Mrs. Cox's Slice o' Heaven

311 Day

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +0000

It seemed fitting to write about our recent concert experience on 3-11. It is 311 day, afterall! I'm wearing my 311 gear, as is Charlie. We'll listen to our favorite songs throughout the day, for sure. Anyway, on to the concert.

Since it had been years since the last time we saw 311 perform live, we weren't sure what songs we could expect to here. Of course, I hoped to hear Amber since it is our song. Of course they played Amber! But they really did a great job mixing the older songs with songs from Uplifter. I wish I would have brought my camera and video camera, but I didn't want to chance not being able to bring them in. So my phone had to make due - forgive the horrible picture quality, click to enlarge.

The Moore Theater IS Seattle's oldest remaining theater, built in 1907. Beautiful architecture detailing and stained glass inside. I have been to the Paramount {which is another old venue, 1927}, but not the Moore! And it's a gorgeous venue with great sound.
311 always puts on a great show. I love when they do the solo performances, it's such a treat to see the individual talent behind the band as well as watching them rock out together. I recorded Chad Sexton's {kick arse drummer} solo and P-Nut's {the ever-so talented bassist}solo. Unfortunately I didn't record when all 4 members were playing the drums together, but you can watch a similar version of one of their past concerts on YouTube. That is so impressive to watch.

Here is P-Nut's bass solo ... Again, forgive my phone video quality, but it really is a beautifully done solo.

Another fun thing was seeing the other 311 fans and how incredibly different they all were. I love people watching, don't you?? There were young-ins, groupies that were dancing like they were at a completely different concert {Puwahaha - who dances like that at a rock concert??}, old folk, stoners, and the almost 30 something crowd. Each in attendance for the same reason: for the love of the music.

Bottom line: we had a blast. I hope we go to the next Seattle show, whenever it may be!

Bravado Designs Coupon Code

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:06:00 +0000

Calling all nursing mamas :: Bravado Designs is offering us loyal bloggers and our fabulous readers a jump start on taking advantage of the Spring Sale coupon code that is running this weekend.

MB-182

For my readers, you can get 25% off US and Canadian orders. The above coupon is valid NOW until Monday March 15th, at 11:59pm EST.

Happy Shopping,

No compensation, blah de blah. I acknowledge.

Doh!

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:26:00 +0000

Just when I get into a groove, a routine, a flow...that's when I muck something up.

Laundry seemingly kept up with? Wash the mister's cell phone.

Menu planned out and food stocked? Produce spoils and I forget to buy cheese.

Laundry seemingly tackled again? Wash the mister's wallet.... twice.

Things looking up as far as finances? Forget to pay insurance and it lapses.

Say it with me, now.

Doh!

W/W Fog

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +0000

On our way to see potential homes this weekend, the valley was covered with morning fog.

P.S. If you link up here, it will automatically link at Extraordinary Mothers and vise versa.

If you'd like to join, post your Wordless Wednesdays with The Extraordinary Mothers

and at 5 Minutes For Mom

and for Wordful Wednesday fun, post your link up with Angie over @

Please note: All irrelevant links will be deleted.

Chew On This XXXXVI

furiouschar@gmail.com (Furious Char) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +0000

A series courtesy of the mister. Random pictures that make you think. Maybe a little too hard.

Happy Tuesday,

Two Houses, Two{ish} Hour Commute, Too Bad.

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:19:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, we ventured out to look at two other houses. One in Gold Bar the other in Monroe - which is east a ways from our current location. The listings for both houses really had us interested though, despite the drive ahead {up to two hours one way}.

The first house I am still swooning over, to be honest. I'm keeping it stashed in my "when we're rich" day dream -- I would LOVE to have it as my vacation home, nestled in the mountains. Beautiful.

3 bedrooms, 1.75 bath, loverly kitchen, 1650 sq. feet, .58 acres fenced, huge master suite with deck off master and deck below. By the way, this MLS listing is still active! *swoonage* Since we saw the house at night, I'll share some of the exterior MLS pictures.

Click to enlarge all collages.

The second house is actually a manufactured home. Some manufactured homes can look amazing on the inside, but when you look at the exterior you can tell. Which is precisely why we originally vetoed the idea of buying one. Until we saw the listing for this TRIPLE wide.

Custom built, 4 bed, 2 bath, 2.19 acres, 2108 sq. feet, master suite, home office with built in desk and shelving, windowed breakfast nook, deck, and air conditioned.

Click to enlarge collages.

So everything in this manufactured home was amazing and impressive.... until we open one of the bedroom doors and find this.

Yes, there was a leak in the roof, that had gone unnoticed since the house was vacant. Which caused the ceiling to give way. I peeked in the room and turned on the light, immediately turned around and looked at our Realtor, eyebrow raised.

"What? Is there someone in there?" she asked.

Haha -- I suppose this sort of thing can happen with a vacant bank owned house. This house is now marked pending, BO requested ...

The hunt continues....

Warning :: May Cause Uterus To Twitch

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +0000

I transferred pictures and video over from my phone this week, to back them up on my external HD. I had tons of "Quick! Grab the camera - where is it?? - crap! Okay the phone will have to do" pictures and videos on my phone. I fear losing them. Gosh, I plum forgot about some of these!

She had a death grip from the start, I remember how hard it was to pry the phone out of her tiny hands.

Don't say I didn't warn ya about the uterus thing. Just sayin'...

'Nuff Said

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +0000

Random thoughts plucked from my brain. Scary.
'Nuff said.

Posting these little gems whenever the mood strikes me, because that's how I roll.

Charlie Fix

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +0000

You can expect to see more of her on the couch in future fixes. It's become part of our morning routine, sipping on "coffee" and reading books together.

Happy Friday,

I Made A Healthy Choice

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:03:00 +0000

I try to cook healthy meals for the three of us. I understand the importance of a balanced meal - with fiber, protein, whole grains, and even the oh-so important antioxidants. But I'll admit sometimes, usually the days I feel like I'm just spinning my motherhood wheels, I don't want to have to *think* about what I am eating for lunch. That's why I'm so glad to have frozen entrées like the ones from Healthy Choice. They've come up with 11 new entrées to add to their Café Steamers, Select Entrées, and All Natural Entrées product line.

I was able to try two of the new selections of the All Natural Entrées. Both had no preservatives and are made with extra virgin olive oil {a staple in my kitchen} and whole grains. If you're a calorie counter, both meals are below 300 calories. Not too shabby, eh? The first one I tried was the Roasted Red Pepper Marinara...I loved the intense flavor of the roasted pepper sauce paired with Asiago, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Delicious! Charlie even stole bites from my plate. The packaging clearly outlines the nutritional information - 10% daily value {DV} of vitamin A and 15% DV vitamin C, 5g of fiber for healthy digestion, 20% of your daily vegetable needs, and 25% of daily grains. Much healthier compared to other quick fix meals!

The second entrée was my favorite of the two -- Creamy Basil Pesto. Cavatappi pasta tossed with broccoli and tomatoes in pesto with a little mozzarella. Mmmm... I could eat it everyday and not get tired of it. This lunch provided 15% DV vitamin C and 45% Manganese, 5g of fiber, 20% DV grains, and 40% for daily vegetables.

Of course, I can't wait to try out some of the other Healthy Choice meals. The Balsamic Garlic Chicken Café Steamers sounds right up my alley, so does the All Natural Lobster Cheese Ravioli! And if you're a vegetarian, Healthy Choice has entrées for you as well. Be sure to head to Healthychoice.com you can even print out a coupon for your next purchase. I already have it clipped and in my wallet!

So tell me, which Healthy Choice product has your mouth watering?

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Healthy Choice and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. I acknowledge.

Open Letter To My Dishwasher

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +0000

Tropicana Juicy Rewards

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:44:00 +0000

I am super excited to have been chosen as one of the Insiders in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador Program! Like most families watching their wallets, when buying juice, we tend tend to pick the brand that will save us money in the long run. When I had the opportunity to learn more about the Juicy Rewards program, I was definitely intrigued and I thought my readers would be too! Here's a brief run-down of how the Juicy Rewards work ::

Tropicana, Tropicana Pure Premium and Tropicana Trop50 products featuring the Tropicana Juicy Rewards logo and messaging will carry a 10-character unique code under the cap or on the promotional package. Each specially-marked package is worth a pre-determined number of points. Upon entering the 10-character unique code, your account will be credited the appropriate number of points.
To participate, you must set up an account on the Tropicana website (www.tropicana.com). Each time you buy specially-marked Tropicana, Tropicana Pure Premium or Tropicana Trop50 products, you can either text your code to TROPOJ (876765) or enter it on the Tropicana Juicy Rewards website.
The corresponding points will be entered into your account on the Tropicana Juicy Rewards website. The more codes you enter, the more points you accrue. You can then search and redeem these points for fantastic savings on thousands of great offers including discounted admissions to theme parks, museums, aquariums and zoos, great gear and supplies and much more to help you squeeze more out of life.

In the coming months, I will be sharing my thoughts on Tropicana's Juicy Rewards program and how it's worked for our family. With 20,000 ways to save money on items from Adidas {my fave!}, zoo admissions, camping gear, and so much more... I'm betting we'll nab even more savings! I hope you'll join me -- start with signing up at Tropicana.com! Mom Central has your first code waiting for you to redeem!

MOMCE-NTRAL

To get your bonus point:
1. Go to www.tropicana.com
2. Set-up your Tropicana Juicy Rewards account (just take a minute!)
3. Visit the "Enter Codes" page within the site and get started with MOMCE-NTRAL*This one-time use code is valid for new accounts ONLY. Must be entered within 6 hours of creating your account.

After you rack up some points, I'd love to hear what juicy items you scored!!

I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review. I acknowledge.

Chew On This XXXXV

furiouschar@gmail.com (Furious Char) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +0000

A series courtesy of the mister. Random pictures that make you think. Maybe a little too hard.

Happy ~~Tuesday~~Wednesday,

W/W Little Things

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +0000

It's the little things that lead to the biggest smile.

P.S. If you link up here, it will automatically link at Extraordinary Mothers and vise versa.

If you'd like to join, post your Wordless Wednesdays with The Extraordinary Mothers

and at 5 Minutes For Mom

and for Wordful Wednesday fun, post your link up with Angie over @

Please note: All irrelevant links will be deleted.

Today

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:04:00 +0000

I'm still on cloud nine. Last night, Mat and I had the ultimate date night. We started with drinks and 4 small plates at the Virginia Inn. Sinfully delicious. Then a short walk to the Moore Theater to see a kick arse live performance by one of our all-time favorite bands {I'll post pics and video clips as soon as I can get them off my phone, since I didn't bring my camera into the venue}. We stayed out late, even indulging in late night drive-in food. I'm sure we'll be talking about it for weeks to come.

Today, the sun is teasing. Shining through our typical overcast every so often, but it feels like Spring. T-shirt and jeans weather, perfect for me to sport my new band t-shirt. *swoon* I'll be taking full advantage of the fresh air by paying some long overdue attention to our deck. It's in a rather embarrassing state - including a naked and armless mannequin {don't ask}. The birds will be happy with new suet and maybe my hummingbirds will start making appearances again. Then after lunch, I'll wear Charlie out on the slides...timing it perfectly with her nap.

Hope you're enjoying your week so far!

Monday Mingle

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:12:00 +0000

Welcome to Slice o' Heaven! I'm Mrs. Cox - If this is your first time here feel free to poke around after we've mingled! There's plenty to read and see. Or just chillax and learn a little About Me. Glad to have you!

Grab a cuppa -- I'll have a behemoth mug in hand, looking forward to hopping around. This is a good way to start off the week, mingling with other fabulous bloggers.

Get your camera and start vlogging with Eighty MPH Mom!

Happy Mingling,

You're,Your, UR Doing it Wrong

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0000

In all the years I've been on forums, instant messaging, online gaming chat, and just online in general; there is one thing that gets under my skin. Maybe more than one, but I'll ease you into my ranting ways. I don't want to go scaring people off , you know.

I can't tell you the number of times I have seen people constantly using your and you're incorrectly. At first, I give you the benefit of the doubt.

I tell myself, "Oh, they just didn't notice it. It was an honest mistake, I've been known to do that from time to time. Let it go, Erin."

Then it happens again, and again, and again. The single mistake goes from what was once mere accident to being an obscene disregard for the English language. Then, you throw in those two friggin' letters: UR. In an attempt to either look cool or just out of sheer laziness. I am not sure which.

Now in my humble opinion, unless you're {take notes} a gamer* or texting there's no reason to use the "UR" version. ESPECIALLY when it's so unclear what you want it to mean.

You are = UR ... or are you meaning it to be your, and you are too lazy to type the two extra letters in your?

Figure it out, people. Seriously.

*I am only giving gamers a pass on using "UR" since more often than not chat has to happen quick when gaming, raiding, PVPing, etc.

'Nuff Said

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0000

Random thoughts plucked from my brain. Scary.
'Nuff said.

Posting these little gems whenever the mood strikes me, because that's how I roll.

Flirty Aprons Coupon Code

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:19:00 +0000

Take advantage of a coupon code for Flirty Aprons!

30Coupon

Simply enter the above code in the coupon code section while checking out. Hurry! It expires Sunday Feb. 28th at midnight. You can read my Flirty Aprons review over at Snafood!

I will receive an apron of my choosing as a thank you for spreading the word about this Flirty Aprons coupon code. You can read more about this sort of thing in my Acknowledgment Policy.

Charlie Fix

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0000

Happy Friday!

True Story

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0000

*this post contains adult humor. mmmkay?*

You know, if I sat down and actually dug around in my memory banks, I could probably come up with some hilarious {to you, not to me at the time} stories. I've been known to completely humiliate myself despite my grandiose efforts in the embarrassment prevention department.

This story hit me like a ton of bricks the other night when I was at a Thai restaurant with Sister #2. Since I am now able to find humor in the story, I'll share it with you.

Many moons ago, after Mat and I broke up for the first time, we did the classic back-to-the ex trick. He started casually seeing his ex as did I. I cannot stress "casually" enough. Anyway, I invited the ex to lunch with my fabulous roommate Randy {think Will and Grace}. We picked a Thai place that Randy and I both frequented. While they looked over the menu, I already knew what I would get. The Peanut Delight - you know, the chicken and noodles smothered with peanut sauce on a bed of spinach? Nom. It's one of my favorite Thai dishes.

I don't know if this was a Freudian slip combined the butterflies in my stomach about being on a quasi lunch date with the ex or what. But when our server was taking our order, I inadvertently ordered something that they did NOT have on the menu.

Server: What will you have?

Me: I'll have the penis delight, please.

I could feel my face flush immediately and my chest getting splotchy as my friend and the ex looked at me in complete befuddlement.

Server: Excuse me? {clearly not sure what just happened}

Me: Umm I mean .... uhhhh .... Number 35!

After the server walked away, Randy and the ex made it clear how amused they were. I just wanted to slink under the booth and hide. I didn't enjoy my Peanut Delight that day as much as I had in the past and it would be years before I'd order it again.

True story.

W/W Feverish Luv

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:55:00 +0000

Charlie had her first fever Sunday. Even though it was slight {only got up to 100}, she was clearly not comfortable. So we snuggled and read plenty of books and made funny faces. Thankfully her fever was gone by Monday.

P.S. If you link up here, it will automatically link at Extraordinary Mothers and vise versa.

If you'd like to join, post your Wordless Wednesdays with The Extraordinary Mothers

and at 5 Minutes For Mom

and for Wordful Wednesday fun, post your link up with Angie over @

Please note: All irrelevant links will be deleted.

Closing A Chapter

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:13:00 +0000

Since I had Charlie, we've experienced many new things - new words, new quirks, new obstacles, new joys... and I know there is PLENTY more in store for us. I've also experienced a few "ends" along the way; the biggest until recently being no longer co-sleeping or sleep-sharing. I say until recently because we've closed another chapter officially.

I let Charlie take the lead on a lot of things, tuning in to her needs and following her cues. That's also how we knew she was ready to be in her crib at night. She was weaning herself more or less - just nursing in the mornings; mainly if she woke up very early I'd nurse her back to sleep until a "more reasonable" hour. She slept through some mornings here and there, then eventually I realized she had gone close to a week without a morning nursing. And another went by. And another. So we made it to 20 months, which is perfectly fine with me. My original goal was to make it to a year. After reading up on the benefits of breastfeeding beyond a year and having our "routine" still work for us, we kept at it and did a gradual weaning.

It was a long road. In the beginning it was tough for sure. Looking back, I won't think of the times I debated throwing in the towel because I was in such pain, I won't remember the struggles I had with her latch ... The good far outweighs the bad. I'll just think of what a great start I gave my daughter and what an incredible journey it was.

And you can bet your pretty little arse I will breastfeed when and if we have another *wink*

Chew On This XXXXIV

furiouschar@gmail.com (Furious Char) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0000

A series courtesy of the mister. Random pictures that make you think. Maybe a little too hard.

Happy Tuesday,

Monday Mingle

mrscoxblog@gmail.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:12:00 +0000

Grab a cuppa -- I'll have a behemoth mug in hand, looking forward to hopping around. This is a good way to start off the week, mingling with other fabulous bloggers.

Get your camera and start vlogging with Eighty MPH Mom!

P.S. I love how I get cut off at the end. Pfft.

Happy Mingling,