Catching up

Hello!  It's been a long time since I last wrote to you.  I had so many aspirations for this blog that I couldn't live up to.  So, I'm going to explain why and catch us all up.

There has been so many things that I have wanted to write about, but didn't know how it would fit into the format of this blog.  But, since my life is changing, I'm finding out that this blog has to change too.  I mean, the job of The Trophy Wife is one that can adapt.  Right?  So, the babies are now full fledged toddlers.  No more diapers.  No more high chairs.  They are running, playing, counting, spelling, and even reading (I know!  Surprised me too!)  I am about to have a tween in my house.  Sweet Pea turns 12 in a short 3 weeks.  Little Man is 4 and just finished Preschool.  And Peanut is 2.5 years old and out running Little Man.  These kids are keeping me on my toes!

I have one year left of school.  I am starting a part time job this summer while I take a couple online courses, and then next fall and spring will be part time semesters.  Then watch out world!  This girl's gonna take over. Well, maybe not.  But I am going to do my darnedest to make everyone safer with these fancy computer skills that I'm gaining.  Because this is a big part of my life now, this blog is going to become less cloth diaper, baby gear info and more computer securities and how to keep yourself and your kids safe when using computers in general.  But I'll still go off on my tangents on hot topic issues and general observations that I feel that I need to share too.  Plus, I think it's safe to say that even though my addiction to cloth diapers is no longer there, I have gotten a new addiction to Ju-ju-be bags.  I can't wait to share more about those, but I don't dare post a stash shot here.  Well, maybe I will someday.  I am hoping to get back to posting regularly so that I can bring you some really fun giveaways again. Because reviews and giveaways are a lot of fun.  I really love promoting businesses and talking about products that make my life easier.  (I find some really cool stuff!)

Now, here's the kicker.  Besides the crazy schedules: work, kids, school, etc., I have been having some unexplained medical issues the last year or so.  This more than anything has been what has kept me from being able to write like I wanted to.  Just recently, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlow Syndrome.  I will be writing more about my health issues in another post.

So, I just wanted to let you all know that I am not gone.  I've just been indisposed.  I have missed you and I thank you all that have stuck around with me.  I will try to not disappoint.

The Cold and Your Car

It seems that this winter has been extremely cold for most of the US.  We had a cold snap come on early in the winter season here and it never seemed to go away.  I am worried what February is going to be like considering it's been so cold and snowy since November.  Since most of us are experiencing this, I want to impart a little experience when it comes to your vehicle and these extreme temperatures.

Here are a few things that you can do to help your vehicle during extreme cold weather.

• Continue to perform your regular maintenance services
• Monitor your tire wear, tread, and pressure
• Check your fluids and rubber components (belts and hoses) in between services
• Take it into a repair facility if something starts making a funny noise or you notice a change
• When you first get into your vehicle, turn the key to "ON" but do not crank the starter.  Let it sit on for 30 seconds (while you adjust your seat, play with the radio, and buckle your seat belt.)  Then crank it to start the engine.  This will allow your injectors to warm up and your car will start easier.
• There is no reason to start your car to "warm it up" if you are not going to be driving it.  Back in the days of carburetors, this may have been a helpful thing.  But with our cars, the injectors don't need that.  Only start your car and "warm it up" if you plan to drive it.  By turning it on for a period of time and then turning it off and walking away, it builds air into your fuel system which will cause more wear on your vehicle in the long run.  If you feel that you need to start it in the middle of the day, then drive it around the block before leaving your vehicle again. 

When you are going to be out on the road, it's important to be prepared for the off chance that your car may breakdown.  What I do is I take my favorite car bag (I use a Ju-ju-be BeTween or a SuperBe), and I pack it with items that I would need if stuck on the side of the road.  They are:

• A small metal coffee can (I store all the little things inside this.)
• A matchbook (not a lighter)
• A small tea light candle
• A hat, scarf, and insulated gloves
• A small blanket
• A bottle of water
• Nonperishable snacks; like Clif Bar, cereal bars, nuts, etc.

If you find yourself stuck because your vehicle broke down, do not get out of your vehicle if the temperature is 10 degrees or lower.  Call 911 or an emergency provider and wait for help to come.  When the temperature is that low, you can easily get hypothermia or frostbite.

If you find yourself stuck in the snow or ice, bundle up well, call for help, and then assess what is wrong.  You can use the candle inside the empty coffee can to put behind your tire to melt the ice or snow.  This will help you get traction to get your car moved.

Drive safely, don't overdrive the conditions when there is ice or snow, and bundle up to stay warm.

Break time!

Well, this has been a whirlwind year.  I finally have a month long break between semesters at the University.  I plan on using this break to get back to work.  I have missed writing to you all and interacting with you.  So, I plan to use this time wisely to get prepared for the next semester.  I plan to have one post a month at the very least.  I am still so touched by how many people still consistently come here to visit, even though I haven't been consistent.  All of your support through this year has been a motivator.  I know that my hard work is worth all of the sacrifices.

Just to catch all of you up on what's going on in my world.  I started in January as a full time college student.  I am working towards my degree in Computer Securities and Networking (with an emphasis on securities.)  I am LOVING it!  I love my classes, and I really love the industry.  It is challenging and exciting.  I started Spring 2013 taking one in-person class at a satellite university and the rest of my classes were online.  Then in Summer 2013, I had half my classes online and half in-person.  Fall 2013, I decided that it was beneficial to take all my classes in-person.  I took 3 of them at the satellite university and one of them on main campus.  Main campus is a 45 minute, one way, drive for me.  (Luckily, The RacDad got me an iPod to keep me company on my drive, and I thank him everyday for it.  I forgot how much music was a part of my life.)  The one main campus class was phenomenal!!  Because of that experience, I will be taking all four of my classes next semester up there.  I am not too excited about driving in the winter out into the country on back highways to get to the university, but I am more than excited to work with these teachers!  The program is awesome.  So, the benefits far outweighed the risks.

I became addicted to Ju-ju-be bags this year.  And shortly after, I found Petunia Pickle Bottom.  It's a dangerous addiction to have....at least for my pocketbook.  I have finally narrowed down my favorite bags and prints.  With one exception.  I am still looking for the perfect bag to use for next semester.  Being on the main campus, I am going to need to tote along all of my gadgets (computer, tablet, phone, and chargers) and my textbooks.  I also have to have my personal items and snacks!  I found a book bag that is okay.  But it's a tight fit for my 15 inch laptop, and it's hard to carry over the top of my winter coat.  I have an idea of what might work though.  I'm thinking of using my Ju-ju-be BePrepared bag.  I just wish that it had backpack straps for those times when back carrying would be more convenient.  I will have to let you all know what I find.

 We are no longer cloth diapering and we are no longer breastfeeding.  Peanut turned 2 in October and with my busy school schedule, she decided that she no longer needed 'nummies'.  She was content to wean.  It was bittersweet for me.  I missed having that connection with her, but I don't miss the torn feeling that I had when I had to be away from her for classes.  She also started potty learning at the same time.  So, we transitioned to trainers and sold all of our cloth diapers (or traded them for bags.)  She is keeping up with her big brother, and we are afraid that she is more fearless than he is!  She is a daredevil.  It will be fun to watch her grow and see the type of person that she becomes.

Little Man is full of energy.  He keeps us on our toes and is SO smart!  He spells words, counts, sings songs, climbs on everything, and loves to play with his sisters.  He will be starting preschool in January.  He is more than ready and is always asking about going to school.  I can't wait to see him go and watch the changes as he learns how to listen to others and grows.

Sweet Pea is surprising us everyday.  She is in Middle School now and plays the French Horn and the Cello.  She loves them both and has an amazing ear.  I love that even though The RacDad and I didn't influence her decisions to participate in music classes, she is truly a great musician.  I like having that to share with her.  We try to steal away for "Girls Afternoons" once every 3 weeks or so.  We go out for lunch and then do something fun, like go to a museum or just window shop downtown and grab a sweet treat.  She is growing into the most amazing young woman.

The RacDad is busy with his job and helping to keep up the house for me.  He does so much to help me out so that I can focus on classes and homework.  He daydreams of being a stay-at-home dad once I start working again, but I don't think he'd ever quit his job.  He likes it too much.  He still amazes me everyday.  I am so lucky to be his wife.  After 15 years, 12 of them living with each other, I am still excited to spend every day with him.  I am in awe of how good we are together.

We have missed being able to travel to see our family and friends.  It's been a pretty lonely year.  But we knew that it was part of the sacrifices that we had to make.  Hopefully, we will be able to play catch-up this summer.

Thank you all for all of your support and kind words.  It has been greatly appreciated.

Happy holiday season to you all.

Black Thursday

Sorry it has been so long since I've written.  Things have been very busy with full time school, the kids, and The RacDad's odd work schedules.  But we are looking forward to one of our favorite holidays coming up soon.  We love Thanksgiving.  The time with our families while we cook comfort foods and just enjoy being together.  We nap, do puzzles, sit and talk, and of course, eat.  It's a very surreal time to reflect on the years; to be grateful for the ups and downs and everything that has made our family special.

I have worked many years in the retail industry.  Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the biggest day of the year in retail.  It's dreaded because of all the prep and hard work that is crammed into one day, but it is anticipated because, if you're working on commission, it's the day where you make bank!  That commission check is awesome to get.  But it is always nice to know that you get Thanksgiving to be with your families before the really busy season begins.  After Thanksgiving, you know that you have to work Black Friday, early mornings and late nights for months, AND Christmas Eve (which I like to thank men for because they are the ones typically out that night doing last minute shopping.)

So, here's the kicker.  This year, large retailers have announced that they are pushing the limits of Black Friday from midnight all the way into Thursday.  These large retailers do not pay their employees commission for their sales.  Most of these employees get a low hourly wage.  Some employers will pay up to 50% more for working on a holiday, but not all of them.  Some of the retailers say that their employees know what they are getting into when they apply for the job, but if you have worked at these places for more than 6 months, you wouldn't have known that they were planning to do this.  It's not like working in the casino industry or a hospital when you know that they are open 24/7 every single day of the year, never closing, and that working holidays is part of the job.  Retail employees work late hours and some holidays, and most of them work for very poor wages.

I think it is absolutely disheartening that these retailers think that it's okay to do that to their employees.  Black Friday weekend is stressful enough.  Extending into the ONE holiday that they get to have just before a crazy busy two months of holiday shopping is just inexcusable.  And the worst part is, these retail stores are doing it because they think they can make an extra buck off of you.

So, don't be tempted by the super "sales" and the added "coupons" or "money back".  Don't be tempted by the promise of less stressful shopping and smaller crowds.  If you shop on Thanksgiving, then they will continue to open on Thanksgiving.  They will continue to push that time back until it reaches midnight on Thanksgiving and start trickling into Wednesday, Tuesday or even Monday.

Don't let the consumerism beast take over what you all know in your heart to be fair.  Let these employees enjoy their day with their family, just like you.  Let's keep Thanksgiving where we are thankful for the bounty that we have, instead of making into a way to get things we don't immediately need at the expense of others.

Clothing ideas

Now that I am back in college, I feel the need to wear clothes that are comfortable sitting in classes for hours on end, but that are also stylish and age appropriate.  I don't want to be the "old person" in the room trying to act young.  At the same time, I don't want to look like I am putting too much effort into looking "mature".  I just want to be comfortable.  My go to is my favorite jeans and solid colored, fitted tees.  Now that it is starting to get cold, I am looking for long sleeve options.

I came across Michael Stars clothing while looking online yesterday.  I like how they look relaxed yet stylish at the same time.  I love tunic shirts and basic tees.  I live in tank tops and layer almost everything.  I don't want to look too "business casual" or "professional" when I'm sitting in classes, especially since I usually get home from class and take the kids to the park.  All of these styles would fit my active lifestyle that I love, and still allow me to feel feminine and flirty.

I have other favorites too, like my tunic sweaters when it gets cold outside.  I have been told often that I should get out of my comfort zone by wearing jeans every single day and turn to something different like a skirt.  I have never really been a skirt person.  I am often wondering if I could find the right skirt to go with my favorite tops, my plain colored fitted tees.  I desperately need someone to help me pick out a wardrobe, but I think I am stumbling across some promising ideas like the one that I found yesterday.

STMML - Raccoon Story

I love a good laugh.  Some days that is what gets me through.  We laugh a lot in our family, but we have a very 'sophisticated' humor that is dry and sometimes sarcastic.  One of my favorite memories always makes me chuckle.  It's the Raccoon Story.

The RacDad and I lived on my family farm for the first 4 years of our marriage.  When SweetPea was about 2 years old, we had a lot of wild animals that liked to come onto our acreage; deer, woodchucks, opossums, and raccoons, to name a few.  Our farmhouse sat on about an acre with a driveway that circled it and a 1 stall garage near the house.  The larger buildings and our 2 car garage sat on the other side of the driveway.  And we kept our garbage cans under the safety light on the other side of the drive from the house.

Diamond Candle Review and Giveaway!

After a long summer of classes, I needed something fun as a little "reward" for my hard work.  I was looking for something fun and unique.  I was approached at just the perfect time by Diamond Candles to do a review and giveaway of their product.  I honestly had never heard of them before.  So, after checking out their website and doing a little search, I was fully on board to try them out!  I like surprises, I love jewelry, and I missed having candles in the house.  So, this was perfect!