On Expanding Our Family

I've gotten an understanding on my cycle and it's become rather easy for us to be confident about whether or not we need to use caution during our more intimate moments. Since I have to constantly think about it, I feel myself coming down with a strong case of baby fever. It's been getting progressively worse over the course of the last few months, and I feel like I need another baby soon. It's completely irrational (my feelings on needing to rush), but women younger than me are on their second and third children and I can't help but feel like it's now or never.

Hutch claims to want children of his own and most of the time I believe him. We've been having this conversation for the better part of a year though, and he keeps saying he wants to wait. He feels like we won't have anything to offer our children at this point in our lives and that more stability might blossom into more opportunities for expanding our family.

And yes, I have things to do. I want to marry him and not be fat in my wedding dress. I want to set a clear path for myself career wise. Nursing school, university, or full-time waitress... I have no idea. But I feel antsy and indecisive. If I had to wait on myself I'd never have a second child.

I feel like I'm surrounded by pregnant women and babies. Every day is a reminder that I should have another one soon. I can't shake it; I've tried. I suppose I'll have to be patient, but the whole thing makes me want to throw a tantrum.

What I'm Up To Wednesday

I'm getting really bad at socializing lately, especially when it comes to posting on my blog. Everything was going fabulously for a while. Of course, knowing my life, it could only go on for so long before something happened. We'll make it through, because that's just how life works for us and we're used to it. Meanwhile, I've been sitting about moping to myself and shutting down.

I'm about to start my period. Sure, I already knew that because of my fancy little app on the boyfriend's phone. But a sure sign is when I start crying over music. Today I had a nice cry to the tune of Arcade Fire's "Funeral" album. It's so good. I was asking for it really...

I also made my 4th of July cake today. I decided to celebrate a week early, so sue me.

Monday we had a meeting at work about suggestive selling. Honestly, it made me feel better about myself, so I'm okay with the three hours of minimum wage that will be on my paycheck. God knows we need it right now. And I'm prepared to start fresh tomorrow and not think about all the people who suck that I have to serve. Last week was so slow, surely this week has to make m,e some money... right?

Friday Favorites - Sponsor Spotlight Edition!

I almost didn't get around to doing this post either. You guys have no idea how many posts go unwritten just because I get swooped up in life as it is. It's intense really. I am working and sleeping and sometimes cooking food to eat and barely crafting these days. I did need to take this time though and share with you the lovely sponsors of this blog. They're a lovely bunch of girls who have stuck with me through it all. Take a moment and check out some fabulous posts by some of my favorite blogs!

	Courtney is a real life friend of my sisters and she's an awesome mommy with a great blog! She's got recipes, giveaways, and life lessons to share. Check out this awesome post about fears centered around having a second child.
	Nikki is a loud, hilarious, Southern mama with a charming personality to make anyone laugh. I especially loved her recent post on why some people shouldn't have children. Check it out if you need a boost to assure you you're not the worst mom in the world.
	Rebecca is probably one of the most honest and down to Earth bloggers I've had the pleasure of teaming up with. She's also stronger than I can imagine fighting her way through her second scare with cancer. Stop by and wish her luck on her journeys, and congratulate her on her second baby!
	Stephany is the newest addition to my side bar. Though I don't know too much about her, I've been a follower for a few months and love love LOVE her photography. Also she posts awesome, uplifting things about her happiness... like this adorable love note to her husband. *squee*
	Ashley is a forgetful momma, but honestly aren't we all? Her blog is fun to visit if you need good, practical parenting advice. My favorite as of late is her home made cleaning supply gift basket post in which she explains how easy it is to green your home. I'm a huge fan of those kinds of things, so go check it out!
	Chrissy is a busy gal and has a lot on her plate! I love her to bits because she has a strength that is uncommon in this day and age. When she posts it's very family centered, but if you'd like to know more you can check out this small introductory post with links to important aspects of her life.
	Kylie used to be the blogger behind "Living, Loving, & Photography" but her life has taken a step forward. K&Camera is the same photog (photo blog, yeah!) as LL&P, and Kylie takes wonderful photographs! Don't believe me? Check out her recent adventure in her father's adorable boat. :)

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday #18

I've always been a fan of the family bed. I never purchased a crib, you know. Gaia has always slept next to me as a baby. It wasn't until she was 3 that I transitioned her to her own bed. She slept in my room in a twin for 6 months, then I moved her into her room. She comes in and snuggles every morning and when we wake up everyone is happy. I love waking up to all my sleepy babies.

Forgive the unmade bed. We did just wake up, but even so it doesn't get made. They say if you make your bed your room feels clean. Well, my room is clean except for the bed and I feel just fine. Thank you. Beds should be able to just climb in at any moment and rest. They should feel welcoming, a knight in shining armor ready to save you from exhaustion. This is how I see my bed, and for me unmade is best.

I love sleeping. :)

Oh hi friends!

I can't really decide what's got me feeling so exhausted, but the past few days have been really tough on me. Earning my own income is uplifting, and I feel pretty content with life in general. I'm just tired and I don't want to do much of anything. Productivity? Forget about it.

How do you like the giveaways? I had a lot for June (one more is coming) and I kind of shoved all this in your face as opposed to easing into it. It was silly of me really, because it's more work than I really wanted. I feel like I still kept a good balance of "Shary posts" and giveaways/reviews. I won't be doing it again though. One or two giveaways a month from now on. And I definitely prefer the giveaway hops because then I can personalize the products. Any constructive criticism or suggestions are welcome!

I haven't forgot about my sponsors. I'm planning on doing the spotlight on Friday. I'm going to make it a little more fun than the simple shout out I used to do. I'm pretty excited about my new sponsor spotlight idea, so hopefully it'll make up for the recent neglect.

Summer Patio Retreat! Strathwood Brentwood 4-Piece Outdoor Furniture Set Giveaway [ends 7/2]

Welcome to the Summer Patio Retreat Giveaway Event brought to you by Mom to Bed by 8 the ‘Iowa-Mom’, Powered By Mom and Mommy and Baby Reviews and Giveaways!

We would like to thank our special co-hosts Another Saved Cent, Giveaway Bandit, To Sew With Love and Opinions of a Moody Mama for joining us for this special event.

Strathwood Brentwood 4-Piece Outdoor Furniture Set

Gather friends, family, and refreshments and a enjoy a little patio retreat fully furnished with this four-piece set from Strathwood. The Brentwood collection includes two arm chairs, a coffee table, and a loveseat. Designed to withstand the elements, the furniture's frames are constructed of powder-coated steel in an attractive black with bronze flecks. Powder coating gives the furniture great protection against rust. Comfortable, durable seat cushions are upholstered in a polyester fabric designed for outdoors.

Cushion Care and Cleaning: Gently brush off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric and wipe up any spills as soon as they occur. Gently spot clean only with mild soap and cool water using a sponge or soft brush, then air dry cushions in a sunny location. Bring cushions indoors during inclement weather and store in a dry place when not in use.

Strathwood furniture has quality, ease of use, and casual elegance at its core. Each piece is rigorously tested for durability, and assembly instructions have been standardized for simplicity from start to finish. Strathwood furniture is sleekly designed, handsomely finished, and built to last. This classic style and reliable craftsmanship will weather ever-changing trends and regular use for years to come.

Save your tats! // Tat2X Review & Giveaway (Ends 6/20)

I've mentioned my dislike for having to cover up tattoos before, but let me just reiterate that it really sucks. Luckily my tattoo sleeve is barely noticeable now. I searched forever trying to find one, and I was really bummed about the idea of paying $20 for two sleeves when I only needed one. Bummer. Then I found Tat2X. I got 10% off and free shipping, and that's before I asked them to do the awesome giveaway below! That's basic deal hunting, my friends. It is possible to get exactly what you want without breaking the bank.

Look how cute my tattoo is, snuggling with itself under the cover of my Tat2X tattoo sleeve:

My hair is a mess and my mirror has spots on it. This isn't about me though, it's about the tattoo sleeve! My tattoo sleeve has been washed 3 times and still feels new. It is comfortable, it breathes, and doesn't bother me one bit! I love it and I recommend Tat2X for any cover-up needs!

And they aren't meant just for hiding your awesomeness from your boss. These sleeves are also UV protected to help protect your skin art from the sun! Watch the video below for more information. I love how they mention using it for non-tattoo conditions as well.

Tat2X has sponsored a giveaway here for all of you lovelies!

The Rafflecopter form below is for an 6" XXS black forearm sleeve for arms measuring 7.5" -  9" and some awesome tat care toner and healing balm.

If you've got some serious art going on, Tat2X has also offered up a full sleeve in light skin tone, size medium for biceps measuring 11.5" to 13.5". Since I do not feel that someone would want both sleeves, simply comment on this post telling me you'd like the full sleeve ink armor and I will use Random.org to manually choose a winner from the comments. Please leave an email address when commenting to enter!

These giveaways are open from 12:01am EST on June 14th until 12:01am EST on June 21st. US and Canada only please. Good luck!

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday #17

Last week we went to the beach with Miss Jalina and her mama. We flew kites and built sand castles. Mamas drank beer. Babies ate watermelon. It was overcast and rained a bit, but it was fabulous.

Crafty Goodness

My sister turns 21 tomorrow. Her and my mother moved to Ohio in 2005. I made her this necklace from shells I found in Clearwater last week. I did not count the shells as I collected them, but I had exactly 21 once I got home. It was meant to be. The note attached to it says: "For you. 21 shells for 21 years. I love you. The beach and I miss you."

I finally finished my canvas bag pouch. It was very thick and I broke a needle on my machine trying to sew through 4 layers of canvas and the zipper. But finally it is done.

You can purchase the pouch in my shop.

I have the following revised list of crafty to-do's:

• finish crocheted hat for Nikki's little one.
• finish crocheted hip bag (maybe another)
• make more/bigger lotion bars
• make Gaia's little dress into a wearable skirt
• catch up on the crochet-a-long

What do you find yourself getting into this week?

Tropical Traditions Giveaway [Ends 6/15]

Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

To read my review and learn more about what you can do with coconut oil, click here!

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

Good luck! I hope you win!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

What's a Weekend?

My feet are getting better. Here I am on a Saturday, after the late shift, and my feet are barely sore. I am tired still, of course, but my feet are manageable and that's splendid. I still don't feel like doing much of anything on these days that I work, but I felt like it was time to get in gear. I know I've been slackin' when I get to my Googel Reader and have 700+ posts to read. Le sigh...

Last week my Denny's was closed, but instead of being productive I went into lazy mode. Katrina and Jalina came from Orlando and spent a few days with us. I had one of the most fun trips to the beach as an adult ever. We just sat and flew kites and the kids played with each other in the sand and had no interest in drowning. It was awesome.

I've discovered another beer I absolutely love. Magic Hat Elder Berry... so delicious.

I also updated the shop and had a fancy button made. Well, not too fancy, but pretty cute anyhow. It was done by Sommerfugl Design.

I added some lotion bars and an adorable purse pouch. Hopefully I'll have some other pouches there soon. I have a handful that are half finished. I'm telling you, I've gotten really lazy.

Also, I finally purchased Diablo 3. :)
If you play, we can be friends!

Crazy Cooking Challenge: Fruit Smoothies!

I've decided to participate in Mom's Crazy Cooking Challenge, a monthly challenge where you search for a recipe to try out and write up a blog post about it. This month's theme is Fruit Smoothies. Can you say Yummmm?!

I know I've linked Kim before, but Lovin' From the Oven is my favorite cooking blog. She's so creative it kills me! I decided that I would branch out a bit and try something more health conscious so this is my attempt at her Avocado Smoothies.

I don't have a blender [yet] and so I made this avocado smoothie at work. I'm weird when it comes to avocado. I don't like guacamole at all. But I love fresh avocado on my sandwiches. Mmmmm. The condensed milk makes the smoothie pretty sweet and the sweetness almost overrides the avocado taste. After a few sips I adjusted and slurped it down. It was a fun and different treat, that's for sure!

(And the other waitresses thought I was crazy, of course.)

This is a blog hop. Click "read more" to see other blogs involved.

Cute-a-saurus Hoodie Giveaway!

I'm giving a custom toddler hoodie away at Handmade Reviews!

Go check out the giveaway!!!