Nanny to Mommy

I don't know if many of my new followers know this but I was a nanny. Duh, right? Not only was I a nanny but I was a nanny to the same family for five years. I loved those children unconditionally. And I was only 19 when I started caring for them.

I can not tell you how many times I played the never game. I hate pacifiers, "My child will never have a pacifier", and it's almost two years later and just look,



"I will never let my child sleep in my bed". I thought co-sleeping created terrible habits and we did it for the first few months of her life and I still miss it.

Sweet Pea's new thing that I said I would never let my child do? Sleep with a ton of stuffed animals. It's ridiculous the amount of lovies she currently 'has' to sleep with. Why did it bother me as a nanny? I think the main reason is because his mom and I were expected to keep up with the millions of lovies that got dragged throughout the house. I do let Sweet Pea have all her lovies at night but only one when we go out and about in the world, and only two out of bed period. It gets too chaotic when they are all out. But she is okay with these rules. Sometimes she tries to bring out more and even slips one past me. But I feel like, is the battle really worth it? And no it's not.


I may not have liked this before but sure makes for some cute pics!

The children I was a nanny for listened to me without a doubt. With their mom, it was a different story. And I couldn't figure out why. I thought maybe she somehow spoiled them behind my back or something. And it's not that they didn't listen to her most of the time. It just seemed that they would try to pull one over on her more than they ever did with me. I always said, "My child will always listen to me".

Now to Sweet Pea, that girl is bull headed and rough around the edges. She throws fits and if you tell her to do something, she doesn't want to. But my mom watched her and said she was a delight. My friend, whose little girl I watch - who listens to me By the way, can ask Sweet Pea to do something and she does it. When I ask her, she looks at me defiantly. My question for you, why? Why do they have to push Mommy's buttons more than anyone else's?


This picture probably perfectly describes her attitude towards me when I ask her to do something.
My sister-in-law works at a day care and currently is pregnant with her first biological child. She has started playing the never game. But I just keep my mouth shut. It is easy to play the never game when you have never been in a certain situation. But until you are in it for yourself, you truly have no idea what you are going to do.

My daughter is almost two. That means it has been two years since I was a nanny. I can not believe it has been so long. Time sure does fly when you are having fun.




But my advice? "Live and learn, then get Luvs." ;)

So what are your nevers?

My friend decided she had to see that new movie everyone is talking about...what's it called? oh yeah 'Twilight'...Ugh...



I know this post has nothing to do with this but I just have to say those books are terrible. I usually get addicted to a series and read them the entire way through, like with 'Chronicles of Narnia', 'Harry Potter', or even 'Gossip Girls' (of course I was in high school when I read those).
But Stephenie Meyer is an irresponsible writer. She wrote Bella as this character 'that a girl could be' which is crap because it just means she couldn't invent an awesome female lead. PLUS it made the 'Shades of Grey' series difficult to stick with because I got sick of her. For those of you that don't know, '50 Shades of Grey' was originally written as fan fiction for 'Twilight'.
Now saying that, Meyer is also a TERRIBLE, completely HORRIBLE writer. She uses "there there". That should never be used. Yes, sometimes when speaking you may phrase something that way but when you are writing a book, it's called edit it before it's publish! It's like she wrote it one night, never looked it over, and said, "Hey I think I will try and make money on this since I'm bored with my life".
Saying all that, I liked the books better than the movies.
My reason?
My imagination is better than their acting.
Okay rant over, now on to what you came here for.

Went to Kroger and Publix this week. Hubby took me after his ridiculously busy week at work. Not only are the Holidays coming up but they are opening a new store in January. So he has been non-stop getting everything ready.

Publix Haul:
{You can still grab these deals for yourself until Wednesday - 11/21}

2 Orajel Toddler Toothpaste, $3.29 (reg. price)
- 2 $2/1 Orajel PUBLIX Coupon Winter Family Savings Booklet or PRINT
- 2 $1/1 Orajel Toothpaste Product 08/19/2012 SS Insert (exp 11/30/2012)
= $0.58 or 29¢ each!

4 Kraft Fresh Take 6 oz, BOGO $2.99
- 4 $1/1 Kraft Fresh Take Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix, Any (DND 5) – Found On Product peelie (exp 12/31/2012) or here's a $0.75/1 Kraft Fresh Take IP
= $1.98 or 50¢ each!

4 Vanity Fair Premium Napkins, 40 to 100 ct, BOGO $2.29
- 2 $1/2 Vanity Fair® Napkins - RESET! or use this $0.50/1 IP if your store doubles you should get them for $0.15 each!
= $2.58 or 65¢ per pack!
(Not the best deal I've ever got on napkins but these are super nice and perfect for the Holidays. :])

2 Pam Cooking Spray, 5 to 6 oz, (Excluding Organic) BOGO $3.49
- 2 $0.75/1 Pam Cooking Spray or Wesson Canola or Vegetable Oil, 48 oz, TARGET coupon Target.com (exp 11/25/2012)
- 2 $0.40/1 PAM Cooking Spray 10/21/2012 SS Insert (exp 12/01/2012)
= $0.39 or $0.20 each!

2 Lindsay Olives 6 oz, (Excluding Low Sodium and Naturals) BOGO $1.99
- 2 $1/1 Lindsay Olives products IPs (NLA?)
= FREE

4 Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese BOGO $2.35
- 2 $1/2 Velveeta Shells & Cheese Dinners IPs (NLA?)
= $2.70 or $0.68 each!

4 Philadelphia Cream Cheese 4/$5
- 4 $0.50/1 Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese 10/14/2012 SS (doubled) = $1 or $0.25 each!

2 Muir Glen Tomato Paste $0.79 (reg. price)
- 2 $0.50/1 Muir Glen Product IPs (doubled)
= FREE PLUS $0.42 MM

2 Kikkoman Seasoning Mix, 89¢
- 2 $0.50/1 Kikkoman Product (doubled)
= FREE + $0.22 MM!

Publix Total: $8.59 {before taxes}
Publix Total Saved: $34.47 {approx.}
Publix Percentage Saved: 90% in Savings! {approx.}

Kroger Haul:
{You still have until tomorrow to catch these deals, so HURRY! ;) }

4 Starbucks K-Cups $6.99
- 2 $3/2 packages of Starbucks IPs
PLUS submitted for THIS $5 rebate!
= $16.96 or $4.24 per 12 pack or $0.35 per cup after sale, coupon, & rebate!

4 Scope Mouthwash, $1.99, Buy 4 P&G mega event
- 4 $1.50/1 Scope Mouthwash, 750 mL+ 11/04/2012 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2012)
= $1.96 or 49¢ each!

4 Carefree Liners, $1
- 4 $0.50/1 Carefree 10/28/2012 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2012)
= FREE!

2 Original Cheerios $2.50, eligible for free milk promo
- 2 $0.50/1 Original Cheerios IPs (doubled)
= $3 or $1.50 each!

2 Pillsbury Pie Crusts, Select Varieties, 2 ct, 2/$5, eligible for free milk promo
- $2 off milk wyb 2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough or Pillsbury Rolled Refrigerated Pie Crusts (zip 99218) - NLA?, if not here's a $0.50/2 Coupon
- $0.75/2 SavingStar Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts E-Coupon
= $2.25 or $1.13 each!

PLUS, FREE MILK for buying 4 Participating General Mills items! :)
{And at $3.29, I needed those savings! ;) }

4 Pampers Wipes 64-74ct, $.99, Buy 4 P&G Event
- 4 $0.50/1 Pampers Wipes 10/28/2012 P&G Insert (doubled)
= FREE!

4 Old Spice Deodorant, 2.6 to 6 oz, $1.29, Buy 4 P&G Event
- 4 $0.50/1 Old Spice 10/28/2012 P&G Insert (doubled)
= $1.16 or 29¢ each!

4 Secret Deodorant, $1.29, Buy 4 P&G Event
- 4 $1/1 Secret, antiperspirant / deodorant 10/28/2012 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2012) = $1.16 or 29¢ each!

4 Duracell Batteries $1.98
- 4 $0.50/1 Duracell CopperTop, Ultra Power, Ultra Photo LIthium or Specialty Batteries 10/28/2012 P&G Insert (doubled)
= $3.92 or $0.98 each!

- $2 for applying 4 P&G e-coupons to my card.

Kroger Total: $30.41 {before taxes}
Kroger Total Saved: $48.24 {approx.}
Kroger Percentage Saved: 71% in Savings! {approx.}

Total for Both: $39 {before taxes}
Total Saved: $82.71 {approx.}
Percentage Saved: 88% in Savings! {approx.}

Attention Bloggers or Vloggers – at the bottom of this post is a place for you to share your totals! So how did everyone else do this week? No need for anything brag worthy, I care about your savings and love knowing that maybe I helped. :)
If you don’t have a blog, feel free to leave a comment on this post letting me know how you did shopping this week!

Share your savings with me even faster by tagging me on Twitter or Instagram!
Hash tag: #DianasDeals

This week's featured blog is...{drop roll please}...

This Life's Beautiful Moments!

Interested in being featured? Make sure to follow the rules... ;)

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Remember the rules? If you're new or can't remember, here's a replay. :)

Rules:

1. Follow your host and co-hosts via GFC.
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5. One more rule: Have Fun! ;)

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

This week I attempted to fit two toddlers, two Elmos, and myself in an iPad with no luck.



Sweet Pea also tried to fit her head through an onion ring.



So pretty normal for us! :)

How has your Wednesday been? Below is a linky to link-up your wordless or not-so-wordless Wednesday posts. Please add me via GFC, Linky Followers, Blog Lovin, or Networked Blogs. Please dd this badge to your post or side bar before linking up. These are not requirements, just greatly appreciated. :)


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Also please don't forget I have the Disney's Santa Paws 2 Giveaway and Farm Rich Snacks giveaway going on so please feel free to enter!

As part of being an Influenster, I received this awesome Vox Box with many great beauty products to test out and try. Now I am NOT a Beauty Blogger but I do buy a lot of beauty products so I guess that's what got me qualified?





Anyways here is what I got as part of the Vox Box:

Kiss Ever Pro Eyelashes
I loved the fullness but I am actually more of a natural makeup kind of girl. So I would only wear these on very special occasions. I didn't care for the little applicator tool but I did like the glue that came with it because it had an applicator type stick thing with it. Kind of like white out.
Tips: make sure your glue drys a little and gets tacky before applying and move the lashes in a bending type motion so the lashes become are more workable.
Video Review.

*Click HERE to get $1 off printable coupon.*

Goody SimplyStyles Spin Pin
I LOVED THESE! Awesome! I have a toddler and they make my life super easy by providing a variety of hairstyles were little fingers won't pull my very long hair. I also love that they come in different colors, so you can get the ones that match your hair color!
Tip: Don't cross the streams!
Video Tutorial: Easy Stylish Up-Dos - HERE


Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream
I am not use to product in my hair so it Different. I am use to running my fingers through my hair and even with a brush it was a bit difficult. i do suggest using conditioner with this product. It did control my frizz and made my hair shiny and smell wonderful. So I give it four out of five stars! :)
Tips: Make sure you use conditioner.
Video Review.

*Click HERE to get 20% off your total order!*

EBOOST Daily Health Booster - Orange
My husband LOVES these types of 'health boosters', he says they really work and that he can tell they make him better. I have always been skeptical of products like this. I just don't think their is some magic pill or powder or drink that is going to make you magically feel better. BUT what was so surprising is that I actually did feel better when taking this. No it wasn't immediate but it did have a dramatic effect on how I felt overall. It didn't taste great though. I had to hold my nose and chug. So it lost a little in ratings for that.
Tips: use a SMALL amount of water, chug, and then drink the recommended amount of water.
Video Review.

*Click HERE to get your FREE sample!*

Bath & Body Works Mini Candle - Cider Lane
I wish I could send you a smell-o-gram. I can not stop smelling this candle. My house smells like fall. And what makes the mini candle even better is that it seriously can fit any where! I have always loved Bath & Body Works lotions, fragrances, and hand soaps but I have never bought candles from them. I didn't even know they sold candles! But I am a BIG fn and they have my continued business. Keep 'me coming, B&BW! :) (Review in first video, as well.)
Tip: When you blow out the candle, linger just a bit to continue smelling the yumminess.
Video Review.

*Click HERE to view B&BW B3G3 Signature Collection Body Care sale.*

NYC New York Colors IndividualEyes
I was scared of the dark eye shadow to be honest. I am a natural makeup type of girl. I liked that it came with a tutorial. I seriously needed it. I had no idea how to create a shadow eye look. But I LOVE the way it turned out. I felt so pretty. I didn't however like the little spongy thing that came with it, I only used that for the base. I did like that the makeup transferred very easily and you didn't have to rub too much to get it to get on your brush.
Tip: Buy your own brushes to apply.
Video Review.





I was excited to get picked to review this Vox box. Although I'm not really a Beauty Blogger, I care about make-up and fashion. I also love trying new products and sharing my opinions with my readers. :)

I hope you enjoyed this post and if you are interested in joining Influenster, just send me an email!

What product(s) from the Beauty Blogger Vox Box are you interested in trying?


****Disclosure: Although I did receive FREE products to do this review, all opinions are my own.****