Monday November 17, 2014: They'll be waiting for us...

I usually will find any excuse to shop. I try to dress my kids up for any ole holiday.. Why not? Buy presents just because. oh the treasures you will find at Dirt Cheap, Marshall's, Ross, TJ Maxx and thrifting! I adore yard sales as long as my co-pilot isn't grumpy. In less than two weeks begins the biggest shopping season of the year- Christmas! Black Friday is coming and the retailers are waiting for us. We are getting armed with our leaked ads, our coupons, saving our discount cash for that one particular store only to find out it expires Wednesday before Black Friday. Yes I am the one person that tries not to shop without RetailMeNot dot com. I do shop around my husband will try to blame me for spending too much on my shopping addiction and our dolls. Its really him you can't take into certain stores without breaking the stereotypical you have to spend $100 just to leave the store. I can go into Walmart and pick up what I need. I despise Walmart first of all but its the only place that carries the type of Febreeze I use and the Ecos laundry detergent. But I can usually brave it enough to go in there once or twice a month and just get the laundry detergent and not go much further. It is hard to go Christmas shopping though and keep it reeled in. I have been working harder and focusing on things that would be better for the kids and not just a bunch of toys that sit around. Especially as money has been tighter..Sticking to a list and checking it twice. Shopping around regardless of Black Friday getting the most bang for my buck. After peaking at the Toys R Us Black Friday ad I was disappointed that not much of what was on the kids lists weren't in there. So it just means I will be double checking the list and being grateful for being able to give whatever I can give.
What kind of shopper are you? Do you shop for Christmas year round? Do you go out Black Friday or even Thanksgiving now that it is a thing? Do you oppose shopping on Thanksgiving? Or are you one of those people who waits till the last minute? Do you buy gifts for extended family, the mail man, the neighbor, and all the teachers?

Whatever type of shopper you are there are people out there that over shadow the goodness in the world. There are 3/1 angels walking amongst us but the squeaky wheel gets the attention so the bad guys always get the most attention. There are retailers out there not to be friendly. Small Business's that don't deserve our business although I am a huge advocate for Small Business shopping. There are dangerous people at the ready to steal our credit card information, our identities or break into our homes to rob us of Christmas. The Grinch these days is a lot more mean! Be mindful this holiday season posting information on social media or talking in groups. They are at the ready and they will be waiting for us

Then there are the people that are just greedy and grouchy. I have a few Scrooges in my life too. I just let my light shine and don't leave it vulnerable to those who are in a hurry to snuff it out. Misery loves company but just try to extend the warmth out but don't invite it in. Rick and I recently watched a movie called the The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry  and its a movie about forgiveness and parables in the Bible. I just think its also just something like Timmy showed the Scrooge, or Cindy Loo and the Grinch, no matter how much someone is grouchy showing them your heart might change them. Don't expect change but I still think we should show everyone our heart just not necessarily leave it vulnerable which is so easy to do during the Holiday season.

Anyways do your shopping with the best heart possible and remember those who don't have anything under their "tree". Teach your children the true meaning of giving and Christmas. I love me some Santa but its really St Nicholas's spirit isn't it? They will be waiting on us...

Poshmark

I am setting up my closet and shopping closets together on Poshmark. I want you to join! Help get both of us a $5 credit (how can you go wrong! Its free to join!) Get your credit and mine by using the code BPGNZ DON'T forget the CODE! BPGNZ!https://poshmark.com/getapp 

Crap!

My weekend was hectic but fun! Some of the weekend was stressful and fast paced and others we tried to cram in as much as we could. Rick took a 4 day weekend to help me. I had a long two weeks of Skylar being home from school. She was injured at the bus stop and took a fall so it took her almost two weeks to get well enough to go back to school (plus there was Spring Break). We went to the last big Consignment Sale of the spring. Saturday we bought a swing set... shhh they don't know yet its an early Easter Present. I also got a new radio in my car since mine was shot. They couldn't take the factory radio out though so it doesn't look the best ugh. Its tough learning the new radio so we went driving to see how we could play with it. That's when we went into K-Mart which we only really shop at once or twice a year. Sunday was a road trip. We went to Gardendale for a friend's daughters Baptism. It was a cute little thing. Katie is so beautiful and happy. Rick even made a comment on how beautiful she is. Then as we always do when we go to the area we ate at Whataburger. Amy isn't a big  fan but we just HAVE to eat there. Its our favorite fast food restaurant and we don't have one here. I am glad she was a good sport and came along. Margaret (her 8 year old) and Skylar got along great. They seemed surprised she liked to talk (Margaret not Skylar)... anyone who knows Skylar knows that she talks so much you have to tell her when to be quiet LOL. Rick and I talked about going to Hoover, AL to the Lego Store but as we started puttering down I-20 we saw signs for the new Grand River Outlet Mall. We went there instead and it was fabulous! Monday I just couldn't get anything done so I didn't do my blog meme's ... bummer. I will try and plan better this week.

On Facebook I have started the 30 day Photo Challenge Military Style and the 30 day Song Challenge. I will share my song challenge then my Photo Challenge!

Enjoy!

It's hard when you always have to be the strong one, no-one ever notices when your not ok... until you break

Mommy Gadgets

So I saw a commercial for a Gyro Bowl and I was considering getting it for Little Will. Although William doesn't have the tendency to spill as much as he does have the tendency to splash his food everywhere. So the Gyro Bowl wouldn't stop that.. but I watched this review here... She mentioned the Munchkin Snack Catcher and I looked for it at Target and it was 2 for $3 so I grabbed them and so far its working pretty good. Now none of them are 100% spill proof they are about as spill proof as your average sippy cup haha! Will likes to use them and he thinks they are fun. Great for in the car.. just don't let your child get bored with it because boredom breeds mischief!

Also its cold season around here. Skylar got it from her oldest brother.. she had it for four days. Then William had it for four days. Then Rick had it for the weekend... I had it for two months. With a two week break (for me) we all got it back again. While looking for a soft cotton product to wipe William's nose with I found these Boogie Wipes. I am like ahh well regular baby wipes just smear the mucus around his nose. They arent much help but with the Boogie Wipes aren't as thick or moist as the regular baby wipes I use (Pampers, Huggies or AAFES brand) I guess there is some type of product in Boogie Wipes that helps dissolve the mucus. Anyways they work pretty good if William didn't mind getting his nose wiped!

Old Navy

I have a love hate relationship with Old Navy. I haven't been dissatisfied with the quality of their clothes. Their jeans fit me well... Well let me be specific... They are tight as a glove in the morning when I slide into them but they are comfy by the afternoon! I love THAT feeling! They fit perfectly on my waist and I don't have to worry about the panty line showing. Kwim? That's always a problem for this long waisted girl that doesn't feel comfortable in Mom Jeans. Two c-sections later I don't need anything THAT tight hugging my mid section. 

Other than Jeans and Sweaters... I don't really shop there for myself but they have some cute kids clothes! Great prices on them... so I can't complain. My love/hate is my local store... I feel like its too hot, too crowded, and I get light headed in there. Thank Goodess its at an outdoor mall. I love Bridge Street. So 99% of my Old Navy shopping is online. Another "hate" about Old Navy is their return policy... IT SUCKS folks!

I really do love their coupons though and their prices on some kids clothes. I stock up on Jeans when the jeans that fit me go on sale. So when I found out Feisty Frugal and Fabulous is having a give away to win a $100 gift card... Well heck I figured... That's good enough to get my kids some things and my friend is expecting a baby this year.. So yay!

Why don't you follow the link and enter to win yourself! Hurry up quick it ends tonight! Probably only my loyal followers will catch this post in time!

Shopping, Fashion, Shoes, Style... err work in progress

I love shopping! It is an addiction! I believe in retail therapy but it isn't always theraputic when the money is gone and the credit card bill comes in the mail. I think it all started with shoes and purses. I used to work for a shoe company and be the female Al Bundy pretty much. I have bad feet so I can't always wear the Steve Madden's... So I fell in love with awesome boots of all types and tennis shoes. Tennis Shoes to me are like my comfort food. I can always go back to my New Balance Shoes or my worn out (need to be replaced) Margaritaville flip flops. The only two pairs of shoes I wear daily. I also love purses. I don't own too many though (In my opinion). I have my Army Combat Uniform Purse (I actually have two ACU bags lol) which people would be shocked if I left home without, I have my favorite book bag purse, and a bright pink hand bag Skylar bought me for my birthday a few years ago. I love Vera Bradley, Dooney and Burke... and all the expensive bags but I am more personal in my taste. If I am spending that kind of money I usually buy something that is custom or handmade. OOAK...

What I would like to dress like or what I would like to be able to afford are two different things. My body just rapidly changed after my third child. I don't think I can really get anymore "juniors" ... it may be illegal now that I am into my 30's. But some misses styles repulse me and my husband says I look old. I want to be relevant. Most days I am stuck in jeans and t-shirts when I would rather be in a suit, a frilly dress, or at least a nice blouse...

I am proud of my husband's career (and his oldest sons career) in the Army. I have lots of Army related and Patriotic T-shirts but there are days even with my wonderful ACU purse in tow I don't want to look like a walking recruitment billboard. I did get the Thank you for your Service and Sacrafice and Thank your husband blah blah blah or general questions about the Army Life. Which I can't speak much of since I haven't experienced what some have.

I think my children are more stylish than I am neverless because I don't get depressed when trying to buy clothes for them. I don't have to worry about hiding the love handles, making sure the top is long enough (ok I do for my 7 year old who is lanky), and that sort of thing. I just see a store full of cuteness at Gymboree and Childrens Place. At Kohls and such I see a store full of evil clothes that don't look right on me, don't fit into my budget... or I just feel lost and overwhelmed. I usually buy what's on the mannequin so I don't have to worry about does this go with that etc... Why don't I have that problem with my kids! I can make cute outfits for my kids. My 7 year old doesn't like sun dresses or tank tops... mom I can't show my pits she says. She has to wear Leggings under everything and or Bike shorts. Shorts can be too short on her (again she is lanky and modest).

So one summer like this one I would like to be able to go into my closet of Army T-shirts and Jeans and Grab out a nice top that isn't a t-shirt and my capri's put on my sandals and GO! I would feel much more femine. While breastfeeding this year your wardrobe is very limited more so than when your pregnant. It was very rough. Now a couple of pounds heavier with new curves and a new body its going to take some time to be comfortable, knowledgable and know how to bring out my inner fashionista!

A good girlfriend would be perfect way to start!

a busy day

This week Tots 2 Teens Consignment and MOMSmart consignments. 2 outfits 2 rompers 2 t-shirts, 3 toys for William and an outfit for Skylar $35 at MOMsMart Spring Consignment Sale, !! I found it 15 minutes before they closed. 6 outfits + 2 shirts and the fishbowl toy for William = $30  @Tots 2 Teens. Great deals in my opinion. Nothing extra special but it helps. I am also working on listing clothes of my own I need to sale. Girls clothes from baby up to size 6 and boys from Newborn up to 6 months and other extra stuff. You an look here. Just comment on the stuff your interested in. I try to list 50 new items a day. I gotta go back up tomorrow and check Tots 2 Teens again tomorrow. We looked at Target for a few must haves that I've been putting off along with some soccer stuff for Skylar. I have been looking for clothes for Alex and church clothes for Rick. So we stopped at the PX to see. Then I went to the mall to get my hair cut again. We found some good deals for Rick at Dillards and Gymbo is having a pretty good baby sale. Didn't do too much but it seemed to take all day. Now I have cranky children and cranky husband. I would love a shopping buddy and just leave everyone at home haha.

The newest house we are looking at.

Skylar's room

James room

Small plant ledge

Loft

Large plant ledge


foyer

Front of the house

Kitchen

Living room

Dining area from the living room

Master Bedroom

Another view of the breakfast room and kitchen

More house shopping tomorrow

Well things we really want are 4 bedroom 3 bath, a garage, some play area space whether it be a den or formal dining room type area, not too far from post so I am not stranded without a car and Rick doesn't have an hour drive to work and we are looking about 2000 sq feet or more. I really dislike some bath fixtures some houses have I am picky about that because I am all green and saving the planet but I like my water pressure too lolol. I don't like the microwave over the stove but that could just be me and I will need to get used to it.

I would ideally like but probably not in our price range find a Mother In Law suite-ish type area for James our 21 year old. Perhaps something like a finished basement. Fenced in back yard. Somewhere outside the military school district so I don't have to do the monthly sorry your friend moved away thing. Walk in closets. Rick would like a glamour bath lol. I'd say in the next two months if we don't find what we want in an established home we will probably lean closer to building what we want.

So we are also thinking about floor plans its just frustrating because the floor plans we like can't be built where we want and or we would love to mesh features of each floor plan together to make one that's perfect for us lol. Depending on the builder it takes up to 7 months to build a house to completion. One Builder Hunter is the more bang for your buck builder but no where in the area we want it in. We can get 1000 more sq feet for what we can afford. Plus they are the type to start you off with like bare minimum and then you can customize.. Like a steel frame of a car and you have to add windows, doors, door locks, brakes, radio, steering wheel kwim? So you have to be nit picky but you also get every detail the way you want it you just have to pay for it. Hunter is not as architecturally beautiful its actually quite fugly lol.. But its the Square footage that is the selling point that it is. Adam's however is made of all brick, his has plant shelves build in, a lot of storage built in. We kinda like them and we pretty much know more than anyone else about the floor plans and properties in our area lol. This is one of our favorites . Again you have your add on's like we would like the screened in porch and fence etc... Not as bad as Hunter though. Millennium homes are HUGE mostly brick a little high on the price range for what we want and it can be a distance from post. The floor plans for that one are on the bottom. Again your getting a lot of BANG and upgrades for your buck and most of its included in the price and not added on afterward but it is at the very tip of way too expensive in our comfort range. We could swing it but choose not too probably. The last one is Breland. I call Breland the dark side because they started out as the people that owned the land and made it suitable to build and then when Hunter and Adams' didn't provide they took over lol. They are a little cozy compared to the others but we finally found one floor plan I could learn to live with and that's only because they did offer a 3rd bathroom. Its still the isolated Master which we DON'T want. As you see below. The Master is on the far right of the floor plan with the glamour bath and you have to walk clear across the house at 3 am to feed William. Rick and I looked in this one and liked it we just want to see what's better lol http://armyknightslady.blogspot.com/2009/06/house-shopping.html
Back track here. To another blog about house shopping lol

My Day

I am sorry I didn't realize I haven't been getting mail all day. I don't know if it was bouncing back or what. I sent my stuff on Friday. I checked yahoo groups as well and I wasn't bouncing there... So weird that mail wasn't coming through. But I know I wasn't getting mail the whole day. I went to my OB appointment and I am measuring a whopping 4 weeks ahead but I only gained 4 lbs :) The doctor didn't make me go on Iron Pills HOOOAH he said I can double up on Flinstones! He scored points! I also discussed with him about me being frightening of my PTSD interfering with the c-section and he said not to worry he can do a c-section in under 20 minutes lol and I can have loopy medicine as soon as William is out which takes 5 minutes or less. Then I went shopping because our house closed today and I get a little spending money for William. I got only good deals too. Eddie Bauer diaper back pack for $12 or so... And all the bath stuff he needs for under $20. Then I got almost all the rest of his bedding except for two pieces. So I can sale his old bedding finally. I wish I could make what I paid for it! I may have to sell it on Ebay to get that. I get all shiney and happy when I do things and accomplish goals relating to my children. I cleaned his "room" and it makes me SOO happy. Being anemic makes me feel like junk though I am soooo tired.

House Shopping

Sometimes Rick and I just go out and look for houses for sale. We might build a house but I would perfer if I can find what I want in an established home. I am shooting the bar high but if I spend that money shouldn't I get EVERYTHING I want?

Somethings that would be a plus when buying a house
* James needs his own space, privacy, His own bathroom, Even so like a finished basement or mother in law suite or second isolated Master.
* Four Bedrooms are a MUST. 2 bathrooms three preferred. Half baths don't count! Master must not be isolated (I don't want to be seperated from William or Skylar.
* Rick would like whirlpool in the master bath which most built houses come with. Also pretty big closets.
* Rick would like a garage.
* A fenced in back yard big enough for the kids to grow into. to Enjoy
* I think a nice sized kitchen is important.

Things we don't like about this house.... Small utility room, age of house, The kitchen features, the master bath, integrity of the house, Price is about 50 K more than we want. It will be alot of up keep I know with the outdoors especially. Stairs have pluses and minuses.... Garage is only good for storage. Too small for my car.


This is the laundry room I think its teeny tiny and my washer would never fit in there. Where do you put the laundry? This is a big negative!

The Family room complete with Cat door to go outside.. Too funny! Opens up to the kitchen and sliding glass door to go to the nice backyard.

Nice patio but I see the world involved too!

Smallish dining room which is okay for us for now. We don't have a Formal dining set.

Part of the backyard it comes with the swing set.

This would be James room. It has shelves and space for a desk. Its on the bottom level and it has its own entrance and own bath 3/4 bath I think its called?

another view of the family room.

Ah see James would fight me for this area. This is screaming for a scrapbook area :) Don't you think?

Part of the smallish kitchen. I hate the microwave over the range. Its very clusterphobic too. That would have to go.

Huge deck! It also has a gate leading right to the Elementary school and middle schools :)

One of the bedrooms on the top floor.

The area leading to the HOT TUB! No peeking adults ONLY :)

The front of the house its not very beautiful.. I am not in love but it suits my current needs within a reasonable amount which is hard for me to find EVERYTHING I want in one house. Even if we build one.

There is a sitting garden here with Koi pond and blueberries and raspberries.

This would be James is bath

Another upstairs room

More hot tub views :)

Upstairs hall way

Kitchen
So what do you think?