Thursday Thoughts

- I love the fact that I lost 5 lbs! I feel so good about myself that I feel a bit more motivated to keep on with the death known as Crossfit.

- Cramming 3 months of schoolwork into 6 weeks? Never again.

- E has a stare that will go right through to your soul...I find myself just staring at her and wondering "What are you thinking?"

- This month has gone by so fast, it's crazy! Pretty soon, it'll be the end of the year all over again and my kids will be one year older and one year closer to becoming adults...

- I was doing my morning routine of coffee and blog-reading, when I saw a video on FB today that made me think about a few things. First off, the girl in the video, the almost-crying voice was killing me. (If youtube had an accurate CC I would forever love them.) Second, the point of her vlog was to point out how people would bully her because she looked like a fake nerd. When you think of nerd, you think weird-looking people with acne problems and not so good looking. This girl was rather attractive with big breasts. OK, so she developed. But that doesn't mean she isn't a nerd. I consider myself a nerd simply for my love of comic books, video games, manga, cons and so many other nerdy/geeky things that I have liked since forever. It does upset me however that a lot of girls have gone into a "OMG IM A NERD" kind of phase just to fit in. When those of us who are true nerds, never fit in the first place. [I was an awkward child with a strange group of friends.]

- Grey's Anatomy? What have I gotten myself into? T.T I decided to watch it from Season 1 and I'm not sure if I totally regret my decision...it's the drama. I am addicted to drama. (Esp. j-drama)

What are you thinking about today?

- Mel

bluum May 2013 Review "Solid!" (5 month old)

This is my first bluum box! It's so exciting to see a new box just waiting for me, it's like Christmas! So, since I got my Stork Stack and Citrus Lane already, this was the last one to get here this month.

The box

Apparently, the boxes used to be much smaller...

First View

Ok, I cheated. More like bluum made me cheat. After you get your box delivered, they send you an email with all the details of the goodies you get in your box that month. I was surprised when I saw so many things!

There's themes to your box every month depending on your child's age. E is turning 5 months next week, so this month's box was "Solid". Here is the introductory card regarding baby's first solid foods.

Inside, I found a magazine "Chicago Parent", a 20% off coupon for Angel Dear and another little card about another product (it was accidentally thrown away...)

B Kids Sandfish Rattle ($12.00):

As I mentioned before, anything that's a toy for E is plus in my book. I can't wait to have her try it out! It has all sorts of ridges and different surfaces that I'm sure will keep E entertained for some time.

Icky Bib-Girl ($6.99):

I have no problem washing E's bibs after she finishes eating. But, this is not a bad idea to have. It helps when I'm on the go and the bib she has is already filthy.

mOmma spoon ($4.99):

Now that E has started eating solid food, having another spoon is a great thing. I don't remember how many times I found myself without a spoon because I accidentally left it at my mom's house or my mother-in-law left it behind, etc. It has a soft tip so that's great for her gums (she's been pretty sensitive since her gums have been bugging her) and it has a round bottom shape that's easy for her to hold. (She likes holding her own spoon...)

Nuturme Plump Peas (Dried Baby Food) Pouch ($10.00):

I have seen this before in different reviews and I am still like wth? I have never used powder-like baby food before. It's just like rice cereal where you add breastmilk or formula to it. One pouch is equal to a 2.5 oz jar. Once I start giving her veggies, I might consider this for her to try. Regardless, I'm taking out her little blender I can finally use (baby shower gift).

Angel Dear Monster Blanket Green ($13.00):

When I read "blanket" I expected blanket size. But it's more like a cuddle blanket, it's small (13"x 13", I believe) but it's soft (cashmere soft, yum) and it has the little monster head. I'm not too fond of the monster head but E is really enjoying it! Reminds me of one that JD used to have but it was Mickey Mouse and it was blue. He still has it, heh. He used to really love that thing...

Bobo Buddy Pacifier Holder ($11.00):

E kinda started using pacifiers. And I really mean kinda. She puts it in her mouth but she spits right out after a while. Even though I don't see myself really needing this, for those mommas who do have babies with pacifiers. This looks like a good method of finding where the hell the paci fell this time.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer ($5.00):

I am really well aware of this brand since my days at Bath and Body Works. I currently use a cuticle moisturizer that I oh so very much love. The color is subtle enough for an everyday use, perfect for those quick moments when I'm out the door in a rush.

The box came out to a value of $62.98 which is awesome! For only $24.95/mo, it's worth it. Here's my referral link to try out a box.

And now that I got all my boxes, I'm weighing out the pros and cons of each box and which one is truly worthwhile. Oooo the suspense!

~Mel

So What Wednesday?

I'm linking up today over at Life After I "Dew" and I am saying SO WHAT if...

• I haven't done Crossfit in more than a week. OK, so this isn't all technically my fault. I'm suppose to go through what I call "initiation" before I can do more (it kept getting cancelled). Yes, it's like a cult. I have no idea what I'm doing joining a cult but I need to work on my post-baby bod.
• I'm behind on my work. I can always catch up...but surprisingly, it isn't my kids fault. School is really taking a toll on me. It's super crazy trying to fit 3 months of a semester in 6 weeks. Who planned these things out!?!
• I don't even bother to change JD out of his pajamas sometimes. We've got nowhere to go and no one comes over. Simple.
• I wanna go browse at Target today.
• I wanted to stay in bed and call off Wednesday until further notice. It's super rainy today, it should be reason enough to call the day off.
• I don't have a dress for my friend's wedding. I went to the mall on Sunday to find a dress but nothing i liked. When did buying a dress become difficult and why doesn't Target sell nice dresses? Now, there's an idea.
• I've had two cups of coffee so far. I love coffee...maybe I should switch to tea again?

That's my week so far... what are you saying SO WHAT to?

~ Mel

Manic Monday

I sometimes wish Mondays didn't have to be associated with such negativity. But after having time off, I see why going back to the routine is usually a drag.

- I think its time we got JD a dog. He's crazy about them. And I currently have one at my house since my best friend needed a dog sitter until Tuesday. He spent Sunday with my mom, she has a dog named Molly. Need I go on?

- This schoolwork business has been getting a little more difficult to do. The final exam is cumulative, so I'm feeling awfully nervous about the class...

- What is it about moms that as soon as they look comfortable, it's like a sign for the kids to start asking for EVERYTHING?

- On that note, I usually give everything JD needs before I start breastfeeding E. But it's as soon as I sit down to feed her, he wants my undivided attention. I know it's a little bit of jealousy but come on. Give me a break... Is that too much to ask?

- I feel bad that I get so busy with housework, schoolwork, work-work that when it comes to making lunch for us, I feed JD the quickest and easiest things to make. I feel a little less than a mom. But I know that I'm not the only one guilty of this but still. It could be why JD is such a picky eater.

- Saturday night while I was waiting for Edward to come back from work, I was watching a random episode of Grey's Anatomy. I have opened Pandora's Box. Now I have to start from the very beginning...

- 3 AM is not a usual time to be awake. But for AD, anything goes. I am still watching it but I feel like the first time I watched AD, WTH am I watching?

- SVU season finale was a WTF moment. I couldn't believe they would end the season like that! I almost screamed lol. (For the sake of spoiling everything, I'd rather keep it just like that)

- Imho, PF Chang's is a fancier chinese restaurant without the screaming asians in the background.

- My bluum box arrived! Expect a review to be posted soon!

- Mel

Remixing Wardrobe? Whaaaaa?

I still dress as if I am still a 17 year old. And I'm talking MY 17 year old self--baggy pants, tank tops, loose fitted clothing. Edward recently started buying more "woman-like" clothing for me and I feel like a fish out of water. I liked my tom-boyish look...-.- and I don't want to dress like a mom. There are clothes in my closet (given to me as gifts) which I have not even worn.

Soooo, I started doing some googling (this should be an official word by now) and I found this page Putting me together. I have no fashion sense. I did not know a lot of things that this page was talking about but it peaked my curiosity and helped me see clothes in a different way. Remix-able!

So I am challenging myself to try to change up my look and try something new. I'm not getting younger (ok, I know 23 is not old, but it feels it when you have 2 kids!) and instead of   buying new clothes, I'll change it up!

What about you? Are you fashion forward or fashion handicapped? Maybe this website could help you out or reinforce what you already knew?

- Mel

Friday Phone Dump

Should be called smartphone dump, but I'm linking up to show off a little bit of my adventures :P

1. My poor JD (this was LAST Friday). He was really sick, throwing up and all that ugly jazz. He spent most of the day sleeping which I'm guessing really re-energized the little one cause...
2. I find him Saturday morning COVERED in permanent marker. Oh and my bed too. And me. And Edward. I'm guessing that it happened in the middle of the night. Where he found the Sharpie? Your guess is as good as mine.
3. While I was trying to figure out how to remove all the ink from JD (and my bed which to no avail was I able to remove it.), E was also grumpy because she was very sleepy. Edward started playing the guitar...and there's your result. Sweet lullaby hearing her father play the guitar for her.

4. These two are the sweetest little things to each other. I love how much JD loves his little sister...these are the moments I cherish.
5. E is just so cute.
6. On Saturday (permanent marker incident), we went out for an Aunt's birthday. This is me taking a picture of Edward's food as incentive to hurry up and get to the restaurant or his food will get cold! lol

7. E was just chilling in her little rocker when I noticed she was doing something with her feet. She was grabbing them! Omgosh. I took a few pictures and sent them to Edward. She's getting so big!
8. Feeding time with E! Now that she knows she's growing up so fast, now she thinks she can feed herself. Hm, nice try, you got a long way to go!
9. Now this one, JD CANNOT be growing up so fast. Edward was in Wal-Mart and besides buying him some new crayons (never again -.-), we bought him a dry-erase book for letters. I'm thinking JD is too small for it. Think again Mommy! He took a HUGE interest in the book. He's such a smart cookie...It's nuts (hahaha).

I love taking pictures of E when she's super concentrated on something. It makes me wonder what's going through her mind...

- Mel

Friday's Letters

Dear E, why are you adorable? I can't believe that you can be so happy after seeing my groggy face (or Daddy's) when I pick you up from your crib. Your smile is contagious! And your giggles? Can make even the grumpiest person crack a smile :)

Dear JD, it hurts when I have to implement a very strict no-liquids-of-any-sort-after-8-so-you-don't-wet-the-bed. But, it's not nice that I have both your sheets and Mommy's sheets to wash because you HAD to have some water. Do you really wanna wear diapers forever?

Dear Edward, I love you. I know that you want the best for me and that you are trying to help me in any way you think would help me. I'm stubborn. Maybe the only help I need from you is for you to grab me and hold me and let me stay comfortable in your arms for a bit. It always helps...

Dear Ipsy, have I mentioned how much in LOVE I am with my new things????

Dear Readers, thank you! I know I link up at blogs that are already very popular and I felt like I was writing to invisible people to the endless world of the internet (not that it really mattered anyway). But, thank you for making me feel that some of my words are not falling on deaf ears. It's exciting for me to see comments, it makes this feel so much more real.

- Mel

Citrus Lane May 2013 Review (42 month old)

May 2013 box

 This box was significantly bigger than the one for E. I was like Oh gosh, maybe they have more things in here??? Alas, it wasn't the case...but still I couldn't wait what was in store for JD.

Green Toys Pizza Parlor ($27.99):

Here's my baby enjoying his new toy

 New toys for JD? That's always a win. Sure, he loves his cars and robot toys and whatnot. But there's something about these kind of toys that kids absolutely love. After a while, he was even pretending that he has his own pizza parlor! Yummy pizza!

Barefoot Book We All Go Traveling By, Paperback with CD ($9.99):

I don't think I have ever gotten a book that comes with a CD for JD. But, I'm willing to try it out. JD loves books, I love to keep adding to his collection of books so he can enjoy.

Happy Munchies Veggie and Fruit Crisps ($3.99):

I have THE pickiest little eater. I know that it's an age thing but it's frustrating when he won't try anything new. I like finding sneaky ways to put healthy food in his diet. This can also be a solution. I haven't had him try it out yet but much more sooner than later. (Edit: The crisps were a success! They are actually pretty good.)

Moravian Lemon Cookies 1 oz ($1.99):

Who doesn't love cookies? Unless you are not from this planet, then you love cookies. Any type. Doesn't have to be chocolate chip. America just loves a good cookie. Can't wait to have this with some vanilla ice cream :9

The box is totaled up to a $43.96 value which is a plus. I probably liked E's box WAY more (personal taste) but this works for JD and always getting a little something for me isn't all too bad. ;)

Wanna try it out? Click here for $10 off your first box.

- Mel

Citrus Lane May 2013 Review (5 month old)

May 2013 Box

I did not really think too much about this box, nor did I even bother to look too much into what other people got in their boxes this month, didn't wanna ruin a good surprise. (Last month I was stalker-mode so I would have an idea of what I would possibly get.)

First Look

It was neatly packaged which is always nice. First thing you see is a introductory card which included a Happy Mother's Day message for us moms :)

My First Green Toys First Keys ($7.99):

I love being able to get E some new toys. Because let's face it...if I were to keep ALL of JD's old toys...I would have a madhouse. And Edward will not allow such a thing to happen. So, this was a plus in my book.
I'm not much of a "green" person (in the sense that I buy everything organic, etc. I do recycle though and reuse a lot of things) but it was nice to know that this was made of recycled milk jugs. People are doing their part and that's always a good thing.

Dapplebaby Travel size Baby bottle and Dish Liquid ($1.99):

I had never heard of this brand until now. Apparently they sell their stuff in Babies R Us but pfft, like if I ever look for dish liquid or detergent there...<.< The first thing I did, was run to the kitchen to try it out. (I had left a bottle out that I forgot to clean, don't judge me!) And it left it squeaky clean and it didn't leave the powerful smell of liquid soap. :) I may have to buy more...they sell a refill pack so I'll just refill the little travel size one. ^.^

Barefoot Books Bear Takes a Trip ($6.99):

E loves to hear her big brother "read" his books. Although this one in particular since it has to do with being aware with time, may not interest her as much as it would interest JD. [Wonderful part of having two kids...lol]

The Mommy Hook ($9.99):

This box read my mind. I was looking to buy one of these thingys since on E's stroller, there's space but not as much space at the bottom of the stroller as I would like...or JD's for that matter. So this was perfect! I keep it in E's diaper bag just in case I might need it.

Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water ($12.49):

Neither of my kids (knock on wood for E) have suffered from colic. Maybe it's the breastfeeding (E, not JD...he stopped on his own when he was 9 months) but they haven't had that problem. It's a good thing to have anyway for those just in case moments and I like to be prepared.

I totaled the entire box to $39.45 which is not bad considering its $25/mo. I have to say I liked this box much better than the one for JD. Which makes me think that maybe they have better things for babies under 1?

If you wanna try it out, here's my referral link and get $10 off your first box :)
I also got a toddler box this month, check it out!

- Mel

Ipsy May 2013 "Spring Fling" Review

This is my very first Ipsy bag and I was super excited to see what I would get in my bag! (OK, I cheated. I saw what I would "get" but there were a few things that were a surprise...)

This is the pink packaging it comes in. Very chic.

First View

So when you open this bad boy up, you see the bag (Edward saw the bag and he was like "ANOTHER LITTLE MAKEUP BAG????", yes. Another one.) 

I like the color and I like how it's not too big and it's not too small, the other two that I have are super long and look like a pencil case -.- and plain black.

Zoya Nail Polish ($8.00):

I'm not a big fan of anything pink. But this pink is actually really nice, it has a nice shimmer to it. It's super light on my nails that it looks like I could pull it off if I don't wanna wear something too loud or out there.
Oh and did I mention, I LOVE nail polish! I have a HUGE collection at home of all sorts of colors...so the fact that I got nail polish in my bag is a BIG PLUS.

Yaby Concealer Refill ($5.06):

First reaction: HOLY SH*T, that's tiny! Probably no bigger than a nickel. I'm not much of a beauty buff, nor do I really wear concealer...but damn, that's tiny. lol This was probably the ONLY thing I did not really enjoy in my bag since I could not see why I would use it...I was blessed with good skin :)

Pacifica Roll-on Perfume Tahitian Gardenia ($12.00):

I used to work at a Bath and Body Works (I was a faithful employee for 3 years...no really. I have a vast collection of my favorite scents. I used to always come home with a BBW bag with new scents or just to stock up). They had this scent named Gardenia. Very soft smell, not overpowering like lets say, Japanese Cherry Blossom. So, when I saw the name, I knew what to expect and so happy that I didn't get the other one. It's not crazy musky but it's the right amount of musk and soft on those with super smelling abilities.

Mirabella Lipstick "Posy" ($22.00):

I recently got into wearing lipstick when I go out (that's an if and when...). The only lipstick I really have is from Sephora and it's red (apparently I pull off red since I am white as heck). Now I have 2! I put it on, and it's not the really RED color like the Sephora one I have, but it's a good combo of pink and red.

Anastasia Mini Clear Brow Gel ($22.00):

I have never used brow gel before and I can't wait to try it out! I was blessed with good skin but my eyebrows need work. -.- I got my dad's weird eyebrows...so this is probably a sign. Maintain them!

So, the bag was valued at $69.06 which is a steal! I absolutely LOVED my first bag and I can't wait to get my next bag! (Yes, I decided this is the one I will keep subscribing to because it's totally worth it!) I am always looking to get new beauty products to replace the ones that have already met their shelf life...D:
If you wanna subscribe to your first Ipsy bag, click here. For only $10, I think you should at least try it once!

- Mel