My name is Allison and I am a 25 year old Floridian (born and raised) and married to my high school crush. I met him when I was 15, started dating when I was 23 and got married in December of 2007. We are expecting our first child, a daughter, in June of 2008. We are extremely excited!
This blog is a mix of daily ramblings, product reviews, photography and anything and everything "Mommy" centered.
Getting Healthy.. once and for all?
By Allison | May 15, 2009
So th
e husband and I have decided to eat healthy. Not a diet per say - but just eating the right things. We definitely do not (that’s for sure) and it’s taken me 11 months to get 10 pounds over my pre pregnancy weight. I know I should be happy that I am anywhere near my prepregnancy weight.. but it’s hard to get estatic when your prepregnancy weight wasn’t something to brag about in the first place.
But - anyhow.. We’re taking control of eating. Cooking at home - and making better choices. Even though Hubby is the right weight he should be at, we all could benefit in the long run from choosing healthier options. This morning I made “Eggs Benechick” by Hungry Girl.It was a recipe from their book that I received for Christmas.
The Eggs Benechick was actually pretty good. Granted it requires poaching eggs, which I can’t seem to do for the life of me. When I get poached eggs at a restaurant, the egg white is all together. When I tried to pach the eggs.. All I had was a white covered yolk with very little egg white. No matter how slowly I poured in the egg (per the directions) it still went all over. I wish they had some kind of troubleshooting on how to poach an egg.
I looked up on youtube on how to poach an egg and found this one example. I may try that next time I have to poach an egg. I never thought to use salt, or to swirl the water when pouring so it would stay in the middle instead of spreading out. I know I have to make a Parmesan and Poached Egg Salad later on.. so hopefully by then - I will have mastered the technique (because I don’t have many eggs left).
I am heading out to get my hair done today. Hubby gave me some cash to finally get it colored. (It needs it desperately!). I can’t wait to see what my friend does to it!
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Tuesday’s Tip Jar
By Allison | May 12, 2009
Here is Tuesday’s Meme: Tuesday’s Tip Jar.
I am a cloth diapering, Mama. Sometimes, though - Cloth diapers can build up a stink. They do this because of a variety of reasons. Sometimes detergent doesn’t get washed out throughly, and detergent particles cling to the diaper (which trap stink). The best best, to avoid stink all together, is to always re-rinse.
If you do have stink. Have no fear. You can purchase a great cloth diaper detergent from Cloth Couture Diapers. It is called Crunchy Clean. You only need about two tablespoons of detergent. But.. don’t use it yet.
- Pre-rinse all your items on cold. Rinse again, if you need to. Do not use any detergent.
- Wash items on warm, with two tablespoons of Crunchy Clean detergent. Add a cap full of Tea Tree Oil. (You can purchase this in the vitamin section of any local pharmacy, Wal-mart or Target. Also,your diapers may need to be stripped so add a couple drops of Blue Dawn dish washing detergent and 1/4 cup baking soda.
- Re-rinse on warm, with 1/4 cup vinegar and a couple drops of Lavender.
- Dry on low (Knit).
You should have stink -free cloth diapers!
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I hate the FL Mosquitoes!
By Allison | May 12, 2009
When Forrest and I first started dating, he took me to dinner (on the Fourth of July) at the Grand Cypress. We found a hammock on the lake and were going to watch the fireworks from Disney. It would have been such an ideal, romantic moment, had I not been eaten alive by the pesky Florida Mosquitoes!
I tried my hardest to ignore the mosquitos, but they covered my body in welts (and whose to say if they carried the West Nile virus, or not?) We ended up leaving early and.. what a (would have been) perfect, romantic fourth of July date - was ruined due to the pesky, disease infested mosquitos.
Now that it is summer in Florida again, and Carli’s birthday part would be outside - I was looking for an answer to my mosquito issues. I found this product called the Mosquito Magnent, and they seem to have a lot of customers in Florida (no kidding!) While reading a Mosquito Magnet review, I saw this one picture (on the right) of all the mosquitoes trapped in this machine. Holy Cow!!
I am wondering if this could be the answer to our mosquito problem? It sure looks like it does a great job trapping those nasty critters. It looks like something that would make Carli’s birthday guests more comfortable. It’s already hot and humid enough in the summer in Florida, but no one wants to be eaten alive by mosquitos, too!
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Remember.. the prom?
By Allison | May 12, 2009
I saw a car on the road the other day, “Class of 2009″ - and it made me feel incredibly old. I (if you can believe) was class of 2001. When someone asks, it feels like only yesterday when I was in highschool. Seeing these bumper stickers only reminds me how quickly time is passing by.
I still remember high school very well, and have only the fondest memories of it. I spent the better part of senior year with my best friends Shira, Scott, and Iara. We were pretty much inseparable and even went to the prom together. At the time, I had a hard time finding a prom dress. They were so expensive and at the time, lacked variety. I wish that I had heard of AmiClubWear.com.
I was surfing the net and stumbled upon this site and I couldn’t believe the variety of formal dresses they had.. but the prices were amazing! Most prom dresses I had looked at, back in my day, were WELL over $100 - and many of these formal dresses start in the $40s.
If I had to go to prom all over again- I would have chose something like this classic white halter, tiered dress. I would pay a little tribute to my cousin, Marilyn Monroe and have a little fun playing the part. This classic halter dress is a whopping $47! (What a fantastic deal!) Heck - next time I go on a cruise, I can purchase from AmiClubWear and not feel guilty with how much money I am (not) spending on a great dress.
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11 months ago today..
By Allison | May 12, 2009
I gave birth to a beautiful little girl. It’s hard to believe how much my life has changed since this day 11 months ago. I was working “for the people” (Now, I work for myself and my daughter). I had no one to worry about but myself. Now - this little , amazing, sweet.. perfect little person relys on me for everything. To be honest, I had just no idea how much my life would be engulfed by her when I started this blog. I am not complaining.. but I do feel a lot of guilt for some wonderful companies who trusted in me to do some reviews. Some reviews will be taken over by Tanya at Mommy Goggles - whose traffic, by far, surpasses mine.
Some, I will do - simply because I’ve loved the products so much that I held on to them this long.. waiting - until Carli was big enough to test them out. For one, this ADORABLE pancho by Skipping Hippos. It is this adorable magenta pink with litlte colorful balls hanging from the ends. Carli is now big enough to wear it herself. We’re going to take it to the beach sometime this week!
Anyway - here are some recents of Carli! (She’s gotten big, no?)
This is her famous face. Not sure why she does it but it is a recent thing. She does it when she’s happy. She does this when she’s cranky.
We’re not sure but we’re not complaining. It just seems to be a goofy quirk.
Motherhood, itself - is amazing. I already want another one.. but refuse to be as sick as I was last time, with a toddler to boot! So little baby #2 will have to wait a few years!
We enjoy having her to ourselves and I am sure she enjoys not having to fight for our attention. She is lovingly spoiled.. and I love that we have this special little connection of mother and daughter.
I just can not believe she’ll be one next month!
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I’m still alive.
By Allison | August 31, 2008
I admit it.. I’ve avoided this blog like the plague. First it starts out being insanely busy (being a new Mommy and all). Then it proceeds with feeling ashamed. That feeling was most prominate. I owe quite a bit of reviews and giveaways for products I have in stock. These companies include:
- My Princess Closet (Review) - had to wait for Carli to fit into her outfit & photo shoot. She’s just NOW growing into it.
- Skipping Hippos (Review) - Have to get a hold of my rambunctious 1.5 year old model.
- Baby Banz (Review) - Carli is beginning to fit into these. Will take these photos on Monday during her first photoshoot.
- Petit Australia (Review)
.. as well as few others. So those are coming very soon! I also have a winner for the MommyAgenda, as that contest is very over and she still has not received her prize (my fault entirely). Now, let me update a little.
I stopped breast feeding after about 2 months because of a need to go on a medication for ADD (no surprise, huh?) I still feel guilty and miss it (even though I wasn’t fond of doing it). I loved the fact I was supplying for my daughter and that she knew I was the source of comfort and food. She still asks when she’s laying close to my breast. It’s amazing (the instinct). I cannot believe she is 2.5 months old already. It seems just like yesterday when I read on the pregnancy test that I was pregnant (and then took about 80 bajillion ones after that just to make sure). Now, I am a mother. I’ve already started thinking about her first birthday. (Crazy, I know!)
I’m also struggling to find a job. I’ve applied for a few photography jobs but they just did not pay enough, or give enough hours. Some well-known companies, who have studios all over the US only could offer (at max) $12/ hour but seasonal/part time. I really can’t do anything less than $15/hour FULL TIME. So I’ve had to turn everything down. Recently, I’ve applied to become an assistant director at a preschool near where I grew up (currently about 40 minutes from where I live now). It’s HUGE and awesome. I never knew such a preschool existed until I applied for the job. It’s HUGE! It’s the type of preschool that I would want my daughter to go to. All the rooms have glass walls so you can see into them. It’s very professional and well built. It’s just amazing.
When I went in to fill out an application (after they called me), the current director told me that her and the owner could not stop talking about me since they received my resume and cover letter. I hope that’s a good thing! I will find out more on Tuesday. I can’t wait! I really need to start working again (Especially since I have to pay bills, buy new photo equipment and dress my baby in adorable Janie and Jack clothes)
Besides using this blog as my baby blog - I am also going to use it as my “Growing as a professional photographer” blog and blog a few of my works in progress. I am going to purchase a Nifty 50 (Canon 50mm/F1.5) as soon as I get a job. The moment the preschool calls me and says “We want you!” then I’ll be getting my nifty 50. I also need a few lightboxes and reflectors for studio work. Though, I imagine they’ll be a LOT of money. I haven’t quite looked into it yet. Though, I was looking at a book at Barnes and Noble about lighting and they showd examples of studio lightings with different lights.. and the light boxes made the best overall indoor lighting scenerios.
Anyway - that is currently what I am up to and.. Now I have to gather the courage to go check my mail. I just have this nagging fear I have some irritated or upset people and I don’t like the feeling of letting anyone down so I’ve been avoiding checking it. Forgive me (again) 
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Motherhood is a TOUGH Job!
By Allison | June 30, 2008
… but I am enjoying my moments doing it.
I think Carli is going through a growth spurt because she was up almost every hour last night and had about 11 feedings today when she normally has 8-9. So she is squishing in some extra calories for growth. She has also cluster fed, where she’ll feed and half an hour or 45 minutes later, she wants to eat again. It’s really hard on my nips, as I am breastfeeding her (attempting to, anyhow). I admit I do succomb to the bottle every once in a while (a formula bottle - not liquor… although I wouldn’t mind a drink right about now)
I think waking up during the night time is the hardest so far because I am NOT one that likes her sleep to be interrupted. I grown and kick off the covers.. and sometimes just sit there for a moment. What’s frustrating is sometimes she’ll let out a scream/whale for a second and I go to get her, and she’s sleeping. Moments like those when I really just want to whimper and pull the comforter WAY over my head. Last night she kept waking up and wanting to be held. Usually when she wakes up in the middle of the night, she wanted to be fed.. but she had no interest in eating. She would fall asleep the moment I picked her up.. and then wake up the moment I put her back down.
I think I ended up bringing her to bed around 5am.. where she slept peacefully for an hour. When Forrest had to wake up at 6am for work, he changed her diaper and then helped attach her to my breast as I was laying down. When I woke up, I had discovered I had leaked through my bra, nursing pads and t-shirt (on both boobs). Always funny.. It really always is. So Carli and I nursed laying down and fell asleep. We ended up sleeping from 7:00am to about 9:30 when I finally woke up (refreshed, amazingly after that long night!)
Later tonight I gave Carli 2oz of formula (I know.. I know…) and she’s been zonked out every since (and that was at 7:15pm) and it is now 10:30. I anticipate that she’ll wake up very soon as she usually doesn’t go more than 3-4 hours in between feedings at night time. I swear, formula is like some kind of tranquilizer.. I wish my breast milk did that.. then I may actually GET sleep.
Anyhow - today I was VERY fortunate to receive a surprise in the mail from Mandy [Night Owl Baby]. She sent me this ADORABLE 0-3 sized white t-shirt with this GORGEOUS fabric C on the front in awesome stitching. I thought it was the coolest thing I’ve seen lately. Unfortunately it’s still too big for Nugget (everything is still as she’s in preemie sized stuff right now) but I cannot WAIT to take some pictures of her in it. Until then, you’ll have to deal with this picture of it (yes from my cell phone!)
Isn’t it just an awesome piece of clothing. I wish they made one in adult sized so I could be a geek and match my daughter (hehe). I can’t help it if my daughter has a great sense of style! She’s really got it going on in the clothing/style department. It’s just so unfortunate she can’t fit into anything YET! Anyhow, here are some new pictures of her.. some of her ADORABLE cry (God I can’t resist her!)
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REVIEW: Diapees & Wipees
By Allison | June 27, 2008
Thank you to Ashley from [Born Fabulous Boutique] for this wonderful product, Diapees & Wipees. Now, with the delivery of my daughter, Carli - I have had the pleasure of putting this handy product to use. Diapees & Wippees come in a variety of patterns, including this pink camouflage. The inside is a nice chestnut brown, which complements the camouflage nicely. The product is nicely sewn and with incredibe stitching. It’s very well put together with a sense of sturdiness that encourages daily use for years to come.
The great thing about Diapees and Wipees is that it has multiple uses (the most popular being diapers and/or wipes). It’s big enough to hold about 5 or more size 2 diapers. It’s also big enough to carry a medium container of wipees. Whatever your use, it comes in handy. It keeps those diapers organized and close together and is a MUST have for those who don’t have the best diaper bags out there with their own diaper compartment. If you want to keep your diapers in one place, this is definitely the product to have. This product is a staple in any newborn/infant/toddler diaper bag and personally, I wouldn’t go anywhere without it.
It fits so nicely into your bag, it’s like it was made especially for you. [Born Fabulous Boutique] currently has the following patterns (and more) but these are my favorites:
Diapees and Wipees will also fit very nicely into a large purse and/or a backpack. While you are at [Born Fabulous Boutique] purchasing your [Diapee & Wipee] make sure you check out her other amazing products available such as [Headbands and Hairbows], [pettiskirts], [room decor] and more! [Born Fabulous Boutique] is very chic and has anything you could possibly need for your haut couture baby!
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I love clearance sales!
By Allison | June 26, 2008
I found these two skirts at Kohls for $1.60 (each). They are 3-6 months, which means she probably won’t wear them for a WHILE but they are just TOO cute and I couldn’t pass them up!
I thought they were ABSOLUTELY the cutest.. and two adorable skirts for $3.20 total? I couldn’t pass that up! Then I saw this little outfit and it looked very retro to me and I thought it was WAY cute and it was also 50% off - so I got this for about $6.
We had fun with Mitra and Elizabeth today. Elizabeth brought her daughter, Evie - however Mitra left Giuliana at “school”. After our little shopping trip to Kohl’s (where both Mitra and Elizabeth took turns holding Carli!) then we went to the Olive Garden. I must have had 4 bread sticks, lol - and now have the garlic breath to prove it. But I don’t care… they are yummy! Then I also had a salad. Carli just slept like a good girl. 
I am enjoying being able to eat because someday she’ll make it more difficult!
My old job called to check up on me and see if I had Carli… and since I was passing by there on the way home, I went by and showed the ladies in the office Carli. I also had to see my old demon of a boss. (Oh, how I don’t miss her at ALL!) Then I came home, fed the milk monster again.. and we took an hour and a half nap, cuddled up. It seems she sleeps very well when we cuddle. (I won’t complain!) She’s definitely becoming more alert! It almost seems she is beginning to react to me a little.. She watches me and looks at me.. and smiles more. I know the smiles aren’t TO me, but I love them nonetheless.
She has a great smile!
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- Heather
Mom & Dad’s first night out (without the baby!)
By Allison | June 25, 2008
Every parental unit MUST do it (eventually). I guess we did it a bit EARLIER than most. Forrest and I decided to go out on a little date. We dropped Carli off at my parent’s house (Memaw & Papa) and I nervously wondered and thought about her the whole time. Because I breast feed, she wasn’t familiar with bottles and the few bottles we have tried have not had much luck. When we tried to give Carli the Avent brand, she would mostly spit out the formula and then would spend a good 20 minutes sounding as if she were gulping down her meal, only to discover that she was (in fact) not eating a thing. After this happened twice with this brand, we decided that Avent is not for us.
So I premade some formula for her and placed it in 3 bottles (each with 2oz) and placed them in the fridge to give to my parents when they babysat. Unfortunately, when I pump - I barely get out an oz a DAY, let alone 2oz each time I pump to store for her feedings. So when I can’t breast feed her, it’s formula (ugh). Ah well.
Forrest and I went to the OUTBACK and neither of us were overly impressed with our meals. I barely ate half of mine. Then again, since I’ve had Carli, my appetite has cut in half. Okay, more like 1/4ths.. and I get full REALLY fast (which I don’t mind..) Hopefully it’s helping me to lose the baby weight. While we were at dinner, I texted my Mom to see if Carli was doing okay. I was VERY worried about her not eating because of the whole bottle issue. She then sent me a picture of this:
Yes, my little girl was eating from her bottle. I was so happy! Over the course of four hours that we were gone, she ate two bottles.. probably a total of 3 oz that she ate total. I am very content with that! When we picked her up (oh how I felt sick with anxiety of being away from her!) - she was COMPLETELY zonked out in my mother’s arms.
… and so I survived. My first evening away from my 2 week old (and yes, tomorrow she’ll be TWO WEEKS OLD already!) and she was happy, healthy and content… and now she’s happy and content in my arms as I write in this blog (dedicated to her!)
Tomorrow I have a date with some girl friends of mine. They have this “Mommy group” which until now, only consisted of the two of them with their 1 year old daughters. Now I feel SO blessed to join with MY daughter. I am not 100% sure of what we’re doing.. and it doesn’t matter. I get to be out of the house and get to spend it with people I enjoy and the kids I love!
Right now, life is sort of.. great.
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- Heather
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