Menu Plan Monday

Now that hubby's back in town and Maggie and I are rapidly heading toward healthy again, I'd like to get back into the habit of making dinner, instead of scrambling late each afternoon to figure out what we'll eat...

So here's my plan (subject to change, of course) for this week:

Monday: Tastefully Simple Creamy Wild Rice Soup with chicken mixed in, along with garlic breadsticks. We also enjoyed strawberries with chocolate for dessert (there are definite benefits to having a chocolatier in the family!)
Tuesday: Hubby has plans with the race car guys, and I have a DSWA meeting. Maggie and Grandma will probably have macaroni and cheese ;)
Wednesday: Pasties with gravy.
Thursday: Maybe a nice pork roast with some asparagus or brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes.
Friday: Quite possibly taco salad.

Saturday and Sunday all bets are off. This Saturday I'm doing a fundraiser show in the evening, and Sunday Maggie will spend the day with Mimi and Papa while hubby and I work at a women's expo in a nearby city (thanks for your help, honey!!).

The Bright Side?

I'm not sure if it's being so busy or losing all sense of taste while sick, but I haven't had to worry about finding diet pills that work lately!

Has the cold, snowy weather been messing with your diet lately? I've heard women lamenting about the cold weather slowing down their metabolism along with everything else. Being practically snowed in a day or so a week is downright depressing! It makes it easy to grab a bag of chips or some candy and snuggle down with a blanket in front of the tv.

We're gonna need help when swimsuit weather finally reaches our frozen tundra!

Wait...What?

What a crazy busy week! Actually, if I try and remember actually accomplishing anything I'm sorely disappointed in myself, but Maggie and I were sick with a vicious cold most of the week. Now I'm suddenly playing catch-up with a very short deadline!

Thursday night I forced myself to go out and do a chocolate party. Luckily I think it was just the kick in the pants I needed!

Friday hubby spent the morning working from home, then we had an appointment to attend to and some very important family time seeing Gnomeo and Juliet :)

Today the real whirlwind picked up - Hubby went with some friends to see about fixing up a friend's condo. While they were gone, Maggie and I had to go deliver chocolate receipts to a woman whose orders were set to deliver from FedEx today as well - I was racing the big truck and I won! Everyone met back at the house around noon and we grabbed a light lunch before heading to my brother's birthday dinner. Unfortunately we couldn't stay to visit long after dinner, as I had a vendor event tonight and our friend had a meeting.
That should be the end of a day, right? Nope. After the vendor event we got home and still had to get our tax stuff together for our appointment tomorrow morning! I made the appointment, but being sick kept me from getting ready for it - arrgghhh!!!

Fortunately that's finished (at least as well as it'll get done for this year) and I'm looking forward to getting to sleep soon. But the catch-up isn't done! I still have a couple ladies to contact about wrapping up chocolate orders before the end of the month - in only two days!

Pump You Up!

Somehow I always feel the most motivation to work out when I have the best excuse not to, if that makes any sense. I've laid around today not doing much of anything because 1) I can hardly breathe, 2) Maggie has the same cold I do, and 3) we're practically snowed in anyway from the storm that came through yesterday.

So what do I do? Research things like jack3d and wonder how long it could take me to look totally awesome. I don't really need to lose weight, but I've never been physically fit. I've been blessed with a handy metabolism and a pretty limited appetite. Translation: I don't eat much, and my body takes care of the junk I do eat. Go figure.

Have you ever tried any sort of supplements like amino acids and things? Have they improved your results?

10 Random Things for Friday

1. Hubby comes home today!!
2. Funny Maggie-ism #1 from my mom: "So while visiting Maggie last night she wanted a special nightgown. She said it was in the dryer so I opened the closet door that has the dryer and opened the dryer door and stepped aside and said "there you go, step in". Meaning the small space I had made for her. She looked up and me and said "you want me to get IN there?" with a very questioning inflection in her voice. ROFL"
3. Funny Maggie-ism #2 from my mom: "Maggie was on a roll last night. Her Mom put a tattoo on her little hand and I said "let me do one too". So I took one and Becki said just run water over it for about 30 seconds. Come to find out you also have to remove some plastic backing. Anyway it didn't work and my precious little one says "is that because you're so old?" When I could talk I said "no, it's because I didn't read the directions."
4. I still have to get a shower, but I'm waiting til after lunch since I painted my nails (and Maggie's, of course) this morning.
5. I kept telling hubby there was still a decent amount of snow on the ground, even though it was wet, yucky February snow. Last night almost all of it melted!
6. Maggie's cold seems to finally be fading! Yay!
7. I don't remember if I set the timer on our pizzas in the oven. Be right back.
8. Whew. I did. I really like the Little Caesar's pizza kits, but they aren't very good if they're overcooked.
9. I still haven't redecorated my living room since I took down the holiday decorations last month. Oops.
10. Glad those pizzas are almost done - I'm hungry!!
    

Big Sunny Plans

Now that hubby is coming back from Germany again, I'm sure we'll start ramping up our plans to move closer to his work. In viewing all the home listings in the area we're targeting, I keep looking at the inside stuff, but it sure would be nice to have a yard with a swing set for Maggie.

I remember growing up and not realizing that playground equipment and such was actually planned and paid for. In my young mind, houses either had swing sets or the didn't, know what I mean? It wasn't really a priority for me - most of the activities I enjoyed the most were reading or playing with my dolls.

Now I'd love to have one of those playhouse dealios. Maybe I could hide up there on a nice day and read. It looks like some even have a walkway across the top...I could put on my suit, bring up an umbrella drink and spend a very nice afternoon!

Who says outdoor play things are just for kids? ;)



CSN Stores is providing me with a gift card in exchange for this post/review. Yay for honest disclosure :).

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary to hubby and I :)

February 16 is our wedding anniversary. We've been married five years today. Our wedding was scheduled around our honeymoon, more or less. We scheduled to go before a magistrate in the city where we live, then as soon as we were married we headed to Florida to go on our cruise! We set up a blog about our elopement and mailed photo cards to everyone announcing that we were married. His mom hosted an open house for us in September as a reception of sorts.

Tonight to celebrate Maggie and I went out to Red Robin (since hubby is still in Germany). These are the flowers he had delivered to me for our anniversary. He'll be home soon!

Random Tuesday Thoughts

I really hate when people make 'major' announcements on Facebook, that haven't been made elsewhere yet. Like relatives dying. Really? You have to post it as your status update within ten minutes of the actual event? Thanks for not giving the rest of us the chance to politely inform other family members. I'm sure they love reading about it at the same time as your drinking buddies.

My poor Maggie came in my office a few minutes ago saying she has bad dreams in my bed (where she's been sleeping while her daddy's out of town) and she wants to sleep in her own bed. I know I shouldn't be bummed about this, as we need it to happen soon! - but it makes me sad that bad dreams did it :( Last night she woke me up with her laughing, in her sleep!

I know I'm writing my Random Tuesday post, so why do I keep thinking tomorrow is somehow Friday?

My Bejeweled Blitz score is just not where it should be yet for this week. I know my mom will razz me about it when I see her on Thursday. There are many other things I should/could be doing, but instead I'm trying to improve my Bejeweled Blitz score. At least enough to stay ahead of my mom :P

Happy Valentines Day!!

Hope your Valentines Day has been spent with people you love.

And not the tragic kind of love like Romeo and Juliet, but the warm, fun, makes-your-heart-happy kind of love.

Disney on Ice - Toy Story 3

Disney on Ice is back in the Detroit area March 9 -13 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Maggie will be so excited!!

You should be too! As usual, they've got some great ticket offers for bloggers - check it out:

• Four tickets for $44 (valid Wed, Thurs & Fri for the 7:30PM shows, and for the Fri 11AM show)
• $4 off tickets (valid Sat & Sun for the 11:30AM, 3:30PM and 7:30PM shows)

Get your tickets soon for the best selection - use the code "MOM' when purchasing tickets online, by phone or at the Palace box office. (Not valid on rinkside or VIP seats)

For more information, call 800-745-3000. Also visit www.disneyonice.com or www.ticketmaster.com (when purchasing on the ticketmaster site, enter the code in the 'Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection' area).

Sunday Stealing: The Sunset Meme

Today's meme is stolen from a blogger named Rol Hirst at the blog Sunset Over Slawit. We've ripped from him once before. He states that he doesn't remember where he stole it. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Sunset Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish? Probably nachos.

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate? Procrastinate!

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings? Hmmm....no one store, really. I just know what I like when I see it.

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches? It depends how young. When I went to private school, school lunches were just on Fridays - McDonald's burgers, hot dogs, or pizza (and not lousy school pizza, but real pizza!). What's not to like? Once I got to public school though they sort of lost their charm.

5. Is religion a crutch? Not for me.

6. In your region, what is the “big” high school sport? Football.

7. Do you consider yourself rich? Not poor, but not rich.

8. Which of these would you have the best chance administering:

A) CPR
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire

Yikes! I know a little bit about each. I think I'd attempt any of them in the right situation, but the likelihood of landing in that situation would be slim, luckily.

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:

A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz
D) Swing

Probably Hip Hop or Swing. No real answer for why, I'm just going with my gut on this one.

10. What’s the worst news you’ve ever delivered to someone? I suppose that would be up to them, not me to judge.

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics. Growing up has little to do with your age or life situation. It's often brought about quickly by one event.

12. New variation on an old question: If there’s a song in your head that just won’t get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song? No song right now...

Still?

Somehow I can still get stroller envy. I think I've only taken Maggie somewhere in her stroller like once in the past six months. When I see someone out and about looking smart with their 2011 bob revolution, there's a part of me who wants to be them. Maybe part of it's because we wouldn't mind another little one in the next couple years, but part of it is because they have a nicer stroller than I had. The ones we've got work - they get Maggie from point A to point B reasonably comfortable, but they don't have all the bells and whistles.

At least I know by the fact that I've been reasonably satisfied with the strollers we have that it is something I'll grow out of. I can't spot a stroller at 50 feet and tell you it's model number, but I can say if it looks cool. That usually means it's more stroller than I could afford. But I'm not actually losing sleep over it. ;)

Proud of Detroit

For the record, I generally can't stand Eminem, and I actually waited until today to watch the Chrysler ad with him in it from the Superbowl.

But I had to give in eventually as I do love Detroit, and I'm proud to be from...well, pretty darn close. When someone out of state asks where I'm from, I can always say I live just outside Detroit. So I loved watching the commercial and recognizing pretty much everywhere he drove.

Now I just need to get the stupid intro to the Eminem song out of my head. Go Detroit!

Check it Out!

My blog is actually moving! Set your new bookmark to http://www.sweetlybsquared.com

And if you used to be on my blogroll, please leave me a comment...I think the old list has been 'misplaced.' ;)

Pretty and Functional!

It seems like every time hubby is away is when I suddenly have a need for an
Optimized Cable Company. I've wished for the right knowledge and equipment often enough, although I usually don't need it. See, hubby is one of those guys who can work magic with the electronics I need. His golden advice has been to buy VGA cables and HDMI cables before you need them. The price seems to be so much more when you're desperate for that one silly cable to get the job done!

At least while hubby is gone the most I usually have to accomplish is jiggling the cord. Last week the keyboard stopped working, and I felt like a genius after tightening all the cords. Go, me! If I needed to set up DVI to HDMI or the reverse, I'd have to wait for him, or call in one of my other more tech-savvy friends. As time goes on, I'm finding that more and more of my friends are moving up the 'tech-savvy' scale. I think it may be time for me to learn soon!

Random Tuesday Thoughts

I always feel this odd sort of pressure to post on Tuesdays. Like my inner voice says, "C'mon - it's random - how hard can it be?" So then I find myself trying to write, although I really have nothing to say. Huh.

Maggie and I were a couple of regular socialites today. We had a princess tea party birthday party from 1 until 3, and then a Chuck E Cheese birthday party from 6 until 9. Of course, due to my total lack of prior planning, this also involved two trips to Target - one for each gift. If I hadn't been running so late, I'd have gotten both gifts on our way to the first party. Then that totally backfired because if I hadn't stopped at Target the second time I wouldn't have gotten all distracted and ended up running late on our way to the second party. Go figure.

Go like my Facebook business page. It's here. Thanks in advance.

Really? I'm exhausted and forcing myself to sit up and post randomly? Enough.
Good-night!

On My Mark...

In less than a month (okay, only by one day...) I'm getting ready to do the biggest women's expo I've done so far! Maggie and I went with friends on Friday to another women's expo, and I was really trying to gauge what everyone was doing and get ideas for how I want to do my booth next month. Now the real work begins!

I've ordered a banner, flyers and lots of business cards. I'm also looking at what samples and things I want to get from the company. They have a cool recruiting DVD I think I'll get and have playing on one of our netbooks - it'll be practically like a whole additional person working the booth and providing information, right? Okay, I know nothing too passive yields much in the way of results, but it can't hurt.

Still on my list of stuff to do is getting some cutesy-ish things for parts of the display (since my shows usually involve more tasting than actual displaying). And I need to go over who all wants a piece of the action! I know of one team member so far, and I've told hubby that I really need his help. It's sure to be a day of work and fun - I hope another team member or two will want to join us and help me follow up with all the leads we'll get too!

'Cool' Giveaway!

You know I like to know what's out there with other direct sales companies. One of the newer companies on the block is Thirty-One Gifts. One of their very popular items is a thermal tote (great for bringing your lunch to work, or a snack on the run). Not only is it available in several different fabrics, you can also have whatever you want embroidered on your bag!

The best news of all?? You could win one at Crazy Mom with 4 Boys. Go check it out - and tell her Becki sent you :)

Feeling Better

I don't think I said much around here last week, but it was an especially stressful week in good and bad ways. Good, of course, was packing and getting everything together for our Las Vegas trip - yay!! That was wholly successful and worth doing again - as soon as possible!

One of the less good stressful events is finally resolving, so I feel better mentioning it now. My grandma wasn't feeling well and spent the last week or so in the hospital for several tests and procedures. Now I found out she's on her way to rehab! Every hospital trip is followed by a rehab trip, so she can figure out how to function back at home, whether she needs a medical step stool, or an aide to stop by, or whatever else. By spending a couple weeks in rehab, anything she discovers she'll need at home is easily addressed with lots of professionals around.

So after a week home, and snowpocalypse 2011, life is now ready to level off and get back to what we were used to a couple weeks ago...until something surprising happens again, right?

10 Random Things for Friday

1. Today is Go Red for Women Day - don't forget to wear red.
2. On that note, not sure what I'll wear today. I'll be hanging out at a women's expo, so I may have my coat on most of the day anyway....I'll probably wear my mominatrix shirt. It's an olive green color with red print, and I usually wear my long sleeved red t-shirt underneath. Perfect.
3. I sincerely thought more people would want to have chocolate parties now that February is double host credit! At the end of January, previous hosts said, "Darn - too bad I didn't wait til February!" and now everyone is brushing me off. Next month they'll all be saying, "Darn - too bad I missed that!" Silliness, I tell ya.
4. I actually got up early so I'll be ready to go when our friends get here. Maggie is still sleeping :)
5. I usually eat first instead of coming in here. I'm starting to get hungry for my boring old peanut butter toast.
6. And I definitely want to remember to pack snacks for the little girl whose conversational filler is, "I'm hungry."
7. Last night she refused (again) to talk to her dad on the phone. Then when we got home, she picked up 'her' phone and proceeded to call him. Really? I think he'd get more of the conversation if you talked to him on the REAL phone, child!
8. One week til my bra party. I've got to figure out the links and stuff and start plugging it on Facebook. I've only gotten one RSVP so far for someone saying she's coming, and one from someone saying she's not.
9. Yup. Definitely getting hungry. Me, not Maggie for a change ;)
10. Although it's been more than a week since the project, Maggie is still loving the masks we all painted. But she doesn't want strings in them. She just wants to hold them up in front of my face, preferably when I'm trying to do something crazy that requires vision...

So Much Love to Give

Today when I got out of the shower I heard squeaking from my bedroom. As I came out I found my daughter dancing around on my bed. As soon as she saw me she said, "This is my blanket mommy and my blanket daddy. I love hugging them, see?" And she promptly hugged a pile of our bedding.

Can you imagine if we had some nice peacock alley bedding? My girl is ready to pledge her love to cheap bedding...what would she do for the good stuff?

(For the record, I did clarify that she loved her real mommy and daddy better than blanket mommy and blanket daddy.)

Wordless Wednesday

My Agenda

In case you haven't noticed, building my team for my chocolate biz is on my list of goals for 2011. To that end, I've been researching some Multi Level Marketing Software and options to improve communications with my team.

Honestly I keep going back and forth. I feel I really need to streamline how I keep in touch with the people on my team, and by extension the people on their teams, but I also remember hearing recently that this is a 'high-touch' business and not necessarily a 'high-tech' business. Very good advice, I think.

I think there's got to be a middle ground. I need to find a workable solution for my MLM team websites while offering the same support and rapport online and in person.

Informed Decision :)

Have you been the teeniest bit curious when I post about my job as a chocolatier? I make money (and have fun, and make friends!) with Dove Chocolate Discoveries!

Tonight is the company's weekly opportunity call. There's no commitment to just listen in. They'll do an overview of the business, and then there's plenty of time for questions and answers. If there's something specifically you want to ask, speak up! If not, listen in and see if you hear the answers to questions you hadn't even thought of.

I'm always available if you've got questions, but tonight you can be even more anonymous by calling 1-800-511-7985 and entering passcode 473504 at 8:00PM Eastern time. If you call because of this post, please let me know and I'll offer you an extra incentive if you or a friend signs up by the end of the week!

Ongoing....

How many people do you know still looking for jobs? I like knowing I can always do a couple extra chocolate shows and have more money. I'm also glad I don't have to work at it full-time! What I need to find is a few more people like me - who want a little more money, but not necessarily a career. Don't get me wrong, the money is there for the taking if someone wants to put the hours in, but for a little spending money, direct sales is a great opportunity.

Hopefully the economy is making it a little easier for folks to find traditional employment too. I saw several signs today at local businesses currently hiring. I keep thinking things have got to be getting better after being in a recession for so long, right?

Random Tuesday Thoughts

Yes, we're expecting snow. We heard everyone say it the first two hundred fifty times.

I'm so happy that one of my two pizza kits arrived today. And that my friend Tami even delivered it tonight! She said she had to do it so she wouldn't hear on the news that we'd starved. Then she would've felt guilty. ;) That and she didn't have room to store it in her freezer.

Yay! I just got my first RSVP for my bra party next weekend. I always panic when I throw parties that no one will show up, or maybe everyone will show up and I won't have enough room. It ends up being pointless stress, and we always have a good time.

I just now realized it's February. Even though I posted, "Rabbit Rabbit," for good luck this morning, it apparently didn't sink in for me. Time to get organized to do business in February!

I'm thinking Maggie and I may need another movie and popcorn night tonight. And I got some Rock N Rye soda so I can have that with my popcorn and still sleep soundly tonight. Go, me!

Dear hubby: Is the lack of posts what you were inquiring about when you said, "What's wrong with your blogs?" Just checkin.