My Journey to 40 (By Another Online Mom)

41 weeks until I hit "40": New Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:28:00 +0000

So the holidays are over and I am getting back into a (somewhat) normal routine. Last week had me thinking, 40 is coming up really soon. In fact, 41 weeks from now! I really want to look and feel great for my birthday in November, so I decided to change one small thing about my lifestyle each week until the big birthday.

I feel that adding something small each week, and growing upon it, would be easier than making tons of changes at once.

Well, last week I added two new supplements to my vitamin regime. Currently I take a multi-vitamin and a probiotic capsule everyday. When I am coming down with a cold or feel stressed I add a Stress-B with Vit C and Zinc in the morning, and a Zinc tablet in the evening.

This week, I started taking CLA and Bladderwack. Both MAY fight weight loss, according to some books I recently read. (I read about Bladderwack in Eat Right for Your Blood Type by Dr. D'Adamo and CLA in Fat Flush by Ann Louise). I decided to start slow to make sure my body would react okay with these two. It's been seven days, and so far so good. (Now, I haven't gotten on the scale yet to see if I have lost any weight, but my good I mean, no reactions or side effects!)

And I felt even better when Dr. Oz mentioned CLA on his show today!! He says CLA is good for fighting "belly fat", which is by far my "problem area"! (He said 1000mg in the morning, and I read somewhere to take 3000mg a day, so I do need to do some further research).

So, there you have it, ADDING SUPPLEMENTS was my goal for week 41, and I did it! :)

Love my new sunglasses

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:53:00 +0000

So I've told you all before how much I love sunglasses. I am not so into purses and shoes like most girls, but I DO love my sunglasses. Here's my favorite to new pair. They are from the Paula Creamer line at Sundog Eyewear. I think avaitar style glasses are so classic, and perfect in Florida. Whatcha think!?

(Sorry for the bad self photo, ha!)

My son is thrilled: Kidz Bop 21 is out!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:10:00 +0000

My 4 year old son LOVES music. Over the summer, he was given an old computer for my cousin, and immedaitely loaded all his favorite music CDs. (He's a total computer geek, and yes I did say FOUR years old). His favorites are Disney Jams, Taylor Swift, Selina Gomez, and KidzBop.

For weeks, he has been saving his money for the new KidzBop 21, and on Tuesday (the day it was released) we went to Target to pick up this new CD. (Side note: Target has four bonus tracks not shown below and is on sale this week for $9.99!).

Yay Target Dollar Bins: Valentines have Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:46:00 +0000

I have never really decorated for Valentine's Day, not sure why to be honest, but this year decided to buy a couple of little items for our home. And today, Target (yay Target!) put tons of cute Valentine items in their dollar bins and I couldn't help myself!

Here's my mantel...

(I plan to make a little banner soon, perhaps "Be Mine" to hang on the mantel. I am looking for a free printable but am having a little trouble. I may go back to Target for the foam hearts in the dollar bin and use those as a starting point).

Found this mini-heart wreat, $2.50

Wooden blocks, $2.50

Same blocks, they spell different words! how cute!

The frame was not in the dollar bins, but by the picture frames. Tons of different ones for $4.99. Now I need to find the perfect picture to put into the frame.

Small heart containers, $1 (perfect for lunchbox surprises!)

Cute Valentine Pails, $1 each...one for each kid!

(Can you see the placemats? I found them at Ross this week, package of 4 for $4.99)
This is my smaller, breakfast table--I need to change to a white tablecloth, I know!

My kids love the "gel stickies" to stick in their windows, $1.

Happy Shopping!

New Years Day: Black and White Themed Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:02:00 +0000

By all means, I am not a Martha Stewart-type. I would prefer to buy then to try to make, but when I decided to throw a New Year's Day brunch (for both adults and kids) hubby threw a budget on me! (BOO!) I looked online (love me some Pinterest!) and found some really cute DIY decorations.

I knew that I wanted a Black and White theme, and since my walls are painted a green color, I chose that as the accent color.

I made party poppers, filled with candy for the kids.

My banner
(Printed the template from HERE and then put onto card stock)

The dessert table

Chocolate covered marshmallows

Festive accents

I printed water label bottles in my theme-colors

I failed to get pictures of my main table where I served brunch (Traditional ham, mini-quiches, mac and cheese, and fruit kabobs). Everyone had a great time, and the best part was the New Year's Toast given my hubby to our guests!

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!

"Elf on the Shelf" Goodbye Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:09:00 +0000

On Christmas Eve morning, my kids were awoken to a SUGAR loaded breakfast, in honor of our Elf on the Shelf, Gus. Since it was his last morning with us, we had a little breakfast to say goodbye!

The kids and I actually had made this banner a couple of days before Christmas.

North Pole muffins

Snowmen donuts

Who doesn't like cake for breakfast?

Finalizing my Christmas Day Menu

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:34:00 +0000

Here is my menu...what is yours?

(I am serving 5 adults and 2 kids, hopefully simple and no surprises!)

Christmas Day 2011 MENU

Starters

Shrimp Dip with Crackers

Carrots/Celery/Cucumber Tray

Meal

Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Beef Gravy

Green Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker GarlicMashed Potatoes

Paula Deen’s Macaroniand Cheese

Crescent Rolls (Pilsbury)

Dessert

Peanut Butter Pie

10 New Holiday Recipes: From Dessert to Hummus to Martinis

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Looking for a new Holiday recipe.
Check these out!

Betty 10: Red Hot Holiday Trends: http://bit.ly/BCHolidayTrend
Pumpkin Pie Cookies: http://bit.ly/bcppcookies
Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Cupcakes: http://bit.ly/bcboozycupcakes
Cake Batter Cookie Stackers: http://bit.ly/bcstackers
Mantastic Fried Chicken `n´ Waffle Sandwich: http://bit.ly/bcmansandwich
Skinny Clementine Martini: http://bit.ly/bcmartini
Cajeta Caramel Fudge: http://bit.ly/bcfudge
Sweet Potato Hummus: http://bit.ly/bchummus
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: http://bit.ly/bcgfbread
Dog Bark: http://bit.ly/bcdogbark
Chocolate Coal Lumps: http://bit.ly/bccoallumps

Word of the Year: Tergiversate

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:19:00 +0000

Yesterday, Dictionary.com (www.dictionary.com), the preferred online and mobile dictionary for students of all ages, announced it has chosen “Tergiversate” for its 2011 Word of the Year. Tergiversate means “to change repeatedly one's attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject, etc.” Dictionary.com selected a difficult word for a difficult year, and in so doing decided to buck a trend in how Words of the Year are often chosen. Rather than focusing on a term in the popular vocabulary, or a new word coined by a celebrity or politician, the company decided to follow its mission of word discovery and seek a perfect candidate that will expand people’s knowledge.

Here are a few examples of how the word has turned up in the press. On August 20th, 2011, in The Times of London, Oliver Kamm said, “The tergiversations of stock markets are often puzzling from the outside. They're no less puzzling from within.” In September, the Baltimore Sun picked tergiversation as its word of the week. Last year in May of 2010, James Surowecki used the word to describe German Chancellor Angela Merkel's economic choices: “Political risk is hard to manage because so much comes down to the personal choices of policymakers, whether prime ministers or heads of central banks. And those choices aren’t always going to be economically rational—witness Merkel’s recent tergiversations.”

Words of the moment and clever coinages are great fun, but tergiversate continues to resonate across a variety of experiences from the past year. And don’t you think it’s better to walk away from a dictionary having learned something new?

Happy 39th Birthday to Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:23:00 +0000

And the countdown to "40" has begun!

Our Elf, Gus, Arrived Today

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:22:00 +0000

Our Elf on the Shelf, Gus, arrived today. He delivered a package to our front door! It was a basket of new Christmas pajamas for the entire family!

Gingerbread House at Disney's Grand Floridian

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:06:00 +0000

There are 13 "hidden Mickeys" on the gingerbread house.

You can buy Gingerbread cookies, cocoa and other treats, yum yum.

High Tea at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:02:00 +0000

Girls afternoon (me, my daughter and my mom):

As many of you know, I go to Disney often. However, today, I went to "high tea" at the Grand Floridian for the first time!

I love that you get champagne with your tea, too!

My daughter could not decide which dessert looked best!

Trying to Lose Weight as I approach 40

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:33:00 +0000

I turn 39 in 4 days. I promised myself I would get in shape before my 40th birthday, so I started Weight Watchers two weeks ago. I am proud to say that I have lost 5 pounds so far! (I have about 8 pounds to go). I do agree with the "experts" that metabolism slows down as we age. I can't eat like I used to. I have had to stop snacking (even the littlest things) between meals; add vegetables to meals; and cut back on soda and beer. Not fun, but my health is worth it!

We Saw Santa Today at Bass Pro Shops

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:24:00 +0000

This is the second year we had to Bass Pro Outdoor World for the Winter Wonderland. The kids love it and the Santa is the best. Here are a few pictures from today's visit:

Thanksgiving Table Settings for the Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Two years ago I went online to search for the perfect Thanksgiving table settings and found several good ones. (You can see that post here: http://anotheronlinemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-table-settings.html.) This year, I decided to see if there was anything out there for the KIDS table, and pleasantly found a few that I really like.

From celebrationsathomeblog.com:

From meetthedubiens.blogspot.com:

Alphamom.com had this cute table setting:

From thepartydress.net:

From tipjunkie.com

376 Days to Go: Losing weight is not so easy lately

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:01:00 +0000

So in my 20s, I never counted calories or watched what I hate. In my 30s, I would gain weight, but could also lose it easily if I wanted with exercise. As I approach my 40s, good lord, it's not so much the number on the scale as the "mush" on my stomach.

I have spent the past year working out at the YMCA and really didn't see any changes in my body. In fact, I gained a few pounds, although I was working out 3 or 4 times a week(including meeting my good friend Allyson for pilates on Saturday morning).

Fortunately, I am still a size 8/10. However, when I sit down, I have this disgusting blob of belly flat that just flops over my pant's waistline. It's horrifying, and I hate my body right now. (This is not me in the picture, but very well could be!)

So on Monday, I started Weight Watchers online. I like that the system holds me accountable. (I have to track what I eat everyday and stay within certain "points".) It's been pretty easy so far, but I do admit that some nights I am hungry at bed time. I would like to lose 10 to 15 pounds in the next year, before I turn 40 (or roughly 377 days).

I keep hearing from othes that metabolism slows down as we age, and I have heard Dr. Oz say we need to eat less in my 40s, so my goal is to lose the weight now before it gets even harder.

I know I will never have the perfects abs, and I am okay with that...but I just want to feel comfortable when I look at myself in the mirror at night! Wish me luck! And if you have any WW tips or hints, please feel free to share with me.

A New Look for My Blog: The What and Why (My Journey to 40)

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 01:43:00 +0000

It seems like yesterday I celebreated my 30th birthday, but truth is that was 9 years ago.

My life has changed a lot since then...ALL FOR THE BETTER: I have gotten married, delivered two beautiful kids, and no longer have career goals (I stay at home with my kids).

When I turned 30, I felt no physical changes. My breasts were at their best (plump and perky), I had tons of energy & actually enjoyed working out, and never used moisturizer on my face, but as I approach 40, I feel many different things happening to my body.

In fact, last week I was at the doctor and he said, "You do realize you are approaching 40, things will change!" AHHH!! Don't tell me that, please. And just three days later my Mother In Law said to me, "You need to slow down and rest. You're not as young as you used to be."

Nice, uh?

I am trying to stay positive. But, honestly, that's not always so easy. So I am updating my blog and hopes of finding the bright side of this next phase of my life. As I approach 40 next year, I plan to look and feel the BEST ever.

So please join me in my journey to 4-0!

The Power of Cranberry (and a $5 off offer!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 01:13:00 +0000

With the holidays fast approaching, shelves are stocked with holiday favorites, which almost always include the ingredient cranberry. Aside from being a delicious part of your holiday meals, cranberry has incredible health benefits too. This time of year, it is important to think about our all-over health - not just diet and exercise.

Why ellura?
50% of women suffer from UTIs, and UTIs are the 2nd leading cause (behind respiratory infections) of missed work days by women. ellura's mission is to stop the needless and silent suffering of millions of women with chronic UTIs and eliminate the chronic use of antibiotics. ellura is the only dietary supplement on the market that is clinically proven to have the required dose for effective protection against UTIs. ellura is also the only cranberry supplement that conforms to a government health claim. Many women take antibiotics as chronic preventive therapy, but the side effects and increasing resistance are bad for the individual and society. ellura is an all natural and effective solution that can free women from the cycle of pain and embarrassment that accompanies UTIs. www.myellura.com

What is ellura?
ellura is actually 100% cranberry extracted from the pure juice of the American cranberry. The clinical studies show that the bacterial anti-adhesion effect, which can prevent UTIs (it does not treat or cure them), requires 36mg of PAC (proanthocyanidins) from the juice of the American cranberry. This is the basis of the health claim approved by the French government agency ANSES. One capsule also has an anti-oxidant ORAC value of 1240. Cranberry is a powerful fruit, when extracted and processed correctly to harness its efficacy. Unfortunately, other U.S. cranberry supplements are formulated based on hype and pure marketing dollars, not science.

Here is a coupon code for $5 off total order:
AOmom5
Good for use once per customer valid until Dec 31, 2011.

Want a SIMPLE Thanksgiving?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:48:00 +0000

On newsstands now, Real Simple’s November issue features a 50-page guide to your best Thanksgiving yet. With tasty recipes and smart tips for planning ahead, your table will be deliciously composed come November 24th. As will you.

Real Simple’s complete Thanksgiving guide includes:

A Truly Make-Ahead Thanksgiving (page 226)
ThisThanksgiving dinner menu features crowd-pleasing recipes that you can prepare in advance, plus an easy-to-follow shopping list and timeline. The menu includesCider Glazed Turkey; Bourbon Gravy, Fig and Cranberry Compote;Sausage and Apple Stuffing; and more.

The Best Pre-feast Nibbles (Page 237)
Are your guests feeling peckish? Silence the squawking with these store-boughtparty appetizers and snacks. Real Simple’s favorites, from more than 150 sampled, include a nut mix, a Mediterranean spread, cheese straws, and more.

Wines and Dine (Page 241)
Wonder which bottle is best to serve with your feast? Simply followReal Simple’s grape-by-grape guide to red and white wine for six Thanksgiving-ready varieties.

Simple Sides (Page 245)
They only look fancy:Real Simple’s homemade bread, rolls, and biscuits are bake-ahead and delightfully foolproof. Plus, an easy-as-piechicken stock recipe and three creative cranberry sauce recipes.

10 Ideas for Mashed Potatoes (Page 260)
Just when you thought everyone’s favorite side dish couldn’t get any more tantalizing, it has. Ten times over. New takes on the old standardmashed potato recipe include Toasted Garlic and Smoked Paprika; Olives and Lemon; Bacon and Blue Cheese; and more.

Show-Stopping Desserts (Page 265)
Real Simpleshares four reasons to save room.Thanksgiving dessert recipes include: Sweet Potato Pie with Candied Nut Cream; Chocolate Pecan Tart; Bread Pudding with Fruit Compote;and Apple-Molasses Spice Cake.

PLUS: Thanksgiving Road-Trip Supplies – Whether Grandmother’s house is just over the river and through the woods or 500 miles away, Real Simple shares nifty gizmos and car-friendly diversions to help the ride go more smoothly. Enjoyexclusive savings forReal Simple readers. (Page 302)

Free Christmas gifts from Snapfish

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:48:00 +0000

Calendar: Earlier this week, I was able to get my Dad's christmas gift from Snapfish, a free yearly custom calendar. (I only paid $5.99 shipping.) You can grab this deal too at http://fall.snapfish.com/

Christmas Cards: We buy many Disney DVDs and CDs for my kids. Therefore, I collect the Disney movie rewards points. And today, I was able to redeem the points for free custom 5*7 photo Christmas cards from Snapfish. Check out the site today!

I love GREAT shopping days!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:42:00 +0000

I don't go shopping often, but when I do...I shop for DEALS. And today was definitely a DEAL day!

I got a sweater and earrings on sale at Ann Taylor Loft, and paid with a $15 Birthday coupon they sent me. Total = $10.68 with tax for both. (Yup, 85-percent savings)

JCPenney had Cooks Pancake Griddles (see photo below) on sale, so I got two and paid with a $15 Birthday coupon they sent me. I saved $95.04 and spent only $5.29 out of pocket. (Yea, 94-percent saings!)

At Panera Bread, I got a free brownie for signing up earlier in the week for the "My Panera Rewards" program.

Wow, if I could only save this much at the grocery store! :(

Holiday Items at Pottery Barn Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:17:00 +0000

Here are two great items at Pottery Barn Kids this year!

Count down to the holidays with PB Kids whimsical calendars – from the jolly Plush Snowman and Stocking Advent Calendars to the Hanukkah Countdown Calendar – each with meticulously designed pockets perfect for a treat, message or tiny gift.

Children of all ages can share in the excitement of the Festival of Lights with PB Kids Hanukkah Dreidel and Hanukkah Menorah, each carefully fashioned from solid wood.

The Do's and Don'ts of Layaway Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Walmart, Sears, Best Buy and TJ Maxx are just a few of the major merchants now offering layaway. In fact, Toys 'R Us has expanded its layaway programto include most toys, rather than just the big-ticket items.

Layaway nearly vanished before the recession, as credit card use grew in prominence. Stores preferred we swipe away because it was easier than handlingall that paperwork. But with consumers leery of facing too much holiday debt -- and threatening to spend less this year in stores -- retailers began using layaway as a means of luring us back.

While this all sounds well and good, there are problems related to such programs. Here are a few "Do's" and "Don'ts" you should consider before making the leap.

DO

Do Dissect the Fine Print

You'll have to sign a contract or layaway initiation form, which naturally contains a lot of vital information you could easily overlook. Don't let a long line or impatient clerk rush you through checking each detail so you know what to expect.

Do Consider Whether it's Worth the Origination Fee

There's a fair amount of paperwork, processing and labor involved in layaway plans, so stores charge a start-up fee for each order. Consider the amountof that charge is worthwhile compared to the overall total of your purchase.

Do Decide if You Really Need This Item

Should something happen and you decide not to go through with all payments, you'll likely have to pay a fee of roughly 25 to 30 percent of the total price of the layaway plan. That's a hefty fine for changing your mind, so make sure you really want the item before placing it on layaway.

Do Compare all Fees vs. Credit Card Charges

Add up the potential costs and consider whether you'd be better off placing a purchase on a credit card. According to a New York Times op-ed by Cornell professor Louis Hyman, a typical shopper could wind up paying far less interest by using a credit card, even if it has a fairly high APR. Plus, a credit card gives you purchase protection and, with some companies, price protection.

DON'T

Don't Ignore the Internet

Don't let a sale combined with a layaway plan talk you into buying before researching your options. You'll often find better deals online and it's a lot easier to comparison shop with your mouse. Search for promo codes to use toward your coveted item, and then compare the total cost of the online purchase to what you'd ultimately pay by putting it on layaway.

Don't Neglect Your Expiration Date

There's a limit to how long Walmart will store your stuff. As with other stores, they want to move it before Christmas, so check to ensure you have enough time and cash to pay the entire debt off on time or you'll forfeit everything you've already paid. Mark that date on your calendar and make sure you make all payments before it hits.

Don't Forget About Automatic Withdrawals

Some merchants prefer to set-up automatic checking-account deductions, ostensibly to save you the hassle of coming in to make each payment. In actuality, it's just another way to make sure they get their money. Should one of those payments bounce, however, you'll be socked with a healthy overdraft fee from both the merchant and your bank. Once again, mark on your calendar the date each deduction will be made, so you can double check the balance in your account.

Don't Layway When You Can Pay

It's hard to part with cash during the holidays, when other expenses build up, but the fees you incur with a layaway plan aren't always worth it if you can pay cash now and avoid the hassle.

###
Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.

A Visit to the American Girl Doll Store in Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:21:00 +0000

We made our first visit to the American Girl Doll store in Atlanta on Friday.

Here is my daughter posing with Kanani, the girl of the year (this is also the doll my daughter purchased earlier in the year through the catalog).

We chose a $20 hair style in the salon, a fishtail in the back (similar to a braid) with two colored bows.

Then we went into the bistro for "tea" (only $10 per person).

I love that the doll even got her own chair!

Then a little more shopping...

And time to say goodbye...

We spent about 1-1/2 hours in the store, and can't wait to go back!