Nanny to Mommy

The year started warm. So warm we went to the park and took this picture:



In February, I started watching my friend's daughter
who is a month younger than Sweet Pea.
What a crazy ride taking care of two toddlers has been.



At the end of February/beginning of March,
Sweet Pea started walking and
our breastfeeding journey came to an end.



Her 15 month check-up was March 11 but
I'm a terrible mom who didn't write down the stats.

We also did silly stuff like this:



In May we had a yard sale at the Hubby's store.

Got into a car accident at the beginning of June.



Both the girls were in the car. Scary and life changing. I still feel guilty everyday although everyone was okay. And there isn't a day that goes by where I don't worry whether they remember or it scarred them and whether my husband has resentment towards me for putting our already limited incomed family on an even tighter financial hold.

We bought a Saturn Vue from Car Max and THE NEXT DAY the transmission went out.



But looking back, it was a blessing because I have NO IDEA how we would have been able to afford it.

We went to the lake a few times.
And Sweet Pea still didn't care of it.



Sweet Pea went to the zoo for the first time!



The Hubby and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. :)
But we have no pictures of us together and celebrated by going to his friend's birthday party. :/

She also got HFM and a UTI at almost the same time. :/





I decided to really make my blog public that August. I wanted to maybe make some money, hopefully get some free stuff to review, but most importantly, I wanted to have a hobby that I enjoyed. I was home all the time without a car and we live out in the middle of no where. I needed some kind of social interaction, even if was just through a computer screen.

I was able to provide my first endorsed review.



One of Hubby's store credit card numbers was stolen in 2007, he didn't even try to take the proper steps to fight this issue. Credit companies kept calling and calling. but he ignored them. He went to court and the judge told him he should settle and that it didn't look good for him because apparently in the paper work he signed when applying for the card, it said they could sell the debt. So we got put into an even tighter financial hold.

September we went to Florida with my in-laws. And a great time was had by all.
You can read about vacation HERE and HERE.


♥ these pics on Instagram

Just recently, I reached 400 GFC followers. And it feels amazing. I started at 10 and in only a few months, I feel like when I put my many ramblings out into the vast space of the Internet, I am now actually heard.

My car accident was a blessing in disguise. I got a terrible bruise under my arm from the seat belt.
Under the bruise I found small knot. No biggie, the bruise was massive. I had a regular scheduled OB/GYN visit shortly after the accident, she said to keep any eye on it and if the swelling didn't go down, I should come back. I had a physical scheduled in September so I figured I would talk to my doctor about it then if I didn't notice any improvement.
The doctor said he thought it was just the bruise but that I should go get a mammogram.

My baby girl turned two.



I put off scheduling the mammogram. I have no idea why but the swelling was going down and the knot was getting smaller so I just wasn't worried. Then I noticed another small, lump a little further away.
The 18th would be the day of my mammogram but they rescheduled until after the first of the year.
I'm nervous and the anticipation of not knowing is killing me. My sister had a mammogram when I was around the age of ten or so making her like 19. Nothing was wrong, they said that is just the way her body is. Hopefully the odds are in my favor. But the not knowing is the worst of it.

But a good thing to know going into the New Year I am 25 lbs lighter than I was at the start of 2012 and I can wear my wedding rings again. :)
You can read about my weight loss journey HERE.


Friend Me On MyFitnessPal

A crazy year.

Awesome things happened and awful things happened. This year has been a roller coaster of emotion.

So, how did 2012 treat you?

Can you believe 2013 is right around the corner?
Have you made any New Year Resolutions yet?
I have decided to change up my weight loss routine
(which you can read about HERE)
and try the Creative Bioscience 90 Day Challenge! :)

Why am I taking this challenge?

I want to get at a healthy weight. I have been on a journey to lose weight and am reaching a plateau. I wasn't able to lose weight for so long because I had an undiscovered thyroid issue. Now that I have that under control and have lost 25 lbs (my toddler weighs that BTW), I am reaching a point in my diet and exercise routine where I am just not losing as much and although I have changed up my exercises, I feel I need to do something to give myself an extra oomph.

I am going to be using a product called The 30 Day Diet. The 30 Day Diet combines clinically supported herbal extracts such as Lychee Fruit Extract, African Mango, and Raspberry Ketones for weight loss, increased energy, and greater appetite control. What I love about Creative Bioscience is that they offer 24/7 Access to their Exclusive Diet Support Team in case I should have any questions about the product or my diet at any time.

What are my goals?

I have finally reached my pre-pregnancy weight. Which was milestone number one but I still have a long way to go. My ultimate goal is to be at a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) again.

Do any of you want to join me?

Click HERE for more information about Creative Bioscience's 90 Day Challenge. :)

Thank you for all your continued support with my weightloss journey and wish me luck in the future!

I will make sure to continue to update you with my progress over the next 90 days.

A few things to share before I share my totals with you.
1.
Sweet Pea was Featured again on A Night Owl's Weekend Hashtag Project on Instagram.

♥ on Instagram

2.
I reached two amazing milestones in my weightloss journey last week.
Ability to wear my wedding rings again and 25 lb lost mark! That's my toddler! :)
In the second picture, I am wearing a sweater from before we even thought about having children.

♥ on Instagram————♥ on Instagram

Kroger
Updated 12/30/12

5 International Delight Singles $3
- 5 $1/1 International Delight Coffee Creamer Singles 11/11/2012 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2012)
(Or $1/1 International Delight Creamer, 24 ct Kroger eCoupon exp 12/31/2012)
- $1/1 iBotta Earning Opportunity
- $5 when spend $15 on International Delight Creamer One or Many SavingStar offer exp 12/31/12!!
(Don't forget about your 20 FREE Beechnut Steamies/Fruities Deal that also expires 12/31/12!)
= $4 or $0.80 per box or $0.03 per cup!
(Even without the iBotta offer they are $1 per 24ct so still a GREAT price!)

Kroger Milk, Select Varieties, Gallon, $3.23

2 Birds Eye Voila! Skillet Meals, Frozen, Select Varieties, 21 to 22 oz, 50% OFF $6.19
- 2 $2/1 Birds Eye Voila Product
= $2.19 or $1.10 each! :)

2 Kroger Ground Beef, Fresh, 73% Lean, Sold in a 5 lb Roll for $9.95 ea, $1.99/lb
= $19.90

Rice Krispies Value Pack 16 ct, $2.59
- $1.50 Kellogg’s Rice Krispies IP from Kellogg's Family Rewards
- $1 Rice Krispies ibotta earning opportunity
= $0.09! :)

2 Butterball Turkey Lunch Meat 3-Day Sale 33% off
- 2 $0.75/1 Butterball Fried Lunch Meat IP
= $3.32 or $1.66 each! Great price for very yummy lunch meat!

Kellogg's Pop Tarts on close out at $1.97
- $1.50/1 Kellogg's Pop Tarts 8ct from Kellogg's Family Rewards
(There was a $1 iBotta offer but I already used mine, there is a $1 off mini crisps offer as well and they were on close out also but the KFR coupon doesn't apply.)
= $0.47

2 Quaker Pop Chips $1.49
- 2 $0.50/1 Quaker Pop Chips IP (doubled)
= $0.98 or $0.49 each

Healthy Life Bread 10/$10
- $0.35/1 Healthy Product 9/30 RP (doubled)
= $0.30

4 Diet Coke 6pk 32oz bottles 3-Day Sale at $1.98
= $7.92

4 Coke 6pk 32oz bottles 3-Day Sale at $1.98
= $7.92

SubTotal = $56.32
Total Saved = $89.73 (I included iBotta and SavingStar.)
Total OOP = $47.09 (We paid in gift cards so technically it was FREE to us & minus ALL Savings)
Total Percentage Saved = 66%

We also saved 78% at Khol's on 12/29 for new boots for me and a shirt/tie set for the Hubby but used gift cards there too! ;D

Hello everyone! Thank you for hopping by each and every week.
We had nearly 140 bloggers hop by.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.



This week there is no Featured Read.

Please be sure to drop by next week to see if you were featured!

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When I first became a stay-at-home mom, we decided to purchase a 3-month membership to e-meals, and it was the best purchase I made. I love that I was able to provide my family a variety of meals that were healthy for them, while staying in our limited budget. PLUS by letting eMeals make my budget friendly grocery list, I was able to have more time to spend with the ones I love.

eMeals offers over 50 delicious meal plans and corresponding grocery lists every week based on food style preferences, family size and the current sales at selected grocery stores. Dinner menu plans include classic family meals, low-fat, portion control, low-carb, gluten-free, vegetarian, clean eating, paleo, and the natural and organic plan. For more information, please visit www.emeals.com.



This is an affiliate post through US Family Guide, please read my full disclosure policy HERE. Thanks.

 
 

Please add this badge to your post or side bar before linking up.
These are not requirements, just greatly appreciated. :)


<a href="http://mrsdchastain.blogspot.com/search/label/Wordless%20Wednesday"><img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/sweetexuberance/Backgrounds/wordlesswednesday.jpg" width="125" /></a>



Click HERE to view other great Wordless Wednesday posts.

'Twas the day before Christmas
and a blogger was reminiscing,
Of Christmas pasts with family
And the traditions they held so dear.

Okay that was a terrible poem but it's my segue into
a post sharing our Christmas traditions.

First and foremost,
our most important tradition is decorating the tree.
Each year we watch Elf as we do it, this started when we moved into
our house. Sometimes we also watch Love Actually too.
Probably no longer Love Actually now that we have,
Sweet Pea though...



Each year we use to eat at the Varsity on Christmas Eve,
2009 it moved to Waffle House,
2010 we stopped this tradition completely because
SweetPea was 16 days old plus there were threats of
snow in GA which always means everything shuts down.
But I am hoping to start it again soon.


Peace up, A-town.

Each year we go over to my in-laws read 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
on Christmas Eve. We missed it one year and Hubby was very upset.

For the past three years we have been going
to the Town Square to see Santa Clause.
It's always the same guy and he is the nicest Santa helper,
he so good with the children and so patient.



After eating at the Varsity, we use to go to the Town Square and take pictures.
Now we take pictures when we go see Santa but I would like to try and bring
this tradition back as well.



This tradition started last year that I decided to continue is,
making her hand print into a snowman ornament.



New Christmas activity we started this year, also, that I am hoping to continue -
Going to the Christmas parade in our town square.
SweetPea had so much fun and his family use to go every year when he was younger.



As well as going over to the in-laws to read,
we usually open a Christmas present on Christmas Eve.
And it's usually pajamas. :)

Most of these traditions are based on my husband's family traditions. I never grew up with any that I remember. I remember the idea of traditions were there but nothing moved from year to year. My parents got divorced when I was five. So I only ever remember a Christmas divided. I remember running around every year and never getting time to enjoy the day. I woke up at my mom's and then we went to my Granny's house and then my dad would come get us and Santa always came to his house too. Then he would take us over to my Papa and Granny's house. And then the day was over. It always felt that Christmas was over in the blink of an eye.

This is the first year (besides the year she was born) that we can't go up there.
And it is bittersweet. But we have to do what is best for our family.

Traditions change because they have to. Families grow. If you don't change or alter your traditions, you are just going to leave someone out or exclude someone. If you don't want to change, that's fine but be aware that others may have to because they want the best for their family. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Christmas is a time when you celebrate Jesus' birth. The presents, food, parties - all that doesn't matter. Spending time with everyone you love is what matters.

So, if anyone is still online, what are some of your family traditions?
Have a post? I would love if you shared it in your comment. :)

Our tradition of reading 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, was mentioned on Circle of Moms! You can view it HERE.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Do you have plans to get together with family today?
I do. We are heading out to my
Father-in-Law's side of the family,
where we'll do a white elephant exchange and have
wrapping paper ball fights. Lots of fun. :)

I just wanted to do this quick blog post because, honestly?
I am just so excited. It really warms my heart.

A while back, I posted this photo of my
daughter on my Instagram
and then I was asked if it could be
featured on planetearthbeauty's page.
{View my original photo on Instagram}





A few weeks ago my daughter's photo was featured in
A Night Owl's
Weekend Hashtag Project
and the prompt was cozy. ;)
{View my original photo on Instagram}






Then YESTERDAY my daughter's picture was featured on
Tutus By Gayle's Facebook page.
She is the one who made the
adorable outfit my daughter is wearing.
And when I saw her profile picture,
it just made me smile.
So I decided to share and brag a little bit. :)


She was saying cheese in this picture and
honestly didn't want to bother with pictures. LOL

Follow @mrsdchastain

Okay done being a braggy parent but I'm proud of my sweet pea.

Have a great day! Happy Holidays! :)

Has anyone seen this meme?



My thing about the Mayan calendar is, what if they just ran it of room
and thought, well we will be around to update it later.
They were the most powerful at the time.
I kid.

But I see all these people quoting bible scripture.
No man knows and time is not relevant,
Let's remember that.

Okay, so here are the HOT deals I grabbed at Publix and Kroger.
A few things to note:
Some coupons may or may not be available anymore,
I calculate my savings after submitting any iBotta offers, after received SavingStar discounts,
and any mail-in-rebates. Because those ARE savings.
To read my review on SavingStar & iBotta, click HERE. :)

My Kroger only accept TWO of the same printable coupon & 5 of others.
My Publix accepts Target, Ingles, & Kroger as competitors,
doubles coupons, and does half price BOGO.

Okay so let's get started, this week was a GREAT week!

Publix:
You can grab these deals for yourself until Wednesday. :)

2 Fresh Express Salad Blends, 5 to 12 oz, BOGO $3.99
- No Coupon Used
= $3.99 or $2 each

3 Smart Balance Milk, Half Gallon $2.50
- 3 $1/1 Smart Balance Milk Publix Coupon All The Trimmings Booklet
- 3 $1.50/1 Smart Balance Enhanced Milks SS 11/18/12
= FREE

2 Kraft Fresh Takes $2.99
- 2 $1/1 KRAFT FRESH TAKE Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix IP
- $3/2 Kraft Fresh Take Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix 6 oz Publix Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer “Happy Holidays” In-Ad Publix Coupon
= $0.99 or $0.49 each!

6 Whiskas Temptations Treats For Cats, 2.47-3.1oz, BOGO @ $1.65
4 $0.50/1 Temptations Treats For Cats RP 12/02/12
2 $0.50/1 Temptations Treats for Cats printable
2 $1.00/1 Whiskas Temptation Treats Publix coupon printable
2 $0.75/2 Temptations Treats Target printable
= $6.05 Money Maker! ;)

4 Knorr Pasta Sides, 3.8-6.4oz, BOGO @ $1.29
2 $0.50/2 Knorr Rice and Pasta Sides printable
2 $1/2 Knorr® Sides or Knorr® Homestyle Stock products Publix coupon Best Meals Happen at Home email
= $1.42 Money Maker! ;)

2 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing, 30oz, BOGO @ $4.63
- 2 $0.75/1 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing Publix coupon Savings Are Stocking Up Mailer - Publix will apply one Publix coupon as many times as you need. So although I only had one, they applied it twice.
- 2 $2/1 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing printable
= $0.87 Money Maker! ;)

2 Breakstone's Sour Cream, 16oz, BOGO @ $2.59
- 2 $1/1 Breakstone's or Knudsen Sour Cream printable - NLA?
= $0.59 or $0.30 each!

2 Bertolli Pasta Sauce, 15-24oz, BOGO @ $2.79
- 2 $1/1 Bertolli Pasta Sauce printable from the Best Meals Happen at home E-mail
= $0.80 or $0.40 each!

8 Kraft Salad Dressing or Sizzling Salads Kits, 12-16oz, BOGO @ $2.85
- 4 $1/2 Kraft Salad Dressing SS 12/09/12
- 4 $1/2 Kraft Dressing Publix coupon Savings Are Stocking Up Mailer
= $3.40 or $0.43 each!

4 Lindsay Olives, 6oz, BOGO @ $1.99***
- 2 $1/1 Lindsay olives printable - I tried to build a direct link, let me know if it works, please. :)
- 2 $1/1 Lindsay olives Facebook IP
= FREE

2 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, 14-17.9oz, BOGO @ $2.79
- 2 $0.50/1 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix printable
= $0.79 or $0.40 each!

2 Sabra Hummus, 10oz or 4pk, 2oz Cups, BOGO @ $3.99
- 2 $1/1 Sabra Product Publix Booklet All The Trimmings MFG coupon
= $1.99 or $0.99 each

5 Kraft Shredded Cheese, BOGO @ $3.99
- No Coupons Used
= $9.98 or $1.99 each

Keebler Club Crackers BOGO @ $3.65
- $1.50/1 from Kellogg's Family Rewards
= $0.33!

Bananas $0.69/lb
1.85 lb
= $1.28

2 Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread BOGO @ $2.89
- No Coupons Used
= $2.89

Subtotal Spent = $14.15
Taxes = $2.10
Used $10 gift card from Target coupon promo
Total OOP Spent = $6.25
Total Saved = $131.52
Percentage Saved = 95% Savings! :D






Items I asterisked, I am using in last minute Holiday gift baskets. These are baskets I make each year to have around for when last minute events arise or someone you didn't expect gives you a gift. ;)

Hello everyone! Thank you for hopping by each and every week.
With 135 Hoppers last week, Thumping Thursdays was the place to be!
If you are new here, I would just like to say Welcome!
First thing on the Agenda is to announce this week's Featured Read.....

Life In The Simple Lane

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guarantee follow by host and co-hosts,
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a $5 off any ad space code at Nanny2Mommy,
and FREE advertisement in the Thumping Thursdays Blog Hop post (as seen above)
PLUS added mention in the Thumping Thursdays weekly reminder newsletter.

As a reminder, if you would like to be a Featured Read
just make sure to follow the rules. ;)

Ensure that you get notified!
Please add
diana.n.chastain[at]gmail[dot]com
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Looking to be a co-host?
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Co-Hosts:
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Please leave a comment if you are a new follower
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2.
Add
the badge somewhere on your blog.

3.
Link
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No Giveaways or Specific Posts, please.
Our hop is open from Thursdays at 12:01am to Wednesday at 11:59pm.
So you can share and link up all week long!

4.
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The other cool thing, our hop can be added to your site as well.
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Have Fun!

Happy Hopping! :)

I was beyond honored when I was offered the opportunity to review the
Mini Micro Scooter from Kickboard USA.



"The Mini Micro Kickboard is the quality 3-wheel kick scooter with an award-winning Swiss design. Ideal for children ages 3-5, the Mini Micros's 3 wheels, low-to-the-ground deck, and gentle lean-and-steer handle bar all contribute to the stability that makes the Mini perfect for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. The lean-and-steer design is what makes the mini unique and fun. Using their body weight to curve right and left, kids intuitively learn to 'surf the sidewalk', developing balance, coordination and motor skills. The deck of the Mini is large enough for two little feet, so kids can easily switch from pushing with one foot, to just enjoying the glide. Kids love the foot brake positioned at the back of the deck."

The scooter is easy to assemble,



Comes with really cute and easy to read safety instructions,



AND can grow with the needs of your child!



It is light weight and easy to carry around, which is nice since
SweetPea insists her new 'ooter' comes everywhere with us.

In no time Sweet Pea was able to push the scooter with her foot then
Mommy and Daddy would take turns pushing her while she stood with both feet
and held on.

My niece has a scooter that just doesn't compare to the durability and easy maneuvering of Kickboard USA's Mini Micro Scooter. She complains that it isn't fun because all though it has three wheels, it does not have the balance that the Mini Micro does.

SweetPea loves the vibrant color and the soft, comfy handles.

SweetPea enjoying her Mini Scooter




Disclosure: I received a free product from Kickboard USA in order to provide this review, all opinions are my own.