52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday - Week 7

If I could turn back time...

There would be a million and one things I would change. But then I wouldn't be me. I would never have had experienced a heartbreak. I would never experience what it feels like to love someone. I would have never appreciated the person I said "yes" to the rest of my life. I would have never had kids. (Side note: I never wanted kids or marriage)

Yes, I know that maybe, I could've stopped a lot of things from happening to me. I could've saved myself from all my teenage stupidity. Or saved myself a lot of headaches when my parents decided to split. But I wouldn't be me. I wouldn't be the strong-willed me.

If there's anything I learned on the 23 years I have had on this Earth is that things happen for a reason. For better or for worse, it has made me grow and mature when I needed to.

I am glad that I do not have the power to turn back time. I would've never learned anything. I would have never grown up. I would have stayed selfish and determined to have things my way. There is a reason we do not have that power. I'm pretty sure that a lot of things needed to happen so we can learn a thing or two in the course of history. Even if we didn't learn, we cannot control our final destiny. We are in control of the decisions we make and our actions. Those are what can determine our fate.

Social Sunday Week 7 & 8

Another one of those weeks where I find myself missing out on such a great link-up. So here's week 7 and 8 on today's Social Sunday!

-Week 7-

1. What was your favorite TV show as a kid?

I watched a lot of TV as a kid (What kid didn't???) But my favorite show? The Mighty Morphing Power Rangers. Hands down. Oh and Pokemon. :P

2. What is your current favorite TV show?

I don't really watch any current TV shows...on Netflix I am watching 30 Rock and Grey's Anatomy. I was also watching Naruto Shipudden on Hulu but I was tired of all those filler episodes.

3. Which reality show would you NEVER do?

I dislike reality shows. I haven't seen one that I like.

4. Which reality show would you LOVE to do?

Maybe a game show. Jeopardy, college edition. I love trivia!

5. What is the TV personality/character that you feel is most like you?

Liz Lemon. I've mentioned Tina Fey's character so much in precious posts that this should be a no-brainer. lol 

We both love food. Among other things, :P

6. Which TV character would you want to date?

I'm not too crazy about any of the characters that are on the TV shows I watch...hahaha, I am so boring.

-Week 8-

1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Oh gosh. I can't think of anything that the idea of eating it for the rest of my life would make me sick of it eventually. Could I maybe change it every year or something? <.<

2. What's your guilty pleasure/comfort food?

Cookies. Brownies. Muffins. Cupcakes. Big gallon of ice cold milk.

3. What's the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?

Frog legs. It wasn't that bad actually. Also, Green Tea ice cream. Don't knock it til you try it.

4. What foods do you avoid at all costs?

A few seafood plates. And few cooked vegetables. 

5. What meal reminds you of your childhood?

Steak with mashed potatoes. Mainly because that is what my mother knew how to cook for us. She never really experimented when it came to meals...I REFUSE to be like that and try to spice it up. And when I say spice it up, I mean throw a little oregano in there. lol

6. Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.

Berlines. Phonetically Ber-lee-nes. It's a Chilean treat made of flour stuffed with dulce de leche topped with powdered sugar.

Delicious. Image provided by italialicious.blogspot.com

This is probably the best recipe I have found in the internet on how to make them. It's very simple to make, probably take you a couple of hours. Just scratch off the brown sugar, buttermilk and the vanilla. Fry those suckers up and stuff it with dulce de leche (also called manjar in Chile) and top with powdered sugar. 

My mouth just drooled.

Oh yes, story. So my grandmother used to make these for EVERY get together we had in the family. Christmas, birthdays, baptisms, whatever, you could count on those treats being included in the list of food to eat. Anyway, I learned how to so much fry an egg thanks to her. My mom never had time to teach us how to cook... This recipe reminds me of my grandmother and I get all those warm gooey feelings of nostalgia. 

I kinda need her handwritten notes on the best way to make this...the recipe is good, it just includes unnecessary ingredients (see above).

Happy Sunday bloggers :)

blumm July 2013 "Look Who's Sitting!" review

For those first learning about bluum, it is a subscription box for babies with 4-5 full sized items plus a little gift for Mommy. It is put together according to age and milestones for $24.95/mo with free shipping. This month's theme is "Look who's sitting" which of course E has already started to learn how to master this milestone! One step closer to standing. (Oh boy.)
Last month, I got the tracking number pretty late and I didn't get the package until like the first week of July. Bummed me out, especially after I saw that they had already charged me for this month's box. Aggravating, I know. But this time, I got my tracking number the day after I got it for ipsy. Brownie points for you bluum!

First look

Info card

Little Learners Bathtime Book & Duck Toy ($10.00):

Toys. Always a plus in my book and I was looking into some bathtime toys for E since now she doesn't feel the need to stay still when she's in the bathtub. This is super cute and it comes with a little squirting rubber duck!

mOmma Teether Penguin ($6.00):

As soon as I had this in my hands, I sterilized it and popped it into the freezer. E is still teething so this is a lot of help for her poor swollen gums. Perfect for her little tiny hands! She likes this one better than the butterfly teether my mom bought for her. Hmmm.

Kellytoy Travel Pillow Chum Friends - Parrot ($15.00):

E is not amused by this pillow. Plus I was a little concerned when I saw that this pillow loses a lot of its "fur"...so I gave it to JD since he doesn't put things in his mouth anymore. We keep it in the car for those small cat naps that JD takes in the car. Perks of having two kids! ...but why a parrot???

Ella's Kitchen - Carrots/Apples/Parsnips ($1.89):

I can't wait for E to try this out! I am still being very careful with the things I feed her since she is still trying out new solid foods, but once she's in the clear, this is one of the very next things I'll have her try. I know JD LOVED those little pouches. But I know that they sell reusable pouches so I can make my own blend of things E likes. For now, we'll stick to the disposable ones.

Booginhead Sippigrips Green and Orange ($7.50):

Why green and orange? No idea. Why not pink? Whatever. This, however, is a godsend. I don't know how many times I've had to pick up E's little toys and rattles off the floor and not be able to give it to her because they are yucky from a floor that god knows what passed through there??? Once she moves on to sippy cups, this too shall be the biggest help. I give it thumbs up.

Ella's Kitchen Puffits - Raspberry and Vanilla ($0.75):

I was here hoping for the little box as shown on my email but instead I see a little bag. Hmm. Not too happy about that. False advertisement! lol Regardless, E has already started munching on little puffs that I buy at the supermarket (Gerber brand) so this is just an addition to her snack collection.

Tranquil Force Headband ($8.00):

I don't normally wear headbands, but maybe after getting this, I might. Very comfortable, very soft and stretchy. Not too crazy about the pattern but the point is it fits on my big head. lol Here's their website to look at the different patterns they have.

Forgive my crazy hair day.

There was also this little pamphlet about reading to your child that I didn't include in the review. It was basically that, all about ways to start reading to your baby or toddler.

I totaled the box to a value of $49.14. I don't think I ever had complained about the value of the box since it's value has always surpassed what I paid for it :) But overall, this month was still good, lots of things that I have already begun to use for E and is not sitting in a corner collecting dust! lol
Wanna give it a go? Click my referral link to get started!

Disclaimer: This post contains referral links.

Ipsy July 2013 "Beach Beauty" review

Hooray, I got my hands on my ipsy bag! 

I'm telling you, I kinda hate knowing what I'm going to get ahead of time simply because it makes me all the more anxious to get it. Plus they should really fix the whole tracking system cause for some reason, USPS had it stuck in GA and DHL said it was in Orlando. -.-; But I have it in my hands after a week and now, on to the review!

That familiar pink packaging

First Look

Nailtini Straight up Color Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai ($13.00):

I'm not too crazy about the color but actually I have found that those orange-y tones look good on my nails. Plus it's nail polish. I can't say no to nail polish.

I did a little research on this company since I had never heard of them before. Apparently it's exactly what I thought of when I saw the name. A nail-tini, a mixture of different shades of color to make one brilliant color. They do the same for lipstick for those who are lipstick crazy...so check them out!

COOLA Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer ($-):

I am picky about what kind of stuff I put on my face. I had needed to use a sunscreen on my face this week because I was running in the sun and it was actually pretty light on my skin. Did its job. Then I saw the description on the ipsy website:

This sunscreen is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, ultra sheer, anti-aging, and water resistant for 40 minutes.

Seriously? 40 minutes? -.-

Would I buy this? Not really. But for those who can cough up the dough for sunscreen like this, then by all means...

BH Cosmetics Califormia Collection Eyeshadow Sample ($-):

I have to be honest. I could not try this on just yet. The colors look like the type I could use for my nice green eyes...but I don't know. I guess I have no idea how to rightfully apply eyeshadow. <.< I did a swatch on my skin and the colors came out pretty good and not so overpowering. (Should've taken that picture D:)

POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon - Coral Crush ($4.00; crayon kit $25)

I gotta say, I was a little like "whaaaa?" with the color. (Have I mentioned how much I dislike pink?) Until I put it on. The result is this right here:

The first one was taken in my bathroom, the second picture in my room with some daylight coming in. The color is actually not that bad. Close to nude but not quite so I am in love!

Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray Travel Size ($6.00):

I have a lot of hair. LIKE A LOT OF HAIR. Super prone to frizziness. I gave this a try since I hear good things about this brand. But I was a bit disappointed. It's not a hair spray, it's like the leave-in condition concept. But my hair still managed to -poof- it's way to a crazy lion's mane. The product I normally use on my hair is either Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioner or (since I have like a gajillion travel size bottles) It's a 10 Miracle Leave In. But maybe it works for other people?

The Bag:

The bag itself worked well with the summer theme ipsy was going for. I give them credit for that, plus now I have a cute little bag for those rare opportunities I get to go to the beach :)

I didn't really tally up the total value of the bag because (sadly) I was given a lot more sample products than the last bag. But regardless, for $10, I think it's worth an investment to get a try of products that you may end up loving. Wanna try it out? Click here for my referral!

Disclaimer: This post may contain referral links.

Thursday Thoughts

Thursday again?! You know what this means, another link up with Ramblings of a Suburban Mom!

- I am exhausted from yesterday's WOD ("Grace")! Those kettleball swings may seem nothing at first but the next day is usually the killer D:

- I spoiled myself a bit last week and gave in to the JustFab BOGO sale. I did a no-no by buying jeans online...but I didn't really go too crazy for any other shoe <.< well, at least they have a kick-ass exchange system from what I have been told.

- I am still working on a few reviews that should be coming up soon, so that has my hand tied these days.

- My dad and I were watching the Crossfit Games and seeing these 60+ women doing Crossfit made my mouth drop. I can't imagine doing that sort of thing at such an age. @.@

- Edward is finally going to take a few days off from work so we are planning out a nice 3 day trip. Gotta keep a close eye on that hurricane coming our way though...

- The royal baby is all the rage right now. George Alexander Louis. I really can't help (thanks to Reddit) but think of this:

I probably messed you up too.

That's it for now, what's on your mind this Thursday?

Unmentionably Cheeky July review

Unmentionably Cheeky is a monthly subscription service for your intimates delivered right to your door. Now, this is the second month I have subscribed to this and I have not yet regretted it! For $8/month + free shipping, this is a steal!

Black packaging this time

First look with that familiar purple wrapping

Although there is no tracking number involved (and boy, do we love those tracking numbers), it ships pretty fast and gets here almost as soon as you realize that you were charged (ships via USPS). No lie for those who do not check your credit card statements daily like you would a morning newspaper.

Like last month, they had a combination of lacy, thong-like and regular undies with lace. And as always, all of them are "cheeky" and fit well to size (plus a little wiggle room for those curvy girls).
I know that Victoria's Secret has those cute little underwear and I always use my "get one free panty" voucher whenever it comes to the mail...plus 7 for $26 isn't all that bad. But for those who need to be pick and choosy about what they spend on, this is not a bad deal!

Manic Tuesday

Such a manic week I've been having (and it just started!):

• On Saturday - ipsy, unmentionably cheeky AND bluum (le gasp, i know) made it to me. So I have a few reviews to write this week which is great! I like reviews :) Helpful for myself and for other people that stumble unto my blog
• This week is also Edward's toughest work week. He's been working double shifts since last week Friday and it sucks :(
• I jumped back onto the Citrus Lane wagon for next month. I had a credit for referring and I decided to use it :P Woot woot!
• T-minus 33 days until I start the fall semester at FIU and I am sort of bittersweet about it.
• JD and I have been at each other's throats the past couple of days. I know, I'm no better. I'm fighting with a three year old...don't judge me.
• I finally snagged myself a bag of trail mix at Wal-Mart and I couldn't be happier! It's about time too. I need some good snacking habits.
• Oh, did I mention I spent the weekend with my in-laws? -cue the dramatic music- It's not all that bad, but I don't know. Is it an in-law thing? I get chills when I know that the in-laws are coming. <.< Please tell me that I am not the only one.
• Crossfit kicked my butt yesterday. Our workout was the same as today's WOD for the CF games, the Naughty Nancy.
• Also, I have been re-evaluating the whole blogging thing. As I have posted on many other link-ups, I am trying to find my voice on the vast world of the interwebs. I have a lot to say but I need a way to organize myself for this whole ordeal. Maybe come up with a list of topics? I am not any sort of guru, I have no idea what I am good at. I only browse stumbleupon and reddit like you would your morning paper. And I am a mom, which as you all know is already an occupation in itself. What do you think?

Happy Tuesday readers :D

Disclaimer: Most of these links are referral links. Meaning you click them, you get rewarded and I get rewarded for awesome-ness. It's a win-win! Otherwise, they are links to their respective website.

Thursday Thoughts

It's another edition of Thursday Thoughts over at Ramblings of A Suburban Mom so I'm linking up!

• I am recovering from a very persistent stomach flu/food poisoning episode. I swear to you, I felt like I was going to die. D: #firstworldproblem? Anyone?
• I had to stop myself from making unnecessary purchases this past week. Like I NEED another few shirts in my closet? Or a few more jeans to throw around? <.< Maybe.
• Haven't worked out this WHOLE week. Monday, woke up late. Tuesday to now, see first bullet point. No excuses, tomorrow, I will see the inside of the box(*).
• I am on Season 5 of Grey's Anatomy. I don't know about you, but I had to stop myself from watching this show. NOW is when I got a little too emotional for my taste. That whole Denny's ghost-Izzie thing going on? Yeah, the waterworks happened. Driving me bananas. Had to stop.
• I can't be the only one. But I gotta say it, sometimes I think my three year old is the spawn of Satan. There. I admitted it. I have never seen JD act up SO badly before. I feel like I am failing as a parent or I have failed as a parent because my son, who was so well-behaved, makes a 180 and becomes this little monster. I know he has gone through a lot since I was pregnant with E but now it's getting ridiculous and I am losing my mind. @.@
• On a lighter note: I think E called me "mama" today. I THINK. lol
• Ipsy should be arriving at my door soon :) I also (surprisingly) got my tracking number for bluum early this week. :O Maybe they read my last review???? lol

That's it for today. What are your thoughts fellow bloggers?

(*) Crossfit uses the term "box" instead of gym. Take it up with them for their weird terminology.
Disclaimer: The links posted above are referral links unless otherwise noted.

Manic Monday

I sometimes wish that my weekends would be eventful. And that I would pick up the habit of taking more pictures. Especially the pictures part.
I could say though that Sunday was pretty fun. We went to an arcade (Arcade Odyssey) which was a lot of fun. A lot of Japanese style games, I spent most of my tokens over at the pinball and FPS(*) games. Only at the end did I find the DDR machine D:. I wanted to see if I still got it...probably not. lol
It was raining most of the weekend. I'm here thinking that maybe a hurricane or some sort of tropical storm was passing by. Nope. -.- Just Florida being all rainy like.

My ipsy bag is already on its way! Already in Orlando as of today and I cannot wait for it to come. Also, UMCheeky was charged on my card so that means that it should be ready to ship soon! I wonder what sort of cute undies I'll get this time...;)

Happy Monday readers :)

(*)First person shooter
Disclaimer: Links are links to their respective website and also referral links.

52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday-- Week 5

If I were to win the lottery, 5 things I'd buy:

A house. Not this one specifically. It's something I googled that was close to what I want (and incidentally what Edward wants). I've always wanted a house that I could say "it's mine" and decorate it, paint it, do whatever the hell I feel like doing. Have a playroom for the kids, give Edward his "man-cave", space to have a dog run around in the patio... Yes, I can dream and I love this dream.

A trip to Tokyo, Japan. I'd go as is and buy the first plane ticket to the place I have always dreamed of visiting. Hell, why stop there? Next, Europe!

I'd give some of that money away. Edward and I have discussed that dream to win the lottery. We agreed that we would give some of that money away to our loved ones. (Yes, how thoughtful. lol)

Money for college. My parents never had the idea or maybe did but didn't act on it, to put away money for college for my siblings and I. We already started, but now to add a little more since now we have E in our lives. :3

Anything I want basically. I don't normally want many things. But I wouldn't have to think twice if I really want something. Probably would be the greatest feeling ever. :D

What would you get?

Sunday Social - Week 6

I am linking up for week 6 over at Ashley Lately and Neely for Social Sunday!

1. What is your all-time favorite song? Why with the favorites??? I gotta go for the top 5 most played on my iPod (in no particular order): Drive - Incubus; Rock the Cashbah - The Clash; Vultures - John Mayer; I Just Want To Be Your Everything - The Bee Gees; Into The Night - Benny Mardones

2. Who is your favorite singer/band? Hence above, we go with another top 5: The Fray, Queen, Sugarcult, John Mayer, The Spill Canvas and Incubus (OK, that was 6...)

3. What song reminds you of your childhood? Anything by Queen. Reminds me of basically my entire childhood. lol

4. What songs put you in a good mood? Alibi - SID. This song has not failed me yet, and I hope that it won't ever.

5. What is your music to rock out to in your car? I have made a playlist that consists of like 20+ songs that I ride to. If I am by myself, this music I BLAST until I get to where I need to go.

6. What is the most embarrassing album or song you own? I don't get easily embarrassed by the music that I like. I have a little everything and I love it!

Happy Sunday readers!

SO WHAT? Wednesdays

This week I am saying SO WHAT if...
- I let JD watch a little more TV than recommended. Can you blame me? I mean it's nice that he likes to help me around the house and/or "work" with me. But come one, one can only get so much done with a toddler and an infant before I've had enough! - I have pigged out a little more than I'd like to admit. I hate diets. I don't wanna think I'm on a diet...I couldn't say no to wings. How could I say no???? - I don't think a vacation will happening any time soon. We always have NY next year! - I am athletically challenged. I know, Crossfit is for the crazy people. But I'm glad that I know the owner/coach. He pushes me to where he thinks I can go, so at least we are on the same page. - I had to stop myself from buying nail polish that I absolutely do NOT need.  -I have a lot of nail polish and use about only 2 bottles religiously. I think I'd use the other colors a lot more often if I had them on display somehow... -My kid is smarter than a 5 year old. You heard me. I want to show that off. My son knew more shapes, numbers AND letters that the 5 year old at E's doctor visit. Take that! (lol)
What are you saying SO WHAT to today?