Married Life by Cynthia | Happy Wife, Happy Life

A Little Game of Hide and Seek?

2012-09-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

You found me! Olly olly oxen free! OK let us END this game of hide and seek!

Wow, it's been a while hasn't it?! I'm still juggling work & home life...trying to pull it all together. I can't say that I am getting any better at it, but I TRY. I don't blog as much as I would like, but have been living life to the fullest. Hubby, son, and I are all doing well. We have so many stories to tell but have been too "in the moment" to document it all via blog posts. Little by little, it WILL happen. Here is a fairly recent family photo. I love our son's "tough guy" expression (Whatchu lookin' at Willis?) and the cute little photo bomber in the stroller!

Trying to squeeze in what I enjoy WITHOUT feeling guilty about it has been a journey. Taking small bits of "ME time" away from family time is taking some getting used to. I am learning that it is necessary and good for everyone. A refreshed Mommy & Wife is better for the Family.

Not throwing up a gang sign. Holding up 4 fingers = 4 Years of Marriage!

SO... making time for exercise (Yoga especially!), spa days with the girls, as well as clothes & makeup is in my near future! I am trying to venture into more fashion forward territory. That's a BIG deal for this 2 year old mommy & 4 year old wife! Too much time had passed that I didn't take care of what I wore or how I looked. It just didn't matter to me. Eventually I began to feel as frumpy as I looked! I really "let myself go" and I just want to change that up.

Ann Taylor Launch Party

It was inspiring to attend a fashion event and see how looking good can lead to feeling good! My husband accompanied me on the adventure and was my professional photographer & videographer for the night!

I am also trying to connect with others IRL since socializing primarily happened online ONLY for me. It really is easy to fall into that rut. I don't really see it as a rut since I do enjoy it so much (not to mention that it is so much easier for me go online than it is to go out). Interaction in person is good for you! I recently attended a fulfilling Blogger Meetup which involved getting to know a lovely group of ladies who also share a love of blogging, spa treatments, delicious appetizers, wine spritzers, and brownies! I was the oldest one there but that's another topic all together.

Spa-ing & Blogging come Together!

I feel so much better after sharing! Now it's your turn! I'd love to know what everyone is up to! What have I been missing out on here in Blogland?! Let's get caught up. I need to know your tips & tricks about how you balance your blog life with all the other things that make up your days!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-08-08T05:39:00.001-07:00

Our 1st Photo together Summer 2004

Yes, it was a party. A bachelorette party. No he wasn't the stripper! He was the DJ & Photographer.

We Ran Off & Joined the Circus!

2012-04-06T19:06:00.001-07:00

OK, not really! I haven't blogged in quite some time so I kind of feel like we have run off! Life has been busy! I'm sure that many of you wives & mothers can truly relate! I miss my hobby (blogging) - BUT I wouldn't trade in the memories that my growing family has been creating together! Our son is nearly 2 years old now - which means that birthday party planning will be our next busy activity!

Here are a couple of fairly recent photos taken of our family at our son's first visit to the circus! Definitely a happy wife with a happy life! Our little guy was a little tuckered out but I assure you he had a great time! He couldn't take his eyes off of the pretty circus lady.

Our Family with the Garcia Family | Circus Vargas

The Big Top!

GIFT FOR MY BROTHER

2012-03-27T15:23:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Erasmo Cortez

I have been searching the internet high and low using my wireless internet hyattsville connection trying to decide what I am going to get my brother in law for his birthday. He is just one of those people who has everything. I can never think of anything to get him for Christmas or for his birthday. Last year, we ended up just getting him a gift card to Starbucks that lasted a really long time because we just couldn’t figure out what we should do. I have been reading tons of gift blogs, looking on Pintrest, etc. and still can’t come up with something. I hate to just give him another gift card, because I feel like it is just so impersonal. To make my situation even worse, he is the best gift giver. Anything that he has ever given me, I have absolutely loved! He really knows how to pick out great gifts. I only have two more weeks until his birthday rolls around. I am hoping that something will come to me sooner rather than later!

30 Rock

2012-02-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

Content by Sol Rosales

If you are a fan of Saturday Night Live and you also really have a thing for Tina Fey then you should most definitely be watching 30 Rock on a weekly basis. This show is created by Tina and the creators of Saturday Night Live so you know it is going to be awesome. The writing is phenomenal with so many funny things happening in almost every scene. You will fall in love with the characters or at least love to hate some of them. Tracy Morgan’s character is one of those. He is likable because you feel sorry for how unaware he is and you also love to hate him because he is so unaware of the real world. Tina Fey plays Liz Lemon who is the producer of Tracy Morgan’s character’s show. The show is constantly struggling for ratings so Tina is always going to her boss Jack, played by Alec Baldwin. Check your local listings on DirecTV to find out when the newest episodes of 30 Rock are coming on in your area.

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

2012-02-05T17:00:00.001-08:00

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

Staying healthy is important to all of us. Thankfully in our household we do not require maintenance medications. We do have family members that do. The cost or staying healthy can really be expensive. It is good to know that we do have options available. With Walgreens Prescription Savings Club you can save money on your medications. You can have peace of mind.

Walgreens annual family membership for its Prescription Savings Club is available for $35 a year. The family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Individuals may join for $20. This is PERFECT if you lack of coverage or have insufficient drug coverage.

Other benefits include:

-Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications

-Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies

-Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photo-finishing services

Prescription Savings Club membership is risk free. If you don't save more than the cost of your membership during the course of the year of your membership, then Walgreens will refund the difference.

Connect with Walgreens and stay updated by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter.

DIY-ing the perfect picture frames for my photography

2012-01-19T07:09:00.000-08:00

Guest post written by Eleanor Stevens

I picked up photography as a hobby when I retired. I've taken so many photos since then and for the really special ones I like to frame them and put them up in my home for decoration. Well, regular old picture frames just aren't as fun, but there are some amazing things that you can do with a picture frame to really make the picture in it so much more special. I guess you could say that's also another little hobby that I've picked up along the way.

While I was looking online to see what I could find for some inspiration for some new DIY picture frames, I ran across some info on Replacement Windows and after I looked through the info some I decided to get our windows replaced through that service. They're old and drafty anyway, so that's something I've been considering.

When I was looking for some frame DIY ideas I also ran across some photography tips, which I never get sick of reading. I'm trying to improve my photography as part of this hobby too.

Our Engagement Party 2007: Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Our engagement party that my sister hosted for us in 2007

OUCH: Failed Marriage Proposal

2012-01-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted much here lately but hearing about this failed marriage proposal got me thinking about OUR proposal story.

He and I were alone in a very romantic setting so I have no idea what this poor couple went through with their very public proposal.

I don't mean to post this to mock them or poke fun in any way. This is something that will be hard for both of them to be reminded of. I wanted to share. And perhaps get us all thinking about our OWN proposals and emotions. I had no hesitation whatsoever with my reply. BTW, it was YES!

What are your reactions? Have you ever dealt with a public proposal? Have you ever said no? OR said YES when you really meant NO?

Profile Pictures

2011-12-30T01:06:00.001-08:00

I have been debating on updating my profile picture since the one that I am using (on ALL of my online profiles) is quite dated. Though I probably should change it, I'm just not quite ready to yet.

How many of you have a special story behind your profile picture? I'm sure we all do. After all we selected a particular photo to represent who we are. Today, I'd like to share my profile picture story. I'll hope that you will share your story too!

First off, I'll share the bigger picture since all that you would normally see is a thumbnail version. This photo was taken on September 18, 2010 at the San Diego Zoo. At the time, my husband & I were 3 month old parents. We were a brand spanking new mommy & daddy duo to an angel of a child. He never cried much and the times that he did - he was very easily soothed. We were lucky and we knew it.

I like the "calm" that I feel when I see this picture and remember this day. Though I was very tired and suffered from sleep deprivation, as new parents do, I was a relaxed new mommy with a supportive husband. This cleared the way of any "new mommy" anxieties. My maternal instincts kicked in very strongly. I felt confident in mothering our baby. I'm glad that my husband caught this new mommy moment. Baby & I were relaxed, it was a beautiful day, and his daddy & I loved our family outing. Prior to our visit to the Zoo that day, I had never seen such a sea of strollers. Though much of the time I "wore" our son in a SleepyWrap: WE too were there with our stroller. The place was all abuzz with family. We were a part of that buzz. WE too were now a Family.

Tidbits:

The sunglasses (which I have misplaced & been searching for since our Hawaii trip) hid my super tired eyes.
Baby's Outfit: I hope that one day my son forgives me for putting him in that silly green & white striped ensemble. In my defense: I had to shield his delicate baby skin from the San Diego Sunshine didn't I? This was one of the few outfits that came with a hat that was his size at the time.
You can see our son's little dimple & his content expression on his little baby face.
Yes, I am actually wearing a little lipstick! Much of my new mom moments did not include any form of make-up use.

Now time to share a photo of my hubby & my bubby from this day! They are the story behind my profile pic!

My Blog Life: One Year Later

2011-12-21T22:51:00.001-08:00

I guess it's an anniversary of sorts. I've officially had my Blogger account for 1 year now. I started blogging here on December 2010. My son had just turned 6 months old and I thought it was time for me to revisit an old hobby of mine: Blogging. I first started blogging in 2004 (well BEFORE marriage & motherhood). My first blog was on Xanga. I fell in love with blogging INSTANTLY.

Some of you may already know my little secret: that I do TRY to maintain more that one blog. Reason: I never did find my "niche" with blogging. I may seem scatter-brained in blog life, but as I see it: I am organized in my own chaotic way. I don't find a need for a formula or to follow any guidelines. I blog for the enjoyment of blogging. Pure & simple. I am hoping that 2012 will present more time for me to invest in blogging. We shall see!

My BLOGGER Blogs:
Mommied Life by Cynthia | My Life as Mom

I mention my BLOGGER Blogs above because to add to the mix I also have other ventures out there.

This is my life. Thanks for visiting it!

3 Day Sale: Sprint 12/12 - 12/14

2011-12-13T18:00:00.001-08:00

This post brought to you by Sprint. All opinions are 100% mine.

How many of you are a little bit behind on your holiday shopping? Maybe a lot behind? Well...It is completely OK, you can admit it here! We are understanding and non-judgemental! A bit behind ourselves! As busy parents to a toddler, it's become the norm to find ourselves in a game of "catch up".

Just in case you are thinking of giving a tech gift: Sprint is having a Three Day Sale! From 12/12-12/14 you can find some great Holiday deals!

Smart Phones are probably on a lot of wish lists! If you don't have a Smart Phone, like me. Maybe you would like to surprise your spouse? OR if you simply want a newer, fancier one - You are likely to find a perfect fit with Sprint! Holiday deals on Android™ powered EVO 4G or EVO™ Shift devices for a limited time! Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Get the HTC EVO™ 4G or EVO™ Shift for FREE only on Sprint here: http://bit.ly/rBqHmY

Here is the part that makes the offers EVEN MORE tempting:

Plus get waived activation for new lines of service and free shipping from Sprint here: http://bit.ly/rBqHmY

Make sure you check out: Android™ powered EVO 4G devices AND do it SOON - you still have time to get in on the Sprint 3 Day Sale!

In Stitches

2011-12-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! I'm still around. Life sure has been busy. I wish I had more time to blog - but you all know how it is!

Today I had some minor surgery. I had a biopsy done last month on a small mass on the back of my leg. Thankfully it was benign. I had it removed via a surgical excision. I had quite a few stitches since the removal was quite extensive.

Hubby is going to be in super great guy mode as I heal. We have an 18 month old super active toddler - and I will NOT be able to keep up with him for the next few days.

Husband to my rescue.

Thankful Wife!

2011-11-23T19:36:00.000-08:00

My hubby bravely headed out to the grocery store on the night before Thanksgiving. He is such a brave soul! He did escape a diaper change of the smelly sort. I still felt like I got the WIN. Poopy diaper vs. grumpy shoppers doing last minute Thanksgiving dinner shopping, no thank you!

He's in the kitchen now chopping onions (and vocalizing his displeasure with onion chopping) while I watch Yo Gabba Gabba with our little one AND enjoying a tiny bit of online time.

Happy (Thankful) Wife!

Wife's Parents Move

2011-11-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

Guest post of the week by Deangelo Spencer

My wife is having a very hard time accepting her parents are getting older. Her family has always been so close and so loving. When we first met, I was jealous of her family. They were honest with one another and enjoyed spending time together. However, her parents now need help doing everything. She finally was able to convince them to move into a smaller and more practical home. However, I think she quickly regretted that. She did absolutely everything. She set up all the utilities, had Atlanta ADT Security installed in the home. She even repainted all of the walls. Her parents just signed all the papers and walked in the door. My wife is a loving person and would do anything for her family, but I think she is working herself too hard. She needs to take a break and rest a little. I know this past month has been very hard on her. I wish there was something I could do to help, but right now the only thing I know is to continue supporting her decisions.

Wordless Wednesday: Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

2010

Paycheck Woes

2011-11-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

Guest post written by my buddy Lavern Small

I graduated college!! There were times when I never thought this day would come, but it is here and I am super excited! I found my own apartment and a real job. I feel like such an adult! I started my job last week and my first paycheck came today. However, you would think this would be an exciting moment. It wasn’t! I had no idea how much money the government takes out of your pay check. I was in shock when I opened my paycheck and it was a much different number than I expected. I quickly came to the realization that I needed to find a way to save some money and fast. I went to Shopelectricityratestexas.com and got a great rate. I decided to pack my lunch for work instead of eating out and I have decided to only drink water. When you add up all these savings, I will hopefully be within my means after what the government took. Oh well, I guess that is one of the lessons of adulthood. Well, that and register to vote ASAP!

San Diego BEER Week 2011

2011-10-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: http://sdbw.org

I'm excited to put up this post because I feel like I've come up with the most brilliant date night for my hubby! Maybe I'll win wife of the year for this one! Maybe not.

Hubby's birthday is coming up quick and I had NO idea what to do to celebrate. I wanted to something fun that he would enjoy.

Well, I found an idea! My guy is somewhat of a beer connoisseur. I found out TODAY that there is a San Diego Beer Week celebration happening during my husbands birthday week! Problem solved!

Now...have to figure out what presents to get for him!

Staight Talk Has a Plan for YOU.

2011-10-12T00:02:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by Straight Talk. All opinions are 100% mine.
My husband & I are pretty practical when it comes to budgeting & spending. Though we both love all things techie & modern we had been OK with using cell phones the old fashioned way. As a phone. We call & text. We haven't made the jump yet to SmartPhones. We have learned by observing our friends and collegues that once you make the jump, there is no going back. We have also learned through them that your montly bills can get out of hand depending on your usage.
Since we will soon be making the switch it is good to know that there are many plans out there that would cater to our needs because with our current talk/text plan that in itself can be quite an expense.
Straight Talk offers several plans. There are NO contracts, NO surprise bills and NO credit checks. Great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity. In some cases you can cut your cell phone bill in half. Finally, Straight Talk ONLY uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung. With Straight Talk not only can you feel The power of Android but you will also Feel Richer with Android !
MORE benefits using Straight Talk:

All the apps and games you need.
A smart phone with a smart plan, and as always, no contract.
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Unlimited Monthly service is only $45, and includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web.
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411 calls are included at no extra charge.
FREE from activation, reactivation, or termination fees

International Long Distance:

Straight Talk International Long Distance Service is a flexible prepaid calling service that enables you to make international calls from your home, cell or office phone at low rates.

Phone Selection:

Reconditioned phones are available from $10.00 with camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability. Great for young users!
Amazing smart phones; touch screen phones, and app capable phones with features like voice navigation, camera, video recorder, music player, instant messaging, and Bluetooth®

For more information on what these phones offer, please check out these YouTube videos:
Feel Richer with Android
The power of Android

The Richer Effect Expands with Straight Talk... - These bloopers are hilarious

Lawry's Seasoned Salt and Seasoning Mixes

2011-10-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled with the opportunity to find meal options that are tasty, full of variety, and most importantly EASY. With a toddler and full time jobs - meal planning has been neglected for sure! We are first time parents so we are still developing routines. I'm sure our dilemma is a common one.

We were selected to review a few options available from Lawry's. I am a BzzAgent and was provided with a variety of goodies to try out. We received full sized samples of the following items: Lawry's Seasoned Salt (No MSG), Tuscan Style Chicken Marsala, Southwest Chicken Skillet, and Taco Spices & Seasonings.

These packets are pre-blended with herbs & spices. Just add meat and veggies! I don't think it can get any easier than that.

In addition to the products that I mentioned, we also received a Red Lawry's Apron. I'll be sure to photograph Hubby in it!

I also have recipes and coupons that I provided with to share with you. I have 10 available and will have to distribute them on a first come, first serve basis. Just let me know if you are interested.

We just received our care package so we haven't had a chance to try the recipes out yet. We are excited to share our experiences with you. Please stay tuned!
Aside from the Seasoned Salt, I have not tried any of the other products. I was curious if any of you have? If so, I'd love your feedback!

T.G.I. FRiDAY’S Entrées for One!

2011-09-29T14:02:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by T.G.I. FRiDAY'S. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't know how some of you other married folks with children can manage to do home cooking every night...but I applaud you if you can and do. However, in our household we often do "quick and easy meals" during the week since hubby both work outside of the home and our energy when return home is always on our toddler.

On some nights it's so much easier to grab something from the freezer to heat & eat. I will be the first to admit that it can get BORING and fast! Some nights our tastes & cravings are markedly different so I find the new line of T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One” to be a good solution. So if he wants fajitas & I'm craving pasta - we can both get our fix!

When I think of T.G.I. FRiDAY’S, I automatically associate the restaurant. During our time dating, my husband & I would often go in for lunch and always left with a great dining experience. We do enjoy the casual dining out experience, but since it's not always practical - we can still enjoy T.G.I. FRiDAY’S style cuisine. I've learned that this line includes nine new entrées inspired by the bold and fun flavors of the famed T.G.I. FRiDAY’S restaurants. They include items like Sizzling Steak Fajitas & Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo, not to mention the new varieties which will keep us from frozen food boredom.

I purchased the Prime Rib Stroganoff for the hubby and guess what? He liked it. He is very honest about tastes and not a big pasta fan. I thought I would sway him with the "Prime Rib". I don't think the portion was quite enough for his exceptionally hearty appetite but he did seem to enjoy it! We haven't tried the many other selections yet but I have my eye on the Sesame Orange Chicken! Sounds yummy!

Check out T.G.I. FRiDAY'S Fun Freezer contest for a chance to win cool prizes (including a home theater makeover)! Make your freezers at home a bit more fun by decorating them with your unique flair and then enter the contest by uploading a picture on Facebook.

Wordless Wednesday: Funny Flashback

2011-09-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

My Gourmet Guy: Let's revisit!

2011-09-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted my hunky hubby in the kitchen "whipping" up some ribs, read the post My Goumet Guy. I'll admit - I DO NOT cook often enough.
He loves me anyway. We both work full time so we usually do quick and easy for dinner. With a 15 month old toddler - it's just the way of the world for us right now.

I wanted to get in on the Lawry’s BzzCampaign for BzzAgent because I know that my personal chef (AKA Hubby) is a magician with Marinades!

So friends, please root for us that we get chosen to try out Lawry's marinade! We just might share what Chef Hubby creates!

Inspired by Tiffany Noth

2011-09-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

I honestly wish that I had more time blog more often, but it's pretty tough since I do work full time outside of the home and we are very busy keeping up with our 15 month old son. I just had to share this post because I am feeling a whole bunch of gratitude for my marriage that I couldn't contain my desire to share.

I am thankful that my husband & I have a mutual respect for one another. Life can be hard enough without adding an unhappy household to the mix. We both have our fair share of stressors in life and can get on each other's nerves but do our best for the sake of our family. In preparing for marriage, our spiritual advisor (who was married before becoming a priest after his wife passed away) taught us that the best gift that we could share with our future children is to love one another. He encouraged us to demonstrate our love and respect for one another. We have started to see that lesson in action. When my husband gets home from work and greets me with a hug and kiss, our son runs right up to us and wants to make it a family hug. He then gives kisses to each of us. Again, he is only 15 months old but knows that we love each other.

I do on occasion get to read some inspiring posts. Today, I read one written by Tiffany Noth of A Bloggy Mom. I found it to be a great reminder and wanted to share that with you all. Please read her post: Marriage, Wifehood, Respect. Thank you Tiffany for reminding us all of the importance of respecting each other. As Tiffany points out, we try to teach our children about respect - what better way than to teach by example?

Do you have any lessons that you have learned along the way that can be useful to newly married couples? Please share.

Husband To The Rescue, Again.

2011-09-08T00:03:00.000-07:00

For the past few days I had been suffering with a Migraine. Poor timing as we had a day off for Labor Day on Monday. I spent a the majority of that day in bed. I had to work on Tuesday which is also when the pain and nausea peaked. It's not a surprise that this put me into a Crappy Mood. I struggled through my workday but had to bail about half way through as I was overcome by throbbing pain and severe nausea. I was barely able to drive and about half way home I just KNEW that I was going to barf. I scanned the car frantically for something to throw up into. Luckily I found an empty plastic bag on the floor of the passenger side. WHEW! OK, TMI. Back to my Hero Hubby again. Well - I did feel a smidgen better after I hurled, but not well enough to function. While I rested my husband took over for a defeated Mommy. He fed and bathed our little boy. Normally I am on bath duty and until then hubby hadn't really given our guy a bath unassisted. Now that I know that Daddy is great at the task of bathing, I just may let him take over bath time from now on! Headache or not. On second thought - I'll continue with bath time...I would much rather do that then take the trash out.