Joolwe (review)

 

If you're looking for a gift idea for Mother's day OR if you're looking to drop a hint for a gift of your own, look no further. Joolwe.com has many beautiful pieces to offer in every price range. 

I was able to review the Black Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Butterfly Pendant.

Isn't it beautiful? This pendant comes on an 18 inch, sterling silver chain that is comfortable and strong at the same time. The pendant measures 1 inch by 1 inch and the stone settings are sterling silver as well.  I just love how sophisticated this piece is. You can dress it up or down. The best part? It sells for only $34.99.

If you'd like this look in a different color, try this necklace.

There are so many wonderful pieces up for grabs at Joolwe.com. Be sure to check it out for yourself! P.S. All orders in the U.S. receive free shipping. :)

I'm very impressed with the quality and beauty of the selection available at Joolwe.com. I would suggest this store to anyone. Thanks to Joolwe and Family Review Network for this fantastic review opportunity.

Quotable Sunday ~ 4-26

It's time for another Quotable Sunday as hosted by Ms. Toni over at A Daily Dose of Toni.

This week, I've chosen to pick quotes about pregnancy. I'm finally starting to feel like my old self again, so I'm ready to laugh a bit and start ENJOYING my pregnancy.

A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart till the day you die.
-- Mary Mason

A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.
-- Author Unknown

Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be.
-- Carrie Fisher

Feeling fat last nine months but the joy of becoming a mom lasts forever.
-- Nikki Dalton

Think of stretch marks as pregnancy service stripes.
-- Joyce Armor

Don't forget to visit Toni and play along. :)

Share A Giggle

When I happen to find something that makes me laugh, I find that it makes me laugh just has hard every single time. I'm not sure why, though.

Hmmm...

Anywho, I'm sure I've mentioned here once before that I have a slightly "off" sense of humor. Some things can make me laugh so hard I cry while someone else (the hubster) just looks on confused wondering what is SOO funny.

Here are some examples of things that make me laugh REALLY hard. Let's see if we can catch a theme and try to "analyze" my sense of humor, shall we?

First up: The Office Season 2: The Dundies

Click this link to watch since I can't embed it. It's funny stuff. :)

It's hard to pick just one scene from this movie...the whole thing cracks me up. I give you Napoleon Dynamite.

Who can forget the movie Anchorman??

And how about A Mighty Wind? "Wha Happen?"

And finally, for good measure, SNL.

Have you made a full analysis of me?  ;)

I hope you enjoyed a giggle or 2.

Simple Truth

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world,
but to save the world through him.

John 3:17 (New Living Translation)

...I am so grateful for this simple truth. 

Sometimes my humanity gets the best of me and STILL, God doesn't judge me. He accepts me "as is".

Aloha Friday ~ 4/24

Happy Friday to everyone!! On Aloha Friday, it's time to take it easy, answer a simple question, and then ask your own question. For details on how to play, head over to An Island Life for more details.

Today, Kailani asked:

What makes you the happiest?

My answser: From day to day, the things that make me the happiest are the many blessings God has given me and His amazing love and faithfulness.

My Question:

Is there one thing in particular you're hoping to get for Mother's Day this year?

If the sky was the limit, I would want a Wii, but that's never going to happen. Instead, I'll take whatever thoughtful gift the hubster comes up with. He's REALLY good at picking out gifts. (He normally finds the gift that will make me cry the hardest.) 

Aloha!

A Thousand Words Thursday ~ 4/23

 

  

 

 

Mmmmm...jelly sandwiches in the car before our trip home.

Then, only 5 minutes later...

For more ATWT, visit Jen's blog. :)

Wordless Wednesday 4/22

Learning the fine art of splashing...

 

And in honor of Earth Day...

 

I love the beauty of simplicity.

For more W.W., Click here.

Rainy Day Blah

I decided that I need to update my blog today, unlike yesterday. :)

So...what's up over here? Well, not much right now. Alex is with his Grandparents and I'm resting before my appointment today. It's wet and rainy today, I have a slight headache, I'm tired, and I'm trying to recover from our weekend getaway. (Yes, we got away for a bit as a family. It was wonderful.  More on that at a later date.)

My mind has been fixed on Stellan and his family today. He had to go in for surgery this morning and the only update since his surgery began stated that they found a lot of fluid in his lungs and tissues. (You can head over to My Charming Kids for the back story.) Please send this family your prayers today. Little Stellan is only 5 months old and I can not even begin to imagine what this family is going through.

I may be posting my coffee talk and pregnancy update later. Right now, my head is aching and I'm tired. I think I'll take a cat nap before my appointment.

See ya later!

Quotable Sunday ~ 4-19

Once again, it's time for another Quotable Sunday hosted by the lovely Toni. Please visit her post to find out how you can play along and meet new bloggers.

My topic today is vacation. Here are the quotes I enjoy on this topic.

“Happiness consists of living each day as if it were the first day of your honeymoon and the last day of your vacation”

“Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer.”

“A vacation frequently means that the family goes away for a rest, accompanied by a mother who sees that the others get it.”

 Marcelene Cox

“If you come home as happy as you leave, you have had a good vacation”

“Those that say you can't take it with you never saw a car packed for a vacation trip.”

“No one needs a vacation more than the person who just had one.”  

 

Have a great day!! :)

Paper Shouts Winner

Sorry for the delay in this announcement. I've been laying on the couch more than I've been on my computer lately.

Anywho....the Paper Shouts winner is....

 

Congrats to Kelly F !!

I'll be e-mailing you shortly and will wait 48 hours for your shipping info. :)

Aloha Friday ~ 4/17

Another Friday means another day to kick back and relax Kailani style. Every week she asks a question and those who want to play along can ask their own question and post it on their blog. Please visit An Island Life for more details.

This week, Kailani asks:

What do you feel is the best way to attract visitors to a blog?

I think you have to be willing to visit others before you can expect others to want to visit you. Meanwhile, keep it real on your blog and be yourself.

My Question is:

Did you watch American Idol's results this week? What did you think of Miley Cyrus sporting a fancy gown while head banging to a ballad? 

I was very confused and concerned at the same time. What is WITH that?  Oh well. I just found it odd.
P.S. I would LOVE to hear what Simon would say to that if she were in the competition. "Indulgent rubbish"?

Exergen Temporal Scanner (review)

One of the hardest things to do with little ones who aren't feeling well is to take their temperature. My son literally throws a fit each and every time we have to check his temperature no matter what.

As a mom, I grew frustrated and wished there was an easier and faster way to get the answer I need while keeping him content. Thank goodness for the Exergen Temporal Scanner.


We were able to try out the Temporal Scanner in our home and I could not be happier with this product. It's easy to use and quick as a snap. When I tested it out on Alex, I had his temperature in seconds. After I got his temperature, he was getting ready to have the fit he always does when he realized that it wouldn't be necessary this time. :) High Five!

I'm excited to have this for our family and the little one on the way. Getting an accurate reading is so important but being able to make it quick and easy is a wonderful perk.

Here is some product information from the Exergen website:

The TemporalScanner Thermometer is a totally non-invasive system with advanced infrared technology providing maximum ease of use with quick, consistently accurate measurements. Advanced, patented technology measures temperatures with a gentle stroke across the forehead.

The TemporalScanner Thermometer has been clinically tested for accuracy compared to rectal thermometers and temperature sensors inserted in the heart during course of patient treatment and accepted for use in major hospitals, making it the ideal thermometer for use with newborns, infants, children or adults.

The TemporalScanner has patented software, providing arterial heat balance. This unique process determines temperature by accurately measuring the balance between the tissues warming from arterial blood and tissues cooling (warming) caused by heat loss (gain) to the environment.

Thanks to Exergen for this review opportunity.

A Thousand Words Thursday ~ 4/16

 

  

Can I get an "Mmmmmmmmm"? My son LOVED his cupcakes for his b-day party with his friends. :)

For more ATWT, click over to "Jen".

Old Wives' Tales

It's strange how many old wives' tales exist in reference to pregnancy and gender prediction. Some of them are just strange, really. For example:

• When you sleep, is your pillow to the north or the south? *Um....mine is to the East. What does that mean? I know I'm not having twins.*
• Do you need to eat the heel of the bread or do you not want it? *What does that have to do with anything? I could take it or leave it. I don't love it, but if it's all that's left, I may not have a choice.*
• Is your husband gaining weight during your pregnancy? *He runs almost every other day. Would I notice if he gained anything? Probably not. Now, ME, on the other hand...*
• Do you pick up a key by the thinner part or by the rounder part? *Where did you come up with THAT one? What in the world?
  

Seriously, I'm concerned about the days of old when woman would gather in circles around tea and talk about these ideas as if they were reality. "Pick a little, talk a little." I roll my eyes at these ideas. (no disrespect.)

SO...I decided to try out an old wives' tale test. In this test, you put a ring on a string and hold it over your wrist or belly while lying down.  If the ring goes back and forth, you're having a boy. If it goes in a circle, you're having a girl.

Here's my test. Please excuse my breathing. My camera was sitting on my shoulder. :)

Old Wives' Tale: My Test from TheMrs. on Vimeo.

We have 9 weeks until I find out what I'm having. I think I may start a pool or survey for you all to play along. *We'll see if this test is bologna or not.*

What do you think of old wives' tales? Nonsense or fact? Should I be excited that the ring went in a circle?

Wordless Wednesday 4/15

The poor boy lost his soccer ball and is losing his pants at the same time. Oh, dear.

For more wordless wednesday, click Here.

LemonHead Kidz (review)

 

It's so easy to find adorable accessories for you or your little one. They are literally everywhere and the choices can seem overwhelming. The complaints I constantly hear about the vast amount of choices, though, are in the arenas of comfort, durability, and wear ability.  Most little girls can't get items to stay put in their hair. (The same goes for some adults too.)

Finally, there is a way to buy an adorable hair accessory with confidence. LemonHead Kidz offers a variety of colors and styles in their "bandeez" and "clipeez" lines. The best part about these items, is the way they stay put after you put them on. The "bandeez" have a strip of Velcro across the top that will not move until you take it off. The "clipeez" have a piece of foam-like material on the inside of the clip that keeps them from sliding off of hair.

I was able to try out one of each from LemonHead Kidz. Here are photos of the bandeez and clipeez I was able to try.

 

1. A Bandeez like the one pictured in black with white stitching. (These also come in wider widths)

2. A Clipeez Felt Flower in pink.

These items are made to stay in your hair until you decide you want to take it out. If I find out I'm having a girl, I know the first place I'm going to shop for her very first hair clip.

Thanks to Family Review Network and LemonHead Kidz for this review opportunity.

Coffee Talk: 5th Edition

Coffee Talk/Pregnancy Update Week 11 from TheMrs. on Vimeo.

Our Family Weekend

I hope you all had a fantastic Easter weekend! Mine was exhausting and enjoyable all at the same time.

Friday afternoon, we took a trip to Build-A-Bear for the first time. Alex was overwhelmed at first but he chose a dog to make and picked out a guitar for him to play. (That's our boy!)

 

  

(he's giving the dog's heart a kiss before he put it in.)

On Saturday, we had a day at the park then had some friends over for dinner. Here are some pics from the park. 

 

  

I sat on a bench most of the time there. I was very tired. 

Sunday, we went to church, then to my in-laws for a lunch visit, home for a nap, and then to my parent's for Easter dinner. I felt fine all day, thankfully. I woke up pretty sick this morning, though.  Oh, well. :)

Here's a pic of Alex doing his egg hunt around the house.

All in all, I had a wonderful time with my 2 boys and my family. I hope your Easter weekend went well too.

Aloha Friday ~ Good Friday

It's time again for Aloha Friday. If you would like to play along, visit Kailani over at An Island Life and check out the rules. This is a great way to take it easy and meet some wonderful people. :)

Today, Kailani asks:

How do you celebrate Easter?

My answer: My family goes to church and then gets together for a big, family dinner. We'll also be having an Easter Egg hunt around the house with Alex in the morning. :) *I have my fingers crossed that my parents made me an Easter basket. Is that silly?

My question is:

Do you dress up for Easter, or lean to comfortable clothes? 

I think I'll keep it comfortable for myself. It's the least I can do for my growing belly. :)

Aloha!

A Thousand Words Thursday ~ 4/9

 

  

My big boy is blowing out the candles. :) Yes, I made the cake myself.

For more A Thousand Words Thursday, click it.