It's here folks, the warm weather is here.....

It always makes me smile, the days when I throw on my flip flops, a pair of shorts and a tank top and I am able to go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.

There's so many people out and about, walking their dogs, walking with their families, sunbathing, watering the yards and just enjoying the gorgeous warm temperatures.

We're also enjoying Spring Break this week so it's been a good lazy few days, waking up late, indulging in whatever our hearts desire.  My heart has been enjoying gardening, crocheting, cooking and baking and just doing the normal housework that is part of our daily lives.  Some may find it annoying, a chore, frustrating and repetitive but I love it, I love doing this, love cleaning and fixing the place up and taking care of it for my family.

Before we even go any further, help yourselves to a cupcake in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Aren't they adorable?

It feels like spring around here, the back door is open, the radio is on and the kids and I just dance and have fun.  

This is my newest baby and I've been having SO much fun, just way more fun that I probably should but truth be told, it is with me everywhere I go and that is not easy because it's quite bulky, but darnit, it's an amazing camera and I've yet to figure it all out :)

I've been planting up a storm and usually everything dies, but this new house gives us a lot of shade during the day, especially on the patio and my plants seem to not only love it there but thrive.

This is my garlic that I just planted two days ago, it's growing like crazy.

My basil is doing splendid, I can't even believe it and the best part....having fresh basil to cook with.  My word what a difference it makes.

Sitting outside, doing some crochet while watching the day go by.

Watching these two sweet ladies enjoying the warm weather.  They are so happy out there.

We are also preparing for the Air Show that is happening this weekend, here on base.  It happens every 2 years and I always feel like it's the first time I'm seeing the jets.

The Thunderbirds always show up two days before and start practicing right above our homes, there is nothing like seeing them fly so low that you feel like you can touch them.

Little boys make me happy, MY little boy makes me ecstatic.  He has such a zest for life and he's a true Military Brat and darn proud to be one :)

Curt and I have also been spending time fixing up the front yard.  It's not easy when you live on a military base, you really are limited to what you can and can't do, so it's a good feeling when we can get in there and just put a few things in that say Home but also Proud Military Family.

This is our last addition, we just HAD to have this bench, not only because we're military but also because it goes with our American theme outside. 

So as you can see, I've been busy but busy living life to the fullest and enjoying every single moment of it. 

Tragedies like Japan have a way of making us stop to smell the roses and to realize that life is too short to spend it worrying about stuff, it's time to live it, enjoy it and document it.....make memories and save memories.

Cooking Thursday - #10 March 17

This recipe is also featured at Presto Pasta Nights.  Go on over and take a look at all the other yumminess going on.

Here's an easy way to prepare Baked Ravioli without just opening a jar of spaghetti sauce and warming some cheese ravioli.

It is DELICIOUS!

Baked Beef Ravioli

Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

2 9-ounce packages refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 10.75-ounce can condensed tomato soup
1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 ounces)
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)


Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook ravioli according to package directions; drain. Return to pan; cover and keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook ground meat, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is brown and onion is tender.

Drain off fat. Stir in tomatoes, soup, basil, and oregano. Gently stir in cooked ravioli.

3. Transfer mixture to an ungreased 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

Bake, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until heated through. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Dezign with a Z Giveaway

I was recently given the opportunity to do a review or giveaway for Dezign with a Z, who specialize in Wall Decals.  I could have picked to receive a sample OR I could do a giveaway in which one of my lucky readers would get a $30 gift certificate to use on any of the products at the Dezign with a Z website.

You may be wondering what exactly Dezign with a Z is all about, so let me enlighten you a bit.

"Our decals are easy to apply, removable and are able to be washed. All of our wall designs are created by young and talented designers from the United States and all around the world.

Our catalog showcases hundreds of different models of decorative wall graphics. With this many choices, there is something for everyone. From our animal and floral wall stickers, to our more modern and contemporary murals, you will find the perfect look for your walls.

We also recommend our contemporary digital canvas, wall clock decals, resin acrylic mirrors, or super sized decals to give your home a dramatic make over. Try our glow in the dark decals, our chalkboard and whiteboard stickers to add excitement to any kids' room. Customize your own decal with your favorite quote or sentence through our custom lettering section, or send in your favorite photos to have a unique sticker or digital painting made."

I went through a took a look and I see SO many cute decals that I would just love to add to my home.

Living on a military base, we are pretty limited to what we can do to our walls and it gets a little hard trying to turn a house into a home when you can't really put your touch on it.  I think though that using these adorable wall decals may just be the key.

For instance, how cool is this????  I think my Nicholas would be thrilled to have it.

I'm thinking Jasmine being the preteen she is and loving to draw and write, would go NUTS if I added these to her room.

I'm sorry, but are you KIDDING ME????  Being from South Africa I literally drooled at this one, I think I'm in love.

With amazing categories such as Abstract, Kids Rooms, Floral Art, Glow in the Dark and so many many more, I think you will find yourself drooling along with me. 

Did you know that they are easy to install, easy to remove and you can even WASH them?  Which if you're a mama like me, you know that having little kids and pets in the house, there's bound to be hand prints or tongue prints from my pugs on there.

So here's what I want you to do.

#1 - Visit Dezign with a Z and tell me which decals you like
#2 - Become a fan of Dezign with a Z on Facebook, let them know that Diary of a SAHM sent you
#3 - Leave a comment, make sure you include your email address

Rules:  Must be 18 yrs old to enter. U.S RESIDENTS ONLY (No P.O boxes)  Giveaway ends On March 23, 2011 at 11:59p CST.  Winner will be drawn using random.org and emailed and given’ 72 hours to respond. In the event of no response a new winner will be chosen.

Thank you to Louise at Dezign with a Z for this great giveaway!

Fashion to Figure - Fashion for Plus Size Women Giveaway

I was recently contacted by Jessica from Fashion to Figure about doing a giveaway on my blog. 

As with all my other giveaways and reviews, I take into consideration whether it's a product that my readers would be interested in and seeing that most of my blog readers are women, I agreed to do the giveaway.

Beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. For plus size women and full figured women there’s Fashion to Figure. Fashion to figure carry’s fashionable plus size clothing to help you look your best at very affordable pricing.

About Fashion to Figure


FTF provides a trendy full-fashion shopping experience exclusively focused on ladies sizes 12-26. FTF is style by anyone’s definition – a place where you will find the latest fashions at the very best prices. New fashion arrives in stores every day and personal service is provided by FTF Fashion Stylists. FTF is dedicated to making people’s lives better through providing the ultimate full-fashion shopping experience and was founded by the great-grandsons of Lena H. Bryant, the revolutionary businesswoman and visionary dressmaker who invented full-fashion more than 110 years ago.


I went through and looked at the items and was happy to find that not only are they very reasonable but Fashion to Figure carry an assortment of clothing but also accessories.  If only they had my size.  I do think I may just go back and get some of their cute tops and maybe jewelry too.

Ahhhh I just love that dress, it's SO me.

I love that ;)

Yep, I think I would like definitely like this one.

Whatever you may be looking for, I'm sure you can find something to your taste at Fashion to Figure.

Now here's the best part, Jessica has offered a giveaway.  The winner will be allowed to choose something off their site for $30 or less.

All you need to do is this:

- Leave me a comment (PLEASE make sure there is an email attached so that I can contact you)
- Visit Fashion to Figure and take a look around, let me know which item you would choose if you won
- If you are on Facebook, then Like the Fashion to Figure page


That's all!

Rules: Must be 18 yrs old to enter. U.S RESIDENTS ONLY (No P.O boxes)  Giveaway ends On March 22, 2011 at 11:59p CST.  Winner will be drawn using random.org and emailed and given’ 72 hours to respond. In the event of no response a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post, all opinions are mine alone.

Victorian Pharmacy

You all know how much I love a good UK show, matter of fact, I think that the shows from the UK are amazing and way more interesting than anything I could watch here on our local TV's.

I'm always looking for the latest dramas, tv series and productions from BBC or ITV and I've been extremely lucky in finding some treasures.

When I found out about this one, I immediately went in search of it online.

Victorian Pharmacy is a historical documentary TV series in four parts, first shown on BBC Two in July 2010. It was made for the BBC by independent production company Lion Television. It was filmed at Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire.[1] It is a historical documentary that looks at life in the 19th Century and how people attempted to cure common ailments. Since some of the ingredients of Victorian remedies are now either illegal or known to be dangerous, Nick Barber often uses his modern pharmaceutical knowledge to produce similar products without those ingredients. The other main presenters are Tom Quick, a PhD student, and Ruth Goodman, a domestic historian who also appeared in Tales from the Green Valley, Victorian Farm and Edwardian Farm.

I've just got my hands on the first episode and I'm about to watch it, but I thought I would come by and share it with you all in the hopes that maybe one of my UK readers has watched it already or to give the rest of you a heads up on a good show to watch.

 You can find the episodes on You Tube as well, here is the first episode - part one:



Part two:



Part three:



Part four:



What do you think?  It's just up my alley, I love the fact that it's kind of along the lines of the great PBS shows like 1900's House and Manor House and all those other great ones.

I also found out that there is a Victorian Farm series too, so that one is definitely on my list to watch :)

So there you are, just a little drop by and run post to share something with you, oh and do keep an eye out on the blog the next few days, I have some great giveaways coming up :)