Life Begins With LI

A Working Mom of Two Under 2

2013-10-24T11:50:00.003-07:00

So one week from tomorrow I go back to work after my 3 month maternity leave.

Being on leave is very, very nice but I still can't seem to get my entire to-do list complete even being at home all day long.
I took the time today to pack away all newborn and 0-3 month clothes for the little guy and 12-18 month clothes for the big guy.Little guy's clothes are boxed and labeled in the basement, big guys clothes transition to little guys closet! Unpack 3-6 month clothes into little guys drawers and open up boxes of 18024 month and 2t hand me downs and put into big guys drawers!!!

It's enough to make your head spin.... that's JUST CLOTHES (HA!) without adding a full time job into the mix.... as far as I'm concerned this IS a full time job. So working moms--- whats your secret? How and when do you cook, clean, shop, etc....

It's going to be a huge challenge to keep all my ducks in a row. Any recommendations for organization???

Want to know what stay-at-home mom's do ALL day? Check out this amazing post! Kudos to all you mommies (and daddy's) who stay home!

http://themattwalshblog.com/2013/10/09/youre-a-stay-at-home-mom-what-do-you-do-all-day/

Time for a comeback

2013-10-20T11:43:00.003-07:00

It's been quite a while since my last post. Now a mom of TWO boys- I am busier than I ever even expected.

It's time to get back to writing and letting you in on all things i'm loving.

I made a short list of "new mommy" favs

1. Gymboree- love the play and learn class for all ages ( of course we used a groupon to start up).

2. Peapod - just downloaded the app for it on my phone. It looks amazing and so excited to use it.

3. The fact that Khols, Target, and Babies R Us all price match (even online deals-happy shopping mommies!)

4. SIX stright hours of sleep last night :) enough said

5. Jandi's organic market in Oceanside (smoothies are awesome and help me drink my way through lunch)

6. Bikram 60 minute class (no not after the first time but after the first 10 times i now loooove it! and its not as painful as the 90 minute)

7. My washer/dryer.... I have just come to appreciate all its hard work

8. Facebook- so I can keep in touch with friends at all hours of the day just in case time doesnt allow for phone calls

9. Lazy fall football Sundays which let me reconnect to my bloggers

10. My family.... of course without a doubt the most important part of my life. Lucky to have two healthy happy boys and a supportive husband!

What are your new mommy favs?

Share with us

Vacation Rentals

2012-02-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

Having this little munchkin soon makes me think that the time and money for vacation will be slim.
It's so hard because hubby and I love to travel.In fact, we've gone to Europe twice on a very small budget.
For Italy we used a website called europeandestinations.com, for Paris we used Paris-room-rental.com.
Both websites were great and we got amazing deals.

I am always keeping my eyes peeled for the next great travel discount website and I found that one today while searching around on the web for an "after-babymoon"- picture an after-baby honeymoon:)
Anyway this site was an awesome one for San Fransico vacation rentals.I found apartments, houses and B&B's all on the same website. I kid you not when I tell you they have some apartments for rent for $40/night. The site is nice becuase it breaks San Fran down into 36 different neighborhoods so you can pick and choose where you want to make your home base for vaca.

After baby makes his or her arrival and this momma feels the need for a vacation I'm definately keeping San Fran and this awesome website on my radar!

Nesting

2012-02-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy just trying to work full time and bake this little baby that I have truly been a blog slacker.
Exactly 2 months from now this little nugget is due and I have begun "nesting"
Nesting syndrome is defined as both biological and emotional. A part of it is instinct. A woman knows her body best. Women seem to know when the baby is about to arrive and thus the nesting syndrome takes over. Pregnant women can be found at this point cleaning vigorously, rearranging the baby's room and packing and unpacking the labor bag.
In my own words I feel like a crazy lunatic making:
lists of things that need to be bought
classes that need to be taken (ie: baby 101)
booking pediatrician consults and labor/delivery tours
figuring out what to pack in hospital bags
and currently at the moment washing all "baby's" clothes in Free and Clear detergent so I can fold and refold them while I decide how to arrange the closet.

At the same time hubby is building the baby's changing table in the garage- and no I do not mean it got delivered and he's putting it together... I literally mean he bought plywood and has been making it from scratch in the garage (what a special gift for mom and baby!)

Currently at 32 weeks I've packed on 21 pounds and praying the weight gain slows down before baby arrives. I look and feel VERY pregnant. Sleeping is a challenge and i get up between 2-4 times each night just to pee- seriously?!?! They say this is your body preparing you for baby to arrive and wake you up throughout the night. My 2x per week prenatal yoga has dwindled to once a week due to the preterm contractions I had a few days ago. I was put on bed rest for a week and thankfully they went away so exercise has been put on the back burner. The doc actually said "get lots of rest, eat healthy and don't gain too much weight!" Thanks for the encouragment doc!

Baby is head down - assuming the position- ALREADY! I can't wait to meet our little angel and I know that baby is going to be the most amazing gift. This has been such a wild ride! I will post more often to keep you all updated on the latest happenings! Thank you for being such loyal followers!

Having Family

2012-02-12T06:50:00.001-08:00

Post contributed by Fletcher Vargas
It’s nice having wireless high speed internet at home and I keep telling my mom she needs to get it too. ever since she moved out to the beach by herself I wish she’d keep in better touch with us kids but you know, she just doesn’t seem to have any interest in that to tell you the truth! I love her to death but since she got divorced and retired she’s just in her own little world and I just can’t understand it. I never know what she’s up to or who she’s fraternizing with and that’s just not okay – she’s my mother and now that she’s older she’s my responsibility, you know what I mean? I wish I could talk her into moving closer to my sister and I but I honestly don’t think she likes us being all up in her grill, as she calls it. I think mom’s hiding something from us but I don’t know what it could be. A boyfriend, maybe? I don’t know but I’m going to find out!

Happy 2012

2012-01-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

Start the year off right with a good laugh.....

http://www.buzzfeed.com/burnred/the-25-funniest-autocorrects-of-2011-281t

Happy New Year to all my friends, family, and followers.
I know the posts are less frequent recently but thanks for sticking with me and continuing to follow.
I hope 2012 brings you all joy and happiness!!!

Black Friday Shopping?

2011-11-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today I let the hubs go Black Friday shopping while I stayed in and did laundry, cleaning, etc... maybe this is the beginning of my "nesting" stage???
I'm usually down with the Black Friday shopping deals but decided to lay low this year.
Hubs scored a crazy awesome deal on a new TV- we've been talking about getting a new tv on black friday for a few years and this year we totally bit the bullet and now I have a very fancy 40 inch sony internet flat screen tv....thank you pc richards!!!!

I'm so excited to get the wall mount and it will be a giant space saver for when the little nugget arrives... more room for nursery items!!!

We did do a little research at Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby for registry items. We haven't registered yet but I loved my experience at BBB. We got a better idea of what we need and they have sooo many choices! We spent about 3 hours at each store trying out strollers and car seats to see which one we liked best. I have a feeling we're going to go with the Chicco car seat but still doing some research on safety ratings.
If we do end up with Chicco, it will match this amazing Chicco Polly Swing in Graphica that I won at the NY Mom's Club Baby Bonanza last week. They picked my raffle number and btw- I never win anything but I'm so excited about this swing. It was just released last month from Chicco and comes with remote control to adjust swing speed, music, and vibrating seat! This is one lucky baby!!!!

Looks so super comfy for little munchkin!!!!

I hope you all had a happy thanksgiving with friends and family and Have a Fab-U Black Friday! Let me know if you found any great deals by you....

Oh baby!

2011-11-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

Between the new job, baby stuff, and house hunting, there's been little time for blog posts around here!!!
BUT- We got our first baby gift last week and IT IS THE BEST!
The book called " Oh Baby,The Places You'll Go" and its meant to be read to the baby while its in utero. This book makes both mom-to-be and baby very happy! It's fun to give it to other family members and have them read to the belly. (And yes, there is a little belly goin on!) I love hearing people read tot he baby- and I'm pretty sure they think its fun too!!!
It's turning into a nightly routine with the hubs and I reading to baby. I would love to hear if anyone else has other book recommendations for baby to hear???

If you have a friend or family member who's expecting this little gift is perfect and trust me- you'll be the superstar who bought it!

This weekend is one I've been looking foward to for a long time. My college girlfriends are visiting and they all have little boys under the age of 3. I can't wait to spend time watching the boys play together and catching up after the kids fall asleep!!!

I wonder if ours will be a little boy or a little girl??? We're planning to wait until April to find out!!!!

Costume

2011-11-12T06:44:00.001-08:00

Costume

Author: Elias Massey

Hey, quick question, has anyone been to http://www.tvbydirect.com/? Dear husband just got the greatest deal on tv and won't stop raving. Nor can I tear him away from the tv now! It's been fun to watch what everyone dressed up as for Halloween. Did you see what they did on the Today show?! They always come up with such great costumes! I just came up with the cutest idea for a baby girl's Halloween costume next year! We're going as the Green Giant family! Dear husband is obviously the Green Gian and baby will be the little sprouts. They don't make sprout costumes that small, but she'll be the cutest thing. I will be the Green Giant wife (a totally made up character). And I'll have to figure out something cute, comfy, yet sexy for the momma Green Giant wife costume! I'm not really looking forward to green face paint, though! I hear it takes forever to wash off. Argh!

Speaking of Being Fertile....

2011-10-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

I'm pregnant!

As our love fern grew big enough to get re-potted (see last weeks post).... my belly also grows!!!
I am SOOOO excited to finally share the news with you! I am 16 weeks along and feeling great! Baby is due April 11th, 2012.
This is by far the longest secret I've ever kept (and the most important)! I can't even get my head wrapped around being a mommy- it really blows my mind and completely changes my life!
Daddy-to-be is very excited too!

So since August we've managed to:
Move from Maryland to NY
Hubs started new job in August
I started a new job in October
.... and now have a little munchkin on the way..... talk about lots of changes all at once!!!!

I've managed to bust out the Belly Band this week, although I'm not sure I "popped" yet, I def. don't fit into my pants. I'm loving the Liz Lange maternity section at Target and found some cute clothes and bathing suits for work!

Now that "morning sickness" is gone, my appetite is back in full force and I'm thinking I better watch my diet. I haven't gained any weight yet but I have no clue how that's possible?! I'll just count my lucky stars for now!

Speaking of morning sickness, I am sure a man coined that term... I was sick in the morning, sicker in the afternoon, and my sickest at night for about SIX full weeks (weeks 6-12). I am SO happy to be out of that phase- and all you ladies out there that were never sick believe me you didn't miss out- you are the lucky ones!!!!

We plan to celebrate this good news with all of you for a long time. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful and supportive people in our life and can not wait to be parents!!!!!

I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!

Re-potting Our Love Fern

2011-10-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

So after travelling to NJ for work this week, I am so happy to be back on the Island!
Jersey is only about 40 miles away but in rush hour it took a whopping 3 hours for me to get home! I'm starting to get used to my new job as an Aquatics Director. It's definately a transition period for this company and its staff so it will take some time for me to get my feet wet (no pun intended)!! I'm sure all will be worked out in time, just like any other new job. The people I get to work with are really great and have SO much energy! I love the vibe I get and am really happy to have such fun co-workers!

If you go back in time on this blog you'll catch a story I wrote about an aloe plant the hubs gave me many years ago which is fondly named our "love fern!!"
It's been very well taken care of and we've watched it grow, and grow, and GROW over the years....

Today it's time to take our giant bundle and re-plant it. It's really outgrown it's space so we're going to attempt the re-potting (my first time trying this) and give a small peice of our aloe to family/friends (really to anyone who will take it!!!)

Besides re-potting this weekend, we have plans to travel to PA for a wedding tomorrow!! It's our cousin who is getting married and we're excited for our day trip! Next weekend I hope to take a trip to Bear Mountain NY to see the fall foliage at its peak and see some "upstate friends" who can come with us to the Oktoberfest they have at Bear Mountain every weekend in October:)

So pretty! I can't wait to go see this!!!!

I hope you have a Fab-U Weekend!!!!!

Fall happenings

2011-10-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

The weather has turned fall on us here on LI quickly! Last weekend hubs and I went to a far
Out east for pick your own produce! So much fun- we have eggplant, corn, pumpkins, and plenty of peppers.... All freshly picked by us!
I'm also adjusting to the new job- very different from the old job!
Anytime I start a new job I just keep an open mind and take it one day at a time.
This time I am basically my own boss (or at least that's how it seems for now) which is a brand new concept for me. Next week I get to go to the armpit of America (j/k love all my Jersey friends and readers!) but yes- NJ for training and the Ramada Inn for a night. Bizarrely enough I'm not stressed at all about work.... Only about my fear of bedbugs at hotels near NYC! Praying that it's unjustified fear but bringing my own pillow and blanket for my own sanity!!!! Am I crazy or are there other people out there that think about these things too???
Another thing that's blowing my mind is Regis leaving Live! after all these years. I love Kelly Ripa (a Jersey girl herself) but I love her with Regis.
I've come up with my top replacement for Reg that I think would be a good fit for Kelly:
Bethany Frankel (from RHONY)
Who's your pick?
I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!

Freddy's Two Week Round-Up

2011-09-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

These past two weeks have been filled with many adventures in my house (or should I say my teeny tiny little love cottage)! Last weekend the hubs and I made our way to Baltimore via the Amtrak from NYC. This was my first Amtrak experience and (eventhough it's a little pricey) it was so worth it! I looked for a car that wasn't too crowded and we ended up in the "Quiet Car." They have this sign that says "No cell phones and no loud conversations" which scares the normal American away from the quiet car. I found this sign to be a nice little invitation to 3 straight hours of relaxation. It was fun! The hubs and I whispered and giggled and then he napped. It was such a great way to travel- highly recommended!!! I wish Amtrak would endorse me for writing this so I could travel in that amazing quiet car more often without the heavy price tag!

Once in Baltimore we saw my in-laws and the whole family including my adorable nephew who is starting to speak and says Belbow instead of elbow and it just makes your heart MELT!!!! We also went to a wedding of some good friends who tied the knot! They had an Indian-American wedding to mesh their two cultures together and it was AWESOME!!! The ceremony was nice and everyone dressed in fancy Indian clothing and then they changed into their party clothes for the reception where the food, dancing, and good company was had by all until the wee hours of the morning (or 11pm which to me is very late now)!!!!

Also last week I got a new job offer on the table. Still mulling it over but it looks very enticing and it might just be the right thing for me.... I will follow you up with more info on this soon!

Can we also talk about Target mayhem this week with the opening of Missoni. I didn't get involved in the madness but heard it was like Black Friday in stores and obvi the website crashed. Target will get more shipments in as the days go by and I might just pop in to see whats on the racks.
Also, Kohls- I love this place!!!! I'm newly obsessed with Lauren Conrads collection and the new J.Lo collection. Must get coupons..... oh speaking of coupons, check out some deals to take advantage of this week:

Macy's $25 giveaway via Facebook
30% off American Eagle Clearance!!!
30% off entire purchase at Hollister
NY and Co. 30 % off entire purchase
Friends and Family weekend at Puma 40% off wooo hooo!
Massive Toys R Us coupons
25% off at Ruby Tuesday-very good possibility I could eat that salad bar tonight... !!!!

I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!!!

Freddy's Fab-U Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

We are all safe and sound up here after Hurricane Irene flew through the Island and battered many trees and flooded many communities. We were some of the lucky ones who had power the whole time and only had to clean up some tree damage. I hope that's the first and the last hurricane we get this season.

On a lighter note, this weekend marks the end of summer.... and that's why it needs to be a great weekend filled with friends and fun times. We are hosting our first out of town visitors this weekend. Luckily it's the hubs best friend and girlfriend, who happen to be very easy going and tons of fun, so I can't wait for the company!

There's so much to do and we figure we'll start by going to the Quicksilver surf competition in Long Beach tomorrow. The prize for the winner of the competition is $1 million dollars!!! It's getting alot of hype and there's tons of people coming out to watch so we might as well drive the 5 minutes and check it out!

I would also love to take our friends to my hometown of Port Jefferson. Its such a cute little town with one-off shops, a nice marina, and restuarants. There's plenty of sight-seeing to do!!!

Then there's always the big city... I would be ok with going to see a matinee on Broadway if the weather doesn't hold out.

I hope we play the part of good host and hostess....

Some Labor Day Sales you might want to take advantage of are:

Chick Fil A Free Breakfast all week... see details
10% off entire purchase at LL BEAN
20% off at Babies R Us via facebook
Lots of Kellogs coupons when you sign up
My personal fav (again!!) 30% off at COACH OUTLET

I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!!!

Flea Markets Aren't Just For old Ladies

2011-08-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

Guest post written by Kim Finn

I used to have this impression of flea markets that they were just filled full of old people. That may have been because I once went to one with my grandma, but I guess something like that will probably do it. Now though, I go a lot with my friends. I don't buy things every time I go, but it's fun just to see all of the things that you can find there.
Sometimes I'll use my wireless internet Maui to look up how much I can expect to pay for something elsewhere that I bought at a flea market, just as another way to enjoy the flea market. I've picked up a few vintage pieces that I found similar ones on ebay of for much more than I paid at the flea market.
But I also like to buy some homewares there too. I found a really interesting bench there once that I use as kind of a bookshelf and place to put a whole bunch of random things in my apartment. Stuff like that is so much better when you get it for dirt cheap.

Go Away Irene

2011-08-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Anyone on the east coast knows this week has been crazy.... an earthquake and now a hurricane!!!
The hubs and I live 5 miles north of the "barrier islands" that are being evacuated. We have friends coming up our way to wait for the storm to pass, so hopefully we will stay a little drier on higher ground. NYC plans to shut down all mass transit (like the trains that take hubs from LI to NYC) by noon tomorrow. I really can't ever remember storm preparation like this in NY.

Bracing for Irene!

So this morning I made my way to the grocery store to stock up on milk, water, gatorade, nonperishables, etc... so we have a 5 day supply. The store was basically stripped of all milk and water, but luckily I got some of the last containers. People really do go crazy stock piling, and that makes me crazy... so if everyone could just calm down please:)

One thing I do have to commend New Yorkers on is that everyone is on their best behavior. No one in the stores is being pushy or angry. Everyone is so polite- it really is like the calm before the storm!!!

I'm just really hoping we don't lose power. All of our power lines are above ground so slim chance of that happening. I've got cards and board games ready:) I hope everyone in Irene's path is prepared and stays safe this weekend.

Wherever you are, I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!!!!

Freddy's Fab-U Friday Finds and Baking Extravaganza

2011-08-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! My week was filled with cooking with my grandma. She is a wonderful cook and loves to bake her famous cookies. I'm a lucky girl to be able to live in my grandma's house and have her here to show me all of our family recipie's!!! This week we made dream bars, almond cookies, jam diagonals, chocolate meringues, and mandelbread. Yesterday I helped bake Teiglach, which is one of the most fun things I've ever done!!! Teigel, literally means "little dough." They are small, knotted pastries boiled in a honey syrup.
They are a traditional Lithuanian Jewish treat for Rosh Hashana (the New Year). This honey treat symbolizes a "sweet" wishes for the new year. Once the Teiglach are made, we freeze them and then take them out right before the holidays... bam, just like new!

The end result! Pick apart with your fingers:)

After days filled with baking cookies, and tasting everything multiple times- too many times, its hard for me to want to make dinner for the hubs and I. Wondering if anyone out there has any favorite and EASY dinner recipes for me? I mean like 5 ingredient recipes that prep and cook in under an hour!!! That seriously sounds magical, so if you want to share your secrets please comment below- even if it's just a link for a recipe you've been wanting to try:)

I found some great coupons for you to take advantage of this week:
Buy One Get One Quiznos
Firestone Oil Change $22.99- thanks Andrew Firestone (former Bachelor)
20% off and more coupons from Toys R Us
Staples 20% off any item
One Day Only 8/20 GAP 30% off purchase at GAP Outlet!!!
JCPenny $10-15-20 off
15% off Kohls including clearance!!!
PacSun $10 iff $25- think accessories if you don't buy clothes here:)
30% off Old Navy one item

Happy Back to School Shopping!!!!
I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!!!!

Freddy's Fiyahhhhh Island Friday

2011-08-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend marks the 4th annual Fire Island weekend girls trip!!!!! This is one of the best weekends of the year for all of my girls and I to get together and it started 4 years ago at my bachelorette party- its a tradition that we are not giving up! What a great time to lay on the beach with your besties and cook good food and catch up over many drinks! The island is a barrier island south of long island.. did you get that???

We will be east of the letter A.

The only way to get to Fire Island is by Ferry (about 30 minutes). That means no cars!!! An island that is 1/4 mile wide with little beach houses and bars and restaurants and NO CARS! Now that's paradise!
I packed late last night and plan to buy my groceries for the trip now..... procrastination much???!!! We divvy up the groceries and it works out perfectly!

I'm so excited for this trip and can't wait to tell you all about it when I return!!!!

I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!!!

Freddy's Fab-U Friendship Friday

2011-08-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

After 10 glorious days of unpacking and getting our cozy LI cottage set up, here's what we've got on our weekend "to-do" list:
-finish unpacking the 3 boxes we have left
-find curtains I like and hang them up
-get the insurance paperwork in to the claims company because the movers shoved the king size matress through our small cottage door and broke the trim off, which in turn got stuck on the matress, which ripped the new-ish latex matress (no bueno!)
-return "waterproff" digital camera to Best Buy so they can fix whatever water damage it has
-bring unwanted items to my mom's house and while we're there take a dip in the pool and have a family BBQ
-go to the beach, jump in the ocean and layout for a nap:)
-use our brand new Weber Grill that we boguht off of craigslist (after I get a propane tank for it)

I'm pretty satisfied with the unpacking progress of our first week in NY.

I also bought this AMAZING livingsocial deal to Breath N Flow yoga. It cost $25 for one month of unlimited yoga. This week I managed to go everyday M/W/F and TWICE a day on Tues/Thurs. My favorite by far is Yogalates- a mixture of yoga and pilates. Also they do the "pose of the month" and this month is head stand, or Sirsasana. I actually did it once at the yoga studio with a spot. I thoguht I was hot stuff and came home to show the hubs, who was basically in awe that I could actually do this. I held it for a few seconds and then my legs went over and I totally bit it!!! Hysterical!
This weekend I might try the hot yoga, which is kind of scary because I don't love to drip sweat (which is why I was a swimmer!)

My studio, headstand attempt pic coming soon...

I'll let you know how that goes....

I've been good on couponing and saving money this week, and in honor of **Friendship Day (on 8/7/11) here are some amazing deals for my friends, YOU:

20% off for H&M Kids
50% off Joann Fabric coupon for those crafty ladies ( and men) out there
30% off or 35% off with card at GAP
$5 off $50 at Kmart
100 free business cards at Staples, deal ends tomorrow

**Friendship Day was originally promoted by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark cards in 1919, and intended on first sunday of august to be a day where people celebrated their friendships by sending cards. The first Sunday in August was chosen as the centre of the largest lull in holiday celebrations. Friendship Day was promoted by the greetings card National Association during the 1920s but met with consumer resistance - given that it was rather too obviously a commercial gimmick to promote greetings cards. By the 1940s the number of Friendship Day cards available in the US had dwindled and the holiday largely died out there. There is no evidence to date for its uptake in Europe, however it has been kept alive and revitalised in Asia where several countries adopted the tradition of dedicating a day to friends. Today, Friendship Day is enthusiastically celebrated in a number of countries across the world.

I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!!!!!!!

You Know Your On Vacation When....

2011-07-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

You totally lose track of time and forget what day of the week it is AND have no clue as to if its still July or is it August?!!!! AND, that its already Saturday and not Friday.
And to clear it up, by vacation I mean permanently on "vacation" until I find myself a job on LI!

Move update: I learned an important life lesson this week...
If it takes you 3 weeks to pack up a townhouse, do not expect to unpack in a few days. It really doesn't work like that.

We've been unpacking bit by bit, with intermittent trips to the beach to recharge! I have missed the beach so much and really make it a point to go everyday. The boardwalk is 2.2 miles long and the hubs and I have been taking long walks and then biking a few times up and down the boardwalk before heading home. Yesterday we walked two miles and biked six (and we didn't even feel like working out)! It is SO nice to workout together and get some fresh ocean air!!!

Other things we've done this week besides unpacking:
Rented storage container for 1/2 of our belongings
Got library cards (I LOVE the library-and yes, I think that's pretty weird)
Got the hubs his official NY State license (standing on line at the DMV for an hour is a true NY experience)
Bought a HOT craigslist item for our makeshift kitchenette

This the extent of our kitchen counter top!!!

We've been doing alot of research on "apartment style" living and are looking for fun ways to save space and store our things- next up on the list is some type of shabby chic wall-mounted wine rack! Our "cottage" is super small and we need to make the most of every nook so if you have any ideas let me know!!!!! We've gone with a beachy shabby chic style!!!

I'll keep you posted with more LI news soon!

Deali-O!

2011-07-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm on the deal wagon this week.I am gearing up to write to you all about our big MOVE, but for now we are safe and sound back in LI!!!! Oh yeahhhh.

I needed to rant about a quick new webiste I found that sells tons of electronic stuff for sale. I am a big fan of my Dell laptop and they have tons of Dell stuff on their webiste and it is VERY discounted. Take the Dell - E Series E2311H 23-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor with LED originally marked to sell at $229.00. On this webiste it sells for $149. If you end up doing the math its a 34% mark down!
How about this (my personal website fav!!!) The Kodak ZM1 Mini Video Camcorder originally $100 now marked at $49.99. Can you say stocking stuffer???? These deals seem too good to be true--- but they're not, they are VERY real!!!!!

This website link is going under my "favorites" on my computer so I can check it daily like I do my Groupon, and we all know how insanely obsessed I am with that site (I do love my deals!)
Tell your friends and thank me later:)
Happy shopping!!!!!!

"Chugging" Along in Maryland

2011-07-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm still recovering from my "Boss Behind the Bar" extravaganza.

Partying with college students = so fun.....and NOT such a good idea if you want to be productively packing the house the next day!!! I did have a blast guest bartending at McFaddens. The drink of choice for the night was Tequila (shots, more specifically chugging double shots of tequila until I couldn't feel my face or my feet)!!! As I continue to recover from my night out with Jose (Cuervo), the hubs and I are packing up the house. Today we packed up the kitchen, and that makes moving feel so REAL. No more plates, silverware, toaster oven- you get the point. We will get take-out on paper plates and plastic utensils until the move on Tuesday.
I'm so proud of the progress we've made and how much junk we actually threw away.
LI- here we come!!!!!

Some deals you might want to take advantage of today are:
Massive Michael's Coupons
20% off at Macy's
$10 off $50 at Old Navy
25% off Ruby Tuesday
30% off COACH
20%off Kohl's
25% off EXPRESS
Plenty of Toys R Us coupons.

I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!!!!!

Oh July! Where has the time gone???

2011-07-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

To summarize life:
My mom calls to tell me she read an article that says moving is one of life's top five most stressful events.
I feel better now! Everytime I get overwhelmed- which is about a dozen times a day- I just think that if this is in the top 5 most stressful life events then I'll be okay. I also think that starting a new job should be on that list or resigning from your job before you have a new one lined up .... I mean, I could go on like this and vent to you or we could just move on.... So we move along to other things-
Last friday was my last day at UMD- so sad to leave my kids and the wonderful friends and coworkers I spent the last 4 years with!! I was sent off in style with some sweet underarmour Terp gear and a lifeguard shirt signed by my students (picture summercamp throwback style)! They are really awesome students and I promised to hang with those that are "of age" before I leave town. SOOO they signed me up to participate in this happy hour event at Mcfaddens bar in dc called Boss Behind the Bar.... I'll be serving drinks this Wednesday @ 6pm- I'm sure there will be many stories to follow up with afterwards!

It's been real!

Something else that was AMAZING this past week was my vaca to obx (short for outer banks,NC)
We rented a house with my inlaws and vaca-ed for an entire week! It was so relaxing. I filled my days with reading, beach walks, sunbathing, and good home cooking!! The hubs caught a few bluefish and we marinated them for a while and grilled em up- delish! The marinade was super simple: lemonjuice, lemons, salt, pepper and olive oil. Let marinade for 6 hours and grill on BBQ about 6 minutes in each side. I am so excited for him to continue fishing once we move to LI. I'm totally down with dining on the "catch of the day" and saving some dollars!

OBX Beach. Duck, NC.

Now I'm on to packing the house, which btw is a never-ending task! If anyone has any moving tips I'd be happy to hear from you... otherwise I'll be sticking to my usual schedule. Pack by day, wine by night.....

Freddy's Fab-U Friday Garage Sale

2011-07-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

We are having our first garage sale this weekend and I'm hoping to bargain away and get rid of LOAD of stuff!!!!!
I have been so busy between sorting through what to sell/what to pack and trying to get moving estimates to help us I really don't know which end is up.

TGIF and this awesome 3-day weekend!!!!!

Happy 4th of July and I hope you have a Fab-U Friday!!!!!

We're Going Going, Back Back to .......

2011-06-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

LI, LI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We will be on the border of the light and dark green in Nassau County on the very southern part next to the BEACH!

I haven't blogged in so long because my life has literally turned upside down!
This is some seriously BIG news!!!!!!!!!!!!
The hubs and I are moving back to Long Island!!!!!!!
One of my girl friends put it best- Life Begins with LI... (and maybe ends with it too- not spelling wise at least)

So I have compiled a quick list of things I will miss most about Maryland and what I most look foward to in NY. I think it sums up the bittersweet feeling the hubs and I have right now.

Miss the most about Maryland:
   1.My husbands family- I love them and will miss family dinners together. I will especially miss my little nephew who said my name for the first time on Sunday!!
   2.The friends I've made at work. There are a few that really helped me get through the hard times and I know I will keep in touch with each and every one of them for the rest of my life (tears! literally!)
   3. My students- they were legit the best and worst part of my job (depending on the day) but I will miss watching them grow up.
   4.My townhouse- its the place where the hubs and I lived as soon as we got engaged, planned our wedding, after we got married etc.... and I loved playing house there!
   5. Indian food- I really hope there's some of that in NY! I never even tried it until I got to MD and it's damn good!
   6. Annapolis- we try to get over to NAP town at least once a month (mainly because I was homesick and it reminded me of where I grew up) but I have come to really like it alot over there!

Things I am most looking foward to in NY
   1. Seeing my family- you have no idea how much I miss them all the time!!!
   2. Seeing my friends- who- to me- are the same as my family. Not to brag but I seriously have the BEST friends in the entire universe:)
   3. Italian food! Here we come San Gennaro Festival http://www.sangennaro.org/ check it out!
   4. NYC- for all obvious reasons
   5. Let's go YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!
   6. THE BEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are 5 miles from Long Beach, NY which looks like THIS:

Paradise!

Sunsets are amazing!