Setting the Stage for Baby's First Pics

People say that I live every moment of my life, as if it is a big event.  I personally, see no issue with that.  I wish that I had always taken the time to realize how much the little things in life make up the big things.  Taking time to celebrate our children is one of the most important things that a parent can do.

Morgan will be four months old tommow, and although we have a million pics of her, we still haven't done a professional photo shoot. I didn't want her pictures to just be average, because she is anything but.  So after spending a lot of time on my Favorite site etsy.com, I found some cute props for her first photo shoot.

Check out of few of the ones that I loved!!

For the Love of Ice Cream....

For me, there are lots of memories of Summer that somehow include Ice Cream.  Whether it was coming in from playing outside and eating ice cream.  Going out for Ice Cream with my family on the weekends, or Ice Cream Cones on the back porch with my sister.

I loved ice cream.  As an adult, I guess I don't love it quite as much.[currently, fighting the battle of the bulge]  But, some days there is nothing better than that creamy, cold.. goodness.

Always looking for different ideas for Kiddie Birthday Parties, or even parties that will serve as Team Building Experiences, I ran across this one.   What do you all think, is it a winner?

A Ben and Jerry Party

Sweet Nothings....

I am truly enjoying this "new relationship", especially the way he speaks to me in that sweet baratone voice.  Always soo very willing, to make my wish his command.  So unselfish, wanting nothing more than to please me, over and over and over again.

 

Get your minds out the gutter, I am taking about my new SUV and ONSTAR...

 

 

How to Skinny Your Beverage -- Useful Info I Found on Starbucks.com

How to Skinny Your Beverage

Jan 29, 2010

by Katie T., MS, RD, senior nutritionist

You've probably heard of our sinfully delicious, guilt-free Skinny Lattes – available in Caramel, Vanilla, Hazelnut and Cinnamon Dolce. These treats each come in around 90 calories, 0g fat and 9g protein for a Tall (12 fl oz) serving. Plus they have about 30% of your U.S. daily value in calcium.

But with a few simple substitutions, you can make just about any drink Skinny. One of my favorites is a Skinny Caramel Macchiato. It's not on the menu – it's simply a Caramel Macchiato made with nonfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup. You can still keep the caramel drizzle topping for a little added indulgence and have only about 110 calories.

Here is how to make your favorite drink Skinny:

• Opt for nonfat milk. That saves up to 120 calories and 15g fat.
• Switch to sugar-free syrup. That trims off about 20 calories and 5g sugar per pump of syrup!
• Hold the whip. Whipped cream adds about 50 to 110 calories and 5 to 11g of fat to your drink.

Here are some additional ways to shave calories in your favorite drink:

• Choose an iced drink. When you add ice, you displace some of the milk. So while you'll be missing out on a little calcium, you'll be saving a few calories. For example, a Tall Skinny Vanilla Latte is about 90 calories; the Iced version is only about 60.
• Add espresso. An espresso shot has about 5 calories. Adding a shot of espresso displaces an ounce of the milk, which lowers the overall calories. For example, an Iced Tall Nonfat Latte is about 70 calories. Add a shot, and you have an Iced Double Tall Nonfat Latte at approximately 60 calories.
• Ask for extra foam. The foamier the milk, the less calories in the drink. This is why a Cappuccino has fewer calories than a Caffè Latte.

A disclaimer: Calorie numbers will vary depending on the type and size of the drink, of course. Because we make our drinks by hand, nutrient values may vary, but they reflect our standard recipes and retail operating procedures.

Starbucks™ Shared Planet™

 

Faith Moment

Guest Blogger Alert!! -- Changing Spaces Design with Beth Smith

Beth was the very first entrepreneur that I approached to do a guest blog,  There was something about her work, that gave me that "feel good" feeling.  I always seem to gravitate to those individuals that have a fresh, clean, contemporary, yet also somewhat classic style.  All of these things, accurately describe Changing Spaces Design.  I am a fan of her work.. a fan on her Facebook page, and I would recommend her work to anyone who is looking for an Interior Designer that goes the extra mile.

Join us on a "well styled adventure", her words.........

Changing Spaces Design

Meet Our Newest Guest Blogger -- Guest Blog to Run on Saturday, July 31, 2010

Beth Says:

I have always loved organization, processes, and structure, because of this I pursued my Masters degree in Accounting in 2003. I spent several years in the accounting and finance fields working my way up the corporate ladder to my current role of Finance Director of International Digital Media. One day, after growing tired of working long hours for someone else, I started to appreciate and nurture my creative side by playing with color, texture, design, and of course organization. I toyed with the idea of starting an organization and interior design firm where I could design spaces that were fabulous to the eye, as well as extremely functional for an organized lifestyle. My schedule seemed so hectic that I pushed the idea away for a couple of years, but I could not stop designing spaces in my mind and in my spare time at home.

Finally in October 2009, with the knowledge of the importance of organization, an obsession with perfection, a love of interior design, and the motivation of following my dreams... Changing Spaces Design emerged! A company that combined my utmost favorite things: organization, perfection, and design. Now I use all my time and energy on creating what best fits my clients, by understanding the their wants, needs, and style. The best part of interior design is being able to create a space that reflects different aspects of me and embrace other styles that I love, whether it be contemporary, girly, masculine, Asian-inspired, Bohemian, etc. I love what I do, seeing a client who is amazed at the transformation of their space is indescribable. And all the shopping is an absolute plus! I'm currently working on an a la carte menu, as well as a photo shoot so you can see it live.

I have learned a lot, and will learn a lot more. Being a business woman, a caregiver, a friend, a sister, and a myriad of other things is hard work... but I love every minute of it. I hope you all stick around for the ride, I promise you a well styled adventure!

Follow me here:

Website: Changing Spaces Design

Blog: Changing Spaces Blog

Facebook: CSD Facebook

Beth Smith - Owner of Changing Spaces Design

I think I'm in love!!

"Just unpacked my StudioDesk and I'm already in love with the design and functions of it :)"— Jens, Denmark

StudioDesk

SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR LAPTOP USERS
A clutter free working environment while still connected to all your peripherals.

All peripherals and excess cables are hidden just under the sliding desktop surface. The storage compartment is therefore conveniently accessed from above. An elongated slot across the width of the desktop allows the necessary peripheral & power cables to enter/exit at any point, thereby keeping the desktop clear of clutter.

Removable faux leather mat covering the sliding portion of the desktop is incuded.

Buy Now!

$ 599.95

Great shipping rates & specials

More Questions?

---

Storage Compartment

Everything goes in the storage compartment: Power strips, AC adapters, USB hubs, external hard drives, routers, chargers, and even a MacMini server along with the many accompanying cables.

Storage compartments shown below as if the desktop is removed entirely.

Only one single cable will exit the desk to reach the power socket in your wall.

Dimensions

A convenient compact desk for the home or office.

Knocked Down Convenience

StudioDesk ships flat in one box, only the legs need to be attached.

Buy Now!

$ 599.95

Great shipping rates & specials

A traditional table with a modern twist, this quality built timeless design features solid mahogany legs and details. White laminate is used for the desktop surfaces and storage spaces for durability.

Check this and other amazing items out for yourself at www.bluelounge.com

Keeping in Touch ... in the 21st Century....

I am a stickler for Thank You Cards.  I am sure that I got that from my mom.  There is nothing like getting a thank you card, even better if its hand written.  And, even better if you don't have to really do it, but it appears that you did.  You know like passing off that Stouffers baked mac and cheese as yours, not that I ever did that, lol.

This is a novel concept, Check out this website:
Thanks for Everything

I love Tiny Prints, they are the sister company to Wedding Paper Divas, I ordered my wedding invitations from them.  It is only fitting that I ordered my baby christening invitations from them.  I just wanted to share their newest feature, a free Online RSVP Website with the purchase of your invitations.  Me loving all things techie.. this new feature was right up my alley.  And, I love that all of the information is just a click away...

A reinvention of self: From Full-time Corporate Employee to the Party Muse, LLC

I’m so honored that Sheree asked me to guest blog today.   I enjoy reading her posts so much, I just hope that you all enjoy my writing as much as we all love Sheree’s.  My Business is The Party Muse, LLC.  My website is http://www.thepartymuseonline.com/ , I blog at http://www.thepartymuse.blogspot.com/, and I have a face book page (Search: The Party Muse) where you can see up to date event photos.  I’m looking forward to opening my shop on http://www.etsy.com/ by the same name where I’ll sell my signature party boxes called The Muse to go.  Look for that around early fall.  

I’m a party girl, always have been.  I have pictures of myself as a child dancing while I’m blowing out party candles on my strawberry shortcake cake.  I love to laugh, smile, and dance but even more than that, I like to watch other people do the same.  I always knew that having your own business was possible but for some reason, I didn’t know it was possible for me.   I’ve worked at a large insurance company since I was 21, where I met and married my husband, and eventually relocated all the while never giving event planning a thought even after I planned my entire wedding.  There’s something about parenthood that will make you remember all the dreams of your childhood.   After having my son in 2008 and feeling like he could do anything, and be anything, I felt like I should be an example of that for him.  Less than a year later, I planned my 30^th birthday party and 3 weeks after that, September 8, 2009 I started The Party Muse, specializing in children’s party design.  I’ve planned dozens of successful and oh so cute parties since then, even doing 2 in one day and never looked back.  

Party planning is truly my passion, and children’s parties are so very special to me.  Creating lasting memories is a tall order and I take it very seriously, but have so much fun while doing it.  I hope that you all get the chance to do what you love : )

XOXO, Khaliah  

Cook Book: New American Table (Great Recipes)

Not only do I think this Cookbook offers a great variety, I enjoyed reading the Q and A that the author had in www.HouseBeautiful.com.

Here are some quotes I loved:

"..America really isn't the land of meat and potatoes anymore.  It's now the land of couscous and noodles, wasabi and chiles, sushi and burritos."

"I actually don't like the melting pot image.  To me that's where the elements get blended down and lose their individuality.  I think of this country more like a salad, where each ingredient stands on its own but works well together.  America has generated a kind of diversity of food -- all the regional specialties and the ethnic influence that you can't get anywhere else."

Review -
"One bite of any dish he makes plays upon all your six senses -- I say six instead of five, because of the sheer emotion that is poured into these creations.  You can feel the history of each dish and in some way feel transported to the moment when Marcus drew upon childhood memories to redefine the flavors in the dish."
 -- Lidia Bastianich

Guest Blogger Alert - Featuring "The Party Muse"

I am so excited that I am gushing, I know you all know just how hard it is to impress me.  But, this young lady and her amazing vision, has me a devoted fan, and the fact that she is a "Jersey Girl", was just an added plus.  I just want to peak your interest here, tomorrow we will run our first Guest Blog -

featuring "The Party Muse".

Check her fan page out at Facebook, and stay tuned tomorrow for her amazing blog... giving you just a glimpse into her genius...

I just love her spirit, and it even comes across in her photo... Stay tuned...

"The Party Muse" is sure to please...

What's in your bag?

I always find the bigger the bag, the more you have the desire to put the kitchen sink in it.  I had to go to the courthouse yesterday to handle some business, and as I jumped out the car, I realized that.. hmm my bag was too heavy.  But, I didn't have any time to do anything about it, so I just kept on moving.

Last night, when I got home, I decided to unload and start over.  I was tickled by what I saw.

My HTC Hero
My Ipod Touch
Makeup Bag
2010 Daily Planner
6 pens
2 Flash Drives
Keys
Small Umbrella
Colgate Wisps

Sunglasses
Wallet
Mini Lysol
Hand Wipes
Motrin
Checkbook
ITunes Gift Card
Nail Hardener

Breast Pads
and feminine stuff

** Now after all that ... what should I take out??

Vacation Indulgences!!

After all that driving back and forth from Atlanta to Orlando.. and back again.  I am officially beat.  I mean super tired, and could easily sleep for days. But, no such luck.  Even though we are furloughed this week, I am crazy busy.

We really did have a great time though.  It was too short, but a great time.  I got to do some much needed retail therapy.  I was able to get a new Coach  Bag and some new shades from the Coach Outlet.  I got some Hello Kitty fare for Madison.  And, boy was she geeked.  And, got some cute hair stuff for the baby.  I admit, that is probably more for me than her, but what can I say.

Then we indulged in some amazing, amazing food.  Yes, you guessed it, that artery clogging, finger licking, smack your momma type food.  We went to the famous Mama Nems Soul Food Restaurant located at 805 S Kirkman Rd Orlando, FL 32811.   Hey house rules don't apply when you are on vacation do they??

And, last but not least the hubby and I were able to find a nice local spot(on my sister's recommendation) to have some drinks.  They have some amazing drink specials, and superb customer service.  Here's there website, if you want to check out the menu. www.patiogrillsanford.com/

God Bless the USA!!!

This song embodies.. all that I have to say about how I feel about the 4th of July.