What a shocker from thenestbaby.com!

Let me first start by saying that I have the worst luck when it comes to winning any kind of free prizes. That kind of explains why I never gamble or set my hope up for things because I always get the short end of the stick, kind of deal. Well to my surprise this morning, I received an email from Nest Kaitlin (Editorial Assistant), telling me I just won a free Ducky Layette cake from Hold the Flour!

I couldn't believe it. Just for entering some not so common and unique baby shower games. Thank goodness for creativity huh! I have been to so many baby showers with the same set ups and same games. Considering all my losses I've had in the past, I was preparing for my baby showers to eventually come and I knew I wanted to put a fun twist on things. Still never giving up hope, DH and I have plans of TTC towards the end of this year again. Now I have another great gift I can put away till our time comes. With the way this year is flying by, our time will come sooner than what we can even imagine.


These are the items the cake consists of:


Gently rolled between the soft blankets is a complete layette. Each baby cake includes a night gown, a sleeper, three onsies, two bibs, booties, pacifiers, a teether, and a soft toy. Also folded in are two receiving blankets and color coordinated cloth diaper burp cloths. We have included everything needed to welcome the little one home in style.

Birthday Surprise = Beer and flowers

So I gave in and figured, hey I might as well send him flowers to work and give him a nice surprise. 1 800 Flowers totally had me cracking up because what is Dre's favorite thing to drink? You got that right, Heineken! lol This is what I found on their website and I couldn't resist. Definitely a manly mans flower arrangement along with a balloon. hahahaha

Do I get the award for the best wifey of the year or what? =P

Un pinon: Carribean style lasagna mmmm....

Ground beef filling:
1.25 lbs ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp salt, to taste
1/2 tsp pepper, to taste
2 bay leaves
1 tsp ground achiote
1/2 tsp coriander
1/4 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
1 16 ounce can whole tomatoes, drained (juices reserved) and chopped
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup raisins
1.5 Tbsp red wine vinegar

For the lasagna layers:
4 semi-ripe plantains, yellow with some spots
olive oil, enough to coat the bottom of a pan
2 eggs
2-3 Tbsp. milk, or water1/2
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Mozzarella or swiss cheese (choose your preference)
cilantro, optional for garnish

*Note that you can make the ground beef filling in advance and store in the fridge until you are ready to make the rest.

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until no longer pink. Add the onion, red and green bell pepper, bay leaves, and spices. Cook for a few more minutes until the onions and peppers begin to soften.

Add all remaining ingredients to the beef, including the chopped tomatoes and reserved juice, tomato sauce, raisins, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer and let the flavors combine for 10-15 minutes. At this point, taste and adjust the spices to your liking.

Set the beef aside to cool while you prepare the plantains.

Peel the plantains and cut diagonally into 1/4-1/3 inch thick slices. (Tip for peeling a plantain: the skin is a little thicker than bananas, so you'll want to cut one end off and slice through the skin lengthwise three times, spaced evenly around the plantain. Then the skin will peel off easily.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly oil a large rectangular baking pan (3 quart capacity). Combine eggs and milk in a bowl and lightly beat. Add half of the egg mixture to the bottom of the pan. Follow with a layer of 1/3 of the plantains, 1/2 of the beef mixture, and 1/2 of the cheese mixture. Repeat another 1/3 of the plantains, remaining beef, and remaining cheese. Top with a layer of plantains. Finally, pour the remaining egg mixture evenly over the top.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake until hot and bubbling. If you started with freshly cooked beef (not out of the fridge), usually all the ingredients start warm and you only need to bake for 30 minutes. However, starting with cold beef, you really need to bake for about an hour to heat through.Remove the foil, sprinkle with cilantro, and enjoy!

Key Lime Pie as easy as 1, 2, 3!!!

Maybe not the healthiest choice but theres nothing better than a refreshing citrus dessert during the summer season. Best part is that it only takes 10 minutes max to complete and then chill at least 4 hours till it sets.

What you need:
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 6-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate
1 cup of heavy cream
1 6-ounce graham cracker pie crust
and zest of 1 lime

Preperation:
In a bowl, place the condensed milk, limeade concentrate and cream. Beat all together with an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, until fluffy and soft peaks form. Then pour the filling into the piecrust and smooth the top. Refrigerate until chilled for at least 4 hours or even leave overnight. Sprinkle the top with zest before serving.

*Note: All we need now is Jackie's (cocojack10) Margaritaville Machine to whip us up some margaritas and get the party started. lol

Thank you HGTV

Browsing HGTV's spanish rooms and modern baths, I thought these 2 rooms really represented my style really well. Now if only I had the extra space. lol All I can do is dream for now.

Dream Foyer


I actually had the chance to see this episode of Candace Olsen and her choice of glass subway tile, looked amazing. Even the simple clean lined lighting sconces she used, give great impact as well. Really like the contemporary hotel details that make you feel relaxed. I would take this bathroom make over any day.

Melting away the FAT!

I am floating on cloud 9 today, out of pure joy. It's official that I have lost a total of 20 pounds as of this morning. I feel like jumping for joy, blowing horns and shouting to the mountain tops. This is simply a self achieved goal that I have set upon myself and I feel relieved. First time in my life that I have lost so much, in such a short time and in such a healthy manner.

I have struggled all my life to maintain a descent weight. Always have been overweight up to a point that I fell in a black hole. Turned to alcohol, never ate and truly hurt my body in ways I never thought possible. Everyone thought I looked beautiful but I felt the ugliest I have ever felt about myself. My duty was to lift my spirits again and get my life together. Never turned to food for comfort but yet again my weight sky rocketed.

I give thanks to numerous surgeries, on birth control for 4 years (note: once I got off of it, I immediately dropped 10 lbs. in 2 weeks. Hmmm....makes you think huh!), activity level in work place changed, miscarriages, genetically I have 4 generations of heavy family members, lack of energy to work out at times, etc. Yes I can sit here and point the finger but I was ready to do what ever it would take at this point. Diet after diet, work out after work out, personal trainer, meeting with a dietician, injections by my doctor... my body was just not changing. So a light turned on and I said, "Wait a minute!" Back in the day Weight Watchers did work for me, for the short time that I was on it. Why not give it a try again, especially since its available online now. Best decision I've made in a long time.

As of this morning, I tried on a pair of pants I haven't been able to fit in since over 3 years ago. I couldn't believe it. So today I am rocking what feels like new attire =) What a great feeling. Can't wait to lose another 20 pounds and keep on forward with my struggle. God is seriously on my side.

Baby Fever & Chubby Cheeks

So Y100.com (our local radio station) is having a vote for cutest baby contest online. With all the baby fever and over 1,000 of the cutest little faces, how is someone to choose. All this does is warm the heart to a whole other level. Dh is probably exceedingly baby crazed, so to make his day I saved a few pics of the cutest ones that I thought would make his heart melt. (slaps hand) Yes, I know...bad...bad...me! =P






and of course we can't forget to vote for our special mini nestie family member Sophia

Genius crafting $ saving schemes

Cricut, I'm sorry to be taking business away from you but I couldn't stand to purchase a 2 pack of your 12x12 mats for $12, everytime the glue wore down.

Crafting gets to be a bit expensive, as you may know, so I try and find alternative solutions that work. I have to say that Krylon introduced me to an amazing product of theirs. Who would've thought that a Krylon repositionable spray adhesive would exist.

It is so easy to apply. Just spray on outside and let dry. Only takes a few minutes to be ready for mounting. With Michael's 40% off coupon and the can costing around $5 regular price, it came out as a steal. So for all the crafting ladies out there, hope this tip helps you all save a few $$$ from time to time.

Finger lick'n good!

I have to give major credit to a couple that recently started their own cooking tv show. I'm sure many have had a chance to catch a show or two. It's "Down Home with the Neely's".

Yes, they are a loving couple that always say cutesie names to one another but a side from all that, the bbq food items they create look delicious and really easy to make. I'm always looking forward to watching a show of theirs. Definitely worth checking out. Plus my SIL just gave me an amazing BBQ recipe book this weekend that I am looking forward to putting to good use.

Ready for "La Isla Del Encanto"

So it's official we finally booked our stay in PR. Keep in mind that even though I grew up here, I couldn't resist than to give DH his own taste of Puerto Rican fun and atmosphere. Bring on the coquitos, masita de puerco from Los gorditos, chocolate covered strawberries from Plaza, a jabarito from the Boriquen Lounge...omg! (pic below) Just makes your mouth water. Deep fried plantain sandwiches with yellow rice. Mmmmmm....Ok enough with my fat @ss. lol I need to remember that Weight Watchers is my priority right now.






So here are some pics of the hotel. Always nice to have our own privacy even though we will be having tons of fun with my father and grandfather each day. Get dropped off, relax, sip some frozens by the swim up bar and just chill. I do that soooo well =P Best part is waking up and staring out the balcony, right towards the ocean. Can't wait! You would think I've never been there, with the way I'm writing this. Though truth be told I grew up the first 7 years of my life there and traveled 2 times a year to see my family. It's just that I haven't been since 2002 with trying to finish school, work, new home and everything else, that I miss being there so bad.

Island Fantasies are hitting close to home

I'm truly excited about this months issue of pottery barn. Since DH and I both have an island background, its only natural we love spanish and island decor. He continues to tell me time and time again, how much he wants a hammock for the back yard. Considering I love the colors and the fact it is super wide to fit us both, this might just be on the list to order. If only I could have that scenery in my backyard. Absolutely beautiful!

This armoire represents much of the island feel. With all the shutter doors and distressed yellow, this would be a keeper. Comes with a hefty price though :( Is it Christmas time again??? lol

To frame a mounted tv in a black or espresso finish, is truly a nice touch. Just like a piece of art, all on its own.

The mediterranean tile design on these rugs, are to die for. I love the burnt orange but against my mexican tiles in the home, they would blend in too much. Maybe the brown one is worth considering for under the dining room table. Hmmm...still need to think about it.

Welcoming my new nephew to the world

Once again I am an auntie =) I am now officially an auntie of 13 nephews and nieces. Yup, can you tell that birthdays and holidays are tough on us? lol DH has 5 sisters and he's the only boy. Pressures on...he's the only one left to have a child. We come from a tight family unit and would be delighted some day.

Well my SIL sent us a pic from NY of our adorable nephew. Check out the smile, absolutely priceless! He looks just like DH when he was a baby.

Reaching success on Weight Watchers

I am so proud to announce that I have reached my 15 pound mark today. I am on week 9 now and plan to stick with this for the long road. It's clear I have a lot more weight I need to drop but this is a huge accomplishment for me. Everyone keeps mentioning to me, how impressed they are with the fact I am so determined, sticking to it without breaking and are all noticing my results. Just yesterday, my coworkers ordered NY style pizza and fried ravioli. I said thanks but no thanks and went to Wendy's for a salad. Which I ended up not eating anyhow but thats a side from the story. I honestly don't go around telling family and friends how far I've come because its not about numbers to me but more about how I feel and look. Though I admit it doesn't hurt to see great results on the scale. I guess the good feeling hits you when people start calling you out on it. My husband is like, "Babe I think its time to go shopping for new clothes. Your jeans are drooping from the back and fit you big." I turn, smile and think..."Now that's what I'm talking about!" lol

Beginning of Kitchen Remodel in Progress

Last night we had the tiling expert come over, to go over details and layouts for the kitchen. We are really excited that all the plans we've had in mind are all coming together. They will begin working this evening so at least its a start. The tile we picked out is amazing, all in natural stone. The backsplash and border are beautiful with the accents of crackled glass. I will be sure to take pictures of the process and post them soon. If only 5 pm can come sooner than later, we can get the ball rolling today. I'm super excited =) Here is the stone backsplash, border, crackled glass insert (I placed in there so you can get an idea of the complete look) and pencil rope tiles to give contrast. The stone ceramic tile is what we will be using for the countertop and it will all be sealed carefully along with our kitchen faucet and new Kohl stainless steel sink, that will all be replaced and installed.

Accent tile inserts and countertop complete. Excuse the pieces of duct tape =P Those are to avoid the side tiles from sliding, so they dry in place as necessary. Tiles need to set before grouting.

Close up of the countertops

Under cabinet spot lights that will be wired in. Thanks to Ikea for a great deal =) 3 for $25

As of 4/28/08 - Popping out outlets, replacing door hinges and starting to paint over yellow

Sink and faucet installed

Call me Inspector Gadget

So I've been doing some detective work for the past 3 months now and finally managed to break the case. In Feb 2008 DH and I purchased a new living room set and wanted to donate our older sofa for a good cause. The sofa was in mint condition, considering I always took good care of it. So cutting to the chase, I made a huge sign and stuck it on the sofa stating, "Donation for Breast Cancer Awareness (scheduled truck pick up)" Well it was in my parking space and one of our neighbors thought it was cute to steal the sofa for themselves. I was vivid and I couldn't believe someone would ignore a sign that clearly meant "DO NOT TAKE!" Who in this world thinks they have more worth than going for a good cause. I just told my husband, "don't worry that the man upstairs is watching and they will pay for what they did." I already had plans that if I saw someone with our sofa moving in the future, I would seriously walk right up and slash the hell out of it. When they call the cops, I will show them the donation slip stating that item was missing and have pictures to prove it was ours. Yes, I am just that crazy. I'm a thoughtful person but ugly actions will pay in my book. Now 2 days a go, hubby and I went to speak with a neighbor 3 doors down that does carpentry work. As we are speaking to him, I notice our sofa right through their window. DH just tapped my leg for me to see it. Question now is, what to do? Hmmmm....Should I contact the association? Is it worth it and do I really feel they will do something about it? Probably not and now its too late. My father is a prankster and overall goofball. I told him what happend and he couldn't believe it. His advice is to go late at night and put crazy glue in their car door locks. =P He told me...well if you paid $600+ for that couch and they are taking advantage then let them pay to fix their car. The $$$ will not be returned in my pockets but the aggrevation is worth every dime. It will definitely make them think twice before messing with us. It's evil revenge but all I can do is say...Bwahahahaha!

Hubba Hubba Birthday Loving

My husbands birthday is being planned in advance, due to the fact I planned a 6 day trip to Puerto Rico for him. At least he can have the opportunity to have tons of fun and enjoy a vacation. I figured I will go all out and order some flowers to be delivered to the room, maybe call the hotel in advance and have them deliver a bottle of wine and really show him what paradise is all about. Hey hey hey get your mind out of the gutter ;-)~ I came across the 1st arrangement by Martha Stewart that is available at 1 800 Flowers that would be perfect for him. $60 is not a bad price at all. The 2nd one is by a local flower vendor (D'Flor Flowers in San Juan) that is even better at $48. Hmmm...choices I tell ya! Can't wait to see his expression and know how much effort I put into planning out a nice surprise. He deserves it, he is truly a blessing to my life.

From BLAH to BAMMMMM!!!

Before and After - DIY medallion and pendant light

Before and After - From peach to beige

Before and After

Before and After - From basic construction to oil bronze hardware and modern day spa decor

Before and After - Update galore with all new appliances, hardware and lighting. Countertops, backsplash, sink and faucet coming soon.