2014 Review

Looking back on our year, I feel incredibly blessed. 2014 brought many adventures, but my favorite of all those adventures was marrying Andrew in April and then finding out a few months later that we were expecting! I think 2015 will bring just as many adventures as we become a family of three. Only good things ahead for the Snow family.

Here is our past year at a glance:

Ugly Christmas Sweater Winner

I hope everyone had a great holiday! We sure did. Today I'm announcing the winner of the ugly Christmas sweater contest. There was a lot of great entries so I had to share them. If you want to see all the entries, check out #snowstormsweaterparty on Instagram,

It was really hard to decide who won, but the winner is...

Congrats Sherrie! I'll be contacting you about claiming your prize! 

And thanks to all who entered!

Merry Christmas!

Pregnancy Freebies

If there's one thing I've learned thus far in pregnancy, it's that babies need so. much. crap. At first it doesn't seem like too much stuff, but it slowly piles up (and adds up, babies ain't cheap). In my quest to be thrifty in this whole gestation process, I've stumbled upon a few great freebies. Most of these things you can get absolutely free, all you have to pay is the shipping costs. Usually these promo codes can be used without limit. That means you can buy one for yourself, one for a baby shower gift, and one just for the heck of it. I mean, free stuff! Why not? 

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1. Get a FREE nursing pillow ($39.95 value) or upgrade to a minky nursing pillow ($49.95 value) for only $5 by using nursing pillow6 at checkout! Just pay $12.95 for shipping. You can also apply this code towards the 3 piece minky gift set ($64.95 value) to get it for only $9.95 plus shipping! 

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2. Use the code TFF14 to get 5 FREE pairs of baby leggings ($50 value)! Just pay $12.95 for shipping.

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3. Get a FREE nursing cover from Udder Covers ($34.95 value) when you use DED081 at checkout! Just pay $11.95 for shipping. You can also apply the code towards the 3 piece gift set ($39.95 value) to get it for only $4.95 plus shipping!

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4. Get a FREE carseat canopy ($49.95 value) by using DED081 at checkout! Just pay $12.95 for shipping. You can also apply the code towards the whole caboodle 5 piece set ($89.95 value) to get it for only $39.95 plus shipping!

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5. Get a FREE baby sling ($39.95 value) by using DED081 at checkout! Just pay $11.95 for shipping. You can also apply the code towards the 3 piece gift set ($46.95 value) to get it for only $4.95 plus shipping!

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6. Get 10 FREE reusable breast pads ($35 value) by using TFF14 at checkout! Just pay $12.95 for shipping.

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7. Get either 2 FREE belly button maternity band ($39.90 value) or a FREE belly button body ($39.95 value) by using TFF14 at checkout! Just pay $14.99 for shipping.

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8. When you sign up for a new account on Shutterfly, get 50 FREE 4x6 prints! Just pay for shipping.

9. Get a FREE sample of Huggies diapers and wipes.

10. Join Enfamil Family Beginning to receive over $250 in pregnancy freebies. You'll receive free formula, coupons, and more.

11. Join Similac StrongMoms and get up to $329 in great offers such as free formula, Similac coupons, a free Messenger bag, a free first trimester, and third trimester OB gift, and a free Shutterfly photo book.

12. Get 7 FREE issues of Parent Magazine.

13. Get a FREE sample of Simply Right diapers.

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If you notice that one of the promo codes isn't working properly, let me know so I can contact the company and get a new working one. And if you know of a great freebie, leave it in the comments below so all us prego ladies can benefit!

You might also like:

Pregnancy Must-Haves
Newborn Must-Haves
Dream Nursery Inspiration
Taylor's Nursery: The Details

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Follow along with my pregnancy:

The Annoucement

17 Week Bumpdate

Gender Reveal

27 Week Bumpdate

36 Week Bumpdate

Final Countdown

39 Week Bumpdate

The Birth Story

Mesa Temple Lights

Andrew and I spend most weekends at home watching The Office on Netflix for the umpteenth time. This Saturday, we actually were social and went out to dinner with friends. Afterwards, we stopped by the Mesa Temple Lights and snapped a few pictures. It was a great night hanging out with Bryon, Cassidy, Lanni, Hannah, and Kent.

Andrew and I

Bryon, Cassidy, and Lanni

Hannah and Kent

If you need a fun Christmas activity this month, the Mesa Temple Lights is a great free event for the whole family going on now until the the 31st.

Huge List of Birthday Freebies

It's my birthday and I'm feeling... 23? I'm now too old to use T.Swift references I guess. Baby boy is feeling 23 as well- 23 weeks (and 2 days) that is.

Instead of waiting on all of you to send me gifts, I thought I'd give you a little something for my birthday. Here's a list of some of the free stuff you can get on your birthday. Who doesn't love free stuff, amiright?

Abuelo’s- Join their eClub and receive a free gift on your birthday.

ACE Hardware- Sign up for ACE Rewards and get a $5 off coupon on your birthday.

American Eagle Outfitters- Enjoy 15% off during your birthday month.

AMF Bowling- Sign up for AMF eClub and receive a special deal on your birthday.

Anthropology- Become a member of Anthro and get 15% off during your birthday month.

Applebee’s- Sign up for their newsletter and you’ll get a dessert shooter on your birthday.

Arby’s- Get a free milkshake on your birthday, plus a free regular roast beef sandwich when you sign up.

Auntie Anne’s- Sign up for Auntie Anne’s birthday club and get a free pretzel on your birthday.
Aveda- Get a free birthday gift when you become a member.

Baja Fresh- Join Club Baja and receive a free burrito on your birthday, plus a free taco just for signing up.

Baskin Robbins- Join their email club and receive free ice cream on your birthday.

Barnes & Noble- Get a free cupcake from the cafe on your child’s birthday.

Ben & Jerry’s- Become a ChunkSpelunker and you’ll get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.

Benihana- Register for The Chef’s Table and get a free $30 Benihana Birthday Certificate.

Bennigan’s- Become an eClub member and receive a free dessert and a buy one entree, get one free coupon on your birthday.

BJ’s Resturant- Get a free Pizookie on your birthday.

Black Angus Steakhouse- Join the Prime Club and receive a free dessert for joining plus a free steak dinner on your birthday.

Bob Evans- Free kids meal on their birthday.

Buca di Beppo- Register for their eClub and receive a free brownie on your birthday and a free dessert on your anniversary.

Captain D’s – Become a Captain D’s Seafood Restaurant Insider and receive a free fish or chicken dinner for joining, plus more freebies on your birthday.

Caribou Coffee – Free drink on your birthday.

Chili’s – Join their email list and get a free order of chips and salsa or guacamole or queso just for joining, plus a brownie sundae on your birthday.

Cold Stone Creamery – Join their club to receive a coupon for free ice cream on your birthday.

CVS- Register for ExtraCare and receive $3 ExtraCare Bucks for your birthday.

Dairy Queen – Join their fan club to receive a free Blizzard on your birthday

Daphne’s Greek Café – Join their Pita Points Rewards Club and receive $5 for your birthday.

Del Taco – Join their Raving Fan eClub and receive a free premium shake on your birthday, plus two free Grilled Chicken Tacos just for signing up.

dELiA’s- Special gift on your birthday.

Denny’s – Free Grand Slam on your birthday.

Don Pablo’s – Join their Hab Club and receive a free $10 gift card on your birthday.
DSW- Join DSW rewards and get a $5 Certificate for your birthday.

Dunkin’ Donuts – Sign up for DDPerks and get a free medium coffee on your birthday.

Famous Dave’s – Join the Be a P.I.G. (Pretty Important Guest) Club and receive something free on your birthday.

Firehouse Subs – Show up with a valid I.D. on your birthday and receive a free medium sub.

Friendly’s – Join their BFF Club and get a free three-scoop sundae just for enrolling, as well as free birthday offers for your entire family.

Fuddruckers – Join the Fudd Club and get a free birthday treat.

Great American Cookies – Join their Cookie-Mail Club for free birthday surprises.

IHOP – When you join the Pancake Revolution get 3 free meals, the day you sign up, your birthday, and on your 1 year anniversary of joining.

Jack in the Box – Show a valid ID card along with the coupon for a free dessert on your birthday.

Jersey Mike’s Subs – Free sub and drink coupon for your birthday.

Johnny Rockets – Join the Johnny Rocket eClub and receive a free hamburger on your birthday.

Kmart birthday club – $5 Birthday Bucks + more.

Krispy Kreme – Join the Friends of Krispy Kreme eClub and get a free doughnut and coffee on your birthday.

Lancome – Sign up for Lancome and receive a special birthday offer on your birthday.

Mattel – Sign up for Mattel Birthday Club and receive a special greeting card and a $5 coupon.

Menchie’s – Join the mySmileage rewards program and recieve a $5 credit towards frozen yogurt on your birthday.

Moe’s Southwest Grill - Join their eClub and receive a free gift on your birthday.

Noodles & Company – Join their eClub and get a free dish on your birthday.

Old Navy – Sign up for Old Navy’s email newsletter and receive a free birthday surprise.

Olive Garden – Special offer on your birthday.

On the Border – Free appetizer on your birthday.

Orange Julius – Free drink on your birthday.

Outback Steakhouse – Join their rewards program and receive a free dessert on your birthday.

Petco – Sign up for PetCo’s Birthday Club and receive special message & savings on your pets birthday.

P.F. Chang’s – Sign up for their newsletter and get a free dessert on your birthday.

Qdoba Mexican Grill – Sign up for their rewards program and receive free chips & salsa or a free regular drink for registering, plus a free gift on your birthday.

Quiznos – Free cookie on your birthday.

Red Lobster – Free surprise on your birthday.

Red Robin’s eClub: Join their eClub and get a free burger with bottomless fries on your birthday.

Regal Theaters – Sign up for Regal Crown Club and get free birthday popcorn.

Ruby Tuesday’s So Connected Club – Free burger on your birthday.

Sephora – Sign up for Beauty Insiders and receive a complimentary gift during your birthday month.

Smashbox – Join Smashbox Pretty Points Rewards Program and receive an extra- special FREE gift during the month of your birthday.

Smashburger – Sign up for Smashclub and get a free birthday surprise.

Steak ‘n Shake – Join their eClub and get a free birthday surprise.

Starbucks – Join their rewards club for a free drink on your birthday.

TCBY - Sign up for the myTCBY eclub and recieve a free small yogurt on your birthday.

Toy’s R Us – Sign up for Geoffrey’s Birthday Club and receive a special birthday card and special gift from Geoffrey every year until he or she is 10.

Uno Chicago Grill: Join their rewards program and get a free meal on your birthday.

Wingstop – Sign up for their eClub and receive free large fries on your birthday.

For even more birthday freebies, check out this post over on Deirde Emme or this post on The Frugal Girls.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Instagram Round-Up + Contest

I love Christmas. Everything about it. And that includes ugly Christmas sweaters. To celebrate this season of sharing, I thought that the sharing of everyone's ugly sweaters pictures was of high importance. Thus, the following contest was born. I'm going to be giving away a $20 credit to my etsy shop for the best ugly sweater picture posted on Instagram. To participate, hashtag your photo with #snowstormsweaterparty. You'll then be automatically entered and the winner will be chosen on December 26th.

Here are some ideas to get you in the holiday spirit:

Buzz, Your Girlfriend, Woof! Sweater

Red Darth Vader Star Wars Sweater

Ugly Christmas Tree Sweater with Suspenders

Ugly Cat Sweater with Bells

Sharky Ugly Christmas Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweater Kit

Ugly Christmas Sweater Suit

So let's see those ugly sweaters! The cheesier, the better. Extra points for handmade.

PS- If you want even more ideas, just browse Amazon's selections.

*This post contains affiliate links.*

Baby Snow is a...

A photo posted by Alicia Snow (@aliciareneesnow) on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:21pm PST

I was totally shocked to learn that I'm having a little baby boy! At my twelve week ultrasound, our tech told us that she was pretty sure it was going to be a girl. Even though I was hoping for my first to be a boy, I wasn't surprised by the ultrasound technician's guess because I kept having dreams that the baby was a girl and always referred to the baby as a "she". I quickly came around to the idea of a girl and became extremely excited about it.

So going into my anatomy scan on Tuesday afternoon, I was fully confident that the tech was going to confirm her prediction of a girl. When the tech said, "Well it looks like I was wrong.", I was completely taken by surprise! I could not believe we were having a boy like I originally hoped for!

But we have a small problem. Since we assumed we were having a girl, we came up with the perfect name... for a girl. Now that we're planning for a little boy, we cannot come up with a boy name that we love/agree on! This is my call for help. Please, please, please, leave boy name suggestions in the comments below. At the very least, it will get my creative juices flowing to hopefully come up with the perfect name for our baby boy.

Happy Halloween

Per Halloween tradition, here's another hilarious Ellen video:

You can see 2013's here and 2012's here.

17 Weeks

I simultaneously love and hate these pregnancy questionnaires so I give you full permission to skip over this post.

How far along? 17 weeks. I can't believe I'm four months pregnant already! Baby is the size of: a pear. About 5 inches long and weighs about 6 ounces. Maternity clothes? They're not really necessary yet, but I really hate any and all waistbands. I've slowly been acquiring some items from Target and PinkBlush. I have a few maternity tops that I love and I pretty much live in leggings. Sleep? I wake up a lot to change positions. I usually fall asleep pretty quickly afterwards, but it's still not extremely fun to wake up at least five times during the night just to roll over. Movement? I felt my first kick on Saturday! I usually push a little bit on my stomach when I'm laying in bed just to see if I can feel anything. As my hand was laying on my stomach, someone decided to push back! Best moment of the week? Feeling the baby kick. Crossing my fingers for more movement soon! Miss anything? Sleeping on my stomach. Food cravings? Not so much cravings, more like there's only a few things I can eat. I go through a family size bag of frozen chicken nuggets a week, and I really like pasta, rice, and potatoes. Anything make you queasy? The dishwasher! Andrew is on permanent dish duty. Showing? My stomach is starting to protrude. I'm just waiting for the day that it looks like there's an actual baby in there and not just a large meal. Weight gain/loss? Morning all-day sickness got the best of me (and still occasional gets the best of me) and I lost 7lbs the first trimester. I'm slowly getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Hopefully I'll be able to start packing on the pounds now that I can eat a little more. Stretch marks? Not yet. Happy or moody? Happy. I haven't had too many mood swings thus far. Looking forward to: finding out the gender in two weeks! At our 12 week ultrasound, the tech told us what they thought it might be so I'm excited to either confirm or deny that.

Top: PinkBlush  |  Leggings: PinkBlush  |  Flats: Target (similar)  |  Headband: Wet Seal

Happy Blog Birthday Snowstorm!

Today marks two years of having this little ole' blog of mine.

It's crazy to look back and see how far it's come. In the past two years, Snowstorm has had three different names, gone through many design makeovers, and has gained quite a few followers. I've also purchased a domain name, became more involved in the blogging community, and made quite a few friends along the journey. Snowstorm has been here to document my wedding, many trips, and now a baby joining the family.

Blogging can seem like a strange concept to others, but those who do it know that you find an amazing sense of community through it. So thank you to everyone who has commented, helped, contributed, reached out, etcetera and so on.

If you have a moment, I would love if you could take this quick, one question survey to help improve my blog. Just click here.

Hidden Netflix Gems

Pregnancy has led to more hours than I would like to admit spent watching Netflix. Even if I wasn't pregnant, I'm sure I would watch close to the same amount. I'm lazy, sue me. With all the time I've invested in Netflix binging, I have discovered a few unknown (at least unknown to me) shows that must be shared with the world. So, stop whatever productive thing you're doing and sit down to watch these gems.

Yiro Dreams of Sushi- I love sushi. Coincidentally, I can no longer eat sushi in my pregnant state. Regardless, Andrew and I watched this documentary on the best sushi maker in the world. I don't know why it was so captivating to watch, but it was. If you like sushi, it will be even better.

Blackfish- We all know that Sea World is constantly in a legal battle against someone. I never put much thought into it until we watched this documentary that follows the life of Tilikum, an Orca that has found it's way into the top breeding position at Sea World, even though Tilikum was directly involved in the deaths of three humans. It is an insanely interesting documentary, and it makes you want to go all Free Willy on the killer whales. (Another great documentary that's similar is The Cove, but it's no longer offered on Netflix.

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead- This documentary follows Joe, an overweight man with quite a few health problems. He decides to take control of his life and starts on a 60 day juicing cleanse. It's quite amazing to see all the changes he experiences. While this is happening, he road trips across America, interviewing people on their health and food choices. It will definitely make you reevaluate your diet. We may or may not have purchased a juicer after watching it.

Call The Midwife- I might love this show only because I'm pregnant, but I've heard others mention how much they enjoy it as well so I'm going to say I would still love it just as much even if I wasn't with child. This three season show follows a group of nurse midwives working in London in the 1950s. It was originally based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, and then expanded to include other historically based material. It's an amazing BBC period drama that I wholeheartedly recommend watching.

We Cause Scenes- This documentary is about Improv Everywhere. Ever heard of No Pants Day? Yeah, that was them. By watching this, you'll learn about the humble beginnings of Improv Everywhere, and how the antics originally started by the founder impersonating Ben Folds in a bar to pick up chicks. It's a good-feeling documentary that will make you laugh.

Freakonomics- Yes, yet another documentary. This is based on the bestselling book about incentive-based thinking. It examines the reason for human behavior with interesting and funny case studies. The studies range from whether or not your name can affect your life's outcome, to how bribery can change a high school freshman's grades. It touches on all sorts of subjects, and you feel ten times smarter after watching this one.

Secret Princes- Let me start off by saying that this show is ridiculous. However, I quite enjoy ridiculous shows, so it made the list. Secret Princes is a short series that follows four royals that go undercover. They move to America, live in a crappy house, have crappy jobs, and try to pick up ladies in hopes of finding a women that love them for who they are, and not their money or titles. It's quite hilarious to watch them adjust to "normal" life. Some of the guys you root for and some are just pretentious. It's definitely a show to consider if you need something mind-numbing to watch.

The Office- Okay, okay, so this isn't an unknown show, but it is a must-watch. Seriously, if you haven't watched The Office yet, you need it in your life. I have watched this series all the way through countless times and I'll probably watch it a few more dozen times.

Parks and Recreation- Another show that isn't really "unknown", but a show that should be watched. Plus, Netflix just added the most recent season so there's even more reason to watch it.

What are your must-watch shows on Netflix? Any hidden gems that you've discovered?

*This post contains affiliate links.*