2010 Has Been Amazing!

Well, there are a few hours left of 2010, and as I look back, I can't help but think about what am amazing, blessed year it has been.

I got LASIK surgery, and LOVE my world without contacts or glasses!

I watched my son get more amazing & beautiful every day - 1 year & 3 months, 18 months.

I became a red-head!

Phoenix went on his 1st Easter Egg Hunt.

We enrolled Phoenix at The Little Gym.

My younger sister taught me how to nurture my son's creativity.

Our family went on a fun trip to review Geauga Lake.

I re-gained a bit of sanity when I began my journey to a clutter-free home.

I became the proudest mommy ever as I watched my son "sing" in his very first Christmas program!

I continued to work on my 101 Goals in 1,001 Days, including listening to as many audiobooks as possible on my commute to work.

I hosted... well, am hosting my very first blog review & giveaway. 

And, as much as I think of how great 2010 has been, I can't help but think how 2011 is going to be even better! There are some amazing things in store for 2011, and I can't wait to experience them all!

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Merry Christmas To All!

I can hardly believe it - my little Phoenix has already celebrated three Christmases! (Being born early in December, he got to squeeze an "extra" one in when he was just 2 weeks old.) We had done a lot of prepping beforehand - reading a lot about Christmas before bed for pretty much all of December, and were finally ready for the big day! Of course, the car in his stocking made it pretty hard for him to want to open pretty much anything else... but with a little help from his Mom & Dad... all of his presents finally got opened :) I remember how magical Christmas was to me as a child. Now, it's my turn to create some amazing memories for Phoenix.

Phoenix giving his cousin Alyssa a kiss :)

He LOVES his new Play-Doh!

Greg showing a gift to Tina, Alyssa, and Lori

I'm pretty sure he thought they were pillows!

New mother Tina & her baby girl Alyssa

Phoenix looked into his stocking...

And pulled out a Lightning McQueen car... his favorite!

He couldn't be happier!

And... a Mr Potato head from Santa!

More gifts!

YES! A Cars blanket!

And... Cars magnets! (Noticing a theme yet? ;)

A car pillow!

Coloring books, crayons & a custom chalkboard! 

And... that was our Christmas! I hope yours was amazing too!

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Beauty Score - Thanks To L'Oreal Testing Panel!

There's nothing I love more than free stuff! Seriously. Well, not free crappy stuff... free GOOD stuff. Well, a few months ago, I signed up to be on the L'Oreal testing panel. You'd get free products to try, and would, in return, complete surveys about the products.

If you're interested - to become a member of the L'Oreal Consumer Testing Panel - click here to join: https://consumertesting.lorealusa.com/survey88.asp

So, a few weeks ago, I did a 11-week lip balm study. I was given various lip balms to use (each for a week) and then gave my feedback on each one. Some of the lip balms were ok. Others were crap. It was a bit of a pain, but I DID sign up to get some free stuff to try - so it was better than nothing. And, after all, I did sign up for it under my own free will. So, I was about to chalk it up as a tiny bit of a pain in the ass, with very little reward - when I received my "Thank You" package in the mail. All I can say is... holy crap!!! I hit the freakin mother load with the stuff they sent!

I might not look like a lot, but trust me... it IS! When I buy face wash, makeup, anything, my standard rule is not to spend a lot - it'll all get the job done. So, you could imagine my surprise to find out that I actually received all of this high-end, freakin' expensive stuff... just for completing a lip balm study!

"Ken, this has GOTTA be, like, $150 worth if stuff! Seriously!" I told my hubby after I opened the package.  Then, I did the math...

1. Kiehl's Vital Sun Protection Lotion - SPF 30 - $19.50
2. Kiehl's Acaí Damage-Minimizing Cleanser - $24.50
3. Kiehl's Açaí Damage-Correcting Moisturizer - $45.00
4. L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base - $12.99
5. L'Oreal Skin Genesis Micro Smoothing Towlettes - $7.99
6. L'Oreal EverPure Mositure Shampoo - $6.99
7. L'Oreal EverPure Mositure Conditioner - $5.99
8. Lancome Le Crayon Kohl Black Lapis Eleyiner Pencil - $24.50
9. Georgio Armani Silk Lipstick - $27.00
10. Lancome Color Fever Plumper - Quilted - $26.00
11. Lancome Definicils - High Definition Mascara - $24.50
12. Lancome Clis Booster XL - $22.00
13. Lancome La Tweezer Precise - $31.00
14. Lancome Eye Shadow Quad - Color Design - Twirling In Tulle - $42.00

TOTAL = $319.96

Yeah, I'm gonna go double-check my math. (And, yup, I just did. I was correct!) Holy crap, that's a lot of free stuff! And, even worse... I'm actually starting to like some of it! My faves at the moment are the Eyeliner & Color Fever Lip Plumper. Are they worth the ridiculous price I'd have to pay to get them? Ugh, I think they might be!

So, if you're interested, I HIGHLY recommend you join the L'Oreal Consumer Testing Panel: https://consumertesting.lorealusa.com/survey88.asp

And, I wasn't compensated for writing this post... I was just SO excited about everything, I just HAD to share it with you!

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Nachomamatees.com Review & Giveaway

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED - 94 TOTAL ENTRIES SUBMITTED

I'm beyond excited to be hosting my very first giveaway! 


THE SPONSOR:
NachoMamaTees - they sell lots of funny t shirts, vintage t shirts, 80s t shirts, and more!  


THE PRIZE:
An adult shirt that's $15.99 or less from nachomamatees.com


THE REVIEW:
I grew up watching Saved By The Bell on Saturday mornings, so when I saw a vintage t shirt with the infamous "Bayside Tigers" logo on it at nachomamatees.com, I knew I HAD to have it! I'm average-sized - and opted for the men's medium (though they had it in women's style too). There's just something about a nice men's shirt that's not too big that I just love.

Well, when I got my shirt in the mail, I was honestly BEYOND impressed! This has to be the softest shirt I have ever owned! Seriously! It's one you want to wear to bed at night, and then leave it on the whole next day because it just feels so light, snuggly, and soft! The logo has that nice faded look to it, and I think when the whether warms up a bit, this tee is going to be a permanent part of my wardrobe!


HOW TO WIN:
Complete the mandatory entry & any extra entries below. Leave a separate comment for each one you completed. (If extra entries aren't submitted separately, they'll count for one.) 

The contest ends at 9:00pm EST on Wednesday, January 12. 


MANDATORY ENTRY:
Be a follower of my blog via the Google Friend Connect button to the left, and leave me a comment.

(You can be an old or new follower.) 


EXTRA ENTRIES (Leave a comment for each one):

• Become a fan of Crazy Dog Tshirts on Facebook (Nacho Mama Tees is owned by Crazy Dog T-Shirts)
• "Like" or "Share" one of the products on  . (The buttons for these are on all product detail pages, above the main image.)
• Go to NachoMamaTees and tell me what shirt you'd get if you win!
• Post a link to this contest on Facebook (can re-post daily for extra entries)
• "Like" It Keeps Getting Better on Facebook via the button to the left (or if you already "like" it - that counts too!)
• Vote for my blog at TopMommyBlogs via the button on the left (can re-vote daily for extra entries)
• Vote for my blog on The Fence via the button on the left (can re-vote daily for extra entries)
• Comment on any of my other blog posts (maximum of 3 entries)
• Twitter - Follow me at http://twitter.com/lisabrowndesign
• Tweet this daily for extra entries: #Giveaway #win @lisabrowndesign - Nacho Mama Tees - Enter at http://lisabrowndesign.blogspot.com/ Ends 1-12-2011 
• Digg - Digg a submission of mine at http://digg.com/users/lisabrowndesign
• Technorati - Give a site review at http://technorati.com/blogs/lisabrowndesign.blogspot.com%2F

THE FINE PRINT:
I received a complimentary shirt from  Nachomamatees.com to facilitate this review & giveaway. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. 
Winners cannot have won a shirt from Nachomamatees.com or have been sent a shirt for promotional purposes in the last 90 days or own a blog of their own.

EVEN FINER PRINT:

Giveaways are typically open to US unless otherwise specified.

I use Prizey.net {which uses random.org} to pick my winners. Each winner is emailed and given 48 hours to claim their prize unless otherwise stated.

This blog will make every effort to deliver prizes or have prizes delivered to winner(s). However unlikely the scenario may be; this blog and its author are not responsible for giveaway prizes that are lost in transit or damaged. This blog is also not responsible if a sponsor/company does not send prize(s). Blog author will communicate with said company(s) several times, in an effort to resolve issue.

If winner does not claim their prize within the allotted time, said prize is considered forfeited. So make sure you check your emails people {even spam folders}! I will then either re-random for a new winner or offer the prize up as a LIVE giveaway. Which method I opt for is solely my decision.

Thanks for entering my giveaways and good luck!

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It Keeps Getting Better... now on Facebook!

It's official! I FINALLY created a Facebook fan page for It Keeps Getting Better. :) Become a fan by clicking the link to the left... or right here - http://www.facebook.com/pages/It-Keeps-Getting-Better/131511276909699  :) OK. You did it? Excellent! Now, you'll get the latest updates to the blog right in your Facebook news feed... oh, and - who am I kidding -  more importantly, help fill my need to know that people really DO like my blog! ;) Thanks for your support!

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Phoenix's 2nd Birthday!

I can hardly believe it! My little boy is 2 years old! It's been amazing to watch him grow into the little boy he's become. And, though, I'm sure some people are a bit sad to see their children get older - for me, that couldn't be farther from the truth. Each day of the past two years has truly been a blessing - and there is absolutely nothing to be sad about! In fact, I'm anxious to continue to watch him grow.

The other day, we had his birthday party - complete with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It really was great to get everybody from both sides of the family together. I remember having the whole extended family over for birthdays when I was a child, and am excited to create similar memories for Phoenix.

Playing with the cars from his birthday cake

Workin' his amazing smile... but squinting in anticipation of the blinding camera flash

Another great smile for a camera

Playing with 'Mater & Lightning McQueen

Getting ready to open presents, but having a hard time letting go of his new cars

And, what birthday would be complete without a tantrum? (Aah, but in his defense, he got sick that morning & completely skipped his noon nap)

Opening presents with Daddy

Cards are fun to open too!

Ooh! It's a Brobee bounces ball!

Having fun on his new toy

Phoenix LOVES books!

Opening his Little People Castle from Lori & Keegan

Having a blast playing with his bowling set from the Meade Family

His very own Fisher Price Cash Register :)

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Phoenix's Diaper Box Tower

Well, I figured letting Phoenix play with his diaper boxes would be fun... and it was! It's always the simplest "toys" that keep children busy the longest!

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Audiobook Review: David Sedaris: Live For Your Listening Pleasure

Well, I attempted to listen to "David Sedaris: Live For Your Listening Pleasure". I stopped after the 10 minutes. It was bad. Very bad. Those very well may have been the longest 10 minutes in my entire life. It was awful. The comedy wasn't funny. At all. I suppose he could have started with his worst material... and it would improve as I listened... but I wasn't going to waste drive home to find out. And, looking back, I can't even remember much about it besides wondering if David Sedaris was a man or a woman because of his/her androgynous voice. My advice, don't waste your time.

Were you brave enough to listen to the whole thing? What did you think? Does it get better over time? Leave a comment.

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101 Goals In 1001 Days

UPDATE 12-15-10: 

About a year ago, I embarked on a mission to complete 101 Goals in 1,001 Days. It's been a fun so far... though it's not at the forefront of my thoughts & actions like it once was. Some goals have changed... because I no longer felt compelled to complete them anymore. And, the whole pint of having goals in WANTING to complete them. So, without further ado, a bring you my new and improved 101 Goals in 1,001 Days! 

-----------------------------------------------------------------   

Today I've decided to embark on a mission - to complete 101 goals in 1001 days. Read more & start your own here: http://dayzeroproject.com. In fact, I was inspired by this blog: http://101in1001-amanda.blogspot.com/

The Challenge:

Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:

Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).

Why 1001 Days?

Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple challenges such as New Year's resolutions or a 'Bucket List'. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips, study semesters, or outdoor activities.

Start Date: Thursday, December 24, 2009

End Date: Thursday, September 20, 2012

My 101 Goals:

1.  Learn to cook a Japanese homestyle meal - Done 1-7-10
   
2. Read Atlas Shrugged (In Progress)
   
3. Travel to Machu Picchu in Peru 
   
4. Not log in to Facebook for a week - Done 1-3-10
   
5. Get LASIK -  Done 1-22-10
   
6.  Have another baby
7. Write a short story
8. Write a childrens book
   
9. Illustrate a childrens book  
   
10. Not eat fastfood for a week
11. Learn to knit/crochet I tried, and just couldn't get into it. So... this is now... 
    11. Host A Contest On My Blog - Done - http://lisabrowndesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/nachomamateescom-review-giveaway.html
12. Get to goal weight
13. Paint & stencil bathroom - Done 12-28-09
    
14. Spend a weekend without the computer
15. Walk to farmers market for groceries
16. Go hardcore vegan for a week
17. Visit the Grand Canyon
18. Not drink pop for a month - Done 2-2-10
19. Listen to 10 books on tape - Done - http://lisabrowndesign.blogspot.com/2010/05/great-audiobooks-list.html
20. Read 10 new books (2/10)
21. Pay off house
22. Get Ken to write a 101 in 1001 list - Done 1-21-10
23. Do 30 regular push ups in a row
24. Read the Bible
25. Go to a museum with the family - Done 10-2-10 - http://lisabrowndesign.blogspot.com/2010/10/cincinnatis-duke-energy-childrens.html
26. Go to the zoo with the family - Done 5-16-10 - http://lisabrowndesign.blogspot.com/2010/05/sunday-trip-to-zoo.html
27. Make lisabrowndesign.com an actual portfolio site
28. Host a poker night
29. Not watch TV for a week
30. Get back on a workout routine - 5 days/week for a month
31. Surprise Ken by doing something thoughtful (he must be genuinely surprised) - Done 3-14-11 - http://lisabrowndesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/super-easy-donut-recipe.html
32. Spend a day at the beach
33. Visit a Mayan village with the family
34. Learn a recipe from my mom
    
35. Build a snowman with Phoenix
36. Create & keep up with my blog for this (In progress)
37. Sell something on Ebay I tried & failed! 
38. Learn Japanese
39. Learn 10 constellations
40. Grow hair to 12 inches long
41. Grow hair to 18 inches long
42. Grow hair to 24 inches long
43. Get hilights
44. Finish this darn list! - Done 2-21-10
45. Complete 50 Questions - - http://www.marcandangel.com/2009/07/13/50-questions-that-will-free-your-mind/ - Done 3-16-10
46. Go to a drive-in movie
47. Go on a hike
48. Watch a meteor shower
49. Take the family to church - Done 12-24-09
50. Motivate 3 people (besides Ken) to write their own 101 Goals In 1001 Days (1/3 - Holly)
51. Buy 3 pairs of "adult" pants (1/3)
52. Buy 3 "adult" shirts (3/3) - Done 3-20-10
53. Take the family to a pumpkin patch
54. Decorate pumpkins from the pumpkin patch
55. Go on a hayride
56. Get a massage
57. Donate blood
58. Floss every day for a week - Done 1-6-10
59. Use up ALL of my bath products
60. Watch entire "Lost" Series - Done 5-25-10 
61. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
62. Complete Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
63. Try a new fruit
64. Try brussel sprouts - Done 5-11-10
65. Watch a foreign film with subtitles - Done 6-25-10
66. Get 10 blog followers (10/10) - Done 5-15-10
67. Blog every day for a week - Done 12-30-09
68. Finish Phoenix's 1st year scrapbook
69. Make a new vegan recipe - Done 2-27-10
70. Complete a jigsaw puzzle
71. Sleep under the stars
72. Go canoeing
73. Go horseback riding
74. Start "Elf On A Shelf" tradition
75. Go snowboarding
76. Don't run into or bump into things for a whole day
77. Get a better name for this blog - Done 12-28-09
78. Don't eat candy for a week
79. Eat raw for a day
80. Go to Kalahari with the family
81. Create a "Young me - Now me: photo (http://www.crookedbrains.net/2008/04/young-me-now-me.html)
82. Not give Ken any new house projects in 2010 - just finish what's already started/on the list - FAILED! I've already given him WAY too much stuff to do!!!
83. See a comedy show
84. Make another 101 in 1001 list
85. Go to a pick-your-own-fruit farm
86. Buy a spring jacket - DONE 2-27-10
87. Buy a nice, winter jacket
88. Finish Ken's journal
89. Go to dinner with Holly - Done - 3-7-10
90. Visit Tina in Columbus - Done 12-4-10
91. Visit cousins in Toledo
92. Trapeze
93. Go surfing
94. Go snorkeling
95. Get SCUBA certification
96. Make a clock
97. Take a class
98. Take Phoenix to a music/gym/socialization class - Done 7-3-10 - http://lisabrowndesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/great-morning-at-little-gym.html
99. Complete FlyLady Beginner baby Steps
100. Swim with dolphins
101. Go camping

MySpace-Countdowns

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Woo-hoo! A Monday Mingle!!!

It's been FOREVER since my last Monday Mingle! I've really missed doing them, so I'm trying to get back into the groove :)

This week’s questions:

1. Where is your favorite romantic place to go with your partner/spouse?
2. Freestyle!  Talk about whatever!

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Phoenix's 1st Christmas Program

Today was the big day. The toddler class Phoenix is in has been practicing singing Christmas songs, and really working hard. They've been taking daily walks to the conference center to practice... and were excited for their big show. And, I have been looking forward to it too! Well, it was better than I ever could have imagined. I couldn't be prouder to see my little guy up on stage, jumping, singing, lip synching, doing cute hand motions, and having a great time! He clearly gets his outgoing attitude from his daddy! I'm SO proud of him!!!

Check him out the video below. He's in the bottom row - on the left - in the white/green/navy blue striped shirt & navy blue pants. (The younger toddlers are on the left - the older ones are on the right.) Phoenix is also the one who starts jumping up and down soon after they start the first song.

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Hungarian Apple Fritters (AKA Palachinka or Palascinta) - Just Like My Grandma's

Well, they're not just like my grandma's. I think, no matter how hard I try, I'll never get mine to tase how my grandma & mother's apple fritters tasted growing up. But, it's still fun to try! 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup milk

1 cup flour

1 tbsp sugar

1 egg

1 apple

1. Mix ingredients above (except apple) into large mixing bowl. 
2. Core apples & slice across - so there's a circle in the middle.
3. Mix sliced apples into batter.
4. Fry in crisco.

Mixing the apples into the batter

I might use olive oil next time... I'm not a fan of cooking with solid fats

A plateful of delicious apple fritters

Add a little extra milk to the batter & use the rest to make crepes... or palascinta, as my grandma called them. They're excellent with some cottage cheese & cinamon sugar sprinkled on top.

What are some favorite foods you always loved when you were younger? Are there any family recipes you'd like to pass on to your children?

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