New Ride {2012}

New Ride {2012}

Thursday, January 26, 2012

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Let's just start out this post by saying Thank You to my wonderful Husband, who loves me unconditionally and supports me in all my neurotic tendencies. This wouldn't have been possible without him and his help of making phone calls and his understanding. Us getting this car was the result of us at the dealership 3 days in a row. Love you, honey!

Now, to reveal my beautiful new ride. I'm so proud of it and love it so much. I want to drive everyone, everywhere.. Who wants to drive? I WILL!!

Here are the specs:

Year/Make/Model: 2008 Chevrolet Equinox LS

Exterior Color: Sandstone Metallic

Engine: 6 Cyl.

Transmission: Automatic

Mileage: 61,916

City MPG: 17

Hwy MPG: 24

And now here she is...

Isn't she a bute? Ha. What shall I name her?

If you know me in real life or have been reading my blog for awhile, you know I just got a "new" car at the end of September, actually September 26, 2011, to be exact. Well, just about 4 months to the day I got THIS "new" one. While it's not new (obviously it's a 2008) and it's really nothing fancy, like a BMW or Mercedes or anything, it is "new to me" and perfect for me AND my family.

I LOVE IT!!

Last September we purchased a 2007 Dodge Caliber. See this post HERE for a few pictures. While I liked the car initially, I wasn't in love with it and I knew that leaving the lot. I felt like it was my best option at the time, so we went for it. It was something we could afford and somewhat of a crossover type with what we thought was more room than my 2002 Toyota Camry. Overall it was a great vehicle, but with my Husband being a bigger guy, he hated it and called it the micro machine. He refused to drive it, let alone ride in it. So that was that. There were also a few other things it was lacking and therefore prompted us to start looking. Again.

I used to drive a 1991 Chevy Blazer S10 in High School and post HS (from about 1999-2004), courtesy of my Dad and I loved it.Then it became old and needed fixing and after throwing some money into, we traded that off in 2004 for a 2002 Toyota Camry. While I loved my Toyota Camry (I had that for almost 8 years), I always really missed driving an SUV. I figured since the Caliber is somewhat of a crossover, it would totally fit our needs. Wrong. It did sit higher, which I liked, but it just wasn't cutting it with the space we needed. I feel like the Equinox is not only more roomy, but has such a warm and homey feeling to it, compared to the Caliber.

Front seat // Back seat

Bigger back end.

Look at all the room and potential it has.

Love the dashboard.

Ain't it purty?

I love that it has the AUX option, so I can still hook up my IPOD for trips. That was one thing I did like about the Caliber.

One of MY main reasons for wanting to get rid of the Caliber (besides Wayne hating it) is because it didn't have power locks. Or power windows for that matter, but that was not as important or convenient as power locks. Yes, I knew that when we bought it, but I thought it was something that I could just get used to. Something I would have to adapt to. I thought it would be simple. Wrong. Do you know how hard that is. Extremely. Especially with a baby in a car seat, a purse, a diaper bag and whatever else I usually tote around. Let's just say there were many a times where there was cursing going on. It was VERY inconvenient. Actually, I hated it to be totally honest.

So between now having everything power, lots more space, my Husband actually liking the vehicle and not whispering underneath his breath about how dumb it is, I am truly a happy Wife and Momma.

What's that saying...you live and you learn? Well we did just that.

And what's that other saying? Happy Wife = Happy Life...haha. right again.

Leah

Giveaway!

Giveaway!

Monday, January 23, 2012

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So my friend, Kelly is doing another GIVEAWAY!

Go check it out! Love her blog and I REALLY want to win this giveaway! 

I've had my eye on something from this Etsy shop for awhile now. Pretty much since Hailey was born.

Go check out her blog and the giveaway!

Insta Friday {01.20.2012}

Insta Friday {01.20.2012}

Friday, January 20, 2012

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Hailey says, "Let's eat Mom!" with her smile! She loves to eat and is always so excited. We have recently moved up to level 2 foods, so now there is a lot more variety.

My MIL called me last Friday evening to tell me that our local grocery store was having a sale on Gerber baby foods. Some of them expire in February, but I still stocked up. Can't go wrong with a deal on baby food and the ones that expire in February will get first and for sure before February. I mean she eats it everyday. This is the result after my trip last Saturday. Thanks Ma!

While I was at work, Wayne sent me this sweet picture on Wednesday morning after Hailey ate her breakfast of prunes. Prunes or not, I would still kiss that lovable mug.

My dinner one night this week consisted of eggo waffles and toaster strudel. So random, but so good. Oh well.

Now that the Minnesota temps have take a plummet, I am still loving my Body Dew. I think I put the caption as Body Dew = skin saver!

We were at my parents one day this week and my Mom put Hailey in the clothes basket.

My Dad then proceeded to push her all around the house. Let's just say she loved it.

I've been wanting to get my nails done now for a couple weeks. I also NEED a pedicure, but I just haven't been able to find the time to go to the salon. So when I was at Target this week.I picked up these. They are just the glue on nails, and have never really worked for me in the past. But we'll see how long they last.

Follow me on Instagram - ladanielson

Leah

Wordless Wednesday {01.18.2012}

Wordless Wednesday {01.18.2012}

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

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2011 in Review

2011 in Review

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

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I've seen this on a few blogs and thought I would participate. I love these questionnaire type things. I also love getting to know other mommy/blogger friends. So do it, leave me a link to your blog and I will read yours!! I hope to be able to do this every year and reflect on the last year lived. I did tweak a couple of questions to more reflect my life.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

Had a baby and with that includes trimester 2 and 3 of pregnancy, labor with no epidural with an eventual c-section and a rough recovery with a newborn in NICU. Thank god for my wonderful Hubs and family for all their help, love and support!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I'm not a huge resolution person, but I am going to set goals for myself. I like the word "goal" instead. It sounds more achievable and less cold. You can read mine HERE.

3. How will/did you spend New Year's Eve?


From 2010 into 2011 I was sleeping. I was just getting out of my 1st Trimester and still tired all the time.

From 2011 into 2012 I was with the Hubs at his gig at Babe's in Lakeville with some friends and family. I had a most fabulous time! My sisters stayed at our house over night and babysat Hailey.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, fortunately. But I did attend the funeral of a high school classmate of mine, Jimmy, that took his life. Very tragic, but I'm so glad I went.

5. What countries did you visit? What vacations did you take?


Hailey and I took a 5 day trip to Arkansas to visit my Great Grandma, so Hailey's Great Great Grandma. 5 Generations all together. See it HERE. 

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

A substantial savings account.

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

June 26th. It was the day I became a Mommy and my world was forever changed.

8. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?

Going through labor, c-section, getting through the first month of mommy-hood. I'm not going to sugar coat it, it was rough. But I think it always is for every new Mom. It does get better with time and as they get older. Keep your head up!


9. What was your biggest failure?

I wouldn't say failure. I don't think I really failed at anything, but as stated in #6, I want a savings account a/k/a emergency fund a/k/a nest egg.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Other than the complications with the c-section and recovery, no.


11. What was the best thing you bought?

My new IPhone 4s. A month ago I would have said my new car, but I'm starting to dislike it. Not the car itself, but I foolishly bought a 2007 with no power windows or locks (how dumb is that) and it's a little on the small side, so Wayne HATES it! Granted he is a big guy and he is losing weight, but it's still on the smaller side. Oh well, we live and learn right? We'll see what 2012 has to bring as far as new car(s) go.

12. Where did most of your money go?

Her name is Hailey. LOL.

13. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Anything by LMFAO. Saw them in concert. Will go again the next time they are in town. Love them lots.

14. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Exercise and read.

15. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Be lazy. Not exercise.

16. What was your favorite TV program?

I have too many to count. My one new favorite this fall in 2011 is Revenge. Anyone else watch it?

17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I try really hard not to hate any one, but there is certainly some people that I don't really like and distance myself from them.

18. What was the best book you read?

The Hunger Games series. Too good for words and so excited for the movie in March 2012.

19. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Adele. I got her 21 CD and fell in love. Then my Hubs got me her concert on DVD for Christmas this year. Thank you honey!

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

Breaking Dawn, Part 1, obviously. We have waited so long for each one to come out. I not only love the movies and the books, but it's also something I can relate to friends and family about. Especially my sisters!

21. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 28 and spent the evening at Babes at Wayne's gig with some family and friends. I was 7 months preggo and still on the dance floor!! 

22. What kept you sane?

Wayne and my Mom. Without these two, my world would be a mess.

23. Who did you miss?

I don't see my Grandma Kleene as often as I would like to. I miss her and now with me having a baby of my own, I want her to see Hailey more often.

I also miss Green Grandma. Wayne's Grandma Sharon moved down to Arizona at the end of October and I really hate it. I want her to move back so bad. It makes me sad.

24. Who was the best new person you met?

I would have to say my co-worker friendships really flourished. There were 2 new people that started at the last quarter of 2010 and another that started in June 2011. I have enjoyed getting to know all three of them more personally and working with them everyday.

25. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

It was something my pastor (Paul) said at Jimmy's funeral..."Love them while you can and love them well." I just think this quote speaks volumes and I try and remember it everyday.

Leah