The "Mommy Sweats"..............

I may or may not be the only one that experiences this thing, but I feel I have to share my pain, struggle, and SWEAT!

Back in the early stages of my breastfeeding days, I would hear a baby cry while I was out and immediately start to leak. Especially, when it was Madeleine. "Oh hello there, Milk," all over my shirt <insert eye roll>. I still remember the first time it happened. It was my first outing by myself without Madeleine. I was in Target (BIG surprise), when I heard this baby crying two aisles over. I immediately tensed up, and then felt a tingling sensation (the let down). Poof! My dress was wet. Seriously! Mothers are so disgusting. HAHA

After that phase was over you would think that would be the end of liquids pouring and oozing out of mothers' bodies. NOPE! I have now come to know what I call, the "Mommy Sweats." I have found that these "sweats" usually start to occur around the time your child is a toddler. They happen in public, and always when you do not want to them to start. The "sweats" have a mind of their own and can really ruin a whole day or night. And forget about regulating your body heat after one has taken over your body. I will try to run through a couple scenarios with you, and you let me know if I'm the only one that this happens to.

Scenario #1:
You and your toddler are in car, on your way back home from San Diego (an hour away from home, on a good day!). You suddenly hit some traffic on I-5N, your toddler is in the back screaming because she has been in the car for close to two hours. You quickly check the bag for snacks and realize you ran out. Suddenly, you feel a bead of sweat on your upper lip. Why am I sweating?!?! The A/C is on. You start to sing songs and she screams louder. You then realize you have sweat on your forehead. You quickly stick your face in front of the air vent to try to cool down, but that only lasts for a few seconds because your toddler is crying her eyes out and you are a good 30 minutes away from home. When you finally arrive home and get out of the car it looks like you have run a marathon. You then immediately hand your child a snack, and stand in front of the freezer and fridge with the doors wide open!

Scenario #2:
You take your child to a music class, because you have to keep her mind stimulated, right?!?! The class is going great! She is banging on her drum and symbols, and she is loving it. Then, the teacher announces that it's dance time and we are all going to dance around the room in a circle. You stand up and your gremlin FREAKS OUT!!! You can feel the heat under your arm pits, and you are already sweating on the forehead. LORD JESUS FIX IT!!! The teacher tries to help which only makes your gremlin freak out more, and then you suddenly have sweat at your lower back. You are counting the minutes until you can stand in front of your freezer

Scenario #3:
You and your husband have decided to go out to eat, with the child (stupid parents!). You think that you are being smart parents by going to an early dinner for fear of a toddler meltdown. You arrive at the restaurant and quickly realize that all the booths are taken. You start to slightly get a little warm, because you know your gremlin hates to stay seated in restaurant highchairs and the chairs are too big for her. FUCK!!! She willingly sits in the highchair because the hostess gives her crayons. This may actually be enjoyable (stupid parents!). Everything is going great until it takes FOREVER to get your food, and your toddler doesn't understand the word patience. She then begins to start banging her spoon on the table, so you take it away. She screams and you begin to sweat. You try to control your sweating by trying not to think about the fact that you're sweating. Still no food! Your toddler's patience is running thin, and she starts to wiggle in her chair. Nooooooo!!! She then wants to be held by mommy, and only mommy. The food arrives. You try to put her back in the chair, and it is like you have murdered all of her favorite toys. You start to sweat all over your body! You can feel the sweat on the back of your thighs, and start to feel your legs stick to the chair. You down a glass of water thinking that will help. NOPE! You finally give in and eat with her on your lap. What does that mean? Extra body heat!! As you try to cool yourself, and your toddler down you glare across the table at your husband, as he downs his meal in peace. After you have attempted to eat, you quickly wave down the server, and ask for the check. Once you have gathered your dignity a little (because all the other guests have glared at your child, you, and your horrible parenting skills), you get up from your seat and quickly realize your chair is wet, from SWEAT! I'm coming for your freezer!!!!


I have no idea if this happens to any other mommies or if I'm just a big ole sweaty mess! :)

The BIG 2...........

Someone over here had a big birthday this past weekend! (It wasn't me, because I have decided that I'm no longer getting older, and my new age is "early 30-ish").

Madeleine officially turned two yesterday. Holy crap, when did she grow up?!?! I know every parent says this, but I feel like we just brought her home from the hospital, and at the same time I feel like that is such a distant memory. I'll save all the mushy stuff for her birthday letter. Do you guys do that? I got the great idea from heatherbakes. I remember reading her birthday posts to her son, Jack, and balling my eyes out! And, I had no thoughts of kids at that time, so now when I write my own birthday letters to the gremlin, I literally just cry for 30 minutes before actually writing one word! Thanks, Heather! :)

Well, enough about feelings ;) Madeleine had a pretty good weekend celebration. We took her to the San Diego Zoo, and I always have mixed feelings about zoos. On one hand you have the sadness aspect because some of these animals look depressed. But, then you could look at it as a way to expose yourself and your kids to animals that they might never see before. I'm choosing to lean towards the latter (keep your judgements to yourself. Thanks!).

I was a little worried that she was only going to last two hours or so and we wouldn't be able to see much. NOPE! We stayed close to 6 hours at that zoo, and I'm pretty sure we left because we were more exhausted than her. I think our saving grace was packing lunch for everyone and tons of snacks for everyone. That also helped keep our trip a little less expensive. We only had to buy a small pizza and drink for Madeleine, which cost $26! Holy Crap the zoo is expensive! Thank you military discounts! Hahaha

The next day was filled with, presents, and tons of cake and ice cream! As soon as Madeleine saw her cake she said, "HAPPY CAKE!! MEEEEEE!!!" Well, that's about the cutest thing ever! Give her all the cake!  Also, because we live out of state family and friends have been mailing gifts, and she now thinks every package is for her. She was pretty disappointed when a package of make-up came and it wasn't for her. Sorry, chick!

Since Morgan was in the field for her actual birthday, my aunt came down from San Francisco to spend the day with us gals. I had this idea of going shopping and lunching (aka cocktails), but we ended up just staying around San Clemente and relaxed. It was a nice, chill birthday. I'm pretty sure once she learns a little more about these birthdays she will expect something more, but for now it was nice to just take it easy.

Here are a few pictures; I'll post more to my Facebook albums:

 

 

No Napping Madeliene..........

Welp! No napping Madeleine is back, and I really hope she goes away! It seems that our regular, daily naps are becoming more and more sporadic. KILL ME NOW!!! I still try daily to put her down in her crib for a nap, but she usually just spends an hour running or jumping in her crib. Plus, she likes to talk or sing to herself. At least, mommy gets a little quiet time!
 
The only good thing that comes from no naps, are early bedtimes. Hallelujah <raises arms in the air>. I've been trying desperately everyday to make sure that little gremlin is tried out by the end of the day... parks, beach, play group, and running around the house and backyard. This chick does not tire!

Yesterday we went to the Aquarium of the Pacific, in Long Beach (and yes, yes, I was singing and rapping to Snoop Dogg in my car as I was rolling through the hood. And yes, I might have sped through the hood to get out of their faster!). Ok, there are two ways that a toddler, mainly Madeleine, can act in public, 1.) she is calm, cool, listens to me, and overall doesn't embarrass me while I'm out mingling with other civilized human beings. 2.) She completely loses her shit and acts like she has no sense! Complete melt down city! FYI, there is a third scenario, and this usually happens just about every day; 1 & 2 happen! She surprised me most of the time and was on her best behavior! She did lose her shit when she wanted to just ride up and down the elevator. Look chick, I didn't drive 50 minutes and pay $22, so you could ride an elevator! You better look at the sea creatures!! 

I thought for sure she would nap in the car on the ride home. NOPE. She sang her little heart out to Kings of Leon and fell asleep 5 minutes before we got home. I tried to do a successful transfer from the car to the crib. HA! NO NAP FOR YOU! (said in the soup nazi's voice).

Well today is one of those rare days where she is napping so I'm going to take advantage of some free time and get some stuff done. And by stuff, I mean Netflix and Pinterest. 

Orlando Pita..........

I mentioned earlier that my friend, Marie, sent some beauty products that her company makes and distributes. One of the products was the Orlando Pita; Full Volume Boosting shampoo and conditioner.

Here is the low down; IT WORKS!!! It definitely gives you the volume factor, and it gives you volume all over your hair, not just at the roots. This is great for people that don't have thick hair and want a little Va Voom action. I also think it works better when it's properly "styled." I rarely blow dry my hair and usually throw it up in a top knot or pony tail (I like to call this the "mommy hair"). I did blow dry and use a round brush (the extent of my hair styling abilities) once, and it looked great! Of course I didn't manage to get a picture :(

The only reason I probably won't be using this product regularly is because, I don't do anything with my hair (lazy mommy), and it already has some thickness to it. I really don't need anymore volume, nut if you have thin hair this might be something worth a try. I am going to give his Argan Gloss shampoo and conditioner a try. I feel this will be better suited to my hair, because it's a little more dry out here in Cali, than TX, and the sun dries out my hair. I figure if the volume products work, than the gloss products should work great!

If you want to try out any of the Orlando Pita hair products you can buy at your local Costco, Costco online (you do not have to be a member) or Beauty's Most Wanted website.

 
The next products I'll be writing about are the Pati Dubroff Star Palettes. Lets just say...... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

*I was not paid by HATCH BEUATY, Beauty's Most Wanted, or anyone else for this review. These are my own opinions :)

Netflix............

Ok people, I was going to get back to you guys last week about some more products that my friend, Marie, sent me, buuuuuuttttt I have been in the middle of a Netflix binge. I started watching Sons of Anarchy a few weeks ago, and I thought for sure I would not be a fan (motorcycles aren't my thaaaang!). Well, I was wrong!!!! I turned into a complete junky for this show.

I caught myself staying up until 3am watching and then watching in the morning before Madeleine woke up. I was putting Madeleine down for naps early when I knew she wasn't ready for one. I even turned down the volume on the baby monitor when I would hear her wake up. I would be in almost tears on the days she didn't nap, because I knew I wouldn't be able to watch (side note: I think it's just down right RUDE for children not to nap!). I would ignore phone calls from friends. DON'T JUDGE ME!

I was on the verge of trading in Morgan's truck for a motorcycle just so he could join a motorcycle club <insert the drama here>. I was yearning for Morgan to call me his "Old Lady," in the endearing way, not "Hey, old lady, you're old!" I almost went on an all black and leather shopping spree. You guys get the idea.......

I binge watched 5 seasons and then got super pissed, because season 6 isn't on Netflix yet. Say what?!?! Netflix, you mean to tell me that I couldn't even catch up on the latest season yet?!?! How is this an acceptable way to live? Who do we have to call to get this rectified? Councilmen, Senators, the Marines, the President? The injustice! I was this close to biting the bullet and paying for them on Amazon, buuuuuuut I was being cheap. But, if season 6 is not out by mid-September, I RIOT!!! Just kidding, I'll pay for them on Amazon ;)

The kicker.... Morgan hasn't seen season 5, so I get to re-watch them with him on the weekends. I win! I will be singing this on the weekends..............

I actually had a point to make on this post. I will be writing part one of my review for the Orlando Pita Volume Boosting Shampoo & Conditioner (I''ll explain why it's a two-part review). I'm hoping to have it up by tomorrow night. I better stay off Netflix! 

23 Months...........

This little beauty is 23 months, which means she will be two next month (getting teary eyed as I type this). Oh my how time has flown by. It feels like yesterday that I was in my last few weeks of pregnancy, and we were getting ready for her arrival. Now, she's almost two, talking up a storm, giving me sass, and entertaining us all day. STOP GROWING!!!!

Last year for her first birthday, we (and by we, I mean, ME) did the whole big birthday party. Family and friends came from out of town, we had tons of cupcakes, food and COCKTAILS! Lets be honest, that was really more my party than her's. Since we are in California this year, we have decided to take her to the San Diego Zoo for her second birthday. I'm sure she will have a blast (at least I'm hoping). We have these great Melissa & Doug blocks that she loves to stack, and she knows all the animals on the blocks, so I think she'll get a kick out of seeing some in person. I think it will be nice to have a low key birthday, because I know as she gets older and realizes what a birthday is, she will expect an actual party ;)

That's all I got for you today peeps. I'm waiting for sleeping beauty to wake up, so I can go running. See ya'll later this week!

Jenna Hipp Nail Polish...........

It has been a little while since I've last updated. I'll fill you guys in real quick...... Music and art class, play group, and tons of time at the beach. That has been our whole summer, so far. Since it's been pretty warm here lately, we have either been at the beach or soaking up free air conditioning at Target or Costco.

Which brings me to my topic today........

Now, I will admit that I am notorious for buying "impulse buys" when I'm at Costco (ie. tupperware, luggage, 12 lbs of greek yogurt dip). Last week we were doing one of our Costco runs and they had the Jenna Hipp Brights mini nail polish 8-piece set on sale for $7.99. Well, who would pass up a deal like that?!?! Not me.... NOPE! I'm the one that just stuck 12 lbs of greek yogurt dip in her basket. Plus, I had been wanting to try out her nail polish for a while.

Let me just say, I LURVE (love) these nail polishes! First, the bright colors are perfect for summer!! Second, they are "quick dry" formulated, and I'm not lying... they dry quick. They dry so quick that I actually painted Madeleine's nails with them, and I wasn't afraid she'd smudge them all over my sofa! The quick dry formula is great for applying that second coat, which was all I needed. Two coats... Hallelujah! I like that the nail polish is so smooth. I'm like Goldie Locks, I like my nail polish not too thick and not too thin. These were just right!

I was a little skeptical after I painted my nails that they were going to chip by the end of the day. I am one of those girls that is super hard on her hands and I always chip or smear my mani. It took me a whole five days to get my first chip and that was only because one of my nails broke. I also didn't use a top coat to finish, so maybe next time I'll try one. My next purchase will be her New Moderns collection, they look like some great neutral colors and would transition well for the fall season. And lets be honest..... I love a good Costco purchase!

Here are a few pictures of my nails, toes and the nail polishes I used:

Left: Ain't Life Grape; Right: I Surf With Boys

Jenna Hipp: Ain't Life Grape

Jenna Hipp: I Surf With Boys

So, it's a small and cool world....... My high school friend, Marie, works for HATCH BEAUTY, which is the company that makes and distributes Jenna Hipp's nail polishes, and they are the company behind the Beauty's Most Wanted products at Costco. How cool is that?!?! When she saw that I posted my new nail polishes she sent me a few more products to play around with and get my opinions about. I'll let you guys know later this week.

*You can purchase at your local Costco, Costco website (you do not have to be a member to purchase online) or Beauty's Most Wanted site.

**Disclaimer: I was not paid by HATCH BEUATY, Beauty's Most Wanted, or anyone else for this review. These are my own opinions :)