New Year, New Me

So, the ball officially dropped.
It is 2019 and time for some changes.  My resolutions (I hope) are doable and achievable.

1)  I would like to go through my son's playroom and the spare bedroom.  Basically, I wish to clear out (in my son's playroom) toys that my son no longer plays with and has shown little interest in and either putting them away for future use or donating.  The spare bedroom simply needs to be cleaned out, reorganized and maintained.

2)  I would like to attempt a cleaning schedule for the house this year.  After all, it is said that it takes 28 days to create a habit. I'm vowing to make this resolution a habit!
This would include:

• The dishes
• Dusting
• Vacuuming
• Picking up son's toys in the living room
• Wash (both clothes and bedding)

3)  I would like to assign time for ME each day.   A "me-time" from my experience IS needed in order for me to stay sane.  The thing is, it MUST be scheduled when neither my husband nor my son is home in order to be achievable.  I say this because my husband will accuse me of being a hermit and not being "family-oriented"  These accusations frustrate me! 

Every Stan Lee Cameo Ever (1989 - 2018) Marvel

A beautiful collaboration of Every Stan Lee Cameo Ever!

Subscription Box Review// Succulents Box - September 2018

I'm back my loyal readers.  This time, I'm bringing you The Succulents Box.  This box was given to me in exchange for an honest review.  Succulent Box currently offers more than 200 varieties of succulents (popular and rare) along with five monthly subscriptions.
The prices per month were what drew me to do this review.

• For one air plant: $6.50 per month
• One Succulent: $4 per month
• Two Succulents: $8 per month
• Three Succulents: $12 per month
• Four Succulents: $16 per month 

Shipped from California, these plants are shipped year round and 3-5 days after ordering.
I had received the $12 box of three.
Now, the plants had come wrapped in bubble wrap.

 Hummel's Sunset

 Ice Plant

 Living Stones

I can not WAIT until I am able to get these succulents in the dirt and grow them.  The drawings and pictures on the website don't do justice to the plants in real life!  

The box comes with a care card just in case you've never cared for these plants.  If you would like to order on their site, use code LOVEPLANTS in order to get 15% of the first order.  

All in all, I'm happy with the box and (if I had the space and money)  I would indeed subscribe to this box.

I Miss Classic Nicklodeon..

Well, I suppose I miss the 90s in general.
    The 90s first off had WONDERFUL cartoons!  None of this "Adventure Time", "We Bare Bears", "Craig of the Creek", "Gumball", or "Steven Universe" (and yes I know these are Cartoon Network shows but they are STUPID!)  I know other networks have stupid shows too.  I think the stupidity started with Nickelodeon's "Sponge Bob"...  Yes, that was MY generation....
    But the 90s also had: "Clarissa Explains It All", SNICK,"Rugrats", "All That", "Are You Afraid of The Dark",  "Hey Dude", "Salute Your Shorts", "Welcome Freshmen" and "You Can't Do That on Television" (and yes, that was when Nickelodeon was great!)
   Now, I AM glad to see that Nickelodeon is coming back with their classic game show Double Dare.  They are even showing some of the classic "dare" games which makes my heart soar.   Now Nickelodeon PLEASE bring back your other classic game show Legends of the Hidden Temple.  PLEASE????
 I shall have to review the first episode of the reboot here.
 

Subscription Box Review// Vellabox - June 2018

First off, the disclaimer:
I received this box courtesy of Vellabox.com in exchange for my honest review.

    Hello to my loyal readers and faithful followers.  I am attempting to try something new.  The big trend on You Tube right now seems to be unboxing videos.  Most are Ipsy and other makeup subscriptions.  However, because of this trend companies like Barkbox and others have become known commercially too.  
    My 1st review however, is for none of those subscriptions but rather for Vellabox.  
Vellabox is an all-natural, artisan subscription candle box company based out of San Diego, CA.  All of their candles are high quality, non-toxic, lead free, and hand poured by artisan candle makers.  They offer three different monthly  subscription boxes great for oneself or for gifting.  As a gift, you may chose a three, six, or 12 month options.  The different boxes are as follows:

• Lucerna ($10/month) - one 4oz candle and a special gift that total 25 hrs of burn time
• Ignis ($20/month) - one 8oz candle and a special gift that totals 50 hrs of burn time
• Vivere ($30/month) - one 4oz and one 8oz candle plus a special gift that totals 75 hours of burn time

Each month has it's own theme, matching the packaging style to the candle scents and time of year.  Vellabox partners with a different lifestyle brand each month as well for the special surprise gift.  Lastly, Vellabox offer options to buy candles from favorite brands without subscribing!
               www.vellabox.com 
               Instagram: @vellabox  


  Upon opening the  box, I soon discovered I was given the Ignis box to sample and review.  The 8oz candle was packaged in a beautiful mint green gift bag.  It had an adorable printing of cacti and succulents.  The candle created by Vacant Wheel was a wonderfully smelling.
 It's a soy candle and the sent for June was Cactus Flowers: Flowering Desert Succulents.  I have not gotten around to light it to test the throw yet, however I shall inform my readers of that when it does happen.
   As for the bonus item?   
The lip balm with SPF 15 was made by Aloe Up, a company in Eden Prairie, MN.  The one downside to this lip balm was that I wish it had a scent to it as well.  Will I use it?  Yes.  But it wont be my first go-to.  That's reserved for my Burt's Bees.
  
www.vacantwheel.com
@shopvacantwheel 
Use code "VELLABOX18" upon check out to get 20% off purchase. 

The lip balm was made by the company Aloe Up 
www.aloeup.com 
@aloeupsuncare 
Use code "VELLA" upon check out to get 15% off purchase  

Free Monthly Box Review: PINCHme May 2018

     Well Loyal readers, I've once again received my PINCHme box... 
I received a free product from PINCHme.  The reviews are my own.

   And honestly?  I'm not impressed.  I was expecting a lot more than what I had received.  That being said, on to the products.  Now, before I go on however, I want to state I suppose  foils are to be expected and you DO get what you pay for...
THAT being said I received:

•  A small foil sample of new Heinz Real Mayonnaise  - And I have my hesitation about that.  After all...it's summer and who knows how long it was in a warm truck before my house.... YUCK!  Oh yeah, I DID get a coupon for a "free" full sized (up to $4.50). But unless my husband wants to buy it, that's going to waste as well.
• Foil samples of Garnier Whole Blends "Oat Delicacy" Shampoo and Conditioner.    I've gotten these before and have loved them.  However, unless you're planning on sending me either 1) a coupon for a FREE full-size of both or 2)  something at LEAST considered travel size, do NOT send me the same product again!!

• Two, count them,only TWO Nexcare bandages! And not only that but oh WOW! (*note* Sarcastic tone) a coupon allowing me to save 50 CENTS on any Nexcare product!

 Besides those so called samples, I also received an "invite" to get a "Free" 4-pack sampler from Graze.  Free...Right...  Read the fine print and you'll realize NOTHING is free from them!  They require you to put in a valid debit or credit card number for future boxes.  Hence you're signing up for the subscription to get the "free" box.  No thank you!  That's going to waste too!.
Oh yeah!  Speaking of coupons going to waste, yet again I get a blue envelope from them.  A coupon was in it to receive 1 free Teatopia Infused Tea of my choice.  I would have gladly used it, had it not been the fact that I CAN'T use it because my Walmart doesn't sell it! 
 

Job Searching....Again....

Yes, you've read right...
Once again the 18 Month Curse hit me....
Let me explain:
Ever since leaving collage, I have been unable to hold a job.

I don't understand it. It's like I am able to hold the job for a year and a half.  And then, all at once...they decide they DON'T want me so the ones in charge do EVERYthing they can to find ways to fire me and make it look like I was at fault.
Ah well, back to the search right?

December 31 Prompts: Day 3 - What am I Grateful For?

Hello my loyal readers.
Back again for December 31 Prompts.  Day 3 asks: What am I grateful for?
Well readers, I'm grateful for many thing.
My major thing is that I'm grateful for my son.   Yes, he is 3-years-old.  Yes he is demanding of attention.  Yes he can wear on my patience and my nerves.  However, he is my miracle child and I wouldn't have him any other way.

December 31 Prompts: Day 2 - Worst Part of Day & Reaction

And I'm back loyal readers!  Told you I'd be!
Today's prompt asks me about my worst part of the day.  Now, I'd like to think that I really don't have a 'worst part' of the day and normally I don't.  However, there are days.
For example, if my son never got a nap that day then my day goes bad.  Especially if it's a Wednesday.  I'm totally behind in what I need to do because I didn't have the time to myself.  And if that is the case, I get irritable. 
I try to calm myself down by taking deep breaths and reminding myself that Eli doesn't me to irritate me.  After all, he is only 3.  Sometimes it works. 
Other times......

December 31 Prompts: Day 1 - Favorite Part of Day

Hello my readers!
In November of last year I did the 30 Day Blog challenge.  I decided that I liked doing that so much (and that my blog needs more content) that I decided to do these challenges monthly.  If you have any questions for me as well, I will gladly answer them.
December 1st asks about my favorite part of the day. 
Honestly, I can say my favorite part of the day is the 30-40 minutes between the time that my son Eli is picked up by his Grandma and before I head off to work.  On Wednesdays it's different.  The hour/hour-half that Eli sleeps is another one of my favorite times of day. 
I know I know, it sounds selfish but it allows me to focus on me.  To get things done without the interruption or the noise from Eli. 

My True Calling

I know my true calling is to be a stay-at-home mom (SAHM).  I've known this since my son was born.  I may not have recognized it right away.  In fact, I know I didn't!  It actually hit me after I was fired from Alorica.  Of course I HAD to find another job because bills needed to be payed and one paycheck wasn't going to cut it.  It was also nearing Christmas and well...my son wasn't going to have a happy on with only one paycheck.  However, time spent looking for another job made me realize that I'd much rather BE home.  That choice made, I took a part-time temp job at Gordmans for the holiday season.  Now, I could have left as soon as the season was over.  However, the manager asked me to stay on and we still need my paycheck.  Now I work at Gordmans (mostly Thurs.-Sat.) and it's STILL part-time. And every other week I work with NO days off except the Weds. and Sundays I asked to be removed.  Plus there's now rumors of the whole chain being liquidated. 
Well, the new news is that the Gordmans store in Sioux City is spared.     However, I still wasn't getting the hours I wanted.  I put in my 2 weeks and applied at Menards.  Now I work for a $1 more but at least I have a constant schedual.  I'm in Wallcoverings & Groceries and, granted I do have to stock the latter more than I'd like to, I'm also learning about paints and stains (among other things) and can't wait until I move beyond stocking shelves.

Manifesting My Destiny

  I read magazines while my son sleeps or while he's at his grandma's.  Parents, SHAPE, allure, BGH, and Family Circle are the magazine subscriptions I currently receive.
    As I was reading the Jan. edition of Family Circle I came across an article that stated if I took time to journal what I wanted as if I've already gotten them, then it will come true.  As strange as that sounds, I've heard that from other sources as well.  So, I've decided to give it a go:
   I first want to say:  I can't believe my plushies have been SO popular!  I wouldn't have dreamed that I'd made $1000 dollars in a month!  I'm SO busy with orders!  But I'm happy!  My wish is to make enough money to be a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM).  I can finally quite my 9-5 and stay at homw with my son,  Hurray!

Ever Just Wanted to "Ride"?

---

     Ever wondered what was out there?
     Beyond what you grew up knowing I mean.
     Have you ever wished that you could just drop -everything- and just hit
the open road without looking back? Sure, you might not know where you're
going but that's half the fun. Let you heart lead and follow your dreams where
ever they may lead.
    I do have a dream that's calling me.
    My mind is restless and my heart is weary!

God.....why do you make it -so- tempting, yet -so- difficult to do?

30 Day Blog Challenge :Day 19 - My Worst Habits

Hello again my loyal readers!
Day 19 this November brings the topic of My Worst Habits.

Well, I suppose we can start with the most obvious.  I tend to put off tomorrow what I could be doing today.  Yes, that's right, my #1Bad Habit is procrastination.  It stinks and honestly I'm trying to do better and you'd be laughing if you knew WHEN I actually got this posted yet putting things off always seems to win and then it bites me in the ass later on down the road.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 18- What Am I Afraid Of?

Welcome back  my loyal readers, to 30 Day Blog Challenge!
Today we focus on Fears.
Growing up, I had the basic fears of a child.  Dark, spiders, snakes, needles,  tornadoes....
As I grew up however, my fears changed.  I'm still afraid of tornadoes and weary about needles.  But my other fears are of  failing.  Failing as both a parent and at life. 
My other adult fear is of not reaching my dreams in the long run.    I have goals but I'm afraid I'll never reach them.

30 day Blog Challenge: Day 17- Favorite Childhood Book

Day 17 and the question asks about favorite childhood books. 
I am and always have been a fan of Dr. Seuss.  If I had to absolutely pick a book from his line, I'd choose The Lorax.  After all, it's a timeless tale the need to protect our earth. 
However, there is no choosing "a book" with Dr. Seuss.
That's because they ALL become favorites once you open and read them.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 16- Dream Job

Today we're looking at what I'd be doing as my "Dream Job".
Well loyal readers,  if money was no option I'd want to be a SAHM (Stay-at-home-mom).  Just to stay at home and home school my boy would be my dream. 
If I have to work, my dream job is with kids.  I'd love to be a teacher especially, to teach either preschool, kindergarten, or 1st grade. 
Am I in that dream job?
No.
I screwed up while I was going to collage and was forced to quit. 
Do I regret not finishing?
Yes.
I hope someday to be able to go back and finish school and become the teacher I know I could be.  One thing is for certain.  I'm SICK of jumping from minimum wage job to minimum wage job every 18 months! 
Yes, I'm cursed....

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 15 - Timeline of My Day

Here is my timeline on a given day in my life:
Between 6:30 and 7am- Boy wakes me up with kisses and I take a shower while boy watches TV.
7am- Go downstairs and and change son's diaper before I prepare his breakfast (chocolate milk and poptarts) while son watches more TV (either on SPROUT or Disney Jr)
9ish- Get boy dressed after changing diaper once more and get dressed myself. 

The days I work:
9:30am- My mother picks up my son to watch him from 9:30 to close to 5pm most days.
I also sit down to watch my stories via Firestick until about an hour before I must clock in to work.  Sometimes, I'll even do chores.

On days that I stay home with the boy: 
9:30 to roughly 11:30am- Son runs around and plays about he house while I do chores and do work on my computer.
1130: Son's lunch is ready and he sits down to eat while we watch Paw Patrol on Firestick.
Noon:  Husband comes home from work for 30 min lunch.
12:30- Husband goes back to work and I change son's diaper again before cuddling up with him on the couch for his nap.
While boy sleeps, I watch more of my stories on Firestick (ANTM, Dance Moms,  Project Runway, an any other reality TV shows that I binge on).  I'll go back and forth from my computer and the TV to the chores that need to be done while the boy sleeps.
Between 2:30 and 3:30pm- Boy will wake up and I will change his diaper.  Then, we'll go run any errands that I need to run.  Then, depending on when he wakes up and when we get back from errands, the boy plays and I do stuff online/watch tv until...
5pm- Husband comes home and supper gets started.

30 Day Blog Challange: Day 14 - What is In My Handbag?

You asked the questions and I've answered them.
What's in My Handbag/Purse?
Well for starters, money.  Can't go anywhere without that after all.  And along with my keys and my bank card that would normally be all I need.  However, I work at a department store (in the fitting room mostly) and I arrive earlier than needed most times.  Also being in the fitting room can be slow and boring at times. For those times, I also put a book in my bag, as well as my latest stitching craft and drawing project.  It allows me to NOT go mad from boredom ;)
 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 13 - Favorite Quote

Favorite Quote:

God never ends anything on a negative; God always ends on a positive. Edwin Louis Cole
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_god.html

 

God never ends anything on a negative; God always ends on a positive. Edwin Louis Cole
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_god.html

God never ends anything on a negative; God always ends on a positive. Edwin Louis Cole
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_god.html