Personalized Gifts!

With wedding season in full swing and then baby season not to farbehind I thought I would let everyone know about Treat.  First off there are so many options it was hard to decide what to look at first.   

Birthday, Engagement, Wedding, and Graduation  Cards to name a few!

















For a limited time you can get free shipping on their gifts - mugs, calendars, etc. Go try it out :)

Interested in winning some? Well follow these steps and you can win 5 Treat Card Credits! 

Be sure to leave your messages below! This is a flash giveaway with 4 methods of entry! 

-Mandatory: Visit Treat.com and comment with your favorite card name and who you would send it to
-Like SAHM&TW on FB
-Follow @SAHMandTW  on Twitter
-Comment about the weather or your life 1x/day for extra chances!

I have been compensated with product in exchange for posting this campaign but love it!

Wedding Gowns = ?

A common question I have been asked is if I found a dress yet and it is always difficult when I answer! I found two dresses that I absolutely loved.   They are complete opposite of each other, one being a mermaid and the other being a ballgown.  What to do, what to do...  As with any decision I have to make I always number my choices and then say pick 1 or 2, flip a coin, or do a poll.  Yes, very scientific I know! In this case I asked my friends, some telling me which one they liked or either saying both gowns look great.  Geesh, could this have been any easier?  Nothing with me is...

I asked the simple question, posted some pictures, and decided to let complete strangers on a wedding board tell me the honest truth.  They have no idea who I am and I knew their opinions were based strictly on which one fit my body type more and which one I (vainly) looked better in.  I would have thought the ladies were going to say things like, "Ew, you look gross in this one; U-G-L-Y you ain't got no alibi; Get a haircut you hippie!"  The last line about a hippie was just something I made up, but I would have loved to have seen it.  (:  

Because I'm a teacher  my logical thinking order blossomed into a "teachable moment" because I knew I liked both dresses ... ask several places, add them up, do some math, present it as a lesson, give bonus points if someone figured out the ratios, and wa-lah decision is made.  At least for now.... 

Step 1: Add up all the opinions of complete strangers and my friends
Step 2: Write it on paper using a tally system
Step 3: Re-write it on a white board because it always looks better - in red
Step 4: Add all the tally marks up and check my work
Step 5: Do some math! Create ratios using total amount of opinions for each dress and total opinions all together. (:
Step 6: Percentages are just another step to reaffirm a decision. Check work from start to finish again.

 33% to 67%  Pretty sure there is a clear decision! 

Do you want to know which dress I picked? 

Well I think I'm going to keep it a secret, even to my bridesmaids!

  PS.  When Britt and my friends read this (Britt especially) they will text, reply to this post and then wonder which one for the next year!

Wedding Colors - Eeek!

Within the last 5 hours I have changed my options for wedding colors at least 4  times....

Oh em geesh.... 

Pinterest and I are having a LOVE/HATE relationship at the moment  ...  So many choices with only 1 wedding! How did you pick your colors? This is really difficult but I keep going back to the top two pictures for some reason!  I can always do summer brights for my shower ... either way they are all amazing pictures!

Source: thebridaldetective.com viaTri on Pinterest

Source: nycweddingphotographyblog.com viaTri on Pinterest

Source: theperfectpalette.com viaTri on Pinterest

Source: mywvwedding.com viaTri on Pinterest

Source: newenglandfineliving.com viaTri on Pinterest

625th Post!

Hello 625th post!  

I've decided on a color theme for the wedding and took it upon myself to try out a wine bottle centerpiece idea I had.  I love ombre stuff and tried a gold effect on an empty bottle of wine. 

Sample Invites!

I was a busy girl lately!  I ordered so many sample invites so we can all look at them and compare ...

Some of the companies I received invites (for free with codes) from include:

• Wedding Paper Divas
• Invitations by Dawn
• Minted
• Magnet Street

Each of the companies has an invitation that I like and matches our colors/theme, but in the end it will depend on the cost. Be sure to check back for individual posts on each company and their samples!

Shoes!

One of my big things to buy ever since I was small (haha) were shoes!  Trying to find a pair of shoes in my little size 5 feet is difficult.  Combine that with trying to find a pair that is unforgettable as a wedding shoe is tremendously difficult.    I think I found a few that are amazing....  to me anyway! 

The first is from a company online called Privileged.  I love how unique they are - they are the bottom right pair!  They have glitter, high heels, spikes, and are extremely neat looking! The only problem is I have never worn a heel quite like this one ....

The third are from Ebay. They are all glitter and crystal.  The only problem is they have a pointy toe tip...

Shiekh is another brand I recently discovered.  I can honestly say I never really know where I find new brands, but they are pretty cool.  They are the two pairs at the top of the page.

Which pair do you like?

Printerpix $100 Gift Card Giveaway

This Giveaway is Hosted by Jenn, Mom of Two Munchkins

Printerpix has a ton of different photo gifts to choose from and their quality is amazing.  Jenn, Mom of Two Munchkins had the opportunity to review one of their photo canvases and fell in love immediately.  They have so many types of photo gifts from photo books to canvases to metal prints and everything in between.  Check out her Full Review.

Want a chance to win $100 credit to use on the Printerpix site with free shipping?  Enter below!

I have a canvas picture of our dogs. I love it so much that I bought my mom one of her dog, Moose.  This would be great for pictures of babies and weddings as well!  Good luck from Blabs from a SAHM and TW!

Entry-Form

Jenn, Mom Of Two Munchkins was provided with a free sample of this product to review, and was under no obligation to review it.  Nor was Jenn, Mom Of Two Munchkins under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.  Jenn, Mom Of Two Munchkins and Blabs from a SAHM and TW are not responsible for shipping of prize.  Printerpix has the sole responsibility for shipping of prize.  Prize value is approximately $100.

Goodness...

Just wanted to let everyone know we had an amazing time dress shopping! I was so disappointed when they told me the dress I wanted to try on again and show everyone "was not in the show," even though another bride saw it at the expo from that store...ugh.

*In short-found a dress, shop mismeasured, stop was put on order, they pushed it through, and now I have to fight about it.  Not cool bridal store, not cool at all.*

Well I found a great dress that was me. I had to have it measured hollow to hem (I'm short).  I was not going to get it that day because I still wanted to show my friends the other dress but the lady insisted we see what size I would be. Sooooo many things went wrong after this point. The seamstress measured me without the slip on which correlates to the dress being even shorter after it is actually over a slip! Ahhh! After I realized this I freaked out, screamed, swore, and cried. Who does this to a bride?!?! It just continued to build up after the store took their time calling me back. The manager did say she was going to stop my order until I can be remeasued (I live 2.5 hrs away so this can't be anytime soon as in the next month). Ah, fret not! I checked my credit card and it had the charge from the shop on it! They put the charge for the dress through and I have not been back to be remeasured yet! Why am I going to pay for something the shop mistakenly did while measuring? If this happenend the very first time I was measured I am scared as to what will happen.

Dress Shopping

We are making the trip to MB Bridal in Greensburg, PA this weekend to see a Trunk Show for Maggie Sottero and Sottero & Midgley.  Am I excited? Yes! I've been prepping by watching "Say Yes to The Dress" and know my entourage will not be as mean to me as they are on that show.  Gee! Do people not understand that feelings are real?  Ok, dumb question ...   (: 

Some great examples from the designer:

Color choices! Ah!

There are quite a few color schemes I love .... 

Which do I choose? I have no idea!  I love that the brights are more for summer, but the blush and golds are so glamorous!  Now I am in a conundrum.... Ah!!

So I will just do two posts... one on the glam colors and one on the fun colors.  Maybe I'll actually help you pick if you are stuck with one of the colors!

Check out the pinterest inspiration and idea board for both of these colors - Brights    Glam!

The Hunt for Wedding Favors

With Trista getting married, it had me thinking about planning our wedding.  I was the first one of my friends to get married so I had no one to ask for advice on the planning process.  My mom and I sat down and talked about all the things I wanted out of my big day.  I knew the date, location and even wedding dress style I wanted, but when it came to wedding favors I was lost.  

Weddingstar offers personalized, practical, and affordable wedding favors.  There are almost 300 different wedding favors on their site!  You can search by theme, seasons and even DIY favors. For my wedding, we got everything personalized.  From match books to ribbon, everything had Robbie and Brittany written on it! I really like practical favors because it is something that your guests can actually use and you really get your money's worth.  Although, their prices really are affordable so you can surely find your dream wedding favor with Weddingstar!  Now off to look at some favors for Trista!

Gowns!

There are so many gown designs out there that I love, just like any other lady looking, but a few have caught my eye and heart!

I went to a salon near us, well an hour away, to see a truck show for Maggie Sottero & Midgley.  I tried on 8 gowns, found 3 I liked and there was a WOW dress that I just could not believe it was real! I went home and was called by my consultant and was told "If you want this dress you need to order it now.  Who really knows if the designer is actually going to make it."  Seriously? I was a little blindsided by her because she assured me in the store that what I see is what is coming out for 2013.   She did offer me a $250 discount if I went back and decided to order it.

I then checked around and found a salon in Greensburg, PA that is having the SAME truck show. Amazing! Who would have thought I could try on the same dress twice when it is supposed to travel all around the US, this must be a sign.  I enrolled the help of my sister and future mother-in-law before, now I am going to take some of my ladies.  They would tell me the truth, even though my sister was kind to point out I have no arse and am to skinny.... ok, I added the last part to it...she did say I should ask for boobs for Christmas.  Nothing but truth from my family! (:

So in Feb. B, my friend Meg, and I are making the trip so they can see the gown on me in person.  One of the hardest things I am running into is my friends are scattered and I mean SCATTERED across the US.  Laken is in Wyoming, B is in Ohio, Megan is in Ohio/Erie area, Bri is in Washpa(ok that's close) and Meg is close too.  Even though everyone is literally everywhere, we are always able to connect at some point.  

I'll post some try-on pics from my gown shopping later!

Surprise!!

For all our followers that kept wondering why we were MIA for a few.... Enjoy!

TBox To-Go!

The Tbox to-go is a sleek tampon holder for the purse, pocket, or backpack. The easy-snap lid keeps tampons secure and secret pill box on the bottom makes the Tbox to-go a lifesaver. The best part? The Tbox to-go looks like make-up. Perfect for a quick pass to a friend in need, or to slip into your pocket.

The Tbox is a great product!   When I first saw it I was surprised that it only costs $14.99.  It has an awesome secret box that you can stick your Ibuprofen or Migraine pills in! Love it!  Another great thing is it is mirrored.  It easily fits into your clutch so you can check your makeup and add more lipstick during  weddings and receptions.  This is a definite buy for someones gift or in a gift for your bridesmaids.  Fill a little clutch up must haves for the wedding day - Tic Tacs, Lip gloss, perfume, band aids, and finally a Tbox!  

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

ToiletTree Products!

One of my habits when I go on vacation is to take everything with me ... clothes, makeup, hair products, etc.  ToiletTree was kind enough to let me try out their Toiletry Bag with TSA approved bottles in it. I love this bag!  It actually fit my big hair straighter in it, as well as all my makeup that I think I'll take to Jamaica!

• Designed to organize all of your toiletries while traveling.
• Large double zipper compartment for easy access. Separate zipper compartment located on the bottom of bag.
• Bag comes with 3 TSA approved travel bottles, collapsible cup with pill holder, and toothbrush case.
• Designed with a fully water resistant interior.

As I said, I take a lot of stuff.  This is almost nothing compared to what I usually take. I need to remember to add my other hair products to my checked bags or else I'll be lost! I put all my powdered products into a small makeup bag, but if you do not want to it is fine.  The interior is  easily cleaned by just a damp cloth!

So neat and organized!

This bag is made of high quality materials, with a leather like outside.  The inside is made of a canvas type of material, so it is perfect if you take makeup and it accidentally spills - easy to clean up.  It is stitched in white, which allows for an expensive quality to it.  The top compartment holds many things.





The bottom has the bottles to out your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in.  I use a ton of conditioner at the beach, so I will more than likely take the entire thing in my checked luggage.  I hate having dry hair and salt water does it to mine  but also makes it look so nice when it is wavy!

Go to Amazon and check out all the products ToiletTree has!

I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review. In no way was I asked to give a positive review.

Flashback Friday!

This is amazing ... I think this picture is from 2002/2003 school year in the commons area of the HS.

L-R: Trista, Britt, Bri, Laken

Workout? Oh my

Whew! So it has been awhile since I updated anyone on my working out status. 

1. I have not quit! 
2. I have awesome cardio for running
3. I can only do 5 push ups at the most
4. I swim multiple times a week
5. I do Insanity every day, except our rest day! 
6. I gained weight- omgosh! 
7. I lost inches in my waist and belly area! Waist - 2 inches, Belly-3 inches.  
1. I am small but still have love handles
2. I know how to wear clothes that hide it
3. Short, Petite women can still have chub on their body
8. I eat blueberries almost everyday
9. Endurance is being built for when I scuba dive! 
10. I am ultimately healthier

When I first started having problems with my stomach, well not first way after it... long story.  Anyway I started to keep a food diary/journal to see what food caused problems.  I have always used the App My Fitness Pal on my Droid.  It keeps track of everything - you can even take a pic of the UPC code and it will tally your stuff for you.  Great App for keeping track of calories, sodium, carbs, keeping your weight,  etc.  Try it out! 

Brazilian Peel Review!

I have a lot of lotions for my face, but I often forget to use them.   When we had the chance to try the Brazilian Peel I was so excited! At first I was a little scared because it stated it is a medical strength peel for at-home use, which includes 30% glycolic acid and is 5x stronger than other stuff on the market.  Scared yet?  Don't be!  The company said it does not cause redness or peeling, so I was skeptical of course because it said it is a 'peel.'   I decided to take trying this product a step further and do some before, during and after shots of using this.  Then I saw the pictures of me with no makeup and my mind changed, sorry!

I will not lie, I was thinking I would have big red sores all over my face after this.  I just saw on WTAE-Channel4 how some ladies get sores and have scars left from it.  But the daredevil I am decided to go for it!  I did notice my face was softer and the blemishes felt like they were actually being taken care of.  As for my 'wrinkles' I am not sure.  I look relatively young, thankfully, so there was no big difference there.  My first and second time applying this treatment left my face with a tint of redness, but by the 3rd week there was no irritation or redness at all. 

It was really easy to use:
1. Clean your face/neck
2. Twist the top cap off of a dispenser
3. Put it in your hand and mix together until it is warm
4. Apply to your face!
5. Let it stay for 10 mintes
6. Wash off!

So if you are wondering if it actually works always look into their clinical trials.  100% said they had improved skin brightness and skin clarity.  If you were wondering if this is only made for women, well it is not! The only added thing for men is it should not be immediately used after shaving. 

Remember this information:

• Brazilian Peel was awarded the Allure 2010 Best of Beauty, Best Beauty Breakthrough Award. It has been featured on Dr. Oz (twice) and The Doctors (once). 
• Research Results: - 100% of the evaluable subjects had improvements in skin brightness in at least one area of the face, as graded by the investigating dermatologist  - At least 70% of the subjects found their skin to be softer and smoother - At least 70% of the subjects had increased facial brightness - At least 70% of the subjects found their skin to feel firmer and more toned.

I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review. In no way was I asked to give a positive review.

White Russian!

 This is a flashback for all of our friends...

White Russian

This is how we would make it :

1. Pour Vodka into a cup ...  1/3 of the cup
2.  Pour Kahlua into it ...   1/3 of the cup
3. Pour in half and half ...  1/3 of the cup

Put a couple ice cubes in it if you want!

We dedicate this to our prego friend Bri ... :)  Here is your drink!

Diamond Rings!

Which one do you like better?

Parisian-122P

Verragio

Parisian-122P  or Venetian-5013P-3

Tell me below in a comment :)  

Venetian 5013P-4