the boob tube - modern family

After the birth of Baby L, the hubs and I were trying to decide on a tv show to watch during those long bouts of sitting on the couch with a newborn. The winner turned out to be Modern Family.



We have both heard about this show in the past (nothing but good things), but had yet to give it a go ourselves. Hulu Plus has the entire second season available for instant streaming right now, so that is where we started.

Within about 4 days we were completely finished with the second season. That is just how much we adored this show. Not an episode passed where we were not cracking up, several times. This show is totally quotable, re-watchable, and there are so many things that happen that remind me of my family or others that I know.

After we hurried through the second season, the hubs bought a digital copy of the first season for us to watch. We tried to pace ourselves through that season, but we were again done in less than a week. Now we are just anxiously awaiting September and the beginning of the third season.

One of my favorite characters is Phil Dunphy. He is the dad in the more "traditional" (i.e. father, mother, and three kids) family of the three families showcased.
Here is one of my all time favorite clips from Modern Family. It, of course, features Phil.



And then there is this one where Claire is stuck in the bathroom after an earthquake. This episode was HILARIOUS!!



And, of course, who could forget Mitchell surprising Cam by dancing in a flash mob?!



So, if you haven't given Modern Family a go, I most definitely suggest you do. You won't be sorry!

For those of you who are already Modern Family fans, what are some of your favorite moments from the show?

i heart chai!

Chai, sweet chai.


via

A cup of this sweet and spicy tea (made "latte-style" with milk) can calm me, and make me drift off into a daydream like state. Seriously. Think of a Folgers commercial. The man/woman is holding a steaming mug of coffee and as they lift it to their lips, and simultaneously inhale the fragrance and take that first glorious sip, their eyes close and they get that soft smile that could only mean that everything is right in the world, if only for that one moment. Yep. That's me with my chai.

Here's an old Folgers commercial for your viewing pleasure.
Sidenote: this is my all time favorite Folgers commercial. :)


And honestly, I'm kind of a chai snob. I really don't care for the Tazo brand of chai tea. I'll take Oregon Chai any day. I also like mine made with soy milk instead of regular milk. I've tried it both ways and for some odd reason the chai/soy combo just tastes better to me. Also, I have my chai making method down to a pretty good science. I buy one box carton of the chai concentrate and one box carton of soy milk, then I fill these big ass coffee mugs that I have with half chai and half soy milk, microwave for a few minutes and PRESTO, I have a cup of what I'm sure heaven would taste like. There is just enough chai concentrate and soy milk in one carton of each to make four BIG cups full.



I also love the little blurb that's on the back of the Oregon Chai box:
"This magical blend of black tea, vanilla, spices and honey --a perfect balance of yin and yang-- will delight your taste buds any time of day."
Um, yes please!!

What is your magical little pick me up drink?

playlists

Ronald Reagan said, "Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.".
Well, to me, life is a series of playlists. There's a playlist for when we're happy. One for when we're melancholy. One is nostalgic. Another we listen to when we're angry. And yet another one helps to get us pumped up. That's the one I've been thinking about lately.

Since getting the go ahead from my obstetrician to start working out again after my c-section, I've logged 20 or so miles on the elliptical machine in our apartment complex's gym. And even though all of the cardio machines are equipped with personal televisions, I prefer to work out to music. So, in the earphones go, and on goes the iPod.



There are definitely certain songs that get my blood pumping and make me want to move a little faster and work a bit harder when I'm listening to them.
Here is a glimpse at some of the songs I listen to during the monotony that is a gym workout:

*Bang! Bang! by The Knux
*Where's Your Head At by Basement Jaxx
*Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas
*Faint by Linkin Park
*Chop Suey! by System of a Down
*Universal Mind Control by Common
*Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson
*Stronger by Kanye West

Two artists that I've realized make good "pump you up" music are Linkin Park and Marilyn Manson. Their beats are fast paced and I find that when their songs come around on my playlist, I feel a bit of a pick me up, even if I'm toward the end of my workout.

Now you. What songs pump you up and make you want to move?

life savers - baby edition

As much as I would like to claim that I am not a materialistic person, there are just some things that make life easier. Life savers, if you will. And who doesn't like hearing about a product or service that could impact their life or someone else's in a positive way. So, I give you Life Savers, a feature that will pop up from time to time, whenever I come across something that I feel has, in some way, improved my quality of life.

These days, with a new little one in the house, most of my life saving products can be found on the baby aisle. It really amazes me how much a few items can impact the ease and happiness of life. So far, in the first 7 weeks of Baby L's life, the following goodies have helped this tired new mama out.

1. Fisher Price Aquarium Cradle Swing


This swing is the same one we used for A when she was a baby, 5 years ago. She loved it so much that my mom went out and bought one for her house too. It has the normal swinging position, plus a side to side cradle swinging position. It also has a cute fish mobile, plus a color changing dome. You can utilize either one alone or both of them together. It also comes equipped with 6 speeds and 4 different sounds, 1 musical and 3 nature. I don't think they sell this exact model anymore, but I have seen a similar one in stores.

Baby L loves this thing! He, like lots of newborns, does not like to sleep in his bassinet, so he does just about all of his napping/nighttime sleeping in the swing. The rocking in addition to the coziness of the swing helps him drift right off into a sound slumber. Also, as he is becoming more aware of his surroundings, it is too cute when the mobile or light catches his eye.

2. WubbaNub Pacifier



At first glance this pacifier/plushie combo might look a bit odd, but let me tell you, it is WONDERFUL!
First things first. Some babies will take whatever kind of pacifier you stick in their mouths. Others, like Baby L, are a bit more on the snobbish side and prefer a specific type. I have tried several different brands/nipple types and the only one Baby L will take is the Soothie brand. This is the kind they supplied in the hospital, so maybe that has something to do with it. But luckily for me the Soothie pacifier is the one that comes attached to the WubbaNub. I had actually received the WubbaNub as a gift, but didn't use it until we lost the hospital pacifier and no other pacifier would soothe the little fellow. That is when I finally saw the genius in this product. You lay the plushie part on the child's chest while they suck on the pacifier, that way when the pacifier gets spit out (which it does time and time again), it goes nowhere. No more lost pacis or pacis on the floor. It just stays put and a lot of times baby can just find it again themselves. My favorite part though is watching Baby L hold on to and snuggle the plush part while he's sucking, soothing and sleeping.
The WubbaNub comes in a variety of different animals. The one we have is the froggie, but I will totally be buying more in the future.
I definitely recommend this as a baby shower gift.

3. Levana ClearVu Digital Video Baby Monitor



This monitor is awesome. It has both audio and visual capabilities. You can use either one on it's own or you can use them together. The small camera comes with a wall mount or you can just sit it on a shelf. It's also equipped with a color changing night light and night vision, so that you can keep an eye on your little one even in the dark. With a full charge the portable monitor will last up to 4 hours. Also, you can add up to 3 additional cameras to the system, so as your family expands you can still use the monitor.
Personally, I think every parent should invest in a video monitor.

What are some "life saving" products that you would recommend (baby or not)?

introducing....

...the world according to Jen.

I am a twenty-something, married, mother of two. Currently unemployed, but looking forward to seeing what's in store for me on the next leg of this journey we call life.
This blog really serves no purpose, other than giving me an outlet to write and share about things that I find interesting or important, no matter how BIG or small.
There may or may not be running pieces/features. Really, right now I'm just writing by the seat of my pants.
Some posts will be thought out and worked on for awhile. Others will not.
I look forward to seriously trying my hand at this blogging thing (past attempts have failed), but whether I have have one regular reader, or one hundred, doesn't really matter. This is just an avenue to put my life into words (and pictures).

Welcome to my Wonderland!