Truvy here. Oi. Can the world just stop spinning for a moment?
I am a typical over-committer. Like bad. And right now is no exception. But it involves my passions, so I guess it's fine. lol.
So I got promoted at work to Customer Service Lead. Basically running the service desk, clearing up issues, and controlling the safe a couple times a week. I have been getting full time hours, which is a blessing, but at the same time I am so run down. I have 2 days a week reserved as my off days because those are my doula days. At least my current client is super cute and super sweet. =) Today was my third session with her and her mama, and I am definitely enjoying the postpartum doula gig. It feels right.
Since getting into the crunchy mindset, natural birth, peaceful parenting, and whatnot, I have learned some unsettling things about the state and area I have grown up in and still reside in. The hospital I had my daughter at just decided birth doulas aren't allowed. What the fork, right? And to boot, my state (Alabama) outlaws midwifery. It is a bonafide misdemeanor. Seriously. It's all jacked up.
So in addition to my day job and my profession, I am trying to stay involved with the Alabama Birth Coalition, the local La Leche League, and a local babywearing group. And of course the ABC and LLL monthly meetings were today and I couldn't make it....and the babywearing meetup is on a day I work and way too far of a drive. *le sigh*
So yea, my life is kinda nuts right now. Then throw in that I am going no-poo (day 27 begins in a few minutes! huzzah!) and starting a goal of feeding the fam on no more than $40 a week.....yea. Full plate. And I really oughtta clean the house. Or at least do a load of laundry. Work again tomorrow. Woohoo!
In brighter news, I now own 2 Ergos...and I LOVE them! I am borrowing a ring sling from the lending library, and it is amazing too! My little client loves snuggling in it with me while mommy is in the shower or napping. =) Definitely need to look into buying one!
Maybe next time I post I will have had a decent night's sleep. lol. Yea right. =)
<3 Truvy
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
New Poo For YOU
*looks around*
Well THAT'S different...
*feels hair*
Hmm...THAT'S different too...
Ouiser here. As you can see we're FINALLY getting around to tweaking the site a bit, new layout, working on a new logo and some super duper new features, one of which will be called "Moms Doing It For Themselves", which will focus on moms who run their own home based businesses. I'm still working on the 'questionnaire' for that one currently as the idea only came to be yesterday. I'm only Super Genius in small doses you know.
Since our last installment, M'Lynn finally got a diagnosis for her 'boils', Truvy started the Postpartum Doula journey and is well on her way, and I, Ouiser have decided to follow likewise (well maybe), but I've definitely decided to hop on the "Crunchy Path", the first step (for me) is going "No Poo".
For the uninitiated, No Poo means we're not using shampoo...not that we're eliminating (pardon the pun) the elimination process. See http://coderedhat.com/no-poo-method/ for further details on this. I'm on Day One myself and yeah, my hair feels...weird, but clean. I CAN'T QUIT PLAYING WITH IT!!!!
The Chunky Munky is FINALLY starting to pick up on the Potty Training thing and with a little luck we'll be out of Pull Ups by the end of the summer. Our vacation is next week so we can REALLY get to focusing on that particular aspect along with some inexpensive family activities during the week. This also means that I get to go a whole BEE-YOO-TI-FUL NINE days without having to deal with PEOPLE. I'm soooo not a people person. At least when it comes to retail at any rate. I'm also sick of pizza and pepperoni wraps.
I need to become a SAHM...
Maybe when I finish writing my book(s)...
xoxo,
Ouiser
Well THAT'S different...
*feels hair*
Hmm...THAT'S different too...
Ouiser here. As you can see we're FINALLY getting around to tweaking the site a bit, new layout, working on a new logo and some super duper new features, one of which will be called "Moms Doing It For Themselves", which will focus on moms who run their own home based businesses. I'm still working on the 'questionnaire' for that one currently as the idea only came to be yesterday. I'm only Super Genius in small doses you know.
Since our last installment, M'Lynn finally got a diagnosis for her 'boils', Truvy started the Postpartum Doula journey and is well on her way, and I, Ouiser have decided to follow likewise (well maybe), but I've definitely decided to hop on the "Crunchy Path", the first step (for me) is going "No Poo".
For the uninitiated, No Poo means we're not using shampoo...not that we're eliminating (pardon the pun) the elimination process. See http://coderedhat.com/no-poo-method/ for further details on this. I'm on Day One myself and yeah, my hair feels...weird, but clean. I CAN'T QUIT PLAYING WITH IT!!!!
The Chunky Munky is FINALLY starting to pick up on the Potty Training thing and with a little luck we'll be out of Pull Ups by the end of the summer. Our vacation is next week so we can REALLY get to focusing on that particular aspect along with some inexpensive family activities during the week. This also means that I get to go a whole BEE-YOO-TI-FUL NINE days without having to deal with PEOPLE. I'm soooo not a people person. At least when it comes to retail at any rate. I'm also sick of pizza and pepperoni wraps.
I need to become a SAHM...
Maybe when I finish writing my book(s)...
xoxo,
Ouiser
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Did She REALLY Just Say That??? Part Two
Ouiser here. The three of us have a myriad of health issues going on from spider bites, to rare disorders causing raging boils on random parts of the body... I submit for your pleasure this installment of
Did She REALLY Just Say That??
Did She REALLY Just Say That??
okay thats fucking it
i need a bubble
FML
Friday, April 5, 2013
How Did That Happen!?
Truvy here. Live in Tucker, GA, for this blog post...about an hour and a half from M'Lynn who had to cancel on our playdate today, but we have dinner plans soon.
Why am I mere yards from I-285 (Satan's butthole) in a cheap motel? My 3 day doula workshop begins in the morning! And since it is impossible to get any reading done with a toddler in the house, even when recovering from surgery, I am cramming and skimming through these books like nobody's business. So of course, this is a great time to write a blog post....8 hours before my workshop w/ a book and a half left to skim. lol.
And how did I even end up where I am? When I was younger, I never thought about how I would parent. I thought people who co-slept were nuts. I had no clue about car seats. I was lucky, however, to see my amazing and gorgeous cousin have not one, but TWO preemies (32 and 25 (or 28?) weeks gestation...if memory serves)...and I'm not sure about the younger, but she breastfed the oldest like. a. boss. She would go to feed him on her 30 minute lunch break and everything. I don't even know how long she did it, but that image is forever in my mind.
So no I'm training to become a postpartum doula....and once I get that certification done, I will begin on my birth doula certification. And when I get a little more ambitious, I will tackle becoming a certified lacatation consultant to boot! And I am even thinking of becoming a midwife once my kiddos are all in high school or out of my house....but we shall see on that.
And one thing I get flack from everybody about? More than anything? I'm still rear-facing my three year old. Yea? And what about it? You know what I hear when you ask me why I'm still rear-facing? "Um, why is safety so important to you?" Hmm...let me think about it.....I worked on this perfect creation for 9 months before I even got to meet her, and she has been in my car for the last three years...yea, her safety is kind of a trivial thing to worry about I guess. -_- And, yes, I will turn her when she is 40 pounds, since that is the max on her seat, and then she will remain forward-facing in the harness until 65 pounds, which the FF max on the seat. Then she will be in a high-back booster. And she will be in the backseat until she is 12. She may never be involved in a wreck, but those "silly" precautions could very well save her life one day. So just stfu about my parenting decisions already. *end rant*
Ahem. Anyway. I also thought organics were dumb. Like...I thought they were actually bad because they were not handled as nonorganics are....but I saw the light on that one. Bluh. We aren't financially well off enough right now to go strictly organic and GMO-free and whatnot...and I also have zero energy and time (note to self: get some of this weight off!!!) until I can cut down on hours at work...of course, I heard talks they want to promote me possibly....go figure!
This is getting rambly...and I really should be reading...so I will leave you with this...
Don't knock it til you try it. It may sound stupid when you aren't the one faced with making the decisions. So just keep your lips shut or I may have to hit you with the southern standard, "Well bless your heart." And then run you over.
<3
Truvy
Why am I mere yards from I-285 (Satan's butthole) in a cheap motel? My 3 day doula workshop begins in the morning! And since it is impossible to get any reading done with a toddler in the house, even when recovering from surgery, I am cramming and skimming through these books like nobody's business. So of course, this is a great time to write a blog post....8 hours before my workshop w/ a book and a half left to skim. lol.
And how did I even end up where I am? When I was younger, I never thought about how I would parent. I thought people who co-slept were nuts. I had no clue about car seats. I was lucky, however, to see my amazing and gorgeous cousin have not one, but TWO preemies (32 and 25 (or 28?) weeks gestation...if memory serves)...and I'm not sure about the younger, but she breastfed the oldest like. a. boss. She would go to feed him on her 30 minute lunch break and everything. I don't even know how long she did it, but that image is forever in my mind.
So no I'm training to become a postpartum doula....and once I get that certification done, I will begin on my birth doula certification. And when I get a little more ambitious, I will tackle becoming a certified lacatation consultant to boot! And I am even thinking of becoming a midwife once my kiddos are all in high school or out of my house....but we shall see on that.
And one thing I get flack from everybody about? More than anything? I'm still rear-facing my three year old. Yea? And what about it? You know what I hear when you ask me why I'm still rear-facing? "Um, why is safety so important to you?" Hmm...let me think about it.....I worked on this perfect creation for 9 months before I even got to meet her, and she has been in my car for the last three years...yea, her safety is kind of a trivial thing to worry about I guess. -_- And, yes, I will turn her when she is 40 pounds, since that is the max on her seat, and then she will remain forward-facing in the harness until 65 pounds, which the FF max on the seat. Then she will be in a high-back booster. And she will be in the backseat until she is 12. She may never be involved in a wreck, but those "silly" precautions could very well save her life one day. So just stfu about my parenting decisions already. *end rant*
Ahem. Anyway. I also thought organics were dumb. Like...I thought they were actually bad because they were not handled as nonorganics are....but I saw the light on that one. Bluh. We aren't financially well off enough right now to go strictly organic and GMO-free and whatnot...and I also have zero energy and time (note to self: get some of this weight off!!!) until I can cut down on hours at work...of course, I heard talks they want to promote me possibly....go figure!
This is getting rambly...and I really should be reading...so I will leave you with this...
Don't knock it til you try it. It may sound stupid when you aren't the one faced with making the decisions. So just keep your lips shut or I may have to hit you with the southern standard, "Well bless your heart." And then run you over.
<3
Truvy
Friday, March 15, 2013
That Couldn't Wait?
Truvy here with more random things my kid says. I really ought to invest in a tape recorder.
Just now I went to the potty. As I sat there, the kid kept informing me, via yelling across the house, that she wanted to watch Caillou. Then she trots down the hall and says she needs to pee-pee. So she sits on her potty all the while telling me how she wants to watch Caillou. Then she suddenly stops and says "OK, I'm gonna pee-pee now." She does her business, says "I'm a big girl," informs me yet again that she wants to watch Caillou, and trots back to the living room. When I get out to the living room, smarty-pants has already pulled up an episode of Caillou on Netflix (thanks a lot Windows 8) and is happily watching it. Crazy child....
Lil Bit's birthday is tomorrow...she will be 3. Ugh! We were shopping for some things for her party, and she felt it was her sworn duty to inform every child we saw that her birthday is soon. At all three stores.
Hubby was playing with her yesterday and laid on her tummy. He was addressing her as "pillow." She kept saying "No, Daddy! I'm [Lil Bit]!" She does this any time you call her something other than her name. Unless she initiates it. One night I was Mommy Dinosaur and she was Baby Dinosaur the entire time she was helping me with laundry and dinner. It was awesome. <3
Wednesday night, she couldn't sleep...so she ended up in bed with me somehow. She was playing with stickers and one ripped. Then you hear a distressed voice saying, "It's broken!" Then, very sullenly, "I'll never be happy again."
On morning she came up to me and said she had a baby and a heart in her tummy. =/ Not for another 30 years, kid.
"i yike naked! i want naked my booooty. my boooooty!" *booty shaking commences* <--A Facebook post from last week.
The same night of the sticker-ripping tragedy, I may or may not have passed gas. "Mommy! You farted again!" "Excuse me." "Thank you Mommy."
She also put a pair of my panties on as a Borat-style swimsuit...that was flipping hilarious. And she kept wiggling her booty and dancing around. I'm thinking it will be an excellent submission for her Senior yearbook.
Needless to say, I am not at a loss for daytime entertainment in this house.
And now I am being summoned to paint a picture "together! *jump*"
<3 Truvy
Just now I went to the potty. As I sat there, the kid kept informing me, via yelling across the house, that she wanted to watch Caillou. Then she trots down the hall and says she needs to pee-pee. So she sits on her potty all the while telling me how she wants to watch Caillou. Then she suddenly stops and says "OK, I'm gonna pee-pee now." She does her business, says "I'm a big girl," informs me yet again that she wants to watch Caillou, and trots back to the living room. When I get out to the living room, smarty-pants has already pulled up an episode of Caillou on Netflix (thanks a lot Windows 8) and is happily watching it. Crazy child....
Lil Bit's birthday is tomorrow...she will be 3. Ugh! We were shopping for some things for her party, and she felt it was her sworn duty to inform every child we saw that her birthday is soon. At all three stores.
Hubby was playing with her yesterday and laid on her tummy. He was addressing her as "pillow." She kept saying "No, Daddy! I'm [Lil Bit]!" She does this any time you call her something other than her name. Unless she initiates it. One night I was Mommy Dinosaur and she was Baby Dinosaur the entire time she was helping me with laundry and dinner. It was awesome. <3
Wednesday night, she couldn't sleep...so she ended up in bed with me somehow. She was playing with stickers and one ripped. Then you hear a distressed voice saying, "It's broken!" Then, very sullenly, "I'll never be happy again."
On morning she came up to me and said she had a baby and a heart in her tummy. =/ Not for another 30 years, kid.
"i yike naked! i want naked my booooty. my boooooty!" *booty shaking commences* <--A Facebook post from last week.
The same night of the sticker-ripping tragedy, I may or may not have passed gas. "Mommy! You farted again!" "Excuse me." "Thank you Mommy."
She also put a pair of my panties on as a Borat-style swimsuit...that was flipping hilarious. And she kept wiggling her booty and dancing around. I'm thinking it will be an excellent submission for her Senior yearbook.
Needless to say, I am not at a loss for daytime entertainment in this house.
And now I am being summoned to paint a picture "together! *jump*"
<3 Truvy
Monday, March 11, 2013
Did She Really Say That???
We have a new feature here on Champagne Mommyhood called "Did She REALLY Just Say That?" In it you'll find snippets of conversations between Truvy, M'Lynn and myself as well as possibly others. For our first installation:
T: awwwww hubs just baked cookies n brought me some w/ milk.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Crapola That Comes Out Of My Toddler's Piehole
A Day In The Ears Of Truvy:
*points to a random person in the grocery store* "You got a naked booty!"
"I hungy." This single phrase is repeated Lord knows how many times throughout my day.
"I want another cheese." Mommy's reply, "You just had 3." As she is already pulling the cheese drawer out in the fridge and pointing to the sliced cheese instead of the string cheese I bought for her to snack on, "Dis one."
Mommy asks, "Would you like some yogurt?" "Yea! Yogurt." Mommy walks to the table, kid sits at the table, Mommy cracks the foil seal. "No. I don't want yogurt." Mommy hangs head in defeat and grabs a slice of cheese.
After I get off the potty. "You a big girl!" Why yes, small one, I am. Bahahaha.
"Daddy gon pop me."
"Daddy mad at me."
If she is doing something she knows she isn't supposed to, and you ask her a question or simply say her name..."Nuffin."
Constant night time phrases...When I'm reading a book to her, she picks up another book or forces to my hand to go back to page 1 and says, "Another story." As I leave the room or have left the room and she is nowhere near sleep, "Don't close the door!!!" Um...Mommy's butt is on the couch...your door is safe.
"Not dis one."
Mommy asks, "Do you want to watch SpongeBob, Adventure Time, or Phineas and Ferb." Toddler states her preference here, and Mommy flips to preferred show. Toddler freaks out and yells "Nooooo not dis one!!!" while waving her hands, with a pained look on her face. I have learned to leave it there, and she will eventually forget her protest.
"Mommy, I want juice." -.- Child, you will float away. Now go sit on the potty before we drown.
When she isn't getting her way..."Oh pease oh pease oh pease oh pease...." This can be said with a fairly happy face....or when tears are rolling, cheeks are red, and tantrum mode is set. And the sad....oh the sad.
PS-One of Mommy's favorite phrases (especially since I am recovering from having my gallbladder removed): "Go ask Daddy." ;)
A Day In The Ears Of Ouiser:
"NO!!!!" Usually said in response to anything I ask. "Do you wanna get up?" "Would you like some breakfast/lunch/dinner/nap/partridge in a pear tree?"
"Happy Happy! Happy Happy!" *while grabbing the Duck Dynasty DVD off the tv stand and pushing it at me. Chunky Munky's latest obsession is watching Duck Dynasty, which from what I've been told is rather unusual for the toddler bunch, but whatever.
*turning the tv off* *toddles up to tv and looks at it*
"TV???What the hell??"*smacks television*
While driving down the road:
"JACKASS!" I do not take credit for this, I blame his daddy, who says this quite frequently because people in this state do not know how to drive. At all.
"Buuuuuuuuurrrrrnnnnnnn" I started saying this anytime we pass a store owned by the company I used to work for. Sadly the boy has picked up on it.
I'm such a terrible influence.
"Soft kitty, warm kitty" He's evidently trying to learn the "Soft Kitty" song from Big Bang Theory, and when we first got Jack (our cat), I would pet him with his hand and say "soft kitty" Unfortunately, Jack now gets called "Jackass" can't imagine why...
"c'mon!!" Mommy is old, and doesn't move as quickly as she used to. He says this to try and spurn me on to get me to do something more quickly. It doesn't work so well.
"I pooped/pee" That's great kid, but why won't you tell me you have to go BEFORE you go? This potty training thing isn't working out so well and I'll have to send you to school in diapers still and a rainbow will follow you everywhere.
Mommy's favorite phrase to use:
I'm telling Daddy what you've done.
*points to a random person in the grocery store* "You got a naked booty!"
"I hungy." This single phrase is repeated Lord knows how many times throughout my day.
"I want another cheese." Mommy's reply, "You just had 3." As she is already pulling the cheese drawer out in the fridge and pointing to the sliced cheese instead of the string cheese I bought for her to snack on, "Dis one."
Mommy asks, "Would you like some yogurt?" "Yea! Yogurt." Mommy walks to the table, kid sits at the table, Mommy cracks the foil seal. "No. I don't want yogurt." Mommy hangs head in defeat and grabs a slice of cheese.
After I get off the potty. "You a big girl!" Why yes, small one, I am. Bahahaha.
"Daddy gon pop me."
"Daddy mad at me."
If she is doing something she knows she isn't supposed to, and you ask her a question or simply say her name..."Nuffin."
Constant night time phrases...When I'm reading a book to her, she picks up another book or forces to my hand to go back to page 1 and says, "Another story." As I leave the room or have left the room and she is nowhere near sleep, "Don't close the door!!!" Um...Mommy's butt is on the couch...your door is safe.
"Not dis one."
Mommy asks, "Do you want to watch SpongeBob, Adventure Time, or Phineas and Ferb." Toddler states her preference here, and Mommy flips to preferred show. Toddler freaks out and yells "Nooooo not dis one!!!" while waving her hands, with a pained look on her face. I have learned to leave it there, and she will eventually forget her protest.
"Mommy, I want juice." -.- Child, you will float away. Now go sit on the potty before we drown.
When she isn't getting her way..."Oh pease oh pease oh pease oh pease...." This can be said with a fairly happy face....or when tears are rolling, cheeks are red, and tantrum mode is set. And the sad....oh the sad.
PS-One of Mommy's favorite phrases (especially since I am recovering from having my gallbladder removed): "Go ask Daddy." ;)
A Day In The Ears Of Ouiser:
"NO!!!!" Usually said in response to anything I ask. "Do you wanna get up?" "Would you like some breakfast/lunch/dinner/nap/partridge in a pear tree?"
"Happy Happy! Happy Happy!" *while grabbing the Duck Dynasty DVD off the tv stand and pushing it at me. Chunky Munky's latest obsession is watching Duck Dynasty, which from what I've been told is rather unusual for the toddler bunch, but whatever.
*turning the tv off* *toddles up to tv and looks at it*
"TV???What the hell??"*smacks television*
While driving down the road:
"JACKASS!" I do not take credit for this, I blame his daddy, who says this quite frequently because people in this state do not know how to drive. At all.
"Buuuuuuuuurrrrrnnnnnnn" I started saying this anytime we pass a store owned by the company I used to work for. Sadly the boy has picked up on it.
I'm such a terrible influence.
"Soft kitty, warm kitty" He's evidently trying to learn the "Soft Kitty" song from Big Bang Theory, and when we first got Jack (our cat), I would pet him with his hand and say "soft kitty" Unfortunately, Jack now gets called "Jackass" can't imagine why...
"c'mon!!" Mommy is old, and doesn't move as quickly as she used to. He says this to try and spurn me on to get me to do something more quickly. It doesn't work so well.
"I pooped/pee" That's great kid, but why won't you tell me you have to go BEFORE you go? This potty training thing isn't working out so well and I'll have to send you to school in diapers still and a rainbow will follow you everywhere.
Mommy's favorite phrase to use:
I'm telling Daddy what you've done.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Friday Night W(h)ine 2/22
Ouiser here. I'm sick. Again. But I'm not drinking wine. Just whining.
This week has been an adventurous one in the Old Ouiser Homestead. I actually showed some ovarian fortitude and walked out on my job. What does this mean? Essentially nothing as I had a new job the next day. Okay so it pays a quarter an hour less, but am I really going to notice that? Not so much.
However, let it never be said that Ouiser didn't have a plan. I had my coupon binder at the ready and a list of bills that we have every month and a plan by which we could live quite happily on one paycheck. Then again, there's that whole I don't like being at home all the time and NEED to work (c'mon as mommies we NEED a break sometimes*lol*)
Now granted, I didn't walk into work Monday with the INTENT of quitting my job, although I knew that it was a distinct possibility given the current situation with a certain member of Corporate who had had a target on my ever expanding ass for years (I was with the company for over 5 years just to give you a little idea there). Long story short, finally promoting me was the opportunity she needed to try and get rid of me. So anyway, going into work I knew that it was a possibility. I was correct. The Evil Corporate Scum wrote me up. Again. Mainly because they didn't like the fact that I followed policy and called them out on it when they wrote me up for following their own policy which had not changed since 1991. Whatever. So I stripped off my shirt, threw it on the floor and told my manager that I was sorry, but I was done with the ECS BS and told her to tell the ECS to go 'f..k herself' and walked out essentially in my pants and bra (I had a tank top on but you really couldn't tell). Now I've become something of a folk hero to former (and disgruntled) employees of that particular company. Perhaps I should get a fan page??
But naturally, right after that, I got sick. I officially have no sense of taste or smell. Oddly it has not caused my blood pressure to go up much. Yeah ol' Ouiser had to go to the hospital last month (yay insurance) due to waaaaay out of control blood pressure. Sadly, because it'd been so high so long I do have some minor heart damage. This however, if I follow doctor's orders and take my meds, should not shorten my lifespan in any way so I'll be here kicking around and causing general mayhem for years to come. Besides someone's gotta teach the Wee Man how to curse properly...
Now pass the kleenex please?
This week has been an adventurous one in the Old Ouiser Homestead. I actually showed some ovarian fortitude and walked out on my job. What does this mean? Essentially nothing as I had a new job the next day. Okay so it pays a quarter an hour less, but am I really going to notice that? Not so much.
However, let it never be said that Ouiser didn't have a plan. I had my coupon binder at the ready and a list of bills that we have every month and a plan by which we could live quite happily on one paycheck. Then again, there's that whole I don't like being at home all the time and NEED to work (c'mon as mommies we NEED a break sometimes*lol*)
Now granted, I didn't walk into work Monday with the INTENT of quitting my job, although I knew that it was a distinct possibility given the current situation with a certain member of Corporate who had had a target on my ever expanding ass for years (I was with the company for over 5 years just to give you a little idea there). Long story short, finally promoting me was the opportunity she needed to try and get rid of me. So anyway, going into work I knew that it was a possibility. I was correct. The Evil Corporate Scum wrote me up. Again. Mainly because they didn't like the fact that I followed policy and called them out on it when they wrote me up for following their own policy which had not changed since 1991. Whatever. So I stripped off my shirt, threw it on the floor and told my manager that I was sorry, but I was done with the ECS BS and told her to tell the ECS to go 'f..k herself' and walked out essentially in my pants and bra (I had a tank top on but you really couldn't tell). Now I've become something of a folk hero to former (and disgruntled) employees of that particular company. Perhaps I should get a fan page??
But naturally, right after that, I got sick. I officially have no sense of taste or smell. Oddly it has not caused my blood pressure to go up much. Yeah ol' Ouiser had to go to the hospital last month (yay insurance) due to waaaaay out of control blood pressure. Sadly, because it'd been so high so long I do have some minor heart damage. This however, if I follow doctor's orders and take my meds, should not shorten my lifespan in any way so I'll be here kicking around and causing general mayhem for years to come. Besides someone's gotta teach the Wee Man how to curse properly...
Now pass the kleenex please?
Truvy's Mexican Lasagna
"Take me to tortilla land!"
This song has haunted my dreams for the past few months. Until a couple weeks ago, the Tortilla Land ad has been playing on my store's in-store radio station once an hour, if not more often.
So I did it...I bought some. The tortillas were marked down 50% because they were close to the sell by date, so I *had* to. And then I was faced with a challenge...what the hell was I to do with these all natural, uncooked tortillas.
*Ding!* Mexican Lasagna time!!
I made this again the other day with some pre-cooked fat free flour tortillas, and it was delicious as well. This recipe can be easily tweaked to suit your family's tastes and what is currently in your kitchen. I will put changes I made the second time in parentheses as I go.
Side note: unless I'm following a recipe card, I don't measure. I go by smell and feel. Lol.
As far as dish size goes, the first time I used a glass pie plate. The second time I used a 9"x13" glass dish. Both times it was delectable. The latter fed 5 or 6 adults and a snarky toddler. Think of your feasting horde when choosing a pan size. Seconds will be requested.
Truvy's Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Seasoning for meat
Shredded cheese
Tortillas
Sour cream
Shredded lettuce
Variations
Diced tomatoes
Black beans
Bell peppers, tomatos, onions, etc.
Tortilla chips or tostados for a crunchier yum
Cheese sauce
Corn
Refried beans
The list goes on!!
Preparation
Preheat your oven. I think I set it to 350 degrees, which is good for just about anything.
Brown ground beef. I used 1 pound b/c I had it on-hand. Use more if you have a deep casserole dish, if you please. Or "beef" it up with some beans. Season with your choice of seasonings. Use taco seasoning if you have it, but salt, pepper, and garlic powder is delicious as well. That is my go-to trifecta with just about anything.
Spray bottom of pan with Pam or another non-stick spray, or rub on some butter or whatever you have on-hand. Lay tortillas across bottom. Don't worry if it doesn't completely cover, it will still taste just as good and hold together fairly well. Heat any other ingredients that require heating.
Throwing It All Together
With the tortillas on bottom, spoon on a layer of ground beef, sprinkle with cheese, add a layer of tortillas. Repeat until your pan is filled. Top with a final layer of tortillas, and sprinkle with cheese. If you wish to add more cheese to the top, do so a few minutes before you remove the dish from the oven. GO BY FEEL! ;)
Heat at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Check it and let it go a few minutes longer if you feel it needs it, or if your dish is very deep.
Top each serving with shredded lettuce and sour cream (and more cheese if you please!) and devour.
Om nom nom!
This song has haunted my dreams for the past few months. Until a couple weeks ago, the Tortilla Land ad has been playing on my store's in-store radio station once an hour, if not more often.
So I did it...I bought some. The tortillas were marked down 50% because they were close to the sell by date, so I *had* to. And then I was faced with a challenge...what the hell was I to do with these all natural, uncooked tortillas.
*Ding!* Mexican Lasagna time!!
I made this again the other day with some pre-cooked fat free flour tortillas, and it was delicious as well. This recipe can be easily tweaked to suit your family's tastes and what is currently in your kitchen. I will put changes I made the second time in parentheses as I go.
Side note: unless I'm following a recipe card, I don't measure. I go by smell and feel. Lol.
As far as dish size goes, the first time I used a glass pie plate. The second time I used a 9"x13" glass dish. Both times it was delectable. The latter fed 5 or 6 adults and a snarky toddler. Think of your feasting horde when choosing a pan size. Seconds will be requested.
Truvy's Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Seasoning for meat
Shredded cheese
Tortillas
Sour cream
Shredded lettuce
Variations
Diced tomatoes
Black beans
Bell peppers, tomatos, onions, etc.
Tortilla chips or tostados for a crunchier yum
Cheese sauce
Corn
Refried beans
The list goes on!!
Preparation
Preheat your oven. I think I set it to 350 degrees, which is good for just about anything.
Brown ground beef. I used 1 pound b/c I had it on-hand. Use more if you have a deep casserole dish, if you please. Or "beef" it up with some beans. Season with your choice of seasonings. Use taco seasoning if you have it, but salt, pepper, and garlic powder is delicious as well. That is my go-to trifecta with just about anything.
Spray bottom of pan with Pam or another non-stick spray, or rub on some butter or whatever you have on-hand. Lay tortillas across bottom. Don't worry if it doesn't completely cover, it will still taste just as good and hold together fairly well. Heat any other ingredients that require heating.
Throwing It All Together
With the tortillas on bottom, spoon on a layer of ground beef, sprinkle with cheese, add a layer of tortillas. Repeat until your pan is filled. Top with a final layer of tortillas, and sprinkle with cheese. If you wish to add more cheese to the top, do so a few minutes before you remove the dish from the oven. GO BY FEEL! ;)
Heat at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Check it and let it go a few minutes longer if you feel it needs it, or if your dish is very deep.
Top each serving with shredded lettuce and sour cream (and more cheese if you please!) and devour.
Om nom nom!
I miss my hubby.
First off, HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm back! I, Truvy, have both a laptop *and* internet for the first time in forever. It's pretty awesome.
Now the meat and potatoes. And why I really really miss my hubby.
Our schedules are strange......hubby works 10pm-7am. I usually work in the mornings and occasionally the afternoons and evenings. So here's a typical day when both of use have to work (I'll pick a Wednesday because I always work 5am-2pm):
4:30am-Hubby calls to wake me up and we chat a few minutes while I get dressed and head out the door by 4:45am...pull up at work a little before 5am.
7am-Hubby gets off work (SIL is at the house while we are both away) and comes home to take care of the kiddo.
11am-I typically take my hour lunch break around this time or a little later. So I come home and spend about 40 minutes with the crazy kiddo and hubby and eat something.
2pm-I get off work and come home...kiddo and hubs are asleep.
between 2pm and 4pm, depending what time kiddo went down: wake up the kiddo and do our thing.
8pm-bedtime for kiddo...doesn't always mean sleep, sadly. *sigh*
9:30pm-wake hubs up for work. out the door by 10pm. again, SIL is at the house while I take him to work.
So...the majority of our daily communication is by phone calls and texts. bleh. Better than some people get, yes, but it still isn't any fun. We are blessed to live super close to both our jobs...he works a mile and a half down the road and I work about 7 minutes away. But in a way, when we lived 25 minutes from his job, we got 2 chunks out of each day to chat. Now we only have about 3 minutes once a day since a friend gives him a ride home from work. Unless I'm off, he's off, or he's still awake when I get home.
Another un-fun part is the day before an early morning, an early bedtime would be *magical* for me...but I still have to take him to work. And I would chop my arm off for a nap some days. But instead I sleep in on my off days and lose out on more hubby time...and house cleaning time....but ain't nobody got time fo dat.
However, it is pretty awesome to have the bed to myself. And control of the remote at night. Because the kid controls the TV when she's up.
And now I want to snuggle my hubs.
<3
Truvy
Now the meat and potatoes. And why I really really miss my hubby.
Our schedules are strange......hubby works 10pm-7am. I usually work in the mornings and occasionally the afternoons and evenings. So here's a typical day when both of use have to work (I'll pick a Wednesday because I always work 5am-2pm):
4:30am-Hubby calls to wake me up and we chat a few minutes while I get dressed and head out the door by 4:45am...pull up at work a little before 5am.
7am-Hubby gets off work (SIL is at the house while we are both away) and comes home to take care of the kiddo.
11am-I typically take my hour lunch break around this time or a little later. So I come home and spend about 40 minutes with the crazy kiddo and hubby and eat something.
2pm-I get off work and come home...kiddo and hubs are asleep.
between 2pm and 4pm, depending what time kiddo went down: wake up the kiddo and do our thing.
8pm-bedtime for kiddo...doesn't always mean sleep, sadly. *sigh*
9:30pm-wake hubs up for work. out the door by 10pm. again, SIL is at the house while I take him to work.
So...the majority of our daily communication is by phone calls and texts. bleh. Better than some people get, yes, but it still isn't any fun. We are blessed to live super close to both our jobs...he works a mile and a half down the road and I work about 7 minutes away. But in a way, when we lived 25 minutes from his job, we got 2 chunks out of each day to chat. Now we only have about 3 minutes once a day since a friend gives him a ride home from work. Unless I'm off, he's off, or he's still awake when I get home.
Another un-fun part is the day before an early morning, an early bedtime would be *magical* for me...but I still have to take him to work. And I would chop my arm off for a nap some days. But instead I sleep in on my off days and lose out on more hubby time...and house cleaning time....but ain't nobody got time fo dat.
However, it is pretty awesome to have the bed to myself. And control of the remote at night. Because the kid controls the TV when she's up.
And now I want to snuggle my hubs.
<3
Truvy
Monday, January 14, 2013
EZ Meal Planning...On A Budget
Now that I have 'mostly' normal people hours, this leaves me time during the day to plan out meals that can be prepared quickly for when The Hubby gets home from work and I'm AT work. With a little prep and time, you can get what you need to get done around the house and feed the family at the same time without breaking a sweat, or the piggy bank.
The crockpot is one of our staple kitchen accessories around here obviously, just like Ronco says 'set it and forget it'. But what are you going to put IN it?
Beans are a big hit around here obviously, they're cheap, nutritious and filling and definitely Wee Man approved. At least 1 meal a week here is of the bean family. We buy the large bags of dried beans (pintos, northern, etc) rinse out about a pound and a half of them, dump them in the crockpot with about 6 to 8 cups of water, toss in half a package of ham pieces (for seasoning) as one full package is plenty to season two pots of beans. Set on low for 8-10 hours and voila!
The upfront cost for the beans will vary with type of bean and where you live but a 5 lb bag of pinto or northern beans typically runs us about 4 to 6 dollars, the ham pieces run about 1.99 a package here. The full pot will general make at least 2 meals worth with second helpings included, so you can have dinner one night and lunch the next day for a fraction of the cost.
We also typically serve some sort of cornbread or potatoes with this as well, which is perfect for these cold chilly nights.
So with a little thinking ahead dinner doesn't have to be a hassle. Trust me on this.
xoxo
Ouiser
The crockpot is one of our staple kitchen accessories around here obviously, just like Ronco says 'set it and forget it'. But what are you going to put IN it?
Beans are a big hit around here obviously, they're cheap, nutritious and filling and definitely Wee Man approved. At least 1 meal a week here is of the bean family. We buy the large bags of dried beans (pintos, northern, etc) rinse out about a pound and a half of them, dump them in the crockpot with about 6 to 8 cups of water, toss in half a package of ham pieces (for seasoning) as one full package is plenty to season two pots of beans. Set on low for 8-10 hours and voila!
The upfront cost for the beans will vary with type of bean and where you live but a 5 lb bag of pinto or northern beans typically runs us about 4 to 6 dollars, the ham pieces run about 1.99 a package here. The full pot will general make at least 2 meals worth with second helpings included, so you can have dinner one night and lunch the next day for a fraction of the cost.
We also typically serve some sort of cornbread or potatoes with this as well, which is perfect for these cold chilly nights.
So with a little thinking ahead dinner doesn't have to be a hassle. Trust me on this.
xoxo
Ouiser
Friday, January 4, 2013
Truvy's Goals for 2013
Because resolutions just scream to be broken, I'm just setting some nice goals.
1. Keep my kitchen clean enough to cook in.
Basically, my house is a war zone. It was looking decent...but then I worked 6 days in a row, and all hell broke loose.
2. Eat healthier.
If I set a weight loss goal, I'll just be bummed when I don't reach it. So I will just strive to make healthier decisions.
3. Be more aware of our finances.
We broke. Nuff said.
So there you have it. Wish me luck!
Now if only the dang UPS man will get here so I can start dinner that would be stupendous.
<3 Truvy
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Moving on a Beer Budget...Take Two!
Yes!!!
Ouiser and Co. FINALLY left the HOUSE FROM HELL. No more spiders, no more wonky electricity, no e.coli infected water, no freezing our asses off...
Okay, so we actually moved BACK to the same trailer park (lovely ain't it?) that we lived in before, but this trailer is larger, MUCH nicer oh and everything works for the most part except that whole dishwasher actually DRYING the dishes thing, but we can live with that.
And yes, we DID manage it on a beer budget this time.
It took approximately 1000 dollars for deposits, etc but that's MUCH better than the almost THREE THOUSAND we spent to move INTO the House From Hell. Sadly, this really ate into the Yule budget and pbbbffffttt! I never got to send my cards and I have a package for Truvy that's been sitting here for damn near three weeks that I can't afford to send yet*lol* But she knows it's here and she knows it's coming, so no worries!
Since our brief hiatus turned into a many MONTHS hiatus (sounds like my writing career!) we have decreed NO MORE! We are back and we will be badder than ever. We've got lots of stuff planned this year, recipes, tips, freebie finds etc and stay tuned for a SPECIAL surprise later this year as I FINALLY publish my first novel!
Yup, lots of good stuff in store here at CM, so stick around!
XOXO
Ouiser
Ouiser and Co. FINALLY left the HOUSE FROM HELL. No more spiders, no more wonky electricity, no e.coli infected water, no freezing our asses off...
Okay, so we actually moved BACK to the same trailer park (lovely ain't it?) that we lived in before, but this trailer is larger, MUCH nicer oh and everything works for the most part except that whole dishwasher actually DRYING the dishes thing, but we can live with that.
And yes, we DID manage it on a beer budget this time.
It took approximately 1000 dollars for deposits, etc but that's MUCH better than the almost THREE THOUSAND we spent to move INTO the House From Hell. Sadly, this really ate into the Yule budget and pbbbffffttt! I never got to send my cards and I have a package for Truvy that's been sitting here for damn near three weeks that I can't afford to send yet*lol* But she knows it's here and she knows it's coming, so no worries!
Since our brief hiatus turned into a many MONTHS hiatus (sounds like my writing career!) we have decreed NO MORE! We are back and we will be badder than ever. We've got lots of stuff planned this year, recipes, tips, freebie finds etc and stay tuned for a SPECIAL surprise later this year as I FINALLY publish my first novel!
Yup, lots of good stuff in store here at CM, so stick around!
XOXO
Ouiser
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Truvy has a phone again!
Huzzah! Black Friday gave me the perfect excuse to buy a new phone...and it was only 40 bucks!! #winning
Hopefully this means more bloggy blog posts as well. Stay tuned race fans!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Ouiser's Freebie Round-Up 6/5/12
Ouiser here and I'm scouring the web today to find all the best freebies, samples and coupons for you! To start things off here's a PERFECT one for Father's Day:
Free Card (no shipping!) at Cardstore.com when you get to the check out after creating your Father's Day card enter "LUVDAD2" in the promo code spot and your card is FREE. I already created one for the Wee Man to give to Hubby and it should be here in a few days just in time for the 17th.
I LOVE Bodycology, especially the body sprays. I've never tried the lotions so I'm pretty excited to try this one out.
If your have furry friends try this pate topper from Meow Mix (they also send a 1.00 off coupon)
I've gotten lots of neat things from Start Sampling so anything they tend to offer is totally worth the few minutes it takes to fill out the forms.
(copy and paste this in your browser):
http://www.startsampling.com/product.iphtml?item=40376
I just signed up for this one (I chose the dozy night dreams) so if I get it I'll obviously let you know how it goes.
I love Quiznos but haven't been in years. This offer expires on June 8th so don't delay.
I love smelly stuff (provided I'm not allergic to it), simply like them on Facebook and pick three scents to sample. I chose Night Orchid, Deep Wood and Summer Rain.
I will continue to look around today and see what pops up and post it on our FB page and here in bloggy format. Please note that I get a LOT of these links from other sources as well as my own personal research. In our next installation, I'll be sharing some of the freebie sites that I frequent.
xoxo
Ouiser
Free Card (no shipping!) at Cardstore.com when you get to the check out after creating your Father's Day card enter "LUVDAD2" in the promo code spot and your card is FREE. I already created one for the Wee Man to give to Hubby and it should be here in a few days just in time for the 17th.
I LOVE Bodycology, especially the body sprays. I've never tried the lotions so I'm pretty excited to try this one out.
If your have furry friends try this pate topper from Meow Mix (they also send a 1.00 off coupon)
I've gotten lots of neat things from Start Sampling so anything they tend to offer is totally worth the few minutes it takes to fill out the forms.
(copy and paste this in your browser):
http://www.startsampling.com/product.iphtml?item=40376
Okay why is this thing jacking up my text...seriously. Okay there we go. That took forever and a day...Anyway. I've received the 5 Hour Energy samples before and used them. Given my addiction to Monster Energy Lo-Carb though I couldn't actually tell you if they work or not. But, I work in a convenience store and we sell a metric assload of these and people swear by them. You'll get a random flavor but usually either Berry or Grape (I got lucky and got a Pomegranate one last time)
I just signed up for this one (I chose the dozy night dreams) so if I get it I'll obviously let you know how it goes.
I love Quiznos but haven't been in years. This offer expires on June 8th so don't delay.
I love smelly stuff (provided I'm not allergic to it), simply like them on Facebook and pick three scents to sample. I chose Night Orchid, Deep Wood and Summer Rain.
I will continue to look around today and see what pops up and post it on our FB page and here in bloggy format. Please note that I get a LOT of these links from other sources as well as my own personal research. In our next installation, I'll be sharing some of the freebie sites that I frequent.
xoxo
Ouiser
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Tonight's Dinner: Delicioso
It's kinda Mexican. It's kinda awesome. It's Delicioso. =) Yea, my lame butt just came up with the name. So if you are looking for something scrumdiddlyumptious, try this out. =D
1. Take any thin cut beef...in the past I used thin sliced sirloin tip...today they had some thin sliced milanesa (i have no clue what it is other than beef, but it looks like it will be super tender!) on markdown, so that's what we are going with. there is 1-1.5 pounds of it...hopefully will feed 6 people and have some leftovers. Anywho, take your meet and cut it into strips roughly 0.5 in by 2 in...don't worry too much...just as long as it is fairly bite-sized, you are fine.
2. Toss your sliced up meat into a bowl. Top with a can of Rotel. I used original today. This recipe was originally created by throwing random things from my pantry together, so this marinade is just what I have tried. Originally I added, in addition to the Rotel, Frank's Red Hot and Tony Chachere's. Today I did Rotel, Frank's Red Hot, black pepper, and garlic powder. Just browse your cabinets and go with what feels right. Put saran wrap over the bowl and stick the whole kit'n'kaboodle in the fridge. Let it sit a little while...I think I let it sit for an hour the first time I made this. This time it will be in there 1-2 hours. If your meat is tough, let it go longer.
3. Get your pan smoking hot. Dump the entire contents of the bowl on in, juice, tomatoes, and all. Cook the meat until it's done, of course.
4. This next part is also a guideline of what I have done. Raid your cabinets and let your tummy and taste buds lead the way. What I do is take a 10 in whole wheat tortilla, heat it up, and spread filling on, then meat, then cheese. The first time the filling was black beans and brown rice that I had leftover from the other night. The cheese I used was Kraft singles. AND IT WAS DELICIOSO! Tonight I will be using black beans and refried beans as the filling and maybe some shredded cheddar cheese. The filling i usually cook in the meat's pan together when the meat is done.
Enjoy! Time for me to go wrangle the youngun and get to work on dinner.
<3
Truvy
1. Take any thin cut beef...in the past I used thin sliced sirloin tip...today they had some thin sliced milanesa (i have no clue what it is other than beef, but it looks like it will be super tender!) on markdown, so that's what we are going with. there is 1-1.5 pounds of it...hopefully will feed 6 people and have some leftovers. Anywho, take your meet and cut it into strips roughly 0.5 in by 2 in...don't worry too much...just as long as it is fairly bite-sized, you are fine.
2. Toss your sliced up meat into a bowl. Top with a can of Rotel. I used original today. This recipe was originally created by throwing random things from my pantry together, so this marinade is just what I have tried. Originally I added, in addition to the Rotel, Frank's Red Hot and Tony Chachere's. Today I did Rotel, Frank's Red Hot, black pepper, and garlic powder. Just browse your cabinets and go with what feels right. Put saran wrap over the bowl and stick the whole kit'n'kaboodle in the fridge. Let it sit a little while...I think I let it sit for an hour the first time I made this. This time it will be in there 1-2 hours. If your meat is tough, let it go longer.
3. Get your pan smoking hot. Dump the entire contents of the bowl on in, juice, tomatoes, and all. Cook the meat until it's done, of course.
4. This next part is also a guideline of what I have done. Raid your cabinets and let your tummy and taste buds lead the way. What I do is take a 10 in whole wheat tortilla, heat it up, and spread filling on, then meat, then cheese. The first time the filling was black beans and brown rice that I had leftover from the other night. The cheese I used was Kraft singles. AND IT WAS DELICIOSO! Tonight I will be using black beans and refried beans as the filling and maybe some shredded cheddar cheese. The filling i usually cook in the meat's pan together when the meat is done.
Enjoy! Time for me to go wrangle the youngun and get to work on dinner.
<3
Truvy
Friday, June 1, 2012
Part 2: Friends
Yes, this seems like a strange topic to touch on in a money-saving series, but hear me out! When I was single, pretty much all of my money went into my friendships...gas, food, events, movies, shopping, you name it. While friends are amazing, they can be a huge financial drain. After I had Lil Bit, I had a friend in particular where everything it seems we did involved money.
Because of my personal experiences, I have found that friends that drain your bank account aren't always the best to have around for reasons other than budget concerns. If you can find a few friends who are more than happy to just come over and chat and do other free activities, chances are these will be the people you can count on in tough times also. But online friends can be even better.
When I was pregnant I joined a mommy website with a big community. One night when I was maybe 7-8 months pregnant I did a random "who's up and bored?" web chat with a bunch of girls, some of which I consider dear friends now over two years later. The lovely Ouiser is one of those dear friends. =)
We have been through a lot together. They are always there when I need them, and I return the favor whenever I can. After a life of having friends that always seemed to need a little more than friendship, this was big for me. I have a group of girls I can depend on without shedding a dime. If I ever do spend money on them it will be a grand meet-up vacation so we can finally see each other face-to-face.
I do have offline friends too, of course. After weeding out the toxic friends, I am left with a handful of people who "get it." Even if we rarely get to see each other, we can call each other up to chat and pick up where we left off a couple of months previous.
And I can't write a post about friendship without mentioning my hubby. =) He makes me laugh. He "gets" me and all my eccentricities, and he embraces them. We can have fun together just sitting home and playing video games or watching one of our shows. The other night we were watching "So You Think You Can Dance" and having a blast talking about the performances. Sometimes I can't stand him, but at the end of the day, he is my best friend. =p
So the point of this post...
Recognize when you are in a toxic friendship. If someone only wants to hang out when you have the money to do something, please examine that relationship to make sure they are really wanting to be there for you instead of looking for someone to do something with. If they understand that you can't go out to eat because you just paid rent or your electric bill without giving you a bunch of grief, that is someone you can benefit from having in your life.
Sometimes it is ok to be selfish. That was one of the biggest lessons in life that I had to learn. And when you are a mommy, you have to be selfish for your kiddo too.
Cherish the friends you can be your true self with without holding back...even the weird, gross, somewhat disturbing you. ;)
<3
Truvy
Because of my personal experiences, I have found that friends that drain your bank account aren't always the best to have around for reasons other than budget concerns. If you can find a few friends who are more than happy to just come over and chat and do other free activities, chances are these will be the people you can count on in tough times also. But online friends can be even better.
When I was pregnant I joined a mommy website with a big community. One night when I was maybe 7-8 months pregnant I did a random "who's up and bored?" web chat with a bunch of girls, some of which I consider dear friends now over two years later. The lovely Ouiser is one of those dear friends. =)
We have been through a lot together. They are always there when I need them, and I return the favor whenever I can. After a life of having friends that always seemed to need a little more than friendship, this was big for me. I have a group of girls I can depend on without shedding a dime. If I ever do spend money on them it will be a grand meet-up vacation so we can finally see each other face-to-face.
I do have offline friends too, of course. After weeding out the toxic friends, I am left with a handful of people who "get it." Even if we rarely get to see each other, we can call each other up to chat and pick up where we left off a couple of months previous.
And I can't write a post about friendship without mentioning my hubby. =) He makes me laugh. He "gets" me and all my eccentricities, and he embraces them. We can have fun together just sitting home and playing video games or watching one of our shows. The other night we were watching "So You Think You Can Dance" and having a blast talking about the performances. Sometimes I can't stand him, but at the end of the day, he is my best friend. =p
So the point of this post...
Recognize when you are in a toxic friendship. If someone only wants to hang out when you have the money to do something, please examine that relationship to make sure they are really wanting to be there for you instead of looking for someone to do something with. If they understand that you can't go out to eat because you just paid rent or your electric bill without giving you a bunch of grief, that is someone you can benefit from having in your life.
Sometimes it is ok to be selfish. That was one of the biggest lessons in life that I had to learn. And when you are a mommy, you have to be selfish for your kiddo too.
Cherish the friends you can be your true self with without holding back...even the weird, gross, somewhat disturbing you. ;)
<3
Truvy
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Let's Get Back To Basics
So we can be a bit unfocused...we apologize. Being the mommy of a terrible two drama queen is a tough job. But it is time we refocus a bit. To do that, we here at Champagne Mommyhood will be getting back to basic through a 10 part series inspired by our blog title. So without further ado, enjoy. =)
How To Have A Champagne Mommyhood On A Beer Budget
Part 1: Entertainment
Let's say you and your dearest have come upon the perfect storm....the stars have aligned and you actually have a day or night where you are both off work with no other duties...and someone is watching your offspring. *le gasp* Now, on a beer budget, how do we maximize our fun without emptying our wallets?
1. Movies - Nothing is nicer than watching an entire movie without having to worry about a short one burning down the house or maiming the cat. But that mess is expensive. How do we cut corners here? Make it a day date. Hubs and I had a wonderful day date on Tuesday. We went to the noon showing of "Chernobyl Diaries" and had a blast! By going to an earlier showing, we saved at least a few dollars. Another way to trim the cost...if the movie is showing in 2D and 3D, just go for the 2D. In my opinion anyway, 3D is very overdone right now..and since everyone is trying to get in on it, a lot of times it is just not worth the extra $3 per person. But if you have heard outstanding reviews for the 3D version and simply cannot pass it up, just go before 5PM (or whenever your local theater ups the price).
Now if you are looking to take your short one(s) to a movie, check the website (or box office/concession stand) of your preferred local theater for their summer movie schedule. One of mine will be doing a different movie a week, twice a week, for 9 weeks. Admission is FREE. w00t! My favorite of favorite words! And since the movie will be filled with other short people, noise coming from yours will be no issue at all.
2. Arcades, Bowling Alleys, Family Centers, ETC - After our movie on date day, Hubs and I went to the new bowling alley behind the theater. The prices are a bit higher than the other nearby bowling alley (and more than we were looking to spend) so we hit up the wonderful air-conditioned arcade instead. This arcade uses swipe cards instead of money or tokens. When you win tickets, they are deposited digitally onto your card also. We initially put $5 each on 2 cards, one for each of us. Since we had not been there before, we started small to get a feel for the place. After a round of fun, we decided to get another $5 each. I went over to one of those big prize drop games. This one was called Keymaster. You have to line up this "key" with the hole in a piece of plexiglass perfectly so it will pull on the plexiglass and release your prize...the prizes in this machine ranged from a few video games to a couple of iPads. I figured I would give it a shot to see how it worked. I ended up winning a $130 digital camera for my $1 investment! Hubs tried for the iPads and Kindle Fires, but neither of us could quite get them. So we moved on and played skee ball, this massive connect four game, and a few others. So the $20 dollars we would have spent on only 1 hour of bowling and shoes went into an hour or more of arcade games, a new digital camera, and toys for Lil Bit, which we used our tickets on. We maximized the fun while keeping the cost at a minimum. Putting just a little money at a time on the cards helped us not get carried away also. It's like, for me at least, putting $5 in gas in at a time versus filling the tank....the full tank makes me invincible and drive more than when I do just a little at a time.
I grabbed the price chart for the lanes...so maybe we will have a less expensive bowling option in the future. It never hurts to check in with even the pricier places to see when rates are at their lowest.
3. Parks - I am blessed to live an hour from the Gulf of Mexico (and glorious sugar sand beaches!) and about 10-15 minutes from Mobile Bay. There are also a ton of swimming holes dotted throughout my area, one about 5 minutes away. The bay does charge for parking seasonally, but I can go to our utilities board and get a free parking pass since I am a resident of the city. Otherwise it would be 8 bucks to get in. (Or a little polite sweet talking with the old guy manning the booth...a special thanks to him for letting me through for a friend's child's birthday party! I was upfront with him that I only had 5 on me, seeing as that was the first time I had seen someone manning the booth and had yet to get by the utilities board. Never underestimate the kindness of others, but never expect special treatment.)
Don't forget to check out your local playgrounds. In my little town we have a handful, so at least we have some options. The school I am hoping to send Lil Bit to in a couple years let's us visit and use their playground while we get a feel for the place too.
If you have a national park nearby, get a fee schedule so you can know the best times to go. Take a picnic lunch and spend a day in nature. The kids will sleep well that night for sure.
Kids+Playing+Sun=Happy restful night for mama...just keep the sun block handy. When you need a cheap way to wear the babies out, the outdoors is always one of your best bets. Lately Lil Bit and I have been going outside almost everyday to play with chalk and bubbles. We usually play in the water hose too. Even that little bit of play helps wear her terrible two-ness out. And she can play in the mud and get as dirty as she wants because I can just hose her off before we head inside...or just plop her straight in the tub.
4. Television - Heading back indoors...let's tackle the awful bills we accumulate so we can sit on our butts after bedtime and unwind...or so we can occupy the short ones long enough to clean the kitchen. Right now, I am so sick of our cable company that I could scream. Hopefully we can let them go soon. Once they are out of the way, we are planning to rely on Netflix and maybe Hulu through our XBOX 360. We can also browse YouTube through it and play DVDs. We may not see everything on the first run, but the money saved will be more than worth it...even if my husband is completely in love with the DVR. ;)
That's all I can think of for now, but if you have a topic you have not seen covered here, let me know in the comments, and I will add it to the list. Feel free to leave your own advice in the comments as well. =)
<3
Truvy
Monday, May 14, 2012
We KNEW!
Ouiser here, and I feel a rant coming on.
Now that the Mother's Day dinners have been consumed, the flowers are starting to droop a bit and the chocolate is starting to melt, let's get down to the nitty gritty here. In the past couple of weeks, I've been reading the local paper at work (as usual) and on Sundays in the Life section(front page of it no less) there is a local columnist who is a relatively new mom herself.
Now that's all fine and dandy, great! But she complains a lot. Or at least she has in the last two articles I've read of hers. Perhaps I'm just reading too much into it or making it out to be a bigger deal than it is. Sadly, the paper doesn't link to the article in question, but the gist of it is that the woman wants a vacation from her kid.
She spends the entire column whining about how she wants to get away, doesn't want to be a parent for a day etc etc blah blah blah. This week she finally gets her way and spends Mother's Day AWAY from her child. Awww she feels SAD about this.
Newsflash sweetheart. We KNEW what we were getting into the minute we saw that second line appear on the pregnancy test. Your life is no longer your own. Sleep? Fuggetaboutit. Girls Nights Out? Goodbye! *unless you're like me, and never went on those ANYWAY, but I digress). The point is. WE KNEW.
There are no sick days, no vacations, no pay when you become a mommy. If you have a spouse or a significant other, yes they will (theoretically) pick up the slack when you get sick, but guess what? Unless you're on your deathbed, YOU ARE STILL MOMMY and BABY will still need and want you regardless of whether you're sneezing, snotting, shitting or hacking your brains out. YOU ARE A MOTHER. Life doesn't stop just because you have popped a kid out of your hoo-ha and it doesn't go back to the way it was afterwards either.
We KNEW this. For someone to whine and complain to get their way and then be all sad because they got what they wanted just literally makes me ill. There is a difference between venting and just flat out constantly complaining and then for all intents and purposes running away for a weekend which happens to be the very weekend you are celebrated BECAUSE you're a mom!
Don't get me wrong, there are times that I'd love to just crawl into a hole with a blanket, a flashlight and a book and just be left alone. This usually occurs when The WeeMan is showing his muscle in what we like to refer to as "99 Ways to Make Mommy Lose Her Schmidt'. This usually occurs right about the time I get home from work in the morning and he doesn't want to eat, doesn't want to sleep, wants to play play play, get into everything, bang on the walls with his toys. But the second he puts those chubby little arms around my neck and wraps those legs around me in a big bear hug, who cares if the floor is food covered and he's just stripped down to his diaper because he hates clothes? Not me. He may drive me crazy at times but you know what?
I wouldn't change that for the world.
Now that the Mother's Day dinners have been consumed, the flowers are starting to droop a bit and the chocolate is starting to melt, let's get down to the nitty gritty here. In the past couple of weeks, I've been reading the local paper at work (as usual) and on Sundays in the Life section(front page of it no less) there is a local columnist who is a relatively new mom herself.
Now that's all fine and dandy, great! But she complains a lot. Or at least she has in the last two articles I've read of hers. Perhaps I'm just reading too much into it or making it out to be a bigger deal than it is. Sadly, the paper doesn't link to the article in question, but the gist of it is that the woman wants a vacation from her kid.
She spends the entire column whining about how she wants to get away, doesn't want to be a parent for a day etc etc blah blah blah. This week she finally gets her way and spends Mother's Day AWAY from her child. Awww she feels SAD about this.
Newsflash sweetheart. We KNEW what we were getting into the minute we saw that second line appear on the pregnancy test. Your life is no longer your own. Sleep? Fuggetaboutit. Girls Nights Out? Goodbye! *unless you're like me, and never went on those ANYWAY, but I digress). The point is. WE KNEW.
There are no sick days, no vacations, no pay when you become a mommy. If you have a spouse or a significant other, yes they will (theoretically) pick up the slack when you get sick, but guess what? Unless you're on your deathbed, YOU ARE STILL MOMMY and BABY will still need and want you regardless of whether you're sneezing, snotting, shitting or hacking your brains out. YOU ARE A MOTHER. Life doesn't stop just because you have popped a kid out of your hoo-ha and it doesn't go back to the way it was afterwards either.
We KNEW this. For someone to whine and complain to get their way and then be all sad because they got what they wanted just literally makes me ill. There is a difference between venting and just flat out constantly complaining and then for all intents and purposes running away for a weekend which happens to be the very weekend you are celebrated BECAUSE you're a mom!
Don't get me wrong, there are times that I'd love to just crawl into a hole with a blanket, a flashlight and a book and just be left alone. This usually occurs when The WeeMan is showing his muscle in what we like to refer to as "99 Ways to Make Mommy Lose Her Schmidt'. This usually occurs right about the time I get home from work in the morning and he doesn't want to eat, doesn't want to sleep, wants to play play play, get into everything, bang on the walls with his toys. But the second he puts those chubby little arms around my neck and wraps those legs around me in a big bear hug, who cares if the floor is food covered and he's just stripped down to his diaper because he hates clothes? Not me. He may drive me crazy at times but you know what?
I wouldn't change that for the world.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Mommygasm: Defined
I got high tonight....on education. =)
In my hometown, where I still live, there is a magical secret which I have just unveiled...an Organic School. Not like crunchy, hippy organic...organic in the sense that every child is a unique individual. Their beliefs in childhood education mirror my own from learning through nature and doing to learning at their own pace.
I can already tell Lil Bit will learn by doing, much like myself. The kid just turned 2 in March, and she is already trying to sing the alphabet. She even gets it right some of the time, parts anyway. Like "ABC ABC ABC LMNO QRS ABC ABC Now I ABC ABC ABC ABC. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Thank you, thank you." Childhood prodigy I tell ya! Lol.
So I have dubbed my almost endless squeeing as a mommygasm. It was seriously like a high. I kept clicking different links on the school website looking for a bigger buzz. It's addicting. =) Luckily my sister came home, and I could force her to look at the website. That is the only way to come off a high that good. Bahahahaha.
And before I finish, here is an update on the bedtime front...SHE WENT TO BED AT 6:30PM TONIGHT and has yet to wake up. =D No tears, just some playing and reading and she snuggled in for a long summer's nap. Today was a day of win, really. Last night she fell asleep around 8PM, woke up about an hour later, went back to sleep about 30 minutes later, then slept until just before 7AM. We had breakfast, I tried to catch a few more winks, and then we went to the park and grabbed my Grandma's pants from the cleaners. When we got home we played on the porch and in the yard armed with sidewalk chalk, colored bubbles, and a garden hose. She had a blast. No nap, but we had an impromptu second lunch with my sister-in-law. After dinner we had another round of chalk, bubbles, and garden hose. Lil Bit got to run around in the front yard in her Applejack panties like a boss while she slung the garden hose around screaming "Got you! Got you!" at me. Then we both took a bath, put on jammies, and by 5pm, we were both ready for bed....of course, you see where I am now at midnight, but that is beside the point. Bahahaha.
And now, Mommy must head to bed to prepare for another potential 7AM wake up call.
<3
Truvy
In my hometown, where I still live, there is a magical secret which I have just unveiled...an Organic School. Not like crunchy, hippy organic...organic in the sense that every child is a unique individual. Their beliefs in childhood education mirror my own from learning through nature and doing to learning at their own pace.
I can already tell Lil Bit will learn by doing, much like myself. The kid just turned 2 in March, and she is already trying to sing the alphabet. She even gets it right some of the time, parts anyway. Like "ABC ABC ABC LMNO QRS ABC ABC Now I ABC ABC ABC ABC. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Thank you, thank you." Childhood prodigy I tell ya! Lol.
So I have dubbed my almost endless squeeing as a mommygasm. It was seriously like a high. I kept clicking different links on the school website looking for a bigger buzz. It's addicting. =) Luckily my sister came home, and I could force her to look at the website. That is the only way to come off a high that good. Bahahahaha.
And before I finish, here is an update on the bedtime front...SHE WENT TO BED AT 6:30PM TONIGHT and has yet to wake up. =D No tears, just some playing and reading and she snuggled in for a long summer's nap. Today was a day of win, really. Last night she fell asleep around 8PM, woke up about an hour later, went back to sleep about 30 minutes later, then slept until just before 7AM. We had breakfast, I tried to catch a few more winks, and then we went to the park and grabbed my Grandma's pants from the cleaners. When we got home we played on the porch and in the yard armed with sidewalk chalk, colored bubbles, and a garden hose. She had a blast. No nap, but we had an impromptu second lunch with my sister-in-law. After dinner we had another round of chalk, bubbles, and garden hose. Lil Bit got to run around in the front yard in her Applejack panties like a boss while she slung the garden hose around screaming "Got you! Got you!" at me. Then we both took a bath, put on jammies, and by 5pm, we were both ready for bed....of course, you see where I am now at midnight, but that is beside the point. Bahahaha.
And now, Mommy must head to bed to prepare for another potential 7AM wake up call.
<3
Truvy
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