Sunday, May 31, 2009

party perfect


What a surprise! I had sent Piper's party video to Party Perfect a few months back and it popped up on her blog this weekend! For anyone reaching my blog from her post, WELCOME, hope you will look around!  Thanks to Sara for the post. Anyone interested in a birthday video or a family documentary can go to our website here.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

trippy

I went to a different Wells Fargo today (Foothill Ranch) and their atm does deposits without envelopes. Trippy! You stack your checks up and slide them in, then the machine scans each one and displays them on the screen with how much they are each for and you accept it. I didn't tell it a darn thing. On top of it, it prints a receipt with the images of your scanned checks, minus the bottom part where your account number is. It was weird and fascinating at the same time, especially since I looked for envelopes for a few minutes before reading the big sign saying they don't use them. I am still fascinated about this new way of depositing money (cash is now separate and without envelope as well). As a business owner it's great because you have actual copies of all your checks. I love technology!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

lunchtime

Piper's a big girl now and she doesn't eat just baby food, she eats real food too! However, I'm not exactly ordering for her at a restaurant yet. So, I recently purchased one of the Mackenzie lunch bags from Pottery Barn Kids for $19 and I take it everywhere! I got the one on the far left, but in the pink and green, and I can fit a jar of baby food, a storage container of fruit, a cereal bar, a bib and a big thing of puffs and off we go! I truly love it and I really use it almost every day. I know it will be beat up by the end of summer which makes me soooo happy.

oh tori

I've never watched Tori Spelling's reality show, Tori & Dean Home Sweet Hollywood, but I did for the first time ever tonight. I don't have any shows on anymore and People Magazine reminded me that it was coming up. I have to say, it was cute! I liked it! And, who would have thought that I could find so many similarities between myself and her (minus the money and fame). Hopefully it will be a new fav to get me through the tv show drought.

Monday, May 25, 2009

inspiration

Life isn't exactly easy right now, but it's not downright awful either. I'm in a funk. Maybe an inspiration funk; what inspires me. I'm designing lovely things so it's not affecting my creative juices. I think it's life inspirations. I'm not reading my usual daily blogs about cute dresses and pretty things (although I am still writing about them). I find that I am searching for realness. The blogs I am going to are about people who have lost a spouse, been through trauma, or just have some deep life experiences to share. They are real to me and they inspire me in my everyday life and trials. We all know Nie Nie and her plane crash. We all waited on pins and needles to know that she would survive. I tell you......I check her blog every day, hoping for an update. And, when she does, I drink it up like a cold glass of lemonade. She is so real about her pain, her life, her hurts and her recovery. It hits me every time. Among other blogs, this is what makes me tick right now. These blogs give me perspective on my own life, about being a survivor, about the important things and just about being real. Tonight I needed a drink of realness to escape unnecessary drama and hoped Nie Nie was updated...and it was. And I drank it up. I took in some inspiration. I'm ready to move forward with my own obstacles. I know I will once again return to my old blog favs and pour over pretty dresses again, but not right now.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

And the winner is........

I couldn't wait until Monday to announce the winner of My 1st Giveaway! 


Congrats Laurin! Email me at elhajs@aol.com so we can start designing your personalized notecards!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

xo,

Amanda

Thursday, May 21, 2009

for your babies and you

A friend gave me a bottle of the Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizer this week. All parents should be using this type of sanitizer because it doesn't contain alcohol. We have all heard about the warnings of regular sanitizers and children licking or ingesting it.....so dangerous! It kills 99.99% of germs including MRSA, Salmonella, and Staph. We know it's alcohol-free,  but it's also non-toxic, cruelty-free and 100% biodegradable. It comes in a a spray (which I like), desktop bottles and wipes. You can buy it at Target, Whole Foods, Amazon.com and Bath & Body Works. Time for a switch!

Someone's changing

When Mark got home from work, I begged him to take me out to dinner. I don't know what came over me. I guess it's been a long few weeks and I just wanted to enjoy a good dinner. A little random for a Thursday night, especially taking the kids, but he said okay and off we went. I picked Cheesecake Factory since there are at least two dishes there that never let me down. Now the reason that I am posting is because despite the kids screaming and being naughty, it was a great dinner. Want to know why? Because in this failing economy Cheesecake has stepped it up a bit (or at least the one near our house). As soon as we sat down they brought both kids the little kids platter with bananas and bread (always free), which I use to have to ask for. They also now have a Kids Menu and a separate menu for smaller portion food. Great! Now the prices aren't any less, but my drink was always filled and they even made me extra sauce to take home with my leftovers. I think that they have had a nice makeover in terms of offering more for the masses, including children items and in customer service. I always wondered why they didn't have a kids menu! Way to go Cheesecake Factory, I still spent way too much for a Thursday dinner, but you impressed me.
Don't forget about my first giveaway 3 posts below and make sure you comment in the comments section!

it's about time


Dear Juicy Couture,

Thank you for finally making a bathing suit that doesn't go up my butt and can be worn by a mom with a c-section belly and stretch marks. I'm too young to have to wear old womens' 1-pieces.  I never thought that Juicy would ever make a bathing suit for me, but I was wrong. Thanks for the cute sunglasses too. 

P.S. You should send me free stuff.

xo,

Amanda

Monday, May 18, 2009

lotsa pasta

This recipe was in the May issue of Parents Magazine as a healthier version of the usual Mac 'n' Cheese. We tried it and it was good! Plus it was pretty easy to make. 

Pasta Primavera
Calories- 313
Saturated fat- 3g
Sodium- 235 mg

4 Servings

Ingredients
1-1/2 cups multigrain or whole-grain rotini
1 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped asparagus
1/2 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup chopped bell peppers
3/4 cup low-fat evaporated milk
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
(* note- I took out the asparagus and made 1 cup broccoli instead, next time might add a little less bell peppers and even more broccoli)

Directions
1. Cook pasts according to package directions. Drain and return to pan; cover.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil on medium. Add veggies, cook and stir until tender, 4 minutes. Whisk milk, broth, and flour. Add to skillet, stirring until thick and bubbly. Mix cheese until melted.
3. Toss pasta with sauce and veggies.

My First Giveaway!

In honor of my one-year anniversary I am giving away 25 custom notecards!! You get to pick the colors and what you want it to look like, and I will design and ship them to you. Plus I might add in another favorite of mine from over the last year with your cards.



All you have to do is leave a comment and one winner will be chosen randomly. Last day to enter is Friday, May 22nd. Winner will be announced on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day). Good luck!

ahhhhhhhhhhhh

Guess what? Today is my 1-year anniversary of this blog! I can't believe it and it almost passed me by. I'll have to do something special, tune in!

guess what time it is?

The Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale for Women & Kids starts this Wednesday, May 20th! Doors open Wednesday morning at 7am. 

Sunday, May 17, 2009

say where!

I love my Say Where! application for the iPhone. Not only is it free, but I use it all the time. First you say the city and state of the business and then the business name. Once you find it it gives you the address and phone number and you can either map it from where you are, call them or whatever! How many times has this saved me? A bunch and I never need to call 411 for directory assistance and many times it's faster than your car's gps system. Love it!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

happy

I have this desire to reflect on becoming 29 years old. My soul wants to heavily talk about the last 28 years and this 29th year to come. But as I sit here and type, nothing is pouring out. I already made my resolutions at the beginning of the year, this year is already filled with trials and tribulations and I have no idea what the next year will bring. But as I sit and think more, I realize that I am in a good place, I am comfortable with who I am and I am growing into the woman I want to be. Maybe that's why I have less to say? Dare I say I am happy! I feel wiser, happier and more comfortable every day in my thoughts, my fashion, my body and my soul. What a great feeling, that amidst any chaos in my life right now, I feel sane, close to God and content. What a great way to start my 29th year. Happy Birthday to me.

bliss

More pretties. I got to pick out these ones for myself from Anthropologie. Lucky lucky me.




p.s. thanks Mark!

Dear Disneyland,

I am very excited to visit you tomorrow for my birthday. Thank you for giving me a free ticket for the day. However, don't fret, I know we will spend a fortune anyways. Oh well, as long as we have fun!! Can't wait.

Love, 

Amanda

pretties

things i have received within the last 3 days that I love!





Monday, May 11, 2009

blog favorite

www.celebritybabyscoop.com

My sister Whitney & I came across this blog a few months ago and it's fun! It follows celebrities and their babies. Just mindless entertainment, but never mean and nasty like other celebrity blogs. I do hate the paparazzi so part of me feels like I shouldn't be reading anything that they make money off of, but I'm still grappling with that thought. For now I feel like this is jsut a nice break in the day. They also have a online store attached so you can buy some popular baby products. 

Sunday, May 10, 2009

mommy's day

Mother's Day is just about over and I am silently cursing my mom for not bringing me my favorite picture of us when I was a baby. I was so excited to post it because it has such a sweetness about it that I love. But, I can't be mad at her since it is Mother's Day!

I do have to say that I love Mother's Day (for those who know me, I love every holiday, so this should be no surprise to you). To me, there is something special about everyone taking a day to honor all those amazing moms who have reared their children to adults as well as all the moms who are trying to right now. On Mother's Day I honor my mom first and foremost, but also my grandmothers, my mother-in-law, my sister and my friends. I am appreciative that my husband can also take today to appreciate what I do for our family as well as teach my children how important a mom is. I, in turn, will do the same on Father's Day. I mean as parents, we deserve it!

Today I have been thinking about what it means to be a mom, not only in society, but to me personally. I have so many personal goals and ambitions in my life, but for me the most important thing I can do with my life is to raise good children. To help make them good citizens, good friends and great people. I want to teach them that all their goals and dreams are possible, that being a good person is much more important than getting ahead and that the world is so much bigger than just themselves. I want them to learn how touch other peoples' lives in small and large ways and that they can make a difference if they try. Most of all, I want them to be happy, to find happiness in the small things and above all have a relationship with God.

As I think about all of these things, I think about my own mom. I learned these things from her. I watched her anonymously give to people in need, teach me lessons on right and wrong when I needed them most, show me how to have faith that things would turn out okay and support me in all my achievements (hey Mom, remember when I REALLY wanted to design purses and you went out and bought all that fabric to help me? Sorry I never made them, but thanks for encouraging me). My mom is amazing, my mom is beautiful and my mom has given me the foundation to become the mother I know I can be.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. It was just an extra special normal day, mixed in with naps, donuts, lunch with family, more naps and a nice walk. Nothing fancy, but everything I would ever ask for. Oh, and the Anthropologie apron and gold gladiator sandals from Mark & the kids didn't hurt either :)

Friday, May 8, 2009

thanks Dan

I have great neighbors! Here is another neighborly fav and this time from my friend Dan! 







"I have a current fav product: Superfeet

I’ve only had mine for a few weeks but the comfort, support, & cushioning difference compared to the stock athletic shoe insole is well worth the investment ($35-$45 a pair). They have a variety of insoles for all types of shoes and activities. Safe to say I will now always use superfeet with my running shoes."

pretty nails

This fav comes from my longtime friend Lauren!



"I love painting my nails. I could do it all day every day. I love how it looks, how it smells (I like gas smell too, I am weird I know) and how it makes my hands look so feminine. I think I like it so much because I bite my nails for the better part of my life. Ok so enough about my gross habit. I heart O.P.I. The colors are fabulous, the names are chic and hip. Living in Japan I am hard pressed to find O.P.I brand but I have a great sister back in the states who gets it for me (perks of having a hair dresser in the family). You can “try” on different colors on the site so go check out pretty much any salon by you!"

something sweet

Today's fav comes from Crystal! By the way, you should check out her blog, she makes the cutest cakes and she is adorable in general!


"Jelly Belly Pomegranate Jelly Beans. This is my favorite candy. Well, one of many. These are great! The only place I ever see them is Cracker Barrell, so everytime we go (which is quite often), I get a bag. They don't last very long! The funny thing is, I've never even eaten a pomegranate. I do love these jelly beans, though."

Thursday, May 7, 2009

neighborly favs

Today's favs come from my neighbor and friend Lauren! Read and enjoy (and don't forget that you too can send me your favs to be posted this week. Send to elhajs@aol.com)!

Love this blog from a fellow Oso Grande dad and fellow Little League Baseball Manager. So bad its good…some things we think inside but do not have the guts to say…he says them…some things we would never even think…but he writes them down for all to see.

I also love www.orangette.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Leslie's Favorites!

I'm excited that you are sending in your own personal favorites! Keep it coming. This week is all about you guys. Email me at elhajs@aol.com.

All of today's favorites are via my friend Leslie from Leslie's Lines:


I'm in love with my Zyliss shake 'n go shaker and wanted to share it with you. I always get comments when I bring it to friends' houses or work, asking "what's that?"

This to-go styled cup lives up to its name! Put in powdered drink mix, prep eggs or pour in salad dressing ingredients – shake and go!

This multi-tasking plastic shaker also serves as an ad hoc measuring tool with ounce and millimeter markings on the sides. The wide mouth mounted on the screw cap prevents spills and controls the pour.

5 - in -1 shaker
* Measure. Mix. Store. Serve. Drink.
* 16 oz capacity. Blends homemade salad dressings, drinks, marinades, shakes and
sauces
* Leakproof spout

Not to mention that it also doubles as a handy flask at tailgating parties!




Since Lee is such a wonderful chef, and our produce usually spoils long before we have time to savor it, "Santa" brought him Debbie Meyer Green Bags for Christmas. Don't be ashamed to admit it - you know you've seen the commercials - "BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE!" I'll have to say that they do work pretty darn good. Mushrooms and lettuce that have been in our fridge since after Christmas still look fresh off the shelf. Our goal is to incorporate more fresh fruit and veggies into our diets, and with the help of these little magic bags, it just might be possible!

I know they can be purchased at Target, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Amazon.com and directly from the website.

Preserve those veggies and fruits! Especially the more expensive organic varieties.






For all my friends who like to fill-up landfills with obscene numbers of plastic water bottles, check this out:

Clear2Go


Tuesday, May 5, 2009

As seen on TV!



Okay so today's fav belongs to my friend Vanessa and here's what she has to share:

"I've been wanting to try this forever and finally did! I'm always so skeptic of the "As Seen on TV" products. Anyway, it's the PedEgg!!! Love it to pieces!!! Leaves your feet feeling as soft as a newborn's (okay, almost!).

Don't forget that I am tired, really tired, so it's your job as my friends and readers to send me your favs. My email address is in the post below!

xo

Monday, May 4, 2009

I'm tired

I'm too tired to post about my favorites. I need a few days off. It's your turn. Email me a favorite ASAP so I can post them. Send them to elhajs@aol.com. Even if it's just your favorite nail polish, martini, whatever. I'm waiting...................................

Sunday, May 3, 2009

they did it again

For me nothing will beat the T-Mobile commercial they did at the Liverpool Street Station, but this one made me happy. Sometimes I get down on humanity but seeing these videos make me realize that there are happy people everywhere (13,500 to be exact) who can come together just to smile and sing (they thought they were getting together to dance, so singing "Hey Jude" was a surprise).