Thankful

A few things I am thankful for this year - 

- Good Health

- A Loving Wife

- Food On Our Plates

- Family and Friends

- And I am most thankful to be Brynlee's Dad

Week 33 Day 2 - Dad Life Rap

12:12pm



My wife went back to work today. She is feeling a lot better. Like I said, we have a doctor's appointment after she comes home. After this one, she has to go every week, until birth.


If your a dad, or a future dad, you will enjoy these dad's rapping. It's hilarious. It's actually for Father's Day but what the heck...





This one is great too. I hope to be a cool dad like this some day. Might need to have some boys first though, not sure how a daughter would feel about this!

Week 28 Day 4 - Shark Week 2013 Commercial & Paula Deen Controversy

2:40pm

I'm in a controversial mood today.

 Shark Week 2013 Commercial

This morning I was watching the Today Show and they featured this video/commercial that has gone viral. Discovery Channel is promoting the upcoming Shark Week with this new commercial that has a lot of people highly concerned. Take a look at why...




Personally, I think it is hilarious. Not because I am a seal-hater, but because I already know it's fake. So I think it was very clever on their part. For children to see this, they won't understand that it isn't real. So no, it probably is a good idea to leave this off of the television. But, I do give them props for the editing of the video, because it does appear pretty realistic! What do you think about this video? Should it be shown on television? Why or why not? Leave your responses in the comment section below!

Paula Deen

As you might already know, unless you have been in a coma the last couple days, Paula Deen is under a ton of scrutiny right now. She admitted to using racial slurs in her past and it has caused quite the uproar.  Watch this "apology" video.

I really like Paula Deen. She is a genuine person that just loves to cook. How many people do you know that have never made a mistake before? I don't know any. I understand that while you are a famous celebrity, you are under a tighter watch than any average Joe. But I mean come on, we can move past this, she is one of the few celebrities left that are REAL. I don't think she is just in it for the money. I believe the money came second. She has lost a LOT of major sponsors already and the list keeps growing.

Now, on the other hand, her apology did NOT seem that sincere to me. The fact that the apology was edited is also very confusing. Why would you have to edit an apology video? She seems to be doing it more to keep her sponsors rather than be truly sorry for using racial slurs. Also, last Wednesday, she told "Today" viewers that she is not a racist, but "it is what it is...and I'm not going to change." You are NOT helping yourself Paula.

List of Sponsors that have dropped Paula Deen -

• Food Network - Paula stars in 3 shows, which will not be renewed at the end of the month
• Wal-Mart Stores- She has over 200 products in the Paula Deen cookware line
• Caesars Entertainment - Deen has several restaurants at Harrah's casinos
• Smithfield Foods - Paula Deen Hams, and supplier for her restaurants
• Target Stores - Paula Deen merchandise, will be phased out and not replenished
• Home Depot - Carries Paula Deen merchandise in cookware departments
• Novo Nordisk - Type 2 Diabetes pharmaceutical company who Deen was a spokeswoman for

A few more companies are "monitoring the situation closely". Do you think Paula Deen deserves a second chance? Is it fair that all of her sponsors are dropping her? Let me know in the comments!

I asked my Twitter followers what they thought and I liked @YoungDadddy 's response.

@PregoForMenBlog  Yes it's simple we all make mistake but most of all she's one hell of a cook
— Young Dad (@YoungDadddy) June 27, 2013

Baby girl has been kicking hard lately! Watch the left side of her stomach.

Week 26 Day 1 - Hungry Globetrotter Subscription Box Review

8:56am


I want to share how great of an idea that I think this whole "subscription box" trend is. You pay monthly and recieve a box of just about anything, each month. There are so many different companies out there doing this now. It's pretty cool. Look it up sometime. Remember Mama Lana?

The Hungry Globetrotter is a great idea because they put together a hand-picked box of recipe ingredients, for different cultures. The boxes come quarterly (4x a year) and cost $34.95 per quarter.

For example: I received their "World Dinner Club" box and it is inspired by the country of Peru.

Customized Boxes

8x8x4, not a huge box

Recipe cards

Recipe card, grocery list, information about the included products

A little history of the country. In this case, Peru

The contents safely packaged

Kaniwa Whole Grain, a crunchier cousin to the popular Quinoa

Zocalo Aji Amarillo Chili Paste, a staple in Peru

Spicely Organic Ground Cumin

Spicely Organic Oregano

Everything laid out

The recipe that these ingredients are intended to create is a very popular Peruvian dish: "Pollo a la Brasa". In English that translates to Peruvian Roast Chicken with Spiced Kaniwa. The recipe sounds great, and I can't wait to make it(well, my wife will most likely make it). The secret of Peruvian food is that it blends ancient grains with Japanese and Chinese zest to produce wonderfully distinct flavors.

The ingredients that they supply are high quality, and looks like mostly organic. If you have ever checked out organic spices at the grocery store, and even quinoa, they are extremely expensive. Which is what makes the cost of 34.95 for this box, a big DEAL. Plus, you experience flavors that you won't find in your area unless you vacation to the country itself. I remember going to Costa Rica and LOVING the food there, only to find that there is nothing that can recreate that flavor around here. And I am in Chicago, one of the most diverse food cities in the United States. Also, would you go to the store and think to yourself - "I think I am going to make a Peruvian dish tonight for dinner." Probably not, but these kits give you inspiration to try something new, and different. Just remember, each quarter is something new, not just Peruvian food. I think it's a great idea. Thanks Hungry Globetrotter.

They also have a new Heat Seekers Club, which is a monthly subscription service for hot sauces from around the world. Not burn-your-face-off hot sauces, but medium heat that represents different flavors. I am really interested in this club as well. I love a little heat! $14.95 per month.

The Hungry Globetrotter
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Week 24 Day 6 - Mama Lana Box Review

10:29am

Break time. Which means my daily donuts and energy drink. I know it's not healthy but it tastes good, and donuts are only .50 cents. 

Blackhawks play today at 4pm. First game of the series against the LA Kings. I'm a little disappointed that I will miss most of it, since I have to work til 5pm. Oh well. I should be able to catch the end at least. 

Mama Lana Review will be on here later when I get home to my laptop. These quick updates I do from my phone from the Blogger app. It's pretty handy. 

3:56pm

Hawks start in a few minutes. Might stop by my uncles after work to watch the end. Not sure yet. Have to see what the wife says. 

She said that she felt like she had two contractions earlier. I said put the phone to your stomach and let me talk to my daughter. She did and I told her "Baby, I know you can hear me. This is your dad. You just stay put in there. We still have way to much to do before you come out!" Don't worry too much though, we know they aren't real contractions. The doctor told her last week that her cervix is not insufficient, and that if she begins to feel these slight contractions, that don't really hurt, they are most likely just "Braxton-Hicks" contractions. These type of contractions can begin around 6 weeks, and are usually painless, but can become increasingly more painful as you approach your due date. You will know that they are the real deal when the contractions stay longer, and become closer in time.


 8:52pm

Mama Lana Box of Bliss

We received our first "Pregnancy" box in the mail yesterday. Mamalanabox.com offers a hand-selected "kit" that comes every month, designed for the expecting mother. The boxes cost $59 a piece, or if you buy the "full box service", which is all 9 boxes, you save a little money and it ends up being $459. 

When we got the box, immediately my wife was waiting to open it. I had to beg her to wait a few minutes so that I could take some pictures for this blog. We were very surprised with the personalized letter written to us. A nice touch and it shows that they truly care!

Welcome Letter, and Personalized Memo 

The personalized memo. 

"Dear Kevin and Brittany,

We are so excited for the two of you!

We love PregoForMen (as do our husbands) and look forward to working with you.

With love, Anna and Lauren, Mama Lana"

What it looks like when you open the box! Neatly organized. 

 www.mamalanabox.com

Prenatal Yoga DVD. My wife was just talking about starting yoga. She was really excited about this!

Blank Assorted Stationary

All Natural Mount Sequoia Granola Dark Chocolate Bar - She will be lucky if she gets to this before I do.

Adorable baby socks, looks like custom crochet. We will add these to her growing clothes collection.

Inspirational Cards

 Traditional Medicinals Organic Pregnancy Tea. My wife LOVES tea, so this is another great addition! She said that she has heard a lot of good things about this brand's complete product line, as well.

Coconut Oil Sugar Body Scrub. I know myself, the many benefits of coconut oil. And for your skin, it is great. She is worried about stretch marks and this should help with that.

I have to say, we were very excited to open this box. Every detail is thought through, and even the box's exterior is good looking. I wish we would have come across www.mamalanabox.com and their boxes a lot  sooner. The boxes start at 3 months and go to 9 months. There are 2 more boxes after that as well. 40+ Weeks "Ready for Baby", and after the baby is born, "New Mama Necessities". They are pretty cool to order for yourself, but I would think that these would make even better gifts. We can't wait to get our next box, for month 7. I am a little curious now as to what we missed in the 5 previous boxes! Be sure to check them out. Like I said they make GREAT UNIQUE GIFTS. They are truly one-of-a-kind and sure to bring a smile to any expectant mother's face.

GUYS = GET THIS FOR YOUR WIFE... IT WILL MEAN A LOT TO HER, AND SHE WILL NEVER EXPECT IT! YOU CAN THANK ME LATER.

http://www.mamalanabox.com

http://www.facebook.com/mamalanabox

http://www.twitter.com/mamalanabox

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS to my readers!

Save $10 off ANY order with promo code - pregoformen10

Save $25 off your order of 3 or more boxes with promo code - pregoformen-go-big

Save $50 off the "Full Service" subscription with promo code - pregoformen-go-all-the-way (BEST DEAL!)

10:09pm

Well, the Blackhawks won. So that makes me happy, and my wife, she likes that stuff too. I missed the first two periods because of work, and travel home. We stopped at my uncle's house to watch the last period. My wife especially likes to go there because she loves children, and my little cousin is only 4 years old. She is too funny. I think she really likes my wife because every move she made, she would copy it. Kind of gives us a little preview of what's in store for us! I enjoy it, and so does she. We are excited.

Afterwards, my wife decided she wanted some ice cream. I couldn't say no to that! We attempted to go to small local mom-and-pop ice cream shop but they had closed right before we pulled up. So we settled for some Baskin-Robins. Chocolate Peanut Butter and Pralines n' Cream for me, Pistachio Almond and Pralines n' Cream for her. Oh, and some donuts for tomorrow!

Week 23 Day 6 - Those Are Some Huge Pancakes

8:59am

I have to work at 10am today. Going to be another horribly busy day, but there's a lot more help at least. My wife convinced me to wake up a little early today so I did, and got ready for work. Only to find that she made my lunch for work, and a huge breakfast for me. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, strawberries, mango, banana. I love that her new job has her waking up early. So now on the weekends, when she is off, she still gets up early. I am the same way. But anyways I have to get going to work. Hope everyone got this treatment this morning!

2:23pm

While on my lunch break, thought I would share 10 facts about Memorial Day. Many seem to forget why we celebrate the day, it's not just a free day off of work. 

1. Memorial Day began after the Civil War. It was originally called Decoration Day because both Northerners and Southerners decorated the graves of their Civil War dead.
2. Memorial Day continued to be Civil War-focused until WWI when observances expanded to honor all those who had died in America?s wars. It is different from Veteran’s Day which honors all veterans living or dead.
3. The holiday was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery, which lies across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., had been Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s plantation. It is thought the date was chosen because by that time of the year flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
4. About 5000 individuals attended the first ceremony, the same as today. 
5. Several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring their Confederate war dead including… January 19 — Texas Confederate Heroes Day signifying Robert E. Lee’s birthday. The last Monday in April (or April 26) — Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi to mark the surrender of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston to Union General William Sherman. May 10 — North and South Carolina which marks the death of “Stonewall” Jackson and the capture of President Jefferson Davis. June 3 — Louisiana and Tennessee for Jefferson Davis’ birthday.
6. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. While approximately 25 cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson bestowed that honor to Waterloo, New York because they had begun conducting an annual community service regularly since May 5, 1866.
7. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May, thus beginning the tradition of federal three-day holiday weekends.
8. Memorial Day etiquette is to fly the flag at half staff until noon, then fully raise it until sunset.
9. The inspiration to wear red poppies to honor the dead on Memorial Day originates from the 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae.
   In Flanders fields the poppies blow
   Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
   Scarce heard amid the guns below.

   We are the Dead. Short days ago

   We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

   Loved and were loved, and now we lie

   In Flanders fields.

   Take up our quarrel with the foe:
   To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
   We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
   In Flanders fields.

10. To ensure Americans do not lose sight of the sacrifices soldiers have made, “The National Moment of Remembrance Act” was signed into law in December 2000. On Memorial Day at 3PM local time Americans are encouraged to pause wherever they are for a minute of silence to remember those who have died in service to the nation.

8:00pm

GO HAWKS!

Got my jersey on! 

Don't Forget to Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! @PregoForMen

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Week 21 Day 3

9:39am

Up nice and early on my day off. Cleaned up around the house a little bit, have laundry going, and just finished a work out. Supposed to be nice out again today so I'm hoping to get a little motorcycle ride in before 1pm. I have to be home for delivery anywhere from 1pm-4pm. They always ruin the nice days off for me! At least this is the last furniture set that we need for a while. Bedroom set is next but that can wait. 

My wife's friend had her baby. She showed me a picture this morning. He's really cute. I hope our little girl is cute but I already know she will be! I think her mother has more dominant traits so probably will look more like her, which is not a bad thing!

3:46pm

I went out for a quick ride around 12:30pm. It's almost too warm out. Well, no, it's never too warm. But I actually pulled into the subdivision a few minutes after 1pm directly behind the furniture delivery truck. Because our building is tricky to find amongst the rest, I was able to sneak past them by taking a different drive through the subdivision. They never knew I wasn't even home! The table and chairs look and fit great! We love it! 

Once my wife gets it all situated in the dining area how she wants it I will put up a photo. 

7:44pm

I am watching the Bulls vs. Heat basketball game while my wife makes dinner. I think she is making some Grilled Chicken Pasta with Vodka Sauce (no, not alcoholic). The Bulls won the last game in the playoff series vs. the Heat but tonight they are getting walked all over. I'm not much of a basketball fan but the playoffs have been pretty entertaining. Plus, I watch the Blackhawks and they usually alternate days where each sport plays. The bulls one night and then the Blackhawks the next night. There's always something to watch. 

I don't think we are going to eat dinner at our new table because we don't have a tablecloth or placements for it. Would hate to scratch it already. 

Ok as I am writing this I guess I am wrong.  She is setting the table now. Dinner time!