Monday Must Have..Movie Review

Over the weekend I had my last date for awhile.  And, of course, I had to see this movie.  Can I just say it didn't get great reviews but that didn't stop me.  I loved it!  Maybe because I've experienced practically everything in the movie but even the men in the theater were laughing.  It is just life.  I found it hilarious!  It really covers everything from the "What to Expect" book: sickness, miscarriage, infertility, labor, twins, etc.  I highly recommend this movie.

Speaking of expecting, if all goes well and there is a bed for me, tomorrow morning I am being induced with my twins.  Wish us luck!  So, if you don't see me here for awhile you will know I'm keeping busy.  But I am making my family blog public for awhile so you can read about the birth and see pictures if you care to.  The address is:
http://www.jasonandkate.blogspot.com/

Peace!

Monday Must Haves: Book Club

I recently finished this book.  I loved it!  I was hesitant to read it just because I'm an avid reader of her blog and thought I knew everything about the accident, her new life, etc.  Even at my son's swimming lessons I overheard someone saying it was kind of cheesy.

Cheesy?  Sign me up.

No, really.  I'll admit.  The beginning is a tad cheesy but you have to have those parts to really understand her love for Christian and her family.  And then it just draws you in from there.  On more than one occasion on my morning walks, my eyes filled with tears and stained my cheeks.  I was just hoping no one ever saw me blubber away.  There was so much more that I learned about her and her family as well as her struggles to get better after crash.  It makes me want to go back and read her blog during her recovery again.

I highly recommend this book but don't say I didn't warn you to have Kleenex near by.

Monday Must Haves.....Date Night Edition

Over the weekend my husband and I had date night.  Boy, do I love date night!  Lately our date nights have been just dinner because that is about all I can handle sometimes....stupid swollen feet.  Anyway, awhile ago I made a rule for date nights:  No checking phones (unless you are alone like someone went to the bathroom or someone is calling you), we can't talk about our son, and my husband added a few other topics that we can't talk about it.  It seemed like all we could talk about was the weather.  It only lasted a month or so but it was fun to pretend we were just dating again. 

Well, with dinner just on our agenda I knew I needed to make sure we had great conversation.  To be honest, I could talk all night but sometimes my husband is content with little talking. :)  So, I'm so glad Pinterest is there because they have lots of date night ideas or, my personal favorite, lists of things to talk about.  I have a board called "Keeping it Fresh" on Pinterest and it is all about dating ideas, marriage, etc.  And I love it!

So I pulled out my phone and got this list from Hopes and Dreams.  Not gonna lie, my husband rolled his eyes when I told him what I was looking at.  I told him to pick a number between 1-30 and that was the question I was going to ask.  The question that we ended up talking about was

 Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

Let's just say it was a great starter for great conversation which we ended up talking about other things too.  In fact, I couldn't get my husband to shut up.  lol.  My kind of date!

So, give it a whirl and you just might be surprised.  I know I was.

Monday Must Haves...accessories

Today's must haves are a mixture of things. 

This brace is a must for those suffering from carpal tunnel.  Recently, both my wrists have had severe pain from pregnancy swelling and my doctor blames carpal tunnel.  Let's just say I'm not a fan.  I tried to save money by using my rollerblading wrist guards but it's not the same.  These guards are worth every penny to help you sleep because it is worse at night.  Love them!  (even though I thought that it would magically make the numbness go away...not).

This past weekend I bought a watch exactly like this one.  I know white watches are trendy but so am I.  I love trends and I like to try them out.  So, sue me!  I was going to have my husband buy me a nice white watch for Mother's Day coming up but for $8 I couldn't resist this one. I just bought it and will tell you how I enjoy wearing it when I do.

I"m not sure if I have ever shared my love for Toms on this blog.  Well, I LOVE them.  They are so comfortable.  In fact, I've been wearing my ones with holes in them because I love them so much.  I need to buy another pair.  Over the weekend I happened to go to Nordstrom's Rack so I finally have a new pair.  They really are the most comfortable shoes EVER!  I used to wear tennis shoes around Disneyland but Toms beats them out hands down.  My feet are still tired at the end of the day with tennis shoes but with Toms I could go another 12 hours.  I convinced my mom to take them to Europe with her and she loved them too.  Run to get your next pair.

There ya go!

Monday Must....See this video

Sexy Modest is the store that I am always raving about on this blog.  It is my Utah go to store when in town.  He even dressed me head to toe when I was 17 weeks pregnant.  Can't say that I could fit into anything now but you better believe that I am going to buy more than a few things when I reach certain goals post babies.  Check out their latest items.






But here is a must see video.  It is hilarious!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VNvw79fJYAg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Monday Must Haves....PIns

Pinterest came to the rescue this past week.  Post to come soon but here are some of my favorite pins lately.  I actually am going to follow through with them soon because I went to JoAnn's and my other favorite fabric store over the weekend.  Lots of projects going on over in our house.  Better get started.  Here is what I plan on making:



An Easter tie for my little guy following this tutorial.


Someone sells this on Etsy but I think it would be easy to make.  But knowing my skills it will probably be useless  and my babies will wake up. Ha!



Two of these, please!  I'll be using this tutorial.

There ya have it.  Must make Monday.

Monday's Must Read

I finished yet another audio book and LOVED it!  I loved that the author was the narrator on the audio version.  It made it that much more real to me.  This book is the story of her being a Chinese mother in a Western culture.  This next picture is so fitting.  I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Must Have Monday brought to you buy Pinterest and Apple.

I know I just did my favorite app addiction last week but I "pinned" another app that I am dying to try on Pinterest.  I downloaded it yesterday and it is already a hit with my 3 year old.  It is called Letter School.



Kids can practice tracing letters and numbers.  This will help my son with his fine motor skills which I am very pleased about.  Love it!

Another one that my son really likes lately is Bugs and buttons.  He doesn't even know he is learning.  That is the great thing about it.

Monday Must Haves: Pregnancy Cravings

I don't really crave that many things while pregnant or at least I haven't noticed but lately I do always want to go to lunch on Saturdays with my boys at a sandwich shop just so I can have Cool Ranch Doritos.  So, I guess you can say I do crave something.

I am usually up for a Diet Coke too, Caffiene Free of course!

What things do you crave while pregnant?

Monday Must Have-Need tips for school

So, I need your advice.  I don't know how anyone every gets their kids to school on time.  Recently, my son joined a playgroup that meets on Mondays at 9.  We are late every single time.  Only by 5 minutes but late is late.  He tends to sleep in on Monday mornings since he doesn't get a nap due to our church schedule on Sundays, so I realize that I just need to wake him up sooner.  Also, not having the twenty minute tantrum that I came to get him instead of Daddy would help too but I don't really see that going away anytime soon. 

So, what are some of your tricks on getting your kids out the door so you can be on time?

Monday Must Haves-Jan. 2

I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year's.  Mine was pretty low key but I did have some fabulous seafood at a fancy restaurant. I"m still enjoying my vacation but I do have one thing for today's must have.  It is.....

drumroll......

The Clarisonic Mia!

My mom gave one of these to me for Christmas and I have already used it and am a believer.  My face has never felt so smooth.  It also feels like a spa facial right in my shower.  I'm loving it!  I can just hear my pores and skin saying thank you.  I highly recommend it.  Read more about it here.

Monday Must Haves

Since it is almost Christmas I thought I would do a Christmas themed Monday.  I love Nativity sets.  I bought mine in Jerusalem 13 years ago.  I absolutely love it. 

But there are so many other adorable sets out there that I love.  Maybe I should start collecting them.  Here are a few that I like (most of these taken from Pinterest):

                                                                    What kind do you display?



Monday Must Haves

Even though I'm basically done with my Christmas shopping (okay, three presents left), I still have these on my list.  Good thing my birthday is in February because maybe I'll still want them. :)

Red Skinny Jeans

Now, that I'm addicted to skinnies I'm ready to branch out with the trend and Go Red!  I have ideas in my head for some really great outfits but I just need the essential part.

I'm digging the Muppet Collection of nail polish.  I just started having my nails painted on a regular basis and my husband digs it so I need to keep it up.  I like the Shellac stuff but that is for another post.

That's it!  Okay, I'm sure there is more but it will have to wait.

Monday Must Haves

Sorry I have been MIA this past week.  We extended our Thanksgiving holiday by spending the next week with Shamu, Mickey, and Friends.  This month is also fun-filled and crazy.  We are hosting several Christmas parties so if you don't see me much just know I am okay and probably just cleaning my house, going to the grocery store, or hosting a party. :)

Today's Must Haves are some new things to see at Disneyland.  I know, you have probably been many times.  So have I.  There are some must sees but I always try to do something I've never done each trip. This trip was no different.  Here are my two latest and greatest must sees at Disneyland (actually CA Adventure).

First, the Aladdin Show in CA Adventure.  It is hilarious!  The Genie steals the show and is basically just as funny as Robin Williams.  It is a must see.

Second, another CA Adventure gem, is the Disney Junior Show.  If your kid likes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, or Handy Manny, then he will LOVE this show.  My son was dancing the entire time.  And most of the parents were singing every song. :)

Go check it out!  We loved it.

Monday Must Haves...must reads!

I won't lie, folks!  A major thing that I am addicted to is reading blogs.  It is my "quiet time" where I get to unwind every day and escape.  I love it!  Today's must haves are a list of my favorite blogs (besides reading updates on all my friends).  BTW...if you don't have Google Reader, sign up before finishing this post.  Seriously, it saves me so much time when reading blogs.

C Jane Run-I got addicted when Nie Nie (her sister) was in the crash.  I love her writing style but especially love her vlogs.  I find her rather funny and witty.

Discount Queens-I peruse several couponing sites and this one is full of good deals. 

Pinching Your Pennies-I'm a couponer.  This site helps me figure out my weekly grocery list and it even tells me exactly where to find the corresponding coupons.

Everyday Food Storage-Fabulous recipes and ideas for your food storage.

Food Storage Made Easy- This site helped me get my food storage started.  I love their Baby Steps list.  Have I done everything? No, but they always make me think of things I need to do/need in case of emergency.

With Two Cats-Great design blog.  She has helped me with two idea boards for decorating my house.  You tell her what you want, your style, etc. and she does all the leg work creating an idea board for your room.  Plus, she gives you all the sources.

Art for Little Hands-This blog is great for ideas for art projects with your kids.  She also links up with other blogs so you get tons of ideas of things to do with your kids.

Momma Go Round-Fashion blog.  She never ceases to amaze me with her fashion sense.  Love it!  I link up on Wednesdays on her blog to see other inspiring outfits.

The Pleated Poppy-Love her fashion ideas, etsy shop, homeschooling tips, etc.  I don't homeschool but it's fun to read about her daily doings.

Kendi Everyday-The girl that inspired this blog!  She is the Master of the Remixes.

Picky Palate-Love how creative Jenny is (plus she is my friend)!  Her recipes are to die for.

Our Best Bites-Everything I've made from this site is delicious.

Do I read all these blogs everyday?  Heck, no!  But these are a few that I really like.  I have a "few" more that I like too but I'll save those for another time. :)

Monday's Must Have-Chicken Parmesan Bake

I found this recipe via Pinterest last week and I made it tonight.  It was a huge hit!  Even my picky eater ate it.  Okay, he couldn't have the special drink until he had two bites but even after he had the special drink (aka Root Beer) in hand he still finished it.  Success!  Click here for the recipe. 

Monday Must Haves

Today's Monday Must Haves is just one item.  I actually bought my other items this week at Target.  I love this skirt and this blog.  Cori is so cute but that is for another Monday (the must blogs to read).



Did you know she makes this skirt?  Unbelievable!  I already have about 10 outfits lined up with this skirt so that must mean I need to buy it pronto.

After reading this article, I decided to go out on a limb and buy skinny jeans.  Gasp! I know I don't quite have the body for them but don't worry, I took my sister for the final approval.  My intentions are to wear them with boots only but I already love them and wore them last night with flats.  I must say I thought I rocked them but no compliments from the husband so maybe he isn't a fan....yet.

Speaking of boots, I also bought a pair like these.  I have two pairs already that are heels but it was high time I had some flat boots.  And they are stretchy (and reasonally priced) so my dang calves had a chance and my wallet said, "Yes!"

Homework: Buy something you are kind of afraid to buy and add to style.

Monday Must Haves

Since fall/winter is slowly creeping up on us here in AZ, it can only mean one thing.  More park days ahead!  We've had a few cool days (remember I wore jeans) but now I'm waiting for Mother Nature to make up her mind.  My son and I were able to venture to the zoo and to the park several times during the blessed temps. 

But with park dates comes packing a lunch.  And let me tell you my son eats the same thing every time.  I want to change his lunch up but why pack something he won't eat.  He eats PB and Honey, Cheetos, Juice, and if I'm lucky an apple.  Oh, don't forget the dessert, Mom!  He doesn't seem to mind.  But sometimes the thought of me eating a PB&J just doesn't sound appealing when I'm making the lunch.  Okay, it never sounds appealing.  Don't get me wrong.  I could eat peanut butter by the spoonfulls.  But maybe it was my daily PB&J one year while teaching that did me in.  I'd rather eat something else for these "Winter" park day lunches.  So, I came up with some must-haves for MY lunch. 

1.  Honey Crisp Apples

Okay this deserves a post of it's own but let's just say they are amazing!

2.  Pickles

My friend brought pickles one day in her lunch and then I suddenly got a craving for them.  You know, the little baby kind.  So yummy!  Sweet, cool treat with no calories.

3.  Tuna or Deli lunchmeat sandwich
What to do instead of PB&J?  Try one of these.

4.  Leftovers

Sometimes if we are just headed to the park and will be eating lunch not too long after, I just heat up leftovers really well, pop on the lid, and go.  It stays pretty warm and then I have something good to eat.

What do you pack in your picnic lunches?

Monday Must Haves...Travel Part 2

This week's edition (as promised) is places I want to go.  It was difficult just to pick these since I want to travel everywhere I haven't been.  That is what a bucket list is for, right?

1.  Rio de Janeiro, Brasil



2.  Greece.  I really want to go on a Mediterranean cruise and Greece will definitely be on the list of stops.



3,  Costa Rica.



4.  Machu Pichu, Peru.  This is at the top of my list!



5.  Belize.  I heard the beaches are fabulous.



Have you been to any of these places?  Where do you want to go?

Monday Must Haves...Travel Edition

Today's Monday Must Haves is featuring some of my favorite places to travel.  Mind you I love to travel so to pick just a few is VERY difficult.  But, nonetheless, I have narrowed it down to some of my very favorites, in no particular order.

1.  Czech Republic

 

I love Prague!  It is such a beautiful city.  So beautiful that Hitler didn't even want to destroy it during WWII.  How is that for some trivia?

2. Florence, Italy



This is my favorite Italian city.  Love it!

3.  London, England



You can't go wrong with London.  Such a fun city and so much to do.

4.  New Zealand



You could go anywhere in this country and LOVE it!  I lived here for four months and have been back again already.  This is definitely a place I need to take my husband to.

5.  Jerusalem, Israel



Seriously, the best place!  No words can describe my experience there.  A must see.

6.  New York City, New York



This city is one of thelargest in the U.S. and one of the most fun.  Don't plan on being bored here because there are shows to see, places to visit and excellent food to eat.

7. China

 

I love China!  So different than any other place but very interesting.

Hope I gave you the travel bug.  I know I'm itching for a big trip.  Next week I'll share places I want to go.