As sad as I am to leave my co-workers, I can't wait to be a stay at home mother. Just call me CEO of the McCann household ;)
Are you a stay at home mom? What activities do you like to do with your little ones?
Mac and cheese. I never even had a lot of mac and cheese growing up, but there is something about this pure Americana food that puts me in a good mood.
What is the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?
I've eaten a seafood like octopus since I was little (can't stand it anymore), and I suppose it is crazy for some people. For me personally the weirdest thing I've eaten is an alligator po' boy. I love po' boys but I will never eat alligator again. Too chewy and too not for me. Eating something that would eat you in a heartbeat was slightly empowering...after I almost threw up.
Pork. I can not eat it. My Grammy never ate it because her dad was Hindu so I never really had it growing up. In third grade, I dissected a pig's heart, fetal pig, and then went to a luau the next week for spring break. Seeing a bbq whole pig was nothing new for me, but that put me over the edge. What I'm about to say is going to sound crazy, but I love bacon. It doesn't bother me for some reason. I just pretend it comes from a chicken. Don't judge me. I've gone vegetarian many times in my life, raw vegan even, but I keep coming back to chicken, fish, and the occasional steak. Maybe one day I can stick to being a vegetarian.
Two dishes come to mind. One of my favorite snacks growing up was Tazukuri. My Great-Grandma used to make it for me, and it brings wonderful memories of her. I'm the only one in my family that likes it because my Grammy hates them. Check out the picture above and you can probably imagine why.
Sukiyaki was one of my favorite childhood dishes. It is essentailly a hotpot with beef, yam noodles, tofu, onions, mushrooms, and cabbage in a delicious broth. So good!
Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.
My Grammy would always make my favorite cookies growing up. They are soft, comforting, and de-freaking-licious.
Check out all the FREE stuff I received from Influenster! I know I have had these products for a minute, but I wanted to truly test them out before I told you guys what I thought. Side note: now that I have the Canon D600 (Canon Rebel T3i), I will start posting more videos. Yay!
Influenster is a free website built for trendsetters and influential social media babes. You fill out short surveys to qualify for badges which decide which boxes of freebies you will receive. Once you receive your box, share it, and give your honest opinion on the products. Simple. Let's dive in to the goodies. Shall we?
First off, a lot of people received the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen, but I didn't get one in my box. I ended up getting extra nail polish and lotion so I can't complain. If you tried the new Hawaiian Tropic product let me know how you like it.
I received shampoo and conditioner from the newest hair brand on the market, Clear Hair Therapy. Too be perfectly honest with you guys I was not going to purchase these item unless they were on sale with a coupon. I didn't see how a new drugstore shampoo and conditioner would have been that different from what is on the market already. I was really surprised I ended up loving it. The product lathers nicely, and you can immediately tell it is hydrating your hair. I have tried the product with both long and short hair with great results. Def my next drugstore buy.
The Sally Hansen Nail and Cuticles Hand Cream is nourishing, non-greasy, and long lasting. Plus, it has a great clean citrus scent. I'm going to have to keep the product in my bag at all times during the harsh winter.
A product that I have been dying to try but haven't gotten around to buying is the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color. For some reason it didn't want to work on three of my fingers, but the other seven looked great with the 3D effect. I found that the nail polish has a bit of a learning curve when it comes to finding the right distance between nail and magnet. After three attempts on the three stubborn fingernails, I finally got the desired results. With the extra steps required, I would set aside a little bit more time to do your nails. Have patience because it is worth it. The ending product looks super cool.
You all know by now that I am a foodie. Shocker. I immediately munched on the Quaker Oat Banana Nut Bread Bar after taking the picture. One word: delicious. I loved the bar so much that when I found a big box of them at Costco I immediately purchased them. I didn't even realize you could heat them up in the microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh baked taste until after I ate it. Good thing I bought a box of 24 (12 banana nut, 12 cinnamon bun). These little treats clock in at under 150 calories and are made with real fruit and nuts. Gotta love summer body friendly snacks.
One reason it took me so long to post this was I had to wait for the time to use the new Tampax and Always Radiant Collection. Tampons, pads, liners, and wipes aren't exactly products you can test out any time of the month...if you know what I mean. I've always loved the Pearl line and was curious how P&G would step up their game. The new liners are versatile for all kinds of underwear. Now, we don't have to buy thong and panty liners. Just buy the new Radiant Always liners to pop in your purse for whatever you decide to wear. You never know when mother nature will creep up on you. Or you probably do because you keep track of that. I have a bad habit of not marking it down on my calendar so it's always a guessing game. The new tampons have resealable wrappers for easy disposal. I think they protect well, and personally that's the end game for me. All the products came in a cute little wristlet that I keep in my bag. It discreetly hides all my feminine need products from any eyes (or little hands).
I loved this VoxBox, and hope Influenster sends me more in the future. Did you guys see any products you've been thinking of getting or even maybe tried?
FTC disclaimer: I received these products for free. However, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.
If you know me you know I am obsessed with cake. It's probably the hardest thing "junk food" for me to give up. I love everything and anything cake. Which brings me to this week's Friday Favorite. Some of you may have heard of Jaqua Bath and Body before. They have taken a hiatus for the past couple years, but I am glad to announce they are back!
Jaqua brings the most delectable body products that smell good enough to eat. The best seller, and my personal favorite, is the Buttercream Frosting. It is a dead ringer for the most decadent birthday cake frosting. It amazes me how spot on the fragrance is. I recently purchased their new Pink BFF Buttercream Body Creme, which is a more affordable version of their popular lotion and body butter. The new BFF line features an airless tube, is packed with aloe and avocado oil, and contains organic ingredients. Love. I have to say I think I like the BFF line more because of the pump.
I also purchased the fab, perfect for fall, so good I want to lick my face off Pumpkin Exfoliating Face Mask. I used this product years ago before their hiatus, and it was my obsession. Besides smelling delicious, my face had a beautiful glow after use. I love to put this face mask on when I get to sit, relax, and maybe even take a bath.
For those of you who think Jaqua sent me these products to post, you are dead wrong. I am just in love with everything they carry! If vanilla frosting isn't up your alley Jaqua has a whole line of scents including : cocoa buttercream frosting, pina colada, pink champagne, lemon buttercream, peach parfait, and more!
Jaqua makes all their products in the U.S.A. and never test on animals. I love this company. Jaqua, if you ever read this feel free to test on me! Seriously...I am a willing guinea pig. My contact info is in the tab above ;)
So life you want to treat yourself guilt-free, or are looking for a perfect present for a special lady in your life browse the Jaqua website. Indulge!
Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. Today, I was thinking how much I love reading and connecting to everyone in the blogosphere. It only makes sense that I want to connect with you on social media platforms! Follow me on my social media accounts, leave me a comment or a tweet that you did so, and I will follow you back! The links are on my sidebar, but I will post them below if you are viewing on a mobile device.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/glamhungrymom
Twitter: www.twitter.com/glamhungrymom
Instagram: glamhungrymom
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/andreabai
Youtube: glamhungrymom (I will be making more videos very soon!)
I'm one of those people who feels accomplished by checking off my to-do lists. My iPhone is always on me. Although there are tons of great apps, I prefer good old-fashioned pen and paper.
I am constantly getting ideas for blog posts, and I end up writing them down on random pieces of paper. I'm sure you can guess what ends up happening. I end up losing them! Now I have a place to write ideas, schedule posts, meal plan, and write down my entire family's events. I seriously love this planner.
I would link a website to purchase the planner, but the website does not let you purchase anything. I bought the planner at my local Target for under $10. Not a bad deal!
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