Toddler Bites

Here they are cleaning their tools!

 No, I'm not referring to cute little snacks for adorable little people.  I'm talking about  the kind of bite that happens when your two toddlers think taking chunks out of each other's skin is the way to handle their daily sibling altercations!  I am at my wit's end with this crap.  I've tried:

• sitting them down and explaining how it's dangerous and disrespectful
• talking to them about how we should be loving and kind with our siblings and friends (and others)
• time outs
• spanking them on the mouth ( not hard)
• taking away their favorite toys

I just don't know what to do anymore!!!  It's so sad to see them do this to one another and I am so afraid that one day it's going to be really ugly and I'm going to have to make an ER run!  Here is a pic from yesterday when Bella (3) bit Riley (1.5) on the back.  Riley later retaliated by biting Belle's finger!  

This happens at least once a day!!  I really need advice asap!

Silence for Sandy Hook

On the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Days of Christmas...

I took a few days off from blogging out of respect for those that lost their lives so tragically this weekend.  Here are some of the things I purchased for myself in honor of MY 12 Days of Christmas...

Time Off to Reflect...

Just like many of you I have been deeply emotional over the events that occurred on  Friday in Newtown, CT.  I have barely been able to sleep thinking about what those poor families are going through.  The thought of the new silence haunting their homes or the Christmas or Hanukkah decorations that now represent this horrible tragedy or the unopened gifts that will never be opened.  It's all so horrible.  I didn't feel comfortable moving on with my normal blog posts.  It just didn't feel right.  I just wish there was something I could do to make things easier for them.

On the 1st Day of Christmas...

On the first day of Christmas my true love (MYSELF) gave to me...

I ordered this in black!!

Yeah, Yeah, I went over the budget but who cares! ha ha ha

Favourite Holiday Recipes @ Empowered Momma

If you are looking for some amazing holiday recipes to try this year then you must check out Jesse's post at The Empowered Momma!! She has gathered 13 of the best recipes from entrees to desserts to cocktails!! Stop by and tell her Jen from Boogies n BooBoos sent you!

12 Days of Christmas for ME!

We all know Christmas is more about giving than receiving but this year I decided on celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas all while celebrating myself. Yep, I am going to spoil myself this year. I deserve it. I spend every day at home dealing with two whacko toddlers and puppy. I firmly believe that if mommy isn't happy then nobody's happy! This year I am going to buy myself one special gift priced between $1 and $10 dollars every single day starting on December 12th and ending on December 24th. I might pick up a thing or two for my husband if he's on his best behavior but that's just a big fat 'maybe' since I usually surprise him with treats on a regular basis. And the kids...no way! They can wait till Christmas. If I include them then the 12 Days of Christmas will turn into 365 days of mommy and daddy being broke with two spoiled monsters!! I have to admit, I am quite excited to see what I get!! I'll keep you all posted!

Favorite Blogs Blog Hop

Second Hand Style

Okay, my loyal followers, listen up!!  As you all know I love buying and selling on Poshmark but what I did not know was my friend, Lisa, has been setting up a very similar site for the past few months.  She surprised me with the link and I must say....it's amazing!!  She has had fabulous style for as long as I've known her.  She has an eye for things that I just don't.  I am always blown away by the potential she has always seen in articles of clothing or accessories that others just toss aside.  She is truly gifted.  Well, my friends, the time has come for her to clean out those closets of hers to make room for new treasures.  I'm talking shirts, pants, maternity wear, accessories, purses, shoes and more!!  Her loss is your gain!  Please visit Second Hand Style and help support this new small business owner.
Please spread the word!!!  

My Favorite Holiday Cocktail... Coquito

When I think about the Christmas holiday I think about Coquito, a Puerto Rican version of eggnog.  OMG, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.  It is sooooooooo good...so good it will get you drunk as a skunk if you don't pace yourself!  My family has been making Coquito for as long as I can remember.  When we have holiday parties the fridge is stocked with at least 3 big jugs!  Yep!!  It's that good!  So let me share this amazing recipe with you.  Remember ladies, drink responsibly ;)

Coquito Ingredients (makes 5 cups):
1 can of cream of coconut milk
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup white rum
1 cup of water
3 cinnamon sticks
4 egg yolks, well beaten
Ground cinnamon for decoration

Recipe:
In a blender or food processor combine the milks and the rum. Do not over mix or it will get chunky.

Boil the water and the cinnamon sticks, then allow to cool to room temperature (don’t forget to remove cinnamon sticks).

Combine all of the ingredients (except ground cinnamon) and beat well using a blender or food processor.

Pour the Coquito into a large glass jar (large rum bottle) and refrigerate immediately.  It will take an hour or more to chill.  Do not put in freezer!!! 

Shake bottle before serving.

Serve the chilled Coquito and add cinnamon to decorate

Birthday Puppy

This weekend was quite exciting for the whole family.  Not only did we celebrate Bella's 3rd birthday, but we also introduced a new puppy to the family.  Jeff brought home our new English Bulldog on Friday night after the girls were asleep.  On Saturday morning, Bella's birthday, we brought the girls downstairs and had  the puppy waiting for them at the foot of the stairs.  The looks on their faces was priceless.  It wasn't meant to be a birthday gift for Bella but it might as well have been.