Postscript to a Wordless Wednesday

ell, I've demonstrated my lack of scientific knowledge. What I thought was a strange looking metamorphic caterpillar was simply a parasite-infected Tomato Hornworm! The only cocoons are those of the parasitic wasp eggs. What an interesting biology lesson -- thanks, Sarah!

Wordless Wednesday - WWII Bomber

We got to see these restored WWII Bombers several weeks ago!

Thoughts on an Early Morning Grocery Run

I try to be organized in my grocery shopping, but about a fourth of the time, it's still a failure. Yesterday morning, pretty much upon waking, I headed to the store to buy milk! I must admit that 8am on a Saturday morning is an excellent time for shopping -- the traffic flow was extremely smooth, the availability of parking spots could not have been better, the aisle traffic inside the store was almost nonexistent, and the check-out experience was just as it normally is, even though there was only one lane open.

Since I was rushing to buy milk and get that home in time for breakfast, I was a bit disappointed that I hadn't gotten my coupons and match-ups done. But after checking the "close-to-expiration" produce rack, my hopes were slowly lifted; with my "steals" on apples for applesauce and catfish & salmon for dinner, I was feeling better about my lack of planning! But the highlight was getting back to the dairy section, to find that my milk was on sale -- and it included the chocolate milk, and the chocolate milk was now free of HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP! We actually stopped buying chocolate milk because I feel it's unnecessary to have high fructose corn syrup in chocolate milk, but not I don't feel as guilty indulging!

On further investigation, I find that Reiter Dairy also produces organic milk through their division of Horizon Organic, another brand I really like! I'm just excited to find companies who desire similar things as I do, without coming across as simply profit-focused. But I suppose a company who is in-tune with its consumers will enjoy their profits.

Photo Credit: Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Friday Follow and Low Entry Linky!

Here's a list a few low entry giveaways (less than 100 entries) which end in the next 2 weeks. And link up contests in the blogsphere that have less than 100 entries, ending in the next 2 weeks! Happy Winning and Happy Friday!

Wordless Wednesday -- and he became a beautiful butterfly!

Paper Coterie -- $40 Gift Codes!

I really like anything that can be personalized, and Paper Coterie provides just that! They have personalized growth charts, as well as various calendars and photo books. You'll also personalized invitations and recipe cards.

I love this photo book, and though it'll take a bit of time to really personalize it, the finished product will educational as we learn our alphabet but also be fun to look at for years to come. I really appreciate the versatility in picking what each letter represents; I can easily use uploaded pictures or mix and match with the stock photos available. The book is also printed on premium 50% recycled fiber paper.

Want to try it out?!? August is the official "Begin Anywhere" month, and Paper Coterie is offering $40 to spend on orders placed through the month of August! Just leave a comment and email, and I'll get the info to you!

For those who need more time, a giveaway will be coming!


****This is not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to Paper Coterie who supplied the products for the review and giveaway!****

10 Years Ago

Last month, I got to reconnect with friends whom I met about 10 years ago. I think the were one of my first post-college friendships. But for the past 6 years, they've been overseas, and during that time, I've only been able to spend one evening with them. And yesterday was another afternoon to get caught up again.

As we talked about how life has changed, I couldn't help by think back to the person I was when we first met.

Ten years ago, I had finished my college degree and was beginning my career. I thought I had my life mostly under control! A single girl, making her way into the big world, with her diploma, car, and friends -- everything I thought I'd need.

And today, I still have my diploma, though my career's taken a bit of a detour! My car . . . she's seen much better days. As for friendships, some from 10 years ago have deepened into family, and I've made more friends than I even thought possible! And I now have a family . . . and I know my life is not quite close to being fully under control, but life is good!


And thinking about the past 10 years, ShopAtHome is giving away $1,000 in Gift Cards for their 10th anniversary. I try to remember to click through ShopaAtHome before getting any online purchases to get my cash back; check it out if you've never heard of it! Click here for more info!


Photo Credit: Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Wordless Wednesday - In Training

ImagineToys.com Review

ImagineToys.com carries a wide variety of interactive and stimulating play with great prices. They pride themselves on providing the best selection of imaginative and educational products, mom-tested and approved. Service is top-notch, and they have a special Price Matching Policy.

Knowing I had a toddler, I was sent the Corolle Babipouce Grenadine Doll and the Nursery Mealtime Set. The Babipouce Grenadine doll is soft and plush (and machine-washable). Her pursed mouth is designed for thumb-sucking and bottle feeding! She really is a great doll for little ones to love on.
The mealtime set includes a bib, feeding dish (with filled with oatmeal), spoon, baby food jar (which opens), bottle, bottle warmer (which dings when you push the button), and a pink carrying case. I love the small additions like the food in the dish and the bell of the warmer, just to bring more to their imaginative play!

"Mmmm," in a little baby voice. "All done!"
My little girl loves playing mommy and feeding her doll! I know you'll find great products at ImagineToys.com -- currently ImagineToys.com is having a sale on skill-building games, so you'll want to check and see what catches your eye!

****This is not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to ImagineToys.com who supplied the products for the review!****