Clutsy Alyssa in Shower + Bottle of Shower Gel =

The Pee Pad vs. Buddy

The pee pad really didn't have a chance...

Moonbeam

My sister-in-law Kathy is someone who would look at the ingredients on your non-fat coffee creamer and burst your bubble by telling you it is loaded with trans fat. Trans, what? Ok, I know what trans fats are, kind of, they are the worst fats of all fats, right? So needless to say, Kathy has adopted an organic/trader joe/whole foods diet and has an exercise and yoga filled lifestyle. For this reason, I nicknamed her Moonbeam. I didn't mean it a negative way but I thought it was fitting. I think she likes her nickname. Rob calls her Moonbeam and sometimes you will hear my 60 and 70 something in-laws call her Moonbeam as well. So anyway, I think I may be turning slightly moonbeam-ish. I saw a special on Oprah a few months ago about all the waste in the landfills and how much paper products we use etc. And again this month there was an article in Oprah' O Magazine about ways to save money (and some tips also helped save the environment) which I think I may adopt. Here are the ones I wanted to share:

1. Swap paper coffee filters with a metal mesh filter. Savings: $8 in first year and $18 every year thereafter.
2. Swap papertowells for dish rags. Savings: $40 annually
3. Swap memo pads for a mini chalkboard or mini whiteboard. Savings: $15 annually

I also found these on another blog that were pretty cool (how cute are these?!?!):
http://www.wishingfish.com/cupcouture.html

Fun in the Sun

We had such a blast on Sunday. We went to Aldo's Harbor Restaurant in Santa Cruz with our friends Maryanne and Brian and we brought the doggies. The restaurant is super dog friendly and about every other customer had a dog. We ate outside and had great views of the boats, ocean/beach, lighthouse, etc. We also had great weather, it was so nice. After lunch we walked on the beach a little bit and down to the lighthouse. After lunch, we went cake tasting with them at Just Cake where we had our cake done for our wedding. Yummmmmmm! Sugar coma! Below are some pictures of our fun day.

Happy Early Easter

Every time we go into PetSmart, we are forced to walk by the toy section which always has the holiday themes going on (candy corn shaped toys, christmas trees shaped toys, football themed toys, valentines theme toys, etc.). Cha chinnngggg...what is that noise you are hearing? Another $5.99 paid to PetSmart for a (this time, baby chick in an egg) plush dog toy. It amazed me that today they also had presidential themed toys (toys in the shape of an elephant, etc.). We stayed away from those. Buddy would like to wish everyone an early Happy Easter.

This Commercial is Fricken Hilarious

My colleagues were telling me about this commercial. Apparently it came on during superbowl but I was stuck in an airport on superbowl sunday. You must turn on your volume. Click the URL below then click "watch the tv ad"

http://mytalkingstain.com/

Move to Morgan Hill or Not Move to Morgan Hill: That is the Question

So it looks like MH is now in the running again. It was ruled out awhile ago when Rob and I both agreed it would be way more convenient living closer to San Jose with regards to commuting to work and being within an arms reach of about anything your little heart desires. But then, Rob put a little seed in my head again when he sent me a URL to a home in MH. We went to MH last weekend to look at some open homes and going back again this weekend. Rob says not to get my hopes up (too late!) and he still is not sure yet. Sometimes a good 'ol pro and con list usually helps see things more clearly. Here goes:

Pros to moving to MH
1. Lower priced homes with bigger homes and lots
2. Better drivers
3. Family oriented
4. Alyssa may not have to work when we have kids (this one carries a lot of weight) :-)
5. Closer to some friends and family
6. Better overall quality of life
7. Less traffic (meaning going from point A to point B but not including going anywhere outside MH)

Cons to moving to MH
1. Commute would suck
2. Farther from some friends and family

WWYD?