tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38559778065704683352024-03-12T18:05:24.166-07:00Good Times, Good Times....Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-89697855579407152192013-01-10T08:49:00.002-08:002013-01-10T08:49:26.903-08:006 Things I can NOT live without in 2013I don't blog much, but when I do, it's because-hey!- I've got something to say!!<br />
I have found myself a much happier "me" lately and thought I'd write a blog post on some of my favorite things that are helping me achieve my fitness goals as well as a few products that make me feel spoiled-rotten-good!<br />
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So, folks, from left to right.....here you go!<br />
1. Special K Oats and Honey cereal - SOOO good and doesn't get soggy in milk (which is my pet peeve!) I envy people who can sit down and nosh on a bowl of grape nuts and one- not break their teeth and two-not add sugar. I need a sweet cereal that doesn't get soggy and is good for me and this does the trick!<br />
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2. Kroger brand's version of Carnation Instant Breakfast. Judge me. It's packed with vitamins and perfect for me and my kids when mornings are crazy. And less than 1/2 the cost of the name brand stuff.<br />
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3. Pantene Silky Moisture Whip mousse. It's a moisturizer and it's not one of those mousse's that dries hard or anything. It just makes my hair more manageable.<br />
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4. Yankee Candle's Yuletide candle. I bought quite a few of these during their 50-75% off holiday clearance sale. Doesn't smell "Christmas-y" at all. It's a good mix of spice and maybe candy? Not sure. Either way, if you come to my house anytime in the next 12 months, it will smell like this. <br />
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5. Shea Cocoa Body Butter by Sugarbones. Made out of her house, using only 7 all-natural ingredients, this stuff is amazing for my skin! I put it on my elbows, hands, knees...etc. and it lasts ALL day! For only $5 per jar, it lasts forever! If you want some, just let me know and I'll give you her number! She is right here in Richmond!<br />
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6. Last but not least, Sea Salt Edamame. I pretty much hate vegetables, but I could eat these all day long! My kids and I have fun popping the seeds out and devouring them!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-66003786699803691692011-01-31T18:23:00.001-08:002011-01-31T18:50:10.215-08:00Valentine Swap 2011- Alex - Thank you Jennifer!This was Alex's first ever blog swap! She was so excited she got to participate! <div>Jennifer C. had Alex and it's like she KNEW her or something! Crazy! Alex's favorite thing in the whole wide world is C-A-N-D-Y! Yeesh- to be able to eat all that candy and not gain a pound! Anyhow, Jennifer's swap gift to Alex was PERFECT and I took pictures of everything for you!</div><div>Alex wanted me to give a "totes"- (teenage slang for "totally")"cool" shout out to Jennifer for getting her such a great Valentine swap gift!</div><div><br /></div><div>I did cover up the addresses with some paper when I took the picture, but it just looks prettier with hearts :)</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdxB2bweRI/AAAAAAAAACY/Yu47eF1Sfl0/s320/outsidebox.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568543740872653074" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Look at that packaging! The note inside said "Dear Alex, Welcome to your first blog swap! I hope you enjoy these little goodies and I also hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day!"</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdxKr331dI/AAAAAAAAACg/v9tEd2ZEGzE/s320/insidebox.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568543892656608722" /></div><div><br /></div><div>After she opened the tissue paper, this was what was right on top! Some cut window clings and Peeps hearts!</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdxpBBzmrI/AAAAAAAAACo/BPVj7aw5rgw/s320/goodiesinbox.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568544413731494578" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Alex with her window clings (which are so proudly displayed on my front door right now!)</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdx_AuvhaI/AAAAAAAAACw/BLA5LiBZ8bM/s320/windowclings.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568544791608657314" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Some Jolly Rancher gummies and the Peeps! </div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdz3h1BjMI/AAAAAAAAADY/smwSn7mcIGE/s320/morecandy.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568546862077676738" /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is so funny- I just noticed that every picture I took looks exactly the same-except this one- Skittles and Starburst are Alex's favorite candy in the whole wide world! Can you tell??!!</div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdz8NGQG6I/AAAAAAAAADg/yEcWgL2G9IE/s320/candy.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568546942412135330" /></div><div><br /></div><div>An adorable little hair brush, some lip gloss and a rockin' pair of fuzzy socks!</div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdzA6SRW9I/AAAAAAAAADA/p4YMpnnAkMc/s320/socks.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568545923749993426" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Some great smelling body lotion and a couple of scrubbies! Thank the LORD! I've never seen anyone go through scrubbies like this girl!</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdzVeB6NZI/AAAAAAAAADI/omlWvPdJPbg/s320/scrubbiesnlotion.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568546276942427538" /></div><div><br /></div><div>And what do you think was on the bottom of the box? Yep- you guessed it!</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdzqB5Ke6I/AAAAAAAAADQ/bvzn3pgaQo8/s320/mysteryphoto.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568546630166805410" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you so much Jennifer! You rock! -From: Alex </div><div> </div>Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-78662222715850545302011-01-31T17:58:00.000-08:002011-01-31T18:22:35.025-08:00Valentines Swap 2011 - Thank You Denise!!!!!<div>This is my third blog swap I have participated in and I am SO happy to report that this one (like the others before them) did NOT disappoint! Denise had me, so I already knew I was in for a treat! Not to mention I got an email beforehand saying that she insured the package (because there was glass), so I was SUPER excited! <div>Today, my daughter's school was closed because of a student holiday, so Alex came to work with me. I get out at 12 noon, and when we pulled in the driveway, there were TWO boxes on the front porch! So, it was REALLY cool that we both received our swap gifts at the same time! We ripped into those boxes like the two silliest, giddiest girls you've ever seen! Lol!</div><div>So, this first post is what I received from Denise-</div><div>(I did some creative editing to hide our addresses)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdsIO-seSI/AAAAAAAAAB4/SbdkrJHqRYQ/s320/outsidebox.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568538352982718754" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Look at that creative packaging! My son wanted to play with it so bad! The note inside said-</div><div>"Enclosed are a few yummy treats for your family! AND something for you to display it on!"</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdsPpqrhvI/AAAAAAAAACA/uSNesAG2IPo/s320/insidebox.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568538480405612274" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, so this picture doesn't even show you how beautiful the display stand is! No wonder she got it insured! I already have it displayed on my kitchen table! I absolutely love it! There is also some yummy cookie mix, frosting, sprinkles, a goodie bag with some of my FAVORITE candies (I love peppermint patties!) and a set of Wilton heart shaped cookie cutters! I am definitely making these sometime this week! </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3g7PACP8Cb8/TUdsyFQM4DI/AAAAAAAAACQ/erVVn9yQa-g/s320/everything.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568539071926296626" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you SO MUCH Denise! You seriously made my day! </div>Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-84951802318133382472011-01-30T14:34:00.000-08:002011-01-30T16:20:16.987-08:00DEXTERSo, I watch The Bachelor, The Office, Outsourced, American Idol and I can now definitely say that I am seriously the BIGGEST fan of Dexter! Yea...I know...it can get a little raunchy at times (Debra and her filthy mouth!), but I am willing to overlook that because the story is just SO unique and intriguing! I have watched season one and tonight, Eddie and I will finish watching season 2! I have literally been on pins and needles since last night! Why haven't I started watching this show sooner?! Oh yea...that's right. I don't subscribe to Showtime! Lol! <div>If you haven't watch it, basically, the premise is that Dexter is a serial killer who works for the Miami Metro Police Dept. as a blood analyst. He only kills bad guys, though. (you know...because that's "ok"). Anyhow, I am literally on the edge of my seat at the end of EVERY single episode and I just want to keep watching! </div><div>Anyhow, I just had to say that! Lol!</div><div>This week was really busy. February is gonna be a crazy busy month! I am getting all kinds of crafty over here for Valentines Day!</div><div>My all time favorite craft site is Tipjunkie.com . I get SO much inspiration from that lady and all her crafts! </div><div>My friend and I are going to be teaching some couponing seminars this Spring, so all of you Richmonders who would like to learn to coupon, but find it a little overwhelming, be on the look out! We are going to make it REAL easy for you :) I have been thinking about doing this for quite some time, but lately, I've just gotten a TON of folks asking me to teach them how to do what I do, so I thought...."why not?" I LOVE saving money and I love sharing deals with others so that they can save money as well :)</div><div>To be continued....... ;)</div>Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-83238876227424141842011-01-24T12:55:00.000-08:002011-01-24T13:25:15.884-08:00Hello..My name is Toni...and I STINK at blogging!The first step is admitting it, right??!! Lol!!!<div>It's just not something I think of doing in my spare time- AT ALL! Usually if I have spare time, I am cleaning my house, organizing my coupons- for probably the millionth time that week- or playing with my kids. </div><div>By the way, Alex is 13 now! A full-blown teenager! Luckily, she is so not into boys or anything. She would MUCH rather have candy, clothes, shoes....all the "girly" stuff ! I DREAD the day she puts boys in front of all of that! She is a handful, though! She is just like me when I was her age! She is constantly playing jokes and pranks on people. Some of them are great, some of them are....well....not. One night, she and her friends ran around the neighborhood at like 10pm "ding-dong ditching" people's houses. hilarious, right? (pardon my sarcasm) On a lighter note, she is so tall! Mind you, she just turned 13 a few weeks ago and she is 5ft. 8! She TOWERS over me! She wears a womens 11/5 shoe size! Unfortunately, she hates basketball (because the shorts are too long and ugly--go figure!), but is open to the idea of volleyball. Some teachers have told me that with her height, she could play on the high school volleyball team in 8th grade next year! Which reminds me, I need to call school about the try-out process for that! </div><div>Aron will be 3 in April!! He is so stinkin' smart that it scares me! He can spell his name, tell me his b-day, recognize all of the alphabet letters AND their sounds and oh...I could just go on! One thing that is REALLY setting us back is potty training! I have tried everything and he would much rather just go in his diaper. At first he wouldn't go because he said the seat was cold. Sorry dude. The children's potty's don't come with seat warmers.....man up or stand! Well, that didn't work too well. Bribery was next. I offered to make him an entire cake just for himself! Nope! That didn't work either. I know I should wait until he is "ready", but he goes to preschool with me and he will be held back if he is not potty trained :( It's not a punishment or anything....the 3-year old preschool room doesn't have a changing table. So, until he is potty trained, he will have to stay in the 2-year old room :( Hopefully he will WANT to do it when he sees his friends moving on. We'll see. </div><div>And yes, I am still the lead Pre-K teacher at my school. It will be a year on 2/11 that I have been there. I opened the school and it has been really cool to see it grow so much. I go in at 6:30am and leave at 12noon. Eddie brings Aron to school at 8am on his way to work. That makes for a crazy morning for him every day, but he manages. I still work one day a week at the YMCA. I have been working there for 3 years this year! I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE working there! I will never leave that place! </div><div>That's about all I can think of for now. I am really going to try to get back into this. If nothing else, just once a week! </div><div>I think the most challenging part for me is uploading the pictures. Why can't I just import a picture from my computer? I HATE that I have to switch it to HTML format and THEN import it. That is super time consuming! </div><div>So, thought I'd throw in some random photos that took me about 20 minutes to put in here! Enjoy! </div><div>Aron- marveling at my beautiful painting at the Y! HAHA!</div><div><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/blog/?action=view&current=aronproudofmommy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/blog/aronproudofmommy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>Alex- at Christmas time</div><div><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/blog/?action=view&current=Alexchristmas.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/blog/Alexchristmas.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>Me- Can I ever have just a picture of just me? Nope.</div><div><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/blog/?action=view&current=toniaron.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/blog/toniaron.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-59139661464821142572010-02-07T11:21:00.000-08:002010-02-07T11:24:17.801-08:00A fun little giveaway!A friend of mine over at <a href="http://lovelylifeofleah.blogspot.com/2010/02/shopleah-giveaway-gray-and-white.html">Shop-Leah </a>is having a really great giveaway to get her business started!<br />Since her business is fairly new, your chances of winning are really good!<br />Click <a href="http://lovelylifeofleah.blogspot.com/2010/02/shopleah-giveaway-gray-and-white.html">HERE</a> to enter!!!<br />Good luck and let me know if you win!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-80477611720956756612010-02-07T06:56:00.000-08:002010-02-07T07:00:32.333-08:00Free Pants!Do you watch the Superbowl like all of the other MILLIONS of people? <br />Well, I do. And I have to admit, it's not my absolute<span style="font-style: italic;"> favorite</span> thing to watch, but I do it out of obligation :) I would be much happier watching the most recent episode of The Bachelor ;)<br />Anyways, I am REALLY excited about this year's Superbowl! Wanna know why??<br />Because you can score some FREE Dockers pants if you keep your eye fine-tuned for their commerical!<br />The first 2010 people who register <a href="http://us.dockers.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=4003744&m=121696952&a=121702360&u=35888&c=35874&ab=CME_020210:main">HERE</a> immediately following the commercial will win a free pair of Dockers!<br />They will email you the code to use on Dockers.com!<br />Don't forget, they also sell womens pants, too!<br />Good luck and let me know if you win!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-60503351483631100792010-02-06T19:57:00.000-08:002010-02-06T20:09:31.684-08:00Blizzard of 2010Okay, Mother Nature! I've had my fun with the snow, you can stop now!!! Seriously!<br />Alex went to school for one day this week (and even then, it was a two hour delay). We had about 10 inches, then it rained and washed a few inches away, only to be replaced with about 4 inches again today. Oh, bonus- it's supposed to snow again this Wednesday, then again on Saturday. I'm supposed to be training for the Monument 10K coming up in March, but the snow and ice makes that a little difficult:(<br /><br />Whew! Glad that's off my chest!<br />On to some bigger and better things!<br />After taking a two-year break from working full-time, I am both sad and happy to report that I will be starting a new job next week! I will be working as a preschool teacher (4-year olds) at The Learning Experience! If you haven't checked this place out yet, you really need to (<a href="http://www.thelearningexperience.com/">www.thelearningexperience.com</a>)! It is AWESOME! Their phonics program is the BEST I have ever seen!<br />It's a full-time preschool and also a daycare for the younger ones. I <em>DID </em>go to college for this, so I might as well use what I've learned, right??<br />My hours are 6:30am - 2:30pm, so I'll get out on time to get Alex off of the bus! I am sooooo excited! Aron gets to come, too :) Of course, he won't be coming with me at 6:30am, but Eddie will be bringing him at 8:30 and he will get about 4 hours of learning/play time, then a 2-hour nap, then come home with me. It's the perfect situation for me. <br />I will also still be working part-time at the YMCA two nights a week, because I really do love it there. My co-workers are some of my very best friends :) Talk about having fun at work! Lol!<br /><br />Also, what is your opinion on Sarah Palin leading the Tea Party movement? This is either going to be really good for the Republicans, or really bad. I guess time will tell, huh?Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-25414432837594570982010-01-18T10:55:00.001-08:002010-01-18T11:01:53.883-08:00Whats new w/me?!Holy Moly! I just realized it's been months since I blogged! <br />Lets see...I (along with MILLIONS of other people) started Weight Watchers (only I did it in December instead of January). So far, I'm down 7 pounds!<br />I am running in the Monument Avenue 10K this year and I'm training with the YMCA!<br />So far, so good! Although, I don't think running in 30 degree weather is my favorite!<br />Alex turned the big 1-2 in December! I can't believe this is her last year of being a child :( <br />Aron will be two in April! I can't believe it! <br />I was in our church's huge Christmas production, called "GCN" (Glorious Christmas Nights)! This thing was huge! I'm talking TRBC Living Christmas Tree huge! Over 800 people in the production!<br />Anyhow, I made some really good friends and I joined the choir this year! So far, I'm having a blast! Brings back the old high school days of being in Mrs. Breen's choir! Alto's rule! Lol!<br />I'm still into couponing hard-core and am getting a little better at updating my savings blog (www.bargainnoble.blogspot.com)<br />I still work at the YMCA, too. <br />Well, that's about all that is new with me! I look forward to updating more frequently in 2010!!! I need to turn this thing into a book!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-35805238137457001422009-11-11T10:40:00.000-08:002009-11-11T10:48:49.424-08:00Ukrops: .05 cents Special K20 Protein Water!<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view¤t=k20.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/k20.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />As I was perusing the diet section at Ukrops today, I noticed that their Special K2O Protein Water was on sale fro $1.15 (down from the regular $1.57). Not bad, right? Well, then I took a second look and saw that many of them had coupons attached to them for .55 cents off! Well, since today is super double coupons at Ukrops, I got $1.10 off each one, making them only .05 cents each! <br />Forget about looking at the John Rolfe YMCA, but all the other ones should have them! Hurry, hurry, hurry!!!!<br />This stuff is REALLY good and has 5 grams of dietary fiber, too!<br />YOU CAN ONLY GET THIS DEAL TODAY, ON SUPER DOUBLE COUPON DAY!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-74409005922419152492009-11-01T05:40:00.000-08:002009-11-02T06:36:51.246-08:00Halloween '09, done! Now for Thanksgiving!!!Trick-or-Treating was SO much fun this year!<br /><br />Alex sort of dressed up as a cheerleader (just wore her cheerleading uniform from Western Wildcats) and Aron was the Campbells Soup kid!<br /><br />Aron's legs couldn't quite make it ALL the way around the neighborhood, so we brought his trusty wagon!<br /><br />I'm not sure WHY the weather decided to be 80 degrees out, instead of the nice, crisp 70 degrees it's been!!!! I was sweating big time!<br /><br />Anyhow, I made Aron's costume this year. It was so much fun (and not to mention it only cost me a whopping $8 to make!). I just used felt, posterboard and paper!<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view&current=soupkid.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Campbells Soup Kid" src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/soupkid.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Alex really didn't dress up this year. BUT, she definitely wasn't too cool for school, because they had "mix and match" day at school on Friday and this girl went ALL out! I can't tell you how many people came by my job and had "compliments" for Alex as they saw her at her bus stop this morning! Ha! HA! And no, she isn't posing in this picture. She was displaying her true tween attitude because she was forced to take a picture for mom's blog!<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view&current=alexmixedup.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/alexmixedup.jpg" /></a>Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-35943883950480101592009-10-03T18:26:00.001-07:002009-10-03T18:51:07.953-07:00F-A-L-L Blogswap 2009! Thank you, Donna!!!Well, I knew I was in for a treat when I saw that Donna had me! And let me tell you, this girl hooked me UP!!!!!<br />Before I get to the pictures, I just want to say thank you to Donna for putting so much time and effort into this! From the little note to the packaging to remembering my family members, you did a fantastic job!<br />Okay, onto the good stuff!<br />The note included breaks everything down:<br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;">F-</span></strong> Enjoy some Fall time <em><strong><span style="color:#660000;">F</span></strong>lavor</em> in your home this season. (the cider)<br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;">A</span></strong>- Here is a cute Fall <em><strong><span style="color:#660000;">A</span></strong>ccent</em> piece for your mantle this month. Trick or Treat! (the Trick or Treat banner)<br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;">L</span></strong>- These <em><strong><span style="color:#660000;">L</span></strong>ittle</em> pumpkins are perfect for Rivera mealtimes in the Fall. They'll add some spice to your dinner table. (pumpkin salt and pepper shakers)<br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;">L</span></strong>- Another way to decorate the table this season- <em><strong><span style="color:#660000;">L</span></strong>eaf </em>placemats!<br /><br />Look at how festive this packaging is!<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view&current=inbox.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/inbox.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This is everything out of the package (except the banner)!<br />Pumpkin salt and pepper shakers, Leaf placemats (adorable!), cider mix (yummy!)<br />Socks for Alex, spoon & fork set for Aron and (this is my favorite)- a pumpkin whoopie cushion for Eddie! Lol!! It's like you already know him! He LOVES it!<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view&current=outofbox.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/outofbox.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here is the banner proudly displayed on my mantle! It's beautiful and I've always wanted a banner! Where do you get these??! Does someone make them??<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view&current=mantle.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/mantle.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here is Alex who could NOT wait to put on her socks! (gosh, she is getting so tall I can hardly fit her in the picture!) She wore them to her babysitting job tonight and was telling them that Donna got them for her ('cuz you know...they go waaay back! lol!--this kid cracks me up!)through her mom's blog swap. You can imagine the confused look I got when I tried explaining this to someone who doesn't blog!<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view&current=alex.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/alex.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here is Aron saying "Yaaaaayyyy!" for his new spoon and fork set!<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view&current=aron-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/aron-3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Sorry. No picks of Eddie and I. We had just gotten home from working out at the gym and were gross!!! But trust me, I LOVED it and so did my family! THANK YOU SO MUCH, DONNA!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-47320638944537994972009-09-27T05:59:00.000-07:002009-09-27T06:19:45.622-07:00an "off" weekSince Alex started middle school this year, her schedule has gotten SO busy!
<br />I am kind of glad, though. Better busy than so bored that you have to "find" something to do!
<br />I am so thankful for our church that they have so many different programs for her to get involved in. We all head to church on Sunday, of course, but then she has Bible study there on Monday nights with all girls her age, then she has youth group on Wednesday night. Right now she is on a youth retreat in West Virginia. It is just so exciting to see her growing in the Lord! I really think it is so important to be surrounded by christian friends. Especially when you are in a public middle school!
<br />Anyways, with Alex gone on this retreat, Aron has been acting so weird. I think he really misses his sister. She always plays with him. Eddie and I play with him too, but not the way "sissy" does!
<br />So, we decided to go to Trader Joe's for their "one year birthday". He was kind of fussy at the store, so they gave him a balloon. Let me tell you, he held that balloon forever! We went to Chick-fil-A afterwards and he was screaming when we tried to leave the balloon in the car, so we thought it's not worth the fuss, so we let him bring it in. Again, he will NOT let go of this balloon! Everytime he reached for a nugget, his balloon would fly up to the ceiling and he would scream! (it was tied to his wrist, though).
<br />UGh....so we get home and let him watch a little of his favorite show, Thomas and Friends. He is STILL holding this balloon!
<br />He finally let go of his balloon when it was time to get ready for bed.
<br />The next night before bed while Eddie was reading him a story, Aron didn't want him to stop! I think he read the book like 3 times, already! Check out the hissy fit my little guy threw when he stopped reading!
<br />I could not believe this was my happy baby boy!!! I think he was overtired and missing sissy.
<br />Alex comes home today and we ALL can't wait!!!!
<br />For your viewing pleasure, the madness has been captured below:
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<br /><embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/000_0004-2.flv">Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-85861717450569240332009-09-20T18:02:00.000-07:002009-09-20T18:04:32.322-07:00Praise Him for all things!I just wanted to do a quick post as I saw this video below, I cried and cried. As a parent, I am so blessed to have two healthy children. I think we sometimes take the little things for granted. Thank you God for the health and well-being of my family.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K0mzVOt2CQo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K0mzVOt2CQo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-69231792286086555962009-09-17T06:01:00.000-07:002009-09-17T06:20:35.459-07:00Yea, yea...so I'm a slacker!Whew! I really do love summer, but I sure am glad school is back in session! I love being on a schedule. The summertime just kind of seems like a "free for all" or something!!!<br />Things are still just as hectic as ever, though! Lol!<br />Yesterday after my daughter came home from school, she told me that some lady at the bus stop claimed she had a son who went to Alex's school and then proceeded to ask Alex and another boy where they lived and if they ever needed a ride home, to "give her a call" and she then pointed to the house down the street where she lived.<br />Does anyone else find this creepy at all????!!! Not to mention, she was there in the morning for the buss pick up AND during the drop off!<br />So, yours truly called school to question them about how I should go about handling such a situation.<br />They said they would "look into it". Which, usually means "I'll write it down on a post-it and then give it a good home in the trash can with all the other complaints".<br />Well, 20 MINUTES later, my doorbell rang and a Henrico county police officer was on my porch! It was funny, because I wasn't expecting him to pay my family a visit until Alex was AT LEAST 16 years old!<br />Anyhow, after I opened the door, he asked if he could come in (as he walked past me into my living room). Ummmm....sure...make yourself at home. Bathroom is down the hall and since your here, would you mind changing the trash for me??!<br />Seriously!! HE just barged right on in!<br />In any event, he wanted to question Alex about what she saw! The whole time she just kept saying how "cool" it was that a policeman was in our living room. "This is so cool! We've never had a police officer in our house before"!<br />Easy child!!! Let's not make a habit of this, ok??!<br />So, he questioned her and left.<br />The next morning at 7:25am, our doorbell rings, he helps himself inside (again) and of COURSE I'm looking like every other person looks at 7:25am!.....pajamas, no bra, hair in a messy bun, no make-up....yadda..yadda..yadda....<br />Then, he told me that they found the lady and that she does have a son that goes to the same school and he never leaves the house and she was trying to find him some <strike>victims</strike> friends for him. My question is...WHO DOES THAT??!!!<br />UGhh.....I really can't wait to get my car in a couple of weeks! Alex is NOT going to be riding the bus for much longer!<br />Also, I am losing the battle on my "no cell phone until you are driving" policy!<br />The police officer told Alex to make sure her cell phone is on as soon as she gets off the bus. Like it's not even a question that she has one?!!!! When I told him she didn't have a cell phone, he acted like those words don't even go together in the same sentence! "Oh...um....well...maybe...cell phone....bus....middle school..."<br />I get it! EVERYONE has a cell phone except Alex! Sorry!!! I just don't like seeing these kids texting every minute of the day!<br />So, alas, she will be getting a pre-paid cell phone with a whopping $5 dollars on it to call me in the event of an emergency. <br />UGhg......well, that's what's going on in my life right now! <br />Exciting, huh??!!<br />Lol!!!!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-10005523814067811182009-07-27T11:15:00.000-07:002009-07-27T11:18:06.447-07:00Well, Well...what do we have here??<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view¤t=000_0028.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/000_0028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Look what I found in Sunday's paper in the coupon section!!!! I have NEVER seen any advertisement for Harris Teeter in all my years living in Richmond! Don't lie to us Mr. Ukrop! We know the inevitable!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-4229342229422306522009-07-15T11:49:00.000-07:002009-07-15T11:56:01.425-07:00Harris Teeter taking over??!<a href="http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii245/bc0slew/?action=view¤t=UkropsGoldenGiftlogo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii245/bc0slew/UkropsGoldenGiftlogo.jpg" border="0" alt="Ukrops Golden Gift logo"></a><br /> OR <br /><br /><a href="http://s603.photobucket.com/albums/tt112/madamedeals/?action=view¤t=harristeeter.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt112/madamedeals/harristeeter.jpg" border="0" alt="Harris Teeter"></a><br /><br />I'm not sure if this is going to be good news or bad! <br />In the Times Dispatch today, it looks like Harris Teeter is (possibly) buying out Ukrops! <br />I am feeling kind of bitter sweet about this one. <br />Ukrops is a christian owned grocery store chain that is locally owned. They sponsor just about everything here in Richmond, including the famous Ukrops 10K!<br />On the other (and *ahem* selfish) hand, Harris Teeter oftentimes TRIPLES coupons! <br />Not to mention, I would be working ABOVE the Harris Teeter! For those of you that don't know, the YMCA that I work at is above a Ukrops grocery store! Let me tell you, it definitely has it's advantages! <br />Very interesting! I'm going to miss people rolling my groceries out to my car for me!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-7219642069601686512009-06-20T08:08:00.000-07:002009-06-20T08:21:08.711-07:00Foot Fetish??!I think my son has a foot fetish!! Eeeewww!!! He absolutely LOVES tickling people's feet! He could literally sit there for hours and do it and just think it's the greatest thing in the world! <br />Here is a video of him and his latest obsession-<br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://s71.photobucket.com/flash/player.swf?file=http://vid71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/000_0007-3.flv"></embed>Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-138865368850301882009-06-18T05:39:00.001-07:002009-06-18T05:43:17.655-07:00I love this site!I love to do arts and crafts, it is just that I have the hardest time coming up with creative and unique ideas! That is why I am addicted to <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/">TipJunkie</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo196/ChicChickMedia/tipjunkie_button.gif" /></a><br /><br />Right now, they have gone from a simple blog to a full blown .com website!<br />They are celebrating their success by offering some great giveaways, so I definitely recommend you check it out!<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">HERE</span></strong></a> to check it all out!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-39871101093715524802009-06-14T05:52:00.000-07:002009-06-14T05:56:34.981-07:00Elementary School----check!Wow! I can not tell you how fast Elementary school went by! It is so crazy to think that my baby girl is going into Middle School in a just a couple of months! And just think....I'm not even CLOSE to being done! I get to do the whole elementary school adventure all over again in 4 more years!
<br />Aron has been getting so stinkin' big! He is walking and talking--or trying--Ha! ha!--and this kid LOVES books and Little People!
<br />Anyhow, here is a recent video of him trying out his new sandals!
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<br />This kid makes the funniest faces I've ever seen! He must be a "Jim Carrey" in the making!
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<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view¤t=000_0003-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/000_0003-3.jpg" border="0" alt="little gorilla"></a>Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-37729210829455246172009-06-04T06:05:00.001-07:002009-06-04T06:15:37.329-07:00Hello Everyone!I have just been busy, busy, busy! My <a href="http://www.bargainnoble.blogspot.com/">savings blog</a> is just so much fun! I'm so addicted!<br /><br />On the homefront- I can't believe Aron is 14 months old already!! Where in the world does the time go?! Wasn't I JUST pregnant with him??!<br />He is walking now. Which is "fun". This is ALL he ever wants to do!! <br />Well, he also LOVES to snuggle with mommy! I LOVE IT! Alex was never a big snuggler, so I am just eating it up! <br />He learned how to give kisses, so of course we captured it on camera!<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view¤t=kissyface.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/kissyface.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And, here is a picture of my BIG boy! He was fresh out of the bath in this picture (no, I don't just let him run around the house all day in his diaper!)<br /><a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/?action=view¤t=chubbs.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/onlyonetoni/chubbs.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Also, I am...er...I mean Alex is preparing for middle school this September! <br />We have a summer choc-ful-of business! Alex is going to Camp Hydaway for the last year :( She is also going to our church camp and to Girl Scout camp. Very sad. Her last summer as a "kid". <br /><br />I'll be updating more frequently on here. I've gotten really bad about that lately!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-18484890109586432692009-05-21T10:57:00.000-07:002009-05-21T11:04:16.132-07:00Whew!<a href="http://s336.photobucket.com/albums/n327/breatherepeat/?action=view¤t=adam_lambert_drag_queen.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n327/breatherepeat/adam_lambert_drag_queen.jpg" border="0" alt="drag pink"></a><br /><br />So, how glad are you that THIS GUY isn't your American Idol?!?!<br />What a sigh of relief, although I still think Danny Gokey should have won. I can't believe how much the judges pushed and praised this guy!!!! If he would have won, I could never allow myself or my children to watch that show again. Aside from him being a HORRIBLE singer (FYI, Adam- Screaming is not singing!), he is a terrible role model for children (which, by the way, is a huge portion of the audience of this show)!<br /><br />So, rock on Kris Allen! He did a great job!<br /><a href="http://s698.photobucket.com/albums/vv350/reachgirl/?action=view¤t=27_kris_allen.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv350/reachgirl/27_kris_allen.jpg" border="0" alt="KRIS!!!!!!!!!!!!"></a>Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-8375935957227344922009-05-19T11:53:00.001-07:002009-05-19T12:03:40.592-07:00Cheesiest show......ever!My daughter is your typical "tween". She loves the Jonas Brothers....commonly known as "Jonai". Anyhow, they have a new tv show on Disney and it has to be absolutely the CHEESIEST thing I have ever seen! I mean, just going to the <a href="http://tv.disney.go.com/disneychannel/jonas/">website </a>should give you a clue! "The brothers that ROCK together, ROLL together"....isn't that sweet?! Pardon my sarcasm.<br />As I'm sitting here at the computer, my daughter is over there watching this junk. From what I can hear, the three brothers all like this one girl who works at a pizza place. <br />Of course, what would a Jonas Brother show be without their music? Yep, that's right. Now they are singing a song "I fell in love with the pizza girl and now I eat pizza every day"...<br />I am NOT making this up! This is the worst thing ever....yet....I can't look away.......Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-68829808600182904842009-05-16T18:24:00.000-07:002009-05-16T18:36:37.295-07:00Nothing newWell, this isn't an exciting post. Nothing really new to report. I've just been busy, busy, busy with my other savings blog www.bargainnoble.blogspot.com <br /><br />I have had time to tune in and watch American Idol and Lost, however.<br />On American Idol----Adam Lambert??! Seriously??! He is so nasty. <br />It's so overly obvious that American Idol WANTS him to win! Last week when Katy Perry (I can't stand her either) sang live on the show, her "superwoman" cape had "Adam Lambert" embroidered on the back! WHAT?! Is that even allowed??!<br />Also, how in the WORLD is Danny Gokey not in the finals? Kris is good, but he is no Danny Gokey. <br />Whew! I just had to get that off my chest!<br /><br />Lost- I was REALLY hoping for more answers in the season finale. I found out who Jacob was, finally. Even though he died so easily by Ben stabbing him. <br />I find this whole Jacob scenario so much like the Bible story of Jacob and Esau. My theory is that is who the other guy is that was on the island with Jacob originally. I remember him saying "Do you know how bad I want to kill you right now?" That was very much the feeling Esau had toward Jacob when Jacob stole his birth right. I think that the show is somehow insinuating that the new "Locke" has come back as "Esau" and convinced Ben to kill Jacob. <br />Although, Esau didn't kill Jacob in the Bible....but still.....it's just so similar...<br /><br />Anyhow, that's just my take on it!Toni R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09349056656419865605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855977806570468335.post-91255548089184898092009-05-06T18:11:00.001-07:002009-05-06T18:17:13.209-07:00I know it's been a while!Whew! Have I been busy!
<br />In case you haven' heard, I have been crazy busy with my other new blog, <a href="http://www.bargainnoble.blogspot.com">Bargain Noble</a>!
<br />I haven't had time to update this blog, but hang with me! I'm still kind of new to this savings thing!
<br />Aside from saving money, I have been having so much fun with Aron!
<br />He is really starting to show his personality and it's so darn cute!
<br />Alex is really enjoying it too....
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<br />Aron is STILL not walking, but he is getting there. Here is a video of him after his bath in his crib being brave and taking his first two steps! I still can't believe I got this on camera!
<br />He gets so excited that it sounds like he says "I DID IT!"
<br />Just listen......
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