tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77098070031423774332024-03-04T20:14:44.416-08:00Rebecca's Ridiculous Ramblings & ReviewsRecapping my not so ordinary life - and reviewing things along the way ;)RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-79912262797012114812018-11-28T10:49:00.003-08:002018-11-28T11:43:12.204-08:00Hat fresh from Alaska<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPd24d7d6dfd859ad6678343f0d09823d0" rel="nofollow" style="display: none;"></a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Perfect timing for this warm hat to arrive with the temps dropping to 20 degrees or less this week. I love how this hat fits, there is no artificial smell to it at all and there is a super soft fleece liner inside to go around your ears. Not to mention, purchasing from Cache Alaska is supporting a small family owned business in Alaska! <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/winwin?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARANsbj2zpruqDiCpC0W-m82OPz-yks921q5Who9WQ63HXCl5OAsFaeCOEpUZVKyKjWP6hbZxZauCfQloXSo2QpDrANm6o-51NMJCYH6PAIyaAJS-fiSMzkyJC_w_-hshHVw8EFHG8kdQ8H3kocyMW5TVgsrNMaTNaXJ3QGlUJA6tq2YO6-e90fGg3G1m6BKo-oa7s-Prel-UihlEdHCZeqMT9mcVWFhZmuTiMyYmRg2YhkTT9apn1BVDS4y3oPKzH_5xDozoXbQAvpNfQnIo82EY-epOcculmdBvS-4VqBts8pI4R-d8zymhRiXbZ5wN0g8F3yQ_kr8nWSrrrbZsVfekg&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">winwin</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/beanie?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARANsbj2zpruqDiCpC0W-m82OPz-yks921q5Who9WQ63HXCl5OAsFaeCOEpUZVKyKjWP6hbZxZauCfQloXSo2QpDrANm6o-51NMJCYH6PAIyaAJS-fiSMzkyJC_w_-hshHVw8EFHG8kdQ8H3kocyMW5TVgsrNMaTNaXJ3QGlUJA6tq2YO6-e90fGg3G1m6BKo-oa7s-Prel-UihlEdHCZeqMT9mcVWFhZmuTiMyYmRg2YhkTT9apn1BVDS4y3oPKzH_5xDozoXbQAvpNfQnIo82EY-epOcculmdBvS-4VqBts8pI4R-d8zymhRiXbZ5wN0g8F3yQ_kr8nWSrrrbZsVfekg&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">Beanie</span></span></a><span class="_5afx" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/cachealaska?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARANsbj2zpruqDiCpC0W-m82OPz-yks921q5Who9WQ63HXCl5OAsFaeCOEpUZVKyKjWP6hbZxZauCfQloXSo2QpDrANm6o-51NMJCYH6PAIyaAJS-fiSMzkyJC_w_-hshHVw8EFHG8kdQ8H3kocyMW5TVgsrNMaTNaXJ3QGlUJA6tq2YO6-e90fGg3G1m6BKo-oa7s-Prel-UihlEdHCZeqMT9mcVWFhZmuTiMyYmRg2YhkTT9apn1BVDS4y3oPKzH_5xDozoXbQAvpNfQnIo82EY-epOcculmdBvS-4VqBts8pI4R-d8zymhRiXbZ5wN0g8F3yQ_kr8nWSrrrbZsVfekg&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;">cachealaska</span></a></span><br />
<br />
Did you know it's made of a <span style="color: #171313; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">PREMIUM FIBER BLEND?</span><span style="color: #171313; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> 50%Wool 50% Acrylic keeps it breathable, yet warm. Cotton Kills when it's Alaska Cold! </span><br />
<span style="color: #171313; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #171313; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">We seem to always be losing hats in our house so I will gladly stock up on them. I don't intend to lose this one as it not only fits nicely on my head and doesn't slip up but it looks stylish too. (Why are hats always doing that? They pop up and you spend all your time outside fumbling around trying to grab it with big bulky gloves to pull it back over your ears) </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpVuruZwFgPVi2XFytvv-nySxhziKDpAQrvM7SbQyj625_VctxoFB-AVmAigJ_cEp-YFw88vuZg9jsXrSH2ZE-hL-P4Jcwj2sgLaXuKlWBDiza5loR7rB_KW9K0VKzWmXWCTU4h927RO9/s1600/45868337_10103492955523128_2083106013833068544_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="960" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpVuruZwFgPVi2XFytvv-nySxhziKDpAQrvM7SbQyj625_VctxoFB-AVmAigJ_cEp-YFw88vuZg9jsXrSH2ZE-hL-P4Jcwj2sgLaXuKlWBDiza5loR7rB_KW9K0VKzWmXWCTU4h927RO9/s320/45868337_10103492955523128_2083106013833068544_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBeanie-Hand-Women-Designed-CacheAlaska%2Fdp%2FB01BL0K6P6%2Fref%3Dsr_1_4%3Fm%3DA16X224Y5A67CM%26s%3Dmerchant-items%26ie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1511937026%26sr%3D1-4%26keywords%3DBeanie%2BGrey%26fbclid%3DIwAR0E9Nf00HLCXMx1YUMyff98zIvsu0kHsG6VEztg8XitCPgAUNtpXkTMFR4&h=AT0dZehuhNb30laNSC6pfDDUHl-OZE5fpv0gp6HPysIevy4knWK8LgBT7FiV0Oy-faTSeAqxu2BWY89wFNASXgL_JzSY6anbun7Et8yugn6EMIi1HYO0i7bmARO8jZJcvHJ1rUE9gwFfUrTA77DbTcWkBPbozEnpZ8pgS-nrR-4hdrENXSpM0jVwvu6TZe7uY6kFhK2X4b-4N4-N1YtClqKCi0vA9WrMXAbksQ4Ra6fX_s6_N5JAhZwIRcTHhe9_ezv79NsgiCuAilKl7YfMFJclFu_AnxWHmgcYkLdnD4An3055S0lxvxRBlmKV1JZiWzg_GRKSFGp0_D0_IppG9Q7nmiPp0lPndXwGqdw5SIf2kR9qHf-_sD_fYI7_YU1sPPaoPoF0IECLSQCS-OrjrrdxXys_XDvwkaGWRmeFSghupesHWdV7hGvyIYxzlxF2NJuG3j8YPdZ0FTUjbQvakxPyfd75xD-F3e1vh-0sRm8Nvh2gDXyc7we0CfzWeeKhf3oBa96vNCk5V_6BUZNLKF2KtwiTHJhTfSSLSoxvqdfzFd2QK76diIz29qddobsRu3CQzpFcVPxUfVds9955UcmiXAA6k4yYXsmHk_t5UOabDkH1wzgqOt3dklY91S4J3g" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Beanie-Hand-Women-Desi…/…/ref=sr_1_4…</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
Disclaimer: I did receive this hat at a discount or free. All opinions expressed are my own and given by my own free will.</div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMd24d7d6dfd859ad6678343f0d09823d0" rel="nofollow" style="display: none;"></a></span></div>
</div>
RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-21048899189595511672018-11-06T07:59:00.000-08:002018-11-06T08:05:43.489-08:00Emilia's First Halloween<a href="https://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPd3f9638d57d033dbe200e974014ed4e7" rel="nofollow" style="display: none;"></a><br />
<br />
Back when I only had one child I was super excited to put together adorable outfits for her every day. I had special Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day (you name the holiday, I had it) clothes for her. She could wear a different Christmas outfit every day in December. It was just my "thing". Now that I am on baby #4 it gets trickier coordinating holiday outfits as well as knowing where they are and if they are clean in our limited space. <br />
<br />
However, I just could NOT pass up a cute little outfit I found on Amazon for Miss Emilia this year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNc-FGjytuHICIYsZn7bHNquu_huDUzyLh4ERsyt6D4pBjpbAPXQLU7Ph45RfpOD1JWrbx6ijSm_npFm0VK-gDbcKAFIP70ev_ugdyssyvoiTCPSw5-NyKz_CAKBwAxZKUSvIOmI4jAsc/s1600/44838491_10103477947668988_3878187599491235840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="466" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNc-FGjytuHICIYsZn7bHNquu_huDUzyLh4ERsyt6D4pBjpbAPXQLU7Ph45RfpOD1JWrbx6ijSm_npFm0VK-gDbcKAFIP70ev_ugdyssyvoiTCPSw5-NyKz_CAKBwAxZKUSvIOmI4jAsc/s400/44838491_10103477947668988_3878187599491235840_n.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
<br />
This outfit works perfectly for Miss Emilia as she is known to loudly "blast" her poops anytime she is excited or someone scares her. Not only was the onesie super soft but it fit exactly as they stated. I purchased a 3-6 month set so that she could wear it longer than just in October. I LOVE that it came with not only a headband but also a little hat so it is the perfect gender neutral outfit. It has been washed multiple times and looks the same as the day we got it. I would definitely recommend this outfit. While I did receive this at a discount, all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. I would easily pay full price for this if I needed to get another one next year. Want your own? Look for it here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FY3F6Y1">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FY3F6Y1</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FY3F6Y1"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMd3f9638d57d033dbe200e974014ed4e7" rel="nofollow" style="display: none;"></a>RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-75669485366206422492018-09-02T08:48:00.002-07:002018-09-03T20:48:24.721-07:00September WinsSunday September 2<br />
<br />
Kindle book <br />
Hockey Hat <br />
<br />
Monday September 3<br />
<br />
Kindle Book Win: Unforgettable Trouble - Passion and Thrills (The Unforgettables Book 7) (Kindle Edition)<br />
RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-9468860217251516852017-01-02T21:22:00.001-08:002017-01-02T21:22:52.885-08:00Welcome 2017 17 has always been my favorite number, I was even married on March 17! I am going to take that as a sign that this will be my best year yet. ;) <br />
<br />
I need to take back myself a little bit, being a mom to three kids is absolutely amazing and they each bring something beautiful to my life but I don't want to forget that I have a purpose besides being their mommy. What that is? I'm not quite sure. <br />
<br />
<br />
Writing Prompt #1: Happy New Year! Take a look at your annual goals for this year and decide what you can accomplish this month. Write your goals for the month, and think about how you will accomplish them.<br />
<br />
My annual goals...hmm...Step 1, figure out my purpose. <br />
<br />
Step 2: Reconnect with my husband as just that, my husband. <br />
<br />
Step 3: Clean up our credit scores and try to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.<br />
<br />
Step 4: Try to win at least one IWG or sweepstakes a month as it is a hobby I enjoy. <br />
<br />
Step 5: Give back in some way at least once a week! <br />
<br />
This list is clearly a work in progress and it will continue to evolve as the year progresses. RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-70951358445352061302016-05-25T10:32:00.001-07:002016-05-25T10:32:20.129-07:00 2-IN-1 THERMOS CAN and FOOD JAR 12 oz - Review I am always looking for a new cup or water bottle to drink out of to keep me drinking more fluids and to help me stay hydrated. I loved that this one seemed different than the norm and looked like an actual soda can with a straw. Upon receiving it my husband decided that he too liked the design and style. The black part almost feels like a can coozy and protects your hand from either the heat or the cold (depending on what liquid you are putting inside the cup itself) <br />
<br />
I was a bit unhappy as it stated that you should NOT use carbonated beverages. My sister also purchased this product and did put a soda in it and it seemed to hold up fine so I'm not sure why it states it is not for that purpose. It'd be great for a mixed drink container in the summer. <br />
<br />
I ended up passing it off to my 16 month old son who uses it as a sippy cup as it is spill proof (for now) and easy to wash. I did receive this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.<br />
<br />
Purchase it here: http://www.amazon.com/THERMOS-CAN-FOOD-JAR-Insulation/dp/B014REMA2A?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref_=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-59385089042967984002016-05-23T19:50:00.000-07:002016-05-23T19:50:11.101-07:00Lice Comb ReviewLuckily I have not had to use this nit removal system to remove lice from my childrens scalp, but I have used it to remove fleas and flea eggs from my fur-baby. Unfortunately, due to his winter hunting of rabbits he developed a spring case of the fleas. I boiled some water with lemon and used that and Dawn dish soap in the tub. I combed him out section by section and watched as the fleas did stick to the comb (I quickly drowned them and rinsed out the comb) and continued on to the rest of his body. While it was time consuming as he is a large dog (75 lbs), it was effective and worked as we have not seen any more of the little buggers on his body since then. I am glad I had this handy comb when I needed it. <br />
<br />
The lice comb was perfectly spaced out to not let anything fall through and had a nice handle for gripping. It did feel a bit sharp on the edges so you must use care not to push down to hard or you risk scratching or tearing open skin. I did receive this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. <br />
<br />
Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Lice-Comb-Kids-Nit-Removal-System/dp/B01DUHT7F8?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref_=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-78158456349621035812016-05-23T08:21:00.000-07:002016-05-23T08:21:18.063-07:00Panda Pads Premium Changing Pads Review I purchased this three pack of bamboo changing pad liners for my cousin for her baby shower. She likes clean and crisp colors so white was the perfect choice for her and her little guy. These changing pads are super soft and smell clean. They are easy to throw in the diaper bag or even in the glove box so that you have a sanitary place to lay baby down for a quick change no matter where you are. <br />
<br />
They wash quickly and easily and stay true to size and softness even after being washed. I also like the fact that there are three so that you can easily have back up in case you need to use one and the others are in the wash. I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. <br />
<br />
Purchase them here: http://www.amazon.com/REVERSIBLE-Absorbent-Waterproof-Antibacterial-Hypoallergenic/dp/B01ACR0PAK?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref_=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-4397534464567433992016-05-08T11:50:00.000-07:002016-05-08T11:50:13.325-07:00Tartar Remover/Scraper & Toothbrush My dog is a four year old lab/springer spaniel mix. Before I had children, I use to brush his teeth every day and was quite proud of how white and clean they looked as well as how his breath smelled fresh. Unfortunately, his oral hygiene has taken a hit since the birth of my two children. I was so glad to get a new toothbrush and a tartar scraper to try to restore some of his dental health. The tooth brush itself is made of flexible material and has a large end and a small end so that I can easily target his smaller front teeth and flip it around to get at the larger back teeth. <br />
<br />
The scraper has two sides as well. I was easily able to scrap some plaque and tartar off of his front teeth. While it's not his favorite process, this set made it quite easy. I did receive this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. <br />
<br />
Link to the product on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tartar-Remover-Scraper-Double-End-Stainless/dp/B01CRK2IJG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-75881498256030426742016-01-26T19:42:00.001-08:002016-01-26T19:42:57.220-08:00What's in a Name? Sometimes...I go off on a tangent and I don't make a lot of sense. Hence the name "Rebecca's Ridiculous Ramblings". I also like to try out all kinds of new products so I added in the review factor! <br />
<br />
Today was a slow mail day in this household, I did get a check from Shopswell for $1.28 which is awesome since I haven't been active on there at all for a few weeks. I should really get back on there but I have so busy with the admin position I accepted for a review group and with the kids.<br />
<br />
Eliana had her very first dentist appointment today and she did great! She has 20 teeth and they all like nice and healthy. Dr. Nick also saw Elias to double check on his frenulum. He stated that it is mild enough to leave for now, however it explains why neither of my children were ever able to latch correctly. <br />
<br />
I work a full 8 hours tomorrow at the thrift store. I'm not sure if I'm up for the challenge. My heart just isn't in it since Kathy said she was closing the doors. <br />
<br />
I worked on cleaning out the coat and boot closet today and I need to finish that before my husband gets home but there are just so many things to catch up with online as well! I can't wait until everything is back in place and the purge of 2016 is complete! Simplify!!! <br />
<br />
Til next time ;) RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-25980692543760280052016-01-10T13:51:00.001-08:002016-01-10T13:53:53.105-08:00I'm back! An Intro to Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtTpP_G3ysNpplv-ZFbgMJZZ-EAIYruqpcUubxTeb5GcmUcJt1hGw1D0ntTpHQwh-dpthHL3Sq01wbWyWwLRvMl18RaQiGf7jHN7ZiyhvKZqzoWKW-UXMp86T9TRSL0Vgp1_vv1ZQbClI/s1600/12391228_10102331855806268_3041865525177991290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtTpP_G3ysNpplv-ZFbgMJZZ-EAIYruqpcUubxTeb5GcmUcJt1hGw1D0ntTpHQwh-dpthHL3Sq01wbWyWwLRvMl18RaQiGf7jHN7ZiyhvKZqzoWKW-UXMp86T9TRSL0Vgp1_vv1ZQbClI/s320/12391228_10102331855806268_3041865525177991290_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Hi! My name is Rebecca and I'm always more at ease when I'm able to express myself in written form. I have neglected taking care of myself for far too long and in a quest to gain back some of my true self and mental sanity I want to be able to blog more.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am a 32 year old SAHM of two beautiful babies, my son Elias will be 1 in a few short days and I can't believe how fast this past year has flown by. My daughter Eliana will be 3 at the end of the month but acts more like she is 10 at times. I have a furbaby, Brewer, who is four and a husband who is battling his own demons. <br />
<br />
<br />
I volunteer at a thrift store and enjoy meeting new people and of course watching the inventory change on a daily basis. It's a great outlet for me to not only find myself again socially but to be able to purge some of the hoard of kids items I have. <br />
<br />
<br />
In my "free" time (haha, what mother has free time) I enjoy doing product reviews, reading, catching up on reality tv and a few other programs (I'm a Days of Our Lives Junkie!) and online shopping. I am always looking for ways to be able to provide for my children and husband while staying at home. <br />
<br />
<br />
I may not have it all, but I have enough blessings in my life to be a very rich woman indeed. <br />
<br />
<br />
I look forward to getting to know you all, as well as myself in the days, weeks and months to come. RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-5478005647182382052015-09-14T21:32:00.000-07:002015-09-14T21:33:10.274-07:00Smiling Monkey Baby Mirror<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP7eae0b277fcec4716dee3ebb6f7532c3" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>
I was lucky enough to receive a mirror for free to hang in my car from Giggling Monkey. I was interested in purchasing or trying out another car mirror after my son expressed interest in one I was given a few years ago when his sister was born. My son is 8 months old and he absolutely adores looking at himself so he can practice sticking his tongue out & make fart noises. (Typical boy already, right?) The mirror that we had used for my daughter was slightly scratched and small in size so I was absolutely deleted when our baby car mirror arrived. It was made of durable materials and shatterproof glass and was just the right size to fit nicely on our Envoy seats. I love the fact that I can glimpse in my rear view mirror while driving and catch my son smiling back at me. It gives me peace of mind that he is doing alright while also entertaining him by allowing him to see myself. As stated above, I did receive this product free of charge in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM7eae0b277fcec4716dee3ebb6f7532c3" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRG04wBqfhftSL5buxPJESwJwWiMWsvqJK5TPQ21ZwvNHYkM9yqjWUTCNR6Ms1Uf8UlSXhTfp8_qsmQAEHxcI2QSsf8CRFd_0ly02BLzAUfzj6fHqNf2dlEyBRuQvRaDHap3ZIKbPPlJp5/s1600/12004935_10102271146448308_4806101767951294704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRG04wBqfhftSL5buxPJESwJwWiMWsvqJK5TPQ21ZwvNHYkM9yqjWUTCNR6Ms1Uf8UlSXhTfp8_qsmQAEHxcI2QSsf8CRFd_0ly02BLzAUfzj6fHqNf2dlEyBRuQvRaDHap3ZIKbPPlJp5/s320/12004935_10102271146448308_4806101767951294704_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFMKosQa_VwZ9naCLKrVSg_9Xav_uR9wQ06Un_ml-GTCdY_JbsuABce_Xy7wHTyLmCunf1MwfBlvCiAAGlc5Esy1R6p-vg0yNm6NRkFlXHXlP6LcGS07-0V6Xa0_rTbC4P9jGdZF_YGbq/s1600/12011222_10102271146428348_6651633825691537117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFMKosQa_VwZ9naCLKrVSg_9Xav_uR9wQ06Un_ml-GTCdY_JbsuABce_Xy7wHTyLmCunf1MwfBlvCiAAGlc5Esy1R6p-vg0yNm6NRkFlXHXlP6LcGS07-0V6Xa0_rTbC4P9jGdZF_YGbq/s320/12011222_10102271146428348_6651633825691537117_n.jpg" /></a></div>RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-32709748207535292212014-03-19T12:46:00.001-07:002014-03-19T12:48:52.703-07:00Cree and Scooter Giveaway! :) <div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Cree and Scooter $40 Amazon GC/Book Giveaway!</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by: <a href="http://creeandscooter.com">Cree and Scooter </a><a href="http://bartscookies.com/" target="_blank">
</a></p>
PLEASE PUT YOUR OWN WORDS HERE
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Who is CREE AND SCOOTER?</h3>
<div><img class="aligncenter" alt="" src="http://i0.wp.com/creeandscooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/aboutimg.png" width="209" height="160" /></div>
<img alt="" src="http://i1.wp.com/creeandscooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/aboutimg2.png" width="355" height="57" />
<ul>
<li>Aid in the development of global-minded kids, which will navigate their minds with Cree and Scooter through the crevices of each continent</li>
<li>Expose kids to the things they wouldn’t normally get from standard schooling</li>
<li>Stimulate kids worldly curiosity</li>
<li>Take kids on global journey</li>
<li>Enable kids to learn different languages, foods, cultures, history, landmarks and geography</li>
<li>Promote excitement on the curious minds of kids</li>
<li>Enable kids to travel the world without leaving their home, school, city, or country</li>
<li>Educate without kids knowing they are learning</li>
<li>Ignite a passion for kids to learn not only about their cultures but other cultures</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" src="http://i2.wp.com/creeandscooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/meettheimage2.png" width="388" height="53" />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" alt="" src="http://i1.wp.com/creeandscooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/meettheimage1.png" width="174" height="183" /></p>
WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) veteran and two-time All Star, Tammy Sutton-Brown was born in Ontario, Canada. Being a professional basketball player has opened Tammy’s world to experience a host of different countries and cultures.
“When you read, your world opens up. I want to encourage early literacy for kids, ignite a love for travel and exploration and form an appreciation for the world we live in, its languages, cultures and history. It is my belief that global exposure will enhance the lives of others beginning with our kids. Our world has changed and is continuing to change with the people from all around the world playing and living together, as well as attending the same schools. Kids will be in good hands with Cree and Scooter.“
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6700" alt="csgiveaway" src="http://pinkmamasplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/csgiveaway.jpg" width="534" height="134" />
GIVEAWAY CODE: [promosimple id="41c6"]
Cree and Scooter also has an Ambassador program where you share and earn gift cards: <a href="http://creeandscooter.com/become-a-parent-ambassador" target="_blank">Join the PARENT AMBASSADOR </a>.
Like Cree and Scooter on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creeandscooter" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> and Follow on<a href="https://twitter.com/creeandscooter" target="_blank"> TWITTER</a>
BUY E-BOOK For $6.99 through Amazon-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007N9Q2OE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007N9Q2OE&linkCode=as2&tag=more0b-20">Cree and Scooter Hit the Slopes in British Columbia</a><img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" alt="" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=more0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007N9Q2OE" width="1" height="1" border="0" />
Buy the HardBack Book: $16.00 <a href="http://bit.ly/1b3oQ9p">HERE</a>
</div>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">“READ TODAY, LEAD TOMORROW” – Tammy Sutton-Brown</h5>
<div align="center">
Giveaway ends April 20th at 11:59 PM EST. Open to Residents of the US/Canada only. Winner will be selected by Promosimple and be notified by email. Winner have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note that PLEASE PUT YOUR BLOG NAME HERE is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Cree and Scooter will ship their items to you directly.If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify PinkMama’s Place you won a prize from within 30 days for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. We do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.
GIVEAWAY CODE:
Or is the code: <div align="center"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/41c6" data-campaign="41c6" class="promosimple"></a><script type="text/javascript" src="https://promosimple.com/api/1.0/campaign/41c6/iframe-loader"></script><noscript>You need to enable javascript to enter this campaign !<br />Powered by <a href="http://www.promosimple.com/">PromoSimple</a>.</noscript></div>
RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-47322931644641294202014-01-06T21:29:00.002-08:002014-01-06T21:30:14.369-08:00Free chocolate...I'll take it! I needed some inspiration for todays post because I couldn't think of what I really wanted to write about...I have some built up anger about a few issues but it's not something I think I should talk about publicly for now. Anywho...I googled, "365 Day Blog Challenge" and decided anytime I need a topic I will pull from that list. <br />
<br />
Todays idea is: hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days with a picture of yourself.<br />
<br />
So first...here I am: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk82B9KjtJI3Dshwc1jxdrGCHfihqP05Fq7ybgZCAKvbfYoVSL_z60xC_NKW0jyWTibJ5AVk_juF5L6TB2PJvBPLe0daJYlz98VoS9D2C37-OgF8W2kRoNScFzNFzW_1wmGJUJf5MMo5et/s1600/meandbabes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk82B9KjtJI3Dshwc1jxdrGCHfihqP05Fq7ybgZCAKvbfYoVSL_z60xC_NKW0jyWTibJ5AVk_juF5L6TB2PJvBPLe0daJYlz98VoS9D2C37-OgF8W2kRoNScFzNFzW_1wmGJUJf5MMo5et/s1600/meandbabes.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
As for hopes, dreams and plans for the next year...well, I hope that I can continue to watch my little girl grow in to the adorable, intelligent and loving toddler she is destined to be. I hope that I can become pregnant again (God willing!). I dream about being a mommy to two. <br />
<br />
As for plans - I want to continue to grow in to a better person. I want to write everyday, laugh everyday, and make sure that the people in my life who are important know just how much I love them. I plan to continue to help our family get to our goal of being debt free. It might not happen this year, but IT WILL HAPPEN! I have faith - and perserverance. <br />
<br />
In other news...it is terribly cold here in Wisconsin. I told Eric to not even worry about getting the mail but he did anyway. I am glad he did - I received a free sample from Crowdtap and Hersey's: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAqKTtdgHAuEP8hVfnV9YsaW0oHZbu9I4m9C1cPY6vXMM9edUC2JVfri2fjvFxYwvufAa9RZFyh8hV6vIajDuqUkBrtRYeUJ4Ke_CFhfUydESpTQ4xZE7j-qbUS3aBjHBM3DkDyGug_Jx/s1600/spreads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAqKTtdgHAuEP8hVfnV9YsaW0oHZbu9I4m9C1cPY6vXMM9edUC2JVfri2fjvFxYwvufAa9RZFyh8hV6vIajDuqUkBrtRYeUJ4Ke_CFhfUydESpTQ4xZE7j-qbUS3aBjHBM3DkDyGug_Jx/s1600/spreads.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't wait to try it and let you know what I think! :) </div>
RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-18502797003743521162014-01-05T22:26:00.000-08:002014-01-05T22:34:26.181-08:00Better Luck Next Year Another late night/early morning blog...we really need to work on getting back on a normal schedule of sorts. My husband is normally a third shifter but he worked second shift this week so I have been staying up with him after he gets home. Going to bed at 2 or 3 am really isn't working out as the baby gets up around 7 am. (And that's if she sleeps through the night!) <br />
<br />
We watched our beloved Green Bay Packers play today...and lose by a field goal. That was a tough one to swallow but I still love my Green and Gold! <br />
<br />
We don't have much planned for tomorrow (umm...today) but Wisconsin is supposed to have record low temps. Almost all of the schools are already closed. I think it's going to be a couch and sweatpants kind of day :) I do have to run to a doctors appointment in the afternoon, I recently found a lump in the lymph node near my breast. I saw my OB for it and she referred me to a Vascular surgeon. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a little bit nervous. <br />
<br />
Hubby is on the "I think you need to get a job again" kick. It really gets frustrating. Yes, we struggle. I won't deny that...but I also think we have so many things that we should be fortunate for. We aren't hungry, we have a roof over our heads (and heat!), and we have plenty of material goods. We also have each other...shouldn't that be enough? *sigh* RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-19772562391188485762014-01-04T21:31:00.000-08:002014-01-04T21:31:04.682-08:00Simple SaturdayI'm sure I'm not the only stay at home mom who sometimes forgets what day it is (heck! I even forgot when I was working full time). I had to remind myself several times today that it was a Saturday. <br />
<br />
Eliana and I took full advantage of the "warm" weather - 30 degrees felt simply spring like - and ran to the grocery store and then played outside in the snow for awhile. Afterwards she seemed to be sleepy so instead of allowing her to nap alone we curled up on the couch and watched a movie. Of course we both crashed out. I didn't even feel guilty when we woke up two hours later! :) <br />
<br />
Besides hitting the grocery store and finding some good deals (Tombstone Garlic Bread pizza which I LOVE was on sale 4 for $10) Eliana and I didn't do much besides play around at home. <br />
<br />
I did receive a "freebie" in the mail today from Home Depot, a Glad Force Flex Odor Shield garbage bag and some Clorox Bleach wipes, both of which I can use. I didn't spend a lot of time online so I didn't get a chance to request any other items or do many surveys but I'm okay with taking a day "off" from technology. <br />
<br />
There was simply too much drama in our lives last night so I'm glad I got to spend the day with Eliana decompressing...there is always time tomorrow for social media, cleaning and stressing about finances. I'm looking forward to having Eric home tonite and for the next three days. <br /><br />I'm choosing to be happy...it's as simple as that. RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-23569590594883073842014-01-03T23:51:00.002-08:002014-01-03T23:51:37.632-08:00Better Late than Never? Day 3's post turned into an early morning on Day 4 post...but the day somehow got away from me. <br />
<br />
I watched our friends little girl, Marina, today. We are coming up on the one year anniversary of her mothers death (and her 1st birthday). <br />
<br />
Even though it was almost a year ago (she passed away on January 11), I still can't get the incident out of my mind. It's not something I care to talk about often (if at all). <br />
<br />
One year ago today - Vanessa and I were both very pregnant. She had plans to be induced on Monday the 7th (and head in on the night of the 6th). I was so very excited and nervous for her and anxious to hear how the delivery went as my own delivery was impending. I still have the text messages from Sunday evening (the 6th) on my old cell phone...her husband Justin and her had kept the babies name a secret and I was anxiously awaiting every detail. I remember her telling me that she was going to take some melatonin to help her sleep because she herself was very anxious. I can't remember exactly what time Marina Corrine was born, but I know it was before noon. <br />
<br />
I was so very excited for my beautiful friends and their gorgeous little girl and I couldn't wait to meet her. With being pregnant myself and due in only a few short weeks, Eric and I were unable to make it up to the hospital to see baby Marina and Vanessa. We made plans to visit her that Friday morning. I had a doctors appointment that morning and I sent Vanessa a message to make sure it was ok for us to stop by. She wasn't feeling well and was heading in to see the doctor herself but said that it would be fine if Eric and I stopped by to see her and Justin and the baby. <br />
<br />
I packed up a present and we headed to our doctors appointment to have my routine prenatal appointment. The doctors and nurses know us and they also knew that we were friends with Vanessa and Justin so they asked if we had seen the baby yet because she had been in right before us. After my doctors appointment we headed over to their house. <br />
<br />
When we walked in Vanessa was asleep on the couch and Marina was in her bilirubin blanket. Justin handed me Marina and I couldn't believe that she was actually here...that this beautiful little miracle that had caused her momma so much grief while she carried her was finally here and bringing her mother and father so much joy. <br />
<br />
Vanessa awoke for a short period of time and I was able to tell her that her little girl was beautiful and start to get the story of Marina's delivery. From what I was told, her delivery wasn't bad at all and I am so grateful for that. Vanessa seemed so happy to be a mother and even said she would go through all of the pains of pregnancy again. While discussing Marina's birth, we lost Vanessa. I don't wish to go in to details but I don't think I fully realized what was happening while it was happening. Even as the paramedics came and I was holding her baby girl in her kitchen, I couldn't get my head around it. <br />
<br />
A part of me knew Vanessa was no longer with us when they took her in the ambulance....but most of me didn't want to believe it. How could that be possible? How was I left standing in her kitchen holding her BRAND NEW BABY and she wasn't here anymore? I told myself that they were going to fix her right up...and in a few days she'd be back to normal and we could laugh about another troublesome pregnancy (or post pregnancy) symptom. <br />
<br />
A few hours later, while I sat in Vanessa's home holding Vanessa's baby, we received the phone call that she had passed away at the age of 27. I was overcome with grief. I didn't take the time to fully feel my emotions as I was 3 weeks away from delivering my own baby and a lot of my focus was on that as well. I felt like I had to be strong and pull it together for everyone, including my baby growing inside of me. <br />
<br />
17 days after Marina was born, I brought my 6 lb 2 oz daughter, Eliana Beatrice in to this world. 13 days after we watched our friends life slip away we watched our lives begin with the breath of this little girl who is now my whole world. <br />
<br />
Marina brought me comfort the day Vanessa passed...as she continues to do. But watching Marina also sometimes brings me great grief as well as guilt and feelings of inadequacy. Why do I get to be a mother to my daughter and she doesn't? Why do I get the hugs from her daughter that she so deserves? Am I teaching them the right things? I'm not as patient as a person as Vanessa was and sometimes I feel like she would be doing so much better at this than I am. I miss her. I miss what we could have had, raising our daughters together. <br />
<br />
But...there are two little girls that need me. And with Gods patience, grace, and understanding I will continue to do everything I can to make sure that their lives are full of love, hope, joy and laughter. Marina got to know her mother for such a short period of time but I know that Vanessa lives on in Marina's quiet intelligence and her passion for books. <br />
<br />
And sometimes when Marina snuggles in for a hug, I can feel Vanessa's hug from above too...I just hope she can feel that I'm hugging her right back. <br />
<br />
RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-66792608032492073222014-01-02T19:12:00.001-08:002014-01-02T19:12:15.747-08:00Puppy Love I have a two year old puppy named Brewer whom I love dearly. He is a large beast whose out of control tail often takes ornaments off trees, end tables down, and provides minutes of tears when he unexpectedly slaps your face. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSb1PZ9qRvbfuCqaQ4LB5QvnHr7HmJ_DCDCFB5szJY23k_DEMSON4mlXlfcL5ou6bmPX9v44iKWy3PMt4k2nbSGY5JDIQHYeOIhsCstjLdCPLQVWlInsJ3J2KQeEM9TQfQuii0xBzBsTF/s1600/brewer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSb1PZ9qRvbfuCqaQ4LB5QvnHr7HmJ_DCDCFB5szJY23k_DEMSON4mlXlfcL5ou6bmPX9v44iKWy3PMt4k2nbSGY5JDIQHYeOIhsCstjLdCPLQVWlInsJ3J2KQeEM9TQfQuii0xBzBsTF/s320/brewer.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
My little girl has manged to successfully deflect Brewers tail by placing her hands above her head and yelling "Get!" It's both entertaining and adorable. Brewer takes it in stride and goes on to the next thing on his mind. I love that my little girl and her dog will grow up together. <br />
<br />
However, Eliana seems to fear all other dogs. I'm not sure how to cure her of this and I'm also not sure if it should be of any concern at this point. She is young and it's obvious she loves animals, maybe the fear will subside as she ages? <br />
<br />
My sister brought her 3 month old puppy Toby over today...and I was reminded of why I don't want another puppy anytime soon. Not only did he think Eliana was the perfect pint sized playmate to wrestle to the ground, he also found all of her toys to be widly entertaining. Everything goes in the mouth and not much comes out in tact. Ellie screamed and cried anytime Toby came near her. In part, I don't blame her, last time we were over at Abby's house Toby took her arm and chewed it like it was bone. Luckily, the only casualties of the day were a sippy cup nipple and a nuker. (and maybe temporarily my sanity). <br />
<br />
I know the puppy stage goes fast (just as the baby stage goes fast for human babies) and in a matter of time he will be a well behaved dog...it just takes patience. I'm glad that it's my sisters patience this time around! <br />
<br />
In other news, non dog related, I am so excited that I was picked to do a Pampers Sample and Share through Crowdtap! I can't wait to receive the coupons in the mail and share our experience. No freebies or samples came my way in todays mail, but tomorrow is another day, right? ;) I did receive some products that I had purchased on an online auction site called TopHatter - I had received a $10 credit by clicking though on an email I had received so I checked it out and ended up with a few small purchases. <br />
<br />
Just waiting on the husband to come home, he is on second shift the next few days. Eliana is glued to the tv watching her absolute favorite tv show, Bubble Guppies. Maybe I can sneak in a few minutes of reading? We will see! <br />
<br />
Til tomorrow, <br />
<br />
Rebecca RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-89331128165506131332014-01-01T20:06:00.003-08:002014-01-01T20:06:51.589-08:00No one tells you...That you are going to wake up with extreme headaches that you can't do anything for because you aren't able to take decongestant or ibuprofen...no one told me that my entire upper body would be covered in little acne bumps - and I can't use normal acne body wash because salycylic acid is bad for baby bean. No one told me my gums would bleed and my teeth would ache. No one told me that everytime I go to throw up from a bad smell, I will also pee my pants a little....ok, a LOT.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They did tell me that I would feel the baby - and at first it would be weird. But until it happens to you, you can't begin to understand. No one told me that I would be so incredibly head over heels in love with this little bean RIGHT this very moment when I haven't even met him or her (besides a random blur of an ultrasound photo & a blip of a heartbeat).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The "negative' side effects of being pregnant are annoyances. Yes, I like to whine at times about them, but in the big picture, they are absolutely NOTHING. I am alive & married to a man who rubs my back for 30 minutes to an hour EVERY night before bed because it's the only relief I can get in my sciatic and for the head pain. I whine for ice water - it's there. I lay in bed for hours on the weekend playing farkle or reading a book and he asks what he can bring me to eat. (When he's around, he's mostly great). Of course, I'm not always so great to him in return...like this morning. Super b*tchy for no reason really and just snapping at him at every turn, to which he says, "I'm sorry you are so miserable today but I still love you" - and scoots me out the door.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am going to be a mother! Yes, I have known that for 10 weeks already (14 weeks and 2 days TODAY!) but it is FINALLY starting to sink in and feel real.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I think the dog and cats know - they fight for a spot on my belly. Brewer lays his ear on my tummy and puts one paw up there and it looks like he is just listening to something. It's adorable. (Well, I think almost everything my 8 month old puppy does is adorable, not going to lie!) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ahhh -in other news, started and finished Divergent by Veronica Roth this weekend. It was very good. If you like reading books that are set in dystopian settings - you will enjoy Divergent. My coworker has my copy of Insurgent (book 2 in the series) so I have picked up Lake News by Barbara Delinksy in the meantime. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm also slowly getting back my ability to eat the foods I always had before. :) No more steady diet of apples and tomatoes for me - however they are still about 50% of what I eat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our houseguest starts his new job today - yay for that! Hopefully he will have enough money saved up by October 1st to have his own place.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ran to McDonalds for lunch and grabbed a cheeseburger and a large Hi-C. Wish I wouldn't have left the building. YUCK - for some reason this summer feels like a million degrees hotter than last summer. I wonder how long the heat wave will last. I am seriously considering going swimming tonite after work.RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-37166539012367331102014-01-01T20:06:00.002-08:002014-01-01T20:08:02.678-08:00Reclaiming Rebecca 342 days ago I went from dreaming of being a mother to holding my beautiful little girl in my arms. I was a mother the moment she was conceived but reality doesn't hit until you are sitting there staring down in to the face and eyes of a being that loves you and needs you for their very survival.<br />
<br />
After Eliana was born, she was rushed to the NICU so my birthing experience wasn't what I had always hoped and planned for it to be. I quickly learned that is how motherhood rolls!<br />
<br />
The last 342 days have been exhausting, educational, disgusting (no showers for days, vomit everywhere), overwhelming, and absolutely fantastic. I wouldn't change them for the world. I have loved almost every moment of motherhood and I have learned to laugh at the parts that you can't enjoy. I never saw myself being a stay at home mother and now I would not have it any other way. I enjoy spending every day with my child. I love the smiles when I pick her up in the morning, the snuggles I get when she is sick or tired, the giggles...I even love the poopy diapers and the teething because that just means she is real and she is MINE!<br />
<br />
Never in my life have I had something in my life that holds as much value in my life as my beautiful little girl. Motherhood has changed me, and I embrace that. She has opened my eyes to so many things that I would have never thought to notice in the past, she has made me a better person.<br />
<br />
The only drawback is that I became so consumed in my child's well being that I often times forgot about my own. For the year 2014, I want to reclaim that. To be the best parent I can be for my child, I need to be the best me I can be. This means allowing myself to sleep more, allowing myself to establish and nurture adult relationships, allowing myself to become self confident again and allowing myself to work towards being healthier physically, emotionally and spiritually.<br />
<br />
The first step in that plan for me is reconnecting with the written word and having a place to express my emotions. I look forward to this 365 day journey and the moments that I will discover alone, the ones I will uncover with my loving husband, and all the adventures I will fall in to with Eliana.<br />
<br />
Welcome 2014....I look forward to taking this journey.RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-1994685373381135072012-07-17T08:19:00.001-07:002012-07-17T08:19:34.030-07:0012 Week & 2 Day Check-upThis weekend was awful. I should have known something was wrong when all I wanted to do was sleep. It then moved in to chills, shakes, body aches, headache, sweating fits, diarrhea & moved in to puking which turned in to heaving as all I had left in my stomach was bile.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At one point, I was sitting on the toilet and vomiting in to the garbage can in front of me - shaking and soaked from head to toe. (pretty picture isn't it?) and I felt something gush. When I wiped - I saw it was blood so I really started to panic. I ended up calling the doctor at 3:30 am - and she told me to wait until 8:30 and then call the clinic to come in.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had an appointment set for yesterday anyways - so I just called in and had it moved from 4:30 to 10 am. I will admit, I was totally terrified.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The nurse checked me out - the bleeding had stopped and my cervix was still closed. :) She then tried to locate a heartbeat but was unable too, so they took me in to have an ultrasound. Baby is totally healthy and normal & growing strong. It was quite the relief. I have some u/s pics now of the little bean! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Beginning Weight: 217 lbs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
12 Week Check-in: 209.6 lbs<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Blood Pressure: 128/70<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Heart BPM: 171 bpm<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Length: 2 1/4 inches<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Craving of the week: Tomatoes & Ice Water<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Book I'm reading: The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Current TV obession: Hoarders, Gossip Girl & The Hutterites<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The doctor gave me a shot for naseau - let me tell you - did that ever burn!!! It also knocked me on my hiney - so I slept most of the day. I did end up having to go back at 4:30 in the afternoon as I am RH negative.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Being RH Negative and having the babies blood mix with mine had created a havoc in my body. My body basically is/was trying to fight the baby off as if it were an illness or a disease. So...more shots! Doctor gave me a shot of RhoGAM. I have to carry a card around in my purse now at all times stating that I have had this shot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Also have a prescription for Promethzine (anti-naseau) - it totally knocks me out, so I am not taking it this week while I am at work. From yesterdays dose, I am still disoriented and drowsy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh - and! Eric & I saw the baby jumping around, touching his/her fingers to it's toes. We were sooooo happy to see that. Definitely a mover in there.<br />
<br />RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-56362109627293072012-03-22T14:35:00.001-07:002012-03-22T14:35:56.499-07:00See how you rate and compare to others when it comes to blogging, facebook and twitter! :)<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/smarterer.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=1691886995&Campaign=0348978528&Uid=1190640&token=8841d791f0bf9c049a98eb595a70bf2a" />RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-73649659352988571022012-01-11T00:58:00.000-08:002012-01-11T05:12:58.878-08:00December Eco-Emi Box<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJp6-J7rKIQYB8dZWcBP3O2yFoBXlxtR0mUuVYYHUcXXEGUP2WvkA6LLdPr4gUSehe7NvmtNejC5sKBG4wEY8pHEiWrCb9aiMhnBPS-otUbNJ-_d1B_aE-8Xzdg0TWhWTyICQJ1KRtuYy/s1600/johnmastersorganic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696301783173695042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJp6-J7rKIQYB8dZWcBP3O2yFoBXlxtR0mUuVYYHUcXXEGUP2WvkA6LLdPr4gUSehe7NvmtNejC5sKBG4wEY8pHEiWrCb9aiMhnBPS-otUbNJ-_d1B_aE-8Xzdg0TWhWTyICQJ1KRtuYy/s320/johnmastersorganic.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBjC3m5o3yeR350C2DuWDPZMZIx9uK30IKGrTHnqK93GEvwluxqf9eauYapJQEdMdZovWO2WT7AuqUwUsSUC4ueZJ_6AHGuokC7MB09PFWS2pZSZDZhnve7PZBUl5kx8aTESvkC-KwHQz/s1600/cacaobliss.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696301596574732034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBjC3m5o3yeR350C2DuWDPZMZIx9uK30IKGrTHnqK93GEvwluxqf9eauYapJQEdMdZovWO2WT7AuqUwUsSUC4ueZJ_6AHGuokC7MB09PFWS2pZSZDZhnve7PZBUl5kx8aTESvkC-KwHQz/s320/cacaobliss.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-8xgOdOG5mHOzrS0iJ1PA5Jpo3zaoZ50DAv_r7P0auCGpeZxLmB_42TlHAvXnW94h1N9pouI88ugF-WIy_QWjsf3J-PQJCQh3DB51WEtIBm6CpW7RSSam7fO-cCvjheOXBnDHut6YcCw/s1600/botanicallipgloss.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696301490282941154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-8xgOdOG5mHOzrS0iJ1PA5Jpo3zaoZ50DAv_r7P0auCGpeZxLmB_42TlHAvXnW94h1N9pouI88ugF-WIy_QWjsf3J-PQJCQh3DB51WEtIBm6CpW7RSSam7fO-cCvjheOXBnDHut6YcCw/s320/botanicallipgloss.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLFpgbfZowFuQiNiY2HbJePEm50b-hMQZpKyi_Fp0GKy4mJ8QxRqb-NaSv3k5xKWF4VCIR60A6CTT9IAA2z4PFS0L1SSAhkLBXrs4B4PcRNM-sKGUz5qhlloNqZBpqoakzuWloTTTJP6N/s1600/Eco.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696297892138169058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLFpgbfZowFuQiNiY2HbJePEm50b-hMQZpKyi_Fp0GKy4mJ8QxRqb-NaSv3k5xKWF4VCIR60A6CTT9IAA2z4PFS0L1SSAhkLBXrs4B4PcRNM-sKGUz5qhlloNqZBpqoakzuWloTTTJP6N/s320/Eco.jpg" /></a><br /><div>A few things that I totally love: </div><div> </div><div>*Getting mail</div><div>*Getting freebies</div><div>*Trying out new samples </div><div>*Opening presents</div><div> </div><div>The December Eco-Emi box nailed all of these requirements. For those of you who do not know, Eco-Emi is a sampler box for those who want to/or are already all about going green! In a nutshell - from their website: Let us show you what is worth spending your hard earned money on! For only $15.00 a month we will mail you a minimum of five samples to your door wrapped in a chic earth friendly packaging. You will have the luxury of trying out the green world in the comfort of your own home. </div><div> </div><div>First thing that caught my attention - the green paper with the dark brown box and yellow ribbon. My wedding colors are green and brown - so I was sold before I even opened the box.<br /><br />I feel like I should probably say this here...I purchased this box for $15 and I am writing these reviews of my own free will. I have not been contacted by any of the companies to promote their products or portray them in a positive light, so please take this blog post for what it is, quite simply, the opinions of a 28 year old female! I just like to share in case you are all looking for great and wonderful products!<br /><br /> Upon opening there is the postcard that explains what you are getting in the box for the month. I choose to wait to read this until AFTER I unwrap all of my goodies so as not to "ruin the surprise"!</div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696298873749298706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxSjd5PjFC20JuGz144WtSakJnRS2pLdZZaQDLeT5qPJneUDjEAWzqI5fcA6OStPi5aU62lbxQ1ENhowEKG3SOWcjbV1a9ZlN9B7siSQ1y16fPjjt1W6XZLhOooQNqYhe3z3l6nrAzNZB/s320/product.jpg" /></div><div>Picture of the box before I tore it apart: <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696300185523990338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymbmW_pL0t-TS9KgU3GfVbmxMJCGb5sJ2wRC4fTZxCnTpTcnDGmVl6Ql9mE3B7qLcG_5lu-utIM49pR8QkqyFRcXRi9o3QImgDrfxHRdcYa6yvBeYGNG1mHN4c5d-kLJmSoOUXA55G1S5/s320/goodies.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>One of the first things I saw was this candy cane - which was all organic and actually - very tasty!</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696301967404762546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZr6QBkWRmuV8ua8y6DQXTVkDBJQk_9-NA6xaHkflxN5PBNaXIUvat_Zxo4vFKysjns1GD24dkUaTrPydaej0ea0rvOx_bo0AZVWyrbF57hIfV_wwiSbT3NkTvRJeYSp17aW3bmO0tSdPz/s320/organiccandycane.jpg" /></div><div>I then pulled out the candle by Wyk which was in a whispering pine scent - and I LOVED the smell - so of course, I had to burn it immediately! <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696302224360523218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY8xTkzHJxbLXb46BJmkZ-97x4kfIR_aW6DF3PqJf5KzbJxdshvj5-IfAu-rtPq3EeQDJUSDN3pa0eQ3VS8YTcZbZtlnswMZemic6isgQf2UrEC6xVmt_1p3YjBGpm_4TTcTJKLZxN5K8/s320/wyk+whispering+pine.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>A little blurb about Wyk: Our CEO is Mother Nature. That’s why we use only natural ingredients in our formulations. Our wax is 100% pure soy made from beans farmed right here in the United States of America. Our wicks are crafted from 100% cotton then primed in beeswax. Our substantial vessels are manufactured<br />especially for us. And our elixirs are the collaborative effort of a perfumer<br />and chemist who swirl, swoosh, and swoon over our proprietary fragrances.<br />Creativity flourishes at Wyk Candles where nature ignites passion.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696301680428892674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW4B8Bqf0hM4krCCgbuSqLY2NLlcgSywuhpOKHYJaw2skBwWkEWXp5n2WDU2jbaxyy5tN2dM8OX-Bc5IfxgLrSJqB0K4Wvd7Qn7FhcbBqeyizTM7FkceCEDKlsiZoF-EudXFsNx3g7mZH/s320/candleburning.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div> I was sad for it to burn out - but I know where to get more: <a href="http://www.wykcandles.com">www.wykcandles.com</a> :) I will have to check it out after I use ALL of my other candles up (and I will probably feel guilty knowing they aren't near as good for the environment) </div><div> </div><div>Another thing I used up right away was the Genesis Today Vitamin C with Zinc chews. I managed to pick up a nasty cold - and I was hoping these would help take it away asap! <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696302156267599778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aHB83FwrQPSxejo-BT4RIHTZkYNafpXVilRcblbRVC7RQn06CL6KJIEoqTVZ4Fra2mQ1fT9dZTkcvW1LmwzM7ph-e6njwZfpxPKYIopqCgAkSD-jqa-iz-C7-hRvEX6L5LIuNC8lz_ck/s320/vitamincwithzinc.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>The only other item that I actually tried out were the socks from Maggies - which have an arch support. They were super comfy and of course - adorable! I mean c'mon - who doesn't love to have moose on their feet?! :) <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696302069421043986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC2DoDGHuYZquTTDL2TuCp4pp22JohVICsc_I0ENj9hTzW4RAnqW0ZKUpYg2fRYigjNHJQXSs2j2pR_BYi_-ny1ctHJK8mO3vf_i0fxHDS4AyC5m75MW2m0NpQ3gKbjHwinubPpoArsnA/s320/socks.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>Everything else has yet to be tested, but I will be back for sure to let you know what I thought of each product. I am excited to see and test out all the goodies in my January box. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br />Zombeezi Lip Balm! <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696302307152826802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sVsnyKTplyBFWc7IBbOYSk1sxTcZKtGd4kfHQBKs6aYyGdoElHUxQo6qWa-xjvMzogiekq3PL03fWgK0hvNldrNpGORVMCxWNOMdvZeD0BQqGGk1WvCqrIUyNt-3P4SsEIAy56CEf-dE/s320/zombeezi.jpg" /></div><div><br /><br />Green Shield Organics, Free and Clear Laundry Detergent: <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696301868477515394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhhK4KyxbROeS7MH0GwoI8SRvbMlzXv3HV0stFKkvtozE_4jUPIs4H7yDkD4jDC2b4fu1wp-xmHzGnLWqMFqxTEJOOubM5HX6r4WkgWASFBmzGgDNXqijRkiPFhzGuuC2-ph0tV611bQt/s320/laundry.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>For more information, or if you wish to order your own Eco-Emi box, please check out <a href="http://www.ecoemi.com">www.ecoemi.com</a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-25581476583678685242012-01-09T08:49:00.000-08:002012-01-09T09:21:54.670-08:00Holiday Vox Box!<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=807475447768&set=vb.219705170&type=2&theater">http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=807475447768&set=vb.219705170&type=2&theater</a><br /><br />For some reason, it's not letting me load my video - so I will just link you to the unboxing of my Influenster box. :)RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-70334146560891001102011-10-05T13:45:00.000-07:002011-10-05T13:57:03.800-07:00Returning to my RootsSo, obviously...I haven't written in awhile.<br /><br />It's not that I haven't been living life, reading books, giving personal reviews of new products I've tried, books I've read, services I've utilized. I have definitely not been at a loss for words. I have just chosen to not express them in the written for fear of judgement.<br /><br />You see, I'm going to share a little secret about me...I totally CARE about what others think. At 28 years of age, I shouldn't. I should be happy being me and not try to please everybody, but it's so deep within me that I can't stop it. I have "found myself" a bit over the past year and have let go of some fears of rejection, but there are still a lot there.<br /><br />Another little secret...when I write something down, I am forced to really SEE it. To reread and examine it. I can't pretend it's not there. Financially, things aren't great. And...I want to deny it until I'm blue in the face so I just pretend it doesn't exsist and I keep on with life as best as I can. Today however, I decided that I NEED accountability. From myself. From random strangers, it doesn't matter, I just NEED it. I need to know that there is a problem and that I CAN and WILL make a change.<br /><br />If you saw me on the street, you would never know that I have creditors calling me everyday. You would never know that I eat popcorn for dinner because it's all I can afford. And no, I am NOT asking anyone to feel sorry for me. I work a full time job, as does my fiance. I got myself in this mess AND I will get myself out...*Ring ring* Just interuppted (although you wouldn't know it) by a phone call from Sallie Mae saying I am behind on my student loan payment.<br /><br />Anyways - because of the troubles I am currently clawing my way out of - I have taken to LOVING free stuff. Free food, free products, surveys for money, etc. :) I would love to share some of that information and also have a place where I can get super excited about my mailbox goodies. My fiance is mostly annoyed - so I need an outlet. :)<br /><br />Also, I have NOT given up on the Time 100 Novel list by the age of 30, but I am a bit derailed. The last book I fnished was "God's Brothel" - a book about polygamy. I embrace learning about other religions, cultures, personalities, etc.<br /><br />So...when I get home today, I will post a snapshot of my mailbox. I look forward to tracking not only my bills and spending but the fun and exciting new products I am allowed to try.RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709807003142377433.post-14882081113775159632010-07-19T18:25:00.001-07:002010-07-19T18:41:21.753-07:00The Anticipation!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLdhryOJn4R-ptYItt_IPWUgRs302ocIbTj21R9XSHn8eMPFnurw3jvAaNQXAjf9awluw92sqsddb23H1VOBTcD5tGFwOeSDSHm3V5qKQeZvUuoU2gPTO3P0fvDeh99izHM5uGkK7gw3C/s1600/The+Assistant.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495796621403199442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLdhryOJn4R-ptYItt_IPWUgRs302ocIbTj21R9XSHn8eMPFnurw3jvAaNQXAjf9awluw92sqsddb23H1VOBTcD5tGFwOeSDSHm3V5qKQeZvUuoU2gPTO3P0fvDeh99izHM5uGkK7gw3C/s320/The+Assistant.bmp" /></a><br /><div>It didn't last long! My first book from the list arrived in the mail today - The Assistant by Bernard Malamud. </div><div> </div><div>"Frank Alpine is a troubled, somewhat desperate, handsome <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Italo</span>-American from the West Coast-a man with a difficult past and a strong urge to be somebody. He works long hours in the grocery store of a struggling Jewish family in a declining Brooklyn neighborhood. And he is falling in love with his employer's attractive daughter, whose own hungers have not been satisfied by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">another</span> man" </div><div> </div><div>I'm excited to start reading the first stepping stone on my road to literary enlightenment ;)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>RLCloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504137384292740508noreply@blogger.com0