Sunday, June 30, 2013

Etsy Shop Feature | Keep Calm & Carry On Inspired Necklace

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In keeping with the whole Keep Calm movement, I was inspired to create this necklace.  It’s a rustic crown pendant on a smooth dark silver chain.  Its understated and cute, and can be worn with pretty much anything.
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Keep Calm & Carry On is all the rage and you are sure to get complimented on this piece.  Don’t be surprised when your asked where you got it from!  I love royalty inspired jewelry, so anything with a crown is represents royalty is right up my alley.  I was torn on whether to make this for myself or feature it in my shop.  Of course as you can see I went with the latter.
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Check it out in my Etsy shop now!

Happy Bumping!

xxoo,

Tenns

4th of July Inspired American Flag Necklace

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IMG_0621Jewelry-making is one of my fave hobbies.  I haven’t talked about it much here, because I have been focusing more on lifestyle things to post on, versus my artsy-fartsy side.  If you look at the top of my blog, there is actually a link to my Etsy shop where I sell these pieces. 

I have always been crafty since I a very young age.  Around age 8 or 9 I learned how to crochet, by 11 I was painting glass and candle-making, and in college I began card-making.  Over the years I have re-visited many of these activities when time permits and to keep my skills up.  Mostly recently, I got into jewelry-making last summer.  I don’t exactly remember what sparked my interest in it, but one thing is that I love jewelry, so it comes natural.  I have spent so much money over the years in retail stores buying cute accessories, and now I make them.

I try to keep my Etsy shop updated with new pieces monthly, but unfortunately I haven’t had the time or inspiration the past few months.  Well, with the 4th right around the corner, I got some motivation.  I decided to create an easy Americana flag inspired piece.  I chose a chain necklace with a small America flag pendant, because I’m all for understated pieces.
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This piece is cute and dainty, and appropriate for all ages.  I love simple, easy pieces like this, because you can throw it on with just about anything.  This piece is available in my Etsy shop now!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/155450970/4th-of-july-inspired-american-flag

This post is also featured on my Sweetz Shoppe Jewelry blog/website.  Its where I post all my new creations and update readers on what’s in my shop and what’s coming up.
Happy 4th! Enjoy your BBQ, time at the beach, your time with family and friends, or whatever the holiday brings for you. And…last but not least enjoy some FIREWORKS, even if you watch them on tv!

Happy Bumping!

xxoo,

Tenns

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Pregnancy Belly | Summertime Orange~Pink Lemonade

OPL Watermark
This is a super quick and easy recipe, and might I add refreshing!
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All you literally need are these three ingredients:
  • 1 can of Orange Juice Concentrate, 12 oz.
  • 2 scoops of Country Time Pink Lemonade
  • 6 cups (48 oz) of water
Begin by emptying your frozen OJ concentrate into a pitcher, next add 4 cups (36 oz, you can use the OJ concentrate container to measure or a measuring cup.) of water.  Stir until OJ and water are combined.  Lastly add in two scoops of the Country Time Pink Lemonade mix, another 12 oz of water, and throw some ice to make your lemonade extra chilled.

Pour up in a glass and enjoy!
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*If this is too sweet for you, just add more water or ice to your glass or mixture.  This is why I added the last 12 oz of water at the end.  Even for me, someone with a huge sweet tooth I didn’t want to feel like I was drinking syrup.

For an effervescent or fizzy taste, add ginger ale or club soda.  Although I recommend pouring it in by the glass if your aren’t going to serve the entire pitcher at once.  Of course you can always add in fresh cut lemon or orange slices as garnish, or even strawberries, kiwi, peaches, or pretty much any seasonal fruit.  I used an OJ concentrate that had orange pulp in it, so I still got some texture with my version.

You get a summery sweet taste of pink lemonade with a mild hint of citrus from the OJ, perfect combo!  This is a great drink to serve as a punch, because it goes a long way and is quick and inexpensive.
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I’m off to enjoy my glass now, so you enjoy yours!

Happy Bumping!

xxoo,
Tenns

Friday, June 28, 2013

Pregnancy Update | 24 week appt.

I must say that this week has been quite trying. Unfortunately my 24 week appt this week didn't take away from that. Now I rarely post things that are too deep or emotional, because I like to keep my blog a light-hearted and happy place. However, I do want my readers to know that I'm a real person, with real issues and that I'll always be honest with them at the end of the day, despite whether its something negative or positive.  Okay, so there's the disclaimer...now on to the appointment.
 
This was just a routine appointment, nothing special.  If you have been pregnant you know what I mean! It's pretty much the same drill every time; weight, blood pressure, listening to the baby's heartbeat, asking if your feel movement and if your taking your prenatals. Very uneventful! Well, this is what I thought it would be. In and out, ya know. Not so much!
 
My PA comes in the room and immediately asks me why I haven't gained any weight, and not even in a concerned tone, but in an irritated tone. I was taken aback, because I know I've gained weight since my last appointment. She said I hadn't and that I weighed the same thing I weighed last time. Number 1 I had way for clothes on last time I went to the doctor. Number 2 I had just weighed myself in the morning and saw I had gained a pound. Whatever...I wasn't going to continue debating. I simply told her that I had been eating, and eating well at that. Se even asked my husband who was there with me and he said the same thing I said.
 
Anyhow, the appointment seemed to have gone down hill from there. When she went to check the baby's heartbeat she acted like she was having trouble finding it. Usually she puts the Doppler on and hears the heart beat immediately and listens for a couple seconds and that's it. This time she held the Doppler on me for at least a min and I had to ask what the heartbeat was. Usually she makes positive comments and says the baby is active or that the heartbeat was good.
 
One good thing about the appointment was that I got a copy of my chart and a printout of the ultrasound report from the anatomy scan. I also saw from the report that I have an anterior placenta. That bad boy is in the front acting as cushion for baby. I've felt movement since early on, so I never had an issue feeling baby move early on.
 
Alright guys, I'll spare you another paragraph. Thanks for listening (well reading!)
 
Happy bumping!
 
xxoo,
 
Tenns

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Pretty Little Liars, Season 4, Episode 2 Recap


Okay, so I am totally late on this...forgive me!  I fell asleep right before PLL came on last week and missed most of the 8 P.M. airing. I did catch enough in the last 20 or so minutes to put everything together when I re-watched the entire show at 10 P.M.  Tip for those of you who miss the first airing at 8 P.M., it always airs again at 10 P.M. (thank goodness, even though I have On Demand!)  Who wants to wait until the next day if they don’t have to?  Anyhow, so from what my memory serves me...it wasn't too eventful of an episode, which I fully expected.  You rarely have a strong follow-up episode to the premiere, although it did have its moments.

In this episode Hannah questions why her mom's shoes ended up in the trash after it appeared that they had attempted to be cleaned with a toothbrush.  Emily ends up hitting her head on the pool wall during a swim meet, most likely caused from her passing out while swimming.  It is revealed during this episode that she has been having arm/shoulder pain and that she's been taking something for it.  As usual, everyone who pops up appears to be very suspect.  Spencer and Toby are yet again at odds, because Toby tells Spencer that "A" has promised him something and that he can't tell her what it is. 


Allison's mother reminisces on different memories of Allison, also revealing what we already know, that Ally was extremely unstable and manipulative.  Of course, the ever-going awkwardness of Aria and Ezra was evident during the dreamquence classroom scenes.  I'm actually quite bored with that particular storyline, so I'm glad the show is moving away from it. Looks like Aria has a new love interest and has even taken on karate in her efforts to make a connection.  Now from the beginning it looks like she is simply taking the class to learn about Wilden, but we soon come to see her attraction to the instructor, ending up with her kissing him. 

Overall, the episode was a little slow and uneventful, but of course as with every episode they build on each other. There is still a lot of mystery and unknown and this week's episode ended with the quintessential cliffhanger as they all do.  They always leave us wanting more!

Well, those were the main highlights.  Stay tuned for episode 3's recap and review!

Happy Bumping!

xxoo,

Tenns

Pregnancy Beauty | MAC Tropical Taboo

I was completely inspired and taken aback by this make up look.  I think it is just gorgeous.  I love the contrast between the light bronzy tones and the deep almost woodsy tone.
 
 
I'm a huge makeup buff, but since being pregnant I have tuned it back a little.  However, that doesn't mean I still don't enjoy looking and getting ideas and inspiration.  This look and products come from MAC's new collection Tropical Taboo.  Its available on their wesbite and in stores now.
 
 
Just wanted to share!
 
Happy Bumping!
 
Tenns

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Baby This Week | 24 Weeks

Yep, that's right we have officially hit viability! What a big feat, now just 16 more weeks to go, if that! We are also at cantaloupe status this week. Whaaaa...your telling me my kid's a cantaloupe?! Okay, okay, logically I know my baby isn't a cantaloupe, but he or she is as big as one. This week baby's skin is gradually becoming less see-though and it starting to look more opague, soon it will start getting some pigment too. Baby is heavier now and let me tell you, I can tell! She or he weighs about 12.7-20.8 oz and is about 11.8 inches long. So basically, this kid already takes up my whole abdomen. This is probably why I him or her in my ribs sometimes. Baby's brain is also growing quickly now, and his or her taste buds are continuing to develop. The lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his or her air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. Also, baby has developed waking/sleeping patterns and real hair (not lanugo) has begun to grow on the head.

Baby - Always rolling around and punching and kicking in there!  This kid is active all day...and night!  The movements, or kicks and jabs have definitely gotten stronger.  I'm also starting to rally be able to feel whole body movements.  I do believe that baby is on some sort of sleeping schedule, mainly during the day, because he or she is less active when I'm at work.  However, as soon as I'm home and resting this little guy or girl wakes up and starts bouncing all around.  I have also noticed that baby is more active when its time for me to eat.  I can't pinpoint if its because maybe my stomach growls and moves or if the baby is actually hungry and telling me, "Hey Mom, its time to eat!".
 
Me - I'm feeling pretty good!  My belly has expanded by probably a half of an inch to 3/4 of an inch.  Exciting!  I do think that pregnancy insomnia  has started to set in.  I'm up later and its hard to stay sleep, because I'm tossing and turning all night and up going to the bathroom.  My belly has been very itchy as well lately, so I'm know I'm growing and the skin is stretching.  Hair, skin, and nails are looking good and growing well, no complaints!  I did noticed that my gums don't look swollen any more and I'm not getting the teeny tiny blood shed I was getting when I brush my teeth lately.  Overall, nothing major, no signs of pre-term labor, stretch marks, or swelling, so I'm very happy about that!
 
Hubs - I really think he forgets I'm pregnant sometimes, lol!  I do know that he likes that fact that I'm pregnant, but not necessarily me (or my personality) while pregnant.  I think once baby gets here, he'll be glad to have his wife back.  He's super excited about the baby and we talk more and more about the baby all the time. 
 
Until next time folks!
 
Happy Bumping!
 
xxoo,
 
Tenns

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Thoughts from a preggo

I recently read a post on Facebook from another preggo that asked who was not fully convinced that there is a baby coming.  I have gone over this thought in my head since I found out I was pregnant.  While pregnancy is so absolutely tangible, on the other hand it isn't.  Even at 6 months pregnant and clearly showing, I still have a hard time grasping the fact that there is actually a life inside of me growing, and that one day (well in 16ish weeks) it's going to come out and be its own little person.  This little person will grow into a child, then teenager, then adult!  That is just beyond fascinating to me.  I feel the baby move all the time, so I rationally know that it's in there...it's just hard to believe that its actually in there, lol!  I wonder who this little person is, what they are doing (besides floating around in water and sleeping), what they are thinking about, what they will look like, and just everything I can possibly think and want to know about someone. 
 
This someone is mine and my husband's though and that is extremely special.  There is no other feeling in the world than to know you have created life out of love.  My husband and I often joke about how crazy this kid will be, because we know how we are.  I fully expect to have a super active kid with a big personality.  We have the added mystery of not knowing what baby is, because we have decided to stay TEAM GREEN!  I'm 6 months down with just 3 to go and that seems like such a short amount of time left.  I cannot believe how fast this time has gone by and before I know it, a little precious baby will be in my arms and not in my belly.
Just thought to share these thoughts with you and give you some insight into how I feel about being pregnant. 
 
If you have been pregnant, did you feel the same way? 
 
Experience anything different??
 
I'd love to know!
 
Happy Bumping!
 
xxoo,
 
Tenns

Monday, June 24, 2013

Pregnancy Belly | Caramelized Banana Ala Mode


I actually can not take any credit for this particular post, all of it belongs to my husband.  He loves desserts like this and did this one completely on his own.  Right before he indulged in this decadent comfort food treat, I asked him if I could snap a shot of it to feature on my blog.  Clearly I’m not the only dessert maker in the house, although I am the better one :-)

Unfortunately, my palette is not as refined as his and is quite plain, especially for someone who loves to cook and bake.  Nonetheless, I’m happy that he’ll pretty much eat anything, because that means he gets to be my Guiney pig when it comes to taste testing.  I do have to admit that the caramelized bananas look delicious and hubs said they tasted even better than they looked.  He actually said they were better than ones he’d had years back in college at the dining hall (according to him his college had a really good dining hall).

Ingredients
2 tbsp Butter
2 sliced Bananas
2tbsp Brown Sugar

Directions
Melt butter in a skillet. Add sliced bananas and brown sugar. Cook until golden and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the bananas with cinnamon and serve over ice cream.
Recipe takes about 10 mins to prepare
Recipe from FoodNetwork.com

Happy Bumping!

xxoo,

Tenns

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Bodycare | Hair Removal

We all do it...well most of us!  Whether you do it once, twice, three times a week or every day we all know how much of a pain shaving can be.  Now, imagine trying to do this with a large protruding belly.  Shaving has yet to become a challenge, however I know in the coming months that it will present itself as one.  Fortunately for me, I can get away with not shaving my legs on a weekly basis...I can push it to about a week and a half maybe two weeks.  However, my underarms arms and other areas require weekly attention.  To me, pregnancy is no excuse FOR ME, to let these things go by the wayside.  In general, I hate having hair in my unmentionable area, because it's simply uncomfortable and itchy.  My underarms, well that's pretty self-explanatory, I mean come on its summer!  I don't grow a bush under my arms, but I grow enough hair that it is noticeable a few days after it starts growing back.  I'm fortunate to have pretty fine textured body hair, but it still requires some maintenance. 
 
 
Of course there are many alternatives to shaving, such as waxing, laser hair removal, epilators, and depilatories like Nair.  I'm not a fan of waxing at all, because I have little tolerance for my hair being ripped out of my skin.  For many, waxing doesn't bother them at all, but for me it would be a last resort or special occasion type of thing.  I have never used an epilator, but from what I hear of them they remove hair by mechanically grasping multiple hairs simultaneously and pulling them out.  As far as I know they cause no or little pain and irritation, however they supposedly feel similar to waxing.  There are actually three different types of epilators, spring, rotating disc, and tweezer. 
 
 
Spring type - The first type of epilator was the original Epilady released in Israel, and manufactured by Mepro, in kibbutz Hagoshrim in 1986.[1] The design incorporated a coil spring, which was bowed into a curve such that the coils on one side of the spring were squeezed tightly together while on the other side the coils were spread apart. The motor in the epilady rotated the spring, causing it to flex as it rotated. Moving the rotating spring across the skin caused the hairs to be caught up in the spring and pulled out the hair.[2]
 
Because the springs flexed continuously, they were subject to occasional failure and were sold separately as a replacement part.
 
Rotating disc - The Remington Lady Remington Smooth and Silky was designed to operate in a similar way to the spring type Epilady, except that a series of metal discs were used instead of a spring. It was the subject of extensive patent litigation in Europe due to a conceptual similarity to the spring type epilator.
 
The failure of Epilady to defeat Remington in the patent litigation effectively opened the door for other manufacturers to produce designs based upon rotating discs.
 
Tweezer type - The rotating disc design has been refined such that, in modern designs, the plates are no longer complete discs. The head of a modern epilator incorporates a series of metal plates mounted in a plastic housing. The ends of the plates may be exposed at one or both sides of the housing. As the head rotates, the tips of the plates move together and apart once per revolution. This creates a tweezing effect, where the hair between the plates, when they close, is pulled as the plates rotate away from the skin, then released as the plates separate. This allows a continuous cycle of gripping, pulling, extracting and discarding the hair as the epilator is moved across the skin.
 
Depending upon the strength and brittleness of the hair, some may snap off rather than being pulled out. Because those hairs snap off just above the skin surface, they can look somewhat like stubble from shaving, but are far more sparsely spread because the other hairs have been pulled out entirely. As with waxing, because of the phases of growth that occur with hair, there is not as much regrowth following the first epilation. Regular epilation of regrowth is less painful than the initial epilation and the number of broken off hairs diminishes with regular epilation.
 
There are now numerous brands of tweezer type epilator available. Even Epilady discontinued their spring type and now produce a variety of tweezer type models.
Source: Wikipedia.com
 
When it comes to using depilatories, the most popular ones on the market are Nair and Veet, but there are many other brands, including ones for men. Many choose to use these are their bikini zone and legs for a smooth feel without the hassle of shaving or waxing.  The downside is the smell!  Depilatories are chemical creams/lotions, and that's exactly what they smell like.  Every single depilatory I have ever smell, smelled atrocious even if it was supposed to have some type of floral, sweet, or fresh scent to it.  These products come in a lotion formula for the most part and are low maintenance.  Some like Veet, come with a little mock razor looking device to remove the cream/lotion with, however most just rinse or wipe off.  Caution, do not use these products on your face by any means!  At the ripe age of 15 I decided to do this and ended up with literally straight line for brows.  I clearly did not read the directions, which stated not to use on the face.  Also, if you have sensitive skin, I caution you from using depilatories, they can be harsh and irritable.  My husband, who doesn't have sensitive skin, was using one by Nair for men and it broke him out.  He was using it to menscape his chest and stomach hair, but has since stopped and returned to the old trusty clippers.
 
 
 
Last but not least, there is laser hair removal.  I almost forgot about this one, mainly because I don't feel I have a need (or the money) for it at this time.  In a nutshell,
The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis (SPTL), the matching of a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to obtain optimal effect on a targeted tissue with minimal effect on surrounding tissue. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter, melanin, in the area that causes hair growth, the follicle, while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin, but with much more speed and intensity. This dark target matter, or chromophore, can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced. Source: Wikipedia.com

 
Like any bodycare product, you have to use what works for you.  There are many products on the market, but it doesn't mean that they will all be effective.  You also have to use what's in your comfort zone.  Like I stated before, I don't care for waxing and I don't like the chemical smell of the depilatories, nor the fact that they are chemical based.  So, this leaves me with the option of shaving, which is just fine with me. 
 
What's your preference when it comes to hair removal?  Any bad or negative experiences with hair removal products?  Holy grail ones?
 
Happy Bumping!
 
xxoo,
 
Tenns

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Baby This Week | 23 Weeks


Yep, that's right we're at grapefruit status now!

Baby's sense of movement is well developed by now, in that he or she can actually feel me move and even dance. Little one is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound.  Blood vessels in his or ler lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds baby can hear are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Baby even has fingerprints, and I guess toe prints too.  His or her skin is still translucent and wrinkled, but in the coming week fat will start to build and it will smooth out.  Ears, face, and eyes are steadily developing as well. 
Baby looks more and more like a miniature newborn this week.  The lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and tiny tooth buds are developing beneath the gums. 

Baby - Can we say movement!  This little guy or girl is a busy body.  I now feel baby moving all the time throughout the day.  Baby has moved even further up into my abdomen, with me now feeling movement under ribs.  This kid has some pretty strong jabs, something catching off guard and taking me by surprise.  I can tell that baby is getting stronger and bigger by the day.

Me - Sleepness nights!  The pregnancy insomnia has kicked in.  Normally, I'm not a big sleeper, but I usually sleep pretty rested throughout the night.  Now, not so much.  Between baby movements, having to pee, and just tossing and turning to get comfortable, my sleep has been less and less restful recently.  I have been sleepy a lot more, which is partly from the insomnia and partly from just pregnancy in general.  I'm thinking that baby is having a growth spurt and I'm really feeling the effects of it.  I've also been stuffy and sneezing this week, which could be allergies and weather change, but again with my immune system on double duty things are affecting me a lot more than usual.

Hubs - He's seeing and feeling the baby move a lot more.  Hubs is amazed every time.  He is still talking to the baby daily and telling it about life, himself, and me.  Its so cute!


Happy Bumping!

xxoo,

Tenns

Pregnancy Shopping | Couponing - The Basics

I don't know who hasn't seen that show on TLC called Extreme Couponing. I catch it every blue moon, mainly, because I never know when it actually comes on, but I do enjoy it when I watch it. I think it's really awesome that you can save so much money and sometimes even profit from just using coupons when buying groceries. Of course the main purpose of using coupons is to save and build brand loyalty. Most products, including food on the market are overpriced, so using coupons helps to offset this. I worked in Retail for a number of years before joining the military, so I know a good bit about how this whole thing works. Although I did not work in the grocery industry, products are products.

The cool thing about couponing is that the main benefit is getting a large quantity of products for a discounted price, think of the bulk/wholesale concept, just on a smaller scale. Unfortunately most warehouse stores, like Sam's, Costco, and BJ's don't offer a wide selection or huge variety of everyday products. They do offer a lot, don't get me wrong, but the shopping experience at a bulk/warehouse retailer is a bit different from that at a grocery store.

While I love using coupons to save, because I'm always trying to find the best bargains, I can't exactly coupon the way they do on the show. I literally don't have the room in my house, the time, or patience to do it. I couldn't imagine having a "stock pile", because I tend to get bored with products and even foods fast and like the switch it up.  I realize with a new baby I won't be able to do this as much, so Couponing will be more beneficial to me then versus now. I know that I will need to stock up on diapers, wipes, and everything else you need for a baby. I think my couponing will be more precise and tailored to those things that I know I need multiple quantities of. You don't always see this on the show, which is the part you have to take and decipher for yourself. I think it's mainly important to remember that when it comes to couponing, you want to keep it relevant to what you can need and use. I don't believe it stocking up on items just because I can get them at a discounted price, you just end up taking up room and it takes forever to go through the items as well. Another important thing to keep in mind is are the expiration dates on products, especially anything you get that is perishable. Of course you can freeze and store these items, but you have to do yor research and see just how long they are good even while frozen. This also touches back on the space issue. Do you have enough space to stockpile? In your pantry? Freezer? Basement? Extra room? In order to fully benefit you need extra room to put these items, so that they are not taking over your house.

These are just my consideration for myself when I think about if couponing is for me and if it will be beneficial in the long run.  How much money will I save? How much time will couponing take up? Many of the couponers say its a part-time to mostly full-time job.  How much does it really cost to coupon? Many couponers purchase coupons off the Internet and buy multiple quantities of the Sunday paper to get inserts. How will I organize and create a really effective game for using the coupons? - So many questions, so much to consider!

What's you take? What do you think about couponing?

In the meantime, here are a few sources that I've come across in researching the art of couponing:

Couponing.com

TheKrazyCouponLady.com

Livingrichwithcoupons.com/beginners/extreme-couponing-101

Frugalliving.about.com/od/bargainshopping/a/Coupon_Guide.htm

Happy bumping!

xxoo,


Tenns

Monday, June 17, 2013

Pregnancy Belly | Quick & Easy Classic Rice Krispy Treats

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An oldie, but a goodie!  I was jonesin for this childhood treat and decided to whip some up.  They are super quick and easy, and taste delightful.  I thought I'd share my tasty pregnancy belly craving with you all this week.

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The Recipe:
3 Tsp of unsalted butter or margarine
1 bag of large marshmallows
6 cups of Rice Krispies Cereal

Instructions:
Melt butter/margarine for about 30 seconds in microwave.  Add bag of marshmallows to melted butter and toss to coat.  Put butter tossed marshmallows in microwave and heat for roughly 1 min 30 secs.  Take melted marshmallows out of microwave and immediately rice krispy cereal.  Stir until the cereal is well incorporated and coated with melted marshmallows.  Once mixed, out mixture in a lightly sprayed pan.  Let cool sit up, you can let them sit on the counter and cool and sit up at room temp or put them in the frig (like I did) if you want to serve them sooner.  Recipe makes 12-16 squares, depending on how big you cut them.  The will take up an entire 9x13 pan.

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Yep, that's all you need, just three ingredients.  You can switch these up and get fancy, making them chocolate, caramel, or whatever flavor your heart desires.  They can even be decorated and frosted with or drizzled with icing.


Happy Bumping!

xxoo,

Tenns

More the Merrier MondayTime to Sparkle TuesdayMom On Timeout
Photobucket

 

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Pregnancy Shopping | Bath & Body Works Candle Haul

I have loved candles since I can remember. Working for Bath & Body Works further exacerbated my affinity for candles. Of all the retailers out there, I really do think they have the best candles. They burn so clean and smell so good. Plus, they last forever...even the little ones. The great thing about their candles is that they come in a plethora of scents (to the point where you almost want to call them favors!), and they smell just like the actual name of the scent.  They don't have that waxy fake smell to them like a lot of candles available on the market do. Candles at places like Walmart and Target, especially the Glade and like others candles don't hold a flame (pun intended ) to BBW ones. Even though I don't work for the company anymore, I'm still a loyal user of their products, especially the home fragrance.
 
I got four candles, which were half off, plus I used a $10 off coupon on my transaction. If you like BBW products, now is a great time to shop at their stores, because they have their big semi-annual sale going on. They have a number of products that are 50 and 75 percent off, plus other promos where many of the products are discounted. I actually picked up a few other products, just because I couldn't pass them up.  So in all I ended up with 4 candles, a lip gloss, two loofahs (pink of course!), and two shower gels for hubs.  I spent just a little over $40 for everything, including taxes!
 
As you can see from my lovely picture, I love candles that meal like food or that at least have a sweet smell to them.
 
Here's the run down about this bunch:
 
Homemade Cookies: They smell just like fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.  Chocolately, vanillowy, creamy, sweet, and decadent.
*Described as whipped buttercream and pure cane sugar mixed with vanilla bean and rich, sweet cream.

Mint Chocolate:  Smells just like mint chocolate ice cream, even has the green color just like it.
*Described as semi-sweet chocolate, dark cocoa and peppermint with vanilla cream and white chocolate.
 
Ice Cream Shop:  Smells like sweet cream vanilla ice cream on a waffle cone.
*Descried as just like the perfect ice cream sundae - creamy vanilla, rich toffee and sweet almond blossom with a cherry on top.
 
Bellini Cafe: Smells fruity, almost like a sweet glass of champagne.
*Described as the Italian love of life is costumed in a blend of sparkling berries, juicy apple, and sugared grape notes. Bellissimo!

The candles are three-wick, 14.5 oz, and come packaged in contemporary glass jars with silver lids. They are regular price $20, however BBW often puts them on sale several time a year for either 50% off, 2/$20, or 2/$22, so you can always get them at a reasonable price.
 
Have you tried any of these candles out? If so, do you love them as much as I do? Let me know what you think!

Happy Bumping!
 
xxoo,
 
Tenns

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Birch Box June Reveal

Birchbox is the best way to discover new beauty, grooming and lifestyle products. Join to receive monthly deliveries of top product samples from high-end brands.
June’s Box
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xxoo,
Tenns

Friday, June 14, 2013

Thing's I'm Loving | The Top 10

This week's contenders...in no special order:

Baked Potatoes

Ice Cream with chocolate syrup and sprinkles


Strawberries

Pretty Little Liars

My expanding bump


Bejeweled

Youtube videos


Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner

Revlon Lash Potion
Target
Happy Bumping!

xxoo,

Tenns
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Full-time Marine, wife, jewelry designer, and blogger. Creating is what I love and its what I do.