Personal Shopper: Father's Day 2015

I thought I would be your personal shopper for your Dad's Day finds.  Today I've compiled a lot of goodies and gadgets that I have found a lot of guys like.  Some of my personal favorites include:

iBobber Castable from Amazon for $94.90 - he's destined to catch something with this awesome fish finder!

Cuisinart Stainless Steel 16 piece grilling set for $27.07 via Amazon.  I love Cuisinart products, they are made to last.  Dad will love the awesome stainless steel heavy duty finish of this great grilling kit.

Eyes are important!  Save dad's eyes with a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses.  These sunglasses are made to protect your eyes in every way and shape of the imagination.

Dad needs a summer wardrobe too!  I adore the relaxed looks of Southern Tide & Southern Marsh.  Even if you aren't southern, it won't hurt to put a little slow and easy in your life with comfortable cotton style!

Happy Shopping!

southerntide.com

mauijim.com

boozingear.com

southernmarsh.com

 

Friday Faves!

Ermagherd, erts ermost Jern.

:)

Here are my favorite things this week!


1.  This photo I took last Saturday while we were awaiting our table.

2.  This dress I bought at WALMART.  Best place for little knit dresses ya'll.

3.  An ample amount of dirt time!  We planted a lot, moved a lot, enjoyed it all!

4.  This little dude.  He's so full of joy and love.  Now he gives me hugs and kisses on his own accord and tells me he loves me.  Boys are so sweet!

5.  Being dumb because its so fun.

And 6 for good measure....This awesome shot I got of my daughter.  She's growing so fast!

Thursday Thoughts & Stuff

*May's gone with the wind, Lynard.  Tuesday is too but May really is.  Boom it came in and BOOM it went out.  I really hate the insane speed limit that time is capable of.  If there was a way I would make summer drip by as slow as hardened molasses.

*Memorial Day Weekend 2015 rocked.  Friday, I don't remember.  Saturday, we went to Lake Norman for dinner with our friends Josh & Heather.  I think we're going to take a couple mill out of the Swedish account and go in halfsters on a new lake house, boat, and whatever the crap else we want.  Just kidding, we don't touch that money.  Sunday we laked it with the kids 30 minutes in the other direction.  Monday we got our planting and pressure washing on.  You jelly?  No.

*People who have chaotic lives and choose you as a venting target.  On the next 20/20.  No, seriously I'm over that.

*My widdle biddie boy is growing up.  He's doing really well with this potty training thing.  He's also doing well with this sleep thing.  That's like a raise the roof moment ya'll.

*Southern Charm is over and the last episode sucked.  Way to let me down Bravo Andy.

*I'm in the process of planning our next camping trip.  I'm so excited!!!

*Tonight is Fixer Upper's outtakes show, I cannot wait.  Chip makes me laugh so hard.  My husband is right there with me watching it.  You should check it out.

*School is over in 9 days.  BRING IT!

Linked up with:
Meagan & Joey!

Break time with Amanda & Chobani Greek Yogurt

In a world of hashtags, this one caught my eye:  #breakyoumake ....

Seriously, do you make a break for yourself each day?   A lot of us just do not carve out that necessary "me time".  We're so busy with errands and appointments, chores and work, running here and there, that we rarely give ourselves a few minutes to just...be.

The question posed to me when I saw this hashtag was who in my life deserves a break?    I want you meet a lady who is really worthy of a good, long break time.

                                                


One day a month I hop in my car and meet a lady named Wanda in the local Dollar Tree parking lot.  Ms. Wanda is in her late fifties, early sixties, and that is just my guess-timation.  She was a Teacher's Assistant at the elementary school I attended; and actually my T.A. in the third grade.

I can tell you I didn't know very much about this lady until last September when I needed some extra money (remember that whole house thing?) and my mom told her I would help her do some cleaning.  My only recollections were from a nine year old's standpoint.  She graded our papers, made copies, had her favorites in class (no, not me), and was kind of loud!

Ms. Wanda retired from the public school system after 30+ years and began cleaning houses to make ends meet.  Here's a lady who gave more years than I've been alive to assisting teachers and helping children and her retirement won't even cover her living expenses.  That's heartbreaking.

Getting to know Ms. Wanda from an adult standpoint (and being a little more mature than my third grade self) has been a true delight.  She's a mess!  Ms. Wanda loves to talk and gets so excited when we talk about her passion - the school she served for so many years.  She always wants to know about my first grader (a student there now) and how my mom is doing (though she sees her oftentimes twice a month) with her classroom this year.

Ms. Wanda doesn't break the bank with her housecleaning.  However, she feels such a loyalty to the elementary school that was her life for so long that every year she brings the teachers and staff a very fine catered meal from the local bakery.  This year pastas, salads, chicken, bread, and all the cakes you can imagine.  Then a week later - pizza, salad, bread, and more desserts.

She feels like she owes it to the school that was home for so long.

That breaks my heart.  Here's a retired 50-something who is working seven days a week to keep her home floating along and all she can think about is how she can help out or give to her old employer.

Ms. Wanda isn't a self centered woman in any fashion.  Her heart is huge and her love for others is deep.

I enjoy my time with Ms. Wanda because I know she appreciates the conversation and laughter we share.

She's shared her fears with me and they aren't fears that any retired public servant should have.  She's shared why she does the acts of kindness over and over - "one day I may need some help" - and my heart just aches for her.

Ms. Wanda is who needs a break in my little world.  She's a golden lady who does and does for others and sadly I don't see where too many, if any, are doing a thing for her.  I wish I had a magic wand and could grant her some peace and calm and take away the worry.  I wish I could reward her for all the rewards she's placed in the lives of others.  She's one of those women who make the world a better place and often go unnoticed.

Not today.

Here's to Ms. Wanda and all the others just like her.

***







Hey you, I want you to take a break with Chobani Flip!  I'm all for purchasing only natural foods with non GMO ingredients and the folks at Chobani are on a mission to make you healthier with their awesome product.

Click here to see how they make a great product that you can trust.  I have been buying Chobani for our household since my daughter was two years old.  Now the brand is expanding its amazing yogurt line and its at the satisfaction of your taste buds!

Chobani Flip is delicious!

Chocolate Haze Craze, yes!

With my eating schedule of protein shakes and two strong snacks during the day this is the perfect fit!  The smooth richness of greek yogurt along with the crunch of an assortment of nuts and other ingredients its the perfect sweet and crunchy treat to go for.

Let's not even talk about how bathing suit friendly this product is!

I cannot wait to get my hands on a Key Lime!

So add this product to your shopping list and start making your days a little happier and healthier.  Oh and be sure to get yourself a break time in today!


***

Who deserves a break in your life?  Share in the comments or in your own post!  

Are you a Chobani fan too?  What is your favorite product?  Have you tried Flips?  Share all about it!  

Stuff that IRKS me.

I screwed up.

I watched the news.

I got seriously angry.

I vent here.


1.  Child dies after falling out of vehicle in motion.

What?  Really?  OK this wasn't in a third world country where cars are a novelty.  This was in my own little county in little ole North Carolina.

I want to SCREAM when I hear these stories.  I know I learned all about socioeconomic classes and education levels but I had this dying hope that inside each mama and daddy there was some common sense.

Clearly it was just a dying hope.

A kindergartner was killed because she wasn't buckled in and her door opened and mom hit a pothole and the child was ran over after falling out.

Unacceptable.

Stupidity killed that little girl.

I know we're all given a certain number of days but part of me just wonders if that is really how that little life was to end.

So....in case you need to pass this along to an imbecile that you know feel free to:

Children are to be buckled into their carseats which is to be strapped in by a latched seatbelt.   If your child is over 80lbs then you need to make sure their seat belt is on them when the car is in motion.  If you have a door that isn't closed all the way you need to stop what you are doing and get out and shut it.

Common sense....common sense.


2.  Two arrested for planning to join ISIS.

Huh?  What exactly is the draw to be in a mass murdering league?  I'm missing it.  Maybe its because I came from (perhaps the last) generation who didn't feel lost in a crowd and had initiative and a goal and made friends.  The idea of killing people for no reason just didn't seem appealing to us.  What happened to peace, love, happiness and a Target card?

I'm really worried about kids.  They seem like they have no logical thought processes anymore.  Where did the going wrong begin?  Technology?  Every kid getting a trophy for badminton?  Failure to spank because you were afraid CPS would be called for that swat on the butt in McDonald's?  Eating McDonald's food?

I'm just confused.  My prayer list jumped by 2 million just now.

3.  Krispy Kreme to expand.

Now that's a praise Jesus Hallelujah.  A little light in the darkness.  Maybe that's the issue with the country, more people need a chocolate iced cream filled Krispy Kreme donut and their brains will begin functioning correctly.

4.  Josh Duggar apologizes after molestation allegations come out.

I had it in the back of my mind, years ago, that this family wasn't what they were trying so hard to portray.  Yes, I noticed the dad is a bit of a pig and mom is a bit of a spineless creature who is ok holding her head down.  Their fear of scissors and capri pants also made me question who they were.
Turns out they're like everyone else.  Trying to hide something.

So Josh has some problems.  He's not the first kid to have those problems (I have seen Lifetime movies) and he's not the last.  However, the fact that this kid's actions went swept under the rug show mountains of issues that this family has.

One report said he molested his sisters.

Little Rock, we've got a problem.  I'm so sickened that they didn't put him in treatment ASAP.  Of course they probably sought out an evangelistic healer who will give a sharp left hook to the head and yell HEALED before they'd go to someone who is a professional at dealing with people who have sexual abuse issues.

Here's the deal....they let him go scott free and now he's a father.  He's never been through treatment?  He's never had therapy?  He's just allowed to be in a place with multiple little children and they think that is just dandy?

No.  It's not.

TLC - thank you for pulling the plug on the the Duggars because now that the shovel is in the dirt a lot more is left to be "dug" up.

5.  Park service employs dogs to help with geese problem on National Mall.

I really hope the government didn't hire shihtzus or pugs for this.  It'd be great if they actually got a bird dog.
I wonder how much they're getting paid to chase geese?  Hmmm....how do I apply?  I have a two year old little boy who may be more effective than a Brittany Spaniel!

Camping 101: Camper Shopping

This year we upped our vehicles.  Yes, its true.  We now own all vehicles made in the 2000's and not the 1990s.  Watch out!

Our camper...well its still a good ole early 90's model.  We hope to upgrade next year.  Until then we're doing a lot of research and window shopping.

When I was prepping my next camping post I thought, why not share our finds on the blog!

So without further ado:

Oh the campers you can buy:

1) Pop Up

This is what we have now.  I think it is interesting how you really don't see many of these around camper lots anymore!  We're too cool for them as we become techies and have a burning desire for television sets in the woods.  I mean, that's just my guess.

I think everyone should start out in a tent and work their way up.  Find just how "rough" you want to go.  For me the pop up is as rough as I care to go!!!



This video is showing you all about the 2014 Clipper Camping Trailer (About $8,000.00 *brand new*).  These campers are similar to our old girl.  They have sleepers on each end and storage and a mini kitchenette in the common area.  If you're asking about the potty....no can do on this model.  That is why you camp where there is a bath house!

2.  Travel Trailers

This is our next camper.  Alright, maybe not this one in the video but similar to it.  I don't need all the techie stuff but with two small kids I do need more space to cook and store stuff.  I also need that important space for the kids to have their down time (nap time) without being disturbed.

This camper is super nice.





3)  Fifth Wheels

I really did not want to show you a Fifth Wheel.  I {personally} think these are wastes of space.  BUT I want you to get some good info from my blog. Therefore, my duty is to give you a brief intro to this style of camper.

The reason I do not like the fifth wheel is because you're losing space where you hitch the camper to your truck.  I am not for losing space.

I have camped in Fifth Wheel Campers and they are pretty comfy!  However, I think you should go for a travel trailer if you find one in your budget.

Here's a video from Cedar Creek on their Fifth Wheel Camper Silverback:




4)  Hybrids

These are pretty nifty.  Take a travel trailer and throw a pop out wing or two on and you have a hybrid camper.  These campers are very popular.  You get a bathroom in your pop up/travel trailer and you get more space inside!  These hybrids can be more geared towards the average family's price range for a camper as well.  Oh and I have yet to hear anyone who has one of these complain about them.

Here's a video from Jayco on their Jayco Jay Feather Lite.



These are four choices available in your area!  You can always go bigger or smaller.  Take a look around the internet for more information about all the styles of campers available.  If you can visit a camper sales lot to see them first hand.

Happy Camping!  See you next time!

Videos courtesy of Jayco & Cedar Creek Camper Manufacturers.  This post is not sponsored by any listed or unlisted camping manufacturer, dealer, or store.  However, if anyone does want to sponsor me by giving me a free camper to high light on the blog then we need to speak ASAP!

Memorial Day Sunday

We won't be at church today.  Instead, we'll be with our family celebrating the beauty of the weekend and the joy of the impending 3 months.

Sitting here thinking about this weekend - that kicks off summer each year for so many of us - I'm also thinking about the Book of John and the many soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for this country.

See there's a correlation between John's books and those that wear fatigues for this country.

John was an avid lover.  He loved so deeply because Jesus taught him how vital love is in this life.  John knew that love was the super power that would conquer all things evil.

John preached about the light and the darkness.  Darkness will not go away but if we have that light (love) that Jesus told us about over and over.....then the darkness would be conquered.

John spoke of perseverance.  He knew that the road wasn't easy and it was filled with broken bridges to figure out how to cross and potholes that would shake your core.  We just had to keep on believing and keep the joy of Christ and focus of love in ourselves.  We will make it.



All those themes seem to fit more than ever on the weekend set aside to remember the fallen soldiers.

They love this country.  That love is so incredibly deep that they realize they may have to die for the red, white, and blue.  They may have to perish for a country that supports them and at the same time puts down their name because of their orders.

They carry the light.  The military isn't just about bad guys and good guys.  So many of those men and women are working as peace keepers around this world.  They form bonds with children in war torn countries.  They play hopscotch and bring treats to the littlest ones; all too often realizing the next day that child could be gone.  They have hope for the women who are afraid of what the next second could bring.  They have food, medicine, and reassurance to families who are living their lives in total fear over when the rebels will arrive.

The men and women of the US Armed Forces persevere.  In the times of blasting artillery, firing ammunition, and praying to make it out alive they still remain strong.  When they look around them and see devastation they move forward.  When they lose their brother or sister on the field they march forward, with tears in their eyes and sometimes even by breaking down, they continue.  These people persevere like none other.



I could never be that strong.  I wasn't made that way.  But oh man am I thankful that the Lord saw fit to make so many brave men and women in this country.

Today and tomorrow I tell you my appreciation level of those lost in battle, war, or while keeping the peace have a huge part of my heart and special place in my prayers.

I long for the day when our soldiers are home and peace is the world.

Thank you for your perseverance, light in the darkness, and most of all your incredible love for this country and world.

Its a FRIDAY thing!

Yes!  I love Fridays that begin a long weekend with my family :)

This weekend is a GOOD thing because it unofficially kicks off my most favorite season...Memorial Day Weekend.  I know many of you are starting summer this weekend with lovely beach trips and I envy you so much.  My weekend consists of no vacationing...ok maybe some in my mind.

Not my deck but maybe ours will look this fab soon!

1.  Its a DECK thing

We have a fairly large deck on our home and this is prime time to seal and stain it.  We had been talking about it for a while (awaiting good weather and time).  I just didn't think about the kids being around when we do it!!!  Oops.  Oh well should be fine, right?



2.  Its a BEACH thing

Like I said above, I'm not beach bound.  However, I can easily be lake bound and play on the beaches by any of the lovely lakes around my area.  Last year we so enjoyed spending time in Wilkes County at W. Kerr Scott for Memorial Day.  I think we may need to do that again!!!

Via Pillsbury

3.  Its a BERRY thing

I love to cook with my kids.  Its one of my favorite hobbies that I can pass along to them so why not get them in the kitchen more with me?  We're going to bake up big strawberry, blueberry sugar cookie flag this weekend in honor of the USA and the soldiers who cover us 24/7.



4.  Its a DATE thing

Our favorite high school senior is coming to give us a parental break this weekend.  I am so going to miss her next year when she's away at college.  I may start crying right now just thinking about it.  It is so hard to find good, reliable, trustworthy teenagers who will do a great job caring for your kids.  We have been totally blessed by having Ms. Taylor in our lives.  I haven't figured what we will get into at this point while we have some kid-free time.  Maybe dinner on the Lake or head over to the Wine Festival...hmmmm?  A baseball game would be fun too.  I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!



5.  Its a RESPECT thing

This weekend's holiday isn't about starting summer or grilling or beach trips.  It is about what allows us to do all those wonderful things.  This weekend I'll talk to my kids about the vital role the soldiers of this country play every single day to keep us safe and keep us as free as we can possibly be.  I have had this talk with my daughter numerous times but you can never discuss too much.  We honor those men and women who placed their lives in front of all of our own so that we could be free.



 & 

I Think

All linked up with M-Girl & Joey!

I think....

*It is so weird how my son can wake me up 12x a night and yet when I have finally given up on sleeping I refuse to make coffee because, "it may wake him up"  WHAT?

*FYI I may be a bit more abrasive than usual due to my lack of sleep.  I don't get why this kid cannot understand that for at least 8 hours he needs to stay in his bed, with eyes shut, and not get up.  It is ok to be unconscious for a few more hours than two every night.  Seriously, I prefer it myself!

Don't buy it.

*I totally got HAD at the toy store.  The toy (pool) was too much money and probably won't last another 5 mintues.  UGHHH!

*Old Navy had a couple things I wanted.  I was excited and stepped in line.  Then realized it was one cashier and 127 people ahead of me.  I put it all back.

*The strawberry shortcake my friend Amy made is the most incredible cake I have ever tasted.  Let's talk about her lemonade too.  It was perfect for an additive of vodka.  Then the two year old came up trying to drink it.  Whoa baby, get back this ain't your drinkin' hole.

Not her pool but kinda close if it were smaller

*My mom's pool should be open by now.  Of course it isn't.  This could send me into a depression.

*Are you excited for a long weekend?  I am.  Bring on summer!

*We need to take time to thank the soldiers still with us.

*I'm on an organizational binge this week and next.  FYI ok?

*I don't think I'll paint my nails yellow again.  I look down and think "damn fungus" and remember its just the polish choice I made.

*I swear the guy that lives across the street (somewhere) goes in and out his street like 67 times a day.  I really don't get it.  Someone needs a hobby.

*Why are gas prices going up?

*Old people and the tags office....they get there two hours before the place opens.  What are they really in a rush to do?  I'm baffled.

yeah like that, kid, only with grey or white hair and glasses

*Elderly stink eyes.  Can I tell you I am over it.  Is it jealousy?  C'mon now you're too old for that game.

*You're so cool.









  

What To Buy This Weekend & Money Saving Apps

In lieu of Memorial Day Weekend and all they sales that come with it I thought I'd do some research to help you make better decisions as to what to purchase if you're in the shopping mode this weekend.

If I had the extra loot I'd be right there with you but alas....I do not!

Clothes considered "spring attire"

Anything that was put out in late January thru March needs to be sold.  It is considered "spring apparel" and not summer.  This includes short sleeved shirts, capris, bermuda shorts, light colored button ups and polos, sandals....yes very similar to what you wear in the summer!  You may actually find buys up to 90% off!

Refrigerators

As the temps start to rise the ice box prices fall.  Yes, this is the weekend to buy a fridge.  Yay!!!  Now you can have frozen popscicles instead of semi melted.

Bedding

Just like clothing the bedding is getting updated for summer too.  Out with the springy look and in with the bold summery look.  Now is the time to get that bedding set you were looking at three weeks ago!

Mattresses

Memorial Day Weekend is traditionally the BEST time to purchase a new mattress.  Remember if its over 8 you need to replace!

use this code at ruggedoutdoors.com

Anything Outdoors

Get your home summer ready on the outside!  Outdoor furniture is priced the best it will be until the end of the season.  Grills will be on sale this weekend HOWEVER they may be cheaper at Father's Day.  Outdoor toys are also on sale this weekend to help you get in the spirit of summer.  Take advantage of sales on these great items and get outdoors!

This weekend is also a prime time to buy some food items....

All things grilling!

Stock up on the condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc) this weekend.  Don't forget the marinades!  They will be on sale too and probably won't be at such a bottom dollar price until July 4th.  Buns will also be on sale at most stores.  You can stock up on these because they are freezer friendly.  Charcoal is also bottom dollar this weekend and you can rack up coupons on the charcoal before you go to the store.  I really love visiting Southern Savers to get my coupons on items like charcoal!

Sunscreen

This is the kick off to summer so get in the boat!  The Banana Boat, Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic....whatever you prefer!  This is the weekend to stock up.  There are lots of coupons online (Coupons.com) to print off at home!  (Oh and Consumer Reports tested sunscreens and the best buy?  NO AD Sunscreen which retails for about $10 is on target for its SPF level.  Coming in second?  Walmart's Equate Sport Sprays between $8 and $9!)

 

Saving $$$

Lastly, saving some scrilla is about being smart.  There are lots of apps available now to make sure you're getting the best buys for your buck.  If you haven't already download these apps to your phone:

Ibotta - this is a fabulous money saving/earning app that will reward you for buying certain products.  Download the app and check the stores you normally shop via the app.  Simple little tasks like a one question survey or quick video will allow you to earn twenty-five cents to two dollars after you buy the items and follow the instructions to redeem.  Once you hit $10 you will receive a gift card!

Walmart Savings Catcher - Walmart is all about keeping their place as number one at saving their customers money.  The Savings Catcher allows you to scan your Walmart receipts after a purchase.  They then do a 50 mile radius of price checking to make sure they had the lowest price on the items you bought.  If someone else beats their price, they give you the difference.  You can let your balance add up and then redeem it in store when you're ready.

Target Cartwheel - I think we all know about the Cartwheel app.  I love this app as it has saved me as much at $100 on a purchase before!  Instead of checking the prices, Cartwheel gives you extra discounts on items you may be looking to purchase.  If you have a Target card you'll get extra savings (5% every swipe).

Retail Me Not - This app will alert you when you are in an area where there is a store with a coupon.  The coupon will be loaded to the app so you can use it in the store.


Happy shopping!  And saving :)