Family update

Well, I wanted to check some cash back rewards on Top Cash Back but alas, I can't get the sight to load so I'll update on my family happenings.  I am super excited because the Glaspie household is finally diaper free.  Elizabeth went from being super stubborn and not using the potty to refusing to where diapers and went completely diaper free overnight.  She doesn't even where diapers at night.  WooHoo, and just as I was thinking I was going to invest in cloth trainers.  Glad I didn't take that plunge, especially since we are done having kids.  Well, Dan is done and it takes two willing people to make a baby.  So, we're done.

Speaking of Dan, my lovely husband decided that playing softball wasn't enough, but he also had to fracture/severely bruise his heel.  Verdict is bruised right now but they saw bone chips in the first x-ray so he is getting a second opinion.  He has taken the week off, or will be but he can't sit his butt still.  I keep getting random texts from him at work "Sorry, I cleaned the floors today".  I love him, and I love that he is cleaning the house, I really do appreciate that but seriously, he just needs to sit still and let his heel heal (hehe, love the English language).

Anyway, Ashley started her second year of preschool on Tuesday and she is in love.  She enjoys school so much that she almost started crying when I told her it would be a couple of days before she went back.  I hope that love for learning continues on as she gets older.  I was also very proud of her as she informed me when I picked her up yesterday that "I wasn't shy today mommy".  I hope she can break from her shell because it will make her life so much easier.  I've been there, I understand.

 

Well, working on getting Elizabeth to sleep now.  I'm working on getting her to sleep through the night in her own bed.  It is a very long and arduous process.  I'm hoping by her third birthday in the beginning of November that she'll be there.  Two months to go.

Skintimate Mandarin Burst

Hey all, another Crowdtap sample and share review.  This time around I was able to test out Skintimate's Mandarin Burst shaving gel.  It has been years since I have used any form of shaving cream or gel as I just really didn't have the extra funds to purchase a high quality shaving gel and so I used the suds from my body wash or cheap dollar store conditioner.  Hey, they go the job done but it didn't always leave my legs smooth and often there was quite a bit of stubble left over so I was kind of excited to try out Skintimate's shaving gel.  What's the worst that could happen, I got a free can of shaving gel for free.  The best, I loved it and now I need to figure out how to start budgeting it into my monthly spending.  So, my review:

The saying less is more is very true.  The first time I used it I put way too much on my leg and had enough to do  both calves and I ended up wasting a lot.  I'm sure if I had read the directions I could have avoided that so not a bad thing.  Actually, that is a benefit to the gel, you get a lot of uses out of one can since you don't need a lot when covering your leg.

I enjoyed the scent but as someone who is a little sensitive to scents, it was borderline kind of strong for me.  So if you have a strong sensitivity to scent, this isn't the best option for you but I'm sure there are other scents that are more mild or even scent free.  I haven't had the chance to get to the store to find out.

I used the gel twice so far.  The first time I was in the shower and it was a time consuming water wasting process.  Probably wouldn't do that again.  Likewise, I washed my body first and the constant water running on my legs caused the gel to come off and my legs felt dry.  I needed to rewash them with body wash after I was done shaving.  The second time I shaved outside of the shower with a wash cloth and the sink.  This felt faster and I definitely used less water.  Also, my legs felt a lot smoother and hydrated once I wiped them down.  I didn't feel the need to wash them with body wash.  Therefore, especially if you pay for your water, I would recommend not shaving in the shower.

Overall opinion, I would buy again.  I liked the product and it was nice having the option of not having to be in the shower when I needed to shave.  I personally might try a different scent but the overall product was effective and did its job very well.  I would suggest people try it out who hate shaving, like I do.  :)

Neutrogena

I recently had the pleasure of trying out a few products from Neutrogena. This was made possible due to a website that I use, crowdtap.com.  Pretty awesome way to try new products and win gifts cards.  Anyway, I was able to try out:

·         Neutrogena sunscreen sample

·         MoistureShine Lip Soother in shade Glimmer

·         Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer

·         Hydrating Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes

·         Triple Repair Hair Care

The Neutrogena sunscreen sample was 70spf which was more than enough protection for me.  I am a naturally pale person and burn very easily so it was nice to have a lot of protection.  Four hours in the sun playing in the water, I wasn’t any more red then when I started.  Great protection without the typical greasy feeling of sunscreen.  When applied, it rubbed in quickly and evenly.  I also used it on my small children and since it rubbed in quickly they actually stood still long enough for me to apply it.  That was a huge win.

MoistureShine Lip Soother in shade Glimmer has a great color and wasn’t too showy.  I could wear it at work and when just going out and about.  It was all around a versatile color and item.  However, I am not a huge fan of gloss because of the sticky feeling and this was no exception.  Likewise, once I put it on, I couldn’t eat or drink anything without it acquiring a weird taste.  Finally, there was a minty feel that either wasn’t powerful enough or just not right for the product.  It just made my lips feel funny.

I loved the Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer.  I have always loved and used Neutrogena moisturizer this help problem areas on my face where there is uneveness.  There is also a higher spf coverage so there is the important sun protection.

The make-up towelettes were convenient since there was no need to get a cotton ball moistened with a separate bottle of make remover.  It was also very gentle and although there was a slight greasy after feeling, it was easily removed once I washed my face or used a little toner if I was in a time crunch.  They are also very gentle as I did have to try them on my daughter  since she got into my mascara and she had it all over her face.  She looked like a clown and the make-up was quickly and easily removed without any irritation to her face.

Finally, the triple hair care was great for my hair.  I didn’t even know that Neutrogena made hair care products and they were great.  My hair was soft and smooth and looked great even on day two.  I will definitely purchase in the future to see what the long run effects would be on my hair after extended use. 

Life is Good

I started this blog several years ago because I wanted to track what I do, how my children are and where I life is moving.  Well, needless to say, life got a little busy.  I am four classes away from having my MBA in Finance, Ashley will be five in January and Elizabeth will be three in November.  Two smart beautiful loving little girls.  I couldn't ask for more.  Dan and I have both been at our current jobs for nearly two and half years.  We are moving up and forward and trying to keep our heads above water.  All in all, life is good.  I couldn't be happier where things are moving and the changes that are coming.

Dan and I are always trying to find new ways to make money or to save money here and there and it is pretty remarkable on how much we have saved and earned to help with diapers, Christmas and birthday gifts, and so much more.  I think I'm changing the direction of the blog.  It will become a bit of mix between personal family stories and ways to help save you and your family money.  I love my life and the ways I have found to make it easier and I love to share that with others as well.  Well all, hubby just got home from work so I should probably socialize briefly before I fall asleep.

Christmas Cards

Kind of hard to believe that I am already thinking about Christmas cards.  It seems like such an adult thing to do but now that I have two beautiful little girls I always just want to show them off.  They are certainly the apple of my eye.  Love Shutterfly, I have used them to get my prints for years.  Got a coupon for 10 free cards and what a deal.  They will probably be the only Christmas cards I purchase ... well ... since I don't have any extra money.  But they're cute and I'm excited to mail them out.

Check them out, cutest kids ever.  :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=wAZt2zFs1aNmbVzU&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET

Stationery card

Holly Toile Monogram Christmas Card

Customize your Christmas cards this holiday at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Pride

Pride is said to be a sin but gosh darn it, my kids make me so proud.  

On Sunday, my oldest step-son, Austin, had a wrestling meet.  We missed his first match which was disappointing but we made it to his last.  I am PROUD to say that he won both.   I love standing next to people and listening to them comment about how good he is and how he will go far in wrestling.  I also love when we are leaving and talk to a random person who is bitching about how their son/grandson lost his match only to find out that they lost to Austin.  

Or this past summer, Logan, who is a fantastic fisherman, caught a very large salmon in Lake Michigan.  He is so patient and really knows the water.  He carried that fish down the pier, other fisherman stopping him to congratulate him on his catch (apparently no one else was having any luck).  I felt so PROUD of him.  He finally had his moment to shine and quite frankly, he doesn't get very many of them.

I have been told by Ashley's daycare providers that she is the best child that they have ever watched.  She is so calm and behaved and just really is an all round good kid.  As a baby she rarely cried (granted now she throws tantrums galore but then again she is a toddler), would play well with others, etc.  I love hearing people say that they wish all the kids were like Ashley.  I am PROUD to say that she is my daughter.

Elizabeth, after a crazy birth was just perfect.  7lbs, 7oz, 21.5 inches long she was the epitome of a Gerber baby.  I didn't get to see her right after I gave birth to her since she came out pooping (a big no no), the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and she was blue.  It was nearly an hour before I got to see her, let alone hold her.  But you know, even though we didn't get that immediate skin to skin contact she nursed like a champ.  In fact, the lactation consultant said she wished that she could take Elizabeth around to all the other babies and show them how to nurse.  I'm PROUD of my champion nurser.

Needless to say, I think a little bit of pride is good.  I am so proud of my children and everything they do.  Whether they are 2 months old or 12 years old they are all great children.  Granted we have our rough spots but they are all amazing and I wouldn't change my life for the world.