mycatlulu and my little one! Musing from a new mom

Betty Crocker’s Red Hot Holiday Trends 2011!

2011-12-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

	Trend: Double Desserts Taking two desserts and mixing and mashing them together is one of our favorite trends. Things like pie shakes, cookie stuffed cookies, and pie-filled cupcakes deliver a whole new kind of delicious. It’s a 1+1=3 kind of thing. Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies Pie, meet cookie. Cookie, say hello to pie. When two all-time favorites come together, you get Pumpkin Pie Cookies, the star at your next holiday cookie exchange.

	Trend: Boozy Baking From booze cakes to cocktail pies, bakers everywhere are bringing the bar into the kitchen. A titch of tequila or a skosh of scotch whiskey adds a serious shot of fun and flavor for the over 21 crowd. We’re loving these boozy baked goods! Recipe: Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Cupcakes Taste for yourself what the buzz is all about! A bit of bourbon, a hit of coffee liqueur and some vanilla vodka-spiked frosting make these sophisticated chocolate cupcakes the ultimate “holiday helpers.”

	Trend: Color. Flavor. Fun. Traditional baked goods are being transformed with bright colors and playful flavors. With a little creativity and imagination, no one can resist this happy, fun food! Recipe: Cake Batter Cookie Stackers Take sugar cookies to a whole new level of delicious! Kids and adults will love these cake batter flavored cookies with colorful frosting, and lots of sprinkles! Stack ‘em up and watch ‘em go.

	Trend: From Cave to Kitchen Forget the man cave. Today guys are in the kitchen making (or at least appreciating) really good food. Big food. Really good, big food that’s stacked and stuffed with the flavors they can’t resist. Recipe: Mantastic Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffle Sandwich Here’s a new take on chicken ‘n’ waffles - made better with beer, bacon, and bourbon. It’s the ultimate manly man meal.

	Trend: Skinny Cocktails Here’s the skinny! Drinking high-calorie cocktails is so last year. The modern mixologist is shaking things up with light & flavorful cocktails. Recipe: Skinny Clementine Martini Add some clever sparkle to your next party. Enjoy these natural, light martinis made with fresh juice, high-quality liquor, and a splash of club soda. Lower calorie cocktails never tasted, or looked, so sweet. Cheers!

	Trend: Better Than Bought From canning to candy making, there’s a renewed interest in handcrafted foods. This season, homemade food gifts are just the right thing to show your care and creativity. Recipe: Cajeta Caramel Fudge Create the perfect combination of flavor and crunch with this homemade candy. Rich chocolate fudge layered with cajeta caramel, cashews and a sprinkle of sea salt—a recipe to impress.

	Trend: Veggie Love Once just tolerated, vegetables are now celebrated. Omnivores and herbivores alike have discovered that veggies offer variety and great taste, and are feeling the love. Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus Hummus with fresh sweet potato packs even more plant power. Add a delicious blend of smoked paprika, coriander, and cumin to make this flavorful dip.

	Trend: Shareworthy & Allergen-Friendly Allergen-friendly foods may be free from things like nuts, dairy and eggs, but shouldn’t be free from flavor. Thankfully, we’re seeing new foods and recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone – whether you’re allergy-sensitive or not. Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Gather everyone around the table to enjoy this moist and delicious pumpkin bread. Made with no nuts, no dairy, no eggs, and no gluten - no kidding!

	Trend: D-I-Y for D-O-G Man’s best friend deserves man’s best effort. That’s why making your own dog food is one of the latest canine crazes! This year, homemade dog treats are at the top of fido’s list. Recipe: Dog Bark This treat will make your dog sit up and beg for more. Make the bark by melting carob chips and peanut butter then top with your dog’s favorite ingredients – bacon and cheese. Bow WOW!

	Trend: Food Craft The kitchen is the new craft room. With food as their medium, clever cooks are making amazing edible food crafts that are as good to look at as they are to eat. Recipe: Chocolate Coal Lumps Naughty or nice, everyone will love these easy cho-coal-late treats. Cocoa Puffs® cereal dipped in melted chocolate and marshmallows create these tasty stocking stuffers.

Find more fun holiday trends and recipes at the following links

Betty 10: Red Hot Holiday Trends: http://bit.ly/BCHolidayTrend

I recieved this info from Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark. Thanks for the tips!

Foto Friday

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo by Rebecca Souza Alley

Just a little pretty something to start your weekend...

How are you going to be creative today? ( Time Change)

2011-11-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

With the time change we get to "Fall Back" which means one extra hour for all of us. Of course my little baby didn't know about the time change and wanted to get up bright and early this morning. So instead of getting upset about the early alarm clock (i.e. my 1 year old) I decided to be creative. This morning before 8am I made my first pumpkin pie!
I used the recipe from the can of pumpkin I had -- I look forward to ~~seeing~~ tasting how it is going to turn out...

With your extra hour how are you going to be creative today?

2011-11-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

These are kids reactions to parents telling them that all their candy is gone.... Luckily my little one isn't talking yet!

Kinda scary!

88/365

2011-03-29T19:49:00.001-07:00

88/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

This is the sun, so happy it has finally come out to play!

78-73 365

2011-03-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Still trying to do my 365 project, though I missed a few days. Here are the latest!

Snappi Giveaway...

2011-03-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Holly over at A Mommy's Blessings is having a snappi cloth diaper fastener giveaway. I use snappis EVERYDAY with my little one so this would be so nice to win. Go check out her blog an the other great giveaways she is having too.

76/365

2011-03-17T20:54:00.001-07:00

76/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Love this!

75/365

2011-03-16T16:39:00.001-07:00

75/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

74/365

2011-03-15T18:52:00.001-07:00

74/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

73/365

2011-03-14T20:12:00.001-07:00

73/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

I love the photo section of library !

My First Sewing Project- Burp Cloths

2011-03-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

My first sewing project with my sewing machine was burp cloths for my soon-to-be baby boy. At that time I didn't know if I having a boy or a girl so I chose fabrics that were gender neutral and basically all about birds and animals.

After looking up in a few tutorials online I felt confident that this is a project I could do-- even me someone who never has done a sewing project.
At Make and takes she shows you how to make burb cloths using ribbon-- good images but I found it was hard to do ribbon.

And at a Chelse Morning she really documents step by step how to make them.

Well my first attempt I just wanted to add a pretty stitch to to edges... well.... this was the a bit of a mess...

Pretty good for my first time putting on my sewing machine right?

Well then I had a dear dear friend come over and show me what I was doing wrong... the sewing machines LEG wasn't down, oh now I get it. Tried again and it was much better.

Following the instructions from the tutorials - I pinned on the fabric I started -- boy was it fun, I could stop just making burp clothes! Couple days later 24 Gerber diapers later I had 24 awesome burp cloths!

Few tips:
-Pre Wash the diapers and the fabric. (then you may have to iron)
-Cut strips of fabric bigger than the middle piece, then fold under to have a nice looking hem
- Pin your fabric in such a way that you can pull away the head of the needle while you are getting to it with the sewing machine
- Break up the pining of fabric on to the actual sewing part, will make it a lot more fast and fun if you are doing multiple burp cloths
- Get the diapers on sale, I got my gerber ones at Babies R Us by one get one free

5 months into motherhood they are still being used daily! Even my little one approves.

72/365

2011-03-13T09:02:00.001-07:00

72/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Here my little one plays with me on the couch! He tries to sit up on his own.

71/365

2011-03-12T14:29:00.001-08:00

71/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

66/365

2011-03-07T18:07:00.001-08:00

66/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

64/365

2011-03-07T09:07:00.001-08:00

64/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Summit of babies

63/365

2011-03-04T19:35:00.001-08:00

63/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Hmmm chocolate

62/365

2011-03-03T19:52:00.001-08:00

62/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

61/365

2011-03-02T19:20:00.001-08:00

61/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

60/365

2011-03-01T17:06:00.001-08:00

60/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

59/365

2011-02-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

59/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

58/365

2011-02-27T17:18:00.001-08:00

58/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Pink, Blue, White and Red

wishing you were on your head...

this doesn't make since

57/365

2011-02-26T12:04:00.001-08:00

57/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Just having some mat time

Baby Gaga BreastMilk Icecream

2011-02-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

Testing the Baby Gaga Icecream

The BBC reported a new ice cream -- Baby Gaga, icecream made from Breast Milk. London's Covent Garden ice cream pallor is selling it at £14, that is a little over $20 US dollars.
This is totally a gimmick to get more people in their store, but hey it is something to think about. For me, my milk that I feed to my little is a bit to precious to donate/or sale for the purpose of icecream.

Watch the video here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12569011

56/365

2011-02-25T13:49:00.001-08:00

56/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

New pond due to rain...

55/365

2011-02-24T20:33:00.001-08:00

55/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Chance of Rain.

Medela Pump Giveaway @ Busy Mommy

2011-02-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already found out about the website Busy Mommy Media, it is about time that you did! It is a great site with all sorts of information from cooking to beauty. I found through Mom It Forward and I was thrilled to see that they are having a Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump Giveaway! I know crazy awesome right? This would be so great for me as a working Mom!

Go check it out their site. And their other giveaways :)

54/365

2011-02-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

54/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

53/365

2011-02-22T17:40:00.001-08:00

53/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

My honey's hollow body guitar sits in the corner of the room so patiently. Thank you Mr. Guitar for being a beautiful piece of art even though you aren't being played you still remind me of lovely fun music played on it

52/365

2011-02-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

52/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

51/365

2011-02-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

51/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

50/365

2011-02-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

50/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Tummy time is good for everyone!

20 GC giveaway to Abby's Lane at Mama to 4 Blessings

2011-02-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that I found a great giveaway for Abby's Lane over at Mama to 4 Blessings. Thanks to Nicole for this opportunity.

I know if I win I would go for one of the awesome Gen-y diaper covers since my little guy is growing super fast out of his current diaper covers.

20 -40 365 set

2011-02-19T07:20:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been pretty hard as a new momma going back to work to keep up with posting. I am going to try and do better for the future, but here is a summary of the pictures I took this past month.

See them bigger at my flickr site.

19/365

2011-01-20T22:12:00.000-08:00

16/365

2011-01-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

15/365

2011-01-19T10:08:00.000-08:00

14/365

2011-01-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

013/365

2011-01-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

013/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

012/365

2011-01-16T17:05:00.000-08:00

012/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

011/365

2011-01-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

011/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

010/365

2011-01-14T17:04:00.000-08:00

010/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

009/365

2011-01-13T17:04:00.001-08:00

009/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

I just love this little toy. Though my little one is not so sure.

008/365

2011-01-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

008/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Hanging out at night! Fighting sleep.

007/365

2011-01-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

007/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Maternity Leave is over and I am back to work. One of the hardest days ever!

006/365

2011-01-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

006/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

I gotta give up the ghost and let my 365 photo project really be about being a new mom and baby. It is just so amazing begin a mom and having this opportunity to really document how my baby is growing.

Of course here I am playing with the photo booth feature on my computer with the comic book effect, what do you think?

005/365

2011-01-05T20:29:00.001-08:00

005/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Yes, baby items over take your house when you become a momma!

004/365

2011-01-04T16:11:00.001-08:00

004/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Messy Desk. In anticipation of going back to work from my maternity leave I have been trying to clean up my desk.... haven't gotten very far.

003/365

2011-01-03T13:11:00.001-08:00

003/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

Knock, knock, knock on the door
the postman brought me more
Gotta love this cute little owl
He is my little one's new pal

002/365

2011-01-02T13:16:00.001-08:00

002/365, originally uploaded by laughingraven.

It will be hard not to just take pictures of my little one everyday of the week. I just love how he is starting to use his hands more and more, and being more present everyday.

01/365

2011-01-01T17:27:00.001-08:00

01/365
Originally uploaded by laughingraven
Starting today I am going to take a photograph a day to document this year. I will try not to take all pictures of just my baby, but it might be hard.

Here is a picture of a rose that didn't know it was winter.

Free Curious George coloring pages from Parents.com

2010-12-30T15:49:00.000-08:00

My baby is a little to young to enjoy these free coloring pages but your little one might. Thanks to parents.com they have over 70 free coloring pages including Curious George Coloring Pages. Talk about a great indoor activity.

Free MP3 Credit from Amazon

2010-12-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

I've been eying this Lisa Loeb CD since I found out I was pregnant, and today I got it!

Not only is it one of Amazon's $5 MP3 albums but I also had a free credit for two dollars! So for an awesome childerns CD, and hopefully hours singing to then with my son I paid two dollars.

For your own $2 credit enter GIVEMP3s into the promo box.

Expires tonight on 12/26.

Free Downloadable Gift Tags

2010-12-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Carrie McBride at Apartment Therapy'd "Ohdeedoh" for doing all the leg work and finding this awesome gift tags for the holidays. Just download and then print!

From Momomushy!

From thatshappy

From BadBirds

Check them all out here: My True Love Gave To Me: Free Downloadable Gift Tags | Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh

Help Bing give $1M to schools

2010-12-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

I just helped Bing give $1 Million to schools in need. Go to http://bing.com/gives and you can too!

Now until January 15 change your home page to Bing.com and get $5.00 to donate to a school of your choice! It was super easy to and fast. I went ahead and donated to Del Mar Elementary to donate to the project "Keep The Imagination Alive Through Art and Poetry"

Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives- Breast Cancer Reasearch and coupon!

2010-12-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

Breast Cancer Awareness Card

October may be over but you can still help support the breast cancer cause through Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives until the end of the year.

For every pink lid sent in through December 31, 2010, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® for up to $1.6 million,
with a minimum donation of $500,000. Visit YourLidMatters.com for lid collection tips and tools!

And here is a link to a 50¢ coupon for cups of Yoplait yogurt.

A review of PS Express

2010-12-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

I just found this great free Photoshop Elements app for the iPhone! It's a great way to snazzy up your photograph before you send them off to Grandma or someone special in your life. Here is a photograph that I changed the saturation to make it more dramatic as well as using the Vignette Blur filter.

Other features include changing images to black and white, changing exposure, along with some classic Photoshop filters. I got a kick out of the pop art type filter. I wish the pop art feature was more customizable for choose the colors, but hey this is a free app so I can't be too picky.

Once done editing your photo you can upload it to Facebook or twitter or send an e-mail with a couple of taps.

Check it out its features, see more screen shots and download this app here.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this post. All opinions are my own

Free Holiday Music From Amazon.com

2010-12-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

25 Days of Free
Every day through Christmas, Amazon will be unveiling a new holiday song available to download free for a limited time.

Check it out!

Wil.i.am on Seamse Street

2010-11-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

Being home these first 12 weeks is such a blessing. Of course I do have a lot of time in front of the TV while baby Blake is feeding or sleeping. Today flipping through channels I saw Wil.i.am on Sesaem Street. Seemed pretty random to me, but now I am totally in love with this song.

Absolutly Wonderful!! Roquamole Recipe : Nigella Lawson

2010-11-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

We saw this great recipe on the cooking channel, you might love it too! We used Gorgonzal cheese instead of Roquefort, so we call it Gorgoamole :)

Roquamole Recipe : Nigella Lawson : Recipes : Cooking Channel:

Total Time: 10 min

Prep: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients
1 cup crumbled Roquefort or St. Agur
1/4 cup sour cream
2 ripe avocados
2 tablespoons finely sliced scallions
1/4 cup jarred sliced pickled green jalapenos
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 bag blue corn tortilla chips

Directions:
Crumble or mash the blue cheese with the sour cream in a bowl. Mash in the avocados. If they are ripe, a fork should be all you need. Roughly chop the sliced jalapenos and stir them into the mixture along with the finely sliced scallions. Arrange in the center of a plate or dish, dust with paprika and surround with tortilla chips. Dive in.

My Baby is here!

2010-10-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy this past October. Blake is the biggest blessing I have ever received! Please note that many of my coming post will most likely be about baby stuff and of course art marking.

Free Music from Urban Outfitters

2010-10-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

I found out through Ebates (place that gives you back money for shopping) that Urban Outfitters is offering some free indie music.

25 Free Downloads from Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, The Drums, Tame Impala, Broken Social Scene, Holy Ghost!, Flying Lotus & more at Urban Outfitters.

Code: LSTN 10

I haven't listened to all the tracks but I am always looking for something new!

Congrats to 9Lives winner!

2010-10-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Storm, The Psychotic Housewife for winning the 9lives Prize pack! You have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond.

Cheers!

9Lives Review and Giveaway

2010-09-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Even with my first baby on the way, I already consider myself a MOM! Lulu of course is my furbaby. Being an older cat I am always looking for ways to make her happy and healthy. That is why I was super excited to give Lulu a try of the 9lives Daily Essential cat food. Mixing in her old cat food with the 9live daily essentials I found that she liked it. I feel good knowing that she was getting all the nutrition she needs!

According to 9Lives:

23% of American pet parents think it’s beneficial to keep their cats on a purely vegetarian diet, while actually it may be harmful

There are a number of foods that feline parents assume are healthy for cats, but are actually not advantageous to their health including root vegetables (73%), green tomatoes (54%), and raw potatoes (50%)

Nine out of ten feline pet parents would be willing to switch foods if they knew it would provide better nutrition. In fact:

92 percent of cat owners would switch foods if it would improve their cat’s health, and

91 percent would switch food if they could add years onto their feline’s life

In an effort to educate pet parents about the common misperceptions of proper feline nutrition, 9Lives is committed to raising awareness to this issue by providing advanced nutrition for all cats. With the 9Lives Advanced Nutrient System, feline parents everywhere can rest assured knowing their cats are getting the essential nutrients they need to help promote healthy skin and coat, strong muscle growth and a healthy immune system among other benefits.

Win Win Win:

Win your very own 9 Lives prize pack for your furbaby, Lulu not included.

To enter:(mandatory) along with your email

1. Along with your email address -Tell Me which dry product of 9Lives would you like to give to your cat. (ONE Comment)

Bonus Entries: (leave a separate comment for each one)

2. Blog about this giveaway and post the URL-Along with your email address -.

3. Become a public follower of my blog or let me know if you already are -Along with your email address.

That is a total of three comments :), and three chances to win

The Fine Print:

Contest ends: Friday, October 1, 2010 at 6:00 pm PST. US entries only.
Leave a separate comment for each entry and a valid email address
Winner will be announced on Saturday, October 2 by 10:00 am PST (UNLESS I AM IN LABOR!!!).
The winner, chosen at random-via random.org, will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Please Note: The 9Lives Advanced Nutrient System, prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all given to you by 9Lives through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own.

Adventures in Moby Wraps!

2010-09-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Do you have a Moby Wrap? I just recieved the one I won one from For the Monster. Thanks for a great giveaway!

Don't I look silly :)

Here are my attempts at trying to do the wrap. Do any of you do baby wearing? Have tips for this soon to be mom?

Blogmania is happening Now Sep 15-16

2010-09-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

There are 171 blogs that are participating in this BIG event and you have a chance to win each prize package by visiting all the blogs and entering!

I am super excited about all the baby items I have seen so far!
I already entered to win at:
See It! Love It! Win It! (US) -babie stuff
and Night Owl Crafting (US) - wall vinyles

Anyway the party begins Sept. 15 at 12:01 EST and ends Sept. 17 at 12:00am EST!
Are you excited yet, because I am SO EXCITED.

Go visit them all!

1.	A Design Diva with Interior Motives (US/CAN)	2.	A Dash of Nutmeg (US)
3.	A Few of My Favorite Things (US/CAN)	4.	A Gluten Free Journey (US)
5.	a {mod cot} life (US)	6.	A Mom After God's Own Heart (US) (US/CAN)
7.	A Mom's Take (INT)	8.	A Writer's Mind (INT)
9.	Adelle Laudan - Author (US/CAN) (INT)	10.	Alexia's Books and Such (US)
11.	Alice Audrey, Author (US) (INT)	12.	Amundsen House of Chaos (US)
13.	And Then There Were 4 (US/CAN)	14.	Andy Mathis (INT)
15.	Aubut Family (US/CAN)	16.	Being Tazim (INT)
17.	Believing is Seeing (US/CAN)	18.	Between The Lines (US) (INT)
19.	Between The Pages (US/CAN)	20.	Bitten by Books (where amazon will ship)
21.	Book Obsessed (US)	22.	Book Sake (US)
23.	Book Whore (US)	24.	Books and Things (US)
25.	Books R Us (US/CAN) - possible (INT) ?	26.	Bookworming in the 21st Century (US)
27.	Bree Bee's Thinking Outside of the Box (US) (INT)	28.	Bright Morning Star (INT)
29.	Broken Teepee (INT)	30.	Busy Moms Tips (US)
31.	Busy-at-Home (US)	32.	CalleLillyCafe (INT)
33.	Cheeky Reads (US/CAN)	34.	Children Teaching Mama (US/CAN)
35.	Chronicles From The Crib (US/CAN)	36.	Chubby Cheeks Thinks (US/CAN)
37.	Colorcrazed (INT)	38.	Coupons Are Great (US)
39.	Crazy Cat Lady's Library (US)	40.	Crazy House (US)
41.	Curling Up By The Fire (INT)	42.	Dark Faerie Tales (INT)
43.	dBeauty Junkie (INT)	44.	Deanna's Tidbits (INT)
45.	Debbie Sews Retro (INT)	46.	DebsHere (US)
47.	DemonLover's Book Review (US/CAN)	48.	Designs By Dawn Marie (INT)
49.	Dolly Outfitters (US)	50.	Earl's Daughter (US)
51.	Ellz Readz (INT)	52.	Enjoy Life, Enjoy Now (US)
53.	eTreasures Publishing (US/CAN) (INT)	54.	Evoluchun's Misc (US)
55.	Extreme Personal Measures (US)	56.	Fab Find Foodie (US)
57.	Family and Life in Las Vegas (US) (US/CAN)	58.	Fang-tastic Books (US)
59.	Farber Family Adventures (US/CAN)	60.	Florida Frugal Family (US)
61.	Forever and After (US/CAN)	62.	Freebie Spot (US)
63.	Happy Birthday Author (US/CAN)	64.	Health, Beauty, Children and Family (US)
65.	Home Grown Families (INT)	66.	Hookless Shower Curtains (US)
67.	Hope. Dreams. Life…Love	68.	I'm a Lazy Mom (US/CAN)
69.	Inspired by Fiction (US/CAN)	70.	Jeannie Ruesch's Happy Endings (US/CAN)
71.	Jennifer's Musings (US/CAN)	72.	Just My Blog (US)
73.	LB and J (US)	74.	Leksi Designs…This Handmade Life (US/CAN)
75.	Let's Just Give It Away (US)	76.	Life with 5 monkies (US)
77.	Lipstick and Luxury (US/CAN)	78.	Literaturely Speaking (US/CAN)
79.	Little Yayas (US) (US/CAN)	80.	Live Love Laugh with Leslie (US)
81.	Love With A touch of Magic (US)	82.	Lovin' & Livin' Life Reviews (US)
83.	Lovin' Life on Less (US)	84.	Loving My Life (US)
85.	Kelly's Lucky You (US/CAN)	86.	Luxury Reading (US)
87.	Making Time For Mommy (US)	88.	Mama B (US/CAN)
89.	Marvelous Mommy (US/CAN)	90.	MI Savings (US/CAN)
91.	MelissaStuff (US)	92.	Mia Ma Miah's Diaries (US/CAN)
93.	Midwestern Gone Idahoan (US)	94.	j is for joseph.com (US)
95.	Emmy's Boos and Rawrs (US)	96.	Mom to Bed by 8 (US/CAN)
97.	Momma Maven in the Making (US)	98.	Momma Told Me (US/CAN)
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101.	Mommy's Minute (US/CAN)	102.	Mother of Pearl It Is (US/CAN)
103.	my favorite PINK (US)	104.	My Life As Grandma (INT)
105.	My Life with Rats and More (INT)	106.	My Silly Monkeys (US/CAN)
107.	Night Owl Crafting (US)	108.	Nine More Months
109.	Nomie Eco Ware (INT)	110.	Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick
111.	Of Ink and Quille (US/CAN)	112.	Paranormal Bites (US/CAN)
113.	Past The Print (INT)	114.	Proud Book Nerd (INT)
115.	Que's Ramblings (US)	116.	Reading At The Beach (US)
117.	Reading Teen (INT)	118.	Reading, Writing and Waiting (US)
119.	Reflections with Coffee (US)	120.	Review Retreat (INT)
121.	Reviews and Giveaways by The Chickenista	122.	Rex Robot Reviews (US/CAN)
123.	Rockin' Deals (US)	124.	Sandra K. Marshall
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129.	Seize the Book (US)	130.	SidewaysGravity (INT)
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The top 10 things I learned from my child birthing prep class

2010-09-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

This past five Tuesdays my husband and I have been heading off to Childbirth Prep classes.    I am really happy I went because there was just so much I didn't know. Here is a list of the Top 10 things I learned.

1. Birth is natural

2. When faced with a medical intervention ask your self BRAN
Benefit
Risk
Alternative
Nothing

3. In early labor where you have about 30 seconds of contractions that can be 5 to 30 mins apart practice the following:

Breath
    Relaxation / Rest
    Eat (something healthy)
    Activity (be distract)
    Drink - sip water after each contraction or more ... .Papa's be sure that Momma's do this!

4. A General rule to go to the hospital
5 - contractions 5 minute apart
1 - minute in length
1 - for a full hour

5. What they call Transition is the hardest stage of labor where Contractions 90 seconds 1-3 minutes apart

6. When it comes to labor and contractions change positions often

7. When giving birth TURN OFF YOUR brain, find ways to cope with the pain including -breath, distraction, environment, focal point, massage

8. Breath!! In through the hose out through the mouth.
Cleansing breath first - longer exhale at the end with a sound
matching in and out

9. Postpartum is hard, have support

10. Frequency is the key to breatfeeding

This is what I learned form my class, what have you learned about labor, any tips for me in this upcoming time?

You can learn more at Transition to Parenthood website.

Getting Cloesr!

2010-08-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

My belly is getting big, this is me at 35 weeks!

Bump to Baby Event

2010-08-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

I am just so excited that September 1st is bring an awesome giveaway blog event. Sarah from Minnesota Mama Must Haves and Jennifer from J. Leigh Designz are going to have for a huge baby event called "Bump 2 Baby" that will start September 1st. They are going to have a bunch of giveaways will go on all month long. With a baby on the way I am really hoping to with the Naturepedic No-Compromise Organic Cotton Ultra crib mattress. Go check them out if you hope to find yourself wining some great baby related goodies.

Ebates Daily Double for 8/26/2010 is Apple Store - Get Double Cash Back and Online Deals

2010-08-26T20:05:00.001-07:00

Today's Daily Double deal at ebates.com is 2% cash back from Apple. 2% back along with promo where if you buy a Mac for college you get a free IPOD touch, I would have to say it is a pretty good deal!

It Daily Double is just for the day :) So check it out Ebates if you need anything from the Apple store.

They Like me, they really like me!

2010-08-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give a big shout out to Debby over at www.inspireddecorating.blogspot.com

She hosted CSN gift card giveaway which I was luck enough to win.

Go check out here blog, and see her passion for Interior Design and everything lovely. Her classy blog always has something to inspire.

Tiny Prints on Sale Today at One Kings Lane!

2010-08-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

I just discovered One Kings Lane Saturday. Another awesome online store that has discount sales events. From their website they tell us "We bring the world's best designer décor and home essentials, entertaining and travel needs, fantastic gift selections and more to our members – at up to 70% off retail."

Well today is an event I am really excited about! Tiny Prints Cards go on sale. Being a designer myself I just love their classic look for baby announcements!

If I send you a private invite you will get $10 off your order. Send me your email and I will send you an invite.

Ikea has Fabric!

2010-08-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

I went to Ikea last Saturday and oh my goodness they have really cute fabric. With a baby on the way I am in the "ultimate nesting" mode.... not that I know that much about fabric, or even sewing I still had to buy myself to sets fabric.

What do you think of the black and white birds? My husband loved them because they have realistic birds drawing, especially the burrowing owl.

I am thinking of making curtains for my first project and if I am really crafty maybe a boppy slip cover.

Does anyone have any tips on how to just get started?

Free Nature Made Vitamin D

2010-08-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Get a fre Nature Made Vitamin sample. Just play the Casino D Instant Win Game...
http://bit.ly/CasinoD

Uncle Goose Alphabet Blocks

2010-08-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

I just discovered these awesome wooden blocks from Uncle Goose. The have grooves and colors and everything fun for kids and adults. They are a bit pricey for toy ( about $30 dollars) but according to them they are appropriate for kids three and older so I have some time before little Cashew will need them!

Cashew at 31 weeks

2010-08-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Well the 10 week count down has begun! I can't believe it!

Mings Cupcakes

2010-08-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Just found this new cupcake blog, and I can't wait to try this yummy cupcake! I just love apricots!
I just need to find a way to make it work with my gestational diabetes diet!

Sour Cream Apricot Cupcakes with Mascarpone Frosting and Toasted Almonds

by Ming!
CUPCAKES
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream
apricot preserves

Mix flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add almond extract, vanilla, and egg. Stir in sour cream. Add flour mixture. Fill cupcake liners 1/3 full. Place a spoonful of preserves in the center. Cover with batter. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

FROSTING
8 oz. mascarpone
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
toasted almonds

Beat ingredients together at high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until soft peaks form. Spread on cupcakes and sprinkly with almonds.

Eat, Pray, Love Music | World Market Explorer

2010-07-24T20:17:00.001-07:00

via worldmarketexplorer.com

You can download three world music tracks from World Market. These are great tracks to you in the travel mood!

You must be a World Market Explorer-- it's free to sign up.

Posted via email from mycatlulu's posterous

Cashew at 26 weeks

2010-07-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

It's official! I am showing!

21 weeks!

2010-06-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am finally starting to show! And what a difference it makes in how I feel and how I think about pregnancy and a soon to be parent. I've notice that my attention to "being pregnant" has really switched becoming mom! I have started thinking about nursery colors, making baby food, cloth diapering and just how am I going to be as a home. It is a feeling of joy, gratitude and extreme anxiety all at the same time!

Pound Cake Goodness

2010-05-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

I've been slowly making recipes from Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey: Desserts for the Serious Sweet Tooth by Jill O'Connor, a Christmas present my Mr. got me. Yesterday I made her recipe "Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe"

And the result...

Yummy goodness. The biggest thing though is you really got to plan ahead. For easier mixing having the cream cheese and the butter at room temperature along with the eggs you have to take things out of the fridge at least 6 hours before hand. My pound cake didnt come out of the oven until 10pm, much to late. But having a bite this early morning it was moist and delicious.

I ended up halfing the recipe because I could only find one pan and it still turned out good.
View recipe below:

My little Cashew

2010-05-13T20:43:00.001-07:00

My little Cashew
Originally uploaded by laughingraven

My post may change a little bit because Ken and I are expecting!!!

Grow Better Veggies: Class: Jam Making

2010-05-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

Grow Better Veggies: Class: Jam Making
Just signed up for this class. Can't wait to learn how to make my own jams!

QuicKutz Letterpress Machine - Paper Source

2010-04-24T10:10:00.001-07:00

alternative view

Letterpress Machine

Combo Kit
Introducing the new at-home Letterpress Machine - a table top unit that allows you to create homemade letterpress cards and crafts. A truly amazing and affordable way to make your own letterpress creations! The L Letterpress Machine Combo Kit includes everything you need to get started letterpress printing right away.
Kit includes:
Letterpress tool
Epic 6 machine
Clear packing mat with packing sheet
Ink brayer
Ink base
Black letterpress ink
Letterpress paper (10 sheets of A2 flat)
Paper positioning guides
Printing plates
Printing plate adhesive

Item 40077890

Price $149.99

via paper-source.com

If you would like to do your own letter press at home this might make a great addition to your craft room! A bit pricey for me, but considering a letterpress is $2000 plus this might be a good alternative !

Posted via web from mycatlulu's posterous

Cheep Cheaps - San Francisco | Bay Area On The Cheap

2010-04-15T06:28:00.001-07:00

You are here: Home / Deals & Specials / Cheap Cheeps

Cheap Cheeps

Cheaplets, dealy-deals, & last minute bargains that don’t fit anywhere else — updated daily.

FEATURED – Tax Day Freebies

Starbucks – On 4/15/10, get a free brewed coffee when you bring a reusable travel mug into your local Starbucks.

Cinnabon – Tax Day Bites–get two free cupcake bites at participating Cinnabon stores on 4/15/10 from 6pm-8pm.

P.F. Chang’s Tax Relief - Everyone gets 15% off their dinner bill on tax day, 4/15/10. Find them in Emeryville, Corte Madera, Fremont, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Palo Alto, San Jose, Sunnyvale. [Locator]

Jamba Juice – BOGO coupon, buy one Jamba Juice, get one free 4/12 to 4/25/10.

IHOP - Get one free Kids Meal with every adult meal every day in April from 4-10pm. (Good through 4/30/10.) Bay Area IHOPS.

Restaurant Coupons - Save 60% on Restaurant.com $25 Gift Cert. plus get a FREE $10 Gift Cert. with every order. Use code TREAT and pay $4 thru 4/15/10.

via bayareaonthecheap.com

Check out all these wonderful freebies, in honor of tax day. Thanks bayareaonthecheap.com

Posted via web from mycatlulu's posterous

National Park Service: National Park Week

2010-04-11T20:31:00.001-07:00

via nps.gov

Oh my goodness, don't forget to mark these dates on your calendar. From April 17-25th the entrance fee to all National Parks are free! Check out the fun volunteer opportunities along with junior ranger programs for kids.

Posted via web from mycatlulu's posterous

ALOHA CUPCAKE SET

2010-04-08T18:49:00.001-07:00

via shopmerimeri.com

I am always looking for a way to dress up cupcakes. Here is a perfectly good one! How fun would this be to put the spirit of Aloha into your party . You can win your very own Birthday Kit (cupcake goodies included) over at Momstart
http://momstart.com/2010/04/throwing-a-birthday-party-with-meri-meri-giveaway/

Posted via web from mycatlulu's posterous

We've got a winner!

2010-04-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

Congrats to smilekisses ! You are the winner of the "Spring Sweet Treats" prize pack that includes a silicon baking pan, stainless steel mixing bowl, oven mitt, Betty Crocker mixing spoon, and a $25 Safeway gift card . Hope you have a chance to try Monkey Bread.

hey, wheres my comment?

2010-03-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

If you don't see your comment on the giveaway it has been removed since it didn't have your email address....

Safeway and Betty Crocker’s Sweet Spring Treats Giveaway

2010-03-28T15:53:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out BakeSweetMemories.com from Betty Crocker? They have great spring recipes for fun desserts using your Betty Crocker favorites, including Easter Bunny Cakes, and Impossibly Easy Breakfast Bake.

Cooking in my oven right now is the Spring Celebration Brownies. Since the brownie mix by itself is so easy, this recipe just calls for couple of more steps to make an absoulutly wonderful and colorful Spring time dessert.

Win Win Win:

Win your very own "Spring Sweet Treats" prize pack that includes a silicon baking pan, stainless steel mixing bowl, oven mitt, Betty Crocker mixing spoon, and a $25 Safeway gift card . Use the gift card to by the mix .

Even if you do you don't win your can pick up Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake and Traditional Brownie Mixes at the special price of $0.69at Safeway stores through April 6th

To enter:(mandatory) along with your email

1. Along with your email address - Tell me which of the spring recipes from the Bake Sweet Memories , excluding the Spring Celebration Brownies would you most like to try (ONE Comment)

Bonus Entries: (leave a separate comment for each one)

2. Blog about this giveaway and post the URL-Along with your email address -.

3. Become a public follower of my blog or let me know if you already are -Along with your email address.

That is a total of three comments :), and three chances to win

The Fine Print:

Contest ends: Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 6:00 pm PST. US entries only.
Leave a separate comment for each entry and a valid email address
Winner will be announced on Monday, April 5th by 10:00 am PST.
The winner, chosen at random-via random.org, will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Disclosure: Safeway and Betty Crocker provided you with the VIP coupon, information, and prize packs through MyBlogSpark.. All opinions are my own.

If you do not leave your email address your comment will be deleted!

MoMA | @ at MoMA

2010-03-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

via moma.org

MoMA’s Department of Architecture and Design has acquired the @ symbol. How do you feel about the fact that the Museum of Modern Art acquired the @ symbol for their collection.
They the reason why they choose the symbol
"Tomlinson performed a powerful act of design that not only forever changed the @ sign’s significance and function, but which also has become an important part of our identity in relationship and communication with others. His (unintended) role as a designer must be acknowledged and celebrated by the one collection—MoMA’s—that has always celebrated elegance, economy, intellectual transparency, and a sense of the possible future directions that are embedded in the arts of our time, the essence of modern."

Apple Muffins

2010-03-16T20:42:00.001-07:00

Just got my subscription to Everyday Food that I won over at Robins blog . I was inspired to actually try one of the recipes. Went for the Apple Cake recipe, that I turned into muffins. Here are some pictures of the results.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from mycatlulu's posterous

California Guacamole

2010-02-27T19:07:00.001-08:00

California Guacamole

via avocado.org

This just so yummy looking! Making some guacamole now!

Posted via web from mycatlulu's posterous

Foto Friday

2010-02-19T19:57:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from thing-a-day 2010

Working on a gocco design.

2010-02-17T20:24:00.001-08:00

I am working on a gocco design for some fun running notecards.

Posted via email from thing-a-day 2010

Four-Cheese Baked Penne

2010-02-16T21:13:00.001-08:00

Love this new recipe I found here:
http://www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes/2009/11/four-cheese-baked-penne
Made it tonight, but took more than 30 mins :/
To make it healthier I added spinach. Yummy!

Posted via email from thing-a-day 2010

Haiku

2010-02-15T19:34:00.001-08:00

the uncertainty
the excitement --- the fear
looking forward---- blessed

By Becca Alley

Posted via email from thing-a-day 2010

10K, that is 6.2 milwa

2010-02-14T20:43:00.001-08:00

Today I ran 6.2 miles -read my race report http://onerunaway.blogspot.com/ :)

See the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from thing-a-day 2010

Winner! FiberOne/ Safeway Giftcard giveaway

2010-02-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Cal!

Who wrote: having a box of fruit and veggies delivered weekly is a way to ensure i have to eat them!
Also, i like coupons, and love deals!

Random.org chose your number comment "148". You won a $50 Safeway Giftcard.

Thanks for all who entered the MyCatLulu Fiber One Review and Safeway $50 Gift Card Giveaway, Cal you have been emailed and have 48 hours to claim your prize.

Cheers! And Happy Valentine's Day.

relaxing

2010-02-13T19:41:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from thing-a-day 2010

mycatlulu and my little one! Musing from a new mom

Betty Crocker’s Red Hot Holiday Trends 2011!

Trend: Double Desserts

Trend: Boozy Baking

Trend: Color. Flavor. Fun.

Trend: From Cave to Kitchen

Trend: Skinny Cocktails

Trend: Better Than Bought

Trend: Veggie Love

Trend: Shareworthy & Allergen-Friendly

Trend: D-I-Y for D-O-G

Trend: Food Craft

Foto Friday

How are you going to be creative today? ( Time Change)

88/365

78-73 365

Snappi Giveaway...

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My First Sewing Project- Burp Cloths

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Baby Gaga BreastMilk Icecream

56/365

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Medela Pump Giveaway @ Busy Mommy

54/365

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20 GC giveaway to Abby's Lane at Mama to 4 Blessings

20 -40 365 set

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Free Curious George coloring pages from Parents.com

Free MP3 Credit from Amazon

Free Downloadable Gift Tags

Help Bing give $1M to schools

Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives- Breast Cancer Reasearch and coupon!

A review of PS Express

Free Holiday Music From Amazon.com

Wil.i.am on Seamse Street

Absolutly Wonderful!! Roquamole Recipe : Nigella Lawson

My Baby is here!

Free Music from Urban Outfitters

Congrats to 9Lives winner!

9Lives Review and Giveaway

Adventures in Moby Wraps!

Blogmania is happening Now Sep 15-16

The top 10 things I learned from my child birthing prep class

Getting Cloesr!

Bump to Baby Event

Ebates Daily Double for 8/26/2010 is Apple Store - Get Double Cash Back and Online Deals