..resolutions..

That time of year.. To reflect on what we want to change, what we want to lose and what we want to gain. I prefer to focus on the gaining part. Yes, you read that correctly, I want to gain!

So here is my list!

*Gain more time with my family. I'm accomplishing this by downsizing my business. Family is always more important.

*Gain more self-confidence. I'm down 20lbs so far, and would love to get down another 15. I'm finally at a point financially where I can join a gym, so I can make that happen!

*Gain more time with my husband. I know now that it is ok to let the girls spend time away from me. I miss them like crazy when I'm not with them, but date nights with the hubbo are super important.

*Gain more me time! I'm finally getting my house, my life organized. This will leave me with more time to do the things I want to do, which includes getting back to my blog, more sewing and tutorials!

So what do you hope to GAIN in 2013? :)

..cleopatra's choice review..

I was recently contacted by a company called Cleopatra's Choice and asked to review one of their many great products. Cleopatra's Choice sells skin care and beauty products, brought to you from all over the world. They began by bringing Dead Sea products to the US, and now you can shop for skin care and beauty products from Japan, Morocco, Italy, Australia and more.

They have so many unique items, some of which include:

Dead Sea Mud Shampoo

Pure Argan Oil

And the product that I reviewed, the Adovia Mineral Lift Serum.

"This deep absorbing, light gel is formulated with natural ingredients to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing your skin's elasticity and firmness. Based on a unique formula of Vitamin C, Evening Primrose Oil and Dead Sea minerals, it instantly moisturizes to improve your skin's texture - giving you a radiant, smooth and even complexion. Amino acids combined with Green Tea extract and Vitamin C help your skin naturally regenerate - creating a firmer, more youthful appearance. Additionally it protects skin from daily pollutants and weather damage that can clog pores and cause wrinkles and breakouts."

This serum feels so light when you apply it to your face. It is not greasy at all, and it absorbs instantly. I have been using the product for a little over a month now, and while it is not a "face lift in a bottle," I do feel like I can see a difference in the firmness of my skin.

This is a photo of using it for just a week:

And here is a photo after 3 weeks:

Where I can really tell a difference is in the area around my eyes. The fine lines at the corners of my eyes (which I REFUSE to call Crow's Feet because I think they should be more fabulous, like Flamingo's Feet!) have diminished slightly. The area seems smoother.

Buy It:
You can buy any of the products and many more on the website, www.CleopatrasChoice.com

..what i'm loving right now..

This voice...

..nordic ware review..

Nordic Ware is a leader in American-made kitchen products that was founded in 1946. They are known for quality bakeware, like their famous Bundt Pans invented in 1950, which can be handed down from generation to generation.

One of my earliest baking memories is watching my grandmother pour pound cake batter into her Bundt pan, and watching it come out a beautiful light golden brown. I always though that Bundt pans were a little magical.

Nordic Ware makes more than just cake pans. They also have an extensive line of baking sheets, frying and sauce pans, griddles and more.

I was lucky enough to receive two items for review from Nordic Ware. I received the Mini Pineapple Pan and the Platinum Shortcake Basket Pan.

The first thing you notice about Nordic Ware pans is the weight. The heaviness lets you know that these are quality, durable pieces. Another thing I love about them is the finish. Their light, silver platinum exterior ensures that you get even cooking, with no hot spots. Both pans have a great amount of detail, which translates beautifully in the finished baked product. I wondered if the leaves on the pineapple pan would indeed come out without breaking, and they did.

Overall I am very impressed with the Nordic Ware brand, and would definitely purchase more products. They even have a line of Microwave Cookware which I think would be neat to try.

Buy It:
~You can purchase items straight from Nordic Ware via their website
~You can also locate a retailer near you

..my how you've suffered..

My poor little blog. You, along with my loving laptop have suffered the fate known as mommyhood. Family comes first, work comes second. The internet unfortunately gets pushed way down, somewhere between shower-scrubbing and gardening. How I miss spending entire rainy afternoons clicking away on the keyboard, browsing blog after blog for new crafty or food ideas. Now I'm lucky if I can get in 15 minutes at naptime, considering the girls have decided they only want one nap a day, and it shall not be much over an hour. And after they're in bed for the night? Well that's when I have to try to catch up on the last bits of cleaning or toy-picking-upness or whatever. I dare not even try to lay in bed and play because I am usually so worn out that I fall asleep within minutes, and the amount of drool on my keyboard would surely short circuit something.

Just know that I think of you often dear blog. You are one of my oldest friends, and I know that no matter when I get to come back and visit again, you will be there.

..this photo..

does my heart good..

..the terrible twos..

If the Terrible Twos start early, does that mean they end early too? :) Oh buddy, I think we're there at 20 months. We have learned and often use the word, "no," we are very whiny, and I cannot leave their sight for a second without them throwing themselves on the floor in a fit. Tell me that's the extent of it? Please tell me the Terrible Twos don't get any worse! I don't think my sanity (or what little hair I have left) can stand it. My kiddos are the sweetest and funniest things in the world, but their little sensitivity meters have been right up there with a pregnant woman's. Any little thing sets them off.. she touched my toy... she looked like she was about to touch my toy... even though she's in the other room and I can't see her, she might be thinking about touching my toy!!

Ay yi yi.. It's so hard to get anything done. Even though we have a baby gate in the doorway that goes from the living room to the kitchen, and even though they could reach over the gate and touch me as I do laundry, they can't stand it. My laundry pile is awful y'all! I know that saying, "Good moms have sticky floors, dirty laundry and happy kids.." But how many days in a row do you have to wear the same jeans because they're the only clean pair you've got before that just becomes NOT true? :D

Oh, and have I mentioned that we have started having to DUCT TAPE their diapers? Yes, there have been too many poop-mishaps to go without taped diapers anymore. It's ugly and gross, and I'm not going to subject y'all to the details.