A Merry Christmas to All!

Hoping that this finds you well on this Christmas Day- We are enjoying our time in the Southwest but just want to say...

We have some special news to say,
The kind of news that just can't wait

The special kind that makes you smile
The kind that is definitely worth the while

There's two bundles that you'll get to meet,
Two bundles of joy who will be just as sweet

We have some special news to say,
There are TWO babies on it's way!

Yes you read right- WE ARE HAVING TWINS!  The official due date is July 2nd but we are told that may arrive in June.

I love mini golf but glow golf make is it even BETTER

Lunar Mini Golf Today's Save:$8 for two admissions to Lunar Mini Golf - indoor, black-light family fun at three locations ($16 value) Expires 11:59 PM - Dec 22, 2010

Seasons Greeting 2010

Free slideshow customized with Smilebox

Check out these Eversave deals!!!!

	Today's Save: Scout Collection Today's Save:$22* for $50 worth of kid-friendly, organic apparel from ScoutCollection.com - *with promo code TOYS (plus support Toys For Tots) Expires 03:00 AM - Dec 19, 2010
	Bonus Save: Domani Studio Today's Save:$25 to enjoy a relaxing mani-pedi at Domani Studio ($52 value) Expires 11:59 PM - Dec 16, 2010
	Bonus Save: Sky Lounge Skin Care Today's Save:$22.50 for a professional air brush spray tan at Sky Lounge Skin Care ($45 value) Expires 11:59 PM - Dec 17, 2010
	Bonus Save: Magooby's Joke House Today's Save:$7 for a ticket to a comedy show at Magooby's Joke House ($14 value) Expires 11:59 PM - Dec 17, 2010
	Bonus Save: Footzy Rolls Today Only: $15 for a pair of Limited Edition, Black Magic foldable flats at FootzyRollsLuxe.com - heels-haters rejoice! ($30 value) Expires 02:59 AM - Dec 16, 2010
	Bonus Save: Amy Kathryn Today's Save: $35 for $75 worth of red-hot handbags from AmyKathryn.com Expires 11:59 PM - Dec 16, 2010

Great deal for Redbox movies

Here is a GREAT deal for $1 for 3 movie rentals at Redbox. This is valid only at U.S. kiosks, and only on the first night rental. It is not valid on video games or Blu-ray.

Click here to get this GREAT deal for just $1

WOW its December already?

OK things have been soooo crazy busy and my blog has suffered- I can't believe Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is just around the corner. So busy I have YET to see the new Harry Potter which is soooo unlike me because I normally see it opening weekend! We plan on going today!

We have been back to PA a few times- we head back to my hometown of Muncy to visit my parents (and celebrate my Mom's birthday)- big eye opener... my parents are putting the house on the market and may move away from the area- I wont have a home to go home to in the town I grew up in maybe. We spent Thanksgiving in Clearfield, PA with my in-laws. My nephew is getting sooo big- I can't believe he will be 1 on Dec 31.

So right now on Facebook everyone is changing their profile picture to a cartoon- Change your default facebook picture to a cartoon from your childhood. The goal? To not see a human face on facebook until Monday the 6th of Dec. Join the fight against child abuse and invite your friends to do the same.

Can you name my cartoon?

 

I had a stuffed Butterbear - Butterbear is mostly bear in appearance. She has yellow fur with a white tummy, larger wings than the other Wuzzles, and short antennae with flowers on their ends. She is a keen gardener who is gentle and patient despite the crazy adventures of her friends.

Is it really November already?

It is hard to believe it is November already- time is flying by fast (well some work days seems to last FOREVER).  We have turned back our clocks and gain an hour of sleep for a night.  However, I seem to be getting plenty of sleep lately since it seems I have the bed time of an 80 year old!

So what have we been up to?  A little of this and a little of that.  The other weekend the Hubby went to PA for the weekend and went to a PSU game with a friend.  While up there they ventured out to find the elk. While I stayed home and had some fun with the ladies and got to have some "Jessi time" and do as I wish.



This past weekend we celebrated a friend saying "I Do" and had a few awakard moments because one of my former 8th graders from last year was a waiter and seemed to be wherever I turned.  Then Sunday we headed up to DE to Bombay Hook to take in some wildlife.



Lots of good things coming up and will share them as they happened.

Vote for me for Baltimore Sun’s Mobbies- Maryland’s Outstanding Blogs

It’s that time a year again for the Baltimore Sun’s Mobbies- Maryland’s Outstanding Blogs. And once again I have been nominated for my blog Adventures in Baltimore Restaurants (Baltimore Restaurant Examiner’s sister site) and Tales of One Woman’s Dreams has also been nominated under personal and family.

The voting starts today, November 2nd and runs through November 12 ending at 5 p.m. You can vote once a day in the multiple categories plus for the best overall. To vote you must sign into the Baltimore Sun’s website (there are a few ways to do so via Facebook , Twitter, etc)

So go out and vote today for your favorite Maryland’s Outstanding Blogs- which of course I hope Adventures in Baltimore Restaurants and Tales of One Woman's Dream is yours

Go to http://data.baltimoresun.com/mobbies/2010/voting to vote

Taking on a new role

I have added a new hat to my head- I am now also the National Children's Book Examiner.  So make sure you click over and sign up for subscrption to my articles.

You can also email me at childrensbookexaminer@gmail.com, find me on Facebook or follow me on twitter @KidsBookExam

You can also find books on my recommendation list

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

Ok weather make up your mind

Like I have said in the past I like Autumn.  However, one thing that drive me crazy during this time of year is that the weather can't make up its mind with the temperature.  One day its hot enough to turn on the AC and then the next day its chilly.

So this weekend was  ME weekend.  The Hubby was out of time to go to the PSU game and find the elk.  I spent some time with a few friends and enjoyed some cheese fondue.  Got some errands done and just relaxed.  Its crazy at night though- we have a king size bed and I still found myself sleeping on the edge like I was being pushed over.  The dog and I only took up about 1.3 of the bed I swear.

Oh Yeah- Happy Halloween.  I carved a pumpkin a week ago with some friends however my pumpkin didn't last- due to the warm weather I think. I never even got to put a candle in it :(

What more can I say?

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
                                         -Eleanor Roosevelt

Today's daily quote really hit the spot today.  Dreams are what hold us together sometimes.  As one dream becomes a reality another dream develops.  However, sometimes following our dreams and making them reality can be the hardest thing!  Just don't forget to dream BIG!!!!!

Photo:  tomspixels

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding a La Mode from Baltimore local chef Tucker

One of my favorite things about fall is APPLES! I love them in desserts, in main entrees, on their own, on pizza (had that the other night and LOVED it) and did I mention dessert yet? This recipe from Chef Tucker from the Owl Bar will surely get everyone at the table to "oh and ah" not just from the smell alone but the mouth watering taste.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding a La Mode

Click here to get the recipe

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding a La Mode

Photo: The Owl Bar

A future worth living for

Babies- they are EVERYWHERE!  Went to vist a friend today who just had her baby- SO CUTE and tiny!  Another friend called and tald be she is expecting.  I have 2 friends due in December.  Then my nephew is going to be 1 year old in about 2 months!  My turn?!?! Greatest gift...

Friends- Honestly where would we be without you?  Lost, disgruntled, alone and unhappy- so THANK YOU!

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for”

                                                                                                 -Anonymous 

 

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                   -Anonymous

 

Me pondering life in Quebec City

The fresh crisp air

One thing I love about the change of the season is that in Fall the temperature is comfy and offers a fresh crisp air to enjoy yourself in.  I love being about to sit outside while enjoying a flatbread with apples and prosciutto and at Alexander's Tavern not sweating to death with a good friend.  I love being able to watch my Husband do what he enjoys best- taking pictures (it is Bald Eagle season).  I love that my BGE bill has dropped at least $80 because the AC isn't running nonstop.  I love breaking out the cute boots I couldn't wear all summer long with out my feet feeling like they were baking to a crisp.  I love the crisp apples and all the things that comes along with them- too bad I can't drink the hard cider.  I love the peacefulness of the leaves changing colors (even though we had to miss our trip to Shenandoah Valley doe to my IVF egg retrieval.

The World's First Nonprofit Wedding Wish Granting Organization

Wish Upon a Wedding is the world's first nonprofit wish granting organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. Less than one year old, the organization has 16 active chapters, and will have granted 12 wishes by the end of 2010.

During the month of November, they are hosting several fund raising galas and auctions throughout the country, and would like to invite you to participate.

Whether you are a bride or groom to be, a wedding industry professional, or you simply love the concept behind their mission... YOU can help make Wedding Wishes come true, while raising crucial funding needed to sustain this wonderful, new nonprofit organization.

Here's How:

Attend The Blissful Wishes Ball

A Gala Celebration to Benefit Wish Upon a Wedding

Chicago November 1

LA November 4
San Francisco November 10
Houston November 11

Charlotte November 12
Orlando November 14
St. Louis November 14
Baltimore November 17
Portland November 18
Atlanta November  21

 
The Blissful Wishes Ball is a festive way to support Wish Upon a Wedding.  Enjoy a nice night out on the town with an elegant dinner, entertainment, music, dancing, and incredible auction items.

Buy your tickets today!

Bid Your Wish for Wedded Bliss

Online and Live auctions for a Worthwhile Cause

For the first time in history, couples getting married can plan their entire wedding from virtually any city in the United States, knowing that every penny they spend will go directly towards helping a couple in need.  It's so EASY to bid.  Find everything from invitations to flowers, catering to DJs, photography to wedding planners, honeymoons and more.

Simply visit their online auction site here to choose from hundreds of items from the industry's best vendors.

Even if you are not getting married, check it out for other exciting items, such as dinners in top-rated restaurants, entertainment, sporting events and popular autographed memorabilia. Every cent earned goes towards Wish Upon a Wedding and their mission to provide these heartfelt Wedding Wishes.

About Wish Upon a Wedding 

Founded in January of 2010 by CA wedding planner, Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, Wish Upon a Wedding was created to help couples who did not have the time, money, resources or strength to plan a wedding on their own, because of terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. The organization now celebrates the courage, determination and spirit of these couples by granting their dream wedding wishes. It is their goal that chosen recipients can inspire other couples facing similar situations to find hope and strength, while raising awareness for terminal illness.

Growing up with a sister who was deaf since birth, and raised by parents who ran a board and care home for people facing numerous disabilities and life hardships, Liz learned early on to value the many blessings in life, and the importance of helping others. Volunteering throughout her life for a variety of nonprofit organizations, Liz was looking for a way to combine weddings and community service.  

After producing the San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway in 2009, a contest in which only one couple would be granted a dream wedding, Liz came up with a way to merge her two passions. While going through the process of giving the wedding "prize" to a woman suffering from stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Liz  created Wish Upon a Wedding. Overnight, Liz decided to change wedding history, and the way we give, by launching a nonprofit organization that was totally unique and had never existed before.

Supported by industry leaders such as Sasha Souza, David Beahm, Stella Inserra, Jenny Orsini, Kevin Covey, Stacie Francombe, Sylvia Weinstock, Steve Kemble, Mindy Weiss, Mary Dann, and Ivy Robinson (to name just a few), the organization has experienced rapid growth and seen voracious acceptance throughout the country.

To date, eight couples have benefited from the generous work of Wish Upon a Wedding. Over 4,000 volunteers have signed up to become Wish Granters. Their facebook page has attracted over 10,000 fans. 

None of this would be possible without public support.

 

In Loving Memory of Wish Recipients who have Passed On

Dani and Tony married in St Louis on September 1. She passed away September 30th. Dani had suffered from Cystic Fibrosis since age 3, and had recently received a double lung transplant.

Florence and Micheal married near Sacramento on March 13. She passed away on September 28. Florence battled stage IV breast cancer, and was diagnosed with six months to live at the time of her wedding.

Shelly and Jay married in Seattle on May 2.  Shelly passed away three weeks later. She had been battling a rare type of cancerous lymphoma, and Jay suffered from Multiple Sclerosis.

 Please help Wish Upon a Wedding continue to do great things.

Attend a Gala.
Donate to or bid in the auctions.

And help them spread the word, by sharing this article with your friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances.

 You CAN make a difference in someone's life today!

*All photos provided by Wish Upon A Wedding

Roasted Cognac Chicken in Baby Pumpkins recipe

Today on my restaurant blog I posted a recipe from a Baltimore local chef...

What better way to “fall” in autumn then enjoying a meal with fresh seasonal ingredients?  This recipe will surely dress up your table for the next dinner party or give the kids some excitement for your next family dinner-  brought to you by Executive Chef Timothy Dore of Truffles Catering at the Belvedere.

You should really check out the Roasted Cognac Chicken in Baby Pumpkins recipe

The turn of the seasons

Its official fall is here...

Now I am ready for the weather to flat line and stop going from cool to hot and back all over again.  We had to turn the AC back on this weekend because it got stuffy in the house.

One of my favorite things about fall is APPLES.  While we were back up in PA to celebrate the Hubby's birthday we went on adventure.  The Husband, Brother-in-law, Nephew and took my new 4Runner out on the back roads up into the mountain.  I was on baby duty in the back seat but my nephew and I had a great bonding day and enjoyed our self- we giggles, played ate, read stories and napped!  While on out adventure we stopped at a local farm to get some fresh apples, cider, their homemade hard cider and fresh baked cookies.  Mmmm Mmmm good!  The Husband is heading back up at the end of the month to go to PSU game and is going to get more!  I think I am going to bake some pie and crisp.

Another great thing about the Fall I love is the children's books out there.  This past week I read a GREAT book to the Lil' ones at school called There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves!  The kids love this series and laugh then entire time as you read it.

Speaking of birthday's I got the Hubby the new PlayStation Move Starter Bundle and guess what one of the games was Disc Golf- the system is just like the Wii and can be added to the Play Station 3 that you already have.  Now I have my Dad's birthday coming up on the 13th and today is my great friend A's birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY A!

I know I haven't been posting much lately- but things have been busy and hopefully have some GOOD news soon!

Check out some photos from our weekend in PA

I am NOT much of a chocolate girl

Yes you heard me right- I am NOT much of a chocolate girl!  I am not like most normal woman out there who love chocolate and use if for a sense of relief and relaxation- like a glass of wine.  Now don't get me wrong there are some things chocolate I like- I just don't crave it really.  I do like Hot Chocolate, candy bars now and then plus sometimes a brownie.  Now chocolate cake or ice cream actually make me turn and walk away.  I have no problem passing in cake if its chocolate. The only exception to that is a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing.

Yes I am odd!

However, there is one thing I do savor when it comes to chocolate- Gardners Peanut Butter Meltaways.  The squares of whipped peanut butter covered in a coating of milk chocolate.  YUM!

Now I am the type of person that this box would last me awhile because I would only allow myself  1-2 of those heavenly squares. Even thinking of these yummies makes me melt inside and relax.

Like I said-  I am NOT much of a chocolate girl... 

But everything has exceptions

Freebie time- Gift Card Rescue Giveaway

Have you heard of the site Gift Card Rescue which is a local business based out of Ellioctt City?  If you haven’t then here are the details… 

What they do is buy unwanted gift cards from consumers and sell them on the website for a discount.  Plus why pay full price for gift cards when you can save money before you shop by buying discounted gift cards on the site.

You can also exchange your gift card for an Amazon.com gift card and get 5% more over their cash payment. Amazon.com gift cards never expire and can be used to purchase millions of items at Amazon.com

What is great is that you can find local Baltimore restaurant gift cards to up to 30% off.  You can also find gift cards books, toys, entertainment, shopping, clothing, etc.

Enter to to win one of two $25 gift cards from Gift Card Rescue by using the entry form below- you have till October 10, 2010 to enter (be sure to read the rules) 

I recommend GiftCardRescue.com

Save lids to save lives

Ocotober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

Its time to start looking for the pink lids in stores near you on packages of Yoplait.  Then just save ‘em, rinse ‘em, and mail ‘em in by December 31st, 2010.


For every pink lid you send by December 31, 2010 Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure plus Yoplait donates 5 cents to the ZTA Foundation (my femal fraternity I am a member of).


Mailing in your lids is so easy...

1. Make sure all your lids are the pink ones issued for the Save Lids to Save Lives^® program.
2. Wash your lids well and let them dry: an envelope full of yogurt is not a pretty sight (or smell).
3. Flatten your lids and put them in a regular envelope, like a #10 business envelope. You don't need any kind of special mailer.
4. Be sure to put your return address on your envelope, including your zip code. They use that information to distribute our donation money back to your local Susan G. Komen for the Cure Affiliates.
5. Apply your postage. You can mail up to 12 Yoplait yogurt cup lids with one First Class or regular-sized envelope with U.S. postage stamp.
6. Address your envelope to:
   Save Lids to Save Lives
   P.O. Box 420704
   El Paso, TX 88542-0704
7. Drop it in a mail box.
   
   Have you seen this book- Promise Me: How a Sister's Love Launched the Global Movement to End Breast Cancer?  
   
   

Enjoy this fall with 80% off from Restaurant.com

Enjoy this fall with 80% off from Restaurant.com

Now customers can save 80% off every order on all three of popular products: $25 Gift Certificates, Dinner of the Month Club, and our NEW $25 Gift Cards.

Just use the promo code ‘FALL’

Offer valid through Thursday, 9/30/10

Click here to use this code and save 80%

Time to vote for ME as the next food blog star: Challenge 2

The 2nd challenge is under way for Project Food Blog and its time to vote for me as the next food blog star! Challenge 2 focused on tackling a classic dish from another culture- I picked a mainstay of the Maya.

Go to http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/2/view/940 and at the top you will see a red link to join Foodbuzz- you have to create an account in order to vote. Then once you are signed in you can click on the button with the heart and says vote for this entry.

Voting ends September 30th! Thank you!

Time to cook

Thank you to everyone who voted for me for round 1 of Project Food Blog!  I was one of the 400 people selected to continue to round 2 and tackle a classic dish from another culture.   This ethnic classic is to be outside your comfort zone or are not as familiar with- and this is were I couldn't make up my mind.

When I cook I tend to cook a variety of Asian, European and Italian dishes.  We were encouraged to stay away from the French and Italian dishes.  After some thought and pondering I narrowed it down to either a South African dish or a dish from the Yucatan.  Why these places?  Well we are to include how you arrived at this decision so what other way to incorporate my travels and memories into it.

So this morning will consists of me cooking away in out tiny kitchen and making the Husband do his magic with the camera as I work!

What did I pick?  Well you will have to check back tomorrow to see what I picked and vote for ME!

Hurry Restaurant.com is 80% off right now

The season has changed to autumn even though the weather may still be hot. Some say that it needs to heat up for it to cool down once autumn arrives. Just like the days getting shorter your window to save 80% is short- so hurry!!!

Save 80% off every order using the promo code ‘AUTUMN’ on all three of the popular products: $25 Gift Certificates, Dinner of the Month Club, and NEW $25 Gift Cards.

Not only will you get 80% off Restaurant.com you will also get a FREE $10 gift certificate! *

Use code AUTUMN at checkout through 9/26/10.

Click here to use the code AUTUMN

*The code for your FREE $10 Gift Certificate will be emailed to you within 24 hours. Please note the FREE $10 offer is not valid on Dinner of the Month purchases.

Time to vote for ME as the next food blog star!

Ok the 1st challenge is under way and its time to vote for me as the next food blog star!

Go to http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/355 and at the top you will see a red link to join Foodbuzz- you have to create an account in order to vote.  Then once you are signed in you can click on the button with the heart and says vote for this entry.

Voting ends Sept 23rd!

Life is a roller coaster!

Seriously- life is a roller coaster!  Its goes up and down, up and down on a never ending loop!  This week has been full of ups and downs. I am trying my best to not let the downs get to me but it's really hard.

I have a pet peeve- I consider myself a good friend and listener but every relationship is two sided and both people need to be mindful of that- it can't be all about you!!  (No "A" I am not talking about you!).  I hate when people call, email or whatever for something about them and don't even bother to ask about how things are with you!  I mean seriously I don't care how uncomfortable it is for you or you don't know what to say but honestly I would rather you be awkward about it then not do anything and come across like you don't give a care in the world about it! Especially when I personally go out of my way a lot of times to check in on you and share with you!

The downs- I don't feel like explaining right now....

As for the ups- Friday night after some shopping and dinner at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants we stopped for some ice cream on the way home.  As we are sitting at a red light the Husband makes some comment and I reach over and "bump" his elbow as he licks his cone- ice cream goes all over his face!  So of course this was war!  Except he never got me and I got him GOOD about 3 more times.  Reminded me of our wedding day when he won a similar war with our cake! We had agreed no smashing but while were were kissing he put his hands on my face and rubbed!  I got a small amount on him but my one side was covered!

This weekend's movie was...

Ready, set, hike- save 80% at Restaurant.com

With the kickoff of the football season here is a great deal for you...

Now get 80% off your next meal from Restaurant.com with use of code "TOUCHDOWN"!
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Click here to get this TOUCHDOWN of a deal!

Can I be the next food blog star?

Can I be the next food blog star? I sure hope so- I am competing in Project Food Blog with my blog Adventures in Baltimore Restaurants!

How does project Food Blog work? 

There are Challenges- there will be 10 official Project Food Blog challenges. Challenges will focus around different culinary and blogging skills. Challenges will focus on key culinary and blogging skills from writing to cooking to photography, which are the foundations of any great food blogger.

How do I advance to the next round? 

A number of Contestants will advance after each challenge, based on the highest scored entries as determined by industry judges and Foodbuzz Featured Publishers. The Reader's Choice winner automatically advances to the next challenge (except for the final challenge). The Reader's Choice winner for each challenge is determined exclusively by the public vote (non-featured publishers or judges). You are my biggest fans and you can help you win the coveted reader's choice -- and automatic advancement to the next round!

If I become the next food blog star what do I win?

The winner of Project Food Blog 2010 will be awarded the grand prize of $10,000 in cash and featured in a special section on Foodbuzz.com for one year.

The first challenge has to be posted by September 19, 2010 – so stayed tuned and make sure to vote for me for the reader's choice!

The nerves are starting to kick in

So week number two of school is done and over with.  My Spanish class with 7th and 8th grade is going well (and no I don't know Spanish).  The program we are to use hasn't come in yet so I have been figuring out things on my own.  We have learned the numbers 1-20.  Oh and I am also teaching French to one student who is fluent in Spanish already (I do know some French). We had a 4 day week this week and we also have a 4 day week next week!

I had to call to order my shots for IVF today.  There are only so many places that carry the meds, and thankfully one of the places is near me.  So in about 2 weeks things are getting under way- starting to feel a little nervous! On a side note with this all, I was to ovulate this week but I don't think I did.  I wasn't taking any medications this month but I still was charting my basil temperature and it really didn't spike like it has the last few months.  So I am not sure what to think about that.

Tonight was "Date Night" and we actually got dressed up and went out for a nice Italian dinner to Sotta Sopra (The Husband actually wore a tie).  Then we came home and snuggled up in bed and watched out Netflix movies with the dog wedge in between of course!

When was the last time you laughed so hard you couldn't breathe? I love those laughs and moments! Last weekend the Husband, my friend A and I went to the MD State Fair- of course we ate our way around it and enjoyed roasted corn, corn dogs, pulled meat sandwiches, funnel cake and friend Oreos.  Well A and I had one of the laughing moments- we went on the Tilt-a-Whirl and once we got spinning we never stopped.  We were both laughing so hard I am surprised we didn't fall over when we got off the ride.

And for some laughs and chuckles...

You have to be very thankful for what you have because you are blessed- take my long time friend Heather and her son Jack- Another Year

Movies for "Date Night" included...

 

Back to school in more ways than one

Well this week was the 1st week of school with the kiddos- so far not so bad. 

The one thing that is kinda got me thrown for a loop is that I am running a Spanish class for the 7th and 8th grade.  Now I only know some BASIC simple Spanish and I took French for 5 years- but the program is just to expose them to it.  Its a DVD based program and I have yet to see it and I meet with the 7th and 8th grade class tomorrow. I got a Spanish word set that has pictures and started labeling thing around the room.  I am keeping a positive attitude about it and look forward to learn along with the kids.

I also had to attend an IVF class.  The class was taught by one of the nurses at the place I go to.  It ended up being myself and another woman.  She went over step by step for each day of the cycle and all over the details of the IVF cycle.  We even had to practice the different types of shots that we will have to give ourselves (no we did not shoot ourselves up).  They explained the progression step by step.  Basically for a period of time I will be going in before work about every other day or so to get measured and have some blood tests done.  Then once things are the correct measurement I will be knocked out to have the eggs retrieved with a VERY long needle.  Then after few days past and then I go back in to have 2-3 embryos placed back into and then have to be on bed rest for the rest of that day.  Then come back after a time period for a series of days to take 3 blood pregnancy tests.  There are much more details but this post would be a mile long.

Just keep me in your thoughts and prayers that when we start IVF this next cycle it works the FIRST TIME!

I also have been doing some research about things to do while the baby is in the womb since I am a firm believer in reading to the baby while in the womb and playing music to them also.  I came across the BabyPlus Prenatal Education System and became very intrigued by it and how it is a set of sound lessons meant to be played for a prenatal child which are said to strengthen earliest learning capabilities. It claims that infants are born more alert and responsive, nurse better, sleep better, and later in life, enjoy improved school readiness. What do you think?  I also came across a CD that might be useful called Mozart for Mothers-to-be: Tender Lullabies for Mother and Child and Beethoven for Babies: Brain Training for Little Ones

Happy 4th Blogoversary to me giveaway

Well 4 years today I started Adventures in Baltimore Restaurants with my first post about Taneytown Deli & Sandwich Shoppe!

Over the last four years things have moved in a direction I would have never though of- and I most have that to thank because of you my readers!!

How it all started...
A few years back while I was attending College of Notre Dame in MD I was required for my one class to start a blog about anything I wanted.  Well since I grew up in a town that only has 2 red lights called Muncy, PA (not counting what is at the Lycoming Mall- which did have a Friendly's) there wasn't many restaurants around to eat at except some fast food joints, bars and "mom & pop" joints.  If you want more selection you had to jump on I-180 and drive about 20 minutes to Williamsport, PA (home of the little league world series).  It was the "big" city for us- nothing compared to Baltimore by any means.  Here you would find some chains like Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and other local places.  So I figure now that I live in the real "big" city I didn't want to eat at chain places all the time and wanted to explore the world of restaurants here in Baltimore. So I started blogging about where we went as a record for myself. Then before I knew I gained followers and they kept on coming. Then I got picked up by Foodbuzz.com and then some other sites asked me to be a featured writer and then finally came along Examiner.com.  Plus a few other places after that wanted to feed my articles.  So that is how it all started.  And now you can find my articles on many sites (click here to see a list)

I am very thankful that this sort of fell in my lap because I have had some great experiences from it and met some great people (could name them all put that would take a while).  It has also brought some great experiences for my husband because he does photography and has taken taken some YUMMY food shots!

The most rewarding thing about blogging is... 

There are many things I find rewarding about blogging but one of the most rewarding parts of my blogging is giving back. Over the years I have had the opportunity to participate in different was to earn money for charity with my blogging. This past year I participated in the ShopRite Partners In Caring Bloggers In Caring program and participated in Blog It Forward To Fight Hunger. I was able to get 3,000 boxes of cereal donated to local food banks in ShopRite’s and Baltimore trading area! In support of this there is a special-edition Honey Nut Cheerios box featuring the photo mosaic of myself and fellow Bloggers In Caring. Since may I have been a celebrity judge for the Mason Dixon Master Chef Tournament that is helping raise money for Moveable Feast which is a local non-profit Baltimore charity that provides meal delivery service to homebound People Living with AIDS/HIV, women undergoing breast cancer treatment as well as their families. (The tournament is winding down but you can still get tickets)

The Giveaway...
I love celebrating and tend to give even when its my celebration- so in honor of my 4th Blogoversary of Adventures in Baltimore Restaurants I am going to give 1 lucky reader a 3 Month Dinner of the Month Club from Restaurant.com.  How do you enter- that's easy!  Just leave a comment on this post saying why you follow me, your favorite post of mine or which restaurant I have reviewed do you want to try?  Make sure you included a valid email address so that I can contact that 1 random lucky winner! (You have till Sunday, August 29th at 6:00 pm to enter) Your comment  must be on Adventures in Baltimore Restaurants or Baltimore Restaurant Examiner



For more info about my food blogging: you can email me at AIBR.Blog@gmail.com, find me on Facebook or follow me on twitter @BmoreRestaurant- check out my review map, my review list and my events calendar for local restaurant events