Dog tags and my single brother...

WHEW!!! The last five days of my life have been OUT OF CONTROL. Sorry for my lack of blogging- as most of you know from Facebook, my beloved Marley went missing on Saturday so when I finally got the opportunity to blog, I couldn't leave to couch to stop sulking. Here was my run-down of my life lately:

On Thursday nothing too special happened (unless you count spit up and rocking exciting) until around 10:00pm I got a huge urge to bake some cupcakes after watching Cupcake Wars (I need to enroll in a 12-step program for that show, it's sick). I have never been one to follow the rules and recipes are no exception! I made the most AMAZING cinnamon apple butter cupcakes with homemade icing... 

I sauteed apple, cinnamon and butter and added it to a box of French Vanilla cake box mix. For frosting I threw cream cheese, whip cream, butter and powered sugar into a bowl....deeeeeelish. Needless to say I wanted to puke after I was finished (and have yet to eat a cupcake) because I kept eating the batter and icing. Sprinkled cinnamon on top and they were all the rage!

Saturday I woke up not knowing how life changing the day would be. Travis had a wedding to shoot in the evening so around 3 pm he was loading his car up with camera gear and I was getting ready to go see my Baja. We left around the same time, 4 pm. I knew SOMETHING seemed off when I left...I thought that maybe I left the dogs outside but was comforted when I saw my dog Lucy sitting on the couch (SHE is  the escape artist) and I figured my dog Marley, being the loner that he is, was probably in his doggy bed in the bedroom. I arrived back home around 7:30 and automatically (again) knew something was wrong. Lucy usually awaits our arrival on the couch but she was crying and licking our entry window and freaking out once I got inside. My heart sank because Marley ALWAYS greets me at the door. "No biggy" I thought, he is probably locked in a room somewhere...minutes later I was absolutely hysterical calling Travis and my mom. He must have gotten out when we were loading our cars HOURS ago! I wanted to go searching for him but after calling his name for an hour outside, I had to go take care of Amelia. Around 9 o'clock my good friend Bekah came over to watch Amelia while I went to hang posters with my mom (what amazing human beings both those ladies are!). Right when I was pulling the car in, Travis arrived home and started freaking out when I told him what was going on because his phone was off, he was oblivious as to all the action he had been missing. That night we hung posters all over the neighborhood, went door to door and also drove around for a good hour looking for him. We had to go to sleep knowing he didn't have his collar and he also isn't chipped. My heart was broken...I never EVER thought I could feel this much pain for a "pet." I got Marley when I became a "big girl" and moved out on my own after high school, he was only a few weeks old...he was the first man in my life :( 

Sunday morning, despite it being Travis' first Fathers Day, we woke up at 7 am ready to look for Marley in actual daylight. I was so impressed by Travis...he was NOT going to give up. We again went door to door, calling his name and hanging more posters up. We called tons of shelters, animal control, and vets but nobody had Marley. We finally caved and paid $300.00 to the website www.findtoto.com. They call all of your (2500!!) neighbors looking for information on the dog and they have an 80% success rate even after weeks of a missing pet. We tried to be optimistic but had come to the realization that we were most likely never going to get our Marley back...after all, he is the sweetest loving lapdog and EVERYONE loves Marley. We had to start getting ready because we had major plans that evening...

To make a long story short, my moms very best friend Tammy Miranda is dying from a very rare liver disease and the last few months my amazing mother has spent every waking hour organizing a benefit to raise money for Tammy's much needed liver transplant. The benefit was held yesterday with the headliner being the band BOSTON preforming! They had silent auctions, food, games and it was a TON of fun and I am SO proud of my mom putting everything together (with help of course!). For more info on her story, how to donate and spread donor awareness go to www.teamtammymiranda.com. After an amazingly fun night (thanks to toooo many Texas Sweat Teas) we went to bed AGAIN without a Marley by our side...

This morning I woke up feeling hopeless and could no longer be depressed. I had to put it in God's hands and just pray that whoever had him would take good care of him. My cousin Casey came over to cheer me up and that she did...she is hilarious to say the least. She is wise beyond her years and too trendy to really be hanging out with me...She is ALWAYS down for a photo shoot...I took these between 2005-2009... 

                                       

 of course I whip out the camera during Amelias nap time and snap some photos :)

mid after noon my brother came by for some additional cheering up. HE IS OBSESSED with Amelia, and the feeling is mutual...she just stares at him with the biggest smile on her face! I could watch them two play all day! He even has some songs he makes up while she is getting her diaper changed...so presh!

(NOTE: This attractive young man is SINGLE, sweet as pie, amazing with kids and needs girlfriend!!! Any ideas? Nuno, don't kill me!)

Around 4:30 I got the most AMAZING news!!! MARLEY WAS FOUND!! Just when I had lost my faith and hope, there was God to prove to me that he is always near! WOW!! Tomorrow I am going to get both my dogs microchipped, new tags....and a haircut! THANK YOU THANK YOU to all who were thinking and praying for our sweet boy! He was in great hands and the girl that found him was awesome!! 

This post was way too long but....had to share :)

(ANOTHER NOTE: I am not joking about my brother, lets hook him UP! He claims he won't get on a dating website until at least 28 years of age...he is only 24 :/ )

Egg lovers rejoice!

Today was looooooooooooong. Amelia is teething making her naps so short and her patience so little :( My heart hurts when she has days like this.

 With that being said, once she does finally hit the hay I love to whip out my oven mitts and hit the kitchen. I LOVE cooking, and has become a new found passion since I got married! When I have days like this it really "takes the edge off" and baking even more so...

And finally! A recipe I made worth blogging about :) I just made the most slamming breakfast...for dinner!



I'm the type of gal that likes breakfast any time of the day and love when I find a restaurant that serves breakfast around the clock. If you are a breakfast lover (or looking for a way to use your stale bread), you have got to try this recipe! Not only is this an easy and delicious but it would make for a great dish if you are having brunch. I only made four because my husband is picky and I knew he would not be interested...he can only take egg in small doses.

I introduce to you my new favorite breakfast: Toasted Egg Cups

Ingredients:
- bread (I used whole wheat)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- eggs
- ham (or anything else you want to put in there!)
-salt and pepper to taste

You will also need:
- Rolling pin (or cup)
-Standard cupcake pan

Directions (SO simple!):
****Set your oven to 350º****spray your pan with non-stick cooking spray****
1) Cut the crusts off your bread. (for every slice you make, you will need one egg). Roll them out one by one until they are flattened. Glaze slice on ONE SIDE with butter. Put the slice in cupcake dish and mold to "bowl".

2) Next is how you get creative...the recipe I found called for bacon...this mama hates bacon. I cut up some ham- but the possibilities are endless...you can use whatever your little heart would put in an omlet.  I lined the bread bowl with ham.
3) Crack one egg over your ingredients.
4) Sprinkle salt/pepper to taste and a few of the ingredients that you used to line your bread bowl on top.

    
THATS IT!! Pop that baby in the oven :D I baked mine for 22 minutes and they were perfect! They were so good that Travis even ate one...I was impressed! They turned out so cute and I can't wait to cook them for a breakfast or brunch for my family....Hope you enjoy them :)

Back to poo...

Alrighty folks....I couldn't go long without my poo...back to shampoo and conditioner I go.

I REALLY wanted to stick it out for at least 7 days (hey! I made it 4), and was even contemplating lying and pretending I in fact completed my 7 day challenge (ain't nothin' wrong with a little white lie...). Before you try it for yourself read the pro's and con's below...

Pros:
-My hair in deed felt healthier after I washed it, it truly felt clean. I don't use any hair products so I don't have "build up" but was surprised that my scalp felt so rejuvenated.
- I had virtually zero tangles. VERY surprising.
- The vinegar smell did NOT last. The second I rinsed it out I was vinegar free which is what I was most worried about.
-My shower was much quicker (which is also a con..mama likes her showers)...saved water?
-When I styled my hair the following day, it was really shiny :)

This picture doesn't do it justice, but my hair was pretty shiny after I styled it the following day!

Cons:
- I did not like not having any substance in my hands. You are basically just pouring cold water-like liquid in your palms and I wasn't even sure if it made it to my scalp! I missed the lather in my hair..
-Although my hair felt clean, it didn't feel soft like after you use conditioner
-By day three my scalp felt so dry and I noticed some flakes!

Alright, so the pro's weigh out the con's but I couldn't deal with the dry scalp. Not going to lie, I am a flakey gal...always have been (she gets it from her mamaaa). They said to tweak the recipe if you have a dry/oily scalp but by day four I wasn't interested...I WANTED MY SHAMPOO BACK!! My scalp is still itching but I will admit that my hair was very shiny after I styled....I am going to toss the baking soda mixture and hold onto the vinegar to put on my ends after my regular hair routine!

If you tried it and loved it...I'm jealous of the money you will be saving! I wanted to give baking soda a chance, and my Baja (get use to the name, its my amazing grandma!) is always telling me the uses for it...below read how the yellow box has more uses than just shampoo! (Got these off Yahoo)

Personal Care

1. Make toothpaste
A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. (Or here’s a formula for a minty version.) You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.

2. Freshen your mouth
Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit, and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.

3. Soak oral appliance
Soak oral appliances (like retainers, mouthpieces, and dentures) in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.

4. Use as a facial scrub and body exfoliant
Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use. 

5. Skip harsh deodorantPat baking soda onto your underarms to neutralize body odor.

6. Use as an antacid
Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.

7. Treat insect bites and itchy skin
For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower. 

8. Make a hand cleanser and softener
Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or 3 parts baking soda with gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean. 

9. Help your hair
Vinegar is amazing for your hair, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly — baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.

10. Clean brushes and combs
For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

11. Make a bath soak
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. It also makes your skin feel very soft. Or just focus on soothing your feet. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub. 

Cleaning 

12. Make a surface soft scrub
For safe, effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile, and sinks — even fiberglass and glossy tiles — sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with baking soda, coarse salt, and liquid dish soap — let it sit then scour off.

13. Hand-wash dishes and pots and pans
Add 2 heaping tablespoons baking soda (along with your regular dish detergent) to the dish water to help cut grease and foods left on dishes, pots, and pans. For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the baking soda and detergent with water first, then use dry baking soda on a clean damp sponge or cloth as a scratch-less scouring powder. 

14. Freshen sponges
Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of the mess (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water). For more thorough disinfecting, use the microwave.

15. Clean the microwave
Baking soda on a clean damp sponge cleans gently inside and outside the microwave and never leaves a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.

16. Polish silver flatware
Use a baking soda paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces.

17. Clean coffee and tea pots
Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.

18. Clean the oven
Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning, scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.

19. Clean floors
Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no-wax and tile floors using 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water — mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse. 

20. Clean furniture
Clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

21. Clean shower curtains
Clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by sprinkling baking soda directly on a clean damp sponge or brush. Scrub the shower curtain and rinse clean. Hang it up to dry.

22. Boost your liquid laundry detergent
Give your laundry a boost by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher, and brighter. Or you can add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels or to neutralize gym clothes and odoriferous clothing.

23. Clean and freshen sports gear
Use a baking soda solution (4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water) to clean and deodorize smelly sports equipment. Sprinkle baking soda into golf bags and gym bags to deodorize and clean golf irons (without scratching them!) with a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and a brush. Rinse thoroughly.

24. Remove oil and grease stains
Use baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.

25. Clean batteries
Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc., because its a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and reconnecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery — they contain a strong acid.

26. Clean cars
Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats, and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush. Eliminate odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.

Deodorizing 

27. Deodorize your refrigerator
Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.

28. Deodorize trashcans and recyclables
Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay. Clean your recyclables container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Wipe clean and rinse. Also, sprinkle baking soda on top as you add recyclables to the bin.

29. Deodorize drains and garbage disposals
To deodorize your sink and tub drains and garbage disposal and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water — it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.) 

30. Deodorize and clean dishwashers
Use baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.

31. Deodorize lunch boxes
Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone’s lunch box to absorb lingering odors.

32. Remove odor from carpets
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.) An added bonus: You'll also deodorize your vacuum cleaner. 

33. Freshen closets
Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh. 

34. Deodorize pet items
Cover the bottom of your cat box with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. Eliminate odors from your pet's bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.

35. Deodorize sneakers
Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing.

36. Freshen stuffed animals
Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.

Miscellaneous

37. Cure all camping needs
Baking soda is a must-have for your next camping trip. It's a dish-washer, pot-scrubber, hand-cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, and fire extinguisher, and has many other uses.

38. Extinguish fires
Baking soda can help in the initial handling of minor grease or electrical kitchen fires, because when baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps to smother the flames. For small cooking fires (frying pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the flame to help put out the fire — and call the fire department just to be safe. 

39. Care for the septic system
Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. One cup of baking soda per week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.

40. Scrub fruits and vegetables

Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse

Me and my main squeeze after our date night :)

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Guiltless Date Nights?

Meet my pride and joy:

Amelia Grae Tank

My four month old butterbean :) my everything!

With that being said, I heard a GREAT quote the other day from a friend about motherhood. 

"Children should be a top priority but not your ONLY priority." This made me feel so much better about how I truly feel -emotions I wouldn't post on my facebook status for every Tom, Dick and Harry to see. Although Amelia is my world, I refuse to let "mommy" be my only role. I don't want to be "type-casted" in my own life. 

The ONE time I posted that she was staying over night at her grandparents house so many people felt the need to voice their opinions..."Oh, my son is almost two and I haven't been away from him over night"..."Really? How do you do it! I could never leave my daughter that long!" Really people? HOW LUCKY we are that both sets of grandparents (and greatgrand baja!) all live in Austin, and many would be thrilled to be in our situation of NEVER having to find a babysitter. 

Travis and I decided when I was pregnant that we would refuse to forget that we are a young, married, happily in love couple and we will enjoy our date nights! 

Since I am a stay at home mom and hardly ever leave my nest, Friday night has now become the one day a week I look forward to. I get to remember what its like to roll the windows down, listen to loud music, and HEY I might even have a few glasses of wine and enjoy it. Shoot me. This is not to say that I do not miss her like crazy while I am away but I miss being alone with my husband just as much. 

I know there has to be other young mommies that I stalk on facebook that feel the same way and I have never been scared to voice my opinion. I always wanted to respond to the "haters" by saying "Do you really think never leaving her side is doing her a favor? NO. You will wind up with the child that screams like a wild banshee every time they are handed to someone else or in an unfamiliar environment. "

To prove my case, last weekend Amelia and I took our first road trip! Louisiana bound....an 8 hour drive. I was dreading how she would behave. Amelia cried ONE time. One time the entire trip between Friday morning to Sunday evening. She was handed to multiple family members and everyone kept telling me "wow, you have such a good baby!" Damn straight...

Now that I have justified my Friday night plans away from my angel, I am off to play my other favorite roll... my husbands girlfriend :)

Going Poo-less!

Thats...shampooless.

Since I have been wanting to blog FOR AGES...( I literally wanted my own advice column at age 7, ha!) I wanted my first blog to be something interesting. SO...after completely failing at a craft, I decided to dedicate the next 7 days on a new shampoo/conditioner routine.

Have any of you (mom..baja? ha, the only two I suspect will actually read this) seen the commercial for WEN hair care? Its basically a shampoo/conditioner that is sulfate free. I was totally interested but NOT going to spend that kind of money on a hair product. I recently came across a blogger that posted a recipe for a homemade conditioner and shampoo and swears it works wonders. After doing a little research, I found that this is not only something that people used waaaaay back when (decades and decades ago) but also highly recommended by many stylists. It seems too easy to be true, but I am ready!

Step 1:
Empty out your shampoo and conditioner bottles. I actually did this to commit, no turning back...I also put the mixtures back in the bottles after a good rinse.

 Step 2: Shampoo mixture: (ready??)
-Baking Soda.
- Water.

THAT'S IT. For every cup of water, use 1 tbs. of baking soda. Baking soda is the weakest alkaline and will clear your scalp of build up.

Step 3: Conditioner mixture: (even more scary...)
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water

This whole thing seems backwards to me! The vinegar should balance out the pH, detangle and seal the split ends. This also calls for 1 tbs. per ever cup of water used.

That's it folks! Going to go shower...and crossing my fingers my husband will sleep next to me after I reek of vinegar....however, I am going to let him find out on his own that there is no longer shampoo in that bottle ;)