I've moved!

Okay, everyone. I've had some issues with blogger's text/picture formatting...commenting...etc...so I've decided to make the leap that everyone seems to be making now-a-days to Wordpress! Visit my new site HERE. Same blog, same posts, same little wife power house, new URL. Head on over and show me some love :) 


-Little Wife Power House

grape-sicles

I don't know about you but nothing says summer like a popsicle to me. Kids seem to want them all the time. I came across this fabulous [and healthy!] alternative to the popsicle. Kids could snack on these during the day after playing outside and you'll feel good about giving it to them! 

ENTER THE GRAPE-SICLE!

All you need is grapes, bamboo skewers, and a freezer. My only tip is to chop the sharp end of the skewer off if giving them to little ones. Find my inspiration and the oh so very difficult [enter sarcasm] step-by-step process here. Seriously though, I've had two since yesterday. What a genius idea because really--who doesn't love frozen grapes!?

-Little Wife Power House

my take on in-n-out

[source]

okay, so I had been waiting quite some time to go to in-n-out. I had heard GREAT things about them but there was no way a burger could be good enough for me to wait 2 hours. Yes, some people waited 2 hours! In the rain! We tried to go about a month after but the drive thru line was still 45 minutes. You know I did about a 6-point turn out of that drive thru line. [did anyone else read the last line in Gus' voice from Psych? am I the only one?!]

finally, a month and a half passed [or so] and we decided to brave it on a Tuesday night around 9:00PM. Perfect time to go apparently. No line, got a table fast. I've been twice now and here is my take on the joint. I learned a few things and the 2nd trip was much better. some may not apply once business calms down a bit :)

always go in. even if you get it to go. 

if tables are full, just get it to go. the customers are ruthless! [stealing table after table from a party with 3 kids]

get the neopolitan milkshake. i guess it's one of their "secret menu items" and it's delicious!

get everything animal style. burgers. fries. whatever you can put it on. but especially the fries. 

a burger for $2.50 that can compete with a $6 burger easily.

It made for a perfect date night. $9.00 dinner and X-Men: First Class for free [had passes from when we saw Eclipse back in June 2010 and the sound went out for a few minutes. that's how often we get to go to the movies now-a-days.] 

Thanks for the wonderful date night, hubster!
and thanks to Jimbo for watching H!

Guess what I get to start my weekend with? A trip to the dentist to see if I have to get a root canal. Uuuuurgggg. 

-Little Wife Power House

wish list wednesday

so I think I'm going to start something new. I blogged about pinterest last week. I LOVE it! I find so many great ideas and as I'm sure you can guess, my wish list has grown. So every week I'll be back here showing my great finds for the week on Wist List Wednesday! I find so many great things and love storing them in the back of my head for days when we have a little extra cash. Some are do-able, some are not...but hey, a girl can look!

complete genius. [designer.] not sure how to buy it though. 

[williams sonoma. $9.95]

[modcloth. $65. currently sold out.]

[via etsy. I was too slow. sold!]

Enjoy! What are on your Wist Lists?

-Little Wife Power House

it finally happened

did you know that carrying

baby + tray of cinnamon rolls + diaper bag + bottle + iPad + trying to lock the door

equals this?

shoulda seen it coming. it was safe in my diaper bag though. that's usually a safe bet, no? it slipped out the side pocked and landed smack on its face. it was just a matter of time. hopefully I can find someone to repair it for as little money as possible.

-Little Wife Power House

a new haircut

I gave Holden what I think is his third "trim" last night. He has kind of crazy hair. It grows longer in some areas and turns into somewhat of a mullet in the back. Don't get me wrong, I love baby mullets. Just felt like time for a trim :) 


Put him in the bath, got his hair wet, and went to work. Doing the front and sides was actually much easier--I think because he could tell what I was doing. The back? aye. It was tricky to get it straight. Needless to say I had to go back and do "touch ups." 


I wanted to show everyone--holden had other ideas. here we are trying to get a picture...

Finally got one--of the back! Only because I snuck up and he didn't know I was there. I couldn't get rid of those little hairs though. I don't have all the tools :) 


A note to holden--I love you and I cannot wait for this tooth to come through. your fiery red-head personality is sure coming out!


-Little Wife Power House

Happy Father's Day!

Today we are celebrating Allan's first official Father's Day. We started the day off with presents and breakfast in bed! What better way could you start the day? Snuggling your baby? We did that too!


Allan has been wanting a macbook air for quite some time. For those of you that know allan or who have been to our house, you're probably thinking, "ANOTHER COMPUTER?!" Yeah, me too. He told me when we got married that he would probably get a new computer every two years. I just thought he was kidding...nope! His presents this year were $$$ towards a macbook air...

[I made a faux macbook air...they're paperthin now-a-days! and yes, I know the apple is the wrong way, I wanted it right side up when he looked at it.]

...and a Doofenshmirtz "action figure" for his desk at work [any phineas & ferb fans?] Okay, you might think the second one is weird but my hubby is obsessed with Phineas and Ferb! Obsessed!

You are the best father to Holden. You love him so much and he loves you to the moon & back! I love watching you as a dad. Makes you even hotter ;) 


...and Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers celebrating their big day today. You guys deserve it! Especially to my dad, dad-in-law, Robert, Babe, and Steve [almost dad!] who I love so much and am so grateful to have in my life. 


-Little Wife Power House

Happy 11 Monthday, Holden!

Nicknames: mover'n'groover
Temperament: You are ALWAYS on the go. We have joined the elite group of "hall people" at church. If we are somewhere where you have to sit with us, you will go back and forth between your dad & I just so you can MOVE. 
Things I Could Do Without: If I would have written this a week ago on your actual "monthday" I would have said absolutely nothing! This week you have been ultra whiney either because you got messed up when we stayed at GiGi's for a few days [AC out] or because you are getting another tooth in [FYI as of yesterday, his top tooth popped through a bit. I knew there had to be something!] Besides that, you are perfect! 
Item/Toy We Love The Most: I love your sensory blanket...now only if you did!
Item/Toy You Love The Most: your ladybug
Things I'm Loving Most Right Now: everything! you are happy, independent, playful, funny, smiley, sleep well [for the most part], etc etc. I love tickling you in the morning and hearing your baby laugh. It's the best sound. I love hearing your hands clap against the floor when you're crawling to me, it's the best when you reach super speed *clapclapclapclap!* I love that when you hear music you stop whatever you are doing and dance. 
Things You're Loving Most Right Now: Practicing walking with your chair, cords hanging from the computer desk, CDs, standing up on everything, still anything with water, playing with your tongue, and of course--anything you should not be playing with. 
Milestones: You pull up on everything! 


Oh my goodness, Holden, I love you more and more each day. Your dad & I are a little obsessed with you. We have people willing to watch you but we just love to take you with us! You make everything--ok most things--more fun and joyful. You are a ladies man! Everywhere we go, ladies are around my cart oohing and aahing over your eyelashes, hair, and toothy smile. I so enjoy motherhood and you make it easy. Every month is my new favorite age and this month is no different. We love you so much, our little guy.


-Mom

Katri from Cardigans and Cookie Dough

Hello there! I'm Katri and I blog over at Cardigans and Cookie Dough. I just recently got accepted to the Accounting Program at Brigham Young University (BYU) and I start that in the fall. I currently live in Provo and just finished my spring finals at BYU yesterday! This is my first summer that I haven't been in Texas so it's a little strange (but way fun!)! I love to sew, bake, read, and laugh. Jen and I have never actually met in person but I found her through a mutual friend, won her giveaway, and love her blog!! Thanks for having me here! :)

Now unlike a lot of women, I love to wear my swimsuits. I grew up swimming, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, kneeboarding, wakesurfing, and boating so swimsuits are part of my summer. But, when attending classes and doing normal things, swimsuits aren't allowed (well, they probably would be, but that would just be awkward!) so here is what I love to wear during the summer (while keeping it modest!)

Maxi Dresses: You would think the amount of fabric would make this dress uncomfortably hot, but it really doesn't. It is so carefree but looks amazing! Go pick one up at Forever 21 or Target today for cheap. (and obviously I would wear a shirt underneath the one pictured above...modesty!)
Skirts: The one shown is long, but any length will do. Skirts keep you cooler. I don't know how to explain it. Just try it. I make mine!
Blouse-y Tops: I have two similar shirts from DownEast that I wear all the time. I have to layer them but the chiffon/sheerness makes them perfect for summer heat. And a little print and detailing makes it look like you tried harder than you actually did!
Knee Shorts: Simple. Cute. Modest. You can even cut off your too-short or holey jeans to customize the length.
Ruffle Tanks: Layering again but ruffles/lace/bows are feminine and always look good.
Boyfriend T's: Target has the best option. Super cheap, casual, bright colors, and comfy to boot!
Gladiators: Dressier than your average $1 flip-flops and they support your feet a little better. Just take them off before too much sun so you don't get those weird tan lines :)

Hope you liked my opinions about summer clothing. Thanks again for letting me invade your blog Jen! Come visit me anytime!


**Great tips, Katri! I think I'll be heading to Target for some knee length shorts and boyfriend T's! Comfy is a must for this momma! :) -LWPH

oh pinterest

Why, oh why did I join pinterest?! Not only do I waste sooo much time browsing through all of the wonderful pictures but I find things I want - but cannot have! Pure torture. 

[pottery barn. of course. find here. REALLY, PB?! $6 off is a "SPECIAL?!"]

[love the door! source.]

[wish I knew the source. sorry guys!]

[perfect for travelling! source.]

patience patience. my wish list just got a little longer! allan will be cursing the day I was introduced to pinterest haha. 

let's be friends! and don't forget to come back tomorrow. I have a wonderful guest blogger!

-Little Wife Power House

Rockin' My Bump

Here's my bump 40 weeks plus 2 days! Extra bonus - my hubby's bump! JK, honey! Although he does tell me he put on baby weight because I was baking like crazy! I was SO ready to meet my baby but would have to wait two more weeks, ugh! I really loved being pregnant, though. It was a special time that I'll always cherish and look forward to doing the pregnant thing again sometime in the future! ;)

[photo by Lori Guerrero]

Inspired by Rockin' The Bump. Go see more baby bumps here.


-Little Wife Power House

how to beat the heat

...if you're a little one

I don't know how the weather is where you live, but here in Texas it is H-O-T. Close to or above 100 degree weather every single day. We've been looking for ways to cool off and I saw a metal tub used as a photo prop somewhere in the blogosphere and thought Holden would LOVE it.

I had the tub left over from our Ugly Christmas Sweater Party 2010 [purchased at Target for $15] and I bought the rubber duckies at Wal-Mart [8 for $2]. 

He started off a little weary due to a little slip but quickly went crazy. I knew he would love this because we call him our "Water Baby." He would not stop standing up though!

Sorry about all of the pictures but I promise, this amount was way widdled down!

Hope you guys are finding ways to stay cool this summer. If you need some more summertime ideas...go HERE. 


-Little Wife Power House

getting ready to celebrate all things holden

[invite by papermints]

My baby boy is turning one next month. My baby boy is turning one next month. I really cannot believe it! Everything is coming together for his party and I can't wait to celebrate with our family & friends! 

The food item I'm most excited about? Milk 'n' Cookie Shooters!

[image from pinterest. let's be friends.]

More party details to come...

-Little Wife Power House

starting him early

We were at Toys 'R' Us a week or so ago picking up some birthday gifts for Holden [I love that I can shop for him WHILE he's in the cart! Won't last for long but it's nice.] While I was there I saw this $5 broom and thought I'd get it for our playroom/schoolroom. I knew he wouldn't be able to use it for a while but I picked it up anyways. Turns out, it's the best purchase I've made in a while! 

Holden loves to play with it. And the funny thing is that we caught him "sweeping" the floor downstairs with our adult sized broom! He was actually moving it back and forth across the floor! Gotta develop a love for cleaning early so he can be my big helper later ;)


Cheap toys seem to be the ones that Holden is drawn to most. Or toys that aren't even toys. I took time putting together a box filled with things to play with and what did he actually play with?

That's right, THE CONTAINER! He loved to put it over his head, yell into it, and listen to his voice. 


Hope everyone is having a great Friday and easing into the weekend. We have plans to see Kung Fu Panda 2 and will be looking forward to our date night on Tuesday :)


-Little Wife Power House

first snow cone of the season

I've grew up in Frisco and for as long as I can remember, the Snow Cone Lady has been on my must-do list every summer....and then some. I haven't been as much the last few summers though so we after our walk in 90 degree weather, we thought it was the perfect treat. 


All I have to say is wow. Look at this line!

45 minutes later and I'm a happy lady with my snow cone. Sorry for the terrible picture quality but all we had were our iPhones. 

Will I ever wait in a line that long for a snow cone again? Absolutely not. But it was a great way to end the night. Summer is officially here!


-Little Wife Power House

what to do with all of those pesky batteries?

It seems like everything we need batteries for takes a different kind. AA, AAA, D, C, the list goes on. I honestly can't remember where I found this because I would love to give the person who came up with this genius idea credit but what can ya do. We had so many half used packages of batteries laying around that I needed to put them in one, organized place. It's so simple. I don't know why I never thought of it before!

We purchased the container at Ikea for like $3 and you can move the dividers around to fit your needs but if you aren't lucky enough to have an Ikea near you, I bet you could find something similar at any craft store. If you want the same container from Ikea, you better hurry! They are discontinuing it soon. Then I used my handy label maker so I can find which kind I need easily. I'm thinking of using the large space for used batteries because *someone...ahem, the hubby* keeps forgetting to take them to be recycled on campus. 


Just thought I would share this great organizational tool! 


-Little Wife Power House

too much meat

Does anyone else have a problem with buying meat, sticking it in the freezer, and forgetting about it? Today I went to the grocery store, came back with some great finds [buy one get one free on pork chops and then some marked down chicken/steaks]. I come back to put it in the freezer and realize I really need to go through and catalog what I have in there and START USING IT! What's the point of freezing it if it never gets used? 


This is what I had in there...

• 1/2 lb ground turkey
• almost 3 lbs of chicken breasts
• 1 whole chicken
• 1 flank steak
• 1 lb stew meat
• 2 sirloin rib eyes
• 3 lbs ground beef
• 6 mini sliders
• and of course TONS of pork chops!
• 3 seasoned chicken breasts

I officially have a problem. 

My goal is to use all of this meat in the next month. We will have some delicious meals with a low grocery bill. I'm starting tonight with some Parmesan Ranch Chicken! 


If you have any good recipes that use any of those meats, please send them my way! 


-Little Wife Power House

Holden's Nursery

I've been meaning to take pictures and post about Holden's nursery for a long time and I figured it's now or never since I will be transitioning out a lot of his "baby" furniture and replacing it with "big boy" furniture. Lori was watching Sarah's House on HGTV one day and stumbled across what would be our inspiration for his nursery. She taped the episode and had me watch it later. I fell in love with the design and we went to work. We had these plans in the works long before we even purchased the house we now live in.


To get an idea of what it looked like before we went to work on it...here ya go. I'm so glad we were reminded to take pictures of our house before we made all of our changes.

That paint color was EVERYWHERE in our house! I hated it. The only place it remains is in the master bed/bath. 

First came the furniture. We found the glider at goodwill for $26! They are usually well over $100. A couple of coats of paint later, Lori working hard on making new covers for the cushions [which were soooo gross], and voila! Please ignore the pillow that is being used as the back cushion. We had some issues with it that still need to be worked out. A pillow works just as well :) If you'd like to know details on where I got anything else just lemme know and I'll send you a link. 

The paint colors are both from Sherwin Williams - Accessible Beige for the lower part and Tradewind for the upper part. Allan, my family and Allan's family were amazing when I was 7 1/2 months pregnant and had just moved in...they did ALL of the painting! I think Lori, Robert, and my mom were in charge of this room and they did a fabulous job! The cube shelving on the floor and the 3 pictures were purchased for his big boy room and will be moved to another area, I just didn't feel like moving them out of the room :)

Isn't this such a cute lamp? And it's perfect for a child's room because it NEVER gets hot! The shoe was made last Christmas and turned into an ornament. It's just too cute to put away with all of our Christmas stuff! Yes, that is his footprint on the bottom! 

One of the main reasons I fell in love with this design was that it has been a breeze moving from nursery to toddler's room. Nothing that needs to be changed can't easily be moved to the attic. I will be using this room as inspiration for holden's "big boy" room. I won't be getting rid of the crib though quite yet...more to come soon!


Thank you so much to everyone who worked so hard to put the room together, especially my sister, Lori, and her husband, Robert!


-Little Wife Power House

working from home

Working from home has been such a blessing. I still feel so lucky to have been offered this opportunity. To be able to earn money for my family and at the same time be a full-time mom to my sweet boy. I've been feeling so grateful lately for my job and it made me start to wonder why more companies don't offer this to mothers who also want to care for their children? Is it because they can't trust them to actually work? Is it because there would just be too many people wanting to do it? Extra costs? Necessary face to face interactions that you can't get from home? 


I was away from Holden for only a few hours on Memorial Day. Allan took him to his parents because I was sick and needed some time to rest. By the time Holden came home, I was missing him so much. He was only gone for about 5 hours! Women who have to leave their children every day for 8+ hours, my heart breaks for them. This is not to say that I couldn't do it if I had to, I could, of course. I would just be among the women whose heart breaks every time they have to leave their child. 


Yes, working from home is difficult and busy. Yes, there are distractions. Yes, there are interruptions. Yes, there are days when I wonder if I'm spreading myself too thin. But the positives far outway the negatives. If you work from home, too, and want some tips on how to best manage your day, go here. I already do almost everything on the list woohoo! The thing I want to work on most is being able to say I can't do something because I have to work. It might help to carve out exact times of the day that I set aside to work...but I think that's nearly impossible with a 10 month old. Hmmm, I'll have to think on that. 


Being a stay at home mom is definitely not for everyone and there is nothing wrong with that. There are days that are better than others and sometimes it's much more stressful than working at the office but I'm just happy to be able to stay home with H every day!


-Little Wife Power House