Help a Family in Need

I have a very special request to ask of you my family and friends! Last week our friends, the Fontoura family, had a devastating fire that destroyed their house and all their clothing, toys and daily essentials such as toiletries were heavily damaged by the smoke. I'm asking you to come together this holiday season to help this family re-start this long and very emotional process. 

As some of you know, I am closely related to a similar devastating loss, so you can imagine how important your help and support is needed!

Donations Needed:
Clothing:
Dante (5 years old) - Size 5/6 or larger in clothing and 9/10 or 11 in youth shoe size
Brittany (Mom)- Between sizes 5 and 8
Chad (Dad) - Shirts Large and Pants 34 x 32
Brittany's Mom & Sister - 0 - 4 in pants and Small / Medium in shirts

Other:
Blankets, pillows, towels, toiletries (toothbrushes, soaps, brushes, etc)

Toys:
Dante is into Imaginext, matchbox cars, playdoh, all things Crayola

Gift cards and monetary donations are also accepted.

I know it is hard now-a-days to keep your own family afloat but if you have extra, please find it in your heart to help the Fontoura family!

Contact me for more details on how you can help and where donations can be sent.


Thank you and God Bless!

Giddy - Product Review

Ever forget about something you were supposed to do that was important but with all the chaos it fell by the waist side? Well, this is one of them! Sorry Sally!

Months ago (almost a year now), I was given samples of the kids snack called Giddy in return for an honest review. This was my first chance at testing out a product that was being introduced to the local markets which would help spread the word on this product and unfortunately I failed. UBER FAILURE!

But I gave them my word so here I will FINALLY provide my review...

Giddy Dip 'ems Snacks

What's a "Giddy Dip 'ems"? Giddy Dip 'ems is a healthier alternative to the artificial convenient snacks that are out there in the market targeted for a child's consumption. It's made of all natural ingredients making it the wholesome snack that parents crave for their child. The best part is that they are pretty simple snacks. They are whole grain biscuits that you dip into fruit... REAL fruit!

Here's a few things you should know about the Giddy snacks:

• NO high fructose corn syrup
• All natural ingredients
• NO artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
• Biscuits are baked with whole grains
• Fruit dip is made of REAL fruit

Now, since this is an actual review, I will provide you, my reader, a fair and honest review. 

Let me first start off by saying that when I was given a sample of the product, it was when it was being introduced into the market. I sampled the product, as well as, provided samples to local children and parents to get their opinions of the product. I then provided my reviews to Sally herself, which her and her company took seriously and made some adjustments to the product based on reviews. A company that listened to their customers? Yes, they do exist!! As of yet, I have not tasted the updated versions so my review is based on the original product. Does this null and void my review? Maybe but you should know anyway.

So my grade for the ORIGINAL Giddy Dip 'ems was a B+. Both Saya baby and I loved the biscuits. I thought they were really yummy and quite sturdy as they stood up to my then 6 - 8 month old teething baby. The snack is intended for children 3+ years but when Saya was eating these snacks, she was under full supervision as I imagine that it can be a choking hazard for smaller children. Not only did they taste great they were cute in size and perfect for the little hands to grip and dip. In fact, many of the children that taste tested this product liked the biscuits because they tasted like cookies! SCORE!! A health food that taste like yummy cookies!!

Now for the fruit dip. This honestly got mixed reviews which obviously depends on people's taste preferences. I personally thought it tasted like jelly and wasn't bad but wasn't great either. The flavors were on point though. The grape tasted like grape and the sour apple was indeed sour. My only complaint was that the fruit syrup was too thin. I was told, however, that the consistency of the fruit syrup was changed in version dip 'ems part II. Anyway, as I mentioned it received mixed reviews. My sister drank the tropical flavor because she loved it so much while some kids liked it but didn't love it.

Having said all this, I would definitely buy this as a snack for Saya baby! She couldn't get enough of the biscuits and that is enough for me. A natural snack that my child enjoys, is a winner in my book. Hopefully yours too! 

If you see them on your supermarket shelves, check it out! If you do find and buy, comment on this post with your opinion. I am sure Sally and company will be pleased to hear your thoughts! 

Sorry Sally for being so late!!

You can find Giddy Dip 'ems at these locations or even online on Amazon.com.

Happy Snacking!

Holiday Mail For Our Heroes

Ever wanted to spread some holiday cheer to those less fortunate or those that cannot spend the holidays with their family? I am one of those people that want to do all types of good but never know how to start it. Thanks to my cousin, Martin, I know what I will be doing this Christmas!

I am going to have my niece, nephew and daughter write up a couple of Christmas cards for our heroes, our Troops! How cool is that?? It's actually the perfect idea! Who wouldn't love a cute, little card or drawing from a child?! I hope it would at least put a smile on the face of the soldier to receive it! This will also be our little way of thanking them for their sacrifices!

If you would like to send a holiday card or drawing to the men and women serving our country, you can send them to: 

Holiday Mail For Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Gifting Ideas for Holiday Season

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? Then I have some great options for you!

Why not give a Scentsy warmer and fragrance? It is a safer alternative to a scented candle because it is a wickless, flameless, smoke free and soot free plug-in candle that uses a low wattage light bulb to slowly melt the specially formulated wax! Best part? You have 80+ scents to choose from! That is more than enough option to please just about anyone's tastes!

Scentsy is more than just warmers and fragrance bars... There is also Room Spray, Scent Pak, Travel Tin, Scentsy Circle, Antibacterial Fragrance Foam and even Solid Purfume!!

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We even have bundles we call "Combine & Save". Get your favorite Scentsy items together as a bundle and save some $!

{source}

Now you can order any time and you don't need to belong to a party to order! Just visit my website to check out the latest warmers and scents that Scentsy has to offer! Don't forget that the Warmer and Scent of the month are 10% off but only for that month! Be sure to get your order in before December 10 to ensure delivery by Christmas!

Candles not your thing? That's OK! I have connections with consultants from The Pampered Chef, Thirty-One and Tastefully Simple! They can each help you find the perfect gift!

For that special chef, baker or host in your life, check out the latest offerings from The Pampered Chef! Here you will find great quality cookware and bakeware comparable to what you find in specialty stores! Their stoneware is to die for! OK, maybe not to physically die for but they are awesome! Reminds me so much of cast iron skillets that most of us love!

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If you have any questions regarding anything Pampered Chef, please contact Zoila Bonilla-Paul via her website!

Zoila, from The Pampered Chef is also a Thirty-One consultant. Thirty-one is all the rave right now with their super cute and versatile purses, totes and baskets! My favorite right now is the Elite Skirt Purse with the interchangable skirts! Why bother with changing purses when you can just change the outer shell to match what you are wearing! At $15 / skirt, you can't go wrong! Buy 1 or 2 or 3 or ALL of them! :) Fellas, they even have a few things for you too!

{source}

Check out Zoila's Thirty-One website and see what you are missing! 

Last but not least is Tastefully Simple. Tastefully Simple sells mixes and spices to make some seriously delicious dishes and drinks! What's so great about that you may be asking? Well each mix requires less than 5 ingredients to make! Some only need 1 or 2! Can you get any better than that? Let me suggest the Bountiful Beer Bread and the Beer Cheese Soup Mix! Oh yum!

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The only problem you will have is deciding which Tastefully Simple consultant to go with. I wish I could make it easier for you but I like giving all these women a chance at "winning" your sale. I have worked with or been a customer of each of these ladies and all are wonderful people!

Please visit the main Tastefully Simple page to find one of the ladies below. You will then have their direct website and contact information!

Elyse Johnson 
Beth Wotring 
Patricia Boccadoro 

Please note that all the above listed consultants and myself are located in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. It isn't necessary but if you prefer to deal with a consultant closer to your area, please visit the main websites for these companies. Otherwise, we would absolutely love to provide the best service for you!

Thank you and have a very Happy Holiday season!

XOXO

November Giveaway Winner

And the winner is...

TERI RICHTER

Congratulations on winning my 2nd blog giveaway, Teri! I will contact you with delivering your prize. I think this will be perfect to display some of your Thanksgiving dishes which I know will be awesome! :)

The winner was picked at random using the List Randomizer from Random.org.

The submitted entries:

Dennisse

Dennisse

Dennisse

Samuel Alicea

Samuel Alicea

Samuel Alicea

Diane Costello

Diane Costello

LandrysMomma

LandrysMomma

LandrysMomma

MillieCast42

MillieCast42

M + H

M + H

M + H

Teri Richter

Teri Richter

Teri Richter

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

The Random.org results:

List Randomizer

There were 22 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Teri Richter
2. MillieCast42
3. Elizabeth
4. Samuel Alicea
5. Teri Richter
6. Samuel Alicea
7. Teri Richter
8. Dennisse
9. LandrysMomma
10. Dennisse
11. M + H
12. Dennisse
13. Elizabeth
14. LandrysMomma
15. MillieCast42
16. Diane Costello
17. Elizabeth
18. M + H
19. Samuel Alicea
20. LandrysMomma
21. Diane Costello
22. M + H

Thank you everyone for following and playing! Be sure to check back for more giveaways!

November Giveaway Time!!

Thanksgiving happens to be my 2nd favorite holiday of the year. It is a time where most of the family gets together and spend the quality time that usually our busy lives tends to take away from during the year. In my family's case, there is also an abundance of delicious food. I'm drooling here thinking of the food that we will have. 

Although we try to show our thanks all year round, we especially make a point to be thankful for all the blessings that have been given to us through out the year. And with everything that has happened to my family in the past two years, this might be an extra special one for us (to be explained in a later post).

So bring on the Turkey, gravy, rice & beans, potato salad and cranberry sauce! :)

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I thought that this giveaway should cater to this holiday. This is the perfect set for showing off some of your holiday spread OR even as a gift to the hosts in your life.

The grand prize is:

1 Pampered Chef Bamboo Snack Set

(contains: 4 Bamboo Petite Snack Bowls,

4 Bamboo Petite Serving Spoons, 

and 1 Bamboo Cracker Tray)

{source}

Want to enter? I'm giving you the opportunity to earn 3 entries. 

Here's what you have to do:

1. Become a follower of my blog -- Click 'Follow' under the 'My Fab Followers' section to the left of this page and follow the instructions.
2. "LIKE" The Roddy Bride Blog on Facebook
3. Tell me what your your favorite dish(es) are on Thanksgiving.

Already completed #1 and #2? Then tell me so and I will verify this.

All entries must be received by 11:59 PM on November 5, 2011. A winner will be chosen at random using Random.org on November 6, 2011. I will announce the winner on my blog and they will have 48 hours to respond by sending their contact information to theroddybride{@}gmail{dot}com. If the chosen winner fails to respond with their information by 11:59pm on November 7, 2011, I will choose another winner at random.

Thank you all for participating and Good Luck!

xoxo

Life without power...

We always ask the question, what would it be like if we didn't have this or that. Well this weekend my family and I are experiencing days without power.

It wouldn't be so bad if we were experiencing true fall weather. Unfortunately, we had at least 6 inches of heavy snow that seems to have taken down trees almost on every block in this area. The temp is down as well. When we stopped in our house to grab a few things, our house was at a chilly 51 degrees. We even attended a birthday party where we all were wearing jackets to stay warm inside the house.

I'm trying not to complain too much as we are lucky that my parents had power all weekend so we didn't have to experience the cold unlike some unfortunate families. The local hotels are booked and apparently it could be this way until the end of the week. I just want to go home.

We know we can blame this on mother nature but our block has been having electric problems for some time now. We have lost power almost 10x in the last year. Sunny, no wind? Power outage. Rainy? Power outage. Hurricane? Power outage. Snow? Power outage. It is just insane. Technically, this is our 2nd outage of the week. Let's just say we are not pleased, I think we have every right at this point.

But I will end my complaints here. I do ask though that you keep my family and all those affected by this same outage in your thoughts!

XOXO

P.s. don't forget, the giveaway to be announced tomorrow as planned.

First snow of the season...

A Day At The Park With Papi

Saya and her Papi go to the park almost every one of his days off and she loves it! They get to spend some much needed QT usually while Mommy is at work. They get to play and I get to see all the pics :). It always brings a smile on my face.

Here are some random pictures of Saya at the park...Photos by Papi himself.

November Giveaway Coming Soon...

Stay tuned... November 1st, I will be announcing my next giveaway!

Here's a hint:

This will be perfect to use for your Thanksgiving entertaining!

Family

Family. Everybody has one. Big or small, they can make a huge impact on your life. Besides the Lord, my family is my #1. They are my support system, my rock and shoulder, so without them I am nothing.

A year ago, we lost two members of our family, my uncle Tony and cousin Lou. It was sudden and largely unexpected. Their passings were huge hits to my Father's family because that side of my family is really close. That kind of closeness is something that I have craved for my Mom's side of the family. Granted, we are closer than we used to be but we need a lot more work. Both sides of my families have to make a better effort to spend time with each other and not just at parties, weddings and funerals, myself included. But I will stop here because this post isn't to talk about that. 

I wanted to write about the fact that before the passing of my uncle and cousin, it had been years (or decades) since our family had lost a large player in the family. Unfortunately, what comes with time is aging. My surviving grandparents are 75 (maternal g'ma) and 86 (paternal g'pa) and their health is declining. My parents, aunts, uncles and even cousins are getting older and are only going to get older. I am not ready to lose any one of them at this point even though this reality is much closer than ever.

So I wanted to take this time and say that I LOVE you family! For all those that I don't get to speak, see, or even those I have never met, don't think I have forgotten about you. I LOVE you too! I appreciate each and every one of you and are thankful to have you all in my life! God Bless you all!

Here's just a small piece of my Family at our annual 4th of July Party, July 2010 :)

{Photo by Tio Flor}

Recipe: Taco Seasoning

My family LOVES enchiladas, tacos, tostadas and pretty much anything else Mexican so I make either one of these dishes almost weekly. Prior to yesterday, I have to admit that I would use the packet taco seasoning to season my ground beef. I know, I know! The amount of sodium could probably kill a cow but I never knew how easy it was to make my own seasoning. That is until I did some Google searching.

I found the recipe below on AllRecipes.com and tried it for my beef tostadas that I made for dinner yesterday. This recipe is perfect! The right amount of seasoning and the flavors blended so well. I think it tasted better than the packet seasoning! Of course, depending on the heat that you or your family can tolerate, you can make some adjustments. As you can see below, I made some minor adjustments because of what spices I had in my pantry and you can do the same.

Try it out!

Taco Seasoning

Prep Time: ~2 mins | Yields 1 oz

Adapted from AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Chili Powder

1 ½ tsp Ground Cumin

1 tsp Kosher Salt*

1 tsp Black Pepper

¼ tsp Garlic Powder

¼ tsp Onion Powder

¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper (ground red pepper)*

¼ tsp Dried Oregano

½ tsp Paprika

Directions:

1. Combine all spices in small bowl and stir until mixed.

2. Reserve in an air tight container.

*The original recipe uses Sea Salt and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes which I did not have in my pantry to I substituted with the above starred ingredients.

And the winner is...

LANDRYSMOMMA

Congratulations LandrysMomma on being the winner to my first blog giveaway! You have won yourself the Zebra Scentsy plug-in and 2 scents of your choice! 

I will contact you with further details including delivery of your prizes.

To determine the winner, I put together the list of entries and used the List Randomizer from Random.org to determine who came in 1st.

The List of Entries as entered into Random.Org list randomizer:

Results:

Thanks again to all who entered! Come back November 1st for the next giveaway announcement!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Note: I apologize for being late on this announcement. I had the dates mixed up and with a sick baby early in the week, I am "off" a few days. Sorry!

GIVEAWAY DAY!!

It's October 1st and guess what today is??? It is GIVEAWAY DAY!!

Today, I am holding my very 1st giveaway since my blog hiatus over a year ago and I think you are going to like it! This month, one lucky winner will have a chance to win some goodies from Scentsy! 

Prize:

One (1) lucky winner will receive:

(1) Plug In Warmer*

*The exact design below based on availability 

 {Source}

AND 

(2) Scentsy Bars**

**Scentsy Bar scents based on availability

{Source}

Want to enter?  I'm giving you the opportunity to earn 3 entries. 

Here's how to enter:

(1) entry - Become a follower of my blog -- Click 'Follow' under the 'My Fab Followers' section to the left of this page and follow the instructions.
(2) entries - "LIKE" The Roddy Bride Blog on Facebook
(3) entries -  Tell me what your favorite thing about the fall is.

Already completed #1 and #2? Then tell me so and I will verify this.

All entries must be received by 11:59 PM EST on October 4, 2011. A winner will be chosen at random using Random.org on October 5, 2011. I will announce the winner on my blog and they will have 48 hours to respond by sending their contact information to theroddybride{@}gmail{dot}com. If the chosen winner fails to respond with their information by 11:59pm EST on October 7, 2011, I will choose another winner at random.

Thank you all for sticking around!

xoxo

Disclaimer: I purchased the warmer and scent bars directly from an Independent Scentsy Consultant (not myself). It was not given to me as a gift or was I required to provide a review in return for purchasing. However, I did purchase for a Scentsy party that I hosted and the purchase went towards "Host Rewards" that I received based on the total cost of sales during my party. 

I did it! I'm an ISC!

There is no perfect time to make changes and explore new adventures like the present time. For a while, I was trying to come up with something that I can do that I will enjoy to get me out of my rut and last week, I found it!

One week ago, I made the decision to become an Independent Scentsy Consultant! So far, I have not regretted the decision and it is highly unlikely that I will ever regret it. This was definitely different for me. I have extreme issues with standing in front of people (no matter who they are) and giving a presentation style speech. I get all red, hot and I become weak. One time I was so weak I couldn't even open up a door. So as you can imagine, being an ISC would be a step forward for me out of the comfy little box I have been living in all my life. Luckily for me, the products do "sell" themselves and will not always require a presentation but at least I will get some practice in.

The funny part about all this is that I have NEVER heard about Scentsy until I booked my first party over a month ago. Even more, I didn't know how popular they were (especially in this area) until all my guests raved about them. Once I got to try them out, I knew exactly what they were talking about. The hubby loved them too, believe it or not!

Don't know what "Scentsy" is? Well here's a little bit of info:

1. The Scentsy candle system is a safer alternative to the usual scented candle. 
2. The authentic Scentsy warmers use a low-watt light bulb to safely melt the specially formulated wax that come in over 80 different Scentsy fragrances.
3. They are a plug-in, wickless candle that can burn up to 24 hours a day without flame, soot or smoke. 

They really do make the perfect unique gift. Have a candle lover in your circle of friends or family? They will LOVE this! Hands down! Seriously, think about it because the warmers beautiful and OMGoodness, the scents are delish!

Are you intrigued yet? If this interests you, please do take a look at what I have to offer! There are new specials every month.

To check out the latest and greatest Scentsy warmers and scents, please visit http://GRoddy.Scentsy.us

Thank you in advance!

XOXO

If...

I'm 'borrowing' a post from Heather at Live.Laugh.Love. Fill in the blanks...

If I were to get pregnant again I would be excited and very nervous as well.

If I could have any job in the world I'd be a pastry chef.

If I had a day to myself I would get my hair and nails done then do a bit of shopping.

If I could get married all over again I would have eloped

If I could live anywhere in the US I would stay where I am. I do love Pennsyltucky. Sure it has its quirks but it really is close to it all when you need to get away. Weather isn't too bad either.

If Saya were a boy she would have been named ???. We will keep the name private until the gender is revealed. I promise I would share if baby #2 is a boy.

If I could have any talent in the world I would like to be able to make clothing. It is so hard to find clothing that fits my shape. Making my own would be awesome!

If you met me in real life I think you'd find me to be shy, then talkative and friendly.

If I could go back to school and get a different degree I would major in Culinary Arts with concentration in pastries/desserts

If money were not an object we'd be debt free, live comfortably and make sure my family does too and lastly open up our own business immediately.

If I could meet one celebrity I think I would want to meet Beyonce. Love her music, style and attitude!

If I could only shop at one store for the rest of my life it'd be Target. They have a little bit of everything at a decent quality too.

If we get another pet I would want a cat. Never had a cat but they are more independent which would work for us. Still love our Buddy!

If I could go on a trip, RIGHT NOW, I'd want to go to, believe it or not, Disney World. I LOVE that place and haven't gone in a decade. Miss it. Brings out the kid in me.

If I had to chose between a house cleaner and a personal chef, I'd pick the house cleaner too. I do love to cook and bake but I hate to clean.

If I had the option of plastic surgery I'd get a boob lift and tummy tuck. Babies really are great but man do they do some damage :).

Nicknames...I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours :)

What are your nicknames?

Some how in my short 29 years of life, I have been given many nicknames. All were given to me by either a close friend or family member and have had the sticking power of crazy glue. So while I share you mine, I'd hope you would reveal yours :)

Below are the most current names I have been called: 

Gigi {Gee-gee}
This is my actual nickname. It was given to me by my loving parents probably around birth. To this day, those who knew me from birth to high school still call me Gigi. It's funny because I find it awkward when someone I met later in life (including the hubs) calls me this. It seems unnatural :)

Gigiboo {Gee-Gee-Boo}
You should feel absolutely special that I am revealing this to you! :) This is a nickname that my Mom gave me and ONLY my Mom calls me it. Some friends (mostly the hub's), will joke around and call me this but I'd rather not be called by it. It's not that it is embarrassing, it's just weird, hence why I prefer only my Mom to use it. It's her little "pet" name for me. Hi Mom! :)

G {Gee}
Another commonly used nickname BUT this one was given to me later in my life. From college on, people have decided to shorten my name and I am OK with it. Kind of sounds cool and more grown up then "Gigi". Usually I am greeted, "Yo G!". I think it's super fly! lol

G$ {Gee money}
Ah, G$! My friend Tracy (a.k.a. T~Dawg) gave me this moniker back when we first met while working at the job I am at now. <3 her to death! She is my sista from another mista :)

Gia {Gee-ah}
There is only one person who calls me this and it is my dear friend, Dani. She was my "across the sidewalk" neighbor back when I resided in Frazier. We definitely had good times, it's just too bad we live so far away.

THANKS to J.BRIDE ADVENTURES for giving me such a great idea!



Do you have a nickname(s) and how did you get it?




{Sorry for the :) overload}

1st Giveaway - October 1st

In my past blogging life I was dubbed the "Giveaway Queen" but since my last hiatus, I haven't held one giveaway yet. Well that's all about to change!

October 1st I will be holding my very first "back from hiatus" giveaway and the grand prize will be a product of my choice from Scentsy.

All the details will be revealed on October 1st so be sure to check back then!



*Disclaimer - The product of my choosing will be purchased from a Scentsy independent consultant by me. I was not endorsed nor was I told to hold this giveaway for Scentsy. I did not receive anything from them. I heard many great things about their products and it happens that I know many independent consultants for them, so I thought I would help out the local businesses!

Miracles DO happen...

...and they are quite the blessing even in small packages!

CONGRATULATIONS to my cousins, Candie & Ricky,

on the arrival of this little miracle baby!

Cristian Antonio

{Photo from proud Papa}

Keep on fighting little man!

xoxo

Happy 1st Day of School!

Wanted to wish a Happy 1st Day of school to both my niece and nephew!

My niece, Nely, is now attending 3rd grade (YIKES!!) while her little brother, Eli, is going to Pre-K. I can't believe how fast these two are growing! 

Good luck little ones! Titi LOVES you!

Nely rocking her stylish outfit for the first day. 

Titi loves those polka dot pants!! :)

{pic by Abuela}

The Earthquake felt around the...East Coast?

I'm pretty sure by now, you heard that parts of the East Coast had experienced an earthquake a couple of days ago. For some like me, this was our very 1st earthquake that we can remember. There were reports of people as far north as Toronto, Canada and as far south as North Carolina feeling this tremor. I have to say it was one weird experience for me. One thing for sure, most of us will probably remember what we were doing at the time of the earthquake.

I was at work (as most were) typing an email when all of a sudden my hands were shaking and I felt very nauseous. I really thought I was going to faint. What brought me back to reality was when my boss came out his cube asking if I felt the shaking. Whew! I was so thankful for that. Even though it might have been all of 10 seconds, it felt to be at least a minute long. The building was moving which was scaring everyone since this building is very old. In fact, many buildings in PA are very old. Other co-workers of mine thought the building was coming down before they heard it was an earthquake, so they ran out the door as fast as they could.

Who knew living in PA was so exciting :)

So the purpose of this post is to make sure you are educated on what to do in the event we were to experience another earthquake. This information was shared to me by our HR director here at work. 

Please get yourself educated! Running around screaming and crying won't protect you or your loved ones!

Earthquake Safety: 

• Get under a sturdy table or desk and hold on to it.  
• If you're not near a table or desk, cover your face and head with your arms; and
  stand or crouch in a strongly supported doorway OR . . .  
• Brace yourself in an inside corner of the house or building.  
• Stay clear of windows or glass that could shatter or objects that could fall on you.  
• Remember  - during and immediately after an earthquake : If inside, stay inside. Many people are injured at entrances of buildings by falling debris. 

Here are internet links about earthquake safety: 

• http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm 
• http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/

BLOOD DRIVE 8/25 - Hosted by The Coco Foundation

Please help save a life on August 25th at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem!

The Coco Foundation is hosting our rescheduled BLOOD DRIVE from 4-8 pm at the SteelStacks outside on The Air Products Square.

Coco had a blood transfusion 2-3 times a week during her treatment, which was over a 6 month period.  Without these tranfusions, she would not have made it through her treatments.

Save a life like Coco's!

Please contact us at info@thecocofoundation.org if you would like to
schedule an appointment.

Review - El Limon, Conshohocken, PA

{Source}

El Limon
Taqueria & Grocery Store
103 Fayette Street
Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610)567-0120

Grade: A+


Located on Fayette, the main street of Conshohocken (say that 5 times), this Taqueria may be small but their food is HUGE on flavor. This is real authentic Mexican food. And when I say "authentic", I mean authentic! They use only corn tortillas for their taco shells and you won't find cheese, lettuce and tomatoes on these tacos and if you want it, you can have it but you'll pay extra for it.

The portion size is perfect for the prices and the prices are very affordable especially for Conshy where prices can be jacked up a bit for the basic sandwich. El Limon is the place where my friend / co-worker and I get our Mexican "fix". We don't get to eat there often but when we do, we leave completely satisfied and can't wait for the next time. Lucky for us we are only a few blocks away!

The owners are great too! Always smiling and very welcoming even when they are busy. If you plan on going for lunch your best bet is to go around 11:30 am before the crowd starts working it's way in. They have limited seating and they fill up fast so you want to try to go outside common eating hours. They are open until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights, so stop on by after a night out on the town.

The only negative thing I personally can comment about is that the last time I checked, there was a $15 minimum for using credit cards. This probably won't mean much to most people but I am someone that doesn't ever carry cash with me for fear of losing it so I rely on the plastic.

My favorite dish(es):
Tacos (Pollo, Asada, Carnitas) -- $2.50/taco and worth every penny!
Burrito (Asada w/ Mole, Pollo with Tomatillo) -- It's HUGE, be prepared for a feast!
Torta Milanesa -- Everything is so fresh and oh so yummy!

So if you happen to visit the Ikea store in Plymouth Meeting, you're only a few streets away. Come into Conshy for a real treat for your tummy, one your wallet will be happy about too!

PROJECT 365: Technical Difficulties

Sorry folks but there will not be a Project 365 post this week due to some stupid technical difficulties with my phone which I use heavily for my photos as you have probably noticed. As soon as I work a few things out, I will get back to posting for this topic.


Thanks for sticking around!

Truth is... Married life is not a constant high!

Those words whether you like to believe it or not is the absolute truth. As in anything in life, marriage is not all lollipops and rainbows but oh I how I wish that was true :)

I want to share with you a snippet of a post from a fellow blogger, Jessica from Marriage to Motherhood. It really put things into perspective for me, especially with some of the feelings I have had lately. Now, when you read it you may say..."duh, who didn't know that?" but sometimes you need to be reminded about what is realistic in life AND love.

Hope you find it as interesting/inspiring as I have...

When you found the one who you confidently believe was purposed to be your mate for life - and then you enter into marriage and begin your life together....there is so much excitement in that, isn't there? Being married to a partner who you adore, and who adores you, is a beautiful thing. You anticipate filling your years with an abundant amount of happiness, great times, special moments, and unforgettable memories to cherish. Together you enjoy date nights, vacations, birthdays, holidays, celebrating life-changing milestones {a new home, a child, etc.} and then every year when your anniversary rolls around, you are reminded of your love for eachother, which has only continued to grow more and more as the years go on.

Sounds nice doesn't it?

But that's only a part of what married life is, and what it brings.
Married life is also a partnership in which sacrafices must be made, compromises must occur, quarrels will inevidatebly happen, and miscommunication will be had. Some days you may even feel under-appreciated, and sometimes the passion goes missing. Sometimes you will struggle, sometimes you will cry in frusteration and sometimes you will lay in bed wondering what will change or what will always stay the same.

You can still enjoy being married and still feel any of the above emotions at the same time. What that means is....

Married life is not a constant high.