JenOni

2010

Countdown to Christimas 2010!

 

The countdown is on…. I usually never rush to get a tree as there are everywhere on sale. Well this year I get a tree and to my surprise there is a bird’s nest buried inside.  After taking the tree outside for fear of possible eggs hatching and chirping in the middle of the night, I pulled out the nest with gloves of course.  After shaking the tree multiple times, I dragged the tree back in the house.  Oh I forgot after realizing the tree stand was not strong enough to hold this tree I called Tarjay to see if there were any stands left and of course not a week before Christmas.  Then we stopped in Lowes to see if just maybe there was one left and of course not.  After my daily call with @tomikabryant she suggested I stop in Rite Aid, great suggestion there were plenty of tree stands left.  Also signed up for their discount card and the tree stand went from $16 to $9, wow can’t beat that discount.  Note to self make sure to sign up for discount cards at other retailers it comes in handy at least one time during the year.

My DD has on her list a beauty salon set and after scanning the internet I found one at Amazon.com with a 5 star rating.  In order to get it quickly I signed up for a trial membership to Amazon Prime, so for $3.99 I get one day shipping. (my fingers are crossed).  Next, purchase is a netbook for my DS for under $150.

Next, I need to find a pork crown roast.  After seeing Paula Deen make this on her Food Network show with cornbread stuffing, I had the bright idea to make something different for Christmas dinner.  Also our traditional cookie baking is scheduled and of course my DD wants to make gingerbread cookies(wish me luck). This will be my first time making gingerbread cookies, so we will add our traditional oatmeal raisin, magic cookie bars and an oldie but goodie the M&M cookies.   We are skipping the gingerbread house this year and I believe the red velvet cupcakes…. There will be enough goodies to indulge in and feel stuffed.

I always look forward to Christmas because the kids are so excited and happy to receive things from their list.  Plus we get to fill ourselves with yummy food and treats..

Summer 2010: The Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo No matter how many times I visit it is a different experience each time.  Our visit to the zoo was the perfect day in August!  We were able to work through the entire zoo for about three hours and the kids had a ball.  I was a little disappointed to learn the elephants were shipped to the Pittsburgh zoo since this was my 3yo DD’s first visit to the Philly zoo.   My favorite animal, the giraffes were all inside due to a recent birth.   All in all it was a fun day for the kids….Check out the photos….

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Summer 2010: Please Touch Museum

In an effort to keep the kids busy this summer aside from summer camp, I tried to find local activities as well.  After talking to @tomikabryant, she informed me of the free passes(admission for 4) for the Please Touch Museum at Philadelphia library.  I love when activities are always sweeter when free(the free passes were for 4)…..  My little 3yo goes absolutely wild when she has access to interactive fun.   The museum offers so many activities it is hard for kids to get bored.  This new space is worth a visit.     Check out her enjoying our mommy & daughter day

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I Am A Work In Progress


Each year I hear people creating a laundry list of resolutions that must be met before the end of the year. I was never on board with creating resolutions and decided I will set GOALS for myself.

My goals are a reflection of where I need to grow both physically and mentally. A way of reinventing myself for the new year!

2010 Goals:

1. Make exercise a part of my weekly schedule

2. Visit my house of worship at least twice a month

3. Improve my diet by adding more fruits and vegetables; take my oversized vitamin and calcium supplements

4. Make an effort to choose low cal snacks that taste great too! That’s only fair, right? (Skinny Cow you are definitely on my fave list)

5. Make “me” time mandatory! i.e. mani/pedi, spa day, meditation, girls night out, girls only trip, or maybe yoga again

6. Read at least 3 great books- just because

7. Take at least one class toward my next endeavor

8. Drink more water

Hopefully my list will refresh, renew and reinvent a better me for myself and of course my little ones. Stay tuned……