I buy several items in a combination of stores and surely these can be found at other stores as well but for the sake of keeping this post accessible to everyone,everywhere. These are items that can ALL be found on AMAZON. (NOT SPONSORED)
For Christmas my husband gifted me a record player and a vinyl I had been wishing for, for quite some time.
I wanted to share with you the brand and my experience with it so far (I’ve had it now for about 4 months). It took me a while to decide on which one I wanted since there are so many. I like to read reviews over and over to make sure I’m getting what I want.
Review: 4/5 star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I can say that for the price and the appearance it hasn’t disappointed me. I chose to the get the one with the Bluetooth connectivity because I wouldn’t need to buy an additional in-line speaker. It easily connects to a small Bluetooth speaker I already own as well as the Google home which is an added bonus.
Since owning the Google home that’s what I use it to play my music. We have a kitty and the lid on this record player helps keep the vinyl dust free and I like that— some players didn’t have the lid option.
Here is a picture of my actual record player:
Below is the name and the amazon link to it if you’re interested in purchasing one.
It’s late and it’s been some time since I’ve posted on my blog. But hey I’m out here learnin’ cut me some slack (also recently got into G.O.T so——yea. lol)
As I go through the learning process of hopefully being a successful front end developer. I am not going to say it is easy. LET’S BE REAL PEOPLE! It takes time, practice and lots, LOTS of dedication.
Recently I watched a Youtube video by Coding Blonde where she interviews Nick from General Assembly — well here it is if you’d like to watch.
He says that when learning front end development—- HTML and CSS are fine. But when you get to Javascript (JS), —THAT is when you see a drop off of student success because of the learning curve.
I get so easily frustrated and tackling this side of my personality is challenging. Taking breaks is good for mental sanity but too many breaks is simply bad practice when learning something so complex.
Anyway for HTML and CSS I used Khan Academy and Free Code Camp — once I managed to complete those (not done learning just ready to move to my first programming language) I moved to Javascript on FreeCodeCamp, I found myself becoming bored..uninterested— I told my mentor this (aka hubs—yes my husband is a Full Stack Software Engineer y’all he is my mentor, I love you and thank you for your patience and never ending support.) He said this is kind of part of the basic learning point of programming – using other words of course.
I didn’t give up!
I really want to learn this guys!
I went back and searched through all those free resources I had previously signed up for when I wanted to start learning Front End. I remembered that Udacity has a pretty good course structure and logged back in.
Course structure is super important to me, with a background in education and knowing that I learn best by doing Udacity courses have been the best fit for me.
Anyway, I’ve been doing much better I am currently on the Intro to Javascript and it’s going well, the videos and the analogies they make allow me to understand the concept much better. They also make you work on quizzes and give you examples to follow along.
Let me know how your front end journey is going.
Are you scared of trying afraid to fail? Don’t worry. I was/am too but remember you’ll never know if you’re the next Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Grace Hopper or other awesome programming person if you don’t at least try. If you land somewhere in the middle then, HEY that’s a step further than you were before.
This is drink grandma would make for us growing up. I’m so glad I’m able to really make it my own with these specific ratios.
Spoiler: You’ll just need fruits. 🍊🍈
Ingredients:
For a single serving I use the following:
4.5 oz of freshly squeezed orange juice
6-7 chunks of Cantaloupe
Cup of ice cubes
Directions:
Assuming you have the ingredients ready to go—- I typically have fresh orange juice in a glass container in my fridge and keep cantaloupe chunks in a container (I buy the cantaloupe whole and cut it at home, it’s cheaper than buying the chunks pre-cut but to each their own).
1. Pour the orange juice into the blender (I have the Ninja blender which is great to get all those fruit chunks really blended).
2. Add the cantaloupe chunks and blend for about 30 seconds to a minute — depending on the intensity of your blender.
3. Add a few ice cubes to chill the drink quickly and blend again.
4. Ta-da! Enjoy your delicious beverage!
I love this drink for breakfast before a workout or as a mid-day sweet treat.
Enjoy!
Let me know what your favorite smoothie is! I’m always looking for tasty recipes I can make using fruits I already buy! For a while I was really into pineapple smoothies.
No extra sugar needed since these fruits already contain their natural sweetness.
Aside from the mid-day 5×5 Training (which I can totally do a post on that if you’re curious). Lately I’ve been taking 2-3 (some nights more) hours a day to learn what there is to know in Front End Development. I’m using various resources and keeping my head up on this. I really do take much pride in what I do and create.
Previously my go at this, this being programming, I was easily and quickly discourage by how difficult/challenging entering into the programming world can be. I’ve delved into programming many times (the wrong way if I might add) to come out disappointed in myself. In my inability to keep going and simply stick to it.
With the help of my husband and various awesome online resources (mainly FreeCodeCamp,W3 and KhanAcademy) I am able to do really get into it.
I started my learning about 3 weeks ago and So far I feel mostly comfortable with HTML and CSS. I’m learning it’s okay to use external resources while putting a page together because you LITERALLY cannot memorize ever single thing. I’m sure once I get deeper into JavaScript which not going to lie is a bit on the tougher side for me I will feel like I can do more.
I just have to remember that:
It takes time to learn something new
Don’t be so hard on yourself
Progress is progress no matter how small.
This is all in hopes to find my career/job/ calling? Yea I know, what about the stay at home wife thing? Well I went over that in the Not Quite Stay at Home Wife Post.
Anyway, that was my update. I still love to have my blog so I hope you check up on me every once in a while for a new post.
So I don’t have the recipe that was used to make these sugar cookies or royal icing (I’m hoping to get them — stay tuned). My sister baked them while we were visiting for the holidays. However, I can show you how cute they came out once decorated, not to mention the, DELICIOUS!
My sister is an awesome baker and cook!! We get it from our mom and grandma. ❤️
This past week we headed down south to sunny and might I add always hot, Miami. This is our first time back since we moved up to Rochester in June. We are here for the Christmas Holiday and we have so many plans, people we want to see and most importantly food we want to eat!! The food here, we have missed it so much! So MUCH!
Rochester simply has not brought us this joy in food yet.
Here are some of our favorite food places that are also great for dates:
Brio: We love this place so much we had our rehearsal dinner here. Cute and not too pricey. Desserts we love include tiramisu, and crème brûlée. —- IT was so busy we actually didn’t get a chance to eat here 😦
Central Park Food Station: If you haven’t tried their Empanda de Pabellon — You haven’t lived.
Madroño Restaurant: Cute Nicaraguan restaurant with really delicious food!
Menchies: Now I know some other states and cities have Menchies but tell me how there are absolutely none in Rochester???
Hope you guys enjoy your holidays!!
Love,
The Thomson’s
Be sure to be following on Instagram for random shinanigans and other posts.
It’s Monday— and I’m finding it harder to post on Sunday since it feels more like a family day. So here is my Sunday/Monday post!!!
Splitting the Holidays
Yup, this one is about family, the holidays and time. Precious time.
I feel as though this can be one of the happiest, yet toughest times of the year. Most of which is because of family and knowing where and who to spend it with.
Having been recently married and moving away to a place where my husband and I have no family, begs the question…so where do we go for the holidays/what do we do?
For our wedding last year (Dec 2017) we had family fly in to Miami in order to celebrate our marriage. It was really one of the last times we would be together for a long time. This year has been busy with travel, and luckily we have been able to see Matt’s family and part of mine.
But how do you decide for years to come? Who gets Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years?
This gets my stress levels really going because I love both sides of our family. Choosing between them on special occasions is tough. Don’t get me started on plane tickets, they are so expensive. Sometimes it’s easier to fly family over here than to fly over to them. What do you do about this situation? I’d like to know.
P.S. Here is our most recent journey on Thanksgiving to his moms and some of the silliness that comes from flying for hours and airport layovers.
It’s already Tuesday!! Happy December 11th, time is ticking on the present buying ahhh but you know what is the easiest to gift??? BAKED GOODS!
Yesterday I made some really yummy chocolate chip cookies and I’m here to share the recipe with you all! I hope you enjoy making these and eating them as much as my husband and I do.
Chewy Coconut Chocolate ChipCookies
Ingredients:
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, leveled
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted and cooled
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
1 egg + 1 yolk, room temperature
2 cups mini or regular milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Sift together the flour, baking soda; set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well mixed.
Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients in three batches until just blended.
Fold in the chocolate chips and sweetened shredded coconut by hand.
Line cookie sheets with silicone baking mats (or parchment paper); set aside.
Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of dough and place on cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-9 minutes or until edges are barely golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Store at room temperature in a zip lock bag or air tight container.
P.S. If you aren’t a coconut fan simply exclude the coconut flakes. The cookies will be JUST as delicious.
Lately it’s felt like life has been non-stop, mostly because work can consume us both. It’s easy to forget about the small intimate moments that need to be shared without technology getting in the way (btw I’m all for tech but we need to give it breaks)
At night I tend to drown away watching either Netflix or Hulu depending on what’s best. Weekends and dinner time are usually when we sit and talk or just lounge about together.
Ladies and Gents:If you felt that my winter gift guide fell short, below are some great choices that your girlfriend(s) will love! Whether she’s the artsy, fashion, musical, cute and hip or down right a beauty junkie. Here are my top picks.
The term ‘groomslady’ never crossed my mind before wedding planning. I knew that I didn’t want the traditional number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. We just didn’t know enough people that we would truly want to stand by our side. For me it was an easy choice as I had my sisters be maid of honor and bridesmaid. My husband chose his best friend as his best man leaving a spot for a groomsman to balance both party sizes. We thought about this a lot. Our minds were socially set on a groomsmen traditionally being a guy.
Winter is officially here! Rochester temperatures have officially begun to drop to the low 20’s and snow is here! I have never experienced anything like this and I’m ready!
Back in October I began preparing like a bear for hibernation buying snow boots, long sleeves, jackets and a SNOW SCRAPER. I was probably in TJMaxx and Forever 21 at least twice a week for the best deals. Recently I’ve purchased from stores that had some great deals, especially this weekend.
This past August I was accepted into Purdue University’s Graduate school program. I went through the entire admissions process and had my classes pick out and everything. I had researched extensively and landed on Purdue because of what this Master’s degree would do for me. I mean it’s Purdue, the man who went to the moon also went to Purdue. (But I’m not about to debate that….)
I was supposed to start in the Fall of 2019 but during this time I was blessed to have just recently started a new job as an Instructional Designer – which is exactly what I was looking for! AND we had just closed on our house. Thank you baby Jesus.
Needless to say, I didn’t start school in the Fall… I post poned for the Spring of 2020 because well…. let’s just say our house is STILL under construction.
It is now the Spring of 2020 and I have just withdrawn from the program… Literally 3 days in…..
When my now Husband and I started dating and didn’t live together we would go on grocery trips together. From very early on I went to his apartment and would cook us dinner after work (I was 21 and learning how to make meals). I would also prep lunch for the week. This obviously became easier once we moved in together and just shared our meals and daily life.
Working on getting rid of the old, and spending less. Little by little. I think I’m obsessed but anyway way overdue post I’ve been doing this for 2 years now.
Last year was full of expenses. It’s expected since we moved to another state. Every year that my husband and I move to a new apartment we get rid of old furniture, clothes and basically anything we realized we didn’t use the whole year. There are the sentimental items that we don’t use but do keep but that’s another topic. I’m sure we will get rid of more when we move to a house.
Back in 2016, I purchased the audibook by the now famous Marie Kondo. She is all the rage these days it seems (thanks Netflix!) Though the book had been out since late 2011, I didn’t come across to knowing of it until much later. We were at our 2nd apartment together and so it began.
Queue the gilmore girls reference to marie kondo
Donating,
Thrifting,
Selling,
Oh MY!
NOW we are almost in our serene and perfectly organized home. Ahhhhh.
EVERYTHING MUST HAVE A PLACE and PURPOSE.
Let me know if you’d like to know more on how I’ve organized our home and how I’m planning to continue a clutter free lifestyle.
2-3 cups Almond Milk — I’ve linked our favorite but you can use any.
2-3 tbsp flour
Directions:
Preheat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add sausage, and start crumbling it up. I use a meat chopper specifically this one. It makes the job so much easier.
No need to season as Jimmy Dean is already pre flavored. Once the meat is completely cooked, drain the oil from the pan and set the meat aside.
Add 2 cups of almond with 2-3 tablespoons of flour and mix. Make sure there aren’t any chunks and let it boil on low heat. Make sure to stir it to avoid chunks.
Once it has come to a gravy like consistency add the meat back to the skillet and stir it together.
You can add more milk if gravy is too thick.
Serve over biscuits split in half.
My biscuit recipe to come! They are the bombdiggity!!
Hope you enjoy this super tasty sausage gravy using Almond milk.
Leave a comment letting me know how yours turns out!
Obsessed with checking my email. Opening and closing Instagram to do the exact same thing each time.
It’s all a waste of time. Unfortunately, I fell victim.
I realized the only way I could stop was to deactivate for sometime. Late April I did just that.
Currently it’s been a little over a month. It’s been a pretty good month. I’ve been sleeping better, more productive and I’ve stopped comparing myself as much to others and things I see online.
In this time, I’ve found that no one really missed me being away, nor did they question my absence. I mean they have my phone number, they also have some other way to contact me but they haven’t bothered to reach out–not including my mom asking what happened to my account she noticed pretty early since she uses it to check up on any life updates of ours since we live away. We talk every week either way.
Anyway, that’s been the social aspect of my time away from Instagram. Will anyone really notice or care?
It doesn’t really bother me but it’s a worthy observation for those that think they HAVE to post or are EXPECTED to post.
Don’t worry. You aren’t.
Unless Instagram is your job. It wasn’t my job but it almost felt like it.
I’m doing well, and still job searching. I don’t have a return date for instagram and I’m working on my mindfulness. I want to be the best version of myself and I believe that’s yet to come.
This time has taught me to enjoy more moments and that what I capture in those moments doesn’t need to be shared with strangers. Those who care will reach out, those who matter will ask.
I’m blogging this to document my thoughts and also share what I’m going through, someone else might be going through the same.
Lately I’ve been a huge fan of chickpea patties. It’s an easy vegetarian meal that is low in calories and is super tasty! Through trial and error I came up with a recipe that is not only flavorful and moist, it leaves your patties with an almost crispy crust. YUM!
P.S. no blender or food processor required for this recipe, but definitely a plus.
Didn’t take a finished product picture because…well…we ate them before I could. 😦
Ingredients:
2 Cans of Chickpeas
1/4 cup of parsley
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 egg
4 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp paprika
sprinkle of salt and pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Olive Oil for frying
Directions:
Drain the chickpeas. Rinse and drain again.
In a large bowl pour the chickpea and begin to mash with a fork or potato mashed. (make sure to leave almost no chickpeas whole)
Dice 1/4 of a red onion and set aside
add the seasonings (parsley,)
incorporate the egg and mix well, then the diced onion.
Add the flour and mix.
Cover the bowl with lid or saran wrap and leave in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to give it time to stiffen a bit.
Once the hour has passed you can heat the olive oil on the skillet on medium heat.
Grab your chickpea mixture once your oil is ready and begin forming patties. Try not to make them too large as it makes it difficult to flip.
You want to fry them until they are a crispy brown on eat side.
Tip: Keep a plate close by to place the patties as they finish frying.
These patties go great with roasted carrots and potatoes. Feel free to use any type of sauce with these.
P.S. I will update with the picture when I make them this weekend!
This week’s interview features a millennial mama that also keeps it real. Honesty is key here people. Seydy is a new mommy that works a full time job and runs a blog—on her blog she shares her mommy journey, life lessons and home decor projects. To top it off, she is just a friendly soul!
Take a read at what she has to say!
Seydy and her family.
What is your name?
Seydy
How old were you when you had your first baby?
25
How many babies do you have?
I have one child for now!
How was your labor & delivery experience?
My labor & delivery experience was one I NEVER in my wildest dreams thought would happen the way it did. I thought I was going to have a natural birth and my body would do its thing to help bring my daughter into this world. But I was SO wrong! Instead I was on the verge of pre-eclampsia and got put on bed rest the last 2 weeks of my pregnancy due to my swollen feet (I was still working full time and doing all the things). I had a doctor’s appointment for my 39 weeks and my blood pressure was high. I was admitted into the hospital and put in a laboring room. I was by myself at that appointment, so I began to panic and immediately called my husband to leave work. I was monitored for my Blood pressure and all was fine. Fast forward to the next morning I had not dilated more than 2cm and my OBGYN was concerned why since I had received Cervidil and it did not work. I received what was to me the worst news possible C-SECTION. It was around 10:30 am and my daughter was born at 11:15 AM but what to me felt like an eternity to see her again after they presented me to her due to my vomiting as a side effect to the anesthesia I received for the surgery. For me the worst part of this whole experience was throwing up what felt like 30 times in a matter of 1-2 hours. The rest of my recovery was a breeze to my surprise. I received pain medication for 2 days out of the 4 I was at the hospital since I felt I didn’t need it. My advice (Given you take it with a grain of salt) be very aware things will never go your way and don’t be sad when things don’t happen the way you planned.
Did you have a birth plan? Did it go as planned? Who was there when you were in labor and in delivery?
I didn’t have a birth plan but there were two things I specified my OBGYN I wanted; skin to skin and vaginal birth. It did NOT go as planned; I had a C-section and I wasn’t able to have immediate skin to skin. Since I had a C-section only one person was allowed and my husband was there but if I would’ve had vaginal birth it would’ve been my mother as well.
What is your honest experience with your pregnancies?
My OVERALL experience was something I can personally handle all over again. Now I did experience nausea for 4 months every evening which Sea-band was my lifesaver! I HATED feeling this way and this part I can totally skip! I had to very quickly accept that my body was changing, and it was all for the sole purpose of brining my bundle of joy into the world. MANY times, I would sit on my bed crying because I couldn’t tie my own shoes, or I couldn’t shave my legs because let’s be real most of us are very independent and don’t need someone to help us in most things. But thankful for my husband who talked some sense into me but still VERY hard to come to terms with. Get ready for the many comments from people saying, “Oh you’ve gained so much weight” “Wow your belly is so big are you sure you’re not having multiples” “Don’t drink coffee while pregnant it’s not good” Seriously, tell them ALL to F*ck off! I had a cup of coffee every day and YES SUSAN I’m carrying one child. Let it be known that not everyone will experience food aversions or cravings because I didn’t. The only craving I had was ice cream and pizza that’s it. Your emotions will definitely be a roller coaster and that’s totally ok. The stretch marks (Which I had tons of) will come I don’t care how good your skin is or if you’re mother never got them; 9 times out of 10 we all get them!
Let’s talk body changes, what was your experience with the growth process?
I gained weight probably more than I would’ve like to but you can’t drive yourself crazy thinking about this. I had a hard time seeing my body change, let’s be honest. I had stretch marks from the beginning and getting pregnant meant I’d be getting more whether I used a cream to lather on and prevent or not. I had Sciatica pain for a few months and boy was it hard to deal with every night. I also had back pains at the end of my pregnancy due to all the weight in my belly and many times I needed to take a break or not push myself to do the 100 things I wanted to.
Do you work? If so, how do you handle the pressure of work life and mom life?
I work full time and oftentimes mom guilt myself if I’m making the right choice to work full time. I am thankful I can work full time and know my child is being well taken care of but it’s difficult knowing you miss out on some of their big milestones. It’s hard but whatever decision you make just know your child still loves you the same.
At the end of the day or during, how do you find time for yourself?
I work full time and when I get home my husband has already returned from home so I ALWAYS make the excuse I need to use the bathroom and hide there for a good 10 minutes before he comes looking for me lol. I need to work on making time for myself as I often times find myself getting overwhelmed or losing my patience. I would love to make time to at least once or twice a month do something I enjoy doing for myself and I recommend EVERY mom or mom to be to not be afraid to let someone know you need a break or a whole day to yourself.
How do you handle the pressures of ‘being a mom’ in this day and age?Family? Friends? The media?
It’s hard in today’s day and age. Everyone wants to give you advice, but everyone also wants to judge the way you do things. The media is so focused on whether today’s mom give too much screen time or if they give their kids too much materialistic things. I think that we should be focusing on how much time and love we are dedicating to our kids. everyone “moms” differently let them be! I take everyone advice with a grain of salt and literally eye roll every time (sorry not sorry) but I can’t live my life how someone else wants to.
Something you wish you knew before becoming a mom?
Patience is SO important. No matter how much of a patient person you think you are you need more than that. Mom’s are “advertised” as a superhero and a do it all. It’s ok to ask for help, it’s ok to let your spouse know he needs to take over because we CANNOT do it all were only human. ITS OK TO ASK FOR HELP.
Who/what was your biggest support group during pregnancy and after?
My husband. Just always bringing me back to my senses and letting me know it’s ok. My parents were a great help too because I’d always ask my mother for advice on what I was experiencing and being Hispanic she’d make me my favorite foods.
What are the top 5 items you carry in your diaper bag?
WIPES (you will learn to clean just about anything and everything with these)
PACIFIER ( NEVER forget this if you’re child likes them because it’ll be hell)
muslin blankets
Diapers (pack more than 2 personally I carry 5 at all times)
A toy
Let’s talk breastfeeding.
I’m going to be short on this topic because I find it to be controversial. I wanted to breastfeed and was suggested by many to do so. I tried and was only able to for a few days. end of story It did not work out for me and thanks to society and their pressure to do it I nearly broke down and cried everyday realizing it wasn’t working out for me.
So far the hardest thing about being a mom?
Being a mom literally but since you’re asking for specifics it has to be making grand decisions that can affect your baby. The newborn stage is by far the HARDEST but not impossible. Getting to know a brand-new human baby and all its needs and wants its tough. You’re nearly tired all day every day and you feel like you’re not you anymore, it’s HARD. being a mom is HARD.
How did you know when it was the right time for YOU and your partner to have a baby?
I didn’t. the right time for me was when I graduated from college and had a job that could financial help us a little more. But life had other plans for me and my husband. My husband was ready so that brought me peace a little more.
What are some of the things you advise moms to do for themselves after having baby?
Stay calm and do things the way you want to rather than what others say or what the experts advise. Routine, babies need routine they function best that way and once I figured this out life has been so much better. schedule your day to day and squeeze in time for yourself and date nights!
List of things you wish you packed in your hospital bag, and list of things you recommend packing.
I wish I would’ve packed more clothing for my daughter and bigger sized granny panties for myself ( I underestimated sizing). I recommend bringing a pillow for yourself and your husband to make you feel more “home”. Also, leave the boppy pillow at home because it does not help (I say it from experience) and bring a robe for yourself!!
How do you stay connected to the outside world as a mom?
I think social media is a fun way to connect with other moms and make new friends but being a mom means we have little to no time to talk to anyone. But do make effort to invite your friends over for dinner or even plan to go to kid-friendly places to feel a little more “human” and not so excluded from the rest of the world.
Thank you so much Seydy for being a part of this and for sharing your honesty and experience.
What do you do about this situation? I’d like to know.
