Gunning It

Song of the Week...White Stripes

2011-10-10T15:53:00.001-04:00

I just got back from Oktoberfest and I have to say it was SO much fun....better than I imagined believe it or not! For all the drinking that was going on, I did not see ONE fight. Crazy!? I've seen way more drunken chaos & fights at a single Eagles game, than I saw in the 2 days I attended Oktoberfest with thousands of people. Everyone was just happy. But I will post more about it along with my photos soon.
In the mean time, I wanted to share this song for my "Song of the Week." It was crazy that the generic chant for Oktoberfest was "Ooooooo" from "Seven Nation Army" by White Stripes. All day and night all you heard were crowds of people in and out of the tents and walking down the streets, chanting this song. Here is a clip from a previous Oktoberfest (not the one I attended) just to give you an idea....

And here is the actual song if you'd rather listen to the real thing....good stuff!

Traveling without Kids

2011-09-26T09:57:00.000-04:00

With our upcoming trip to Germany I thought I would post my tips on how we prepare when traveling without the kids. There are lots of sites with tips on how to travel with kids but I found that there are not too many sites offering tip on how to travel without the little ones.

So here is a list of what seems to work for our family:

For the week or two prior to leaving, I start talking to the kids about where their dad & I are going, who will be watching them (fortunately it is always Grand mom). I think it is good to talk things out. Help put their mind at ease and answer any questions they might have before we leave.
The day of (or before) we are to leave, I try to spend good quality time with the kids. Ask them what they want to do and prepare a special dinner the night before.
For my sanity and peace of mind, I leave a general day-by-day schedule for my mom with the kid's activities, routine, and any important notations. This is a great place to explain a special night-time routine as well. We all know....kids thrive and love their routine and structure.
Leave our Itinerary, complete with hotel and flight information.
The obvious....making sure the pantry and fridge are stocked with food. Perhaps make a couple casseroles and put in the freezer. Leave cash for groceries and incidentals.
Leave a copy of our Will and the kid's files with social security cards, birth certificates, etc....You never know!?
We also leave a Notarized (most banks will notarize for free) Medical Release Letter (along with our insurance card) giving my mom the authority to make any medical decisions while we are away. We also include our emergency contact info., Doctor, and Dentist's phone numbers. I also like to leave a friend's number too (just in case).
Since the kids are a little older and understand what is going on, this year I am leaving a surprise gift to be given mid-week, while we're away. Just when the novelty of having Grand mom here wears off, I hope this gift will lift their spirits and distract the sad feelings : )
And of course, we talk up the souvenirs we will bringing back to the kids. When we call home to check in (even if we're out of the country)we like to re-iterate the "cool presents" we have picked up in our travels. And keep the calls short and sweet! (If you have access to Skype, this might be a great tool to use as well).

I think that about covers it....If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear!

Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest.

2011-09-22T08:21:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we went to the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest for the first time. One of my husband's co-workers plays in a German band that participates in the Oktoberfest every year. We thought it would be good practice for our upcoming trip and a great opportunity to enjoy Oktoberfest with the kids. They had a blast, especially Anna dancing on the stage, and Nick loved all the rides. For the cost of entry, you can have access to unlimited rides.....perfect for a 6 year old!

Here are some pictures....Prost!

Song of the Week - Brandi Carlile

2011-09-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

So bummed I am missing her in Philly when she comes with Ray LaMontagne....but hey, I will drinking at Oktoberfest in Germany so I really cannot complain.

God give me patience.

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

If my daughter asks me if she can paint my nails or the dog's nails one more time.....I am going to SCREAM! What is this obsession with nail polish. Oh right, she is a girlie girl AND she is 3 years old.

I do not have the patience....

Make-up, nail polish, dress-ups, high heels, jewelry, hair accessories, and dance parties.

I thought having a boy was hard but this is much harder dealing with a girlie girl, in my opinion. I think I am better equipped as a mom to deal with the rough & tough, high-energy boy. At least when he gets upset...he has a tantrum and it is done. But that is not how my little girlie crab rolls. It is constant nagging, whining, and high-pitched squealing. And she never forgets!

(sigh)

Despite my lack of patience with the Little Miss....she IS very sweet and considerate when she wants to be....and I do love that she always wants mommy (whereas my son always wants Dad).

God, just give me patience with her because I am sure I was the same way at her age.

Song of the Week 9/14

2011-09-14T08:00:00.005-04:00

Another great album...especially love the sound of their instruments, different than your everyday music.

Remembering 9.11.01

2011-09-11T09:09:00.000-04:00

Picture I took when I was younger. I especially remember this day because my family was fortunate enough to visit and go to the top of the World Trade Center.

I remember driving home from work on 9.11 and noticing everyone was driving especially slow...no aggressive drivers....which was very eerie. I was working as an Instructional Coordinator with Autistic children at the time and did not know anything had happened until 11 am, when another colleague came into our classroom announcing the news. It was a hard day because the children we worked with were non-verbal and could not understand what was going on. We also had no TV access in our school at the time, so I did not see any images of the tower being hit, the magnitude of what was going on, until I got home from work that night.

Song of the Week

2011-09-07T08:00:00.002-04:00

I have recently started reading some blogs again. In doing so, I came across One Man's Hodgepodge. I have to admit, I am partial to his blog because he recently posted about Chesapeake Ribbons. However he also posts a "Song of the Day" which I love. I have always been a huge music fan and enjoy seeing live concerts. Now that I have kids it is a lot harder to get to concerts (the cost, securing a babysitter, having to wake up early the next morning with the kids, etc.). Anyway, One Man's Hodgepodge has inspired me to post a "Song of the Week" so I can share some of my new (and old) favorite tunes.

I hope you enjoy.....

Thought her performance at the 2011 VMA's was fabulous. Her voice, music, and lyrics always give me the chills when I listen to her.

Her official video is awesome as well

Oktoberfest

2011-09-06T12:04:00.000-04:00

For the last 2 years my brother and his wife have been living in Dusseldorf, Germany on a "relo." My husband and I were lucky to be able to go visit with them last fall during Oktoberfest. Unfortunately it was too much to make it down to Munich for the real deal but we still enjoyed Oktoberfest in Dusseldorf...

While visiting, we agreed that we would make it back this year, but this time we would meet in Munich for the official Oktoberfest. So now we are only 23 days away until we leave for Germany. I am super excited and it is just starting to hit me now. After doing a long weekend in Munich, we are heading down to the King's Castles and then over to Austria to visit Innsbruck and Salzburg.

So as you can imagine, we have so much to plan. Of course the first thing we have already taken care of are our beer tent tickets (back in January)...we will be going with a large group. Also my sister-in-law scored me a Dirndl (hopefully it fits) so I just need a blouse now. Yes, I am going to dress-up for the festivities. When in Rome, right?!
But...
We still need to figure out what we want to do in Austria and where to stay by the King's Castles.

Have you been to Oktoberfest? What are your suggestions?

Have you been to Innsbruck or Salzburg, Austria?

I would love any feedback.....

Where have I been?

2011-08-31T16:03:00.000-04:00

If you have stopped by my blog you will see I have not given it much attention at all these last several months. It is not that I have given up, I am actually busy with so many other projects I am finding it hard to manage my time.

So what are these projects you might be wondering?

Well my first & obvious "time consumer" is my business Chesapeake Ribbons. I am the owner and founder of Chesapeake Ribbons, an online boutique providing you with classic handmade ribbon belts and accessories for the entire family (even your dog). If you have not seen my boutique in a while please take a look now and let me know what you think. I have been working hard to give it a whole new look and am so proud of the outcome. In addition, I am always adding new ribbons and products so that YOU will want to keep coming back. Here are just a few of my newest products:

The other big project I manage right now is Moxie Moms of the Philadelphia Suburbs. When my husband and I made the choice to have me stay at home with the kids, I did not realize how hard it would be initially. I was grieving my job and depressed because I did not have the adult socialization I needed (and I need to be around people)! So I decided to do something about it....I started a chapter of Moxie Moms in the Chester County, PA area.

What is Moxie Moms you are wondering?

A network of women for "screamin' deals and social fun." Our group consists of 60 moms (and we're still growing). The unique feature about this group, what sets it apart from traditional mom's clubs, is we partner with local businesses to help them reach their market and the businesses give our moms exclusive deals. In addition, our group is online. We have have a blog, meet-up site, and facebook page in addition to our main website with activities calendar. So not only do I participate in daily activities with my kids, I also manage the blog, facebook, and seek out local businesses for partnering.

And finally, I am a mother of two very active children and wife to a husband that travels quite a bit. So as you can imagine, my "everyday life" can be very time consuming as well. With one about to begin preschool and the other going into 1st grade, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I do get a few hours to myself in the coming weeks.

So now you know....hopefully I make it back on here at least once a week as I am.....

"Gunning It, not a slow day yet...."

2011-08-05T08:37:00.000-04:00

It has been way too long since I last posted on here, so to start things off I am doing a giveaway:

Brownies anyone?

I was recently given the opportunity by My Blog Spark to try out the New Fiber One® 90 Calorie Brownies. The brownies are moist and chewy treats that let you have what you crave while helping you stay on track with your balanced diet. With 5 grams of fiber, which is 20 percent of the Daily Value of Fiber, the new brownies are a smart snacking choice.

These brownies come in two flavors. The Chocolate Fudge brownies are made with chocolate-flavored chips and topped with a dark chocolate-flavored drizzle, and the Chocolate Peanut Butter variety contains peanut butter chips topped with a peanut butter drizzle.

My opinion, for a quick low-cal snack these will satisfy your sugar craving however if you are really craving a brownie, they really don't taste anything like a home-made brownie. But that's just my opinion so the good news is now you can taste for yourself!

Fiber One and General Mills through MyBlogSpark, have given me a prize pack to give away to one lucky reader. The gift pack includes: a Fiber One 90-Calorie Brownies gift pack that includes a box each of the Chocolate Fudge and the Chocolate Peanut Butter brownies, as well as a Fiber One 90-Calorie Brownie themed duffel bag, jump rope, water bottle, snack case, headband and bracelet.

So how can you win this gift pack?

Simply leave a comment (with your email address so I can contact the winner) letting me know when you plan to enjoy your Fiber One 90-Calorie Brownie; as an afternoon pick-me-up or an evening indulgence?

Giveaway ends Wednesday, 8/10 at 10 pm E.T.

Good Luck!

Dunn crash site...

2011-06-22T20:18:00.000-04:00

You can read the full article here. I drove by today since this happened just down the road from my house. It was 1 pm and there were many mourners stopped on the side of the road. So sad....

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

Chesapeake Ribbons

2011-06-03T14:02:00.000-04:00

In case you have not visited our online boutique in a while, I invite you to come take a look at our fresh new website!

The website is still a 'work in progress' but we wanted keep the shop open. So please visit us and leave ANY feedback below, about how we can make our site even better.

Thank you!

2011-05-20T12:00:00.000-04:00

Great CD....I just downloaded it on iTunes. Good music for a lazy rainy day...

Fast & Easy Lasagna

2011-05-19T15:57:00.000-04:00

If you're like me, the last thing you feel like doing on a lazy rainy day is make dinner. So I pulled out one of my favs and thought I'd share with you. It is pouring here in Chester County! Let me know what you think!

Last-Minute Lasagna

1 24- or 26-ounce jar pasta sauce
2 18-20-ounce refrigerated large cheese ravioli
1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed dry
1 8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan

Heat oven to 375° F.

Heat oven to 375? F. Spoon a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cover with a single layer of ravioli. Top with half the spinach, half the mozzarella, and a third of the sauce. Repeat with another layer of ravioli and the remaining spinach, mozzarella, and half the remaining sauce. Top with another layer of ravioli and the remaining sauce (not all the ravioli may be needed). Sprinkle with the Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes more.

Yield: Makes 6 servings
from Real Simple

Fast & Easy Recipes with Bisquick

2011-05-14T08:53:00.001-04:00

Thanks to MyBlogSpark for giving me the opportunity to view these recipes and share. I cannot wait to try them out with my family!

Birthday Extravaganza....

2011-05-12T08:31:00.000-04:00

Chesapeake Ribbons recently sent Market Mommy a gift for their Birthday Extravaganza this year. Marketing Mommy is approaching the 2nd Birthday of MarketMommy.com, as well as awaiting the birth of their third baby, so it is all about baby this year!

So if you are a Mompreneur that is looking for fabulous exposure or you simply want to participate in a HUGE birthday bash giveaway and win FREE prizes, be sure to mark you calendars for the party in June!

Here's a sneak peek at what we sent Markey Mommy
(She doesn't know the gender of the baby so we made a unisex gift JUST for her!)

Navy Prep pacifier clip & coordinating belt

Milky Way Farm

2011-05-11T15:32:00.000-04:00

Have you visited Milky Way Farm ? If not, you have to make a trip over for some home-made & moolicious ice cream. (The farm is located in Chester Springs just off route 113). Then when you're done, let the kids run off their sugar high visiting the farm animals. They have ducks, chickens, sheep, pigs, and of course, dairy cows.

Milky Way Farm is a family owned and operated dairy farm offering services and products with "down on the farm" flair. Their services and products include birthday parties, private tours, school group field trips, and pick your own pumpkins during the October pumpkin season.

And right now, milk and eggs are available for purchase in the outdoor cooler shed located across from the Creamery. Don't forget to ask about their CSA program either!

Please note the creamery hours:

Spring and Fall ~ Friday, Saturday and Sunday 1 pm - 9 pm

Summer ~ Tuesday through Sunday 1 pm - 9 pm

And if you want to check out their flavors, click here.

Enjoy!

Philadelphia Broad Street Run 2011

2011-05-02T13:09:00.000-04:00

This year we went to the Broad Street Run to cheer my husband and several friends on, as they conquered the 10 mile race through the streets of center city Philadelphia. We had the most gorgeous weather and fun day....ending with a picnic in FDR park.

If you have not gone down for the race....I highly suggest! It is so much fun and the show of support by families and friends is awesome....

My tip for the race: From 95 go over the Platt Bridge and turn on Pattison Ave., then enter FDR park. It is a great spot to park, walk up to Broad Street to watch the race, and then come back to picnic and relax!!

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T12:00:00.001-04:00

Celebrate Earth Day this year by sending Chesapeake Ribbons items you or your wee ones have outgrown or are just plain tired of, and weeCycle them into new, repurposed items.

weeCycle is a new program we’ve conjured up in our “mommypreneur” chats and we think it’s a pretty good idea.

So what is weeCycle?

It is our way to recycle, repurpose and “upcycle” items that would otherwise be sent to a landfill. We’re talking about stuff like:

old belts or belt hardware

old ribbon (think of all that ribbon that gets thrown out from wedding and baby showers)

old barrettes or barrette hardware

old dog collars

old dog leashes

old headbands

apparel (onesies, t-shirts, pj’s, etc…to be used for sewing projects)

In exchange for your help and participation in our weeCycle program, Chesapeake Ribbons is offering you a credit of your shipping costs toward purchases at Chesapeake Ribbons PLUS a $5 gift certificate to be used anytime online at Chesapeake Ribbons.

If this sounds like something you might like to take part in or if you have any questions, please email chesapeakeribbons(at)gmail(dot)com.

The Party is almost over...

2011-04-07T14:31:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that the Ultimate Blog Party ends tomorrow, 4/8, so be sure to submit your prize entry form!

Chesapeake Ribbons is giving away two $25 Gift Certificates which can be found on the prize page, at the top of the list for Prizes with a Value Between $25 – $49.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook as well.

I love to hear from you!

The party has started!

2011-04-05T07:58:00.000-04:00

The party has started so if you haven't joined in any of the festivities yet, you must hurry over to The Ultimate Blog Party 2011 hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom. The UBP is a huge bash where you can meet new people and win fabulous prizes! It has started but it runs until April April 8th so be sure to check it out!

(...And don't forget to look for Chesapeake Ribbons. I am giving away 2 gift certificates to be redeemed online. Just in time for Mother's Day gifts and even Easter gifts).

Still wondering what IS a blog party?

Click here to learn all the details from the experts over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

...And be sure to give 5 Minutes for Mom a 'like' on facebook so you can follow all of the party details as well as watch hashtag #UBP11 on Twitter!

Did you know?

2011-03-27T15:22:00.001-04:00

Just thought I'd share some great tips I learned over the years:

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy Deviled Eggs Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Reheating refrigerated bread To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water... The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

This tip I love, use, and it works! Newspaper weeds away...Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.

Broken Glass Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

No More Mosquitoes Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Flexible vacuum To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Measuring Cups Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Reopening envelopes
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside,just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

Get Rid of Ants Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

To celebrate St. Patty's Day Chesapeake Ribbons is offering everyone

FREE shipping& handling!

Just enter 'st.patrick' during check-out.

Cheers!