Easy recipes, meal planning and more~Cookmore

I just signed up for this cool site and have some recipes saved.  It may be a while before I make them, but they will be ready and waiting when I choose to.

I think this will come in handy after baby is born.  I can meal plan, create a grocery list, and when I am ready to start seriously working on the losing the baby weight, there is even a calorie counter option.

Click here to sign up



*This is an affiliate link*

Need Health Insurance?

I am really thankful for Rob having great insurance through his job because having health insurance is super important.  When I graduated college and was no longer able to be on my parents plan, and didn't have the option for coverage through work I had to find a plan.  

I knew I was fairly healthy and just needed something that would cover basic health maintenance, such as yearly exams. 

I found ehealthinsurance.com and signed up for my first plan using the website.  When the premiums went up a year later and were more than I could afford, I went back to the site and found another plan that fit my needs.

When Rob switched jobs and we needed dental insurance ehealthinsurance also helped.  Our current dental plan is one that we found through the website as well.

I really do think this website is fantastic and love that it is free to use.  It's been really helpful to me and if you need health insurance, long term or short term (which I have also used) visit using the link below. 

Click here to find a plan

*This is an affiliate link*

My Quiet Book

I decided to make a quiet book.  Partly out of boredom, partly because I knew it would be a fun project and something for my nieces and nephews to play with and my own baby to enjoy.

I found most of the templates and ideas on this blog or pinterest.  Most of the pages I did just based on ideas, but I did use a template for the potato head page. 

I spent probably 20 hours over the course of months working on it.  I'd be all into it and then get bored of it, so it took a while to get it to where I felt like it was done.

I probably spent $30 on it.  This includes the felt, felt glue, velcro and buttons.  I had the ribbon (to secure the book) and thread (I used embroidery; since I had lots left from my cross stitching days) .

I hand sewed the pages with embroidery, because I didn't know how to properly do felt in my sewing machine and didn't want to break it or break a needle.

The other pages I just used felt glue.

I was going to title it 'Busy Book" and cut out the letters, but I was having issues with cutting out letters. Apparently I didn't know how.  So I just thought I would keep it simple and spell fun on the front, but I could not figure out how to cut out the letter N.  I even wrote one on a scrap to see how it looked.  I had to have Rob help me.  I'm going chalk it up to pregnancy brain.

I will probably add onto it because I don't like that you can see the backs of the pages I used thread for, but I have no idea when and for now I just want to be done with it.

The colors on some pages are off a little, the lighting must have been crummy, but I'm not going to edit them.  You get the idea :)


The cover page

This is an apple picking page, the apples look more like hearts and the tree more like a hand, but I live in a big apple growing area. 

 A page to practice counting.  Rob actually cut out the numbers.  He did way better than I could.  I used ribbon and just attached it to the page with thread.

A tic tac toe page.  My niece made sure that I had equal circles and squares.  I used scraps for this page. They game pieces have velcro on the back

The potato head page.  The main piece is secured with felt glue and the rest have velcro on them. 

This is a puzzle page.  I cut out the heart and glued it to the white felt and then cut it up into pieces. which are attached with velcro.

This holds the extra potato head page pieces. It's attached on the sides and bottoms with thread

 This page is to practice buttoning. The bottom pieces are attached to the page with thread and the button is sewn on with thread also.  Then the top piece has a slit in it to attach it to the piece stuck on the page.

The coloring is way off, but this is a road page (obviously, lol).  The road and lines are attached with felt glue, the car piece has velcro on the back, and the house is also attached with felt glue. 

. 

Ends 10/3 (Giveaway) Magellan Drive Smarter GPS

Looking to give Dad the latest in automotive technology but a new car is not in the budget this holiday season? Magellan’s SmartGPS is the perfect gift that will turn Dad’s car (or Mom’s car) into a Connected Car with Smartphone integration for only $250 (available at Best Buy).

SmartGPS will not only guide you to your destination quickly and safely, it will also give you:
 1) Trip planning in the comfort of your home. Use your smartphone (Free iPhone and Android apps) to plan where you want to go, then with the touch of a button send the destinations to the SmartGPS in your car. SmartGPSmakes trips safer, easier, and more fun for both you and your children.
2) Yelp & Foursquare – Discover new restaurants, shops and interesting places, with real-time information from Yelp & Foursquare displayed on the SmartGPS screen. Instantly and seamlessly navigate to those locations on the larger SmartGPS.
3) Fuel prices. No need to hunt for the lowest fuel prices because SmartGPS will display fuel prices at nearby stations based on your location, directly on the device screen.
4) Wireless Back-up Camera compatibility – combine Magellan’s SmartGPS with a back-up camera, and you are aware of people, places and things in front of you, behind you, and around you. So what are you waiting for? Drive Smarter with the Magellan’s SmartGPS!

I used to use my gps all the time, but when I got a smartphone I stopped using it as much.  I love that this combines both things in one cool piece of technology.

Winner will receive a Magellan SmartGPS {RV$249.99}.

Giveaway ends October 3rd at 11:59pm, open US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

Organized by Mom to Bed by 8 and A Medic's World. Co-hosted by My Dairy Free Gluten Free Life and Capri's Coupons.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:Urban Times in Michigan is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!


If you aren't lucky enough to win one you 
can always buy one here. 

Puffs Fresh Faces Review

* I was sent a product to review.  All opinions are my own*

Recently Puffs joined with Little Busy Bodies (who manufacturer Boogie Wipes) and that contributed to the creation of the fresh faces line of products.

All the products use saline which is a natural mineral that thins and breaks up mucus. Saline is also hypo-allergenic.  Learn more about saline here.

I rarely wear makeup.  In part because I don't usually go anywhere where I feel the need to wear makeup, and I'm just to lazy to take it off at night.  But really I'm just to lazy in general to wash my face every night (even if I don't wear makeup).  I know that's a bad habit to have.

I have used other brands of makeup removal and face wipes in the past, and they worked well, so I was excited to try Puff's version and see how it compared.

I was impressed, and while I won't post the picture of the wipe after I used it, it cleaned my face and took off all my makeup easily.

The wipes seem small, but once unfolded they were more than large enough to clean my face.

Not only do they have the face wipes, they also have nose wipes.  Seeing how we are heading into cold season, and I'm about to have a newborn, I'm going to do all I can to minimize the germs she will be exposed to.

The nose wipes were really gentle on my face and would be great to have on hand during a cold or even if a person had allergies, like Rob does.  Even the softest of tissues sometimes can hurt a nose that is red from being stuffed or runny.

The wipes come in a variety of scents, and none of them were overpowering.

I would absolutely recommend this product.  I'm all about making my life easier and this product is very convenient. As I mentioned earlier they are hypo allergenic and will be safe for Rob, baby girl and I to all use which is great to not need separate products for all of us.

I love how pretty it looked when it arrived!

Lots of fun goodies! 

To learn more about the different products and to get a coupon visit puffs fresh faces website.

~38 Week Update~

It's my birthday (and my dads!) today!

How far along:  38 weeks

Baby Size:  

Weight:  It was up again.  It's right around the 35 lbs gained mark.

Symptoms:   

• Restless legs.  Rob told me I was annoying him the other day because it was 10:45 and I wouldn't sit down and relax.  I just couldn't sit.
• Itchy belly
• Insomnia
• Nauseousness 

Maternity Clothes:  If it doesn't have a stretchy waist I'm not fitting into it. Or I just don't to wear it.  Anything tighter I can't stand.  I wore yoga pants to the grocery store the other day.  It was 7 on a Sunday night.  Rob didn't want me to, but I'm nine months pregnant and don't care.  I saw a few people I knew actually.  But no one better say anything to me for wanting to be comfortable :)

Sleep:  I have developed this wierd sleep thing.  As if my sleep wasn't already messed up enough, I will get up, go to the bathroom, go back to sleep and then wake up 10 minutes later.  I can fall back asleep the second time, but it's annoying.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  

Yummy Jonamac Michigan Apples!

Belly Button: I don't think it popped out, but it's flat. 

Rings on or off: Off.  I feel like an unmarried underage (because I look young) mother most of the time.  If I'm with Rob than it's not so bad.

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: I've said before I think it's hilarious when she moves my stomach.  She did it a few days ago and I laughed.  Rob looked over and saw it.  I thought he had seen the alien-esqe movements, but I guess not.  The look on his face was awesome. It was like a disgusted, oh my word, what was that look.  

Stretch Marks: All over, but I don't think I've developed any new ones in the last week. 

Best moment: Not related to her, but celebrating my birthday and my sister in laws on Saturday

Looking forward to:  Meeting her

Nervous about: Money, being on my own with a newborn

What I miss:  

• Bending over.  I need one of those little grabber picker upper things. 
• Sleeping
• Walking without pain

Labor signs: So many braxton hicks

Appointments:  Later this afternoon

Misc. I have some sort of bladder infection or Uti.  I started to have pain when I peed on Sunday night.  It was very sudden and so I called yesterday and had my urine tested and the doctor called in a antibiotic prescription (which turns my pee orange like a pumpkin).  I saw the lab results this morning and my white blood cell count is really high (the normal range is 0-5, mine was 41).  Dr. google says that means an infection.  Obviously. So I'll follow up with that at my appointment this afternoon and see what they say. 

Monday Quiz About Me 9/16

1. September 15th was Chicken Lover's day - what is your favorite way to prepare chicken?

I like chicken fajitas.  Since getting pregnant chicken has been an aversion of mine so I really haven't eaten it since January.    I actually would make chicken often because it's cheap and easy to prepare.  I usually make something in the crockpot, because chicken kind of is gross feeling. 

These sound good though.

2. It is 99 days until Christmas... what are you planning to ask Santa for?

New couches.  Our hand me down couches are disgusting.  They are stained, ripped, the cushions are misshapen and I am embarrassed by them.  I'd love something like this.

Or

3. How long should company stay?

No more than 4 or 5 days, and then I would want my house back

4. What do you consider to be a long trip?

I'm a homebody, so anything more than 3 nights is enough for me.  I like to go and see new places, but I also really like my own bed. And that usually wins. 

#MeijerStyle Fall Look #Sponsored

* I was provided with a gift card in order to complete this challenge*

I love Meijer! I actually worked there as a cashier when I was in college for a while (although that was longer ago than I want to admit).

I love that I can find whatever I need there, from clothes to groceries to household items (such as small appliances, bedding, kitchen fixtures etc...).

So when offered the chance to create a fall look I was up for it.  I worried the challenge might be tougher due to the fact that I'm 9 months pregnant and Meijer doesn't carry a maternity line.  I was still pretty sure that I could find something to make it work. 

(Check out their fall lookbook, and learn about a pinterest contest here)

I browsed through the ad online before going to see what was on sale that week.

While searching around on the website I learned that that actually do sell maternity clothes online (only online though).  I never knew that! 

These tops were on sale for $14 (normally priced at $16) & the leggings for $8 (normally $10).  Ths is the kind of outfit I would wear even when not pregnant, but I knew it would work being pregnant so this was my idea in my head when I went out to the store. 

I had also wondered if I should get some sort of sports team football related gear since that's pretty big for fall, but decided against it. 

I'm terrible at accessorizing so I wanted to find something that I could dress up with a necklace or fun purse. 

Once I got there, I got the style of top I went in for, a few other loose flowy and tunic style tops, a tank top and a pair of leggings.

I tried on the style of top that I went in for, but it just didn't look right. I knew that a loose flowy style top would be the best, so I tried on the other tops that I brought, but none of them were working how I had hoped.

However, the leggings worked great & the tank top worked well (I just had a size to big).  So I decided to work with that and find a cardigan or a sweater to pair with it.

I had black leggings and found a black sweater, but wanted to have some sort of color so I changed colors in tank tops and found a sparkly purple tank top.

So after getting my outfit, the next step was to accesorize.  I have small wrists so bracelets don't work for me, and I don't normally wear earings so I was hoping to find a necklace.

After wandering back and forth I found a necklace and I was set to go.


Here is the outfit I came up with (the only thing I didn't get during this Meijer shopping trip was the boots).  I'm loving it because it is comfortable, and it will work post baby as well.  I actually went back and bought more of the tanks because they were that comfortable.

The whole outfit cost under $50.  Success!




Here are examples of other ideas from Meijer.

Safety First Advanced Air Car Seat Giveaway (9/29)

Sept 15-21 marks Child Passenger Safety Week. Did you know that car crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 1 through 12 years old?  Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the goal of Child Passenger Safety week is to make sure all parents and caregivers are properly securing their children (ages 0-12) in the best car restraint (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, seat belt) for their age and size.  

With baby girl about to make her appearance, I've done my research on car seat safety.  I've seen improper use of them, and I will not be making those mistakes.  She will re-face for at least 2 years, and if she still needs a booster when she's ten I don't care if she hates me for it.  I guess that's part of being a parent. 

In honor of this important week, I've partnered with Thrifty Nifty Mommy, IHeart-Motherhood, Housewife on a Mission, Viva Veltoro and a handful of other great bloggers to offer our readers a giveaway for a Safety 1st Advance 70 Air+ Car Seat!

Product Details (provided by Safety 1st): This convertible car seat was inspired by race car drivers. Air Protect+ combines Safety 1^st Air Protect® Technology with GCell HX™ - hexagonal rebounding foam used in the body of the car seat to protect the child from the multiple hits that occur in crashes. Coupled with this is the placement of Air Protect® Technology which takes crash forces away from a child’s head.  This technology was developed in partnership with racecar engineers at Bald Spot Sports and INDY Car Driver Scott Dixon to better understand the energy dynamics that a high performance driver faces in the event of a crash. 

One lucky person will win a Safety 1st Advance 70 Air+ Car Seat, valued at $190!

Open to the US only, ages 18 and up.  Ends 9/29/13 at 11:59 PM EST.

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.  Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: The participating bloggers have not been compensated to host this giveaway. Prize fulfillment is the responsibility of Safety 1st. If you are a business or company and you're interested in being featured in a giveaway like this, please contact Thrifty Nifty Mommy.

Weekly Wrap Up 9/14

1) I mentioned last week about being more positive because I have learned how quickly things can changed.  The woman I mentioned from church who had just found out her chemo didn't work and was going home on hospice passed away over the weekend.  The funeral was earlier this week.  I couldn't believe how many people were there.  I've never seen that many people in the church, even on combined service weeks.  It goes to show the impact a person can have just by being a friend to everyone who needs one.  

2)  My friend was in town for a few days this week for the funeral.  Even if it was a sad reason, it was nice to see her.  She came over and brought 4 donuts.  We each ate one.  Then after she left I ate another.  I offered Rob the last one, but he never ate it, so the next morning I ate the last one.  I must lack self-control or something like that.

3) Yesterday was my sister in law's birthday.  Happy Birthday Lisa!  This afternoon we are going to their moms house to celebrate her birthday and mine (which is Tuesday).  Tuesday is also my dad's birthday.  Will baby girl be the third generation to share a September 17 birthday?  

4) We are going to a housewarming party later for Rob's friends.  They just moved into a brand new never lived in house.  I'm a little jealous.  It's not that they have a huge house, it's just that it's new and shiny.  But I like our house and it fits our needs with plenty of room (even with baby).

5)  Winnings weren't great this week but I did win a chicco travel system.  Which is awesome, but winning it a month ago would have been even better before we got the chicco car seat and the keyfit caddy.
When I first heard I won it, I initially was going to sell it, but I told Rob about it and he wants to keep it.  This way he has a car seat base for his car, and he wants to keep the stroller in his car (and while it wouldn't fit in mine, it should fit in his).  That just leaves us with a extra infant car seat to attempt to sell or so whatever we choose to do with it. 

I also got a kids care bear dvd that I won recently.  I plan on using this as a gift if needed.

And I finally got the kids blanket I won...At the end of May.  I gave up on ever getting it so I was surprised when it showed up yesterday.  It's a taggie style blanket with the loops of fabric on it.  I have no need for more blankets, we have more than enough, but it's still kind of cute.

6) I've been keeping track of every single penny I spend/make for almost 2 months and it's pretty sad.  I don't really spend a lot of money on anything other than groceries or gas, and monthly bills.  We don't go out a lot, we have the internet and netflix.  No cable or any other indulgences like that.   I'm still positive money, but not by much and not for much longer.

I am getting super stressed out about it.  I've been wanting new couches for so long and a chest freezer and I can't see that happening.  Rob says we could use what money we have saved up (which is about 1/4) for the couches and try to finance the rest, but I don't want to do that.

I know that those are just things, but I want them.

And when I think about having to pay the deductible for our health insurance (which is $3,000), the  cost of the health insurance rising by adding another person onto the plan, car insurance (which is $800 for 6 months; due in the next month), and how bills just go up here in the winter (higher electrical cost, higher cost of heating the house; with a newborn I'm not just going to suck it up like I normally would if it were myself), and my dream of those things just slips away.

My savings is going to quickly be depleted I fear, and with no job and nothing even on the horizon I feel overwhelmed. I was crying about it the other day, and Rob tried to tell me it's okay, that right now I just need to focus on the baby and taking care of her.  Really though I'm confident that he's stressed out on the inside as well because he never planned on being the sole financial provider for us.

I don't even think looking for a job at this point is worth it because I could have a baby any day, but I've still been checking care.com.  I don't really know what else I could do, and this way I wouldn't have to pay child care.  I have found a job on there in the past so hopefully I will have good luck again.

7) I got my car back this week and I love it.  I'm not embarrassed of my car anymore.  It looks so nice and pretty.  I posted a picture on instagram, but I'll share it here as well.  If you don't follow me yet on instagram you can click on the photo icon on the right side bar or go to www.instagram/kelle017

I don't have the before picture; I can't believe I don't!, but look how nice the hood looks.  You can even see the reflection in it.  It's that shiny and pretty!