Coming Soon To A House Near You

The hubs and I were invited to a Halloween party the other weekend. I was all ready to go as a Sumo Wrestler, but Chad, as usual, waited until the last minute possible to figure his costume out.

We were out running errands, and had planned to go to the Halloween store to find something for him since the party was that night. So we are in the car, both totally stumped for ideas. And then it rode by us.

Me: Is that a Jehovah's Witness?

Chad: Yeah.

Me: OMG! That's IT!

Chad: What?

Me: Your costume! It would totally work. And we don't have to buy anything but a short sleeve white shirt. You have black dress pants, black tie, sneakers, a bike helmet, and a backpack.

Chad: That's hilarious!

So we went off to Wally World, a.k.a. Wal-Mart, to get the white shirt. It was almost the Jehovah's Witness costume debacle of 2012 when he went to get dressed later on that evening though. Even though the shirt said "short sleeve" all over it, it was a long sleeve white dress shirt. Being that he already had a long sleeved dress shirt, he wore that with the sleeves folded up, and we returned the not-so-short sleeve-shirt to Wally World the next day.

But even with the sleeves being rolled up, people knew what he was. He often got asked if his bike was tied up outside. It was a total hit!

Sometimes the best ideas come riding by you when you least expect them.

Wanna Wrestle?

As if trying to find the perfect Halloween costume isn't hard enough, imagine trying to find one when you are pregnant.

Last year I had a creative stroke of genius when I decided what my costume would be. If ya'll don't remember, I was a blow up doll. It was a total hit too.

This year was a tad more difficult trying to find something that I could incorporate my ever growing bump with. I scoured the interwebs for ideas. Mostly I came up with some lame-o ideas that mostly included painting your bump. Eh, it's been done before. My original thought was to do a trailer park trash lady with a big beer gut, but my bump was becoming more round and less flabberiffic so I didn't think it would look right. Some other ideas I came across that were cute were the baby skeleton on the shirt, and the bun in the oven costume. Cute, but not Erica. And then I saw it.

I could totally do this. I already had the unitard from my blow up doll costume, so all I would have to do is the underoos, nipples and hair. I was sold. I had Chad pull down the unitard and tried it on. Thank you Joseph Shrivers for creating Spandex! It still fit!

The hardest part was trying to figure out how to make the sumo thong. I wanted it to be as authentic as possible so I called my Mom to help me with the logistics. We had planned to make one while she was up for the baby shower but with my sister's surprise visit, it became a non-priority. I started to worry how I was going to manage to make this thing by myself without it looking like a total mess. Then I had a lightbulb moment.

With Sisqo's Thong Song ringing in my head I ran to my nicker drawer, and fished out a pair of black thongs. Again, thank you Joseph Shrivers, because my thong still fit.

My costume was almost done. I ran off to the craft store and picked up some felt fabric for a whopping $0.37 to make my nipples. I debated on going to the Halloween store to pick up a Sumo wig but then remembered how itchy the blonde wig I wore last year was. My solution? I didn't wash my hair for three days. Or maybe it was four. Gross, I know. Either way, my lovely hair oils helped to slick up my hair to a very high pony tail thing without using a ton of gel and hairspray that would ultimately make my sumo hair into a sumo helmet.

Now, it was the moment of truth. Would my costume be as big of a hit as it was last year?

That would be a yes. And, apparently it was better. Now, I'm worried how I am going to even come close to something as creative next year.

Changing the Changing Table

Remember that Vintage Dresser my Mom won at the auction? Well, we've decided to use it in Baby B's room. This has created a slight decorating challenge for me. I was able to find a crib that pretty much matches the style and color of the dresser. Although Babi Italia sells a dresser that can double as a changing table it would be too much furniture for Baby B's room. The problem now was finding a changing table that kind of looks like it goes with everything else, and not paying an arm and a leg for it.

Last month while perusing Craigslist I came across a changing table that might fit the bill. The style was very similar, and the price was just right at $25 for the whole shebang (it retails for $129). Even though the color wasn't right, I pulled the trigger and bought it. Worst case senario I could re-sell it on Craigslist or put it out for sale at one of our quarterly garage sales.

She's been sitting in our garage while I've been debating what to do with it. I pondered sanding and staining it, painting it green, white, grey or oil rubbed bronze. My first choice was to stain it but I've never stained anything before, and it seemed like way too much work. I'm all about easy peasy these days. My next choice was to paint it green.

I actually found a spray paint color that matched the fabric pattern we are using for the crib bedskirt, and rocking chair pad. That was until I found a pink minky changing pad cover that I lurrrrrved. So I nixed the green, and white paint idea.

I somewhat settled on Oil Rubbed Bronze. I say somewhat because right before I started painting, I asked Chad "Oooh, what about grey?" He said he liked the ORB, so I got to painting.

While I was waiting for the paint to dry, I ended up actually painting (not spraying) the top shelf of the table. It was N to the asty gross.

I let everything dry a full day and a half before putting it all back together. I also opted not to put back the 2nd shelf so that the diaper pail could fit on the bottom shelf. I'm saving the shelf just in case I change my mind, but so far, I think we likey.

And now for the Frugalista Cost Breakdown:

Changing Table & Pad = $25.00
ORB Spray Paint: $12.30
Gloves & Mask: $6.43
White Paint: Free (had on hand)
---------------------------------------
Total Cost: $43.73

I can't wait to get her into Baby B's room, and see how she looks with everything set up.

2nd Tri Round Up

My 2nd trimester (weeks 13 to 27) were mostly just as easy as the first. I wouldn't say I'm the luckiest person ever because I'm already getting new symptoms so knowing my luck, I'm going to hit the freaking jackpot of a craptastic 3rd trimester.

The Pros
I never threw up or felt nauseated by anything. I also didn't crave any weird foods. Although I slightly gave up my love for sandwiches toward the end of this trimester. That could also be due to the fact that I ate them like everyday, and sometimes twice a day.

I felt the baby kick! It was pretty dang cool. Although at first I thought I was going to poop my pants. Same kind of feeling, except there is no emergency code brown.

I had some emotional moments but nothing really to write home about. I think I might of been flustered over these same things had I not been pregnant.

I had weird dreams, but no bad dreams, and nothing that was totally out of the norm for me.

The Cons
I hated most meats, other than deli meat. I could eat it but it wasn't yummy at all. Not even the best of the best filet intrigued me. I basically lived off of cereal, sandwiches, fruits, and veggies. 

Acne, acne, acne. It's like I was reliving my adolescence, and it sucked just as bad as it did the first time around.

My hormones might be in overdrive, hence the acne, but I have NOT been able to revel in this "your hair is so thick and luscious" business. Even my hair stylist said the same thing. So basically, my face matches my stringy hair. See? Adolescence.

My back and my hips hurt. Like I gave up working out because I'm afraid of hurting myself even more. I think my cottage cheese legs are making a come back.


It's a Crapshoot

I'm round and getting rounder. This is good, but bad when I step on the scale. I just cannot be happy to see that number going up and up, and up every week regardless if it's because of the baby. I'm only 4'11 and weighed 104 lbs when I first found out I was pregnant. As of week 27, I was up 22 pounds.

And now for the long awaited Bump Pics!

A Little Pumpkin Shower

 

My good friend Robin threw me the most awesomest baby shower the other weekend for our little pumpkin. It was inspired by Pinterest, but with a twist of Erica. Would you expect anything less? The answer is no.

Her house was decorated in a fall/ pumpkin theme. It works out great since she can keep the decorations up for the rest of the season. The food spread was pretty dang amazing too. It was just like Thanksgiving, minus the turkey. We had Heavenly Ham, green bean casserole, my Mom's scalloped potatoes, my Mother-In-Law's sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pudding, a Pinterest Melon Baby creation, and my favorite cupcakes of all time ... Anna Cakes! Anna made cupcakes for my bridal shower, did our wedding cake, and our anniversary cake. Can you tell I love her cakes?

Anna Cakes CUPCAKES!

 

The Melon Baby made by my Aunts, Mom, and Sister

I also had a surprise guest. It was the best part of the entire day. My sister lives in California, and said she couldn't make it to the shower but would be coming out for Thanksgiving. Well, that was a load of bologna.

I was totally shocked. She walks in and I'm just staring at her. Seriously I was staring at her for what of must felt like an eternity to everyone, including her. I think my Mom might of said something like "hello, it's your sister!" It took me a minute to process what I was seeing. This is how the run down went in my brain .... Oh look, it's my sister. Why is she wearing sunglasses inside? What a weirdo. "I wear my sunglasses at night, so I can, so I can watch you weave then breath your story lines". Oooh, her hair is brown. I like it this color. What a cute outfit she has on. Wait?! She said she was going to Seattle this weekend. What a liar. What. A Liar. Holy crap. It's my sister! She's in Florida! She is here! She is standing in front of me!"

I don't care too much for the traditional baby shower games so this is where the twist comes in. Thank you interwebs for the idea, and to my besties Marisa for sending the link to me.

A Spin on Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Basically everyone pins their sperm on the uterus, and I get blindfolded, spun around, and stick my egg on someone's sperm. It was a big hit. Everyone wanted me to impregnate them.

Robin and I also put together a onesie decorating table, complete with fabric quarters, iron on transfer paper, and fabric pens. The little booger is going to be wearing some dang cute onesies courtesy of all my guests.

Onesie Decorating

My friend Simone is pimping my kid out.

It was such a fun baby shower, if I don't say so myself. Thanks to everyone who made it out to help celebrate with me.

The Old Rocker Got A Facelift

Trying to find pieces for Baby B's room has been a fun challenge. I really, really wanted to get an upholstered glider but there is no way I was willing to drop that many beans. I checked my newest favorite website, Craigslist, but came up with zilch. I then remembered my Mom had a rocking chair in the guest bedroom at her house.

This old rocker has some history too. It was originally a wedding gift, and was used to rock my sister, moved across country, TWICE, with my Aunt, and rocked many cousins to sleep. Apparently it even had teeth marks from one of them on it. This lady was old, well loved, and I was sold on it.

The color wasn't exactly the right shade that I wanted it, but my Mom offered to pay for it to get refinished. I actually thought about DIYing it, but after my floor debacle I decided to hire a pro.

Three weeks, and $175 later the old lady came home. She is a beauty.

Special thanks to Caroline at Doc's Furniture Hospital for doing such an amazing job!

What Have I Done?

I'm all about DIY home projects, and I've been lucky that I haven't had that many mishaps ... until now. And, oh boy, was this a costly mishap.

Last February we replaced our carpets with bamboo wood flooring. I absolutely love this floor. It is so easy to clean. I just dust mop it, and clean it with Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. What I have learned over the last 19 months after we had it installed is that A) my cats drool, and B) it shows. Our home has a lot of natural lighting so I notice it. It could also be because I'm totally OCD, so I'm cleaning the floors like every day. It was getting old.

My solution to this problem was to put a top coat of something on it. I really should of done a little bit more research before I did what I did. I was in Lowe's and came across Bona Hardwood Floor Polish. Yes! This is exactly what I wanted! I was looking for a polish, not a wax. I thought it was similar to a wipe on product such as Pledge that comes back off it you clean it.

I followed the instructions to a T. I did a small test area which came out perfect. I then prepped the hallway and big room, and got to work. I ended up putting two coats down over a two day period. The result ... I was devastated. I majorly effed up. Even though I cleaned the floors to remove all the cat hair, etc. there was cat hair embedded in a few spots, some areas were hazy, and in the hallway one monster cat decided to walk on it while it was wet so I had paw marks.  Lovely.

Thinking it was like a polish I tried to wipe it off. And wipe, and wipe, and scrub, and scrub, and scrub. After about 15 minutes I had about a 3x3 area done, like 9 square feet. I had 402 square feet left to go.

Top with Polish, Bottom without Polish

I showed the bottle to Chad, and handed him a knife to stab me to death. Surprisingly enough he didn't want to kill me. He felt I was doing a good enough job of beating myself up about it. That's why I love this man. Then he tells me my problem is that the bottle, although it says "Polish" is actually a urethane, also known as  a WAX! I'm really shocked he didn't want to kill me now.

I did the only thing I could do. I drowned myself in chocolate, and called a pro. Two days, three bottles of "polish" remover, and a whopping $500 later our floor is back to what it use to look like.

Lesson learned. Everyone's luck runs out eventually, and polish is not always a freaking polish. That was an expensive lesson. 

A Birthday Fit For A Douchebag

Yesterday I celebrated my 3rd Annual 29th Birthday. Although this was the first birthday I've had that didn't feel like my birthday. It could be because it was in the middle of the week, and I couldn't really celebrate Erica-Style with drinks since I am preggo, or that my dear old hubby was out of town for work. I tried to make the best of it anyway. So what does one do on their 3rd Annual 29th Birthday? I went to work, vacuumed my car, and went to dinner with one of my besties.

The day was filled with little surprises nonetheless. My Mom and Dad sent me a lovely birthday flower cake. (PS - Mom if you are reading this, never do that to a pregnant girl again. I really thought I was getting cake. I was bummed to find out I couldn't eat the cake.) 

My bestie Jessica surprised me with a bunch of birthday balloons, and a birthday banner at dinner too.

But my sister, as usual, topped the surprises with her little card and somethin' somethin' she sent me. It is a little known fact in our family that my sister Kimberly and I, lovingly, call each other douche bags. Since she is the elder of the douche bags, she is Big Douche Bag (BDB), and I am Little Douche Bag (LBD). So it is no surprise that she found a pretty douchie gift.

 
I immediately called her once I got the mail to let her know that I loved the gift, and she shall be getting the first citation because I'm not 30. I should also give one to my brother-in-law.

The surprises didn't stop after dinner. I walked out to my car, and almost had a heart attack. I thought someone hit my car. But alas, it was just some Douche who parked waaaaaaay too close to me. Granted I was over the line, but seriously dude? Then the lightbulb went off.

I decided to give him a little surprise. A douche bag citation for being a douchie parker. This may be better than the Christmas gift she sent me last year. This will be the birthday gift that keeps on giving. Thanks BDB!

I Am My Father's Child

Me: Is it Tickled Me Pink, or Pink My Tickle? It's something like that.

Chad: What?

Me: Tickled Pink? How does the saying go?

My Dad: You want a bicycle?

Me: Bicycle? What are you talking about?

Dad: Didn't you say you wanted a bicycle?

Me: TICKLED PINK! Is that right?

Chad: I don't know.

Dad: (Laughing) Bicycle. (More laughing)


This is where I get my awesome hearing skills from. I also still don't know what the correct saying is.

The Place I Call Home

While I've been planning, prepping, and purchasing stuff for Baby, my other half has been planning, prepping, and purchasing stuff for GETTING RIPPED 2012. Just kidding. Well, kind of.

Chad has been getting in shape for the Tough Mudder this December. So while I am large and in charge, also known as eight months pregnant, he will be a muscular machine running, jumping, and hopefully avoiding those electrical wires in this crazy event.

I have to say I'm really proud of him for what he has accomplished over the last few months. Chad has completed a Savage Race, and the American Mud Run. This is also in addition to his weekly workout schedules which include running, swimming, biking, and lifting weights.

With a baby on the way, all these events, and activities can be expensive but DEAL is my middle name. Okay, so it's really Lyn, but it should be. We've had a really good luck with Craigslist too. Chad found a schwanging deal on a really awesome bike, and a bike rack. We play Good Cop/ Bad Cop or what I like to call "Husband wants to buy something, but Wifey has all the money". Actually, in real life it's Wifey wants to buy everything, but Husband has all the money.

So with his bike in tow, purchased for like 80% off retail, we headed off to pick up the slightly used bike rack. I was sitting in the car waiting for Chad when all of a sudden I see this ...

Why, Hello Mister Ed.

For all our you readers who don't know, we live in Orlando. Everyone always assumes that Orlando = Disney/ Theme Parks/ Tourists. We actually don't live on that side of town. But our Central Florida area is very electric. Obviously. Hello, horsey. 

Knock, knock, mofo.

Give me a carrot!

It's no big metal chicken, but it will do. This is my town, my home, my people, and their pets. I love it here.

29 FOREVER!

 I don't know why they call it a pregnancy glow. It's more like the pimple rebellion. I have never had so much acne in my entire life. Seriously, an atomic bomb would not put a dent in what is going on on my face.

I "heard" it was suppose to clear up in my 2nd trimester. Well, 3 weeks in and no such luck. It actually got worse. Well, it decided to move, and by move, I mean it started to not become so oblivious on my face and more obvious on my neckline and behind my ears. Who gets a pimple on the back of their ear?! This girl does. It's ridiculous. I would cry but somehow I didn't get the emotional rush of hormones with this pregnancy. I've got a cold heart of stone.

So after this new phase of acne emerged I ventured out to the dermatologist. Maybe they had a spare face I could borrow until the end of this pregnancy. I struck out again! They can't prescribe me anything, and almost everything they told me to do to clear it up I was already doing.

To make matters just a wee worse, the doctor asked "How old are you?" I replied, "29 FOREVER!" Okay, so I really didn't but, I totally was thinking that as I said 30. "Oh, well, welcome to the new age bracket. We need to start using anti aging products now." We? Was there someone else hiding in the room? Who was she talking to? I'm 29 FOREVER! Apparently I will be 29 forever with wrinkles and zits though. What a bad combo. Like, really, really, really bad. Does that even happen? Knowing my luck I'll be the one documented case when I'm 40. Caption will read "She thought she would be 29 forever."

 So I bought my first anti aging product. Being not wrinkly is expensive.

Ninja or Princess

I went to the doctor yesterday for my monthly checkup. I was lucky enough that we were able to get a sneak peek of our little baby's goods. Based on my pregnancy symptoms, I was convinced I was having a boy.

Chinese Gender Predictor
The ancient Chinese gender chart predicts your baby's sex, based on your age when you got pregnant and what month it was.
Survey Says - BOY

Cravings
Traditional beliefs about pregnancy cravings are that if you crave sweets, fruits, and orange juice you are having a girl. Sour, salty or protein cravings are thought to indicate a boy.
Survey Says - GIRL

Morning Sickness
A woman who suffers severe morning sickness that lasts all day long is thought to be carrying a girl. A woman with less morning sickness or none at all may be carrying a boy.
Survey Says - BOY

Sleeping Position
If you prefer sleeping on your left side, you'll have a boy. Right side? A girl.
Survey Says - BOY

Appearance
Many people believe that a woman carrying a baby girl may have severe acne. A woman with less acne may be pregnant with a boy.
Survey Says - GIRL

Weight Gain
The belief is that, if your husband puts on weight during your pregnancy, then you will be having a girl. If he doesn't put on a pound, then you're carrying a boy.
Survey Says - BOY

Moods
Feeling extremely moody? Expect a girl.
Survey Says - BOY

Baby's Position
If a woman is carrying mainly in the front, the gender prediction is a boy. If the mom-to-be is carrying the weight all over, the baby may be a girl. 
Survey Says - BOY

Baby's Heart Rate
A baby with a heart rate higher than 140 beats per minute is presumed to be a girl. A heart rate less than 140 beats per minute is thought to indicate a boy.
Survey Says - GIRL

I was totally wrong. We aren't getting a ninja. Well, unless a hotdog grows out of that hamburger in the next few weeks. She's a GIRL!

First Tri Round Up

I've never been pregnant before so I don't have anything to compare this pregnancy to, but I think it's been super easy so far.

With most ladies, the end of the first trimester is a blessing. Mine was just another day in the books. I don't know if it was the fact that I just kept telling myself I would not be sick or barf, or that my own mother never had morning sickness with my sister or I, but it just never came.

The "food aversions" I did have were probably the mildest of any case documented. Although no foods seemed to have made me run for the porcelain God I did have find that early on most foods just didn't seem appetizing at all. For example, I love Greek yogurt but the thought of me eating it made me not hungry. Then I ate it anyway and I was all like "I love you Greek yogurt". It made no sense. Some foods did not have the same effect such as chicken, fish and meats. Specifically all fish, anything but ground beef, and chicken breast. I could still eat it but while I was chewing it I was thinking in my head, "chew, chew, chew, swallow, drink water to wash the taste out."

Just like the food aversions, my food cravings are nothing crazy, such as I must have it or I'm going to die this instant. I love food. All kinds of food. Before I was pregnant I would pretty much eat anything. Cheap, easy, elaborate, expensive, healthy, deep fried ... any kind of goodness, even if it wasn't all that good for me. All throughout my first trimester I wanted fruit and sandwiches. Peaches, plums, bananas, melon, grapes, mangoes, etc. I'm not a sandwich snob either. Chicken, turkey, chicken salad, avocado, BLT, tuna ... there is no end. Seriously, I could live off this food. So while Chad is eating his salmon and broccoli, I'm devouring my sandwich and I am as happy as a clam. Well, not a clam. Those don't seem appetizing. Happy as a peach. Mmmm. peaches.

I'm Like The Price Line Negotiator

We finally finished our Elfa Custom Closet! (Read more about the first part here.)

A friend recently asked how much we spent on our Elfa closet system. Our design came to $1,747.65 without tax. I caught her mid air when she fainted, which I would have done too if that is what we really paid. We by no means are rich but, we are frugal and savings-crafty.

We originally designed our custom closet in February 2011 and started to pinch our pennies. Our plan was to wait until the Container Store had their Holiday Sale at the end of the year but Christmas came early for us last year. I received an email from the Container Store that said they were having their Annual Shelving Sale. All their shelving was 25% off but since it was only shelving about half our closet design items were not on sale. So we purchased everything that was on sale and waited until they had their holiday sale to get the rest.

The Old Closet

 

Elfa Closet Part Une

Elfa Closet Part Deux

But they don't call me a Frugalista for nothing! We saved an average of 27.5% by shopping when the store was having a sale, but I also cashed in my credit card points for gift cards to the Container Store thus saving us another $450. When Christmas really did roll around we collected another $300 in gift cards bringing our gift card total to $750!

So here is the breakdown:

$1,861.25 total retail cost
Shopping Trip #1: 25% off + $375 Gift Cards
Shopping Trip #2: 30% off + $375 Gift Cards
*FREE Shipping, Delivery & Install

= $688.68 out of pocket


63% TOTAL SAVINGS!

*Since they don't have a store in Orlando, Poppa Dukes was cool enough to pick up our goods in Hallandale Beach, Florida and truck them up to our house. I was also able to get him and Chad to install for free. Well, a bottle of wino for the Dads and back rubs for the Hubs.

Building a custom closet is not easy but anyone can do it with the right approach, adequate patience and enough time.

Here and There

I'm back! Although it wasn't like I was ever really gone. Just MIA. I was busy. Very, very busy.

So how can I wrap up the last 6 months?

Well, I worked ... a lot. I did some household projects. Hubberoos and I did did a lot of couponing; the toned down version of Extreme Couponing. We went skiing at Lake Tahoe in April, although it was more like slushing since most of the snow had melted by then. Chad and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary this past May, and we went to Europe on a Mediterranean Cruise. It was lovely. But, the biggest "thing" we did is made a baby ... yikes. We're in trouble now.

Hold Please!

Actual conversation with my Husband over the phone:

Me: What's for dinner?

Him: Breakfast but I don't know how to cook the hash browns. Remember I burned the crap out of them last time and they tasted like $h1t?

Me: Like my burned hash browns were any better? I wonder if we can bake them? Go check the bag for cooking instructions.

Him: (Reads instructions. There are none for baking.)

Me: Okay, I'll call and ask my Mom. Oh, go check the clothes in the dryer and see if they are still wet.

Him: I just sat down, and I'm all comfy in this blanket.

Me: Seriously?

Him: (Makes a comfortable, I'm like a pig in a blanket sound.)

Me: Oh come on! I get lawn service so you don't have to be a slave to our lawn but I barely get any more help cleaning inside the house. Go check the laundry.

Him: Hey, I do stuff around here. I take out the trash --

Me: That takes like two seconds.

Him: Hold please! Doobie doobie do, do do do do do, doobie doobie do, do do do do do, doobie --

Me: You can't pull the Hold Please and sing the hold music. I invented that game.

Him: Oh, hi! Thanks for holding. So you on your way home?

Me: Yes, but --

Him: Okay, I will see you when you get home. And don't forget to call your Mom and ask about the hash browns.

Me: Hey wait! I wasn't done complaining!

Him: Okaybyeseeyousoonloveyoubye! Click

I can't believe he used my own tactic against me.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means To Me