6 Years!!

My Timehop reminded me that 6 years ago today, I created this blog!!
In those 6 years, I have shared about cleaning, cooking, baby, family fun, and countless other topics.

I have also neglected this blog.
I have had many ideas that never came to pass -- I have shared a number of times great things are coming, and then they didn't.

6 years. Almost 25,000 page views - Wow!
How have you been? What's new?
I'd love to get reacquainted - start fresh.

I'll leave this here - or else I'll never finish, or go on wayy too long.
and just in case you want to revisit my 1st blog post -- here you go ;)

I have missed you.
Bye for now.

I have my baby ...

I found this post in my drafts... post originally written on May 30, 2015

I thought I'd like to share it. I have not added or removed anything ;) <3
I love Norman Ryder more than anything in the world, and I cannot believe I was blessed with his life almost 3 years ago.

I have my baby
Even if my birth plan didn't go as planned at all and I had a c-section.

I have my baby
Even if he doesn't have blue eyes.

I have my baby
Even if he has a terrible temper.

I have my baby
Even if he is a Norman way more than a Ryder (or Jude for that matter).

I have my baby
Even if he doesn't like to sleep nearly as much as I do!

I have my baby
Even if I wasn't able to breastfeed him longer than 3 months... Or without supplementing at all.

I have my baby
Even if I can't stay home with him all day.

I have my baby and I love him more than life itself... And you know what, I'm convinced he loves his Mamma too.

Where has the time gone?

Wow! It really has been a long time - and so much has happened since we last visited!

I attempted to make a new website - Simply Jessca - and went nowhere..

I've joined at least 3 new direct sales companies - ThirtyOne, Usborne Books, and Barefoot Books - as well as still loving Perfectly Posh :)

Norman is about to be THREE!! and he is obsessed with Star Wars! I have even watched quite a few of the movies for the very first time! (to be honest, I'm a bit obsessed with Star Wars now!)

Let's make 2017 MY year :) I bought a brand new Erin Condren LifePlanner - thanks to my dear friend Tove @ Mama in the Now!
(affiliate link above to get $10 off YOUR planner!)

I have spent a lot of time in the past month cleaning my house and trying to get it organized. Hopefully one day it will be all done!!

We are now WDW & Legoland annual passholders!! This is so exciting and we plan to visit the parks quite often this year!


Here's to another year - and more updates! ;)

Thanks for sticking around!

Local Expo - Ticket Giveaway

Hello Friends!!

In exactly 1 month, I will be doing my very first vendor booth with Posh!!! and I want you to join me!!


I am giving away 2 sets of 2 Tickets to the Palm Beach Baby Shower Expo, in West Palm Beach, on Sunday, October 18th!! The event runs from 10am to 4pm! I went last year and it was so awesome! I am so excited to be an actual part of the event this year!!

The Giveaway will run from NOW until September 30th! Check out the Expo page, join my VIP group 
and watch out for the winners on Oct 1st!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also get your tickets right here, for $15 - and kids 16 and under are FREE!!
psst.. 1st 200 in the door get a Swag Bag too!! ;)

Reading should be fun!

You've all seen subscription boxes.. they come in all shapes and sizes and you can pretty much find one for anything you are looking for .. from baby toys to pet toys ;)

Recently I was brought together with a brand new company, BookRoo! They offer a subscription box that delivers amazing books. And I love books!!

We have books all over the house. Bubba's bookcase is full, there's a pile in the master bedroom, another in the living room and Riley has her own in her room! Oh don't forget the ones kept in the car!

But can you ever have too many books? Nahhh!

Since I've been in touch with BookRoo, I've received 2 boxes (I'm just really behind on sharing month 1). So I will share both boxes with you here... plus a special code for all of you to try out Bookroo at a discount (but you have to read to the bottom)!! You won't be disappointed ;)

JULY Box

Bubba loves to get boxes!! We've done Citrus Lane many times, and Bluum! He loved getting the books, especially since they were individually wrapped. We had a lot of fun unwrapping them together!!

I just have to say the paper they use to wrap is such awesome quality, hard to explain but it doesn't tear easily... in a good way! :)

AUGUST Box

As you can see, August is a whole nother story!! Half the time Bubba was more interested in those awesome cookies you see... made by my mother in law, for my birthday!!! (yes they were amazing!)

Again, I really loved the wrapping, and the variety of patterns!
Bubba is really intent and determined to get that paper off!!

We have definitely enjoyed reading "Little Cub", "A Book of Sleep"  "Little White Rabbit" from our first box, as well as "Let's Count", "Hernando Fandango" & "The Crayon Box that Talked" from our 2nd box!!

I would absolutely recommend BookRoo, to my family, friends and readers!!! Make sure you use this link to get $4 OFF your 1st box!!!

Bookroo gets an awesome High Five from Bubba!

THANK YOU BOOKROO!!! We totally look forward to our future boxes!!!

** This review is based on my sole opinion, and I was not paid to share. I did receive a discount on my first box, and the opportunity to share a discount with my readers. **

Me - in a nutshell

Truth be told, I live in a fantasy world. Where I have time to Do-It-All!! World's Best Mom & Wife, #1 Employee (even if I am only 1 out of 2!), Blogger extraordinaire, and the best at whatever business I choose that month ;) Which is Perfectly Posh. Stay tuned for a post on that!!!


I put way too much on my plate, I acknowledge it, then pile it on some more! No, not all of it gets done - heck most of it doesn't get done.. yet I don't change. One day I'll finish that To-Do list that grows my the day (who am I kidding, by the minute!)

Even while I write this, I need to pause and go soothe a whining Toddler who should have fallen asleep by now. And, I'll tell you, normally I would have been distracted and gone onto something else, and this would be sitting in the drafts for months, like everything else I write!! But I want to get it out. For a while a lot of my posts may sound like gibberish but that's the only way I will get them out, until I get in the groove LOL


I was just distracted for a good half hour because I saw a sale -- $19.99 for Vera Bradley Hipster Crossbody! OMG! Surprisingly, I didn't get one - the pattern I wanted was sold out and I realized I don't really need one!

Anyhow - I think I'm done for now. I have Other posts to get back to!

See you an sooner rather than later!

Are you still with me?

The following has been a draft since 4/20/15 - and I start to think ...
Does anyone even really read this? Maybe if I think they don't I can say anything I like. There's plenty of stuff I don't want to talk about and posting doesn't mean I want to. I am just getting it off my chest and out of my head.

With that being said .. ;)

It has been far too long - I have been enjoying my time since the baby was born but it is time I say hello to all of you again!

I hope you're all still here and look forward to what I've been thinking about since my last post!!

First of all - I found this draft in my list of posts. It was started on 12/9/13, titled "Am I cut out for this??" and the only text inside the draft was:

It has been over 2 weeks since my last post ... I am sorry. Sometime I wonder if I can make it in this blogging world!

Well, I think that answers that question!! 2 weeks seemed like an eternity... now let's talk about a whole year between posts.. and then now 2 months since my last post!

I feel more out of control and unorganized in the last 5-6 months than I did when I first became a brand new mom. I actually read a book over the last month, and added about 5+ more to my list..  I haven't read since well before The Baby was born.

There never seems to be enough time in the day, for anything at all.

I want to be a better Friend, Sister, Daughter, Wife, Mother and Christian. Yet I find it all very hard.

I am disappointed in myself for things I have left unfinished. 

In the last year I have become a:

-Jamberry Independent consultant

-Buskins Leggings Affiliate (now Sparckily)
-Young Living essential oils

I love these companies and the products, but when am I going to accept that I am not a "salesperson"?? ;) Yes, we need more income - who doesn't? but this is not the answer, for us. But what is?

Yes, this blog post is ALL over the place - and I hope it makes a little bit of sense, but I really just wanted to get it out there, out of my brain, into the internet world ... like I should have so many months ago.

I love you all for reading it .. I hope you went down this far!

Maybe I can start writing more about stuff that makes sense... I need to figure out what it is that I want to write about and focus on that.

I am posting this before I don't (AGAIN) and I need to add another header about how long it sits as a draft. Thank you again for being here - I hope to see you more often in the near future! ;)

How much does my Toddler weigh?

Yes! You read that correctly.

It's that time already, can you believe it? I can hardly believe it myself!

Last year, we held a little contest to guess how big The Baby was going to be when born .... this year, let's guess how big The Toddler is!! What makes this even harder is I have not had/given an update on his weight, so it'll be like pulling it out of your .... 

oh nevermind ;)

I will give you a few hints though...

If you don't remember, he was born 9lbs 4oz & 21" long (on 2/20/15 @ 8am).

After heading home, he was 8lbs 3oz... so while I was breastfeeding we were instructed to supplement and get his weight back up (since he lost more than 10%)

At 3 weeks, he was back up to 9lbs 13oz and 22.5" long

At his 4 month check-up, The Baby was a whopping 20lbs! and at 9 months he was 28lbs!

So now.... what does my Toddler weigh at 12 months!!??

We have his 1year check-up on Friday 2/20 at 11am... afterwards (on our drive to Disney!!), I will come back here and the guess that is the CLOSEST will win!!!

Since it has taken me forever (no surprise there) to get this set up, I will extend the entry time! Entry cut off will be at 1:59pm on Friday 2/20/15

What do you win?! 
Well it may be news to some of you but over that last year I joined 2 businesses:

Jamberry Nails &

Buskins Leggings!! 

I absolutely love both of them and think they are absolutely ah-mazing!

So the winner will get their CHOICE of a sheet of Jamberry Nail wraps or pair of Leggings, or Gift card to either company!

Visit and Like my business Facebook pages for a chance at for a 2nd Prize Drawing!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XOXO,

 

A Whole Year

It's true.. 1 year ago today I posted one of my last 2 blog posts - How Sad!?

Honestly, this year has just flown by, my little baby (who didn't seem so little at the time) is going to be 1 in just less than 3 weeks!
(which brings me to my last blog post - Guess the Baby's weight - in about 2 weeks I will be writing a follow-up called - Guess the Toddler's weight!! - watch for it!!)


I can't promise anything but I would love to get back to blogging and sharing with all of you! I can never seem to find the time for blogging -- among many other things!

So much has changed over the last year - I've started writing a couple posts and they just sit as drafts, after I get this and my next 2 follow up posts up I will look them over again and get my thoughts together to share!


Time to attempt a nap before our fun-filled day! I'll be back soon for a follow-up to I won!! (Part 1 of 3) - please stay tuned! ;)

And if you're not following me yet ~ now would be a great time to start!! Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin, Google Friend Connect, & NetworkedBlogs!! 

Give me a shout and let me know you're my newest Friend!!

XOXO,
 

Let's Play a Game! Contest & Giveaway!

Okay, so it's been a while and I know I owe you Part 2 of my BelliVita belly cast post (see Part 1 here) but since I am officially 39 weeks 4 days and I wanted to play a little "game" with everyone and have you all guess how big you think Ryder will be when born.

I saw this done at my new friend Tove's blog and just loved the idea! To be honest, I totally forgot about it until today! I am so excited to offer this as my very first, self-sponsored, giveaway!!

First, I haven't shared a photo with you in a while, so here you go! 

This was last week at 39 weeks exactly.

Also, here is a little peak at the maternity photos we had done back in January! I can't wait to be able to share newborn photos with you all!

Here are some details and rules for the giveaway:

• The winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card – and who couldn't use one of those?
• Entry into the contest is easy All you have to do is comment on this blog post with your guess of how big you think Ryder will be at birth – weight and length.
• Contest ends Thursday, February 20th, 2014 at 7:00am. (Winner will be announced shortly after my recovery).
• Size estimates can be left here on the blog, Facebook (Healthy Higgins page) or Twitter - #NormanRyder, (as long as you follow me) to be considered valid.
• Please make sure to leave your email address when you enter your size estimate, so I can contact you in case you win! (Your email address is never sold and cannot be viewed publicly on the blog.)
• In case of a tie, where both the weight and the length were correctly guessed by two individuals, the winner will be the person who first entered the contest.

Can't wait to see everyone's guesses!!

And if you're not following me yet ~ now would be a great time to start!! Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin, Google Friend Connect, & NetworkedBlogs!! 

Give me a shout and let me know you're my newest Friend!!

XOXO,

I won!! (Part 1 of 3)

It's true!! Can you believe it?

Did anyone see the Blogger Promo I told you about on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest? (you must've seen it somewhere!) 

Well, if you didn't here was the original photo:

Anywho ... this is what I WON!!! 

I have been selected as one of BelliVita's three national Belly Bowl bloggers!!

Here's a little info about the company, from their website :)

BelliVita crafts breathtakingly beautiful pieces of art from body castings, with a focus on the pregnant form. Our pregnancy belly bowls and vases are hand-crafted in porcelain or blown glass—in a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors—uniquely capturing the amazing experience of pregnancy. The result is an exquisite work of sculptural art that you can proudly display and cherish for life.

I am soo excited, and this will be a 3 part series ALL about this belly cast and bowl! The next part will be creating the belly cast and the 3rd will be after I receive the hand made porcelain (or glass) bowl! 

With ONLY 3 weeks left (ahh!), Hubby and I will be taking on the belly cast adventure this weekend! So you should be seeing part 2 fairly soon!

I hope you will all follow this journey with me and leave me some love in the comments!

Don't forget to check out BelliVita's work on their website and through Facebook! You can even follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!

As a special offer for you, my wonderful readers, they are giving $200 off!! 

Don't miss it!!

And if you're not following me yet ~ now would be a great time to start!! Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin, Google Friend Connect, & NetworkedBlogs!! 

Give me a shout and let me know you're my newest Friend!!

XOXO,

 

New Year ... New Goals

I do realize it's already a few weeks in to the New Year, and I am a little behind on announcing my goals, but better late than never, huh? :)
 

I wasn't really planning to share, or probably even write them down, but as I explained to my sister last week, if they aren't written down or shared with others to hold you accountable, then they might as well not even exist!
So to take my own advice, here are a few I have come up with:
 

1. Make Goals! Write them out and share with the world! (Does this count - since that's what I'm doing NOW?!)

2. Save money! Anything is more than last year! Check out this idea, or do it in half from here, that I will be joining my sisters and others on - will you join us??

3. BLOG more! I hope you'll all be happy about that! My aim is to be a "Mommy Blog"! This will include a blog overhaul! New photos, layout, design, etc :) (2 part goal here, lol)

4. Have another go at my Shaklee business! I have let this slack a little over the last year and I know it will be hard in the upcoming year as well, but I want to at least say I tried!

5. Stick to my "cleaning schedule" at home. Moving showed me that I really dropped the ball on this one, there was a lot to clean!

6. Be more organized at home, from papers to clothing!

7. Unpack everything!!! This one I want done by Mid Feb, or earlier! Come back and check on me!!

8. Get fit after Baby!

I am sure I will add to my list as the days, weeks and months pass!


Just for a brief overview of 2012, I didn't write out any goals but I really wanted a baby (or to at least be pregnant) and to be able to buy a house! Well Norman Ryder will be here in 4-6 weeks and we closed on our house on 12/30 - so I'm happy!!
Unfortunately, we did lose a couple great women in our lives, who will continue to live on in our hearts.

I encourage you to PLEASE share your own goals below! If you do not want the world (as if that many people read my blog!) to see your goals at this time, please feel free to email them to me personally, but remember, the more that see that you are serious, the more likely you will be ticking these things off, and the faster!

And if you're not following me yet ~ now would be a great time to start!! Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin, Google Friend Connect, & NetworkedBlogs!! 

Give me a shout and let me know you're my newest Friend!!

XOXO,

New Year Kickoff Giveaway! (Win a $100 Walmart Gift Card!)

Welcome to the "New Year's Kickoff Giveaway Event" sponsored by Tip Hero and featuring some wonderful bloggers. With the New Year in full force, we thought the perfect way to celebrate would be with a great big giveaway event!

There are some great things to buy in January, and one lucky winner will get something that could come in handy while shopping. One winner will receive a $100 Walmart gift card to help start off the new year right.

This giveaway begins on January 15th and will run until January 29th at 11:59pm US Eastern time. It will be open to residents of the US only, 18+. Use the PromoSimple form below to enter, and make sure that you take advantage of the many entries you can gain. Also, be sure to come back daily for more chances to win. Best of luck!

Disclosure: Healthy Higgins is not responsible for prize distribution. If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to kira@tiphero.com. All entries are optional, but if the winner task is a task that you did not complete, a second winner will be chosen. Winners will be notified via email. If a winner does not respond within 48 hours of the time when the email is sent, another winner will be chosen.

Who doesn't love to shop at Walmart!! I know I could spend that $100 in a flash! Leave me a comment below on what you would buy!

XOXO,

There is a human growing inside of me

How many of you have been pregnant ... regardless of how long ago? 

It is so surreal, honestly. That is the only way I can think to explain it. If you seriously stop and think about it for a minute, there is a human being growing inside of my belly ... in near 6 weeks I will be holding him in my arms - knowing he was just inside me.... ummm Sur-Real!


I know it has been some time since I have had a chance to update everyone, but here's the low-down:

2 weeks ago, Hubby and I bought our very first house!!! We are so excited and things have just been a whirlwind! We moved in for a full week, and almost another full week later we finally got a great portion of boxes unpacked - thanks to my Mom & Jerry!! There's still so much to do but we actually live in a house that is ours! Sometimes we have to keep reminding ourselves that we are not just on vacation and won't ever be returning to our rental!

That being said, now it's time for an update on BABY! He is wonderful! I have my last bi-weekly appointment this coming Thursday, and then we go weekly!! As per my due date (2/24), I am 34 weeks today, however I am 35 weeks Wednesday based on his measurements since about at least 20 weeks! The last 30 weeks have just flown by and I can't believe it's almost done!! I could use another 3-4 good weeks to settle everything but we are pretty ready for our baby boy to join us!
Soon I will have the nursery all set up, then I can share all the details and also share all about my baby showers, yep I had more than 1, technically more than 2!!
 
Before I go, I just want to say, also, how extremely wonderful my husband has been!! He had to move our whole apartment, with some help from friends , while I just directed :) and he has been so great in getting anything we (I) need (want) for the baby!

Ohh and don't miss out on the GreenPath Baby banner I have added to the right side of the blog!! GBP is such an amazing local company - I get my cloth diapers, wipes, balms, etc from there! Watch for more reviews about Vanessa and GreenPath Baby!!


That's all for now, I think! Until next time, which will be much sooner than the last time! :)



XOXO,

Need your help ... Planning an Awesome Vacation

As a new year starts, I begin thinking about a vacation!! With Baby coming I know it has to be practical, and planned at just the right time ... how old will he be and how is the weather?? 

First HUGE question is Where???? Here's what I've come up with so far and I would love to hear what you all think!!! Leave me some ideas! Only catch is it must be baby & 8 year old friendly and not require a passport. We will likely use VRBO.com to rent a furnished place for a week or so.

My ideas:
Upstate NY: 
   - Catskill mountain area
   - Niagara Falls
   - Camping???
   - Arkansas

I am thinking we will go before June or around September ... Baby is due Feb 24th :)

Can't wait to see what you all suggest!!!


XOXO,

New Year's Kickoff Giveaway!!

It's 2014!!! Woohoo! 

I just can't believe how fast the last year went - and once the baby come how fast this year will fly by!!!

I am sorry I have been MIA and I plan to get some great posts up for you - I just came accross the below Giveaway Opp and had to post right away!! 

Don't miss this one!

Tip Hero’s New Year’s Kickoff Giveaway Event

   

Sign-ups are now open for this great new giveaway event!

• Event is free to join with an announcement post. If you don't wish to post the announcement, please send the $5 non-post fee to tiphero@gmail.com
• You'll receive 1 free link for participating (either Twitter or Pinterest)
• Additional links (RSS/Email, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest) are available for $5 each. Facebook links are now available for $15 each.
• Sign-ups for this event close on January 13th
• Event runs from January 15th - January 29th
• Prize: $100 Walmart gift card

Please send all payments to tiphero@gmail.com as a "gift" via PayPal. Sign up for this event here.

Thrifty Thursday!!

There's been so much going on here - LOTS to come! I didn't have any chance to pick out some Featured posts but they were all so great!!!

I can't wait to see what you all post this week!!!

And if you're not following me yet ~ now would be a great time to start!! Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin, Google Friend Connect, & NetworkedBlogs!! 

Give me a shout and let me know you're my newest Friend!!

XOXO,

It's Christmas Baker's Edition Giveaway!!

 

It’s Christmas Baker's Edition Giveaway Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media. Co-hosted by: Shannon's View from Here, My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life, Joans 5 Star Reviews, Sweetphi, Mommy Kat and Kids and Naturally Frugalicious.

Can you believe Christmas is almost here!? Less than 2 weeks until Thanksgiving, then it's a mad dash till Christmas! Do you have any special traditions you do every year? Certain recipes or shows you go see? movies you have to watch?

This year we have tickets to the Radio City Rockettes (not in NYC though), and I hope we get to go every year from now on!!

MPM Network Bloggers are gearing up for an amazing holiday season. Make sure you stop by and checkout all the tasty recipes below. Surely you will find something that makes your holiday even yummier!

One lucky reader will receive a KitchenAid Tilt-head Stand Mixer + accessories!

Giveaway ends December 9th at 11:59pm, open to US & Canada, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:Healthy Higgins is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Final Throwback Thursday - Part 3!

So here it is! The final part of my Throwback Thursday series! This was exciting to go back through all the links everyone shared, and either see things again, or maybe even notice them for the first time! 
I hope you all enjoyed it! Next week, I will go through the last 2-3 weeks to catch up since we came back live!!

Please note we have an update in our hosts for this weekly link up!! Visit us all at the links below!

Bonnie @ From Nature to Nurture

Lindsey @ Emmy Lane

Jessica @ Healthy Higgins

We are all so glad to have you all join us every week and we look forward to your posts!!

For those that despair of the cold weather, here is a reminder that Summer will return! Summer Ready Hair & Skin

Yummiest Snickerdoodles: They sure do look yummy! 
This is a must for our Holiday baking list!

Mother's Day Birthstone Necklace: I loved this one when it was first posted! 
I still want to make one!

Grey & White Chevron Dresser Redo: This is one that I MISSED the first time around - and it would be perfect for the nursery! Now all we need is a dresser to redo... 
and a Nursery!

Butterfly Footprints: What a cute idea! From one of our very own hosts as well!

DIY Crown Moulding Shelf: I love this idea!! Another for the Nursery :)

Canvas Rainbow Button Art:
I LOVE all things Rainbow!! (You'll see when I get photos of my Baby Shower posted!)

Greek Yogurt, Berries & Granola Parfait: Sounds yummy.. and healthy!!

SHMILY: Aww I don't remember seeing this one before either!

And for more Rainbow - I need to do one of these! Melted Crayon Art.

Pizzetti: MmMmm Sounds good!! I love Pasta.. or is that Pizza :)

Applesauce GF Pancakes: Even though I don't like pancakes, these sound good!

Baby's Name - Easy DIY Project: This will be awesome - when we have a name!!
(I sense a pattern of NOT having things!!)

And since Winter is JUST starting, here are some Indoor Winter Games for Kids! & Mess Free Indoor Snow Sensory Play!!

Whew! That was a lot!!!
There seemed to be A LOT more links to go through (per week) the further I went back :)

 And if you're not following me yet ~ now would be a great time to start!! Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin, Google Friend Connect, & Networked Blogs!! Give me a shout and let me know you're my newest Friend!!


XOXO,