Midweek Confessions

This will be the last one of these for a while, so I better get it all out now...

- I went to work this morning without taking a shower.  (Yes, I realize that some women do this all the time and can totally get away with it.  When I do it? It shows.)

- All I ever "want" to make for dinner is tacos. 

- The main level of my house has remained relatively straight recently.  Meanwhile, the upstairs looks worse than ever.  I am beginning to accept (and actually even kind-of like) this set-up.

- I've had to have two cavities filled in the last two months.  

- I went to JoAnn's fabric last week and bought all kinds of cute craft supplies because I was feeling ultra motived and excited about "creating."  Those supplies are now sitting in a bag in my car waiting to be returned.  I think I'd rather just order things on Etsy.  #justdon'thaveitinme

- During that same trip to JoAnn's last week, Sam absolutely REFUSED to sit in the cart or be held.  The result was a crazy toddler literally running around the store.  I ended up buying two books that I didn't know were in my cart and having a sales-lady "politely" ask me to keep my kid from breaking things on the glass vase aisle.

- Jeff's brother and his wife hosted a "fry" party for the Superbowl which is - as the name would imply - just an opportunity for people to bring the most unhealthy food they can think of and throw it in a deep fryer of blazing hot grease.  I ate fried pickles, mushrooms (healthy, right?), buffalo chicken, cheese, and oreos.  I also let Sam eat one or two (or five) friend carrots. 

Could have been worse...

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While you're here, check out the Feb. special at Thirty-One.

You already know Ashley (one of my BBFs - best blog friends) from her adorable blog The Pollock Potluck. But, you may not know that she recently became a sales rep for Thirty-One gifts - a Christian based organization - to help bring in some extra money for her little family while she plays full-time mom to Luke.

It is REALLY easy for me to recommend Thirty-One products, because I have (and love) SO many of them myself.  Here are just a few of my favorites:

The Large Utility Tote

(1) I keep mine in the car and it is always packed.  I also use it to carry diapers, wipes, toys, and snacks when we travel.  I'd call this a "must have" for moms on the go.

The Market Thermal Tote

(2) This thing is HUGE, and I love using it for picnics, tailgates, etc.  It can fit SO much and really does do a great job of keeping everything cold.  I also have two of the little thermal totes that I use as a lunch box (for me) and to carry snacks and milk cold (for Sam).

The Mini Utility Bin

(3) These are nice because they are flight and easy to move around.  We have one in Sam's closet for his stuffed animals right now, but we have also used it to hold laundry, blankets. etc.

The Perfect Party Set 

(4) This is my most recent purchase from Thirty-One and I LOVE it.  It is a double-decker, insulated casserole carrier that comes in the adorable new Chevron pattern & includes two sturdy plastic serving spoons.  I have already used this SO many times, and people always compliment it!!  It is also really functional, since I can carry two dishes in one hand (and a baby in the other).  *This item is a hostess exclusive, so see the options below about hosting a party!

If you are interested in hosting a party - and taking advantage of some of the awesome perks - Ashley does home parties in the SE Virginia area and online parties for anyone, anywhere! (Online hostesses reap the same benefits as other hosts, minus the cleaning house and preparing snacks for guests.)

*Thirty-One is one of the awesome shops participating in my $25.00 Sponsor Giveaway.  For details and to enter, hurry to this post now!!

The Bachelor Take 2

I wasn't planning on blogging about The Bachelor again tonight; but, let's be honest... I couldn't resist.  (Plus, it's the cold hard truth that y'all like the posts where I talk about trash a lot more than the "deep" ones, and that's perfectly fine with me. Somebody's gotta be good at gossip.)

Anyway, for the sake of laziness (err, I mean efficient-ness), I'm going to "live" blog this as I watch (thanks P for the idea).  These are my non-edited thoughts as I watch... I will apologize in advance for being too wordy or random (or mean)... Here's goes.

How beautiful is Lake Louise? I'm just going to put this out there... If you want to go on The Bachelor for the "wrong reasons" - like to become famous or to travel to beautiful places, I don't judge you one single bit.  In fact, I think that is probably THE right reason to go on a show like this.  If my "boyfriend" wanted to take me there with eight other girls, I'd be game! ;)

Catherine is adorable.  I wonder if she packed that bright red ski suit and if she was as pissed as I would have been when she realized that her date involved a blizzard.  (This reminded me a bit of the day after Jeff and I got engaged in Salt Lake when we went skiing at Snowbird.  We literally got off a ski lift at the top of  a mountain where there were NO slopes, just people randomly turning off the side of a cliff on their skis. I cried and screamed the whole way down and then refused to leave the lodge the rest of the day.  Needless to say, it was NOT romantic. Not.in.the.least.)

from Wetpaint.com - I LOVE this of Sean

I like her a lot though.  She's cute and fun and (minus the giant hoop earrings) classy.  She's movin' up... That said, if Sean says "I'm crazy about you" to one more girl, I'm going to quit watching.  (Ok, we all know that isn't going to happen... But seriously, ENOUGH already.) 

Group date... Poor Daniella.  This just adds to my questions about how in the heck she is still on the show?  She must have some MAJOR skeleton in the closet that will come out in the next couple of weeks. There is no other explanation, right?

Selma's shark comment?  She is ridiculous, and I love it.

WHO is thinking of these dates?  Seriously, the producers have clearly run out of ideas.  Polar Bear plunge? Really? Even if ABC hadn't 100% given away what was going to happen, I could have seen it coming form a mile away... Idiots.

"Sean is hot, I'm hot, let's just jump in and get cold and hot together."  Really? Oh Daniella.  

I can't even talk about Tierra.  She said she was going to get hypothermia, and she did.  Tierra always gets what she wants... Ha!   One note, and then I'm moving on, if she was going to dramatize a situation like that (which I feel confident that she - and the producers - did) home girl should have at least worn water-proof mascara...

Lesley took my advice last night, and she's stepping up her game today.  I appreciate how real she is; and, I think it speaks highly that she can be pretty bold with Sean and maintain good friendships with the girls too.  (I don't think she's going to make it though... She's too "normal.")

Sarah is beautiful, and sweet, and (obviously) very strong.  But, she looks really tired lately, do you agree?  (I mean, I can't imagine why... it's not like Sean keeps making her jump through crazy hoops or anything.)

Mystery solved.  Tierra puts on her make-up with a black-light.  Weird.  (What is with the size of the earrings on this show?)

Ha! "Tierrest."  Love.Lesley.

Lindsay is awkward.

AshLee looks like Meredith Gray, no?

Sean: "Do you want a proposal at the end of this?"

"No, I'm just here for a fling..." - Said no Bachelorette ever.

Lindsay just tried to steal Sean's tonsils.  She.has.got.to.go.

WHAT?!?! He is sending Sarah home?!?!?!? Did NOT see that coming.  I'm legitimately sad for her.  This is actually really awful.  Uggg.  If Tierra wins... 

from ABC

I know there are a lot of "Team Dez,"ers out there, and I definitely think she's cute; but I'm just not that crazy about her... Sorry.  (Also, she has the same suitcase as Sarah.  Do they all have the same suitcases?)

I'm kind-of over the "extreme" dates and very over the risk and relationship analogies.

That moose is over it too.

WHAT is Sean wearing in the teepee?  That is almost as disappointing as the fact that he sent Sarah (who was clearly the best dressed) home.

Way to go ABC... Send the girl that lived in a tent on a date in a tent.

"I am humble" isn't really a "humble" statement.

I can't even look at him in that sweater.

Shocker... He's giving her a rose.  "He is crazy about her."

And the rose ceremony...

Thank goodness we still have Lesley's style.  

Is Selma breastfeeding a growing baby that we don't know about?

"Although I don't have the courage to jump in a lake, I do have the courage to betray my family on television."

She definitely brought out the big guns tonight.

I do.not care for Lindsey.

What is going on with AshLee and the blindfold?  I am so confused. That is Top 10 most awkward Bachelor strategies.

I hope there are herpes tests for the contestants on this show.

How is it possible that his wife wasn't there last week, but she is there this week? #therearenonewgirls


What?!! TWO are going home this week?!?!  This just got serious.

What is Catherine wearing?  Geez Louise...

Tierra's outfit?  There are no words.

Shocked again at Sean's choice of who to send home tonight...  He is very very confusing.

From ABC

The show is going to be a lot less funny now.

Oh Daniella, are you really in complete shock?  Really?

Quote of the night: "You six are the six for me."  So romantic.



Ok... I feel like I've stooped to a whole new level tonight... I hope you don't think less of me.

If you made it through all of this, you are a true friend.  Haha!

I will try to be back later today with confessions... We'll see.

Letters to the Bachelorettes

First, I'd be lying if I said I'm not SHOCKED (and kind-of sad) that more of you haven't entered my February Sponsor Giveaway going on now.  One of you can win $25.00 (that's free money people) to spend in any of my wonderful sponsor's shops.  Please hop over there and enter... Like now.  We'll be here when you get back...

On a different note, thank you to all of you that commented and offered advice on my Toddler Discipline post yesterday.  It seems that many of you are in the same tough spot we are in... I promise to compile some of the advice I've received so far and tell you a little bit about what we are trying soon. :)

Now, on to today's important business...

I have to be honest, it's totally stressing me out that The Bachelor is two nights this week.  I mean, one night of pure trash - I can justify it (easily).  Two nights, it gets a little harder (but, who am I kidding, I'll manage to watch and justify it too.)  Anyway, since last week's Letters to the Bachelorettes was a hit, I thought I'd re-visit the concept this week.  (We've got to live it up while I can since I won't be here for the rose ceremony... sniff sniff.)  I've also decided that I will likely come back and add to this post on Tuesday night with any additional letters that need to be written.  Ok, let's do this.

Dear Tierra,

Clearly, I have to start with you... I'm sure you are just as "sweet" and "drama-free" as you say you are in real life; but, girl, you are doing yourself NO favors on this show.  I'm not sure that I have ever disliked a Bachelor villain as much as I do you.  I do understand, of course, that the Producers have to keep you around for show ratings (I mean, hypothermia?!? really?!?), but goodness gracious I hope Sean isn't really falling for you the way he seems to be.  Each time you two are together, it makes me like him less and less too, which is a real shame because I genuinely thought he was going to be a "good guy."  Also, if nothing else, will you please stop doing that scary laugh?  It is giving me nightmares.  Thanks.

With love,

E

Dear Jackie,

Bad call on the airport story about Tierra.  Seriously, that's the best you could come up with?  He has NINE girlfriends.  You've got a lot of great things going for you - like having PERFECT hair and skin, for starters - but I'm pretty sure most guys like girls that also SPEAK.  Best of luck!

With love,

E

Source

Dear Sarah,

I am beginning to really like you.  At first, I was kind-of annoyed that you talk about your arm so much; but, it turns out you seem really genuine.  You are also, by far, the most fashionable one of the show.  That said, I have issues with your baby voice... Could we maybe work on that?

With love, 

E

Dear Selma,

I like you.  You are fiesty and hilarious.  You did wear a bedazzled turban for a date in a national park and some kind-of maternity blouse during the rose ceremony, but we will forgive you this time. 

With love,

E

Top Three? (Source)

Dear Robyn,

You had it coming.  There were a few times last night where I thought you might kill someone - and that is never a good thing.  Sorry to see you go, but it is probably safer for everyone. 

With love,

E

Dear Lesley,

You are slipping... I think Sean likes you, and I think you are real, but you are going to have to step up your game if you want to stay in this thing... Try crying, falling down the stairs, being a b#*&$, or talking in a baby voice.  He seems to dig those things. ;)

With love,

E

Dear Daniella,

You are a mystery to me.... Why did you wear a mini skirt to a park?  Why did you not get your hair professionally dyed before going on national television?  How in the world did you manage to get a rose on the group date?

With love,

E

Dear Catherine,

I think you are probably one of the prettiest and most under-played girls on the show right now.  I wish you the best of luck.  That said, I could have done with less sitting on the lap and being carried from you.

With love,

E

Dear Lindsey,

While I have to give you kudos for being able to dance on a platform in the middle of the city without being totally awkward, I still think you are awkward.  You and Sean keep talking about your great connection, but I'm pretty sure your lips are the only things connecting.  I can't recall one single conversation between the two of you.  I'd like to know your secret, really.  All that said, I didn't see much of you in the previews so, apparently being a good kisser can only get you so far in this game (right Arie?).  Sorry girl.

With love,

E

*Bonus*

Dear Sean,

What in the HECK are you doing?  Seriously, I wasn't really your biggest fan this episode (and Chris Harrison keeps looking better and better).  You are starting to become kind-of a "player" - telling every single girl that you have such a strong connection with them and that they have nothing to worry about.  FYI: You will not be able to continue dating multiple girls at the same time for the rest of your life. They actually DO have something to worry about; and, well, need I remind you that you learned that the hard way last season?  Also, PLEASE stop telling the girls that you want them to be honest and open with you, and then sending them home or getting all huffy when they tell you what's up.  It's very unattractive.

With love,

E

Until next week tomorrow...

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And now, please say hello to Boy Oh Boy Boutique.

You probably already know my love for this adorable shop.  Leanne's concept is simple and perfect for us (regular) moms that want to have cute "crafty" clothes for our little ones, but don't have the time or talent for sewing etc. Boy Oh Boy Boutique features iron-on appliques for all occasions and every-day wear.  She even has iron-on bow-ties, letters, and monthly numbers. Genius.

How cute would these be on pillows in Sam's room?

Sam has a few of Leanne's appliques, and I love them because they are inexpensive (think $3 a pop) and, seriously, so easy to apply (even I can do it).  The shop has grown SO much since I first found it about a year ago, and you can now purchase appliques in "party packs" of 10 or 12 (perfect for showers like the Little Mister one I threw here), holiday packs (shown below), and pre-made onesies like the ones shown above.  As if that isn't enough, she also sells printable wall-art, stickers, and home decor items.

I love this as a gift for a new boy-mom because you don't have to worry about the child's size... They can simply be ironed on to any onesie etc. when the season comes. 

I'm going to stop myself here (I could go on and on); but, seriously, check it out!  You can also visit the Boy Oh Boy Facebook page here and, for February only, use coupon code GIVEAWAY10 for 10% off (her already great prices) in the shop.

*Boy Oh Boy Boutique is one of the awesome shops participating in my $25.00 Sponsor Giveaway.  For details and to enter, hurry to this post now!!