Dining Out for Life - Dine Out. Fight AIDS. April 29th - nationwide!

Tomorrow is such a fun day. Tomorrow, across the U.S., major urban cities and restaurants team up to fight against HIV/AIDS by donating to their local AIDS Service Organizations. In Phoenix, this is my event and I am so excited for my staff and agency's work to come to fruition. This event is so awesome because regardless of your budget, you can help! Just go out to eat! Whether you can afford a $6 lunch at Sauce or a $40/plate meal at Roka Akor - tomorrow just go out to eat! Over 60 mainstream, trendy spots are donating 25%, 50%, 75% or even 100% of their gross proceeds tomorrow to Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS in Phoenix (my agency). The more diners, the more donations to SWC!

Check out http://www.diningoutforlife.com/ for full details nationwide. No matter where you live (East Coast, West Coast, Texas - wherever), the major cities participate.

Of all the events we put on, this is my favorite because so many people get involved and support the cause. I will be at Avalon in Scottsdale tomorrow promoting the event. Look for live feeds on ABC 15 and Channel 10. Check out Arizona Republic, AZ Foothills, New Times, ECHO, IONAZ, n Touch, http://www.swhiv.org/, all radio stations, and of course the Dining Out for Life website for all locations.

If you can't make it out to Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, at least go get your car washed at Los Olivos or check out the media store - Stinkweeds! There are so many ways to get involved.

No matter where you are, support Dining Out for Life and make a difference to those living with HIV in your community!

xoxo

Tanner Tuesday Trivia and Tidbit

Today, in the spirit of baby T - I will give you indulge you in some baby trivia!

1. What percentage of babies actually arrive on their due date?A. 80-81% B. 24-25% C. 3-4%
2. What is the word for pregnant in England?A. stuffed B. full C. packed
3. Babies are born without which body part? A. Kneecaps B. Elbows C. Tailbone D. Shoulder blades
4. What is a diaper called in South Africa? A. Nappy B. Dispenser C. Disposable

Answers: C, A, A, C

Today, Ben and I went to my routine doctor's appointment to check on Little Luke. All was great! My main issue is tingling in my legs and feet - I have pretty significant restless leg syndrome. NOT fun. I am having difficulty sleeping and always have to move my legs to feel comfortable. So the doctor suggested "late night" walks to tire my legs out. Tonight during our walk, Ben was kind enough to pass along a tidbit of information that I thought you should know. Did you know bear's sense of smell is 8 times more sensitive than a bloodhound's? Who knew!?!

Happy Tuesday!

Baby Nursery Ideas... Love Serena & Lily

I just learned about Serena & Lily Bedding and I love it all!

Serena & Lily Ben Crib Bedding Collection for Baby Boy Nursery

I was recommended to get bedding that can be used for both little boys and girls so I can just pass down the bedding and decor. Sounds good to me. I think the Ben collection is somewhat unisex. If I have a girl next, I can put little orangish and white bows so that would be fine...

My soap box... about immigration issues in Arizona.

So... normally I would stem away from controversial issues but this is my blog and I can write what I want! Tonight... I want to talk about the infamous "anti-immigration law" (SB1070). This law is sitting on the Governor's desk awaiting signature... This law basically allows police to ask anyone they "reasonably suspect" at any time to show their legal status papers. And, if you don't have your papers, you are immediately arrested. So, basically all immigrants must carry their papers with them 24/7. Hmmm... "License, registration, legal status papers..."

Coming from a border state and living in South Texas for most of my life, can you not understand what a crucial and important role our immigrants play in our economy and daily lives - legal or not? I am not blind to the increasing danger and drug problems that come from those horrible losers who ruin it for the rest of the immigrants who just want a better life for their families... But, I think AZ is quite extreme and borderline unconstitutional to pass this into law. And, might I make clear, I am not writing this from a Republican/Democrat - Liberal/Conservative stance... I am writing from the stance of a person who has grown up around Hispanic culture and who sees value in those who immigrate to the U.S. (since most are coming here for more opportunity and to seek a better life.) I know there is a problem that needs attention, but this is not the right solution.

I am looking forward to getting away from a state with such extreme, immoral values on this issue. If Arizona put as much time into working towards a decent, improved basic education program as they do combatting immigration issues, they wouldn't be dead last in per pupil expenditure in the nation (NEA 2008) or #50 in the "smartest state" award with #1 being the smartest (Morgan Quitno Press).

So, obviously you know where I stand on this bill... Please don't sign it Gov. Brewer.

http://cnn.com/video/?/video/us/2010/04/20/sot.arizona.immigration.bill.cnn

The Bump and The Feeling...

So... this weekend - to be specific - on Sunday, I popped! Baby bump has arrived and it is so cute. I will enjoy every bit of my cute little baby bump time because it's temporary - as we all know. It was the weirdest thing... No bump Saturday to POP! a bump Sunday! I even had to use the bella band yesterday - which was interesting. If you are extremely curvy/hippy - is it supposed to stay put? Mine is not really staying put - keeps sliding up. Oh well - it does work wonders... Hopefully I can wear most of my current pants most of the pregnancy with this bella band's help. We'll see. I am pretty much in love with Isabella Oliver's line of maternity clothes. Maternity clothes scare me b/c many are borderline frumpy or just flat out frumpy and I refuse to enter that category. I cannot wait to order some things from Mrs. Oliver! Sassy, fabulous and prego - my motto.

The other great thing... I think I felt little Luke move! Not sure - I need to read about it but I am pretty sure I did. He is definitely an active little thing - I am afraid I am having quite the wild child by the look of his past ultrasounds... A cute precious little wild child. :) It was such an interesting feeling... Didn't really feel great but it didn't hurt - it was like a flutter movement and awkward a bit. Hmmm... time to refer to one of my many pregnancy books. I will let you know...

On a different note, I better walk my little canine son especially since he decided to snatch some of my chocolate covered ice cream cone when I dropped it and couldn't pick it up fast enough. You know what happens with dogs and chocolate...even a little milk chocolate causes the runs and crazy behavior. Better go...

Tidbit Tuesday! Hey Mr. Scallop... did you sea that?

The Tanner tidbit for this Tuesday... Did you know that scallops have 60-70 eyes! That's right - the scallops you eat. My husband's favorite seafood. Little whitish round things. They have about 60 - 70 eyes but are pretty much blind - they only sense light and motion... and they are blue! Who knew!

Well my friend Alanna did. After her fabulous home-cooked Mexican meal with fresh tortillas and fabulous guac, she shared with me her tidbit for today. Thanks Alanna!

I hope you feel a bit enlightened from my tidbit.

H

Survival tips for navigating Babies R Us!

So,... most people know I am expecting! YAY! A precious little baby boy in late October. Well, I decided it was time to register. I have always heard that registering for baby needs is quite different than registering for a wedding. Who knew that there are more than 6 brands of bottles! 20 million types of strollers! Do you really need a bouncer, swing, activity center, pack and play, and play gym? I will be doing circuits with Baby T all day long at this rate... and maybe that's just what you do?!?! Anyways, all that to say - I was so overwhelmed when I entered the mecca of baby gear - Babies R Us - this weekend. Now that I am 3 days knowledged in baby registering... here are some fresh tips!

1) Go with a friend who has children around 1-2 years old. They can REALLY tell you what you need versus what they say you MUST have. They have gone through a full year with a little one... and they know the best!

2) Prepare by reading consumer reports and mom blogs first! Check out the expensive items in particular: strollers, car seats, swings, high chairs, monitors, etc...

3) Did you know you can rent breast pump machines from hospitals once the baby is born to test out the best pumpers and then purchase? That way you really know what your doing and what to buy when you really need it! Who knew!

4) Don't register for clothes other than the necessities - onsies, hats, and socks... Everyone will buy you clothes galore! Make the focus the main needs and cutsie clothes will just come. PLUS - Babies R Us does not recommend you registering for outfits since you cannot delete anything online plus they change styles every 3 weeks so it is hard to keep things consistent over your 9 month period. I learned the hard way and maxed out my registry falling in love with every little sweater vest and plaid overall outfit... I had almost as many clothes as necessities. Oops! When I went to delete - I couldn't! So, Babies R Us had to do it manually. Now I know!

Well - hope these tips are helpful! I honestly registered for most of my items on Amazon. I love their Universal Registry option plus the great prices offered on all items.

HLT