March's 3 Must (or Lust) Baby Items

I cannot believe I only have 5 weeks until baby girl arrives! I'm getting very anxious (and tired) as we work on the nursery. I don't remember feeling this way the first time, but I feel so behind. Anyway, I present you with three beautiful, useful, lustful baby items that would look lovely in your nursery and on your registry. I'd love to hear about your favorite baby items, whether you're just lusting after something in specific or you have an item that is your must have! Please share in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of the links, I will receive compensation. With that in mind, I hope you will still read and enjoy my post. Have a great day!

Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Portable Bassinet

The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Portable Bassinet has caught my attention this month, thanks to some raving from other moms online. The bassinet boasts being easily portable, plus reasonably sized (which is exactly what other moms were complimenting about it). It is a little pricey at roughly $70, but definitely worth it. However, I also found these other, similar items.

Graco Pack 'n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat

The Graco Pack 'n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat, Winslet is a fully loaded pack n play. It is my advice to get one as "loaded" as your wallet can afford. Obviously, this one has the works, at $180. You could afford to go just a little less snazzy with some of these similar items, if you like.

NUK 3 Count Orthodontic Bottles Large Dots Design

These are the NUK 3 Count Orthodontic Bottles Large Dots Design (Girls), but they offer a whole range of adorable bottles (see more NUK bottles here). I love NUK because they are affordable, adorable, and I can purchase them at Wal Mart, which is where I typically shop. Plus, I'm always finding coupons from them online! I especially like wide mouthed bottles, so they're right up my alley. Here are some other bottles I like.

Can't get enough? Did you see what I recommended in February?

Sunday's Shopping List (3/30/2014)

I know this is pretty late coming, but I spent around six hours today working on the nursery. Obviously, I have no intention of grocery shopping tonight, but I went ahead and got my list around anyway when I finally got a few minutes of down time.
Sunday's Shopping List
I know this list looks pretty lame/small, but that meat package you see on there is pretty hefty.  I love my local meat market and the awesome deals you can get on their meat.  The quality is spectacular and the food is locally grown/raised.  You should look for one in your area, if you don't already get your meat at a local meat market/butcher.

Produce & Frozen

  • 1 head Lettuce

Condiments & Bread

  • Grape Jelly

Canned & Boxed

  • 2 cans Hormel Chili

Cereals & Snacks

  • 2 bags Doritos (13-20oz) ON SALE! 2.99
  • 2 boxes Kellogs Pastry Crisps ON SALE! 1.99

Baking & Spices

  • None

Dairy & Meats

  • 3 packages Ekrich Franks ON SALE! 3/$5
  • 1 gallon Chocolate Milk
  • Meat package from local meat market.

Other

  • None

Relieving Pregnancy Pains Without Medications

While my first pregnancy was a breeze with practically zero side effects or symptoms, I haven't been so lucky the second time around. Now I know why all the women I know hated me a little throughout and after my first pregnancy. Anyway, I've been fortunate enough to experience all those nasty negative symptoms that can come with pregnancy during my past 34 weeks of baby cooking.

Of course, there are still many much worse off than me, but I definitely don't envy them. So, while doing my own research, I realized how lovely it would be to share with others all the natural ways to relieve those common pregnancy pains.
Natural Pregnancy Pain Relief

Migraines

According to the American Pregnancy Association and the experience of other mothers, an important tool for coping with and treating pregnancy migraines is tracking your migraines and triggers. To do this properly, you may want to simply keep a journal of what you ate, when you were stressed, etc and see how that relates to when you get migraines. The point is, you're discovering what is triggering these migraines, which could help you prevent them.

Common Home Remedies

  • Cool down (cold compress to the head, cold shower, etc)
  • Sleep and relaxation
  • Meditation or yoga
  • Exercise
  • Climaxing (orgasms)

Back Pain

Because of the weight women typically gain during pregnancy, NYU Langone Medical Center estimates that around half of all pregnant women will experience some discomfort or pain in their back during pregnancy. Therefore, back pain can be considered a rather common pregnancy symptom. Knowing how to relieve back pain is beneficial whether you're pregnant or not. Here are some basics:

Treating Back Pain

  • Wear compression garments
  • Chiropractor
  • Exercises & stretching (typically swimming and stationary bikes)
  • Massages
  • Good posture
  • Hot or cold therapy

General Physical Pain

Every pregnancy is different, whether we're talking about one mother and her six different pregnancies or we're talking about ten different women who are pregnant at the same time. No two pregnancies are alike. Therefore, the pain experienced (or not experienced) during pregnancy varies and so do treatment options. Northland Family Planning has some great suggestions for pain relief.

General Pain Relief

  • Getting a massage, including back, uterus, and thighs
  • Utilizing a heating pad or taking a hot shower or bubble bath
  • Distraction (whether it be via conversation, an activity, etc)
  • Deep breathing exercises

Muscle Cramping or Spasms

This has been my least favorite side effect of this pregnancy, period! The first time I woke up in the middle of the night with an excruciating, painfully knotted calf muscle, I thought it was a fluke. Who knew that, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (also here) and NYU Langone Medical Center, pregnancy is actually a common cause of muscle cramps or spasms? I certainly had no idea, but those suckers are the worse! So, after complaining to some friends, family, and coworkers, I was able to glean a little light on my problem. Then a google search and some testing on myself led me discover the best ways to treat these horrid cramps/spasms.

Preventing Muscle Cramps or Spasms

  • Stretch (I typically did this before bed)
  • Stay hydrated (water, water, water...not pop)
  • More potassium (bananas or orange juice)
  • Calcium or Vitamin D supplements, under doctor's supervision
  • Stay active
  • Sleep on your side, preferably left side
  • Massages or hot/cold treatments
  • Walk it out (in the case that it's a foot/leg cramp or spasm)
Disclaimer: I am not, nor have I ever claimed to be, a medical professional. Sources of information are linked or from my own personal experiences. Please consult your doctor before taking any supplements, radically changing your lifestyle (including exercise and eating habits) or if you have other concerns. This is just meant as a guide.

What were your worse pregnancy symptoms? Have you tried any of these non-medicated methods? Do you have any to add?

Wednesday's Weekly Meal Plan 3/26-4/01

Did you catch my shopping list from Sunday? I have used some items from that list in my meals this week, while others are a waiting dormant in the cabinets. I hope sharing my meal plans help you feel inspired to create your own. I would love to hear your go to meals for meal planning!

Wednesday's Weekly Meal Plan

Right now, I'm just planning my dinners. Lunch is usually leftovers or something like grilled cheese sandwiches.

Wednesday

Nachos, Ants on a Log

Thursday

Spaghetti Pizza

Friday

Chili

Saturday

BBQ Chicken, Roasted Veggies

Sunday

Tuna Alfredo, Peas

Monday

Leftovers

Tuesday

Pork Burgers, Rice, Corn

Resources for Bloggers Related to Taxes

A recent discussion in one of my Facebook groups (the SITS facebook group, to be exact) has lead me to compile this list of useful links and resources for bloggers. The focus of this list is taxes and tracking blog income/expenses. This is in no way a comprehensive list, and I'm pretty clueless in this area myself. That's why I started clicking around and finding all these resources! If you know of any good resources that fit into this area, shoot me a comment and I'll add it to the list (with credit, of course).
Resources for Bloggers Filing Taxes
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation for links clicked and/or a percentage of sales made through these links. The opinions presented in this post are 100% my own and are not influenced by compensation received. With all of that in mind, I hope that you will enjoy this post!

Find more useful information on my Blogging Resources List page

Sunday's Shopping List (3/23/14)

This week my shopping list is pretty hefty. This is partly because I have been skimping at grocery shopping (I just hate putting all that crap away/being in the store that long) and partly because I didn't have my list nearly this organized when I went to the store. Also, I was in a hurry.

Sunday's Shopping List

You'd think that'd make me buy less/spend less, but really it just doesn't give me time to think about my purchases. Anyway, I have marked the things that are on sale for me, so you can check your Grocery Pal app or your local paper and see if you can ad match them. Also, many of these items won't be bought again for at least a month. I spent about $150.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I will receive compensation. Please remember that this is my actual shopping list, and it was only influenced by local sales and my household's need of supplies. I hope you will find this post useful and informative. Have a good day!

Produce & Frozen

  • 5lb Bag Red Potatoes
  • Asparagus ON SALE!
  • Cabbage
  • 1 bunch Bananas
  • 1 bag of apples
  • Broccoli

Condiments & Bread

Canned & Boxed

Cereals & Snacks

Baking & Spices

  • 2 bags brown sugar
  • Garlic powder
  • 1 large jug vegetable oil

Dairy & Meats

Other

  • Sunny Delight ON SALE!
  • 2 Six packs of Dr Pepper ON SALE!
  • 2 Six packs of Mt Dew ON SALE!
  • Propel Drink Mix
  • 2 boxes Capri Sun 100% Juice ON SALE!
  • Trash bags
  • Dish soap
  • Freezer bags

Wednesday's Weekly Meal Plan 3/19 to 3/25

I might be the only person who doesn't make a meal plan Monday to Sunday, and that's okay with me. I like to get my Sunday paper, check the ads, and then shop. I ad match at Wal Mart on either Sunday or Monday. Therefore, I don't make my meal plan until sometime between Monday and Wednesday. Anyway, it makes the most sense to me.

Wednesday's Weekly Meal Plan 3/19 to 3/25

Right now, I'm just planning my dinners. Lunch is usually leftovers or something like grilled cheese sandwiches.

Wednesday

Taco Salad

Thursday

Spaghetti Tacos

Friday

Ham & Roasted Veggies

Saturday

Ham & Beans

Sunday

BBQ Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Rice

Monday

Mac & Cheese, Chili Dogs

Tuesday

Tater Tot Casserole

FTC Disclosure Codes for Your Posts

With the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) guidelines for disclosure being as tight as ever, I think it's important that we all consider a consistent, easy-to-use technique for disclosure. I have not thoroughly learned nor read the FTC guidelines, so I cannot give any advice on that at this time.

FTC Disclosures #ftc #disclosure #ftcdisclosures

However, I have created some general and specific disclosures that you can display in your blog posts. My advice is to display these at the top of your post before any sponsored material including affiliate links! This way, people know from the get go what they're getting themselves into, so to speak. If you're looking for tips on disclosing properly, Amy Lynn Andrews has more knowledge than I do. Pink Heels Pink Truck also points out the benefit of using a graphic versus text, if you're displaying this before anything else. If you're first paragraph is a sponsorship announcement, you could seriously hurt your SEO.

Generic Disclosure Example

Disclosure: This post was sponsored in some way, shape, or form. I have either received compensation, free product, included affiliate links, or been provided other incentives. The opinions presented in this post are 100% my own and are not influenced by compensation received. I may receive additional or initial compensation for links clicked or items purchased, as a result of your activity. With all of that in mind, I hope that you will enjoy this post!

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Affiliates Disclosure Example

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation for links clicked and/or a percentage of sales made through these links. The opinions presented in this post are 100% my own and are not influenced by compensation received. With all of that in mind, I hope that you will enjoy this post!

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Free Product Disclosure Example

Disclosure: All or some products reviewed, talked about, displayed, or used within this post were provided to me for free for these purposes. The opinions presented in this post are 100% my own and are not influenced by compensation received. With all of that in mind, I hope that you will enjoy this post!

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Disclosure: This post is not sponsored and I was not compensated in any way, shape, or form. As always, opinions presented in this post are 100% my own and are not influenced by compensation received. With all of that in mind, I hope that you will enjoy this post!

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DIY Triangles on Textured Walls

With the baby coming in 8 short weeks (EEK!) it's time to get moving with getting the boys' "new" room ready. I vowed to paint it before we moved them in. Lucky us, the playroom/their new bedroom was already white. Therefore, we didn't need to put a bazillion coats of primer on, like we did with the living room.

Note: Still apply one coat of primer in your primer color before completing any other steps. Whites never, ever seem to match each other.

Painting Textured Walls

This post is very image heavy, as I provide the painting steps in simple format via images first; then further explain below. If you haven't already, take a look at my tips for crisp, clean lines and designs on textured walls, that I posted earlier this week.

Painting Textured WallsPainting Textured WallsPainting Textured WallsPainting Textured WallsPainting Textured WallsPainting Textured Walls

Step 1: Tape

First, you need to tape off the wall edges and your trim. Then, you can start doing your triangles. It helps to have 2-4 lines that span the length or width of the wall to get you started. Then it's a lot like connect the dots (except it's lines).

I chose to do triangles instead of squares because me and the leveler are not the best of buds. It wasn’t necessarily faster for me to do the random geometric triangles than to do precise squares, but that’s probably due more to my inexperience than anything.  Depending on how many triangles you want, how big or small you want them, and the size of your wall; your time frame will vary. I worked on it off and on over a week.

Step 2: Caulk

After reading about how caulking tape on textured walls could solve the bleeding problem that I was dreading; I knew I had to try it. It works and it's worth the hassle. I say that because, if you're doing it alone, it can be quite tedious and time consuming; especially in this case where there's lots of lines.

My advice is to grab a partner and have them squirt along the lines, while you follow behind and smooth with your fingers. Apparently, paintable silicone caulk is best.

Optional Step 3 & 3.5: Prime & Tape for Duo Tone

For good measure (and because I didn't caulk all of the lines, because my husband convinced me I didn't need to...he was wrong), I went ahead and primed over the whole thing before getting into the actual painting. One coat should do.

Also, if you're doing more than one color of triangles (I did two), you'll want to tape the triangles of the second color off now, too.

Step 4 & 5: Paint

Using a paint roller with minimal paint (still being cautious of running paint, just in case) apply 2-3+ coats of paint, until you're satisfied. Allow to dry between each coat.

If painting more than one color, remove taped off triangles you want to differentiate from initial color and repeat step 4.

Step 6: Remove Tape

Remove all your tape and admire your handiwork! If needed, touch up with a foam brush. I had a few spots where the caulk came off with the tape.

If your walls are not textured, you could easily follow this tutorial, eliminating the caulking and probably the primer, too.

Love it? Pin It!

Paint-Triangles-Textured-Bedroom-Wal


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Simple, Free Printables to Help You Get Organized

I have another guest post live over at Plucky's Second Thought. Be sure to check it out and get these free printables!

6 Free Printables to Help You Get Organized

6 Free Printables to Help You Get Organized

These are all ready-to-print .PDF format! What other sorts of printables would help you get your life more organized?

Mini Cherry Pies

This is one of my favorite desserts to make! Cherry pie is my absolute favorite pie, but I think I lost my pie pan somewhere along the way. Therefore, the (even better) mini cherry pie was born. It's super simple to make and very delicious!

Mini Cherry Pie

Mini Cherry Pies

Details

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • Ready made frozen pie crusts (thaw first)
  • Canned cherry pie filling

Instructions

  1. Tear thawed pie crust and fill cupcake pan. I also was luck enough the find that one of my larger around cup was about the perfect size for the cup and one of my smaller cups was perfect sized for the top. However, I still often just tear it up and guess.
  2. Spoon in cherry pie filling.
  3. Smoosh pie crust top to the pie crust cup.
  4. Bake 10-15 minutes at 450 degrees or whatever your pie crust box tells you to.

Grocery Pal: App Review

Next week, I hope to roll out a new weekly post theme (Weekly Menu Wednesdays) and Grocery Pal has become closely tied into my meal planning process. I love to save money, so ad matching, couponing, and shopping sales are a really important part of that.

Grocery Pal
(Source for All Images)


With Grocery Pal you can track in store specials per store, search for something specific (example: "apple" or "Downy") within all your stores' specials. You can also view, "clip", email yourself, and print coupons to use. You can create multiple shopping lists, though I haven't had a personal need for more than one.

When viewing weekly specials, you can click and add items to your list(s). You can even add the quantity, if you want to also use this app to track your expenses. Each list displays a total for the items listed, and you can check mark items as your purchase them and then "check out" via a cart symbol to remove them from your list. When viewing shopping lists, by default you see everything you've added from every store. However, if you just happen to make a quick stop at Dollar General and want to see what you have on your list from them only, you can view only your Dollar General list items.

Grocery Pal Shopping List Grocery Pal Store List

Specials are pulled from stores you've specifically added to your store list after searching an area around your zipcode. Not buying something on special? That's okay! You can add items to your list by clicking a plus sign and searching for a type or brand. If you know how much they cost and how many you want to buy, you can add that, too. There's even a section for notes!

You can get Grocery Pal on iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon.

I was not compensated in any way for this review.

March Resource List for Bloggers

Did you notice the not quite finished new layout? Well, I started working on it the other day and was hoping to finish today. However, I'm not beating myself up over it. I've been agonizingly busy! I even started using the Google Calender app on my new cell phone! Things have been very crazy. I'm very thankful for Spring break next week from college.

March Resource List for Bloggers

Anyway, it's no secret that I am not an all knowing person. At least, I think it should be obvious. Honestly, Google search is my life saver. A lot of the stuff I've done with my blog has been thanks to lots of searching via Google; sometimes sifting through pages of crap or changing my search slightly until I found what I wanted.

Anyway, I wanted to share some of the most useful links/tutorials/resources I've come across, thus far. Do you have any blogs, websites, or tutorials that have been especially helpful to you as a blogger?

General Resources

Coding Related

Templates & Printables

More blogging resources on my Blogging Resources Links page.