Straight Talk - Cut Your Phone Bill In Half!

This post brought to you by Straight Talk. All opinions are 100% mine.

Another cell phone bill came. And with it, another surprise. It seems we are going over our minutes often lately. Then there are months where we don't go anywhere near our allowance. The amount we talk varies from month to month for us, as I'm sure it does for a lot of people. That's where something like Straight Talk comes in - it's a cell phone service without a contract, offering unlimited talk, text, picture messaging, and web access for only $45 a month. That's less than I'm paying now!! Without a contract, you are also free from activation, reactivation, or termination fees. In addition, Straight Talk uses trusted phone brand names - such as LG, Motorola, Nokia, and Samsung.  Phones start at only $10 and even smart phones and touch screen phones are available! It sounds too good to be true,. doesn't it? Check out these customer testimonials

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Idm12bvAdeE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

If we switched, we'd get more service and we'd save an average of $316 a year (this is based on what our phone bill SHOULD be, and not what it's been lately) I know what I would do with that money that we saved (hello new fabric! my latest obsession) What would YOU do with the money you'd save by switching? 

 

Check out these videos for more information about Straight Talk. 

hook, line and sinker

call a friend

everything you need

 

It's Done

We dropped Isabelle off at her new home tonight. It's a very bittersweet feeling.

There were definitely tears as we pulled away from the rescue without her with us. I hate the feeling that I'm abandoning my "babies" that comes with these goodbyes. Especially with Isabelle. She was my first "baby" and she was the hardest to say goodbye to. 

Luckily, there was a Field's Fabric less than a mile down the road and I drowned my sorrows with some ridiculously expensive, but adorable, new fabric!

Cute, right? (The two tops ones are super soft minky, LOVE them!) I could have done a lot more damage than I did. I'm definitely heading back to Field's Fabrics again. And, thankfully, my husband covered his ears and walked away when they said the total amount :-X

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Did You Know??

Did you know that you can find me on facebook here? When I reach 200 facebook fans, I'm going to do my first giveaway! Feel free to spread the word :-)


I'm also registered on Picket Fence Blogs. If you'd like to do me a favor, click the button below to vote for me. Thanks in advance!

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Five Question Friday 7/29

1. Vow renewal ceremonies-yay or nay?
You know, I don't think I really have an opinion on them one way or the other.

2. What sound/s annoy you the most?
Whining. Especially from grown adult patients. Ugh.
And also when you slide your silverware across a plate. It makes me shudder!

3. If you had to pick, would you have only all boys, or only all girls for kids?
I already have all boys so I'd have to go with that one!! :-)

4. Do you believe in alternative medicine?
Yes and no. There are certain things that I agree with. Others that I don't. I don't believe in ALL alternative medicine. But I do think there's merit in adding some alternative medicine in with mainstream medicine.

5. Would you take a family member's children and raise them if they needed it?
Abso-freaking-lutely!
That being said, no one in my family really HAS kids. But if they did, yes indeed, I would!




Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Wordless Wednesday: Splash Pad

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Top Ten Tuesday: Tips For Breastfeeding Success

1. Educate yourself ahead of time. Learn everything you can about breastfeeding and know exactly what your body is doing and how it works. I liked the book Breastfeeding Made Simple

Also check out their website for helpful information: www.breastfeedingmadesimple.com

2. Hook up with a support group. You can’t learn everything from a book or class. It’s very hands on learning.

3. TRUST YOUR BODY to do what it was designed to do.

4. TRUST YOUR BABY to eat when they need to. Don’t worry about watching the clock or counting feedings. As long as they are having wet and soiled diapers and gaining weight, they are doing just fine.

5. All purpose nipple ointment. Enough said.

6. Take advantage of the early days and collect as much of the leaking milk as possible. You may need it someday.

7. If it hurts, stop. And try again. This was my downfall the first time. Jacob had trouble latching on so once he was on I didn’t care enough to try to take him off and get a better latch. Then he never learned a proper latch.

8. DON’T supplement with formula. Unless you can pump ounce for ounce what you are giving them. Otherwise, you’re just HURTING your supply because of the basic principles of supply and demand. Instead, if you feel your supply is low, nurse frequently to build it back up. Your body will do what it’s supposed to.

9. Invest in some nice nursing tank tops. They will make your life so much easier!

10. Learn to nurse in different positions. I especially recommend learning to nurse in the side lying position to make night time feedings a breeze!

And one more just for good measure....

11. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy breastfeeding and the special bond you’ll have with your baby from it. Enjoy every minute of it because soon enough, it will be over.

      

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

My Sweet Isabelle

I've always been an animal lover. Still, it seemed rather sudden when I decided to adopt one five and a half years ago. It was December 2005 when I really felt that God put it on my heart to adopt a cat. I tried to ignore it because, after all, it just wasn't practical at that time. But I remember when I decided to listen. I was browsing through a dollar store {I used to be obsessed with dollar stores!} when I stopped in my tracks. I hadn't really been paying much attention to the radio but at that moment I stopped and listened. And there it was - my sign. They were playing a commercial about adopting animals. I went home and pulled up petfinder.com and began my search.

That's when I found a sweet orange kitty named Chloe and knew I wanted to adopt her. I had a thing for orange cats {still do, kind of!} I contacted Reuben's Room Cat Rescue and soon found myself meeting this orange kitty. But she was awful. Absolutely awful. She was mean and she jumped up on the counters in the shelter. I liked her about as much as she liked me -- which was not at all!

Jeanine, the owner of the rescue, was so sweet. We stayed there for awhile visiting with all the cats, but none of them seemed right. She told us about how she had cats at other locations as well - such as a pet store near my parents' house.

We soon found ourselves at the pet store looking at cats. That's when I first saw Isabelle. I don't know exactly what it was about her that drew me in. But once I saw her, that was it. She was so calm and sweet. And so soft. I thought she was beautiful. I thought she was perfect. I no longer cared about any of the other cats we were visiting. I had to have her. I immediately pulled out my cell phone and called Jeanine to tell her. We were going on vacation to the Florida Keys in a few days and I didn't want to risk her being adopted by someone else while we were gone. And good thing! Jeanine informed me she had several calls about Isabelle {then called Lizzy} while we were gone.

On January 3, 2006 I picked Isabelle up from the pet store and brought her home. She was officially mine. I've had some good memories with her. When she first came to live with me we used to snuggle every day. She'd get antsy and upset if we didn't have our "snuggle time" She really is a sweet cat who loves to have attention from us.

She went through a phase where she slept IN my pillow case!

Today I made a very hard decision and an even harder phone call. Today I called Jeanine, who I haven't talked to in five and a half years, and told her I'd like to bring Isabelle back to them. There are many reasons and it wasn't a spur of the moment decision. In fact, it's something we've been thinking about for well over a year now. In a few days, I will take Isabelle back to Reuben's Room and surrender her.

The good news? I know she will be well cared for at Reuben's Room. I also know, having adopted out two cats previously, that the sadness will eventually fade away. But I do know that Isabelle will always be missed. She was my first "baby" and I will love her always.

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Proud Mama Monday 7/25

1. Jordan has learned how to sign "more"

2. Jacob will now put his face under water

3. Jordan can jump (while sitting) off the edge into the pool (so cute!)

4. Jacob got sick yesterday and he was so calm about it. He just said "Mommy" (several times until I acknowledged him) "I did that" and pointed to it on the floor. He never cried or was upset.

5. Jacob is talking better and better every day.


Want to play? Write a post about your proud mama moments and link up below!


Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Flashback Friday 7/22

It's hard to believe Jacob was ever this little. Here he is at approximately Jordan's age now. I remember the day this picture was taken. We had received this adorable onesie from my Uncle when Jacob was just a baby and I was thrilled to finally put it on him. We went and picked up my grandma from the airport that day for her 90th birthday celebration at our house. It was a really fun weekend. 

This picture is also special to me because it was taken on September 30, 2009. Exactly one year before Jordan entered our lives. We had absolutely no idea back then that we'd be adding another precious boy to our family so soon. But I'm so happy with the way our lives have turned out. 

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

{Not So} Wordless Wednesday: Caching For a Cure

The Caching For a Cure event that my husband organized was last Saturday. Here's a picture summary of the day.

We didn't have a super great turn-out {which, honestly, we expected as it was our first year} but we did raise.... are you ready for this???......














$935!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Awesome. Awesome. Awesome!

Thank you SOOOO much to everyone who helped out. We couldn't have done it without your support! We still have several silent auction items available -- t-shirts, gift cards, jewelry, and more!! 100% of the money earned goes directly to The American Cancer Society! You can find Caching For a Cure on facebook as well. Please consider "liking" our page and help us spread the word to make CFAC 2012 even better than 2011!! This is also where you can bid on the remaining silent auction items. Help us break $1,000 for our donation to American Cancer Society!!! Thanks in advance!!

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Top Ten Tuesday: Advice for a New Mom/Mom-To-Be

My Top Ten Six Pieces of Advice For a New Mom

Or Mom-To-Be

1. TRUST. Trust your body to do what it's designed to do. That goes for labor and delivery as well as breastfeeding. Our bodies were made to give birth. Our breasts were made to nourish our babies. Love your body and trust your body to do its job. Also, trust your baby. Your baby knows when its hungry. Don't worry about the clock, just feed your baby when they tell you to. This builds a healthy, trusting relationship.

2. EDUCATE YOURSELF. Educate yourself about all things pregnancy, labor, birth, and baby. Educate yourself more than you think you need. Then make informed decisions based on all of the facts, not just the ones that are handed to you. Don't be afraid to go against "the norm" if it feels right to you and your baby. Not every baby is "textbook." In fact, most are not. So don't be surprised when things don't go according to plan.

3. SLEEP. Sleep when the baby sleeps. It's a total cliche but it's true for those early days. Take advantage of that time. Even if you aren't tired, you will fall asleep. And you never know what the night holds - it might be your last chance for sleep for awhile. The housework can wait. You will be much more capable of coping with life's challenges if you've gotten some rest.

4. THE DIAPER BAG. Always pack more diapers than you think you'll need and at least one extra change of clothes. After having to drive home with your newborn baby in just a diaper in the middle of winter, you'll never forget this. (Guilty!)

5. SEEK HELP. It's okay to need to help. Accept all offers for help. Reach out if you aren't being offered. If you need a nap, ask someone to watch the baby/kids. If you need a break, again, ask someone to watch them. Take turns with your husband if you don't have any outside/family help. If you're feeling like something isn't right, seek help with your physician. This is something I did not do the first time but did the second time and it's made a world of difference.

6. SNUGGLE. Hold and snuggle and love up on that baby as much as humanly possible. Even when it seems like you just want a break from holding them. It's a fleeting moment. Believe it or not, some day those babies no longer want to be held and snuggled. And you WILL miss those moments. So take full advantage of them while they are here. Don't worry about "spoiling" a baby. Nobody was ever "spoiled" by being loved and cared for.


Okay so that's all I can think of right now. I'm sure I'll have a part two post some day! What advice would you give to a new mom/ mom-to-be?


Find me on Facebook
Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Proud Mama Monday 7/18

This is going to sound strange. But I am proud of my big kid when he whines and demands to do things himself, when he throws fits and tests limits. Sure, I'd rather he not push my buttons. Sure, it'd be faster if he'd let me do some things for him once in awhile. But I know that all those little {and sometimes BIG} frustrations are a result of him growing and developing right on schedule. They are a result of him learning to be an independent person. So I try not to let it bother me {easier said than done!} when he cries because he wants juice, then tries to open the refrigerator on his own to retrieve it even after I've told him no. Or when it takes us a good 45 minutes to get dressed in the morning because we have to look through every pair of underwear and every shirt before he can decide which one to wear and then he slowly dresses himself - purposely not doing it right and asking "it goes like this?" 

We're smack dab in the middle of the Terrible Two's. Even so, I know it could be worse. He's really a good kid. And I'm very proud of who he's becoming - tantrums and all!  

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Five Question Friday 7/15/11

1. If you knew your best friend's spouse was cheating on her or him, would you tell her (him)? 
Yes, absolutely. Because I would want them to tell me as well.

2. Soda in a can or a bottle?
I don't drink much of it but I guess I like bottles better

3. What do you wash first, hair or body?
hair first

4. What advice would you give to any new mama?
Trust your body. Trust your baby. That's all you need to know. Oh, and snuggle them every second while they still let you!

5. What is your best hangover remedy?
Don't drink so much that you have a hangover in the first place!



Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Jordan's 9 Month Check Up

The Little Bug went in for his 9 month check up yesterday {07.13.11}. My mom was kind enough to offer to go with us and keep an eye on Jacob for me. As a side note, Jacob was very well behaved this time. I was proud of him.

The nurse took us back to the exam room and asked us the usual questions about daycare and diet and other daily life questions. She seemed a little caught off guard when I said he eats table food and not cereal or baby food. She said he must be a good eater then. Ha, that's an understatement!

Then we went and had him measured. He is, apparently, tiny! And here I was thinking he's such a big boy now. He is 27 inches long, which puts him at the 8th percentile for height. His head circumference was 17.5 inches, which puts him at the 20th percentile. And his weight was 19 lbs 8 oz {which I don't think is accurate because he was 18.2 lbs last week when I weighed him. He had just eaten before we went there though...}, which puts him in the 30th percentile. Small baby!

silly boy, he did not want to stay on his back when he was being weighed

he's looking at the nurse like "what are you doing to me?" 

After that, the doctor came in and checked him out. He said he was perfect. He's a healthy and normal little boy. We were given the okay to start feeding him dairy -- which I've already been feeding him. He also said he doesn't worry about eggs because they are in everything, so that's okay now too. He said the only things to avoid now are citrus, seafood, and peanuts. And those are all just because of allergies. Not so much that they are afraid that he'll have an allergic reaction to any of them {we have no history of food allergies in either of our families} but because research has shown that earlier introduction of these foods can lead to allergies that wouldn't have otherwise developed. It's not that I don't trust what my doctor says -- because I do -- but I'm just curious to know how research can show that? How do you set up and interpret a study like that? 

So Jordan is doing all the things he should be doing -- crawling, pulling up, cruising, picking up small objects, etc. I wish I would have asked about the way he stands up because he rolls his foot in an awkward position when he stands, then eventually corrects himself. I didn't remember until tonight. I actually didn't have any questions for him for once. 

He goes back when he's a year old. Hard to believe that it's so soon! My baby is growing up too fast!! 

here he is playing on the floor of the exam room {kinda gross, I know} with the trucks that Jake brought to keep himself entertained

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

It's The Little Things

I was at Babies R Us the other day looking for a shower gift {} and naturally decided to look around for myself too. I found myself over by the toothbrushes when I spotted it. Success! A spiderman toothbrush that was not too big for Monkey's mouth. 

Now brushing our teeth is not soooo bad anymore. It's really the little things in life that make things so worthwhile. Who knew that a $2 toothbrush could bring such a smile to my little guy's face and make my life infinitely easier! 

Look! He even does it himself now! {Though he still needs help to really do it}

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Top Ten Tuesday: Reasons I've Suddenly Become Middle-Aged

You may be thinking I'm in my twenties but the fact of the matter is that I just celebrated my 40th birthday this past week. Here's how you can tell....

1. My husband and I put up some bird feeders in the backyard
2. We are REALLY excited about this and constantly check for birds on the feeders.
3. We take pictures of all the birds on the feeders.
4. Our date nights consist of a weekly trip to the grocery store -- sans kids!
5. I'm tired and ready for bed by 8pm every night {though I don't get there that early}
6. My biggest hobby right now is sewing
7. It annoys me when people play their music too loud or are just too loud in general
8. I actually look forward to going to the dentist {I get to go on Monday, woohoo!}

Okay so that's all I can think of {maybe it's my old age brain} but really, the bird thing should count for more than three -- don't you think??







Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Tuesday Blog Hop

I'm linked up in the Tuesday Blog Hop. Feel free to click the button above and play along too.If you're a new follower please say hi and introduce yourself!

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Jacob at 31 Months

Weight: 35 lbs
Height: 36"
Favorite Food: fruit snacks (cars and spiderman), cheese, juice
Favorite Toy: balls, bike, cozy coupe
Frequent Phrases: "No, I do it", "I don't want you", "I need to go at work"
New Accomplishments: he stays dry during the day and wears undies most days, he can really jump with both feet off the ground now, he can say his entire alphabet
What We Did This Month: went to John Ball Park Zoo, went to the pool at my parents' house several times, celebrated Father's Day, watched fireworks for the 4th of July
Likes: spiderman, beach balls, playing outside, eating, swimming, monsters, golf, fireworks, trying out different potties everywhere we go
Dislikes: sleeping, not getting his way, his mama :-(, cooperating, having his picture taken

Pictures:

playing with stickers

getting dressed like a big boy

"I want this"

trying to cut into the watermelon with his toy knife from his kitchen set

feeding the birds at the zoo

peek-a-boo!

fingerpainting

he came inside, grabbed his tool box and said "I have to fix my lawnmower"

This was all totally his idea. so cute!

watching the fireworks

on our way to the park

going down the slide

trying to get a drink of water at the park

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email