(P)Interesting

As if I need something to interfere with my productivity more, but I did recently discover a website that is perfect for a rainy day (and who am I kidding, any other chance I get)... Pintrest for fun ideas for, well... just about anything and everything. And, you create your own virtual boards to pin your ideas to, so you won't forget (was this made for me, or what??) They all pretty much cite their sources, so if you see something you like, you can get it, or figure out how to do it.
Gorgeous wedding dresses to look at for my sister as we shop for her June 29, 2012 big day! (tumbir.com)

Hahahahaha!

Lego Cake.. AWESOME. bettycrocker.com

If you make it fun, they'll do it! (whateverdeedeewants.com)

And amazing recipes! annies-eats.net

It'll Change Your Life

Ahhh, few things say summer like a plate of fresh and steaming hot corn on the cob.

While being the most anticipated side dish of the year, no one likes the mess that goes with buttering it, which is certainly not an optional component of corn eating.
Hopefully I won't get backlash here for sharing Edwards family secrets, but try buttering it this way, and corn eating as you know it will never be the same. (in case you can't tell, take your least fresh bread, cut in in quarters, put a generous pat of butter on it, and rub it on the corn) And please, only use real butter.

Ok, it may not change you life, but I obvously am pretty excited about sharing it..

I've had the same coffee mugs since college. I got them at Walmart in the dollar section because they were big enough for me and my suitemates to make it though the night, whether studying or takling.
I have been looking for new mugs for about 5 years, but either did not find ones I liked, or did not want to pay $15.99 each for a set of 4 .

I found these the other day, and at just $3.99 each they not only were super cute, but were the right price.

Who wants to come over for coffee?

Rock Lobster

There's not a lot about lobsters that don't automatically remind you of summer (which I am hoping is really and FINALLY here).
Lobster bakes where its freshly steamed w/ all the butter and lemon you could dream of, sunburn that makes you look like a lobster, cheesy feel good B52's songs, and NOW, thanks to TJ Maxx, my new wristlet!

I know it's a little young, but this brand caught my eye and I just thought it was too cute to pass up- and now that we're diaper free it's big enough to hold my debit card, phone, a small pouch of wipes/tissues, and other small essentials for our much anticipated summer outings!

The Teavana Perfect Tea Maker

As a faithful coffee drinker, I was reluctant to get "into" tea. But, a few samples of tea at Teavana led me to give it a try...
I purchased The Perfect Tea Maker in the single 20 oz. size ($20). There is no need to buy the matching mug unless you are a Type A and must be matching at all costs... this contraption works on any mug, even the travel Styrofoam ones from Sam's. (Oh, and a word to the wise, use the coaster it comes with, or you may find it strains out on any surface that is even somewhat unlevel... such as the refrigerator shelf when trying to make iced tea....oops).

Purchase some loose teas, throw them in the tea maker with some hot water and the sweetener of your choice (if any), allow to steep, then strain over the top of the mug. It's so cool, watch the short video below to see.

Try the Toasted Nut Brulee Oolong from Teavana with a little milk and sugar... it helps with those nighttime sweets cravings.
Or, to quench thirst on a hot day, try the Blueberry Bliss Rooibos equally mixed with Pineapple Kona Pop Herbal lightly sweetened over ice. It's gooooood......

Two Thumbs Up

As mentioned, I received the gift of the Barnes and Noble Nook for my birthday. For quite a while, I was on the fence about e-readers, not really seeing the purpose of one. The Nook drew me for two reasons- the ability to borrow e-books from the library without leaving the house (for free!), and also the ability to share/receive books that you have purchased with others who have the same device.
I have to say, I love it! Not only does it significantly cut down on the clutter of books, but it's small, handy, and you truly feel like you are reading print, not a computer screen. And, for those serious page turners, you can bump up the size of the font in the touch of a button as your eyes tire (as mine have lately, while devouring The Hunger Games series).
Though not a life or death necessity, if you have a birthday or holiday coming up, and you are a big reader like me, I would put it on the list!

Giving is Receiving...

I won't say what I bought... or for who... but when I purchased some Christmas gifts recently I was able to get this deluxe sample bag for free with my purchase.
And, we all know you can't exactly give samples away as gifts, now can you?
I am having fun playing with all the surprisingly large sized goodies that came my way!

The Big News!

My sister got engaged!

Congratulations Sarah and Matt!

I am so excited for this... details to follow as they come!

He asked her in a sweet, simple way.... quietly in their home, where they love to spend time with their "daughter" (who may weight more than many grown men, but who's counting?).


And the ring!! I would post the pics I have, but they just don't do it justice.
Here's a link to one that's close, and gives you the idea. Sarah's came from George Edwards Jewelers though, naturally.


This is going to be so much fun!

To Cut... But How to Cut....

I've let my hair grow longer this summer than I have in quite a while!
That being said, I am sooo done with it.
I used to have pin straight hair with no body, and no cut or product seemed to help that.
Then, two pregnancies later, hormones left me with bumpy, wavy, and even sometimes frizzy sections to my hair.

This has made me a proud owner, but reluctant user, of a Chi flat iron and several hair smoothing products.

I will be going back to short hair. Which do you like?

Now if only we could take the pic into the salon and come out looking like the celeb too...
Comment and tell me which one you think would suit me best.

Mandy Moore


Sienna Miller (I think)

Selma Blair (whose hair I first admired on her guest appearance as Wendy on Friends... a little trivia for you)

Cameron

Cover Up

Six years ago, I thought it was a great idea to invite my adorable 8 pound puppy up on the couch to cuddle in my lap. He is now a 90 pound drool machine who makes the couch, well, nasty. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks... keeping him off the couch is an ordeal!

Four and a half years ago, I was told at the furniture store that anything will "wipe right off" microfiber furniture. I chose the light camel color, of course having no idea that all bets are off with toddlers and that light camel is a BAD IDEA.

Lucky for you, you were spared the acrobatic moves of my and my friend Nancy putting the slip covers on. I think I pulled a muscle.

So, here we are today... going from this...


To this...


>

What do you think of the change?

"Gnome" Thank You

Gnomes....

Ladies bending over in the garden....

I am typically not a fan of lawn ornaments.








Until I found these.

I could not resist the whimsical fun they added to the yard.

I had the idea I would randomly place them, but the kids insist they be together and watching the yard from the garden. Ok by me, I think they are great!





Any ideas on how to keep the kids out of the garden without putting up an ugly fence?

5 Steps or Less!

I have decided to feature a new weekly additon to my blog:

5 Steps or Less!

I am all about finding quick and easy ways to do things. Wit my full life, I just need ways to get things done fast and easy. I by no means claim to have a perfect house or flawless ways of doing things, but I try to find some cool shortcuts to make life easier so I have more time for the important things!

Here's my first one
Easy Micowave Cleaning:
1. Pour half white vinegar/half water in a micorwave safe bowl
2. Place bowl in microwave for 2 minutes, and wait one minute
3. Open micorwave, use a cloth to wipe clean (the vinegar and water loosens anything that may be in your microwave, and is all natural- no chemicals! Plus it deodorizes.)
4. Dip cloth in warm vinegar and water solution to shine outisde of mircowave and any other kitchen surfaces.

P.S.- Lemon juice can be substituted for the vinegar.

Haircut

Oh my! It's short!

Organic Confusion

Ok, so we're making some changes here in the Vinkle household. I have been learning and realizing that making the sacrifice to but more natural and organic foods was necessary for the health and safety of our family. So, finally I found a butcher that carries some organic meats so I went there. I was prepared to pay more, but YIKES, this was a LOT more! I got it anyway, and I don't know if it was in my head or not, but those burgers were mighty tasty. (I also found organic chocolate chip cookies, whose fat and calories do not count.) Today at Tops I also looked for natural, organic, and more whole foods. Well, let's just say my bargain hunting pride was bruised a little when I got very few bags for $83.00.

But, this is a sacrifice that I feel will benefit my family, so can you really put a price tag on that? Here is a portion of an article taken from naturalpath.com:

"Skeptics claim that labeling foods organic is just a marketing tactic to get consumers to pay a premium. And, some scientists maintain that there are no discernible health differences between the two.
However, there are numerous health benefits, both personal and planetary, to eating an organic diet.
Organic foods minimize exposure to pesticides, which have been proven to be toxic in the human diet, and often linked with cancer. This is especially critical for children, who are even more susceptible to the effects of toxins than adults.
Organically grown foods have reduced amounts of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, and solvents like benzene and toluene, when compared to conventionally grown foods. Minimizing exposure to these toxins is beneficial, as accumulation of heavy metals is associated with many diseases such as allergic reactions, nerve disorders, and cancer.
Organic foods are also more nutritious than their conventional counterparts. Recent studies have found significantly higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants in organic produce. Analysis shows that organic foods have, on average, 27% more vitamin C, 29% more iron, and 14% more phosphorus. A study by Globe and Mail and CTV news, found that today's potatoes, compared with those from 50 years ago, contain 57% less vitamin C, 57% less iron, and 50% less riboflavin. Modern industrial broccoli has 63% less calcium, 34% less iron, and a decrease in seven other vital other nutrients."

There are countless resources out there, some that tell you not to bother at all, others more middle of the road, and some that are nazi-ish in their organic beliefs. i get so confused!

For a full list of what the best produce is to buy organic click here

A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action...

I finally did it... chopped it.

A New Timesaver!

This was an item I have been wanting for a long time. Finally got it. It's an awesome single cup Keurig coffee maker- it's super fast, super fresh, and gets me out the door in the morning with a hot fresh cup of coffee. It has these cool mini-coffee cups (they look like a creamer) that you pop in the top and brew. You can choose all different strengths, flavors, and even cocoa and tea! Neat, huh?
I am so happy!
P.S.- I wish that was my kitchen, it's a stock photo...

New Chapter

Hard to believe... Monday I start a new job! While I am excited, my feelings are mixed, as I am sure any working moms are....
The way my new job as an elementary school social worker has fallen into place, I am certain I am making the right choice. After all, it's the ideal job- working 9-3, two weeks off at Christmas and Easter, all the school holidays off, no on call, no after hours, and the big deal- SUMMER OFF! Add all the fringe benefits on to this package, along with the fact it's 5 minutes from home, and it's an amazing opportunity that could not be passed up.
On the other hand, I have never been away from my kids 5 days per week. This is weighing on me, especially because since March I have pretty much been home with them everyday. While some days I have wanted to go to work (I am not gonna lie to ya....), most days have been a lot of fun and a time that I feel is coming to an end all too fast. It's true that I have fantastic child care, shorter hours, and evenings and weekends, the bottom line is that I am going to MISS THEM!
So, this is just an opportunity I am taking to make myself vulnerable and put my mixed feelings out there for all to see...

Starting a blog

Well, here it goes! I have enjoyed reading others' blogs, although I have been made aware that it's poor etiquette to "blog stalk". I've never been one for strict etiquette anyway, lol. So, I hoped that me sharing the ins and outs of our life might be equally enjoyable for fellow blog stalkers... go on, you have my permission- stalk away.
So, as many of you know I am married to Paul for over 5 years now, and we have two boys- Adam just turned 2 and Zachary is 5 months. Many times when I share their ages it's met with eyebrow raises and someone inevitably saying "wow, you have your hands full!" While this is true, we have a nice little setup, two pretty mellow little guys who are nothing but fun (ok, we have our moments, but I love my guys...)
I love the way that blogs can be used to document funny stuff that goes on at home and in life... so here is a few things that I can share....
Adam, with his greetings... Hey Daddy, How-you? Goin' On? Daddy answers, "Not much, 'goin on with you? Adam replies "Oh, good".... ha ha. Most recently, Adam has begun to form a attachment to some toys... today it was Ernie and Cookie Monster toys that he insisted in bringing to bed with him... he kept hiding them under the blankets and finding them, exclaiming " Cookie Monster, Ernie!! There you are!!" He's growing in his words every day, and though there is still a lot of babble, he says a LOT!! He's become quite crafty in getting what he wants already, he's a very persistent young man!
And Zachary... there is no baby like him... such an angel... He is starting to teethe already, and he sucks in his bottom lip and puffs out his cheeks... precious really. And he laughs and smiles to easily... he just melts me.
Well, off to a walk with the fam... fun times.