Day in the life {5.10.2016}

Up and at em at 6:00 am!  I sat in bed for 15 minutes and check my email,

Facebook, and snapchat.  Then I headed to the kitchen and made coffee.  I usually use a tumbler since I will be taking it with me to the bus stop with the kids.

While I'm in the kitchen I filled up the kids water bottles for the day and made lunches.  Well, I make Amelia a lunch and Nolan a snack since he is only half day.  This was a super simple bento.  Amelia hasn't been too into sandwiches these days so this is my version of a lunchable.

After I packed lunches and snacks I packed the kids backpacks.  I make sure they have their assignments and anything else they need depending on what activities they have that day. 

Then around 6:45 I woke up the kids. I feed them breakfast. Today it was waffles and bananas.  I got them ready and we head out the door at 7:30 am to get to the bus stop.

Sometimes we walk to the bus stop,

takes about 10 min, but the summer heat is already upon us so we drove!

On Tuesdays I go to the grocery store.  I went there right after the bus left.  I'm one of those crazies that is there when the doors open.  I like being there early because there are less people and it's cooler out.  So by the time I'm done and I get home it's not scorching when I have to bring in all the grocery bags. 

After the grocery store I headed home.  I put all the groceries away immediately.  This afternoon Nolan and I had a play date with my friend and her son so I packed up some things for the afternoon.   

I picked up Nolan from school then we met up with our friends at an indoor parked called Mihama kids park.

We love going to this indoor park.  It gets so hot and humid in Okinawa that indoor parks are a must.  The prices are reasonable and you are able to pick how long you want to play. We opted for the 2 hour play time since it was already noon. Another convenience is that this kids park has a little cafe.  So us mamas got some iced coffee and we were able to order lunch for the boys. We had a great time there, it was a chance for the boys to play and us moms to chit chat. 

After a couple hours of playing the boys were good and sweaty.  But before we headed home we walked around the  corner to Blue Seal for "big dip day ", you get 2 extra scoops for the price of 1.

Around 3pm we headed home.  Nolan immediately knocked out in the car.  It was perfect timing because we were able to pick up Amelia at the bus stop right before we got home.

When we got home I put Nolan in his bed because he was still asleep.  I fixed Amelia an afternoon snack and we got started with her home work.  

Around 5pm I started prepping dinner.  It was Tuesday,  I generally keep it Mexican inspired on this day.  So I made shrimp

tacos, refried black beans, and a side of chips.  Not pictured was my margarita on the side lol.

Morgan works late on Tuesdays so we started eating dinner without him.

After dinner I put on Kung Fu Panda 3 (it's been on repeat in our house for the past month) for the kids while I clean up the kitchen.  

7 pm I started showers. Morgan got home around then too.  He was starving and immediately devoured dinner.  After showers we finished up the movie.  

8 pm the kids brush their teeth and its story time then bed time.  The kids are in bed and lights are out at 8:30 pm.

After that Morgan and I caught a couple shows and we were in bed by 10.  That was kind of a late night for us...we are such oldies! Lol

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

The Nordstrom anniversary sale is going on now!  Well, actually its going on now for  Nordstrom cardholders, who get early access {July 9-16}, then it opens up to the public after.  Since I've been cooped up indoors due to the typhoon I've had lots of time to browse online and fill up my cart to an astronomical amount!  I love Nordstrom and I love their sales.  They offer great products and have impeccable customer service.  I live an ocean away, I get my orders shipped for free, I get my returns shipped for free and they usually arrive less then a week after I place my order.  What's not to love?!  The anniversary sale happens to be my favorite sale, I usually stock up for fall during this sale.  Annnnnnnd I love fall clothing.  It doesn't cool down in Okinawa until about November, so I'll be saving these items for awhile but the sales are just too good to pass up!  I've got my top 12 picks for the sale, all cute, great additions to a fall wardrobe, and nothing over $80

Going from Left to Right, Top then Bottom

M.A.C Look in a box in "Fashion Lover":: $29.50 originally $47
Lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss in a fabulous color all for under $30 that is a steal!  This color is gorgeous for fall and will go great with any fall outfit!

Street Level Bucket Bag:: $31.90 originally $38
Vegan leather bucket bag.  Comes in brown or black.  I opted for the brown one this time but I could really have both of them!  Every gal needs a 'go to' bucket bag in their wardrobe, not just for fall, for always!  So easy breezy and cute, it adds a lil boho!  This one looks big enough to carry my own stuff and a few onsie, twosies that the kids hand me to hold for them.

Emperia "Maiken" Satchel:: $33.90 originally $52
Another vegan leather bag.  This one more structured and edgy.  I love the details of this bag.  The gold, the perforated sides, the handles, and the strap.  This bag reminds me of a Rebecca Minkoff but at only a fraction of the cost.

BP "Trott" Bootie:: $79.90 originally $119.95
This is the most expensive item on my list.  These booties are perfection.  You can wear them with shorts, a dress, jeans, a maxi skirt, you can wear them with anything.  I love the worn look and I love this color.  Its very versatile and can go with most color combos easily.

Sam Edelman "Alaine" Scalloped Topline Flat:: $64.90 originally $99.95
These are so pretty!!! I scalloped detail is everything, that will set them apart from the plain Jane ballet flats.  These come in array of colors, but how could you not get them in gold glitter?!  They are a must, easily wearable for daytime and night time festivities.

Halogen "Olson" Pointy Toe Studded T-strap Fats:: $59.90 originally $89.95
These flats come in a number of colors also.  I pick the black and gunmetal studs.  They look edgy but have a classic touch.  These flats are my spirit animal.  Love them!

Vigoss "Tomboy" distressed skinny jeans:: $44.90 originally $68
I'm obsessed with distressed skinnies!  These are no exception.  Buuuuuut I'm not a fan of the distressed denim that is too distress, like hanging on by a tread {pun intended}! I just like a lil bit here and there.  This pair has a great wash and has a good amount of distress.

BP long textured open cardigan:: $31.90 originally $48
I love a good chunky knit cardigan in the fall.  They are a perfect layer for those summer tanks you were living in recently over the summer.  This one looks so comfy and cozy and can turn any outfit to  instant fall, especially in this olive green color.  Put it over a summer tank, a plane white tee, or even a floral dress, comfy and cute...perfect for the brisk fall weather.

Lush "Karly" shift dress:: $31.90 originally $48
Love this crimson color and love this dress.  Wear this to the office, to church, to a coffee date with your girlfriends....its so wearable.  The shape is simple and chic.  I could go to a buffet and be fine, no need to suck it in! Hahaha  OMG, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!!! To wear this in the winter, I would throw on some black tights, ridding boots, and a cute scarf, done and done!

Socialite High Neck Dress:: $24.90 originally $38
The LBD for my fall wardrobe

Treasure&Bond High Rise Flare Jeans:: $64.90 originally $98
I love me some skinnies, but I love big flared jeans even more.  Unfortunately I have short legs, but big flared jeans elongate my stubs and I love them for that.  Plus the fit is so flattering, to any size woman.  Add a great chunky wedge shoe and you are golden with these babes!

BLANKNYC quilted faux leather moto jacket:: $63.90 originally $98
Another staple piece for any closet would be a great leather jacket. But not some brown leather jacket, black is where its at when it comes to leather jackets.  Its classic and edgy {there I go again}. This piece is not just for fall, but also for winter.  This jacket is a steal and is super cute.  I mean, the model is literally wearing a tshirt dress and it still looks hot!

Hopefully you found somethings that you liked.  I try to pick items that have longevity for my closet, fashion forward, and affordable.   I really love them all but will probably edit my cart again. I gotta look for my kiddos too, there are great deals for kids!  Hello school shopping!

Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa

                 

This recipe is PERFECT for the summer! No cooking inside required! It's already hot enough in the summer,  I don't like to turn on the oven or make a big mess over making a meal.  This requires just firing up the grill and a lil knife work.  Not to mention how light and refreshing this is.... this won't leave you feeling sluggish or heavy.

Fire up the grill.  Prep the salsa first, it will need some time to chill in the fridge.

Mango Salsa//

1 Mango; peeled, seeded and chopped

1 Red Bell pepper chopped

1/2 large Red Onion

2 tablespoons Cilantro chopped

1 Jalapeno chopped 

2 tablespoons Lime juice

1 tablespoon Lemon juice

salt to taste

In a bowl, mix mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, and lemon juice.  Lastly add salt to taste. Cover, and chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.

Salmon//

2 salmon fillets {buy wild caught for flavor}

2 tablespoons Coconut oil

2 tablespoons Lemon juice 

Salt & Pepper to taste

 Drizzle coconut oil on fillets, front and back.  Add salt and pepper to taste and drizzle lemon juice.  When the grill is hot and ready cook the salmon.  Put them down skinless side first. The salmon will release itself from the grill when it's ready to flip. It will not be long,

It cooks pretty quickly.

Plate salmon first, then add salsa on top!  Super easy, flavorful, and a great summer dinner!

Schools out for the Summer!

I cannot believe the school year is over!  It really feels like I was JUST school shopping for the new year.  This year was the first year both of the kiddos were in school. Amelia in kindergarten and Nolan in preschool.  

::Amelia::

Amelia had an end of year performance celebrating what they learned in kindergarten and being ready for first grade.  It was super cute! Each class had a song and in the end all classes sang "first grade" to the tune of New York, New York.  Amelia also received an award for most bubbly,  of course my daughter has a bubbly personality!I have to admit,  I cried!  I'm seriously so emotional when it comes to the kids.  I just can't believe how much she has grown and learned in just the first year of kindergarten.  My girl is doing math and reading! In my day of school I don't remember doing that stuff in Kindergarten,  I remember colors and numbers!  Kids these days are so smart and learning so fast.  

::Nolan::

Nolan started preschool this year.  He was in the toddlers class {2-3 year olds} going in on MWF.  The end of year performance was for the whole school.  It was also the graduation for the adventures class {4-5 year olds} moving on to kindergarten.  Nolan's class is pretty young so they just did one dance and got awards.  I was really proud of Nolan!  He kept dancing and didn't cry.  A lot better from his Christmas performance! Lol He also got most improved award.  So awesome because I've seen so much improvement from him.  At the beginning of the year he was shy and quiet and now he is talkative and has lots of friends.  I was worried about putting him in preschool so young, but it's helped his speech and confidence so much that I know it was the right choice. 

They have grown so much! My babies aren't babies anymore!  Just looking at these pictures and writing this post makes me tear up.  

On a happy note, summer is here in full swing!!! We are slowly but surely working on our summer bucket list!  Much more fun to come!

Spring Break 2015

This year only Amelia had spring break since she goes to a DOD school.  Nolan goes to preschool out in town and they don't have a spring break.

It was really nice getting to spend alone days with Amelia. Must of the time it's me and Nolan or me and both of the kids.  It was a nice chance to get in some girl time with my favorite girl.  

Unfortunately most of the days were not great weather wise,  but we were still able to go out and do stuff.

Easter Sunday::

The kids woke up to overflowing Easter baskets and we had an egg hunt inside because it was drizzling outside.

Then we headed to church and enjoyed lunch there after service.

Okinawa Zoo & Wonder Museum::

We spent one day at the zoo and museum with our friends the Dimasaca family .  It was the perfect day since it was warm but not sunny.  I've never gone to the zoo with the kids without M.  Good think I had my friend with me!  It was a team effort. The zoo here is small and quaint.  Can easily be done in a couple hours.  However the wonder museum is where it's at!!  My kids could spend hours there.  They change the exhibits every so often so it's not the same stuff year after year.  There is stuff for kids of all ages there.  Our group of kids ranged from 2 to 9, all of them enjoyed thoroughly!

Starbucks::

There was definitely a Starbucks date or 2 that occurred this week! Amelia, a girl after my own heart, loves herself some Starbucks! After we dropped Nolan at school we headed there and got our drink fix!  Coffee for me and usually a hot chocolate and pastry for her.  It's our thang!

Beach::

Luckily we got one day at the beach!  It wasn't the sunniest of days, but it was nice!  Another thing I've never done without M.  I've always been scared to go with the kids to the beach alone, just cause they might not want to do the same things and I can't be two places.  But they were total Angels and listened really well.  We looked for sea glass, built sand castles and played in the waves!  

All in the spring break was great!  I was happy to do some sleeping in and spending one on one time with my baby girl!  Maybe next year we'll plan a trip!

Quick Reflection for 2014 and Quick Resolution for 2015...

2014

My favorite experience of 2014 was our staycation with our friends to celebrate Morgan’s Birthday and Memorial Day weekend!  It was such a fun weekend of family and friends!  Made memories for a lifetime!

My biggest accomplishment was all the cooking I did this year!  I’ve always been so terrible and scared of cooking.  When I did cook it was very easy recipes with minimal skill needed.  This year I’ve learned more recipes and even took a couple classes to help me out.   I pushed myself more because I wanted to cook for my family.   I think that I’m finally getting the hang of cooking.

My favorite place to visit was South Korea!  We only went on one vacation this year out of the country and it was Seoul, South Korea.  We had an awesome time!  I was actually a little skeptical because it had never been one of those places I cared for seeing, but Morgan kept saying I would love it.  And he was absolutely right!  We had a great time, I would go again!

The best meal is……. sushi!  I love sushi so much that I took a class in how to make it.  Since being here I’ve branched out more and tried different and exotic kinds!  I am always in the mood for sushi 365 24/7

If I have a free day, I like to relax with the family!  Nothing beats a day of hangin in our jammies , snacking, curling up on the couch and watching movies.

My favorite book, I feel terrible, but I don’t think I finished a book at all this year.  I did read lots of cook books though! lol

My favorite movie this year would have to be Lone Survivor.  I’m actually not sure when it came out, but I know I saw it in 2014.  It was so good and very sad. 

One way I’d like to grow in 2015 is in my faith.  I haven’t been religious in a very long time.  I think that’s why I feel empty sometimes.  I’m going to make it a point to get more in touch with my faith.

2015

I want to continue to strive to be a better mom!

I want to try to learn more about cooking and baking!

I want to stop being impatient.

I’d like to visit the Philippines, Tokyo, and Osaka.

My goals for this year are to be a super mom/wife, eat better, drink more water, pay off debt, read more, and get out more.

Surviving Duty Daze

This is how I survive duty daze.  The days when Morgan has duty.  I'm assuming Duty can last anywhere from 9 to 48 hours, just from past experience.  Duty days range depending on their jobs.  Currently for M's job he has duty every 24 days.  The last duty he had was a 26 hour shift.

Now I don't want it to sound like a death sentence, because it's not.  Nor do I want to take away from the spouses who are dealing with TDYs (Temporary duty in yonder; duty away from home for a period of time) or deployments, I've been there and that isn't easy either.  Another day, another post. But today we're talking about duty.

When M is on duty I have to mentally prepare.  I mean, I'm running the show for practically the next two days.  Sure he's coming back home and its only for a day or so, but it's still out of the norm and we have to adjust accordingly.   The next day he is usually off.   When he comes back from duty,  the next morning, he is still out of commission and I'm a one man show till he gets some rest.

Here are 5 things I do to survive duty daze::

 Plan easy dinner::

Made corned beef and cabbage MmmMMmm

Since it's just me and the kids for dindin, I like to make things easy on myself.  No point in making an extravagant dinner for 2 kids whose favorite foods are hot dogs and jelly sandwiches.  Not to mention that I'm one serving and the kids combined is another serving, so a lot of work for 2 servings isn't happeing.  However, I do make the usual amount because M will eat when he gets home.  I almost always make dinner in the crock pot or the nuwave for duty nights.  Both really simple cooking appliances that make cooking dinner super duper easy.

Activities::

Out and about running some errands for today's activity

I like to keep the kiddies busy on duty days.  It helps the day go by faster and keeps them occupied.  We'll plan a play date, I'll set up some arts and crafts, we'll head to the park, or even spend time in our front yard {in Japan our front yard acts as a backyard because of the limited space}.


Forgo naps::

Normally this was nap time but I just popped in the Croods, a fave movie in our house

Sounds nuts, but it helps.  I'd rather just power through the day and have them go to sleep extra early.   Sure I would love the midday break, but I find it more beneficial for them to go to sleep at 6:30 pm or 7 pm.  That way I get the whole rest of the night to catch up on chores or relax.

Sleep in my bed::

Yes, that's Hello Kitty.  My view , putting the kids to sleep in our bed.  Mills has a Hello Kitty pillow pet.

When M is gone, I have the kids sleep with me.  I love cuddling with them and makes my bed extra cozy.  Another great thing about co-sleeping is I'm right there for bathroom breaks, nightmares, water, and whatever else comes up in the middle of the night.  I don't have to leave my room.  Plus I'm really really paranoid and I constantly check on the kids. So them sleeping in my bed gives me more sleep and keeps me comfortable.  Double WIN!

Chores are down to a minimum::

No picking up toys today!!

They don't come to a screeching halt but ain't a lot getting done that day.  Both my kids are under 5 so lots of mischief happens, even if I turn my back for a second.  Especially Nono, he is also known as Evil Kenevil because that kid fears nothing.  He will climb a bookcase, he will jump off the couch, he will hang off the table...he's nuts.  When I'm alone with them I have to be alert.  Plus with all the running around and activities, it's hard to fit in a chore.  I usually save those for when they are in bed, if I still have the strength.

Well, there you have it.  My 5 go to's , to survive duty daze.

Day in the Life

Thought this meme was appropriate :) 

I have a 16 mo old (Nolan) and a 4 yr old (Amelia).  I tend to stay on a routine to keep my sanity AND so the kids know what to expect from day to day. Here is what a typical day looks like


6:00-    I like to get up before the kids and get some ME time.  I have my coffee and I browse my social media, news, gossip, and generally wake up

7:00-    16 mo old wakes up

7:45-    Get Amelia up and beds made

8:00-    Feed both kids breakfast, pack Amelia's lunch and her backpack

8:30-    Get both kids dressed and ready

8:40-    Take Amelia to pre-school (if it's a school day MWF)

9:00-    After we drop off Amelia we have play time, either in the play room our outside.  OR if we have errands I do them now.  I like to get stuff done in the morning, less people and no lines. On Wed Nolan and I have story time at the Library and Kinder Jam.  On Fridays we have Alligator Steps (mommy and me class).

11:00- We usually get home, I start up a movie for Nolan to watch and I prepare lunch

11:30- Lunch TIME

12:00- Nolan goes down for a nap

1:30-    Wake up him and give him a small snack

1:40-    We go and pick up Amelia

2:00-    Get home and feed Amelia a snack

2:30-4:30-play time

5:00-    Daddy comes home from work and I start to prepare dinner

5:30-    Dinner for everyone

6:30-    Clean up kitchen and living room

7:00-    Kids take a bath

7:30-    Bottle, brush teeth, bedtime story

8:30-    Lights out

The rest of the night is spent with the hubby, it's our down time.   We watch our fave shows, he plays video games, I read, I catch up on YouTube, he watches sports highlights, haha we just chill.  We usually go to bed around 9:30-10:30 and we do it all again the next day.

Saturday Night at the Movies

Movie: 21 Jump Street

Rating: ****(out of 5)

Comments:   This movie was sooooo funny!  I love both of these guys.  I never watched the original 21 Jump Street, so I'm not sure how it relates or if it was similar.  Either way, I enjoyed it.  Definitely not a movie for the kiddies.  The story line isn't really anything deep, but it was a good comedy.  Really made me think of how things would be if I had to go back to high school. haha  I mean I had some good times in high school, but no way in hell I would go back.  Another thing, Jonah Hill was super skinny!  Good on him for getting healthy!  Both him and Channing Tatum (yummy) were hilarious to watch! 

My First Hair Cut!

Ok, so it's not my first hair cut, but it is my lil girl's first hair cut!  To be honest, I was super duper scared about it.  I was afraid she would cry or not sit still and she would end up with a crooked hair line. I was afraid that she would throw a fit and not even get into the seat.  Man, was I worried for no good reason!  Mills was WONDERFUL when she got her hair cut.  She didn't cry, she sat still and she had a huge smile throughout the whole cut!  I didn't get a fancy cut for her or anything, I did just get her bangs trimmed and her hair cut to her shoulders.  I wanted to cut all the baby hair off and make it all even.  Morgan kept telling her that she was going to get a hair cut like Dora. haha I think that is what she liked about it.  Either way, she was amazing and I completely underestimated her!  It is a lil nerve wracking for any parent whose kid is going through their "first" anything.  More often then not, I'm sure most parents are worrying for no reason.  Now Mills asks to get her hair cut all the time!  Funny lil girl!

 

I was so focused on her getting her hair cut that I didn't even get a pic of the end result!  DUMB!  I have other pics of her with her stylish new do!

 I dont know why he always makes that face :p