A Sad little Sunday Something...

Sad mama...
hubby is gone for the weekend... I just had WAY too much work to do... and with crabby babies, decided to stay home. I have bouncing back and forth between babies & the sewing machine for 24 hours... got about 4-5 hours of sleep, MAYBE... And just wanted to take a little time out to blog. While I brewed yet ANOTHER pot of coffee in 24 hours...

Ya know - I may be an anxious, overwhelmed spaz 90% of the time... Trying to jugging my growing store... a clean house... happy children... and a... well, um... lets say a satisfied husband... It doesn't leave much time for happy & relaxed reflectionBut the other 10%... like this last hour... I can still sit back and realize im a very lucky girl. The boys took a crappy nap... but today I didn't care...I went up there... snuggled with Zave... we giggled... pretended to sleep & snore and then... pop up & *RAWR* and scare IzzaQ... it was fun... I got sweet texts from ZaQ... saying he missed me and hoped my day was going well... Can you believe after 4 years we still miss eachother? My ADD brain jsut flashed to the movie Super Bad...
*Evan's Mom (Stacy Edwards): "You gonna miss each other?"
*Evan: "No. Miss each other? No, thank you. I don't-- I don't miss each other."
*Seth: "Yeah, I'm gonna cry myself to sleep everynight."
*Evan: "Me too."
I Knocked out some orders & the LIttle Peanut Boutique bunch as well... etc. etc. etc. overall a good day... and its not over. But it was mainly good for one reason... because I let it... Sometimes it is SO hard just to let yourself have a good day... I know it sounds silly... but usually its the stupidest things that can ruin it for me... Pizza on my carpet... Ants in my garage... bad naps... fighting kids... and after all that... all it takes is one comment from zaq... spoken in the wrong tone to make my head spin... and then after HIS long day, he will come home and im just a bitch... he didnt ask for it... and he didn't do it... Its not like he called Izzaq and said, "hey dude... be sure to mess with your mom today... its not like she does anything around here," lol *at least I hope he's not!!* So yeah, my point is... i gotta learn to roll with it better... shit happens... and you just gotta get over it. Cuz lets face it, it could totally be worse... Which brings me to the inspiration of this post... A article I came across today on twitter... It is me 100%... over caffinated... over anxious... and over-bitchy, lol
*sometimes... not always i promise... but mostly...*

SIPPY CUPS ARE FOR DOUBLE FRAPPUCCINOS By: Dani Klein Modisett:

"His jacket and backpack are so dirty he looks like a homeless person," my husband said to me on the phone after dropping my son off for the school bus this morning.

Then I hung up on him.

I'd just sucked down the last sip of my daily double breakfast cappuccino (you know, for the calcium) and was perhaps a little prickly. Mommy needs some inspiration to wake up lately and I'm finding espresso beans are exactly the right bait to lure me out of bed with a smile on my face. Not without it's price though, like I said, caffeine makes me a little "sensitive," a little trigger happy with the feelings of persecution and rage. Not necessarily in that order.

My husband claims he didn't mean his observations about our ragamuffin as a criticism, but that's how I heard it.

Sure, my ego was swollen and tender from caffeine and warm milk, but isn't it the mother's job to make sure her child looks cared for by keeping him and his stuff clean? Given that, and I do take that as a given, the question is how do I do all that requires and work and make sure all the teachers get cards for their birthdays, and do volunteer work at my son's school, and remember to feed the bunny, not to mention clean his cage?

Am I whining? I hate whining. I hate when people like me who have enough money to put food on the table and keep the heat on and have two healthy children and a spouse they still occasionally find attractive and for some even more perplexing reason still finds them attractive starts complaining about volunteer work or thank you notes. Just. Shut. Up.

I'm getting cranky a little cranky. Latte anyone?"

Quoted from: http://www.momlogic.com/2009/01/coffee_high.php#ixzz0UKYn34NY

That last paragraph is the best... if you skimmed, go back and reread the last part, lol This made my day... I hope it made yours as well... Do me a favor? Try to enjoy the rest of your Sleepy Sunday... *Now that I took up all your time with this blog* But really... Appreciate the little things, at least try... Remind yourself that (like right now) dodging baseballs at the face can be fun while blogging... not just stressful... and like earlier... IzzaQ asking me if I wanted to see his Poopies! Thats not just stinky & gross... Its good! Cuz this time they were in the potty!! AND not hiding under my kitchen table! yay! See... theres always a positive spin... Just gotta look for it... Check there... buried under the laundry pile... No? There in the dirty dishes? Hmmm... it must be next to the trash still waiting to be taken out ;)

Favorites Friday: Black & White

mmmmm yummmm. black & white...
This takes forever to do but its my favorite part about blogging :)

*click to enlarge the photo*




#1 - The Eli Monster: Huge fan... I have her Nautical Star diaper... but this one TOTALLY needs to be added to the collection... cuz well, theres a skull and i love skulls ;)

#2 - Small Threads: Ya know those crappy generic skull suits you can get @ walmart around halloween time? Yeah... well... this is NOTHING like that... Its a 3 piece set.. and takes her over 10 hours!! "This fabulous costume was pieced together by hand with babies comfort in mind."

#3 - Platipuses:Theres no denying it... Plats is one sexy bi-atch... Shes got style... class... a hot a$$... haha her shop slogan is... "Curvy hoes ♥ killer clothes" I love it... almost as much as I love this fur lined hoodie... Keep Rockin girlie...

#4 - MTCoffinz: Too sexy! Too sexyyy!! Nothing like hot chicks, stripes, and tattered tutu's to start the day... MT is the QUEEN of tutu's and someday im totally gunna have one...

#5 - Kadashii88: OMG... back when I was cool i would have TOTALLY worn this... Im not anymore... hubby is lucky if I get dresses at all, lol But if I ever am cool again, and can spend my days lookin hot and sexy and NOT in pj's covered in oatmeal... i will TOTALLY be buying this cuff ;)

#6 - RockItDesigns: Thanks god im pretty........ need I say more? hahaha Awesome... witty... bitchy... damask... black & white... CHEAP... yeah... perfection

#7 - CreativeBridal: A girl after my heart... why didn't i see this when we got married!?! Serisously... Jack + Black and White Stripes = True love... Check out the matching garter too!

#8 - StellarCheri: Guitars... Skeletons... what more could a girl ask for? Seriously though... i LOVE this shop... you have to check it out... I would wear/use everything in it... the prices are TOTALLY affordable and the work look great... I have my eye on that Misfits bag too ;)

#9 - MEandREEKIE: Last but in NO WAY the least... I am Totally blown away. These shoes are AMAAAAZING!! This shop has been open a year and only 24 sales!! Lets help her out... EVERYONE needs to buy these shoes... Brooke, that means you too... they also come in pink ;)

Switchin things up... NEW GIVEAWAY! Rockin Green Soap!

As my son would say...
GEEZE LOUISE!!!
its busy around here...
And yes yes yes, Tuesday was supposed to be the new giveaway...
but alas, I failed...
but good news...
ITS GOING UP RIGHT NOW!!

This weeks giveaway is for all of you stinky, dirty punk rockers out there...
Be it stinky people with sensitive skin... hippies that are good to the earth...
or us cloth diapering mommies that are a little of all 3 rolled into one...
Rockin Green is just what you need.


Any of you that read my blog know a few key things about me...
#1. Im becoming like... 50% hippie...
just 50% because if I was 100% hippie, i think husband would file for divorce...
#2. Ive started cloth diapering...
#3. I love anything with a skull and crossbones on it.

And all of these things make me LOVE ROCKin Green Soaps...
Why else do I love them?
"Rockin’ Green is:

* Dye free
* Comes in several yummy scents (& an unscented version)
* No fillers
* No enzymes or optical brighteners
* 100% Phosphate free
* Vegan
* Great for sensitive skin
* Easy rinsing formula
* Approved for military use
* Works wonders on microfiber stink!
* Perfect for cloth diapers
* HE compatible
* Reusable packaging
* Great for all water types
* Economical at .13 cents a load!"

Now, I started using two different samples of detergents at the same time...
not the same load, duh... just trying out two different diaper soap brands...
the first one... whom i will not mention here :(
was SOOOOO overwhelmingly potent with smell hubby said he couldn't even breathe...
*dramatic, maybe... but it was pretty intense*
Not to mention... it was irritating Zaverys little... junk?
Then there was Rockin Green... sweet subtle scents...
A perfectly frothy sudz up in the wash...

And after a good cold pre-rinse & then wash with Rockin' Green...
The diapers came out fresh... and clean...
The second time around I used it as a pre-rinse first...
then a soak with a few scoops full...
and then the wash.
It worked GREAT! The diapers were SO clean...
and super super super absorbent from getting all the gunk out.
CHeck out this video for proof!

*this is NOT my video I borrowed it form YouTube*
Rockin Green is really the only Cloth Diapering detergent you will ever need.
Dont believe me? Ask my friend Brooke... she blogged about them too!
And guess what... you get to try it out for free!
Heck yes... I said ffffree!
Well, one of you anyways...
One lucky winner gets a Big 'Ol Bag of Detergent...
45 regular loads... 90 HE loads

Pick your strength... and your scent...
Choose from Soft Rock or Classic Rock...
and your favorite scent...
*I tried Buttercream & Monkey Snacks, yum!*

How do you win?
Duh, you know the drill... comment to win!
Tell us WHY YOU WANT IT & What scent you would pick.

Extra entries?? But of course :)
EACH ENTRY MUST BE LEFT IN A SEPARATE COMMENT TO COUNT!!!!!

#2) Follow us (blogger) - Leave a separate comment for being a follower on our blog.

#3) Follow/Tweet us (Twitter) - www.twitter.com/RockerByeBaby Leave a separate comment for being a follower and TWEETING about this giveaway on Twitter... If your already a twitter follower of ours, TWEET about it for an extra entry anyways :)Just be sure to leave us your Twitter name so we can check up!

#4) Write a blog about this giveaway and link back to this review. Leave an extra comment with the link to the blog.

#5) Buy something from ROCKin Green! Tell us what you got!

#6) Fan US on Facebook...

#7) Fan THEM on Facebook...

#8) FOLLOW THEM ON TWITTER!! @RockinGreenSoap

Alright... thats like... #8 entries possible... now get on it.
As always -
Thanks for reading and good luck!
Amber

Favorites Friday: Black & Red

Look @ me... Two weeks in a row!!
WOO HOO!


#1: Knittopotamus - Skelanimals... you need both. I bought one of each in black for my boys and they HAVE to have them to go to bed now... (see below )

#2: A custom RockerByeBaby dress... *insert shameless plug here* I love this dress... and I want a girl so I can have one, lol

#3: Custom Purse by Brooke Van Gory Designs I dont have this one exactly... but I am very lucky to be the owner of one of Brooke's rad bags...

#4: Just Like Dad black and red SKull Tie Father/Son set by RokGear... we didnt have these EXACT ties for the wedding... but close. and EVERYONE loved them... they were a HUGE hit.

#5: Skull & stars Longies from Wild Child for Babies... Id tell you to go buy them, but you cant... I just did while searching for new favorites, lol But check out her other stuff here. P.s. I am a HUGE wild Child fan for cloth diapers... I have 3 and they're my favorite.

#6: Christmas is coming... and if I didn't already have a stocked mantle of Nightmare before Christmas stockings... this skull one by PieDoughProductions would be there for SURE!

#7: omg, can i say LOVE!?!? cuz well... yeah... friggen love... i am going to HAVE to get this oven mit by Get Thready... not even a question.

#8: Always been a big fan of the competition... Born2BeeWild... theres no denying it... they rock... and this shirt is to die for...

#9: Easily... the cutest fabric pins in the world by CraftyCrafterson

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY = PREGNANCY MAGAZINE!

Click the photo to zoom up & Read it!

Our feature in Pregnancy Magazine!
Check it out!
And for the all minky bedding... click here!

Bonus Blog: Manic Organic

So I know its supposed to be my lazy day...
but i couldn't resist.
Yesterday Zaq & I went grocery shopping with the boys...
And i have made HUGE changes in the way that I shop...
Like I said - im trying to be more eco-friendly... and Green... and Crunchy....
and all of those kinda of things...
It started with little things I could do around the house... electricity... water...
and then diapering... Cloth @ home...
and the Green disposables diapers when were out or for nap & bedtime...
Then I started buying Organic as much as I can.

Well, for zaq its hard...
We have all been eating non-organic food forever and were still alive...
why stop now? And spend a ton of extra $ in the process?
...not really his thing, lol...
And alot of other people out there feel the same...
Im quoting an article I found here.
" Many people are aware that food grown according to organic principles is free from exposure to harmful herbicides and pesticides, but that is only one small aspect of organic agriculture. A larger part of organic agriculture involves the health of the soil and the ecosystem in which crops and livestock are raised. Why should a consumer care about agricultural techniques if an organically cultivated green pepper looks identical to a conventionally grown pepper?
The answer is multi-faceted, but simply stated, an organically cultivated pepper will be healthier and more nutritious than a conventionally cultivated pepper. By growing in a living soil where microbiotic activity constantly breaks organic matter and solid minerals into nutrients a plant can use, an organically cultivated pepper plant always has exactly what it needs to grow, from germination to fruit set, and the plant will be healthier throughout its lifespan than a conventionally grown pepper plant."
Still not completely sold? Maybe some of you are... but probably not most...
The price chance in items can be pretty huge sometimes...
Conventional Grapes cost around $2 a pound... Organic grapes sometimes costing up to $5.
Bananas that usually cost .29 cents a pound... may cost .50 a pound...
Its not easy... but there are ways to make eating & shopping organic more affordable.
Here is what I have been doing so Zaq and I can meet in the middle...
We used to buy all "brand" food... supplies... etc.
The first and probably most financially changing thing we did was start shopping @ Costco.
I can buy a 3 pound container for Organic Mixed salad greens for $2.95-$3.95
One time we even got a 3 pound shell of Organic strawberries for $5!!
I once went into target to find Strawberries - my only option were non-organic...
1 lb. for $6 Thats insane!!
So yes, Costco... they also sell the Eco-diapers we like @ Costco.com 170 diapers for $40...
rather than 62 diapers for $20 @ Target...
Costco is great when you need to do the one BIG shop...
spend a couple/few/four hundred dollars and store up for the month...
the savings are HUGE.
Anyways... back to my real point... shopping organic.
In no way do I buy everything organic...
but for the kids I try pretty hard to make positive changes...
In my shopping cart:
Organic Mac & Cheese...
Organic Ravs
Organic Lettuce (Romaine Hearts)
Organic Grapes (my favorite... never want to eat regular ones again)
Organic Yogurt (YoBaby w/ DHA) <-- love this stuff...
Organic Waffles
Organic Oatmeal
Organic Carrots
Organic Celery
Organic Bananas
and a bunch of other random things...
I buy when things are on sale... and some things I just buy that I love...
YoBaby and Organic grapes will ALWAYS be in the cart/fridge...
Im just trying to do better things for them...
with maybe a small sacrifice of my favorite brand for myself...
while not spending any more of hubbies hard earned money than we usually do...

The reason Im posting today is I would LOVE to hear how you mommies do it...
How do you shop? Where do you shop? Do you buy organic?
Everything Organic? Some things Organic?
Where are best deals... Coupons?
and how can you help me take even bigger steps towards an organic lifestyle.

Note to Self Saturday: Cloth Diapering = Daddy FAIL

Note to Self: When daddy says... "fine... cloth diaper, but im not touching them"
he means it...


This man... this strong handsome man that I call my husband...
hard working... tough guy... rock star... are all words you could use to describe him...
oh and I forgot one more... pansy...
when it comes to cloth diapering he is a TOTAL pansy...
When he first found out that i wanted to try my hand at cloth diapering...
he was in NO way interested...
but why would he tell me no?
It saves him money on disposable diapers...
and I got all the cloth diapers from the giant giveaway i did.
I already had them to review... why not use them regularly.
It was a win-win...
Well, so I thought...
When he said, "fine... cloth diaper, but im not touching them"
He meant it...
The man has not changed ONE single cloth diaper.
Not even a pee diaper!!
IF Zave is wet and needs a change...
I get this..."TG the baby needs changed and he has one of those stupid diapers on" and he giggles...
awesome... so I stop what Im doing... change the diaper... smile... and carry on.
If its poopy... you'd think there was a comedian in the room the way he snickers at me...
GEESH! Its just a diaper!!!
Naturally, to avoid this i would just use regular diapers when he is home...
We use the eco friendly disposables @ nap & night... Not a big deal...

But to me it is... Im trying really hard to be eco-friendly...
and cloth diapering has become really important to me...
Im not giving up that easily.
Were sticking with it...
Well, I am at least... he wont be... lol
Its good for Zave... its good for the environment... and lets be honest...
his litty squishy butt is so dang cute!
I know there are more of you with husbands who hate the idea of cloth diapering...
I hear about it quite a bit...
Chime in! Id love to hear your stories...
Hopefully some of you have good news... like... eventually you convert them!?
Haha... yeah..... well, a girl can hope right?

To finish this post I had to dig up the awesome photo that we took for Barley & Birch

One of our most favorite Eco friendly shops out there...
Stay tuned for some secret plans in the works...
hmm... a collaboration of Barley&Birch with RockerByeBaby????
It just may be ;)

I feel like a failure...

Ya know - with all the hard work Ive been doing around here...
I really feel like a failure.
Ive been busting my bum in the store, like always...
Ive been trying to set aside extra special learning and play time with the boys...
We've been going on the occasional walk, bike ride... and or trip to the park...
Making sure the house is nice and clean every day when hubby comes home...
and been cooking yummy, well, usually yummy dinners...
but even after all that... something is dragging on me...
what is it you ask? This blog...
And Brooke... your BLOG has really been rubbing it in...
(Keep up the good work girlie, it rocks!)
I know I know... I have awesome reviews right?
Great prizes!? YAY!
But I always want more out of it...
every time I build myself up to REALLY start blogging again...
I end up letting myself down.
But i REALLLLLY wanna do it.
So Im gunna give it on last big push...
If you remember I had started little themes...
Tuesdays are gunna be the new Review/Giveaway days...
Wednesdays are the popular "Wordless Wednesday"...
Thursdays were "Thirsty Thursdays" where I share an awesome cocktail recipe!
Fridays were "Favorites Friday" where I do a pretty little collage of my favorite etsy items...
Saturdays were "Note to self Saturday" Where I share something dumb I did that week...
and sundays & Mondays ... well... those are just lazy days...
So here it is folks... Im back in the game...
PLEASE feel free to give me a nudge on twitter (@RockerByeBaby) Or facebook...
and remind me to blog... :)



FAVORITES FRIDAY:

#1: PinkyToast: Art + Dolls I LOVEEE this print. I designed an entire bathroom with this as my inspiration. Maybe I will post a photo for my Wordless Wednesday :)

#2: AkumuInk: I have been in LOVE with their shop since I found it... forever ago. i WILL be buying someday... A few... because its too hard to choose just one :)

#3: Its no secret that Im a HUGE Smarmy fan... and when you pair together Polka Dots & PInups... with some Smarmy sass... its always good stuff.

#4: A total FAVORITE of mine from Shrinkle... i LOVE this dress... Way too broke for it... but its so damn hot!

#5: Sweet Skull Necklace by Ticklebean... I need it... not want... NEED

#6: MrsTattooedGeek - Ive always been a big fan... and I TOTALLY wanna try out this Sugary Sweet Sugar Skull Candle

#7: Who can resist these Neon Brass Knuckles from GetYourButtons? I know I cant!

#8: Now this beauty by Artistamuerta needs to be hanging above my fireplace...

Last but not least...
#9:These to DIE for... Day of the Dead... Sugar Skull studs by Wicked Minky that my friend Beki showed me today :)

Thats all folks! Enjoy... and give their shops some "hearts" n lovin!