Be sure to check this out, too!

My sister-in-law is celebrating her 1 year blogiversary, too! Enter her giveaway to win some Starbucks goodies!!

IT'S MY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!! **closed**

*** I'll be closing the giveaways on Tuesday night ... winners will be announced Wednesday morning!! Extra points given to those who re-post ... just let me know you gave me a shout-out on your blog or facebook!! Thanks so much for all the love - you girls are great!!! ***

One year ago I started my blog, and here I am today ... 300 posts later!! I have met some awesome friends in this year, and have loved getting to know each of you through our blogs, emails, and Facebook. I thank you all so much for the time you take to check in each day and for all the sweet comments!

LET'S CELEBRATE!!!
I have some incredible giveaways, so be sure to re-post on your blog and tell all your friends!! You do not have to have a blog to enter!! Just be sure to leave your email address in your comment (post under name/url), so I can contact you if you win!! If you do have a blog, please follow me in my sidebar gadget! I love meeting new friends, so don't be shy!! Good Luck!!

Giveaway #1

Back in April, I went to a Nordstrom Fragrance Event and fell in love with Ed Hardy's Eternal Love scent. It reminds me of vanilla pudding and sweet strawberries. Oh.So.Yummy!! My first giveaway is for the 3 oz shower gel, 3 oz shimmering body lotion and cute little travel spray. This is sure to be your new favorite!!

Simply leave a comment to enter ... yep, it's that easy! Now go check out my other giveaways!!

Giveaway #2 **closed**

A fun little Coach key ring in my absolute fave color, purple!! Every girl should have a Coach, even if it is on her keys! This cutie opens to hold 2 pictures.
Leave a comment to enter ... giveaway #3 is right below!!

Giveaway #3 **closed**

We all know I am a vodka girl ... classy, I know. But hey! If you are going to drink, you might as well not wake up with a hangover, right? Earlier this year, I participated in a martini glass swap. I must say that now I am starting my own little collection of cute glasses. When I was in search for the perfect glass to send my partner, I came across Hot Mama Glassware on Etsy. Not only did she custom make 2 glasses for me then, but she is currently working on 3 more for me! I just love her polka dotted glasses! The very sweet and talented Beth Anne from Hot Mama is generously giving away to one lucky reader a set (yes, 2!) of martini glasses - one pink (for the ladies) and one blue (for the guys), with the recipes Black and Blue and Woo Woo on the bottoms. If you ever need some fun gifts, check out her store!!
Cheers!

Leave a comment to enter ... on to #4!!

Number 4 **closed**

I don't even need to explain myself on this one. I am so in lust with this vampire love story that I added a countdown to New Moon in my sidebar! Here is the first book in the series ... Twilight!!

You know what to do ... leave your comment!!

Numero Cinco!! **closed**

This next giveaway is from another cute little handmade store on Etsy, Wire Wrapped Designs. I absolutely love the adorable pendants and crafted jewelry they offer. One lucky reader will win a pair of wire wrapped earrings of her choice!! To enter, please click on the store's link, browse the beautiful earrings, and come back here to comment on which pair you would love to win! These ones are my fave ... how gorgeous is that color!?!

Giveaway #6 **closed**

Hot Mama Glassware is offering another fabulous giveaway!!! Check out this sassy little mug with the signature Hot Mama logo!! Microwave safe and comes with a recipe card for Hot Mama Orange Cinnamon Coffee ... mmmmm!! Be sure to check out Hot Mama Glassware - custom orders are more than welcome, and they are fun to work with! Leave your comment to enter!!

Here's Giveaway #7 **closed**

Now I get to brag about one of my very sweet friends, Miss Angie, from The Creative Mama and Angie Warren Photography! Angie is so inspirational, creative and she absolutely amazes me with her ideas, tips, and photography skills. One day she will do my Trash the Dress shoot and some family pictures (as soon as we make a trip to California), but for now I love handing out my Mommy Cards that Angie designed for me! And now you can, too! Angie is giving away a set of 50 custom Mommy Cards! These little cards are great for handing out at playdates, parks, or schools and are such a cute and fun way to exchange contact information! To enter, please visit Angie Warren Designs on Etsy, pick out a design you like, then come back here to tell me which one you like best!

Final Blogiversary Giveaway **closed**

Did you guys really think that I could have such a big event without offering some beloved Juicy Couture?!? Oh yeah ... check out this oh-so-cute Juicy velour coin purse! Attaches to your key ring and is perfect when you just need to carry your id, bank card, and/or cash. I love this blue and brown combo, great for any season! Just leave a comment to enter!!

I have found the one my soul loves ... Song of Solomon 3:4

Today is our 8 year anniversary ... we have been together for almost 11 years!! We love each other more now than ever! We laugh a lot, and we absolutely love life together.

xoxo
♥

(picture taken last summer, it is one of Tim's fave pics of us)

A little bit of this and a little bit of that ...

Enough randoms for one blog post ... gotta love it!
My sis-in-law, Jackie, blogged about a book she had recently read and it sounded interesting. She boosted it up as being a quick, entertaining read and let me borrow it for our trip to Canada. She didn't lie. The Covenant Child - a very good book that I highly enjoyed! It went by fast because it was simple, not drawn-out, and made you wanna find out what was going to happen next! I definitely had a hard time putting the book down, and even pushed through a sleeping pill one night to read a few extra chapters. Ha, ha! I am giving her copy back to her, but I highly recommend buying a copy to add to your collection. It was that good!
This last weekend was the famous Happy Valley Garage Sale event. Every year it grows and people from all around come out to snag incredible deals on stuff we really don't need. This year, there were over 200 homes that participated. The neighborhood streets were packed, parking was not always fun, and it ended up down-pouring by the end of the day, BUT we did find ourselves some great deals! While I sat in the car with our 4 kiddos, my sis-in-law and mom-in-law browsed a sale. Jackie, knowing my love affair with Grenadine drink mix (you know, the cherry syrup they put in sodas and mixed drinks?) snatched up 3 wine bottle sized bottles of the stuff!! Now get this - the small bottles run about $6 in the stores. Jackie got them for 50 CENTS EACH!! Oh yeah! Apparently, the guy having the sale bought a restaurant and said they were left over. Sweet!!
There's a rumor going around that Max Factor will be removed from store shelves so that a bigger concentration can be focussed on Cover Girl. (Sigh) Sure. Take the one brand of mascara that I have fallen in love with, and make it impossible to buy. Today, I went to Walmart and picked up 2 packages of the 2000 Calorie Waterproof mascara. Seems I can only find it there, and for under $6 each, I gotta start stocking up.

I am going to a wedding this weekend ... wearing a cute little black dress and these oh-so-hot Simply Vera Wang purple pumps. Got them at Kohl's for 40 bucks! Woot-woot!!

My BIG Blogiversary is just a day away ... so many great items that will make you all smile and squeal with joy! Make sure you tell all your friends about it - the more, the merrier!! Add this little button on your blog, and be sure to check in bright and early on Wednesday morning!!!

<a href="http://aprilbaker23.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/abaker23/blogiversary_Page_0.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

Sharing the Goodies!

One of my sweet and talented friends, Angie, is having a day of giveaways over on her blog to celebrate her 100th post!! You will fall in love with her blog, and get tons of amazing and creative tips and advice from this Creative Mama! Enjoy!!

One Amazing Guy

My hubby. He is the absolute best. He takes care of us like no other, and I pray that our boys turn out to be just like him when they get older. Happy Daddy's Day, Tim!! Thank you for all you do for our family, and for who you are. We love you so very much!!

♥

Flippin' Tables

Who watched the first season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey? O.M.G. I didn't think that I would enjoy these girls as much as Orange County, but I am way too partial to Italians! I absolutely loved them and their Jersey-Italian attitudes!
So the finale ... let's talk about that! First off, I cannot stand Danielle, so Team Dina for me! Danielle tried to have some balls and confront 3 Italian women at a dinner event, but I bet she never tries that again. LOL!
I lost respect for Jacqueline with her lack of loyalty to her family, especially when she didn't know exact details of the facts, but congrats on her new baby boy!! (I follow blogs, peeps!) I love Caroline's protective nature and 'bring it on' mentality. You just don't mess with family. Dina is a strong woman who handles her own, and Teresa is my kinda girl - don't even get on her bad side! We 4 would be the best of friends, let me tell ya! Ha, ha. Congrats to Teresa on her pregnancy, too (she's due in September).
The reunion show is next week ... (yay!) ... and I can't wait for Season 2. I am hoping it runs a little longer next time around. Until then, I may have to snag one of these cute tees from Teresa's site, TGFabulicious.

O, Canada!

This last weekend, my fam and I headed up north to visit one of our favorite places ... Victoria, B.C., Canada. Victoria is about a 4 1/2 hour drive, plus an hour ferry ride away, but it is so worth the travel time!

We stopped at Great Wolf Lodge on the way up, and was so impressed with this new resort! The wilderness theme was awesome and made you feel like you were in a Disney park, and the indoor water park was so much fun!! It was only a couple hours from home, and we will definitely be planning another stay there before the end of the year!

We had gorgeous weather in Victoria, sunny and warm! We stayed right on the harbour and watch the ferries and sea planes come and go. Hubby and I went to dinner a night at my absolute fave steakhouse evah - Nautical Nellies. Mmm ... steak, lobster, stuffed mushrooms, aaahhhh!! We also spent an afternoon at the famous Butchart Gardens, and went to downtown street market in one of the squares. We just love the feel of this sweet little place ... the sights are spectacular and the food is devine! Between Victoria and Whistler, we make Canada an annual destination and always look forward to returning!!

You can check out all my pics on Facebook ... just click on my link in the sidebar! :o)

Back in the Saddle ...

Yep, it is that time again. I am on a mission ... to lose 8 pounds in 6 weeks. I've got my personal trainer all lined up (my hubby), and I am ready and motivated! It will be tough, but I know I can do it! With the help of Weight Watchers Smart Ones meals, I won't miss out on my fave pasta dishes - they are SO YUMMY, and very low-cal ... check them out in your local grocery store's freezer section! And I won't get too bored drinking water now that Vitamin Water now makes a 10 Calorie (per serving, making it 25 calories a bottle) drink. I also am excited to jump back on the tea bandwagon. I am saddened that my iced coffee love affair took over my tea addiction, and can't wait to start detoxing again.

So goodbye bloating, buh-bye love handles, and hello to my clothes fitting the way they should!! Ha, ha!! Wish me luck girls ... I'll need some cheering on!!

Summer Shows

Here's what is on my recording list this summer. Of course, I never get to watch the shows live being a busy mom n' all, but I actually prefer being able to skip through all the commercials! What are your faves?

Army Wives .. Lifetime .. Sundays at 10pm

The Closer .. TNT .. Mondays at 9pm

In Plain Sight .. USA .. Sundays at 10pm

The Real Housewives of New Jersey .. Bravo .. Tuesdays at 10pm

Beer Belly, anyone?

I wanted to pass along this valuable information for your summertime drinking pleasure ... courtesy from Sasha Says.

Mike's Hard Lemonade ... 220 - 250 Calories

Mike's Light Hard Lemonade ... 98 Calories

Each 11.2 oz bottle.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Italians do it better.

Any bathtub fans out there? I personally do not find taking baths something worth while. My germaphobe self can't imagine the joy of soaking in one's own stagnant water. The dirt, the flakes of skin ... bleh!! No thanks. But, if I did find the relaxation value in taking baths, I would definitely want to invest in one of these Italian-made beauties. They only run about 30 grand, and who wouldn't want to bathe in a shoe? Ha, ha!

Things that make you go mmmm ...

Check out these little tasties next time you are at the grocery mart ... only 100 calories, and an absolute must have with a cup o' milk. I like to dunk 'em. Those Keebler Elves sure are clever!

Let the fun begin!!

Aahh, summertime! Life is pretty busy in these few short months, but as long as the sun is out, I am ready for it!

This weekend was crazy busy - so busy, that I had to take a 3 hour nap yesterday to try to catch up! My sister-in-law and I had an awesome garage sale on Friday. We sold just about everything in the rain!! So much for picking a sunny day - a freak storm blew in Thursday evening. I pulled an all-nighter preparing and organizing for the event (I need to give props to Jackie who stayed well past midnight!!), and tried not to stress out too much.

My hubby's birthday was also Friday, and in all the chaos with the garage sale, I flaked out and didn't even get him a card. Yeah. Wife of the Year nomination, out.the.door. Note to self: NEVER plan another event on hubby's birthday ever again! I figured when planning the sale, it would be okay considering he had to work that day. But apparently I can't remember to take time out to get him a card and organize something else at the same time. Multi-tasking has never been my strong point. Thankfully I did remember to make dinner reservations earlier in the week, so we all went out to a nice family dinner to celebrate.

Saturday, having to redeem myself, I went out shopping with Betsy. I got Tim a new outfit and some cologne, which he loved. Saturday night, we went to dinner with Tim's brother and Jackie, then had tickets to see Dane Cook. O.M.G! I laughed so hard, I cried throughout the show! I debated posting a clip, but the language is a bit much. Dane is one funny guy though ... I highly recommend you see him if he comes to your city!

Sunday was low-key, but we still went out to lunch and took a trip to the mall. I decided to nap with the boys and ended up sleeping 3 hours. Nice! Wish I could do that every day!

So what did you all do this weekend? Are your schedules as full as mine? Have a great week!!

My Love

Happy Birthday, Babe!! I know I dropped the ball with forgetting a card, but I love you so very much and appreciate all you do for me and our boys! You truly are an amazing man, and I hope you know how much you mean to me!! I love you, Baby!! ♥ xoxo

It's almost time!!

Create your countdown widget and more at Blixy.com!

Oh yes, it is really that special!

Lots of fun surprises for my big One Year!

Head On Over

My blog headers are not super fancy or special, but they are fun and easy to create. Go to ScrapBlog to play around with your own ideas. Most options are free, and you can start with a pre-designed theme or a blank page to create your own look. I made my cute little blog award (see sidebar) there, too. It took all of 4 minutes since I used the pre-made layout. After you have designed your header, save it, publish it (doesn't have to be for all to see, I keep mine private in my own little account), then go to file and export it as a jpeg. Sounds technical, but seriously it is not! Save it in your pictures file on your computer, then you can edit the size to fit your blog in any editing program you use to crop pics.

From there, go into the layout section of your blog and upload your header from your picture file. Snag a free background from one of these great sites to coordinate, and wholah! Your blog has now been customized by yourself!

Oh, the excitement!

Why don't I like the books? Maybe it is just Twilight I can't get into since I have already seen the movie ... maybe I should just skip ahead to find out what New Moon is about? Nah, who am I kidding? I will just wait until November ... these movies are too hot! (Be sure to hit the pause button on my playlist below, so the music doesn't interfere with the video clip.)

Busy, busy, busy ...

Every weekend in June is booked up ... from garage sales, to grad parties, a mini vacay, to a wedding ... lots of fun!! While I am wracking my brain for blog post ideas (suggestions, please!!!!), here are a few pics from this weekend - a pool party for a birthday baby (Happy 1st Birthday, Macey!!), me and Betsy celebrating her 31st - woot, woot! By the way - never again will I drink hard cider or beer (ugh!!!), and a family day in Portland. Loving the sunshine, working on my tan, and loving life! Word.