Moms

- Most Popular Stories
- Midlife?
  
  Kimchi Mamas
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:51 am
  
  Hi there Kimchi Mamas!!! How are things going? Things are going alright here in the Choi family. I turned 40 this year and I kind of am really liking the older me. I feel so mature! Can you tell? So mature! Right? =) In all seriousness, I actually do feel like I am just barely starting to get this thing...
- The unboxing of the Skinny & Co coconut goodies
  
  Brain Soup For The Dysfunctional Soul
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 10:47 am
  
  Got my freebie on today, with Skinny & Co coconut beauty products! Check it out:� #CoconutOil #RawCoconutOil #SkinnyCoconut #CoconutPulling #CoconutScrub**Disclaimer: these products were given to me free of charge to sample, and any review I provide will be my own truthful opinion because I DO NOT PLAY. �You aren't the boss of me!
- The Creative Life Podcast with guest Penni Russon
  
  Karen Andrews - learning through life and creativity
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 11:38 pm
  
  The Creative Life Podcast Episode Ten This week’s guest is Penni Russon. She is author of The Undine Trilogy, The Indigo Girls, Little Bird and other titles including Only Ever Always, which was a winner of the West Australian Premier’s Book Award and NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. She is currently undertaking a PhD and also blogs at eglantinescake.blogspot.com.au which is where I first discovered her work. Literature lovers take note – this is rich with book references and even a creative writing exercise or two. Enjoy! Subjects Discussed Penni’s childhood in…
- Customer Differentiation in Competitive Markets – SxSW Interactive 2016
  
  entrepreMusings
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 1:29 pm
  
  It’s been over 7 years since I submitted a panel idea to SxSW Interactive and now the time has come to do it again. You may wonder why or you may not care at all, but nonetheless I’m letting you know about it. Please vote, comment on, and share our panel idea: Customer Differentiation in Competitive Markets before September 2, 2016. We’d love to have the opportunity to share our collective wisdom on how to create, build, and maintain a highly successful customer focused organization using the knowledge and tools available today. Comments on the panel picker are…
- The Mickey Tate Fan Club
  
  Adventures in Babywearing
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 8:11 pm
  
  Last night Ivy and I attended a production of The Wizard of Oz at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. It was fabulous. I was blown away by the talent on that stage.�P.S. I also love when a theatre sells wine and lets you take it to your seats. But Mickey Tate was the real treat. Mickey Tate, the�dog who performed the role of Toto had his own too-cool-for-school headshot and bio in the program. This delighted Ivy to no end. The joy on her face the entire night is something I hope to never forget. �We joked that we are going to start a Mickey Tate fan club and want to see every show…

- Kimchi Mamas
- Midlife?
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:51 am
  
  Hi there Kimchi Mamas!!! How are things going? Things are going alright here in the Choi family. I turned 40 this year and I kind of am really liking the older me. I feel so mature! Can you tell? So mature! Right? =) In all seriousness, I actually do feel like I am just barely starting to get this thing...
- Kimchi in outer space!
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 2:13 pm
  
  Heard on NPR's Morning Edition this week: click the link to hear a story from the fabulous Kitchen Sisters on the impact of Korean cuisine around the world...and beyond! http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/08/22/489805398/how-south-korea-uses-kimchi-to-connect-to-the-world-and-beyond --Jomama
- Home is nowhere for this Kimchimama
  
  2 Jun 2016 | 5:10 pm
  
  John Steinbeck was my first literary love as an ESL gal. I finally read my first serious fiction at 19 years of age because my then boyfriend(first love), Mark, gently but persistently made many books of different genres appear on my lap. I rejected all of them until he brought me “In Dubious Battle” by Steinbeck and I fell madly...
- Brain Soup For The Dysfunctional Soul
- The unboxing of the Skinny & Co coconut goodies
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 10:47 am
  
  Got my freebie on today, with Skinny & Co coconut beauty products! Check it out:� #CoconutOil #RawCoconutOil #SkinnyCoconut #CoconutPulling #CoconutScrub**Disclaimer: these products were given to me free of charge to sample, and any review I provide will be my own truthful opinion because I DO NOT PLAY. �You aren't the boss of me!
- Dear Everyone:
  
  13 Jun 2016 | 12:45 pm
  
  I am SICK UNTO DEATH of Social Media and its denizens telling me what to do, how to feel, and who to be like.If I don't speak out - loudly - on social media about THIS outrage or THAT situation, well clearly I am just "passively accepting" of the situation. Never mind what I say or do about those things in my real life.If I express outrage or disdain about THIS candidate or THAT candidate - on Social Media - well then clearly I am a hater or stupid or a libtard or fooled by the media or just too naive to be allowed to live. Never mind that I back up my outraged or disdainful opinion with ACTUAL FACTS, usually video and audio with the actual words coming out of the actual person's actual mouth.But that's...
- Fan Expo Dallas: A tl;dr Mostly Photographic Essay
  
  10 Jun 2016 | 2:26 pm
  
  I love getting away from work and kids once or twice a year, but you know how hard it is to say goodbye to these precious little children of mine:We said our sad farewells as I dropped them off in some parking lot in Texas - but I knew their dad would find them soon because I texted him the name of the store.Time to go meet up with Nicole and snuggle some fresh kitties!AAAAND WE'RE OFF! Here we are in our Shiny (Firefly) shirts, ready to conquer the Expo!The Fan Expo was a little different from Comic Con - also MUCH larger. �There were so many panels and QandA sessions, mostly more pop-culture centered than just comics and Dr. Who and Anime. It was very overwhelming and over-peopley for me.Luckily Nicole...
- Karen Andrews - learning through life and creativity
- The Creative Life Podcast with guest Penni Russon
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 11:38 pm
  
  The Creative Life Podcast Episode Ten This week’s guest is Penni Russon. She is author of The Undine Trilogy, The Indigo Girls, Little Bird and other titles including Only Ever Always, which was a winner of the West Australian Premier’s Book Award and NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. She is currently undertaking a PhD and also blogs at eglantinescake.blogspot.com.au which is where I first discovered her work. Literature lovers take note – this is rich with book references and even a creative writing exercise or two. Enjoy! Subjects Discussed <ul> <li>Penni’s childhood in Tasmania and what she read.</li> <li>Penni’s perfect writing conditions.</li> <li>How she teaches writing YA to young adults and what exercises she assigns to...</li></ul>
- What I’m Reading August 2016
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 2:01 pm
  
  I’ll be honest – this hasn’t been a great month for reading. I was so focused on the crowdfunding launch last week – Already over 1/3 of the way there! Please pledge! – that I’ve been left a bit tired. Okay, so, like the rest of the world I raced through Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and, like many I know on the internet, was left disappointed. It’s odd – I was with it until the halfway point, laughing out loud at jokes. But the time travelling causalities ultimately asked too much of the reader without much of a satisfying story to drive it along. It’s ironic, really: time-jump novels are very hard to pull off, but plot is one of Rowling’s strengths, as was demonstrated in her excellent (and the best...
- The Creative Life Podcast: 10 Things That Haven’t Changed In 10 Years of Blogging
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 2:40 pm
  
  � The Creative Life Podcast Episode Nine This episode is the sequel to last week, episode eight, which talked about what has changed in blogging. And if you are listening to this episode on the day of release, August 18th 2016, it is 10 years to the day since I created a Blogspot account and dashed off a quick introductory post, which included a photograph of my (then) two-year-old daughter. And here it is. Over 2,200 posts, more than 10 thousand comments and almost 1 million Akismet-captured spam comments later, I’ve deliberately timed this episode to happen on this day to talk about what hasn’t changed in that time. Basically, why I still love it. A glass of bubbles will be consumed at some point to...
- entrepreMusings
- Customer Differentiation in Competitive Markets – SxSW Interactive 2016
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 1:29 pm
  
  It’s been over 7 years since I submitted a panel idea to SxSW Interactive and now the time has come to do it again. You may wonder why or you may not care at all, but nonetheless I’m letting you know about it. Please vote, comment on, and share our panel idea: Customer Differentiation in Competitive Markets before September 2, 2016. We’d love to have the opportunity to share our collective wisdom on how to create, build, and maintain a highly successful customer focused organization using the knowledge and tools available today. Comments on the panel picker are important because they help the selection committee assess audience engagement. The really fun, engaging, and knowledgeable speakers...
- Hate Cannot Drive Out Hate
  
  8 Jul 2016 | 10:04 am
  
  When will the human race truly understand, feel, and appreciate this profound, yet basic sentiment that Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and many others have known and stated so many times? My son was 5 miles from the senseless shootings in Dallas (Barack Obama in a White House update) last night. I haven’t posted in a long while for a few reasons, but mostly because I was not strongly motivated to do so until right now. Peace has to come from inside each of us. We must “be the change we wish to see in the world!” – Mahatma Gandhi
- Happy New Year (2016) and Workplace Engagement
  
  20 Feb 2016 | 4:36 pm
  
  Wow, it took me until February 20 to actually write a New Years post. Happy 2016! After joining a WordPress hosting company, I thought I might have a bit more time to blog, but getting ramped up takes time. So far so good and so far very busy! There are lots of things going on at work and in my life, but most of you probably wouldn’t be too interested in hearing all about that stuff, so here are some fun & interesting articles that people have sent me or I’ve randomly discovered: Ten signs you work in a fear-based workplace – Bloomberg Businessweek AN ANTIDOTE FOR DISENGAGEMENT: BEING APPRECIATIVE FOR YOUR JOB – Appreciation at Work blog Happiness Hack: This One Ritual Made Me Much Happier Several...
- Adventures in Babywearing
- The Mickey Tate Fan Club
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 8:11 pm
  
  Last night Ivy and I attended a production of The Wizard of Oz at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. It was fabulous. I was blown away by the talent on that stage.�P.S. I also love when a theatre sells wine and lets you take it to your seats. But Mickey Tate was the real treat. Mickey Tate, the�dog who performed the role of Toto had his own too-cool-for-school headshot and bio in the program. This delighted Ivy to no end. The joy on her face the entire night is something I hope to never forget. �We joked that we are going to start a Mickey Tate fan club and want to see every show he's in, and how next time we'll have to ask for his pawtograph.We love you, Mickey Tate!�
- I LOVE BRIOCHE
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 7:24 pm
  
  (said like an Oprah shout)Well, I took my first online knitting class to learn how to do the not-new but latest knitting craze-- the brioche stitch and I do love it. I think mostly I am really into the yarn (Madelinetosh, Hazel Knits!) and�the pattern�I'm working on right now because I did not care for most of what I did in the online class, at all. Anyway, it got me started and getting started is my greatest obstacle. So it's all pure knitting enjoyment now (so far mostly knit on the plane and while re-watching Parenthood and Stranger Things on Netflix) and I looooovve it!
- Up In The Air
  
  1 Aug 2016 | 8:15 am
  
  �We just got in from a family trip to Louisiana late last night and Ivy's already off to dance camp this morning. It's just how we do. This is the summer of fast forward and pause at the same time. I kind of love it.So, we did it. We made it. We are moved and we are here. Mostly unpacked, still finding the right new places for old things. I'm waiting to put nails in the walls until my parents come to visit in a few weeks. My dad helped me hang stuff in our last house and maybe it's our thing now.We've only been here a little over a month and already checked off: two Seattle trips, orthodontist appointments, new doctors, finding a hair stylist, theater camp, having friends over for dinner, overnight...
- The Bloggess
- Pokemon Go is making it weird.
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 1:52 pm
  
  So, Pokemon Go just sent out an update that lets your trainer appraise your pokemons (Pokemen? Pokemi?) and that seems nice, except that I rename all of my creatures so this happened: � Umm…thank you? �
- I will do anything. But I won’t do that.
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 6:29 am
  
  Earlier this year there was an internet thing where you ask google to auto-predict what you need and what you have, and it did not work out well for me: THANKS, GOOGLE. But I decided to give it another chance … Continue reading →
- Fox and cat are friends. ALLEGEDLY.
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 12:16 pm
  
  So Victor emailed me this picture: …And I was like, “Jesus, that fox ate a shitload of cats. WHY WOULD YOU EVEN SEND THAT TO ME, VICTOR?” and Victor was like, “What? WHY WOULD YOU AUTOMATICALLY THINK THAT? It’s the … Continue reading →
- Mommies With Style
- Take Time to Enjoy What’s Local with #NestleSplashOfFun #Ad
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 9:11 am
  
  Todays post is sponsored by NESTLE SPLASH. Holy cow, not only are we halfway through August, but my kiddos will be going back to school in another week or so. I am not prepared! This summer has just whizzed by on trains, planes and automobiles as we’ve been all over the place. In fact, we just returned home last week from a two-week trip to Hawaii, which explains how I can’t believe most of August is already gone. But I planned our trip so we’d have a little over two weeks at home with nothing scheduled before school started. I wanted a little downtime to re-settle, get ready for school and just enjoy everything that’s offered locally where we live. I think we all tend to forget the obvious – what’s...
- kate spade Surprise Sale: Up to 75% Off
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 1:27 pm
  
  Up to 75% off normal prices at katespade.com? Yes please! Here’s some of my favorites: I actually got this Kennedy Park Calista in Black last time they had a sample sale and I use it when I travel for work – it fits my 13″ Macbook and it’s really sleek looking.
- The Big Island of #Hawaii with Kids {Part One}
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 4:23 am
  
  This is a part of a series of posts I am doing related to a summer trip we took to Hawaii this year. We traveled as two families – four kids were with us, ages 9-13. Check out some of my other posts: Oahu with Kids</a> and Jet-Lagged & Home from Hawaii. I’m bringing some of my experiences to you guys hoping that those of you traveling with families to Hawaii might gleam some recommendations of interest from us based on what we did. We spent six days on the Big Island of Hawaii. Random factoid: there are seven islands in Hawaii. Did you know if you took the other six islands and laid them on top of the Big Island of Hawaii, there would still be land left over? It’s huge! Of course, you can still drive it in a...
- Kids Activities Blog
- Mud-Like Coffee PlayDough
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 4:00 pm
  
  While we LOVE mud and LOVE playing outside, this is just not the time of year for outdoor play (well, after 8:30 in the morning. Our neighbors must love us). So we decided to bring our love of mud inside in the form of playdough, yummy smelling coffee playdough. I wake up just sniffing this stuff! Coffee PlayDough Recipe This recipe was adapted from the basic playdough recipe found on Anna’s site, The Imagination Tree: <ul> <li>2 Cups of Flour</li> <li>1/2 Cup of Coffee Grounds</li> <li>1 Tablespoon of Instant Coffee (when it wasn’t dark enough)</li> <li>1 Cup of Salt</li> <li>2 Teaspoons of Cream of Tartar (she called for more, but this stuff is hard to find, so I cut the amount by a third).</li> <li>1 Cup of very hot water</li> <li>2 Tablespoons of oil</li> </ul> Anna...
- Easy Fish Tacos
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:39 am
  
  Fish Tacos are perfect hot weather food. Try this recipe before the summer ends! If you like this recipe, check out this subscription meal plan service, and if you sign up, use the code KAB20 for 20% off your entire order! Ingredients for Easy Fish Tacos <ul> <li>1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream</li> <li>2 tablespoons lime juice</li> <li>salt and ground black pepper to taste</li> <li>1 jalapeno pepper, halved lengthwise</li> <li>2 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage</li> <li>4 green onions, thinly sliced</li> <li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li>1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into strips</li> <li>8 (6 inch) flour tortillas</li> </ul> Directions for Easy Fish Tacos <ol> <li>Mix sour cream and lime juice together in a large bowl; season with salt and black pepper. Reserve about half the mixture in another...</li></ol>
- DIY Hairbow Display
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 4:00 pm
  
  Here’s how you can make a DIY Hairbow Display. We had fun as part of our plant theme, making hairbows. Now that we have these lovely hair bows we need a nice way to “display” them. This DIY Hairbow Display craft is super easy to make and takes just a few minutes to put together. Check out our DIY Flower Clips instructions to fill your hairbow display. This DIY Hairbow Display makes a great homemade gift. It’s so useful and pretty and can be customized to your heart’s content and your kid’s room decoration. My little girl likes hers because it makes getting ready in the morning so much easier. Her hairbows are so easy to find now! � DIY Hairbow Display Supplies you will need <ul> <li>Large felt shape</li> <li>2 yards...</li></ul>
- Fluid Pudding
- It’s Tuesday night and I’m on a mountain!
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:06 am
  
  Less than two hours before Tuesday night’s yoga class, I decided to pull up the class info to check on the location. It was then that I discovered that the class is called Yoga For A Happy Life. I was fully prepared for the Yoga part, but I suppose I had overlooked For A Happy Life when I signed up. 1. Dear God, please don’t let the yoga teacher put us in a circle and talk about what makes us happy. I know without a doubt that I will mutter something ridiculous about the perfect bean burrito with a hefty serving of guacamole and then the next person will wipe a tiny tear and say, “I’m so happy I was able to hold my precious Aunt Edith’s hand and tell her that I love her as her soul traveled from her...
- It’s a good day for a Wednesday.
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 2:50 pm
  
  I’ve been feeling like the girl who just found out that she was elected Happy Club President and she was never interested in joining the Happy Club, much less leading the damn thing and maybe her t-shirt smells a little sour and perhaps she has dried blood on her sock for no apparent reason. Unpleasant eyeliner. Scowl facial fault lines that appear to be sinking deeper. Sudden intolerance to bread that came on less than an hour ago and is leading her to walk at half mast. Oh, it’s definitely a great night for open house at the middle school. Bonus: Open house for Harper is tonight. Open house for Meredith is tomorrow. Two open houses in two days! The good news? I’ve been knitting every one of my...
- Tell me what you eat. I might cook for you.
  
  7 Aug 2016 | 5:10 pm
  
  If I was the type of person who invited people over, I would invite each and every one of you to my house right now and if you are interested, I will put together some sort of chocolate drink with a Ding Dong hanging off the side and maybe we will have five different kinds of burritos and we will sit and throw our heads back with laughter and I will diffuse something citrusy into the air and This Will Be Our Year will play on repeat. All of this is to thank you for reaching out after the news I shared last week. Things are moving along and Jeff is patient, Jeff is kind, Jeff does not envy, does not boast, and is not proud. Jeff always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. (Paul...
- Single Mom Seeking
- I’m in the Washington Post today, writing about facing my fears
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 11:16 am
  
  The night before my daughter started her freshman year at a new high school where she knew no one, I stared at the ceiling and made a few wishes. I hoped she’d like her teachers and make a new friend. Above all, I hoped she’d feel a little bit brave. They were simple, modest wishes. But after that first day of school, my 15-year-old came home in tears…. Read my full essay here in The Washington Post � � Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
- A trip to REI for a raincoat I didn’t think I deserved opened the door to love
  
  12 Feb 2016 | 1:29 pm
  
  My husband is a really good sport for letting me share my story on KQED radio about how I fell for him at REI. One February weekend, some friends invited my tween daughter and me on an East Bay hike, and I asked this guy I was dating to come along. He was a scientist who loved the outdoors, so I thought it might be fun. But the forecast was rain… You can read/listen to the full two-minute story here. Thanks! � � � Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
- My blended family in the New York Times: He Was Ready to Be a Stepdad. Was I Ready to Let Him?
  
  22 Feb 2015 | 4:41 pm
  
  Today at The Motherlode in the New York Times, I write about the first time I let my now-husband “solo” with my daughter: he forgot to feed her, and I “forgot” not to yell at him in front of her. I had to learn to let them become a family. Thanks for reading… He Was Ready to Be a Stepdad. Was I Ready to Let Him? � Photo by Michael Kirby Smith for the New York Times Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
- Tammy Gibson | A Mom in Red High Heels
- Caring for Your Special Occasion Clothes
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 10:28 am
  
  We spent the weekend celebrating the wedding of our oldest daughter and her new husband. It was a beautiful wedding and a great party! Word is that everyone had an amazing time and the bride and groom are over-the-moon about the way the event unfolded. As you probably know, weddings can be a source of stress because you want every last detail perfect. This is true, not only for the bride and groom, but the wedding party and immediate family of the couple. When it came to selecting our outfits, we shopped, compared, purchased and returned a variety of dresses. My husband bought a sleek new suit and we rented a suit for our son so he got the perfect fit for his tall, lean body. Prior to the wedding...
- Beauty Rituals to Prep for the Wedding Day
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 6:09 am
  
  *This is a sponsored post Wedding season has hit the Gibson household! Our oldest daughter is getting married on Sunday! How did time pass so quickly?! We are beyond thrilled with her future husband and know that she is making a great life choice. Wedding plans have been in play since their November 2015 engagement, but now, things are getting serious. I’ll be honest, it has been a challenge finding formal wear in the correct shade of mint and blush. If I don’t look at mint or blush for a very long time, I’ll be very happy. Four mint dresses have been purchased for my youngest daughter (she is a junior bridesmaid) and I just purchased my sixth blush hued dress. Shopping online is tricky as the images...
- Family Fun and Back-to-School Shopping at Montclair Place
  
  5 Aug 2016 | 12:35 am
  
  It’s back-to-school time, Southern California! I willingly share that I AM NOT READY! Seriously, don’t think I’m odd, but I am not ready to send my kids back. Summer went by way too quickly and I’m just not ready for the early mornings and routine days. I’d rather sleep till 9 and head to the beach…or mountains…or mall! The best part of this time of year is the back-to-school shopping, no doubt! I love the promise of a fresh start with a new wardrobe. Your kids can be anyone they choose! Remember, clothes are a reflection of your personality and the same is true for those under age 18! Give guidance and keep it modest (Seriously, can we keep it modest? Seeing what young girls wear these days is a bit...
- ModernMom
- Every Kid Has Their One “Thing”
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:36 pm
  
  I was talking to a friend of mine the other day and she was relaying the struggles that she’s had with her daughter and potty training. After a more detailed explanation of everything under the sun that she has tried, she said “You know I get that this is just her ‘thing’, every kid has something that is a challenge and this is hers.” I’ve thought about that a lot recently, and while I haven’t polled every mom I know, I would venture to say that it’s probably fairly accurate. Every child goes through something that is difficult to get past and can stress out the parents and the kids as well. My two kids are each going through their own ‘things’ right now and I know I’m totally stressed out about...
- Every Sport Under the Sun: Keeping it Organized
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:23 pm
  
  Between baseball, football, tennis, and basketball, my son needs his own social secretary just to run his extracurricular activities. Sadly, that’s me! And although my daughter “only” plays tennis and basketball, she too has her share of uniforms, practice outfits, sneakers and gear. What’s the best way to organize all this equipment, not to mention the logistics? Here are my tips to help you through every sporting season under the sun: 1. Store the gear for each activity in its own bin. The soccer pads, jersey, shorts, and socks all are kept together. Even the (filthy) cleats can be placed in a plastic bag and kept in the same bin. When your child comes home from practice or a game, the...
- Buffalo Roasted Chickpeas
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 5:21 pm
  
  This recipe is quick, easy, and contains only 3 ingredients! Beans are a super food. They are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. According to some, they may aid in disease prevention too! I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to add beans to my diet. Our family has a special love for hot sauce, and so it only made sense to mix the two for a winning combination! Buffalo roasted chickpeas are a great addition to salads, or eaten as a snack all on their own. Buffalo Roasted Chickpea Recipe Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon Earth Balance (Vegan alternative butter) ¼ cup hot sauce 15 oz can garbanzo beans Directions: <ul> <ul> <ul> <li>Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.</li> <li>Line a baking sheet with parchment paper</li> <li>Drain and...</li></ul></ul></ul>
- Recent Articles
- Amazing Lamb Burgers With Grilled Onions
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 5:01 pm
  
  Are you in need of a burger that’s bursting with flavor? Prepare these incredible lamb burgers for the whole family! The flavorful patties are cooked…
- Melt-In-Your-Mouth Smoked Salmon Grilled Cheese
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 5:00 pm
  
  Jazz up a traditional grilled cheese sandwich by adding bold flavors. Smoked salmon and lemon are the perfect additions to this sandwich. These ingredients…
- Refreshing Thai Steak Salad
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 4:58 pm
  
  If you want to keep things on the lighter side without sacrificing flavor, this dish is for you. Tender seasoned steak lays on a bed of lettuce, carrots…
- Amazing Lamb Burgers With Grilled Onions
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 5:01 pm
  
  Are you in need of a burger that’s bursting with flavor? Prepare these incredible lamb burgers for the whole family! The flavorful patties are cooked…
- Melt-In-Your-Mouth Smoked Salmon Grilled Cheese
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 5:00 pm
  
  Jazz up a traditional grilled cheese sandwich by adding bold flavors. Smoked salmon and lemon are the perfect additions to this sandwich. These ingredients…
- Cool Mom - Fun Videos and a Blog for Moms - Motherhood, Kids, Babies and Parenting on Coolmom.com
- Garden Camp
  
  3 Aug 2016 | 3:52 pm
  
  We aren’t big camp people. I never went to overnight camp because my parents were afraid of child molesters and mosquito bites. Vivien has given me the evil eye, “I’m so not happy with you mommy” stare when I’ve pushed … Continue reading → The post Garden Camp appeared first on Cool Mom - Funny videos on parenting and pop culture.
- The Chicken Whisperer
  
  17 Jul 2016 | 1:31 pm
  
  My little urban farmer is very good at wrangling and caring for our backyard chickens The post The Chicken Whisperer appeared first on Cool Mom - Funny videos on parenting and pop culture.
- DILF
  
  20 Jun 2016 | 2:21 pm
  
  Anyone who knows me my credo is “I’m married, not dead.” Yes, I’ve gone years in the most unattractive cargo like pants, stains on my shirt as my haggered face drops my kids off at school, having not YET had … Continue reading → The post DILF appeared first on Cool Mom - Funny videos on parenting and pop culture.
- whoorl
- 30 Days of Dresses-Week 3
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:55 am
  
  Three weeks down, one to go! Trust me, I’ll be ready to don some pants come September. Camisole. Skirt. Dress. Shoes. Dress. Shoes. Bag. Dress. Top. Skirt. Shoes. Dress. Blouse. Skirt. Shoes. Bag. The post 30 Days of Dresses-Week 3 appeared first on whoorl.
- Odds and Ends
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 4:00 am
  
  1. Wow. Gawker is dead. 2. 1,2,3…USA women rule. First time in track history! 3. Um, this is the best Twitter rebuttal ever. 4. Having a rough day? At least a few of these photos should make you happier. 5. 17 psychological tricks to make people immediately like you. 6. These photos of youth in the 90s are spot on. 7. Squirrel hijacks a GoPro! Good stuff. 8. What it’s like to report on 2016 in 26 tortuous, hilarious seconds. “Polls. All of them.” Ha! 9. Congratulations to Ryan Lochte for winning Most Embarrassing American Olympian. 10. For my fellow green beauty fans, there is such an amazing deal going on at The Detox Market for the next couple of days. Basically, if you spend $175, you receive over $200...
- 30 Days of Dresses-Week 2
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 7:02 am
  
  I’m pretty much over taking a photo of my outfit every single day, but will PRESS ON. #firstworldproblems Here’s this week’s roundup. Top. Skirt. Belt by Emerson Made. Top. Skirt. Caftan. Dress. Coverup by Madewell. (It’s an oldie.) Dress by Madewell. (Current style here.) Shoes. Dress. Shoes. The post 30 Days of Dresses-Week 2 appeared first on whoorl.
- Southern Bella's Ways
- #PokemonGo Poke Ball Pizzas Recipe
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 11:13 am
  
  Pokemon is sweeping the world and my house. What better way to celebrate Pokemon than creating this awesome Poke Ball Pizzas! Ingredients: 1 Tube of 8 count large biscuits(I used Pillsbury Grands)... More here
- Horsepower in Virginia with the Kia Cadenza #KiaMom
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 10:46 am
  
  Kia has come a long way since its introduction to the U.S. way back in 1994, and it continues to make great strides. A company that once ranked very last on the J.D. Power Initial Quality has climbed... More here
- Back to school deals on Amazon Devices
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:45 am
  
  With Back-To-School season in Full effect, I thought I’d share some deals from Amazon. Particularly I wanted to alert you of some back-to-school deals on Amazon devices that are available now... More here
- Simply Being Mommy
- Pete’s Dragon Coloring Pages
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 11:42 am
  
  If your children have seen Pete’s Dragon in theaters and they’ve fallen in love with the friendly dragon, these free Pete’s Dragon coloring pages are just perfect! And even if they haven’t seen Pete’s Dragon, they’ll still enjoy coloring these free coloring pages from Disney. Pete’s Dragon Coloring Pages There are five free coloring pages […] The post Pete’s Dragon Coloring Pages appeared first on Simply Being Mommy.
- Ninja Coffee Bar Review
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 12:12 pm
  
  See why I love the Ninja Coffee Bar in my Ninja Coffee Bar review. Although I received it for the sake of this review, all opinions and thoughts are my own. It doesn’t take long to figure out once you’ve landed in my little corner of the web that I don’t hide the fact that […] The post Ninja Coffee Bar Review appeared first on Simply Being Mommy.
- Better for You On-the-Go Snacks
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 9:47 am
  
  I’m proud to partner with CVS Pharmacy on this post for the CVS healthy foods line. All opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers. Back-to-school means back to busy schedules. After-school activities, extracurricular programs, and life in general makes […] The post Better for You On-the-Go Snacks appeared first on Simply Being Mommy.
- Social Media Mom
- Facebook Reach Explained
  
  13 Aug 2016 | 6:11 am
  
  There are so many ways to measure the effectiveness of your social media efforts and while some are a bit more obvious than others, some metrics are just not as effective for measuring success. A perfect example of this is Reach. Facebook Reach is basically, the number of people who see your content in their newsfeed. So let me explain….You know when you are on a road trip and you’re staring out the window and you pass billboard after billboard after billboard? You might see an advertisement for insurance or for a hotel or an ad to not text and drive. Regardless of what the ad says, Facebook Reach is just like that. Many people see the sign (or in the case of Facebook – a post), but hardly any will...
- Boosting a Post on Facebook
  
  6 Aug 2016 | 6:42 am
  
  It happens. It happens to the best of us. We take a chance on something that we have seen someone else have great results with, and we hope and pray that our results are as successful as theirs. But let me ask you this, just because you see someone sky dive out of an airplane and it looks fun or just because you see someone surf a 10-ft wave and it looks easy, are you really going to just go for it without the proper training? Of course not. The same can be said for Facebook Advertising. Simply doing what someone else is doing and expecting the same results is just not going to happen and most people that approach Facebook Advertising that way, walk away feeling frustrated, discouraged and wondering...
- 8 Reasons Why I Love Football
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 9:04 am
  
  I cannot believe it is already August. Has the summer flown by for you? It totally has for me. With Fall just around the corner, I wanted to take a short step away from Social Media and let you all in on a little secret…..I LOVE FOOTBALL. My son plays college football and to be honest, there is a really good chance of him going on to the next level if he stays healthy and has a good season this year. But that is not the only reason I love football. Not only is it the best Fall sport, but the action, the crowd, the band…all make it the most exciting sport when it comes to thousands of people coming together for support of their team. And I’m a sucker for excitement. Football really is a sport like...
- Parenting Squad
- 4 Affordable and Creative Ways to Buy Back-to-School Clothes
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  Buying clothing for our children can seem like a constant effort. Either they grow out of them faster than you expected, or suddenly your child decides she no longer likes dresses and skirts (like mine). But you don't have to break the bank or battle the store sales to find nice back-to-school outfits for your children. Just turn to your fellow moms, and the Internet.1. CraigslistCraigslist is a great place to find clothing that is gently used. Moms will often sell an entire lot of children's clothing based on size. For instance, if their daughter just grew out of the size six she'd been wearing for a few months, they might be looking to sell that wardrobe at a reasonable rate rather than one item at a...
- How to Beat the Back-to-School Blues
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  The back-to-school blues can hit any of us, whether we are the student or the parent. It can be hard to send our children back to the classroom knowing that another year has gone by in their way-too-quick childhood, but sometimes our children have a hard time letting go as well — especially of summer. Make going back to school a welcome and happy time for your family.1. Plan a PlaydateSet up a playdate with school friends that your children may not have seen over the summer. Or get together with some new classmates that your children will be attending school with this year. It will be your very own ice breaker and remind them that school is fun because they get to be with their friends. 2. Ease Their...
- 6 Ways to Get Your Child Back on a School Schedule
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  I don’t know about you but I love summer break. This summer, we'd lounge in bed before getting up around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. to start our day. It’s been paradise. But soon enough, those early school mornings will once again stare us directly in the face, stick out their tongues and taunt us mercilessly. And for some, the school year has already begun.However, there is a way to prepare the kids for – and ourselves – for those all-too-familiar rough mornings. Here are a few tips:1. Go to Bed EarlierThe best thing that you can do to prepare for your kid for the school year is to begin their bedtime routine earlier. During the summer, parents have a tendency to let bedtimes slide for their kids. A...
- Mom to the Screaming Masses
- Summer Ravioli
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 8:05 pm
  
  I make this a lot. And I do mean, a LOT, in the summer. It's very, very easy. I make pesto, but in place of using pine nuts, I use walnuts. (Suffice to say that my nut allergic kiddo doesn't eat this part of the meal.) I boil cheese ravioli, and after draining it, I toss it with a bit of olive oil. Cube a couple of garden tomatoes or half a couple handfuls of cheery tomatoes, add in the pesto, and top with grated parmesan. It's super quick and easy, and tastes like summer in a bowl.
- Are You Buying Food for a Frat House?
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 6:30 am
  
  Soooooo, yeah. Over the weekend, I lightheartedly posted on my Facebook page about my grocery trip, shared a couple of pictures, and said that sometimes, I buy fruit and veg and all kinds of ingredients to make "stuff" - and sometimes, I shop like I'm feeding a Frat House. This was one of those Frat House trips, because a couple of my kids start back to school in a week say it with me, Yaaaaaasssss, thank you, Jesus and a few of them are struggling with trying to find foods that they can eat quickly and toss in a lunch bag before they go to a full day of work because I may be a great food cooker and baker but I've not been successful at getting my grown kids to think about their need to...
- Blueberries and Blackberries and a Dragonfly
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 9:42 am
  
  I decided to go pick blueberries last week. My husband asked me if I ever relax. (That's rich, coming from him. ) While I was there, I noticed that the fair offered blackberry picking across the road, and so I went that way too. There were fewer berries there, but I was still able to pick enough for a gallon bag. It was stupid hot. Ridiculously hot, and I have never been so thankful that I do not pick fruit for a living. I popped in one earbud for some meditation music and tried to just - mellow out and relax and think about nothing. I did spot a friendly face, though.
- Susiej
- Butter Knives and Cream
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 10:23 am
  
  The physical therapist brought out a jar of cream. She didn’t say a word, and so I assumed, that maybe, she had some magical cream that would take away the very small red scars left behind by the incision. But instead, she picked up a shiny sterling silver tool. It looked like a butter knife with a blunt point at the end. I realized we were heading someplace far darker. I braced myself for the worst. Scar tissue – not the surface scar — but tissue. Not everyone gets it. I do, and it’s severely limiting my mobility. It’s as if a giant octopus has reached its tentacles around my knee, on the inside, and is holding my leg in a vice-grip Like I’m in traction. When I first started getting “tight,” I did a quick...
- When the Day Was Long
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 10:02 pm
  
  I saw all of those pictures on Facebook. Back-to school pics, kids holding signs marking the year and grade. I gave up trying — I didn’t even give the idea of getting that first day of school pic a second thought, because there would be so much resistance from the boys. Besides, don’t I have enough pictures of them catching frogs, tubing, and being boys? Who needs a boring back-to-school pic? And, the day was so full. It was back to school… And there were groceries to buy for the one going back to college, a car to pack, lunches to pack, a knee to heal. After shelling out $400 in groceries, and being late for soccer pick up, the boys were hungry — dinner doesn’t make itself – we all just focused on the...
- I Wish I Could Go Back….
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 8:51 pm
  
  and it was the beginning of summer… He may have said it, but those words have been my cadence all summer. Slowly simmering in the back of my mind, lacing every sunset, and tangling its way around every blossom. Related posts:11E...In the snow todayS...My Inspiration For HalloweenI...Making Paper Toys ...The Gift One Cold, Rainy Day BroughtI...Update: Why Kids Call Home: LaundryI...
- Rookie Moms
- Wellements: Comfort for the tiniest tummies (sponsored)
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:00 am
  
  Big thanks to Wellements for sponsoring today’s post. If you’d like more information, join the conversation on Facebook. My first baby had all sorts of tummy troubles. I struggled daily to make him comfortable, while he tried his best to communicate that his miniature body was not feeling it, often via an Olympic-caliber projectile vomiting session (#mombrag). From the soothing positions that the doctor suggested to an intepretive dance of jiggling and rhythmic bouncing that would make my lower back cry, I tried it all. Continue reading Wellements: Comfort for the tiniest tummies (sponsored) at Rookie Moms.
- Eye candy: The Belly Painting Project
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 10:57 am
  
  The woman behind your behind, Sara Blakely, best known for her invention of SPANX, was struck by a creative impulse during her 40th week of pregnancy, which gave birth to The Belly Art Project. This coffee table book, whose sale proceeds will go towards Every Mother Counts, is filled with highly stylized photographs of painted pregnant bellies, including a handful of celebrity bellies. Pre-order on Amazon now; books will ship in October. Continue reading Eye candy: The Belly Painting Project at Rookie Moms.
- 25 Activities to try during your maternity leave
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 4:45 pm
  
  When I have a long stretch of unstructured time, I just about lose my mind. I like to have goals and a to-do list, even if its someone else’s list. Running out of ideas for what to do with your baby during maternity leave? Here is my list of goals for you. Try to choose one outing or activity to build your day around. Afterward, you can spend the rest of the day staring at your baby or hiding from your baby and I won’t judge you one bit! Continue reading 25 Activities to try during your maternity leave at Rookie Moms.
- Table 4 Five
- A Quick Guide to Dehydrating Fresh Food
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 9:46 am
  
  We all know that cooking with fresh ingredients is always the best way to go. The vibrant flavors offered by fresh ingredients are simply unrivalled. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to store fresh produce over an extended period of time. This is where a good food dehydrator comes in handy. With a home food dehydrator, you can actually preserve food and ingredients in a healthy way. In this article, we’re going to go over some tips that will help you get started. Royalty free photo Why Dehydrate Food? Dehydrating food is much better than buying canned – or factory dehydrated – products. You still get to cook with fresh ingredients, but instead of accepting the short shelf life you now have the...
- Coffee Flavours You Should Have at Home
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 9:44 am
  
  Thanks to some of the best home espresso machines and the wealth of ingredients now available on the market, you no longer have to go to the nearby coffee shop to have a good cup of coffee. You can play with different coffee recipes and try new things too. Royalty free photo Aside from an espresso machine and milk frother, there are other things you may want to keep at home if you’re serious about trying different coffee recipes. Flavouring syrups are among the best ingredients to have, and we have the best ones to pick right here in this article. Almond and Hazelnut Almond and hazelnut are by far the two most popular flavours for DIY coffee recipes. They are also very popular at coffee shops, mainly...
- Top Hotel Restaurants in Sydney You Need To Check Out
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 9:37 am
  
  When we travel, we all want to tick off a few boxes on our checklist to make sure we are making the most out of our trip: we must be in a location that offers prime places of interest, it should be accessible to commute stations, and the hotel we are staying in must offer accommodation that surpasses room amenities and facilities. Once we have ticked them all off, we will surely have an awesome trip. One important factor in choosing our hotels is the restaurant and the food that they serve. As far as hotels go, Star has the best restaurants in Sydney, offering a fine dining experience with dishes that is uniquely prepared and a wine list every sommelier running to it. But here we will list down some of the...
- Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids
- 10 Underrated NYC Parks You Don't Want to Miss
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:00 am
  
  Central Park, Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park—even if you only just arrived in NYC, we probably don't need to tell you that these are all must-see green spaces. Yet, according to the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, 14 percent of the city is parkland—that's more than 30,000 acres! So if you're looking for a new-to-you outdoor destination to explore, we've got 10 off-the-beaten-path parks worth putting on your NYC family bucket list. Some are massive and boast a wide array of attractions for all seasons; others are small but picturesque and host popular annual events for families. Don't worry if you can't make it to all of these before school starts—we have at least a few more months of fair...
- Weekend Fun for LA Kids: Fiesta La Ballona, LA Birthday, Cardboard Regatta, August 27 -28
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 1:20 am
  
  We are now in the thick of back to school. (If you're not back to school yet, what are you, living on the East Coast? Or just in the South Bay?) Instead of summer weekends filled with free concerts and movies, it's time to shift gears to weekends filled with free concerts and movies. Hoping for free festivals at the beach? Ha! Afraid you'll have to settle for a free festival at the beach this weekend. And remember all that free theater this summer was known for? Guess what you get this weekend: free theater (and consider yourself lucky for that!). It's not all bad: apparently when the sun goes down, the stars come out. And unlike jam-packed summer weekends when we can only fit a fraction of the events in...
- Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Trains, Festivals, Nature August 27-28
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 10:00 pm
  
  For many, it's the last weekend of summer. Say goodbye to carefree days and hello to homework and hectic schedules. Wait a minute, not so fast! There is an entire weekend ahead for Philly families with plenty of fun in our Events Calendar. For the train lover in the family, there are many options. Visit Morris Arboretum as they welcome the circus to the Garden Railway. Experience a Day Out with Thomas at Strasburg Railroad. Or, climb aboard to find a seat on the West Chester Railroad for a relaxing Summertime Picnic Train Ride. Those who appreciate good eats are in for a treat. Fairmount's Philadelphia Jerk Festival, Linvilla Orchard's Tomato Festival and the Ukrainian American Sports Center's Ukrainian...
- Workout Mommy
- Workouts you can do at home (and some flexing!)
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 6:34 am
  
  Summer has FLOWN by, hasn’t it? I’ve been staying in shape this summer thanks to Gold’s Gym and the wonderful people in the childcare room. I am sure they cringe on the inside when they see my troop come barreling in, but they always greet me with a smile and kind words. And they are willing to throw a flex for me too. � � While I have focused more on traditional strength training this summer, I still love my workouts at home. Here are a few workout at home ideas for you: <ul> <li> //www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhiY-sTCzts Burpee jacks are great to do anywhere and anytime. They will give you a much needed boost of energy.</li> <li> //www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k-z6BAbVP0 Sprints are one of my favorite forms of intense...</li></ul>
- The Effects Of Hormonal Birth Control On A Woman’s Body
  
  17 Jul 2016 | 6:19 pm
  
  The Centers for Disease Control estimate that around 62 percent of American women between the ages of 15 to 44 use some form of birth control. The most common form of birth control being used is some form of hormonal birth control either in the form of a pill or a patch. These types of birth control have a wide range of positive results, but they do come with side effects. � How Does Hormonal Birth Control Work? It has been reported that hormonal birth control is 99.9 percent effective and it is used around the world. Hormonal birth control uses two hormones, estrogen and progestin, to prevent the female egg from getting into position to be fertilized and create a natural barrier that prevents semen from...
- When will my workouts get easier? And other random babbling.
  
  5 Jul 2016 | 1:24 pm
  
  I ask myself this all the time–> “when will my workouts get easier”? The answer is —they won’t. If you are challenging yourself and changing up your workout plan every now and then……it will not …and should not…get easier. But the good news is you will get STRONGER and LEANER. And isn’t that our end goal to this entire fitness life? As much as I love summer, the stress of having all the kids home and entertaining AND FEEDING them all day long, makes me crazy. My house is a mess, I run out of food all the time and I need a whistle and a referee uniform. I always have to remind myself to take a second to breathe and focus again on what I CAN do. I can go to the gym for an hour, despite how much my kids...
- Cutie Booty Cakes
- BTS dinner - Grilled Balsamic Herb Chicken (recipe) ad
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 7:11 am
  
  The school year is rolling along here in Atlanta. Although we start earlier than most, I am now seeing the BTS first day of school pictures of my friends kids all over facebook. The transition can be a bit challenging after the more laid back days of summer but I have an idea for weeknight dinners that can help take some of the stress away. I am so into quick and easy meals, who wants to slave away for hours in the kitchen? I strive to make meals that take 30 minutes or less to prepare because that helps make my life easy and fits into a schedule jam packed with homework, after school activities and of course quality time with my son. Grilling is the perfect solution for dinner most nights in my home. I...
- Back to School at Walmart ad
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 1:15 pm
  
  As a native New Yorker, when I was a kid I equated going “back to school” with shopping for clothes that were appropriate for the Fall weather that was soon coming. However, my son is being raised in Georgia where it is still hot when school goes back in session. My son attends a school that requires uniforms and the only days the students can express themselves is Friday. For the rest of the week you can find them in khaki or blue pants with red, white or blue tops. Very patriotic (especially in light of the Olympics) because his school is named after a very special President! Anyhow, I have been pleased with the durability of the uniforms that I’ve purchased at Walmart and highlighted them last...
- Panko Breaded Chicken Tenderloins #sandersonfarms ad
  
  28 Jul 2016 | 2:36 pm
  
  This is a sponsored post, compensation was received all opinions are my own.�For many, many years I was pescatarian. During college I gave up beef, pork and poultry but didn’t go full vegetarian because I am a lover of seafood. Being a pescatarian was easy, I ate burgers occasionally and the only pork I ate was bacon and ham sandwiches. I didn’t miss it. Except for chicken. I absolutely loved hot wings and the very last time I ate chicken it was a bad experience - a wing had been poorly cleaned and there was something that looked like a claw on it! At the time I had already given up all other meats so adding chicken was a no brainer after that. However, there were many times over the years that I had a...
- Cool Mom Picks
- 11 of our favorite childhood books that we can’t wait for our kids to read
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 9:27 am
  
  There’s something so special about sharing our very favorite childhood books with our kids. When we see our kids falling in love with Anne of Green Gables, or imaging themselves racing through Narnia to defeat the White Witch, there’s a certain jolt of nostalgia that just makes you want to be a kid again, discovering these books […]
- 14 fun birthday traditions you can start with your child at any age
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 3:00 am
  
  I’ve already let my secret out: I’m not one for elaborate birthday parties. In fact, we keep birthday parties simple and on a budget around our house. That said, I love to celebrate the birthday kid and make them feel really special on their big day. We do easy things — like decorating their chair at the table […]
- 5 creative ways to make personalized candy favors and gifts the coolest ever. Look what we made!
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:31 am
  
  My kids believe they are the World’s Greatest Fans of Dylan’s Candy Bar. Which is hilarious, considering that every single one of the zillions of kids who visit their shops each year also believe that they are the World’s Greatest Fans of Dylan’s Candy Bar. So when they joined on as our newest sponsor (yay!), and asked […]
- Product Reviews by The Experimental Mommy
- Reliving Soft Summer Memories with Scotties
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 6:09 pm
  
  SUMMER. The word itself brings a smile to your face. No school, no homework, a lighter schedule, sleeping in, and spending much needed time with your family. When I was asked by Scotties Tissues to share some of my great summer memories, I knew I’d have no shortage of things to share with you! In South Louisiana, Summer is all about staying cool. With the heat index often 100 or above and high humidity, it’s a necessity! Every summer, all anyone can talk about is the heat! We hit the beach this summer and it was a great trip that helped provide some much needed rest and relaxation. The kids enjoyed swimming, burying each other in the sand, and riding the waves. We also spent the day at the water park and...
- Heating Up Dinner Without Heating Up the House #SeetheLite
  
  15 Jul 2016 | 7:27 pm
  
  This review and giveaway was made possible by iConnect Influencer Management and Litehouse Foods. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine. With the heat here in New Orleans hitting 97 degrees, we have been getting quite creative with ways to stay cool. A dip in the pool, a mister fan in the backyard, a delicious sno-ball for dessert and absolutely NO turning on the oven mid-day. While the heat has not stopped our summertime picnics, finding recipes to feed the masses without heating the house has been a challenge. Not to mention, I don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is outside enjoying the pool. Thankfully, my household has finally...
- Girls Night Out at SoBou New Orleans
  
  14 Jul 2016 | 8:42 pm
  
  This post was written by the Experimental Mommy in partnership with SoBou in New Orleans. All opinions remain 100% my own. Earlier this week, I was smack in the middle of the chaos of hosting my own blog conference. For those of you that have ever planned a live event, wedding, conference or birthday party, you know how overwhelming and downright stressful they can be. Fortunately, I run this conference with some of my very best friends so when the event is over, I look forward to regrouping with the team and enjoying just being together. This year, we had the opportunity to do just that at a much needed team dinner at SoBou in New Orleans. As you can imagine, New Orleans has no shortage of restaurants but...
- Balancing Motherhood
- Should You Use SnapChat or Instagram Stories?
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 6:42 pm
  
  Is there room in your life for two social channels that do the same thing? Is Snapchat over? Let’s break it down. This week Instagram launched Instagram stories – and they’re amazing! On the surface, and after using it, it’s just like Snapchat, minus a few key features. But only a few. What are Instagram Stories? […] The post Should You Use SnapChat or Instagram Stories? appeared first on Balancing Motherhood.
- What Harry Potter Means to Me
  
  1 Aug 2016 | 6:33 pm
  
  Ever since the announcement of the eighth Harry Potter book, our family (particularly my now 10-year-old son) has been anxiously awaiting July 31, 2016. A new Harry Book after everyone though it was the end of Harry Potter books. We decided not to preorder the book knowing that book sellers (even all-knowing Amazon) can’t send […] The post What Harry Potter Means to Me appeared first on Balancing Motherhood.
- Best Bento Lunch Box
  
  31 Jul 2016 | 10:00 pm
  
  I have a thing for a great school bento lunch box. I ended up with a collection of bento boxes in an attempt to find the best one. Over the years I’ve bought new kids lunch boxes in the hopes they would be the perfect solution for my school lunch box dilemma — some are, […] The post Best Bento Lunch Box appeared first on Balancing Motherhood.
- Embracing Extraordinary
- The ride of a lifetime
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 2:15 pm
  
  Two weeks after my first Pan-Mass Challenge, and I’m struggling to answer the simplest, but most asked question. . . “How did it go?” I could tell you about the route – 190 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown, on roads I have never had an opportunity to ride, lined by spectators cheering us on with […]
- Don’t Dismiss What You Don’t Understand
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 8:52 am
  
  Yesterday I spent an incredibly pleasant lunch in the park with our 14 year old son, eating sandwiches, and playing Pokémon Go. When the lure I had set at the local Pokestop had faded, and I suggested it was time to get back to work, my son said “this was fun. Can we do it […]
- In the zone
  
  5 Aug 2016 | 10:16 am
  
  I’ve been packed since yesterday. Officially, I’ve been packed since 10:45 this morning, but the packing has been happening all week as I piled up all of the things I need for the Pan-Mass Challenge. Since then I’ve been wandering around the house. I did my nails. Watched a movie. Changed our sheets. Cleaned the kitchen. I was […]
- Hormone-Colored Days
- Grace and Frankie Sneak Peek, Season 3, Episode 3 an Unofficial Recap
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  I'm back with the latest installment in the story arc of Grace and Frankie as they develop their new business, vibrators for arthritic women. In Episode 1 the dynamic duo started their business plan and in Episode 2, they developed concepts for the brand's visual identity. (click the links to read, yo.)Episode 3 opens with Grace again seated at her computer near the kitchen, hand sanitizer by her side. This time she's searching vibrator�patents.�It's midday, but Frankie only recently returned from an overnight visit at Farmer Jacob's. She's humming as she joyfully mixes up a kale smoothie (or possibly a batch of yam lube) oblivious to how her noise and that of the grinding blender are affecting Grace's...
- 19 Jul 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  19 Jul 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  From Frankie Bergstein @SuckItAynRand on Twitter.I've yet to receive a cease and desist letter from the Grace and Frankie crew, so here's my imaginary recap of the Grace and Frankie product development, okay vibrator development, story arc. You can read�Episode 1 here.When we last saw Grace and Frankie, Grace was working diligently on their business plan to develop a vibrator for old, arthritic women while Frankie was, well, being Frankie.As Episode 2 opens we see Grace working on a shiny new computer, one she purchased in an effort to erase the "naughty" browsing history she created doing vibrator research. She still has a bottle on hand sanitizer nearby.Not surprisingly, Grace continues to do the bulk of...
- Grace and Frankie Season 3, Episode 2, an Unofficial Recap
  
  19 Jul 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  From Frankie Bergstein @SuckItAynRand on Twitter.I've yet to receive a cease and desist letter from the Grace and Frankie crew, so here's my imaginary recap of the Grace and Frankie product development, okay vibrator development, story arc. You can read�Episode 1 here.When we last saw Grace and Frankie, Grace was working diligently on their business plan to develop a vibrator for old, arthritic women while Frankie was, well, being Frankie.As Episode 2 opens we see Grace working on a shiny new computer, one she purchased in an effort to erase the "naughty" browsing history she created doing vibrator research. She still has a bottle on hand sanitizer nearby.Not surprisingly, Grace continues to do the bulk of...
- Queen of Spain Blog
- “Is the wall here yet?”
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 12:18 am
  
  Those are the words of a small child, a Latino Kindergartner in Tennessee to be exact, who his teacher says was “told by classmates that he will be deported and trapped behind a wall” —and he asks every day, “Is the wall here yet?” Think about that for a second. In other parts of the country “some are using the word Trump as a taunt or as a chant as they gang up on others. Muslim children are being called terrorist or ISIS or bomber.” This is all from a study done by the Southern Poverty Law Center. They report: <ul> <ul> <ul> <li> More than two-thirds of the teachers reported that students—mainly immigrants, children of immigrants and Muslims—have expressed concerns or fears about what might happen to them or...</li></ul></ul></ul>
- Dear First Lady Michelle Obama
  
  14 Jun 2016 | 9:07 am
  
  Just before Christmas in December 2006, I reached out to you, hoping you would weigh one more thing as you and your husband decided whether or not he should run for President, and I made you a promise. I was sympathetic to your history changing decision and excited for 8 years of an Obama White house. And I promised you no matter what happened, we Moms would have your back. So much has happened since I wrote those words that graced my own blog, the Huffington Post, and the Chicago Sun-Times. First and foremost let me say how incredibly proud I am of this administration and of you, the most amazing and flawless First Lady our country has ever seen. It may not have been your favorite role, but damn if you...
- Goodnight
  
  21 Apr 2016 | 10:32 pm
  
  I feel the need to do this. So just let me. I’m on day 7 in the hospital. This time I have CDiff, fluid in both lungs, an infection of the blood, and paralyzing gastroparesis making eating impossible. Eating has actually been impossible for several months now. Getting worse and worse as time went on. The doctor had a nurse coming over to give me hydration via my port. Which turned into months of me not eating and only living off the IV in my living room. I’d sleep a lot. I’d pick up the kids, take them where they needed to go. Get some sort of dinner on the table. And fall back on the couch exhausted. When you don’t eat it takes everything in you to just shower. For some of this time I was on steroids. For...
- Blonde Mom Blog
- Peak 10 Skin Products for Beauty in my 40s and Beyond
  
  6 Aug 2016 | 8:01 am
  
  I can’t believe I’m inching closer and closer to 50! I turn 47 this month and have done my share of damage to my skin over the years. I have never been a skincare junkie but I am always on... The post Peak 10 Skin Products for Beauty in my 40s and Beyond appeared first on Blonde Mom Blog.
- #SummerofCheerios Equals Summer of Fun
  
  29 Jul 2016 | 5:00 am
  
  This summer is my teenage daughter’s last summer before officially becoming a high schooler! It seems like just yesterday we were going shopping for kindergarten supplies. Some things never change, even as your kids grow up. Since my girls were... The post #SummerofCheerios Equals Summer of Fun appeared first on Blonde Mom Blog.
- Real Mom Style and Fashion Panel Fun
  
  24 Jul 2016 | 8:03 pm
  
  Over the years I’ve had some amazing opportunities come my way via my blog. Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a hush hush secret mission organized by a retail establishment where I gave my input on real... The post Real Mom Style and Fashion Panel Fun appeared first on Blonde Mom Blog.
- Girl's Gone Child
- The L.A.yman's Guide to Magnet Schools
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:46 am
  
  This week, Hal wrote a guest post specifically for Los Angeles parents (hi!)�looking to go the magnet school route... which is what we did/are doing with our kids post elementary school. Archer is currently in his second week of middle school (his school is actually 6-12) and we'll be collecting points in the same way with the girls so that they can attend the same public magnet school. For those unaware of what a magnet school is (and what the differences are between magnet schools and charter schools) there's this. Also here's a quick summary of how magnet schools work�via LAUSD eChoices.� Take it away, Hal!�***Little kids in the big city? Everyone I know who’s absconded to the safety of...
- "The kids are back in school? what on earth will you do with your time?"
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:06 am
  
  Yesterday, as the parents gathered on our local elementary school campus, moments after hugging our children goodbye, a man walked up to a group of women, most of whom were clad in business attire, and asked, without missing a beat:�"What our your plans for the day? Yoga? Brunch? Maybe a mani-pedi?"�I would like to say that he was joking.� I would like to say that anyone in their right mind would be joking to say such blatantly sexist/out of touch/ignorant things, but alas, that was not the case.�The women, all friends, all very successful in their various fields of work including one Agency CEO, smiled and laughed in the way women typically smile and laugh when dudes say stupid shit COMPLETELY unaware that...
- this is a back-to-school mix tape. with love.
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 10:44 am
  
  My kids went back-to-school yesterday so I made you a mix tape. All the emotions, you guys. Here we go...�1. Kids by: Current JoysI am just a kid�I've never seen the world�And I haven't quite decided�If I'm a boy or a girl2. I am Not a Robot by: Marina and the DiamondsIt's okay to say you got a weak spot.�You don't always have to be on top.�Better to be hated than loved for what you're not...�3. Party Police by: AlvvaysYou don't have to leave.�You could just stay here with me...�4. �She's a Rainbow by: The Rolling StonesSee the sky in front of you.�Have you seen her dressed in blue?5. �Clementine by: Sarah Jaffe...I wish I was a little more delicate...6. Drop by: Chloe x Halle...vibrations move those...
- Surrender, Dorothy
- Missed Communication
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 8:50 am
  
  In my last post, I talked about how my cat Kizzy has been a dick lately. Shortly after I wrote that post, I took Kizzy to the hospital for a week. Last year he had PU surgery because he kept getting blocked -- he couldn't pee -- which can be fatal within 48 hours. After the surgery, I thought he couldn't get blocked again. I was wrong. So we took him in last Monday and he was blocked and they catheterized him and kept him for an entire week in the hopes that he would heal after being unblocked and flushed before the catheter was removed and thus would not form so much scar tissue. I went and picked him up this Monday after we got back from #BlogHer16. He's on a completely wet food diet, he has a new water...
- True Mom Confessions
- 9 Tips: Taking Your Kids to School for the First Time
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:43 am
  
  It’s August and that means back to school for a whole lot of families! But what if this is your first time sending your baby off to school? Even if they’re only doing half-day preschool and you’ll see them again by lunchtime, it can be a rough transition for both you and your child. Here are some ideas for making the transition easier for both of you. <ol> <li>Start talking to them about school WAY in advance. <ul> <li>If you don’t start mentioning school until a couple of days before their first day, they might not be emotionally prepared for it. Children forget things constantly, so for a few weeks before they go to school, find ways to bring it up in conversation. Talk about the kinds of toys their classroom will have...</li></ul></li></ol>
- Why Quitting My Addiction To Sugar Has Been Bittersweet – Or Maybe Just Bitter.
  
  12 Jan 2016 | 8:40 am
  
  For many of us, our sweet tooth makes most of our eating decisions. At least for me, I would have easily chosen a syrup coated pancake versus a well balanced omelet for breakfast. Not only does it taste deliciously better, but at my age and my size, I can handle a lot of unhealthy food. Or at least that’s what I used to tell myself. To paint a better picture of myself, I am a 25 year old woman measuring at 5 foot 4 inches tall and I weigh a whopping 102 pounds (if I’m lucky). Let’s just say, there’s not much to me. Growing up I was always one of the smaller kids in class. It wasn’t until high school that I realized I was much tinier. Not only was I not growing in height, but my small bone...
- Hiring a Nanny? Here’s 5 things your Mary-Poppins should have
  
  15 Sep 2015 | 11:25 am
  
  Are you a hard working parent searching for child care? Or are you a stay-at-home mom (or dad) in need of a break? A nanny may be a perfect solution for you. Or it can also be a nightmare. It all depends on who you choose. So to avoid disaster, here are 5 things your potential nanny should have: 1. Experience You wouldn’t hire an electrician or a plumber to work on your house if they didn’t have experience and you definitely wouldn’t let a dentist drill on your teeth without experience. So, obviously, you wouldn’t hire someone to take care of your children without experience. It’s important to remember to hire an individual who has had experience with the same age group as your children. Just because...
- MomsRising Featured Blog Posts
- Black Breastfeeding Week: Celebrating the Joy Of Black Moms Who Breastfeed
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 7:00 am
  
  Originally posted over at My Brown Baby but Black Breastfeeding Week has me too happy to stay on just one website. Happy Black Breastfeeding Week! Say, look here: I wish to good Gawd up above that there was a gang of Black mom warriors in my corner when I was breastfeeding my babies more than seventeen years ago. Here's what I faced off against: judgmental aunties who just couldn't get over the fact that I had "them babies sucking on your ninny" for a year; judgmental strangers giving me the side-eye for refusing to breastfeed in public bathrooms; judgmental coworkers who were perfectly fine with me pumping in my hot ass car on a New York City street rather than creating a dedicated space so that I could...
- Wellness Wednesday Recap: Surgeon's General Call to Action On Breastfeeding #RisersNBM16
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:33 am
  
  We are rounding the corner around the last week of National Breastfeeding Month! This week, our tweetstorm focused on the Surgeon General's call to action on breastfeeding, stats and lots of information. Did you miss it? That's okay! Here's the recap.
- OUTRAGEOUS. Tell the CEO of Mylan: It's Time to Bring the Price of EpiPens Down!
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 7:43 pm
  
  Take Action!“Where’s your EpiPen?” I’ve asked that question more times than I can count. I'm the mom of a food allergy kid. I have the sleepless nights. The grey hairs. The worry lines of that fate. My son, Connor, has had life-threatening anaphylactic allergies to foods—including to eggs—since shortly after his birth. It’s flat out terrifying to know that an accidental bite of the wrong food could literally kill your child or someone you love if you aren’t careful. Our family always has 2 EpiPens on hand in case an accidental cross contamination of food happens. And, each start of the school year, we leave 2 EpiPens there too. Why? EpiPen shots can mean the difference between life and...
- and baby makes 6!
- Lazy day in Durango
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 6:03 am
  
  Wandering around Durango was the perfect way to spend the next day. I have always loved this town and all the nooks and cranny shops you can find. We spent a week or so here on our Honeymoon and 1 … Continue reading →
- Durango, bickering, heights and all things Holy
  
  6 Aug 2016 | 3:11 pm
  
  I have always wondered about the families that post or talk about their travels and it always sounds as if life is GLOWING, PERFECT and AMAZING. With the exception of the Bumfuzzles and my friend Kathy, who pretty much keep … Continue reading →
- Pagosa Springs
  
  17 Jul 2016 | 7:00 pm
  
  My first night camping in almost 25 years was filled with going from freezing cold to sweltering hot inside one of the sleeping bags that Bill and I used on our Honeymoon. They are the mummy type bags and when … Continue reading →
- Woulda Coulda Shoulda
- Back to the grind
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:00 am
  
  Otto has this thing about asking me how my day was. I mean, he really wants to know, I’m sure. But he asks when he gets home and he often asks at dinner and sometimes he asks when we sit down on the couch later to watch TV, and he almost always asks again when […]
- We are all adjusting
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 8:45 am
  
  After a summer that seemed to pass in a blink, we’re back on a school schedule that has Otto and Monkey heading out the door at 7:30, most days, and often not returning until late in the evening. Classes have started for Chickie, too, and she was kind enough to remember that I needed a […]
- Nerd Night: Mexican Chocolate Bomb Cookies
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 5:28 am
  
  After a long, harsh (not really) summer, Nerd Night has returned! Even that is a lie, sort of—there were sporadic Nerd Nights this summer, they just couldn’t do it every week. And actually, the current campaign started last week, but I was too busy trying to get my child to pack for college and clean […]
- amalah . com
- Beach Week 2016
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 12:04 pm
  
  At da beach, hangin' with kids, hangin' with friends, hangin' with Hobbes. � Who has apparently been hangin' with the spiked beach punch pretty hard. Wow,�get yourself together, man.� If Beach House Week 2016 has a theme, so far it's been a tie between Things You Should Not Eat: (SPOILER ALERT: Duh. This is a terrible idea. So bad. Even more vile than your wildest fever dreams are able to comprehend. My children, of course, loved them. I still threw the package out while they were sleeping because I WANT A BETTER LIFE FOR THEM, A LIFE WITHOUT THIS ARTIFICIAL ABOMINATION.) (On the other hand, while Maryland blue crabs are ALWAYS something you should eat, especially while at the beach, maybe don't attempt...
- A Photo Essay That Really Bombs the Essay Portion
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 7:27 am
  
  � � It's been a week, you know? Good time for some cats.� Oh look another cat. Hi, other cat.� Nothing but cats. Okay, cat and one dog. Okay, dog and other cat.� Okay, two kids, too.� And that's all I've got. We're off to the beach for a bit and I've barely started packing, unless you count the kids' suitcase that I never unpacked after their week with the grandparents. That's good to go, because FORESIGHT. And EPIC LAZINESS. Which I always knew would pay off at some point, in one small way or another.�
- The Domestic Diva
- How to Save Money on Luvs Diapers
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 12:04 pm
  
  (sponsored post) Diapers are one of those products as a Mom that you always kind of know about whether you have kids that are currently using them or not. It seems I’m always hearing of family or friend’s expecting a new bundle of joy. Whenever a new Mom asks me what brand of diapers I would recommend, I always say Luvs. When my boys were little guys, Luvs was the brand of diapers that we preferred to use. I liked… View Post Thank you so much for subscribing! Head on over to my blog (it's much cuter over there) to finish reading this post ...
- 4 Make Ahead Lunch Box Ideas for Back to School
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 8:19 pm
  
  (sponsored post) Back to School for our family looks a little differently than most. As a homeschooling family our daily routine isn’t so much about getting out the door in the mornings on time but rather making sure we stay on schedule so we aren’t doing schoolwork all day long. It is easier to take breaks when you homeschool and I’ve found that keeping to a schedule helps us get our schoolwork completed at a reasonable pace. One part of… View Post Thank you so much for subscribing! Head on over to my blog (it's much cuter over there) to finish reading this post ...
- Affordable Back to School Clothing for Boys
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 4:33 pm
  
  (sponsored post) My boys and I started back homeschooling on Monday and I think I’m still in shock that yet another year of school is here. I’m in disbelief that my little guys are now in 4th and 6th grade. A middle schooler? Like, when did that happen? Many are back to school shopping for supplies, clothes, and shoes this time of year. If you are anything like me you love to find a good deal on the essentials. Whether… View Post Thank you so much for subscribing! Head on over to my blog (it's much cuter over there) to finish reading this post ...
- Home Ec 101
- Do I Need Preservatives In My Homemade Cleaning Products?
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 4:43 am
  
  Hi! I’ve been reading a lot about the need for preservatives in homemade products, especially those made with water. I always use either distilled or boiled water and most of what I make is made in batches of 32oz or less. The main exception to that is my laundry detergent and fabric softener which I make in gallon batches. I want to make sure that the products I’m making are safe and are not spreading any germs, bacteria, etc. My all purpose cleaner is: <ul> <li>Lemon vinegar</li> <li>Borax</li> <li>Dish soap</li> <li>Water</li> </ul> My liquid laundry detergent is: <ul> <li>Borax</li> <li>Washing soda</li> <li>Water</li> <li>Essential oils</li> <li>Xanthan gum</li> </ul> Thank you so much for your help! Signed, DIYin’ it in Dillon Heather says This is a...
- Welcome Mats, Door Mats, and Runners: What’s the Point?
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 4:00 am
  
  Heather says: The short answer? Door mats, welcome mats, and runners can extend the life of your flooring. Don’t believe me? It takes an average of six to ten steps for all of the dirt on shoes to fall away and let’s face it, not everyone is diligent about wiping their feet. All but the smallest dogs can carry a surprising amount of dirt in a house between their paw pads -especially in winter when there is less grass. Now, some people get around this by having a no shoes in the house rule and when I’m a guest I comply with the rules. If that works for you, great. You’re welcome to find a high horse if one is available, the internet is full of them. Personally, I’m a shoe person and I’m not about to...
- How to Solve the Soaking Problem with a Front Load Washer
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 5:10 am
  
  Dear Home-Ec 101, I have smelly towel syndrome and want to try your idea with the borax and vinegar, but I do not know how to add the vinegar to my rinse cycle.�With a front load, it’s a little more difficult to add anything to it or even “soak” anything in the drum. I bought a product called “Smelly Washer” but it requires you to soak the solution in the drum for hours. I have no clue how to do this since the drum drains anytime you stop the washer? Please help on these two issues: 1. How to “soak” in a front load washer. 2.�How to add to the extra rinse cycle (or rinse cycle, period) Thanks so much! Signed, Front Loaded Heather says: Before we step into problem-solving...
- Working Moms Against Guilt
- School Age Will Be Easier
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 2:18 am
  
  That first year of motherhood, I truly thought things would get a lot easier as time went on. Taking care of a baby is time consuming and demanding. It is intense; new emotions and sleep deprivation to the max. Surely, things would get easier when my kids were a bit older. More specifically, I thought school age will be easier. The first year was a roller coaster of emotions mixed with unbelievable exhaustion. My alarm was set for sometime in the 4 a.m. hour. On those early mornings, I got in snuggle time while breastfeeding and then laid my sleeping baby back in her crib. After getting a quick shower in the still-quiet house, I was ready to head to work. But not before I placed a...
- I Am Not Guilty As a Working Mother (But I Still Cry)
  
  6 Aug 2016 | 11:55 am
  
  This post was originally published at Motherly. I still vividly remember a moment when I was contemplating having kids, and a well-meaning male friend said to me: “When you are a mom, you are always guilty.” He went on, “If you work outside the house, you feel guilty about leaving your kids with someone else, and if you stay at home, you feel guilty about not leveraging your education and experience and thus not contributing to the household income.” I didn’t agree and found this theory disempowering. However, I didn’t have kids then so couldn’t speak from experience. Today, I do have a 17-month-old son and I think a lot about guilt and motherhood. Now, I believe it...
- Model a Positive Work Attitude for Your Kids
  
  30 Jul 2016 | 12:00 am
  
  One of the many reasons I like being a working mom is because I can serve as a positive role model for my kids. They get to see me as more than a caregiver, but also as a family provider and a professional, pursuing a career that interests and excites me. In other words, “Mom as Multifaceted Person.” Both my husband and I try to expose our children to our careers in little kid-sized chunks, whenever it seems appropriate and relevant to their lives. I hope someday they’ll grow up with a strong work ethic as well as an appreciation for doing what you love – and loving what you do.
- the Disney Driven Life
- Happy Haunts Delight During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party At Walt Disney World Resort Beginning Sept. 2
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 2:00 pm
  
  � Not-so-spooky ghosts and goblins return this fall – while dastardly villains unleash some mischief — during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, delighting fun-seekers of all ages inside Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. On 29 select nights from September 2 through Halloween night October 31, Magic Kingdom Park will host this spooktacular after-hours party from 7 p.m. – midnight. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party features Disney characters donning their favorite Halloween costumes, while partygoers navigate treat trails and candy galore throughout Magic Kingdom themed out for happy haunts. Partygoers can dress up in Halloween costumes and explore their favorite Magic...
- The Poly Lobby – Throwback Thursday
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 12:00 pm
  
  � While I do not think words are necessary for this Throwback Thursday, this view of the water feature in the lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was always a favorite. When the lobby was remodeled in 2015, the beloved water feature was replaced in favor of more room for guests. Do you miss the water feature in the lobby of the Poly? �
- Fios by Verizon Is Joining Disney Movies Anywhere
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:00 am
  
  � DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE ADDS ITS FIRST MULTICHANNEL VIDEO PROGRAMMING DISTRIBUTOR, FIOS BY VERIZON, TO ITS EVER-EXPANDING DIGITAL FOOTPRINT Fios by Verizon Is Joining Disney Movies Anywhere on August 23, Coinciding with the Digital In-Home Release of the Groundbreaking Live-Action Adventure “The Jungle Book” All Newly Connected Accounts Will Receive A Limited, Free Movie Offer of Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” Continuing efforts to provide more ways to buy and watch your favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars movies at home or on the go, Disney Movies Anywhere announces the addition of Fios by Verizon, the first multichannel video programming distributor to join its cloud-based digital...
- BabyCenter Blog
- Video: Moms nail minivan dilemma in hilarious parody
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 7:31 pm
  
  by Michelle Stein posted in Mom Stories If you already have a couple of kids and have considered adding more to your brood, chances are you've asked yourself this question: Should I buy a minivan? I mean, what's not to love? So. Much. Space. Space for all of the kids/their stuff, trash and crumbs/forgotten sippy cups/friends... Read... Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.
- Pregnancy test results at your fingertips
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 1:45 pm
  
  by Andrea Updyke posted in Products & Prizes Pregnancy may be different for different people, but one thing we all have in common is the moment we first knew we had conceived. Before embracing the bumpies and enduring the pregnancy symptoms, pregnant women must face the moment of truth: A positive pregnancy test. It's an... Read... Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.
- Don't have stretch marks? Here's how Kelly Rowland really feels
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:27 am
  
  by Sara McGinnis posted in Celebrities Kelly Rowland has a body many are envious of, but she's jealous of others as well. Opening up about the long-lasting changes she's experienced since becoming mom to Titan in 2014, the singer said, "I wish that someone would invent something to take away stretch marks and cellulite." With... Read... Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.
- Stimeyland
- All the Fun Things, Wisconsin Version, Part I
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 5:46 pm
  
  Stimeyland Has Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: http://feeds.feedblitz.com/Stimeyland (Click here to get to the subscription page.) Once you clicked the above and are on the new subscription page, just click how you want to subscribe at the top right. I know this is SO obnoxious. I'm sorry. Please subscribe!! I promise lots of funny new embarrassing stories and heart-string pulling posts if you do! Please? OR! Visit www.stimeyland.com and subscribe by email from the sidebar. http://feeds.feedblitz.com/stimeyland
- Politicats
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 6:29 pm
  
  Stimeyland Has Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: http://feeds.feedblitz.com/Stimeyland (Click here to get to the subscription page.) Once you clicked the above and are on the new subscription page, just click how you want to subscribe at the top right. I know this is SO obnoxious. I'm sorry. Please subscribe!! I promise lots of funny new embarrassing stories and heart-string pulling posts if you do! Please? OR! Visit www.stimeyland.com and subscribe by email from the sidebar. http://feeds.feedblitz.com/stimeyland
- Landmines
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 6:05 pm
  
  Stimeyland Has Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: http://feeds.feedblitz.com/Stimeyland (Click here to get to the subscription page.) Once you clicked the above and are on the new subscription page, just click how you want to subscribe at the top right. I know this is SO obnoxious. I'm sorry. Please subscribe!! I promise lots of funny new embarrassing stories and heart-string pulling posts if you do! Please? OR! Visit www.stimeyland.com and subscribe by email from the sidebar. http://feeds.feedblitz.com/stimeyland
- Mom in the City: Enjoy Life. Enjoy Work.
- Mount Airy Casino Resort Spa, Pool and More
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 2:40 pm
  
  For this final piece about Mount Airy Casino Resort, I want to cover some of the pampering and healthy living aspects of the resort. See if you can guess which was my favorite part of the couples weekend getaway experience… Spa and Salon When I received my itinerary for our media getaway, I was beyond... The post Mount Airy Casino Resort Spa, Pool and More appeared first on Mom in the City.
- Restaurants at Mount Airy Casino Resort – Bistecca, Guy Fieri’s and More
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 3:57 pm
  
  I wrote an overview of Mount Airy Casino Resort in yesterday’s post Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos Is The Best Romantic Couples Weekend Getaway. Today, I want to share about the food and restaurants at Mount Airy Casino Resort. Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen On Friday night, we enjoyed a casual dinner at Guy... The post Restaurants at Mount Airy Casino Resort – Bistecca, Guy Fieri’s and More appeared first on Mom in the City.
- Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos Is the Best Romantic Couples Weekend Getaway
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 12:28 pm
  
  My husband Reggie and I had an amazing time as media guests of the Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos this past weekend. There were so many great aspects of this Poconos resort that I will be sharing about everything over the course of three posts this week. In this first one, I will share about... The post Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos Is the Best Romantic Couples Weekend Getaway appeared first on Mom in the City.
- Los Angeles Mamma Blog
- More exciting news about the HandPicked Beauty Box!
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 9:59 pm
  
  Ladies, It’s finally going to happen!!! The box has been designed, sneak peak… I would love to hear what you think (please leave your comments below)! The collaborations are slowly happening– spoiler alert— one of the brands I’m going to collaborating with for the September box is Manna Kadar. I hope some of you reading this enjoy this brand, and if you don’t know the brand, purchase the September box. I hope to introduce you to this, and other fantastic brands! Purchase the box here. Thank you! If you have any questions please feel free to email me: handpickedbeautybox@gmail.com The post More exciting news about the HandPicked Beauty Box! appeared first on Los Angeles Mamma...
- HandPicked Beauty Box
  
  16 Apr 2016 | 4:21 pm
  
  I started my own business, and I am very excited! I hope you will be too; I want to tell you all about it. It’s a monthly beauty subscription box, and I think it will be perfect. Please help me spread the word, and share this post on your blog, social media channels and any and all other means; I would appreciate it. So, why a beauty subscription box? Especially when there are already a number of beauty subscription boxes out there. My story From a young age I have been obsessed with beauty products. An early-ish memory of mine is shopping for skincare products at Bloomingdale’s with my mother. I watched her buy a heck of a lot of creams, makeup, etc. and I fell in love with the experience! Ever since then...
- Real Estate Investment
  
  27 Feb 2016 | 9:40 am
  
  There comes a time when our kids grow up and they go to college, when your kids go to college you will want to consider their living arrangements– I have the perfect example of a place that offers great living arrangements for university students. This is in Canada close to Simon Fraser University, this are offers nice housing for university students close to the school. When your children are away, going to a university not close to home, you will want them to have a place that they can call home, away from home– the home that you as a family built for them, a place for comfort, relaxation, a place to unwind and go home to. Canadian University Real Estate prides itself in providing homes for students....
- More exciting news about the HandPicked Beauty Box!
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 9:59 pm
  
  Ladies, It’s finally going to happen!!! The box has been designed, sneak peak… I would love to hear what you think (please leave your comments below)! The collaborations are slowly happening– spoiler alert— one of the brands I’m going to collaborating with for the September box is Manna Kadar. I hope some of you reading this enjoy this brand, and if you don’t know the brand, purchase the September box. I hope to introduce you to this, and other fantastic brands! Purchase the box here. Thank you! If you have any questions please feel free to email me: handpickedbeautybox@gmail.com The post More exciting news about the HandPicked Beauty Box! appeared first on Los Angeles Mamma...
- HandPicked Beauty Box
  
  16 Apr 2016 | 4:21 pm
  
  I started my own business, and I am very excited! I hope you will be too; I want to tell you all about it. It’s a monthly beauty subscription box, and I think it will be perfect. Please help me spread the word, and share this post on your blog, social media channels and any and all other means; I would appreciate it. So, why a beauty subscription box? Especially when there are already a number of beauty subscription boxes out there. My story From a young age I have been obsessed with beauty products. An early-ish memory of mine is shopping for skincare products at Bloomingdale’s with my mother. I watched her buy a heck of a lot of creams, makeup, etc. and I fell in love with the experience! Ever since then...
- Mombian
- Who’s On Target this Election Season?
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:07 am
  
  As a parent, few things scare me more than school shootings. That's one of the reasons I'm keeping the following in mind as we head into election season. The post Who’s On Target this Election... Read the rest of this post at Mombian (www.mombian.com).
- A New Vision of Families Helping Families
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 6:15 am
  
  Everyone’s first week on the job should be like Stan Sloan’s. The new executive director of Family Equality Council, the national organization for LGBTQ families, began the role on the first day of... Read the rest of this post at Mombian (www.mombian.com).
- Back-to-School Resources for LGBTQ Parents: 2016 Edition
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 5:47 am
  
  I first started posting back-to-school resources for LGBTQ parents in 2006, before my own son was even in school. He’s grown and changed, and so has this list. I hope it remains useful, whether your... Read the rest of this post at Mombian (www.mombian.com).
- The Pioneer Woman
- No Place for Manners! by Ree
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 5:01 am
  
  You’ll have to stop me if I’ve shown you these. Have I shown you these? If not…I really want to show you these. They’re doughnuts for The Merc, and I would just like to say that over the past couple of weeks, I have done more soul searching, contemplating, ruminating, cogitating, deliberating, and pondering doughnuts than I’ve ever done in my life, and that’s saying a lot. I have a lifelong love of doughuts, and I’ll be gosh darned if I haven’t become doughnut-discerning through the years. So we are starting with a pared-down doughnut approach, introducing just a couple of selections, one of which is in the photo above. Guess which one? (I’ll give you a very, very, extremely subtle hint: It’s the one in the...
- Storebought Treats, Homemade Treats, and Football by Ree
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 5:18 am
  
  In the storebought food realm: These are evil. And they must be destroyed. Have you seen them? Have you tried them? Well, don’t. They’re that good. They’re a cross between a cookie, a cracker, and heaven. � Now. On the homemade food realm: These are even more evil, and are making me question everything. I’ve become obsessed with marshmallow-type frostings and icings. In my dreams, I make them every day and jump into pools filled with them. I bathe in them. I eat them—-not particularly in that order. That made no sense. � What I’m saying is, marshmallow frosting is my life. � Because look! You can toast it. What mere buttercream allows you to do THAT? Buttercream is dead to me. � Pawhuska’s first...
- The Drummond Digest by Ree
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 5:11 am
  
  Man, oh man. It’s been busy around here. Let me count the ways. 1. Alex came home from her camp counseling job, then left for her second job, then came home from her second job, then got ready for college and hung at home (and worked cattle!) for a couple of weeks before leaving to go back last Saturday. Her summer flashed before her eyes and she had a wonderful time, but when it was all over, she was wishing she had another month at home. Her mama feels exactly the same way. 2. Did I tell you this? My husband, my love, my boyfriend, my main squeeze is now officially…a high school football coach. He and his friends Joe and Johnny, who have coached our little league football teams together for the past...
- Design Mom
- Late Summer Entertaining: 3 Fabulous No-Prep Menus
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:46 am
  
  By Gabrielle. Photos by Lindsey Johnson for Design Mom. This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. Our summer schedule is all but forgotten as we get back to the regular programming of school days, but the summer weather still lingers, along with the gorgeous late summer light. Which makes the end of August and early September a pretty lovely time to gather friends around an outdoor table and enjoy an evening meal together. The tricky thing for me is, once school is back in session, it’s hard to make time to prep a meal for guests. So I thought it would be fun to come up with a few menus that are entirely store bought, requiring no prep, plus totally gorgeous and majorly delicious. The idea is...
- Growing A Family: Emily Rose
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:00 am
  
  By Gabrielle. Owen’s sweet letter board series via Emily’s Instagram. Infertility, an early delivery, and a husband more than 24-hours away is just the beginning of Emily’s story. Oh! And there’s also a second delivery much different than the first. Come see. It’s a really good one. Starting my family was easy. My husband Nick and I met in high school and became a pair in college. Inseparable almost immediately, we had an effortless romance from the get-go and were married in 2009 on the shores of Lake Tahoe close to our hometown. Like I said, it was easy; we were a family just like that. Baby-making on the other hand, did not come easily. We decided to start trying for a baby about a year after we...
- Food Insecurity in America
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:00 am
  
  By Gabrielle. Photos by Kristen Loken for Design Mom. This post is brought to you by Outshine®. [ UPDATE: You can watch my Facebook Live interview on this topic here. ] Fact: 1 in 7 Americans struggles to get enough to eat. And further, food insecurity exists in virtually every community in the United States. Reading about hunger statistics in America is always a punch to the gut. I live in California which grows 1/3 of America’s vegetables, and 2/3 of the country’s fruit, and sometimes, as I’m walking around the city, or running errands in the suburbs, I’m struck by the abundance I see. Farmer’s markets and grocery stores piled high with good, healthy food. All that abundance almost makes it hard to...
- Dutch Blitz
- Summertime
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 8:26 pm
  
  If you’re friends with me on Facebook or follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen a pretty repetitive feed of blue skies and water. I’m working shorter hours for the summer so that I can take the kids to the beach. It means that less money is going into my bank account, but it also means that less money is going out to pay for things like camps and whatnot to keep the I’m Bored complaints at bay. Bonus: I get to go to the beach and read books/flip through magazines while my kids frolic in the water. Everybody wins. We had talked about whether we should go on a family vacation somewhere, but we live in the Okanagan for crying out loud. It’s where people from all over B.C. and Alberta come to spend their summer...
- Kid-Friendly Volunteering Ideas
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 8:50 am
  
  We live in a small town (Population 11,000 ish) that consists of many retirees, as well as many young families. It may look like your average sleepy little hamlet, but anyone who lives here — or even visits –will tell you that there’s something special about our community. A large part of that is reflected in how we take care of each other. Volunteering is something that is woven into the fabric of our town, and it’s not just those with political aspirations or retirement “free time” who volunteer. Entire families volunteer their time and the kids love it. Here are a few kid-friendly volunteer ideas if you’re wondering how to get your family involved. 1. Your local food bank. I was on the board of our...
- Let’s Play Ball
  
  1 Aug 2016 | 8:35 pm
  
  If you know Nathan at all, then you know that he cannot stop moving. He goes to school an hour early so that he can shoot hoops/toss a football/play ball with his friends. During the school year he played for the school basketball team, was part of the Orca swim club, and then played spring baseball as well as on a basketball team that played in Kelowna. From April through to the end of June he went from school to basketball practice, then straight to baseball practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Friday nights were basketball games, and he had baseball games on other nights as well as the weekends. It contributed to the June madness, most definitely. A parent of one of his baseball buddies suggested that he...
- Virtual Coach
- 👍Quick Recap: HyperTrophy Muscle Building Entire Product/sales funnel… done for you?: Hypertrophy Manual – Done-For-You PLR Package
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 1:31 pm
  
  Hey there, Barb Ling here and lookie! ================== ==> Healthy Hypertrophy in a box PLR! http://askbling.com/hypertrophyplr =================== Brief pithy and to the point This huge done for you business in a box goodie... ... come with: Premium Hypertrophy Blueprint Healthy Hypertrophy Cheatsheet Hypertrophy MindMap Hypertrophy Resource Report Mobile Friendly Sales page! compelling Sales Video ==> MORE! http://askbling.com/hypertrophyplr And the upsells? ... PLR Video goodness ... more businesses in boxes ==> Start your journey here! http://askbling.com/hypertrophyplr And because this is a solo offer, buy thru my link and immediately receive my OWN collection of Hypertrophy...
- 👍Quick Recap: HEADSUP: Fresh IM PLR: YouTube Ads Made Easy? (early birdie and a bonus nobody else is giving…: Youtube Ads Biz in a Box Monster PLR
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:29 am
  
  Hey there, Barb Ling here and there's a new PLR maker in town! ================== ==> Youtube Ads Made Easy Business in a box PLR! http://askbling.com/ytadsplr20 =================== Brief pithy and to the point I always love when HQ comes out with new PLR... I've literally made thousands of dollars from these goodies when I put them either as a front end offer or as an upsell. They're totally done for you.... so just add buy buttons and go! ==> It comes with literally everything you need http://askbling.com/ytadsplr20 We're talking: * YouTube Ads Fully Rebrandable Training Guide * YouTube Ads Doodle Style Sales Video * YouTube Ads Complete Professional Minisite Template In 6 Colors * YouTube...
- 👍Quick Recap: Did you see this new Steemit (when you post, you get paid) time saving 1 page goodie?: Steemit Black Book
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:29 am
  
  =================== SteemIt Black Book http://askbling.com/steemitbb Your Benefits: You learn how to put get paid for posting! =================== Hey there, Barb Ling here and ooo, here's the latest! Brief, pithy and to the point: Did you know there's a social network that pays you to use it? And if you want to get the info FAST.... ... and not waste hours of learning.... ==> Just a few pages! http://askbling.com/steemitbb And the upsells? So profitable... ... Done for you campaigns.... ... PLR to the time-saving goodie.... ==> Start your journey here! http://askbling.com/steemitbb And because this is a solo offer, purchase thru my link and immediately receive: Steemit Authority My...
- crunchycarpets.com
- How Ryan Lochte Became the Perfect Cautionary Tale for Teens
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 8:39 pm
  
  We at the house of crunch just finished a very interesting conversation with the teen. I try to not post too much about his life or issues as I respect his privacy and dignity (and hold the threat of embarrassing Instagram pics over his head), but I think this is work sharing. Without oversharing, Adam had described an incident with a friend in a way that could have caused us, his over-involved parents to …well…to go totally nuclear at kid in story as well as said kids unknowing parents. We managed to get back to a more healthy DefCon four from the one that his statement had caused. (okay, actually….you can tell who the caring parent is. Adam HAD come and told me a bit of this inflammatory tale...
- Pete’s Dragon 2016: Not the Movie your Mom Saw
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 5:23 pm
  
  Back in 1977, Disney almost lost me as a fan when they released Pete’s Dragon. As a lover of all things magical, especially dragons, this version of dragons and ‘magic’ was just NOT what I wanted to see. I was horribly horribly disappointed in their cartoony, musical extravaganza. So when I heard about a remake, I was not holding my breath, but had to admit that the teaser images were intriguing and mysterious. This version did not disappoint. However, we will all need therapy since it put us through the emotional ringer. Honestly, I have not sniveled this much at a movie since ET. From the traumatic beginning, our little hearts are torn asunder by the plight of little Pete and his wonderful, if...
- Life is More than a Blog
  
  16 Jul 2016 | 5:27 pm
  
  Hello blog. Long time no see. Sorry you are being neglected. There are many reasons and excuses. Many reasons that Netflix looked FAR more appealing than sitting down to write something pithy about life at the House of Crunch. Or write something amazingly brand friendly that would attract the attention of all those PR agencies lurking out there courting all the young fresh and eager NEW bloggers with young cute babies with their free stuff and fun events. I tend to write better when I am happy and energized and I haven’t felt much of either for a while. To be honest, 2016 has felt like a bit of a slog. The world has not been a happy place…..so much horror and death. Perhaps that has lain a...
- Cheaper Than Therapy
- Growth
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 10:34 am
  
  “Mama! Oh my goodness! You are in the pool! I can’t even believe it. This is just…THE BEST.” My little girl will never know how my heart leapt from my chest at that very moment. This week I went to Target and bought a black and white tankini. My body is so different than the last time I bought a bathing suit — it’s looser, squishier. Some days I still look in the mirror and wonder whose body this is, since it’s surely not mine. It’s a different body — ten (or twelve, since I discovered chess pie) pounds found. That was hard. Today I took the kids to the pool, like I have done all week, except this time instead of sitting with my legs hanging over the side of the shallow end, chatting with my nieces and...
- (What Laptop?)
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 7:22 am
  
  I’m sitting on one of the porches of my parents’ new house in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee. We are in the middle of a week-plus-long road trip from Toronto to Lexington,Virginia to Thompson’s Station back to Lexington, Virginia and then home. It’s before 9am, and I’m fighting with my new(ish) laptop while I toss a goopy, slobbery tennis ball over and over and over to two really eager Golden Retrievers, Gracee and Savannah Rose — I assure you, they are not quite the southern ladies that they sound like. I pick up the slobbery ball and toss it over these girls’ heads and watch them never tire of this game. I say ish when it comes to this laptop because a funny thing happens when you lose your job. You get...
- I’M ON A BOAT
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 6:24 am
  
  Whoa. Hold it. We gotta take a boat? Yes, sir. To get to the other side of the bay. Nobody said anything about a boat. Is there a problem, sir? No, no problem. I’m just not that crazy about boats, that’s all. Jesus Christ, Kaffee, you’re in the Navy for crying out loud. Nobody likes her very much. BOATS. I’m the only person on earth who goes to Santorini and doesn’t stretch her sea legs. I spent a 3-hour sunset cruise around St. Lucia praying to the sea gods to help me not lose my breakfast. (or lunch or dinner) You could not pay me to go on a cruise. My childhood fantasies about being on The Love Boat were always firmly docked. I have feelings about the boat of Not Penny’s Boat. I consider the...
- zoot
- Let’s Talk About Bras!
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:28 am
  
  It’s getting a little heavy around here, don’t you think? So. Let’s talk about bras. It’s closely related to my favorite subject: Boob Sweat. But a little more mature. I got my first training bra from K-mart when everyone else in my class got one in 5th grade. I’m not sure if the parents discussed it or what, I just remember we all did it at the same time even though I didn’t really have boobs until I got pregnant at 18. I was raised by a man who knew nothing about bras, but he was kind enough to send me to the mall with his credit card so I could buy bras sometimes, but I still didn’t really learn much. I just kinda guessed at my size and moved on with my life. 25-30 years later I discovered sports bras...
- Spiritual Nutrition
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 3:29 am
  
  There are two big groups I volunteer with in town – officially serving on the board in both groups to manage their websites – but also randomly for races put on by the two groups. This weekend is a big triathlon in town that I have never done, but I adore because it attracts all of my favorite people both as racers, and as volunteers. I was planning this week on my calendar 2 weeks ago (I’ve gotten to the point where I’m “planning” 3 weeks ahead which is unusal for me and a sign of how busy things have gotten.) and I worried about my mental health with no nights open and so many volunteering. I’m conditioning myself to notice these weeks as they’re warning signs for my mental health. But then I remembered...
- Teach Me How To Say “No”
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 2:48 am
  
  I’m working on saying, “No,” as I struggle to keep my head above water with my current load of responsibilities. And I’ve been doing great! Sort of. It’s more not saying, “Yes,” than it is saying, “No,” but the end result is the same. The first thing I had to do to develop this power (because I know we all struggle with it) is to look realistically at my life one week…two weeks…or a month in advance and ask myself, Can I handle anything else this month? And I mean really look at things. Do I have at least one (but ideally 2-3) week nights with NO obligations? Do I have hours to loaf on the weekends? Are there some mornings I won’t have to run? Because – here is what I’m trying to value: FREE TIME. So – I...
- Blissfully Domestic
- Ultimate College Shopping List!
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 3:39 pm
  
  Last year I sent my eldest off to school & so I reached out to some current college students to ask them what items they couldn’t live without. This comprehensive list is a great start to the process & it should hopefully make the task a little easier (maybe even a little fun), enjoy! Click here to download & print As you can see it is packed full of goodies from Lilly Pulitzer & kate spade new york to items you can find at Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Kmart, HomeGoods, etc. I love the “move in day essentials” which include a rubber mallet for pounding your bed together (or the futon you bought for your common room) as well as the tape measure & screw driver. I know that a few of the girls I spoke too...
- 10 Back to School Must Haves for College this Fall
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 1:35 pm
  
  Whether you are headed out for your Freshman or Senior year in college here are some of the musts haves to maintain your sassy & stylish study skills this year! I am a BIG fan of pencil cases. I honestly don’t know how anyone can keep pens or pencils loose in their backpacks or handbags without using a pencil case, it’s just fraught with disaster should the pen leak or when the lead of the pencil rubs against the interior of your bag, GASP! Pencil cases make all the difference AND it makes your writing utensils a lot easier to find. This kate spade new york case holds a few goodies inside too: small ruler, eraser, 2 bridge pencils & a pencil sharpener. KSNY pencil case I love Lilly Pulitzer, I...
- HGTV Magazine Annual #BloggerBlockParty
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 8:35 am
  
  Blissfully Domestic is partnering with HGTV to spread the word about the upcoming HGTV Magazine Blogger Block Party in NYC on 8/22/16. We received some cool stuff in exchange for our support but all opinions are our own, of course! Grab your style notebook, camera, and smartphone because HGTV Magazine is coming to NYC for its 3rd Annual Blogger Block Party! On Monday, August 22, 2016 from 12-8pm there will be meeting, tweeting, DIYing, and more! And it wouldn’t be an HGTV event without some of your favorite DIYers- like Genevieve Gorder, John & Sherry Petersik from Young House Love, and Rachel Faucett of Handmade Charlotte, just to name a few. You’ll be treated to info-packed learning sessions, live demos,...
- vintage everyday
- 18 Color Snapshot Captured Camping and Farming Living of North Dakota in the middle 1950s
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:40 pm
  
  These wonderful color slides show everyday life of a normal family in North Dakota in 1956 with activities: camping, farming, and harvesting wheat.See more »
- Playing in the snow in the driveway, Warren, Ohio, 1951
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:59 pm
- Doing Hard Time: 14 Historic Nebraska Mug Shots From the Late 19th/ Early 20th Centuries
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 12:04 pm
  
  Photography revolutionized crime investigations. Beginning in the mid 1800s, police photographed the faces of known criminals. Called "mug shots" (after the British slang word "mug" meaning "face") these images replaced drawings and descriptions on wanted posters. Scientists even studied mug shots to see if physical traits could predict criminal behavior.The Nebraska State Penitentiary used photography beginning in 1867 to record the likeness of the state's most infamous residents. The Omaha police photographed suspects when arrested. Whether the people depicted were guilty or innocent, behind every photograph is a human story. This glimpse back at some of the thousands of photographs in the Nebraska State...
- Daily Plate of Crazy
- Changing Views of Love and Commitment
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:28 pm
  
  The fact that I didn’t have a boyfriend for much of my twenties wasn’t a concern at the time. Now I won’t say that I didn’t want it otherwise; it can be lonely venturing out into the world solo, especially as your friends are pairing up around you. I might have wanted a man in my life, but I wasn’t feeling undefined without one. I knew how much I wanted to live life fully, to learn and travel, to write and contribute. Moreover, I knew I didn’t “need” a man, though I wanted to love and be loved. Like many women of my generation, I was raised wirh a sometimes conflicting and contradictory set of gender-based values — some traditional, some seemingly rebellious — in transitional times. Would I have...
- Up Against a Brick Wall: Random Thoughts on Adversity
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 8:28 am
  
  Lately I have felt myself up against a brick wall, time and time again. I imagine you know what I mean — you’re faced with challenge after challenge, you tell yourself it will all “be fine,” you put on a smile and forge ahead. Some of your challenges involve real adversity. Health issues. Job issues. Money issues. Relationship issues. Family issues. You reach deep for strength and creative solutions, you manage to muddle through, and you breathe a sigh of relief. Still, you don’t want to let your guard down — not entirely anyway — and just as you begin to think it may be okay to do so… Uh-oh! More challenges ahead! So you wind yourself back up again and keep going… and keep going… and keep going. Yup....
- Hugging Hello (The Benefits of Hugging)
  
  12 Aug 2016 | 4:57 am
  
  All too often, we find ourselves separated from the people we care about. Our children. Our siblings. Our parents. Our friends. Maybe we’re separated from a spouse or lover, as circumstances require that we nurture the relationship across cities, regions, possibly an ocean. And when we’re reunited? We hug. At least, I hope we do. Because the warmth of human contact is vital to connection, and much more than we realize. So if we can’t cuddle up to those we love, then the friendly embrace of an acquaintance or two may be just what the doctor ordered. Not the effusive type? Not prone to brandishing bear hugs to all you meet? Not desirous of being on the receiving end? Keep reading, and see if you change your...
- Born Just Right
- A Meet Up with Maker Fun in Chicago
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 3:09 am
  
  I have mentioned this a couple of times but I’m making it official! Jordan and I are headed to Chicago for a two-day visit. We were able to work out a day in her schedule to meet with her prosthetist, David Rotter. Jordan has grown out of all of her traditional prosthetics. After this year of Jordan taking the lead in creating her own fun prosthetics, we’re hoping she can meet with David to work on some helpful ones as well. Since we’re flying into the city for a short time, I wanted to figure out a way to bring local limb difference families together. That’s where a friend of mine reached out and offered a chance to hold a meet up at the mHub in Chicago. It’s the city’s first innovation center focused on...
- Limb Difference Dolls With a Side of Glitter
  
  28 Jul 2016 | 5:43 pm
  
  Jordan loves dolls. She loves sports. She loves 3D design and especially her Project Unicorn Glitter Shooter. She is the ultimate combination of all kinds of interests. She’s passionate and focused on them all. What is extra special is how Jordan has a community that supports her in every category of her life. A Doll Like Me Almost two years ago, Jordan was lucky enough to get a special doll in the mail from Amy who creates custom limb-different dolls for kids at A Doll Like Me. Jordan’s “Little Boo” was one of her first limb different doll creations. Jordan loves Little Boo. Her doll was even featured in an article about Jordan’s American Girl petition in the Kansas City Star. For last few months, Amy...
- Girls Who CAD and Awesome Without Borders
  
  26 Jul 2016 | 10:48 pm
  
  Since January, Jordan has gone through an amazing transition. She loved to create things, but she was a rule follower. She would follow directions and never go outside the lines. But after working with KIDmob and Autodesk on designing a 3D printed superhero sparkle-shooting prosthetic/body modification, she sees things differently. Computer Assisted Design (CAD) is a whole new world for Jordan. Since working with Autodesk designer, Sam Hobish, they’ve created different designs and needed to ship prototypes in the mail. We didn’t have a 3D printer and we didn’t have access to one that prints large enough items. That challenge is officially over We’ve made some really cool partnerships that will make sure...
- The Art of Simple
- The beauty quiz you won’t find in magazines
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:01 pm
  
  Birthdays have a way of pointing out the aging process. Last week, I briefly wondered if I should learn Photoshop, so I could erase all the new wrinkles in the photo of me blowing out candles. Maybe I could brighten my eyes a little, too; they looked a bit exhausted from motherhood. I wasn’t thinking of doing anything extreme like these celebrity before and afters. Birthdays also make me more conscious of how I really want to spend my time…and building a false image of myself, no matter how beautiful, just isn’t on my list of priorities. I keep telling my son, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” Maybe I should do that with myself. In fact, maybe we could all benefit from judging ourselves based on...
- My birthday list: 20 things I learned this year
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:01 pm
  
  Friends: I have just returned from the internet break of my life. Every summer I take a bit of a work hiatus, but this is the first summer in six years—since my youngest was born—that I’ve taken a bonafide break. (And even six years ago, I was completely consumed with newborn stuff.) I was barely online this summer. I desperately needed it. And it was all I dreamed it could be. My assistant (and magician extraordinaire) Caroline manned the AoS homefront here and handled the social media stuff, and other friends filled in as guest writers. Thank you so much to Alexandra Kuykendall, Kim Rama, Ed Cyzewski, Alia Hagenbach, Shannan Martin, and Jerusalem Greer. You guys are salt of the earth (and you...
- Why I won’t buy a Fitbit
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 9:01 pm
  
  I have decided not to buy a Fitbit. I know everyone was on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if I would. I am nothing if not a trendsetter for personal health habits (I say this completely tongue-in-cheek, my favorite sport is croquet after all.) But no, I have decided. No Fitbit for me. No counting steps, no running circles around my kitchen island before bed, no tracking calories and heart rates and rest. I am done with numbers. Done. Done. Done. If there was a way to turn off the numbers of Likes and Follows and Friends on every social media account I have, I would do it in a heartbeat. I am so over numbers (my apologies to all the statisticians out there.) I blame my speedometer. You see, a few...
- Kristen Welch
- Rescue Me, Too
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 7:30 pm
  
  I will never forget this day five months ago. It was the day I witnessed our work on the ground in Kenya from start to finish, the rescue of a desperate pregnant teen girl from an unthinkable hell. I still think about following this child with her swollen belly through the slum after listening to her hopeless story of trying to end her pregnancy, climbing the precarious ladder to her front door, and sitting in her tiny home that felt like a blazing oven. When I remember this day, it’s the girl’s Muslim mom and her desperation that make me weep. The mom mostly listened and nodded her head. She communicated silently with her daughter with a nudge and shake of the head. She hung her head in shame...
- You’re Invited
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 8:05 pm
  
  Today’s post is in partnership with Basic Invite. All opinions are my own. Do you know what will make you feel really old? When the baby that makes you an aunt gets engaged. Yep, that will do it. This summer, both my college-aged nieces were interns at Mercy House and it was so fun working with them. They were a huge help, worked hard and we are going to miss them like crazy! I blinked and my nieces became old enough to be my co-workers. Life is crazy like that. Two of my nephews tied the knot this past year and I was the aunt trying not to cry at the wedding. I’m secretly glad my niece is next because I get to be in on all the planning. I actually taste-tested cookies for the reception. I mean...
- 8 Conversations We Should Have With Our Kids About Entitlement
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 6:59 pm
  
  We are huge fans of the Olympic Games. My family has been glued to every race, result and record-breaking moment. We don’t reserve respect just for the popular sports either. Looking at you badminton and table tennis. We love it all. I even caught a couple of people in my family live-streaming archery during a family wedding. Ahem. We celebrated Simone Biles, a local hero, and every other winner and loser. The human interest stories started countless dinnertime conversations. So, yeah, we were some of the first to question Ryan Lochte’s hair choices. And the minute the news of him being robbed hit our house along with the messy aftermath, our kids started asking questions.Who? What? Why? My teenaged...
- アウトドアとインドアの融合！！
- さっそく体感しよう！！野外映画フェス日程
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 10:40 pm
  
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- 初の野外映画フェス…ここだけ抑えておこう！！
  
  5 Aug 2016 | 10:38 pm
  
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- 野外映画フェスの足跡
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 10:37 pm
  
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- Scary Mommy
- I’m A Good Mom Even If My Kids Are A Hot Mess
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:00 pm
  
  I have paced and stewed and cried and thrown up. But after a hot shower, a glass of wine, four gluten-free cake pops, and a Xanax, I am now prepared to go there. Let’s do this. I love being a mom. For 72.3% of the time, motherhood is a good gig. I am a yeller, yes. Obviously, I tend to eat my feelings. A Pop-Tart every now and then might eventually kill me — but I have killed no one else. Bonus. And yes, I have been overly observant of others and sometimes voiced it. And yes, I am accountable for raising these humans. (They will require counseling. We have a fund.) However, they are human beings. Entities all their own, they do and say and formulate opinions and characteristics apart from my...
- 50 Thoughts You Have At College Drop-Off
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:00 pm
  
  It’s oh so true. Everything they said about how fast it all goes, it’s so damn true. You’re gonna blink, then find yourself in the Bed, Bath & Beyond with a dorm list, a headache, and a massive panic attack working it’s way up your chest, making it feel like your heart is practically pounding in your throat. So load up the car with plastic storage, towel sets, your sense of humor, and a very large box of tissue because your firstborn going to college! 1. OMG. OMG! OMG! This is happening. It’s really happening! He’s outta here! 2. Packing sucks, especially when it’s your “baby’s” stuff. 3. No, you cannot just bring one pair of flip-flops as your only pair of shoes. Yes, you need a nice...
- To My Son As He Enters His Junior Year Of High School
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:00 pm
  
  Dear Son, I used to count the days until the end of summer, marking the calendar until school would start and our normal routine would be restored. As a working mom, I was filled with guilt for the hot afternoons I wasn’t able to spend with you at the pool. I wished away the long summer days, feeling guilty, deluded that if you were in the classroom like all the other kids, I wasn’t shortchanging you. Sometimes I worry that I rushed through your childhood. And now I want to stop time. To freeze this summer. Remember how I sobbed your first day of kindergarten? Watching you board the yellow bus to head into the big world outside our neighborhood caught me unprepared for the reality that you wouldn’t...
- simplynutmeg.com – Hi I’m Gregg
- Online Marketing Trends That Will Be Big In 2016
  
  5 Aug 2016 | 12:50 am
  
  Marketers always try to find out the best solutions for businesses to attract and keep their customers. True enough, continuous effort is the key to unlocking your potential. Marketing changes every day. You must stay up-to-date with the latest trends in order to be aware of the changes that you need to think about and make better strategies and decisions. Not only that you will a gain competitive edge, but this will also help you in developing expertise in the industry. You will earn the invaluable trust and respect from the people around you. So take a look at the online marketing trends you need to watch out for this year. Online Video Ads for Content Marketing Online video is definitely the next big...
- Importance of Food & Nutrition in Building a Healthier Body
  
  25 Jul 2016 | 12:35 am
  
  In order to achieve a healthier mind and body, it’s important to consider consuming organic foods and drinks. In fact, a healthy lifestyle is now essential so that individuals can keep up with the challenges they encounter in everyday life. And by staying active, people can also build stronger muscles while maintaining fitness in the best possible way. To be able to achieve all these, we should eat vitamin-enriched foods for sufficient nourishment. So here, we will be providing you with all the essentials you need to enjoy healthier and lean body you’ve always wanted. Since food is essential, it’s necessary to choose the right diet for complete sustenance. With the various diseases and health risks...
- Tips on Having a Healthy Diet
  
  26 Jun 2016 | 5:55 pm
  
  We could probably talk all day about the things that can make people happy. Some might say that their happiness is having a successful career, being with their family, or as simple as being healthy. There are those who find happiness by travelling, expressing themselves through art, or starting a website or blog and uploading videos on it. Now, if you are one of those whose happiness is their health, you are in for a treat. We are going to give you some tips on healthy eating and sticking to it. Prepare Yourself for Success To prepare yourself for success, consider planning for healthy eating as a few small, manageable steps instead of one huge drastic change. When these small changes eventually become a...
- Karen Cheng's Fashion and Life
- Styling banana cake with a bit of love
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 9:00 am
  
  I have been clashing with one of my boys these last few weeks. Lots of fighting, shouting, negativity. It’s been pretty bad, worse than usual. I won’t go into an detail (because he reads my blog now and again, and my heart is a bit fragile) but basically, we’ve been having an awful time. I suspect that 20 years from now, when he looks back at his childhood, all he’ll be able to remember of his mother is me being this angry, frustrated, shouty, crazy person. Anyway, to heal this mother-son relationship, I figure that since I’m the adult, I should do something to change the situation and bring about some positivity. I’ve discovered he’s quite interested in my work. Photographing things, styling,...
- Fitness Update: First 10km in ages!
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:00 am
  
  Last Saturday, I struggled through my first 5km run in 6 weeks. So the following day (Sunday), I made myself run another 5km and I felt soooo much better about life! This week, I decided to do a longer run. I set aside 1.5 hours and plotted out a 10km run using Gmaps. The run was great. I started to feel wobbly at the 5km point, but I pushed through and it was all good. I ran a pace of 6:30min/km and I only stopped to cross roads. The main problem was that… it rained! It poured so hard that my shoes filled up with water and my running jacket got absolutely soaked. And when it stopped raining, my wet jacket made me really cold, so I took it off and tied it around my waist. So there I was, in the middle...
- What I Wore: Sabe Structured Top
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 7:24 pm
  
  Top from Hello Parry, Skirt by Tokyo Fashion (similar styles here), Cardigan by Acne Studios, Heels from ASOS. OK I’m talking tops here. A good, going out top. A versatile top (that you can wear with jeans or shorts) but not boring or expensive either. I’ve been dying to feature one of my favourite tops this season, because it’s a good one! I wear it all the time, it goes with everything and I really like it. It’s called the Sabe Structured Top, I’ve had it for about 2 months, and I’ve actually written about it before in this post. I went to a day time event the other day and wore the top with a lace skirt. I love that I can wear it with a plain or patterned skirt and it looks amazing. Because...
- What's That Smell?
- 7 Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness and How to Actually Achieve Them
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 12:45 pm
  
  I believe that a healthy lifestyle goes beyond what you eat and how much you move your body. While those are important, there is something even vitally more important – a healthy mind. And these days because of how busy and distracted we are, it’s even more critical than ever that we spend some time... The post 7 Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness and How to Actually Achieve Them appeared first on What's That Smell?.
- Low Carb Pizza Sauce
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 6:46 pm
  
  It’s hard to imagine that you can enjoy pizza on a low carb diet, but I promise you that you can. It all starts with the right low carb crust recipe, then you need a low carb pizza sauce recipe, then you can top it with your favorite low carb toppings and plenty of veggies.... The post Low Carb Pizza Sauce appeared first on What's That Smell?.
- Low Carb Pizza Crust
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 6:46 pm
  
  When it comes to creating a low carb pizza, the crust will make or break your recipe. The most difficult part is achieving a low carb pizza crust that isn’t mushy, and is firm enough to be able to actually be picked up like a slice of pizza. Eating your low carb pizza with a... The post Low Carb Pizza Crust appeared first on What's That Smell?.
- 妊活・妊娠・出産まとめ
- 不妊ミドルエイジクライシス不妊治療どう向き合うか先の見えない不妊治療
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 8:24 am
  
  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lU3fka9OoiaPBTZVALwDY6SndlsWmvkqx-3HHt-jLUg/viewform あなたに幸せなマタニティ生活を実現する「2013...
- 不妊女性編集部スペシャル 44歳ラストチャレンジ密着不妊治療最前線
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 7:56 am
  
  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lU3fka9OoiaPBTZVALwDY6SndlsWmvkqx-3HHt-jLUg/viewform あなたに幸せなマタニティ生活を実現する「2013...
- 『うまれる』医療機関向けDVDサンプル（不妊と流産を乗り越えて）
  
  30 Jul 2016 | 8:16 am
  
  『うまれる』医療機関向けDVDのサンプル映像です。 http://www.umareru.jp/umareru/clinic-dvd.html 【ミニ・ドキュメンタリー「不妊と流産を乗り越えて」 : 約8分】をご紹介して...
- MotherhoodLater.com – World’s leading website, eZine and community for midlife moms.
- STOMP: A MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA THAT’S HARD TO BEAT: Show Review by Jamie Levine
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 1:21 am
  
  STOMP opened at the Orpheum Theatre in New York City in 1994; I saw this invigorating stage show there for the first time in the late 1990’s as a single 20-something-year-old city-dweller. Therefore, it was quite a treat—as well as quite a different experience—to return to the Orpheum Theatre this past weekend with my nine-year-old suburban daughter to see STOMP for the second time in my life. STOMP’s eight member troupe—two women and six men—entertain the audience with an utterly unique combination of percussion, movement, and slapstick humor. The show both begins and ends with a lone performer sweeping the stage with a janitor’s broom; that broom is combined with other brooms and sweepers to...
- Mom Theatre Blogger: SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 12:56 pm
  
  (Photo by Ben Arons) Never did silence speak such volumes on the stage. The critically-acclaimed Ars Nova production of Bess Wohl’s Small Mouth Sounds is playing a limited run at The Pershing Square Signature Center, and it is an understated, smart, tender and insightful delight. At times, the actors sit methodically, perched in a row on a platform, and other times, the audience surrounds their action as they leave and enter from various curtained exits. Whether placid-faced, confused or distraught, their expressions are a free for all and pack an emotional punch. In the rainy woods, three men and three women embark on a silent retreat that has the potential to be life affirming, yet highly...
- Talking Perimenopause with Dr. Prudence Hall by Robin Gorman Newman
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 1:11 am
  
  I had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Prudence Hall to pose some questions re: perimenopause. She is founder of The Hall Center (www.thehallcenter.com). I have been in perimenopause for 8 years…getting closer to menopause. And, I’ve been highly symptomatic including things I never anticipated, i.e. tongue burn, dry eyes, etc. What are some of the most common symptoms you see? Sleeplessness, fatigue, weight gain, depression, hair loss, bloating and gas, loss of libido and more. What are unexpected symptoms people might experience? Many of the symptoms listed previously are oftentimes completely unexpected by menopausal women. Loss of bone mass and osteoporosis are often unexpected at...
- The Motherhood | A Social Media Marketing Agency
- Facebook Live Video Tips from Social Fresh Conference 2016
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:37 am
  
  Did you know that the amount of video uploaded in one month is currently more than the amount that all three TV networks combined have created in 30 years*? The role of video in social marketing, especially live video, continues to become more and more important. Last week, The Motherhood attended Social Fresh 2016 and heard from Facebook Live experts, including digital content creator Sarah Evans and The Weather Channel’s Jennifer Watson, who shared their Facebook Live video tips, particularly how to run and promote such videos effectively. A recent survey from the Firebrand Group found that 93.3 percent of marketers are currently using video for the purpose of building awareness, and Founder &...
- Social Fresh 2016 Conference Trends Round-Up
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:13 am
  
  The Motherhood is thrilled to have been able to attend the Social Fresh 2016 Conference in Orlando! We heard from an amazing lineup of speakers who shared valuable insights on everything from creating authentic brand content, to running social ads, to providing SEO predictions for the future — just to name a few topics. We especially loved learning that more than half of the conference speakers were female, the most they’ve had in any of the 18 Social Fresh conferences to date! All of the speakers were incredible. Thank you to the presenters and Social Fresh team who made this conference a must-attend event. Here are some of the trends, ideas and insights that grabbed our attention at Social...
- Free Kids’ Handwriting Worksheets
  
  13 Aug 2016 | 8:47 pm
  
  We’re in the thick of back-to-school season, and for kids in early grade school and older, handwriting is an important aspect of learning that might require a refresher course. The Motherhood has worked with BIC and a group of bloggers to encourage kids to participate in a fun activity, responding to a variety of questions in writing, including the prompt, “What would you do as principal for a day?” What would your kid(s) do if they were principal for a day? Have them write out their ideas and you could WIN a $10,000 scholarship! Visit BICFightForYourWrite.com now through August 15th to enter BIC’s If I Were Principal For A Day Contest and learn about more ways to celebrate handwriting. No Purchase...
- Twinfatuation
- Way Back When-esday - Precious Playmates
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 11:46 am
  
  Dateline: August 24, 2004Twins' Age: Not quite 3Betting that even though it's twelve years later to the day, these two are likely in similar proximity to one another. Their "playthings" are more technologically advanced than the little plastic picnic table here, but the closeness, not so different.The fondness and friendship of our twins warms my heart this mid-week.Did you realize Twinfatuation was the originating host of Way Back When-esday?We've been looking back with love since 2007... so please join in, play along!Dive into those digital files and share a photo find on your blog and/or on our the new�Twinfatuation Facebook Community Page...and encourage fellow moms to do the same!��
- Our Pair: Passage and Poignance
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 10:37 am
  
  Last week, we spent a relaxing, restful, laughter-filled week at Sandbridge Beach. Two weeks from today, our beloved not-so-much-babies-anymore begin their freshman year of high school...at different schools.� They've not been in the same class since preschool, but they've always attended the same school.After applying to four public high schools, and after receiving acceptances to the same schools, each selected the location they felt better matched their style of learning and desired courses of study.They're growing up---together.
- Way Back When-esday - Sweet, Sandy Times
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 7:46 am
  
  Dateline: August 2006 Twins' Age: Nearly 5 Once again today, we wake with the sound and smell of the ocean. After many catching-ups and slowing-downs, our He-Twin and She-Twin still have about four inches height discrepancy...again as pictured, in his favor.Remembering happy trips of the past---and creating memories for future reminiscences---warm my heart this mid-week.Did you realize Twinfatuation was the originating host of Way Back When-esday?We've been looking back with love since 2007... so please join in, play along!Dive into those digital files and share a photo find on your blog and/or on our the new�Twinfatuation Facebook Community Page...and encourage fellow moms to do the...
- Mommy Brain Reports
- Back 2 School Clothing from Walmart- YES! Even Uniforms!
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 7:15 am
  
  We are getting ready to go back to school in two weeks, and this year is a bit different for us, in terms of school fashion… Normally, we’re picking up jeans and shorts and tops and dresses… This year, we had to do a lot of shopping, but for UNIFORMS! Yes! The girls are heading to a middle school that requires uniforms as their daily attire, and we are so totally ok with that! With this new evolution, comes a big shopping trip, and we had to do some price comparisons! We took a look at many places, and were pleasantly surprised when we saw what Walmart had to offer! Their Faded Glory and George lines of uniforms were very reasonably priced, and quality looks like it would last at least all year! Check...
- Back to School- Snack Time!
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 10:43 am
  
  School has already started for some, and others will be back in soon! I know my girls are excited to see what’s coming up in their new adventure in Middle School. Something that I know I’m going to have to start thinking about is after school snacks! I know that as soon as they get home, they are going to raid the pantry and refrigerator for something to snack on. It’s inevitable. I figured I should do something easy, that I can make ahead, and have handy for them when they do get home. We made some pizza pockets and bacon, bbq cheeseburger pockets! What I like the most about these, is that they are super easy, and they keep well. You can make them over the weekend and freeze them for the upcoming week....
- Book Review: Treasure Hunters Peril at the Top of the World
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 5:36 pm
  
  Disclaimer: This book was provided for purposes of this review. We were compensated for our time and efforts on this review, to include review, video, images, and social shares as a part of MomSelect! All opinions are 100% our own! Hey everyone! We were recently offered the chance to check out James Patterson’s latest book, Treasure Hunters: Peril at the Top of the World. This is the 3rd book in the Treasure Hunters series, and they are ALL very funny books. My girls absolutely loved this book, and thought it was awesome! They’ve read the Middle School and I Funny series’ from James Patterson, so they knew that they would definitely enjoy this one! I asked them to give me a little quick book review from...
- A Cowboy's Wife
- Back to School- Absence Excuse Notes {Printable}
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 6:58 am
  
  Parents everywhere are rejoicing as kiddos head back to school. While I’m jumping up and down with them, I also tend to think about the little things, like absence notes for the days our little ones miss school. I’m just an overthinker that way. That’s where these awesome absence excuse notes come in. I created printable versions just for you! (and me!) OH! and if you want to make your own printables but have no clue where to start, Trisha created an awesome printable tutorial. Check it out! If you’re anything like me, you don’t remember to write your excuse note until you’re headed out the door, or you don’t remember at all. The great thing about these printable absence excuse notes, is...
- Back to School Bento Box Idea – Chicken Pinwheels
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 3:41 pm
  
  These Chicken Pinwheels are a great idea for Bento boxes, as the kids head back to school. I’m pretty sure I’ll be making a few extra and packing a lunch box with double helpings for myself. HA! Bento simply means a boxed meal. It’s basically the same as a lunch box. With me working in town more and Truett headed back to school, I plan to pack more bento box lunches. When you plan on making lunches like this, consider what you’re cooking the days before and make extra for leftovers. For these Chicken Pinwheels, I batted my eyelashes and asked my husband to grill a few extra chicken breasts, when we cooked over the weekend. As I’ve mentioned before in our Grilled Chicken Kabobs post,...
- The REAL Back to College Essentials
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 1:53 pm
  
  Back to school is here and it’s always a bitter-sweet moment for me. I have one son headed to the 4th grade and one starting his junior year at college (another who is grown and on his own!). I suddenly feel old, even if I am only 40 and while I’m sad they are headed back, I’m grateful for the lower grocery bill I’ll have! Can I get an AMEN?!! One thing I do love during this time of the year, is shopping! I’m super excited to have partnered with Procter & Gamble to bring you a few college essentials to get your college kid off to a clean start! I remember when Toby first started college. It was all about making his dorm look cool but over the past two years, we’ve come to realize that...
- A Day in the Life ...
- The next chapter
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 6:25 am
  
  As many a blogger out there, I'm a little conflicted. I go back and forth about shutting this down, and then rebreathing life into it again. I've tried to do this before. �I feel like the WHO announcing a final farewell tour. �I just won't go away.When I started this blog I was taking a break from a career and trying to embrace stay-at-home-ness with my two adorable kids, who provided wonderful blog fodder. �That was over a decade ago. �You can tell by the header. �Yeah, really that long ago.While I was in the thick of it, not only did I manage to capture snapshots of a period in time that was beyond precious, I also explored the inner me. Not just events and photos but also my feelings and thoughts of...
- Got 'er done -NABLOPOMO -OUT
  
  30 Nov 2015 | 8:14 pm
  
  Well this is it-the last post of November 2015. �I dropped the ball only once!Hard to believe it will be December tomorrow. �A month of celebration with both the Hubster and The Girlie having December birthdays. Oh and I guess there's something called Christmas happening this month too.Let the games begin!
- You CAN teach an old ...
  
  29 Nov 2015 | 8:42 am
  
  One of the wonderful things about my monthly book club with the neighbourhood ladies is that once we finish up talking about the book ( which can last about 30 seconds if we couldn't get into it) conversations will always drift to something else, topics ranging from relationships with our kids, spouses, to household tips (who knew the power of Oxy to tackle red wine spills on white dining chairs or tabouli encrusted Berber rug-witnessed live, I kid you not).My latest learning was the 50 second microwave poached egg in a cup.I put it to to the test this morning for a fairly healthy breakfast -look, avocado, good fat!So easy I can't believe I did not know this.What do you do?Put 1/2 cup of cold water in a...
- Mamanista!
- Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires!
  
  13 Aug 2016 | 2:31 pm
  
  Have you seen the devastating images on the web or on the news? The ones of burning wilderness, burning homes, and injured animals? It’s awful. And it is largely preventable. � <ul> <li> In 2014 there were 7,933 wildfires caused by lightning, but 55,679 wildfires caused by human error (as reported to the National Interagency Fire Center). </li> <li> In 2015 58,916 human-caused wildfires burned over 2 million acres. </li> </ul> � � Smokey Bear’s message about wildfire prevention is the center of the longest-running and one of the most successful PSA campaigns in our nation’s history. Although progress has been made, accidental, human-caused wildfires remain one of the most critical environmental issues affecting the U.S. the...
- Is Your Child Really In #TheRightSeat?
  
  30 Jul 2016 | 8:52 am
  
  If you have kids that are still in a car seat or booster seat – this is a message you do not want to take lightly. Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old. And every 33 seconds a child under 13 is involved in a car crash in the United States. Many times deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Unless you plan on walking, a lot, your child needs a car seat from the time you walk out of the hospital until they are at least 7 years old. And, by law, most states now require children to ride in booster seats until they weigh at least 60 pounds or more. So they could still be in a seat even after they turn 9 years old. Can...
- Will You Shop With Your Heart?
  
  26 Jul 2016 | 1:07 pm
  
  With all of the garbage that is put in our food today, it is important to be conscientious about where your food is coming from. Not only that – but where your meat is raised is a BIG deal. By buying welfare-certified animal products, or more plant-based products, you send a strong message to food companies that you care about the treatment of farm animals. Most of the nearly 9 billion animals raised for meat, milk and eggs in the US are suffering in inhumane factory farms. I know – it is disgusting and sad to even think about it. But where DOES your meat come from? A normal medium size family spends hundreds of dollars each month on things like chicken, beef, and sausage. As consumers, most of us do...
- 5 Minutes for Mom
- 5 Ingredient Mason Jar Lunches
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:54 am
  
  Hello “5 Minutes for Mom” friends… it’s Tami, Shari, and Patti here from Sincerely Jean. Can you believe it is ‘Back to School’ time? We do not know where the summer went – it just flew by! We are sure that you are super busy with getting everyone ready to head back to school. So, we are bringing you some 5-ingredient mason jar lunch recipes, so that you don’t have to worry about what to pack your kids (or yourself) for lunch. Typically when you layer a meal in a mason jar, this is the best order: Layer 1: Dressing/Sauce Layer 2: Non-absorbent veggies/fruit Layer 3: Soft veggies/grains Layer 4: Greens When you are ready to eat, you can either shake the jar and eat out of that or just pour...
- After School Snacks and our Delicious Dishes Recipe Party
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 4:00 am
  
  One thing is always true for kids. They are HUNGRY after school!!! In the collection of recipes shared last week, there were so many great ideas for after school snacks. So each of the co-hosts selected a favorite and below you’ll find a kid friendly set of after school recipes. And of course be sure to add your own recipes to this week’s Delicious Dishes Recipe Party linky list below. � If you’re new to Delicious Dishes, it is a weekly link party where you can share your recipes and find lots of other wonderful food ideas from your blogging friends. Each week we share a collection of our favorite recipes from the previous week. Keep reading and click through to all of our co-hosts favorite picks from...
- Ice Age on Ice is touring Canada #Giveaway
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 1:00 am
  
  Canadian families are in for a treat because Ice Age on Ice is touring Canada and stopping in 20 cities. The tour began on August 20 in London, Ontario, and it ends on December 4 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We’re giving away 4 family packs each with 4 tickets and each winner can choose the Canadian city for her set of 4 tickets. Thanks to Ice Age on Ice for sponsoring this post and providing these tickets. American friends, don’t worry… you’ll get a turn to see Ice Age on Ice too. The US dates run from December 7th through June 18th. But our giveaway is only for the Canadian dates. Do You and Your Kids LOVE Ice Age? My daughter Olivia was completely obsessed with Ice Age when she was little. In fact, I...
- Burgh Baby
- She'll Do What She Wants When She Wants To Do It
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:11 pm
  
  I never claimed to be the quickest Pikachu in the pokedeck, so it shouldn't be a surprise that Mila is already two years old and I just now figured out the issue with her eating and stuff. Better late than never, I suppose! If you've been around for a while, you probably remember that Her Highness wouldn't take bottles. That's fine and dandy, except for the part where she spends her days at daycare. She made it through the first year of her life essentially refusing to eat unless I was around. She got by on less than 4 ounces of milk each day for a while. And there's your answer as to why she's so tiny. Still. Because she only eats when she decides she's going to eat. While the original pickiness was all...
- She'll Be Right Back
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 7:32 pm
  
  I don't know if there are words that adequately describe just how strong-willed Mila is. Her absolute focus on getting her way is going to serve her very well through life. Later. Eventually. Ahem. For now, it entertains the heck out of me. Am I not supposed to laugh when a 2-year old refuses to get out of the car unless the right person is the one unbuckling her? Because I do. She will push everyone away until she gets what she wants. By the way, when she pushes people away, she literally says, "I push." She knows she shouldn't do it, but she doesn't care. Mila owns her rule-breaking ways. It's physically impossible to get Mila to sit nicely in a shopping cart. I've tried bribery, electronics, snacks,...
- The Good Days are Good
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 6:42 pm
  
  Have I mentioned that I love age 2? Because, man. Every day is a great day with Mila, even the days that aren't. Two is the age that is all about telling it like it is. When Mila is miserable, she puts it on display. When she's happy, that gets displayed as well, but she can't stand to feel things alone. Mila always takes you with her. Mila is absolutely playing it cool in that photo, but when that little car hit the curve and spun her around, she giggled with glee. Then she would hit a straight-away and turn all serious again, only to be all of the happy when it came time to spin again. I could watch her discover that rides are fun for hours. Which, for the record, I did. Somehow I was the kind of crazy...
- Cool Zebras
- Slow and Steady Wins the Race and other random thoughts
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 5:30 am
  
  About 6 months ago I started a plan to try to lose weight. I was never a candidate for "My 600-lb Life," but I was also not small. I'm still not small, but I have made an improvement in my health. It is slow, but hopefully the slow and steady rate makes for long-term results. I started around Thanksgiving, which in itself is a challenging time to start a diet, but I also started a job outside the home. For those of us that are battling with social anxiety and introversion, you can understand this was a giant change for me.I discovered through work that my anxiety mostly refers to adult interaction. The kids at the elementary school where I work do not worry me, they don't make me think twice about what they...
- K Man is 12
  
  29 Jul 2016 | 7:58 pm
  
  So this kid turned 12 today. I kind of want to crawl under the covers and pretend it didn't happen, but so far he still needs his mom occasionally so I guess I'll be okay.(I have pictures every year in this shirt, I was just too lazy to find them all.)********* If you have the time, please consider clicking through to my blog. Also, if you comment, I get warm fuzzies and I think you're cool...even if you're not. ;)(But you totally are you know.) Thanks!
- Miss M is now 14. So I must have had her at 15, right?
  
  21 Jul 2016 | 10:31 pm
  
  Happy birthday to the girl who made me a mommy. She is smart, athletic, beautiful...everything girls aspire to be. She does have her blonde moments...like when she said the beeping at the traffic light was for when the blind drivers would know to go.Happy birthday beautiful girl. You are gorgeous inside and out.********* If you have the time, please consider clicking through to my blog. Also, if you comment, I get warm fuzzies and I think you're cool...even if you're not. ;)(But you totally are you know.) Thanks!
- Vals Views
- Top 10 Best Yoga Mat Bags Reviews 2016
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:45 am
  
  Yogi’s agree that the yoga mat is one of the most important investments to make. Without the right mat, yoga practice would be uncomfortable and risks of slipping and falling over increase. With that said, investing in a quality yoga mat bag to carry and store the mat is recommended. There are hundreds of yoga mat bags to choose from. These range from simple to complex and high end bags. It can be overwhelming to research through all bags to find the right one. To make it easy to find the top yoga mat bag, we’ve reviewed the top 10 yoga mat bags in 2016. 10. Gaiam Full-Zip Cargo Pocket Yoga Mat Bag This is a top quality yoga mat bag that’s made from cotton. It features a full zip closure to make it easy...
- Top 10 Best Mosquito Killers machine In 2016 Reviews
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 7:38 am
  
  Malaria is a killer disease that has lead to so many deaths all over the world. This terrible parasitic infection is caused by Plasmodium, a parasite that is carried by a female anopheles mosquito and transmitted through a blood meal. The best defense against malaria is therefore preventing the mosquito bites by elimination these dangerous insects. To help you with this, here are top 10 best mosquito killer reviews in 2016. You can check them out and pick the one that will most likely take care of your needs. 1. Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer This nicely designed lantern-style mosquito killer by Flowtron uses harmless UV-light to kill mosquitoes as well as other flying insects. It has a killing...
- Top 10 Hottest and sexy Models in 2016
  
  13 Aug 2016 | 7:48 am
  
  The model world keeps trending with new and upcoming sexy models. From elegance to beauty, the models always have that attractive look that everyone admires. In the recent past, modeling has taken many twists. The hot sexy America models have always shook the world by their stunning beauty. Earlier, modeling was an entertaining art and was only reserved for the sexiest and of course for the naughty girls. This has changed and modeling is an art and employment opportunity where even brains are playing a big role. It has also become a chance to become globally famous. Global contests have become the order of the day with an aim to determine the sexiest and hottest models both on local and universal levels....
- Mom Knows It All.
- You’re Not Shopping Alone If You’re Shopping With Autotrader #GFGuidetoCarShopping
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 4:43 pm
  
  This post was made possible by iConnect and Autotrader. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine. Have you ever bought a used car? It has its exciting moments for sure, but parts of it can be a bit trying on the nerves. I remember going back a few years when a friend of mine needed to get a car. She’d heard as many horror stories as I had about women going in to car dealerships alone. So, she asked me to go with her. I’ve always been into cars so I didn’t mind. Shopping for a car with a friend can be fun. There’s someone there to help figure out questions and answers. Someone that at the end of the day will have helped make the whole experience a good...
- Check Out The @BestBuy Tech Home In The Mall of America #BestBuyTechHome
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:47 am
  
  The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. As technology evolves there are more “smart home” products being made. Just a few of the many things you can do right from your phone include turning lights on and off, controlling heating and air conditioning, and monitoring a home security system. Heck, thanks to new technology you can even see what’s in your fridge right from your phone! With all of these new home innovations, you may have found yourself wondering if some of the products are something you might want to invest in. Maybe you’d like to get an up close and check out the products firsthand. If you live in...
- FundraisingIP.com: Fundraising Ideas
- Simplify Your Program Tracking with Web-Based Nonprofit Software
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 7:30 am
  
  The post Simplify Your Program Tracking with Web-Based Nonprofit Software appeared first on Fundraising Letters, Checklists, How Tos and Event Ideas. You might also like:<ul> <li>How to Write a Winning Proposal for Your Nonprofit Program </li> <li>Seven Criteria to Consider when Selecting Fundraising Software </li> <li>How to Write A Donation Request Letter For An After School Program </li> <li>Find Free Web Services For Your Non-Profit </li> <li>Free Software For Your Non-Profit </li> </ul>
- Pledge Campaigns: 6 Tips for Increasing Donations
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 7:13 am
  
  The post Pledge Campaigns: 6 Tips for Increasing Donations appeared first on Fundraising Letters, Checklists, How Tos and Event Ideas. You might also like:<ul> <li>15 Tips for Increasing Your Income as a Professional Fundraiser </li> <li>The 4 Best and Worst Ways to Accept Donations </li> <li>What Nonprofits Need to Know about Donations to Political Campaigns </li> <li>Boost Year End Giving: 19 Tips For Your Holiday Party </li> <li>2012 Recap: Online Fundraising Steadily Increasing </li> </ul>
- 8 Ways a Nonprofit Can Deal With Negative Online Reviews
  
  19 Jul 2016 | 7:30 am
  
  The post 8 Ways a Nonprofit Can Deal With Negative Online Reviews appeared first on Fundraising Letters, Checklists, How Tos and Event Ideas. You might also like:<ul> <li>Your Nonprofit’s Reputation and How to Protect It </li> <li>5 Ways to Use Earth Day to Put Your Nonprofit in the Green </li> <li>4 Steps to Use Reputation Marketing to Boost Fundraising </li> <li>Tips For Tweaking Your Nonprofit’s Social Media Presence </li> <li>Connect Online And Traditional Marketing Efforts For Your Fundraiser </li> </ul>
- Jenny On the Spot
- Why Unstructured Time Matters for Tweens
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 5:00 am
  
  Why DOES unstructured time matters for tweens? Can’t view the video? Watch HERE! *This is post was created in partnership with Ask. Listen. Learn. All opinion is my own. There is a school of thought that says a busy kid is a kid that stays out of trouble. While I do agree with that, I also believe there is a balance. Take for example, my daughter. A tween. She’s on the edge of young lady, but very much a kid. There are three outstanding reasons why I feel it is important to make unstructured time a priority for tweens… You’re only a kid once. Kids will have their ENTIRE lifetime to be filled with schedules and responsibilities. They wish their childhood away enough on their own. As parents, we get to...
- Consume
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 8:41 am
  
  Consume. Consume THIS. I woke up at 4:30. I couldn’t sleep… the result of a busy mind… and poor eating habits. While lying in bed I scrolled Facebook, read online articles that stirred my rage, stirred my heart, and further stirred my mind. I posted, replied, *liked*, hearted… I copy/pasted and emailed myself links to things. Consumption. I finally got up and showered. My intent was to head into the living room to answer email and follow-up on… stuff. Loads of it. As I laid my books and computer on the coffee table I shifted my path. I headed back to my bedroom. I put on my workout pants and tennies. I grabbed a light, zip-up hoodie and a five dollar bill. I walked the 1.25 miles to a local coffee...
- The Monday Minute (or two): Strange Music Day
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 12:07 am
  
  Hi guys! It’s a new week, so that means a new video! So… Wednesday. It’s Strange Music Day. Have you listened to any strange music lately? DO TELL. The post The Monday Minute (or two): Strange Music Day appeared first on Jenny On the Spot.
- lifefrommylaptop.com
- What to do When Life Changes
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 6:13 pm
  
  Recently, our family made a major life change. We decided to homeschool my children after our family has attended private school for a total of 9 years. My oldest is a 7th grader this year, my middle child a 4th grader, and my youngest child, a 3rd grader. We are all aware that life changes often, some changes are out of our control, while others, like this one we brought upon ourselves after a lot of prayer and thought. Either way, life changes can be difficult to handle. So, how does one deal with a major life change. . . what do you do? Give yourself time to cope. Life change requires time in order to acclimate to your new situation. Whether your life change involves a new baby, new...
- Why Write the Word?
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 5:24 am
  
  This summer I started a new routine with my kids in an effort to prepare them for the routine of homeschooling this fall. One piece of that routine was writing a Bible verse every day. The kids have really enjoyed it and it has gotten God’s Word into their hearts and minds. The idea of writing the Word seems to be a popular Bible study technique that I have seen more and more evidence of online as of late. There are even journals available specifically for the purpose of writing the Word. I have been a journal writer for many years. Specifically I have written what I consider to be a prayer journal. In these journals I have always spent some of that time writing God’s Word whether it be just a few...
- 4 Commonly Missed Budget Items
  
  26 Jun 2016 | 11:00 pm
  
  � You know that scene in Home Alone where Kevin’s mom knows she forgot something, but can’t figure out what it is? Even though she can’t pinpoint it, she knows that something important is missing. I think we’ve all been there (although I hope you didn’t forget your child)! This is a problem a lot of people go through when writing their budget. There’s something they forgot to put in, but they just can’t figure out what it is. Here are 4 of the most commonly forgotten items in a budget. School Functions Your daughter comes home from school and tells you there is a bake sale and she needs 3 dozen brownies; tomorrow! You’ll have to address where she gets her tendency to procrastinate later....
- Mommy Musings
- Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Bruschetta Recipe
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:10 am
  
  Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Bruschetta Recipe — Simple & delicious Bruschetta made with grilled zucchini, eggplant, Parmesan cheese and Mezzetta Marinara sauce. If there was one country that I fell in love with at first sight, it’s Italy. The food. The wine. The history. The culture. The picture-perfect landscapes. …did I mention the food!? It really doesn’t get […] The post Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Bruschetta Recipe appeared first on Mommy Musings.
- Middle School Just Got Easier Thanks to Big Fat Notebooks
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 6:10 pm
  
  According to my daughter, middle school is the worst. It’s the first time in her school history where she’s had to change classes and really focus on one subject at a time. For a tween, that’s a lot to take on coming from elementary school… and the homework load doesn’t help. Little does she know that middle […] The post Middle School Just Got Easier Thanks to Big Fat Notebooks appeared first on Mommy Musings.
- Back to School Boise Polaris Paper Deal at Office Depot
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 2:23 pm
  
  Have you every stopped to think about how useful paper is in our everyday lives? If not, that’s totally OK — I know I hadn’t thought twice about it before brainstorming ideas for this post. But when you consider its usefulness, paper is truly essential … especially for students! ©Аrtranq – stock.adobe.com As we’re entering back […] The post Back to School Boise Polaris Paper Deal at Office Depot appeared first on Mommy Musings.
- The Adventures of Supermom® - Asheville, NC Life with Michelle Lee including Pictures
- Wordless Wednesday #WW {They grow up so fast.}
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 10:41 am
  
  BeforeNow
- Friendship Bread {Pistachio, Basil and Chocolate}
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 5:00 am
  
  With Fall in the air I have been craving some friendship bread. �Yes I did say Fall. �I see leaves on the ground in places and feel a slight crispness in the air and SCHOOL has started.So while make my grocery list I added the ingredients to make my Pistachio, Basil and Chocolate Friendship Bread. �It’s the most requested flavor that I bake besides the White Chocolate Raspberry one.Four loaves later I think my craving has subsided just a tiny bit. �We are on loaf two here at the house, I took one to work and then I have one in the freezer but I think Crazy Beautiful H may take that one home with her since I told her it was in there.I can tell everyone loves this bread because they all argue on who gets to...
- Supermom is still around.
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 11:55 am
- House of Prince
- Wordless Wednesday: First Day of School 2016
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 10:19 am
  
  I took pictures on the first day of school just like everybody else. This is the photo I wanted They had to go through various silly faces first He’s headed off to middle school this year. …so he’ll be riding to school without his big brother. <Sniffle.> The post Wordless Wednesday: First Day of School 2016 appeared first on House of Prince.
- Costa Rica Vacation – an Epic Family Adventure, Part 1
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  A Costa Rica vacation was just what this family needed. When I traveled to Costa Rica in the fall of 2014, I made a goal to come back someday with my family. Our friends, The Fellmans, who lived there moved to Spain this July, so the goal was fast-tracked, and together we took the trip of a lifetime as soon as school got out. The photo gallery below shows scenes from our first 2.5 days on the West Coast of Costa Rica, where we stayed in a little hotel in the tiny town of Playa Potrero – click photos to enlarge. Our activities there included: -floating in the pool -long lazy meals at local restaurants -strolling down the block to the black sand beach -rocking in a hammock, drink in...
- Save With Groupon Coupons
  
  1 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  Whenever I order something online and I see a space on the checkout page that says “Enter Coupon Code,” naturally I search the internet for a coupon code. Usually, I come up with nothing, or I find codes that have expired. My friend Elena swears by one site and says she always saves a lot of money with those coupon codes, but I do not have the same experience. The trick is to remember where you shop the most. I checked a list of online retailers who offer coupons through Groupon Coupons, and I see several online stores where I order things all the time. You can find sales and coupon codes that actually work! For example, 20% off the new Harry Potter book at Barnes & Noble: Normally you think of Groupon...
- Momathon Blog
- Weekend Inspiration: It's A Good Day
  
  30 Jul 2016 | 11:43 am
  
  Flowers always bring me so much joy. I grow them in my garden and scoop up bouquets at the market. I'm loving this bunch of blooms from Whole Foods. Hope you are having a lovely weekend. xo Chris
- Dreams Demand Hustle
  
  10 May 2016 | 9:30 am
  
  Dreams demand hustle. Some days I feel like I'm pushing harder to get everything done than I want. However, I can say confidently that in the end, all that hard work does pay off. Each little step towards your dreams is an important part of the journey. That said, part of my journey has been supporting a cause near and dear to my heart. I donate 100% of my proceeds from this Society6 shop to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Check out my Society6 shop for gifts that give back. You'll find my artwork on pillows, iPhone and laptop cases, hoodies, t-shirts and more.
- Thank You Veterans
  
  11 Nov 2015 | 4:25 pm
  
  A huge thank you to all the veterans and active duty servicemen and women who keep this country safe. God bless.
- Love That Max
- A General Electric ad gets flack for making fun of people with disability
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 3:35 am
  
  Commercials about a major company that make fun of people with disabilities: Really? That's what some people are saying.The ads are part of a new campaign by General Electric that center around Sarah, an engineer, and her family's visit to her on the job. In the first one I saw her brother, Ricky, misinterprets what she says about how the company's machines communicate with each other. Here, watch: The ads aired during the Olympics and are still being shown. The one below about robots, notes a piece in the L.A. Times, was watched more than any other commercial. These ads have incensed some viewers, who believe Ricky has special needs. "It's obvious he's on the spectrum and this ad exploits such ignorant...
- 6 ways special needs parents can create a better reality
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 3:37 am
  
  � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��This guest post is by Michael Boylan, founder and CEO of the Reach For Me Network,�a support and advocacy community for caregivers of children with special needs. A bestselling author of business books, Michael's latest work is Reach For Me, a memoir�about surviving the loss of his marriage, home and business after becoming a father to a child with special needs.�Michael's 18-year-old son, Connor, has Williams Syndrome (that's them above, with Connor fresh off a performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at age 14). The pair live in the Minneapolis area.�As Connor grew up, Michael realized his son was showing him the way. The book features The Connor Principles, a system of rules to...
- Let's play: Who's the more neurotic parent?
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 3:35 am
  
  If you'd asked me last week who's more neurotic about Ben's well-being, me or Dave, I would have voted for Dave. In my opinion, of course, although the facts are hard to argue with. Like: Recently, we were supposed to go on a family retreat held at a camp and Dave decided Ben shouldn't go because there were bugs and maybe a thunderstorm and the bunks were...bunks.While Dave was there with the kids, I sent him this photo because Ben started pulling to stand and looked so cute. "Why is he standing on his toes?" Dave wanted to know. "Because he's baby," I noted.Dave is usually a pretty chill person, and it's tempting to tease him about his hyper-caution with Ben. After the baby was born, Dave would voice...
- chefdruck.com
- Dude Ranch Vacation Low Down: Nine Quarter Circle Ranch
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 12:47 pm
  
  Dude ranches are now called guest ranches, but the concept remains the same. Log cabins. Horseback riding. Fishing. Group meals. All in the midst of a mind-blowing beautiful setting. Mother Daughter Twin Cowgirls I’m not quite sure what possessed me to throw out the concept of a dude ranch vacation out to my family last fall. I’m even less sure what moved everyone to reply so enthusiastically. My kids never agree on anything, but they were all excited to go to a dude ranch. And so, without questioning it further, I booked what ended up being one of our greatest vacations ever at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana. Dude ranch vacations come at various price points. I began my ranch research by looking...
- Summer Reading Favorites
  
  22 Jul 2016 | 7:00 am
  
  Part of what has made this summer so relaxing and enjoyable has been the books on my nightstand. Most are not new releases, but their pages are dog eared, filled with sand from Michigan beaches and splashes of water from the pool, all signs of great reads. Here’s my summer greatest hits so far, should you want to stock up for the rest of the summer. The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner You don’t need to be fascinated by Mormon polygamist sects like I am to love this well written memoir. Wariner grew up in a polygamist community in Mexico until she escaped at 15 with some of her siblings. Food stamp scams, rodents, and freezing She describes their squalid life conditions vividly. She subsequently raised those...
- Canned Honeyed Apricots
  
  21 Jul 2016 | 12:44 pm
  
  In the middle of a heat wave, canning is the last thing I want to do. The pool beckons, preferably with an iced coffee and a good book. But with so much great fruit around, it would be a crime to not try and save some for those long winter days. So in the dark of the night, after the kids have collapsed into bed, I do some canning to fill my pantry with summer fruit. Free of distractions, with a cold glass of wine and Adele playing softly, I can get my fruit canned in under an hour, easily. In front of my cauldron, bubbling away while the house sleeps, I feel a little like a witch, but a nice one with only the best intentions. Strawberrry jam. Blueberry balsamic jam. Bourbon peach preserves. They’re my old...
- A Modern Mother
- VLOG: First day in Hawai’i!
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 9:05 am
  
  Check out the Modern Family in our blog of our first day in Hawai’i! We go surfing on Kaanapali Beach, forget our towels, burn our feet on hot sand, rent a cabana on the beach and eat pineapple! All in a hard days work! The post VLOG: First day in Hawai’i! appeared first on A Modern Mother. **Read the rest of this post on A Modern Mother**
- Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani: 13 tips for families
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 10:00 am
  
  The gorgeous Fairmont Kea Lani on the Wailea coast in South Maui, Hawaii is perfect for families. Set in 22 acres of lush tropical landscape, it’s Hawaii’s only all suite resort set on the beach. With the recent completion of a $70 million resort renovation, �the footprint of the 413 suites are the same – […] The post Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani: 13 tips for families appeared first on A Modern Mother. **Read the rest of this post on A Modern Mother**
- Silicon Valley Tech Tour: Top 13 sites to visit
  
  14 Aug 2016 | 6:28 am
  
  There’s something a little je ne said quoi about California’s Silicon Valley. It oozes coolness. Silicon�Valley attracts 40% of all venture capital money invested in the U.S and�San Jose generates more patents than any other place in the United States. But why the Bay Area? Academics, industry and government research all collided in a perfect […] The post Silicon Valley Tech Tour: Top 13 sites to visit appeared first on A Modern Mother. **Read the rest of this post on A Modern Mother**
- A Frog In My Soup
- Beginners Guide to Homeschooling Links and Info
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 9:03 pm
  
  When you first decide to homeschool, finding the right information can feel a little bit like an abyss… or sometimes a phantom. Regardless, we all want to start out with as much information as we can. Somewhere along the way, you’ll find that curriculum or technique that works amazing for you and your family, but [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- The Reality of Getting Diagnosed with MTHFR
  
  2 Jun 2016 | 2:24 pm
  
  Genetic “issues” and modern medicine seem to have a seriously strange relationship. The medical community as a whole is up in arms over how seriously they should view genetic mutations or other issues such as MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) . So many examples of this are out there, many have made the news. But for every [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- ADHD and Sensory Issues – Where to Start
  
  27 May 2016 | 10:59 am
  
  If you have a child with ADHD, anxiety disorder, OCD or bipolar disorder, you may or may not fully realize that your child likely falls into the “sensory kids” category. I have been reading and researching, nearly daily for a few years now, on alternative methods to manage my two kiddos with ADHD (I personally would like to exhaust all alternative [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- Member Blog Posts - Mom Bloggers Club
- Useful Tips for Travellers
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 9:14 am
  
  Coming in independent travel Europe or just planning a trip? Then we are happy to share with you the secrets of simple savings and show you how you can travel cheaper. Our small tips relate to different spheres: air tickets, accommodation, meals, excursions and research paperwork. Therefore, it is very useful for those who go to Europe, but wants to make it economical and unforgettable. So, let’s look at the main advices, which will help you to organize the best trip, you have ever had: <ol> <li>Buy tickets in advance. This is the main rule for the traveler. Usually the cheapest tickets are sold for 6 months and then 6 weeks prior to departure. The closer the date of the flight, the more expensive it will...</li></ol>
- Story of Healing: My Son Had Severe Eczema
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:14 am
  
  http://homemadejoys.com/story-of-healing-my-son-has-severe-eczema-l/
- Story of Healing: My Son Had Severe Eczema l
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:12 am
- My Mom's Blog by Thoroughly Modern Millie
- I'M STILL ENJOYING MY BIRTHDAY
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 11:12 am
  
  It's almost a week since I celebrated my 91'st birthday and would you believe I'm still receiving phone calls and cards from old friends! �They are not letting me forget that I am now a year older. �That's a good thing because I am lucky to have achieved something that not too many people lay claim to. �Some people I know do not even want to admit their age! �;-)But I digress...My main reason for this post is to say "Thank you" to all my friends that sent me such wonderful wishes and caring thoughts. It really made me feel good to hear that they miss my posts and videos.How I got started bloggingIt was thirteen years ago when I asked my son Steve an innocent question, "what is a blog?" He explained it to me...
- Happy 91st Birthday Millie!
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 10:55 am
- I Sold My Car
  
  22 Nov 2015 | 3:33 pm
  
  For the past three years that I've been living at a retirement community I've been driving less and less. I don't have to go out on "the road" to do this or that. It's easier to take the transportation provided by Brooksby than to get into my car, get into the traffic, maintain the car, pay the insurance, get gas and repair the car when needed. Oh, and have the car shoveled out in the winter! Forget that! My son and daughter in-law have been great - take me food shopping and any other important errands that I have to do. I haven't driven at night in a very long time and was not anxious to drive, even in the daytime. It was high time to throw in the towel. As I sit here and write about my beloved...
- fixitmommy.com
- YIKES! Be Nice!
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 12:23 pm
  
  Now I really try hard to not place judgement on people. We are all walking our own walk. We are all fighting our own fights. We all have days that we wish we could start over. So today, I did not make a scene when I saw a mom being a bit rude. Instead I did my best to be extra nice to the poor woman who was on the receiving end of the rudeness from this other mom. We were at the middle school where the Big One will start 6th grade next week (YIKES!). It was time to purchase PE uniforms. Now you don’t have to purchase the school-logo stuff but you can. It’s $22 for the shorts and T-shirt. The instructions from the school say that if you choose not to purchase the school ones, you can. You just need to...
- This Is A Real Question…
  
  13 Jul 2016 | 2:26 pm
  
  There has been too much YUK! in the world recently, so I am taking it back to the burning questions in my life. YES! This IS a real question… Picture this you are at Costco in line for gas with about 50 of your closest friends at lunch time. It looks something like this. � � Say you are in Car C. As you are sitting there waiting your turn, Car A finishes up, but Car B is still pumping. Do you, pull into the center lane in front of Car B, back into the space and begin pumping gas? Or do you wait for Car B to finish up then you pull up into Car A’s spot, leaving room for Car D (not labeled) to occupy Car B’s spot? Yes, there is a right answer to this question (well at least in the world where I...
- How Did It Get So Bad?
  
  8 Jul 2016 | 9:34 am
  
  For many years now, the Husband and I have watched the news together after the girls have gone to bed. And for many years, as we watched the events of the day unfold we’ve often looked at each other and said, “What is wrong with people?” Last night as we watched the news much later than it was originally broadcast and we were simultaneously receiving news alerts regarding the horrific intentional shooting of multiple Dallas police officers, we were both just stunned. The events that have happened this week go so far beyond the question of what is wrong with people. It’s truly incomprehensible what is happening daily around us. How have we become so immune to violence? How have we come to care so...
- Mom Spark
- Simple Bird Feeder DIY
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 11:36 am
  
  � I am a crazy cat lady which, in turn, has made me a crazy bird lady. Maybe I should clear that up 🙂 Since I have indoor kitties I like to put bird feeders and houses and baths all around the yard so that the cats have a little bit of entertainment. I figure the windows are the closest thing they have to a television and it’s quite apparent that bird watching is just about as interesting to them as Stranger Things was to me. (Have you SEEN it? I’m such a scaredy cat but I LOVED IT!) I miss my old cats, which are now my parents’ cats because they watched them or me and got attached and I hate to break up that kind of relationship. So to make these kitties happy I wanted to make a few enticing things...
- Is Summer the End of Mosquito Season?
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 8:36 am
  
  This has been the best summer, honestly. My family and I have been spending a lot of time outside playing and on our back patio just trying to take it easy. Of course, like most people, my least favorite part of this time outdoors is the swarms of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes have been especially present in people’s minds this summer because of the threat posed by the dangerous Zika virus. Most of us think that when summer ends, mosquito season does, too. Unfortunately, that’s not quite true. Mosquitoes stick around and pose a threat from mid to late fall. In fact, many mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile can spike in the fall. Fortunately, I have recently discovered a new product that will let my...
- Mom Spark Turns 8, So Here Is $300!
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 12:39 pm
  
  Mom Spark just turned EIGHT YEARS OLD, guys. Can you believe it? We’re honestly in shock, too. Eight years of recipes, diy, fashion, videos….the list goes on and on. We are so thankful that you keep coming back here. To celebrate this monumental occasion, we’re giving away a $300 Amazon gift card. Yup. It’s easy to enter, too. Just use the widget below to be entered to win! We are grateful and excited for what the future brings for Mom Spark. A big MUAH to you all. $300 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!
- Moomettes Magnificents
- Niantic Bay Beach Boardwalk | Connecticut | Family Fun
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 12:00 pm
  
  Be sure to check out the Niantic Connecticut Beach and Boardwalk if you’re looking for some family fun ! Residents and tourists passing through the State will be able to catch some sun, sand, surf and even a view of the Amtrak Train !tic Niantic Bay Beach Boardwalk Completed in 2016, the Niantic Bay Beach …
- Roger Williams Park Zoo | Rhode Island | Fun Things To Do With Kids
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 10:09 am
  
  If you're passing through New England, be sure to make the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, a favorite travel destination or daytrip. There's plenty to see and do for kids and adults.
- Fun Things to Do With Kids in Woods Hole | Cape Cod | Travel
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 4:56 pm
  
  If you're looking for fun things to do with kids on Cape Cod, take a trip to Woods Hole. Traverse the quaint shops, view the harbor and be sure to visit the Woods Hole Science Aquarium.
- Resourceful Mommy
- Festive Fridays: Farewell to Summer
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 12:39 pm
  
  We’re hanging out around my house today, lamenting that summer’s nearly over and thinking of what we want to do to send the season out with a bang before we head back to school. The day before school starts, we plan to spend the day at a local water park and shut the place down…which serves as a fun farewell to summer and also helps wear the kids out so that there’s less of a struggle at bedtime. I took to Facebook to see what others do to say goodbye to summer and to gather some more creative suggestions to share. Here are some great ideas that my friends have: My local friend Kristin suggested “We always go on an away vacation the very last week of summer vacation. A way to say “goodbye...
- Libby’s #LibbysLunchBox Twitter Party
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 12:01 pm
  
  � It’s that time of year again – time to gather up the school supplies, sharpen the pencils, and pack the lunch boxes and head back to school. Whether you’re new at the lunch box game or are a seasoned veteran in the lunch box wars, every parent is looking for easy, practical, and nutritious meals to serve their children. Libby’s makes it easy to ensure that veggies are included in lunch with their convenient Vegetable Cups! In five varieties – Cut Green Beans, Diced Carrots, Peas & Carrots, Sweet Peas and Sweet Corn – Libby’s Vegetable Cups are a quick and easy way to veggies into your child’s lunch box! Visit GetBackToTheTable.com for more fabulous tips and ideas. Join us as we chat with...
- Heirloom Audio Productions Make History Exciting
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 2:36 pm
  
  � *This post has been sponsored by Heirloom Audio Productions. All opinions are our own. There’s nothing quite like listening to an exciting story being told by a good storyteller. All throughout my life, I have escaped through the words of others to go back in time, travel to distant lands, or just live out wild and crazy adventures in my mind. Good storytelling is simply a gift to be shared with the world. It allows you to open your mind and let your imagination carry you away, without fancy visual effects or elaborate movie sets. When I learned about Heirloom Audio Productions, I was interested to see how my children would react to these audiobooks. They, like me, generally lose focus when someone...
- Mom Fuse
- Gift Ideas for Your Teenager
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 4:02 pm
  
  Mom Fuse: Gift Ideas for Your Teenager Ahhh, the joy of teenagers. From their smelly gym clothes lying on the floor to their ever-changing moods, they sure can drive us nuts. Of course, we love them anyway. One of the many challenges of raising them is finding them gifts that don’t induce the dreaded eye roll. Whether it’s clothes, jewelry,...Read the whole article...��
- A Sparkly Smile Can Make All The Difference
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 1:00 pm
  
  Mom Fuse: A Sparkly Smile Can Make All The Difference In our opinion, your smile is one of the best attributes you have. It’s also contagious! If you see someone smiling it really just makes you want to smile too. A smile can change your mood and the mood of everyone around you. Tips On Keeping Your Smile Sparkly Keep Those Regular Dentist...Read the whole article...��
- How to Get your Kids to Eat Healthy
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 12:23 pm
  
  Mom Fuse: How to Get your Kids to Eat Healthy Do your children insist on eating junk food despite your best efforts? You should try to get them to eat better so that they can grow properly. The body of a growing child needs all the essential food groups to keep growing. Here are several tips that come in handy when trying to get your […]...Read the whole article...��
- Hip Mama's Place
- Make It A “Game Morning” with General Mills Cereals and Skylanders Battlecast Cards #BigGBattlecast
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 12:49 pm
  
  � Our two younger boys, ages 9 and 11, are really into the Skylanders game so I can tell you that the first time they saw the Skylanders Battlecast collectible character cards in our new cereal boxes from General Mills, they were a bit more than excited! They already love the game and now, I have something to inspire them to wake up early: Game morning! Yep, the General Mills Cereal and the exclusive Skylanders Battlecast collectible character cards are our new nerdy family morning event. Making Your Kid’s Morning With back to school, it is back to morning routines. So when you’re planning breakfast, I recommend getting each child their own box of cereal so they can collect from their own box and...
- Think About Your Eyes: Back to School Means It’s Time to Get Your Child’s Eye Exam Scheduled
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 8:28 pm
  
  � This post was sponsored by Think About Your Eyes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own. “You’d better get your eyes checked!” That may be something we hear when someone’s overlooking something basic, and used in jest – but it is a serious topic of conversation. When we say we want the best for our kids, one thing that we should keep in mind is removing unnecessary obstacles. There are many vision problems that can cause a challenge both in school and out of school. Think About Your Eyes – Eye Exam Awareness Month A comprehensive exam should be part of your child’s back to school preparation. Why? 80% of what children learn...
- Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels Transition to Peanut-Free Production + Fun Giveaway!
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 3:43 pm
  
  � Are your kids begging for variety? When it comes to school, things have changed a bit since “our day” – today’s kids are bringing snacks into the classroom to help ensure they have fuel for all the learning they have to do! But, with the increase in allergies, most schools, or at least classrooms are nut free. Because of this, I’m happy to say I now know of another great snack that is certified peanut free: Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels! Don’t forget to read to the bottom, we have a fun back to school giveaway! A New Peanut-free snack option! � Peanut free, doesn’t just mean no peanuts. For those with severe allergies it really has to be peanut free, and not in contact with peanuts. Since...
- Tina's Realm
- Survival of the fittest
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 1:05 pm
  
  Having a discussion about survival of the fittest with Adam and Tyren..I mentioned maybe some deer had longer necks and were able to survive because they could reach more food...Then the conversation evolved into silly speculations, ending in Adam saying:"What if the original inventor of the forklift was really shortnecked deers, and humans stole the invention."Um, whaaaat?Gawd my husband is
- Thoughts on family
  
  15 Jul 2016 | 6:09 pm
  
  I was just doing some thoughts on family while showering. I do a lot of thinking in the shower. Some families are not close. I know families that spend time together, but don't necessarily know each other or even really enjoy each other's company. They might have awkward or toxic relationships or they might just do get togethers because it's an obligation, because that's what family do, spend
- 2 min isn't so long
  
  27 Jun 2016 | 9:31 pm
  
  I just walked into the bedroom to my husband demonstrating to my 10yr old how 2 min isn't very long in a very unique way...Timer set on his iPhone, wacking son with pillows, tons of giggles from my son. My husband's parenting is never a dull moment, I tell ya.
- MomDot
- Pink Sludge: DIY Disgusting Eyeball Slime
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:40 am
  
  As the end of August nears, the time is now to start thinking about all the holiday fun. I know Halloween seems far off, but with so much awesome Halloween crafting adn DIY you can do, plus planning for parties and get together’s, it helps to be prepped. I am going to do my part... The post Pink Sludge: DIY Disgusting Eyeball Slime appeared first on MomDot.
- “Catch a Spider by its Toe”: Light Up Mason Jar
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 1:29 pm
  
  Ready to get Halloween decorating? It’s probably a little too early to put it in your window (your neighbors may think you have lost it) but it’s not too early to get started on some custom homemade Halloween crafts that will make your house pop with personality for the upcoming holidays. Perfect for party decor,... The post “Catch a Spider by its Toe”: Light Up Mason Jar appeared first on MomDot.
- Spider Web Mason Jars: DIY
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 7:48 am
  
  We finally made it. My favorite time of the year. WELCOME TO THE BEGINNING OF HALLOWEEN CRAFTING. I know what you are thinking…”Trisha, um, it’s August.” Yes, I know, but I can assure you that getting started on Halloween crafting will take you from the heat of the left over summer to feeling in the... The post Spider Web Mason Jars: DIY appeared first on MomDot.
- Blog By Donna
- Younger Looking Skin with RENU Advanced
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:00 am
  
  Looking younger is a centuries old quest. From looking for the Fountain of Youth to buying beauty products and having cosmetic surgeries, beauty and looking younger is a billion dollar a year industry. We are constantly searching for something to make us look younger. I received RENU Advanced to facilitate my review… no other compensation was received. This is my opinion, based on my results and may differ from yours. As a woman in my early fifties, I am among one of those people (because many men want to look younger, too) I mentioned above that want to look younger. At least look my best. Since I don’t want to have cosmetic surgery, not just because of the cost, but I’d rather not be sedated or cut on,...
- Nectarine Lemonade Recipe
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:37 am
  
  Summer isn’t over yet, in fact, we still have several weeks of hot weather here. In my quest to come up with refreshing drink recipes, I thought that nectarine lemonade would be a perfect drink. Not to mention I bought a lot of nectarines at the grocery store the other day. We love lemonade and fresh fruit, so being able to combine a fruit in season with a basic lemonade recipe is so simple, easy, and tasty. Try this recipe for yourself… Nectarine Lemonade Recipe Ingredients <ul> <li>2 Cups fresh Lemon juice</li> <li>1/2 Cup of fresh Lime juice</li> <li>4 minced Nectarines</li> <li>4 Cups of Water</li> <li>3/4 Cup Sugar</li> </ul> Directions <ol> <li>Remove the pits from your Nectarines and skin</li> <li>Dice the Nectarine into tiny pieces and puree in blender. This is my...</li></ol>
- Save on Pet Supplies with Groupon
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 5:20 am
  
  Disclosure: I received compensation for this post but all opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours. I will only endorse companies, like Groupon, products, like pet supplies and services that I believe, based on my own experiences, are worthy of endorsement. Our Baxter has worn out his doggie bed. He has had his bed for over two years, closer to three, so I guess it’s probably past time for a new bed. One thing he does well is sleep. Yes, he has mastered that skill. It is a science, you know. It’s something I wish I could learn from him. Sleep is not something I get nearly enough of… but I digress. I noticed a couple of weeks ago he has started dragging his bed through the house. Maybe he is...
- Fitness For Moms Blog - FIT4MOM
- Want Another Reason to Exercise During Your Pregnancy?
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 5:00 pm
  
  Your baby could be born with a stronger heart!We are so fortunate to be living in a time where research is available which supports that, not only is, exercise OK during pregnancy...it is recommended! This is actually very new information. Just a generation ago, many women were treated as if their pregnant state was a state of disability. What we are enlightened now to know is that (a healthy) pregnancy is actually a "state of health" (Dr. James F. Clapp)Knowing some of the amazing benefits for mom when fitness is added to a healthy pregnancy (possibly less incidence of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and deep venous thrombosis), we now know the potential benefits for baby in utero. Psychology...
- Hi, New Mom...You Belong Here!
  
  28 Jul 2016 | 5:00 pm
  
  Welcome to Motherhood! Congratulations on becoming a mom...you are on such an incredible and powerful journey!With this beautiful journey come feelings and worries, you may not have been ready for, as well. The most important thing to remember is that you are NOT alone...ever. You are not alone in your healing - Every labor and delivery story is unique. Your story is your own and how you heal from it is also yours. We all heal, though. It's not a fast or easy process, however, you WILL heal. You are not alone.You are not alone in your emotions - Bringing a baby into the world is a profoundly emotional experience. You are now a mom; a title you have NEVER embodied before. You love deeper. You worry more....
- WE'RE EXPECTING! NOW HIRING: Marketing Manager
  
  25 Jul 2016 | 5:00 pm
  
  Our family is growing!Position: Marketing ManagerLocation: FIT4MOM Home Offices in San Marcos, CAJob Description:As a marketing manager, you will manage the company’s communication through the following key channels: email, social, paid advertising, and owned media. You will work closely with our Director of Content, VP of Sales and the CEO. In addition to this, you will work to create repeatable processes that ensure best practices in brand communication, lead generation and database management. You will also conduct analysis and reporting that will be used by senior leaders across the company. This is a role that has a wide range of projects, accountabilities and collaborators and will typically...
- Meal Makeover Moms Kitchen
- Sautéed Peaches with Walnuts, Coconut Yogurt, and Basil Za’atar Dust {The Recipe Redux}
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 6:40 am
  
  This sliced peach dessert is sweet and nutritious, and the flavor combination of peaches, walnuts, coconut Greek yogurt, brown sugar, basil, and za’atar is unexpected yet seriously delightful. I drew inspiration for this summer dessert from Al’s Place, a restaurant in San Francisco where Chef Aaron London puts gorgeous, in-season produce on the pedestal it deserves. {If you think the basil and za’atar are too out there for your kids, leave ’em out. The dessert will be just as luscious albeit a bit less intriguing.} Gosh. Where to begin? I’ve been a road warrior all summer. Between work trips and fun getaways, I’ve been to Nantucket, New York, New Hampshire, Cleveland, DC, and as far west as Sacramento...
- Soba Noodles with Peanuts, Carrots, and Snow Peas – A Fast Dinner or a Playful Lunch
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 8:08 am
  
  We created this recipe for Planters Peanuts and were compensated for our work. All opinions are our own. This fast, flavorful, protein meal featuring peanuts, peanut butter, soba noodles, and colorful, crispy vegetables delivers big flavors to the family table, and it’s easy to assemble on busy weeknights. Serve it warm, and pack leftovers the next day in your lunchbox. With back-to-school season heating up for kids across the country, we’re all about wholesome dinners (and lunches) to keep both kids and parents well fed and well fueled throughout the day. Protein has staying power, which is one reason we added peanuts to this plant-based meal. Did you know a one-ounce serving of Planters Dry...
- Carrot Sunshine Smoothie Bowl
  
  1 Aug 2016 | 1:32 pm
  
  Beans in your smoothie bowl? You betcha! This nutrient-packed smoothie bowl comes together quickly with fiber-rich cannellini beans, carrot juice, frozen pineapple, chia seeds, and banana. It’s naturally sweet, rich in vitamins A and C, and provides 5 grams of fiber. This week, kids across the country are heading back to school, even though the sun is shining bright and summer is still in full swing. We realize that for a lot of you, this new back-to-school reality means taking a break from Pokemon GO, dusting off backpacks and lunchboxes, and revving up your repertoire of healthy family recipes. Carrot Sunshine Smoothie Bowl made w/ #beans #banana #pineapple #carrotjuice #snackClick To Tweet To...
- Go Grow Go!
- Surviving the First Week of School!
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 7:57 pm
  
  Well, here we are with the first week of school just around the corner and while that may stress some of you, I am happy to introduce you to the sponsor of this post, Hyland’s Good Monring. Now, while students and my own children do not start back for a week, I have started back in full force TODAY (say some prayers if you think of it). Just in case you are new to the blog, I also work as a high school counselor. Basically, what that means is that I stay up and work while my babies sleep in order to help other people’s babies during the night. Just two nights ago I was up until 2am! Yes, 2 in the morning working on schedules and emails from parents and students. Please don’t hear me complaining....
- Beat Bugs Brings New Life to Beatles Songs for Kids!
  
  14 Aug 2016 | 9:33 pm
  
  Well you guys, Netflix has done something pretty phenomenal here. They have crossed generations with music and incorporated that into a very well thought out series! Beat Bugs has been filling our screens, home and heart for the past week and I can’t seem to stop humming, “All You Need is Love.” Seriously, if you don’t have Netflix and you have kids, NOW is the time to invest. There are so many wonderful shows on there right now and many of the ones that come to mind are all Netflix Originals. When I first head the concept of Beat Bugs I was completely intrigued. Then, when I saw that the titles of all of the episodes were famous Beatles songs I thought, genius! However, I was curious how they...
- Blackberry Dumpling Recipe + Summer Reading Fun!
  
  7 Aug 2016 | 9:01 pm
  
  This has been one of the longest summer breaks since Graham started school. On the one hand it has been great, on the other, I feel like it means that next summer will be cut so short! It is nice to have a happy medium in my opinion. With all of the time we have had and our commitment to try to stay local this summer, we have been finding a lot of different ways to entertain ourselves. Of course, one of those ways is reading. Graham has always been an avid reader and I definitely enjoy a good book and some peace on the swing. Davis is just learning to read, but enjoys to be read to. So, how do you keep it fun and entertaining especially on a long summer? Well, for us, that means making...
- Harassed but happy mommy blogger
- Nature’s Farm Chicken Curry
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 2:45 am
  
  A few weeks ago we received a huge Nature’s Farm hamper and were required to come up with a meal using the basics they had sent us. Despite the fact that we use all the ingredients that were in the hamper I really struggled to find the “winning” recipe. So we spent a lot of time in the kitchen making a variety of things. Kiara made a delicious macaroni cheese, really she has perfected this dish. David made a “pap tert”, I had never eaten this before and can honestly say it was the most incredible thing. I made some custard cookies which the kids ate before they were cold. All of them were divine and I will be sharing the recipes over the next few weeks but I decided on this recipe as the “winning” one...
- What we ate this week – Weekly shopping works for this mom
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 11:30 pm
  
  This week in “What we ate” we feature new mom Sarah from Mascara and Mimosas. Follow Sarah on Snapchat for the best snaps on what Ariya thinks of the foods she is trying, they are super cute. We are a little tribe of three: myself, Sarah; my hubby, Dan and our bouncing baby girl, Aria. Originally from Cape Town and Durban, we now live in Johannesburg� where Dan works as an engineer and I run my nail studio, Gloss from home as well as dabble in some freelance writing. We don’t have any specific dietary requirements but with Aria starting solids, it’s definitely changed the way I grocery shop a little bit and of course I try to make sure that both Dan and I get enough fruit and veggies into our diet. How...
- 7 Ways I Survive the Madness!
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 3:47 am
  
  Some days it is a miracle we survive the madness. On Friday afternoon I left Sandton at around 16h00, the plan was I fetch Kiara, Jack and Emma and David would fetch Cameron. There was some complications with fetching Cameron, which resulted in David heading to school, then doing a U-turn and heading to gym. I was about 200m closer to my house than to the kids school when I get a call about a delivery (the guy was rather frantic, going on about balloons flying away) so I decided to get the delivery before fetching the kids, which meant adding on 20 minutes to my trip (Friday traffic in the burbs is rough guys). We all walked in together at 17h35, no dinner ready and 4 tired kids(including a serial...
- Maryland Mommy
- Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location Cancelled Secret Explained #FNAF
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 6:38 pm
  
  Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location is a video game and the upcoming fifth installment of the Five Nights at Freddy's series created by Scott Cawthon. Set to be released in October 2016 this game has a huge hype around it for existing FNAF fans such as Elijah and I. While waiting there has been very little official information given so it's been a fun adventure sifting through the fan theories and the little bit we do know drawing our own conclusions what the game was going to be about.� <ul><li>On April 23, 2016, Cawthon released a teaser image of the game on his website, entitled Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location, featuring a clown-like animatronic. Shortly after, this character was revealed to be...</li></ul>
- Review: FeelinGirl women's yoga pants, capris and shorts
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 5:40 pm
  
  I love wearing yoga pants under my dresses and tunic shirts instead of tights and it seems like I wear them so much they wear out quickly so I was looking for new pairs. That's when I found�FeelinGirl brand women's yoga pants, capris and shorts.I am 5" so I went with the capris because often the pants are too long for me without having to take them up. I ordered the Medium and wear women's size 14. They are made of 86% Nylon and 14% Spandex which makes them super soft and stretchy. They are medium thickness which makes them nice for fall, summer or spring. You can not see your underwear through them nor are they too tight in the crotch that it shows your lady outline. The waistband comes up just to my...
- Ariel's Play Review: Colorful Baby Stacking & Nesting Cups with Duck Topper #video #review #toys #baby #toddler
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 9:02 pm
  
  What I love: At 20 months Ariel loves to play and explore. She comes up with creative ways to play with all kinds of toys, so these�Colorful Baby Stacking and Nesting Cups with Duck Topper�are right up her alley. They have so many ways you can play with them. It comes with the super cute duck and 8 cups. Each of the 8 cups has a different color, letter written on it, number written on it, and dots on the bottom with that number. 1 is A and Orange, 2 is B and yellow, 3 is C and royal blue, 4 is D and green, 5 is E and light sky blue, 6 is F and Pink, 7 is G and teal, and 8 is H and red. They all fit inside each other from A-1 on the inside to H-8 being the largest, and they also can be turned over and...
- Alpha Mom
- Talking to Preschoolers About Death
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 1:20 pm
  
  Hi Amy, I have been addicted to your blog and the Advice Smackdown since my oldest child was born and I was held hostage (loving every minute of it) breastfeeding for hours on end. She’s now 3 1/2 and I’m struggling with a parenting situation (who isn’t, right?) I have heard that kids can’t really understand death until they are about 5 years old, but my daughter has no idea that people can die. She has a vague understanding that bugs can be killed, but that’s about as far as that idea goes in her head. The other day we went to an exhibit about Christopher Columbus and when she asked why he wasn’t there, I said he wasn’t alive any more. She said, “mom, people can’t die!” Now, my child is fiercely...
- The 10 Commandments of Drama-Free School Night Dinners
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 10:29 am
  
  I know that some of you aren’t in the back-to-school groove just yet—we do go back stupid early, here in the south—but even if you’re not there yet, the time is coming. And I don’t know about you, but summer ’round here is when the various shifting schedules and travel and such mean that I give up on a lot of the organization I insist upon during the academic year. Over the summer, maybe we eat out or throw hot dogs on the grill and pick some green beans and cucumbers straight from the garden and eat them raw alongside the dogs. Maybe I look askance at the teenager proclaiming “I’m hungry” in the evening and suggest they make themselves something to eat. We aren’t always eating together, we’re rarely eating...
- No Pacifier, No Naps
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 12:37 pm
  
  Hi Amy, My son is 22 months old. We recently stopped giving him a pacifier, which he’d only been using for naps and bedtime. After a bit of a rough adjustment, he’s back to sleeping great at night and at daycare, but his naps at home are a disaster. He’s been pacifier-free for 2 weeks now. We had almost a week of struggling to put him to bed, but now he will go into his crib without protest and maybe fuss a couple minutes before falling asleep and sleeping through the night. At daycare, he had no issues at all adjusting to not having his pacifier. I think the peer pressure of all the other kids napping did the trick. His naps at daycare are at least 2 hours, sometimes up to 3 hours. But at home, naps are...
- Stacy Uncorked
- Wishes and Kindness; Childhood Fun and not being Lost: Friendly Fill-Ins for Friday Fun!
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:00 pm
  
  It’s time once again for some Friday fill-in fun, the perfect way to wrap up the week and kick off the weekend! A week-and-a-half-ish before the kids start back at school – hopefully I’ll get all caught up and not so … Continue reading →
- First Computer, Funny Dogwood, Crazy Insoles – Random Tuesday Thoughts Rebel
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 8:00 pm
  
  How’s your summer going? We have two weeks left before the kidlets resume their educational progress. Princess Nagger will be learning from home via a Virtual Academy, and my work will be cut out for me keeping her on track … Continue reading →
- Wake Me Up because i’m Unstoppable i’m gonna Stompa because i Can’t Stop This Feeling!
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 8:00 pm
  
  I’m still flabbergasted on how fast the summer is going – yes, that’s right, the kids still have a couple of weeks of summer left before school starts. For those that have already started – neener neener. Seeing as how … Continue reading →
- Brainfoggles
- Night Night Farm by Amy Parker Review & Giveaway
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 7:59 pm
  
  A new book, Night Night Farm by Amy Parker, arrived at our house a couple weeks ago, and it has been practically impossible to pry this book from Aubrey’s grasp. The thing is, she loves this new book so much it goes everywhere with her. It rides along in her little back pack when we leave […] The post Night Night Farm by Amy Parker... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- Discover Great Products with the #Summertime #WhatsinYourBag Giveaway #HylandsBagPicks
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 7:54 pm
  
  When my girls were babies I packed everything knowing you never leave home without something because it will be the one time you need it! The diaper bag packing skills I learned have carried over to the older years. I still carry a bag of essentials and emergency items in my car at all times including many […] The post Discover Great... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- Back to School with Master Lock Review and #Giveaway
  
  3 Aug 2016 | 6:01 am
  
  Back to school time have arrived! You may even have school supply lists already in hand. I have two great Master Lock products to share with you today that are great additions to those teen and tween back to school lists. I also have one Master Lock product to giveaway to one lucky reader! Are you ready to […] The post Back to School with... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- Alexia Foods Prize Pack Giveaway Winner Chosen
  
  24 Jul 2016 | 9:46 pm
  
  I apologize for the delay in announcing the Alexia Foods Prize Pack giveaway winner. After my husband’s diagnosis, I scheduled the giveaway to end when I thought we would return home from the hospital. Unfortunately his stay was longer than anticipated, so I am running behind on all things blog. A winner has now been […] The post... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- Summer Grilling with Ziploc
  
  22 Jul 2016 | 9:17 pm
  
  There are many reasons I love Summer, but my favorite part? The food! There is hardly a weekend without the aromas of the grill sizzling away around here, and my freezer stays stocked full of grilling favorites in Ziploc freezer bags awaiting the kiss of the charcoal flames. No gas grill allowed for this gal! […] The post Summer Grilling... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- Strocel.com
- Finish Line
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 12:16 pm
  
  My last official day on campus as a student teacherAlmost three years ago now, in October 2013, I sat in a classroom in the Education Building at Simon Fraser University. I was there because I was starting to seriously think about going back to school to become a teacher and they were having an info session. I sat in a room with a bunch of people, most (but not all) of them much younger than me. As I listened I sketched out a plan of what would be required and how long it would take and I realized it would be almost three years. Three! Years! That felt like a really, really long time. That alone almost put me off the idea. But it didn’t. It didn’t put me off because of that little voice in my brain that has...
- Jacob + 8 years and 4 days
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 11:43 am
  
  On Saturday my son Jacob turned eight years old. Just like every year on one of my children’s birthdays, I once again became ridiculously sentimental. How did this happen? How did my chubby-legged little baby turn into this big kid who can ride a bike and read chapter books and calculate three times 24 in his head? It’s baffling, which is strange because I am the one who was there every step of the way. But, you know, there’s something about birthdays that makes you stop and take stock and realize just how much growing your kid has done. When you slow down for a second you can really see just how much change has happened during the past year, and the past eight years. So what is my eight year old son like?...
- The Joys of Napping
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 4:34 pm
  
  My children have never been nappers. They both gave it up promptly right around their second birthdays and didn’t look back. This didn’t surprise me, because my mother always said I wasn’t a napper, either. By all reports I gave it up around the same age that my kids did, and the only time I ever slept during daylight hours after that was when I was sick. When I had newborns I heard the same advice every new mother hears – sleep when the baby sleeps. I just rolled my eyes. I couldn’t possibly sleep during the day. I would just have to go to bed early and hope for the best. And for the most part it worked. On bad days I sucked it up and repeated the mantra this too shall pass in my head, and fortunately...
- Celebrating my Roots
  
  31 Jul 2016 | 10:26 pm
  
  Tomorrow is a holiday here in British Columbia. The first Monday in August is officially BC Day – a date that was chosen both to give everyone a chance to get out and have some fun at the height of summer, and to commemorate the formation of the Colony of British Columbia on August 2, 1858. My family celebrated a little bit early today. We joined some friends for a picnic at the lake. And while the water was more than just a little cold, my husband, daughter and I braved it. I made it in up to my armpits, while my daughter made it up to her neck and my husband dunked himself. We’re made of hardy stuff, we Canadians. Although, to be fair, we British Columbians are generally less accustomed to cold...
- The Official Summer Slurpee
  
  19 Jul 2016 | 11:09 am
  
  Traditions start in a lot of different ways. Some of them are passed down to us – like Christmas trees and birthday cakes and making jack o’lanterns on Halloween. Others are started on purpose, like a picture you take of your child every year on their birthday or an annual visit to a special place. And others start sort of by accident. In my family, the official summer Slurpee is sort of like that. I was a raging hippie when my children were small. For two years we had no TV. My daughter’s first birthday cake was sweetened with apple sauce. I joined a CSA that supplied locally-grown flour and used it to bake my own bread. Which I kneaded by hand. I canned and I sewed and I knitted and all of that good...
- justdoingmybest
- Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 5:19 pm
  
  I love pumpkin spice anything. I think it’s one of the best things about Fall. Well, that and the… The post Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding appeared first on justdoingmybest.
- 3 Secrets To Saying No So Your Friends Don’t Hate You
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 3:18 pm
  
  Some people make saying “NO” look so easy. A friend or neighbor asks for their help and they say… The post 3 Secrets To Saying No So Your Friends Don’t Hate You appeared first on justdoingmybest.
- Prioritizing Our Marriage Pt 2 – Making My Husband My Top Button
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 8:45 am
  
  Prioritizing our marriage is important to us. My husband and I have both been married before and we are… The post Prioritizing Our Marriage Pt 2 – Making My Husband My Top Button appeared first on justdoingmybest.
- Prioritizing Our Marriage Pt 1 – Making My Husband My Top Button
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 8:45 am
  
  My husband called me from work the other day and asked me an odd question. “If our marriage were… The post Prioritizing Our Marriage Pt 1 – Making My Husband My Top Button appeared first on justdoingmybest.
- I Can’t Wait For The First Day Of School – It’s OK For You To Be Excited Too
  
  28 Jul 2016 | 4:13 pm
  
  I can’t wait for the first day of school. The first day of the new school year is the best… The post I Can’t Wait For The First Day Of School – It’s OK For You To Be Excited Too appeared first on justdoingmybest.
- BlueShelled Site
- Friday Confessional: I’m a water cooler
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 12:56 am
  
  This is a mini-confessional, but it’s a whopper and one I fully expect to hear about for years, so it gets its own post. When I have to drink a lot water, and we all should, quite frequently, I do something odd: I pretend. I don’t just pretend that I...Read more �
- Giveaway: Redken Smooth Down Set
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 12:53 am
  
  I’m picky. Really picky. Some people, none that I would ever hang out with, but some people, might even call me spoiled. But I don’t know any of those people. Mom, I’m talking to you. Anyway, I’m picky about many things, but one thing that I don’t compromise on is...Read more �
- New hair color and cut = great day
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 12:43 am
  
  Some days are just fantastic. It’d been a long time since I’d had one that put me at one with the all good and I was in need of something stellar to change the funky mood I’d been in for the last several days. Over the weekend, I went to...Read more �
- Audiobook Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer and GIVEAWAY
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 12:20 am
  
  When the wonderful folks at MacMillon Audio asked if I wanted to review one of their audiobooks, I jumped on the chance. I commute to work and find that I get bored pretty easily without something auditory to enjoy. After being allowed to look at several options, I gleefully selected...Read more �
- Book Review and Giveaway: Letters in Cardboard Boxes by Abby Slovin
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 12:19 am
  
  There are very few fiction books that focus on a female protagonist that choose to focus on the female relationships in her life without going all “beaches” on us, focusing on how she needs to “get the man” (either back or stealing him from a friend), or focusing on how...Read more �
- Ron Rosenhead
- What will you be remembered for?
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 9:18 am
  
  I have recently taken up Nordic Walking (many thanks to Saracens Rugby Club Sports Foundation for the taster session) and I am really enjoying it. I recently decided to go to Trent Park (in Enfield) ) for a long walk and while walking I stopped for a moment to absorb what was around me. It was breath taking – trees for miles all around me, fields and a lake. The park has many facilities including a petting zoo, several cafes and playgrounds for children. It really is a magnificent park. Trent Park – picture of Trent Park web site – http://trentcountrypark.com/Welcome.html The park has lots of history with its royal hunting grounds, the Estate being sold to Philip Sassoon (cousin of Siegfried Sassoon),...
- Why I’ve Lost My Way As a Project Manager
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 6:01 am
  
  I read a lot of blogs and articles and I came across this from Elizabeth Harrin who runs a site called a Girls Guide to Project Management. It is a frank and open article and with Elizabeth’s permission I have reproduced this below. The original article can be found here. � Since maternity leave I’ve been in a more operational job. For a while I had staff management responsibilities (although I’ve lost those very recently). It’s strategic. It involves offering advice, acting in an internal consultancy role some of the time. It sounds great, doesn’t it? It has meant juggling lots of different projects, each with different stakeholders. Managing multiple smaller projects is not what I was used to...
- Collective belief and its possible impact on projects.
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 12:25 am
  
  � The project is going well. The prototype has been approved and will be ready in 2 weeks. The budget looks a little strained, which will soon be sorted once approval for development is given and then the cash will start to flow. Or so they thought. But then the regulations changed. This meant that the prototype was not up to the standard required. It needed re-engineering and further testing. Additional budget -the Company Board approved the extra expenditure. Based on the strong case given by the project manager and predicted cash flow, and, even more important, profit. (the project manager was the person who initially thought about the idea and was well supported by 2 technical Directors) . The second...
- Household Management 101 Blog
- Kids Cleaning Toys: Good Role Playing Or Feminist Mistake?
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 1:00 pm
  
  Have you seen these toy "cleaning trolleys" or similar toys like pretend vacuums? Do kids cleaning toys allow kids to role play real life adult situations, or do they cause gender stereotypes?
- How To Keep Track Of And Organize Your Child's School Papers
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 10:00 am
  
  Does your child bring home mountains of school papers everyday? Learn how to deal with them effectively, and never forget another date or homework assignment.
- How To Pick Ripe Melons Using Four Of Your Five Senses
  
  6 May 2016 | 11:00 am
  
  Learn how to pick ripe melons using your other four senses so you can please your fifth sense, the sense of taste.
- Mom\'s Education Sites
- Sedan Limousines
  
  5 Aug 2016 | 6:10 pm
  
  Are you looking for the right limo service norcross gato rent? Know your personal preferences first. If you want to go for the classic look, classic style limos are still available in the market. Just find the right limo company that has the luxurious vehicle that you need. Please be informed that limos are generally extended sedans that seat anywhere from eight people to twelve people and the great news is, there are bigger limos. your options aren’t limited to classic style limousines. That should excite you by now. So what are you waiting for? Find the best limo service today.
- Making neon signs more well known
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 5:56 pm
  
  The talk of the town in recent years has been pretty much solely based around the idea of a neon sign and what price it should own on its tag. For the most part, many people feel as if the modern consumer will be looking to not actually spend the much in order to buy one of these neon products. This is why some companies such as neon sign repair fort myers fl�have begun to lower their prices on the neon signs that they sell on a daily basis, in an attempt to draw more customers in who would be willing to purchase their product while the price is so incredibly low
- Furniture Buying can be a Tough Undertaking
  
  3 Aug 2016 | 5:39 pm
  
  Buying furniture at the�furniture store new braunfels tx can be a tough undertaking. Furniture items are usually sold in very high prices. If you have bad credit, financing your purchase can be difficult. In this case, you can consider used or second-hand furniture. Many stores will not offer financing for customers with a bad credit. So you do not have a choice this time. You must find the right item at the right price. You need not to worry. There are many used furniture which are still in good condition. You can check out the furniture stores near you. Go out and shop.
- in the know mom
- Night Cereal: Red Quinoa and Crispy Cinnamon Chickpea Bowl
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 4:24 pm
  
  Brought to you by got milk? Food Loves Milk I am a bowl creator. Probably half of every meal I eat is a bowl of some form, using grains, legumes, roasted vegetables, sautéed greens and other superfoods. Creating bowls for your meals is an easy way to make sure you The post Night Cereal: Red Quinoa and Crispy Cinnamon Chickpea Bowl appeared first on in the know mom.
- 8 energizing ways to fight the midday slump
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 12:27 pm
  
  I’m sharing #SahaleSnackers in my life as part of a Sahale Snacks® sponsored series for Socialstars™ The lazy days of summer are a thing of the past. School is in session and sports will be soon too. The holidays are also approaching, work is picking up and my house is The post 8 energizing ways to fight the midday slump appeared first on in the know mom.
- stuffed eggplant with roasted tomatoes on the vine
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:59 pm
  
  What is it about Italian recipes that inspires such comforting family dinners? I did not grow up with a little ol’ Italian grandma in the kitchen, but I still have such great memories of family dinners soaked in red sauce. Homemade pizzas, stuffed shells and lasagnas… they were regular dishes The post stuffed eggplant with roasted tomatoes on the vine appeared first on in the know mom.
- theprimamomma.com
- Throw the book at him
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 11:29 pm
  
  I’m having my blog posts made into books. Each year is being bound into a nice, hundred-and-something page, hardcover journal. They’re pricey, so I wait until the blog-to-book place has a sale before I order one, and I try to order them one or two at a time to spread out the sticker shock, but this week they’re running a 30% off coupon – which is pretty good – so I want to order at least three books. Jesse thinks I’m crazy. He sees no value in them. Maybe he’s right. Maybe they will sit on the shelf, collecting dust, never to be opened. But maybe he’s wrong. I hope he’s wrong. I hope my kids find joy in these pages one day. For a while this blog served as a daily journal of their childhood. I have a vision...
- When you’re a SAHM but you used to be a biology nerd
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 11:39 pm
  
  What’s that? You need to make a 3D model of both a plant cell and an animal cell, and label the organelles? Awesome! I’ve been waiting for this assignment for ages. I thought I had a few more years, but let’s do this! I was thinking we could use gelatin as the cytoplasm, and embed the various organelles at different levels to- What? It can’t be edible? Because of ants? Oh, okay, I understand. But they’re totally missing out on my mad fondant skillz. What? It’s due TOMORROW? Okay, okay, I got this. I have a fucking craft room for Christ sake. You think you can break me? I’ve been training for this since before you were born. Gimme that paper. *Scans assignment* HA! Are you kidding me? What are they teaching...
- It’s the most wonderful time of the ear
  
  2 Jun 2016 | 2:39 pm
  
  Karis got her ears pierced for her birthday. She’s been asking about it for a few years now, and while I wasn’t necessarily opposed to it, I just never got around to taking her. I did insist on taking her to a tattoo parlor rather than having some high school kid at Claire’s do it. I’d rather it be done by a seasoned professional that respects the sanctity of a sterile needle over a bored teenager that suffers through their work hours for gas money, you know? A girlfriend recommended a cute little place in Dana Point, but Jesse, ever the practical one, said that was too far, and found a closer place. Dude. We live in the beach bum capital of the world. We are surrounded by cool beach strip tattoo parlors....
- Sprittibee
- When Life Throws a Curve Ball Called Cancer
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 3:44 pm
  
  By now some of you already know that I was diagnosed with stage three (B – if the B means something to you) colon cancer a week or so ago after going to the hospital for an unrelated issue. Apparently, being tired should have tipped me off, but I was just plodding along like any good homeschool mama and because we are health nuts and eat well, I was managing. I can look back now and see that I had a life-threatening episode with being tired at one of the conventions I was taking photos for in May, but I only thought I was needing some rest after working hard for three days. I wasn’t aware that I was sick or had lost nearly HALF of my blood somehow. Still scratching my head about it all. I went to the ER...
- Shawn and Brittany’s Wedding at Pecan Springs Ranch in Austin, TX
  
  30 Jul 2016 | 1:27 pm
  
  I love taking pictures of people in love. What’s not to love about it? Shawn and Brittany were a dream couple to photograph. I loved how Brittany knew exactly what she wanted and was very organized. She’s a teacher. Maybe that’s why we connected so well. When she contacted me, she knew she wanted bridal photographs and a photo in a frame to be on display at the venue. She picked Brushy Creek Park as her bridal photo session spot and we got some really nice photos of her just before sunset. She had her hair and make-up done prior to getting her bridals done, which is always a HUGE bonus in my book. When a bride feels confident and smiles, the wedding gown can’t compete with her beauty. I truly believe...
- Beatitudes for Parents
  
  17 Jul 2016 | 6:02 pm
  
  I get a lot of junk mail, email, and information pushed at me as a blogger and homeschool mom – and let’s face it – as a human being. This week, however, as I got ready to trash another newsletter I didn’t have time to read, a date caught my eye in small print. 1895. The author of a poem written out on the newsletter was born in the 1800’s. I love history and old hymns, so I stopped and paused near the trash can to read these words before getting rid of yet of yet another thing vying for my attention. I was glad I did, and thought I would share them here with you. They encouraged me – and Lord knows we could all use a lot of encouragement on this parenting, homeschooling journey: BEATITUDES FOR...
- Zensible Mama
- Summer Travel Series: 12 Last-Minute Destinations Before You Go Back-to-school Crazy
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 9:00 pm
  
  Devil's Head outlook in Chimney RockIn a week, life is going to freaking flip the switch off from Summer leisure to Back-to-school chaos for me. You don't see it but I'm totally screaming in protest at the mere idea of it.�Not totally prepared to give up my laid-back, Summer lazy days, sleep-till-when-mornings, and of course, the time I have my daughter home with me all day. Yes, contrary to popular belief, I do love having my child home, 24-7, and all the whip-cracking insanity that goes with it! Disclaimer: our kids are not going to stay young forever. So, I cherish every moment of it with mine with all the cray-cray-ness of it all. That, including cramming in last-minute travel adventures before chaos...
- Escape The Intense Heat All Summer Long at Carowind's New Carolina Harbor Waterpark
  
  4 Jul 2016 | 9:00 pm
  
  Summer and Summer heat is upon us - and with a vengeance! It's so hot out there, it's enough to cook a pizza�in the open heat! Yes, pizza. Not just eggs anymore. It's pizza! But, don't get caught under all these intense heat and melt - literally. Hiding in the comfort of your air conditioned home is not a very good Summer-long option either. Not with the kids home for the Summer and the inevitable threat of cabin fever - you've got to be kidding yourself if you opt to endure these! -�You'll go nuts! Count on it. But you don't have to. There is no need to. Here's a great option to get your family and your Summer vacation off to a great start, or Summer-long, whichever applies to you. All you need to do is go...
- Sharing Some Pixie Dust Love with a Mickey Mouse Plush Giveaway
  
  30 Jun 2016 | 9:00 pm
  
  We've been blessed to get showered with magical Pixie dust this year and we want to share some of that magical pixie dust with you as our simple way of saying THANK YOU and we appreciate you! To do that, we're giving away this cute and cuddly Authentic Disney Mickey Mouse 15" Plush toy! - The iconic symbol of Disney Parks. You must agree it's a very appropriate treat! If it doesn't make the little girl in you go "squeee!" - our, ahem, next giveaway probably will. But, for now,�GO ENTER and�Good luck!�a Rafflecopter giveawayNote to Entrants:�You must follow mandatory entry requirements to qualify. Non-conforming entries will be disqualified and will not be included in the drawing. � ...
- icefairy's Treasure Chest
- NuMe Octowand 8-in-1 Curling Wand Set Giveaway (ARV $300)
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 11:00 pm
  
  Do you love to try out different hairstyles? DIY curls are fun and easy if you have the right styling tools on hand. NuMe Octowand, i.e. an 8-in-1 curling wand set is versatile and multi-functional. Enter to win one today! Sponsored by: NuMe Hosted by: Southern Mom Loves In honor of NuMe's incredible sale this week (From 8/25 to 8/31, get ANY NuMe Styling Set for $80 with Promo Code:
- Van's Back to School Prize Pack Giveaway (ARV $325)
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 10:00 am
  
  Are you a waffle lover? How many different ways can you think of to cook waffles? Check out all these creative recipes that add tremendous fun to waffle eating. And enter to win a yummy prize pack including free whole grain waffles from Van's Foods, a stainless steel toaster oven, a $100 Visa gift card, and a few other goodies! In celebration of National Waffle Day, Van’s Foods is sharing some
- Baby Registry Essentials Prize Pack Giveaway
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 10:00 pm
  
  Got a baby on the way and new to parenthood? There are probably a zillion things you would like for your little one, but do you know how to narrow them down to the most needed must-haves? Mommy Scene has put together a list of Baby Registry Essentials along with the chance to win an awesome package of 7 products featured on the list! Babee Talk offers organic crib bedding and plush toys designed
- MyBrownBaby
- Black Breastfeeding Week: Celebrating the Joy Of Black Moms Who Breastfeed
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:01 pm
  
  Breastfeeding was the most amazing feeling EVER—like love personified. This week's annual Black Breastfeeding Week aims to celebrate that joy. The post Black Breastfeeding Week: Celebrating the Joy... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- When Diversity in the Classroom is Done Wrong
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 9:01 pm
  
  An educator breaks down how diversity in the classroom only counts when the school administration knows visitors are watching. The post When Diversity in the Classroom is Done Wrong appeared first... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- In Defense Of Public School: It Is What We Parents Make It
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 9:17 pm
  
  Are there crappy public schools? Of course. But not all of them are broken. Public schools are what we parents make them. And I’m glad we opened our eyes. The post In Defense Of Public School: It... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- modernmami™
- The Visual Magic of Kubo and the Two Strings
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 2:10 pm
  
  Though back-to-school season is officially here, the summer movie season hasn’t quite come to an end just yet. And how wonderful that is! Why you ask? Well, Kubo and the Two Strings is the reason why. Opening in theaters on Friday, August 19 is Kubo and the Two Strings, an animated movie set in Japan. The movie’s namesake is a likable boy who by day entertains the local villagers with magical paper animations and by night watches over his ailing mother. His mother relays stories of his slain Samurai father that in turn inspire Kubo’s rich storytelling during the day. Due to his mother’s declining health, it is difficult to distinguish between what is fantasy and reality. Hungry for the full story...
- Back to School Clothes for Kids: Fun, Affordable Finds at Walmart!
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 9:52 am
  
  Every year we take advantage of the beginning of the school year to update our kids’ wardrobe by clearing out clothes that no longer fit or are in less-than-desirable condition and purchasing some new clothes. We keep what still works and add new pieces to be sure they have clothes to get them through (hopefully) the rest of the school year. I say hopefully because as parents we all know that kids tend to grow at inconceivable rates and we’re often buying more clothes mid-year to compensate for what they’ve outgrown (again). This is why it just makes sense to purchase affordable apparel that the kids love, are comfortable in for school days, and that doesn’t break my budget when I inevitably repurchase...
- Ground Beef 3 Ways: Easy Meals for Quick Weeknight Dinners this Back to School Season!
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 6:15 am
  
  It’s officially back to school time! My kids started school last week and I’ve been seeing lovely first day of school photos from friends throughout other areas of the country as well! I know that with the start of school for our kids and the end of summer, comes a busier schedule for most of us. The after-school routine often goes beyond homework to include extracurricular activities, such as sports, dance, tutoring, and much more. Even without such activities, the time between school and bedtime goes by quickly and I know that we all want to make the most of it! That’s why I love to make weeknight dinners simple and easy. One of my favorite tricks for getting dinner on the table quickly is to precook...
- Natalie Snapp
- When You Believe The Lie That God Isn’t In Public Schools
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 4:14 am
  
  Let me start out by saying I’m a public school graduate. I also taught at public elementary schools for ten years before I started having babies and writing full-time. I love our public schools. They’re a broken vessel in so many ways but just like all broken things, there’s also a dignified beauty that can be seen only if you look closely and choose to see it. When I told someone not too long ago why we were transferring our children from their former private, Christian school, they reacted in fear. “What about the test scores of those public schools?” she inquired. Do not even get me started on test scores, friends. “What about the bad words your children will hear?” she added. Every bad word my children...
- When The World Makes You Scared
  
  22 Jun 2016 | 8:46 pm
  
  Oh, friends . . . My head hurts. Since I last wrote, we’ve closed on the home where two of my three babies have lived since birth, moved into an apartment where we will remain for six months (with three kids and two big dogs!) and started summer with camps, lessons and practices out the you-know-what. I’m tired. Really tired. Not just physically tired but mentally and emotionally tired as well. I’m not going to jump on the bandwagon and wring my hands and lament about how our world is going to hell in a hand-basket because despite the fact that it might be, I still see so much beauty around me every day. I see the evil, too. I’m no Pollyanna. With a righteous anger, I hate...
- When Pruning Hurts
  
  2 Mar 2016 | 7:32 pm
  
  “Why, God??!!! WHY??” I screamed in the privacy of my own car with tears streaming down my red face. In the parking lot of Sam’s Club, of all places, there I sat. One never knows when a breakdown will occur. “Why again? Why here? Why now? I try to follow you so closely and honor you and yes, I know I have so much work to do but really??!!!” I lament. I text Heart Sisters who pray and they jump right to it. I feel those coveted prayers clothed in the love only a Heart Sister can provide. He gently brings to mind this sweet reminder of who He is: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it...
- AIDAN DONNELLEY ROWLEY
- I’ve Always Loved You
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 5:12 am
  
  I’m a quote person. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved stumbling upon lines in a book and underlining them, returning to them again and again. Other people’s words are sometimes just what I need to imbibe, an elixir of sorts, a way to learn, to realize, to wonder. And what about this gem, from Tolstoy? I was thinking lots about this quote yesterday, about what it means to love a person unconditionally. He suggests that if we truly love someone we love them for who they are and not who we believe they should be or might be or who we want them to be. This is powerful stuff, but it’s also challenging. Because we are judgmental creatures, because we fashion expectations, because we conjure ideals. It...
- Saying I Do to a Life Without Alcohol
  
  3 Aug 2016 | 4:37 am
  
  I posted an Augusten Burroughs quote on Instagram yesterday, from his latest memoir Lust & Wonder. The quote was, is, a question: “How many of the things I fear or dread are actually things that I want?” Wow. To say that this question got under my skin is an understatement. I began thinking about my life and my choices and my resistance in a wholly different way, looking at them through a different lens. One thing I’ve been afraid of, dreading: Committing to live a life without alcohol. I’ve been happy to dabble thoughtfully and devotedly in dry-ness (the word sobriety is not for me; topic for another post). I’ve been inspired to write about life without booze for periods of time. But the idea of a...
- The Complex Beauty of Not Drinking
  
  1 Aug 2016 | 1:22 pm
  
  I see my therapist once a month. Almost always at 6am. It’s a good time for me because my mind is fresh and uncluttered and I often see things most clearly before the sun is up. I’m grateful for this woman, this woman who has held my hand through very anxious times, who has listened to me and supported me over the years. Sometimes, when I show up at her office I don’t know what we will talk about. These are the mornings when I feel frissons of guilt, that doing this thing is a badge of privilege somehow, that to pay a person a substantial sum of money to chat about whatever is a mark of some deplorable breed of entitlement. But even on these days, we end up talking about real and meaningful things and...
- MOMeo Magazine for Work-at-Home Moms: Business Tools | Parenting Advice | Mom Lifestyle Tips | Mom Blog | Mom Forum
- Outdoor Fitness: A Cardio/Lower Body Routine You Can Do Outside by @DPEverybodyFit
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:00 am
  
  Keep yourself in good spirits by continuing to get your exercise done outside. The sunshine, the sweat and of course the MOVES will really round off your summer with a positive attitude and a great body too! This week continues my cardio and lower body exercise circuit. Return to the same spot you did last week’s and add this great combination onto it and you will get some great outer thigh sculpting!
- 21 Things We Wish We Knew BEFORE Starting a Business (Learn From Our Mistakes)
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 4:00 am
  
  You know how they say hindsight is 20/20? Well, it certainly is when it comes to starting a business. This is what we wish we knew BEFORE we started in business so learn from our mistakes! #1: No matter how hard you try, you can’t make more time – When you make a list of everything you want to do, attach a time because that is the #1 limiting factor to getting it done. #2: What stands between you and charging what you are worth is YOU – Let’s face it – if you say a number that is way too low, potential clients aren’t going to tell you that they would pay more. But if you show the value and charge what is reasonable, the only thing between you and getting it is you. Just close your eyes and say...
- Join @TD_Insurance & @Make_It_Right for #AvoidUnsureance August 25 at 8pm EST #ad
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 9:00 am
  
  Mother Nature can be an unforgiving foe when it comes to protecting your home. That’s why TD Insurance has invited professional contractor and celebrity host, Mike Holmes, and his contractor son, Mike Holmes Jr., to share their expert home protection advice for the #AvoidUnsureance chat THURSDAY, August 25 at 8pm EST! Bring your home protection questions for Mike Holmes and Mike Holmes Jr. as we discuss practical ways to prevent Mother Nature from doing her worst! During our one hour Q&A chat, we will talk: <ul> <li>What to do to prepare and protect your home from a severe storm or natural disaster</li> <li>About the dangers associated with water damage from flooding or sewer back up</li> <li>What to do if a severe weather event...</li></ul>
- Eccentric Eclectic Woman
- jollyliteracy.com and just2ducks LLC Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammar Review
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 1:35 pm
  
  My family had the privilege of trying the Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammar from jollyliteracy.com and just2ducks LLC for this review to use in conjunction with our own homeschool curriculum. This is a Schoolhouse Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.jollyliteracy.com makes Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammar, a synthetic phonics and grammar program with interactive songs, stories and actions that go along with the student books and teacher's books. The Jolly Phonics program is multi-sensory, active, and perfect for younger children. It includes worksheets in three student books, and a teacher's guide. Jolly Grammar is to be used after the Jolly Phonics program. This is also...
- Enlivenze LLC Rainbow Pencils FlipStir Puzzle Review #ShakeStirSolve
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 1:50 pm
  
  My family had the privilege of trying the Rainbow Pencils FlipStir Puzzle from Enlivenze LLC for this review to use in conjunction with our own homeschool curriculum. This is a Schoolhouse Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.Enlivenze LLC are the makers of the creatively fun and highly addicting FlipStir Puzzles. They were looking for smart active play and their ideas made something very unique. This is a great company with wonderful ambitions and an eye for innovation. The FlipStir Puzzles are award-winning art-inspired handheld toys that challenge the mind. These all enclosed, self-contained puzzles are made up of ten plastic pieces that make up a picture when...
- Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids Spanish Program, with the Starter Set 1 Review
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 1:13 pm
  
  Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids Spanish Program Starter Set 1.My family had the privilege of trying the Spanish Program, with the Starter Set 1 from Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids for this review to use in conjunction with our own homeschool curriculum. This is a Schoolhouse Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids is a program founded by Kit Strauss. She created Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids because of the lack of quality foreign language programs geared towards children and she wanted something for her three sons. Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids is geared towards ages 3 and up. It teaches how to speak and understand...
- Audrey – Stylish Life for Moms
- How to Determine the Right Sales Price for your House
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 9:41 am
  
  As you know, I partnered with Owners.com this year to help us navigate the road to selling our home. Owners.com has been with us every step of the way and it’s been wonderful to have resources to turn to when questions have come up for us. House selling is new territory for us, this is our first time selling a home and we want to make sure we do it smart and we do it right. What I love about Owners.com is that it allows us to pay just a small flat fee to get on the MLS and not pay a listing agent commission, which is about 3%. I personally love (and appreciate) that with Owners.com I’m in control of much of the process, which is definitely key and important to us. Over the last 9 months we’ve put...
- 85 Things To Do on a Summer Friday Night
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 9:46 am
  
  It’s Friday! It’s the Summer! Time to do something FUN! This is a simple family post! Here are 85 Things To Do on a Summer Friday Night! What would you add? What did I miss? Mini Golf Movies (Think A/C) Pool Night (Local Pool Center) Picnic in your Backyard Visit a Beach (toss rocks, build castles, etc) Bowling Trampoline Park Make your Own Pizza Night Sleepover with Friends/Cousins Sushi Night Ice Cream Sundae Night Grill Night Neighborhood Walk Bike Ride Scavenger Hunt Canoe Rides Hibachi Night Game Night with Board Games Batting Cages Puzzle Night Visit a Library Watch Old Family Videos Taco Night Rent a Movie Have your Extended Family over for a BIG Family Night Family Run Family Fashion Show (or with...
- Round and Round Fun at Roger Williams Park Carousel
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  Raising my children in the same area where I grew up has been an incredible experience to have as a parent. Rhode Island is my hometown and it’s a place that I have grown to love to the core of my being throughout my life. It’s got that small state feel, which I love. You can’t really go anywhere in Rhode Island without bumping into someone you know or know through someone else! It’s what makes Rhode Island such a special place to raise a family and be part, you really get to know your communuty. Rhode Island in the summer months is amazing because there’s simply SO MUCH to do in our small state. There are beaches and pools. There are water parks and spray parks. There are hiking paths and bike paths. There...
- The Survival Mom
- What’s In Your Emotional Backpack?
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 11:44 am
  
  All of us have dealt with a backpack at some point in our lives. Remember loading up that crisp new back pack in fall, with anticipation for another school year. Backpacks are used to pack up emergency supplies as demonstrated in this article, camping gear and they are even popular to use as a diaper bag. One backpack we may not realize we carry is an emotional backpack. What is an emotional backpack? Picture yourself carrying around an invisible backpack, every day. Inside that backpack are all of your life’s experiences. Some of these items are positive and light, while others are negative and heavy. What is in your backpack and how heavy is it? This is a particularly important consideration when it...
- Flood – Fire – Evacuation
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 6:57 am
  
  Two of the most common reasons to evacuate your home, workplace, or any other safe area are flood and fire. Right now, both are being delivered in spades, and perhaps, your family is being affected by an emergency evacuation. In the Los Angeles area, nearly 90,000 people are being evacuated due to the Blue Cut wildfire that is virtually out of control, still. Where do 90,000 people go? That’s the first question that crosses my mind. Are they all headed to hotels? The homes of friends or family? How many have nowhere to go and can’t afford even a single night in a hotel? Louisiana residents have been slammed this month with massive amounts of rainfall. They’ve been forced from their homes, too, and at least...
- When the Going Gets Tough, Protect Your Mental Health
  
  14 Aug 2016 | 12:00 am
  
  I wrote a post five years ago for this blog entitled “Wabi Sabi: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.” The basic idea is that it’s important to accept less-than-perfect as being good-enough for most things. I’ve written nearly 100 posts now, and it’s still my favorite because I love that philosophy inspired by this book. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in small details and day-to-day worries. We end up stressed, exhausted bundles of anger, worried about all the wrong things. Maybe your minivan will suck if you ever have to get out of dodge, but, honestly, doesn’t it matter more that it works for you in your day to day life right now? Aren’t food and water higher priorities for an emergency? You can figure...
- teachmama.com
- Big Fat Notebooks: study help for middle schoolers #BigFatNotebooks
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 3:00 am
  
  I’m always on the hunt for best-fit books for my kids, so when I was sent these Big Fat Notebooks from Workman Publishing, I knew they’d be the perfect fit for my middle schooler! Be forewarned, friends: These may not be the kind of books that your kids sit down and read before bed. They may not even be the kind of books that your kids read cover to cover. They most likely won’t be the kind of books that your kids use for a book report or book club. These are not the kind of book I usually share here on the ole bloggy blog. These books are different, friends, and they’re awesome. The Big Fat Notebook is the revolutionary study guide series just for middle school students from the brains behind Brain...
- celebrate multicultural children’s books! (BIG book bundle giveaway!)
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 9:30 pm
  
  It’s time for the 2nd Annual Multicultural Children’s Book Giveaway and KidLit TV is teaming up with Pragmatic Mom, Jump into a Book, Franticmommy, The Educators Spin On It, What Do We Do All Day?, Teach Mama, andMulticultural Children’s Book Day to give parents, teachers, and librarians in need, a chance to win a multicultural book bundle for their school library. Libraries play an important role in everyone’s life. The library is a place where knowledge and the love of reading shine! However, budgets for school programs are being cut, and school libraries have been heavily affected. Hours for library time have been shortened in some schools, and even non-existent in others. Up until...
- delaying kindergarten: our experience as parents and educators
  
  12 Aug 2016 | 7:00 am
  
  Should I send my 5-year-old to Kindergarten, or should I wait a year? What are the benefits of ‘redshirting’ my child for Kindergarten? Does another year of preschool really make that much of a difference? What’s the big deal?! It’s KINDERGARTEN! It’s so funny how often I’ve referenced a piece about our reflections on sending Owen to Kindergarten that I wrote for the DC Moms over five years ago. Probably a dozen times each and every summer, readers email me with the million-dollar question: Should we send our 5-year-old to Kindergarten or should we wait a year? I send them a link to my article and say, It’s totally your decision, but here’s what I think. . . So I’m just going to run the piece here,...
- The Shopping Mama
- End-of-Summer Bucket List: 5 Things to Do in NYC as a Family
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 12:14 pm
  
  The summer is almost over–can you believe it? Feels like just yesterday we were celebrating the Fourth of July. I can hardly even fathom the fact that Labor Day is just about a week away. Ugh, it all goes by too fast. I mean… Don’t get me wrong. I love the fall–what with pumpkin-spice everything and apple picking and sweaters and boots and Halloween–but, still, I could use a few more weeks of the carefree sunshine-filled school-free season. And, the reality is: the approaching autumn means that winter is also rounding the corner. Alas, it’s not officially over yet. And I plan to make the most of it… If you’re in the NYC area, there are a few more fun ways to embrace the fleeting family free time and...
- The Car Seat That Grows With Your Child
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:56 am
  
  This little one just made the major switch from an infant car-seat to a a big-girl convertible car seat. It was a transition that was over due. While she’s pretty small for her age, she is 21 months old, so, yeah, it was about time. (Bye-bye hot-pink bucket seat!) Obviously, as an on-the-go Mama, I liked the convenience of being able to easily transport her mid-nap into a travel-system stroller or carry her right into the house. Alas, we have a big road trip coming up, and I decided she was ready for the change. I wanted a car seat that would grow with her–and so I was excited to try out the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 car seat. It features an incredible three-position extension panel that provides...
- Toy Tuesday: Glow Crazy Doodle Dome
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 2:02 pm
  
  One thing I absolutely love about summer is the flexibility to do things during the week that you may not normally be able to do during the school year. There’s also this rule about being able to stay up later than usual and that means playing with toys that glow in the dark. Camping is such a big part of my summer activities and while the idea sounds exciting to a 5 year old, in practicality it might not be the smartest choice. But tell a 5 year old they can write on the ceiling, and they will be entertained for hours. This toy by Doodle Glow is just the ticket. You can test out your child’s camping skills stress-free with the Glow Crazy Doodle Dome. Not only is it a pop-up tent, but it has a...
- the view from my fishbowl
- Tuesday Thoughts ... Internet Birthday Edition
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 12:48 pm
  
  It's Tuesday. Again.Let's hope today is better than Monday.It started out with the contact lenses going into the correct eyes, so I already have a leg up today. ;)So what are my thought today?One thing: social media.In particular how much I dislike some aspects of social media on any given day.(This seems appropriate since today IS the 25th anniversary of the ol' internet).I don't hate social media all the time. Some days I really like it. But on some days...I really, REALLY dislike social media. Like yesterday. When I asked for positive energy and got crap.Here's the thing:I am 43 years old.I've been a parent for 12 1/2 years.I know what is best for my child.And...I didn't ask for anyone's opinion.What I...
- Tuesday Thoughts - Back to School Edition
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 3:37 pm
  
  I'm in a mood today.It's been a very long day.My 'thoughts' today are rather scattered and whatnot.... Back to school!Today Emma went back to school - 4th grade! (How in the world is THAT possible??)Of course I had to take the "first day of school photo"....Yes. Emma IS wearing cowboy boots with a dress. ;)Fourth grade people.Fourth grade. Ballerina Foot ProblemsWe thought Olivia broke her big toe two weeks ago. At least that is what the pediatrician told us based on reading the X-rays. (Note to self: NEVER trust a pediatrician reading X-rays). The radiologist said nothing was broken - and that report was made TWO WEEKS AGO and NO ONE called to tell us.Which means...we've been treating a non-broken toe for...
- Tuesday Thoughts - Let's Try This Again
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 11:34 am
  
  So remember waaaayyy back at the beginning of the year when I was all "let's blog more!" and I started that "Monday Musings" thing?Yeah?No?Well whatever.It didn't work.January suddenly turned into June and life was crazy and now it's August and I haven't blogged (again) in weeks. That's not to say that I have nothing to write about.I do. I'm just .... busy.Yeah who isn't busy these days, right?Lame excuse I know.Plus, I don't like blogging on Mondays.So, this week we'll try something new: Tuesday Thoughts.We'll see how long I can keep this up.Here's what's happening in my fishbowl lately....Fibro still sucks. Not that I thought it was going to 'get better' ... because let's face it - it isn't getting...
- The MamaZone
- Share a Reading Treat to Help Kids Start School Like a Champion
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 8:21 am
  
  This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company, Kellogg Company, J.M. Smucker Company, and The HERSHEY’S Company. All opinions are mine alone. #StartSchoolLikeAChampion #CollectiveBias Between preparing for back to school and the thrill of the 2016 Olympic Games, there’s a lot to be excited about these days. And, while you’re buzzing around getting everything just right, I thought I’d add to your excitement by sharing two of my favorite words: FREE BOOKS. Team USA sponsors, Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, HERSHEY’S, and J.M. Smucker have teamed up with Scholastic for the “Start School Like a Champion” program. Simply buy select products at Walmart and earn free...
- Win a Limited Edition Philips Sonicare Ice Age Toothbrush for Kids
  
  27 Jul 2016 | 8:20 am
  
  Ice Age: Collision Course collided into theaters over the weekend and we’re quite excited about seeing it soon. We’re also quite excited about offering you the chance to win a New Limited Edition Ice Age Toothbrush for Kids from Philips Sonicare! First, check out a few details about Ice Age: Collision Course and share the trailer with your kids. About Ice Age: Collision Course Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to...
- Simple Tips for College Shopping (Plus a Printable Shopping List)
  
  21 Jul 2016 | 9:22 am
  
  If you have a college-aged child, you’re likely carving out some time to hit the college essentials aisle at your favorite store. And, while shopping for college can be a bit overwhelming, it’s also one more opportunity to spend some quality time together (and isn’t that what matters most?). We’re not quite there yet, but with just a year to go, we’re already thinking about how we’ll prepare for our daughter’s big exit. I actually can’t wait to walk through the college shopping process with her to help her plan well for her first days away from the nest. I know it’s not easy to navigate that huge college supply list, so I’m here to help you (and I’m also giving myself a head start!). Enjoy...
- Dear Crissy
- Celebrate The Small Moments + RITZ Strawberry Bites Recipe
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:53 am
  
  I’d like to thank RITZ for sponsoring this post. Vacation is a wrap, the summertime birthday balloons have deflated and my kids are a bit gloomy about having to start school next week. It’s why I decided to surprise them on a regular Tuesday afternoon with an awesome and slightly random Farewell to Summer Celebration! Why did I invent a Farewell to Summer Celebration? Because I’m a cool mom (most of the time) and I make the rules, that’s why! Instead of being bummed about summer break coming to a close, I flipped the script and turned a regular weekday into a delicious, and super-fun going away party of sorts. Bon voyage, summertime. You were very good to us, but now it’s time to start our fall...
- Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 6:23 pm
  
  It took everything I had not to post 300 pictures of these pumpkin spice cupcakes. Seriously, these cupcakes were so good and so pretty that I just want to do a happy dance. Crazy-gorgeous pumpkin spice cupcakes! These are truly the BEST pumpkin spice cupcakes. Don’t believe me? Taste with your eyes. See what I mean? Gorgeous. My mom and I came up with this pumpkin spice cupcakes recipe last week while playing in the kitchen. We wanted a cupcake that had a definite pumpkin flavor, and of course, we also wanted it to be sweet, moist and delicious. When my husband tried this particular <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="pumpkin"data-amzn-link-id="2b3021258c5ce1da4721b32c4f9edb61" amzn-ps-bm-asin="B009F28PY2" id="amznPsBmLink_2453371" href="http://www.amazon.com/Libbys-100%25-Pure-Pumpkin-15oz/dp/B009F28PY2/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=dearcrissadig-20&linkId=2b3021258c5ce1da4721b32c4f9edb61&linkCode=ktl">pumpkin</a> cupcake he said, “This is easily the best cupcake I’ve ever had.” Of course, if you’ve been reading Dear Crissy over...
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 7:35 am
  
  I’m teaming up with Crisco®, as a Crisco Creator, to help inspire home cooks with new recipe ideas and cooking and baking tips using Crisco® products. I’m all about the veggies this summer, and while roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts may sound like an unusual combo, they are a match made in vegetable heaven! Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts One trick to vegetable roasting that has really changed the game for me is using Crisco® Organic Refined Coconut Oil. It’s a refined coconut oil developed for versatility in cooking that doesn’t have a taste or aroma, so it doesn’t affect the taste of your food. For my family this is great as it really allows the flavor of the food to shine...
- Child Mode
- ivivva Ignites & Inspires Girls With Fashion & Education
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 9:30 am
  
  We’ve been fans of ivviva for a few years now. As an avid lululemon supporter and wearer, when ivivva launched, I was one of the first to cover it. I still have my daughter’s size 4 hoody... This is a teaser only. Visit Child Mode for the full article, photos and more!
- Stella McCartney Kids Meets Under The Sea For Spring Summer 2016
  
  26 Feb 2016 | 5:59 pm
  
  Well, it’s happened! Stella McCartney Kids has just released their Spring Sumer 2016 collecion and it’s just what you’d expect but more. Fun, whimsical and with inspiration from... This is a teaser only. Visit Child Mode for the full article, photos and more!
- Share Your Ears For a Good Cause!
  
  26 Feb 2016 | 3:43 pm
  
  Have you shared your ears yet? You may have noticed a bunch of people sharing photos of their Mickey�ears all over social media. They’re doing it for a great cause and you can too! To... This is a teaser only. Visit Child Mode for the full article, photos and more!
- HomeToHeather
- Free or Foul? Is it one or the other when it comes to Egg Farming?
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:12 am
  
  As a consumer and lover of eggs I felt that I was fairly educated on the different types of eggs available at the grocery store. I typically buy organic eggs and feel the extra price is worth paying for a high quality product – that’s a philosophy I stick to. You get what you pay for, right? I will almost always pay a bit extra if I get something that is better, will last longer, will retain resale value etc. I felt organic eggs are better because the shells are usually harder and more robust. That has to indicate a better quality egg…right? Last week I went to a commercial egg farm. Farming is no longer of red barns and crowing roosters, in fact, there wasn’t a rooster in sight at Burnbrae farms where we...
- Kids, Money, and Regrets
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 5:00 am
  
  When I had my first baby I wanted to set up a savings account for her and we did. We deposited money she was given at birthdays and holidays. I squirreled away every cheque that ever fluttered out of a greeting card. It lasted two years and then I got pregnant with the next and he never did get a bank account as I just started spending the money on clothing or karate lessons – they both had all the toys they ever needed. Now my daughter is 9 and when we moved out of town I closed down her account. She had $200 in there. We moved and she really needed a new bed. The old one was a hunk of junk and so we bought a new mattress and put it on the floor temporarily until we could get a new bed for it. I sourced...
- I made a giant mistake
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 4:33 pm
  
  Oh, you guys! I made a stupid rookie mistake just now. I know better than this. We are working on painting this house. Every wall needs to be touched by a paint brush. Every wall has been covered in sticky chipboard butterflies, knickknack shelves held up by 100 drywall anchors, dents and scratches and even food. I did the master ensuite (which you may have seen a bit of on Snapchat) and some accent walls in the kids rooms and I’ll do the basement too. But the main areas of the house have high ceilings so we opted to hire painters. Last night (NIGHT!) my husband and I sat down to confirm our paint colour. I had picked out a grey with a blue ish undertone. Did he like it too? We hemmed and hawed and I...
- Following In My Shoes
- 20 Kid-Friendly Make Ahead Breakfasts
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 12:35 pm
  
  It. Is. Finished. They are dressed, smiling and off on the “first day of school” adventure. But, oh, Mamas — the marathon that is involved in getting ready for school…. I am TIRED!!!! A photo posted by Rachel Lacy (@followinginmyshoes) on Aug 21, 2016 at 8:41pm PDT As is our tradition, we started our day with the annual Back To School Breakfast. To some it may seem over the top, but we love traditions around here AND I find that it helps keep the excitement up and nerves away. Today I kept the menu simple: slow-cooker breakfast casserole, fruit, juice and milk. Easy peasy and they think they’re getting a treat because of the juice! (it’s a rarity around here because Mama doesn’t like to pay for...
- Can I Freeze Bacon? Absolutely!
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 2:19 pm
  
  Alrighty — this lil’ drive-by-post comes courtesy of the anticipation of crazy school mornings. ‘Cause I am RIGHT SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT CHAOS. We have met the teachers, given them their fifty-million glue sticks, and purchased our new school shoes (which two of three children promptly wore out in the rain and mud). But, knowing that we are just about 72 hours away from tightly scheduled mornings and check-list-mandatory evenings is stressing this Mama out. When stressed, I make plans and lists. And, apparently, I also freeze bacon. Now, it isn’t the only thing I’m stuffing into the freezer: paleo tortillas, chocolate chip blender muffins and grain free waffles have all found their way inside —...
- How To Cook Bacon In The Oven
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 7:43 am
  
  Every time I mention to someone that I ALWAYS cook bacon in the oven, I am ALWAYS surprised that this is a novel idea to them. “What? You can cook BACON in the OVEN? But … it won’t get crispy!” Oh, my friends. My friends. Crispy bacon — in the oven — is a very real thing. And you don’t have to flip anything. Or get splattered. Or smell like bacon grease for the rest of the day. (I hate that.) My Mama was the one who taught me how to do this and I haven’t looked back once. So, free yourself up! Go ahead and drink coffee or watch your children argue over the remote. It’s all good – that bacon won’t get the stove-top greasy while you’re looking away. Promise. First off — get yourself some good....
- The Mom Maven
- Dog Poop Stinks Cleaning it Up Doesn’t Have To
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 3:00 am
  
  We’ve been dog owners for over 4 years now. We have always tried hard to be responsible dog owners. If Mushu starts barking late at night, we bring her in. We keep her on a leash when we are out for a walk and we clean up her dog poop when she goes on someone else’s lawn. Yes, it is the law, but more importantly it is common courtesy. Long gone are the days of my childhood when dogs could poop wherever they felt like it and no one seemed to care. Over the years we have bought several kinds of dog waste bags. Some have worked well, some have been rather thin and really let the stench out. These Frisco Scented Dog Waste Bags are large,...
- Win it Wednesday 8-24-16
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 3:00 am
  
  Happy National Waffle Day and Win it Wednesday! I love waffles, don’t you. They are so versatile they are a great breakfast food. In honor of National Waffle Day, I thought I’d share 4 delicious waffle recipes and serving ideas that are on my What’s For Breakfast Pinterest Board. I have yet to try any of these recipes so if you try them, I want to know which one you liked best! First up are Churro Waffles from Mama Harris’ Kitchen. Jordan loves a good churro so I really need to make these for him sometime soon. Maybe the Ski Mountain Sugared Waffles from Kelly and Cricket are more your style. These waffles are grain-free, gluten-free, and Paleo. The Cinnamon Roll...
- Why I Support Christian Radio
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 3:00 am
  
  We are in week 2 of what is 6 weeks of Fall Sharathon season. For me that means 2 weeks a month for 3 months of working 12-14 hour days 4 days a week. Why? I LOVE Christian radio. For the last several years I have been a paid volunteer in Phone Central for the fundraising efforts of the Radio Training Network, which owns listener supported 501c3 Christian radio stations in Florida, Georgia, Alabama,, Missouri and South Carolina. Why would a woman who runs 3 businesses from her home put life on hold for 6 weeks each spring and fall for a radio station? Easy, Christian radio saved my life. In 1986 I was a 22 year old woman going to college and...
- Mommy's Hangout/Atlanta Mommy Blogger/Jen Williams
- The benefits of hiring home cleaning services from Hux
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 12:06 pm
  
  � � Atlanta, it is back to school season! As a mom, you know this means the little free time we had during the summer is officially over! It is now going to be replaced with carpooling, attending sports events, PTO meetings, and helping your kids get their homework done each night. Oh, and let’s […] The post The benefits of hiring home cleaning services from Hux appeared first on Mommy's Hangout/Atlanta Mommy Blogger/Jen Williams.
- Sweeping Saturday 7/23/2016
  
  22 Jul 2016 | 9:00 pm
  
  Do you Have Giveaways? Please Share them here! Every Saturday there is new post with a Mr. Linky for you to list your giveaways. So Please Check weekly To Add yours! The post Sweeping Saturday 7/23/2016 appeared first on Mommy's Hangout/Atlanta Mommy Blogger/Jen Williams.
- Sweeping Saturday 7/16/2016
  
  15 Jul 2016 | 11:02 pm
  
  Do you Have Giveaways? Please Share them here! Every Saturday there is new post with a Mr. Linky for you to list your giveaways. So Please Check weekly To Add yours! � The post Sweeping Saturday 7/16/2016 appeared first on Mommy's Hangout/Atlanta Mommy Blogger/Jen Williams.
- Naptime Radio
- Episode 205ish - Summertime
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 3:30 am
  
  Heather and Kate discuss the beach and inapropro cooking, get biz buzzed on Libertarianism with Alli P and wrap with hungry and annoyed Nodelman. Enjoy and thanks for listening!
- Episode 204 and three quarters
  
  11 Jul 2016 | 8:04 pm
  
  Heather and Kate discuss travel with kids and the joy of teenagers, get biz buzzed with Alli P and wrap with Nodelman. No power nap because, summer. Enjoy and thanks for listening!
- Episode 204.5: No Power Nap
  
  20 Jun 2016 | 6:24 pm
  
  Heather and Kate discuss moody kids, teenagers and not being needed, talk politics with Alli P., skip the power nap because summer is cray and wrap with Nodelman. Enjoy and thanks for listening!
- just another mommy blog...
- 17 Aug 2016 | 3:24 pm
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 3:24 pm
  
  What do you do when your method of release (social media) isn't something you can release your emotions on anymore? What do you do when the bad stuff is just SO bad and SO MUCH and you are overwhelmed with sadness? I am at a loss here. There are too many things to worry about, and absolutely NOTHING I can do about any of them. I want to help my family but honestly, I can't.I have no release right now and I need to find one again. Maybe make this blog totally private and write all of the things, all of the details, all of the specific shit that is falling from the sky all at once.I wish certain people lived closer. I wish others hadn't left. I wish so many things.Fuck. I don't want to handle this anymore.
- Well Fuck.
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 6:17 am
  
  I'm procrastinating like it is an Olympic sport today. I am a gold medalist in this event.I don't want to see the fear in my dad's eyes and wonder if this chemo treatment today will actually make him feel as awful as the treatments he had 30 years ago. The medical staff insists it won't. They've repeated that his first chemo was one of the hardest and most brutal regimens, and that it isn't even CLOSE to what he will be receiving today...and he has zero belief that they are telling the truth. Honestly though, if I had a traumatic medical experience and then someone said "let's do a treatment with the same name, but it ISN'T the same, we promise"... I probably wouldn't believe them, either.It's not natural...
- It's Not Enough
  
  28 Jul 2016 | 7:52 am
  
  I'm one of those "lucky" people who remember their dreams. I have vivid, in-depth, multi-chapter dreams which are sometimes so real, I wake up believing in whatever scene my mind concocted. It's not usually a great way to wake up; either I am petrified from the natural disaster that I obviously didn't go through or I am elated (and then destroyed) from holding a newborn baby that never actually existed. Both scenarios aren't super-awesome starts to a fantastic morning. Most of those dreams never actually "leave" me, either.One particularly horrific nightmare takes place on the section of I-80 that crosses over an enormous quarry. It's so massively deep, you can't see the bottom, no matter how hard you...
- Mommy Niri
- Advance Screening KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (Get free passes here!) – #Boston
  
  12 Aug 2016 | 5:35 pm
  
  � Summer is rough but I was still hoping to catch Kubo and the Two Strings but sadly I missed one screening and this one I’m away. If you’re lucky to be here and you’re local you should totally make your way down to see it. Firstly it is free, secondly you see it before everyone else can, and the best reason of all is this looks like a really good movie. More details about the movie Synopsis: Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Hashi...
- Advance Screening 20th Century Fox’s ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE (100 passes available) #Boston
  
  12 Jul 2016 | 9:06 am
  
  � There are some movies which wane after the first release and it becomes hard to capture the original momentum. Not so with Ice Age! I have watched every over ferociously with my kids. I think I may actually own a DVD of each one too. This is why I’m excited for Ice Age: Collision Course but of course I have something to keep the whole family entertained and I promise you will not sleep through this (sorry if you were looking forward to that). I have 100 seats up for grab but oh boy they go quick. More details about the movie Running Time: 100 minutes MPAA Rating: PG for mild rude humor and some action/peril. Opening Date: Friday, July 22, 2016 � ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE Animated Comedy Release in...
- ivivva Summer Festival hits Boston! #ivivva #ivivvasummerfestival #Boston #ad
  
  13 Jun 2016 | 7:05 am
  
  Lululemon is the icon when it comes to women’s active wear, so you can have high expectations from ivivva (the tween active wear) from them. There are many ways that tweens and teens are becoming more adult like and frankly most of them don’t excite me, but the fitness and health one I can easily rally behind. Having 9 and 11 year old girls in my home this brand is slap dash in the middle of where we are (their clothes come in sizes 6-14). I am a fan of the clothing because I’m exhausted of poor quality clothing that loses shape after a few washes (and man with those smelly kids you want them washed well) and I’m even more wary of inappropriately designed clothing (I kinda like my tween girls dressing...
- Traveling Mom
- National Parks: Free Centennial Weekend Family Fun
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 11:06 am
  
  Load up the minivan, pack a picnic and explore the national parks for free family fun for the Centennial weekend in 2016. With a site in every state, most families can find a national park within a few hours of home. Explore a wilderness, learn some history, or take a hike with your family as you get your kids in a park for Free. Celebrate the National Park Centennial with your family for FREE! With 412 national park sites across the United States, most families can drive to one in a few hours. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker / National Parks TravelingMom Starting Thursday, August 25, 2016, through Sunday, August 28, 2016, all 412 national parks across the United States and its territories will be Free....
- Into the Woods? I’d Rather Scrub the Toilet than Camp.
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 2:09 pm
  
  There are people who love camping. I’m not one of them. My fear of camping or “FOC” is so great, I start to shudder when I see an “I’d Rather Be Camping” bumper sticker on a minivan stuffed with gear. My head knows that camping is a budget-friendly way to bond with the family. But my heart is convinced that, if I head into the woods, I won’t come out alive. Nothing’s more romantic than a tent in the woods. Why does it terrify me? Photo: Pixabay Is it Okay to Hate Something You’ve Never Tried? Remember the Battle of the Peas in your family? It erupts at every dinner table some time between the ages of 4-5. “Eat your peas.” “No.” “Why not?” “I hate peas.” “You do not hate peas. You ate them...
- Zion National Park – Paradise for Family Travelers
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 11:43 am
  
  Standing in the shadow of the Court of the Patriarchs, I worship the majestic beauty of the Navajo Sandstone peaks, like I did when touring the man-made cathedrals of the Old World. I take a moment to reflect on the Creator and the Creator’s landscape. I cannot escape the sense of awe, knowing Zion National Park was created with just sand, water and countless millennia. Zion National Park is a Top 10 national park site with over 3 million visitors a year. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker / National Parks TravelingMom The Navajo Sandstone dominates my senses in Zion National Park with its bold rock formations carved by a mostly tame Virgin River. Through the seasons of summer monsoon storms, the tickle of...
- Fun Happy Home
- How to Save on Gas
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 2:05 pm
  
  This past weekend my hubby got a new truck! It’s absolutely awesome, but it uses a lot more gas than our minivan! We’ve always been pretty good about saving money on gas, but with this new truck, we’re thinking a lot about how to save on gas! Right now it seems like gasoline is about as cheap as it’s ever going to be…give or take $.50. (It’s actually gone up recently around here.) Some experts even believe that $5/gallon gasoline is likely in the future. Making an effort to save money on gasoline is a wise decision in light of the evidence. As the average person, you might not be able to do much about the price, but you can use several methods to use less of it. Below are several strategies to help...
- LuLaRoe: Reviews of LuLaRoe Clothes Plus Enter to Win LuLaRoe Leggings for You and a Friend!
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 12:17 pm
  
  Disclosure: I received free product in exchange for sharing my thoughts on LuLaRoe and as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Be forewarned that you’re probably going to be hearing A LOT about LuLaRoe in the future because I’m completely OBSESSED!!! Their clothes are absolutely fabulous!!!! Last year, a blogger friend of mine started raving about a pair of leggings she bought. She started talking about LuLaRoe, but I had never heard of them. I looked at their website, thought their clothes were cute, and went back to life as I know it without giving it much thought. Then about 6 months ago, I started hearing about LuLaRoe everywhere I went. Friends started becoming consultants....
- Easy Blueberry Muffins
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 1:43 pm
  
  Now that school is back in session, mornings can sometimes be a little chaotic. If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast idea, I highly suggest making these Easy Blueberry Muffins! You can even make them in one bowl. Yay for less to clean! These muffins will keep for 5 days on the counter or in the fridge or if you want to make a bunch of them, you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months! Make these Easy Blueberry Muffins! Here’s what you’ll need to make these easy blueberry muffins! Ingredients: <ul> <li>1 1/2 cups (all-purpose flour</li> <li>3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon for muffin tops</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li> <li>2 teaspoons baking powder</li> <li>1/3 cup vegetable oil </li> <li>1 large egg</li> <li>1/3 – 1/2 cup milk</li> <li>1...</li></ul>
- Cool Mom Tech
- Khan Academy goes to preschool with Duck Duck Moose. Hooray for free educational apps!
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:00 am
  
  We’re so thrilled about the news that Duck Duck Moose, makers of some of the best preschool apps we’ve seen, will be joining Khan Academy. This means, parents will now have access to their apps for free. Yes, free! Related: 12 of the best educational apps for preschoolers If you’re not familiar with Khan Academy, get […] The post Khan Academy goes to preschool with Duck Duck Moose. Hooray for free educational apps! appeared first on Cool Mom Tech.
- 3 of the best online invitation websites. For kids’ parties, and ours too.
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 7:25 am
  
  We recently shared tips for throwing a birthday party on a budget at Cool Mom Picks, and one of our favorite tricks is to use online invitations for the party. Not only does it save you a lot of money, but it makes tracking so much easier, from who’s coming to what they’re bringing. And better, you […] The post 3 of the best online invitation websites. For kids’ parties, and ours too. appeared first on Cool Mom Tech.
- Add a pocket to your iPhone case. Thanks, Kate Spade.
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 5:55 am
  
  If you’ve loved the idea of those iPhone cases that double as wallets but aren’t ready to take the plunge, here’s a smart alternative: this stick-on leather smart phone pocket from Kate Spade. Related: 30 of the coolest iPhone 6 cases for any style Just pop in on the back of your own phone iPhone case, […] The post Add a pocket to your iPhone case. Thanks, Kate Spade. appeared first on Cool Mom Tech.
- myhomesweethomeonline.net
- His Wisdom, Not My Own at (in)courage
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 3:31 pm
  
  Please join me today at (in)courage for the Sunday Scripture as we discuss the difference in God’s wisdom and our own and how our emotions or gut instincts can sometimes lead us astray. Sunday Scripture My new book, The Gift of Friendship is now available! The post His Wisdom, Not My Own at (in)courage appeared first on . � 2016 My Home Sweet Home | All rights reserved
- Book News, Interviews, and an eBook Sale!
  
  12 Aug 2016 | 8:21 am
  
  You can currently grab the ebook of my first book, The Beauty of Grace, for $1.99—that’s an 88% discount! If you’d like the convenience of an always available digital dose of encouragement or always wished the photos were in color, this is your chance (we used color photos in the ebook). Sale ends Monday! Two video interviews featuring The Gift of Friendship are online now (I haven’t had the nerve to watch either one!): <ul> <li>Your Story with Melinda Estabrook (video or podcast)</li> <li>100 Huntley Street</li> </ul> My next book, The Heart of Marriage, releases—by a sweet coincidence—next Valentine’s Day and is currently available for pre-order! Orders placed now won’t be charged until the book ships in February. Ask for...
- Lesson in Love from a Pop Song today at (in)courage!
  
  19 Jul 2016 | 9:14 am
  
  I drive down the road enjoying a rare moment when I control the radio in spite of a car full of kids. My taste runs toward 80s, jazz, and the Avett Brothers, while my kids’ tastes veer (sadly) in other directions. Control of the radio dial involves a battle of reflexes and wills. A catchy song comes on, an old favorite, and I join in with the singer as he laments a love that’s falling apart, a lack of common ground, two people who’ve misplaced each other in the day-to-day like a set of lost keys. {When it comes to music, I’m a word-person: I need to turn the lyrics over in my mind and try to figure out what the songwriter wants to tell me before I can really appreciate the song. My mother, a voice...
- Rage Against the Minivan
- #TBT: We almost puked. but we didn't.
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  On Thursdays, I post from the vault. This is from April 2010. I went to the mall with the kids yesterday. ALL FOUR KIDS. I'm sure that this is an indication of a very small and sheltered life, but achieving this? The feelings it inspired were similar to the feelings I had after running my first half-marathon. If I can do this, I can do anything!I didn't intend to take them to the mall. I had a small window with a babysitter. But let me explain small windows with babysitters. There is a LOST-style time-warp issue when I have a sitter. Suddenly, time moves very quickly, and in the three hours of freedom, I typically manage to acheive what could be completed in about 10 minutes of normal time. It's a...
- Work Life Play podcast with Aaron McHugh
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 12:06 pm
  
  A couple weeks ago, Aaron McHugh reached out to me to see if I would be willing to do his Work Life Play podcast. His podcast has a unique format where he does “micro-adventures” with his guests, and ours was to ride a surrey around Newport Beach. Here is how Aaron described the day: I had this nutty idea of asking Kristen Howerton if she would be willing to do a podcast interview while riding in a Surrey with the Fringe on Top (picture a four-wheeled carriage with each person peddling) on the Newport Beach, CA boardwalk. She said, YES. Boom. Game On.� In this episode, we got real…I mean really real. We covered a big range of topics as we bounced through conversations about… The pressure of...
- Wednesday's Child: Faith
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 12:00 pm
  
  Every Wednesday I feature a child recently highlighted by a local Wednesday's Child newscast to share the stories of children from around the country who are waiting for a family. My hope is that this can broaden exposure for the children highlighted, but also serve as a reminder that these children represent thousands of children currently in the foster-care system. Perhaps their stories will inspire you to consider opening your home to a child needing a family. For more information and to learn about other waiting children, visit�AdoptUsKids.
- Mommy Nani Booboo
- Samsung Activewash with Integrated Touch Controls – For the Gremlin of Household Chores
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 3:51 pm
  
  *Samsung sent me a washer and dryer so I could share my experience with you. Opinions are my own. � Remember when I teased you guys on Instagram about our two newest additions to the household? � I’m excited to introduce you to our two newest additions from @samsungusa! Twins… but already so different… and […]
- Masculine Enamel, Emojis, and Other Things – #TAWYTA
  
  3 Jun 2016 | 8:51 am
  
  The Internet was insane over the Cincinnati Zoo incident, my enamel is now masculine, and I’m anticipating a new Taylor Swift song! It’s time for your weekly Talking About What You’re Talking About! � � �
- Wash Your Chicken Nails Down With Some America – #TAWYTA
  
  13 May 2016 | 1:53 am
  
  Fridays are my most favorite days. Talking About What You’re Talking About is the highlight of my week… because I love social media… I love you guys… and the world is a weird weird place. This week people were talking about chicken nails, beer, John Cho, and more! It’s time for Talking About What You’re […]
- Chasing Supermom
- Chasing Supermom’s Homeschool Curriculum: 2016/2017
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 11:09 am
  
  *This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through a link helps me support my family at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! I get asked all the time about the curriculum I use in my homeschooling. I’m absolutely passionate about teaching my kids, so I’m more than happy to share a bit about what we do. Here’s the thing to remember – there is no “One-Way” to homeschool! What works for me and for my kids might not work for you. What works for you might not work for me. (And that’s all ok!!!) As I stated in “Finding Your Homeschooling Fit“, you have to do what works for YOU. This is not a choice that can be made based on what anyone else is doing. (I mean it!) When I first looked into...
- Reactorz – Illuminated Sports Balls
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 11:01 am
  
  *This post is brought to you in partnership with COOP Sports. I received free product to facilitate my review. Opinions are my own. Getting kids outside and keeping them moving and active is so important. As a parent, I’m always looking for products that encourage active play. Recently, my kids became interested in playing basketball and football. They love shooting hoops and tossing the football around the yard together. Playing ball is a fantastic activity – and a fun and easy way to bring the whole family together. But, Reactorz has found a way to take playing ball to a whole new level. (And your kids are going to love it!) � COOP Sports offers so many ways for kids to get outside and move that’s...
- itty bittys® from Hallmark – Adorable Plush to Collect or Give!
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 12:59 pm
  
  *This post is brought to you in partnership with Hallmark. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. Opinions are my own. There’s something about a plush that just puts a smile on your face. They’re soft, comforting, and reminiscent of childhood. Hallmark has found an adorable, pocket-sized way to spread some happiness. itty bittys® are perfect for gifting, collecting, or displaying. They’re cute, sweet, and a great way to remember your past or celebrate something you currently love. As a baby of the 80’s, one of my favorite cartoons was Shirt Tales. I even had a Shirt Tales birthday party one year. So naturally, when given the chance to check out the Shirt Tales itty bittys from...
- The Mom Writes
- Read This If: You’re Stuck, Stressed and *THIS* Close to Quitting
  
  14 Aug 2016 | 2:54 pm
  
  You’ve tried. You’ve worked at it. You’ve worn out your Kindle reading book after book that tells you how to manage your home, have more time, make more money while working from home. You’ve stalked and lurked on blogs and in Facebook groups filled with people shouting from {virtual} rooftops “Look at me! 6 months […] The post Read This If: You’re Stuck, Stressed and *THIS* Close to...
- On Falling, Failing and Finding Balance {Plus a 40 Before 40 List}
  
  21 Jul 2016 | 1:51 am
  
  Let me tell you a story… A short while ago, I planned to release my latest labor of love on the 14th of July. Some of you may even know about it. Our gorgeous product Easy-as-Pie eBook Marketing is all ready to be served and I had the sales page all set up… but then, […] The post On Falling, Failing and Finding Balance {Plus a 40 Before 40 List} appeared first on Content Bistro.
- How to Use Pinterest for Marketing eBooks: Strategies that Work to Double {or Triple} Your Sales in Less than 30 Days
  
  22 Jun 2016 | 5:40 pm
  
  � Pinterest is more than crafts, décor and fashion. Way more than that. In fact, it is a fantastic way for bloggers, writers, eBook authors to create a community around their content. We’ve already talked about basic and beginner Pinterest marketing tips on the blog earlier… but today, today is different. Today we’re gonna look […] The post How to Use Pinterest for Marketing eBooks:...
- 4tunate
- Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 6
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 11:59 am
  
  I promised you the good part – it’s here! If you have any catching up to do on the first few days of Hudson’s life you can do so here: Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 1 Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 2 Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 3 Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 4 Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 5 —————— Sunday was my discharge day. Physically I felt ready to go, but emotionally it’s so hard to be separated from a little baby you expected to take home with you. I was ready to be home with the boys and to be back in my own bed, but I certainly felt torn. However, we were able to spend the whole day at Hudson’s bedside before we headed back home. We arrived downstairs just in time...
- Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 5
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 12:25 pm
  
  Thanks so much for your patience as I write out Hudson’s journey. I didn’t intend for it to stretch out this long, and I apologize if it’s too wordy. I’m recording it for our memory in addition to sharing God’s tremendous work in his life with you all. We’re getting to the good part, PROMISE. Hang in there… However, Day 3 of Hudson’s life started with another major setback. Hudson developed a second pneumothorax on the opposite side, and this time it required a chest tube to be surgically placed to constantly relieve the air build up. It was another hard blow to take, but our neonatologist on duty was so calm and reassuring that it helped our hearts tremendously to endure another large bump in the...
- Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 4
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 11:51 am
  
  In case you need to catch up on Hudson’s ongoing Birth Story I’ve been chronicling here… Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 1 Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 2 Hudson Bradley’s Birth Story: Part 3 ————————————————— After attempting to get some sleep from Hudson’s much too eventful birth day (I was still too hyped from anesthesia meds to sleep), we headed up to the NICU to see our fifth born son. We chatted in the elevator about how we hoped he would graduate from the NICU and back into our room possibly that day, since we went to bed with his oxygen support being low and all signs showing he was improving. We scrubbed up and Brad pushed my wheelchair to the middle area of the NICU where baby...
- Everyday Eve
- Missing the Mark…
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:58 am
  
  For weeks I have been anxiously anticipating the day I would be able to fill the horrid blank space on my living room wall adjacent to the television. And, tonight was the night. The night where all of my home décor dreams would come true. And, then, it happened. It was like I was watching a video clip on repeat. But, it wasn’t a video. It was me. It was me deliberately making four holes in my living room wall in an attempt to find the perfect spot for my perfect mirror. Who knew that there would be four failed attempts to hang the mirror in just the right spot on the wall? I did. How did I know? I knew because missing the mark is a pattern for me. Especially, when it comes to...
- Messy Days
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 6:06 pm
  
  Do you think if I had made my bed this morning that my day would have been less messy? Is there a correlation between how we begin our day and how our day unfolds? Or, is there just nothing we can do to avoid the mess? Because, I am telling you that today was quite messy. The kind of messy that quickly highlighted the fact that I have done absolutely nothing to uphold my commitment to 365 days of action. Yep, you’ve guessed it. Five days have come and gone since my 41st birthday and I have done nothing out of the ordinary that could be considered extraordinary. How is it possible that I have utilized zero of the 200 action words that I so proudly claimed as my guide to enlightenment? Is...
- A Year in Action
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 4:13 pm
  
  It’s crazy to think that I have just celebrated my 41st birthday. And, that possibly, there are more years behind me than lie before me. And, it’s difficult to believe that I have allowed myself to spend so much time dreaming, pondering, thinking, wanting and wishing. Here is my truth. I have been restless for several years now while constantly wrestling with this intense desire to be free. I sincerely feel like there is more. No. I don’t mean more in the sense of “things”. I mean more in terms of being more… doing more. You know? It’s like, I want to do more today than I did yesterday. I want to be more today than I was yesterday. I want to LIVE! So, I’ve decided that for the next 365...
- The Mom Around Town
- Great Wolf Lodge. I Survived!
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 10:30 am
  
  On a whim, I loaded the kids in the car and we went to the Great Wolf Lodge. I’ve seen tons of publicity over the years for the place and finally decided to try it out. I have to admit I wasn’t really excited about this adventure. I’m not a theme park/crowd lover, but I do recognize that raising kids isn’t about my preferences all the time. So . . . off we went. Funny thing is my kids didn’t really want to go. I thought, “This is so backwards. Am I really trying to convince my kids to go?” I won (yay me). As soon as we arrived, the kids walked in the door and announced “Wow, we love it here.” I was actually pleasantly surprised. It was nicer than I thought. At check-in the kids were given wolf ears, which...
- Dear Hayden
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 12:11 pm
  
  Dear Hayden, Happy seventh birthday, my darling boy. Seven. Really??? It seems like yesterday we were in your nursery singing lullabies. This has been a big year for you. You learned to ride your bike, tell time, and do karate. You are getting great at reading too. Hayden, it has been such a joy watching you with Pemberley this year. You guys are just the best of friends. You hug and love on each other constantly. You play together like the best of friends. You are an amazing protector over her. Listening to you two giggle away warms my heart so much. Hayden, I love your personality. You are super outgoing and have zero fear of strangers or adults. You love meeting new friends and are just such a happy...
- How To Pack Your Hospital Bag
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 3:17 pm
  
  Before getting pregnant with the current bun in the oven, I filmed this video on what to pack to bring to the hospital to have a baby. Glad I filmed this, because I sadly forgot some of the items I listed in the video when packing for this one. I seriously said out loud, “Oh yeah, good idea. Better throw that in the bag.” Yes, I’m a nerd; I know.
- Mommy Posh
- How To Gently Wash Your Baby’s Clothes {Guest Post}
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  Babies get through a large amount of clothes for a short time because they grow fast and need new ones very soon. It is important to know how to wash and keep clean your baby’s clothes. Babies have delicate and sensitive skin that should be protected form harsh chemicals and substances. Here you will learn […]
- ShowRoom Visit With Lea Black Enterprises + Coupon Code #LeaBlackMiami
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 5:00 am
  
  While I visited my family in sunny Miami over the weekend, I didn’t hesitate to connect with the team over at Lea Black Enterprises located at 905 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami FL. You see, I have been added to the Lea Black Beauty Brand Ambassador team and I am overjoyed! Entrepreneur and Real Housewife Lea Black, […]
- Guest Post: 5 Makeup Tips For Busy Moms
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 6:59 am
  
  Being a mom is difficult – there are kids and a husband to take care of and a household to run as well. Most of the time, moms also have a career to attend to, which means their schedule is even more loaded. However, just because parenthood makes moms barely have time for anything else […]
- Truly Epic
- Take the first step
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 6:23 pm
  
  I absolutely love this quote by Naeem Callaway! “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take a step.” Hope this quote and video blesses you in some way. Is there a step that you need to take in your life? Leave a comment below; I’d love to reply to it with a word of encouragement.
- Vegan Makeup Demo by Makeup Artist Daneille Mattis
  
  15 Jul 2016 | 11:50 am
  
  Looking for an awesome makeup artist in Toronto? Then you’ve got to check out Daneille Mattis from Glam by Dan! She creates gorgeous, natural makeup looks that are soft and glamorous, and allow the model’s beauty to shine brightly. Dan specializes in wedding and event makeup. She’s quite popular on YouTube and Instagram with over 25,000 followers, and in addition to her beauty biz, she’s also a full time business student. As you can tell, I’m a huge fan of this young woman and her work! I invited Daneille to pop over and create her signature ‘Glam by Dan’ look using Arbonne’s vegan makeup, and the result was stunning. It goes to show, you can use pure, safe, beneficial makeup and still get a gorgeous,...
- What she wore!
  
  21 Jun 2016 | 11:01 am
  
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- Raising Rockstar
- Some Writings Are Read. Others are purchased to place impressively on one’s bookshelves.
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:36 am
  
  Long overdue Rockstar holiday reads… pic from amazon.co.uk Rockstar really, really likes this book, we’ve watched him read and re-read this throughout summer. Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind is not exactly unknown, but we had never heard of it until Rockstar picked it up for himself on a regular bookstore excursion (it’s never easy to shop for him – not for clothes, not for food, and definitely not for books). Out of My Mind is the story of an 11 year old girl born with cerebral palsy who, as she grows up, struggles with her condition…. and with prejudice. Unable to speak or move much, people assume Melody is also well, stupid, and she is even wrongly diagnosed at the age of 5 with severe mental...
- Rockstarism #393/ Miss-Speak #82: The Indomitable Spirit Of… Both Of Them. Kind Of.
  
  7 Aug 2016 | 2:00 pm
  
  #393/ #82 In a Cantonese-English summer sports class… Instructor: <indicating Queen E and Partner In Crime who are the youngest and also the only girls> You see, all of you not lining up properly, the babies have to teach you how to do it. <indignant pause> Queen E’s Friend: I’m not a baby, I’m four. <holds up fingers> Queen E: I‘m also not a baby, I’m sixty. <holds up hands with wiggly fingers> ——————————————————————————————————– Rockstar: Mum. You canNOT leave us with (helper). She always has to interrupt all the (cute animal Youtubes) to try to talk to Queen E. Talk, talk, talk. We can’t watch anything. So I had to create a Minecraft World titled We Found Elsa for Queen E to instruct me to wander...
- Things To Do During T8 Typhoon Signal In HK
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 7:18 am
  
  Who says there’s nothing to do, when you can’t go outside? There’s…… Sports Camp… (Prior to that, Child Labor Camp…) Mini Fun Zone… (Bonus: Fake barking chihuahuas on string allowed! And I don’t even know what the other animal at Her Highness’ feet is…) Yes there is absolutely no floor space in their room because of a small ball pool, slide, and too-loud disco dance mat with flashing lights because these kids don’t sleep that much I would like them not to swing from the ceiling lights when they’re bored… Art Camp I (Design A Pokemon Monster Competition) Anyone else unhappy with Pokemon Go right now? The internet is rife with pics of kids (and adults) falling over things trying to capture Pokemon and not...
- Divine Lifestyle
- Energy Efficient Home Improvements for your Roof #HouseExperts
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:43 pm
  
  Energy Efficient Home Improvements for your Roof Owning a home is one of the most time consuming, all-encompassing things I have ever done. I think that my husband would agree. I can think of 30 projects off of the top of my head that need to be done RIGHT NOW in my house. Seriously. We […] The post Energy Efficient Home Improvements for your Roof #HouseExperts appeared first on Divine Lifestyle.
- Ipsy Glam Bag Reveal August 2016 #beauty #ipsy #makeup #style
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 1:32 pm
  
  Ipsy Glam Bag Reveal August 2016 When that metallic pink envelope makes it to my mailbox each month, I just feel like a little kid on Christmas morning. That’s right, it’s the time of the month that I love so much…Ipsy time! If you don’t know what Ipsy is, it is a monthly beauty subscription […] The post Ipsy Glam Bag Reveal August 2016 #beauty #ipsy #makeup #style appeared first on Divine Lifestyle.
- 8 Common Stains and How to Get Rid of Them
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 12:34 pm
  
  8 Common Stains and How to Get Rid of Them If you are anything like me, stains are probably pretty common in your laundry. I am a very clumsy person and it is really common for me to get some sort of spill or stain on me on a day to day basis. I constantly […] The post 8 Common Stains and How to Get Rid of Them appeared first on Divine Lifestyle.
- Dagmar's Home
- How to Make Mindfulness a Habit With the Spire Fitness Tracker
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 9:16 am
  
  Would you like to know how to be more mindful? How to feeling less overwhelmed or stressed out? Life is such a rat race sometimes that I don’t even remember what I ate in the morning. How is it possible that I don’t remember? I find it a bit alarming how fast time just races by. I have been wanting to be more mindful for some time now, to make more time for myself, and to simply find ways to slow down — to be more present. Now that it’s going to be fall soon, my favorite season, I plan to enjoy our porch with a coffee and just be still and listen to the birds for a few minutes at least once a week. Baby steps. Changing a habit takes months. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to try out something...
- “Thrifty & Vintage Finds” Link Party 131 – Gingham Salt Shaker
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 7:44 pm
  
  Welcome to “Thrifty & Vintage Finds” Link Party No. 131 Yesterday was my birthday, and I had a perfect day. Don, Landon, and I drove to Cold Spring to have brunch at our favorite place, and I captured a few nice photos of them. Strolling down the street is always so much fun, because Cold Spring is dotted with antique stores. I wasn’t planning to spend any money, but then I did find one little thing that came home with me. Can you guess what’s new here? That tin gingham salt shaker. I could easily see myself starting a collection of vintage items with a gingham pattern. I’m going to try really hard to avoid this next collection :) What do you collect? If you found an amazing deal lately, a vintage...
- Save Money And The Environment With The EkoBrew Filter
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 9:22 pm
  
  What’s your morning routine? This is how I start my day: with a cup of coffee. Usually I brew my first cup while I also make breakfast for Landon. Don is out of the house by then on most days. Today I actually sat down with a decor magazine I brought back from our trip to Germany after I dropped off Landon at summer camp. What a treat! After the first cup, I usually start to work, answer emails, make a second cup, work some more, and make another cup before I pick up Landon from camp or school. I brew about five cups of coffee every day but only drink half because the coffee is cold before I can look up from my computer. I’m lucky that I can work from home as a blogger, but that also means crazy work...
- Twelve Makes a Dozen
- Riding the Course
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 9:38 am
  
  Tuesday should have been Curly's first pack meeting for Cub Scouts, but instead he was at a mandatory dance rehearsal for production team. Remember when Princess was Mulan? Well, this year they are doing Peter Pan and Curly was cast as one of Captain Hook's pirates. Scout is also a pirate and Crafty is Captain Hook! But I digress... You probably remember that I'm a den leader for the Wolf Den,
- When Does It Get Easier?
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:42 am
  
  Do you ever have one of those days when you just really don't want to get out of bed? It's the first week of school and you probably remember that the Dog Walker has Autism. He doesn't like change and a new semester is definitely all about change. We set his schedule back in April, but shortly afterward, they changed the time on one of his classes except that we didn't see it and the time
- Back to School
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 11:50 pm
  
  It was the first day of school for these two cuties. Crafty is beginning her first year at Bingham and Sport is an 8th grader. He wasn't technically required to go today because it was the 7th grade orientation day, but as a PTSA Representative for his school, he got to help the "sevies" learn how to open lockers and find their classes. Princess and the Dog Walker also started back at UVU today.
- Create-Celebrate-Explore
- Let's Get Wild
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 8:35 am
  
  Disclosure: This blog post was sponsored by The Wild Life movie. Do you remember the story of Robinson Crusoe? Well on September 9th, the animated film The Wild Life is being released into theaters everywhere. The film features some pretty colorful characters on a tropical island including the over-exuberant parrot Mak, to the snack-obsessed tapir Rosie, from the persnickety porcupine Epi, to the always-cool chameleon Carmello plus SO MANY others that your family is bound to love. In celebration of the release of this fantastic new movie, I've created some fun felt masks based on some of the quirky characters. These are perfect to not only wear to a screening, but with Halloween coming up, might give you...
- Back-To-School Tissue Box Cake
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 10:11 pm
  
  The twins' started back to school a little over a week ago. On the Monday night before school started we had a back-to-school night where we were given our classroom assignments, the list of supplies needed to be purchased, and met the teacher's who would be taking care of our little ones throughout the school year, when they weren't at home with us. As with every other year, one of the big items that they needed was Kleenex®. They need them in bulk, because not only do they use them in the classroom, but the office, library, lunch rooms, special education rooms, nurses room, and various other assistants around the school need them too. And boy did we need them this past week. By the truckload. But...
- Back-To-School with Mini Boden
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 3:20 pm
  
  Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Boden as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. Back-to-school fashion for my kids has to scream one thing ... comfort! Marisol does like to keep up with the latest trends to some extent, but most of all she wants to be comfortable, and so she pretty much lives in shorts, t-shirts, and rompers ... and a couple of times recently I've even seen her in a dress. And, well, Flynn is all about comfort. He would also live in shorts and t-shirts if I let him. Throughout summer Marisol almost lived in her Mini Boden Hotchpotch Jersey Playsuit which she thinks is the most comfortable item of clothing in...
- Lille Punkin'
- You Can Do Things #LikeAGirl: 50 Teams Get Help to Grow up Confident
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 11:59 am
  
  We've probably all heard the phrase "like a girl." Traditionally, it hasn't been used as a compliment. But one large group of girls around the world is taking ownership of it, and using it to mean amazing things, and I'm excited to be sponsored by Always to tell you more about it! The Always #LikeAGirl launched in June 2014, and it was inspired by the insight that the start of puberty and the
- Easy Back-to-School Meal: Pesto Penne with Polska Kielbasa
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 9:05 am
  
  This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #OnePanPronto #CollectiveBias One of my favorite back-to-school meals is pasta. It's a great way to fill up hungry tummies and it's super-affordable, too. With a little creativity and some quality ingredients, it's possible to get a nice pasta meal on the table within 30 minutes! It's even
- Review of Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammar from jollyliteracy.com
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 10:34 am
  
  It's that time! I have another boy learning to read, and it's such an exciting time in our homeschool. After having 4 kids master phonics and reading, I was really happy to have a program for him to try this fall. The Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammar products from jollyliteracy.com and just2ducks LLC were exactly what he wanted. He specifically asked for a workbook-based program, and I feel like
- Simply Stacie
- Orange Creamsicle Soap
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  I can’t get enough of the smell of orange creamsicles! Vanilla + orange is one of the best scent combinations ever, in my humble opinion. I’ve been wanting to make a soap version for a while now and I finally got around to doing it. I was so happy with how it turned out. My […] The post Orange Creamsicle Soap appeared first on Simply Stacie.
- Blueberry Sugar Scrub
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  Those blueberries in your fridge are not just for eating. They can also be used in homemade beauty products like this Blueberry Sugar Scrub I’m sharing today. Blueberries are full of antioxidants and vitamins. Did you know that they have more antioxidants than green tea? These tiny powerhouses work wonders for your skin making it […] The post Blueberry Sugar Scrub appeared first on Simply Stacie.
- The Wild Life Giveaway #TheWildLife
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 4:33 am
  
  Disclosure: I received compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. The Wild Life is in theatres on September 9th! About the Movie From the over-exuberant parrot Mak to the snack-obsessed tapir Rosie, from the persnickety echidna Epi to the acrobatic pangolin Pango, from the ditzy goat Scrubby to the commonsensical kingfisher Kiki and […] The post The Wild Life Giveaway #TheWildLife appeared first on Simply Stacie.
- MommyPR.com™
- Coupons of the Week!
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 12:30 am
  
  Kohls Promo Code: 15% Off $100 Are you gearing up for the back to school season? If not, you should be! And at Kohl’s you can find everything you need to hit the books and the halls in style. From fashionable clothing and shoes for the whole family to trendy backpacks, purses, and accessories and more, you can rest assured that anything and everything you need can be found at Kohl’s! And the best part? You can save even more on Kohl’s great prices by shopping online for everything that you need for school at Kohls.com by using our exclusive I’m incoupon code, which saves you an amazing 15% off of your entire purchase of $100 or more! Ted Baker Promos: 15% Off If...
- Back To School with the @AcerAmerica Chromebook R11
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 5:45 pm
  
  Press Sample Last year I made the decision to switch to a Chromebook from the “norm” of a laptop. I liked how lightweight it was, no virus issues, easy to navigate, etc. �Then Acer sent me their new Chromebook! The R11, that converts into 4 different functions: Tablet, Display, Tent & laptop. I am SOLD! The Acer Chromebook R 11 are increasingly being rolled out in K-12 schools due to their affordability, popularity of Google apps for education, fast boot times, cloud-based storage, and built-in virus protection.� Acer now offers the industry’s most robust Chromebook product portfolio with offerings to meet a wide range of customer needs. According to data from Gartner, Acer Group is the world’s leading...
- Best Buy Tech Home Minneapolis @BestBuy #BestBuyTechHome #ad
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 10:43 am
  
  The�reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. I will admit one of the worst things about trying out a piece of technology is doing so in a store setting. �There are too many distractions, no where comfortable to sit and it can never simulate the at home experience.� I was excited to learn about�Best Buy’s Tech Home Minneapolis that is�being �featured at the Mall of America in Minneapolis starting 8/22 and containing through 9/17. Best Buy has brought to life the latest in home technology at their Tech Home in the Mall of America where customers can touch and try the latest technology products in a homelike...
- Rich Single Momma
- 5 Side Gigs That Will Help You Pay for College
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 11:10 am
  
  5 Side Gigs That Will Help You Pay for College Let’s face it — college is expensive. Whether you’re still in school trying to pay for textbooks and housing, a professional facing your student loans... Read the rest over at RichSingleMomma.com
- 25 FAQs About Homeowners Insurance
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 4:27 am
  
  The Top 25 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Homeowners Insurance Owning a home is the American Dream for many people. Single moms are no exception. But owning a home is more than a mortgage. You... Read the rest over at RichSingleMomma.com
- 5 Money Saving Tips for Frugal Single Moms
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 1:00 pm
  
  In today’s economy, it is almost a necessity for moms to be frugal. Being frugal does not mean a reluctance to spend money, however; rather it is a reluctance to overspend. There are several ways to... Read the rest over at RichSingleMomma.com
- Extraordinary Mommy
- New ’24 Meal Under $4 Menu’ Makes Steak n’ Shake Extra Family Friendly
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 11:59 am
  
  In our family, we love food. We love both fancy meals and casual, relaxed atmospheres. As my small people have been getting a little older, their palates have been expanding and I’ve been excited to see them experimenting with new foods…though it never surprises me when they rely on their favorites. It is not uncommon for us to head out to eat to celebrate both big and small occasions. Think birthdays. And winning tournaments. And the beginning of a new school year. As is typical in our home, the person (or people) being celebrated, are allowed to choose their favorite restaurants for the evening’s meal and ensuing treats. While the official start of school may not feel like cause for celebration for my...
- Little League World Series Coach Walks to Mound to Tell Son He Loves Him
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 10:02 am
  
  It is no secret baseball is a BIG DEAL in our home. BIG DEAL: My husband was required to memorize (and recite) the inscription on Stan Musial’s statue before he was allowed to enter Busch Stadium to see the St. Louis Cardinals play when he was three years old. BIG DEAL: My small dude has been playing since he was three. (He’s on year eight at 10 years old) And the first think he watches every summer morning is Quick Pitch on the MLB Network. BIG DEAL: My small girl has been playing since SHE was three. Same story. My husband coaches both of them. BIG DEAL: Our family room turns in to a shrine to the St. Louis Cardinals come every October. I’m making us sound crazy-obsessive, but the truth is, this...
- Heading Back to School with Confidence: 9 Must Have Items
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 8:42 am
  
  Do you hear that? It is the magical sound of S-I-L-E-N-C-E. I whisper for fear it may slip through my fingers too quickly – and naturally it will, the second my small people come bounding through the door at the end of their newly started school days. In my world, school has begun for the new year, but for many of my friends around the country, this back-to-school business is just around the bend. We are all deep in the heart of prep, of making sure our kids are ready, excited and feeling confident as they leave the warm days of summer behind and prepare to make new friends, study hard and hopefully, have a little fun alone the way. Working as a SheKnows Expert, I scoured the internet (and a few stores)...
- iDreamofClean
- How Do I Tackle a Problem Area in My House
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 9:59 am
  
  Do you have a room you never enter? A room so messy you don’t know how to even BEGIN cleaning it? Today I’m sharing how to tackle THAT room…your “problem” room…so you can finally enjoy EVERY room in your house! If you’ve ever asked yourself “How do I tackle a PROBLEM area in my house?” then this video is for you! � In 3 simple steps, your room can go from disaster area, to a clean, organized, simplified room you use and enjoy! As mentioned in the video, check out this link if you need a bit more help. By the way, if you have a question…or a tip that can help turn a disaster area into a room you love, leave a comment below! The post How Do I Tackle a Problem Area in My House appeared first on i dream of...
- Where do I START cleaning my house when it’s a mess?
  
  21 Jul 2016 | 1:38 pm
  
  Where do I START cleaning my house when it’s a mess? Have you ever asked a similar question? Well…a reader just asked this: How do I start cleaning my home when it’s a mess? I work full-time outside the home. Our schedule is hectic throughout the week so I don’t spend much time cleaning or picking up. When it’s time for a cleaning day on the weekend, I’m so overwhelmed that I don’t know where to start! Help! I don’t think this reader is alone when it comes to this feeling of overwhelm…here’s my suggestion: Do you have another cleaning, organizing, or simplifying question? Leave it in the comments and I just might make a video for you! The post Where do I START cleaning my house when it’s a mess? appeared...
- A Beach Bag Essential!
  
  27 May 2016 | 12:00 am
  
  Since we are going into the summer and vacationing season, I’m reposting this blog post from 2012. I hope you find it helpful! ***** My family and I just returned from a much needed vacation to one of our favorite summer spots…the beach! Every day we spent a couple of hours in the sand and then another few hours at the pool. Thanks to my patient husband, our oldest is now completely comfortable in a swimming pool and can dog paddle from one side to the other. I may even venture to take him and the baby to our community pool by myself this summer…we shall see! While memories were definitely made at the pool, hanging out at the beach and playing in the ocean was the highlight of each day. We played in the...
- featheringtheemptynest.com
- 21st century household solutions that can make your life much easier.
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:31 pm
  
  � Living in the 21st century may have its pitfalls, but it also has more than enough benefits to make up for them! � There are dozens and dozens of items that have been developed in recent... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- 5 great family activities for summer fun.
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 4:15 pm
  
  � Summer is such a great time to make lasting memories with your family. � Just because summer is winding down, we don’t have to stop having fun. It’s time to take advantage of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- Could you do more to secure your financial future?
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 4:15 pm
  
  � One thing I’ve come to realize, being in my mid-fifties, is it’s never too early – or too late – to think about the future. � You may think you can’t or... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
- Cookie’s Kids
- The Ultimate Backpack Guide for Kids
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 11:00 pm
  
  The Ultimate Backpack Guide The sun is starting to set earlier and the nights are getting cooler, which means only one thing: it’s almost time to go back school. Cookie’s Kids offers a wide variety of different backpack styles designed to make your child’s new school year a success. But with so many choices, what’s the right backpack for your child? Our backpack guide for kids can help you reach a decision. Keep it Rolling If your little one’s collection of textbooks and notebooks is really starting to pile up, a rolling backpack is the right choice. Rolling backpacks can keep the biggest items off little backs. Many are similar to the types of rolling luggage and...
- Cookie’s Cooks: Crunchy Nacho Crescent Dogs
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 12:29 pm
  
  Cookie’s Cooks is a column where we’ll share our favorite kid-friendly recipes from all over the internet. This week’s recipe comes from Bev Weidner at bevcooks.com is sure to put a smile on your child’s face: Crunchy Nacho Crescent Dogs. Photo Credit: Bev Weidner What You’ll Need 1 (8 oz) tube Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent rolls 4 slices American or cheddar cheese 4 Hot dogs 1 Tablespoon milk 2 cups crushed cheddar tortilla chips The Rundown <ol> <li> Preheat oven to 375°F.</li> <li>Unroll the crescent rolls onto a lightly floured work surface. Keep them two rolls together, forming a rectangle. Pinch the perforated edges together.</li> <li>Lay the cheese in the center of the...</li></ol>
- The Definitive Guide to Back to School Budgeting
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 10:55 am
  
  The Importance of Back to School Budgeting Between tuition, essential school supplies, and new clothes for growing kids, the back-to-school season can present a financial squeeze for parents. A helpful method to deal with these new expenses is to list and budget these costs before they hit. Below you’ll find helpful tips for back to school budgeting to make your dollar go farther this season. If your child is returning to a sport or activity from a previous year, this can be a simple place to start. Recount the costs of previous activities and study any areas where money may be saved. For example, older students may have lightly used items or equipment that they are willing to part with or sell for a...
- Journal of Joey - Real Mom Media
- Root Beer Lifetime Family Traditions
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 1:24 pm
  
  This is a very fun partnership with the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group! #ad Want to see the fun video we did? �Visit it here:�https://youtu.be/iQaFT3Ye-W8 BURP. �Excuse me! �Nom nom....Sometimes you have to just jet your love soar & go over board. �Sometimes you just live for the tasty truth in your tastebuds! �Well, gotta tell you some of our favorites and you probably love them too. �From Clamato to Orange Crush to our ultimate fantasy - Motts APPLE JUICE &�IBC Root Beer! �The 3 year old doesn't get the root beer so the Apple Juice is our next frozen pop joy. �Do you have a favorite? �We LIVE for LOTS of Root Beers! �And if you don't think Dr. Pepper Snapple...
- Fashionable Back to School Uniforms with #UANext
  
  3 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  My MODEL School Kids: “Show me your serious face, boys!” Summer has gotten much shorter over the years. Now a days, kids go back SO EARLY! My sister’s kids go back in Illinois in the middle of August. My girlfriend in Kentucky? SHE STARTS TOMORROW!! I know.� Depressing!� Never fear though, this year we fit out fashion & I partnered with Under Armour for their launch of school uniforms, which you can check out here: http://undrarmr.co/1VlMjcD!Growing up in a family of girls I was always under the impression that boys didn’t really care about the way they looked. I always heard my dad talk about how us ‘girls take too long’ and how we needed ‘hours to get ready to go somewhere’. I often...
- You Say Tomato We Say Clamato
  
  11 Jul 2016 | 2:04 pm
  
  Howdy friends!�We're having a TON of fun with Reality Moms and I can't wait to tell you sooooo much more. But right now, I have to keep my nose to the grindstones getting ready to rock our Big CHRISTMAS in JULY extravaganza!But this month is loaded with awesome at Reality Moms and my friend Sandy has all the details about MY FAVE tomato loaded drink,�Clamato®. �Be sure to hit up the Clamato website to find some super fun recipes �- but swing on by RealityMoms to get the full skinny and the secret recipe yourself! �Oh-and make no mistake my friends! �Clamato®�is apart of my absolute favorite caffeinated beverage - THE DR. PEPPER/SNAPPLE GROUP! �Yep. �My fave is Diet DP, but there are many great flavors to...
- The Megalomaniac Mommy
- Breastfeeding and Our Favorite Products
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 3:10 pm
  
  You’ve made the decision to breastfeed your new addition, congratulations, you are about to embark on an amazing journey with your child. Breastfeeding, regardless of how long you do it, is very beneficial to your nursling and as a postpartum mother, you will reap the rewards as well! Why Breastfeeding? Breastfeeding your little one allows [...] The post Breastfeeding and Our Favorite Products appeared first on The Megalomaniac Mommy.
- Making a House a Home with Custom Prints from 76th & Newbury
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 8:37 pm
  
  Since we moved into our house, I have been working to turn it into a home. I don’t want our house to just be any home, I want it to be a home that feels warm and inviting and that you know it is ours the minute you walk in the door. In order to [...] The post Making a House a Home with Custom Prints from 76th & Newbury appeared first on The Megalomaniac Mommy.
- Wrap Your Little One Up with an Ollie Swaddle + The Benefits of Swaddling
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 11:24 am
  
  After having both Ellie and Joey, I very quickly learned the importance of swaddle blankets versus the traditional swaddling with a blanket. Both Ellie and Joey loved to be snug in a swaddle while they slept but as they grew, there was one thing they didn’t like about them, having their legs restricted. Now that [...] The post Wrap Your Little One Up with an Ollie Swaddle + The Benefits of Swaddling appeared first on The Megalomaniac Mommy.
- Making Time for Mommy
- Boy’s Sporty Looks {For Less!}
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 2:04 pm
  
  Thanks to Marshalls for sending me a gift card to do some back-to-school shopping. When shorts weather came around a few months ago, Jacob began to ask if he could wear basketball shorts as opposed to the jean shorts and plaid shorts he normally wore. Almost every day this summer he wore athletic shorts with his camp shirt or another t-shirt. He loved how comfy they were and that he didn’t have to change in the afternoons for sports practices. While shopping for back-to-school clothes, I decided to head to Marshalls to find him some more seasonal appropriate athletic wear now that the cooler weather was coming. Though he will probably wear jeans to school most days, I wanted to find some athletic looks...
- Celebrating Baby’s First Birthday
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:09 am
  
  Baby’s first birthday is such an exciting time for parents and one of the biggest celebrations during childhood. Today I’m partnering with Babies“R”Us to share about a baby’s first birthday celebration they are hosting in their stores this weekend. I remember both of my boy’s first birthday celebrations. My oldest, Jacob’s, party was hosted in the community room at a firehouse which was big enough for all of our friends and family to join us. We had plenty of food, some catered and some homemade, and lots of toys throughout the room to keep the kids busy while the parents talked. The children even got to sit in the fire truck and meet some of the firefighters and the fire chief. Lucas’ party was more...
- Autumn Snack Mix For Happy Snacking
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 5:01 am
  
  This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MixMatchMunch #CollectiveBias In preparation for back-to-school I decided to come up with some new after school snack ideas. I wanted to make something that we could easily bring with us to afternoon sports and activities. Since Lucas loves Goldfish® crackers so much I wanted to incorporate them into a snack mix and, with fall around the corner, I thought it would be fun to make a fall harvest themed one. I used two varieties of Goldfish crackers- the Mix (which includes Xtra Cheddar and Pretzel Goldfish crackers) and the Original Cheddar flavor. Along with Goldfish crackers I included a...
- dude mom
- Hearing Loss in Kids: When Your Child Fails A Hearing Test
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:02 am
  
  Dude 3 failed his first hearing test shortly after his fourth birthday. We’d gone in for a routine physical –height and weight, blood pressure, reflexes, mobility. He could touch his toes, stand on one foot, spell his name –everything they want a kid who just turned four to be able to do, and a few extra things to keep life interesting. They checked his vision, gave me the paperwork regarding whatever shots he was in the market for, talked a bit about some additional allergy testing, and then moved us into another room for the hearing screening. They explained how the test would work, raise your hand by the ear you hear a sound in, and then popped the old school looking headphones on his little head...
- School Lunch Ideas to Make Back to School Easy
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:57 am
  
  The Dudes went back to school today. In some ways I’m that mom jumping for joy while her kids frown at the bus stop. In most ways, though, I’m sad. I miss them. And I hate homework. On a positive note, I did make a pretty smash hit lunch for Dude 3 today! He is the only one left packing lunch daily so I figured I’d rock it out just to prove that I am mom awesome, at least in small doses. Struggling with yummy, and healthy school lunch ideas for your kids? Check out our top picks. Back to School Lunch Ideas for Hungry Kids Salad with sesame dressing. Grapes. Brownie. Crackers. Cheese. Prosciutto. Yogurt. Broccoli. Energy bites. Wrap. Tortilla chips. Grapes. Avocado. Dark chocolate pretzels. Star...
- I Finally Went to Aldi Supermarket and This is Everything You Need to Know
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 5:13 am
  
  Earlier this spring, over on my Facebook page, we chatted a ton about grocery bills. How much we all spend, what we all buy, how we all save, etc. It was so enlightening to see what families all over America really spend to feed their families and it gave me something to think about. As you know, I have been working super hard to provide better meals for our family –I am cooking at home more in an effort to eat healthier and also because I really just want to save money. Not eating quickie meals out has been a major savings for us. I’m not proud of it, but, keeping it real, I used to hit drive thrus with The Dudes (and sometimes even their friends) all the time. They would be starving after practice...
- La Jolla Mom
- Our Incredible Grand Cayman Family Vacation Itinerary
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 5:27 am
  
  Today, my daughter and I leave for our very first Grand Cayman vacation. Our mission is to see first-hand why the Cayman Islands are regarded as the world’s friendliest islands and one of the best destinations for family travel. We’re guests of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Diving into the planning process revealed much more than crystal clear blue water. Things to do in Grand Cayman include bucket list experiences for us from riding swimming ponies bareback to kayaking bioluminescent bays. And, that’s just the beginning as our itinerary will reveal. Day 1: Travel and Check-In We found a great set of flights on American Airlines that departs San Diego in the morning and lands in Grand...
- How to Spend a Family Day Out in Pacific Beach
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 3:38 pm
  
  Over the last year, we’ve spent much more time in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood. It’s adjacent to La Jolla and a part of town that’s young at heart. Its casual vibe and beachside location is loved by college kids and young professionals but there is tons of room for daytime family fun, too. My 9-year-old daughter and her friends love it. PB, as it’s affectionately called by locals, has definitely grown on me over the years. I’ll give you some ideas for things to do in Pacific Beach in partnership with Gold Peak Brewed Tea, which you can find at Five Guys in PB. Go to a Pacific Beach Park We take morning walks with the dog at Kate Sessions Park which has a beautiful view over Mission Bay....
- Alpine Luxury at Four Seasons Resort Vail
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 8:43 am
  
  Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, turned out to be the perfect mountain getaway. As loyal guests of the brand, it was our first choice for a luxury hotel in Vail and exceeded our expectations. The resort blends in perfectly with Vail’s Tyrolean style. It’s the type of place that caters to outdoor enthusiasts, spa goers, family travelers and foodies on property and off. Within walking distance, guest have access to the best things to do in Vail during any season including shopping, restaurants, Colorado’s largest ski resort and more. My daughter and I checked-in as guests of Vail in order to preview and share the mountain’s summer offerings. Though when we hopefully return for ski season, we’ll...
- MamarazziKnowsBest.com
- Tijuanense Marisol Salcedo Presentará Monólogo Frida Kahlo “Viva la Vida” en San Diego
  
  12 Aug 2016 | 10:39 am
  
  “Autorretrato de Frida, la que se dio LUZ a sí misma, la que escribió el poema más maravilloso de su vida”. El gran dramaturgo, Humberto Robles, escribió el monólogo titulado Frida Kahlo, Viva la Vida en 1998. Desde entonces ha sido traducido al inglés, francés, italiano, portugués, alemán y polaco y ha sido la representación […] The post Tijuanense Marisol Salcedo Presentará Monólogo Frida Kahlo “Viva la Vida” en San Diego appeared first on MamarazziKnowsBest.com.
- Celebrate Life’s Special Moments With Basic Invite
  
  12 Aug 2016 | 9:53 am
  
  Life is made up of special moments that we want to share with our family and friends. Marking an occasion like the birth of a child, graduations, bat or bar mitzvahs, weddings, birthdays, and the holidays are joyful celebrations that usually start with an invitation or announcement. If the special moment in your life means you’re organizing a party, the […] The post Celebrate Life’s Special Moments With Basic Invite appeared first on MamarazziKnowsBest.com.
- LEGOLAND California Announces New Improved App and FREE Resort Wi-Fi
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 1:05 pm
  
  LEGOLAND California just announced improvements to their mobil app and FREE resort Wi-Fi. � One of my pet peeves when we travel is the extra charge for Wi-Fi at the hotel. Having a handy app loaded with information isn’t very useful if there’s and extra fee to pay to use to use it. LEGOLAND California Resort understands that parents […] The post LEGOLAND California Announces New Improved App and FREE Resort Wi-Fi appeared first on MamarazziKnowsBest.com.
- Amanda Magee
- High School Girls & Mentors—Using my Voice
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 2:52 pm
  
  March 1st wasn’t a remarkable day, it was a Tuesday, not that I remember. I had to go back to check, because while some details of what happened that morning have faded, the feeling I had as I read the email has not. My heart skipped a beat and I felt my shoulders drop and my chest rise. We are the Co-Chairs of the Girls Take Charge Club at Shaker High School, in Latham, NY. In this student-founded and student-run program, high school girls go to our adjacent Junior High School to mentor the younger girls in subjects focusing on overcoming adversity that women and girls face while striving for leadership. Each year we host a “Women in Leadership” event featuring prominent women leaders in our community. We...
- Not Today Means Never*
  
  31 Jul 2016 | 5:27 pm
  
  I was pushing the cart absentmindedly, as I meandered through the store. My head wasn’t in it, hasn’t been in a lot lately. I think in the way trouble comes in threes, sometimes distractions come in clusters. A flurry of things that dizzy me into a rut of, “This sucks” and I let them. It wasn’t until I heard the boy shouting, “Mom, mom!” that I snapped into now. The mom turned, looking every bit as not-there as I felt. “What?” she asked in a weary and annoyed voice. He brandished a red and blue decorated package and held it overheard as he chirped, “Crepes!” His whole face was lit up and I wondered for a minute if the girls might like crepes. “For what?” she asked, looking at him as if he were waving a...
- Borrowing Words and Worries
  
  20 Jul 2016 | 8:30 pm
  
  Someone once said not to borrow trouble. I’m not sure who it was, but the sentiment makes a lot of sense. I went searching for a quote tonight. I thought I could find a quote to create a tidy little post, not too heavy, and not too revealing, but the perfect amount of “I’m struggling” and “I am learning everyone is struggling” and “let it be.” I’ve wanted to write for a few days, but responsibilities, mood, and timing kept me from doing so. Damned if I couldn’t find a single thing that didn’t seem lazy, trite, or just not right. The truth is, I am struggling, everyone has some sort of struggle or pain, and the best we can do is let it all be. No need to borrow, plagiarize, or mail it in. I have a...
- Fox In Flats
- Change it without the chop: The faux bob
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 3:32 am
  
  Commitment-phobes rejoice! The post Change it without the chop: The faux bob appeared first on Fox In Flats.
- Modern in Minutes: The side braid
  
  20 Jul 2016 | 2:38 am
  
  Tappin' into the trend for asymmetrical cuts this side braid gets you there without the commitment of a chop. The post Modern in Minutes: The side braid appeared first on Fox In Flats.
- The secret to covering those pesky greys on a budget
  
  13 Jul 2016 | 5:28 pm
  
  The fool-proof at home solution for between salon visits. The post The secret to covering those pesky greys on a budget appeared first on Fox In Flats.
- Marketing Mama
- Grapes can kill dogs: Our scare with Ruby
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 9:30 pm
  
  Ruby and Avery at the emergency vet hospital. The bandage on her leg is covering her IV catheter while we transferred her from one vet to another. Did you know grapes are toxic for dogs? I had seen it on a list of people foods that are bad for dogs, but never imagined we’d have a grape emergency when we first brought our little pup Ruby home. We usually only eat at the table, but a bowl of grapes was accidentally left unattended in the living room. I came around the corner to find Ruby with her little face in the bowl, but I couldn’t tell if she had eaten any since she didn’t have any in her mouth at the time. Still, my heart sunk, knowing it was possible that she had eaten some. Luckily, I knew grapes...
- How to use an EpiPen (video)
  
  30 Jun 2016 | 8:12 am
  
  Many people are afraid to use EpiPens in an emergency because they have needles. But the fact is that EpiPens are super easy to use. They are called auto-injectors because they already have the medicine in them and you basically just need to point and push to give the medicine. No measuring medicine or dealing with syringes. My daughter has severe food allergies and carries two EpiPens with her on a belt whenever she leaves the house. I make sure to train anyone who will be watching her on how to use the EpiPens in case of a food allergy reaction. Last night we were using expired EpiPens to practice as a family and reacquaint ourselves with what it’s like to give an EpiPen injection. I also wanted to make...
- loving this new video “Here I am”
  
  21 Jun 2016 | 9:18 am
  
  Love this so much. People are people and we need to embrace everyone and show compassion – no matter their size, gender, color, religion, etc. #hereiam
- A Daily Dose of Toni
- Wordless Wednesday: Beach Life
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 12:36 pm
  
  It’s Wednesday, so that means it’s Wordless Wednesday time. Thought I would share a picture of one of the places I love most. Living here in Florida has its perks. Happy Wednesday! The post Wordless Wednesday: Beach Life appeared first on A Daily Dose of Toni. This is just a bit of what I had to say, to hear it all come on over and read the rest of the post....
- Celebrate National Rum Day (or any Occasion) at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen + GIVEAWAY
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 3:09 pm
  
  **This conversation for National Rum Day is brought to you by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. My experience and my opinion is my own.** #NationalRumDay #RumtheRightWay. Please drink responsibly** Did you know August 16 was National Rum Day? Okay, so I am celebrating a few days late, what can I say, my coaching schedule keeps me pretty busy Read More �� The post Celebrate National Rum Day (or any Occasion) at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen + GIVEAWAY appeared first on A Daily Dose of Toni. This is just a bit of what I had to say, to hear it all come on over and read the rest of the post....
- Words Do More Than Just Hurt, They Can Kill
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 9:02 am
  
  Every day I read something new about someone, child or adult, being bullied. The latest story, I have read and sobbed over, was that of Daniel Fitzpatrick. A 13-year old boy who committed suicide, just two weeks before he would have turned 14, after being bullied by classmates. Read the letter he wrote here. The more Read More �� The post Words Do More Than Just Hurt, They Can Kill appeared first on A Daily Dose of Toni. This is just a bit of what I had to say, to hear it all come on over and read the rest of the post....
- 薄毛に効く育毛剤まとめ
- レディースクリニックで育毛したいなら
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 5:09 pm
  
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- 育毛とオーダーメイドかつらの相談
  
  4 Jul 2016 | 4:54 pm
  
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- 育毛とレンタルと女性について
  
  24 May 2016 | 5:53 pm
  
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- Thrifty Travelist
- Thelma and Louise Turns 25: See it Again on the Big Screen & Enter to Win $500 Towards the Ultimate Road Trip
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  Thelma and Louise 25th Anniversary Celebration and Sweepstakes Bonnie and Clyde, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Batman and Robin. Of course these are all famous duos that, given their [...] The post Thelma and Louise Turns 25: See it Again on the Big Screen & Enter to Win $500 Towards the Ultimate Road Trip appeared first on Thrifty Travelist.
- Back to School Planning
  
  25 Jul 2016 | 7:03 pm
  
  “This post was sponsored by a2 Milk® as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.” It’s that time of the year [...] The post Back to School Planning appeared first on Thrifty Travelist.
- Cross Country Trip from Los Angeles to Orlando, Florida: Day 3
  
  22 Jun 2016 | 8:31 pm
  
  If I didn’t know it before, I am crystal clear now: Texas is a humongous, gargantuan state, especially when you’re trying to drive through it quickly. We may have been [...] The post Cross Country Trip from Los Angeles to Orlando, Florida: Day 3 appeared first on Thrifty Travelist.
- Keeping the Glass Half Full
- The Space You Leave Behind
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 6:16 am
  
  Have you ever felt something that isn’t there? Every day – especially late at night and first thing in the morning – I feel the space you leave behind. It’s like one of those weighted blankets – it engulfs me and threatens to cut off my oxygen supply while at the same time lending comfort and assurance. Because I know that, even in your absence and in spite of my wanting you to still need me, you are safe and well and whole and happy. But still there’s a vacuum where your noise and energy once was. It’s as if, by cleaning your room so thoroughly, I accidentally also erased some of you. Then I remember the sensation of how you once slipped your hand into mine. I look around, at the photos on the walls,...
- How to Join the Movement to End Gun Violence in the USA (Updated)
  
  13 Jun 2016 | 5:08 pm
  
  I am an optimist, pure and simple. Call me naive, idealistic, a dreamer: I don’t care. I believe in speaking up, I believe in taking action, I believe that, collectively, we can be better. Because gun violence can happen to any of us. Anywhere in the USA. To do nothing, to say nothing, to sit by and accept this as normal is, quite simply, not an option for me. Yes, you can be scared, angry, sad and frustrated – but you can also be part of the change. You can wait for someone else to speak up – or we can do this together. But we need A LOT of you to make our voices heard. Unless the noise is deafening – I mean REALLY LOUD – our politicians won’t listen. (The siren call of the deep pockets of the NRA is...
- Welcome to Nine!
  
  15 Apr 2016 | 4:40 am
  
  Once upon a time a baby girl was born. Boy, were we relieved when we found out you were a girl! Here’s truth #1: I didn’t enjoy it that much when you were inside me, but once you were out and the doc said those three words “it’s a girl!” your Papa and I whooped with joy. Visions of pink, swirly skirts, glitter, nail polish, braids, Barbies and princesses filled my future and I couldn’t wait. But no, that was not your plan. Here’s truth #2: I’m more than okay with you not being a girly-girl. In fact, I’m proud that you’re not, in spite of all the branding and stereotyping in society. It’s way cooler that you get to decide who you want to be, what you want to play with, how you want to dress than society...
- dominiquegoh.com
- Recent eats with the kids
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 7:03 pm
  
  You're readingRecent eats with the kids by: Dominique Goh, originally posted on Dominique's Desk. If you have enjoyed this post, feel free to follow me on Twitter, or Facebook Fries and curry pork cutlet. Trying out different foods with the kids has always been a enjoyable activity for us. As the kids grow older they are more open to the different tastes available. Their increase in curiosity about the various types of dishes and appreciation for fine cuisine has significantly magnified from the time they were toddlers. Breakfast waffles at the Hello Kitty Restaurant Food placement is certainly very important when presenting a meal. Tiger girl was really thrilled when breakfast was served to her...
- Eating a Healthy Breakfast With Captain Oats
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 5:51 pm
  
  You're readingEating a Healthy Breakfast With Captain Oats by: Dominique Goh, originally posted on Dominique's Desk. If you have enjoyed this post, feel free to follow me on Twitter, or Facebook Breakfast is one of the most important meals that one needs to have on a daily basis. Starting the day right is essential for growing kids. It is crucial that my kids get the right nutrients into their body at the start of the day so that they can be mentally and psychically alert to face the day. They need all the energy that they can get while satisfying their hunger. Every morning it can a mad rush to get the kids ready for school. There isn’t much time for fancy meals or a wide variety of breakfast items...
- Percy’s Imprefectly Perfect Family
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 11:41 pm
  
  You're readingPercy’s Imprefectly Perfect Family by: Dominique Goh, originally posted on Dominique's Desk. If you have enjoyed this post, feel free to follow me on Twitter, or Facebook Talking about Divorce is never an easy topic with kids. In Percy’s Imperfectly Prefect Family by Renee C Bauer kids get to understand this complex topic through the story Renee tells about Percy the penguin who found it hard to understand the change in his family’s dynamics when his parents decided to get divorce. The little penguin was feeling very confused when he realized that his life was going to change. His mom and dad will be living separately and he had to shuttle between two households. He was not his usual...
- SANses | A Singaporean Mummy In Sydney
- “Everyone Should Play Pokemon Go” – according to my 8 year old
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 9:33 pm
  
  Well, not really. I mean, yes – and no. That particular line was his speech which he prepared for one of his assignments in school, and he decided to extol the virtues of playing Pokemon Go. I asked him what his reasons “for” were, and he couldn’t remember them all – but his top reason is “It helps you to exercise.” Pokemon Go launched in Australia just a month ago, and I have to confess – I was the one to download it first, and I told the boys about it. Before this, they’ve never watched a single episode of the cartoon, they don’t have the Nintendo handheld game sets, so they’ve also never “caught” a Pokemon before. They have seen some of the Pokemons around, but have no real idea of the background. I was...
- Do Your Kids Use Swear Words?
  
  26 Jun 2016 | 6:56 pm
  
  Or maybe the first question ought to be, as a parent, what is your stand on your kids using swear words? I promise this won’t be preachy – but let me first share where the inspiration for this blog came about. Two instances stand out. When Jayvon first started Kindy (this was 3 years ago, and we’d just arrived in Australia, all bright-eyed and maybe a little naive), and when I was picking him up after school, and as we were walking across the school grounds to head home, I saw one of his classmates having an angry conversation with his mother, and calling her a “f***ing b****”. And this classmate would be 6 years old – tops. But that was 3 years ago. Why bring it up now? Well, Xavier, who’s now the one in...
- The New ‘Kid’ On The Block – Oli6 Dairy Goat Milk Formula
  
  15 Jun 2016 | 6:31 pm
  
  Brought to you by Nuffnang and Oli6 Quiche, coffee and chit-chat with newfound friends. Oh, and a very informational morning spent with experts, learning more about the newest “kid” on the block – Oli6 with its brand new product line of dairy goat milk formula. Now, back in Singapore, as a mom, I’ve heard about goat’s milk as an alternative to cow’s milk, and suitable for kids who are 12 months or over. But I must admit, that hearing it as newborn infant milk formula? Now that was a first for me. Did I mention experts? Yeah, we had two of them speak to us, a dietitian and a university professor, who were expounding on the health benefits of goat’s milk. And I must confess, while I was...
- Minivan Momma
- Just Between Friends Sale Tulsa - ad
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 6:36 pm
  
  The good people at Just Between Friends-Tulsa ( �http://www.tulsa.jbfsale.com/homeView.jsp) � � �Gave my sister and I passed to their presale on Saturday. My sister goes religiously to their sales. I hadn't been to one in quite a while because my kids are the size of grown people. I know!!So, with my $50 gift certificate in hand and our presale passes, Rachel and I set about going to shop.I really only had one thing that my niece requested: high heel shoes.Should be easy enough ... Except ... There were a LOT to choose from. You know, a six year old considers pretty much anything that's not a flat to be a high heel, right? My sister, playing the part of momma and not aunt, had a much more practical list.A...
- Sponsored: Wrapy
  
  5 Jul 2016 | 12:29 pm
  
  My friends at Wrapy asked if I were interested in trying out one of their awesome baby wraps. Since my baby is twelve years old and almost as tall as I am, I really didn't have a use for a baby wrap. But, my great friend, Emily, had just had her sweet baby. So, I told Wrapy to send one my way--Emily and her sweetness and I would give it a whirl.Now, when my kids were little, I'm sure people were wrapping babies, but my kids were always so squirmy and didn't like being held a whole lot (unless they were going to sleep or just waking up), so I had no idea how this thing would work or even if the baby would like it.Before we get to the nuts and bolts of it, let me just cut to the chase: Emily and her sweet...
- Poop and other things parents need to talk about
  
  23 Dec 2015 | 4:22 am
  
  Y'all know I love to share and overshare until people start to squirm. I firmly believe the by sharing the things that make us crazy, give us gray hair and make us want to hang ourselves and others by our toenails need to be talked about. (Remember? I went on the Dr. Oz show and told e'r'one how I peed in the shower.)And those of you who overshare with me? Well, I love you just as much as I love talking about unmentionables.� My friends, Norine Dworkin-McDaniel and Jessica Ziegler, are the brains behind the incredibly funny and oft inappropriate (in a good way) Science of Parenthood. And... AND... they've written an amazingly funny and laugh-out-loud parenting guide. Well, ya know, it's more helpful than...
- MommiFried
- How to Get Back in Shape WHILE Spending Time With Your Kids
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:42 am
  
  As mothers, we are all about putting our kids first and our needs second. Exercise is one such case and we are often guilty of not working out because we believe there are more important things to do. Our to-do lists may be long and our kids will always be our top priority but we need to learn to do things for ourselves including exercise. The latter is the best way to get back in shape, to release stress and to feel healthy and strong, so you can have the energy to run around your kids all day. You don’t even have to carve a kid-free hour to exercise, instead, you can get creative and workout while spending time with your kids. This way, you will be getting back in shape and you won’t feel guilty that...
- The Dummies Guide to Car Maintenance
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:42 am
  
  Cars might look simple on the outside: they have four wheels, some doors, a roof, etc.; pretty basic. However, as I hope you would also know, they have hundreds of tiny little mechanisms and wires and other techy stuff that most people ignore and hope won’t make them fail their MOT or other safety test. There are many, many, many, many people out there who don’t have the foggiest idea about basic car maintenance and this is so worrying. A car can go from a vehicle to a fiery ball of death in about three seconds and so if you want to avoid that (which I assume you do), then you will need to keep up some very basic checks. Maintaining your car a little bit at a time will save you tonnes of cash from not...
- How to Prepare for a Trip to the Beach with Kids
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 6:49 am
  
  It’s the dog days of summer-the days are long, the weather is great, and there’s no doubt that every mom out there is ready for some relaxation and quality time with her children. What better way to accomplish that than by taking a day trip to the beach? The beach itself is beautiful, with the warm sand and cool water it’s a place that every member of the family can enjoy. Preparing for the beach, however, can be a bit of a hassle, so here are some tips that are sure to make your experience as easy as possible so that you can stop worrying about what to bring, and start enjoying the sunshine! Protect Yourselves Sunscreen should be one of the first things you pack in your beach bag. Not only will...
- FeedBlitz News
- Working With a Parser
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  At FeedBlitz we are big fans of automating your email marketing tasks, freeing you to work on your business. Parsers play a key role when it comes to integrating third party applications into your email marketing. You may remember us briefly mentioning that a parser is what helps you complete the process of selling with your Autoresponders, but they offer even more compatibility benefits than just shopping cart integration. As an advanced feature, parsers can be complicated at first glance. This guide will help you understand what a parser is, how they work, and how to make one work for you. What is a Parser? A parser, in computer terminology, is a program that analyzes a string of incoming...
- Quick Tips: Where can I edit my DKIM and SPF Authentication?
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  After gathering feedback from our publishers, the FeedBlitz Development Team has opened and repositioned the availability of editing SPF and DKIM authentication to all publishers. Email authentication communicates to your subscriber’s inbox that we (FeedBlitz) are allowed to email on the publisher’s behalf. While we handle the authentication for you, some of our advanced publishers enjoy having this added layer of authentication protection. To access and edit these records, select My Account from your left-hand menu. Here you will find the SPF and DKIM Authentication tools. SPF (Sender Protection Framework) Authentication <ul> <li dir="ltr"> If you already have an SPF record on your domain, simply add:...</li></ul>
- Quick Tips: Test Holiday Promotions Before the Holiday Arrives
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 6:24 am
  
  We highly recommend testing any special promotions or emails to be sent over or on a holiday before the holiday arrives to ensure deliverability and format are up to your liking. To send a test email of a Newsflash or Newsflash On Demand mailing, begin creating your mailing as usual, then: <ol> <li>Once your copy is ready, select the Audience Inclusion tab.</li> <li>Switch to the second tab labeled Dynamic Segment Filters.</li> <li>Click the Add / Edit Segment button.</li> <li>Enter the following: email=insert your email address here</li> <li>Press Check Segment Syntax</li> <li>Once the check is clear, click Count Included Subscribers</li> <li>If the count = 1, you’re ready to test.</li> </ol> You will then be able to review your newsflash and either send...
- Mother, Inc
- Finn turns four!!
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 8:38 am
  
  Look who’s turning 4 in two days! Uh huh, this guy. There was a time when he was all goofy and gummy like this. And the hair!! Remember the hair? This baby had the most gorgeous windswept hair. Maybe one of these days the hair will make a comeback. Be still, my heart. I was showing Finn his baby pictures with the long hair and he was horrified that I made him have long hair as a baby. “That’s not me because it’s a girl,” he insisted. I really miss Finn as a baby but I gotta say, Finn as a little big boy is another level kind of dreamy. 4-year-old Finn is like golden light sunshine and rainbows sprinkles and fluffy cotton candy. He is all sweet and warm and gentle and so full of happy...
- Please, can I have some more?
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 12:46 am
  
  Remember when Theo was born, I really wanted me a fat baby who would enjoy eating everything I prepared for him? So that happened and it was awesome. Right up to that point, all my other kids had been moderately picky eaters who were all like “I don’t like this food it’s so gross” or “I’m really full, my stomach hurts when I look at broccoli.” It was nice to have a baby who ate everything from rolled oats to raw carrots. Raw carrots. That’s just hardcore. Almost all of baby Theo’s happy thoughts are about food and our conversations all day are variations of this: Theo: Mommy can I have bread? Big big bread. Me: You just ate an entire sandwich, 5 strawberries, some yoghurt and a glass of milo. We need...
- 2 months
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 10:19 pm
  
  Two months! It’s been two months of waking up to this squishy little face every morning. :) Two months is nice, it’s definitely a step up from the I-don’t-know-why-you’re-making-that-crying-sound newborn phase. There are so many great things about getting to two months. What are they? I’ll tell you. First of all, munchies. The smell of a newborn is perfection but it takes a while before they’re good for munching on. The best age to start munching on a baby is right around two months, when they fill out nicely with juicy baby fats (which btw, I get to pass on to them via this magnificent process called breastfeeding and yes, I’ll have another slice of that cake please). I’ve been doing the chubby...
- Bril
- Govinda Aala Re!
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 2:12 am
  
  On this auspicious day we all welcome into our homes, the most notorious of them all, he also goes by the name ‘Maakhan Chor’. Everyone knows him as Lord Krishna. It’s time for all the festivities to begin. Every Hindu household all over the world prepares to welcome the Lord into their lives every year in a grand manner. He makes sure all the mothers are busy preparing his favourite delicacies, all set to welcome him. Boys and girls train all year to participate in an event called Dahi Handi, which is the leela where Krishna with the help of little monkey friends, climb on top of each other to break the pot and steal the freshly made butter. Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation, in which he takes...
- Inculcate the Art of Managing Personal Finances into a Child
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 1:59 am
  
  � Values, Morals and Discipline are the three other pillars that mould a child’s future along with the pillar of education of course. One main concept that plays a major role in building the foundation for these pillars knowing the value of money and how managing it in the right way makes life a smooth sail. It is easier to inculcate the art of managing personal finances into a child when they are still in their tender age because of their immaculate capacity and ability to grasp and learn new things. Here are a few tips to help you make your child money’wise’. <ol> <li> Have a moderate tone</li> </ol> Remember children are very observant, they are watching your every move and that in turn will affect the way...
- Sharpen Those Observation Skills
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 1:46 am
  
  There is a Pandora of things to see smell and hear out there! It is now your turn to channel your child’s immaculate observational skill in the right direction. Get them all set and ready to get on the roller coaster of a ride called the adventure of life. Don’t worry your children are not going to be the only ones having a jolly time! Follow these steps and observe you children get better with their observation skills. <ol> <li> Sense the senses</li> </ol> Talk to your children about how they have senses and hone each one of them can be used to experience the world around them. Educate them on how the eyes are used to look at the sun rise every day, the tongue helps them taste their cereal and OJ. Those little...
- Nourishing Joy
- Thank Goodness It’s Monday #189
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 12:05 am
  
  Welcome to Thank Goodness It’s Monday, a weekly blog carnival celebrating natural, joyful living. The TGIM link carnival happens every Monday here at Nourishing Joy and it’s where we share stories of gratitude and joy and link up recipes, tips, and tricks for living natural, intentional, nourished lives. You’ll find posts here on so many topics: cooking from scratch, natural housekeeping, gardening and animal husbandry, frugal tips and tricks, stories of joy and gratitude, answers to prayer, homeschooling, herbal remedies, meal planning, thoughtful parenting… what do you have to share? � Last Week’s Most Popular Posts Thanks for visiting each other’s blogs! Please continue to encourage and support each...
- Thank Goodness It’s Monday #188
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 12:05 am
  
  Welcome to Thank Goodness It’s Monday, a weekly blog carnival celebrating natural, joyful living. The TGIM link carnival happens every Monday here at Nourishing Joy and it’s where we share stories of gratitude and joy and link up recipes, tips, and tricks for living natural, intentional, nourished lives. You’ll find posts here on so many topics: cooking from scratch, natural housekeeping, gardening and animal husbandry, frugal tips and tricks, stories of joy and gratitude, answers to prayer, homeschooling, herbal remedies, meal planning, thoughtful parenting… what do you have to share? � Last Week’s Most Popular Posts Thanks for visiting each other’s blogs! Please continue to encourage and support each...
- Thank Goodness It’s Monday #187
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 12:05 am
  
  Welcome to Thank Goodness It’s Monday, a weekly blog carnival celebrating natural, joyful living. The TGIM link carnival happens every Monday here at Nourishing Joy and it’s where we share stories of gratitude and joy and link up recipes, tips, and tricks for living natural, intentional, nourished lives. You’ll find posts here on so many topics: cooking from scratch, natural housekeeping, gardening and animal husbandry, frugal tips and tricks, stories of joy and gratitude, answers to prayer, homeschooling, herbal remedies, meal planning, thoughtful parenting… what do you have to share? � Last Week’s Most Popular Posts Thanks for visiting each other’s blogs! Please continue to encourage and support each...
- Mom Favorites
- Addendum to the Mommy Handbook: Lice Management
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 5:50 pm
  
  “This post was sponsored by Nix® Ultra as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and I received products to facilitate my review” Be prepared this back-to-school season with these tips on lice management. It’s time to “always be prepared!” Notice anything about any of these pictures? If you’re like most people; you may be thinking “Oh how cute,” or “Those kids watch a lot of screens.” Maybe you’re thinking “That momma’s got some bags under her eyes.” Yep, all those assessments would be correct. But, you know what I think before any of the aforementioned? I think… “Geez, I sure hope those kids don’t have lice.” As a mom that has gone through the experience, it’s the first...
- Motivation Monday Party 204
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:43 am
  
  Happy Monday! Thanks for stopping by. We’re in the last few weeks of August, starting school and getting back to the routine of busy kid world! Keep an eye out for anything to help with back-to-school organization, meal planning and more! Here is a link to last week’s party. Follow the Motivation Monday Hosts: Mitzi of Written Reality Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter Katie of Mom Favorites Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram Candi of A Day in Candiland Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram Lauren of Mom Home Guide Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram Aida of Girlfriends with...
- Best Fried Rice Recipe. Ever.
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 2:43 pm
  
  This is a sponsored post on behalf of Minute® Ready to Serve Rice. All opinions are my own. Need a craveable recipe that you can make with whatever you have on hand? Gotta try this Veggie Loaded Fried Rice recipe… it’s better than Chinese takeout! I fancy myself a fan of most ethnic cuisines, but my favorite? The one cuisine that I’d want if I was stranded on a deserted island? Chinese. Hands down. Oh, and if I could take three things to my island? A pillow, the Internet and Chinese food. Can I go now please? Hah. Didn’t think so. In the meantime, I’ll sleep in my bed with my dozen pillows, work on my computer in the office, and make my own version of fried rice when I get the...
- Comeback Momma
- Making a Difference Inspired by The New BeForever™ American Girl® Character
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 5:58 am
  
  My daughter is shy and she has dyslexia. In our fast-paced world, being an introvert with a learning disability is a big challenge. She finds it difficult for her voice to be heard in social situations and at school. In first grade, her school was able to provide enough assistance for her to get by. By second grade, I realized that she was really having trouble keeping up with her peers. By third grade, we decided that the public school in our area was not able to provide the learning environment that she needed. My daughter was brave enough to speak with me about her feelings and challenges. She felt that it was very difficult for her to speak up in class or keep up with her schoolwork. We worked...
- 5 Tips to get 10000 Steps Every Day
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 5:42 am
  
  How much do you walk throughout the day? Have you ever measured your steps with a pedometer? I highly recommend giving one a try. Millions of Americans have fitness trackers. These little gadgets often recommend getting in 10000 steps each day. This goal can seem a little daunting. Making small lifestyle changes can help you reach your goals without having it feel like a lot of extra work. Here are my 5 tips for reaching your step goals each day. 5 Tips to get 10000 Steps Every Day Create mini goals Don’t feel like you need to take one long walk to hit your goal. There is nothing wrong with this, of course, but this may not be feasible for many people. See how many steps you can achieve by...
- Yippee! I Got to Interview Bob Harper
  
  12 Aug 2016 | 4:54 am
  
  I had the pleasure of interviewing Bob Harper. If you don’t know who Bob Harper is, he’s one been a lead trainer, and more recently the host on The Biggest Loser TV show. When Bob first began his career in personal training, he had no idea it would take off in such a huge way. Although Bob is a big TV star now, he really seems down to earth and was extremely open and honest during our phone chat. Photo courtesy of Daily Burn. To break the ice, I told Bob a bit about my family and me. My son wanted to know why Bob went on TV. Bob says that he still can’t believe how his life has changed. He says that he never aspired to be on TV. He loves having the opportunity to help others and for now, does not...
- Mommy Edition
- 15 Proven Health Benefits Of Drinking Lemon Water Everyday
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 10:37 pm
  
  There is one simple and healthy drink you can enjoy every morning that will help you lose weight, improve your digestion, clear your skin and help your liver and kidneys do a better job of cleansing and detoxifying your body naturally. What is this magic drink? Lemon water. Simply squeeze half of a lemon into […]
- 10 Ways To Wake A Grumpy Child In The Morning
  
  14 Aug 2016 | 10:33 pm
  
  Mornings can be hard even for those who are used to getting up with the sun. However, since young children can often be irrational creatures in every regard, it can be especially challenging to wake a grumpy child and seamlessly get out of the door without losing your mind, or your cool. It can amaze […]
- Proven Tips On Introducing The Bottle To A Breastfed Baby
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 6:12 am
  
  I have breastfed three babies and I have had to introduce a bottle to all three of them either to get them ready for my going back to work or because they weren’t gaining weight. With every baby, I read up on the matter and decided to introduce the bottle somewhere between two and four […]
- Great Moments In Parenting
- Trying It On for Size
  
  6 Aug 2016 | 8:05 am
  
  The post Trying It On for Size appeared first on Great Moments In Parenting.
- The Working Parent: Finding “Get To” Instead of “Have To”
  
  29 Jul 2016 | 11:50 am
  
  This morning I realized what the culture of motherhood in America has done to me. I’ve been brainwashed into believing that motherhood is “work.” My children are twelve, seven and five and I started back to work at a fulltime job after eleven years of being part-time Mommy and part-time teacher. I always felt bad that I wasn’t contributing more financially to our family, even while knowing that was silly. I did contribute financially because I took on the bulk of the parenting and housekeeping chores. But there was a nagging feeling that I should be able to do more. I yearned to have a fulltime job where I would be considered an important part of the team, where I would feel like I was respected...
- My Child’s Toys Are Holding Me Hostage
  
  15 Jul 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  As the mother of a two year old, I’ve accumulated a lot of toys. When my daughter started favoring a certain toy I thought it was the most adorable thing. Minnie Mouse was her world. When I heard her in her crib, crying for Minnie, instead of getting annoyed I smiled at how charming it was, and I happily went to reunite them. Then things took a turn. We went on vacation and God help us if Minnie wasn’t with us every step of the way. We might be halfway across the resort but if it was discovered Minnie was left behind, it was pointless to continue any further; no one was going to have any fun until Minnie was tucked safely into my daughter’s tiny arms. Minnie had a rough time at the beach. She...
- Manners Mentor
- The Best Airplane Etiquette Tips for Making Flying Less Stressful
  
  6 Aug 2016 | 7:27 am
  
  � � � � � � � � � � � � � By: Maralee McKee, Manners Mentor Here’s an odd thing about flying. When passengers were polled about their top complaints concerning the lack of airplane etiquette, it’s not delayed flights, lost luggage, and long security lines that top the list; it’s the rudeness of … Read More � The post The Best Airplane Etiquette Tips for Making Flying Less Stressful appeared first on Manners Mentor.
- U.S. Flag, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem Etiquette
  
  3 Jul 2016 | 6:13 am
  
  � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � By: Maralee McKee, Manners Mentor I’m grateful to be an American. I’m also proud that our nation’s history is part of my own. It’s an honor that the brave men and women who are currently serving or … Read More � The post U.S. Flag, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem Etiquette appeared first on Manners Mentor.
- How To Graciously Handle a Constant Complainer
  
  25 Jun 2016 | 8:08 am
  
  � � � � � � � � � � � � � � By: Maralee McKee, Manners Mentor Do you know people you can envision lobbying for a grievance department in Heaven to complain about the perfect weather? Or, if they won a million dollars, they would let the amount of tax they owe … Read More � The post How To Graciously Handle a Constant Complainer appeared first on Manners Mentor.
- Oubly.com
- 50+ Photography Resources Worth Bookmarking
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 12:48 pm
  
  Photo Credit: Sergey Zolkin We have created a comprehensive resource for photography. Whether you’re a noob or a regular Ansel Adams, we are positive you will find something useful. The photography resources include but are not limited to the following; photo sharing services, photojournalism sites, photo galleries, and much more. Despite all our research it’s […]
- 25 Stunning Examples of Edge Colored Business Cards
  
  11 Jul 2016 | 7:28 am
  
  Look at your current business cards. Do they lack a certain something? Could your business card be improved? Are your cards not as eye catching as you hoped? If you said yes to all the previous questions, it may be time to consider a redesign. Fortunately, you might be able to tweak your cards with […]
- 10 Exquisite Examples of Thick Business Cards
  
  13 Jun 2016 | 11:38 am
  
  We will be honest with you. First impressions are important, especially when it comes to networking. Having beautifully designed business cards is one of many factors that help contribute towards successful networking. We all know you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover, but most people do anyway. Mediocrity doesn’t help, so it […]
- Living on Love and Cents
- Count Your Blessings Day 3
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 9:06 am
  
  I am continuing my challenge to share at least one blessing everyday this week. Here is day one, day two, and my test of faith that started all this. Today, I am thankful for my job. It is not just a job. It is a passion. I have shared the unexpected journey that lead me to this place before. But sometimes it is fun to The post Count Your Blessings Day 3 appeared first on Living on Love and Cents.
- Counting My Blessings Day 2
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 10:19 am
  
  Today I am continuing my challenge to share at least one thing I am thankful for each day. You can see day one here and read about my test of faith here. This morning our neighbors showed up at our door with a huge tray of spaghetti. They had a wedding and ordered too much.They decided to bless us with the extra! They did not The post Counting My Blessings Day 2 appeared first on Living on Love and Cents.
- Count Your Blessings Day 1
  
  7 Aug 2016 | 12:26 pm
  
  After sharing my story of faith, I felt very strongly that I needed to start focusing on my blessings. I am challenging myself to share at least 1 blessing everyday for one week.� Today I am thankful for my family. For the love we have. For the health of my children. For a very supportive husband. � We spent Saturday doing nothing except laying around The post Count Your Blessings Day 1 appeared first on Living on Love and Cents.
- Change-Diapers.com
- Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup for 8/26/16
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 9:01 pm
  
  Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup Friday means it’s time for a new cloth diaper giveaway roundup. Subscribe to our RSS Feed or subscribe via email. If you’d like me to list your cloth diaper, cloth diaper accessory, baby wearing (etc.) giveaway next week, please complete my giveaway submission form. Giveaways that require the winner to pay […] The post Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup for 8/26/16 appeared first on Change-Diapers.com, Kids & Cloth Diapers & Going Green. ��
- Applecheeks Little Bundle Review
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 6:00 am
  
  Katie received a free diaper to review. Applecheeks is based out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where all of their products are designed and manufactured. Ilana Grostern and Amy Appleton Venu, owners of Applecheeks, won the W100 Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs of 2016. Applecheeks has a variety of products including washable nursing pads, wipes, training pants, […] The post Applecheeks Little Bundle Review appeared first on Change-Diapers.com, Kids & Cloth Diapers & Going Green. ��
- Win a Pampering Package for You, Your Tween and/or Your Teen!
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:33 am
  
  If you click my links & buy, I may receive a small commission. Thank you! I’ve teamed up with my friend Julie of Cloth Diaper Geek and some amazing sponsors to bring you a great giveaway. Prizes are perfect for you, your tween and/or your teen. Prizes inclyde: 3 Mini Cloth Pad Liners from Pink […] The post Win a Pampering Package for You, Your Tween and/or Your Teen! appeared first on Change-Diapers.com, Kids & Cloth Diapers & Going Green. ��
- AppleGreen Cottage
- Cutest DIY Fabric Sailboat Toy
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 4:00 pm
  
  Are you feeling nostalgic about the summer? Me too! That's why I tried to make the summer last longer by sewing a few adorable fabric sailboat toys. A wonderfully soft baby toy and a soothing farewell to an awesome summer. These homemade sailboat softies are a great (and quick) beginner sewing project and so much fun to sew! Want me to make this boat template as a free printable PDF? Just scroll to the end and let me know. {No subsription required!}Read more »
- How To Make An Easy Felt Bunting {No-Sew}
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 4:00 pm
  
  Welcome the first day of school by making an easy, no sew felt bunting. It will bring a sense of festivity into your home and your kids will feel it's a special day. A fun family crafting activity, too!Read more »
- 10 Gorgeous Cotton Fabric Prints For Summer
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 4:00 pm
  
  These are my favorite 10 cotton fabric prints for this summer. Have a look at the selection if you want to, but I'm warning you: these cute prints, the fascinating colors, the gorgeous design... it could get addictive. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling in love each time when get to browse through adorable cotton fabrics! Just a peek, OK? Read more »
- ruthaladeinspired.com
- Want High End Clients For Your Coaching Programs? Don’t Be This Kind Of Person
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 3:31 pm
  
  Want to attract “how can I pay you now” clients? Then don’t be the kind of person I talk about in the video. Before you can expect to attract perfect ideal clients, be your own best client first! If you have never invested in high-end coaching, how can you expect […] The post Want High End Clients For Your Coaching Programs? Don’t Be This Kind Of Person appeared first on .
- A Simple Tip To Help You Get Unstuck About Who Your Ideal Clients Are
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 4:38 pm
  
  I know what it’s like to not have clarity about who your ideal clients are. It’s very frustrating because without clarity, you won’t even know who you are talking to and what to even say to them! And if you are in that place, I can guess that you are […] The post A Simple Tip To Help You Get Unstuck About Who Your Ideal Clients Are appeared first on .
- Struggling To Sell Your Program? It’s Not About The Price Tag!
  
  8 Aug 2016 | 6:34 am
  
  In the very early days of my business, I was charging $1500 for my 90 day program and guess what, people found a reason not to buy it! It was always one excuse after the other and many outright NO’s! I thought $1500 would be very ‘affordable’ for most people […] The post Struggling To Sell Your Program? It’s Not About The Price Tag! appeared first on .
- Mommy Bloggers Philippines
- First Ever Pancit Festival Hosted By Good Life At Kamuning Bakery Cafe
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 11:12 pm
  
  When it comes to festive celebrations of all sorts and sizes, a platter or bilao of pancit noodles is sure to grace and delight at the dinner table. A thoroughly filling noodle dish that caters to all occasions and budgets, it is no wonder that pancit is an all-time favorite among Filipinos all over the archipelago. In celebration of this versatile noodle specialty, the leading food brand Good Life, in partnership with 77-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City, holds its first ever Good Life Pancit Festival. This grand culinary event will showcase the different kinds and varieties of Pancit dishes across the regions in the country. The Good Life Pancit Festival is the brand’s way of recognizing...
- McDonald’s Shake Shake Fries Is Back!
  
  17 Aug 2016 | 10:47 pm
  
  Weekend is coming and the whole family must be looking forward to great bonding moments under the nice weather. Good news to everyone who love the famous Shake, Shake Fries because McDonald’s brings them back — made more exciting with all-time favorite flavors like zesty-sweet BBQ, rich Creamy Cheddar, and the new savory Garlic Butter! For a limited time, you can get a FREE upgrade to Shake Shake Fries with any medium or large value meal with fries. So whether you’re craving for a Chicken McDo for lunch or a Cheeseburger for merienda, just order a medium or large meal with fries and you automatically get upgraded to Shake Shake Fries for free! It is best with a McFreeze, McDonald’s new frozen...
- The Ultimate Mommy Clearance Sale By Mommy Mundo
  
  10 Aug 2016 | 1:26 am
  
  The Ber months are coming and just like how we always prepare for the rainy days, we seek for places where we can find the most affordable essential for our home and family needs. The Ultimate Mommy Clearance Clearout Sale from August 12-14, 2016 by Mommy Mundo will be happening at The Great Big Room in Fun Ranch! There will be items up to 70% off and we are sure you’ll have something to carry with you as this will be an event most awaited by moms. The sale features over 20 vendors with these participating brands: BabyZone, Philips Avent, Pigeon, Modern Mama, Baby Mum-Mum, Nurture Nook, Luvable Friends, Yoga Sprout, GreenKeeps, Star Kids, Zyji, Happy Dragon, Tots of Love, Lunchbreak Trading, Mommy...
- Swallow, My Sunshine
- Your Strange Diet, Day One
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 1:22 pm
  
  There are hundreds of articles on the internet and in parenting and health magazines about what it’s like to deal with food allergies. From the relatively minor challenges of mild lactose intolerance to the devastating effects of an anaphylactic reaction, there’s advice on avoidance and labeling, special medical alert bracelets and school safety plans. There […] The post Your Strange Diet, Day One appeared first on Swallow, My Sunshine.
- Actual, Real, Helpful Help
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 11:36 am
  
  A family in crisis, if they live in an active community of family or friends or both, will find themselves fielding regular offers of help. This is so many orders of magnitude better than the alternative of living in isolation, surrounded only by one’s own panic, but offers of help are not nearly as good as […] The post Actual, Real, Helpful Help appeared first on Swallow, My Sunshine.
- Hearts Break for Years
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 9:37 am
  
  I have anxiety and nightmares. Certain smells and hallways trigger memories every single time. Yet sometimes the memories return out of nowhere like a beeping sound from someone’s phone reminding you of the monitor alarms. None of this ever got easier… Those words were written this spring by Megan Short, the mother of a two […] The post Hearts Break for Years appeared first on Swallow, My Sunshine.
- I Heart Arts n Crafts
- Back To School Organization Ideas
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 9:05 pm
  
  Now that we’re in August it’s the perfect time to start getting organized for the school year ahead. I’m sharing some of my favorite helpful tips to get you prepared for the year while helping you organize all the paperwork, morning routines, and school lunches. Back To School Organization Hacks Click on the links below to check each project out. 1.DIY Chalkboard Backpack Station – From I Should Be Mopping The Floor 2. Organizing School Paperwork – Source Unknown 3. Magnetic Box Top Holder – From Adventures In Wunderland 4. Dry Erase Chore Charts – From The 36th Avenue 5. Organizing School Outfits – Source Unknown 6. School Paperwork Storage System – From I Heart Organizing 7. School Lunch Station –...
- Cereal Box Pig Craft For Kids
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 10:59 pm
  
  This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy. This post is part of the Kids Craft Stars monthly challenge, so be sure to check out some of the other creative cereal box crafts at the end of this post! Or tag us on Instagram with the #kidscraftstars hashtag to share some of your favorite cereal box crafts. For our cereal box challenge we crafted a pig to go along with Laura Numeroff’s book “If You Give A Pig A Party“. � Cereal Box Pig Farm Animal Craft Materials: <ul> <li>Cereal Box</li> <li>Glue</li> <li>Pink Pipe Cleaner</li> <li>Paint</li> <li>Paint Brush</li> <li>Scissors</li> <li>Googly Eyes</li> <li>Pink Card Stock Paper</li> <li>Pink Button</li> </ul> Directions: To start you’re going to mark where you’ll be cutting on your box. � You can seen the...
- Enter The OREO Summer Of Wonder Sweepstakes + Win $25!
  
  11 Aug 2016 | 1:57 pm
  
  This post was written by me through an activation with HireInfluence on behalf of OREO Cookies. Although I received compensation for participating in the campaign, all thoughts and opinions are my own. It’s in the nineties here this week and one of our favorite way’s to cool off during the summer is by spending the day by the pool and ending it with a little frozen treat. My favorite is anything with OREO cookies of course. Can you guess where we’re enjoying our favorite OREO treat at in the picture below? OREO Summer of Wonder Sweepstakes To make your next ice cream date a little sweeter, OREO is giving you the chance to win BIG! Plus, I’m also giving away a $25 Visa Gift Card to one lucky reader...
- Real Mom Life
- Purses and Bags for (Dis)Organized Moms
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 9:05 am
  
  An appropriate purse or bag can help you be a better organized mom. Believe me, I’ve experimented a lot with this. I have been especially dingy lately and carrying things around, like a laptop, purse and a datebook, has been treacherous. I’ve dropped the laptop a few times and it’s not happy with me. My daughter says I need a “minder”, in the sense of someone to walk around behind me to make sure I don’t drop things or fall over. Many moons ago, I was speaking at a mom’s conference and had an assistant follow me around. I went to the bathroom and walked out with the back of my skirt tucked into my pantyhose. Thank goodness I had a minder to call it to my attention. (And yes we wore pantyhose back in...
- Grace Space, or Judgment Zone
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 9:18 pm
  
  On any given weekend, my entryway would look like this. Kids and teens and lots of shoes. Pizza and pop. I always got extra because I never knew how many kids would wander over. Neighborhood kids, school kids, church kids, homeschool kids. They would flop on couches, lie on floors, and hang in the yard. With my four kids mostly grown, it still often happens. College kids, kids from work – they still gather at the Field House. Why? I have pondered this for a while, because I also have had “anywhere but home” kids. Phases where my own kids would rather be anywhere else but here. Seasons when we rarely spoke and short conversations left a bitter taste and a lump in the throat. Times when I questioned...
- Making Wine and Making a Life
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 1:14 pm
  
  My precious brother-in-law makes wine at home. He learned his craft prior to retirement and now makes batches for himself and my sister, and teaches friends his secrets. He allowed me to watch and photograph his latest endeavor – a German white called peas porter. Making wine takes time, patience, knowledge and love. My brother in law does it with careful attention and passion. The passion for fine wine is like the passion for a fine life. Maybe it’s acquired. You can abstain, you can choose a cheap box wine, or you can hold out for the best. The best takes time and investment. This batch had been sitting in a large bucket for a while. Yeast had it’s time to do the primary fermentation. It...
- In Wealth & Health
- Yoga for Healing: Loving Yourself Now
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 3:17 pm
  
  � The following Meditation for Mindful Eating, is a guest post by Noelle Rodriguez, the founder of LiFE, a yoga, music and art studio in the Philippines. Read more about her at the end of the article! Yoga for Healing: Loving Yourself Now People turn to the things they love when they feel hurt: some sleep, some make art and some do yoga. Some people do yoga to heal—heal from a broken heart, an injury, fatigue and the overall stress that life continuously jabs us with. Yoga is the art of creating balance and unity between our bodies and minds.�Today, The post Yoga for Healing: Loving Yourself Now appeared first on In Wealth & Health.
- Secrets to the Best Kale Salad
  
  2 Aug 2016 | 9:05 pm
  
  Kale salads are popping up all over the place these days. You can get a kale salad from Wahoo’s fish tacos to a four star restaurant. Some are good, some are not so great. So what makes the good ones stand out? I will share the secret with you how to prepare the best kale salad at home. The best part? It’s super easy, fast and highly nutrient dense and packed with cancer-fighting properties. Kale Nutrition Facts In two loosely packed cups, raw kale packs a punch of nutrition. Your body will receive a hefty dose of calcium, potassium, vitamin The post Secrets to the Best Kale Salad appeared first on In Wealth & Health.
- Nurture Yourself with Prenatal Massage
  
  31 Jul 2016 | 10:22 pm
  
  The following Meditation for Mindful Eating, is a guest post by Meredith DeGroot, a�spa director of spa810 located in Ankeny, IA. Benefits of Prenatal Massage Pregnancy can be a very exciting time for women. However, with new life comes new discomforts and health concerns for the expecting mother. Prenatal massage, when done correctly, offers many health benefits for a pregnant woman. If you are expecting, here are a few benefits of prenatal massage to help you feel better about booking that first appointment.� Image by micagoto via Flickr Nurture Mental Health While pregnancy is an enjoyable experience for most women, The post Nurture Yourself with Prenatal Massage appeared first on In Wealth &...
- Rubber Shoes in Hell
- Feminism vs Misandry
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 2:43 am
  
  In this corner, weighing in at none of your business because weight is not relevant. Wearing whatever the fuck she […]
- Body Shaming and What I Learned From Trump
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 3:17 am
  
  It’s fucking painful to write that headline. I don’t want to admit I learned anything from Trump. I loathe him. […]
- We May Doze, But We Never Close
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 4:42 am
  
  There is this diner in Covington, KY called The Anchor Grill. It’s been open a long time. I tried, you […]
- The Spew
- I should have done this when I was 16
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 8:50 am
  
  I used to watch 16 and Pregnant and be all judge-y like,�“Oh my god! Those girls are so dumb. I’m so much smarter than them.” Then I was 39 and pregnant and suddenly I was like, “Oh my god! I … Continue reading →
- Brownies make terrible nursing pads
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 1:00 pm
  
  I sent my husband, Tom, to the store for nursing pads and he came home with brownies instead. If you don’t know what nursing pads are because you’ve never milked yourself after birthing a baby, or you’re my husband, they’re … Continue reading →
- Chapter 2: And That Was The First Time My Mother Stuffed My Bra With Socks
  
  29 Mar 2016 | 12:11 pm
  
  If you have no idea what this is, read these chapters first: Introduction: I’m Writing A Blook. (But You Probably Think I’m Off To A Bad Start Since I Don’t Even Know How To Spell Book.) Chapter 1: My Childhood … Continue reading →
- The Eyes of a Boy
- Italian Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:59 am
  
  I’m sharing #SausageFamily in my life as part of a Johnsonville sponsored series for Socialstars™ I love good soup recipes, don’t you? Soup recipes are especially good right about now, as the Fall season is upon us. Hearty homemade soups are just so delicious, and they’re perfect for feeding a hungry family quickly and affordably. This sausage lentil soup recipe blends together bold flavors and delicious ingredients to make a healthy, homemade meal that’s an easy weeknight dinner idea your whole family will love. Ready to make this homemade sausage lentil soup for dinner this week? Here’s what you’ll need to get started: Italian Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe INGREDIENTS – 1 12oz package Johnsonville...
- Fashion for the Guy on the Go
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 7:11 am
  
  This post is in collaboration with JCPenney. As always, all opinions are my own. Our family recently moved from South Florida to the Orlando area for my husband’s job. He is a serious work-o-holic, and most often times you can find him in a suit and tie from dawn till dusk. When he’s not at work, we have been making an effort to do fun activities to explore our new surroundings with our children. We are having a great time checking out all of the exciting things to do around our new home! However, it requires my husband to wear casual clothing instead of his usual everyday staple work attire (I mean, he’d probably stick out like a sore thumb at a theme park in a suit and tie!) His closet needed a bit...
- Back to School Tips for Parents
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 2:51 pm
  
  Back to school is here, and the struggle to get back into the swing of things has been oh so real around here! We just moved from South Florida to Central Florida, so the kids started at a new school. It’s been a bit of a change to say the least! New place, new teachers, new surroundings, new everything! Now that we are already a few weeks into the school year (FL starts early!) the kids are starting to get the hang of our new routine. I’m not loving waking up extra early, but I’m making sure to get my rest so I can be on top of my mom-game! Are you dreading summer ending and the whole school schedule starting over again? Here are some helpful tips to get back into the back to school swing: Back to School...
- The Screenwriter’s Wife
- The Sound of Silence. Blog Silence.
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 12:06 am
  
  Hello Blog, my old friend. I’ve come to talk to you again. Because all my thoughts are creeping, Left quiet only when I’m sleeping. And the words, that keep running through my brain Aren’t retained Within this blog of silence. These lofty dreams I hope to own, Neither closer do I roam, Nor the decision to revamp. I yearn for hope that it won’t all go damp. While my eyes are staring at this empty screen, so white Hoping tonight To unblock this silence. In social media I now saw; I wonder why we don’t want more? People sharing without thinking, People agreeing without discerning. I’m drafting words that my blog posts could never share ‘Cause I don’t dare Disturb the sound of...
- The Ultimate Startup Bundle Review 2016 – Too Good To Be True?
  
  3 Aug 2016 | 5:00 am
  
  � So you’ve heard about these Ultimate Bundle things; they sound like a great deal, BUT they also sound fishy. Why is everyone trying so hard to “sell” them? Are they too good to be true? Are they worth it? Is it a scam? I’ve been following these Ultimate Bundles for a couple years now and I think I’m the only blogger out there who spends time breaking the bundles down so you can decide if it’s really worth it for you to buy or not. (see my other UB Reviews here: Homemaking ’16, Healthy Living ’15, Homemaking ’15, and DIY ’15) Even though I’m technically signed up as an affiliate, I have no problem telling the truth about these bundles because I have no expectations of making money off them. I’m far more...
- Banish Them All! Experiments With Peppermint Oil Ant Repellent
  
  31 Jul 2016 | 10:01 pm
  
  If you happened to be around this blog in May 2014 you may remember this post, Me Verses the Ants. Verses Cinnamon. where I attempted to experiment on ants using cinnamon. Can I tell you a secret though? We STILL have ant issues at our house! What happens in SimAnt when the ants take over the human’s house. We’ve tried it all. Heavy duty ant spray. Locking away all our food. We’ve even banished our trash can to outside since the ants couldn’t stay away from it. We’re basically living a real-life version of the 90s computer game SimAnt; the ants have taken over our house, and this is us: Sometimes we get the ants to go away for a week or two. But they always come back. They always come back. Loooong...
- Family Focus Blog
- Talking and Listening with Children
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 7:39 pm
  
  All of my work centers around communication – whether it be coaching clients, consulting businesses or teaching parents. I firmly believe that great communication skills can make the world better and change your life, both personally and professionally. With that said, I think there are two main areas where parents can use a little help when it […] The post Talking and Listening with Children appeared first on Family Focus Blog.
- Talk To Your Kids About Drugs: Peer Pressure Starts Earlier Than You Think
  
  25 Aug 2016 | 10:18 am
  
  We all know it is important to talk to your kids about drugs. The question is when to start talking to them and what to say. The answer is probably sooner than you would think and that is because peer pressure starts earlier than you think. This post is sponsored by First Check Family but […] The post Talk To Your Kids About Drugs: Peer Pressure Starts Earlier Than You Think appeared first on Family Focus Blog.
- 3 Ways To Earn Money Working From Home
  
  24 Aug 2016 | 10:10 am
  
  It feels like there’s never enough time in the day. Cook breakfast, bring the kids to school, grocery shop, pick the kids up from school and accomplish a million other tasks before the day is over. Not to mention, the majority of our day is spent doing activities that are both time consuming and financially […] The post 3 Ways To Earn Money Working From Home appeared first on Family Focus Blog.
- Sammy Approves
- 8 Positive Ways to Teach Kids Respect
  
  23 Aug 2016 | 3:54 pm
  
  If there’s one quality I want my kids to have when they get older it’s respect for their elders, peers, colleagues, friends, and family. I’m not a strict mom by any means. But, I think it’s good for kids to have that general respect for the people around them. I like to take a positive approach to parenting, so I thought I would share with you 8 positive ways to teach kids respect that we use in our home! 8 Positive Ways to Teach Kids Respect (This post contains affiliate links. All content is my own.) 1. Model Respectful Behavior Chances are your kids are watching every move you make. This is a great jumping off point for teaching your kids respect! This can start from a young age. In fact our toddler,...
- Family Joy Link Party 31
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 7:53 am
  
  � Hello! Thank you for joining us this week at the Family Joy Link Party. I am so excited to have you here. Before you add your link below don’t forget to read the rules and follow your hosts on social media. I look forward to seeing what you all have to share this week. Let’s connect! We are looking for new co-hosts for the Family Joy Link Party!!!! If you are interested please contact me or email me at sammyr@sammyapproves.com for more information. � Charlene @ Thinking Outside The Pot: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog Samantha @ Sammy Approves: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog Cristina @ Ava’s Alphabet: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google...
- Simple Guide: Starting Your Mom Blog
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 3:54 pm
  
  Are you thinking of starting a mom blog? A little over a year ago that was me too. Thinking and thinking about starting a mom blog. I had been reading about blogging for years because for years I researched all sorts of different ways to make an income from home including blogging. I read hundreds of articles like this one and thought, no that can’t be me. I’m not a good enough writer, I know nothing about website design, I can’t build a social following, this will never bring me any income. But, one day, I did it. I actually mustered all the courage I could and started my very own mom blog. Finally, I put faith in myself and my dream and I started something of my own. This day changed my life, for the...
- Moments With Mandi
- Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens in Saint Lucia
  
  22 Aug 2016 | 5:42 am
  
  � Beautiful flowers, birds, a waterfall, mineral baths – where else can you find these? All of them can be found at the beautiful Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens in Saint Lucia. The waterfall may have been my favorite part of this popular attraction, just so beautiful. There are many signs like that that provide some information about the trees and the various plant species. Very informative and needed because I didn’t recognize a single one! We saw some really beautiful flowers with such bright colors and everything was so tropical and new to us. Aren’t these just so fun? I loved these! As you’re walking through the botanical garden, you wind your way through to where the waterfall is and then you come...
- Staying Connected To The World + Hamilton on Broadway Giveaway
  
  18 Aug 2016 | 1:57 pm
  
  � This post was written by me through an activation with HireInfluence on behalf of The Daily Distiller. Although I received compensation for participating in the campaign, all thoughts and opinions are my own. It can’t possibly be time for back to school. Not only is our summer gone, but if you asked me ANYTHING about what’s going on in the world these days, I would give you a blank stare. I haven’t been able to sit down and digest any sort of news in such a long time. I feel so disconnected – and that’s ironic because of the “always connected” world we live in! Something that I’ve discovered is a great way to try and stay up to speed, and it’s called The Daily Distiller. All the news that I need to be...
- The Food and Drink at Cap Maison in Saint Lucia
  
  9 Aug 2016 | 6:45 am
  
  I have always wanted a vacation where I enjoyed good food and had drinks by the pool/ocean. In Saint Lucia, I did just that. In fact, I can still smell and taste the fish and chips we had at The Naked Fisherman. The freshest fish of my life, the crispy but tender coating, the hint of citrus. Every bite was delicious. I could have had that same dish every day and not gotten bored. I thought it would be fun to give you a photo tour of some of the delicious food and drinks we enjoyed. Some of these were enjoyed at The Naked Fisherman, others at The Cliff at Cap, and others were room service. If you are planning to stay at Cap Maison, you have these meals and drinks (and more) to look forward to. We should...
- Simply Marina
- My Expat Life in the UK – Home, Family, Happiness
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 11:42 pm
  
  Another travel post on the blog? Not really. Just a couple of lines to say goodbye to my little Bulgaria and greet the UK again. Our holiday in Bulgaria is coming to an end. A few more days and we are flying back to London. Am a sad? No. I have enjoyed every bit of our long summer break. I love spending time with my mother, she is amazing and I adore her. This time, I have also taken full advantage of staying with her – no unpleasant everyday chores, no worries about the cooking and planning the weekly menu (well, I miss the cooking but I’ll be catching up with it soon. ). Thank you, mother! You are a star, I mean it. I have met all those people close to my heart who make the homeland a place I want to...
- The Woman and the Book
  
  15 Aug 2016 | 8:50 am
  
  It was a chilly grey day in October… She stepped into the bookshop and forgot about the world. Completely. She deliberately got lost in the long corridors of bookshelves, eager to touch the treasures hidden in there, to feel the different textures of paper, to open the covers carefully, and inhale deeply. Oh, how intoxicating the scent of paper was! Over there… A book caught her eye. It was big and had a gorgeous cover. Many books had gorgeous covers, of course, but there was something special about this one. The book was calling her over. She hadn’t come here in order to buy anything. She only intended to be around all that loveliness for a while. And then, after spending a few minutes with herself in the...
- The Island of Thassos – Love at First Sight
  
  4 Aug 2016 | 6:16 am
  
  Our family holiday is over. I told you we were going to Greece. We wanted a quiet, beautiful place. We got it. Actually, our expectations were totally beaten. My husband and I have visited Greece many times before and we know it is an enchanting country. But this year, we rediscovered it in a different way. It felt like the perfect summer holiday. Because the island of Thassos turned out to be the perfect summer destination for us. I took a nice digital break just the way I intended, and instead of spending hours with either my phone or my laptop, I had fun with my family. We all had fun. Together. I am sure many of you have been on Thassos – a gorgeous combination of sea and mountain. Still, I hope...
- momooze
- 20+ Tips for Pumping More Breast Milk
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 11:24 pm
  
  If you just started with breastfeeding your baby, you realized one thing – it’s not as easy as everyone tells you. One thing is to get the baby to latch on properly and the second one is to make sure your body produces enough milk. If you opted for pumping breast milk for whatever reasons, you would find the short infographic below extremely helpful! Before we jump to the infographic, let’s cover few things you should know about your milk supply! Variations in Milk Supply Your breast milk supply will vary depending on the time of day, your health conditions and other factors. Generally speaking, if you allow the baby to nurse, the milk supply should accommodate the baby’s needs. The issues start when you...
- The Importance of Play in Early Childhood – Infographic
  
  20 Aug 2016 | 12:02 pm
  
  We all know kids love to play, but do you know how important it actually is? Child’s play may be simple as 1-2-3, but what we do know but don’t think of is the benefits it has to our kids. What we see are bruised knees, dirty clothes and a whole lot of adrenaline running through their tiny veins. Simple child’s play in the park or outside your house seems like such a routine, you don’t think any more of it. What we don’t know is that there are many things to be considered and thought of even during their playing process. Just to give you a bit of perspective on how important it is, think of Finland. Finland is on top of the list in producing the best students. And, they have the shortest school hours....
- 100+ Stunning Printable Baby Shower Invitations
  
  19 Aug 2016 | 5:31 am
  
  Planning a baby shower? The first thing you will probably wonder about is what style or theme to choose if any – and straight after that where do you get your invitations printed? Baby showers are not cheap affair these days – lots of decorations, cakes, and entertainment to take care of! If you want a little helping hand, I have a small secret shortcut to invitations for any event – simply download a pre-designed template and print them at home! They cost a fraction of what you would pay in a regular shop, plus you have something that doesn’t look like it was picked up in a supermarket on your weekly shop. There are thousands of designs to choose from, so no matter if your shower theme is superheroes or...
- Truth Is In The Writing
- Burn Out
  
  21 Aug 2016 | 3:46 pm
  
  The struggle is real. Rushing to meet work deadlines, repeated trips to the grocery stores, the monotonous cycle of doing laundry (and rejoicing when it actually gets hung), planning meals, scheduling play dates, battling bedtimes, dragging sleepy kids out of bed and off to school. Burn out has arrived the first month of school. And my kids don’t even go back for another week. The thought of getting back into the school routine is overwhelming. And while I sit and gripe, pecking away at these keys, I long for my kids to be back in school again. It’s the preparation, and the cessation of a summer full of memories and late nights, that has me dragging. I blame NBC for airing the Olympics in prime time...
- When The Plague Strikes-Part II
  
  16 Aug 2016 | 3:12 pm
  
  As mothers we try our hardest to avoid getting sick. It’s preferable to be the caretakers than be the ones needing to be cared for. I wrote about this very topic just a few weeks ago when the plague struck my household. Fighting off a tickle in my throat for weeks, through a family vacation, summer camp and VBS, my body finally relented. Typing this through watery, itchy eyes, and taking periodic breaks to cough and blow my nose (Sorry, just keeping it real), I feel compelled to share some insights with my fellow mothers. On Being Sick. Once you become a mother there is no crawling into bed with uninterrupted sleep, just to awaken on the other side with a renewed spirit and restored health. Instead being...
- Why I Choose To Be A Work-From-Home Mom
  
  12 Aug 2016 | 4:02 pm
  
  When I was pregnant with my first child, I had the luxury of working from home. I say this because I suffered severe morning sickness that lasted throughout the day. Those familiar with this unfortunate circumstance know the illness by its medical name: hyperemesis gravidarum. It’s a horrible side effect a small percentage of pregnant women experience where you have bouts of vomiting several times a day, which can last beyond the first trimester. In my case, it occurred right up until delivery, and even after until the pregnancy hormones completely left my system. I digress. During this time, I was grateful to be working from home and be sick in the privacy of my own bathroom rather than the communal...

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