Sometimes in the summer the kids and I will pick up Ed from work and then drive right across town to the east-end Beaches for dinner and a stroll on the boardwalk. We do it when it’s easier than facing the throng of late rush hour traffic heading west. I do it when I just [...]
Moms
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Most Topular Stories
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The Beaches
Playground Confidential14 May 2012 | 11:31 pm -
Cooking Essentials I Learned From My Mom … With a Few Makeovers Mixed In!
Meal Makeover Moms' Kitchen12 May 2012 | 7:09 pmMy mom and dad just celebrated 57 years of marriage and the 50th anniversary of their GE refrigerator. When I walk into their kitchen, it’s like taking a step back in time. Besides the hum of that old fridge (and no, it is not energy efficient), my mom’s home-cooked meals are essentially the same as the ones I ate as a kid. They are simple yet satisfying; no recipe required. My parents pose proudly in front of their antique fridge! In today’s world of TV cooking shows, food blogs, celebrity chefs, and glossy cookbooks, my mom relies on a few yet flavorful ingredients – meat from her… -
10 Apps on my iPhone right now
Blog by Donna15 May 2012 | 8:47 pmThese are the first 10 apps on my iPhone at this very moment (I have over 60 apps currently). And I delete apps often. 1. HootSuite - HootSuite for iPhone® allows you to send updates to Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare from virtually anywhere. Plus, you can easily manage campaigns, schedule updates, and even translate messages to/from over 50 languages. 2. Facebook - If you're not familiar with Facebook, you've been living under a rock. Really. You can do most everything you do on FB on your iPhone.... just taking FB mobile. 3. Big Lens - I love this app! Big… -
instagrammia
Secret Agent Josephine15 May 2012 | 4:00 pmI think summer is here. No more cold spells. Which I love. Even though the heat out here in the desert can be quite oppressive when it gets up in the hundreds for days on end, there’s something that harkens back to my childhood when I wake up in the morning and tip toe outside and it already feels warm at six in the morning. I was raised here in the desert and deep inside I’ll always be a desert rat. That’s not saying I’m not anxious to get back to the beach. I AM. I think about it almost every minute. I just want to know where I’m going to live already. I hope… -
3 Casual Ways to Wear Yellow
Karen Cheng's Fashion and Life14 May 2012 | 7:23 pmI realise that a lot of my fashion posts feature a lot of “going out” or “formal” outfits. So I put together a few of my “everyday” outfits, stuff that I actually wear and have worn during the week. This week the theme is YELLOW! LEFT Stripe top- Alexander Wang from The Outnet I am in love with basic luxe tees. Their slouchy look is just perfect with jeans, cropped pants, skirts or shorts. Yellow jeans – YesStyle These are just cheap and cheerful jeans from a Korean brand, Bengirl. The yellow colour is just how I like it – not too dull, not too…
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Kimchi Mamas
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Hump Day Links
16 May 2012 | 9:29 amKristen Chase over at Motherhood Uncensored gives some perspective to the perception of Dads and our roles as Moms. (Did you know she's a Kimchi Mama? Probably explains her HAWTNESS.) Speaking of sexy: I guess women of colour aren't sexy anymore? According to VS we're not . . . When I grow up I want to be Jen and Diane... -
Happy Mother's Day!
13 May 2012 | 10:23 amHappy mother's day to all the Kimchi Mamas out there! May your day be filled with laughter, joy, hugs, smiles . . . and of course, kimchi! -Angie in Texas will be celebrating with her Kimchi Mama with . . . kimchi! -
Bay Area! Go Watch the APA Vagina Monologues on May 17!
10 May 2012 | 2:34 pmAlthough I love vaginas and enjoy talking about them, I have yet to go see a Vagina Monologues show. Oh, how I wish I can go to this one! The cast is all Asian/Pacific Islander, and I bet this will be a transformative experience. From their website: NAPAWF Bay Area proudly presents an Asian Pacific American women's production of the...
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Techmamas - Curating the Best of Tech and Social Media for Families
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Media Training: To Time, Jamie Grumet, Mashable and Lemmings Following Along
12 May 2012 | 2:27 pmIn a perfect storm of posts lately, “mommy blogging” and “attachment parenting” have become the hot topics of conversation. I have not blogged about my own personal stories for some time because I have been focused on helping one of my children through his own “perfect storm” transition in his life. A transition that will not be a part of any of my blog posts. Why? Because it is not related to my social media niche – it is personal. What has snapped me out of my self imposed personal “opinion” writing seclusion? It seems that… -
Intel “What About Me?” – Picture Of Your Digital Life (Twitter Party)
8 May 2012 | 12:15 pmsponsored post Like many entrepreneurs these days, I share my professional brand and parts of my personal life online using various social media platforms. While my main focus online is to curate the most relevant tech information , I also consider myself a fashionista who has found stylish heels that can make it through a week at Consumer Electronics Show (fashion), clueless in the kitchen and always looking for easy recipes (food) and a number one fan of her twin sons’ Little League baseball team (sports). But I do wonder what a snapshot of my digital life would look like. That is… -
Join us at #PixyKids Twitter Party Thursday 4/26 to talk kids, tech and social media
23 Apr 2012 | 4:29 pmJoin Sarah Auerswald of Sarah & Sons / MomsLA and me (Beth Blecherman of TechMamas.com) as we discuss kids’ online habits with PixyKids, the soon to launch interactive and engaging social media platform where kids 6-12 can create, share, learn, and have fun through their personalized digital space. We’ll be on Twitter Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 10am PST with Hashtag #PixyKids – and we’ll also be live at the Digital Kids conference taking place in Pasadena. We’ll be joined by expert panelists Ciaran Blumenfeld of Momfluential.net, Katie Dillon of LaJollaMom.com, Heidi Leder of…
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Parentopia
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If 250,000 people say it’s true, well then it must be bullshit
8 May 2012 | 9:03 pmOh fabulous! Two more studies barking out who must be happier based upon parenthood. And wow! The two studies are based upon “worldwide” samples of 130,000 and 120,000 people. I’ll be the first to admit I suck at math, I mean not just bad, I mean royally suck. Like getting a 250- on- the- Math- [...] -
Well, Hello There. And…Listen To Your Mother DC!
2 May 2012 | 12:25 pmWe took a bit of an unplanned hiatus. So shall we have some “catch up?” Here is what is going on in the world of Parentopia. I took a full time position as a School Social Worker in Northern Virginia. Aviva has a part time gig as an Intervention Specialist with a school system in [...] -
Guilt No More
30 Nov 2011 | 1:37 pmKudos to Redbook for declaring November 30, 2011 as No-Judgment Day! Ever since our book was published in 2005, we have had the pleasure of hearing sighs of relief from people all over the world when we remind them none of us became parents to be tormented and miserable our entire lives. Parenting is a [...]
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Jessica Gottlieb A Los Angeles Mom
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The Perfect Mother’s Day
14 May 2012 | 11:54 pmYesterday was blissful as Mother’s Day always is. Mr. G always makes a bigger fuss than necessary and I always let him. It’s my wifely duty to be a little pampered. Saturday night we couldn’t quite agree on where to eat but we all agreed that we’d be eating out. The kids wanted Laurel Tavern but they don’t really understand that it’s a bar. So they don’t understand that on a Saturday night no one wants them there. Further the place is packed and loud and Laker-y. So we drove past Laurel Tavern in an effort to show them why we wouldn’t be eating… -
Jamie Lynne Grumet Breastfeeds on the Cover of TIME Magazine
10 May 2012 | 2:12 pmDoes this help or hurt attachment parenting? -
It’s 10pm. Where is Your Child’s Cell Phone?
10 May 2012 | 3:01 amIn an effort to make my teenage daughter hate me (because really, what other motive could I have?). I gave Jane two options regarding her cell phone at night. Option 1: She can leave her cell phone plugged in downstairs Option 2: I can add back parental controls and after 10pm she will only be able to call or text me, her grandparents and 9-1-1. There is no option 3. We had tears and threats. I wasn’t spoken to for two solid hours. If you’ve ever met Jane you’d know how meaningful silence is. This is a child who needs to communicate to feel alive. “It’s my…
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The Tasteful Life
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Granola: Love Crunch
9 May 2012 | 2:40 pmJust got back from Miami! I am swimming in ideas as well as inspiration. One of the things I’ve been working hard at is creating healthier breakfast and snack options for my children. At first there was a bit of complaining but we are working through that. We now have conversations about having good protein in our meals that give us energy and help us think and make better decisions. While at the Mom 2.0 Summit I tried the Love Crunch Aloha blend by Nature’s Path. For a quick and easy breakfast or snack we’ve been sprinkling it on top of our favorite Greek yogurt that is… -
A Beautiful Mess: Angel Food Cake + Pineapple Whipped Cream
11 Apr 2012 | 3:39 pmI love messy cakes. I love how beautiful they look with their carefree presentation. My mother made this cake and it was divine + easy. Two words that when used together means every person should have this written down or saved. It takes 15 minutes to assemble and 1 hour of chill time. Also – I love pineapple. It reminds me of weddings. I think that’s because my parents had a pineapple cream layered cake as their wedding cake. We’ve ordered that for many of their Anniversaries (over 50 years and going). Also at bridal showers we serve a punch that uses pineapple as the base… -
Lollipop Lamb in Red Wine Port
5 Apr 2012 | 7:53 amLollipop Lamb is one of my favorite dishes to make. It tastes amazing when paired with a red wine port sauce. The one thing that I don’t like with lamb is mint. I know many people and many recipes call in the mint but I can’t take it. Instead I go for garlic, rosemary and flat leaf parsley seasoned with sea salt and ground pepper. This is a really good recipe for Lollipop lamb and when placed on a serving dish that is laced with a Red Wine Port sauce – oh the joy of dinner! Lollipop Lamb in Red Wine Port Reduction Ingredients 2 1 1/4-pound racks of lamb, fat trimmed (Ask the…
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The Daily Bitch
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I've Got You Under My Skin...Pt II
24 Apr 2012 | 10:22 amI have a confession to make: I do not wash my face at night. THERE I SAID IT. I wash my face in the shower. That's it. My beauty routine. Wash, slap on some moisturizer, aaaand DONE. Occasionally I put on the bare minimum of makeup, but since my job doesn't require me to see anyone other than (occasionally) my boss (and THANK GOD I DO NOT DEAL WITH PEOPLE), mostly I don't bother. And even if I do, I don't remove it before bed. DON'T JUDGE. So the awesome people at Simone France let me try a skin care regimen. As you may have read (a few posts down) I was a little leery of it because it… -
:(
28 Mar 2012 | 2:56 pmMy great-aunt (previously mentioned) passed away last night. I guess the "good" side is that she wasn't suffering long and now she won't have to go through chemo. Of course this means a funeral...I really really really really don't like funerals. I mean, you guys already KNOW what to do when I cross home plate for the last time, but unfortunately not everyone is as cool as me when it comes to being laid to rest. Of course in my family, some relatives you only get to see at funerals and weddings. I'll be the one who says something inappropriate (but probably funny, at least in my own mind),… -
Where's the remote?
25 Mar 2012 | 7:03 pmI need a life-size REWIND button for 2012. Now you know how I hate to complain too much about my personal life, because a) Most of the time I feel pretty fortunate and grateful and 2) because it is WAAAYYYY more fun for me to complain about other people. But seriously, 2012? YOU ARE A STONE BITCH. Of course I have to blame a little of it on 2011, right about Christmas time. See, for MONTHS before Christmas my mother and I had discussed a Kindle Touch. She was going to get me one for Christmas, and I asked her at least 10-15 times if she was positive that's what she was giving me -…
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Selfish Mom
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Save money shopping online with CouponCodes4U
16 May 2012 | 12:55 pm[The following is a sponsored post, commissioned by CouponCodes4u.] I do pretty much all of my shopping online – I have for years. Everything from clothes and shoes to jewelry to groceries. I love the convenience. I love being able to shop in my pajamas (why should I dress for shopping if I don’t dress [...] -
My Crazy Sleep Experiment: Day Five–not insane yet
16 May 2012 | 12:33 amSo far so good. Waiting for some kind of crash, but so far, nothing! It can’t really be this easy, can it? I mean, if it were, everybody would be doing it! Originally posted on Selfish Mom. All opinions expressed on this website come straight from Amy unless otherwise noted. This post has a Compensation [...] -
SheStreams 2012 through the lens of a Samsung Focus S
14 May 2012 | 4:18 pmI was thrilled to attend the SheStreams conference in Fort Lauderdale at the end of March (as well as do my first solo session, about podcasting), and it was delicious icing on the cake when AT&T teamed up with SheStreams to give me a Samsung Focus S to record my experiences at the conference. But [...]
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Mrs. Mogul
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DIGS: How To Throw A We Hate The Kardashians: Ready, Set, Celebrate
24 Apr 2012 | 6:33 amThere's a new YouTube channel called DIGS which is a fun, tongue and cheek look at home design and decor. This one sent to my attention is called We Hate The Kardashians: Ready, Set, Celebrate. There's a hateful cookie decorating table with the faces of all the Kardashians, a “make-under station” where guests are encouraged to take off all their make-up, and a Kardashian piñata. What do you think? Looking through the other videos - there's something for everyone. I personally like How To Build A Killer Robot: Extreme Craft Challenge. -
Rachel Bilson: Sunglass Style Pro
19 Apr 2012 | 2:07 pmI had to post this today because of Rachel Bilson. She is the reason that I named my daughter Summer (her character's name on the O.C.) Oh and do you know she's the style director of the Sunglass Hut!She tells CelebStyle her choices for the types of sunglasses she recommends for the following personal styles: grungy cool, preppy chic, retro, '70s-inspired, sporty.RB: For an always-cool style, the best sunglasses are the Ray-Ban Wayfarer — my personal favorites! I love all of the different colors you can choose from to make any outfit fit your mood. For a preppy chic, definitely round… -
Laura Bennett: Handmade Chic: Fashionable Projects That Look High-End, Not Homespun
17 Apr 2012 | 5:11 pmDid you watch Laura Bennett on Project Runway?The designer has a book out called Handmade Chic: Fashionable Projects That Look High-End, Not Homespun (Rodale Books).Filled with colorful photos and 208 pages - this craft book has interactions that are easy to follow. You can create "35 distinctive designer-quality craft projects that will instantly upgrade your look from head to toe – all for a fraction of what you’d pay in fine stores."“Every project in this book is certainly simple enough for anyone who can thread a needle and sew a straight seam, and some projects don’t even require…
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Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday
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Writing/Blogging/Mothering – The Whole Jolly Lot
15 May 2012 | 7:47 pmI was interviewed by Kirsten Krauth over at her excellent blog Wild Colonial Girl about the creative life and how one goes about it with so many responsibilities. Here’s a tiny excerpt: How has your blog influenced your other writing, your novels, your nonfiction, your poetry? KA: It’s made me more open to the value of flash/shorter fiction for starters! It’s made me realise much quicker the greater potential an idea might lend itself to having, i.e whether it would be better to make a blog post out of something or turn it into a poem. For example, a day I had at the park years ago… -
Brief Speaking Announcement @ #ewf12 Blogging Masterclass
14 May 2012 | 7:05 pmFor those of you who have been debating whether to attend the Emerging Writers’ Festival or not, in a piece of developing news I will be taking the ‘Blog to Where?’ session during the blogging masterclass. From the website, here’s a little more about the day: Take your blogging to the next level. Aimed at writers already blogging, this masterclass will deal with a variety of subjects relevant to digital skills development and career projection. With five sessions, two inspiring keynote addresses, handouts, and plenty of time for questions, we’ll help you navigate the… -
Being Present, Not Focused On Them
12 May 2012 | 11:25 pmYesterday saw our annual pilgrimage over to Williamstown to one of my oldest girlfriend’s biggest morning tea Cancer Council fundraising extravaganzas. We’d arrived just as my face resumed its normal colour after being beet red, thanks to a ten kilometre run I’d done earlier with another girlfriend in a very respectable time (6o minutes). As we sat there, among the other morning tea guests, I felt more than the usual post-running endorphins. I felt centred and calm. I backed this up this morning with some yoga, for although I ran okay I’ve not done so properly,…
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entrepreMusings
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Happy Mother’s Day 2012 – Keep Up The Good Work
12 May 2012 | 9:09 amHappy Mother’s Day to all you fabulous mothers out there! Being a parent and especially a mother these days is probably one of the hardest jobs on the planet. Unlike an OB doctor, who can be liable for a kid’s physical health until they are 18 or sometimes 21, mother’s can be blamed or praised for their kids successes or failures until they die. I have been blessed with great women friends who are amazing mothers. Most of the older women I know have stood by their now mostly-out-of-the-nest kids through many ups and downs even if their own parenting styles and home… -
Very Interesting And Provocative Blog Posts
10 May 2012 | 7:05 pmI wish I had more time to come up with compelling, informative posts, but one must prioritize. So instead, I’m fortunate enough to happen upon some interesting ones Eleven Compelling Startup Pitch Archetypes (with examples from YC companies). A really easy to read summary of the types of pitches based on the type of company. A must read for all entrepreneurs trying to fundraise. Same Sex Marriage on AVC by Fred Wilson on President Obama’s support of same sex marriages. Unforgiven: Inside America’s Student Loan Bubble about the student loan crisis. Love And 6 Other Things… -
How To Copyright A Song
5 May 2012 | 9:00 amWell, we finally did it. Brett Jason Wintermeyer, my songwriting partner and fellow Metaphor Maniac (link to facebook page that we haven’t actively publicized yet, but hope to soon), finally filed a copyright on 4 of our songs last week. We were trying for a 5th, but we kept getting stuck so we gave up in the hopes we’d be inspired later. 4 is a lucky number, right? It’s important to keep in mind that all artists own the rights to their works and have immediate copyright protection even if they don’t submit for a copyright registration. Having a copyright…
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i am lotus
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Great Salt Lake Marina
10 May 2012 | 11:18 amShe Had Memories Of Floating Along Prints Available For Sale Here -
Photo Talk Plus Live Tonight at 8PM Pacific with Mickey Osterreicher
8 May 2012 | 1:43 pmGo to http://vidcastnetwork.com tonight – after you watch LIFE Through The Lens stick around for Photo Talk Plus (usually airing on Wednesdays) at 8PM Pacific with Award Winning Photojournalist and Attorney for the National Press Photographer’s Association, Mickey Osterreicher. What a great show it will be – come ready to ask Mickey all your photography/art/legal questions. We have an amazing panel available for discussion as well, including cohost Thomas Hawk, Photography Is Not A Crime Blogger Carlos Miller, Tamara Pruessner from LIFE Through The Lens,… -
They Held Hands On Long Flights
4 May 2012 | 5:28 pmPrints For Sale Here
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TravelingMamas.com
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Happy Mother’s Day
13 May 2012 | 7:07 amHappy Mother’s Day from TravelingMamas.com. Photo from Mother’s Day on the Carnival Magic cruise ship inaugural season. -
Traveling with the Nokia Lumia 900 #Lumia900
11 May 2012 | 6:56 amI’ve had the Nokia Lumia 900 in hand for almost a month. The first two days of use, I had so much fun snapping photos and learning my way around this Windows Phone. I had an iPhone until it fell in my back pond, but I had already been wishing for the Lumia 900 since I first saw it at CES 2012 in Las Vegas. Traveling and working via smartphone can be a daunting task and I was able to manage things somewhat with the iPhone. However, I also had to bring along a larger camera and a higher quality digital video camera to help gather all the images and footage of the destinations I was… -
Elvis Presley’s Graceland
9 May 2012 | 6:02 amA stop in Memphis on Amtrak’s City of New Orleans. A few hours to kill. A taxi ride to see a King. These three things made up what turned out to be a fun and kitschy solo excursion to Graceland, the mecca of all that is Elvis Presley. I hailed a taxi from my downtown Memphis hotel and took the 15 minute ride for my personal pilgrimage. This place isn’t just a house on the top of a hill. It’s a destination full of museums, restaurants, shops, and even a hotel. Across the street stood that iconic white gate I’ve seen in so many movies and on television. Visitors…
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Adventures in Babywearing
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Tree hole
16 May 2012 | 8:07 amAt the park we made up songs for swinging and for brushing off the dirt when she fell. We peered into a giant tree hole and when she was done she was done and it was time to go. "Eyebrows are very complicated," she said. "Why do we have these eyebrows from Jesus?" We were lying down on my bed for a nap. I promised paints afterward if she'd take a rest with me. She traced my face with her fingers and we closed our eyes and whisper counted our drift-off. On thirty, her hand, fist round like a paw, fell softly to my side. -
It's About Time
15 May 2012 | 9:43 amNothing seems to fit. I'm in that in-between stage and can sense I'm about to get unstuck. But that means I am going to have to land somewhere new. Years ago I had to search for people like me, really search- I found them in the basement of a church at a La Leche League meeting. I consumed their doctrine, the babywearing, the breastfeeding, their secret Mothering magazine that you either had to borrow back issues or subscribe to or hope to get one of two copies Barnes & Noble stocked every month. She was nursing her baby in an unbleached muslin ring sling and I had found my way home. This… -
Here She Is! Listen To Your Mother Northwest Indiana is a SOLD OUT SUCCESS
14 May 2012 | 8:49 amIt was like birthing a baby. Sort of. I expect a full six weeks for proper recovery. After the show most of the cast walked across the street and filled the bar and just finally relaxed and breathed and enjoyed the thrill of our SOLD OUT SHOW. Two girls came up to me and one said, "You don't know me, but we were at the show and you can not just do this one night a year. You have to do it again. Same cast, same everything. You can charge double. We'll pay it!" But the nature of this show, at least to me as director/producer, is a one-time thing. Physically, I could not birth a baby two days in…
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TheBloggess.com
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If it’s Wednesday, this must be Atlanta
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amOnce again, I’m on tour so and today I’m in Atlanta. Please come see me? Pretty please? And while I’m gone I am completely phoning it in by reliving some of my favorite old posts. In other words…reruns. But good reruns. So for today a little something from 5 years ago: You know what I did last night when I couldn’t sleep? I came up with 28 ideas for sequels to The Little Engine that Could and this morning I’m looking at them thinking, “How high was I?” and the answer is “Pretty high” because I don’t even remember writing some of these. I… -
When I’m dead
14 May 2012 | 10:05 amme: When I die I want you to put me in a Wonder Woman outfit and toss me out of a moving plane. That way when I hit the ground people will assume that Wonder Woman’s invisible plane crashed. And that Wonder Woman really let herself go. Victor: But where would her plane be? me: Duh. Her invisible plane was invisible. Victor: Invisible. Not non-existent. me: Yes, well then whenever people tripped over nothing they could blame it on debris from my plane crash. And there’s my little slice of immortality. Victor: I don’t even know where to begin. me: Begin by… -
Not all guesses are equal
13 May 2012 | 8:56 amVictor: Why didn’t Ash come to our house when she was in town? me: Your guess is as good as mine. Victor: Because she hates you? me: Why are your guesses always so insulting? Victor: You said my guess was as good as yours. me: Well, I was wrong. Victor: Maybe she was on her way over when she ran over a bunch of violent dwarves and had to find some hungry bears to help her dispose of the bodies. me: Okay…that guess was a little better than mine. And now, time for the weekly wrap-up… What you missed in my shop (tentatively called “Eight pounds of uncut…
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So Close
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Happy birthday Maxie boy
15 May 2012 | 10:09 amThree years ago he made headlines. He might be three years old today but he will always be my baby. Happy birthday big boy! Mommy loves you millions xx -
Warrior Eli is a hoax
15 May 2012 | 3:50 amThanks to the efforts of a few concerned people, it has been uncovered that Warrior Eli is a hoax. A sickening, horrible, disgusting hoax that conned thousands of people across the world into believing a little boy had cancer and that his mother died. Many reputable organizations were deceived into believing the story was real. People like Battle4aCure, Little Fighters Cancer Trust, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation among others. It is all the work of a disturbed young woman in North America. Full details are here: http://warriorelihoax.wordpress.com/ The thing that upsets me… -
Updated: Someone is stealing pics of my kids and using them as their own. Again.
14 May 2012 | 1:45 amIt has just come to my attention that once again someone has taken photos of my children and used it as their own. I feel sick. Even more concerning, they are raising funds for one of their children who supposedly has cancer and apparently the mother died yesterday. The facebook page for the little boy with cancer already has 6500 likes. 6500 likes! That is a LOT of people who were duped. The mother supposedly died yesterday and already $1200 has been donated within a few hours (before I was alerted to the scam). I have to go out now so there isn't much I can do right now, but…
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mod*mom
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happy mother's day doris day :: mod*mom to all
13 May 2012 | 12:45 pmhappy mother's day cherishers, nurturers + protecters!this alexander girard reminds me of doris day :: mod*mom to all :)heroic inspirational modern mother spreading love + kindness... -
naked :: bath tub by boon :: baby-toddler
2 May 2012 | 1:49 pmnaked :: bath tub for baby - toddler :: by boon -
cyberspace spring cleaning :: music
23 Apr 2012 | 11:39 ami love the full sounds vinyl conveys + i'd love to upload rare records to my computerwith this atomic orange Crosley Spinnerette USB retro style record player / ripper / speaker:: portable turntable plays 3 Speeds : 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records:: Software Suite for Ripping + Editing Audio Content:: Diamond Stylus Needle:: portable Audio : plug in your iphone, portable audio device or MP3 Player:: USB connection for Mac + PC:: dynamic full range Stereo Speakeri found this on "cybermom's day" page at fredflare.com
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Blogging Mama
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How shaking and folding can help save trees
16 May 2012 | 6:52 amThis is an eye opener short talk at TEDx from Joe Smith. Consider this: Americans use 13 billion lbs of paper towels every year. If we can reduce by 1 paper towel per person per day, that would be equivalent to 571,230,000 million lbs of papers not used. That’s a lot of trees that we can potentially save. Tip: At home we use those micro fiber detailing cloths. It’s absorbent, reusable and washable. You use paper towels to dry your hands every day, but chances are, you’re doing it wrong. In this enlightening and funny short talk at TEDxConcordiaUPortland, Joe Smith reveals… -
Pop-up card for Mother’s Day
13 May 2012 | 11:34 pmMy daughter and I decided to make our own Mother’s Day Pop-up card. We got the idea from Martha Stewart through this video guide. You may also want to check this step-by-step instructions. We also used our rubber stamp for simple text. I should say that it was an easy to follow project, plus the fact that I have the materials readily available at home. We had fun making it and is now looking forward to making more pop-up cards for other special occasions. By the way, my mom was impressed and appreciated the effort we gave to her unique card. It’s always special and you feel the… -
The green drink and my apologies for the long silence
12 May 2012 | 5:31 pmI apologize for the long silence here. There has been a difficult health scare in my family. When someone is sick, especially in the family, it becomes difficult to go through with the normal routine in life. My 74-year old dad, who lives with me, was not in good health. A year ago he had to go through biopsy on his left lung because of some nodules that his doctors found to be suspicious of cancer. It was benign. Last month, he went through the same process for his right lung. When dad came back from two weeks in the hospital, he seemed to have lost his drive not only to eat but to live as…
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Pregnancy Stories By Age
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Pregnant naturally at 44
16 May 2012 | 8:00 amI got married at 40 and pregnant naturally at 44. Great pregnancy, normal C-section. I went into menopause at 46. My son is now 18.Stock Photo credit: umbertoAll rights reservedTODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:The Belated Baby: A Guide to Parenting After In-fertility-- In-fertility is a mind-set and that every woman who experiences in-fertility is forever changed, even when she eventually has the child she yearned for.When many women who have gone through fertility treatments describe their experience, they say it "abused their soul."The experience may have also hurt their relationship with their… -
Beautiful 19-month-old son at 45
15 May 2012 | 8:00 amI am 45 and have a beautiful 19-month-old son; he was a "surprise". I have 2 wonderful, grown stepsons (24 and 26 years old). I had a great pregnancy and other than having to have a c-section, no problems with delivery. We had been married 16 years when I got pregnant, and I didn't think I could get pregnant. He is such a blessing (as are all children) Photo credit: SpringjAll rights reservedTODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:Fertility Facts (Conceive Magazine Editors)-- The ultimate compendium of pre-pregnancy advice, essential not only for the one in six couples struggling with fertility challenges,… -
Got pregnant in my 50's
14 May 2012 | 8:00 amGot pregnant in my 50's (just last year), a true Bonus Baby. My husband and I were shocked and thrilled at the same time. My daughter, Elizabeth, has been a joy to us.Stock Photo credit: lghaithAll rights reservedTODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:You Make Me Feel Like an Unnatural Woman: Diary of an Older Mother-- Today the number of women having their first child over thirty-five has increased by a bazillion fold, or some equally scary large number, and Newman is the first to write a book that tells what it's really like when a trip to the drugstore entails the purchase of both diaper cream and…
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dooce® main feed
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Ms. May
16 May 2012 | 8:55 amFor someone too young to have ever watched "Dynasty," Cami sure knows how to give the Carringtons a run for their money. Dress: Vintage Heels: ASOS Bag: Antique Shop Sunnies: ASOS Necklace: F21 Lipstick: MAC Snob (You can find Cami here. Photos by Billy Concha.) click image above to see the photo on dooce.comby dooce in Daily Style© Armstrong Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Originally published by Heather B. Armstrong for dooce.com as Ms. May. This post cannot be republished without express written permission. -
Over the East River
16 May 2012 | 7:30 amI got to walk along the East River in Manhattan on Sunday morning, one of the most gorgeous days I've ever spent in New York. So I acted like an obnoxious tourist and gawked at this landmark a little too earnestly. It's probably my favorite thing in the city, that and the angry, cynical cab drivers who take pride in escaping death at every turn. The attitude with which they operate a vehicle is my spirit animal. click image above to see the photo on dooce.comby dooce in Daily Photo© Armstrong Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Originally published by Heather B. Armstrong for dooce.com as Over… -
What an excellent day for an exorcism
15 May 2012 | 12:53 pm(I am currently out of town on business, so for the next few days I'm going to post some things from my archives that many of you have probably never seen. This following was originally published on December 12, 2005.) Yesterday while pushing Leta through the grocery store in a cart that had a car fastened to its front I accidentally backed the entire 600 pound vehicle over my right foot. A woman and her child were waiting several feet down the aisle for us to move out of the way, and for the first time in many, many years I actually thought twice about bursting into flames of profanity. The…
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Stories of Pregnancy and Birth over 40 years old
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These are not my grandkids
16 May 2012 | 8:00 amJay and Kathy struggled with infertility for several years. When Kathy was 40, they decided to seek medical help with conceiving.By age 45, Kathy felt her eggs were hard boiled, and that this necessitated trying in vitro fertilization. On their third attempt Jay and Kathy Rosales, ages 50 and 45 respectively, became pregnant with triplets. It was so much fun to tell people they were pregnant and it was triplets… Kathy's pregnancy was OK. She was placed on bed rest at home at 5 months and was in the hospital for about a month. The triplets were born at 30 weeks. Read moreTODAY'S BOOK… -
Five hours later, Amanda is a mom!
15 May 2012 | 8:00 amA Tennessee couple is calling their days-old daughter a "miracle baby," and part of that miracle is that the new mother never even knew she was pregnant.Amanda Prentice and her husband Billy have been trying to get pregnant for four years.So imagine the excitement last month when doctors told the Lawrenceburg family she was pregnant.And imagine the surprise, just five hours later, when Amanda became a mom."This is Allie McKinley Rose," Amanda Prentice said. "She's a miracle." Read morePhoto Credit: www.9news.comTODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:You Can Get Pregnant Over 40, Naturally: Overcoming… -
Amanda Weber - Mom at 43 Thru Yoga
14 May 2012 | 8:00 amBy the time you reach 40, chances are you have heard of Yoga and maybe even tried it. I had hoped it would help me deal with the stress and uncertainty of life. It did all this and more and I found myself hooked on a daily dose of downward dogs.Little did I know that 3 short years later I would be using my practice to prepare my body to give birth at 43.Read moreTODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:Fully Fertile: A 12-Week Holistic Plan for Optimal Fertility-- The healing powers of traditional yoga, Oriental medicine, nutrition, and other mind/body techniques are accessible with this do-it-yourself…
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Mommies With Style
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How Come No one Told Me About the Snapfish App
16 May 2012 | 11:42 amSeeing as the bulk of my pictures come from my iPhone now, I can’t believe I didn’t know about the Snapfish iPhone App sooner! I happened to find this when I was randomly checking in the App store for something else and am so happy to have discovered it. Do you take most of your family photos on your phone now? Do you take shots you wish you were organized to then print out? Check out the Snapfish App. I’m totally adding photos now and hoping to print out some great shots from the last year or so! If you’re a Snapfish user, this is pretty awesomesauce. -
25% off at Gap Today & Tomorrow Only
16 May 2012 | 10:13 amUse coupon code GAPGO25 to receive 25% off your order of regular priced merchandise on Gap.com today and tomorrow only. These awesome coupon codes are gonna kill me! -
Ingenious: the IceHuggy (and a 20% off coupon!)
16 May 2012 | 5:58 amFrom about April-October, my kids have popsicle and Flavor Ice (we call them “Icey Pops” in our house) almost every day. And every day that I give them a popsicle, I have to also give them a paper towel to wrap around the popsicle because they complain about cold hands if I don’t. Enter the IceHuggy, which is really such a simple yet handy invention. The IceHuggy fits most popsicles and alleviates any need for a paper towel (hello eco-friendly!) and helps keeps hands nice and warm! You can purchase the IceHuggy right on their website – it’s $6.99 for a two-pack…
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june cleaver nirvana
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board game art
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amToday I am posting about one of my favorite rooms in the house…the game room. And that isn’t JUST because it holds the poker table. It is where board games became art. And it had the bonus of helping one of the “issues” in my marriage. *Rewind 20 years* My husband is an avid board game collector. In the very early {and dirt poor} years of our relationship, we entertained ourselves with antique mall shopping in search of games. Any game was good, but an old Monopoly set was the holy grail. And then eBay was invented. Oh my. Let’s just say that all worthy games… -
i kill plants {and dreams}
15 May 2012 | 7:00 amHe crawled up in my lap for comfort. I held and rocked him back and forth as he sobbed. Big tears rolled out of his green eyes dropping down onto precious cheeks with a deliberate splash. How could you, mommy? I am so sorry, Rhett. How could you? I should have done something sooner – when you asked. I asked you over and over! It was true. A week or so ago he brought home a plant they had nurtured in Kindergarten. What had started out as a dark, lifeless seed had magically grown into a 5 inch tall green, leafy plant. He had watered it. He had placed it in the right light. He had… -
the camera crew in my kitchen
14 May 2012 | 7:00 amA few months ago, I dropped the kids off at school and came home to find this in my kitchen. Two cameras. 4 lights. A camera crew. A make-up artist. A big platter of breakfast pastries. A professional interviewer. And me. It was a shoot for the new Pledge Multi-Surface II Antibacterial Cleaner’s appearance on the Health and Home Report with Laura DeAngelis. Did I mention it was for Pledge Multi-Surface II Antibacterial Cleaner? The crew set up and the makeup artist made us look pretty. We practiced our lines. FULL DISCLOSURE: I practiced MY lines over and over while Laura was super…
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Fluid Pudding
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42 Spanking Heads Baked in a Pie
14 May 2012 | 12:48 pmAs you know, I turned 42 over the weekend. 42 has always been one of my very favorite numbers, so I have it in my head that it’s only a matter of minutes before my bucket starts filling up with more glitter, peach pie, and fancy (yet sensible) shoes. My life took a bit of a turn on Friday evening when my family gifted me with my very first smart phone. (I always upgrade my phone with whatever is free at Best Buy. As a result, my phones are always a bit simple-minded with a distinct lack of whistles and flares, and I’m okay with that. As long as I can call out when I need to call… -
It’s the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance!
9 May 2012 | 4:32 pmSince we last spoke, I helped a bunch of adorable first graders make buttons (I helped only the adorable ones. I sent the not-so-adorable ones away.), I took a gaggle of girls out for pedicures and fondue, I talked about physical therapy vs. massage with my migraine doctor, I met up with a friend for dinner and the symphony (as a result, I now have a married girl crush on Stephen Hough), I dealt with the sparks of a migraine, I went to a school dinner, I deposited some PTO cash, I took the girls to the American Girl store so they could blast through some of their birthday gift cards, I… -
This is what’s under my skirt.
2 May 2012 | 11:04 amWhen I was in college, I would spend the summer months working in St. Louis for a company that tries to prevent people from collecting unemployment benefits. (It’s a long story. It never really matched up with my core values, and because I hate to compromise when it comes to Values, I eventually transferred over to switchboard operating which might sound like a demotion, but it sure didn’t feel like one because I was fed many more cupcakes and catered lunches as an operator than I was as a claim investigator. PLUS, the pay was exactly the same! Now! Back to our story!) Because my…
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champuru.net
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Journeys through the Valley
11 May 2012 | 3:53 amI’ve been walking through a valley for some time. It gets pretty dark in this valley at times. Lonely, too. As an only child, I feel like I am making this journey mostly alone. When I told Lil’ K that I had a doctor’s appointment tomorrow morning and I couldn’t watch her recite the Bible verse and sing with her preschool class during chapel, she sobbed, “I’m going to miss you, mama…!” I know how she feels. I’ve been missing my mama since she passed away in December. However, unlike Lil’ K, I won’t be able see her again until… -
Who needs a comfort zone?
28 Apr 2012 | 4:05 amWe have a pool, but we rarely use it. Lil’ K often asks if we can get in the pool, but I usually dismiss her request with a reason why it’s not a good time to get wet. (Too cold, too windy, we’re having dinner soon, we’re going out, etc.) I’m a non-swimmer and don’t particularly like going to the beach or the pool. I melt like a stick of butter in direct sunlight and I can’t even find my bathing suit. But, today I decided that I shouldn’t project my own disinclinations about water on my daughter, so I asked her if she wanted to go to the pool… -
He’s a keeper
28 Apr 2012 | 3:33 amFunny how a little thing can change your perspective in a big way. My friend Dawn sent me a link to a blog article entitled, “10 things your dog would tell you.” I read it and literally wept. #5 really got me: “You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I only have you.” And at the very end, it declares, “Remember that I love you.” When I come home and Chibi runs to greet me at the door, tail wagging a mile a minute, and eyes looking at me so expectantly ~ I know that it is true. After reading the article, I looked at that little mutt…
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Momo Fali's
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Sandwich Logic
14 May 2012 | 8:26 amDear Miss Teacher, Look, I understand that the paper was on food safety, but I’m thinking he should get partial credit for this. Why waste time with hygiene when there is a sandwich involved? -
Ten
10 May 2012 | 2:00 amTen? Give me a minute to wrap my head around that. To be honest, it’s hard to wrap your head around something when you’ve spent the last ten years spinning about. Half the time, I haven’t even known where my head is. The decade since you were born has been the longest, most stress-filled quarter of my life. I’ve watched you get poked, prodded and wheeled away from me to an operating room over and over again. I’ve seen you choke and vomit so many times, it would be impossible to count. And, there were times that we saw so many different doctors and therapists that… -
Question of the Day XIV
7 May 2012 | 8:55 pmYou know how you sleep for 10 hours and it is the longest you have, maybe, ever slept in your entire life and it feels amazing, and then you sleep great again the next night and think it MUST be because the window is open and your mom was right about fresh air, and she’s probably right about catching a cold if you go outside with your hair wet, but you’ll still never forgive her for slapping a ski cap on every kid who ever came over to play if it was under 40 degrees, because “they may come over without a hat on, but I’ll be damned if they’re leaving without…
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A Mom in Red High Heels
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Yes, Moms! You CAN Wear White!
16 May 2012 | 9:28 amLadies, many of you shared with me on Facebook that white is absolutely OUT when you are a mom. I beg to differ. Let’s not forget that as moms, we also HAVE A LIFE OUTSIDE OF KIDS! We do (and if you don’t, please get one!). When you are at brunch with a friend, dinner with your honey or attending a business mixer, you can enjoy your white clothes if you fear wearing them around your kids! However, I have to tell you, I wore these ELLE Contemporary Collection white Cuffed Denim Capri from Kohl’s at Zion National Park (in case you don’t know, Zion is all about RED… -
Summer Fashion Must-Haves
15 May 2012 | 5:28 pmAre you ready for the heat? Do you have the key pieces to take your warm weather wardrobe from drab to fab? Hot temperatures are no excuse for sloppy style! With these gorgeous Anthro pieces, you will exude style and and class this summer! Summer Fashion by amominredhighheels 4 must-have pieces for summer: white dress with a splash of color (this really is the perfect summer dress. Oh, how I love it!) fun skirt that can be worn casual or dressed up (imagine this skirt with a blazer or a simple tank…HOT either way!) colorful heels that speak to the casual feel of summer bright pants… -
Tanger Outlets: Quicksilver Warm Weather Trends
15 May 2012 | 9:23 amOn a recent shopping trip to Tanger Outlet, I spoke with the Quicksilver store manager, LeeAnn, about the hottest spring/summer trends from Quicksilver and Roxy. Wanting some sporty, beachy fashions for your family and yourself? Watch this video! Brights and prints…no surprise there! Didn’t you just love that teal and pink dress/top? Such a great combination of two spring/summer trends! I love that Roxy is featuring the “friendship bracelet” look on their apparel and shoes. What a great detail to incorporate into the design! There is something for everyone at…
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A Mommy Story
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Setting Up A Token System
15 May 2012 | 7:02 amIn the past week I've described the token system we use for chores and good behavior for the kids to three different people, so I thought why not share it with everyone? We don't give an allowance weekly at this point because neither of our girls have a strong enough grasp of money, and because many of the things they want aren't things at all but privileges that have little to no cost to us. We reward Cordy and Mira for good behavior and for helping around the house with doubloons. The idea was originally given to us by one of Cordy's therapists, suggesting a token system can work well for… -
We (Don't) Wear Short Shorts
11 May 2012 | 5:35 amNow that the weather is warmer and my children have proven they've grown just enough over the winter to no longer fit in last summer's clothing, it's time for my annual disgust at clothing for girls. And really, it focuses on just one item: shorts. I'll begin by saying my girls are not the dainty flowers who never show a drop of sweat. Oh no, they're hot, sweaty creatures who come home from summer camp each day with their sweaty hair matted to their heads. So shorts are kind of a necessary item to help keep them cool. My problem with girls' shorts is in the length. Nearly all shorts for girls… -
Happy IEP Surprises
8 May 2012 | 7:33 amYesterday we got to spend an hour in an IEP transition meeting. While any type of meeting tied to an IEP would cause me an incredible amount of stress, this was Mira's transition meeting for kindergarten and we already had the heads up from her teacher that they were planning to discharge her from any additional support. We knew this was going to happen and we were in total agreement. Mira entered special needs preschool two years ago because of a speech delay known as speech apraxia. She had great verbal comprehension, but her annunciation was extremely poor, to the point that no one could…
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DeliciousBaby.com
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Zambian Landscape
16 May 2012 | 12:58 amI'm not able to properly describe the beauty and calmness of Zambian's landscape, so I wanted to share this picture and a quote that I think describes it perfectly. Zambian landscape "The Zambian landscape is one note endlessly repeated. At the Tunduma frontier, the character of the land suddenly changes. The rolling hills of south-central Tanzania fade away and the table-flat upland of the Zambian plateau begins. Open grassy country gives way to unending woodland, a featureless wilderness of spindly trees twenty to thirty feet in height. Mile after mile, hour after hour it remains the same. -
Books and Online Resources about Zambia
16 May 2012 | 12:21 amFiction and Novels about Zambia Before I leave for any trip, I like to immerse myself in books about the country. Sometimes that means reading about the local history, but more often I use fiction or personal stories to help me get deeper insight into the culture. Here are a few of the books that help me set the stage for my trip to Zambia. North of South: An African Journey Shiva Naipaul, brother of the famous author V.S. Naipaul, writes his humorous and sometimes unsettling observations after a trip to Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia in the 1970s. It's a great insight into attitudes among… -
Ribbon Cutting at Chilileka Basic School's New Library
14 May 2012 | 11:02 amMissing a little context? Jump to the bottom to learn more about why I'm in Zambia this week. Spoiler alert - the libraries are real, and by the end of this day we cut a red ribbon I may have helped organize the Passports with Purpose fundraiser, but it was the work of about two thousand people (between bloggers, donors and corporate sponsors) who really built this project. So to load myself into a car, ride about 90 minutes outside Lusaka, and be greeted with such overwhelming enthusiasm felt a little bit like stealing someone else's glory. Here's my best effort to capture the feeling of…
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Single Mom | Single Mom Blog | Ms. Single Mama
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My view.
16 May 2012 | 7:34 amI am the luckiest girl alive for so many reasons.There were days I thought I would never, ever crawl out of my cave of uncertainty (if you need to catch up, become a Facebook fan and have a free eBook of Ms. Single Mama Uncensored). And now, although still uncertain about so many things, I am certain about the most important of them all:1) My family. My husband. The children. My loves. All will be well, even in the moments of frustration, this is obvious. 2) My work. My team. The big ideas. And most of all, our awesome clients. 3) The office. The cherry on the sundae. The Cement Marketing… -
Happy Single Mother’s Day.
13 May 2012 | 9:42 amA video love note to all of you… my sisters in arms, my single mothers, my modern day super women – you are truly remarkable, don’t forget that.Related posts:Happy Father’s Day, Daddy (!)Happy FridaySingle Moms & Dating (the video) -
The Honeymooners
2 May 2012 | 11:46 am“What do people without children do on the weekends?” Seth asks. His legs are extending over the ottoman.“I have no idea.”It’s been one week since our spontaneous back yard wedding and we still have the honeymoon glow. We’re both so happy, in spite of a few external forces that have presented themselves–a change in the team at Cement, a shift in employment for Seth. But now here we are with an entire weekend free from the kids, from work, from any obligations whatsoever.And here’s what we did. Rather than going out to breakfast at Skillet or North…
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Suburban Kamikaze
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Coming attractions...
15 May 2012 | 2:29 pmA parody of the book that has everybody "talking" Fifty Shades of Pink Anastasia Steele is the mega-successful CEO who longs to play the wilting damsel to a hard-bodied guy who drinks blood, runs with the wolves, or at the very least harbors a dark and violent secret. As luck and market capitalization would have it, Anastasia is in a position to get exactly what she wants, in whatever color she wants it. In the process, 22-year-old college student Christian Grey will discover the limits of what a man can endure for love. It's an erotic tale of a man's contractual… -
99 Reasons to Drink in the Suburbs #19: for the children
13 May 2012 | 2:26 pmI wait until Mother's Day morning to tell the children that Mother's Day was yesterday. That way they know they have already disappointed me and we can just move on without all the compulsory vacuuming and fake appreciation. And vice versa. Not that we don't appreciate it. But it's not really necessary. When you are the mother of two teenagers, every day is like Mother's Day. Exactly like Mother's Day: They want money, they complain about the food, they have last minute school assignments that require your assistance. They tell you to chill-ax. The only… -
Fifty Shades of Stain
12 May 2012 | 1:45 pmThe shocking success of E.L. James’ bondage and e-mail trilogy has the publishing world embracing a new genre that has come to be known as “mommy porn.” Which is strange because Fifty Shades of Grey is mostly a story of uninterrupted passion that takes place on freshly laundered sheets. Authentic mommy porn is so much dirtier... I scowl with frustration at the mess those two kids have made. Holy crap. Is that an open jar of salsa on the couch? I am going to kill somebody. I should be at work by now, but I am stuck waiting for the incredibly handsome, enigmatic CEO of Dirty Job…
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Greeblemonkey
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The Fray - Live At Red Rocks
15 May 2012 | 12:29 amI swear I am not becoming entirely a music blogger. Really, I am not. I know my last post was about James Morrison, and maybe the last few before that were about music too - but how can I not post photos when I get to shoot The Fray? At Red Rocks. In the sleeting rain. OK, that last part wasn't as thrilling, but it makes for a good story... seeing as it was also Declan's first concert at the world's best place the see a show. I honestly think I am a jinx for The Fray, because last time I saw them at Red Rocks, it rained so hard, I was able to ring out my hair as I walked back to my car. And… -
James Morrison - Live in Boulder
9 May 2012 | 8:20 pmApparently I have a thing for British singers. It has become a joke among my friends that I won't like it if I can't find it on the UK iTunes store ... and I also have been known to plan trips solely based on concert schedules (cough cough, Deacon Blue.) But last night I got to not only see one of my absolute favorites, I got to attend his sound check and hang out with him for about 10 minutes afterwards, one-on-one. Not joking. I forgot to pull up and show James the photo from the first time we met, that time in 2007 when I saw him with about 50 other people at Denver's Walnut Room. Below is… -
The Next Stage
7 May 2012 | 11:59 amIt is happening. My son is growing up. I realize this has been happening for almost 10 years now, but never have I felt it like I did this weekend. Our big rock concert fundraiser was on Saturday: Tellerpalooza. The one that Bryan and I work on all year long, and the one that Declan has actually started contributing, real, valuable ideas to. He saw that the logo was very graphic this year, so he suggested I make a coloring page out of it for the younger grades at his school to get excited about. Totally, 100% his idea. Then, on Saturday - our big day - I was feeling the stress. Bryan was…
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Cool Mom - Fun Videos and a Blog for Moms - Motherhood, Kids, Babies and Parenting on Coolmom.com
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The Mother shoe has landed
16 May 2012 | 8:22 amThis video was done MONTHS ago. My dear friend Michelle shot it and then had to move, and well, you know what happens when you move. Mayhem. It was inspired by a call from The Walking Company. ”Would you like … Continue reading → -
Why is Mitt Romney writing me?
15 May 2012 | 12:38 pmMaybe he watched Radio Daphne where I said I had dream we were going to hook up. Was that it? Did his people confuse me with a Mormon mom blogger. Hmm, probably not, they don’t talk about hooking up. Well, … Continue reading → -
Vagina guide: the review
15 May 2012 | 12:03 amLet’s talk about the vagina. Occasionally I’m asked to review books. Occasionally I say yes. This book went with a bullet to the top of my pile. Think you know all about it? Think again! `”V is Vagina: your A … Continue reading →
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whoorl
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I’m Back! (Kind of.)
9 May 2012 | 2:57 pmI’m drowning in laundry (and my kids’ snotty noses), but I wanted to say a quick hello and thank you for all your well wishes for my travels! The past week was…well, I can’t accurately put it into words, but I loved every single minute of it. Dude. The Sarah James Show. Speaking at Mom 2.0. The Versace Mansion. Lunch with Samantha Bee. (Okay, so I was having lunch with two extremely lovely ladies, Catherine Connors and Alisa Volkman, and Sam joined us halfway through. So, it wasn’t like she called me up and asked me to dine with her. But still! SAMANTHA BEE. AT… -
Au Revoir!
27 Apr 2012 | 3:45 pmMonday morning, I’m leaving California on a little adventure. First stop, New Jersey, where I will get the chance to film my very own talk show at CafeMom Studios. Totally crazy, but super exciting crazy. We’re filming ten episodes devoted to all the things I love to chat about – beauty, style, parenting, travel, fitness, organization, taking care of yourself, and we have some really fantastic guests lined up. I’m really excited. And nervous. But mostly excited. No, maybe nervous. From New Jersey, I’ll be flying straight to Miami for Mom 2.0. I can’t wait! -
Blogger Beauty Secrets
25 Apr 2012 | 2:01 pmI’ve unlocked the deepest, darkest beauty secrets from 33 lovely bloggers at Beauty and the Beat. (Okay, that was a little dramatic. Still great tips, though!)
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Southern Bella's Ways To Save | Southern Mom Blog | Frugal Living | Reviews & Giveaways
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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Movie Info PLUS Prize Pack GIVEAWAY
16 May 2012 | 10:47 amTHE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly... More here -
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (Home Use) Challenge
16 May 2012 | 9:55 amWhat’s your #1 use of baking soda in the home? Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda has a ton of uses in your everyday life. For example: Cleaner, Fresher, Clothes: Add a cup to the laundry to make... More here -
Wordless Wednesday Kids of Summer
16 May 2012 | 9:17 amMore here
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Secret Agent Josephine
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instagrammia
15 May 2012 | 4:00 pmI think summer is here. No more cold spells. Which I love. Even though the heat out here in the desert can be quite oppressive when it gets up in the hundreds for days on end, there’s something that harkens back to my childhood when I wake up in the morning and tip toe outside and it already feels warm at six in the morning. I was raised here in the desert and deep inside I’ll always be a desert rat. That’s not saying I’m not anxious to get back to the beach. I AM. I think about it almost every minute. I just want to know where I’m going to live already. I hope… -
How to Make Photo Sessions Fun for Kids
11 May 2012 | 11:01 amWe’ve all been there: You had a vision of the perfect photo of your kid and just when you have it all set up, they want nothing to do with you. You bribe them with candy, a trip to the ice cream store … you threaten to take away privileges or worse. What do you get for all your efforts? A bunch of pictures of your kids looking sullen with their tongue stuck out. Or worse — they’re not in the photo at all. Well, I’m here to rescue you. I’m not a professional photographer or anything, but I’ve been taking pictures of kids for years. Here are my top ten… -
Catch-Up News Up
11 May 2012 | 10:30 amNeed a last minute Mother’s Day gift? I’ve got two magnet crafts for you at Alpha+Mom. This one is made out of a frappuccino lid which should be an excellent excuse for you to make a trip to Starbucks for their frappy happy hour. Unfortunately they are NOT a sponsor. I wish they would sponsor me. While we were making fun magnets for mother’s day I spray painted some alphabet magnets as a photo prop (as seen above in a handy instagram photo). I think they turned out the best. So if you’re not afraid of can of spray paint, you might want to give mom some pretty pink…
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Simply Being Mommy
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UPrinting Business Card Giveaway
15 May 2012 | 9:47 pmTweetWhen I started my blog a little over three years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I was a stay-at-home mom just trying to reach out to other moms hoping there was someone else out there experiencing what I was experiencing as a mom. And I did just that and more! I’m amazed at where I am now and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and Simply Being Mommy. One of the things I learned very early on in my blogging career was that I needed professional business cards. People are constantly asking me about what I do and that inevitably leads to them asking for a… -
The National Pork Board #ChopInspiration Twitter Party
14 May 2012 | 8:00 pmTweetJoin me this Thursday, May 17th from 7-8pm EST as I co-host the #ChopInspiration Twitter Party with the National Pork Board and The Motherhood. I hope you’ll join us to get recipe inspiration, test your “pork chop personality,” and win some pretty great prizes! Five prize packs will be given away throughout the hour, based on responses to trivia questions. They will include $20 in pork coupons, a new Weber grill and other items to help unleash the power of the pork chop. To RSVP for the party, click this link and press the orange button at the top right that says… -
Don’t Be the Next Scam Victim
13 May 2012 | 8:00 pmTweetOver the last few months during my time working with the folks over at LifeLock, I’ve learned way more than I bargained more and I’m incredibly disappointed in the human race. I’m disappointed that someone would think it’s okay to assume someone else’s identity, spend their money and pretty much destroy their financial credibility. Clever crooks defraud millions of people around the globe every single year. Sometimes they use sophisticated technology, sometimes they use age-old tricks and sometimes they use a combination of the two to get people to send…
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Lavagal
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Tri Like a Mother
15 May 2012 | 1:17 pmA Photosynth edited with Superimpose to bring two photos together. Baby Portlocks. VFFs. Daughters with surfboard. Chillin’. On Mother’s Day I got myself to Hunakai Park by 7 a.m. for the third day of the first week of my Honolulu Tinman triathlon training with Try Fitness Hawaii. The company’s focus is training for women. I considered joining other groups, but since I knew a few of the women already involved, I felt less intimidated. I like to work out alone. I run alone, I swim alone, I ride my bike alone. When I see other groups on their bikes, I kinda feel a little smug… -
Time to Build
8 May 2012 | 11:32 amKoko Head Elementary’s Speech Festival Participants; Kid2 is on the left, standing next to the advisor. On Saturday I didn’t get to do my usual bike ride or run or swim at the butt-crack of dawn because Kid2 was in a speech festival at McKinley High School held by the Hawaii state Department of Education. I was braced for hours of boredom. For the record, I had to go to a meeting, then return, but it was far from boring. Hawaii children who make an effort to stand out really are to be commended! I try really hard to be a good mom, but I’m not built for hours of coddling… -
Why Pinterest?
1 May 2012 | 6:38 pmPinterest rhymes with interest. So you say it like this: Pin-trist. Like In-trist. Pinterest is not just for women. In fact, there are guys on there who get it. What an awesome place to show what you’re about, what you like, what your dreams are, what your accomplishments are, what your wacked cat is up to. I, too, was reluctant about yet another social media platform to sign onto and forget. I had just gotten over my disenchantment and disengagement with Path, and wasn’t ready to hop on to something else that would require virtual nurturing. Pinterest on my iPhone today.
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Sleepless Nights
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“But I’m not tired Mummy”
15 May 2012 | 9:18 pm“But I’m not tired Mummy” he says, as he snuggles into my lap and tucks his head under my chin. His fingers twine through my hair as he breathes a contented sigh. “I’m weally weally not bery tired”. I’ve been trying to convince him to have a small sleep. We were up until 3.30am together, with Isaac vomiting every ten minutes to begin with, before easing to every 25 minutes. By the end of it, we were both exhausted. He fell asleep between vomits and I watched him carefully, to make sure he didn’t choke. He only tried to once. By 3.30, I took us… -
The reality within the ideal
15 May 2012 | 2:38 amI went to lie down this afternoon with my son and my book, only to wake up two hours later, kindle akimbo and pelvis screaming at me. I’d call it narcolepsy, but I suspect “pregnancy” is a better diagnosis. I woke up to find that Isaac hadn’t wet himself, that Nathan had cleaned the house and that everything was pretty much perfect. I am inordinately grateful for this. Ten minutes later as I was sipping a cup of tea to wash down the buckets of panadol I required, Isaac ran up to me, threw his arms around my neck and squeezed tightly, before racing off again. In… -
Our day in pictures
13 May 2012 | 3:25 amNot pictured: My children covered in preserved cherry juice. Thank you to Frogpondsrock (Mum) and Liz and Jarod for spending the afternoon with us! It was lovely.
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Absolutely Bananas: Seattle mom blog
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A boy named Jack in the desert with a polar bear
24 Apr 2012 | 11:22 pmTonight CJ informs me that it is time for me to get started on my next book. “What should it be about?” I ask him. He thinks for a minute and then says, “A boy named Jack.” “What happens to … Continue reading → -
The Settlers of Catan. Or, If Advanced Physics were a game
18 Mar 2012 | 6:12 pm“I know, let’s play Settlers of Catan!” This is the fifth time my sister-in-law has made this suggestion, which is how I know that we WILL play this game. The only question is whether we will play it now or … Continue reading → -
Redirection
15 Mar 2012 | 10:02 pmToday I pulled the trigger on a brand-new iPhone 4s. This phone has four features that make it far superior to the measly iPhone 4. 1) It can be used as a phone 2) It doesn’t have a scratch across … Continue reading →
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Let the dog in!
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Happy Mother’s Day!
13 May 2012 | 12:18 pmHere’s wishing a happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there (Hi, Mother!)! I had a few friends visit today on this sunny, glorious Mother’s Day we’re having here. See? The Violet-Green Swallow (I love these guys.) sitting waaaay up on the top of a dying alder tree. And, yes…. my boyfriend showed up. The American Goldfinch, who happens to go very nicely with this… Happy Mother’s Day! Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress. Copyright © 2012 Let the dog in!. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If… -
On A Beach Walk in Puget Sound
7 May 2012 | 6:15 pmDid you see the Supermoon this weekend? We in the Seattle area actually did, thanks to a rare, cloudless night. Along with this up-close-and-personal full moon came higher high tides and lower lows, kinda like my PMS’ing a normal teenager, but with weather. So, won’t you come along with us on our -3 low tide walk in Kitsap county? It seemed like the low tide took some critters by surprise. We found many of these needlefish or whoever you are, fish that are needly flopping around on shore, near the water’s edge. The Kid spotted this little guy on shore, gasping for water, I… -
Who can resist a baby duck?
29 Apr 2012 | 3:52 amWhen the Hubs said he saw a duckling at our local Battle Point Park, you know I had to dash out since the sun was shining and I could avoid that laundry pile a few minutes longer. Bonus!. I mean, come on. We like Jim Thomsen and all, but who can resist baby ducks?! Fuzzy. Baby. Ducks. Time for a blog post, I said to myself. Prepare your ah‘s and oh‘s.Is that me? *Sniff*Cuteness, right?And a whole family strolled by, too.This fellow had a few choice quacks when I not-so-subtly crept up on him and the Mrs.Not to be outdone, a ring-necked duck showed up. (No, I don’t know where…
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Social Media Mom
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Top Online Masters Programs for Women’s Studies Explain What Women Want
11 May 2012 | 2:28 pmReading time: 4 – 6 minutes Credit In colleges and universities across the nation, women’s studies programs allow students to investigate issues of gender and sexuality through scholarly research and debate. These programs first began to emerge in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the rise of the women’s liberation movement, and many feel this relatively new field of study is well suited toward new types of degrees, like distance learning programs. Women’s studies programs have flourished in American institutions of higher learning, taking root almost everywhere. The… -
A Mother’s Day Infographic
10 May 2012 | 1:05 pmReading time: < 1 minute It is that time of year, for those of you who don't know: Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13. In honor of this special day, we are featuring a new infographic from Internet Exposure. Here you will see just how tech savvy moms have become, as well as what they really want for Mother's Day. Not Yo Mama’s Mama – a Digital Mom Infographic by Internet Exposure -
Online Graduate Certificate Programs That Will Teach You To Be A Leader
8 May 2012 | 9:34 amReading time: 3 – 5 minutes Credit There are few things more valuable in life than being a good leader. With this skill, you can rise to the top of your profession, take charge in difficult situations and be admired by friends and peers alike. Many people feel that leadership is an innate quality – in other words, something that you are born with. This is true in some ways. Extroverted, gregarious people are somewhat more likely to become leaders. But it is also true that you can learn to be a leader. Like anything else, leadership is a skill that can be improved, often times with…
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SarahViz.com
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The Last First Tooth
15 May 2012 | 10:40 amFor the first two years of each of my boyz' lives, any time there was crankiness, drooling or pretty much any type of unexplained behavior, I blamed it on the TEETHING. Just waiting for those little suckers to cut through to put my child out of his misery. And now I'm on the other end. Just waiting for those little suckers to fall out to put my constantly-tooth-wiggling child out of his misery -
Fun with COOL WHIP!
15 May 2012 | 9:44 amI fully admit that I am not a good cook. When it comes to making dinner, I can follow a recipe, sure, but I am not very original. It's pretty much stick-to-the-basics in my Trenches...if I'm the one in charge. My husband, on the other hand, is a phenomenal cook. The man can grill or fry or bake anything. He makes pasta sauce from scratch and while he may follow a recipe, he always improvises -
My Mother's Day 2012
14 May 2012 | 9:01 amThis year was the first year since uh...I don't even know (how bad is that?!)...that I got to spend Mother's Day with my Mom. And it was glorious. After a long day of sunburn baseball on Saturday, we clambered into the car to trek to Connecticut to my Sis's to spend the night with her family and my parents who were visiting from New York. Mother's Day morn arrived bright and
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Parenting Squad
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What Is Attachment Parenting?
16 May 2012 | 4:00 amBy Alyssa ChircoIf the latest issue of Time Magazine is any indication, attachment parenting is a hot topic right now. And while it may be the breastfeeding toddler on the magazine's cover attracting the most attention at the moment, it is the definition of attachment parenting itself that most Americans don't quite seem to understand. What Attachment Parenting Is NOT There are many misconceptions surrounding the concept of attachment parenting. As a culture, we seem to operate under the misguided notion that attachment-style parenting is one in which parents — and particularly… -
5 Reasons to Send Your Kid Packing
15 May 2012 | 4:00 amBy Katrina SimeckIf you have a high school or college student, chances are good that you are both inundated with reminders to "expand horizons" and "dream big!" We teach our young adults that "it's a big world out there"...but do we really prepare them for just how BIG it can be? Thanks to social media, an expansive internet, and even adventurous television programming, our kids are exposed to international influences that we never had access to. What's the best way to bridge the gap between our worldly advice and their worldly view? Give them a suitcase and… -
A More Organized Life Is at Your Fingertips
14 May 2012 | 1:56 pmBy Katrina SimeckThere's no way around it — life with kids is busy. Juggling schedules and managing a household while staying sane can seem impossible some days. Most of us don't have access to a personal assistant, but we can turn to the web for assistance! Read on for tips for using the internet to relieve some of the pressure and let you stay more organized. Collecting Recipes and Meal Planning Use a site such as Pinterest to collect recipes and meal ideas. Organize your boards into specific meals, or categorize by types (quick and easy, crockpot, meatless, etc) for streamlined…
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Playgroups are No Place For Children
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What’s a birthday without a mention on mommy’s blog?!
9 May 2012 | 3:40 pmFive years ago on this very day, a vocal, sassy, tiny girl sprung forth from my belly to make our family complete. Somehow she went from being born just moments ago to suddenly being five. I have a good chunk of her life documented here on the ol’ blog-er-oo, but it doesn’t seem like five years have passed. “They” weren’t lying about time flying. Everyday she cracks me up with her goofy faces and her sense of humor. She is cuddly and kind-hearted, feisty, competitive, bossy, and still vocal, sassy, and tiny. For her birthday today, I’ve played a very odd… -
I won! And by “won,” I mean I finished and didn’t come in last!
2 May 2012 | 8:03 amI finished my first half marathon according to my Garmin in 2:22. The official time was 2:24, but that time includes all the zigzagging I had to do around 30,000 other runners. By the time I crossed the finish line, I’d run almost 13.6 miles. So 2:22 it is! The race was…hard. It was way harder than I expected it to be. Having trained and run so many miles (236.4 miles, but who’s counting?), I ASSumed that the race would be a breeze, it would be that “victory lap” that so many people call their races. WELL. I hadn’t planned for it to be so HOT, HILLY, and… -
Melodrama on the way to the race
27 Apr 2012 | 8:06 amEvery time I think about what it will feel like to cross the finish line on Saturday, I cry. These past three months, training for my first half marathon with the best friends and inspiring, no nonsense coaches a girl could asked for, have been some of the very best days of my entire life. I’m not even kidding or exaggerating. I’ve tried to write before how much this whole running thing means to me, but I don’t have the words. Saying I’m proud of myself doesn’t really convey what I mean. Saying that I’ve worked hard doesn’t come close to describing…
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Mom to the Screaming Masses
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Wisdom From a Shorty
15 May 2012 | 8:28 amIt took me a long time to write this, and an even longer time to get the nerve to pull the :publish: trigger. One of my kids has low self esteem. One of my kids has self esteem in spades. It's crazy. I didn't do a single thing different when raising either one. It's true that it's a crapshoot. This particular child I will refer to as Child X. Many, many people who know our family in real life read this here ol'blog, and those many people who read this blog and know my family in real life don't especially need to look at child X with any other lenses. So, it may… -
What I Love About Motherhood
14 May 2012 | 12:03 pmThis post may, or may not, be tongue in cheek. "MOM! Do you know where my bathing suit bottom is?" Isn't it with the top? Don't you wear them both together? Maybe I don't want to know the answer to that question. "MOM! Why can't I find my sneakers??" I found them just fine. They were at the bottom of the stairs, and I tripped over them when I came down carrying a full basket of dirty wash. "MOM! When is dinner going to be ready? What do you mean, we are having chicken? AGAIN? Don't you know how TIRED I am of chicken???" About as tired as… -
The Privilege of Judgement
11 May 2012 | 8:43 pmRaising kids is such a crapshoot. It really is. The oft discussed latest cover of Time magazine, which shows a prominent blogger standing as she nurses her three year old son brings that into sharp focus for me today. The provocative "Are You Mom Enough?" headline, with the subtitle promising to discuss attachment parenting and Dr. Sears, tries, oh so hard, to fuel another Mommy War. The title underscores a belief that a mom who is "Mom Enough" follows the attachment parenting dogma to the letter - and anything else is just patently not enough. What do I think when I see…
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Stefanie Wilder Taylor
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Don’t Get Drunk Fridays: Molly’s Story
12 May 2012 | 6:28 pmI haven’t updated with a new story in awhile. If you have a story that you’d like me to post then please email it to me! These stories get people sober! They save lives! In ten days I will have been sober for 3 years. I can’t believe it’s been three years already can you? I will write about it when I get there and fill you all in on how it’s been lately (good). For now, here’s an amazingly beautiful woman named Molly who is baring her soul to save yours. I don’t really remember my first drink, it was either champagne at a wedding when I was 13, or at… -
Note To Jessica Simpson – Please Don’t Screw Us
7 May 2012 | 2:23 pmJessica Simpson who up until recently was being crucified by the media for gaining a bunch of pregnancy pounds was sort of my unlikeliest of heroes. She of the not grasping the concept of why tuna fish would be named “Chicken of the Sea” and other blonde moments. But her weight gain made her more of a relatable personality than any reality show could ever hope to achieve. Millions of women, including myself, who didn’t gain the prescribed 25-35 pounds saw their own muffin eating, cookie gobbling, carb hoovering ways reflected in the light of a Grammy winning singer. We were… -
Do You Still Feel Sexy?
23 Apr 2012 | 2:12 pmWhen I was in my teens, it took very little to put my mind in the gutter — a nice butt in Levi 501′s, a sniff of Polo, and I was a mess of hormones. In my twenties it was all about the right music, the right wine, and men who were petrified of commitment. In my thirties I was wrapped up in getting married and making a few babies. And now … the things that get me going are pretty specific … my husband in Calvin Klein boxer briefs, the Phil Phillips performance of Usher on Idol, a hot dad at my kids’ preschool … and I’m pretty typical. If you go to my Babble blog, I queried my…
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doobleh-vay
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Little Tree Studio photo shoot
18 Apr 2012 | 3:18 pmJust a taste of our photos from our shoot with Kyle of Little Tree Studio in Worthington. We were so happy to support our local photographer + she did a great job with our grumpy lot. {It was early!} :) and one shot of cute Kyle {bc the photog never gets the lens much} -
My friend Jenny + her new book Let's Pretend
13 Apr 2012 | 7:58 amI met Jenny a long time ago when the Internet was like a little backyard BBQ. OK. Well, it was a long time ago + we knew even less about our lives inside of the computer. We had no idea that things would take off for some people and their lives would be altered. Anyhoo. This woman. Jenny. Her life has changed. This woman is talented and different and amazing and she has a new and interesting career as The Bloggess blogger + AUTHOR! Yes. NOW AUTHOR! yep. {DYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!}and for this I SING OUT: YES YES YES Sometimes it takes us a long time to become us. Sometimes it… -
kindergarten prep {time flies}
13 Apr 2012 | 7:08 amGet me delivered to yr email xo
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Susiej
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Why Can’t There Be A Kid’s Day?
15 May 2012 | 3:32 pmIt sounded a bit like a Little Rascals episode downstairs. I could picture the little people in the kitchen trying to get the skillet right over the top burner. There were lots of clanking noises. This reminded me of that Katharine Hepburn movie where she cooks pancakes… making a huge mess. That was enough to put a smile on my face. They worked quietly, being careful not to fight and squabble. The fridge opened quite a bit. Dad’s flight wasn’t coming in until later that day, and the teenagers, of course, were sleeping, so it was up to these little guys, the real heavyweights, to pull… -
I Can’t Do This To All My Soap…
12 May 2012 | 9:50 amNo, this is not whipped cream… it’s stiff and too soapy. But, if you just happen to have a bar of Ivory Soap in the house, go get it… right now. Luckily, we have quite a bit of it stashed around in a collection… Then, stick it in the microwave — two minutes should do it. Then, surprise! It grows into this amazing mountain, hollow on the inside. It’s still soap — you can break off pieces to use it to wash your hands. Go to Our Best Bites, the inventor of this soap miracle, for more ways to transform this concoction — including a way to make… -
Have You Introduced Yourself to Arthur Geisert?
10 May 2012 | 3:56 pmAfter attending my first real “story time” at the library with my son, I felt as if I had stumbled upon the great renaissance of my entire life. There were so many amazing stories! For starters, I had never heard of the book “Goodnight Moon,” until I heard it for the first time at story time, as an adult. That was a revelation right there and then. We would check out stacks and stacks of books, and I fell in love with the narratives, just as much as the illustrations. Pumpkin Moonshine, To Market, To Market, Blue Bowl Down, Owl Moon, My Lucky Day… and I…
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Rookie Moms
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3 cute dress substitutes for nursing or pumping moms
16 May 2012 | 12:26 pmWhen Whitney asked me to choose three dresses that would be good for nursing or pumping moms from the Shabby Apple collection, I told her that wearing a dress to nurse is bullshit. I routed her to the skirt department instead. Even a wrap dress, which seems ideal for pulling boobs out, reveals way more than my in-laws the general public wants to see. A layering strategy is radically easier. Wear a nursing tank as the base layer with a matching shirt on top to maximize coverage and maybe — just maybe — smooth out all the midriff stuff (ps a regular tank top can be the base layer,… -
2-minute puppet theater
15 May 2012 | 11:59 amDid you know that you might have a puppet theater in your child’s room already? Materials needed: Crib Sheet Dolls or stuffed animals Preschooler with a repertoire of songs Any combination of parent, baby, and toddler to serve as audience We’re assembling a huge list of DIY projects for parents. Browse them all on our Makin’ It series page. -
An unforgettable teacher
14 May 2012 | 3:49 pmChallenged by Hallmark to share a story of an inspiring teacher, I went blank. Though I have several fond memories of school, I can barely remember the teacher’s names — even those that I adored. But I’m pretty sure that Facebook was invented to jog memories such as this; my former classmates were able to help me piece together one of my treasured I-never-thought-I’d-forget-it memories. This morning, I sent out this request: Umm, do you recall any details about our Olympics of the Mind trip? I think it was in 2nd or 3rd grade? With some teacher? About some topic? To…
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Musings of The Mom Jen
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A Long Phase of Separation Anxiety?
10 May 2012 | 11:32 amI was trying to think about what has been bothering me.I mean, I've dealt with PPD, depression, and anxiety for years since the birth of my second child.This feels like that, and I am finally putting a finger on the cause.Over this past year a few things have happened that have left me sad during the day.My youngest and last child spends her day in the Kindergarten classroom.Don't get me wrong, she needs Kindergarten.She loves Kindergarten.She's wanted to go since birth.As a result she is a reading machine, loves to write, loves art thanks to her amazing teacher and is almost done with… -
I Often Dream of an Office Outside My Home
3 May 2012 | 7:04 pmSince having my first child back in the 1900's...I haven't worked outside the home.It's a blessing.It's a curse.I wake up, make lunches, ship the kids off to school and then come home.Around me I see my bed first and foremost.My "office" is a desk in our bedroom.There's just no other place for it in our teensy house.So my dilemma becomes, bed or desk.Should I get a few more winks, or should I check my email?Then I wonder into the living room.TV. All to me.My shows recorded dutifully on my DVR just waiting for me to press play.TV, a few winks, or write some blog posts?Then there's the… -
Our Spring in Instagram Photos
16 Apr 2012 | 1:17 pmIt's been almost a month since I last posted. That's gotta be a record.I'm usually busy over at The Mom Reviews.But, mostly with life.This little guy, our newest nephew at almost 4 months...has been struggling with bacterial meningitis. In Lucille Packard children's hospital he's had a roller coaster ride for nearly 2 weeks, but is improving daily. Really puts life into perspective!Spring has sprung, allergies are flaring, and we're waiting for some warm weather, winter seems to be joining us after forgetting what month it was.Yeah, this guy is now 11 and has gotten a proper…
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Table for Five
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Wordless Wednesday 5-16-12: Bloggers In Atlanta
15 May 2012 | 5:13 pmFrom left to right: Amanda from MidwesternMoms.com, Melissa from SippyCupMom.com, me, Jill from TheDiaperDiaries.net, and Candy from MommyPalooza.com. We were having a late lunch at Mellow Mushroom Pizza across the street from our hotel. Many more pictures will be coming, tomorrow is a full day at Coca-Cola HQ plus a half day on Thursday. Follow me on Twitter @Table4Five, follow hashtag #cclp (Coca-Cola Living Positively), or watch for my Facebook updates. Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts below! -
Giveaway – Survive Your Spring Allergies With Allegra!
14 May 2012 | 11:01 pmChris, Kaitlyn and I have allergies. Our boys do not. Not sure how that happened, but I’m glad they don’t have to deal with it. Allergies are a pain in the patootie. My parents discovered I had allergies when I was around 7 or 8 and went to a neighbor’s house one summer day to see their new puppies. I can even remember this, laying down on the grass, wearing some kind of smocked halter top and shorts and the puppies jumping on my tummy, which I thought was funny because it tickled. Until I got home and my entire body was covered in itchy red welts. My Mom made a doctor… -
Mother’s Day Video from Disney-Pixar’s “Brave”, In Theaters June 22
12 May 2012 | 3:41 pmWalt Disney Studios Publicity sent me the link to this video, which I think is both a sweet tribute to Mothers and Daughters and it also gets me even more excited to see the movie with my daughter! Enjoy!
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mommy bytes
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Happy Mother’s Day to Me–Kitchen Gadgets
14 May 2012 | 8:14 pmEveryone knows that you should never buy utilitarian gifts for Mother’s Day, such as a vacuum cleaner or kitchen gadgets, because it sends the inadvertent message that she is only good for cooking and cleaning. In fact, on Chicago Tribune’s list of What NOT to Get Mom, you can see that kitchen utensils hit the list twice: Chia Pet – tacky!! Obscure kitchen gadgets – that’s me! A wig – “Only really reminds us about how often mom can make us want to pull out her hair!” Socks – this must be akin to ties for Father’s Day Pots and pans – cook, woman, cook! Vacuum… -
Hiking for Photographs
11 May 2012 | 5:52 pmBeautiful Dova tree-hugger taken by Adam. Last summer, when I suggested to hiking to the kids, they immediately said, "Nooooo!!! That's BORING!!!" So I bribed them with a camera for each and lots of snacks. Adam got my brand new Canon EOS Rebel T3i and Dova used my Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K. Adam has taken photographs along these trails for years now, and he's always had a great eye. This year, he was more interested in getting as many "butt shots" as he could. Good thing Dova has a cute caboose! Dova took the high road with her camera and captured this… -
Percolate My World
20 Apr 2012 | 5:52 pmThere are so many apps for the iPhone and iPad that modify and enhance photos that you can spend days just wading through them. But when I happened upon a photo run through the Percolator app, it was an instant "I want!" It's retro, it's bubbly, it's altogether an awesome way to be creative just a few taps. The gingerbread man and Christmas tree above were simply to remind myself of the graphic that came inside cookie molds. Instantly transformed from boring to pop! Since then, the kids and I have gone into quite extensive percolations. Adam took a shot of a street…
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Mom Blog | From Dates to Diapers™
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The Years Are Short…
9 May 2012 | 1:23 amTweet. We have children to raise - Let’s build self-esteem first, and the house later. Let’s finger-paint more, and point the finger less. We should do less correcting and more... Would you like to read the rest of this post? Be sure to visit fromdatestodiapers.com for the full post. -
Self Motivation
7 May 2012 | 6:12 pmTweetMy four older kids are taking the STAR test in school for the very first time. Actually, most of the kids that attend their school are taking these tests for the first time, since most of them... Would you like to read the rest of this post? Be sure to visit fromdatestodiapers.com for the full post. -
Standing Out in the Blogosphere
4 May 2012 | 10:25 pmTweetLast weekend I had the great honor and privilege of speaking at the first ever Titus 2:1 Conference. Almost two years ago, my Twitter friend Cheryl had a vision and responded to God’s call... Would you like to read the rest of this post? Be sure to visit fromdatestodiapers.com for the full post.
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Mommy Poppins - Things to Do in NYC with Kids
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It's My Park Day and Other NYC Outdoor Volunteering Opportunities for Families
16 May 2012 | 9:00 amRecently we received an email asking if we knew about any outdoor volunteering opportunities for New York City families this spring. The timing was perfect since this Saturday, May 19 is It's My Park Day. Organized by Partnership for Parks and held twice a year in the spring and fall, It's My Park Day brings together thousands of NYC volunteers looking to help spruce up their neighborhood green spaces. It's an awesome initiative and a great way to teach your kids about the importance of giving back to your community. After all, these are the parks they play in! There are It's… -
J.J. Byrne Playground Reopens in Park Slope and It's Definitely a Destination Playground
15 May 2012 | 3:00 pmA few months ago when we were spotlighting Park Slope, we mentioned how much we were looking forward to the reopening of J.J. Byrne Playground. After a year of work and many millions of dollars, the revamped play spot debuted last Friday and my four-year-old daughter and I went to check it out. Due to its location in Washington Park next to the historic Old Stone House, the playground has a Colonial theme. My kid had a blast exploring this marvelous playground and so did I. As you can see from our slide show, a lot of the equipment is just as much fun to look at as play on. read more -
News: Scribble Press on UWS Closing, New Ferry to Randall's Island, Zoo Babies, Segregation in NYC Schools
15 May 2012 | 9:00 amWhile some baby swans are making their NYC debut, a handful of local family businesses are singing their swan songs, including Scribble Press' Upper West Side location, which closes this month. Of course we've got good news, too, including new ways to get to Randall's Island this summer, a cleaned-up Chinatown Fair Arcade and a star-studded Story Pirates comedy benefit—and if none of those put a smile on your face, well, just look at those cute baby swans! read more
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Workout Mommy
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My Experience with Barefoot Running (guest post)
16 May 2012 | 12:17 pm******Today’s guest post is by Amanda. I wrote about my experience with barefoot running over here. Thanks for reading gang!******* I noticed the call for personal barefoot running experiences you posted a while back, and thought I’d share some of my experiences so far with the new running trend. About six months ago, I finally began looking for new diet tips and exercises to help me lose some of the pounds I put on in my second pregnancy. I’d tried the whole running/jogging routine briefly before becoming pregnant with my son, but it didn’t last long. My knees often… -
Kettlebell love
11 May 2012 | 8:06 pmI have found a new kettlebell home. If you are not training with kettlebells, you are missing out. They offer a FANTASTIC strength and cardio workout that can be done anywhere. I’m lucky to have found a new kettlebell class, with an awesome instructor, and a supportive group of training friends. If you are in my area, be sure to check out Rogue Kettlebell Fitness and Matt Kull. Tell me–do you go to kettlebell classes? Where? How is it? Never underestimate the power of a workout gang! copyright owned by www.workoutmommy.com Please do NOT reprint without… -
TFAL Actifry Review (and giveaway!)
4 May 2012 | 8:51 pm***contest is closed and winner has been notified** When I got the pitch for this one, I initially thought there is no way I want a product that has “fry” in the title. For some reason, this made me think of the deep fryer that my mom had when I was growing up. She made these absolutely delicious corn muffins there were…uh….deep fried! Ack! I, of course, thought they were healthy because I was eating corn. My, how times have changed! Anyway, after further investigation I realized the TFAL Actifry is the actually the IDEAL product for my family because:…
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All & Sundry
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Mother’s Day
15 May 2012 | 11:11 pmThe official Mother’s Day photo: and the follow-up, just-for-the-fuck-of-it photo: It smiles on command or it gets the Mini-14. I don’t love Mother’s Day, do you? God, the pressure. Social media, in particular, has shaped this so-called holiday into a sort of competition. You can say it doesn’t exist, but it’s there. Who got the most thoughtful gift? Who has the most beautiful photos? I’m not exempt at all, in fact, I use Mother’s Day as the one date per year when I absolutely demand a photo of me and the boys. It always, always turns to shit—grumpy… -
One nation, divisible
14 May 2012 | 5:49 pmHealth insurance was a huge factor in our decision to move. By choosing to leave Microsoft, we chose to leave what I can only assume is one of the best health insurance plans offered by any company in the U.S. Everything was covered, with no copays. I know of several Microsoft families who had insanely expensive medical situations—long term hospital stays, babies in the NICU, etc—with bills that hovered close to the million-dollar mark or more, and every dime was paid for. We knew we couldn’t expect the same situation at a different company, and JB’s new health plan will cost… -
An objective analysis of the dateability of the male Avengers
8 May 2012 | 7:04 pmCaptain America. Annoyingly gym-addicted, votes Republican, is forever pining for his ex. Waxes his chest. Thor. Favorite activities include: smoking a bowl then describing the unparalleled genius of Metallica’s Ride the Lightning album, calling in sick to his job at Guitar Center, hitting you up for rent money. Ironman. Entertaining to be around until you realize his favorite person to talk to is himself. Proposes a threesome with your best friend. Wears expensive loafers without socks. Hawkeye. Has a large collection of military memorabilia. Claims MREs actually taste good. Inevitably…
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Cutie Booty Cakes
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Biscoff Spread - A Sweet Treat! Video Post
21 Apr 2012 | 11:33 amI'm sure most of us are familiar with the Biscoff cookies, you know, the ones you get on certain airlines as a snack? They are tasty and I've always saved the cookies for my son when I return home from trips. Biscoff now has a spread available, you can eat it on toast, apples, or just by the spoonful! I was sent both the creamy and chunky for the purposes of this review and I ended up biting the bullet and trying the spread myself. I originally wanted my son to do the review but it didn't work out....here are my thoughts about Biscoff spread. Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and have been… -
My Story, Our Flag!
16 Apr 2012 | 10:38 amIt is hard to believe it but the Olympics are upon us once again! I remember the Olympics four years ago, I had a barely one year old son, I’d just started my blog and I sat in my living room watching the US olympians during the epic opening ceremony in China. It was absolutely amazing. That is why I am so excited that this year, not only will I be watching the Olympics but I can gain true inspiration from them because I can proudly say that I AM AN ATHLETE! Although I will not be competing in the Olympics, I am a Gold Medal Blogger for Tide, P&G is an official sponsor of the Olympics… -
Ready for Easter!
30 Mar 2012 | 5:53 pmLook at my boy! He is growing up so quickly and in this suit? He looks like a little man! Since Easter is fast approaching I decided to go shopping at Walmart to find some Easter fashions for Mekhi. I was pleasantly surprised to find some really cute 4 pieces suits for less than $20.00! I of course picked the suit that was accented with purple. Love it! I was debating between this suit and one that had a handkerchief in the pocket, so distinguished! And I know Mekhi enjoys dressing like his daddy so I know he will enjoy wearing it. Sometimes it is challenging finding clothing for boys…
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The Dalai Mama
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The Earth Flower: A Story
15 May 2012 | 1:18 pmThe following story was created by 3 4-year olds. At my children’s school, the early childhood curriculum/theme is dictated by the children and their interests. Zoë’s class was fascinated with natural materials–sticks, leaves, stones, and making books. So, natural materials, the natural world and books became the year’s focus and all areas of the curriculum were taught through the exploration of the natural world. It’s great because the culminating project in their classes are never the exact same. The final project in Zoë’s class was a… -
What It Means To Be An Adoptive Mom
13 May 2012 | 7:30 amToday is always a bitter sweet day for me. I celebrated my first mother’s day in 2006 (while Noah was still in Ethiopia) three days after we received our referral. I remember wanting to celebrate but no one outside of my immediate family recognized me as a mother yet. But I was one and I knew it. From the minute I saw his picture and then later Zoë’s, I was their mother. Being and adoptive mom (and I am so clearly identified as an adoptive mom-I am white and my two kiddos are clearly not white a all) means… I am often asked where my children are from I am often… -
How Meet The Robinsons Got My Kids Asking Questions
9 May 2012 | 11:51 amWell, last night we sat down after Judo to each dinner and the kids wanted to watch SpongeBob. I did not (yes sometimes we eat dinner around the TV–not always but sometimes–done judging?). So I was looking for something entertaining and I noticed that Meet the Robinsons was on. So I flipped to that and Noah was immediately interested and asked “Where is the guy we are looking for–the main character?” We watched the movie until the neighbors got home and then the kids went and jumped on the trampoline together (I know what you are…
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superdumb supervillain
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Live A Little - Baby Steps to Green with EkoBrew
15 May 2012 | 12:57 pmI'd love to say I was a green and crunchy earth mama but that would be a pretty massive exaggeration. I do try, whenever possible, to recycle and compost and buy local. I think that being mindful of your actions and how they impact the world around us is important but I also know how nice convenience is to busy families. That's why this week's Live a Little post is about starting small. I love my Keurig coffeemaker but I hate the wastefulness of throwing away a non-recyclable plastic filter pack filled with coffee grounds. I've actually dissected them before to compost the coffee, at least,… -
Happy Mother's Day 2012
13 May 2012 | 1:12 pmPainted metal mommy and card from Roo. The card reads "You've done so much for me and I respect that!" Roses from my dad. Pussywillow painting from Jasper. (Going to have to frame this one!) Happy Mother's Day! -
Happy Birthday, Graco Pack 'N Play! (Giveaway)
12 May 2012 | 4:41 pmPlease rise in a standing ovation for Graco, a company that has made an overwhelming contribution to raising the world's babies, including my own. Both of my kids are sadly well beyond the playpen age but since I am a Graco Nation Ambassador (we have TurboBoosters in each car these days), I was given the opportunity to give one away in honor of the quarter-century anniversary of the Graco Pack 'N Play. Can you believe it's only been around for 25 years? What did parents do beforehand?! Pack 'n Play® Playard with Reversible Napper & Changer™ The original Pack ‘n Play…
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Motherhood Uncensored
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Changing fatherhood starts with mothers
16 May 2012 | 4:00 am"Does she do this stuff with you?" my husband asked me, Bridget sprawled out, snuggling with him on his chest as he laid on the floor. "Nope." I said. He seemed surprised. He always does when the kids prefer him over me. Bridget calls for him at night and looks for him in the morning when he's gone for work. "Datty?! DATTY??" She fell the other day and he automatically brought her to me. She clung tightly to him. I've started putting my hand up to stop him because I know. "She doesn't need me to comfort her," I told... -
Time keeps on nipping, nipping, nipping
11 May 2012 | 12:59 pmSo since Tuesday, my Internet has been down, my husband has been on two trips, I peed myself at my son's baseball game, and Time magazine decided to blow up the world. If only Einstein had figured out the boob, toddler, stool combo, he could have saved himself some trouble. I also saw my doctor, thanks mostly to your comments and emails, which I will share more about over here, which just so happens to be where I also wrote about spending Mother's Day alone with your kids. And even though they're not supposed to kick in for another couple... -
PMS - aka Please Make it Stop
8 May 2012 | 2:21 pmBetween hormones and lack of sleep, I have about one good week of normal mood patterns. And by normal I mean bearable. Barely. And that's if I'm exercising regularly, eating well, and not alone with my kids for more than three days in a row. So really, I have one or two really good days on a consistent basis. Out of 30. I'm no mathematician but that seems to be a really terrible percentage. In past years, I've been able to handle myself with little breaks, deep breathing, and sleep. Some shopping (shoes, not clothes, so I don't stab myself...
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Cool Mom Picks
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What to Expect about the What to Expect When You're Expecting movie
16 May 2012 | 2:00 pmThe What to Expect books have spent a million years on the bestseller list. So how does this translate into a What to Expect When you're Expecting movie? That seems to be the question everyone is asking this week. -
Hooking your boys up for summer, for less
16 May 2012 | 10:00 amWith the official start of summer only two weeks away and the warm weather already here in my neck of the woods, I've been sifting through my son's clothes from last season and realizing that ack, he needs a whole lot for this year's summer wardrobe. Darn kids, why do they grow so quickly? -
Comic Cons
16 May 2012 | 2:00 amLet's face the facts: you might be Supermom to your kids, but you can't drive a Batmobile. Most of us don't want to be seen in Catwoman's black leather suit. And, much to my personal dismay, Christian Bale has yet to show up at my door, caped or otherwise.
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Attack of the Redneck Mommy
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For the Love of a Good Book
13 May 2012 | 3:52 pmDisclaimer: I’m working with a social eReader program, Copia, which is launching this weekend. As part of the launch they’ve asked me to mention Copia is having a Mother’s Day sale with 50% off all eBooks so you should go out and grab some. What’s better than inexpensive books and a great social eReader? It’s almost like the fine people of Copia have spoken with my husband. Seriously. My very first mother’s day spent as an actual mother happened 24 hours after my husband and I walked down the aisle. I was 14? 15? weeks pregnant with my son, trying to… -
I’ll Take My Tradition On the Rocks
11 May 2012 | 3:13 pmMy husband gave me an anniversary present last night when he came home. Even though we had agreed not to exchange any presents because after 15 years the only thing either of us really needs is enough money to pay for the monstrosity of a garage he started to build and a rubber room to stick the two of us for when we lose our minds while building the darn thing. However, my husband has never been great at abiding by the rules and thus the giant smile he wore as he handed me a rather large heavy box. I carefully opened up the card, expecting one of those flowery cards with a horribly sweet… -
Fifteen Years
10 May 2012 | 12:08 pm15 years ago I stood across from a young man and promised to spend the rest of my life with him. He was really good looking. He still is. I was really pregnant and just thrilled to know I wouldn’t be knee deep in babies all by myself. Misery loves company and all that. It still does. My daughter recently asked me how I knew her dad was the ONE. The man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. My response? I didn’t really know. But what I did know was the idea of spending the rest of my life without him in it beside me was completely unacceptable. It still is. I wanted to…
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DivineCaroline Parenting
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No guilt for the grandmother
15 May 2012 | 12:31 pmMy daughter sends me a text-message of her sonogram. I could be looki... -
Omar
15 May 2012 | 12:31 pmIn our family, arguments and fighting amongst us siblings was an ever... -
Dr. Romance Video: New Baby and Stepchildren
15 May 2012 | 12:30 pm(To view the video, click here.) You and your new spouse are over the ...
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Product Reviews by The Experimental Mommy
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Confession: I Have Wrinkles {Neutrogena Giveaway}
15 May 2012 | 8:45 pmFor Mother’s Day, my youngest daughter gave me a card that her school teacher helped to fill out. Inside was several questions about me that my daughter provided the answers including, “How old is your Mom?” Her answer? 28. I wish! In reality, my 38th birthday is quickly approaching. As the years go by, I am definitely noticing changes in my skin. I was one of the lucky few in the teenage years who did not have to worry about acne so I am not accustom to paying much attention to my skin. But as 40 gets closer, I feel like I should implement a skin care regimen… -
Power Up Your Summer with Rayovac {Six Flags Giveaway}
10 May 2012 | 9:31 pmWith Summer right around the corner, I will admit I am getting antsy. My daughters only have one week of school left and then we can focus on getting ready for our family vacation. We just told the kids last week that we will be spending a week in Disney World and we couldn’t be more excited! As a blogger and social media geek, I definitely need to figure out how to power up during vacation. The days in Disney can be long with no way to recharge so I was thrilled to learn about Rayovac’s new Keychain On-the-Go Charger which recharges your Apple or micro-USB device during an… -
How Do You De-Stress?
10 May 2012 | 2:31 pmStress. I have a lot of it. Between losing my job, growing this blog and organizing Reviewer’s Retreat (which is in less than 25 days!) it is no wonder that I am tense. I tend to carry the majority of my stress in my neck and shoulders so massages are like little pieces of heaven! On a recent site visit to Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte, NC (the host of Reviewer’s Retreat), my business partner and I treated ourselves to a massage at the spa located inside the Lodge. I didn’t tell my masseuse about my problem areas but she quickly figured it out as I noticed she spent…
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One Chic Mama
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Earn Your Stripes
10 May 2012 | 10:01 amYou may have noticed that stripes are everywhere this season yet it’s no secret that they are also very much a classic and are never really out of style. This is great news because it means that those of you who have had striped tops in your closet for years are one step ahead of the pack. Yet you definitely don’t want to wear yours stripes in the same old way you always do. One of the keys to wearing stripes (or any other timeless look that happens to be trendy) is to put a fresh spin on it. Ask yourself ‘what’s unexpected?’ and opt for a look that gives your old stripes a new… -
Spring Clean Your Style!
4 Apr 2012 | 9:03 amThis time of year we can all benefit from a little spring cleaning, but your style might be one place where you haven’t given much thought to a little TLC. Your image works hard for you but it also needs a little assistance once in a while. Taking time out to refresh and renew your look can go a long way to helping you look your best season in and season out, without missing a beat! When working with my clients it is my goal to educate and empower them to take their style into their own hands. Nowhere is this more essential than when it comes to maintenance. Once you have cultivated your… -
Discover Your True Style!
27 Mar 2012 | 10:25 amImage is not a luxury – it’s a necessity! Like it or not, your image speaks louder than words. When you express an image that is authentic to who you are and is in harmony with what you do, you will naturally attract and resonate with your ideal clients, business associates and friends. When expressed authentically, your image tells the story of who you are. In this day and age, personal connection is everything. When your image is in line with your business, your brand and what you stand for, it’s only natural that your image silently attracts those of like minds before you even speak…
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Swistle
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Working With Children
16 May 2012 | 10:54 amRecently I've been putting unusual (for me) effort into finding activities to do with Henry beyond reading to him, coloring with him, and pretending to listen to blow-by-blow accounts of a pretend fight he had with a minotaur. He's my last child, and he's only got about a year and a quarter until he's in school all day with the other kids, so this is a stage of my life that's wrapping up. I feel like it took a big chunk of this school year to recover from the years of having three little kids at home most of the day, but now I'm ready to try a little harder.One day we made our own set of… -
Book Reports & Book Giveaway
14 May 2012 | 12:09 pmBridge of Sighs went well, thank goodness. It took me longer than usual to get into it (I think of Richard Russo books as having a lot of dry humor, but there wasn't any for the whole first slightly-dismal chunk of the book), and I never did feel like I understood the younger Louis's character or why Sarah chose him, and there were a few sections where I thought the author got a bit swept up in the beauty of his writing and let it take over, so that I was thinking, "Okay, yes, lovely writing, well done, now let's get back to the story" or "Is he deliberately writing a character who would… -
OH, nothing
12 May 2012 | 9:37 pm(Oh pardon. But if you want to enter a contest to win a $25 Amazon gift card, there's only one more day. Not even a full day. And I know I get very irritated to get a ton of "Just one more day!" and "HOURS LEFT!!" emails from a company, but this is not a company, this is Swistle, and I get no benefit from you entering except that it makes me feel happy when someone I KNOW wins a contest. And my boss hasn't even so much as suggested that I tell you about it, let alone required me to tell you about it, which makes me feel more like telling you about it. And so I'm telling you here, in case you…
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All Adither
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The Governor's Wife
7 May 2012 | 10:16 pmLight drained from the sky and settled along the land, bringing a harsh chill. Cece buttoned up her marigold yellow sweater and threw on a down vest. Most of the other reporters had gone home for the night, packing up the vans and rumbling back toward town. But Caroline stayed. You never knew what could happen at night. It was a captivating story: the governor of Oklahoma had disappeared. He’d been gone for three days and his wife and aides hoped he was hiking in the Rockies–something he’d apparently done a lot of before. But it was clear they didn’t actually know where he was. Such… -
We are all made up of stardust
3 May 2012 | 12:30 amI ran across an NPR story earlier this week about a pastor who realized she was an athiest, but continued to "serve" as a minister. As each Sunday approached and she knew she'd have to give a sermon she didn't believe, she'd get stomachaches and headaches and endure all sorts of miserable physical manifestations. Reading the story, I felt for her. I think we've all probably tried to pretend to be something we weren't and suffered as a result. (In my case, it was an brief engagement to an overbearing man that, after a few months, caused my gut to seize and pounds to slide away like melting… -
Home
22 Apr 2012 | 11:36 pmWe just got back from Arizona yesterday, where we met up with my parents on the kids' spring break. There were idyllic moments. There were times when the tension between J. and me squealed like a too-tight violin string. Mostly there are sweet memories, though. I know I'm lucky to have experienced such a trip. Such trips. I married a traveler, you see. And my own (somewhat restrained) wanderlust had been latent until I met J. and we started to go places. I'm planning a solo trip to China in October (perhaps I've mentioned that--I'm a little excited) to reconnect with my college roommate and…
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Balancing Motherhood
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5 Tips To Prepare for Summer
15 May 2012 | 12:42 pmSummertime is almost here. School is out in a few weeks for us here in Florida, which means that I’ll have two kids who need something to do. I’ve got camps lined up, but I want to be sure we do things as a family to make sure we have a meaningful “what I did [...] -
Monday, Monday
30 Apr 2012 | 8:38 amDo you ever get the Sunday-night blues? Years ago, when I was in a job that I disliked (OK, I kind of hated that job) I used to get depressed every Sunday night thinking about going back to the office Monday morning. The weekend was over, it was back to reality — and it was [...] -
Spring blooms
19 Apr 2012 | 8:01 amMy gardenias are starting to bloom. I love this time of year. In Florida, it’s the time when it’s starting to get warmer and we are savoring every last breeze we feel. Some days it’s already too hot to be outside. But this week it’s been glorious. There is so much going on these days. [...]
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Manic Mommies® Media, Inc.
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June Book Club: The Singles
16 May 2012 | 8:00 amThis is a guest post from our book club hostess, Mari I’m please to announce our June selection, The Singles. I have read a lot of light/fun novels recently and this is one of my favorites. The Singles is told from different voices, the bride opens the story but it’s told by the people to attend the wedding as a ‘single’. As the story goes on we learn how the singles know the bride and groom, their relationships, insecurities, and more. It’s a very fun look at an evening (and the morning after). A great summer selection! Synopsis: Bee wanted the perfect wedding;… -
Snapshot: Moment of Zen
13 May 2012 | 6:24 pmBecause Steve was working on Saturday and Sunday (downside to being the Bike Guy – weekend commitments), I spent most of the weekend catching up on my to-do list, and shuttling kids to and from various activities. But between trips, I found a few “moments of zen,” stalking a male cardinal who was courting from the comfort of our front yard. Steve didn’t really understand my obsession with our cardinal visitor, until he saw the photos. (I had a hard time deciding which I liked best – but out of 50ish photos, there were my four favorites). -
Podcast: Detachment Parenting
13 May 2012 | 12:27 pmWe’re catching up on the latest headlines – including how commuting will kill us; attachment parenting; bake sale bans; sun tanning for grownups – and other random items. This episode is sponsored by Sleep Number. To find a Sleep Number store near you, call 1-800-995-4177. And please, be sure to tell them the Manic Mommies sent you. Manic Mommies is supported in part by Audible.com. Visit AudibleTrial.com/ManicMommies for your free 30-day trial and download. Check out our Pinterest board for recommendations. Links mentioned: Time Magazine article | Huffington Post | Long…
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CityMama™
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4 May 2012 | 1:18 pm
4 May 2012 | 1:18 pmPeace be with you, MCA. I feel like a part of me has died, too. -
Camp Galileo Is Repeat-Worthy According to My Kids
3 May 2012 | 11:31 pmNothing strikes fear into the hearts of working parents more than the words, "Summer Vacation." As I mentioned in a previous post about Camp Galileo, I'm not one of those parents who scrambles to sign-up for camps in January for several reasons: I'm pretty laid back about these things. I've never not been able to find a nice summer camp for my kids to attend. I'm never sure about our summer travel plans—we tend to do things last minute so my camp plans need to be flexible. I can't afford to spend thousands of dollars at one time (because it is thousands of… -
Trust me, the moms in your life want to go to Burke-Williams for Mother's Day
28 Apr 2012 | 10:38 amI'm not what you would call a regular spa-goer. Whenever I get a fancy-pants facial or (more infrequently) massage at a real spa, I'm always a little unsteady when entering those quiet and serene spaces (Am I going to do it wrong?) and I never remember to plan enough time to use the "extra amenities" like hot or cold whirpool baths, steam rooms, saunas, or even the showers and free toiletries. (Which Burke-Williams offers.) I have to admit, it is kinda awesome to slather on as much lotion as you like, use all the Q-tips you want, and then follow it all up with a swish of…
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Hormone-Colored Days
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Stuff Moms Say
10 May 2012 | 9:27 amThere are the things we never thought we'd tell our kids and then there are the things we actually do. What unexpected gems have come out of your mouth since you've been a mom?Happy Mother's Day! -
Because I'm Really a 12-year-old Boy
2 May 2012 | 6:30 amI couldn't resist snapping a shot of this package of meat I found at one of the ethnic grocery shops around town. You just don't get stuff like this at the Jewel.For the record. I picked up a lot of fresh produce, Greek olives, feta cheese, and Chicago-made corn tortillas, but I passed on the butt. -
Pinterest Echo Chamber
23 Apr 2012 | 8:49 amI recently came across a photo that might solve some of my design issues issues related to the reno of my boys' bathroom. I Pinned it, not so much to share it with the masses, but to place it on my design board, so I can find it later.Then I decided to search Pinterest for more bathroom ideas.This is what I got:Rather than dozens of ideas, my results only included a handful of ideas (many of which are in the high-end fantasy realm) that were repeated over and over as I scrolled down the page. Even that image on the upper left, with the dark cabinets showed up more than half a dozen…
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Denver Mommy Blogger, Family Travel Writer, Mom Blog :: Crazy Bloggin Canuck
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On Being Humbled
15 May 2012 | 8:00 amAt the exact same time the Denver City Council approved a homeless-camping ban Monday night, I was faced with the sobering reminder that two-thirds of those who are homeless are kids. Last night was just like any night--we were busy juggling homework, sick Bode, planting flowers, addressing Haddie's baptism invitations, laundry and the general chaos we've come to (mostly) love when I received a phone call. "My friend needs your help," pleaded my friend Diane. "Her 18-month-old son is very sick and they need a ride to the hospital."Though I didn't know the woman, I instinctively said "yes,"… -
Happy Mother's Day!
13 May 2012 | 8:31 pmI have a fantastic mom and a wonderful mother-in-law, had great grandmothers, and many friends who perfectly emulate what it means to be a model mom. I've also been blessed with a loving husband and two fantastic kids.Basically, I can't go wrong on Mother's Day.I was treated to breakfast in bed, some great homemade gifts from the kiddos, a steak dinner, beautiful hanging baskets for the porch, delicious pie at church and the promise of a romantic evening without kids on Saturday (thanks to Aunt Lisa for hosting their sleepover!)I, in turn, made Jamie promise in addition to giving me the… -
Bode's New Obsession
10 May 2012 | 8:00 amBode has added a new obsession to his growing repertoire: meteorology. He's a numbers guy. We call him Rain Man because he's constantly counting and observing. During the long drive to Canada, I assigned him to track the speed limit...and he continues to inform me of every single speed limit sign.In case you're not very observant, there are a lot of them.And he also reams me out when I'm exceeding them.But the weather has taken his numbers obsession to a whole new level. When Jamie bought his iPad, I spent an entire morning with Bode on weather.com learning about temperatures around the…
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Mile High Mamas
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Going vegan, family style: New vegan fare makes an animal-free diet tastier than ever
16 May 2012 | 7:51 amBefore the television appearances and the best-selling cookbook, Roberto Martin was a typical “Top Chef” kind of guy: meat, meat and more meat. But then Ellen DeGeneres and her partner, Portia de Rossi, both vegans, hired him to be their personal chef. Now, he rarely puts anything in his body that comes from animals. For Martin, ethics and health concerns spurred the switch. But it probably wouldn’t have happened, he said, if the food tasted like dreck. “When it’s a choice, you want something good,” said the author of “Vegan Cooking for… -
Events: Highlands Ranch Music Art Festival & Five Points Jazz Festival
15 May 2012 | 4:29 pmSaturday. Celebrate the rich musical history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood at the Five Points Jazz Festival. The ninth annual fest turns Welton Street into a smorgasbord of song—seven performance stages will run all afternoon. A small sampling of acts on the bill: Jakarta, the Queen City Jazz Band, Ron Ivory and Members Only, and the Dazzle Recordings Jazz Revue. Denver’s young musicians are in the spotlight this year, too, with a special youth stage and kid-friendly fun. Explore the neighborhood’s cultural resources in activities at the Black American West Museum, the Stiles… -
Denver Deal: 303 Choir, Shutterfly, My Favorite Muffins, Dental Deals and more.
15 May 2012 | 10:47 amFinally, the summer sun is out to stay! I’m excited about the warmer temps which means that I will be spending a lot of time outside! Unfortunately, my son inherited my white skin along with the propensity to get a sunburn. The kids and I recently tried a new sunscreen called Kiss My Face (Who wouldn’t pick that up based on the name alone?!?!?) I am always on the lookout for great sunscreen that covers but doesn’t feel greasy and waterproof is even better! We tried the SPF 30 and the SPF 40 lotions – I loved that they went on smooth and there was not a strong scent.
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(More than) Fourinarow.net
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Play Things
10 May 2012 | 8:45 pmI guess I’ve finally gone off the deep end. After posting about the Lego shelf, my friend Katey sent me a message telling me about how she’d just sorted all their Lego. By color. I asked for pictures, and she provided them. I drooled. And then I spent every spare moment of my next day sorting Lego. By color. Awesome, isn’t it? The one bin on the top left that isn’t sorted by color holds all the Lego guys and girls, their weapons and accessories. The boys are thrilled, as it makes it much easier for them to find the pieces they’re looking for. … -
Lego Shelf
7 May 2012 | 1:13 pmI haven’t posted much lately because Pinterest is stealing all of my time. It’s ridiculous. Now, if I could just create some of the six billion things I’ve seen and liked, I wouldn’t feel like such a bum. I did manage to make this the other day, and only for the cost of glue, as I had the other materials on hand: Now Lukie can display his Lego creations securely. When he saw his new shelf, he was THRILLED. Until he found out I cut up his base plates to make it. Then there were tears. Story of my life. -
My Fashionista
30 Apr 2012 | 10:35 amOur parish women’s council held it’s annual fashion show fund raising event this past Friday night. Because I helped with some of the print materials needed, Maria was invited to participate as a model. She was SO EXCITED!!! I picked her up early from school so that she and a couple of friends could have their hair done up for the big night. I wish I could do her hair like this! (And that she’d sit as patiently for me – without screaming – as she did for the stylist.) Back of hair Top of hair Ready to go! We arrived at the venue in time to help with the…
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Musings of a Housewife
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Celebrating my Blogiversary with My Day Registry
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amHave you ever wanted to find an original gift for a certain someone who has everything? I’m sure we all have someone like that in our lives — I have several! I am always scrounging to find something new and different to give the ones who can really buy anything they want – or those who just aren’t really into stuff. (I can’t imagine that – ha!) I recently discovered My Day Registry, and I think this is such a fun idea and the perfect gift for someone in your life who has everything or can buy anything they want. You basically dedicate a special day to… -
Mom Style | What I Wore This Week 05.16.12
16 May 2012 | 4:00 amLet me just remind you that this is May. Cause you’ll never believe it by looking at my outfits this week. Last Wednesday I attended a Mom’s Night Out event hosted by Main Line Parent. The dress code was cocktail attire, so I pulled out my favorite dress. This is the first time I’ve work it without black tights. I was a little bit self conscious, but I got a ton of compliments so I guessed it works! Because the dress is so busy, I usually go light on the jewelry. I wore silver chandelier earrings from Stella & Dot and doubled up on my bracelets for a chunkier look. Those… -
First CSA Pick-Up :: Name That Vegetable
15 May 2012 | 4:26 pmToday was our first CSA* pickup. We are new to the CSA, and I have to admit, I am a bit overwhelmed. This is a HALF SHARE, believe it or not! I’m SO glad we decided to split our CSA share with a neighbor. I’m impressed with the quality of the produce, and it’s all organic. WOOT! But now I have to figure out what to DO with it all. Anyone have any idea what the thing in the back with the big white bulb is? *CSA = Community Supported Agriculture Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food…
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Cheaty Monkey
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Though time flies out from under
30 Apr 2012 | 9:03 pmI can’t believe I’m blogging this evening. It feels like I was just here. But I counted the days (on my fingers), and it’s almost been two weeks. Remember when I used to blog here every day? Time just goes so fast now. And as I mentioned in my last post, I’m determined to slow it down. And I’m determined to write here tonight even though I’m simultaneously battling my cat Minden as he attempts avidly, feverishly to kiss me or, well, seriously, to stick his slimy tongue down my throat. BATTLING HERE. Sorry for that visual, but HELP ME seriously…! So… -
For the love of peace and quiet
17 Apr 2012 | 10:22 pmWell, I never made it to yoga that week. And, as you can see, I hardly have time to do another thing I love anymore — blog here at Cheaty Monkey. Things are busier than ever at work, so by the end of the day, after the kids are in bed and I’m done working some more, I just want to get offline, play with my animals and read a book. A couple of weeks ago, Josh and I went on our trip to Mont Tremblant alone, i.e., without kids. I still can’t believe we went on a plane together without them. I was a little anxious, of course, because the Monkey kept asking things like,… -
The Race
30 Mar 2012 | 3:58 pmWake up. Wrestle the dog. Wrestle the cat. Let out the dog. Boil some water. Let in the dog. Give her her favourite all-natural, vegan “boney.” But first, make her sit. Gentle…. Make lemon water: squeeze the hell out of lemon, pour water on top, then the freshly boiled water. Make cat food with leftover boiled water. Prepare Maaarge’s meds. Wait patiently as Maaarge tries to eat her meds. Feed cats. Attempt to drink lemon water and pop first herbal med of the day. Bring lemon water upstairs without spilling. Turn on all the lights and wake up sleepy heads. But first!
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Queen of Spain Blog
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Phone Calls
15 May 2012 | 12:54 amIt’s going to be ok. I don’t know how many times I have said that but wasn’t sure if it was true. I don’t know how many times I’ve chanted it out loud, in my head, to you, to the kids, to family and friends. It’s going to be ok. This time I meant it. My doctor called us over the weekend. Yes, I have the kind of doctor who calls on a Saturday. He’s writing a book and it seems my case is an entire chapter. Or at least it’s working out to be that way as he continues to write. I’ve given him permission to call as he pleases for a variety… -
Of Romney and His Gang and the Gang Who Held ME Down
12 May 2012 | 12:15 pmIn high school I was held down by a group of boys against my will. Much like the story being told about Mitt Romney, my high school days included an incident where a group of young men ‘played a prank’ ‘had some fun’ ‘joked around’ ‘acted like boys’ ‘bullied someone different’ ‘tackled’ ‘pinned to the ground’ ‘forcibly restrained me.’ Much like the story being told about Romney and his group of friends, I lived in a suburb of Detroit, near the prestigious Cranbrook school Romney attended. While he… -
World Lupus Day 2012: It’s Complex
10 May 2012 | 1:03 pmI have mixed feelings today. My emotions are all over the place for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is I am making progress in my fight. But with that progress have come so many casualties I feel like I would have rather of lost more organs or had another stroke. Celebrating seems out-of-place when so many around me are hurting from the wake that Lupus has left. Don’t get me wrong, we will celebrate eventually. It’s just not time yet. I’m only beginning to feel better. beginning to be stable for more than a month here or a week there. Celebrations seem to be for…
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Blonde Mom Blog
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It’s A Nice Day For A White Bunny
16 May 2012 | 6:35 amLast week I picked up a cute guy while out walking. He’s short, hairy, and handsome, and he has this thing for raw carrots. Meet Pepper, named by Miss C. He is now livin’ large after being homeless. But not with us. (The dogs would eat him in one bite.) I work in a nice office park area and there’s a long stretch of sidewalk that runs behind a nearby Publix strip mall. I was zipping along when I spotted a small black and white creature nibbling grass at the edge of some trees and bushes about 30 feet in front of me. I was close enough to realize, thank you Jesus, that I… -
Happy Mother’s Day!
13 May 2012 | 7:28 amI hope everyone has a fantastic Mother’s Day! We’re spending time today with two great moms in my life—my amazing mom and my wonderful mother-in-law—not to mention my sisters and my sister-in-law. This motherhood business deserves a shout out! It’s raining cats and dogs here in Nashville, but this is probably because one of my early Mother’s Day gifts yesterday was hubby and Miss C totally cleaning out my nasty SUV inside and out. It was pretty much a science experiment on wheels. You could probably survive on the crumbs of food that were on the floorboard… -
Lost And Found
11 May 2012 | 8:19 amMy marathon girls! There aren’t many situations quite as terrifying for parents as losing sight of their child at a public event. Two weeks ago we had a frightening incident involving our 7-year-old daughter, Miss A, at the ING Kids Marathon in downtown Nashville. I will preface this by saying that she was fine the entire time and was technically not “lost,” but 40 minutes went by from the point my husband watched her turn the final corner toward the finish line with the other 1st grade runners to the point he finally laid eyes on her again. 40 minutes. The traffic going…
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Girl's Gone Child
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120/100
15 May 2012 | 11:03 pmI must be PMSing. That or I'm going through some kind of third-life crisis. Apparently this is what happens when people turn thirty sometimes but I'm already thirty. I don't even care about being thirty. Or thirty-one. Looking ahead has never freaked me out. It's the looking behind that does.Or maybe it's just some hormonal shit I'm dealing with. The babies are eight months old now which means they've been in the world as long as they were inside me, which in the past served as a reflective time. There's something poetic about the shift, when the time between conception and birth becomes… -
Pull
14 May 2012 | 8:39 pmI don't know what it is about holidays reserved for "mothers" or "lovers" or even "birthday girls" but a part of me has always dreaded them, felt anxious in anticipation and then uncomfortable once they arrive. I'm supposed to feel excited, moved, grateful; a round-up of pre-fabricated emotions.Except, I don't feel them. I never have.I feel the same way about birthdays and anniversaries. Everyone is so nice because they're supposed to be nice. Husbands buy flowers because they're supposed to buy flowers. Children make cards at school because they were told to make cards at… -
Thirty (almost thirty-one!) Years a Mother
13 May 2012 | 2:17 amThe following post was first published almost two years ago, on my twenty-ninth birthday. I don't typically repost but I wanted to write something for my mother today and found that more than anything I've ever shared in this space, THIS said it all... Because being a great parent is as much about guiding as it is standing back. Thank you mom for this life that I love. Thank you for standing in front of me when I needed a leader and behind me when I was desperate to lead. Thank you for drawing me a map and then helping me rip it into a zillion pieces so that I could draw my own. Thank you for…
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Notes from the Trenches
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No Time Off for Mother’s Day
15 May 2012 | 7:39 amI broke my own cardinal rule and ran out on to the field when my son was injured. My 13 yr old son plays on a 7-7 football team, which, for the uninitiated, is pretty much like playing tag. Tag with aggressive, fast, competitive kids. My son and one of his team mates [...] -
Portrait of the Teenager
14 May 2012 | 10:09 amOnce the good drugs kick in, the teenager continues texting as if his teeth haven’t been knocked half way down his throat or his lip split open. On the other hand, I was whimpering in chair next to the bed. And now for more fun, we are off to the orthodontist hoping the teeth can [...] -
The Prom
30 Apr 2012 | 4:19 pmI’m sure everyone who knows me personally is tired of hearing me talk about my baby going to the prom. But guys…look at my baby. All dressed up in a tuxedo and heading to the PROM! (My son just told me that his friends think it looks like a photo that comes with the frame. Can’t [...]
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acte gratuit: A look at life in between naps.
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Easter Bunny Fail -- Part 3
11 May 2012 | 11:33 pmSorry...sorta forgot I was leaving everyone in suspense. Here we go... -- We put the bunnies in a recycle bin in the closet. Sure, this may seem a little cruel and unusual. BUT, I snuck them out during the day when the boys weren't around and then we'd take them out again at night after the boys were in bed. They were so tiny and adorable. I'd wrap the little one in a dish towel (to protect from pee and tiny claws) and sit with it on my lap and pet its tiny head. Still, it was a little stressful thinking of them cooped up in the closet under the stairs behind the… -
Yes! Pet! -- Part 2
8 May 2012 | 12:32 amContinued from here! A few days later, Facebook intervened again. A friend posted a picture of her son holding an ADORABLE lop-eared bunny with the caption "Easter bunny came early this year!" I went back through my old messages and found the number Doug had texted. Then, impulsively, I called the number. The lady on the other end said she had a few bunnies left, but they were going fast! Easter was only three days away! I told her I'd talk to my husband and call her back. "Okay, but they might be gone tonight! They're going FAST." I hung up. I considered talking… -
To Pet or Not to Pet? Part 1
6 May 2012 | 3:09 pmWe've been playing with the idea for awhile. The boys have begged. They all want one. We go back and forth... Pet or no pet? I'm strictly a "no pet" girl myself. I had bad allergies as a kid and was pretty much taught to hate and fear anything with fur. (DON'T TOUCH THE DANDER!!!) The only pets we ever had were goldfish won at the school fair. (Much to my mother's chagrin.) And those never lasted long before they took their last, long swim down the toilet. Doug was the opposite. His family had quite the managerie over the years. Cats,…
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Sarah and the Goon Squad
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Gifts
11 May 2012 | 3:14 pmThere has been a lot of talk leading up to this Mother’s Day about how we should celebrate it on the internet. Some people want us to black it out and not talk about it at all for a cause. Some people want us to weigh in on the magazine cover that shows a blogger nursing her three year old son. I sort of feel like we should celebrate Mother’s Day in a positive way. Last weekend I had the pleasure and the honor of reading an essay I wrote at the Listen to Your Mother Show here in the Washington D.C. area. I sat on the stage with 11 other mothers who told stories that were funny and… -
Double Time
8 May 2012 | 9:03 amWhen I found out that I was pregnant with twins I ran right out to the book store and bought almost every book I could find in the pregnancy/parenting section on multiples. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that there were only four of them on the shelf that day. It was such a mysterious thing to me, this having two babies at one time. None of my friends had twins. I had very few friends who were twins and until I started announcing that I was pregnant with twins I didn’t realize how many people that I knew had siblings that were twins. I needed more information. There was a book by… -
Why Youth Sports Are Vital
2 May 2012 | 3:45 pmSomedays I cannot believe how busy we are around here. Between scouts, choir, soccer, birthday parties, piano lessons, family commitments and homework I feel like half of the time I am just diving my kids around from place to place. I know this isn’t news to any suburban parent. I was warned about this. The thing is how do you decide what to sign up for and what not to sign up for? Not over scheduling my children but still making sure they end up as well rounded individuals is a constant challenge. As of second grade they both love scouts but I am not requiring them to do it. Scouts are…
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Surrender, Dorothy
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As Though I Minimize Kid Clutter
15 May 2012 | 11:34 amThank you for bearing with my through yesterday's whining. Despite waking up at 3 am realizing I might still be at a doctor's appointment when the school bus arrives outside my door today and not being able to go back to sleep for an hour, I feel better today than I did yesterday. I've even already solved for the school bus problem! Yay, me. As I'm currently moping around wishing I had an energy level commiserate to vacuuming, it's funny that this is the week that I've been selected to write about keeping up with kid clutter for BlogHer's Life Well Lived series. Ha…
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Sweetney
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Food Love: French Macarons
16 May 2012 | 7:30 amThis post is by the baker boyfriend, Charlie. Sometimes folks will pretend like things are harder than they are. My friend Hank, for example, used to blow these really pretty pieces of glass. I’d ask him how he did it and he’d get all cagey and aloof. And when he did talk about it he’d ... CONTINUE READING » Please support Sweetney by visiting the site for the full post: Food Love: French Macarons -
Augusten Burroughs on Why Memoir Writing is Important
15 May 2012 | 2:10 pmAnd why, as Einstein said, there is no “preferred point of view” in the universe. Sing it, Augusten, SING. IT. (Yes, I’m being all fangirl-y today, shut up.) Please support Sweetney by visiting the site for the full post: Augusten Burroughs on Why Memoir Writing is Important Please support Sweetney by visiting the site for the full post: Augusten Burroughs on Why Memoir Writing is Important -
Stuff I Love: This Is How by Augusten Burroughs (+Giveaway)
15 May 2012 | 9:15 amSometimes – rarely – you finish reading a book, and immediately want to buy up several hundred copies and give it to everyone you know. People? This is one of those books. To give you some sense of how much I loved this book: I bought it Friday night, finished it Saturday morning, and then ... CONTINUE READING » Please support Sweetney by visiting the site for the full post: Stuff I Love: This Is How by Augusten Burroughs (+Giveaway)
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MomsRising Blog
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The Politics of Motherhood
16 May 2012 | 1:38 pmRe-posted with author permission from the Huffington Post. Americans, or at least the chattering class, have gotten all riled up about motherhood twice in the past few weeks. First, there was the kerfuffle between Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen and Ann Romney about whether Mrs. Romney, a stay-at-home mother, could truly understand the plight of working Moms enough to advise her husband on the subject. Instead of turning into a real debate about the struggles of parenting and working, it turned into a question of whether the left really hates stay-at-home Moms. Then last week, thousands of… -
#WellnessWeds: Women’s Health Week Blogathon
16 May 2012 | 11:15 amHappy National Women’s Health Week! This is a whole week dedicated to the health concerns of women and the new opportunities for better health that the Affordable Care Act offers women. Here’s a brief description from Womenshealth.gov: “Women often serve as caregivers for their families, putting the needs of their spouses, partners, children, and parents before their own. As a result, women’s health and well-being becomes secondary. As a community, we have a responsibility to support the important women we know and do everything we can to help them take steps for longer,… -
Women’s Health: We All Have a Role to Play
16 May 2012 | 8:33 amLike many women of her generation, Sue was careful to get prenatal care and watch her weight gain as her doctor advised. In the early 1960s there were no warnings to avoid smoking or alcohol during pregnancy and no information about the potential hazards of environmental chemicals, either for Sue’s own health or the health of her baby. Now in 2012, new information suggests that some exposures that were not in Sue’s control, including some pesticides and industrial chemicals, may have affected her health and the health of her children. Nearly all persons in the U.S. were exposed…
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The Silent "I"
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Happy Mothers Day 2012!
13 May 2012 | 4:42 pmI woke up this morning and found a lovely bouquet of orange, yellow and pink roses on the table by my computer. I guess the Mothers Day Fairy must have landed here last night and just happened to know that my son's favorite color is orange and my favorite flowers are yellow roses. Such a sweet gesture from my husband and son, along with cards and hugs and reminders of why I love being a mom. I called my own mom, who marveled at the fact that for the first time in years my card arrived on time, along with a personalized card from my son to her, courtesy of the amazing Treat.com. I…
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TheMacMommy
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The Gift of Peace of Mind
13 May 2012 | 10:53 amGetting your Mom a new gadget for Mother's Day? Are you a Mom who got a new gadget or maybe you bought a little somethin-somethin for yourself? I just did! I also got myself a bonus — a SquareTrade Warranty to protect my new arrival. You get health insurance for your kiddos so why not get accidental insurance for your gadgets? Peace of mind and sanity savers are wonderful gifts for Moms! -
Febrile Seizures - Our Story
8 May 2012 | 3:53 amMy aim in sharing this horror story is to bring about awareness of febrile seizures and the aftermath. If left unattended, they could become far more serious. Please take some time to learn more about febrile seizures so you can act quickly and appropriately. A friend shared a post with me today and due to the subject, I felt compelled to read it in its entirety and comment at length on it -
Protecting Your Identity: Some Observations
7 May 2012 | 4:42 amA client of mine forwarded to me a message she had gotten with tips for how to protect your identity and that is what has inspired this post. Below is an edited version of what I wrote back to her. I hope you find it useful. I just finished getting all 3 of my free credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com I won't lie, obtaining your credit report is TRICKY!! All these sites out there
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This Full House
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At Our House, It's Called a Blood Drive-By
15 May 2012 | 4:36 pmAs a mother of 3 teens, 1 kid in double-digits and Supreme Goddess of All Things Domestic (in my house, anyways) I feel it safe say that there is NOTHING worse than battling a foreign object, invading your child's body, that you canNOT see. 3yo Heather: Hey...wook...isn't that where you gave bwud, How-wee? Unless, you have to take said child to have their blood drawn and, well, game over dude! 5yo Holly/How-wee: I didn't give it...Heatherrrrr...THEY TOOK IT! Even years later, my two oldest daughters would play out this same conversation, every time we'd drive by the building, where they… -
If It Wasn't For the Graffiti and Hairy Legs, I Would Be Clueless
11 May 2012 | 10:51 amMy youngest daughter is going to the 5th grade dance with someone and I know this for a fact because the front door told me so. Hope has talked (and graffiti'd) about little else since, well, the 4th grade, really, other than maybe her oldest sister's senior prom (ACK!) her 11th birthday (UGH!) oh, and her 5th grade graduation (GAH!) all of which are happening in the same week, next month. Aaaaand, I have absolutely NO CLUE how we will get through ALL these snot-worthy milestones (and by we, I mean mostly me!) because, the fact that I have a kid old enough to be graduating high school? … -
I do not have a pain-management problem, I have a pain problem and maybe a slight case of Trypanophobia.
8 May 2012 | 5:58 pmBlog title inspired by House. Picture, just because. I had my second doctor's appointment scheduled for today. That is to say, I showed up when I was supposed to. Just like last week. Me and about a dozen other people (I think maybe I even recognized a few of them, could be they were still waiting, from last week) staring at Fox News. (HURL!) Me? I watched the day float right on by and...you know...give me the finger. Now that I think on it some more, it's sort of ironic, really: We ALL had appointments We ALL sought treatment for various neurological and/or spinal…
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Velveteen Mind
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I Heard God Laugh. And It Sounded Like Screaming.
8 May 2012 | 7:31 amI committed to a slash-and-burn attack on my life and then I heard God laugh, nearly audibly. And it sounded like screaming. On March 19, my two year old daughter, Iris, had a series of febrile seizures. I recognized what was happening because I once heard a story about febrile seizures. The minutes that recognition bought us may have helped save her from permanent damage. So I'm going to tell you a story about febrile seizures. I'm going to tell you the whole thing and it's going to be long and then I'm going to be done with it. And I want you to remember it. The Trigger March 19 was a… -
Scorched Earth
9 Mar 2012 | 6:20 pm"Soon it'll be time to write? Yes?" My friend Robin from Pensieve left that comment on my last post. More than two months after I wrote my last post. Yes. It's time to write. My story ideas grow and grow and then grow moldy. Thick vines encroach on these seedlings of thoughts and I lose them in the tangle, only to find them later, compressed and scarred. Fire has surrounded me for months now. I've frequently written about it and, in a very "The Secret" way, felt it creep into conversations, attracting it. Despite the fact that I am not into astrology, I caught myself telling a friend that… -
Let It Burn. Let It Rage.
5 Jan 2012 | 10:35 amHe wanted the fire only large enough to last ten minutes. I wanted it to rage. I spent 2011 in a slow, smoldering state, never able to maintain my flame for long. Reading my friend Emily’s year-end favorite posts list, however, reminded me that I started it raging. Damn it, this year did not go at all as I had planned. With that longing in mind, I built a fire New Year’s Eve night to light up the bayou. Let it burn. Let it rage. I’ll stand here until the last ember smolders. To hell with control. So. The skin cancer. The last time I wrote about it was July, shortly after two full…
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and baby makes 6!
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Bread
2 May 2012 | 10:57 amYesterday I baked some whole wheat bread for my family. I love the whole process of mixing, kneeding and baking. I took the loaves out of the oven before I left to pick up the littles from school. When we got home and walked in the door, the house smelled of yummy baked bread. The [...] -
Easter sweets
6 Apr 2012 | 8:48 am -
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28 Mar 2012 | 11:39 am
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IzzyMom
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Do You Know This Song?
30 Apr 2012 | 3:26 pmMy kids have had this toy keyboard for EVER and for as long as they’ve had it, I’ve been racking my brains trying to remember what this one song is. Nobody else has any idea what it is either and then one day I had this brainstorm to record it with my phone and put [...] -
Like Junk Food Truffle Pigs
30 Mar 2012 | 11:29 pmWhen my daughter was old enough to eat real food, I was very conscientious of what I fed her. I avoided giving her any kind of junk food or overly sugary stuff and encouraged fruits and whole grains and all that. I could hardly even bear for her to eat things that weren’t organic. *cue [...] -
Three Things I’ve Learned This Month
27 Mar 2012 | 9:38 pmWhen you buy cheap towels? You GET cheap towels—cheap towels that will FOREVER have the lint of other things stuck to them and a lot of stupid strings hanging off of them and you will be embarrassed when you accidentally hand one to a guest since they really should have been put in the crappy [...]
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Three Kid Circus
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One foot in front of the other
3 May 2012 | 9:57 pmI'm weary tonight. We're in the final month of school and I'm ready, so very ready, to be done with the school year. Of course, first we have to navigate the gauntlet of furlough days, field trips, concerts, Open Houses, book fairs and book swaps, costumed theme days and parties. That's right, I'm spending tonight figuring out how to make a Greek Chiton costume for my son, for tomorrow. Because... yeah. Apparently there were emails and notes sent home about this months ago? I'm sure this king-sized pillowcase will work fine. (Hangs head in shame. It's Cave Day all over again.) Work has hit a… -
Sunny day, in the park
29 Apr 2012 | 1:00 am -
Beauty School Dropout
5 Apr 2012 | 11:47 pmMy oldest is now 13 years old. My first-born, my training baby, my giant child, my young lady is thir-freaking-teen. This is supposed to be a transitional period, where the un-selfconciousness of childhood crashes into the awkwardness of adolescence. This is the time when (supposedly) parents who have run this gauntlet are left navigating a scarred, charred wasteland and a thousand-yard stare, occasionally punctuated by shudders and a twitching eye. By and large, though, we're doing great. Greatish. (knocking wood.) I'm struggling with my weight (still, always) and have been having some…
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slackermama . com
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Back to life
15 May 2012 | 1:39 pmI’ve mentioned before that I’m feeling better now than I did even just a year ago. And so much better than the years before that even. But now… oh my. The difference is so startling. And that’s just the difference between when I felt that I was better and now when I am SO MUCH better. And I look back, at the last 5 or so years, and I wonder “HOW did I make it, feeling that way??” It’s plain to me now that I wasn’t really living. I was existing. Surviving. Going through the motions and letting one day roll into the next until… -
Yes, I’m going to talk about Doctor Who. Again.
7 May 2012 | 1:50 pmSo yes, I’m still obsessed. But, to my credit, “Doctor Who” is a show that is very easy to obsess about. I’m starting to think that the U.K. has it in for me. Nearly every British cultural thing I have taken in recently has been so good and so entertaining. I’m turning into an Anglophile! Let’s look at the evidence, shall we? Harry Potter, Love Actually, Torchwood, The IT Crowd, Doctor Who… and I have a laundry list of other television shows that I must check out as soon as Kile and I are finished going through the rest of the… -
In which I’m sure I’m quite mad
30 Apr 2012 | 6:04 pmI didn’t mean to leave that other post up for so long. Many ferocious apologies to you all. I’ve been swept up in “Doctor Who”… which I suppose I never wasn’t swept up from the first time I started watching it on Netflix here several months back. But I’m rewatching with Kile now, so he can at least know what I’m babbling on about and now I’m officially a nutter. We bought a new coffee machine over the weekend (the ol’ Keurig was a great gal, but she pooped out on us the week before last. We limped along with a Coffee Mate…
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Karen Sugarpants
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My Kids Are Better Than Your Kids
11 May 2012 | 5:39 amI came home this morning* to this note, written by my oldest son, posted on the fridge: I had just come off a long and difficult night shift, and this made me laugh out loud and wash away the stresses of the previous 8 hours. That is only one reason why my kids rule so hard. Also, the same kid responsible for this note pointed me to this hilarious video last night, which I can’t stop watching & laughing at. *Lest you assume that because I am coming home in the morning, I am some sort of hussy, or perhaps a hooker of sorts, I’ll have you know I was working the night shift,… -
Unh… Krispy Kreme… The Baddest
10 May 2012 | 8:30 pmBest. Ever. It’s Rebecca Black meets Lil Suburban Boy in his Mom’s unfinished basement. I can’t tell you what I like the best: his snotty nose, his hilarious lyrics, or the UNH…Krispy Kreeeeeme… at the end. -
Growing Up All Over Again
9 May 2012 | 9:38 amBritt wrote a post this morning that I needed to read. In it, she says, “When we go back to school as adults, we give up the confidence of knowing who the hell we are and what we became when we grew up.” Britt’s Mom, Melissa, has been an inspiration to me as I embark on the journey to becoming a nurse. I’ve been thinking a lot about who I have become in the last two years of school, and although I’m proud of my marks: and my skills (not shown here): You can probably see the uncertainty on my face. It’s there. It’s there ALL the time. This nursing…
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Woulda Coulda Shoulda
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Looks like we made it…
16 May 2012 | 7:10 amIt turns out there’s nothing quite like living the one-day-at-a-time-at-the-hospital life to make you REALLY excited about middle school graduation. Part of me still can’t believe this almost didn’t happen, and the other part is afraid to breathe, just in case I’m asleep. Today is a good day. -
Here, let me Google that for you
15 May 2012 | 9:09 amSometimes, having a record of our lives is awesome. Every now and then I will go back and read something in my archives and be AMAZED, because I’d completely forgotten said event until reading about it and reawakening that memory. I’m constantly grateful for that when it comes to the day-to-day marvels of raising small [...] -
Slow and steady
11 May 2012 | 9:24 amOtto never tires of telling people the joke about how it was an easy decision for us to have a small, family-only wedding ceremony without all of the traditional hoopla. “We’ve both already been to the wedding where she wore the big white dress,” he’ll deadpan, then sit back and wait for that to sink [...]
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glamaLIFE...embrace LIFE. get LOVE. be GLAM.
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Time Magazine’s Nipplegate, My 2 Cents
15 May 2012 | 8:00 amTime magazine released a controversial cover featuring a mom breastfeeding her 3 year old triggering the attachment parenting debate of “How much is too much?”. Tune in for my 2 cents…what’s YOURS? Loved it? Click below for more...Raising Creative Kids: Teaching What Our Schools Won’t Adventures in Playful Parenting: Extreme Picnicking Epilepsy 101: Just in time for Epilepsy Awareness Month Get Glowing: Skin Care Tips for Busy Moms Why Moms Need Adventure -
Kids NEED Outdoor Play…here’s WHY!
14 May 2012 | 12:42 pm50% of preschoolers aren’t getting enough outside playtime. Have fun with us as we enjoy some fun in the sun this summer! In the comments below, tell me- what’s YOUR favorite outdoor playtime? Loved it? Click below for more...Family Fitness: LET’S GET MOVING! Kid Nutrition: How to Eat A Healthy Breakfast Drinking your Calories Eating Fast Foods… The Healthy Way! -
Career Day: Teaching Kids About Fashion Design
10 May 2012 | 8:02 pmIs your little girl a Project Runway or Fashion Star fan anxious to learn more about fashion design? Tune in for my career day class as I teach elementary school kids the basics of fashion design! Want to use the fashion templates to play along at home? Click the images below to enlarge and then print…
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thecrookedmaple
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the crooked maple
4 May 2012 | 8:46 amthe crooked maple..
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amalah . com
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Naps Are Wasted On The Young
16 May 2012 | 1:38 pmDo not let him fool you. Do not lend this child any money. That angelic little serious face has not napped in three days. THREE DAYS. And I don't mean oh, he's fighting his naps, or only taken short naps, or irregular naps, I mean NO NAPS. Not even so much as a 15-minute catnap in the car. Yesterday I saw him half-close his eyes in the stroller on the way home from the playground...and then he caught himself and powered through another four solid hours of daylight. 6 am to 8 pm, this child is a ball of non-stop terrifying awakeness. Is he tired? Exhausted? -
Mamarazzi
15 May 2012 | 11:11 amYou may have noticed (or...not, probably not, but allow me a moment to wallow in delusional self-importance) that I have not posted a single non-camera-phone photo in a very long time. I think Ike's birth was the last time we pulled out the "real" SLR camera, and even that was a last-minute scramble of BATTERY! CHARGER! MEMORY CARD! LENS CAP! And then it was still easier for me to grab my phone off the nightstand and snap photos. And in a way, the ease of always having a semi-decent-ish camera in my back pocket (and the forgiving hazy glow of Instragram filters) has…
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Antique Mommy
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The Fine Art of Goofing Off
27 Apr 2012 | 8:04 pmThis is a re-run from way way back in the day. But I needed to run it again today. I needed to think about my dad and the time we have spent just hanging out and goofing off and doing nothing and the joy and contentment and quality that has added to my life. * [...] -
Summer of the Gypsy Moths
23 Mar 2012 | 8:52 amSummer of the Gypsy Moths was in the box of books that Harper Collins Childrens recently sent me to review. It was written by Sara Pennypacker and is slated for release in May. Pennypacker is the author of the popular Clementine books. She also wrote some of the Flat Stanley books which Sean loves. Gypsy Moths is about [...] -
Jake and Lily
2 Mar 2012 | 6:53 amJerry Spinelli is a well-known and prolific writer of children’s stories, most notably Maniac Magee for which he won the Newbery Medal in 1990, and Wringer, which won a Newbery Honor in 1998. Jake and Lily is his latest work and is scheduled for release this spring. Jake and Lily is the story of 10-year-old [...]
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Blisstree » LIVE
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Mattresses Might Improve Your Sleep; They’ll Probably Ruin Your Sex Life
16 May 2012 | 11:20 amWhich would you rather have: good sleep or good sex? This is the dilemma that many couples are facing when it comes time to buy a new mattress. It seems that sales of those super-plush mattresses are on the rise, and with good reason–we sleep better on them. But, according to a recent Barron’s report, they also have a serious downside–bad sex. New York sex therapist Sari Eckler explained it best to Barron’s: There’s a lack of resistance for the knees and feet. And whoever is on the bottom is sinking into the bed. Or, as an owner of one of these plush mattresses… -
Weight Watchers’ Weigh-Ins Need To Stop
16 May 2012 | 9:04 amI recently attended a local Weight Watchers meeting to speak about an upcoming charity walk/bike ride. Much to my surprise, when I walked in, the receptionist at the front table asked if I “needed to be weighed.” No, I don’t “need” to be weighed, I told her. No one “needs” to be weighed. To me, weighing people in public is just offensive and humiliating. And it goes against everything I believe in about how to get people healthy. I get that Weight Watchers is all about helping people lose weight. Really, I do. But I don’t believe in scales. As a… -
Afternoon Links: 50 Awesome Pre- And Post-Workout Snacks
15 May 2012 | 3:30 pm• Fuel your body with these yummy snacks for both before and after your workout (Greatist) • Achieve the perfect lunge with this tutorial (HuffPost Healthy Living) • What’s the favorite clothing line for athletic celebs? Hint: it’s not lululemon (Well & Good) • True or false: the best facial cleansers really sold on drugstore shelves (Vital Juice) • Yes, it’s true–you really do eat more junk food in the wee hours (Grist) • These common running ailments can sideline your workouts–learn more about them to keep yourself healthy (FitSugar) Post from:…
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The Domestic Diva
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Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy: After 7+ Day Trial (sponsored)
15 May 2012 | 10:54 pmIn an earlier blog post, I told you all that I was trying out a new shampoo/conditioner called Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy. Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy is different because instead of treating the ends of the hair it nourishes the scalp instead. But before I show you my before and afters, here is a video that I found interesting from Francesca Fusco, M.D., a Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Dermatologist. Watch on Youtube: http://youtu.be/-cB52o_FhXE Here is a little history about my hair… My hair is naturally curly, fine but with a ton of volume. My hair LOVES moisture. The… -
Mother’s Day Manicure: Rhinestones on Nails?
15 May 2012 | 3:02 pmThe other day, after I had painted my nails a solid color, my husband said to me that he missed my “patterned nails”. So for Mother’s Day I thought I would treat myself to an at-home manicure. I rummaged through my nail care box and found one of my favorite products: Sally Hansen Salon Effects. Sally Hansen Salon Effects: 220 Cut It Out; Small Rhinestones from Craft Store; Clear Top Coat But whenever I do my nails I always like to do something different with them. Whether it is painting one nail a solid color while the other’s have pattern on them, adding glitter to… -
Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy: 7+ Day Trial (sponsored)
15 May 2012 | 2:57 amSome of my long time readers may know that I started the journey to healthier hair about a year ago after years of harsh abuse with heat & dyes. Along the the way, I embraced my curly hair and learned a new way to style without the heat. So this marks the beginning of a different hair chapter for me as I was given the opportunity to try out a new shampoo and conditioner line of hair care products that recently hit the store shelves at Walmart called Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy. My challenge was to replace my regular shampoo/conditioner with Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy for seven…
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Home Ec 101
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How to Get Rid of Mealy Moths
16 May 2012 | 7:38 amDear Home Ec 101,My fiance and I recently moved into our first home together, but it soon became apparent that we weren’t the only occupants. The previous owner apparently had a mealy-moth infestation, and she oh-so-thoghtfully left it for us. They’re everywhere. I kill at least 5-10 daily and each day it seems like there’s more! I freeze all my grains and flours and sugars for at least 24 hours when I buy them, all my food is stored in airtight containers, I’ve cleaned the cabinets and the drawers and everyplace I can reach yet they’ve migrated from the kitchen… -
Menu Monday: In a “Back-slidden’ Condition”
14 May 2012 | 7:00 amHeather says:Before reading, I suggest you go ahead and check any judgey-mcjudgerson pants at the door. We all have our fail moments in one area or another.It has been a rough couple of months around here. I’ve been adjusting to having a part-time job outside of the home, working on my start-up SpinPicks, and trying, trying to keep everything moving here at Home-Ec 101.Recently, someone hit my car in a parking lot while I was in a coffee shop working. If you don’t know me very well, you may not know that my super power is the ability to leap to the worst conclusion in a single… -
Cooking in a Shared Kitchen
11 May 2012 | 7:20 amDear Home-Ec 101, I am new to your blog and to cooking. I have been married for only 9 months and my husband just got out of the Army and we are staying with my grandparents while he looks for work. We have some money saved but it wont last forever, and we have been eating out a lot lately and it just isnt going to be affordable anymore. I have been teaching myself to cook and so far I’ve been focusing on baking and learning to make different things from scratch so I can freeze the dough and use it later.Well I’m emailing you for a few different reasons. First of all we try to eat…
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Working Moms Against Guilt
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Big Brother, Baseball Star, Animal Lover, Stroke Survivor
16 May 2012 | 10:33 amThe other day, I got a lovely photo card from my neighbors, the Browns. It was sort of like those family-photo Christmas cards that people send, only this one was to remind us that May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month. Not something you’d probably think about unless you or someone close to you has been affected by a pediatric stroke. Knowing some of what my friend Susan Brown has gone through with her son JT (along with her husband Aaron and their younger daughter Caitlin), I thought it might be nice to have her share her experience with you. Here’s her story. — Susan… -
Just call me klutz!
11 May 2012 | 4:06 pmYes, we did actually join the gym. I we were working out every single day while sticking to a healthy eating plan. I got up on a Saturday with the plans to make strawberry and creme stuffed french toast with strawberry syrup. Sounds fabulous, huh? The kids were watching tv in the living room so I decided to grab the strawberries, cutting board and a bowl to slice all of them up while watching tv in my bedroom. Relaxing, enjoying myself, preparing to make this wonderful breakfast – I finished up all the cutting, gathered the bowl up and was heading down the stairs. Picture… -
Shortcuts to Healthy Eating, Family-Style
7 May 2012 | 3:39 pmSince I decided to pursue a whole foods, plant-based diet toward the end of last year, I’ve hit quite a few roadblocks in my healthy eating journey: Hubs considers most vegan dishes to be inedible (with some exceptions). Kids are picky as hell and whine about anything that’s not fast food or processed. (And sometimes, they whine about those, too.) I started a new full-time job with a long-ass commute. The fam doesn’t exactly like to wait until I get home at 6:45 for me to fix them dinner. And I don’t exactly feel like cooking it, either! Trips to the grocery store have…
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the Disney Driven Life
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Disney Dreams we never saw…Part1
7 May 2012 | 10:30 pmWe all know and love the Disney Parks, movies, characters, and all the dreams that Walt left us. But there were many ideas and concepts that Walt and his Imagineers conceived over the years that never made it past the drawing board. I want to explore some of these dreams that we never could experience, but let’s take a quick look back at how Disneyland came about. Walt Disney was always a go-getter and workaholic. He immersed himself completely in everything he did, which is why his product is the standard everyone else tries to copy. He always believed in giving the public more than they… -
Run, Disney Diva, Run!
6 May 2012 | 6:30 pmPhoto Courtesy of runDisney For the past few months, I’ve been in a funk. Of the “I don’t know when my next Disney trip is going to be” kind. I know many of you can relate to what I am laying down-it can be debilitating, numbing, and heartbreaking. OK, so maybe I am being a tad melodramatic (I think not) but FINALLY I have managed to emerge from my writer’s block/self-imposed hiatus to write about…you guessed it…my next Disney vacation! I am simultaneously thrilled and also a bit embarassed at how excited I am to be embarking on a Disney Divas weekend… -
Mickey’s Nephews Morty and Ferdie Fieldmouse
30 Apr 2012 | 10:30 pmEveryone knows Donald’s three nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, and to a lesser extent, girlfriend Daisy’s nieces April, May, and June (first appearance in the Donald comic book story, “Flip Decision” 1953) and many know Minnie’s nieces (although she has an inconsistent list of nieces, but it is definitely known she has two) Millie and Melody. But many do not know that Mickey has two nephews, Morty and Ferdie Fieldmouse. As with other nieces and nephews in the Mouse family, there were different names along the way. In the Disney children’s books (pre-WWII) they were called Morty and…
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BabyCenter Blog
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Plus size swimwear for summer 2012
16 May 2012 | 1:32 pmby Denise Cortes posted in Life & Home Since my mind is already on summertime and time spent at the beach, I've been on the hunt for the perfect swimsuit. And not your average swimsuit either. The perfect swimsuit for this plus size, curvy, chunky, what-can-I-tell-you-except-I-gave-birth-six-times body. It's not an easy feat, by any means....... Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog. -
Top 5 lies about food allergy parents
16 May 2012 | 1:23 pmby Katherine Martin posted in Community Buzz This week is Food Allergy Awareness Week. I’ve talked about my son’s life threatening food allergies a couple times, but thought this week was my opportunity to spread a little awareness. One of the things I’ve noticed when I’ve written or talked about food allergies is that I... Read more » Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog. -
7 things to take to the beach
16 May 2012 | 1:21 pmby Allison Czarnecki posted in Products & Prizes There is literally no other place on earth I'd rather be than at the beach. With my kids, by myself, with some girlfriends, alone with my husband, whatever. I don't care who's with me as long as my toes are in the sand next to some crashing... Read more » Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.
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Stimeyland
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Fired
15 May 2012 | 9:31 pmJack, with tears rolling down his cheeks, fired me as his mother today. It was that kind of day. I won't go into the details and the steep downhill slide that comes with reading his school communication log and then trying to do homework with him every day. All I will really say is that the end of this school year cannot come fast enough. I will miss my mid-day alone time, but I know at least one kid who is badly in need of some time off from all responsibilities and stress. Hint: It's Jack. Because I'm not going into all of that, I'll just point you to my White Knuckle Parenting column… -
A Brief History of the Weekend
13 May 2012 | 11:00 pmThis was a big weekend for Team Stimey. Saturday was not just Jack's birthday, but also the Cheetah-thon. Sam had a soccer game. My mother-in-law was in town visiting. Sunday, of course, was mother's day, so I was busy sleeping in and going to the park with my kids and having friends over for dinner. I have lots of thoughts about these things and even more photos. The only problem is that I am too exhausted to do any of these topics justice right now. So what Imma do is give you this photo of Jack on his 9th birthday. Such a rock star. Yeah, it's a little weird to get your 9-year-old son a… -
The End of IEP Season
10 May 2012 | 10:43 pmSo, it turns out that I have done two things with my post about Jack's IEP meeting. I have (a) caused every parent of a second grader to freak the fuck out about what is going to happen to their kid next year, and (b) learned that an Asperger's program is not a common thing in public school systems. I would like to start today by addressing Issue the First. I am sorry. Please don't freak out. Every kid is different. Your kid will be okay because you are advocating for him or her. Keep an eye on said child and keep doing what you have been doing. Really. Hope for the best, prepare for the…
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a little pregnant
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Fishsick
15 May 2012 | 7:07 amOh oh oh okay so I'll tell it like this: Once upon a time there was this kid who wanted, of all things, a fish. This kid — let's just call him Charlie, no relation — had been finding it tough to bring all his stuff home at the end of the school day, despite his parents trying everything, evvverything, to make it easy for him to remember. Finally his mother — we'll call her Cher — look, who's telling this story, you or me? — hit on something that motivated Charlie. If he could remember to bring home his backpack, school folder, notebook, and coat every school day for… -
Grandma goes to Washington
4 May 2012 | 9:43 amWe spent last week in Washington, DC and it was, like a lot of things we do as a family these days, about 80% wonderful and 15% how-come-the-human-race-didn't-die-out-long-ago? (The other 5%? Cortisol, trace elements, and mechanically-separated chicken.) I find it very easy to travel with Charlie; he rises to the occasion beautifully, given liberal access to electronics on the long car ride — check! — and strict adherence to his pharmacological regimen — check! Oh, believe me, check. Ben, on the other hand, is tough these days. I lost count of the number of times we had to… -
Comes with the territory
14 Apr 2012 | 9:23 pmOhhh, I just had a day. Two incidents of note: We'd been out in the car, and Ben's window was down because I make him open it while he smokes. When we got home I pulled into the garage; before I stopped the car, he asked me to roll up his window. That's how things are done when you're Ben: What was open must now be closed; what was askew cannot go unstraightened; and we have to do it the other waaaaaaaaaay or his little brain explodes. (Earlier on the ride, he'd happily chirped, "Wouldn't it be nice if all the cars lined up? The red cars would all go…
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Mom In The City
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$10 for $20 Two-Hour Bike Rental by Central Park Sightseeing Tours
16 May 2012 | 8:57 am$10 for $20 Two-Hour Bike Rental I love Central Park. When I lived in Manhattan, I took my kids there all of the time and we still frequently visit its various spots. There really is something for practically everyone to see or do in New York City’s Central Park. That is why this famous park, which sits on 843 acres, is the perfect place to take a self-guided bike tour with friends or family. With this deal from Central Park Sightseeing Tours, you get to choose one of three types of bikes (comfort, mountain or hybrid) to go exploring. A helmet, illustrated map, chain lock and bike basket… -
50% Savings on Book Collections or Birthday Party at Scholastic Store
15 May 2012 | 9:09 am-Starter Series Book Collection with Seven Titles or Beginning to Read Book Collection with Six Titles ($15) -First Library Collection with Seven Classics ($45) -Birthday Party for Ten Children ($249) A love of reading is one of the greatest gifts that my mother passed on to me. Thankfully, I have been able to pass this same gift on to my two sons. I like to joke that my oldest son Michael was weaned at the local public library and my youngest son Sean was weaned at a local bookstore. Sean started pre-k this year, so our visits to our local bookstore have drastically decreased. On a day that… -
(National) $39 for a $99 G-Shock Watch with Free Shipping
14 May 2012 | 9:20 am$39 for a $99 G-Shock Watch (Free Shipping!) at swagshopcentral.com I love being a mom. Yesterday (Mother’s Day) reminded me of the best parts of motherhood – unlimited hugs, kisses, homemade cards and “I love you” declarations. When my friends who don’t have kids ask me what is the biggest challenge of motherhood, my consistent answer is “time”. When I was single and even married without kids, my time did not require as much thought. I could come and go as I pleased to a large degree. Having kids changed that. If I have somewhere to go and my husband or the babysitter isn’t…
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Smiley Cat: Christian Watson's Web Design Blog
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Come Visit! How the Websites of the Top 10 Most Popular Countries for Tourists Compare
5 May 2012 | 11:16 amSummer is approaching, and along with it thoughts of vacations and where to go this year. With this in mind, I thought I would take a look at the official tourism websites of the most popular countries for tourists, as ranked by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and see how well they help those looking to make this important travel decision.1. France Despite being the most popular tourist destination in the world, actually finding France's tourism website is something of a struggle as it does not show up on page one of a Google search for 'france tourism.' The site itself looks… -
Infographic Design Needs Your Feedback
14 Apr 2012 | 9:38 amWe've been dabbling with infographic design at work as a way to generate backlinks. We recently published a new one about the rising issue of copper theft (hey, I work in the security industry). You can see it below: As I'm still new to the whole business of creating infographics, I would be very interested in any feedback about this one. Do you like it overall? What elements work and which ones do not? Is it visual enough? That sort of thing. Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide. -
New Image Replacement Hack Replaces the -9999px Hack
12 Apr 2012 | 9:54 pmI was pretty interested to read about a potential replacement for the venerable -9999px image replacement hack that we've been using for so many years, which Zeldman has christened the "Kellum Method."Apparently it will improve performance by a tiny amount on certain older devices so it's certainly not a 'must upgrade' for me. On the other hand, the CSS is quite elegant, which makes me want to try it.
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Los Angeles Mamma Blog » Los Angeles Mamma Blog
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Kate Middleton [almost] Wordless Wednesday
9 May 2012 | 5:37 pmLove her. OMG, I love those shoes. (photo courtesy of omg! yahoo!) -
Kohl’s Spring Trends
26 Apr 2012 | 2:40 pmWhen the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to get a wardrobe makeover. You/I start to feel like it’s time to go out with the old, shed the winter warms, and sport the spring cools. You want to have an awesome spring look to step out in, especially when the weather warms up and you can show some skin. Time to tone and expose. That’s huge this season. At Kohl’s there are so many choices for a spring look. I chose a look from their Open Stitch trend. I chose a short sleeve, remember showing skin is in, textured shrug. I liked the no button look, because I felt it was more versatile. I… -
Monetize Your Blog
16 Apr 2012 | 5:07 pmTons of these posts have been written, and although I am not an expert (yet) I have been trudging through the process of trying to make money through blogging. The truth is that you should be compensated as a blogger, when you are approached by a product or service asking you to cover them you should demand payment for your work. They don’t work for free, and neither do you. It’s as simple as that. I don’t make enough money to do nothing but blog right now, but I make some extra cash, which I can use for entertainment purposes, and that’s nice. Social platforms…
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Parent Hacks
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Minimalist decluttering: share your brilliance
16 May 2012 | 8:06 amOf all the topics we discuss here at Parent Hacks, getting organized is the most popular. Life is easier when you're organized and your home isn't crammed with stuff. And the good news is you don't have to be super-organized. You can be just a little more organized, and it will get you a long way toward a calmer, clearer life. Christine and I are writing about decluttering as an important part of Minimalist Parenting. But decluttering is a process, not a perfect destination. No one can reasonably expect to live in a zen-like environment perfectly free of clutter while also… -
Offer your kid a 'personal day' off after-school activities to prevent foot-dragging
15 May 2012 | 1:24 pmNatalie's thoughtful and creative response to her daughter's resistance to after-school activities short-circuits problems before they even occur. A little girl at my daughter's dance class refused to go into the studio. Her dad was unsure how to handle the situation. It reminded me of our struggles when my daughter was between 4 and 6. Too frequently I would sign her up for an activity she enjoyed, but then she would resist going. I couldn't figure out why, but after questions it became apparent that she just didn't want to go. If I forced her to participate, she would… -
"Upgrade" your marble jar with rocks
14 May 2012 | 12:04 pmvia www.deathbygreatwall.com Are you familiar with the idea of using a marble jar as a motivation system for your kids? A marble jar is sort of like a tactile star chart. Each time your kid does the thing you're trying to encourage (anything from chores to positive actions) he gets a marble placed in his jar. Once the jar's full, he gets a reward. Somehow a marble jar is so much more satisfying than stars or check marks on a chart. The fun of playing with marbles, the "plunk" of a marble earned, the simple beauty of jar full of colorful marbles...it all adds up to a great…
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Blisstree » LIVE
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Mattresses Might Improve Your Sleep; They’ll Probably Ruin Your Sex Life
16 May 2012 | 11:20 amWhich would you rather have: good sleep or good sex? This is the dilemma that many couples are facing when it comes time to buy a new mattress. It seems that sales of those super-plush mattresses are on the rise, and with good reason–we sleep better on them. But, according to a recent Barron’s report, they also have a serious downside–bad sex. New York sex therapist Sari Eckler explained it best to Barron’s: There’s a lack of resistance for the knees and feet. And whoever is on the bottom is sinking into the bed. Or, as an owner of one of these plush mattresses… -
Weight Watchers’ Weigh-Ins Need To Stop
16 May 2012 | 9:04 amI recently attended a local Weight Watchers meeting to speak about an upcoming charity walk/bike ride. Much to my surprise, when I walked in, the receptionist at the front table asked if I “needed to be weighed.” No, I don’t “need” to be weighed, I told her. No one “needs” to be weighed. To me, weighing people in public is just offensive and humiliating. And it goes against everything I believe in about how to get people healthy. I get that Weight Watchers is all about helping people lose weight. Really, I do. But I don’t believe in scales. As a… -
Afternoon Links: 50 Awesome Pre- And Post-Workout Snacks
15 May 2012 | 3:30 pm• Fuel your body with these yummy snacks for both before and after your workout (Greatist) • Achieve the perfect lunge with this tutorial (HuffPost Healthy Living) • What’s the favorite clothing line for athletic celebs? Hint: it’s not lululemon (Well & Good) • True or false: the best facial cleansers really sold on drugstore shelves (Vital Juice) • Yes, it’s true–you really do eat more junk food in the wee hours (Grist) • These common running ailments can sideline your workouts–learn more about them to keep yourself healthy (FitSugar) Post from:…
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[Mis]Adventures of an Ad Girl in New York
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Motherhood Ain't For the Faint of Heart*
26 Apr 2012 | 9:49 pmTerror. That's what I felt that day, in the cab, wondering if my child was going to pass out right then and there, before we could make it to the doctor's office. You see, about an hour earlier, she had arrived at my office and ran into my arms crying, saying "Mommy, I don't feel so good". She had had an allergic reaction a couple days back and a cold on top of that, plus she can be somewhat of a drama queen (we mean this in the most loving way) so it wasn't surprising. But something felt...wrong. A person wouldn't look at her and say there's something serious going on, but… -
Test your ability to spot SPAM!
20 Apr 2012 | 8:08 pmIt's real soup! Or is it.....? As we've stated in the past, peeps, SPAM is getting smarter. Below is a great example of something that we initially thought was spam, then realized it wasn't. Then we realized it wasn't. Then we started to wonder. See how long it takes you to figure out if this is Spam or not! Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the… -
The Schizophrenic Jew
8 Apr 2012 | 4:45 pmAs we made our Kosher for Passover meatloaf in a pan previously used to prepare a very dairy and wheaty zucchini cornbread just one week ago, it occurred to us that while American Jews are offered a variety of categories to self-identify with, as a culture we are sorely lacking a category for the "Schizophrenic Jew". The above is a perfect example of the schizophrenia which we refer to. Generally speaking, if you're keeping Kosher for Passover to the point of switching to Temp-Tee cream cheese for a week, you'll have a separate pan for Passover cooking. Or at the very least have…
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Mombian
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1st “Best Practices” Resource on Suicide Prevention for LGBT Youth
16 May 2012 | 7:35 amCaitlin Ryan I don’t need to tell most readers that LGBT youth are at a higher risk than their non-LGBT peers for attempting suicide. Until today, however, no “Best Practices” have been identified or designated to help reduce vulnerability and risk among LGBT children, youth or adults. That has now changed. The national Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention, coordinated by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has designated a multi-lingual, multi-cultural series of family education booklets from the Family Acceptance… -
How Lesbian Moms Celebrate Mothers’ Day — and News From Colorado
15 May 2012 | 7:27 amHow do lesbian moms celebrate Mothers’ Day? Here’s one family’s answer, via this charming short video, “Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed,” by filmmaker and photographer Mike Shum. Fran and Anna Simon, the moms in the video, live in Colorado and have been helping lead the fight to enact the state’s civil union bill. You can read more about them in this Denver Post article. Unfortunately, the bill was killed in committee last night, despite testimony from the Simons and others. As Fran told me, though, “We will continue to fight. It’s not a… -
Join Me for a Chat with Zach Wahls and Others Wednesday
14 May 2012 | 7:03 amZach Wahls (Photo credit: In the Life Media) I’m very excited to invite you to an online forum for LGBT parents and their children this Wednesday, May 16th, at 2:30pm ET, hosted by In the Life Media. They’ve asked me to join Zach Wahls, whose speech about marriage equality went viral on YouTube; Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida (and mom of the adorable baby smiling at Michelle Obama); and Dr. Abbie Goldberg, assistant professor of psychology at Clark University and author of Lesbian and Gay Parents and Their Children. It should be a great discussion! Please…
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Confessions of a Pioneer Woman | Ree Drummond
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Shipping the Last of the Cattle from the Farm
16 May 2012 | 8:21 amPost and photos by Marlboro Man. We had to go to the farm in Waurika again last weekend to ship the last of the cattle we had down there. Our farm is on the southern end of the state, less than twenty miles from the Texas line. Our ranch in Osage County, is on the northern end of the state, about thirteen miles from the Kansas line. It’s about a four hour drive from our ranch to the farm, so when we go to the farm, we try to get as much done as possible. The reason we call it “the farm” is that it is primarily a farming operation. We plant over 3,500 acres of wheat, then use it to… -
Finally Fishing
14 May 2012 | 10:44 amAfter living in the country their entire lives, my kids are only just now becoming interested in fishing. We’ve fished here and there over the past several years and they’ve always been like “Eh.” What kind of country kids have they been, anyway? Anyway, they’re officially obsessed now. They get up in the morning and race to the pond to see who can catch the first fish of the day. Josh took them fishing at our pond a few days ago. This is part of what has ignited the fire. On another note, I almost entitled this post “Josh in… -
A Bright Golden Haze on the Meadow
10 May 2012 | 9:40 amOh, what a beautiful morning… Oh, what a beautiful day! I’ve got a beautiful feeling… That calf is going to stay. (Photos snapped by Marlboro Man from atop his trusty steed.) And finally, from my then three-year-old boy who’s now nine, and who will be eighteen tomorrow: Have a beautiful day, everyone! Love, PW
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GoodyBlog
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Q&A with David and Leigh Koechner
16 May 2012 | 1:03 pmActor David Koechner and his wife, Leigh, are the proud parents of 5 children, but how do they manage to balance a busy career with their family life? The pair talk to GoodyBlog about their best parenting moments, and the importance of finding time for family. You’ve had a great career in acting as a comedian. How does your sense of humor help during stressful parenting moments? David: Parenting has many parallels to comedies. When I get into a situation of cross-purposes with a child and refuse to give in or try to hold onto a power position, it helps to smile and realize I am being a… -
Parents Daily News Roundup
16 May 2012 | 10:06 amThe Facebook-Free Baby Are you a mom or dad who’s guilty of ‘oversharenting’? The cure may be to not share at all. Child Care Cost Hikes Derailing Women’s Careers At a time when women’s issues have become a political football in the national arena, many states have been chipping away at funds aimed at supporting working mothers and families, even as federal subsidies are drying up and the cost of child care is climbing. Baby Names: The Latest Partisan Divide? Styles of baby names, it seems, are nearly as different in various parts of the country as voting habits. -
Parents Daily News Roundup
15 May 2012 | 4:49 pmIn Choosing a Sperm Donor, a Roll of the Genetic Dice In households across the country, children conceived with donated sperm are struggling with serious genetic conditions inherited from men they have never met. Birth-Defect Risk Seen in Assisted Conception An Australian survey of about 300,000 pregnancies, with more than 6,000 resulting from fertility treatments, found that treatment was associated with a 28 percent greater risk for birth defects. Watching TV Linked to Poor Diet in Students A national survey of more than 12,000 students in grades 5 to 10 has found that television viewing is…
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Design Mom
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Olive Us Launch! Episode 1: Gardening
16 May 2012 | 8:44 amIt’s here! Olive Us has officially launched. Tiger in a Jar — the amazing video crew who put this together — has been working round the clock to finish up the edits. And I’m crazy excited about how it turned out! I hope you are too. : ) I can’t wait to hear what you think of it. Things you can do to join in the fun: - Watch our pilot episode. It’s called Garden Day. It was made with love! - Check out the new Olive Us website. You can find out more about the show there, including FAQs and bios of the kids. There’s even a video of Ben Blair talking about the… -
Design Mom Asks: Childhood Memories
16 May 2012 | 6:29 amI love being a grown-up. It’s honestly one of the greatest jobs I’ve ever had. They let me drive a car, vote, buy an expensive piece of art or shoes if I so choose, and have six children! Total bonus. But sometimes I miss the carefree days of my childhood, when responsibilities were few and I didn’t have to drive a car or wear shoes! I’m curious: What’s the one thing you miss most about being a kid? A few friends were kind enough to reach into their memories and share their favorites with us. Let the conversation begin! Kate at Explore with Twine: The lack of responsibility. I… -
Dos Family
15 May 2012 | 10:28 amAny time I want a wholly realistic dose of living with kids, I head over to Dos Family. I adore those two women and their cool broods! And they have the most genius and free ideas about designing kids’ spaces. There are IKEA rings on which to swing above beds and wallpaper to color on a whim and messes. Lots of messes. Sometimes I wish I was a little better with the lots of messes part, don’t you? P.S. — Running a lot late on this week’s Living With Kids tour, mostly due to an hour or so scrolling through past interviews! Remember this one? And this one? So many good…
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Dutch Blitz
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The Mother Load
14 May 2012 | 4:18 pmThis past Friday was even better than the usual end-of-week fiesta that it is, because my Dad and his wife were driving back from a trip to Alberta and stopped in for a few hours to visit and join us for dinner before heading home to Vancouver. Seeing them is always great, but they brought along a special treat. My sister Mel: She’s the one sibling with whom I share the same Mom, and yet I haven’t seen her since all nine of us kids gathered at Dad’s house five years ago. We keep in touch, but with her in Ontario nowhere near Toronto and me in BC nowhere near Vancouver,… -
The Better Parent
14 May 2012 | 12:02 amOver at Work It! Mom: Who is the better parent? © Angella Dykstra 2005-2011 All rights reserved. | Originally published for dutchblitz.net as The Better Parent. -
Bits and Bites
11 May 2012 | 10:53 amI’m sitting in my office typing this, with the peeping baby chicks for company. As I mentioned on Instagram yesterday, they are awfully cute but have developed a distinct “Eau de chicken poop” aroma. Or, as Doug commented, “Poop du poulet, from Chanel.” Matthew should have the addition to the coop done this weekend, and it’s so beautiful here that I have the windows open, so I’ll survive. If you see me out and about this weekend and catch a whiff, well, I apologize in advance. This is just a quick post to link to where else I’ve been this week,…
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Mommycosm
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It takes a village [guest post]
14 May 2012 | 9:32 amI'd always heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," but never realized the profound truth of this statement until I had a child of my own. On August 4, 2005, I gave birth to my daughter, Lily. Immediately following her birth, Lily was lovingly surrounded by family and friends: our own personal "village." At this time, our family was complete, and life seemed perfect. Nothing could prepare us for what was to happen next. Shortly after returning to work from maternity leave, I began to experience some troubling symptoms. I was having difficulty breathing, I felt exhausted all… -
Sam's Club offering 25% off @YesMemory video transfer orders #yesmemory [spon]
10 May 2012 | 8:00 amOK, Sam's Club members, time to dust off your old VHS tapes and send them in for transfer to DVD. YesVideo just announced on their blog that Sam's Club is offering 25% discount within the month of May. No better time than now to preserve those memories. Visit www.samsclubdvd.com to learn more about video transfer services available at Sam’s Club or http://www3.samsclub.com/clublocator/ to find a Sam’s Club near you. Disclosure: This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador for YesVideo. -
Mother's Day Meat House $50 shopping spree
9 May 2012 | 8:00 amConfession: When we were dating, I didn't let my husband know I could cook. I was living in Boston at the time and my lifestyle involved eating out with friends a lot. He would often cook for me when we saw eachother on the weekends... and since he was really good at it, I let him. He assumed that because I didn't cook often, that I couldn't. I allowed him to believe that. It was a good gig. ehem Until... My (now late) uncle out in Missouri, who owned a catering business, outed me. You see, a love for cooking runs through my blood. My uncle.
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Boss Sanders
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Kale Chips – A recipe!
27 Apr 2012 | 1:19 pmPreheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wash and dry Kale leaves – then, separate leaves from middle vein and tear leaves into 1-2 inch pieces. Cover a pan with parchment paper or tin foil. Spray with a little olive oil (we have some in a squirt bottle) and drizzle with about 1 tsp salt or to taste. Cook for 10 minutes. EAT. Note: For those of you who like spice or more flavor, feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and seasonings…and then come back here and let us know what you experimented with and how they turned out! This is a great recipe INSTEAD of potato chips!! -
Dirty Dozen and Clean 15!
27 Apr 2012 | 1:11 pmDIRTY DOZEN: 1 Apples 2 Celery 3 Strawberries 4 Peaches 5 Spinach 6 Nectarines – imported 7 Grapes – imported 8 Sweet bell peppers 9 Potatoes 10 Blueberries – domestic 11 Lettuce 12 Kale/collard greens CLEAN 15: Lowest in Pesticide 1 Onions 2 Sweet Corn 3 Pineapples 4 Avocado 5 Asparagus 6 Sweet peas 7 Mangoes 8 Eggplant 9 Cantaloupe - domestic 10 Kiwi 11 Cabbage 12 Watermelon 13 Sweet potatoes 14 Grapefruit 15 Mushrooms -
Just A Journey
27 Apr 2012 | 1:08 pmWe’re on our way to healthier eating. It’s a journey… I know better than to jump in at full force ALL. AT. ONCE. Some of you have been keeping up with the ongoing conversation over HERE. (For those of you who haven’t been to my site’s FB page yet, go! Lots of great extras that I don’t put up on here!) I love that it’s not just me wanting to do better! So, many of us have chosen to accept the MISSION of more wholesome eating. Here’s what we have covered so far: MISSION #4: Choose 100% WHOLE WHEAT products (with no high fructose corn…
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SECRET AGENT MAMA
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Highlights From My Last Photo Shoot
24 Apr 2012 | 9:19 amI was so excited when Zumba Babe Maggie asked me to take her portraits. Maggie wanted to do it in honor of her birthday, and I was so glad that she trusted me to do a “Heads (AND) Tails Photo Session”! We actually did a triple threat shoot: Zumba, Boudoir, and Portraits. If you are local and are interested in your own “Heads and/or Tails Photo Shoot” just drop me a line and we’ll set something up! -
Welcome To Moe’s
22 Apr 2012 | 12:00 pmiPod Shuffle Winner: As selected by Random.org, commenter #2, Rebecca Hines! I will be in touch to get your information, Rebecca! Congratulations! One night last month while I lay in bed “visiting” walls on Facebook (you can’t tell me you don’t go around “visiting” your friends’ walls late at night. Sure, [you] might call it “stalking” but I call it “visiting”—whatevs!) I went to one of my social media “boards” (I call them “boards”, but that’s because I’m an old school… -
Zumba for a Cure in Dawsonville, GA
20 Apr 2012 | 8:26 amWhen I first joined my gym the two group classes that were the deciding factor for me were Bodyflow (Yoga/Tai Chi/Pilates) and Zumba. I remember my first Zumba class. I stood in the back. It’s not that I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. It’s that I’m a perfectionist (stop snickering Michael) and I wanted to know most of the steps before I unleashed Crazy Dancing Mishi. Weeks passed and I moved up a row. More weeks, more rows. Now-a-days I’m only comfortable on the side right side of the room (where most of my Zumba-Babes break it down) and towards…
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Mommy's Martini -- think. write. laugh. love.
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Educating Gracefully: A Minor Rant on Obligation
30 Apr 2012 | 8:11 pmAs a professor, I have a lot of educator friends. And the vast majority of the time, they are teachers I deeply admire, thinkers and writers I respect, citizens of the world I would like to emulate. But come the end of the semester, I start seeing all over my Facebook page, and on the blogs and pages of friends of friends, and in the comments sections of academic blogs written by people I don't even know, something that drives me crazy: "funny" quotations from student papers. Someone will write something like this: I learn something new every day. Today it was that "Shakespeare and his Mid… -
Holding Back
17 Apr 2012 | 8:04 pmIn the longer-term aftermath of the accident, we suddenly find ourselves having to put on the brakes and consciously hold back on things that feel like recovery. It's more than a little disorienting to want my son to get better more slowly. At this point, he is so emotionally done being broken that he just wants to act as if he is completely whole. The leg may not be perfectly healed, but he has had it with being slowed down by that fact. The weather is has been unseasonably lovely this spring, and sunny days beckon him outdoors. He wants to be running and kicking and throwing and batting and… -
In which I find myself defending Samantha Brick...
5 Apr 2012 | 3:51 pmSamantha Brick has caused a firestorm by announcing in a bold article that she is quite the prettiest thing in any house in the town in which she lives. Moreover, she gets all kinds of preferential treatment from men as a result. But the main point she would like to make is: women generally hate her because they feel so threatened by her astonishing good looks. Let me just say up front that I don't know whether she is right or "deluded" about her own good looks, and I don't care. What I do care very deeply about, however, is the fact that she is under attack from all sides for having said her…
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Crunchy Carpets
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Taking Calcium the Fun Way
13 May 2012 | 7:30 pmSwiss Natural is a pioneer of the natural health products industry in Canada, being one of the first companies to sell herbs and vitamins. They have a long history of making health supplements that work with our diets and lifestyles. Calcium is one of those things I try to remember to take and always forget. Now that I am over 40 it is crucial to make sure I do NOT forget things like Calcium. I do not want osteoporosis. However, calcium is also crucial to maintaining healthy blood pressure, blood clotting and healthy bones and teeth. We do receive most of our calcium through what… -
Lindt Shares the Chocolate Olympic Dream!
10 May 2012 | 12:57 pmOn Thursday May 17, fans are invited to join Lindt to help make dreams come true at a very special celebration event. The first 75 guests will get the chance to meet Canada’s skating darlings, 2010 Olympic Gold Medalists & 2012 World Champions, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir from Stars on Ice. This unique event brings Vancouver chocolate lovers together for an unforgettable evening. Ann Czaja, Lindt’s Master Chocolatier will also be onsite to join in the festivities and share her deep passion for and knowledge of chocolate with consumers. Come join in the fun with chocolate galore,… -
Speaking our Minds
9 May 2012 | 10:31 pmJust when I am ready to quit blogging, give up social media and embrace my poor ass momness full time, something interesting shows up because of it. No, no more amazing Disney Cruises, but something much more symptomatic of the power of moms on social media. I got asked to be part of a round table with 16 other mom blog/social media types with non other than Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia. What was almost cooler was that the email came from Pamela Martin! I love the blogging community in Vancouver. I know from experience that we have a lot to say on any key issues and we…
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Cheaper Than Therapy
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I am My Mom(ism)
16 May 2012 | 8:19 am“I can’t believe I’m sending my child to school dressed like a ragamuffin!” “I am so perturbed right now, Ali, I’m going to sell you to the gypsies.” “Do you know how many hours I have to work to pay for this closet full of clothing that you never wear?” “I have been working like a slave all day!” “Do not make me pull this car over!!!” “Were you raised in a barn?” “Because I said so!” “If [insert friend name here] jumped off a bridge, would you do that too?” “I have had it… -
I like to call it “MOMENTS BEFORE THE CROCODILE TEARS”
15 May 2012 | 11:47 amIt will be worth something one day. Right now, though, I will be blowing it up as big as I can before it starts to lose its perfection and I will be hanging it in my son’s room as a reminder of why he is off of sugar this week (He choose no sugar for a week over no screens for a week—wise choice, if you ask me. The girls disagreed. They’d rather have the sugar, because they are crazy people.) and how he managed to ruin the only thing I asked of my family for Mother’s Day: 45 minutes to do an outdoor shoot. Someone—I’m not naming any names—decided that getting… -
How My Dreams Were Crushed By A Carrot
14 May 2012 | 7:56 amA conversation. Me: Oh my heavenly days!! All I wanted was to peel a stupid carrot and somehow—I don’t even know how this happened—but I managed to pull off the nail on my middle finger and it hurts like a bitch. OWWWWWWWWW! Him: Hmm. Me: This should probably be some sort of torture—ripping fingernails off one by one. Him: You’d never survive. Me: I totally wouldn’t. WAIT! I swear that this happened before. On TV. Maybe LOST? Someone had his fingernails ripped off, one at a time. Or maybe someone just threatened to do it? It had to have been LOST, right? Oh…
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Who's The Boss?
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Is Business Afraid of the C-word?
9 May 2012 | 1:18 pmI remember looking at her hair and wondering if she was wearing a wig. It looked like it might be a wig. Too shiny, too perfect, too angular. I didn't have any experience with women wearing wigs. When I was 7, my Great Aunt Bertha slapped my hand when I tried to touch hers after she had taken it off on a hot day and laid it to rest over an empty coffee can. Now here I was, straight out of college, working my first real job in the corporate world and I just couldn't take my eyes off of the HR lady's hair. A few months later, she went on an… -
Silence
23 Apr 2012 | 1:24 pm"I never hear you talk," said the other swim mom to Cooper in a sweet voice. "Talk to me, sweetie." I struggled to fight back tears. At 18 months, Cooper should be talking. He isn't. We know he isn't. We are painfully aware that he isn't. He's listening. He's gesturing. He's pointing and leading us hand in hand. He's laughing. He's getting frustrated when we don't know what he wants. But he's not talking. My willful, rebellious, active boy barely even babbles. I hate talking about Cooper not talking. I hate this feeling that there is… -
Overlooked
16 Apr 2012 | 2:06 pmI knew this day was coming. I was hoping for one more year. One more time to experience it before it was over. One more season of his youth before he grew up. I knew I was pressing my luck. Leading up to Easter, I had decided that the visit from the Easter Bunny would be a minimalist visit. I had already taken Darius to the Dollar Store to pick out an Easter basket for the egghunt at Nana's church. On the eve of Easter, I told him that he should leave it out on the table so that The Bunny could fill it after he went to bed. Never did he say anything. Never did he question it. On Easter…
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Self-Made Mom
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In Honor of Mother’s Day: Shtty Mom Book Preview
12 May 2012 | 9:04 pmIf you’re like me and on Mother’s Day you seek ways to escape your children (because isn’t Mother’s Day supposed to be about the MOTHER not about the kids, hello!?) you might like to pick up this little ditty of a book I managed to get my hands on at the Mom 2.0 conference last week – Sh*tty Mom. I mean, seriously, the title alone was enough for me to put down 50 Shades of Porn Grey. That’s saying a lot. My husband was not pleased. Girlfriends, this sh*t is funny. Almost as funny as how bad the writing is in 50 Shades of Porn Grey is. Sh*tty Mom, written… -
Mom 2.0 2012 Recap: The Year of Calm
6 May 2012 | 3:45 pmThis Mom 2.0 must have been the best blog conference I’ve been to in my nearly six years of blogging. Maybe not for the content I learned (a little more on that later), but for the comfortableness I felt amongst my peers. I think it’s taken a long time to get here, but finally I think I’ve found my place in the world of don’t-call-them-mommy bloggers. When I started blogging I didn’t struggle with what to write or who my target audience was – it was the working moms I felt solidarity with – we were banded by our guilt (or lack thereof) and of our purpose balancing young kids and… -
I guess I’d better update my blog before I go to a blog conference.
2 May 2012 | 8:40 pmSeeing that I’m leaving for Mom 2.0 tomorrow, I thought I should actually update my blog before I go, right? A few random thoughts before I head out the door and leave the whirlwind of a recent stomach flu attack at our house behind. Wish me luck. I’m going to this conference with my PR hat on for real for the first time. And, it makes me nervous a bit. I’ve been blogging for a long time now, but now I think of myself as a PR professional first and blogger second. I wonder how that will make attendees feel? I hope the brands vs. PR vs. blogger discussions are productive and…
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Beyond Mom
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Dumping Dance and Embracing Yoga
30 Apr 2012 | 4:09 pmMy daughter doesn’t want to dance anymore. It breaks my heart, but she’s finishing out the current program and she’s really happy about the recital, so I can’t complain. As much as I want my little fairy-child to consider being a ballerina – I mean, come on, she’s made for it – at the same time I’m about my kids doing what they want, not what I want. Instead? She wants to take art classes. When I told her she had to pick something for her body, too, she said, “I want to do yoga.” Ok, yoga and art it is. Did you want some patchouli… -
Then There Was the Shame
22 Apr 2012 | 9:47 amI am not a fan of TED talks. I admit it. I’m not techy enough, I’m not genius enough, I’m not cutting edge enough, I’m not NPR enough to be hip enough to be all, OMG it’s so deeeep. I’m sorry. If you hate me now, I won’t be mad at you. I kind of want to be the person who is inspired by the TED talks but I just can’t get there. Maybe my soul is dead. Who the hell knows. But then there was the one on Shame. I always capitalize Shame because it feels that way. When things get tough, I get ashamed that I am not doing better, or more, or … or… -
3 Ways to Soothe Hunger Pangs
20 Apr 2012 | 9:53 amWhen you’re used to eating a lot and then you decide to go and stop eating a lot there’s a good deal of time where your gut (a real term for the brain system in your tum-tum area) is all confused. It wants what it’s used to. It wants more. You have to gently transition your gut from too much to enough and here are a few ways to do that. First, realize that the crazy you feel is coming from your stomach and you are not really going to go insane if you don’t eat. Then, take a few deep breaths. When my hunger pangs get bad they make my teeth ache. Seriously. It’s…
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Blessings in Life
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Outdoor Fountain
3 May 2012 | 7:52 amI thought of this colorful, dancing water fountain at the park in the city when my friend asked if I knew where she could canvass for outdoor fountains. This is what i had in mind but what she was looking for was a smaller one that provides the tranquility of a soothing outdoor fountain that will relax you after the stress of a long day. She meant those that we have seen at one of the old department stores here in the city. I have also seen many of those sold online varying from those conventional tiered types to the modern day trendy designs of fountains that are placed outdoors. The idea of… -
Watch Piolo Pascual and PBB Big 4 Salamat Kapamilya Tour Live at Abreeza Mall Davao on May 5
3 May 2012 | 5:37 amWatch Piolo Pascual and PBB Big 4 Salamat Kapamilya Tour Live at Abreeza Mall Davao on May 5! Saw this literally huge poster at their Activity Center two days ago. I first saw a small poster at the Italianni’s entrance. I saw Piolo’s face. I would have screamed silently (with hubby’s permission) but no I did not. Let’s see if I would if I do see him in person this Saturday afternoon. I would like to see the PBB 4. Though not really a fan, I used to follow watching the latest PBB 4 because of dear hubby but unfortunately was not able to watch the last few episodes… -
Woofer
30 Apr 2012 | 1:47 amThe little boy thought the people we met at the coffee shop were talking about a dog instead of a musical equipment when he heard them say woofer. We all could not help but be amused of the little boy’s thought. A few days ago, well I saw my friend and her cousin who were looking for a store that has M-Audio sub woofer. They found one which is shipping to the Philippines with prices displayed in your currency, duties and taxes calculated at checkout, with low international shipping rates and guaranteed landed costs (no additional charges at delivery). Speaking of woofer, I think I could…
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MumMums
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5 Tips for Saving Money on Gluten Free Foods
15 May 2012 | 5:31 pmAll this Celiac Disease Awareness this month discussion may have gotten you thinking gluten free. Even though embracing a gluten free diet is the best and only treatment for celiac disease, people are going gluten free for a variety of reasons from gluten sensitivities to improving overall health and wellness. Some gluten free items may [...] -
Food Revolution Day
11 May 2012 | 4:37 pmMay is certainly a month of raising awareness about food. The whole month of May honors Celiac Disease Awareness and today, May 19th is Food Revolution Day. Jamie Olive became an overnight sensation as the Naked Chef but lately has been dedicating his efforts to stop childhood obesity. Jamie has been campaigning to get healthier, [...] -
Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
8 May 2012 | 8:08 pmIn honor of Celiac Disease Awareness Month, Mum Mum’s has been discussing exactly what celiac disease is as well as how to cope. Since it can be complex to discover celiac disease and so many people remain undiagnosed, here are the signs and symptoms. Symptoms of celiac disease vary with quite a bit with some [...]
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misszoot.com
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The Elusive Mommy War
16 May 2012 | 6:43 amEXACTLY. It seems like there have been a lot of Mommy Wars lately. Or at least a lot of talking about these Mommy Wars. The media has learned that there are hot-button topics that will get people talking – maybe arguing – online. Meaning their articles will get read by the masses in Facebook posts, Tweets and blog entries. But you know what? In the 17 years of being a Mom – I’ve never been part of a Mommy War. I have started classifying them like I do Extra Terrestrials. I believe they exist…but I’ve never seen one first-hand. The majority of us, when faced… -
Family Photos – Just The Way We Like Them
15 May 2012 | 4:44 amSo, one of E’s good friends (and prom date this year) just so happens to be a mega-talented photographer. She came last weekend to family dinner and took a BOAT LOAD of photos of our extended family as a gift to my mother-in-law for Mother’s Day. She has been wanted a group shot of us all since the most recent grandchild was born, over a year-and-a-half ago! It went really well and now the toughest part is which picture do I hang up and where? She even took some AMAZING picture of my mother-in-law’s dog which may be the ones the end up getting top billing around her house. -
Books, TV, Doritos…OH MY!
14 May 2012 | 7:04 amSomeone got their first library card! And read THREE books this weekend. Two of them are CHAPTER BOOKS! Looks like we got another reader in the family! I can not tell you how excited this makes me. EEK. Do you know who One Direction is? I discovered them through Michael Buckley awhile a go, but now they’re totally popular in the US with the teen girls! So I’m totally hip now! Who knew? Anyway…one of the boys in this British boy band is Harry Styles and he has hair a bit like E’s. And they both have big, sweet smiles. Several have commented to us that they look alike,…
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Blue Badger
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The Ultimate Party Dress
16 May 2012 | 2:00 amThis is the best little girl's party dress I have seen in a long time. The Once Upon A Time Dress by Es+Es will make the your little girl feel like a princess. Because most girls absolutely adore silk and tulle. -
Papercut Birth Announcements
14 May 2012 | 2:00 amIf you are looking for an amazing baby gift, look no further. Give the new baby a hand cut announcement by Julene Harrison. Each is personalized with the baby's name, birth date and city, and parent's names. The final product looks like an elegant piece of paper lace. -
Sales
13 May 2012 | 9:59 amFlora and Henri An extra 10% off sale and clearance merchandise. Code EXTRA10 Ends 14 May 2012 Blurb 30% off your first photo book Code DERBY Ends 31 May 2012 Elias & Grace 20% off Miller Spring/Summer Collection Ends 18 May 2012 Gap 25% off regularly priced merchandise Code GAPGO25 Ends 17 May 2012 About the photo: I almost bought the little goat.
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Mrs. Flinger- Based on a True Story
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Based On A True Story. Or Not.
27 Apr 2012 | 2:17 pmI’m sure you’ve read this story. Like a lot of the trends in the world I tend to be one of the last to catch up. So when I saw the picture of the black lab sleeping on a sofa with a heart felt story attached, I read it. I’m a sucker like that. I read the entire post*. I teared up at the end. It was a lovely story, I had to share this. I clicked “Share” when I realized I should check my facts first. One google search and I found out this wasn’t a true story at all. At first I was mad. Mad at Deb Green, whoever the hell that is, for posting a picture that… -
Perception is NOT reality
26 Apr 2012 | 2:04 pmMy young son, mentioned previously, reminded me last night of another story I keep forgetting to tell you. He reminded me, as I lay him down in his twin bed, tucked him in, sang him a song, and promised to come back after reading to his sister, about this time I did not come back to check on him. In fact, he reminded me, I left him alone in the house for a very long time; a very long time while I was at the bus top. Did I remember that? he asked. Yes, I replied, I did. My daughter was in first grade, last year, and I had my tiny three year old son at home with me. He fell asleep in my bed… -
Perception is Reality
17 Apr 2012 | 9:20 pm“I’m mad at Miss Teacher. She always makes me come in from the rain last.” I look at my young son. He turns five in a month. F-I-V-E. He is timeless like my sister, always thousands of years younger than reality. He has ideas now. He has opinions. He is wrong a lot. “I don’t think that sounds right, Buddy.” I look at him in the rear view mirror. “No! It is! I was upset because my best friend gets to come in and shut the door and I have to stand out in the rain. Miss Teacher said that I have to be last and I have to stand in the rain before I come…
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Blissfully Domestic
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Crafty Modern Mobile for Your Nursery
16 May 2012 | 7:52 amI spotted this pin when I first got pregnant and knew that I wanted to make a mobile like it for our gender neutral nursery. We decorated our nursery to the theme of ‘You are my sunshine…when clouds are grey’, painting the walls grey and having yellow, black, and white accents. We decided to hang this mobile over the glider, but it would have also looked great over the changing table or the crib! Even though it’s a tedious and time consuming project, it was so fun to recreate a ‘pin’ from pinterest in real life. I think this mobile completes the room! -
What to Expect When You’re Expecting – The Movie
16 May 2012 | 7:15 amIf you or someone you know is expecting a baby in the near future, chances are pretty good you’ve wondered what pregnancy, giving birth and parenthood is really like. But despite how much you prepare, how many classes you take and how many informative books you read, you probably won’t know what to expect unless you’ve gone through it before. And even if you’ve had one or more children, each pregnancy and birth is different. What to Expect When You’re Expecting The highly anticipated film, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” follows the interconnected lives of five… -
Budgeting as a Couple
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amOne of the most difficult aspects of marriage is budgeting as a couple. It can be a sore subject even if you and your spouse agree on most aspects of handling the finances. One of the reasons for this is that money affects almost every aspect of your life, from the neighborhood you can afford to live in to the types of things you can provide for your children. Each couple is going to need to find a way to communicate about finances or else it is going to negatively impact your finances. The New York Times reported on a study that showed a direct correlation between the number of money fights…
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ミラートレードならシストレ２４
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セブンインベスターズ
3 May 2012 | 1:12 am… -
ＦＸＣＭ
3 May 2012 | 1:11 am… -
フォレックス・ドットコム
3 May 2012 | 1:09 am…
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Nodin's Nest
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The Food Police Have Invaded My House!
14 May 2012 | 4:20 pmApparently the best way to make a lifestyle change and stick to it, is to share your plan with a hyper-focused intense seven year old. I was telling my son about my plan to eat even more healthy than we already do, by cutting down on over processed food and sticking to whole foods. We already eliminated most simple carbs and we hardly ever eat any refined sugar. I like the idea of the "Paleo" diets but thought we'd start off slow. Well that was not happening once my son decided he was on board (like he had a choice, lol). After combing through the fridge and cupboards he declared … -
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
5 May 2012 | 8:45 amOur three amigos, who almost never share the same spot! The planets must have been aligned just right, so I quickly snapped a photo. In other news, my son had his first real fall off his bike this week. While he did get a pretty good case of road rash on his elbow and knee, the only thing he wanted me to know was that he didn't hit his head. There he was laying in the road wailing and crying and he kept saying over and over "My head is ok Mom, I didn't hit my head. It's ok Mom!" Guess who "wants" to wear a helmet now? :) -
Must Be A Boy Thing
25 Apr 2012 | 4:33 pmI sure don't remember acting like this. As of late my 7yr. old son has turned into a walking, talking cartoon character. He can't answer a simple question or get through a conversation without making faces or sound effects. It's driving me batty! Either he's spending too much time playing animated video games or he's rehearsing for his future spot on Saturday Night Live. Is it normal to be this "over the top" with creative expression or is he just trying to make me loose it? It seems to be worse when he's bored or whenever I'm trying to make a point during lessons. If he was in school,…
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Connect with your Teens through Pop Culture and Technology
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Camping: Bring a Solar Panel for All Your Gadgets
16 May 2012 | 6:30 amGuest Post: Going camping? Don't forget your iPad As camping season is quickly approaching, teens and parents alike won’t leave home without their favorite electronics such as iPhone, cell phone, MP3 Player, iPad, Kindle or portable gaming console . Thanks to high-quality portable solar panels, spending a weekend roughing it in the woods doesn’t have to mean spending a weekend in the Stone Age. While some might find dedicating valuable backpack space to portable electronics almost sacrilegious, the light weight, slim form factors and multifunctional nature of these devices make them a… -
5 Tips for Parents With Digital Teens
14 May 2012 | 6:30 amI recently wrote about the Digital Diaries Project published by AVG for the teens age group. Click here to read the findings of the teen digital diary studies. AVG, a leading provider of Internet and online security, also provided me with tips for parents of teens. Tips for parents from AVG 1. Open the lines of communication: Be prepared to have an open and honest conversation with your child. Explain why this is important to them and that you are not attempting to invade their privacy, but rather help them prepare for their future. 2. Address the behaviors: AVG never recommends parents… -
How to Use Smartphone Apps to Take Great Pictures
10 May 2012 | 11:56 amNow that smartphones have cameras, most people have given up on using stand alone cameras. Why be burdened with carrying an extra gadget, even if it means slightly lower quality. However, if you use smartphone apps, you may not lose any quality, and you might just get some extra features to boot. A new book was just released, Snapp Shots: How to Take Great Pictures - With - Smartphones and Apps by Adam Bronkhorst. It was published by one of my favorite publishers, Chronicle Books. Why is that important. Because Chronicle Books produces books that are great to look at. Snapp Shots is colorful…
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vintage everyday
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Lomonosov Moscow State University In 1956
16 May 2012 | 10:17 amRead more » -
Operation Doorstep
16 May 2012 | 10:09 amOperation Doorstep was a Civil Defense test done in conjunction with the March 17, 1953, 16-kiloton ANNIE test conducted at the Nevada Test Site, part of Operation Upshot-Knothole. In Operation Doorstep, blast and thermal effects were evaluated on mannequins, automobiles, and wooden frame houses. Testing of simple basement shelters and complex underground, reinforced-concrete shelters was done. Read more » -
Photos Of The World Series from 1911-1914
16 May 2012 | 9:43 amA band sets up in the background as players warm up for a 1912 game A Giants player and an A's player pose before competing in the 1911 World Series A serious handshake between a Red Sox player and a Giants player in 1912 A who's who of Massachusetts politics including Governor Foss and the mayor of Boston in 1912 Boston Braves players and manager in the dugout before a 1914 World Series game Read more »
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My Mommy's Place
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F is for friends who do stuff together
15 May 2012 | 12:26 pmLucy has a friend. It’s kind of a big deal – not because it’s the first friend she’s ever had, but because it’s the first friend that didn’t come by virtue of her older sister. It’s her first friend of her very own. Of course, Julia adores Lucy’s friend as does Phoebe. And they all love her younger sister, too. Our families get along famously, so it’s fair to say we’re all friends, but the thing about it is this: It all began with Lucy and her friend. That’s special for Lucy. Last week, the girls had a play date and they… -
If we were getting together for lattes today, here are five things I’d share with you.
14 May 2012 | 12:30 pm1. I accompanied Julia’s second grade class on their field trip to a local museum earlier this month, and people, it was incredible. Not only did she want to sit with me on the bus, she held my hand most of the way and in front of her friends! My beating heart blew up like a balloon and bulged from my chest like a lovestruck cartoon character. It’s doing it even still! But that could be because I had spicy tacos. Also, I’m drinking Diet Coke again. (I know.) It’s okay to feel disappointed in me. The dangerous chemicals have eaten away the part of my brain that cares! -
It’s LOG! It’s LOG! It’s big! It’s heavy! It’s wood!*
10 May 2012 | 11:34 amActually, it was a stick. I was injured in a stick attack recently when some exuberant outdoor play got out of hand. I’ve covered the most unpleasant areas of my face (i.e. zits, unkempt eyebrows, chin waddle) with positive phrases and images. My wound is shocking enough when you consider it was inflicted by my children. With sticks! I’d love to make a joke, but there’s nothing funny about being hit with a stick. Okay, there might be an “ugly” joke in there. Reach for the stars! But the whole ordeal was pretty upsetting. Dark days followed. There was no…
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Problem Girl
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It tastes like burning!
7 May 2012 | 8:26 pmYesterday Elle and I were eating some fruit bars from Trader Joe's and she asked me what the ingredients were. As she nibbled at a fruit bar I read off "apple, plums, strawberry, peach, boysenberry, pear, blackberry". I paused up and looked up at Elle. She had a look of horror on her face. Her mouth was hanging open and full of fruit bar. "Mama? What was that part you said about poison berry?!?" -
Revenge is a dish best served shoved down next to the bed
24 Apr 2012 | 10:45 pmOnce upon a time Joseph and I were downstairs together. Joseph went into his room and I heard some thumping around. After a minute he yelled "Augh! Mommy! Help me!" I ran into his room and found him like this: That's right, I took a picture. As Joseph explained it he was trying to reach something that had fallen off his bed and he slipped down and then was unable to get out. Now maybe I'm the meanest mom every but that made me laugh and then I took a picture. Then I posted it on facebook. Now here's the best part. It happened twice. And twice I laughed and took a picture and posted it… -
Bully
12 Apr 2012 | 9:50 pmA few nights ago I was flipping through channels and I landed on the preview for the new movie Bully. I really only caught the last 30 seconds or so but that was enough to take my breath away and break my heart. I won't be seeing Bully even though I think it's an important film about an important subject. I don't need to see it to know what's in the movie. I was bullied as a kid. I lived it. I saw it happen to other kids around me. I saw adults stand idly by and do nothing about it. I send my kids to school with worry in my heart because someday it could happen to them. After I saw the…
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Big Little Wolf's Daily Plate of Crazy
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Stopping the Downward Spiral (Stress! Stress! No Stress.)
16 May 2012 | 11:23 amMy morning is greeted by an unexpected flurry of emails – all of which require immediate attention. I deal with them as best I can. Basically I dispatch and defer. I’m already dashing to a meeting, and if not for the urgency of the emails I wouldn’t have taken the time. Stress! I fill my travel mug with coffee and it begins to leak, so I opt for Plan B – a tall blue glass that will fit in the car’s cup holder. I top it with foil and a rubber band to prevent any spills en route – and it works! The meeting runs over. A great deal over. I’m on a tighter… -
Movable Truth
15 May 2012 | 10:04 amI say the words to myself: This is my truth, not the truth. This is my reality, not the only reality. When I affirm that truth is not static, my shoulders relax and my anger begins to dissipate. In recognizing the truth of the movable truth, I am more adrift, yet more at ease. Recently, I was re-reading a post by William Quincy Belle, You Can’t Go Home Again. Musing on leaving marriage via the divorce route, he addresses the many ways in which we change, along with our notions of home. He also addresses the concept of truth. He reminds us that the truth is not static; there is no one… -
Return to the Dark Side: Mad Men Season 5 Episode 9 (Dark Shadows)
14 May 2012 | 12:08 pmBarnabas Collins? He doesn’t make an appearance, but “Dark Shadows” is an apt title for Episode 9 of Mad Men as our favorite characters do battle with their own demons – and lose. I’ll give the Ray of Light Award to Megan, for her maturing mastery of managing between a rock and a hard place, as Don, Roger, Pete, and Betty give in to moodier, uglier, fear-inspired sides of themselves. It’s a nifty episode, exposing their discomfort in dealing with the past and the passage of time, both of which are nipping at their heels in an increasingly dog eat dog world.
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Born Just Right
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Checking over the 504 Plan
15 May 2012 | 11:43 pmI had a quick meeting with my school case manager who is helping oversee Jordan’s 504 Plan. We went through what was set up at the start of the school year and had a chance to talk to Jordan’s Kindergarten teacher about what works and if there are any needed additions. What I learned during the meeting was we set up a pretty good plan. As I wrote before the school year started, my main goal was to make sure all of Jordan’s teachers think about possible challenges ahead of the lesson plan. I also learned that Jordan’s teacher discovered she could do a lot of… -
Mother’s Day with #family
13 May 2012 | 11:41 amThis was one of the craziest Mother’s Day weekends since my first Mother’s Day in 2002. That’s right… It’s so strange to think I’ve been a part of this mom world for ten years. Mother’s Day weekend 10 years ago seemed just as crazy. I graduated from grad school the day before Mother’s Day… Cameron was six weeks old. I was SO new at this mom thing. My mom and mother-in-law were first time grandparents. That weekend, we juggled two very big celebrations… I had finished my graduate degree just weeks before Cameron was born. The ceremony… -
VIDEO: Play ball!
11 May 2012 | 7:32 amJordan is officially a softball player and she loves it. She’s played three games in the last week and a half and is enjoying every moment. She’s working really hard at catching the ball with her glove and then throwing it. Sometimes she moves the glove under her arm to throw, other times she throws it to the ground. Either way, she looks really good when she throws: To add to the fun, she’s on a team with some of her favorite neighbor friends and is making all kinds of other friends. She’s also figured out a way to hit the ball. It was a skill she was struggling with…
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Simple Mom
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Walking as a retreat for the busy mom
16 May 2012 | 12:01 amWritten by DIY contributor Katie Clemons of Making This Home. There is a well-known walkers’ route in my hometown. As the weather gets warmer, dozens and dozens of women flock to these sidewalks. They have sweatshirts tied around their waists, and they exaggerate the movement of each arm swinging into the air. Left arm—whoosh. Right arm—whoosh. As a kid, you spot all your teachers, your dental hygienists, and your friends’ moms walking as the sun slips away. As a kid, I knew: walking equaled boring, slow exercise. I didn’t know the power it held. Walking isn’t just an… -
It’s time I take my own advice
15 May 2012 | 2:14 pmToday on Babble I’m sharing a sneak peek in to our family’s plans next week—but really, I’m talking about why our plans are what they are. From the post: “Though we’ve traveled a lot as a family since the span of our existence (my oldest is seven), it’s been a long time since we’ve gone on vacation. As in, a trip just for fun. We’re really good at tacking on fun things to do en route to some other sort of trip: a drive through Yellowstone on our way to Aunt Carly’s house; a day at the beach in Greece as we renew our passports to return to our home base. -
My weekend in the middle of nowhere
14 May 2012 | 12:01 amI don’t quite know where to begin this post…. How do I adequately write about a weekend shared with someone I’ve long admired; a woman who, unbeknownst to her, has acted as a mentor-on-paper? And to top it off, to have shared the whole experience with friends normally scattered across the country, and to have stayed with dear friends who’ve become like family to mine? There really is no perfect, profound way to begin, so I’ll just jump right in. Right now, I’m on a plane headed back home after spending three days with Susan Wise Bauer, historian, author, and head of Peace Hill…
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Motherscribe
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Neglect of self is unbecoming in its blatant abandonment of the soul
4 May 2012 | 1:36 amWhen we allow the world to pass us by at a record clip, our lives lose color and flavor. Clarity does not come from the absence of color, but more from an abundance of varied shades. The nuances allow us to rise and dip...flowing into a rhythm with context. In opposition, Colorless is a world that loses shape and contour from a life of busy. Whether the lipstick index holds validity in today's economy or not... sometimes the gift of color brought to you in a small package is all it takes to boost your spirits. Spending $2 or $20 on that little tube of tint somehow makes the world a bit… -
We've come a long way, baby...
26 Apr 2012 | 11:17 pmAt the very, very...last minute, just when our schedules couldn't take one more activity...E.K. and I decided to sign up our children for baseball. BOY played T-ball a couple of years ago, which was somewhat of a disaster. Between lack of focus and interest, it was rather torturous for him and his parents... There was a lot of cloud watching and playing in the infield dirt. But, this year seemed a good time to introduce GIRL to team sports, and for BOY to have another chance now -when he's more developmentally ready. They had a chance to play together on the same team, with friends, and with… -
What is it about me that finds life such a struggle?
5 Apr 2012 | 11:48 pmThe rhythm of my days are stretched taut like an overwrought violin. I have bitten off more than I can chew this time. The moments of calm within the cacophony of "Must Do's" are scarce, but tantalizing. Sometimes I don't recognize myself cloaked in stress overdrive. When the world stops spinning -by snuffling my nose into my 7 year old daughter's round cheek of bliss, or, threading my fingers through my son's golden hair, I am reminded to breathe - and to be here, in the here and now. These two, these sweet children deserve better than my frazzled mom-who-is-trying-to-do-too-muchcan…
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I Should Be Folding Laundry
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You Capture | Lines
14 May 2012 | 8:51 amHi friends! Oh man. Lines are boooooring. Right? Well, you know? Maybe not so much. If I had more time, I think this would have been a really fun prompt. I don’t know about you guys, but I really wanted to stand in the middle of the road to get the lines in the road but uh, I decided not to. I don’t know, I like living, I guess. Here are my lines: Piece of cake, right? Now it’s your turn to share! PLEASE READ THESE GUIDELINES, especially, yes, especially if you have never linked up! 1. Anyone can join in on the challenge at anytime. 2. Please make sure the photos you use… -
Listen
13 May 2012 | 9:05 am“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.” -Martin Luther Kind, Jr. There are always big things to do in life. Things we hate, but we do them anyway. Things we love, so it’s easier to tackle. And even though we love? It doesn’t always remove trepidation, it just that something bigger than you (your heart? God? the universe?) helps you move your feet in the right direction. And then there are things we fear, we tread softly, anxiously. Listen to Your Mother was this past Thursday. I feared speaking in front of this audience of 350 people like… -
Idol Chat with Adam and Beth | Final Four
9 May 2012 | 11:00 pmSo, I want to take quick moment to apologize for no Idol Chat last week. I promise we had good excuses. Brian and I were on a much needed vacation AWAY FROM ALL CHILDREN, we had 28 hours of peace. We were desperate, the only day we could get it to work fell on a Wednesday. Now, Adam, he had an even better excuse, he was off getting ready for his baby girl to be born! She was born last Thursday. Meet Maya! And speaking of birthdays – today is Adam’s birthday. He’s such a great co-host, don’t you guys think? We’re like Regis and Kelly but without the money and the,…
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We are THAT Family
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WFMW: Stickers to the Rescue
15 May 2012 | 9:56 pmThere’s a seven year age gap between my youngest and oldest. As my older kids get more involved in school, music lessons, orthodontic appointments, etc, my youngest trails behind them and waits. It’s just part of being a little sister. We’ve been going to the same Pediatrician since my oldest kids were 1 and 3 years old. (They are now 10 and 12). I love our amazing doctor! Her office is always bustling, but the staff makes the wait more bearable with sticker scene sheets. I like to borrow good idea. They have been keeping my kids occupied for years (my big kids still like… -
Art to Inspire {Giveaway}
14 May 2012 | 10:48 pmMy home has become a gallery of inspiration. The walls are peppered with more than decor: Inspirational art makes a statement and issues a challenge. I made a decision a long time ago that I would only hang what inspires me. From my kids handmade art in the laundry room to the canvas cross in the kitchen to the tree of life in the bathroom, I can’t tell you how many times in a day I’m encouraged by inspirational art. I want you to be too. I love Show Off Arts newest pieces: Show Off Arts is one of my absolute favorites! Not only is their story (behind the art) beautiful,… -
For When the Crazy Takes Over
13 May 2012 | 10:04 pmWe rescued our cat fours years ago from a shelter after a devastating hurricane hit our area. We are not cat people. But apparently we have bleeding hearts and so we responded to a desperate email from the shelter that was going to destroy hundreds of animals abandoned or found during the storm. It’s been four years and our dog still hates our cat. I mean there is some serious animal hatred here, people. They randomly knock over furniture, spit and claw and cause havoc. The last two years with our trips to Africa and running a non-profit from our dining room-turned-home office and the…
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Mom O Matic
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This Happened!
1 May 2012 | 10:22 amSo Mom O Matic has been gone for a bit now, but I had to temporarily reopen the blog to boast that I am in Jenny's book selflessly promote Jenny Lawson's amazing new book! Her book is called, Let's Pretend This Never Happened and you should buy a big stack of copies because you'll want to give it out to everyone you know that needs a laugh, which is everyone. To help you spot the book in stores -
My New Home - gracie mack
27 Jun 2011 | 4:30 pmNow that Mom O Matic has come to an end, I hope that you will all come by and visit me at my new online home, gracie mack. It's where I'll be selling my handmade jewelry. To learn about new listings, vintage finds and crafting adventures you can like gracie mack on facebook or follow @tweetgraciemack on twitter. Hope you check it out! Thanks! Fresh Greens Sterling Silver Earrings at gracie -
The End
21 Mar 2011 | 3:35 pmIt is time to move on and focus on the many new projects percolating in my head. Thanks for reading, commenting, emailing, and for coming back after I took some blogging breaks. I may pop up again with a new online venture some day. Momomatic has been a great adventure thank you for being part of it. Love, Tanya.
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loraleeslooneytunes.com
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If you are a blogger that works with brands, you should be upset by this post at The Huffington Post…even if you don’t like McDonald’s
15 May 2012 | 9:51 amFirst things first: I DO NOT CARE IF YOU LIKE MCDONALD’S. As long as you are not spreading BLATANTLY FALSE INFORMATION THAT IS BASED ON A STUPID INTERNET RUMOR STARTED IN 1998 OR FROM PRACTICES THAT EVERYBODY DID THAT WAS STOPPED IN THE 70′S ?WE CAN BE FRIENDS. It’s true I am passionate about McDonald’s and the incident last week is a PERFECT example of why. Last week I read a post in The Huffington Post that targeted McDonald’s so unfairly that I think steam literally came out of my ears. Last week I read an ‘article’ called… -
Mama
13 May 2012 | 1:28 pmI have an outstanding mother. And I am not just talking about as a kid. She gets better and better the older I get. For 8-months of Butterlumps life she and my father came over at 5 am to have one of them to do laundry or dishes or the like and one to keep their eyes on Aaron (We know it was probably just to help us feel better but Matthew dying of SIDS made having another baby more frightening than I can tell you. We had shifts so that eyes were on that baby 24-hours a day untill the end of his 8th month. It was a huge sacrifice. She has helped paint the interior and exterior of my homes… -
Healing (And some very happy news!)
5 May 2012 | 4:55 amI know it’s been a bit. I had to deal with the death of my puppy and due to the way she passed, the memories that it brought up of my little boy dying. It was rough. I went to New York for a day to get away from my sad. It killed my back but was great for my soul. (Thank you, Emily and Chrysula and McDonald’s. I love you all.) I will write about that trip a bit later, now is not the time. I also had some changes in my personal life. I’m on a ‘break’ from a friend. Who knows what exactly that means, but I wish her well and will always love her to bits. (I…
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Scary Mommy: An honest look at motherhood
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Sex & the Intruder
15 May 2012 | 5:00 amWhen not fantasizing about sexy elevator scenes and checking off her “to do” list (often at the same time), Mary Nelligan can be found blogging at www.ateachablemom.com about the messy ups and downs of growing up with her two best teachers, daughters Ava (8) and Rhys (3). Make her day and follow her on Facebook by liking “A Teachable Mom.” I blame The Good Wife. A rerun no less. In my mind, our precious little girl’s loss of innocence is the direct result of a steamy, sexy elevator scene in this television drama, a scene my husband and I spontaneously chose to act out in our… -
Here’s to Us
13 May 2012 | 8:20 amHere’s to mothers who bravely waited until the bus rounded the corner to burst into tears. Here’s to mothers who have bandaged imaginary boo-boos and applied ice packs for tummy aches. Here’s to mothers who have fished poop out of bathtubs, pellet by pellet, without so much as gagging. Here’s to mothers who have slept in twin beds or on hardwood floors, just to be within an arm’s reach of their needy child. Here’s to mothers who have been away for days, missing their children so badly they could taste it, only to arrive home completely unnoticed. -
Odds and Ends
12 May 2012 | 11:12 pmMy book tour is officially over, with just a few local stops left. It’s been a blast, but I am thrilled to be returning to my couch and yoga pants, where I really belong. While I was in NYC last week, I filmed a segment for Better TV, which will air this Thursday May 17. Check your local listings to see if it airs in your market. I also filmed a bit for The Revolution (which will air June 18) and was interviewed on Fox and Friends. Whew. Here’s that clip: Watch the latest video at &amp;amp;amp;lt;a…
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San Diego Momma
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PROMPTuesday 191: Balance
15 May 2012 | 9:22 amKERSPLAT! As you may or may not have guessed from my lack of posting, inability to continue serial posts, and general word invisibility, I’ve been busy with kids, work, life, calls, visits, editing, meds-withdrawing, and wordsing* in places not my own. SO, I feel it’s only right that today’s prompt be about BALANCE. Let that word inspire you to write whatever comes to mind, No censoring or editing this time. Also, if you could include the answer to: Balance? HOW THE HELL DO YOU ACHIEVE IT? I’d be forever grateful. Post your… -
PROMPTuesday #190: Still
8 May 2012 | 11:37 amWhoa, this post title reminds me of the Commodores. Crap, I could do this all day. I’m coming to see that song wrings me out, in a good way, and allows me to access some…stuff…I hadn’t expressed before, as evidenced by a little girl’s memory below. SO, since I can’t let this go, I’m issuing a similar-to-last-week writing prompt: What song evokes intense memories for you? Give us the song title and write your memories below it in poetic pieces or full-on prose. It’s a pretty powerful exercise. Post your submission in the comments OR… -
Life in Song: Backwards Evolution (Part One of Infinity)
8 May 2012 | 12:02 amI started to compose a compendium of songs I’ve loved and to tell you why, but I became flooded with memories and thoughts and buds of who I am now, that I kept it to one song for today, with more labyrinth emotions evoked by song on their way. Because you can only become so sopped with the weight of someone’s life, it’s one song at a time. Love Will Keep Us Together/Captain and Tennille I’d just turned eight, and lived south of San Francisco in a then-small town named Foster City. We’d only lived in our brown and white shuttered home for six…
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Karen Cheng's Fashion and Life
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Karen Goes to Cooking School
16 May 2012 | 10:00 amThe other day I attended a “Fresh and Fragrant Vietnamese Cooking Class” courtesy of Red Balloon. I have never been to a cooking course or school, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The class was at 6:15pm, which meant that, unfortunately, I had a bit of a rush before heading out the door. I must admit, I was already tired from my day, not to mention that I had just been grocery shopping, got home, unpacked all the shopping, and cooked a meal for my family. I arrived, just in time, at a gorgeous little shop, with a huge kitchen at the back. It was completely fitted out as… -
3 Casual Ways to Wear Yellow
14 May 2012 | 7:23 pmI realise that a lot of my fashion posts feature a lot of “going out” or “formal” outfits. So I put together a few of my “everyday” outfits, stuff that I actually wear and have worn during the week. This week the theme is YELLOW! LEFT Stripe top- Alexander Wang from The Outnet I am in love with basic luxe tees. Their slouchy look is just perfect with jeans, cropped pants, skirts or shorts. Yellow jeans – YesStyle These are just cheap and cheerful jeans from a Korean brand, Bengirl. The yellow colour is just how I like it – not too dull, not too… -
Dating my Brother-in-Law
13 May 2012 | 10:00 amThe other evening, my husband and I planned to go out for dinner, drinks and dancing with a whole bunch of our crazy, single friends. But as it turned out, our babysitter fell sick at very short notice, so my husband took one for Team-Us. He decided to stay home, and I got to go out. Yay for freedom!! However, on this occasion, we had been planning to take my brother-in-law too. In fact, my husband and I were going to have dinner with bro-in-law before we met up with the others for drinks. So I found myself all dressed up, driving over to my bro-in-law’s place to pick him up to go out…
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The Chronicles of a SAHM
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Turning a corner
15 May 2012 | 8:36 amI've been driving a bit more. Not a lot by most standards...but a bit more.Rather than spend every afternoon at the playground after school, twice a week, we've been driving to the health club. It works out really well since the kiddos love the play room. (What's not to love, the place has a climbing wall, a Nintendo Wii, and an indoor tree house.) I get an extra two hours to work while kiddos play...win-win.While heading north on a busy Chicago street, in a lane that had gone from one to two because of construction, I met the biggest idiot on the planet. (In case you are wondering, he drives… -
Happy Mother's Day!
10 May 2012 | 7:46 pmI've spent too much time at the playground this week.That's what you get when you have the shortest school day in the nation, and the powers that be have cut out recess to make up for how little time they actually get in the classroom.When I pick up the kiddos, they need to run. SO...I give them a good two hours at the playground.Today, The Little Man wanted me to dig his lunchbox out so he could graze over what was left. I opened his backpack, and pulled out this......and his shoulders dropped...and his head sank...and he said..."Mommy, you weren't supposed to see that:("So I told him he… -
Kinda funk
8 May 2012 | 10:12 pmI've been in a funk lately. It's a weird funk...like a frustrated funk...I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. I don't like it...So I went for a run...
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What's That Smell?
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(5/28) Surviving “Monster In-Laws” $150 SpaFinder GC #giveaway
16 May 2012 | 9:13 amSo many people have horror stories about their in-laws. I cringe sometimes hearing people tell me about some of the things their in-laws have said or done, and I am very thankful that my in-laws are decidedly NOT “Monster In-Laws”. But for every person like me who has a good relationship with their in-laws, there [...] -
(5/28) Dove “Show Us Your Skin” ad campaign #giveaway #beautifulskin
14 May 2012 | 10:32 pmLast week I told you about the Dove “Show Us your Skin” campaign and invited you to attend the Simon Mall’s Mom’s Nite Out event at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park, Illinois on May 10th. While I didn’t make it to the Mom’s Nite Out event, I did participate in the “Show Us Your [...] -
McDonald’s Across the World
14 May 2012 | 6:11 pmI’m not really a fan of McDonald’s. I don’t blame them for the state of our health in this country, that I hold to personal accountability, but I also no longer eat there. However, I do respect the global phenomenon that is represented by the ‘golden arches’ and it is really interesting to see what [...]
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Pianeta Casino Online
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Video poker in versione digitale
28 Apr 2012 | 8:32 amI video-poker sono uno di quei fenomeni che non hanno lunga vita, ma che sembrano impazzare sia online che dal vivo. Il fenomeno del video-poker almeno in Italia non è conosciuto che da qualche anno e da quando sono state introdotte le macchinette all’interno dei bar, la gente è diventata matta per questo tipo di gioco. Non esiste una casistica che possa racchiudere il tipico giocatore di video poker, infatti amano giocare donne e uomini, ragazze e ragazzi e questo perché il gioco è molto semplice, veloce e creato appositamente per un pubblico variegato. Ovviamente le versioni live… -
Giocare nei casino online per sviluppare l’economia italiana
12 Dec 2011 | 12:22 pmAlla conferenza internazionale: “Il gioco come chance per lo sviluppo del turismo italiano”, organizzata in questi giorni dalla Fondazione Unigioco, presso l’Auditorium dell’Ara Pacis di Roma, il presidente di Gamenet S.P.A., Vitaliano Casalone, ha puntato l’attenzione sul mercato dei giochi italiano, protagonista negli ultimi anni di un’evoluzione estremamente rapida e complessa, sia da un punto di vista legislativo, che sociale, economico e tecnologico. Oggi il settore è una delle colonne portanti dell’economia italiana, ed una risorsa fondamentale per… -
La tipologia denaro reale dei Casino Online
12 Dec 2011 | 12:21 pmI casino online hanno un’opzione che ti permette di scegliere se giocare con soldi veri o con soldi virtuali. Oggi parliamo di come giocare nei casino online con la tipologia denaro reale. Quando apri il software dei casinò virtuali, hai due scelte. Una ti permette di giocare con soldi finti e l’altra con soldi veri, clicca sulla seconda icona quella che riporta la scritta gioca con denaro reale. Adesso devi fare il login con userneame e password personali. Bene, adesso sei dentro alla tipologia reale. Per giocare con soldi veri devi fare un deposito. Puoi depositare da un minimo…
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Classy Chaos
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Sponsored post: Selling for summer - $100 eBay giveaway
16 May 2012 | 12:00 amSummer is just around the corner and every year our family makes a list of activities we want to complete before going back to school. They range from the very simple - a picnic at the beach; to the very daring - water skiing. A list of local weekend getaways helps us explore our surroundings as a family while keeping us focused on what we have yet to accomplish together. We only have eight summers left with our third grader before he goes off to college. Our list is the golden ticket to make sure we cross off all our summer dreams. So as the weather heats up, we are looking ahead and… -
It's the little things
14 May 2012 | 12:00 amWe hike a lot as a family because: 1. It's free. 2. The Cleveland Metropark is in our 'hood. 3. Our children rarely ever bicker on hikes. The third reason is why, when we have a free moment, we head for the forest. It's the one place on this great green earth that my children get along famously. On Saturday we spent six hours hiking. Six hours. We hiked up east on the Sulphur Springs river trail and discovered a new-to-us waterfall. (Right under the Miles Road bridge on Chagrin River road). The kiddos were crazy happy to discover an area that was un-touched by humans, for some time. In… -
Finding comfort in memories: the First Communion dress
8 May 2012 | 12:00 amIt's hard to believe that a year ago Grandma was with us to help celebrate Jay's First Communion. A year later, on the same day, her presence was greatly missed. A candle was lit in her honor. Lola was the first to remind us that Grandma did see her dress. "Remember when I twirled around for her, when we got it?" How fortunate it was that Grandma did see Lola in her First Communion dress after we found it marked down fourteen times at Nordstrom Rack back in July, but fell in love with the layers and simplicity and purchased it on impulse. (Note to self: impulse bargain shopping, Grandma's…
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Sprite's Keeper
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Spin Cycle: Confessions of a Mother
11 May 2012 | 9:05 amWould you believe that one of the first thoughts that registered with me about my baby daughter was: "Gah, she blinks like an alien." I lose my Mommy mug now, don't I? I will completely admit it. I'm not a fan of newborns. Oh, sure, I love their smallness, the scrunchy way their body conforms to you, like trying to cocoon into your shoulder blade while you fold your own arms ten times around their body in an effort to keep them stable, warm, and non-wriggly. I love the little feet, the tiny fingers, the way they instintively close around your pinky, like a Venus Fly Trap… -
Spin Cycle: It's Not the Words Getting in The Way
4 May 2012 | 4:00 amYikes, Thursday evening is staring me in the face...along with the promise I made to the lovely Gretchen... "I will spin this week! Promise!" Multitudes of ideas still sit in my head, in fact, the weight of those words alone are probably what's contributing to the frequent headaches I've been suffering through lately, updates to our lives from the last month or so, a little weekend excursion to the zoo that ended in us completely skipping the zoo altogether and STILL seeing nature at its most exposed finest. Our complete revamp of fiscal life as we know it, pulling the… -
Maybe I should direct my Facebook traffic this way so my page won't look so narcissictic..
18 Apr 2012 | 11:08 amYou asked for pictures of the new do. Well.. Behold, the powers of Instagram: (Damn, I'm cute.) (That completely negated the anti-narcissism clause built into my title.) (And everyone trying to beat it into my head over the years about Sprite inheriting her eyes from me? Yeah, I get it now.) My hair is actually a lot darker than that photo suggests, and I haven't colored it in years, since I cringe every time I walk into a salon anyways, the smell of chemicals in the air, how would I be with that crap actually ON MY HEAD? I'm not a fan of self portraits, it makes someone look…
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Sweet Sky
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The Goodies: Double Issue!
8 May 2012 | 11:01 pmThe Goodies… Been a while, hasn’t it? Here’s what I’ve been finding enlightening, entertaining, moving, meaningful… :: a sweet children’s song based on the lovingkindness practice :: following your passion, into the tree tops :: “thank you for allowing me to feel human” :: why we shout in anger :: 100 kisses :: don’t be such a lunch bowl! :: mindful body :: the sensitive ones :: i cannot begin to explain the depth in this piece, which is why it’s a good thing pamela is such an extraordinary person who writes so well :: the… -
daybook
1 May 2012 | 10:58 pmToday, outside my window… We watched the hail coming down as we sat on the couch, reading our new library books. Orlando is completely captivated by The Mistmantle Chronicles: Urchin of the Riding Stars. I am thinking… seems like I am doing lots of memes/theme type posts these days. : ) I am thankful… for how I am beginning to understand my journey in this life. in the kitchen… simple cooking up of veggies — the first asparagus, and giant beets, a rutabaga rummaged from the drawer, and broccolini. An attempt at a rhubarb crisp but realized I have no strawberries! -
unschooling living
1 May 2012 | 8:05 am… last month’s activity … animals, plants, sea and sky, the earth outdoor school… a long weekend up north at the beach (my parents’ house)… hiking through the woods on the island, Orlando and I went off on our own onto a round-about not-well-traveled loop, sorta spooky, filled with mosses and dark spaces, and Orlando said, “I feel like something is watching us.” we walked barefoot down the main path… two lazy afternoons at a beach near us… the boys watched microcosmos and just absolutely loved it… visiting our nearby…
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LaLaGirl - Twinfinite Chaos! Parenting Multiples and Dealing with Autism
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Unplanned Family Picture
14 May 2012 | 1:00 pmI took some impromptu photos of the children on Saturday to print out for my mom for mothers day. After I snapped half a dozen, Paul and I decided to set the timer and jump in a couple of the pics! I think they came out pretty good! Random LaLa GoodnessNovember 7, 2007 -- Look at my paper cut!January 4, 2006 -- Slacker Post!September 8, 2006 -- Little bruiser baby!November 26, 2005 -- Kayley’s Christmas Wish ListApril 3, 2010 -- Yo Gabba Gabba at the White House! -
It’s all Good in the ‘Hood
6 May 2012 | 10:55 amYesterday felt like summertime, with all the neighborhood kiddos running through the sprinklers and slurping up popsicles. Love it. Random LaLa GoodnessAugust 11, 2008 -- I’m so proud.June 21, 2006 -- Pizza Kids!February 12, 2008 -- Music Monday – uh, TuesdayJanuary 28, 2011 -- 365 – Kayley’s Drawing.October 10, 2006 -- My boring day. -
Happy Star Wars Day!
4 May 2012 | 10:30 amMay the 4th be with you. Random LaLa GoodnessMay 27, 2007 -- Big kid beds!August 1, 2008 -- Growing Seeds of Change – Family Fun DayMay 18, 2006 -- I think I need help.October 13, 2010 -- Texting and DrivingAugust 29, 2007 -- Glutton for Punishment.
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moosh in indy.
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the one about my marriage nearly ending
15 May 2012 | 1:45 pmWhen my marriage almost ended two and half years ago, the fact that neither of us placed blame on the other or used our shortcomings as weapons to hurt the other in the aftermath was one of the greatest keys to our recovery. We had both done things on our own to screw up our relationship and all of those things acted as wedges that pushed us farther and farther apart until we barely even recognized each other despite the fact that we slept in the same bed every night. We could go days without speaking to each other and being sent away for weeks at a time with Addie while he studied for finals… -
the epic one about buying cameras and lenses.
13 May 2012 | 10:59 pmI think the one email/message/question I get the most that I don’t already have a post dedicated to is “WHAT KIND OF CAMERA SHOULD I GET!?” I’ve never written it because I’m still not entirely sure I know what I’m talking about and I’m certainly not the best photographer in the world, I just really like doing it and learning more about it every chance I get. So after six years, here it is. What kind of camera you should get (according to me.) I add the according to me part because I am only fluent in Canon (I don’t speak a lick of Nikon) and… -
magical little addie.
10 May 2012 | 8:48 pmThere are very few words to describe Addie as she is more of an experience. Like stepping outside on a surprisingly windy day with a handful of balloons, they twist and turn trying to take off in the wind and eventually bop you on top of the head repeatedly. As she’s gotten bigger it’s harder to capture the very essence of her in a photo since she’s learned to be hammy and cheesy whenever my lens is pointed in her direction. But, oh! When I do get her. It’s like capturing her childhood and giggles in a beautiful little jar and being able to hold onto them and enjoy…
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Lit and Laundry
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Pinteresting
16 May 2012 | 11:47 amLots of great finds on Pinterest this week for quilters and crafters. Look at this beautiful quilt pattern from Laura Nownes on Etsy. It's made from a jelly roll. I love these colors. I might have to get this one. I pinned this on my "Quilt patterns and tutorials" board. By Hook, By Hand has these adorable free doll crochet patterns: That's pinned to my Amigurumi board. I love pincushions. Look at this free pattern from Join the Mood: It's a teapot! In polka dots! I love it. This ones on my Crafty board. Someday. Warmer weather pulls… -
Design Wall Monday: William Morris block 2
14 May 2012 | 1:03 pmHere is the second of the William Morris blocks I'm working on. Drama Girl has already claimed this quilt as one she would like to have. I'm enjoying the machine applique, although it's very slow-going. Stitch by stitch around each of those curves. My "Henrietta Whiskers" quilt top is finally finished and Wasabi Girl helped me baste it this weekend. Hestia "helped" too, although her help wasn't quite as useful. I'm trying out bamboo batting for this one. Somewhat thinner, but it seems to have a nice drape. Still making stars when I have a spare minute… -
The Big Kid's Favorite Day
10 May 2012 | 2:15 pmDid you know that there is an annual "Free Comic Book Day?" Comic book stores all over the country open their doors with a selection to entice those who might not be avid comic book readers yet. I think it's usually in May. My husband goes every year and takes at least one of the kids with him. This year while they were there, they also went through the bargain bins and shopped around. Every year they pick up more and more. "My Favorite Martian?" Really? I vaguely remember this show from my childhood. Some of these characters have been around a…
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The Stephford Diaries
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Mondays mean miscellany…and Doctor Who?
7 May 2012 | 11:58 amSo, last night my sister, my daughter and I decided we were going to start watching Dr. Who. Are we aware that the rest of you have been watching this shit for years? Yes. Do we care? No. And if YOU care that we’re late to the party, I offer you this resounding “Fuck off.” Sorry, sorry. I guess I’m just tired of pretentious douchebags getting ridiculous about shit like this. “Oh, you’re just NOW watching/listening to/reading :insert whatever trendy bullshit here:?” And they’re always so goddamn SMUG about it. Like they have a super-special… -
1 May 2012 | 9:04 am
1 May 2012 | 9:04 amSo, as you probably know, I’ve been on a journey towards body acceptance. Most of the time, I’m pretty good about cutting myself some slack. So what I’m not a size 8? I’m still cute. So what I don’t have an hourglass shape? I’m still cute. It’s been hard to shake my confidence really. I have a husband who adores me, friends who tell me how totally rad I am (and look), little girls who want to be like me…and that’s where I start getting shaky on all this body acceptance and HAES stuff. Lenna is a thick girl. Given her parents, there was no… -
Mondays mean miscellany and…that’s it. Just miscellany, okay?
30 Apr 2012 | 8:48 amSo, in the interest of trying to blog more (because I missed it), I’m going to just go back to basics. Me, my ADD and a keyboard just hanging out waiting to see what happens. I think we all prefer it that way. 1. I got my first ever pedicure this weekend. Feel free to judge because I’m judging the SHIT out of myself for not doing this sooner. Now, I’m a cheap bitch so I don’t know if I’ll be doing a pedi once a month like the lady said, but DAMN, it was worth it to have a professional make my feet sandal-ready. My actual foot. Shut up. 2. I noticed after my…
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Twinfatuation
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Way Back When-esday: Swordplay
15 May 2012 | 10:08 pmDateline: September 2007Twins' Age: 6Last week, He-Twin received his second set of "official" tae kwon do portraits. Looking so strong, so poised as a double black stripe belt (one step away from a black belt) now, couldn't help bit reflect on this sweet "Little Tiger" from years gone by.His commitment and maturation in martial arts warms my heart this mid-week.Play along with Way Back When-esday!No better excuse to dig into those digital files, seek out an overlooked snapshot, or scan a scrapbook find! Share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. -
Makes My Monday: A Pair of Poems
13 May 2012 | 10:33 pmSorry, Jane Seymour; you can keep your dual open heart pendant. I'll take twin verses, hands down.My lyrical little ones Make My Monday.Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday. -
Feeding the Beast
11 May 2012 | 11:46 amTruly, it doesn't matter how you feed/fed your baby(-ies), by breast or by bottle, it's time to stop.Please don't stop nourishing your children--this Mother's Day weekend, let's unite as modern mothers.Moms who know the power we wield in the economy.Moms who are active in political issues.Moms who support their neighborhoods, their schools and their faith communities.Moms who are technologically savvy. Moms who care passionately about their families and what they believe is best for them.Moms---who as a result of all the above---are a dream demographic.As moms, we have allowed ourselves…
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The Mom Crowd
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Divorced and Ready to Date – What to Do When Your Kids Say No
29 Apr 2012 | 1:43 pmYour divorce papers have been signed and everything has been finalized. The chapter of your life that included your husband is over and now you want to move on with your life. You are ready to rebuild the family that you have and you are ready to get back out on the dating scene. But your children are resistant to the thought of you dating. How do you cope with this? Fear of Further Loss The age your child or children are when you get a divorce makes a difference to how they will react to it. A child has not lived long enough to have any solid life experience and as a result fears that the… -
A Guide to Nutrition During Pregnancy
25 Apr 2012 | 7:35 amEating right is essential both for yourself and for your baby. This is so true before your baby is born as well as once he/she is here with you. Here we offer a guide to nutrition for expectant mothers. Eating for Two What should you eat while you are pregnant? This is a very important question that you need to ask yourself. To ask it before you are even pregnant is good news for your baby’s health and well-being. Nutrition during pregnancy sets the stage for the health of your baby while in utero as well as after he or she has been delivered. It needs to be a very important consideration… -
Dogs Do Bite – Teaching Your Child How Not to be Bitten
23 Apr 2012 | 7:33 amWhether you have a dog at present or whether you plan to get one for your household in the near future it is important that you teach your children what they need to do in order to avoid getting bitten. Even if you have no pets your children will be in contact with dogs at some point in time and need to be taught how to properly behave around them. Dogs do not bite for any reason. Most often it happens because they are provoked in some manner and feel the need to defend themselves. This is natural instinct kicking in. When they do bite it is most often because they are fearful of being…
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Poot and Cubby for Women Site
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Online Shopping For Cardigans, Leggings And Entire Wardrobes
15 May 2012 | 6:30 pmToday’s women want to have both top trend and classic clothing in their wardrobe. When they want to go semi-casual they look for cardigans for women. When they are completely casual they will be wearing short skirts and dresses that are strongly accented with leggings for women. Not much needs to be said about dressing up in the classic styles. Whatever occasion, these smart women are dressing for, they know that their online shopping clothes will fit the bill. The nice thing about cardigans is that you can get short ones or long ones in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They can… -
Trying to Stay Young as We Age
9 May 2012 | 9:00 pmI had a child about three years back and have been trying to get my body back ever since. It’s amazing how even after a couple years of working out at the gym more than three times a week, I still am not back to my old self. It’s not just my body that is different though, it’s also my skin. Before I had a child I felt that I had beautiful and perfect skin. After though, I have wrinkles and my skin just doesn’t look as bright and fresh. I’ve of course been looking for a way to reduce some of the wrinkles on my face, and get back my bright… -
Need To Know About Type Y Vacuum Bag And Hoover Bags
2 May 2012 | 5:03 amNeed To Know About Type Y Vacuum Bag And Hoover Bags vacuum bags If you buy in bulk you can probably find this product for the low price of about $1 per bag. They fit into a huge variety of Hoover models. You should check to make sure that they fit yours but I can tell you that they already probably do. One of these vacuum bags’ most distinguishing capabilities is that it has a transparent window in itself so that you won’t have to guess if your bag is full yet. This takes care of one of the main problems that we have found in some of our other reviews and articles. vacuum cleaner…
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Mommy Brain Reports
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Reported Death, Severe Neck Injuries Prompt Recall of Banzai Inflatable Pool Slides Sold by Walmart and Toys R Us
15 May 2012 | 10:45 amA woman died and a man became a quadriplegic after the slide partly deflated while in use. Slides sold at Walmart and Toys R Us Go to Source -
Manhattan Group Recalls Baby Rattles Due to Choking Hazard
15 May 2012 | 10:43 amThe clear spheres on each end of the rattle can break, releasing small parts, posing a choking hazard to small children. Go to Source -
New Dirty Jobs Cleaning Products
14 May 2012 | 12:34 pmWe recently got to check out the new Dirty Jobs line of household cleaning products! Here’s a quick review of one of my favorites! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IhJq0_L3S0 I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart provided me with compensation for my time and efforts on this post and video. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
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Blogger For Hire
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Missing Grandma
13 May 2012 | 12:35 pmHow fitting that today, Mother's Day, is the yahrzeit (Yiddish for "a year's time," anniversary) of the passing of my beloved grandmother, Chava. Grandma passed away young, at the age of 59, when I was barely 12 years old. I think about her often, because she was the epitome of motherhood. A large woman (back when most people were not overweight) with a big heart, her entire existence centered around her children, her grandchildren, and cooking. I write about grandma with some difficulty, because I was so young when she passed. I so wish she could have stayed with us a little longer, giving… -
Trapped
25 Apr 2012 | 12:00 pmWaiting at the stoplight, I see the man. He's old, probably in his mid seventies. He walks slowly, pushing a walker in front of him, stopping to rest every few steps. His back is a little bent. His mouth tight. He has that look of quiet anger that so many old people have. He's trapped, the thought flashes in my head. There's a person inside that has nothing to do with this sick old body. The man inside was a young man once, a middle aged man not that long ago. He stood straight and laughed and ran, had children and grandchildren. He worked, he had friends over and went to clubs and to parties… -
If They Could Only See Into The Future
19 Apr 2012 | 7:00 amIf they could only see into the future, they would have done everything in their power to run away, to escape, to leave their beloved Holland, to get away from Europe. Of course, many tried and were refused by nations who sent them right back to "where they belonged," to their deaths. But the three Jewish siblings photographed here, in April 13 1941 according to the print on the back, didn't know how bad it was going to get for them, for Jews. So they stayed in occupied Holland and hoped for the best. © All rights reserved. This post is from MomGrind and cannot be republished without…
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Kaiser Mommy
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What I am learning from Fifty Shades of Grey
16 May 2012 | 11:09 amI gave in to the hysteria of women everywhere going “zomg! you have to read this book, Fifty Shades of Grey. I was so completely underwhelmed in the first few chapters. To sum up for you: “Hi, baby, my name is Christian Grey, baby. I am hot, rich and like to fuck, baby. I have commitment issues, baby. I have control issues, baby. I have rules, baby. I’m a bad boy, baby.” “Hi, I’m Anastasia Steele. I am 21 and have never had a sexual thought in my entire life. I have never kissed, I have never wanted to be kissed, I have never touched myself, the extent… -
Free Condoms!
29 Apr 2012 | 10:32 pm(I’m getting some compensation for this post.) I’ve never had fantastic luck shopping for sex related anything in mainstream stores. Either I have to dodge buying my pleasure packs from teenage boys, or I have to have a friend buy my condoms because I’m in the line behind the oldest teacher in my building (this was a real event when I was student teaching.) As a single thirty whatever woman, I realized it’s probably a wise idea to have SOMETHING on hand. If you build it they will come kind of thing. (Yes, I realize there are all kinds of dirty puns available there… -
The Great Un-Friending of 2012
17 Apr 2012 | 10:48 pmA few weeks ago there were 681 people on my friends list. Tonight there are 314. For the most part, I decided there is a difference between people I know and people I once knew. People I wanted to know, and people I *do* know. I had a friend who once redrew the biblical story about the woman who looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. What’s made of salt? Tears are made of salt. Continually looking back at what was, instead of looking forward to what will come can turn you to stone . . . er . . . salt . . . if all you do is grieve what is behind. Today I have bitten off all my…
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Real Tech Mom
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Why I chose to go back to work after having kids.
30 Apr 2012 | 8:33 pmWhen you have children, no one tells you how hard it is to go back to work. It’s a mixed bag of emotions for many women–myself included. After my first child, I was one of those moms who had a hard time adjusting to the pace at home. Feeling “trapped” at home, and having no [...] [Visit Real Tech Mom to read the rest of the story!] -
Wordless Wednesday: Irony
1 Feb 2012 | 5:30 pm[Visit Real Tech Mom to read the rest of the story!] -
What beauty really looks like…
13 Jan 2012 | 12:40 pmMy husband sent this to me. I am not a skinny girl. I’ve had two kids. And many moms (and non moms) feel horrible about their body because of the way media portrays what women should look like. Don’t I just sound like a feminist! But it’s true. As a teenager we are bombarded by [...] [Visit Real Tech Mom to read the rest of the story!]
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Catnip and Coffee
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let’s just say arizona is freaking gorgeous
29 Apr 2012 | 2:36 pmGeez! It’s been an entire week since we got home from vacation. I’m like, the worst blogger ever. I had every intention of showing you pics as soon as we got home and then I got sucked back into 12 hour days at work…eh. Anyway, I really wanted to show you all some of the best photos I got with just my iPhone. I haven’t even had a change to LOOK at the photos we got with the other cameras yet. Between all of the cameras we had with us we probably have close to 1,000 images to wade through. Eek! If you’re friends with me on Facebook you may have seen a couple of… -
just keeping my head above water
3 Apr 2012 | 8:52 amSoooo. Hi. I’ve been a little absent. Not just here, but in my whole life! A few weeks ago I was asked to take on an extra book project for work, on top of the three different books I was already working on. At first I said no. I really didn’t have time. So they sweetened the pot a bit and I just couldn’t refuse. It’s a huge rush job and well, that money will more than pay for our vacation AND BlogHer in August. So, yeah. Here’s the thing, when you freelance it’s really hard to say no to work – you never know when the next project will come along… -
happy pi day and other random bits
14 Mar 2012 | 8:29 amI love geek holidays, I can’t help it! Are any of you baking pies in honor of Pi day today? I wish I had time! I’d like a blueberry pie, or maybe a chocolate cream pie, or oooo, a bacon quiche? That totally counts as pie right? In case you noticed my lack of internet presence, I’m completely swamped with work right now. As great as it is to have plenty of contracts and a good chunk of money flowing in, it makes my life completely insane. I never want to be someone who complains about work though, because oh, would it suck to not have any. This is just me saying, I miss you…
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A Cowboy's Wife
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Avery Gives Back to Schools, Including Our Very Own Highland ISD! Box Tops {Giveaway}
13 May 2012 | 11:02 pmFor me, this is one of the best things about being a blogger, being able to give back to the community in some way so I was excited when Avery approached me about their ‘Give Back to Schools’ promotion. Not only are they helping our school, you can win cash and supplies for your school! Through September 17, 2012, you can find your school (or add it to the list), register, and get all the votes you can every day. The top 5 vote-getting schools will receive: 25,000 Box Tops for Education coupons $10,000 worth of Avery school supplies $1,000 worth of gift cards The 25 runner-up… -
How to Turn a Cutting Board Into a Chalk Board
30 Apr 2012 | 9:41 pmWith Mother’s Day around the corner, I’m sure there’s bound to some need for gift ideas. I’ve got a great one for your Mom and/or that foodie lover in your life; a cutting board turned into a chalk board! You can do this with just about any surface but I thought a cutting board would be fun to make for the Mom who loves to be in the kitchen. The video is under 40 seconds and will tell you everything you need to know. All supplies were purchased at Walmart for under $10 bucks! Enjoy! Tutorial: A Cutting Board Turned into a Chalk Board Materials Rust-Oleum Chalk… -
Spring DIY – How To Make a Pen Bouquet – Great Gift Idea Too!
27 Apr 2012 | 2:11 pmThis would make a great gift idea for the office nerd like myself (ahem Mother’s Day) or even a Teacher Appreciation gift! It’s so stinkin’ easy to make and one of the most affordable gifts you can create. If I were to make it for a teacher, I’d probably use red pens (or those assorted colors) and glue sticks, as well as, black pens! And if giving to a secretary, I’d probably buy some fancier flowers and container. When I had this in mind, I was just thinking Spring! I just wanted something colorful that would cheer me up while I’m sitting at my desk.
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Politics to Parenting and Everything in Between
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Happy Mother's Day 2012-What Motherhood Means To Me
12 May 2012 | 4:19 pmHappy Mother's Day 2012 A few thoughts on Mother's Day weekend...What Motherhood Means To MeA Mother's job is never done....you don't get paid with cash or checks,but you are repaid in hugs& kissesSmiles& tears will fill your days,but nothing can replace the importance of a mother's role.Without mothers none of us would exist,without mothers our lives would feel incomplete,without mothers we seek...We seek love,we seek strength, we seek hope.Mothers are the wind in our sails,they pick us up when we fail,Mothers are unconditional love and give us life.Mothers are strong… -
NY Court Rules Viewing Child Pornography Isn't A Crime??!!
10 May 2012 | 6:16 pmI don't know how many of you have heard about this recent outrageous court ruling, but I haven't seen or heard much of it in the national media. This week a New York Court of Appeals ruled viewing child pornography online isn't a crime! Viewing child pornography online isn't a crime, the New York Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday in the case of a college professor whose work computer was found to have stored more than a hundred illegal images in its Web cache.The court dismissed one of the two counts of promoting a sexual performance of a child and one of the dozens of counts of… -
Petition to STOP Mass. school from using “Electrical Shock” to enforce rules
6 May 2012 | 3:21 amThis is insane...another twitter friend, @grumpyelder, sent this to me today. I can't believe something like this is still being done&considered therapy in a school for disabled kids who 'act up'. This is more like punishment and torture, which I thought had been done away with when asylums were closed down?? What makes it even worse is the mother was unaware that his type of 'therapy' would or could be used on her son. It seems many schools are taking their zero tolerance policies a little too far these days, especially in this case with a disabled student!! Mass. school using…
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Rancid Raves
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Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude: Rut Roh!
4 May 2012 | 10:04 amNote: Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude is a weekly(ish) feature about food, food and more FOOD. No, I am not an expert, but I do enjoy talking about food prep, cooking food, eating food and making sweet love to food. Okay, maybe not the "sweet love" part. After all, this is not meant to be an homage to 9 1/2 Weeks.Recipe Index can be found here. You will all be happy to know that we have been invited to dinner tomorrow at Emily and Victor's place and I am totally going to offer to bring dessert. Hopefully, she accepts my offer because I have been sampling a certain cake… -
Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude: Substitutions, Subtractions and Hostesses Lacking the Mostess Help
27 Apr 2012 | 11:19 amNote: Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude is a weekly(ish) feature about food, food and more FOOD. No, I am not an expert, but I do enjoy talking about food prep, cooking food, eating food and making sweet love to food. Okay, maybe not the "sweet love" part. After all, this is not meant to be an homage to 9 1/2 Weeks.Recipe Index can be found here. Today is a Three For the Price of One kinda of day. It's also a Quickie kinda of days -- Manoj has been out of town this week and I am also cleaning the house from top to bottom in a mad dash of Spring Cleaning.SubstitutionsI am… -
Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude: This Ain't Your Mama's Guacamole (Well, unless your mama is from Colombia)
20 Apr 2012 | 9:54 amNote: Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude is a weekly(ish) feature about food, food and more FOOD. No, I am not an expert, but I do enjoy talking about food prep, cooking food, eating food and making sweet love to food. Okay, maybe not the "sweet love" part. After all, this is not meant to be an homage to 9 1/2 Weeks.Recipe Index can be found here. **********Guacamole. It's like a religion and folks can become fanatical. Sure, I love making guacamole and more importantly, EATING IT. But I think some of the rules are stupid.One thing that has always puzzled me about…
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SOLO dot MOM
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And so it goes…
18 Apr 2012 | 6:33 pmGod is good all the time and all the time, God is good. So no matter what happens, what difficulty you may be facing, what challenge has been set before you, what mountain you have in front of you in your journey, that statement is true. This too shall pass. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger (so the song goes). You have heard all the phrases that people say when they know someone is facing a difficult time in her life. And yes, the phrases are true. But from experience, do they make you feel any better about your situation? Probably not. But you can rest assured… -
It’s already the middle of January?
14 Jan 2012 | 9:46 pmI have pictures to post on my blog from our Christmas celebration, I really do. I look at recent posts and I realize – time is flying by…faster and faster. It seems that only Facebook has seen posts from me lately, so I have been thinking – I want to get back to my blog. I miss it. Most likely my readership will have to be rebuilt and my page ranking, but that’s not what my blog was ever about anyway. Not really. I love blogging, remember? At least when I had time to blog, I did. Looking back at my posts, I see many favorites and it gives me the itch to… -
Waiting
17 Nov 2011 | 5:48 pmAs Jas and I sit at the urgent care clinic to get his ear checked out, we both sit with our tech devices in full swing. I decided to look for the blogger app so I could possibly post for my readers and I found it! Being a single mom is full of challenges and those challenges change as the children age. Tonight would have required bringing both children, one well, into an environment with germs and other niceties when they were younger. Now that i'm dealing with teens (Kass is just two weeks from it being official) I can leave one to tend to herself while escorting the other to be…
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Fabulous Miss S.
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Toddler Brain
18 Apr 2012 | 4:18 pm8:45am NOAH: Where's Daddy? ME: He's in Boston. MALLORY: Where's Daddy? ME: Daddy's in Boston, working. 8:47am NOAH: Where's Daddy? ME: He's in Boston. MALLORY: Where's Daddy? ME: Daddy's in Boston, working. MALLORY: Daddy wurking? ME: Yes. NOAH: Where's Daddy?... -
Just a peak
17 Apr 2012 | 7:29 amFour and Two is turning out to be a pretty fun time.
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Mommy Confessions
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Mangia! Only not quite so much please.
25 Apr 2012 | 10:48 amWelcome to 'No Confession Wednesdays'! Or as I also like to call it- the day where I can't think of anything clever and appropriate for this spot. Luckily, or perhaps due to a great deal of work and dedication to healthful eating on my part (though luck is probably more like it) none of my kids have a weight issue. I know there are all kinds of reasons why childhood obesity is such an epidemic in our country, and someday, I might have a serious enough blog that I will touch on those issues. But for now, I just wanna talk about my problems. Well, yours too. I guess. But mostly mine-… -
Signed, Pantsless in Pennsylvania
17 Apr 2012 | 8:11 amToday instead of a confession, we start with a disclaimer: This post is really depressing. For real. It's like what would happen if you created a bitching club and merged it with Whiners Anonymous and then took away everybody's Zoloft.As for the title, yes I am aware that I live in New Jersey, but I am from PA and the title just sounds so much better than Pantsless in NJ, don't ya think?Plus with Jersey Shore and Jerseylicious and Mob Wives and all that crap- Pantsless in NJ sounds like just another day of bad reality t.v., right? So here I am, in New Jersey not Pennsylvania, sitting around… -
Come on Over to my Crib
5 Apr 2012 | 7:00 amSo, as I have mentioned before, my sister is expecting her first baby. I am so excited to be taking the baby journey again, since my diaper days are over. My kids are 10, 7 and 5, so we are out of all things baby at the moment. Spending this time looking at baby clothes, shopping for trinkets and toys, has been very exciting- and a little scary! A lot can change in the baby world in just a few years. Seems like every time I shop for a friend or family member who is expecting, the products and services available have changed again. Some of what was cutting edge when my now 10 year old was…
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Web Design by OMSH | Heather L. Sanders
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Up and at ‘em.
16 May 2012 | 12:36 pmI am house sitting for my aunt and woke up tired. Those two things are entirely unrelated. What is related? » The design mockups I need to wrap today. » The other design mockups I need to wrap tomorrow. » The post I need to finish writing that publishes tomorrow. Because I will see no one and go nowhere, I just may pull it off. We’ll see. In other news? The face and hair? Me in the morning. Love it or leave it – it’s all I have to offer. This ceramic mug? A tease. Emelie loves it and used it while the kids were still here with me. The kids left yesterday, so I made sure… -
Alive
16 May 2012 | 5:00 am‘”Dear, sweet Mabel,” she said. “We never know what is going to happen, do we? Life is always throwing us this way and that. That’s where the adventure is. Not knowing where you’ll end up or how you’ll fare. It’s all a mystery, and when we say anything different, we’re just lying to ourselves. Tell me, when have you felt most alive?”‘ The Snow Child, p. 258 -
protect the diamonds…
15 May 2012 | 5:00 amprotect the diamonds survive the clubs dig deep through the spades feel the hearts Emelie’s book review of Markus Zusak’s young adult novel, “I Am the Messenger”, posted this morning. In addition to her posted review Emelie also wanted the opportunity to make clear how she felt about the assigned “appropriate” age level for this book. While this is one of Emelie’s favorite books, she does feel some of the content is inappropriate, especially for younger readers. For instance, the protagonist Ed Kennedy relates his inabilities to perform sex with being bad…
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Mamanista!
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A One-of-a-Kind Block Set
11 May 2012 | 10:39 amBlocks are pretty much a staple in every household with children. Building sets ranging from Legos and Duplo to the old-school (and, as some will argue, for engineers in the making) Erector sets, to basic wood blocks teach children to use their imagination. The Sportos™ Build-a-Sport blocks from Rosie Hippo owner Kimberly Bloom seek to engage kids’ minds and bodies by building designs of their favorite sports as well as those that will be seen in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. When Sportos™ arrived on our doorstep, I knew these would be a hit with my older son (they have… -
Macy’s Coupon Code – One Day Sale!
10 May 2012 | 11:00 pmMacy’s is a one stop shop for everything you may need! The most effective way to get everything is to buy during a sale! Macy’s is offering a one day sale on everything on their website. One Day Sale at Macys.com! Offer valid 5/11-5/12 -
Travelocity – Receive $200 for Disney Cruise Line!
9 May 2012 | 2:53 amA cruise is the perfect family vacation. It combines the relaxing beach atmosphere with plenty of activities and places to visit while onboard. Disney cruise line caters to both adults and kids on their vacation in many different ways. See all the awesome benefits Disney cruise lines have to offer! Receive $200 Free Onboard Spending for select sailings on Disney Cruise Lines with Travelocity! Ends 6/30.
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MomLogic
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FTC: Skechers Deceived Consumers With Shoe Ads
16 May 2012 | 12:54 pmThe government wants you to know that simply sporting a pair of Skechers' fitness shoes is not going to get you Kim Kardashian's curves or Brooke Burke's toned tush. -
Jessica Simpson Gives Birth to a Baby Girl!
1 May 2012 | 11:02 amThe long wait is finally over ... Jessica Simpson is a mom! What do you think of the little one's unusual name? -
Tony Romo and Candice Crawford Welcome Baby Boy!
10 Apr 2012 | 4:29 pmDallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and wife Candice Crawford have welcomed their first child, a baby boy! What do you think of his name?
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5 Minutes for Mom
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Did You Know That May 14-18 Is EyeSmart Week?
16 May 2012 | 12:39 pmDoctor’s appointments. Dental visits. Immunizations. All these appointments and more clutter the family calendar. While it is a given that mom, dad, and the little ones will have regular medical and dental visits, what about the eyes? Did you know that May 14-18 is EyeSmart Week? Eye exams are just as important as other medical visits. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends eye screenings for all aging adults. The AAO recommends that baseline screening even if adults have no signs or risk factors for eye diseases. It is suggested by the AAO that adults get an… -
Wholesome Snacks for Your On-the-Go Kids
16 May 2012 | 10:57 amBaseball. Gymnastics. Karate. These are just a few of the activities kids are involved in these days. That’s not to mention the fact that Summer is near and things are going to get even more hectic. Playtime outdoors, the pool, vacations. It’s a wonder your kids even get fed, huh? It’s difficult to provide healthy snacks while on the go. But it’s not impossible and Lance Snack Crackers is making it even easier! Lance offers wholesome sandwich cracker varieties, baked to perfection with real peanut butter and real cheese fillings. Lance Sandwich Crackers and Lance… -
Wordless Wednesday — Add Your Photo Link
15 May 2012 | 11:18 pmOne of Tara Kuczykowski’s beautiful daughters during the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. For more Disney Social Media Moms Celebration posts, or to add your #DisneySMMoms post, visit our Disney Social Media Moms linky. For more of my photos from Disney, you can find them on Flickr and you are welcome to use any for your posts, just please credit them. (I am still adding more photos, they aren’t all up yet.) Mom Bloggers (and Dad Bloggers too!) post a photo on your site, link up and find others… Wordless Wednesday is tons of fun. (And I know it says…
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An Island Life
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WW: A beautiful way to start the day
16 May 2012 | 1:00 am -
100th Elementary School Signs Up For Josh Stevens Foundation’s “Be Kind” Program
14 May 2012 | 10:23 amNow with 100 elementary schools in five states on board with the BE KIND program, the Josh Stevens Foundation is ensuring an entire generation of children adopts KINDNESSas a way of life—from kindergarten onward. Linda Rankin Givens Elementary School in Las Vegas is just the most recent school to adopt the foundation’s program, which sets out to encourage more children to be more kind, more often. The foundation fulfills its mission by spreading the BE KIND message among K-12 school students, as well as the teachers, counselors and administrators that serve them. Its BE KIND materials… -
Our Visit to Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa
12 May 2012 | 4:04 pmI’ve always envied people like Cathi who are able to visit Disneyland on a whim. “Hmmm . . . what should we do today? How about going to Disneyland?” No planning, no packing, just get in the car and go. Well, today was kind of like that for Kaila and I. I was at home trying to find our Disney Trading pins for our upcoming Disneyland trip when I realized it might be pretty cool to add some Aulani pins to the collection. I searched online and found that people were selling them at an outrageous price! However, I was desperate and even considered buying a few. But then I…
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the calm before the stork
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my opinions on discipline immortalized on care.com
2 May 2012 | 4:30 pmI should be writing a whole long post for you. A hundred posts. For you, and us. How does the time flyyyyyyy???? But right now I have to tell you about my interview. Care.com thought it would be good to get my opinion on discipline. (I can hear you laughing. It’s okay, I laughed too.) . . . → Read More: my opinions on discipline immortalized on care.com -
lessons in gratitude from a 4-year-old
1 Apr 2012 | 11:20 amIn spite of everything, Jonah still believes in people. Last night, just before going to sleep next to me in his (our) hospital bed, and just after his 8:00pm IV antibiotics infusion, he said, “Mama, today was a lovely day.” He went on to explain how much wonderful play time he had with Daddy and . . . → Read More: lessons in gratitude from a 4-year-old -
it’s jonah’s world
30 Mar 2012 | 1:16 amI’m just schlepping him around in it and arranging playdates. Today, these things happened. Miraculously, we did not fight or yell or threaten or beg him to put on his clothes this morning. He just did it. He chose that path, saying something like, “Isn’t this nice in the morning how we can all just . . . → Read More: it’s jonah’s world
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Burgh Baby
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Curing the Hoarder with a Little Chris Farley
15 May 2012 | 9:41 pmI like to give other people grief about their hoarding abilities, but I'm pretty sure it's entirely my fault that all of Alexis' clothes are still in our house. And I do mean *ALL* of her clothes ... every last thing she has ever worn in her entire life. Before we moved to the giant house with too many bathrooms just shy of three years ago, our itty bitty townhouse posed many storage challenges. At the top of that challenge list was Alexis' closet. It was literally one foot wide. LITERALLY. As in, I went to IKEA and bought her closet and it was only one foot wide. She had four drawers and a… -
"You Say The Sweetest Things"
15 May 2012 | 10:01 am -
May They Always Be This Good
14 May 2012 | 8:08 pmI never really talk about Mothers Day because it's just not my sort of thing. I make sure all the moms in our lives are taken care of and know they are appreciated and all that, but I really don't need a day that's all about me. Every day is all about me, if we're being totally honest. That's what happens when you're the grown-up. You can decide to eat Strawberry Pie for lunch and there's no one to stop you. I just don't need a Hallmark holiday to give me permission to enjoy a day to its fullest or to know that Alexis appreciates me. I know she does. But now that Alexis is old enough to…
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Happy Home
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How to give a touch of elegance to your home
16 May 2012 | 10:10 amBelieve it or not, when you decorate your home reflect your personality and your tastes in it. It is very important not to adhere indiscriminately to trends, and you never know what will last, though the style stylish trend is always a whole. So if you want to give your home a touch of elegance, the following tips will go really well, as we will give you all the keys to achieve this by focusing on colors, furniture, textiles and lighting. First, one must take into account the color. The most important thing is to get these coordinated. Therefore, the colors are better for you to go neutral,… -
Ideas to improve an older home
13 May 2012 | 6:55 amDecorating the home is usually always a rewarding experience, but can become traumatic if a house is old or has not been renovated for a long time. The lack of budget or the fact that it is a rented flat, cannot we do everything we wanted in the place. However, there are always little things we can do to create a pleasing where you can live comfortably. If your want to know, keep on reading. Typically, an old house has white walls and cracked and chipped. To spend a couple or three weekends, you’ll get a brilliant result. Work it out with sandpaper and give it some air of color. You can… -
Trends 2012 in wallpaper for the nursery
12 May 2012 | 9:58 amThe home decor is undergoing a revolution in what refers to the walls. After a long season where the painting was the real protagonist smooth, we take a significant leap in time and re-position ourselves in the time when the wallpaper filled every home. It is a quite attractive and personal fashion that is invading also the smallest bedroom in the house. The wallpaper for the nursery is one of the trends that make the fashion in this 2012. Rarely have we seen such a variety of designs and colors. Ideas that have little to do with the traditional picture that appeared for years. They are…
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Cowgirl Yoga
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A Yeehaw & Namaste Montana moment
15 May 2012 | 11:13 amHere's the picture of me in a handstand next to my horse Dude Boy, our head Cowgirl Yoga wrangler Janice, and Cowgirls vs. Cancer event coordinator Jessica. This photo accompanied the story about our Cowgirls vs. Cancer fundraiser in the Bozeman Chronicle last Friday.Not only is this picture fun, and representative of the spirit of Cowgirl Yoga - to me it represents a tenet of the experience we offer on our retreats: the horse-human connection. Dude Boy and I have come a long way together; mostly in that he has helped me to expand my understanding of communication, both on a direct and subtle… -
Cowgirls vs. Cancer Fundraiser - a sweet success!
14 May 2012 | 5:34 pmIt's one of those perfect days under the Big Sky. In addition to the weather, I'm enjoying that this week promises to be fairly mellow, after a lot of excitement last week. It's nice when things balance out so well.I'm also basking in the afterglow of Friday's fundraiser for Cowgirls vs. Cancer. We hosted an evening of yoga, meditation and the good things in life - 14 Hands wine, cheese, and La Chatelaine chocolate - at Montana Yoga Photographer's new red barn studio. We raised just over $2,000 to benefit our scholarship fund to provide healing with horses and yoga for breast cancer… -
Yoga with Mom
10 May 2012 | 1:05 pmIt's almost Mother's Day! 6 year old and I prepared a little asana à deux to celebrate - check out my latest on the Athleta Chi - Yoga with Mom - for some OM at home this weekend. People always wonder how to extend the benefits of their own yoga practice to their family members; if I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard, “but my husband would never do yoga!” I maintain that what you do on the mat has a positive effect on your family. So maybe your husband and your children don’t practice yoga, but they indirectly benefit from you being more balanced. Partner yoga is a unique…
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Starryskye.org
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It’s Tuesday, It’s Raining
15 May 2012 | 7:37 amI woke up in a nice mood – until I began POURING OUTSIDE! (Better than pouring inside I suppose.) It’s coffee time, bitches! Ps. I’m running a contest on my “other” blog Atomic-Mama … go … look! -
TroopSwap Military Discounts
10 Apr 2012 | 12:18 pmMilitary Discounts are live on TroopSwap! Take note of the badge system where they identify Veteran, Disabled Veteran and Military Spouse Owned businesses. And, since all of the discounts were curated by military spouses, there is a quote from one of the TroopSwap team members in the top right corner that details why that particular business was chosen to feature! Check out this page for the discounts! -
Little Changes, Big Changes
29 Mar 2012 | 8:28 amI’m been becoming (re-becoming?) more ‘girly’ lately. I’m not sure who to put the blame on – a couple girlfriends of mine or Pinterest. For the past couple months I’ve been working on losing weight. I haven’t been as successful as I would like – but I’ve lost 10lbs by just watching what I eat. I recently started exercising more, so I expect the weight to go away faster now. I’ve been paying more attention to fashion – not a ton since I really prefer comfort over style – but since I’m working in an office building…
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Cool Zebras
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Cool Zebras Revisited
9 May 2012 | 7:30 amD: (pointing to my "girls" or "zebras") That's where the babies drink, right? Me: Yep. D: Do you still have babies in there. Me: Uh, no. D: Then why do you still have them?********* 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! -
I just can't quit you and then I ramble on
24 Apr 2012 | 7:30 amI still have little to say, but I can't let this place get too dusty. Darn. The spiders are already spinning their cobwebs in every corner. Still, I don't know how to write here yet without including my kids. I could still include D, but then it would feel like I wasn't being "fair" to my other kids, though it's probably best to not write about the Bigs as much anymore anyway. So, what to do? I don't think I can mothball Cool Zebras entirely. I suppose I have to reinvent the wheel so to speak. Photography, crafts, weight loss (please let me lose weight! Gaaaahhhh!), fiction and poetry...what… -
When Is Blogging Hurting Kids' Right to Privacy?
6 Apr 2012 | 7:39 amI have opened a blank page many times over the last several days. The blank page is sometimes intimidating to me, but this intimidation has been different. It seems the end of this blog has come about organically. I no longer see everything my children do and say as blog fodder. It is tempered with the thoughts that my kids' lives are inherently private. Maybe they always have been, but when my nearing-10-year-old asks me a personal question about getting older I have to censor myself.How would I feel if my honest and open questions had been broadcast to the masses? I was humiliated enough…
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Hope Bomb
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The Vancouver Marathon (big heart)
7 May 2012 | 12:44 pmI did it! And i’m going to tell you the story, simply because i want to preserve the memory while it’s still in there. I prepared well leading up to race day. Ate all the right things, drank all the water and rested as much as possible. I had dinner with all my running friends, which was really, truly wonderful. It felt so good to be sitting with a bunch of people i truly care about and share the running stories that don’t interest most of the people in my normal life. We laughed, and ate and settled into our pre-race nerves. This group is great because we cross all the… -
blogging
15 Apr 2012 | 11:22 amI started blogging in 2005 as a way to reach out to other mothers and share what i was going through. I had four kids in a six year period and after all the birthing and pregnancies and breastfeeding was done i found myself a little lost in motherhood. At the time it was really the beginning of personal blogging and i was lucky enough to get in on the ground floor and forge a path with an amazing group of women for the beginning of what would soon become known as “mommyblogging.” I knew right from the start that what i was writing about was much more personal than just the… -
breathe now
11 Apr 2012 | 11:19 amI’ve been thinking, obsessing about two things lately. The marathon and speaking at Breathe Now this weekend. Time has been at a minimum to focus on either of these, which has led me to obsess more. The marathon is going to happen. After my long run yesterday i realized that the months of training have magically worked. Though running 30km is still incredibly tough, mostly playing the mental game, i finish and i can go about my normal day. The days of muscle aches and stomach trouble are behind me. My body is there. Speaking at Breathe Now is an entirely different…
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The Green Mom Review™
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Win: Kids 50+ UPF Organic Cotton Flap Hat
10 May 2012 | 12:59 pmWhat: Flap Happy Hat Features: Lightweight and machine-washable, Flap Happy’s Original UPF 50+ Organic Flap Hat for kids and babies provides excellent protection from damaging UV rays. The hat has a large brim to shade the face and the flap covers the ears and neck from the harsh rays of the sun with an elastic band to help fit snugly around the head. Green Factor: The Flap Happy hat is chemical-free and made from 100% Organic Cotton. Bonus: Made in the USA! Find it Here: Flap Happy Win It: We have partnered with Flap Happy to give away one Original UPF 50+ Organic Flap Hat for kids How:… -
Win: Luxury Organic Cotton Sheet Set
13 Apr 2012 | 11:42 amWhat: Organic cotton sheets Features: Super soft 300 thread count sateen cotton sheets. The fitted sheet is designed to accommodate mattresses up to 10″ thick. Available in sable or heather white. Green Factor: Certified to the most stringent set of standards by GOTS, the Global Organic Textile Standards, Essentia’s sheets are made from 100% certified organic cotton. Organic cotton, grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemicals, is by far the best option for bedding because you sleep directly on it for hours at a time. Find it Here: Essentia Win It: We’ve partnered with… -
A Green Nursery on a Budget
28 Feb 2012 | 1:40 amWe all want a safe haven for our babies and giving them an eco-friendly space of their own is surely at the top of any green mom’s list BUT…we all know green can also cost a lot of green. Fortunately, with a little creativity, perseverance and time, you can give your bundle of joy safe, eco-friendly accommodations without spending a fortune and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to get started! 1. Don’t be afraid to buy pre-owned items I know with my firstborn, the idea of putting her in or on anything that wasn’t brand new was completely horrifying to me.
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SafeMama.com
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5K Giveaway-A-Day: Nourish Organics from Good Things Green Things
9 May 2012 | 7:41 amHey! I’m back – had a trip this weekend and some catching up to do but I have 3 more giveaways left and then we can move on to other things (like sunscreen!). Today you have a chance to win a big pile of Nourish Organics products courtesy of another one of my favorite online shops Good [...] -
5K Giveaway-A-Day: Motherlove Herbal Company
2 May 2012 | 11:00 pmGood morning! Today I have a lovely giveaway from Motherlove Herbal Company! If you’re not familiar with their company and products, they specialize in really pure products designed for pregnancy, baby, birth and breastfeeding. They use the simplest ingredients and almost every ingredient is certified organic. Their salves, oils and balms are designed to soothe [...] -
5K Giveaway-A-Day: Cate & Levi Toys For Kids
1 May 2012 | 4:53 amUp early – Happy May! – so here is today’s giveaway! I am relatively new to Cate & Levi only having learned of their toys this month. I wish I had known about them sooner else they would most certainly have made an appearance on last year’s holiday toy guide. Cate & Levi is a [...]
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Mom Knows It All. - New Jersey Mom blogger on family, product reviews, tech, games and more.
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Wordless Wednesday – Tattoo Two
16 May 2012 | 4:00 amA couple of days ago I got the second tattoo I had wanted. This one is for my oldest son. We all love music in this house, especially him. And like music notes developing into a song, he is developing into his own person. Like music notes in a song and forming a great masterpiece, there are ups and downs, joy and sadness. This one is on the right shoulder. I’m not planning on getting any others. Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen and Here And Therefor more wordless fun! -
Hot Deal On 32gb SanDisk SDHC Flash Memory Card
15 May 2012 | 4:38 pmThis memory card usually sells for almost $150, Amazon is currently selling it for under $35! SanDisk Extreme 32GB 45MB/s SDHC Flash Memory Card Get more from your DSLR or HD camcorder with the SanDisk Extreme SDHC UHS-I 32 GB Memory Card. This card is an ideal choice for photo enthusiasts, pro photographers, or anyone wanting to capture precise shots and Full HD video. The card delivers read and write speeds of up to 45 MB/s, so you’ll spend less time waiting for photos to load and more time capturing the perfect shot. It also offers Class 10 and U1 (UHS Speed Class 1) speed class… -
Have A Brave And Happy Mother’s Day!
13 May 2012 | 4:30 amLove the message here! I am so looking forward to seeing this movie! Happy Mother’s Day! ABOUT BRAVE Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. From Disney and Pixar, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida(voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate. “Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma…
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FundraisingIP.com: Fundraising Ideas
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How to Promote Your Fundraising Event
26 Apr 2012 | 6:33 pmRegardless if you’re holding one or several fundraisers each year, properly promoting each and every event will help you get the most out of your time and money invested in them. Even just a little bit of extra effort can result in much better results. Following some tips to get started with promoting your event: 1. Before you start promoting your fundraiser As with any larger event, the better you prepare for your fundraising event, including promoting it, the smoother it will run and the higher the chances that you’ll have a positive outcome. - Identify a budget for potential… -
New Options for Mobile Donations
6 Mar 2012 | 3:19 pmYou can already collect mobile donations via an SMS text donation campaign through companies like mGive or MobileCause. However, these services are relatively expensive and aren’t suitable for smaller fundraising campaigns, or drives that need to be organized and executed quickly. It’s also hard to collect donor data and impossible to enable recurring gifts. If you’re interested in harnessing mobile donations for your future fundraising campaigns, without the disadvantages of text donations, keep an eye on the new mobile payment services springing up. (Maybe we will finally… -
How To Ask For Donations From A Large Company
9 Feb 2012 | 1:56 pmLarge companies support charities on a large scale, providing financial support through fundraising events and donations, in addition to providing publicity of their sponsored non-profits among their employees. But even large companies may have to lower their cash donations during tough economic times and will often resort to making up at least some of the difference through in-kind donations or giving their employees paid time off to volunteer. How you ask can make the difference between getting a donation or not. Following are a few points to consider when approaching a company for…
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Veep Veep
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The Duane Reader – Ice Cream Float
14 May 2012 | 11:07 amThe Spring Edition of The Duane Reader is out for another month. After an editor’s preview last week I headed over to the 38th Street and 10th Avenue Duane Reade location to shop The Duane Reader. As always there are always a few things to pick up at Duane Reade. I had Mother’s Day on my mind and wanted to pick up a few cards while I was there. I also had summer on my mind. With all the sunny weather lately and the fact that location had four display cases of ice cream, I started thinking about having an ice cream soda. The Duane Reader had so much ice cream on sale! It was the… -
Fandango – The Avengers
5 May 2012 | 1:15 pmI heard even before The Avengers was released yesterday it would make a few hundred million worldwide by the end of this weekend at the box office. I headed over to Fandango which allows me to buy tickets in advance at one of the movie theaters in my neighborhood. I love the ease of using Fandango. It lets you watch trailers, read movie reviews from other users and buy tickets without having to wait in line and risk hearing the show is sold out. I didn’t want to have to wait to see Nick Fury bringing together The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki. I got my tickets to see The… -
Barclaycard Ring
4 May 2012 | 8:24 amNo matter what credit card you have in your wallet right now, I’m pretty sure you don’t have something like the one I’m about to tell you about. Barclaycard Ring – a new, one-of-a-kind online credit card with its own community. It combines social media, blogging, community, and online banking with a credit card – no other credit card has this interaction and transparency with their cardholders. Transparency with a credit card company? That’s unheard of… until now. Barclaycard cardholders can join the community and read balance reports, voice their…
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gonebananas.org
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Learning To Walk Again
7 May 2012 | 7:19 pmSome days I feel as though I have it all together and others not so much! This week has felt particularly tough, laced with anxiety and stress! I’m always worrying about the next seizure, school issues, anxiety and just the everyday things life throws at me! I feel like I need to occassionally take pause… and let it all go! I have so many things on my mind, things I need and want to do, yet it feels as though many of them are out of reach at the moment! I have to remind myself to relax and keep putting one foot in front of the other! I’m very grateful for all… -
Our First Run/Walk For Epilepsy!
30 Apr 2012 | 11:27 amI’ve always wanted to attend the national walk for Epilepsy held annually in DC, but each year something seems to come up that prevents us from going! We were unable to attend again this year due to hubby’s work schedule and because finances were tight! So… when my sister-in-law told us about a local 5k/1 mile fun run The Epilepsy Services Foundation hosts each year called the Hare Racing Experience we signed up right away! We forwarded the race link on to our family and friends and soon we had a nice little group joining us for the race! On the day of the race… -
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
23 Apr 2012 | 10:34 amFriday night, I was beaming with pride as my little Moo, ever so nervous, took to the stage in her first big role debuting as Toto in The Wizard Of Oz! Nervously turning her earring and smiling at the crowd, she was determined to be the best little Toto she could! Amongst all the butterflies, we noticed she’d completely forgotten to take off her bright purple sunglasses! Bless! Later we told her it made Toto the coolest dog in town! As the play went along I saw her nerves disappear and her confidence grow as she let out each ruff, ruff and performed alongside her cast mates! I…
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If I Could Escape
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Silent Sunday …
13 May 2012 | 7:03 am -
Splash …
9 May 2012 | 9:23 amIt’s been really quite nice being back in my old house. There is still a long way to go as far as straightening it out and actually moving moving back in, but we’ll get there. Eventually. All things in good time or something of the sort comes to mind. Meh to that coz I is not a very patient person at all, but I know I need to be. Who knows? Maybe it will make me more virtuous? *coughs* Anyhoo, one of the best things about it all is seeing how happy my boys are at having their own rooms again. And, watching my little man fine tune his expert water bending skills in the pool. -
Friday Food Fight … Yummy Vegetarian Buffalo “Chicken” Wraps
4 May 2012 | 10:06 amI’m into hot. And, spicy. Which is likely why I love anything that comes with Buffalo wing sauce. And, blue cheese crumbles, but I digress. So, for dinner the other night, the boys wanted me to make my almost world-famous Buffalo chicken wraps. I decided that just because I eat a (mostly) vegetarian diet it didn’t mean I had to miss out on all the fun. I usually will just have the veggies in mine or I make a salad, but this time I decided I’d pick up some tofu strips to grill and stick in there. Sadly, the supermarket was out, so in a pinch I grabbed a package of…
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Just Spotted in Orange County
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Settlers Park in Irvine
15 May 2012 | 10:07 amOne of our absolute, most favorite parks in Orange County is Settlers Park in Irvine. Settlers Park is in a quiet setting among the citrus orchards and pepper trees at the edge of the foothills. The playground sports lots of fun for little climbers, plus there’s a creative trike/scooter track that surrounds the play equipment, basketball courts, sand volleyball, and a large grass area/ soccer field. It’s good for birthdays with an adobe-like picnic shelter with arched entrances. See the slideshow and more OC playgrounds and play ideas at Fun Orange County Parks. Settlers Park in… -
What to Do in Orange County
14 May 2012 | 9:36 amIf you’re tired of doing the same old things, & wondering “what to do in Orange County,” here’s a list of some of our favorite things to do & places to go in (& sometimes around) Orange County. For ALL the details for each of the following events (& even more fabulous ideas of what to do) check out our Orange County Events calendar. What to do in Orange County Almost Daily: * Orange County Museums * Bowling * Indoor Bounce Houses * Irvine Park Railroad * Orange County Playgrounds & Parks * Orange County Beaches * Farmers’ Markets * Orange County… -
Kids Bowl Free
11 May 2012 | 10:46 amIf you’re busy making your summer to-do list, just like I am, then you definitely want to add the Kids Bowl Free program the list. This family oriented activity lasts all summer long & have I mentioned that it’s a FREE program? Kids Bowl Free in Orange County: If I haven’t stressed enough already, Kids Bowl Free is seriously an incredible deal! & Luckily for those of us who live in Orange County there are several participating bowling centers: * Anaheim: Concourse Entertainment Center & Linbrook Bowling Center * Fountain Valley: Fountain Valley Bowl * Irvine:…
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Socal Mom by Donna Schwartz Mills
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Cinco de Mayo: Journey to Boyle Heights
9 May 2012 | 2:44 pm"I blame Lisa," my daughter explained last week, when she came down with a bad cold. I wonder who I should blame, now that I've got it, too. I think I will revert to my usual practice of pinning it... -
The Thumb Doctor
5 May 2012 | 2:52 amForgive me these short updates: Jessica Gottlieb says I take too long to write my posts, and I agree. So I'm really trying to push myself to do it quicker. It's too bad my brain doesn't operate at the same... -
Because It's Just One of Those Times
1 May 2012 | 1:07 pmFrom one of my Facebook groups: "Wherever I look, someone is sharing their latest episode of navel-gazing. It's a little disconcerting, and makes me want to reach through my monitor and slap people. Am I just being harsh?" A few...
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Jenny On the Spot - Sanity is overrated
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Well HELLO there PicMonkey: A photo editing tutorial (of sorts)
15 May 2012 | 1:48 amRaise your hand if you tore your clothes like they used to in Biblical days when you heard Picnik was closing shop. *waves hand wildly* But friends! tear your clothing no more! Have you met PicMonkey??? First off, I have no relationship with PicMonkey… I am just a girl who has great fear of Photoshop [...]Well HELLO there PicMonkey: A photo editing tutorial (of sorts) is a post from: Jenny On the Spot - Sanity is overrated -
I am either a terrible mother OR I am as thoughtful as Jesus.
14 May 2012 | 11:53 amI would say if I am consistent at anything… I am consistent at flopping when it comes to motherhood. I wouldn’t say I am a BAD mom. I just… I KNOW ME. I HAVE ROOM TO GROW. A LOT OF ROOM. I am impatient. I have high expectations. I am short-tempered. I get cranky. I [...]I am either a terrible mother OR I am as thoughtful as Jesus. is a post from: Jenny On the Spot - Sanity is overrated -
Motherhood on Mother’s Day
13 May 2012 | 2:01 amI don’t know about you… but motherhood for me has been NOTHING like I expected. I TOTALLY underestimated the blessing of motherhood. And overestimated my brilliance. You see, children are little people. People (little or full-grown) have wills. Before I entered this mothering gig, I had no idea when I saw a kid tantrum-ing in [...]Motherhood on Mother’s Day is a post from: Jenny On the Spot - Sanity is overrated
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La Dolce Vita.....
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Mother's Day is May 13th
7 May 2012 | 8:48 amMother's Day is May 13th, but don't worry I have a few items that are Ready to Ship! If the listing says it is ready to ship, it will ship the same day purchased! Visit Here to see all items that are Ready to Ship! -
Gud by Burt's Bee
30 Apr 2012 | 9:16 amAnyone that follows my blog knows that when I love a product I like to share it. I also love just about anything from Burt's Bees. So when I discovered the gud line, I knew I had to try it. I picked up the Orange Petalooza and think I just may be in love. The lotions and body wash are very nice and smell delicious but not too over powering. They are priced under $7 and can be found at grocery stores, Target and online. I love products that are natural and affordable. Now go get yourself some gud and get clean! -
Mother's Day is May 13th...
24 Apr 2012 | 10:42 amMother's Day is May 13th, what are you getting Mom or Grandma? Do you ever purchase your own gift? Visit Kristen's Custom Creations to view the entire Mommy collection.
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Mommy Musings
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The Difference is Clear with Claritin #thedifferenceisclear
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amI have seasonal allergies – in fact, right now, as I’m typing this, my eyes are itching and I’m sneezing… it’s not pretty. I’m out of allergy medication, and my day is already starting on the wrong foot because of it. I know better – and if you suffer from allergies, you probably do, too. [...] -
Ziplining at Florida EcoSafaris
11 May 2012 | 9:09 pmIt doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been on a zipline, I always get nervous. There’s that feeling of being too scared to let go — having to trust that the harness is secure — but the moment I give into my fears, I remember how fun and freeing it is to glide through the [...] -
Outdoor Adventures in Kissimmee: Boggy Creek Airboat Rides & Makinson Island
11 May 2012 | 6:10 pmWhen I think of Kissimmee and the surrounding area for a vacation experience, I immediately think of the theme parks. From Walt Disney World, to Universal Orlando, to SeaWorld, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. But theme parks are by no means the only activities in the area. I recently experienced a [...]
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Michelle Lee ~ Mom, Wife and Awesome Blogger
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Wordless Wednesday
16 May 2012 | 8:21 amI love spring. -
I think all mothers should drink alcohol.
15 May 2012 | 6:04 pm“My mother didn’t drink” says Superdad.“Bless her heart” was my response.Hell, I have four children and at times my days get very trying and I enjoy a nice cold drink to wind down. I’m not tripping over toys so I don’t see it as a problem. I think that as a mother we deserve a nice drink every now and again or every day if needed.Think about everything that we do in ONE DAY! Just ONE DAY! We do a hell of a lot in a single day. Then think about how much we do in seven days! Then a month! Then a year!!*pass me a drink please*See, what I… -
A letter to the people living in my house.
14 May 2012 | 9:17 amI’m going on strike!If I have to pick up any more socks in the living room, random jackets lying around, trash that didn’t QUITE make it into the trash can and clean off the table one more time because people left their stuff on it, wipe down the kitchen after others have fixed food and (SCREAM) whatever else that I pick up on a daily basis that doesn’t even remotely resemble anything that belongs to me. Let me ask my family one thing.Do you ever have to pick up any of my things??? EVER??? ANYTHING??? Think about that.Yeah, yeah, I stay at home but that doesn’t…
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Tales of the Kids
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To Grandma on her 95th birthday...
8 May 2012 | 8:00 amMy grandma, grandpa, mom, and uncle raking leaves.I have a grandmother who turns 95 today. Can you imagine living that long? Me neither. My other grandmother is still alive too. She’s younger – just turned 87. I hope I inherited their longevity.Unfortunately, my 95-year-old grandma doesn’t really know who anyone is. The last time I saw her, she thought I was my mother. She often called me by my mom’s name, Judy, when I was growing up but this was different. Her mind was straining to remember who I was. Marcy? Do I know a Marcy? Hmmmm…. She really looks like Judy. She must be… -
What kind of mother am I?
24 Mar 2012 | 8:00 amThe kids are getting older...Miles is going to be 7 next week (7!!) and Caitlynn turns 11 (!!) in May. Holy crap, they're getting old.So old, in fact, that I can't tell you when they took their first steps or what their first words were. It's been so long ago, that the memory faded. But, Joe remembers. He's the good parent, I guess.I was straining to remember Caitlynn's first word while Joe and I were watching a rerun of Friends. It was an early episode where Ross's son, Ben, says his first word. I looked over at Joe and said, "You know, I don't know Caitlynn or Miles's first words." What… -
The Office
13 Feb 2012 | 11:00 amThere was a point in time when Caitlynn referred to the bathroom as "her office." Yes. She's only 10 and considers the bathroom her office.I'm not surprised considering the amount of time she spends in there every morning. What is she doing in the bathroom for 30 minutes before school? Why does she take 20 minute showers? These are the perplexing questions I have about my daughter. I can figure most other things out. The bathroom situation, I cannot.The reason I'm so concerned about the bathroom is because it is the busiest room in the mornings. She uses most of the hot water when she takes a…
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Tired Mama.com
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Changing a name...
14 May 2012 | 8:37 amIf you've been following this blog for a while you may remember when I posted here about how my daughter had changed her name when she started a new school last fall. It was no big deal, it was her choice and I went along with it. And then, last night, I went to see her in a school production and there was her name - her real name, the name I call her, listed on the program. And seeing it made me inexplicably happy. Yes, my mind knows that her being called Lizzie instead of Elizabeth is no big deal. But considering how happy seeing her full name made me, it is painfully obvious that… -
Write away...
9 May 2012 | 9:10 amI have some actual writing work that needs doing over the next few weeks. This will require me to sit in my office and do something productive. So, for the next few weeks I will be in my office working. But, really? It probably means that you'll be seeing more of me on here, on Facebook and on Twitter as I procrastinate. Yeah, and I'll know more about what's going on in the world too as I read all the on-line news sites. If I'm really lucky some of what I read on the internet might even be true. Crazy thought that..... -
Let the show begin...
7 May 2012 | 9:48 amThe busiest times of the year for me are the first two weeks of September, Christmas week and the end of the school year. These are the months when it seems like everyone needs a piece of me and a hundred things need to be organized. So, here I am, getting into one of my busy time periods again. This week we have my youngest daughter's musical going on. Her school is doing Annie and my little performer is thrilled that she has four shows to perform in. I am busy trying to get my family and my extended family organized with tickets and keep on top of everything else going on here. My…
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OC Moms: The Mom Blog
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Public humiliation: Are parents going too far?
15 May 2012 | 5:30 pmThere comes a time when the old methods of disciplining our kids no longer work. What's a parent to do? Photo courtesy morguefile.com Part of disciplining our kids is teaching them not just the difference between right and wrong, but how to be accountable for their actions as well. Though my parents may disagree, I feel that cause-and-effect parenting used to be fairly simple compared to today: messy room? Stay put until it’s clean. Mouth off? Grounded. Bad grades? No more extracurricular activities such as sports or dance lessons until you bring them back up. But thanks to social… -
Enter our Cute Kid of the Month contest
15 May 2012 | 10:00 amThis month we launched a new regular contest that will run from the first to the end of the month, every month. Each contest will feature a fabulous prize. May’s Cute Kid of the Month contest has started off strong. We’re only half-way through the month and there are already over 70 adorable entries and tons of votes. This month’s prize: a special spa package for Burke Williams. The package is a mother/daughter experience that is sure to leave you relaxed and stress-free — if only for a day! To win, enter a photo of your cute kid in our contest, and vote, vote, vote. -
Daily Uh-oh: 3-year-old genius has to poop
14 May 2012 | 4:00 pmEmmelyn Roettger is 3 years old. Emmelyn Roettger has an IQ of 135. Emmelyn Roettger is a member of Mensa. But that doesn’t stop Emmelyn Roettger from making it nearly impossible for Today host Natalie Morales to conduct an interview with her. The pint-sized genius spends the majority of the three-minute segment squirming in her seat, waving at herself in the camera, and informing her parents that her tummy hurts before finally proclaiming: “I have to poop.” Best interview ever. I wonder if she’ll reference it when she applies for NASA someday? If you’ve got a funny…
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The Moxie Report
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By a nose...
8 May 2012 | 10:49 amGo ahead. Open up that box of tampons and take out a couple and shove them up each nostril. And you'll pretty much get the idea of what they pack your nose with after sinus surgery. I haven't been able to breathe out of my nose since my ENT fixed my deviated septum and several other sinus issues five days ago. Try taking a deep breath, sleeping sitting up or eating a plate of spaghetti while wearing nasal tampons and a large gauze mustache. I'd give anything to yank this stuff of my nose but I have another f-o-u-r days until my post… -
Girl Fight: battling back against crazy images of women on TV
13 Oct 2011 | 9:46 am -
Damn It
29 Sep 2011 | 8:11 amIt was bound to happen sooner or later. Last night my almost 5-year-old daughter used a profanity. Well, sort of. She didn't drop the F bomb but she did express her displeasure at my husband when he told her before bed he wasn't going to read yet another book to her. So Natalia walked out of the room and right on cue uttered two words, "Damn it". Made me wonder if she used to sneak downstairs in the middle of the night when she was three and watch back-to-back episodes of "24".
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House of Prince
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I’m That Mom
16 May 2012 | 8:00 amI get up early to make school lunches. I hop in the shower, get dressed, put on makeup. I kiss my husband goodbye, pile the kids in the car, and tell them to “Hurryupwouldyoupleaseputyourshoesonandhelpyourbrotherbucklehisseatbelt? Wearerunninglate!” I drop them off at school and rush off to a meeting. I’m that working mom. Later, I show up at school in yoga pants. My hair is in a ponytail, and I’m sucking back a cold Diet Pepsi. I sit in the carpool line checking my messages on my phone. I smile when my son gets in the car. I ask him how his day was. -
Oahu Press Trip Photo Outtakes
14 May 2012 | 8:00 amIn short: Last month I went to Oahu for about 72 hours. Three other bloggers, one PR guy, and a varying collection of locals ate, snorkeled, “surfed,” drank, hot tubbed, kayaked, hiked, spectated, tried to make fire, danced, rode, sniffed, tasted, watched, lei’d, and many other things along a stretch of the North Shore of Oahu. My travel writer-y posts will appear starting this Friday on The Vacation Gals. In the meantime, here is a slideshow I made that tells you the story using photos that didn’t make it into the posts over there. Click to visit the flickr… -
Additional Uses For Your Preschooler
13 May 2012 | 2:45 pmI wrote this piece a long time ago for the now-defunct blog Being Savvy Los Angeles. It bears repeating. Happy Mother’s Day! 1. Personal trainer: I have enlisted my child to count to 30 for each stretch I have to hold. I got a new exercise mat (given to me to test by the lovely folks at G2) and I have committed to doing the stretches once a day for at least a week to see how good it makes me feel. My kids like hopping on me while I do floor stretches, so giving them the task of counting distracts them. Kyle, the 4 year old, is relentless, and will not let me stop before 30. 2. GPS:…
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Momathon Blog
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Keep Your Dog Safe with Pet Poison Help App
16 May 2012 | 8:00 amPet poisoning prevention and treatment guide: Dogs and cats are naturally curious. And sometimes pets—especially puppies—eat things that look harmless, but are toxic. The Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center based in Minneapolis, MN, answers over 100,000 calls a year regarding pet poisonings. That's why they created the Pet Poison Help app for the iPhone to assist pet owners or veterinarians in quickly identifying potential poisons, recognizing symptoms of a potential poisoning, and to allow one-touch direct dialing access to the veterinary professionals at Pet Poison… -
California Dreamin'
16 May 2012 | 6:11 amCalifornia dreaming: Is it summer yet? I'm feeling the call of the beach... 1) I could live in the Sherpani website. 2) Imagine. Enough said. CHANEL surf accessories. 3) I want both the pillow and the van—Big Sur Needlepoint Pillow by Jonathan Adler. 4) I heart California by Evivart on Etsy. -
18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 16 with Nashville Filter
15 May 2012 | 5:55 amGuide to Instagram: Nashville Filter. The Nashville effect on Instagram is a mix of a cozy kitchen and nostalgic playground filter. It adds a soft purple-pink hue to images. Perfect for sharing images with a retro vibe on Facebook and other social media.
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Love That Max
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The secret sauce to my sanity and Mom 2.0
16 May 2012 | 6:00 amFor the record, the secret to my sanity does not have anything to do with the communal shower room at the Versace Mansion in South Beach, even though that's where I'm standing here and it wouldn't suck to have one. You know, in my very own mansion. Staying sane also doesn't require a visit to this beautiful hotel, even though it seriously helped. This woman, actually, is part of the secret to my sanity. Her name's Ellen (wahoo!) and she writes over at Confessions of an IT Girl. She's also mom to a kid with special powers and one of the funniest women I've ever met, the kind who give you an… -
And then Max grew up to be a barista
15 May 2012 | 5:40 amFor years, Max has had a table in his room he can write on with an erasable marker. It's a cheap one I got years ago at Bed, Bath & Beyond that I need to replace, because it's too baby-ish for him. Thing is, it comes in handy: Sometimes, he likes to draw on it or practice writing his name. Most recently, he likes to ask me or Sabrina to write out a list of preferred drinks of notable people in his life: Max drinks chocolate milk Caleb drinks water Mommy drinks iced coffee Daddy drinks hot coffee Sabrina drinks lemonade And then, he likes to recite the list, again and again and again. I… -
What I've learned about motherhood from my child with special needs
14 May 2012 | 5:43 amI wrote a guest post for the Huffington Post this weekend, part of a Mother's Day series. They asked me to write about what I know about motherhood from being a mom of a child with special needs. A snippet: Perfection is in the eye of the beholder. Some people might look at my son and see a child who walks a little unsteadily at times, speaks unclearly and has trouble grasping things. Me, I see a child who miraculously walks, talks in his own way and does his best to make his hands work even though they're often tight from the cerebral palsy. I see the ability in his disabilities. I see Max,…
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Motherhood in NYC
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Today’s The Day!
16 May 2012 | 6:41 amIf you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ve probably suspected that I’m on a brink of a nervous breakdown and maybe you even have a little side pool going about when the day that I finally snap will be. Well, great news! If you picked Wednesday, May 16th, 2012, you get to cash in because it happened. My fragile mind snapped. And this is all it took. You know the cheddar goldfish that we all weaned our kids on? A delicious snack, right? I mean until the moment that a kid stepped on one and it became lodged in our carpet for months? Anyway, the goldfish made sense… -
I’m Right, You’re Wrong: If It’s Yellow, Let It Mellow?
15 May 2012 | 7:32 amI’m Right, You’re Wrong is back and this week, we’re heading over to the potty! Yes, all of us! Let’s go! While I was enjoying my time with roommates in Florida recently, an issue came up. Disagreement: If you have to pee during the night, do you flush the toilet after? Disagreers: Marinka vs. Stacy and Loukia. Position One: Hello? Yes. Use toilet, flush toilet. No one needs to see urine in the morning! Position Two: It’s just urine. Flushing the toilet will wake up people. If it’s yellow, let it mellow! What do you think? Middle of the night flushing or…
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chefdruck.com
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My Mother’s Day Gift: The Great Outdoors
16 May 2012 | 12:09 amFor Mother’s Day this year, I asked for deep cleansing breaths of fresh air, for uninterrupted skies of blue, and for a day of walking wild. We live in an amazing suburb of Chicago, one I just wrote about for the May issue of Chicago Parent. The public schools are top notch. We’re close to public transportation. I walk to the supermarket, and we can get in to the city on a good day in 20 minutes. But we’re far from nature. Oh sure, we have a little zoo, a little walking path around a little lake. If you drive 15 minutes, you can get to a beautiful but very expensive… -
Say No to Sweets with Crispy Cheesy Chicken Tenders on Baby Spinach
11 May 2012 | 10:55 amToday I’m partnering with Sargento Cheese to challenge you to cut out sweets to restore energy in your body. Trying saying no to this Nutella Jelly Roll! My greatest sweet addiction? Nutella. Hands down. No contest. I love it in jelly rolls, on toast, bananas, or even just spoonful by delicious spoonful. But a few minutes after that last decadent bite, the sweet euphoria disappears and all I want to do is lie on the couch. My sweet cravings hit hardest between 4 and 5PM, especially when I haven’t had a balanced lunch. The kids start bickering, the dinner isn’t done, and I… -
Why We Should All Be Watching Girls
10 May 2012 | 12:09 amHave you heard the buzz about the new HBO show Girls? NY Magazine called it revolutionary. Many are saying that it is the voice of the Millenial generation. The buzz is well deserved. Girls is funny in a high shock factor Hangover way. It’s also gritty and real, portraying the four 20-something women at their best and their worst. The show’s director and writer is Lena Dunham. She is also the main character and films herself in the most unflattering positions: spread eagled at the ob gyn office, in the bath shoving a cupcake in her mouth, and often very, very naked. Even the sex…
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A Modern Mother
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Nights out, Olympic rowers and The Duchess of Cornwall's green gown
13 May 2012 | 4:34 amOn Friday I was a guest of BP at the Our Greatest Team Rises gala event at the Royal Albert Hall. My main mission was to chat with five time Olympic rowing champion Steve Redgrave! He showed us the Legends Collection, a fund raising initiative where you can collect 12 medallions representing British athletic legends. All profits raised go directly towards giving Team GB and ParalympicGB athletes the support they need for London 2012 and beyond. After meeting Steve, I wandered over to the Cadbury exhibit, where I joined thousands of others wishing #ourgreatestteam good luck in the 2012 games. -
A Modern Mother’s Super Easy Med-Inspired Fish Stew
28 Apr 2012 | 6:01 amThe fabulous Fish Is the Dish peeps sent me over a load of fresh Haddock via @ukSeafoodchef. So what to make with it? The wet weather inspired me to create this really easy fish stew, with a Mediterranean influence. Here goes... I grabbed what I had, a tine of chopped tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, pink garlic, a chili and a few cherry tomatoes... Chop, chop, chop. I love the smell of fresh celery on my hands. Diced carrots. They aren't perfect julienne squares, but they are beautiful in their mishapped sort of way, aren't they? Saute. Stir. Bung in the other ingredients. My… -
A weekend getaway in Santa Cruz
12 Apr 2012 | 10:06 amI don't know why we haven't done this before. Santa Cruz. It's only 40 minutes from where we stay in California. There is sun, surf, restaurants that serve local lobster and an Edwardian Boardwalk. We go on day trips all the time ... but until now, never made a weekend out of it. The Dream Inn-- SShhhhh, this is my new favourite place to stay. Recently renovated, this four-star hotel is part of the joie de vivre California boutique hotel chain. It has 180 rooms, all with ocean views. You can even hear the lull of the ocean from inside your room even with large…
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Momversation
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Top tech for grads moving into their own place
11 May 2012 | 2:00 amTransitioning into adulthood can be tricky, but we have you covered with iPhone and Android apps plus the latest in tech. From getting a job to finding an apartment to creating a budget and more, we show you the tech that will get you started living on your own. For more, go to www.tecca.com! -
Followers
10 May 2012 | 3:50 pmWho does your daughter look up to? Chances are it’s someone famous. But there are other inspiring role models out there and Dove® wants to shine a spotlight on them. Because strong female role models build stronger self-esteem, it's time your daughter met some remarkable, real women to look up to. Learn more -
Project Imagin8ion - Behind The Scene
10 May 2012 | 3:46 pmYou inspired a Ron Howard production with your photographs. What will you imagine next with the EOS Rebel T3i and EF lenses? Learn more about Project Imagin8ion at YouTube.com/Imagination.
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A Frog In My Soup
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Touching Moments – Writing Inspiration
16 May 2012 | 10:26 amThis week begins the first weekly writing inspiration. If you are planning on joining in and want us to see your work, please feel free to leave a comment with a link to your post or with a bit of your writing. This week’s topic is Touching Moments… it will mean something different to every single person who sees that prompt. Write about one moment…what you feel, what moves you, why it moves you and how it moves you. Atmospheric Change The day was dark and dismal, much like any other day in our area but there was a sense of something to come, something bigger than ourselves,… -
Stopping to Smell the Flowers
14 May 2012 | 11:08 amI can’t begin to recall how many times I have received a hand picked boquet of Dandelions that have been presented by a sweet little boy with the sweetest little smile on his face. My reaction to said boquet has always been… well… not so enthusiastic. I detest Dandelions with all my being. I have all but shunned their very existence, especially when the nasty things are brought into my house. So when a sweet little boy delivers a bouquet of them, my immediate reaction is and always has been, “thank you sweetie, can we keep these outside though?”. So when I got… -
Scentsy
11 May 2012 | 8:47 amIn my pre-child life, I loved to have candles all around my house. I loved how they smell, I loved how they looked, and I liked that I could add a little design flare to my house with different holders and colors. Enter children. And there went my candles. (Along with all of my other beautiful vases, and crystal, replaced with the standard mom decorations of stuffed lovies, pacifiers, and sippy cups.) Don’t get me wrong, being a mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me, but I was overjoyed when I saw a friend of mine from high school posting on Facebook about her new…
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Member Blog Posts - Mom Bloggers Club: Connect With Over 16,000 Mom Bloggers
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20 Women Designers Who Will Rock Your Blog
15 May 2012 | 9:10 amA few weeks ago I wrote a post, The Number One Way to Craft Your Brand, and it elicited a great response from readers. Notably moms wanted to know who could help them move their blogs from Blogger to Wordpress or from Typepad to Wordpress or vice-versa and some wanted to know where to go for blog design. I decided to crowdsource for some of the best women designers out there who provide blog migration and design services for bloggers. Please make sure to give these talented women your business if your blog needs a touch up. If you know a woman designer you would like to recommend, please… -
Heaphone Hair!
14 May 2012 | 1:00 pmAs a mom that produces music from my home studio, I have been known to sport a special hairstyle I call, “headphone hair.” It’s hard to describe but there’s a unique shape the hair takes on from a day of recording. We’ve all been known to sport that “hat hair” look but when you wear headphones for hours on end it’s a special look of it’s own. Recording is such a timeless venture. One guitar track can take hours and once I dive into the process I’m usually sucked in for the long haul. I even have to set the alarm on my iPhone to not only remind me to pick up my son from… -
Learn Wigmaking as a Profitable Home Business!
14 May 2012 | 11:24 amVisit my Site at http://wigweaves.blogspot.com and click on "Training" or "Consultations" to get started!
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My Mom's Blog by Thoroughly Modern Millie
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A UNIQUE MOTHER'S DAY
14 May 2012 | 5:51 pmIt can be a challenge to find a restaurant on a special day that is good, not busy or noisy. Leave it to Steve and Carol to find a place that is everything you want in fine dining.Whenever they take me on a mystery ride it turns out to be an unusual place that I would never have the opportunity to experience. They have surprised me in the past with a visit to Brutole, which never disappoints. Even though it was Mother's Day the restaurant was pleasantly occupied, no hustle bustle, with a relaxed atmosphere.We shared an appetizer, "Beets." When it was served to us it looked like a luscious… -
I'M BACK HOME!
15 Apr 2012 | 6:23 pmYou plan, and plan, and hope that all the puzzle pieces fit like they are supposed to... Well, they did!!Sometimes the fellow that is supposed to load your car can't make it that day.Sometimes you might even oversleep and just can't get ready on time. Heaven forbid!Sometimes the person that is supposed to pick you up and take you to the airport gets delayed or gets his signals mixed.Sometimes the flight is canceled.Well, this time everything on my trip home from Florida worked like clockwork. A coupe of things really impressed me.For example, when I got to Fort Lauderdale airport there was a… -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RONNI
7 Apr 2012 | 6:00 amToday is the day we celebrate and honor Ronni Bennett on her special birthday. Yes, every birthday is special!!She's sweet, spicy, saucy, wholesome and lip smacking delicious. When you read her blog you never know what tasty and eye opening morsel you'll be reading. It could be about politics, elder law, poetry, music, hair and even funny videos involving cats!! What do you get for an elder with so many tasty attributes?I would suggest a trip to Trader Joe's, show them what you've got, and get some of their tasty treats.Image: Trader Joe's via Google MapsIs that your "little red car" I see in…
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Mom Spark
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Win a Family Trip to Newport Beach!
16 May 2012 | 8:00 amThis is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Newport Beach for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. Can you believe that Summer is almost here? It is time to start thinking about Summer family vacations! Our favorite type of family vacations typically include time spent at the beach. Perhaps this is because Oklahoma is land-locked and we are miles from the ocean. There is something so calming and tranquil about the waves that cannot be compared to any other vacation, and that is probably the reason we keep going back. Newport Beach, located in southern California, is a laid back… -
It’s National Women’s Health Week!
14 May 2012 | 5:02 pmIt’s National Women’s Health Week this week – May 13-19 Take this week to take the necessary steps to get active, get enough sleep and to eat healthy. Start with breakfast to begin to treat yourself to good health: Think you don’t have time for breakfast? Blend your favorite fruits with 100 percent Florida orange juice for a convenient, on-the-go smoothie. Want to jazz up your weekend breakfast? Substitute orange juice for water in your whole wheat pancake batter to give your meal a zesty, new taste. Here’s a great Florida orange juice breakfast boost smoothie recipe to kick… -
Preparing Your Home For Warmer Weather
14 May 2012 | 4:40 pmSpring is in full swing and soon the Summer months will be upon us. Often times we prepare our homes for winter weather in the Fall, but what about preparing for warmer weather in the Spring? Have you ever given it much thought? Rentals.com offers several DIY projects ideas for Spring, including Simple Steps For Getting Your House Ready For Warm Weather Months. Honestly, I didn’t give this topic much thought before, but it really makes a ton of sense. Let’s go over a few, shall we? HOME SAFETY CHECKS Time to start cleaning out those fireplaces, chimneys, air filters and making…
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Please Pass the Salt
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on not having it together
15 May 2012 | 3:31 pmI still have not recovered from last Thursday, when Adelaide’s preschool teacher said “oh Adelaide, you’re all ready for your closing chapel today!” and I was in my pajamas and realized I was supposed to be at the program in T minus thirty minutes. I FLEW home, threw clothes on me, Ari, Ethan, nursed him and FLEW back to the school. When I got there her class was singing, still at the front. The main part is after, where we go to their classrooms and see all their work for the year, and celebrate with cookies and lemonade. I’m glad I [somehow] managed to be… -
mother’s day 2012
13 May 2012 | 9:33 pmShare and Enjoy: -
10 months!
1 May 2012 | 10:03 pmShare and Enjoy:
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Moomettes Magnificents
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Mill On the River | Connecticut Unique Restaurants | Travel New England
14 May 2012 | 8:25 amWhether you’re a food lover or just celebrating special occasions and events, almost everyone has a favorite restaurant, rustic pub or bistro that is high up on the A-List as their first choice when making reservations. New England certainly has an abundance of local specialties, and the Mill On the River restaurant in South Windsor, Connecticut is mine. This past weekend my family celebrated not only Mother’s Day, but also my youngest daughter’s graduation as she received a Master’s Degree in Education from Springfield College. Mill On the River Connecticut… -
Painted Rocks | Frog Rock | Turtle Rock | Eagle Rock | Connecticut Photo Curiosities
8 May 2012 | 9:31 pmAs one of the smallest states, it’s easy to take in all of Connecticut’s beauty as well as curiosities on a day trip when the weather is nice, and you get the urge to explore. My family has traversed Route 66 in Connecticut many a time throughout the years to visit the girls out at college, but it was just this past weekend I wanted to stop to enjoy photographing two favorite painted rocks, Eagle Rock and Turtle Rock alongside the road. The New England weather was perfect for a Sunday drive, and my husband and I were on our way to visit the newly reopened Comstock Covered Bridge… -
Comstock Covered Bridge | Connecticut | New England Travel Photos
7 May 2012 | 7:59 pmTravel New England Connecticut is home to three covered bridges in the state, and this past weekend the hubby and I visited the Comstock Covered Bridge in East Hampton, Connecticut. It had been closed for restoration and recently reopened, and was truly a sight to behold! New England is famous for it’s covered bridges, and we do all we can to preserve our colonial heritage! Comstock Covered Bridge Connecticut When I was a Chevy Brand Ambassador as part of the Connecticut Chevy Girl program, I ventured out to the Litchfield Hills in the northwest corner to photograph the Cornwall…
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Bizzie Living
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5k Here I Come: EIF Revlon Run for Women of Los Angeles
9 May 2012 | 9:00 amLos Angeles | Saturday May 12, 2012 | LA Memorial Coliseum If you are looking for something to do this weekend that gives you a great work and a rewarding experience all at the same time – then sign up for the EIF Revlon Walk/Run I think by now, everyone that knows me, knows I’ve been running myself up to running a 5K and I’m seriously thinking about signing up for the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women Los Angeles 2012. It’s just 3 days away! Tomorrow I will make the final decision to register or not to register. To be honest I have no idea what’s stopping me – I mean I’m now… -
Wordless Wednesday – Jumping for Joy
9 May 2012 | 2:25 am -
The Privileges System for Children: Ten Steps to a Courteous Kid
8 May 2012 | 12:55 pmNo More Time-Outs, Yelling and Eye-Rolling You can bring peace and harmony back into your home by using the Privileges System for Children. It is possible to raise kind, well-mannered children with no yelling, no spanking, and no time-outs. When I created the Privileges System three years ago, my daughter needed boundaries… fast. I always said, “I won’t have a brat,” but I had to admit that if I didn’t act soon, I would indeed have one. Now I get compliments on her behavior, and though she’s not perfect (who would want the perfect child?), she is polite and respectful. The best…
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Blessings Abound Mommy | Jacqueline Renner | Mom Blog | Influential Mom Blogger | Products I love, Reviews, Giveaways, Family Life in Alaska, and Everything in between!
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Review And Giveaway: 2 Box Cheerios Prize Pack #myblogspark
10 May 2012 | 4:15 amTweet 2 Box Cheerios At Sam’s Club, Costco, And BJ’s With 5 growing children, you can only imagine how much cereal we go through when we have it around. One box doesn’t last long. In fact, if they... Read More to get the latest scoop on reviews, giveaways, the daily life of Jacqueline, and more on Blessings Abound! -
Giveaway: Disney Pillsbury Mother’s Day Cookies Prize Pack #myblogspark
9 May 2012 | 11:15 amTweet Disney Pillsbury Mother’s Day Cookies Mother’s Day is this Sunday and here’s a treat that will be easy for you or your kids to bake to celebrate this grand occasion! Pillsbury has Mother’s Day... Read More to get the latest scoop on reviews, giveaways, the daily life of Jacqueline, and more on Blessings Abound! -
Giveaway: Macy’s Thank A Mom Movement
9 May 2012 | 10:05 amTweet Macy’s Thank A Mom Movement In honor of mothers everywhere, Macy’s has partnered with five charities in this year’s Macy’s Thank A Mom Movement: American Heart Association’s Go... Read More to get the latest scoop on reviews, giveaways, the daily life of Jacqueline, and more on Blessings Abound!
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ColorMePink!
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Easiest Recipe Ever! Marinated Mozzarella and Tomato Salad
11 May 2012 | 12:57 pmYesterday was a really nice day. My cousin and her son, whom I haven’t seen in years, came for a visit. It was really lovely and we reminisced and laughed and maybe even cried a little together. It’s funny how life works and how you come full circle sometimes, but I digress. I wanted to have a simple yet tasty menu that didn’t cause anyone stress, yet still be fabulous. I bought my favorite spreads (hummus, tzatziki), some chips to dip, Jim grilled cheeseburgers with lots of ‘fixins’, and I made Greek Pasta Salad, and this. Measurements are really… -
Finding Your Voice In Social Media
7 May 2012 | 11:14 amI think at this point, there isn’t anyone left who would argue against the importance of social media. More and more brands, charities, celebrities, performing artists, small business owners and individuals are trying to harness the power of social media outlets and the sheer volume of choices and ideas can be really overwhelming. This isn’t going to be a post about which outlets, third party tools, and so called rules I follow. There are plenty of articles about those issues; rather, it’s about your “voice”. I see so many tweets and updates that are poorly… -
Eggplant, Steak and Pea Stir Fry
3 May 2012 | 3:30 amI got some beautiful “ichiban” eggplant this week – but as usual, I ordered so much of it that I didn’t know what to do. Also, I ordered what I thought were snow peas and then realized they were peas – the tough outer shell gave it away. I know they look like they might be sugar snaps, but the shell was way too tough to consider eating. So, we shelled them. I had some local, fresh, grass fed skirt steak and I thought a stir fry would be interesting. It was. 3 tablespoons Tamari (soy sauce) 3 tablespoons Rice Vinegar 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce 1 tablespoon…
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Blessed with Grace
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Tempt My Tummy Tuesday….Chicken Salad for a Tea Party
14 May 2012 | 7:30 pmTomorrow is our MOPS Annual Tea. As hostess of our MOPS program, I am making sure everything will be perfect for our mothers. I am excited about this menu and cannot wait for tomorrow morning to arrive. Thankfully the other members of our steering team are helping prepare the food. So, with all the help it is sure to be great. We are serving cucumber sandwiches, individual fruit pizzas, chicken salad served on crescents, blueberry scones, yogurt served with fresh fruit, and finally oreo truffles. I will have water, coffee, lemonade, and raspberry tea available. What do you… -
Tempt My Tummy {Spotlight}
12 May 2012 | 7:38 pmMy big blue sky. Happy Saturday. It is a truly gorgeous day in St. Louis. My husband and daughter have been outside all day. When I wasn’t running errands or getting my Mother’s Day pedicure, I joined them. I love days like these. It is so pretty, I had to take a picture of our pretty Midwest blue sky. I hope you like it. A relaxing laid back day, such as this, is the perfect time to look back at our TMTT link up and bookmark the recipes I will have to try soon. I hope you have had a chance to visit many of the recipes. If you have not, let me share with you a few… -
An adoption story…
11 May 2012 | 9:55 amToday I want to introduce you to my friends Eric and Darci. Eric is our youth pastor and I consider Darci a dear friend. They have two children of pre-school age whom my Grace plays with on a frequent basis. Eric and Darci have felt the Lord lead them to expand their family and directed them to Haiti and Operation Love the Children of Haiti. My friends are currently in the process of adopting two precious children. (Aren’t all children precious?) I would love to share their story and encourage you to visit their website- Doubling our Blessings. Eric and Darci are raising…
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The Young and The Relentless
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Book Club: Jeneration X
16 May 2012 | 6:00 amToday is the day! It's book club time! Mimi picked the book this time and I'm thrilled. I'm a huge fan of Jen Lancaster and am super excited for her next book. Jeneration X For a chance to win a copy of this book, leave me a comment telling me what book you're excited to read this summer. Contest ends on Friday at 8pm (MST). Already reading Jeneration X? Join our book club on Facebook. Disclaimer: The book I'm giving away was purchased by me and I'm not being compensated for blogging about the book. -
Lunch at The Ivy
15 May 2012 | 10:26 amHappy Tuesday! Did you watch The Bachelorette last night? I'm crushing hard on a guy with a head injury named Charlie! There are some interesting men on the show and I think it's going to be a great season. I'm joining Impulsive and Shawn for Talk To Us Tuesday to tell you about one of my favorite parts of our Huntington Beach trip. Impulsive Addict has done a fantastic recap of the first couple days here. On Saturday, we drove to Hollywood and Vivienne showed us around. Our ultimate destination....The Ivy Restaurant on Robertson Blvd. Our table wasn't ready… -
Get In The House Carl!
14 May 2012 | 9:14 amWe were invited to a party over the weekend. I'm still so amazed sometimes that we have friends and that they like spending time with us. Our social calendar is FULL now and we love it! I may have unleashed my inner Skinny Girl. And iKeith may have had a few un-skinny Margaritas and then done the Macarena. I may have laughed until my side hurt because iKeith doesn't dance. The last time I saw him bust a move was in September 2003. Have you ever seen a child's birthday cake lit with a blow torch. Now I've seen everything! I commandeered one of the birthday boys…
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The Bee Chronicles
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30 w 6 Days.... Comparison
27 Apr 2012 | 9:43 amMr. B came home last night and had the audacity to comment on how large I've become. Because yes, pregnant women in their third trimester LOVE that! He even said I was bigger than I was with Drew, my 9lb baby. I disagree wholeheartedly, especially since I don't want a 9 lb + baby if I can help it! So here is a comparison shot of me at 32 weeks with Drew, and 30w 6 days with Baby Battlestix. I know it's not a perfect match, but lets see.... 32weeks with Drew Lets just call it 31weeks with Battlestix Wow, I think it's a pretty close tie- I was hoping it wouldn't be so close. I will try to think… -
Being Pregnant is FUN- a list and pie chart
1 Apr 2012 | 9:06 amFun things you are NOT allowed to do while Pregnant, according to Pregnancy Message Boards (My favorites are in purple and the ones I've done anyway are underlined) 1. Eat Sushi 2. Drink alcohol 5. Run (unless of course you were a runner beforehand, but due to my track record of falling while running and lack of consistency I had to give it up.) 6. Walk my dog 7. Listen to loud music 8. Get a pedicure/manicure without making sure the nail polish is pregnancy safe 9. Eat lunch meat 10. Eat Hot dogs 11. Get hair colored/highlighted/dyed 13. Drink soda 14. Drink "Diet" anything 16. Ride Roller… -
25 and Change
20 Mar 2012 | 10:12 amHere it is- 25 weeks, 2 days.... Me: TIRED. I feel larger at night so sleep has gotten difficult. Hot. Really, 85 degrees in Michigan in MARCH?!? We don't have our window air conditioner in right now either. Also: nesting. After my next Dr appt in 2 weeks I have them every 2 weeks, so it's getting to be "that time" when crap needs to get done. Mr. B has a list. It's 2 pages. I think I might need to add to it. Also getting nervous about the gestational diabetes test. I had to take the 3 hour last time after I failed the first one, and it was fine, but still! No 3 hour test again…
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Moomettes Magnificents
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Mill On the River | Connecticut Unique Restaurants | Travel New England
14 May 2012 | 8:25 amWhether you’re a food lover or just celebrating special occasions and events, almost everyone has a favorite restaurant, rustic pub or bistro that is high up on the A-List as their first choice when making reservations. New England certainly has an abundance of local specialties, and the Mill On the River restaurant in South Windsor, Connecticut is mine. This past weekend my family celebrated not only Mother’s Day, but also my youngest daughter’s graduation as she received a Master’s Degree in Education from Springfield College. Mill On the River Connecticut… -
Painted Rocks | Frog Rock | Turtle Rock | Eagle Rock | Connecticut Photo Curiosities
8 May 2012 | 9:31 pmAs one of the smallest states, it’s easy to take in all of Connecticut’s beauty as well as curiosities on a day trip when the weather is nice, and you get the urge to explore. My family has traversed Route 66 in Connecticut many a time throughout the years to visit the girls out at college, but it was just this past weekend I wanted to stop to enjoy photographing two favorite painted rocks, Eagle Rock and Turtle Rock alongside the road. The New England weather was perfect for a Sunday drive, and my husband and I were on our way to visit the newly reopened Comstock Covered Bridge… -
Comstock Covered Bridge | Connecticut | New England Travel Photos
7 May 2012 | 7:59 pmTravel New England Connecticut is home to three covered bridges in the state, and this past weekend the hubby and I visited the Comstock Covered Bridge in East Hampton, Connecticut. It had been closed for restoration and recently reopened, and was truly a sight to behold! New England is famous for it’s covered bridges, and we do all we can to preserve our colonial heritage! Comstock Covered Bridge Connecticut When I was a Chevy Brand Ambassador as part of the Connecticut Chevy Girl program, I ventured out to the Litchfield Hills in the northwest corner to photograph the Cornwall…
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Mommy Misadventures
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In lieu of writing — PHOTOS!
22 Apr 2012 | 4:31 pmI’ve got some posts brewing about some of the challenges that we’ve had lately wrangling TLE but I’m far too lazy to write/post them now. Instead, I’ll pretend that I’m a halfway decent photographer and post photos of my daughter. Easter Egg Hunt Hunting for Easter eggs. (She’ll kill me for this photo in a decade, I’m sure.) Candy in Easter eggs? HA. The Easter Bunny that visit our house gives out CASH rather than candy. Pin wall Clearly, the pin wall is one of the bestest features of any children’s museum. Soaked Playing in the water… -
Loving my daily flower
27 Mar 2012 | 9:52 pmA flower for Mommy Every morning as we walk out to the car, TLE will stop for a moment and crouch in the front yard. I can’t hurry her and no matter how late we are, I try not to. After a moment or two of searching, she’ll straighten and come bounding over to me with a little yellow dandelion clutched in her hand. “For you, Mommy!” she says with pride as she holds it out for me.”You love the flower?” she always asks, with an anxious furrow of the brow. I always give her a kiss and a hug as I take the flower from her. “I love it. And I love you… -
Four years of raising her all wrong…
19 Mar 2012 | 3:19 pmFour years ago, after 38 weeks and forty plus hours of labor I said hello to The Little Empress for the very first time. Four years later, I find myself thinking a lot about how, according to plethora of parenting wisdom available out there, everything that we’ve done to raise this child has been absolutely, positively wrong. And I do mean everything. To mainstream sensibilities, we’ve been far too lenient, setting her up for becoming a spoiled brat with our choices to co-sleep, to babywear, to extend nursing beyond a few months (she lasted 3 years and 3 months, BTW), to respond…
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Mom Made That!™ | THE Mom Business Registry
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WILDTREE
8 May 2012 | 1:38 pmWildtree is an exciting direct-sales company whose all natural gourmet culinary blends, infused Grapeseed oils, dressings and sauces are sold through home Tasting parties. Our Independent Representatives will show your guests how to make cooking everyday and gourmet food quicker, easier and more healthful for those who are short on time, and a fun, interesting adventure for those who wish to be more creative in the kitchen. Visit Wildtree at www.mywildtree.com/aushleyg. Sign up as a consultant for a special gift! -
AMATHIA SOAPWORKS
2 May 2012 | 7:56 pmWelcome to Amathia Soapworks, where luxurious natural skincare and decadent shea butter soap are a staple in our lives. My products offer the pampering your skin deserves without hurting Mother Nature in the process. Being close to the Earth, and caring about the world around us is important to me. This always ties into formulation, packaging, marketing, and sales – using recycled materials, recyclable packaging, and using the three R’s in house. All of my products are made in small batches with the highest quality ingredients I can find. Each product and formulation is… -
B. BABIES
16 Apr 2012 | 5:00 pmWhen it comes to your baby, your nursery décor and your Alma Mater remember B. Babies offers a wide range of crib sets, diaper stackers, burp cloths, pacifier clips, booties, beanies, artwork, diaper wipe cases, baby gift baskets and much much more! Babies can even add your baby’s name to any of our products for that personalized touch. All Products are hand made right here in Winter Park, Florida. B. Babies also offers custom dog beds and custom dog crate pads made using high quality mono-suede fabric. They are double-stitched by hand, customizable, and available in a variety of…
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ABDPBT
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Woolly Boo-Lee
3 May 2012 | 2:08 pmSo, the charity for which Aubrey O’Day is playing on Celebrity Apprentice deals with the tireless fight against bullying. And I think this is unfortunate, because every time I see her on the screen I want to punch her in the face. It’s probably not an accident, though. Because every time I encounter the word “bully” lately I want to punch something. Mini was lecturing me a while back about “speaking up” if you see a boo-lee, or if somebody is boo-lee-ing you. Having seen one of Nickelodeon’s bullying PSAs, he considered himself a resident expert on… -
LL Says Dwayne Wade Needs To Go Down, And He Needs To Go Down Hard
14 Mar 2012 | 4:04 pmThere’s no real reason for this post except to say that LL has her first Lakers jersey. Except, it’s really a crawler, but you don’t really refer to things like a baby’s “first Lakers crawler.” The number is Pau Gasol’s, and this is not accidental but it’s also not what would be my first choice. (It is definitely not Mr. Right-Click’s first choice, either, since he refers to Gasol alternately as being such a “weak Euro” or “YES! OLE PAELLA!” depending on his mood and how well Gasol is playing that night.) The thing… -
Direction
8 Mar 2012 | 12:00 pmHaving a baby in the house makes purpose seem that much more important. The second kid also seems to bring with it a new impatience for dealing with things that don’t fit. I think it might be something to do with having less time and wanting to be more productive with the time you do have. There was a time where figuring out how the mechanics of social media monetization worked was an endlessly interesting puzzle for me. That was how I started writing about the topic of mommyblogging as a business: it was curiosity that drove me more than anything. A few years ago, there was not much…
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Jendi's Journal
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Frozen Pizza That Tastes Good
16 May 2012 | 10:33 amThis week is a busy week with meetings at church every night, school every morning, etc. When planning my dinner menu for the week I remembered that I had two coupons for free Freschetta pizzas. We bought them and ate them the same day! I was introduced to Freschetta pizza at the SheStreams Conference. We had them for lunch one day, but sadly they were over-cooked. They were still ok – just tasted like the times at home when I got busy helping a kid and forgot to get the pizza out of the oven. This time – cooking the Freschetta at my house – I was very vigilant, plus I set a… -
The Pursuit of Lucy Banning By Olivia Newport | Book Review
15 May 2012 | 1:10 pmUnfortunately, I didn’t like The Pursuit of Lucy Banning. I’m sure the author spent lots of time on it and it is well written. The historical trivia about the Chicago fair is interesting and I could easily picture the surroundings and events that are described. It is characterized as a historical fiction and is a “clean” book; the religious content is very minor. I think the reason I don’t like it is the amount of deceit that the heroine uses throughout the story, and the unclear blurring of the male antagonist. He’s good. He’s bad. He’s sick? -
Things New Mothers Should Know
13 May 2012 | 8:43 amI’m not good at the mushy stuff in videos so when asked to do a Mother’s Day video I decided to expand my list of things a woman should know BEFORE becoming a mother. Not that I would have listened if someone told me, but just in case someone will… I’ve also posted it in the hopes that those in the thick of motherhood will get a laugh. Motherhood: The Adventure ©2012 Jendi's Journal. All Rights Reserved..Possibly related posts for you to enjoy: Journaling Photo for Contest It’s All About the Schedule
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Spookiez Spot
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It's hard to photograph condensation..
3 May 2012 | 6:44 pmWe had a science lab today from our Moving Beyond the Page curriculum, currently we are studying the Water Cycle in depth. So today we made water out of thin air and a candle! You will need: 1 votive or tea light candle 1 empty glass jar How you do it: 1. Light the candle and get it burning well 2. Place jar over candle. Our jar was a little too small, so it kept snuffing out the candle. What I found to work well was to hold the jar slightly above the countertop, so that air can get in and keep the candle burning. 3. Watch for signs of condensation inside… -
One of the best parts
25 Apr 2012 | 7:21 pmOf homeschooling is getting to do stuff with your kids.. Like today, we dissected an owl pellet and tried to guess what it had eaten :) If you are reading this on a reader, stop by my post and leave me a comment! -
I love it when science and dessert collide!!
17 Apr 2012 | 7:15 pmDanielle is studying states of matter, so as part of her lesson today we made Jello!! If you are reading this on a reader, stop by my post and leave me a comment!
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Resourceful Mommy
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Libby’s Summer Twitter Party
16 May 2012 | 10:32 amThis morning I went for my typical morning walk for the first time after being away for over a week and realized something…summer is almost here! From the thick foliage in the trees to the smell of honeysuckle, the signs are everywhere. It’s time to start the summer celebration season, and we’re kicking things off with Libby’s at the Libby’s Summer Twitter Party! Join us as we chat about everything from summer recipes to favorite family activities while awarding delicious prizes. I hope to see you at the… Libby’s Summer Twitter Party… -
Wordless Wednesday: Tanzania
16 May 2012 | 9:34 amI spent last week sharing just some of the incredible stories of the people I met during my time in Tanzania with Compassion International, but I wanted to also share the beauty of the country… There are no trees like this in my backyard… Flamingos, visible from miles away like pink flower petals floating on the water… Mount Meru… A friendly baboon… What coffee looks like before it gets to Starbucks… Ain’t nothing but a chicken wing…okay, and a Blue Monkey… (yes, they stole our lunches) Zebras in Arusha National Park… I know that… -
Best of Resourceful Mommy: Four Guys, a Girl, and a Hotel Room in Vegas
15 May 2012 | 8:43 amDuring my time in Tanzania with Compassion International, I would like to share some of my favorite posts from the past. ~Originally posted 10/24/10~ And you won’t believe where we’re going… A year ago I reviewed a book called Spilt Milk, and while I enjoyed the entire book, there was one passage in particular that never left my heart. Author Linda Vujnov writes: “‘All men are idiots, and I married the king of them.’ I was stunned as I read the license plate frame while leaving the grocery store. Although I had a few ideas of my own for a personal license plate frame, this…
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Mom Fuse
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FREE Coupons, Discounts and Offers For Our Moms In Canada
14 May 2012 | 5:19 pmThe original post, which came from Mom Fuse, can be found here: FREE Coupons, Discounts and Offers For Our Moms In CanadaLast year I did 90% of my holiday shopping online, scouring the internet to find the best deals and coupons that I could. Any time I go to purchase something now a days, the first thing I do is look for a coupon or some kind of deal. There are many coupon sites out there [...]Mom Fuse - -
Fab Find: Woven Wraps Natural Baby Carriers
12 May 2012 | 1:43 pmThe original post, which came from Mom Fuse, can be found here: Fab Find: Woven Wraps Natural Baby CarriersWoven Wraps promotes the health-conscious practice of babywearing, and offers a range of babywearing products in high quality, natural fabrics and fashion forward colors and prints. Founder, Heather Moreau, who is passionate about sharing her life-changing discovery of babywearing with others, also created CarrierClassifieds.com, where you can buy or sell your used baby carriers for free, [...]Mom Fuse - -
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert and Contest with Dole
11 May 2012 | 6:00 amThe original post, which came from Mom Fuse, can be found here: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert and Contest with DoleSummer is always a favorite time for us, we love being outside as much as we can and it’s the perfect time for some delicious fruity desserts. One of our favorite concoction is the Strawberry Pretzel Dessert my daughter and I came up with while messing around in the kitchen one day. We knew we had [...]Mom Fuse -
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Hip Mama's Place
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CVS: 2 Ocean Spray Juice FREE Starting 5/20!
15 May 2012 | 4:59 pmIf you like the Ocean Spray brand of fruit juice, there is a new Ocean Spray juice coupon to print that will score you 2 free Ocean Spray fruit juice starting 5/20 at CVS! Here's how... CVS Deal starting 5/20- 5/26: - Buy One Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice and Get One Free Ocean Spray Cherry Juice FREE! - Use (1) buy one, get one free Ocean Spray coupon (Use zip code 30303 (under the "Beverage" category) if necessary) - Final cost: 2 FREE Ocean Spray juice after coupon and BOGO (Buy One, Get One) sale! About the Author: Jocelyn Cañasa-Brown is a working mom of two boys and is a recognized… -
Charmin Coupon Giveaway on Facebook
15 May 2012 | 4:13 pmNow through Friday, May 18th, head over to the Charmin Facebook page, "Like" them and score some nice, high value Charmin coupons! There is a limit to one coupon per household. Today's coupons are gone, but you can go request your coupons according to the schedule below: Wednesday, May 16 $1 off Charmin Basic 1pm EST Thursday, May 17 $1.50 off Charmin Sensitive 3pm EST Friday, May 18 $1.50 off Charmin Freshmates 7pm EST Here are some coupons you can expect to receive in the mail: Wednesday – $1 off Charmin Basic Bath Tissue Thursday – $1.50 off Charmin Sensitive Bath Tissue… -
Zulily: Apparel and Accessories for Women and Kids- SUPER SALE Up to 70% OFF!
14 May 2012 | 6:39 amI have a new favorite deal site and it's called Zulily. I love, love, love this site because you'll never know what you'll find each day! From designer apparel, shoes, fashion accessories, toys, home decor - you name it! Plus, I love that the products being offered here are unique, high quality, in line with the current trends and the deals are just beyond amazing! Here are my top picks for this week at Zulily. If you see something you like, grab them as soon as you can as they don't really last very long. Each company that is featured on the site runs a sale that lasts usually only 2-3 days!
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The Mogul Mom
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The 3 Rules of Target Markets
15 May 2012 | 3:40 pmEvery month I give a seminar on target markets to budding young (and old) entrepreneurs at the Self Employment Business Program. And every month they hustle in the door expecting some boring speech on determining the basics behind your target market complete with charts, graphs, and who knows what else. At the end of the two hours, I have a sky-high stack of evaluations with remarks like “ooh, who knew target marketing could be fun!” and “holy crow, I can’t believe I didn’t think about this before”. So it got me thinking – there are probably a few… -
The Best Places for Mom Entrepreneurs to Work It
13 May 2012 | 12:20 pmBeing a home-based mom entrepreneur has many benefits; a casual dress code, lots of flexibility, a travel-free commute to your office, and most importantly, getting to do something that you truly love each and every day. But no matter how happy you are working from home, there will come a time that being cooped up at home isn’t working. Whether it’s distractions, isolation, or having to meet a client, there are going to be days when working at your kitchen table just isn’t going to cut it. So when these times happen, use some of the suggestions below to keep yourself productive, sane… -
Are You Going To Start Cheating the Day After Mother’s Day?
10 May 2012 | 2:28 pmOn the day after Mother’s Day, there’s a spike in registration of married women to infidelity-matchmaking services. Kind of amazing, but the day after mothers are supposed to be celebrated, appreciated and fêted for doing all that they do, they are actively seeking appreciation and adoration from someone else – someone who’s not their spouse! Clearly, something is amiss with Mother’s Day. But is it really just about Mother’s Day? Mother’s Day carries big expectations of wanting to really be acknowledged for all the zillions of things we do as mothers. And when we don’t…
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Influential Mom Blogger, Brand Ambassador, Blog Network
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What are you looking forward to over the summer?
16 May 2012 | 9:30 amI cannot believe its like 10 days till school lets out. I think every day Chris and I have a discussion on what we are going to do with Charlotte over the summer. If I let her stay home every day, Ill become the neighborhood babysitter and my head will fly off into another dimension [...] -
Quick and Easy Summer Recipe!
15 May 2012 | 6:20 pmAs you might already know, I am a mom foodie in my other life on Guilty and Guilt Free, our not ready future food blog. And over on Guilty or Guilty Free, Kim and I battle out the scrumptious and yummylicious foods that I will cook (guilty!) and the organic, raw, and clean meals she [...] -
Dove Clear Tone
15 May 2012 | 1:01 pmNEW Dove® Clear Tone Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant Shaving can have harsh effects on delicate underarms causing skin to lose up to 50 percent more moisture, leading to dryness and inflammation. This, in turn, can lead to red and dark marks that 32 million U.S. women experience. Building on a heritage in skin care that dates back more [...]
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Big Piece of CakeBig Piece of Cake | Big Piece of Cake
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The Big Show
10 May 2012 | 1:49 pmIt’s been a while since I’ve written anything here. And I have a good excuse: I’ve been writing DAILY at the Listen to Your Mother DC blog. Sometimes twice a day. And to be honest, I’m exhausted. But the show is now over. I know – my Facebook friends never thought this day would come. Yes Virginia, there IS an end to the shameless self promotion. But seriously, I can’t thank you all enough for your support. If you didn’t get to come to the show, the readings were videotaped and will be added to a YouTube channel in a month or so. And I’ll… -
EVERY child…
23 Apr 2012 | 11:57 amEvery child deserves a shot at… Fill in the blank. Or hundreds of blanks. Because every child deserves a shot at living long enough to do so many things. Things that I personally, take for granted. I never questioned that my children would have the opportunity to take their first steps, say their first word, find their first friend, tell their first joke…and yes, discover their first talent. There are too many milestones to list. But in some parts of the world children don’t live long enough to do any of those things simply because their families do not have access to… -
Personal History (We Move to Pelham)
12 Apr 2012 | 7:26 amI’ve been pretty busy with Listen to Your Mother for the past couple of weeks, but I’ve been meaning to post another installment of that personal history I’m writing for our family “ancestor book.” If you’re interested, you can find the ealier posts under ”About Me.” Since this would be “Part Three” and I’m barely four years old…I think we’ll skip the numbers – “Part 48″ will sound ridiculous. Here’s were we last left off… In anticipation of my brother’s birth, my parents moved…
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Blog by Donna
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My Lord Glozelle - WW
16 May 2012 | 2:01 amLord Glozelle My son is currently performing in Prince Caspian: Return to Narnia at Children's Theatre of Knoxville. He is playing Lord Glozelle and Werewolf (I need to get a pic of him in his Werewolf costume). It's two characters that I'd never imagine him playing... but if I do say so myself, he plays them well. -
10 Apps on my iPhone right now
15 May 2012 | 8:47 pmThese are the first 10 apps on my iPhone at this very moment (I have over 60 apps currently). And I delete apps often. 1. HootSuite - HootSuite for iPhone® allows you to send updates to Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare from virtually anywhere. Plus, you can easily manage campaigns, schedule updates, and even translate messages to/from over 50 languages. 2. Facebook - If you're not familiar with Facebook, you've been living under a rock. Really. You can do most everything you do on FB on your iPhone.... just taking FB mobile. 3. Big Lens - I love this app! Big… -
Meet Me On Monday: My Fondest Memory of My Mom
14 May 2012 | 6:01 pmQuestions: 1. For Mother's Day I _________ was served breakfast in bed by my hubby and son, and given a homemade card and certificate from my son. I watched my son perform in Prince Caspian: Return to Narnia in our local children's theatre. He plays two characters - Lord Gloselle and Werewolf. He is so gifted! My hubby waited on me hand and foot (literally got a foot massage). It was a good day. 2. What is your favorite dish that your Mom makes? This is tough... she makes several things I love, but I guess I'd say her meatloaf and mashed potatoes -- they're to die for!
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High Impact Mom
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Goofy & Pluto Get Goofy with the Kids – #WordlessWednesday
16 May 2012 | 3:19 amSilly Picture! I attended Disney’s Social Media Mom’s Celebration at the end of April which allowed me to purchase tickets to Disney and hotel accommodations at a deeply discounted rate and afforded me one of a kind experiences, however all thoughts and feelings are my own. Like what you read? Try these!:Silly Sweet Girls on Wordless Wednesday -
A Trying Time in Parenting or The One Where I Want to Run Away…Far-Far-Away
10 May 2012 | 8:13 pmSo here we are at the end of another long week and I’ve had enough parenting tests to last me for a lifetime already. Isn’t it amazing how we can provide for our children, give them loving homes with limits and parents who adore them and then all it takes is one moment (or in this case two) where it all just kind of explodes back in your face and you’re left stunned and mouth gaping. Don’t laugh. You’ve been there. You know…the moment where you realize your sweet five year old has chosen to give her American Girl doll a hair cut and leaves her looking… -
Change of Direction
9 May 2012 | 6:00 amAs of today High Impact Mom is going in a slightly different direction…or maybe not…maybe as of today High Impact Mom will finally begin to live up to its potential. My focus here will be to share more of my life with you, more of my struggles as a parent and more or our success and triumphs. I’ll also be sharing my thoughts on social, environmental, and world issues – which is a switch for me here. Anyone who knows me, can tell you I’m a passionate person. I’m passionate about education, health care, and the future of my country & children. But how would you know…
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Mommy Melee
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news flash: kids totally grow
6 May 2012 | 8:37 pm© Mommy Melee, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | If you are reading this anywhere else, some douchenozzle has scraped my feed. -
5 ways to reap the benefits of moving without, you know, moving
17 Apr 2012 | 10:18 amI could say just pick up some unwieldy things and haul them around and inject some dust into your face and avoid sleeping entirely for days at a time, but I’m talking about the positive parts of moving. Once you get through all the utter suck, you actually end up with some majorly cool life changes. you don’t need to upend and move your entire family to reap the benefits of moving. Try these things: Get rid of a quarter of your clothes. Go through your closets and drawers. Go through your spouse’s stuff. Go through your kids stuff. Pretend like you ABSOLUTELY MUST GET RID OF THINGS. No… -
six
11 Apr 2012 | 8:02 pmOh Chipmunk. This week we’re moving, and it’s a week of upheaval and stress and exhaustion and right smack in the middle, today was your birthday. You went to school and I came by and watched your class sing to you, and you guys ate Rice Crispy Treats and you chased your friends around the playground with your party hat on your face like a beak. One of your friends broke the hat, and you cried, and when he got in trouble he cried too, and then he came and embraced you, and a bunch of your little girl friends wrapped you both in a group hug and I nearly stumbled, trying to hold…
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La Mom - an American mom in Paris
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The D-word
27 Apr 2012 | 6:40 amIn a posh, leafy suburb of France’s capital, little boys and girls from all over the world flock to a certain Catholic prep school.They go for the American curriculum and a strong base in the four R’s – Reading, ‘Riting, ‘Rithmetic – and Religion.Seven-year-old Emma came home from a class preparing her for first confessional with a lot of questions about God. Not to mention some serious dirt on her classmates’ parents:Father O’Halloran: Let’s think of some things that we could talk about with a priest during confessional.Emma: Um, sometimes I forget to pray at… -
Very Interesting Parisian Profile + Giveaway
14 Apr 2012 | 4:36 pmWho's the French journaliste at ease reporting on everything from pesticides in food and France's next presidential election, to decorating a Parisian apartment on a budget and American Thanksgiving?Hint: You've seen one of her reports on M6 100% Mag here. She's also working for France 2 on a program that profiles the lives of interesting Parisians. Sounds like a perfect gig for a woman who is oh-so Parisian herself!Please say bonjour to Clémence, the journalist Les Moms became friends with while filming Thanksgiving dinner for M6 TV. Enjoy… -
Oh, Phoque
1 Apr 2012 | 2:18 pmEver wonder what it's like taking a bilingual child to visit the French ophtalmologue? A phoqu'ing r-eye-ot.It's also a lesson in bilingual ABCs and the f-bomb.Here's what went down when Big Fry went to see the ophthalmogogist, Docteur Oeil.Docteur Oeil: So you do speek Eengleesh?Big Fry: Yes.Docteur O: So do eye. You weel seet 'eere forrr ze reeding ze letters in ze frrront of you eyes. Zees one.Big Fry: Uh, pardon?La Mom (smiling, Big Fry clearly doesn't understand her English): Tell the doctor the letters that you see on the screen.Big…
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A Lil' Welsh Rarebit
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Tonight's dinner table conversation
15 May 2012 | 4:53 pmThe foo: Maybe Cal will be a rock and roll dancer one day! And I will be with him!Me: Maybe!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The foo: Where's Amanda? (our babysitter)Me: She's on another vacation, in Las Vegas! The foo: (Her voice full of concern) That's in the desert, right? I hope she has a lot of water. A LOT. A whole backpack full. Because she's going to sweat A LOT.The little mister: CHEESE! CHEESE!Me, to him: Yes, cheese! Grilled cheese! Yum! Me, to her: Amanda has plenty of water, no need to worry!The foo: I… -
Paradise
14 May 2012 | 6:25 amAnna Maria Island, Florida.(the view from our balcony, where we ate all of our meals)A week in paradise, with my brother, his wife, their two adorable kiddos, our three kiddos, and our babysitter = two very happy parents.Best vacation EVER!The pool. AKA the foo and the little mister's favorite place to be. Swim for three hours every morning? Yes please. Chilling on the beach.And one of my all time favorite photos: the foo's adorable toes.To see more, MANY more photos of our fabulous family vacation, click HERE. -
the f bomb
3 May 2012 | 12:53 pmOn the way home from preschool today, the car in front of me was crawling along at about 10 miles per hour. The speed limit is 25 mph. I'm all for safe driving, especially in our neighborhood. But come on, 10 mph?I didn't say a word, but the foo could sense my frustration.She said: Mommy that car is driving WAY too slow!I said: I know, it is, isn't it?She said: Yeah. What the f*ck!I said: EXCUSE ME?She repeated herself, then said: I mean, really -- that is car is driving WAY too slow.I then proceeded to explain that we don't say that word. Kids don't say it. Adults shouldn't say it. Etc. etc.
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Cool Baby Kid
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CVS Deal Alert: $10 Free Gas {Spend $30 on Special Items}
16 May 2012 | 9:39 amCool Tip CVS/pharmacy Facebook page has nearly 1 million fans! When they reach that milestone, CVS/pharmacy will offer their entire Facebook community a surprise so be sure to like them if you haven’t already. -
Doc McStuffins: You Go Girl!
15 May 2012 | 1:20 pmThe premiere of “Doc McStuffins” (March 2012) became the #1 most-watched preschool series launch in cable TV history in Adults 18-49! Check out what my fellow bloggers are saying: Too many times, dads on television are portrayed as dim-witted and/or unwilling to have a close relationship with their children. Doc’s dad is neither of these. He’s a stay-at-home dad that does the gardening and cooking. He might not be a doctor, but he’s intelligent and loves his kids. Whether he’s taking Doc and her brother out on a camping trip, or recognizing that Doc’s brother (who stayed… -
Happy Mother’s Day Weekend!
12 May 2012 | 6:27 am
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Meal Makeover Moms' Kitchen
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Cooking Essentials I Learned From My Mom … With a Few Makeovers Mixed In!
12 May 2012 | 7:09 pmMy mom and dad just celebrated 57 years of marriage and the 50th anniversary of their GE refrigerator. When I walk into their kitchen, it’s like taking a step back in time. Besides the hum of that old fridge (and no, it is not energy efficient), my mom’s home-cooked meals are essentially the same as the ones I ate as a kid. They are simple yet satisfying; no recipe required. My parents pose proudly in front of their antique fridge! In today’s world of TV cooking shows, food blogs, celebrity chefs, and glossy cookbooks, my mom relies on a few yet flavorful ingredients – meat from her… -
Mother’s Day Breakfast-in-Bed Makeovers: Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothies and Silver Dollar Pancakes. They’re Easy Enough for Kids and Dads to Make (Podcast #188)
10 May 2012 | 5:36 pmIf you’re trying to watch your weight and eat a diet rich in wholesome and healthy ingredients, the last thing you may want on Mother’s Day is a breakfast-in-bed menu filled with sticky buns and donuts. On this week’s Cooking with the Moms podcast, we serve up two nutritious recipes — Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothies and Silver Dollar Banana Blueberry Pancakes — easy enough for kids and dads to make. We also reflect back on the valuable cooking lessons we learned from our mothers. Blending peanut butter with frozen blueberries may sound like a strange combo, but… -
A Recipe for Cheesy Bean Pie and Tips for Cooking the Perfect Dry Beans
7 May 2012 | 11:11 amI recently attended the Beans for a Better Life conference in Austin, TX, and when I returned, I was determined to try my hand at cooking dry beans. I typically rely on canned dry beans, so I was looking forward to the cooking challenge. Would I be able to produce the same smooth and tender consistency you get from canned beans? Lynne Bigwood from the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, assured me that if I followed a few simple steps, my beans would rival those from a can. So off I went to the grocery store for a pound of dry pinto beans. Read on for Lynne’s fool-proof cooking…
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Uppercase Woman
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7 Things I Haven’t Talked About Lately
16 May 2012 | 9:50 am1. Living with my mom. It’s been challenging; we’re now coming up on a year, and there is plenty of push and pull going on as we figure out the details. Some of the challenges have to do with my mom’s memory, which is somewhat compromised because of the hypoxia she experienced with her illness [...] -
Amazing, Exhausting, Fantastic
14 May 2012 | 12:41 pmWhat a weekend! Friday night was the Listen To Your Mother Show and it was AMAZING. I’ve never been happier to be part of something. 15 people read their personal stories of motherhood, and some were wrenching, some were heartwarming, and some were hilarious. It was exactly how we’d hoped it would be – a [...] -
ACK
11 May 2012 | 10:44 amI swear. Next week, regular posting again. Promise. But tonight is the Listen To Your Mother Show here in Philly. (If you want to come, tickets will be at the door). So this is it from me. Sorry. :D How are you?
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Go Graham Go: Parenting | Recipes | DIY | Brand Ambassador | Product Reviews | NC Mom Blog
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Wordless Wednesday: Boys will be boys...
15 May 2012 | 11:04 pmSubscribe to Go Graham Go! by Email as well as follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Google+! -
Why You Need A Cooling Rack and Which One Is Right For You
14 May 2012 | 11:04 pmFor many years my kitchen has functioned without a cooling rack. Many years meaning almost 12 years. So, why am I just now discovering cooling racks and just how important they are? Well, I guess I have operated on the belief that if I have been baking this long without one why get one now? If you are also living under this same assumption I am here to tell you that you need to rethink it and find a cooling rack that is right for you! So, why do you need a cooling rack? Well, think about it. If your cookies, muffins, cupcakes, etc remain on the pan they are cooked on… -
BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance Retro Review {Giveaway}
14 May 2012 | 11:01 pmLate last month I was having a classic frantic moment in my house--the four of us girls in the house had just arrived home from the playground and three of us had to desperately use a bathroom. I had to help my 3.5 year old hoist herself onto the potty and finagle my 2-year old onto our BabyBjorn little potty all while holding a 5-month old who screams as soon as you put her down. It was awesome. Then I remembered! BabyBjorn had sent me a Babysitter Balance Retro to review! I slid the baby into our cool new bouncer and I immediately had hands to help my other two girls while the baby remained…
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thedirtytshirt.com
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Michelob ULTRA Light Cider | Review and Giveaway
16 May 2012 | 11:35 amCompany: Anheuser-Busch Item Reviewed: Michelob ULTRA Light Cider Item Given Away: Michelob ULTRA Light Cider Prize Pack – Must be 21 or older Start Date: May 16 End Date: May 31 Michelob Ultra Light Cider is a fermented alcoholic drink made from apple juice. Cider has long been enjoyed as one of the world’s most popular beverages. Now given an ULTRA makeover with ULTRA Light Cider, a less sweet, lower calorie alternative to traditional flavored malt beverages and ciders. Made from all natural apples, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a great cider taste that… -
Mario Tennis Open | Nintendo 3DS Game Review
16 May 2012 | 9:38 amCompany: Nintendo Item Reviewed: Mario Tennis Open 3DS Game Mario Tennis Open Mario Serves Up Portable Tennis Fun in 3D In Mario Tennis Open, Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom friends return to the court for a flurry of intense tennis action, from engaging singles and doubles matches to skill-building minigames and online play. Using the built-in wireless features of the Nintendo 3DS system, up to four people can play together in local* or online** multiplayer modes and exchange player information via StreetPass. Players can choose between intuitive touch-screen and gyro sensor controls or… -
Still Going Strong With Crest and Oral-B | Giveaway
14 May 2012 | 9:39 amCompany: P&G Item Reviewed: Crest & Oral-B Products Item Given Away: Crest & Oral-B Products Start Date: May 14 End Date: May 29 This new line-up includes Crest Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control Toothpaste, Crest Pro-Health Clinical Rinse, Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Pro-Flex Toothbrush and Oral-B Glide® Pro-Health Clinical Protection Floss. When used together, these products significantly reduce plaque, and help prevent it from coming back, so you can help maintain the clean you got at the dentist’s office. I was introduced to the new Crest and Oral-B line a couple of months…
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Peapod Squad Stuff
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Bittersweet End of School
15 May 2012 | 12:46 pmTomorrow is the last day of school where I teach. I’ve had a running countdown to the end of school since we returned from Spring Break. Every morning, I change the number on the countdown in my classroom. Every day, I celebrate a little inside. I love my job. I count it such a joy to come to school each day. I mean it. I am ridiculously happy at work. But let’s be honest…Summer break is pretty sweet. Sleeping in. Playing in the back yard with my kiddos. Lounging by the pool. Going to the beach. Fewer deadlines. Less responsibility. My friends know I’m not a big… -
Please Know This Man Does Not Speak for All of Us
3 May 2012 | 9:29 pmI’m sure many of you have seen or heard clips of NC Baptist pastor, Sean Harris, urging church members to “squash” and “punch” 4-year-old boys who are “limp-wristed.” I had a very hard time even listening. It broke my heart. It broke my heart as a mom. It broke my heart as a Christian. I have read through tears countless comments on the video saying things like “This is exactly why I’ll never go to church.” Please know this… Know this man does not speak for all Christians. He does not speak for all Baptists. Because whatever… -
Notice: New Tooth Fairy Needed
28 Apr 2012 | 9:14 amSo we were out to eat with my parents after the boys’ baseball game last night and Split Pea announces with great frustration, “I’ve had a tooth under my pillow for 2 weeks now but the tooth fairy STILL hasn’t shown up!” Ugh, nice. Nevermind that this was a huge red flag that a) I’m obviously not paying enough attention to my son’s mouth, and b) I am seriously behind on changing their sheets… “Well, son, you never told us you had pulled a tooth. You’ve got to tell us these things.” “Why did I need to tell you?”…
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MYLESTONES
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Out-twinkling the angels (Just Write)
14 May 2012 | 8:38 pmDani, you never met my Grandma, your Nana's mama. You were still growing in my belly when we hugged her last in the shadeless Palm Desert heat. But really, it's not accurate to say we hugged Grandma Rather, she hugged us. She could squeeze so much love into a single embrace. There wasn't anything frail about her. She wasn't the sort of grandma who went to the salon each week to set her hair. She was the feisty sort, the one who never wore a skirt, not even to church. (But you'd love her anyway, Dani, I know you would.) I'll picture her forever in a mid-80s puffed-sleeved sweat suit, her black… -
For the moms who fake it until they make it
13 May 2012 | 6:51 amThis one's for the moms who fake it until they make it. The moms who trudge, not race, when the six year old cries out at 2:00 a.m. He can't sleep, needs a drink of water, and now he's scared. Will she cuddle? Just for a minute. And only that. Because sometimes even just a minute in the middle of the night feels like too much. The moms who only grudgingly say yes, you can "help" when the four year old wants to empty the dishwasher and mix the pizza dough. The moms who don't delight when the flour spills everywhere, the measurements are off, and the forks rest where the spoons should be. The… -
If a cowbell rings on Jupiter (Listening: 5 for 5)
27 Apr 2012 | 7:50 amWe were listening to Fiest on the way to soccer practice (by his request--because her voice reminds him of a certain second grade girl--and he swears it's "nothing mushy"--but a mama knows a first crush when she sees it). And I asked whether he heard the piano in the song, and I said he could play like that someday if he kept practicing. He said yes, he heard it, and he heard the cowbell too. Then he made what was meant to be a cowbell sound. And I only stopped laughing about the cowbell long enough to tell him you can never have enough cowbell. (The fact cowbell…
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Parenting Course | Parent Classes | My Mommy Manual
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Babywearing
14 May 2012 | 10:03 pmWanting to hold your baby is natural and has benefits for both parents AND baby. Babywearing. This is literally the ONLY way I was able to grocery shop with my twins (six months old in this picture.) I wore them in different ways at different ages and I hope this review of the hows and whys encourages you to look into the many different babywearing options there are out there for parents these days. They are two now and our sling is still getting a work out, mostly around the house when I’m cleaning up and with light food prep for dinner these days. Babywearing makes life easier and… -
Go Tell Them All I Did Not Die…
8 May 2012 | 2:52 pmTears. Puddles. Choking feeling in my throat as I just clicked on this song, written for another mother with an angel baby. Baby Jack. Taken early in his life at just nine days old. The song moves through me. Around me. Lifts me up even as it tears me down. The pain is still there (when I allow it.) This song brings me there. My breath carries me through it. Thank you Spirit for this beautiful reminder today of my babies in heaven. I love you my little angels. Thank you for the gift you are in my life. For watching down on me from the other side. As I prepare to remember you each uniquely on… -
On How I Manipulate My Kids and Wonder Woman
7 May 2012 | 6:55 amma-nip-u-late [muh-nip-yuh-leyt] verb (used with object) 1. to manage or influence skillfully. 2. to adapt or change to suit one’s purpose or advantage. ————- I manipulate my kids, especially my youngest two. Why do I do this evil thing? Most likely it’s because, like the definition says, it suits my purpose. I get it sounds selfish, but truly, when I consciously attempt to manipulate my kids, it’s out of love. The unconscious manipulations? That’s a different post entirely. When I act from a conscious place though, I do it to suit my needs…
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Rock And Drool
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My First Motherless Mothers Day
13 May 2012 | 12:31 pmI’ve been trying, for two days, to put down my feelings about Mothers Day this year. So hard to do. I can’t even tell you how many drafts I’ve deleted. Trying to take my emotions and put them into words seem so flat. So, I’ll just say how I’m feeling. Today is almost as hard as my moms birthday was. The sense of loss is so great and it’s more pronounced when days like Mothers Day some along. We used to celebrate her, every year. For my entire life. This is the first time that I’m celebrating her and she’s not here. My heart hurts. I’m… -
My Own Thoughts On The Time Magazine “Are You Mom Enough” Article
11 May 2012 | 12:50 pmThe controversial photo. All I see is a kid who is going to get harassed when he gets older I read the Time Magazine article here. The whole Mommy community has been set ablaze and we are all posting our response to it. Why? It puts THAT question in our heads, the one we sometimes think about in the middle of the night… “Are we mom enough?”. Yeah. We are. We are mom enough. It doesn’t matter what your parenting style is. It doesn’t matter if you choose to nurse or bottle feed. It doesn’t matter if you choose to spank or stick with time outs. It… -
A Mothers Question Revisited
10 May 2012 | 7:22 amI was a senior in high school so, probably around 18 years old. I had a couple friends who were freshman but they all turned 15 around the same time I turned 18. So…a 3 year age difference. I didn’t care, it wasn’t something I really thought about. I have no idea why I was friends with these couple of girls. We probably had friends in common. Or we smoked in the bathroom. Whatever, either way, we hung out a bit. Tanned together in my backyard or in one of theirs. We weren’t together all the time, these weren’t close friends. The most vivid recollection I have…
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Moms At Work - Orlando Sentinel
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Three cheers for great dads
16 May 2012 | 9:40 amLet’s hear it for involved dads! I’m sure you know men who are more involved in their children’s lives than their own fathers would ever have dreamed of being — and the statistics show that those devoted dads are growing in number. A U.S. Census Bureau report shows that about 32 percent of dads with children younger than 15 are regularly involved in childcare responsibilities, according to the Wall Street Journal. I know, I know. That’s less than a third. Given that barely a quarter of dads could say the same thing ten years ago, though, I think that’s a… -
Sophia, Jacob top baby names of 2011; Mason makes big gains and Michael loses ground
14 May 2012 | 10:11 pmSo Sophia and Jacob (again) were the nation’s most popular baby names in 2011. The Social Security Administration, which compiles the list, announced the top names today. Sophia, number 2 last year, was the most popular girl’s name. For the 13th year in a row, Jacob was the top boy’s name. The girl’s list wasn’t much different than last year’s, but the boys had a few surprises. Mason was the No. 2 name, jumping 10 spots to claim that popular place. That could be the influence of reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian, who had a son named Mason in… -
College graduates buried under student loans
14 May 2012 | 11:26 amEvery month, it seems, stories abound about college tuition rates rising higher and higher. As the mom of a high school freshman, I find this very scary. I wonder how high tuition will be in just a few years, when my son is ready to go to college. This New York Times story does nothing to make me feel better. It talks about graduates who are buried under student debt — one woman just graduated from Ohio Northern University owing $120,000. That is not a typo: $120,000! The story also pointed out that there is currently $1 trillion in student loans in the United States. What’s a…
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Harassed Mom
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I need you!
9 May 2012 | 11:32 amMy friend Nicci wrote a few posts about – this one was one of them. Basically she questions why we want/need relationships – I have wanted to write a response post for ages but just can’t really seem to make sense of how I feel about it. I don’t really have a great history with relationships – in fact my track record is a string of very dysfunctional and abusive relationships – except for David. So I am no expert on the subject at all. What I do know is that when you have found that person – that one. The one you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is THE… -
You are ugly! Well your nose is funny.
8 May 2012 | 11:38 amThe kids are fighting A LOT at the moment. They can not be near each other without one of them throwing an insult, pinching, whining or just being down right painful! It is a rather rocky time for everyone. David is away and was away for 8 nights – Cameron doesn’t cope to well with him not being here and Kiara gets anxious at night. Cameron is writing tests and hates studying – so him and I are bumping heads. I am stressed about the op and the shop move and whats happening there so I am a little on edge. Mix all that together and you get sibling fighting like no other. I DO… -
Its the final countdown
7 May 2012 | 11:02 amThis time next week my op will be over. I will be recovering – probably (hopefully) drugged up and sleeping. I am still trying not to think to much about it and focus on the fact that for 6 days I get to just do NOTHING and have people wait on me, bring me tea and food. There is so much happening until then – we moved the shop today – it was supposed to happen on Wednesday but before I knew it they guys were there with a bakkie telling me to unpack the shelves so just like that we moved. We have a Pamper Party this weekend which is very exciting and the bookings are coming…
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daysgoby
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walls of stink
15 May 2012 | 9:00 pmI realized tonight my house is full of scent. Not the usual 'mmm what's for supper' stuff, but scent. My dishwasher - and hence, the dishes - smell like lavender. B bought new laundry detergent, Apple Mango (Madness?) Something, and it makes our clothes smell like bubble gum. The kids' shampoo smells like peonies, while mine is a blend of erm... musk and chrysanthemum green, and B's is minty and cool. The dog smells like dog, at least, although his ear meds make him smell a little fruity. And we'll be polite and not talk about his back end. It too smells like....dog. The cats… -
may the circlet be unbroken
9 May 2012 | 8:20 pmHe wore his wedding ring tonight. We had to hunt to find it - years of working as a paramedic and having it tucked away in a 'safe'place made it an odyssey to find - but now it's back on his finger and it's funny, how something so small, so inconsequential, so unimportant in day-to-day life makes me flood with love and fondness. He's never really worn it. For special occasions, and whenever we go back over the border, sure. But Wednesday-night-to-watch-the-hockey-game? Never. And it surprises me how good it makes me feel to see it. -
Random, random, random
5 May 2012 | 9:11 pmDamn, I love living here. Spent the day carousing with my friend while B sawed huge trees down (yay for forestry!) and our children ran wild and free. They went swimming again (in May! Loons, all of them) and came home , happy and saturated with the joy of it all. My friend and I are planning a Mothers Day event for the school, and so we've been sorting tea services, finding appropriate costumes, and finding props. (Hey, it can be hard to disguise a gym, especially without the benefits of crepe paper or the gentle blurring of dusk) so it'll be props. Props a'plenty. We're…
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One Big 'Pyle' of Love
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Thursday 13: Elijah's Top Watched Shows
10 May 2012 | 6:00 amElijah's 13 (couldn't get it down to 13) 16 Most Watched TV Shows Ruby Gloom Caillou Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! SpongeBob SquarePants Yo Gabba Gabba! Pingu Woody Woodpecker Pocoyo Felix the Cat Blue's Clues The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That! Ni Hao, Kai-Lan The Backyardigans Garfield Wonder Pets Richard Scarry's Busytown Mysteries Find More Thursday 13 here and link your own. -
Music Monday: LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
7 May 2012 | 6:00 amLMFAO - Party Rock Anthem Elijah likes to tell us he's Break Dancin' and Party Rockin' when he plays this song on his ipod! He LOVES dancing to it! It's his favorite dance track ever! -
YUM! Iced Coffee!
3 May 2012 | 8:50 pmI cannot stop drinking @indelight's new Iced Coffee!!! It's ssssoooooo good! I'm probably the reason Cockeysville Walmart was sold out...;)— Erin McAllister-Pyle (@erinjeany) May 4, 2012 I have a thing for iced coffee. It's deep. We've been in a very serious relationship a long time. So when month or so ago I saw this carton with a picture of ice and coffee go by at work and was like... "Wait!?!?!? Was that an iced coffee I have not yet experienced!?!?!?? How is this possible?!?!?!" and sure enough it was. Since then friends have been buying it and sharing it, I have been buying it and…
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Mommy Daddy Blog
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She {hearts} Loving Naturals
16 May 2012 | 6:30 amIf you’ve been a fan of She {hearts} It for a year now – you may have seen our initial reviews on Loving Naturals back in July of 2011. Loving Naturals has been a part of our family ever since. It is a line we will use for as long as they are running! I am so glad I discovered them last year and share their info as often as I can, especially come summer time :) You can read my original reviews on Loving Naturals at the links below: Loving Naturals Body Wash/Lotion Loving Naturals Bug Spray (a must for camping!) Loving Naturals Sun Screen We really do love them :) – I… -
She {hearts} Real {Fast} Food
15 May 2012 | 7:56 amPreparing traditional whole foods meals for our family can be challenging some days. I admit that I will often cut corners and we don’t eat as healthy as I would like to. It all just takes time to prepare, and sometimes I just don’t have that time, or I’m just too lazy to put in the effort. I recently stumbled upon a fabulous blog, written by Trina Holden, called All That Is Good. She’s really a breath of fresh air, and she has written an excellent eBook called Real {Fast} Food. This eBook is full of great tips and tricks on how to incorporate healthy whole foods… -
Adding Sweet & Marble Peppers To My “To Grow” List + A Sponsored Video
14 May 2012 | 10:16 pmI am a tad bit infatuated with peppers, even more so with the idea of growing them myself. I only shop for green peppers since the pretty orange, yellow, and red ones are so expensive. Last Saturday, while at Target, I discovered the yummy little peppers in the photo to the left. They were on...
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josetteplank.com
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Wordless Wednesday: Now With More Double Lutz Combo
25 Apr 2012 | 6:59 amSkater Grrrl is heading down to Alexandria, VA to play with the big girls. Bringing her double lutz-double loop with her. All the other kids with the pumped up kicks, you better run, better run.... © Copyright 2005-2012, Halushki | Josette Plank. All Rights Reserved http://www.josetteplank.com/ -
7 Unique Ways I'm Celebrating Earth Day Including Using A Ginsu To Fix My Toilet
22 Apr 2012 | 12:42 am1. Not Using Any Electricity At All For Four Full Hours The fact that PPL was replacing the transformer in our neighborhood and shut down power between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM does not in any way diminish the virtue of my electro-abstinence. Somewhere on some mountaintop, a wind turbine slowed to a standstill and a family of buzzards was spared. Thanks to me. Mostly. 2. Not Driving My Daughter To Skating Practice Saturday Morning My husband drove her. I slept in. I used no fossil fuels while sleeping. I emitted only one delicate waft of methane which smelled of pine trees and… -
Boys = Weirdos
11 Apr 2012 | 11:31 pmDriving in car, Mother and Daughter in front seat. 5yo Brother in back seat. Mother: So, what's new at school? Any problems? Anything new? Any crushes on boys? Daughter: No. No. And no, boys are weirdos. 5yo Brother: HEY! That makes me sad! Boys aren't weirdos! Mother (to 5yo): You're right. Boys aren't weirdos. That wasn't nice of her to say that. 5yo Brother: (getting weepy) I'm feeling very sad right now. Mother (to Daughter): Apologize to your brother. Tell him you don't think he's a weirdo. 5yo Brother: (singing) OOOOH, MY PEEEE-PEEEE! MY PEEEEEE-PEEEEEE! OH, MY PEEEE-PEEEEEE!
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Alphamom
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How Much Do You Really Pay A Babysitter?
16 May 2012 | 12:15 pmDear Amalah, I assume you have answered this question before, but searching the site hasn’t brought anything up. I’ve googled and come up with a WIDE range of answers, but I have been reading your blog and advice column since my son was born and trust your advice exponentially more than those anonymous experts that pop up with a search engine.I understand that what you pay a babysitter varies depending on a bunch of factors– where you live, how old they are, how many kids you have, etc. That may be true, but it’s not very helpful to me. Answers I’ve seen vary… -
Bring On the Commencement Speeches
16 May 2012 | 1:09 amWhat I remember most about my own college graduation in 1993 was Marian Wright Edelman’s words “Superwoman doesn’t exist… she died of exhaustion.” I can’t tell you how often I hear those words in my head.It’s graduation season which means the commencement speeches are starting to roll in on YouTube. Which means we all get to hear them now. YAY!Did you happen to catch President Obama’s commencement address to Barnard graduates? WOW. He said exactly what needed to be said right now to the women who need to hear it. The speech is 30 minutes long,… -
“It’s not extra money” and Other Things Teens Should Know About Credit Cards
15 May 2012 | 8:42 amThank you to Equifax for underwriting this conversation about talking to teens about personal finance.One night when I was in college, I went to a basketball game with my friends. We noticed a crowd of people gathered around a table outside the stadium. They were giving away free t-shirts for the game, and all we had to do was fill out an application for a credit card.I didn’t want a new credit card, but an application seemed harmless, and I didn’t know that I would even get approved. Besides, getting free stuff was something that my friends and I were really good at. Along with…
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Crunchy Green Lovin' Mom
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Kinetics Youth Center
3 May 2012 | 3:30 pmI worked in child care years ago; I worked with school age kids while my little ones were in infant programs. It was always the same.*Breakfast*Centers*Playground (in the backyard on a hot asphalt blacktop)*Lunch*Centers*Homework*PlaygroundYou get the drift right? Yea… it wasn’t all that fun for the kids or for me. I had wanted something more for the kids to engage them, help them get some time outside and inside that was more stimulating.So this past week I went to Parker, Co to check out this new place call Kinetics Youth Center It’s a whole new concept for parents to… -
LEGO KidsFest Starts tomorrow!
26 Apr 2012 | 4:16 pmL*E*G*O*!!!I get to go to LEGO KidsFest in 2.5 days! Are you going? Did you get your tickets? Are your kids more excited than me?(Taken from the Denver Convention Center site)Wait….You didn’t get your tickets yet?Okay, here is the deal about sold out tickets.There are only tickets left for Friday (4-8:30pm) and the Sunday (3-7:30pm) and when I say “Tickets” I don’t mean a ton. Go buy them now, you don’t want you to get to the door and have them sold out, heart broken kids, heart broken adults… y’know… things like that.Go … now, want to know where?Go here and buy tickets:… -
Colorado Summer Camps {Giveaway}
24 Apr 2012 | 12:27 pmWith an 11 year old girl at home during the summer I know the words “I’m bored” will come out of her mouth within the first week.How do I plan on combating that? Bug catchingSongsSwimmingHikingClimbing TowerYeppers…. Sending my daughter to a two week camp with kids her own age should help a ton to remove those words from her vocabulary, at least for the two weeks that she’s out with her new friends creating memories.Isn’t that what it’s all about? Creating memories and friends that they can write to throughout the years, learning camp songs I still sing to them at night…
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Sticky Fingers
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The Gallery: Morning
16 May 2012 | 1:30 amThis is what morning looks like on the other side of the world. In a place far removed from anything we know here in the UK. Food is basic. Hygiene is barely basic. To be honest, these girls are lucky to be alive, such is the lottery of childbirth in the region. They live in the tiny village of Sawa Erma in Western Papua, Indonesia. Access to their village is upriver, through thick vegetation and tangled tree roots. It's not somewhere you stumble upon. I made the difficult journey there last year as a guest of UNICEF, to this tiny village of handmade boardwalks and basic homes. I stood in… -
CybHer 2012
13 May 2012 | 5:00 pmThe inaugural conference for women who blog. Fashion bloggers, parenting bloggers, foodies, beauty bloggers - whatever your passion, we were there to chat and learn and celebrate this joyous thing we've all taken into our lives. I visited interesting sessions, met old friends, made new ones, had my bust size measured (random, I know!) - I was even lucky enough to have been asked to speak by organiser Sian (I spoke alongside other bloggers Kellie from Big Fashionista and Louise from Sprinkle of Glitter). And now the dust has settled, I've had a cup of tea and reflected on the day, here is what… -
The Photo Gallery: Week 99 #2
11 May 2012 | 11:00 amHello and welcome to week 99 of The Gallery. Week 99 Mark 2. I was ill shortly after setting the theme for The Gallery Mark 1 and had to cancel it. So here we are again. And as we didn't actually get to 'do' 99, I'm setting it all over again. So, I'll keep it simple and to the point: this week's theme is Morning. I've seen some wonderful photos over on Instagram of people's mornings - from breakfast and that first cuppa, to sunrises, journies to work/school, what they're wearing and photos of feet up with a book and a bar of chocolate! As ever, interpret the theme any way you like. Just…
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Ask Moxie
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Book Review: Dear Dad, It's Over by M. Dickson
15 May 2012 | 9:32 am[Today is the kickoff of my super-informal Summer Reading Challenge for adults (all ages, really). It's the grown-up version of the summer reading programs you used to do at the public library as a kid, in which you'd pledge how many books you were going to read over the summer, and then if you made your pledge number you'd get a prize. If you're on Facebook you can Like the Summer Reading Challenge page there, and post your pledge and talk about books. If not, just do it at home on your own. The rules are simple: 1. It runs May 15 through September 15. 2. Pledge how many… -
Q&A: Your MIL and Mothers' Day ownership?
14 May 2012 | 8:38 amToday's question: "Here is an "anonymous" question...no way I'd post this with my name! Ever since we've gotten married I've send my MIL a card for mother's day. I've been a mother for 5 years now and not once has she sent me a card. She will call and wish me a happy Mother's Day though. She sends a card for everything else (birthday and anniversary). (And yes, this now sounds petty!)Is there some rule I don't know about...do Mother's Day cards only go one way generationally speaking?" The devil is in the details, and it's… -
Q&A: Staying up too late
11 May 2012 | 9:21 amJen writes: "WHY DO I STAY UP SO LATE EVERY NIGHT???" At first glance, this seems like one of those silly surface questions. We all stay up too late goofing around on the internet or watching tv or knitting or reading or whatever. But. I think it's symptomatic of the core problem of motherhood, which is being simultaneously lonely and not having enough time to ourselves. I've been quoting Erma Bombeck for years (although now I can't find the quote everywhere so I have no way of verifying that it's really her quote!) the truest truth about SAH motherhood I've…
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GummyLump.com Blog
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Hand Print Bird Kids Craft
11 May 2012 | 7:00 amby Melinda from LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! for GummyLump.com for Ages 18 months and up with Adult Participation and Supervision Since Mother's Day is right in May there is no better way to celebrate than with a sprinkle of handmade Spring crafts. Hand print crafts are precious keepsakes that can be saved for years to hold onto the memories of when your kids were small. Supplies: ½ sheet of cardstock per hand print Fingerpaint, color of bird and yellow for beak Googly eyes Paper bag Child-safe scissors Glue Paintbrushes Time Needed: 20 minutes plus 8 hours total drying time Prep: Cut… -
Mother's Day Kids Crafts: Projects #95
10 May 2012 | 7:37 amMother's Day Kids Crafts Preschool Crafts for all abilities! for Ages 3 Years and Up I realized that many of our previously posted Valentine's Day crafts would make great Mother's Day Gifts as well! Some need minor changes and others are perfect for Mother's Day as is! Mother's Day is Sunday May 13th, 2012! Watercolor Flowers in Vase No modifications needed. Foil Play Food Cupcakes A sweet treat for Mom. No modifications needed :) Brownie Love Pops and Heart Shaped Brownies for Mom! No modifications needed. Delicious homemade treats for Mom! Heart Mosaic Wall… -
Spring Flowers Using Paint Chips: Craft for Kids
2 Apr 2012 | 12:11 pmSpring Paint Chip Flower by Melinda from LookWhatMomFound...and Dad too! Crafts for all abilities! Ages 18 Months and Up with Adult Participation and Supervision.I don't know about you but I'm addicted to the beautiful rainbow of colors in the paint section at the Hardware Store. I get inspired but the different shades and go home with my head spinning from all the ideas. This one was simple. I picked up 1 card from each color group and thought what a lovely bouqet, voila, a Paint Chip Flower Bouquet. Supplies Needed:Paint Chips in desired colors (don't forget green…
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Mammakaze
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Wet With Sweat And Proud of It!
9 May 2012 | 1:41 pmLike returning to this blog after an extended absence, I have recently returned to the gym. Not sure what prompted me. The realization that I am an older mom with a 10 year-old daughter who has triple my energy, the way my belly looked like two lumpy blueberry muffins protruding from the top of my “fat” jeans, [...] -
John’s Thanksgiving Song
18 Nov 2011 | 7:12 amOkay. I know I haven’t posted in a while. Weeks in fact. I plan on getting back to the keyboard soon. But in the meantime, I couldn’t let a Thanksgiving go by with offering up the greatest Thanksgiving gift of all. The thing for which I am most, well close to most, thankful. My brother John’s [...] -
Blunder Then Blender: flipflop Wines – Flippin’ Good!
23 Sep 2011 | 12:01 pmOkay. While there may have been some parental blundering, there is no blendering involved in this week’s guilt-assuaging libation. Because this week I am here to tell you about FLIPFLOP WINES. MAMMAKAZE was asked recently to sample a trio of their wines: a pinot grigio, a pinot noir and a riesling. We’re experts after all. [...]
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BrainFoggles
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Wordless Wednesday – Disney Yacht Club Pool
16 May 2012 | 9:05 amOne of the favorite spots at the Disney Yacht Club Resort are the pool areas: Look at the view Spend the Day For more inspiring photos, check: High Impact Mom, The Bonafide Life, Shanamama, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Mom Blog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist and Zensible Mama and link your own photo stories. Do you have a favorite hotel pool? -
Lipton Pure Leaf Iced Tea Hits the Spot
14 May 2012 | 2:22 pmPure Leaf Iced Tea hits the spot any day. Made by Lipton and available in multiple flavors, I drink it straight out of the bottle or included in fun drink recipes. It tastes even better than home brewed and there’s much less hassle. Pure Leaf uses a Tea Master, John Cheetham, to ensure that their tea leaves create the perfect tasting tea. Before I moved to the south, I’d never heard of iced tea. Now it’s something I drink quite often, especially when I’m dining out. Sweet tea with lemon is my favorite flavor and I like it sweet. Pure Leaf Iced Tea has Sweet Tea, Extra Sweet Tea and… -
Tampa Bay Joins Hands for Autism Silent Auction
11 May 2012 | 7:07 pmWarriors For Autism invites you to the Second Annual Tampa Bay Joins Hands for Autism Silent Auction on June 1st from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Held at The Event Factory in Tampa, enjoy an exceptional evening and help raise money for the programs that enlighten, enrich and empower families with children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Guests can stroll through the softly lit trees of The Enchanted Forest while looking over our silent auction items. The auction features a wide variety of items donated by local business owners and private companies. Some of the items include: a Brunch Cruise… -
Stanley Steemer Spring Cleaning $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway
10 May 2012 | 12:32 pmTo celebrate spring cleaning, here’s a $100 Gift Certificate Stanley Steemer giveaway for my readers. As much effort as we put into cleaning our homes, some of the dirt, dust and particulates that cause allergic reactions remains. Stanley Steemer, the nation’s largest deep cleaning service, put out a national poll that found nearly half of respondents predicted spending less than four hours total on this year’s spring cleaning, but only 19 percent reported having ever used a professional for cleaning. They also stay in touch with their customers on their Facebook page and Twitter… -
Spending Time As A Family
7 May 2012 | 3:57 pmSpending time as a family is something I make happen. When my daughters were younger, it was an easy task. We’d go the park for a few hours and everyone was happy. Lunch at a fast food place would end up being a few hours while they amused themselves in the play yard after their meal and Mom and Dad talked. Now, with one daughter who is married and living halfway across the country and another who is 13 and would rather sit in front of her computer than do almost anything else, it takes a lot of effort on my part to spend time together as a family. Sisters Even if when it was just my 13…
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Strocel.com
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Mom Lecture: Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Calcium!
16 May 2012 | 8:00 amCalcium. It’s one of those things we know we need for healthy bones and teeth. But how much do we need, exactly? And how much is in your food? Like most people, I don’t know the answers to these questions. But as I’ve shared in the past I’m a Swiss Natural Ambassador, so I’m going to try to get to the bottom of this mineral. First things first. When I was researching vitamin and mineral supplements for children I learned that, according to the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research, more than 10% of Canadians don’t get enough calcium or vitamin D. -
Babies, Growing and Two Wheelers
15 May 2012 | 8:00 amYou have a baby. That baby is small. The littlest things that baby does are noteworthy. Like, say, lying on the floor with her eyes open. You think she may even be looking at you. Exciting times! It happens slowly, almost without your notice, but that baby grows. And grows and grows and grows. After a few months of growing, she develops enough hand-eye coordination to reach out and grab a toy. You are a first time parent, so you pull out your video camera and capture the moment. And then, that baby grows even more. She starts doing things like rolling over and crawling and pulling herself up… -
Giveaway: Sharing the Mother’s Day Love
12 May 2012 | 8:00 amMother’s Day is this weekend, and while it’s not exactly my favourite holiday, it does have its charms. The handmade gifts the kids bring home from school. The inedible breakfast you choke down with a smile. The excuse to do absolutely no cleaning for 24 hours – all great things. It’s been a while since I’ve done any sort of giveaway on Strocel.com, and Mother’s Day seemed like the perfect time to throw one together. I have some books and a DVD I received as promotional items and I’m using them to help share the love with my fellow moms. Or dads. Or… -
Podcast: Jen Arbo from the Royal City Farmers Market
11 May 2012 | 8:00 amIt’s May, which means that my garden is starting to come into its own, and local farmers’ markets are gearing up for their summer seasons. As a local food junkie, I thought this would be the perfect time to feature a podcast about one local market. My friend Jen Arbo is the Operations Manager with the Royal City Farmers Market, which operates in New Westminster, a Vancouver suburb not far from where I live. You may recognize the market from my sidebar, in fact, as they have been one of my most dedicated advertisers. Because they rock. Like local food rocks. Chard by Miho Shimamura… -
Stretch Mark Cream and Enviro-Mama Guilt
10 May 2012 | 8:00 amIt’s Enviro-Mama Thursday here on Strocel.com, and today I’m asking what to do with those products that come into your possession, which you yourself won’t use. Last week I made the trip to the mailbox at the local UPS store where I get my business mail, and discovered that I had a big “Pregnancy Survival Kit” waiting for me, promoting the new What to Expect When You’re Expecting movie. I didn’t request the kit, and in fact until it arrived I didn’t know about the movie. The truth is I haven’t even read the book, since nobody I know had…
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Bubbles n' Cups
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Love those stripes!
15 May 2012 | 2:31 pmI will drink cold coffee, but I was starting to enjoy the afternoon cup of hot coffee. So, I decided to hunt for a thermos. My friend lent me hers from Starbucks. It had a cool push button top that allows you to drink directly from it. It also kept coffee hot for over 5 hours. I was impressed. Too bad it was from 2006. After she suggested eBay, I found my dream thermos: -
Jewelry Finds at Tag Sales
12 May 2012 | 3:03 pmTotal spent: $1.50 -
Lego Cake Fail – What did I do wrong?
30 Apr 2012 | 7:25 pmI used this recipe and added extra milk. Too moist? Cupcakes came out fine, though. -
Love Thrift Shops
23 Apr 2012 | 4:48 pm -
Books are Still Better
17 Apr 2012 | 7:08 amThere may be an app for everything, but an interactive book to teach kids how to tie their shoelaces is more promising in this case.
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The Crazy Suburban Mom
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ad of the day, Femineering...! May 16, 2012
16 May 2012 | 7:01 amThis ad is for a refrigerator from International Harvester. They made agricultural machinery, construction equipment, vehicles, commercial trucks, and apparently, refrigerators. They started producing this kind of thing in 1947 but in less than 10 years they sold the fridge division to Whirlpool. Didn't want the housewives to feel they were buying a tractor so they girly-ed up their kitchen stuff by saying... Yeah.... The inside shots not very clear but here you go! -
Jonesing for Jetpens giveaway 2.0
15 May 2012 | 2:03 pmLast months giveaway was so much fun it's time to do it again! Comment with your fondest JetPens object(s) of desire and if it clicks for me I'll get it (them) for both of us. To get you started here's a couple o' few Jetpen-jewels I keep in my wish list (0r already bought). These may not float your boat but go take a look, there are tons of boat-floating goodies on the website. PS: For some reason Blogger is making coleslaw out of my links. Hope they are all okay, been trying to post this for days. Now I'm just going to post it and hope for the best. For… -
Mr. Malden à la Mode
13 May 2012 | 8:03 pmMr. Malden has turned into quite the chunker. Seriously, look at that beer belly. I didn't want to go to multiple Filofaxes but clearly Mr. Malden was a heart attack waiting to happen. About week ago I got a leather A5-ish thing at the Visiting Nurse Association rummage sale. The sale is in May and September and I'd stopped going because if there's one more thing I don't need, it's rummage. I used to go all the time but stopped when I found myself donating things I bought from them six months before. But... on the last day of the… -
Ad of the Day, Dog...Food? May 11.12
11 May 2012 | 12:35 pmToday's ad from a May, 1943 Woman's Day. It was common to see references to products being good for the War Effort in magazines around this time. The entire as is at the end. The ad starts with a pup asking for Gaines Dog food by phone. It adds the Army uses it. I wish they said the Army's dogs use it but that's neither here nor there... The part I found really odd was this section. It talks about how it gives everything that dogs need but conserves war-strategic table food because Gaines contains few if any ingredients that are needed… -
Filofax with some Oh! La! La!
10 May 2012 | 8:32 amThis week my quest for great paper had me crossing time zones, an ocean, and a continent; to France. Photo is from Goulet Pens. It's made by Clairefontaine and it's très magnifique. It's 90g, French-ruled and white (not all my pictures make it look white, but it's white none the less.... ). I wanted this paper forever and finally ordered it from Goulet Pens. There are a few pads but the one I got has 48 sheets (96 pages) and it's roughly A5 (6.75 in. x 8.75 in.) size. I was very jazzed to try the French rule (or Séyès paper )…
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Genny Heikka
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Thank you
16 May 2012 | 3:00 amThank you all so much for the notes and emails you’ve sent me letting me know you are praying for my brother. I truly appreciate it. He is still in the hospital and his surgery has not happened yet,... Visit my blog at http://www.gennyheikka.com to read more! -
Where I’ve been and what’s been happening
9 May 2012 | 3:00 amAs I type this, my brother is in a hospital room down the hall in the neurology department. He spent the last several days in ICU and was just moved to a “step-down” room in Neurosciences where he... Visit my blog at http://www.gennyheikka.com to read more! -
The lesson in the pet aisle at Target…
7 May 2012 | 3:00 am*post originally published 2009 My daughter and I walked into Target and headed straight for the pet aisle. She had around $40.00 left on a gift card she’d been saving, and she wanted to buy... Visit my blog at http://www.gennyheikka.com to read more! -
A Man Named Ted…
5 May 2012 | 3:00 am*Post originally published in 2009 and in the book Kirtsy Takes a Bow – A Celebration of Women’s Online Favorites. There’s a man named Ted who lives in a senior home near our house. I’ve... Visit my blog at http://www.gennyheikka.com to read more! -
Featured at Mamapedia Voices!
2 May 2012 | 3:00 amBeing a happy mom isn’t about sailing through motherhood. It’s not about having it all together or having the best kids. And it’s not about perfection. Motherhood can be chaotic, stressful, and... Visit my blog at http://www.gennyheikka.com to read more!
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Blueshelled
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Book Review: Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes
13 May 2012 | 1:56 pmI work in a profession where I see the results of the utter devastation that occurs when a life is shattered overnight. Prior to starting my career, I’d carefully considered how people reacted when their lives changed overnight due to death, job loss or infidelity and Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes covers the latter. I received Monarch Beach as a free book from Librarything to read and review and it appeared like just another summer novel where the woman prevails after the man does her wrong, at first glance. After reading it, however, there was more substance to Monarch Beach. Amanda… -
To my sister on her 16th birthday
26 Apr 2012 | 5:15 amDear Sister, Sixteen years is such a short time. Right now, it doesn’t seem like it because it’s all you’ve known, but I was exactly that age when you were born and I could probably, if I choose to, remember a time that there wasn’t a you in my world, but I don’t. Since there was a you, the way I think about life has changed and all of that in the context of having a you somewhere in it. Because of the you in my life, I am more inclined to view the world in a way that offers more potential than ever and more calamity than ever and in such, I have expanded the… -
Guest posts policy
24 Apr 2012 | 2:52 pmBlueshelled.com does not accept unsolicited guest posts. I prefer to do the writing on my site myself unless I believe that someone else has something to add that I just cannot say myself. Thank you for respecting this policy. -
Book Review: Make it Stay by Joan Frank
15 Apr 2012 | 3:01 amAbout a month ago, I received a short novel in my mailbox called Make It Stay by Joan Frank. It was an attractive novel with a beautiful teal cover and it was a free copy from Librarythings that was given to me to review. Because the book was so short, I admit that I took forever to get around to reading it because I thought that it would be an easy one sitting reading session that I could quickly complete. That didn’t happen. When I picked up the book, I found myself struggling to make it through even the first 20 pages of it. Let me explain why. Make it Stay is a book about a couple… -
Book Review: Far From Here: A Novel by Nicole Baart
1 Apr 2012 | 2:30 pmWhen Goodreads.com sent me a free copy of Far From Here: A Novel, written by Nicole Baart, I was really looking forward to reading it. The premise of the novel is one that is written from the perspective of someone who has been left behind when someone they care about turns into a missing case. Was the person lost or did the person leave and will he return? Will he be found? What caused him to go in the first place and what happened when he did? As someone who thrives on a good conspiracy theory, I know, I know, I should know better, but I do thrive on them, I couldn’t wait to see what…
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Playground Confidential
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The Beaches
14 May 2012 | 11:31 pmSometimes in the summer the kids and I will pick up Ed from work and then drive right across town to the east-end Beaches for dinner and a stroll on the boardwalk. We do it when it’s easier than facing the throng of late rush hour traffic heading west. I do it when I just [...] -
Off With Their Heads
11 May 2012 | 3:40 am“Mommy? Is my tiara on upside down again?” I let out a long sigh of resignation. “No, sweetie. It’s right side up. And … And it looks lovely.” She skips over to the mirror to admire herself. “I’m being a princess.” “That’s fine, Irene. You can pretend to be a princess if you want.” “I [...] -
On Not Keeping Up At All Oh God Please Help
8 May 2012 | 12:31 pmLife is a complete scramble right now. It’s not just the mad rush to cram lunch in my kids’ faces and pack Colum a snack and get everybody out the door in time to catch the school bus every single day. It’s not just the trying to get a six year old out of a [...]
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Mommas in the House - A blog that focuses on true momma experiences
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Pampers & 2 Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Kerri Walsh – Love Them Both!!
16 May 2012 | 5:00 amKerri Walsh w/ her 2yr old daughter Sundance at "Pampers Spirit of Play Date". If you love Pampers and you love Kerri Walsh, you’ll want to click on the video below. She answers all my questions about motherhood and the Olympics (fyi: not my voice on the video, just my questions). I love that she says that we can have it all (balancing career and family). She is truly an inspiration and I wish her the best of luck in London. My eyes see Gold for Team USA!!! -
Happy Mother’s Day To All The Special Mothers In Our Lives!!
13 May 2012 | 11:51 amWishing everyone a day of happiness, remembrance and new memories. I wanted to share a special card that my 6 year old made me for Mother’s Day. -
Save The Date: Pregnancy Awareness Month 05.06.2012
28 Apr 2012 | 10:14 pm
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If Evolution Really Works....
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Versus a Commercial I Love
25 Apr 2012 | 7:47 pmI could watch this commercial from Google Chrome 100 times over. -
Those Freaking Clorox Commercials!
23 Apr 2012 | 10:51 pmI’ve decided to impose a ban on any station running those god awful Clorox commercials. First off…..get the age thing right. The boy they selected for the kid who went #2 in the bath tub? He looks like he’s about 5. Now maybe I have lost my memory due to peri-menopause, but he looks a little old to be using a “potty” still. And seriously point out a mother who wouldn’t be yelling at this mess? Secondly, that commercial is repulsive. Completely. Now if this happened to me? I’d pretend I didn’t see it and wait for my husband to get home. He… -
Favorite Song to Belt Out When You’re Compeletly Alone?
20 Jan 2012 | 11:26 pmMine: Breathe (2 AM) by Anna Nalick Yours?
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Make It Do
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Q-tip Tip for Leaky Batteries
15 May 2012 | 6:00 amToday I’m sharing a video for how to clean that corrosive chalky white power from a leaky battery using Q-tips. I used it to save one of my girl’s favorite toys a few months ago. It worked so well that I couldn’t wait to share it here on Make it Do. Be sure to check [...] -
Books on my Mind
14 May 2012 | 10:08 amMy Mom left early this morning for the long drive from Salt Lake City to Kansas City for Quilt Market. She is helping her dear friends, Norma and Joyce of Geoff’s Mom’s Pattern Co. with their booth at the show. In preparation for the hours in the car, she called last week to get some [...] -
For Mother’s Day
11 May 2012 | 10:49 amThere is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one. – Jill Churchill This might just be my favorite quote on motherhood. It’s liberating to ponder it. How many nights have I laid in bed at night, before falling asleep, and thought about my kids? Worried about [...]
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Ron Rosenhead
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How do you motivate people?
10 May 2012 | 5:27 amMy daughter came home last week. She was bubbly and jubilant. She has one week to go in her current job and in advance of the new job, the company sent her a huge hamper with all of the food products she will be ‘selling.’ There was lots of food, (her words) lots of wine and a card signed by … Read More > -
Can you keep a promise?
8 May 2012 | 5:29 amBy Alison Smith, Project Agency Last Thursday, the people of London where Project Agency are based, voted in the Mayoral elections. This year is a key election year as Boris Johnson, who was elected on Thursday will make his mark in history as the Mayor of London during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and also for the London 2012 Olympics … Read More > -
How good is your project monitoring and control? What effect does it have on your projects?
1 May 2012 | 4:51 amOver the years I have seen a lot of negativity from participants on our project management courses. However, I noticed last year that when we spoke about project monitoring and control within companies the level of cynicism seemed to increase. So, I decided turn the cynicism into something that course participants could go away and do something about. I introduced … Read More >
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Tropic of Mom: Life at Latitude 26
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Mothers Day ups and downs
13 May 2012 | 11:03 pmSo, Mothers Day. I had to make breakfast for everyone. The boys couldn't get along and kept bonking each other on the head. My husband took us to the mall to have me pick out a gift for his mother. Lunch was rushed, we were late to meet with the in-laws, and dinner at the restaurant was awful. But I got to go stroll Hollywood Beach with my guys and feel the soft breezes. I got to sleep in past 10 am. My family gave me a new suitcase and a gardening book and made me cards. Several friends or family members texted me Mothers Day wishes. I guess I should count my blessings. Hosted by Krystyn at… -
I went to Mom 2.0 and all I got was a Dove T-shirt ... but really so much more
7 May 2012 | 6:13 pmThis past weekend I experienced the best blogging conference I've attended yet -- the Mom 2.0 Summit. It was an hour's drive away from my home, so like a nerd I drove there each day instead of shelling out big bucks to stay at the Ritz-Carlton. (Which was fabulous, of course, and I'm sure worth every cent they asked for.) Why was this the best conference so far? It's the only one where I got to meet The Bloggess. Who autographed her bestselling book, Let's Pretend This Never Happened, which I am giving to Heather at Cool Zebras because I know she is going to looooove it. It's the only… -
You didn't think I could let World Penguin Day just slip by...?
25 Apr 2012 | 1:55 pmYou know my boys love penguins. Scratch that, they are obsessed with penguins. Plush penguins come out of the bedrooms with the boys when they wake up in the morning, most days the penguins go to school or on errands, and the boys play with them all day and take them back to bed with them at night. This is no small thing. There are 25 penguins in my house. I counted. And each one has a name. That doesn't include the penguin figurines, or penguin T-shirts (seven) or penguin blanket. There's a rockhopper penguin notebook and pen set from SeaWorld. We have nine or ten DVDs about penguins -- some…
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Crazy Texas Mommy
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Yesterday I Dug a Very Large Hole
16 May 2012 | 9:12 amWith a riveting title like that, I bet y'all couldn't wait to dive into this post. And no, I'm not wanted for the disappearance of anyone. Yet. I haven't been working in my yard much since the wedding. As we've established, it's not due to some romantical, newlywed bliss since a) we're both assholes and b) he's not even home right now. My not working in the yard is the result of a report by our local ABC affiliate warning the masses of a bit of a snake problem due to our mild winter. Some of those snakes contain the poison. Death by snakebite does not sound near as pleasant as death by… -
A Mother's Day Primer for All The Men Folk
12 May 2012 | 4:05 pmUnless you live under a rock, you are probably aware tomorrow is Mother's Day. Based on my experiences over the years on Mother's Day, this day seems to cause some confusion among the men in the lives of women with children, unless that woman is their mother. Even then, things can go awry, but I can't help you sons with all that. I've never been a son and, luckily, my ex-husband is really good at Mother's Day, so my son has had no issues. Anywho, this is for for the hubbys, boyfriends, fiances, significant others and friends with benefits (She gives you nookie. You can give her flowers,… -
A Literal Broken Heart
10 May 2012 | 10:59 pmThey had known each pretty much all their lives and had been a couple since they were sixteen. In the sixty years they were married, they never spent a night apart. Not even when she was in the hospital after having part of her lung removed. He slept right there in her room and told the doctors he didn't spend the night apart from his love when they tried to convince him to stay at the family quarters they set up for those there with long-term patients. The last time I saw my uncle, he was talking about that bout with cancer, he talked about how scared he was of losing my aunt. He knew…
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Mom`s Education Sites
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Highly recommended
16 May 2012 | 8:13 amSupply Teaching Agencies London are currently looking for teachers to join there books for the new term stating in September. This agency is based in London and has several teaching jobs available. Teaching jobs are not easy to come by these days so it worth joining an agency to help you find local positions out there. Are you a supply teacher looking for work in London, either living in the area or able to commute and have all the required experience? if so give them a call, they even helped me improve my CV when I joined with them and found me a great job! -
Los Angeles Film School Reviews: Scholarship Programs
16 May 2012 | 5:04 amI am one of those people who would want to take up film making outside the country. I researched about the famous film schools in the United States over the internet. I read on some Los Angeles film school reviews and I have found out that Los Angeles is indeed one of the centers of film making in the United States of America. There are a lot of good film schools situated in Los Angeles. Some were even founded by famous film makers or directors. A lot of Los Angeles film schools are also providing scholarships to students who have excellent academic performance. Hence, if you want to gain a… -
Finding Email Lists
15 May 2012 | 8:14 amThere are no limitations to how many email lists one can develop. These can be for both business and personal use and used with many combinations. One can type in the name of the labeled name and include other email lists as well in all one email if one so desired. Many individuals create these kinds of lists by subject matter. These can be filed away alphabetically and retrieved when needed. With some smartphones when one receives an email with lots of addresses and if one wanted to add their email address to their contact lists automatically, this would be possible. In some cases one…
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And Twins make 5! - A Mommy Blog
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Our Cruise Aboard the Disney Dream: Day 2 Nassau & Pirate Night
16 May 2012 | 8:42 amDay 2 aboard the Disney Dream Cruise Ship began with our arrival at Nassau, Bahamas. While we originally had planned to just stay aboard and just enjoy all the ships offerings, we made a last minute decision to disembark for an hour or two to take a quick look around the Straw Market and a peak at Long Wharf. We spent about 2 hours checking out Nassau and all re-boarded the ship around lunchtime. Read More >>Copyright © 2009-2012 - Stephanie Manner Wagner (Author and Owner of And Twins make 5!) - A Mommy Blog. -
Enjoy Life Cookies (at home, at Disney World, & aboard the Disney Dream Cruise Ship!)
15 May 2012 | 9:35 amShortly before leaving for our recent Disney World and Disney Cruise Trip, we were sent all four flavors of the New Enjoy Life Crunchy Cookies to sample. With two out of five kids having various food allergies, we have become loyal fans of Enjoy Life products and were thrilled to get the chance to try their latest cookie offerings. Read More >>Copyright © 2009-2012 - Stephanie Manner Wagner (Author and Owner of And Twins make 5!) - A Mommy Blog. -
Our Disney Dream Cruise: All Aboard for Day 1
14 May 2012 | 5:12 pmWe arrived home Sunday evening from our 3 day cruise aboard the beautiful Disney Dream Cruise Ship. Our time aboard the cruise ship was the perfect follow up to our family's 4 day Disney World Adventure. It provided a bit of downtime for hubby and I, some playtime for our 3.5 year old twins, and some fun with peers for our older kids. Combine that with good food, excellent theatrical presentations, well done cabin accommodations, and a bit of Disney magic to get a great time for everyone in our group. In fact, we all unanimously agreed we'd go on a 7 day Disney Cruise in a…
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theplussizemommy.com
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Tips For Springtime Selling On eBay @eBay @eBayinkblog #eBayparent
11 May 2012 | 12:54 amApril selling brings May flowers! Winter is just about over and seasonal nurseries are popping up left and right, displaying beautiful flats of flowers and lawn decor. If you’ve been dreaming about cultivating that perfect garden, now is the time to sell those extra items around your house on eBay to earn some money and beautify your backyard. eBay also has its own “garden” of ideas, a page that offers resources to help you pick out gifts, ship smarter and find local deals on items you need. http://garden.ebay.com/ Spring Cleaning: Spring cleaning isn’t on anyone’s short list for a… -
Beach Ball Fun on Facebook With LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels
26 Apr 2012 | 4:18 amWith summer on the horizon, LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels is bringing a unique and entertaining interactive game to Facebook. The Vacation Escapes Beach Ball Bonanza gives fans an opportunity to enter for their chance to win a two-night complimentary stay with special amenities at 11 participating LXR properties. To play the game, visit www.lxrescapes.com/beachballbonanza. Participants simply “Like” the LXR Vacation Escapes Facebook page, then choose their friends to pass along or “bounce” the virtual beach ball to them in order to register to win. Participants can bounce the ball… -
Winner Of Mother’s Day Bash of Prizes from KMR !!
25 Apr 2012 | 10:39 amCongrats to: a Rafflecopter giveaway You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway. for winning this great prize pack! An email has been sent to you The Plus Size Mommy
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Features
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Twitter Recap: Orlando Travel
16 May 2012 | 12:33 pmOrlando is a perfect spot for a vacation regardless of your age. But as our moms pointed out, there’s more than Mickey Mouse in the sunny city. That’s why we devoted our May 14 Monday Night Twitter Party to Orlando travel. Continue... -
May 21 Twitter Party: Memorial Day/3-Day Weekends
15 May 2012 | 9:18 amIt's almost Memorial Day weekend – how will you celebrate the holiday (and resulting three-day weekend)? Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway, a longer trip or a staycation, TravelingMom has tips and ideas to make the most of your time! Continue... -
Near Disney: Dining in Orlando
14 May 2012 | 1:52 pmNew Yorkers and San Franciscans take deep pride in their city’s culinary superiority, and often disdain restaurants in other locations as not on par. This can be problematic when traveling, if you feel you have to set your palate’s expectations low. Continue...
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In The Know Mom
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teething products delivered {TeetheMe!}
16 May 2012 | 12:53 pmAnytime you can make parenthood a little easier, you should do it. I recently got hooked by a kids clothing delivery service and I’m loving the convenience. Now there is a company to help you through the teething years by deliveries as well. TeetheMe is a fantastic company that sends parents of toddlers crucial items. [...] -
{DIY} Sidewalk Chalk Spray
14 May 2012 | 8:32 pmIt’s hot out where we live right now and that only makes my daughter want to be out there all the time. One of her favorite things to do, other than swimming in the pool, is drawing with chalk. I’m always looking for ways to keep it interesting and fun. I absolutely adore this idea [...] -
Fattoush
13 May 2012 | 8:15 pmToday I decided to whip up a fairly simple salad. According to Wikipedia, Fattoush is a Levantine bread salad made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with seasonal produce (usually tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes), mixed greens and herbs. The mixed green component is made up of Romaine lettuce and mache (purslane), which [...]
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theprimamomma.com
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Favorite Firsts
16 May 2012 | 10:50 amKaris is at a time in her life where she is growing and changing daily. Some days are good days, some days are not-so-good days, but every day is an adventure! I love reading, and I love books. Now that Karis can read, I am thrilled to see her love of books grow exponentially. Sure, she’s always loved to be read to, but being able to read things for herself has given her a new passion for books. Sometimes I’m slow to catch on to things, but I eventually manage to put two and two together. This morning I realized that Karis has a favorite author! Her first favorite… -
Mother’s Day Tea
10 May 2012 | 3:18 pmI went to a Mother’s Day tea at Karis’s school today. The kids had been working hard for the past few weeks making special cards, and flowers, and love boxes for the big day. They sang us a beautiful song, and recited a poem. I tried to get video footage of Karis, but true to form, she hid behind the kid sitting next to her. At one point she managed to wedge herself completely behind the other kid. She may have a future with Cirque Du Soleil. I don’t think I’m going to bring my camera to her next recital. Maybe if she’s not being recorded… -
Superhero
9 May 2012 | 1:22 pmBrecken: “Mom, what’s the name of this song?” Me: “Someone Saved My Life Tonight by Elton John.” Brecken: “Oh. Who saved his life?” Me: “I don’t know. He just says ‘someone’.” Brecken: “Maybe it was Batman!” Tweet This Post
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About.com Working Moms
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Happy Mother's Day!
11 May 2012 | 3:33 amEvery Mother's Day, my husband's professional association holds its annual conference. No breakfast in bed for me, served by my loving family. But it's not a bad trade to explore a fun city as a tourist! Read Full PostHappy Mother's Day! originally appeared on About.com Working Moms on Friday, May 11th, 2012 at 08:33:37.Permalink | Comment | Email this -
What's Your Definition of a Mentor?
30 Apr 2012 | 4:51 pmOver my career, I've been fortunate enough to have several trusted mentors who supported my career. Sometimes that meant advocating for me to receive a specific assignment or promotion at work, but often it was simply being a confidential advisor whom I could count on to have my best interests at heart. Read Full PostWhat's Your Definition of a Mentor? originally appeared on About.com Working Moms on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 21:51:53.Permalink | Comment | Email this -
Flexible Employee Benefits Improve ... and Slip, Research Finds
30 Apr 2012 | 4:25 amNew research paints a mixed picture of the improvement in flexible benefits being offered to employees by U.S. employers in the period of time covering the Great Recession. While more workers can control their hours and location of work, employers are clamping down on longer leaves, career breaks and caregiving time off, according to a employer survey released today by the Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management, which updates a 2005 study. Read Full PostFlexible Employee Benefits Improve ... and Slip, Research Finds originally appeared on About.com Working…
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CurrentMom
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Where Working Moms Live . . .
16 May 2012 | 9:29 amWork Wednesday For many years, if you asked me where I live, I would say, "Oh, just outside of Washington, D.C." I would simply omit the name of the suburb where I live in favor of the Capitol City. Even... -
My Mommy Double-Standard
15 May 2012 | 11:05 am(Un) Tech Tuesday A few weeks ago my daughter's school had a festival on Saturday. Since she is in Kindergarten and I haven't been terribly involved other than chaperoning one field trip, this was it. My first time to get... -
Colorful Caprese: The Taste of Summer
14 May 2012 | 1:00 pmMeal Monday I know it's trite, overdone and proffered at every pretentious corner trattoria, but I don't care. Nothing says summer to me like an insalata caprese. I am, of course, something of a snob about the five simple ingredients...
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Fab Mums
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X is for xylophone
14 May 2012 | 5:28 amAfter the success of our peruvian drums, we built a colourful xylophone with some old pencils, polystyrene and cardboard. It is very easy to make and you can easily find all you need for this project in your crafts box. 1. Cut a piece of cardboard 24 cm long, with 14 cm width at one end 9 cm at the opposite end. 2. Cut two strips of polystyrene (height 18 cm – width 3 cm – depth 1cm). 3. Attach the polystyrene strips to the cardboard with glue. 4. Dig 8 grooves in the polystyrene with the scalpel leaving regular spaces in between. The grooves on one strip need to correspond exactly… -
How to make herbs pots from ice cream tabs
3 May 2012 | 5:44 amLately we have been consuming large quantities of ice cream so we are left with so many ice cream tabs to transform into useful things. I have already shared the storage containers decorated with comics, today I have some lovely plant pots where I planted my herbs to show you. They are very simple, but I am very proud of them. The ice cream we like comes in plastic tabs, which are quite resistant and could simply be reused just as they are for storing food. I like to get creative with them and turn them into prettier versions so this time I decorated them with old brown paper and glue. The… -
Quentin Blake’s Amazing Animal Stories
19 Apr 2012 | 5:20 amWe have just been given a wonderful book with some of the best animal stories from around the world re-told by John Yeoman. These stories are classics that tell you why Coyotes’ teeth are the way they are or how the turtle got his shell, which appeal to children today as much as they did in the past. Quentin Blakes’s Amazing Animal Stories is a wonderful book where these old stories are brought to life by Blake’s fresh and beautiful illustrations. Blake’s use of watecolour is almost casual, which brings movement and life to the drawings complementing the stories perfectly. A wonderful…
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Sprittibee
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Every Day is Mother’s Day
14 May 2012 | 9:35 pmIt isn’t too late to thank a good mother just because the national holiday has come and gone. Moms don’t get a day off – and it seems kind of silly to limit the gratitude to one day per year. Trust me. I know first hand (times 4) how much encouragement a mom needs all year. Motherhood is hard. Sticky. Gritty. Taxing. Never-ending. [Sometimes painful.] It’s also wonderful. Amazing. Beautiful. Fulfilling. Fun. It’s hard to explain. A blogging friend of mine decided she wanted to capture the “mess and glory” of motherhood. She gathered the thoughts, experiences, and photographs… -
A Hallmark Mother's Day
12 May 2012 | 12:19 pmI know that Mother's Day is tomorrow, and that this video is telling you to get your cards in the mail... but my crazy life prevented me from warning you on time. You can hear the chaos in the background. Just listen for the gleefully mischevious toddler and the little "not-happy-unless-I'm-in-mom's-arms" baby. Don't make fun of me for my first vlog attempt, please. I know I look and sound ridiculous on video. I thought I would share my crazy kids with you for mother's day - and show you the kind of amazing teenage 'tude I'm dealin' with on a regular basis. #pray4me I so enjoyed meeting up… -
Girl Interrupted
6 May 2012 | 6:28 pmIt's been a while since I shared a random list. Or reviewed my to-do list. Or ate six chocolate chip cookies. No, wait, I just ate six chocolate chip cookies a minute ago. Now, where did I put that glass of milk? TO DO THIS WEEK: bills and checkbook budget for trip in June / email contact for lease / pray hard menu / groceries thank you card for Pop - who paid for my break job (I heart him.) plans for the weekend finalized unpack / laundry homeschool assignment lists for the week 'heart over mind' - part 10 of "accidental unschooling" series back up photos edit bluebonnet pix / review…
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Zensible Mama
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Photologue: I Spy and Got Mickeyfied
16 May 2012 | 2:00 amMickeyfied at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Mickey Pumpkin Mickeyfied Shrimp Botanical Mickey Mickey Hose For more inspiring photos, check these wonderful blogs: The Bonafide LifeBetter in Bulk Shanamama From Dates to Diapers Not Your Momblog The Divine Miss MommyColorado MomsRajean Blomquist Rachel Ferruci, BrainFoggles, Zensible Mama and link your own photo stories. Don't forget to check our Mobile Shots collections for more interesting pictures like the ones you see above! Mobile Shots Collections. -
DisneySMMoms 2012: Royalty, Strollers, Marketing And Pizza!
14 May 2012 | 2:00 amwith @Maritramos inside Disney Social Media Moms Conference Hall Did the mention of Pizza in my title made you just a tad hungry? Well, you should be! This pizza has been a big hit at this year's conference, everyone just couldn't get enough of it or him, for that matter, it was almost insane! In a good way, of course. Yes, it's needless to say that this years' conference is definitely an interesting mix! One that made the conference a little more, let's just say, unforgettable! Meg Crofton, President of Walt Disney World officially opening the conference And in true Disney fashion,… -
What Does Motherhood Means? Moms Speaks Out
12 May 2012 | 2:00 amMother's Day is this Sunday, May 13 and we are delighted to have real life moms who are very influential in social media and in their own special ways, share their insights on what being a mother means to them! Rajean Blomquist "I have always looked at being a mom as huge responsibility because I'm helping to mold someone's future best friend, sibling, spouse, employee, mom or dad. Some days I feel very proud of my work in this area , others I realize I still have a lot of work to do, but it is the most fulfilling, frustrating, beautiful job I'll ever have. I try to take the best parts of…
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Pure Natural Diva
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Mineral Make Up Ingredients To Avoid
15 May 2012 | 6:09 pmPin It Mineral Make Up Ingredients To Avoid Mineral Make Up is a great option for those looking for natural beauty solutions. Mineral Make Up is even billed as good for your skin – so much so... Whole living for the diva in all of us. What fabulous change can you make today? Visit Pure Natural Diva for a few ideas. -
Attachement Parenting Takes the cover of Time Magazine & America IS Talking about Jamie Lynne
10 May 2012 | 10:02 pmPin It Attachement Parenting Takes the cover of Time Magazine & America IS Talking about Jamie Lynne A few short days ago, Los Angeles Blogger Jamie Lynne Grumet was invited to be photographed... Whole living for the diva in all of us. What fabulous change can you make today? Visit Pure Natural Diva for a few ideas. -
#VlogMom: Which TV Show Would You Want to Appear as a Guest?
10 May 2012 | 3:36 pmPin It This weeks #vlogmom question comes from Jenn Bullock of Mommy B Knows Best – Share the Television Show Would You Want to be a Guest. I had to think about this one.. Next... Whole living for the diva in all of us. What fabulous change can you make today? Visit Pure Natural Diva for a few ideas.
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Momma's Choice
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Go Now
16 May 2012 | 12:36 pmhow are ya? -
Just checking to see how this works
16 May 2012 | 12:35 pmJust checking to see how this works! -
7 Facts a Wife Should Know About Her Husband
15 Mar 2012 | 11:49 amThere are many aspects to being a good wife. Here we found 7 things every wife should know from The Christian Post. . .
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Pancakes and French Fries
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What to Read
15 May 2012 | 1:00 pmMy greatest achievement over the past two days was the acquisition of a new pair of flats to wear with my skinny jeans. The pair I’ve been wearing for over two years are stretched beyond comfort. They flop when I walk and give me blisters. I bought Minnetonkas, shoes I last wore when I was 8 years old, so I’m not sure if this achievement isn’t in fact a regression. We’ll see how these work out. I have Senioritis. I’m waiting for summer and becoming increasingly overwhelmed with everything on my plate, real and imagined. I knew baseball with two kids would be… -
Mothers
14 May 2012 | 2:00 amMy mom’s home office heavily inspired our family room. Her room of piles was always my favorite as a child, and while you would think it was all about the books, that wasn’t the only draw. On those shelves, the same shelves that held all her research, all her books on feminism, all her books on politics, all her books on literature and violent crimes (the woman is obsessed) also sat an assortment of really bad gifts. A pinch pot in the shape of a square with a giant M in blue. A plastic, wind-up stained glass “window” with a Bible verse. Cranking the key set off a… -
Happy, Happy
11 May 2012 | 2:00 amHere are a few of the things that made me happy this week. I love laughing until I cry, so Sunday was an especially good day. On Monday Nicholas made me a very fancy necklace. I received a Facebook notice on Tuesday. Something about being tagged in a picture. Oh goody, my favorite. I clicked over and found a picture of Mikey and his baseball team, with Mikey looking positively miserable. Full on pouty face with arms crossed! Fabulous. I showed it to him later and asked him what was going on when the coach took the picture. Mikey took one look and winced, then claimed he didn’t know how…
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minor catastrophes
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good thing we brought food with us
14 May 2012 | 5:00 am -
your turn: funny by deadline
19 Apr 2012 | 5:00 am -
operating instructions
16 Apr 2012 | 5:00 am
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Baby Bump Fitness
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Mothers Day- free program
9 May 2012 | 3:54 pmAfter what feels like far too long ( 4 months) of modified fitness programs I am getting back on track. My hand is healing rapidly and felt immediately better after my surgery 2 weeks ago. My daughters would not hold my hand for 2 weeks as they thought my stitches were actually a beard growing out of my hand, WTF!!! weird. Things I totally took for granted- cutting meat, using scissors, flicking my finger (usually when driving) picking up or pulling anything over 15 lb. As usual I am looking forward to a mothers day performance at my kids school and hopefully a counter top/ sink and… -
Baby Bump Busy Mom Fitness Bootcamp
15 Apr 2012 | 7:32 amBaby Bump Busy Mom Fitness Bootcamp Busy Mom Bootcamp- Toronto East Location, private gym studio. Mondays and Fridays, 2x/week, 6:30 or 9:30am GET IN NOW start May 8 Start Date- May 7 End Date- June 25 8 weeks Class Limit- 6 campers, Price 320/8 weeks, 2x/week full instruction, partner measurements without pressure Based on Baby Bump Busy Mom Fitness Program- full program given to all campers with 2 extra on your own workouts per week Program Preveiw- Day 1: Phase 2 Exercises Day 1 Phase 2 Superset 1 a) Body Weight Squat b) Bent Over 2 Arm Rows Superset 2 a) Waiters Bow (Romanian… -
Baby Bump Busy Mom Boot Camp
13 Apr 2012 | 2:37 pmAnyone interested in a group Busy Mom bootcamp class please email me at jacqgradish@hotmail.com. This will be help into Toronto’s East End. I will send details to interested parties. Regards, Jacqueline
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myGLOSS :: What Women Want to Know
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Giveaway: A Year’s Supply of Quilted Northern Toilet Paper (5 winners!)
16 May 2012 | 10:38 amIs it too early in the day for a little bathroom humor? Check out some really fun stats that Quilted Northern just shared: When out and about, 69% of women held off using the loo until they got home. 38% of women say they’ve pushed the speed limit to reach a bathroom more quickly. 26% have [...] -
GLOSS Find: Plumen Bulb
15 May 2012 | 3:43 pmWe all try to do our part to help the environment deal with all of the damage we have done to it. We also would all love to save some money when we are trying to make the right choices for the environment. One of the easy ways to do this is to use energy [...] -
Giveaway: Win $100 Gift Code to StubHub!
15 May 2012 | 1:20 pmAs you count down to graduation time and Father’s day, you may want to give your giftee an “experience” gift rather the clichéd power tools or ties that are going to sit on his shelf. And, then, an idea hit me…(probably as I was out scouting for tix of my own) — what about StubHub? It’s [...]
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icefairy's Treasure Chest
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Today Only: New iPad Giveaway!
8 May 2012 | 12:51 amCinsay Inc. is giving you the opportunity to win the New iPad for FREE! To enter, just "like" Cinsay's Facebook page then fill out the entry form. While you are on their page, be sure to check out Cinsay's other offer to create your own Smart store! Share this contest with your friends on Facebook and you will be rewarded a $20 gift card and another chance to win a New iPad! You need to -
Launching Today: Allergies, and Awesome You
8 May 2012 | 12:00 amLaunching Today: Allergies, and Awesome You Do you have a child with allergies? Can you imagine life allergy free? The AmazingAllergist will show you how! Allergies, and Awesome You: Believe You Can Get There Too! This book, through a life story of an allergic child, will empower you and your children. Allergies, and Awesome You” is a part of the AmazingAllergist’s Awesome Series -
Ends today! Win a $200 Whole Foods Gift Card! #DFW
4 May 2012 | 2:11 pmYou must feel good if you live in the DFW area because there's another great DFW only giveaway going on today. Dallas Family Medicine is giving away a $200 gift card to Whole Foods Market among their Facebook fans. Follow 2 easy steps to enter here by midnight central today. Good luck!
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SortaCrunchy
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Heartfelt Gratitude & Virtual Yoga Class Reminder
16 May 2012 | 1:21 pmFrom my featured sponsor and beautiful friend Jennifer of Every Breath I Take: Do you all know just how awesome you are? With Megan at the helm, the entire SortaCrunchy community is such a bright and shining spot on these here internets. I've had this vision of making a diverse and vibrant yoga practice accessible to more people through low-cost, virtual classes since I started teaching yoga almost a decade ago. But, being the nit picky perfectionist that I am, I've let some "hurdles" stand in my way for years. "The cost of a camera crew and studio space with perfect lighting is so high, but… -
Once Upon a Time Tuesday: A Land Without Magic
15 May 2012 | 8:58 amIt's Tuesday and it's the SEASON ONE FINALE, friends! A Land Without Magic. Let's discuss ... I have to tell y'all that a few weeks back, Kyle's interest in Once Upon a Time completely cratered (long before last week's fairy assault on the castle and our eyes), so I've been watching it on my own for the most part. Yesterday morning, AJ joined me in watching the finale, and when Evil Queen Regina was yelling at The Huntsman (GRAHAM!) for letting Charming escape, AJ asked, "Why is she evil?" The best way I knew to say it to a a four year old was "She can't help herself. It's who she is." As I… -
and so I told her she is strong (and that I am, too)
11 May 2012 | 10:23 amYou'll be glad to know I didn't freak out this time. I didn't go all crazy-eyed intense like I did the last time my beautiful seven year old daughter invited me to a conversation about beauty, body, and what it means to be a girl in this culture. She was standing in front of the full-length mirror in her room and she put her hands around her thigh. "My legs are fat." Like Jack Shepherd allowing himself to the count of five to experience the terror of a mistake in the operating room, I inwardly counted to five to allow myself a moment to push down the freak out. "Hmmmm," I said. "Why do you…
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MyBrownBaby
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Speaking of Breastfeeding, Alicia Keys Says No One Told Her About the Pain
16 May 2012 | 8:34 amAlicia Keys sat down with Amanda de Cadenet just a few days before Mother’s Day to talk about body image, motherhood and even sex. The usually private Keys opened up on an episode of the new Lifetime... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Halle Berry Wants President Obama To Stop Paparazzi On the School Pick-up Line
16 May 2012 | 8:23 amHalle Berry is ticked that paparazzi got way too close to her and her daughter, Nahla, last week while she was picking her child up from school—so much so that she’s thinking about tapping into... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Maternity Leave Laws: The Best and Worst States For Working Moms
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amSo basically, it sucks to be a working mom in America. That’s according to a new report by The National Partnership for Women & Families, which handed out “F” grades to 18 states for failing to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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Happy Hour Mom
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sticky bellies :: maternity milestone photos
16 May 2012 | 1:31 amSticky Bellies are a fun way to keep your Facebook fans updated on your baby bump status. I love tracking the pregnancies of my girlfriends who are now living all over the world, and the best way to do it is on Facebook. The Sticky Bellies are easy to use, and can even be re-used for the first 9 months of baby milestones (check out these cute photo ideas for baby). There are so many creative ideas out there, we would love to know what our Happy Hour Moms have done to track their pregnancies. Share your ideas below, and post your bumps on our Happy Hour Mom Facebook Page, we can’t wait… -
happy mother’s day!
13 May 2012 | 1:59 amToday is meant to be a day full of love and pampering, when us moms can put ourselves first– without feeling guilty. The ultimate day full of “happy hours!” We wish you a day of relaxation, love, and “me time,” just promise us that you will let this day be about you : ) Besides, we are pretty sure you will make up for it next month on Father’s Day (they just couldn’t let us one-up em!) Have a lovely day ladies… Shannon Hughes Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing… -
rainbow cinco de mayo piñata cookies
5 May 2012 | 3:57 pmThese rainbow Cinco de Mayo piñata cookies are too stinkin’ cute! SheKnows.com has a thorough how-to article and video {you can watch it in the top right of this page} to guide you in making these festive treats. I found them too late for our Cinco do Mayo festivities, but I have to admit, I am ready to use these fun-filled cookies the next chance I get. I’m thinking rainbow balloons full of yummy surprises… What shape/style would you use to take this concept to the next level? Have you done anything like this before? We’d love to hear your ideas and see your pics,…
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ModernMami™.com
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Traveling: The Good and The Bad
16 May 2012 | 12:32 pmThree weeks of travel can certainly throw you for a loop. One one hand, I was able to attend two conferences and attend a brand event, so business-wise, they were good trips. On the other hand, I’m internally off-balance after traveling three weeks in a row. Good and bad. There were plenty of good things about these trips and I don’t regret for a second going on any of them. But, as is true with much in life, with the good comes the bad. The Good I was very lucky to have been able to take my family along for both conferences. Though I was mostly attending the conferences, I did… -
Joining the Bumble Bee Squad with Bumble Bee Foods!
14 May 2012 | 10:20 amI grew up eating tuna fish. It was a quick lunch solution – mix tuna with mayo, spread on bread, and you had a quick sandwich! My mom often made those for us, so naturally it became a go-to meal for me as I got older and especially when away at college. It’s actually still a part of my lunch menu every so often, though I’ve “upgraded” the sandwich by adding mustard, cheese, lettuce, and sometimes tomato. Exotic, isn’t it? Because tuna has been a part of my life for so long, it was easy for me to say yes when Bumble Bee Foods asked if I wanted to partner… -
Querida Mamá: A Letter for My Mom this Mother’s Day
8 May 2012 | 12:09 pmNote: The following is in Spanish because when I speak to my mom, I speak to her in the first language I learned, Spanish. An English translation can be found below, so just scroll down! Querida mamá, No sé ni como empezar a describir lo mucho que aprecio la madre que tú eres. Son tantas cosas que me has enseñado – los consejos que me has dado desde chiquita, como ser buena madre y esposa, y como luchar para poder salir adelante. Tú siempre fuiste honesta conmigo y compartiste lo que fue tu niñez, como lucharon para sobrevivir en esos tiempos difíciles, y porque tú querías mejor…
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Mommy On Fire
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A Must Read: A Prayer For Mothers
12 May 2012 | 12:14 pmThese words are not authored by me. I would count them as words I wish I had written but alas, they are not and I don’t know who did. This prayers was given to me by a MOPS mom at our last meeting. She received it in preparation for her child’s first communion. Five lines [...] -
When I Humbly Ask For Prayer
10 May 2012 | 9:17 pmA bit presumptuous? Yes but I couldn’t find a button that just said “She Speaks”…HA! It is now the third consecutive summer I have registered for “She Speaks” which is a very well-respected conference for speakers and writers put on by Proverbs 31 Ministries. I have yet to attend. Two years ago, fear got the [...] -
Removing The “Have To”…
6 May 2012 | 9:42 pmApparently, this was the best Easter photo we could muster. We tried. It’s amazing how much I have been looking forward to getting back to this place now that I don’t view it as a job. Suddenly, I began to feel like I HAD to write and not that I WANTED to write. Have-to’s are [...]
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ivy league insecurities
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I Miss It (a.k.a. Four Months Without Wine)
16 May 2012 | 4:00 amSo. Today it has been four months. Four months without my (beloved) wine or any booze for that matter. Argh. Okay, I wish I could tell you that things are peachy keen and I adore this experiment of mine and am thrilled with my decision to do it and do it in such an wildly public fashion. I wish I could tell you that I never think about pouring a glass of wine, that life is just infinite bliss without it. I can’t tell you these things because, well, they aren’t true. And if this year is about one thing, friends, it is about truth. Honesty. Being real. So. Let’s do it. -
First
15 May 2012 | 4:00 amI think it is important that we remember this. Every artist was first an amateur. Every man was first a boy. Every woman was first a girl. Every story was first a word. I know we are focused on Next and Last, but let’s never lose track of First. In this society of ours, why do you think we are more focused on destinations than departures, ends than beginnings? Do you think we can transcend this bottom line thinking if we try? Share and Enjoy: -
Glimpses of Goodness
14 May 2012 | 4:00 amDo you know how hard it was for me to abstain from annotating the foregoing pics? Did you glimpse goodness this weekend? And what, really, does that mean? Share and Enjoy:
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MOMeo Magazine for Work-at-Home Moms: Business Tools | Parenting Advice | Mom Lifestyle Tips | Mom Blog | Mom Forum
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Gadgets Got the Ewww Yuck Factor? How to Clean Your Favorite Tech Toys
16 May 2012 | 6:00 amOver time, dust, grime and gunk can wreck your tech, not to mention boost the “Ewww YUCK” factor (let’s not even discuss that most smartphones tested in a recent study show trace levels of E. coli bacteria…SO GROSS). Needless to say, cleaning your favorite tech gadgets thoroughly and often is just as important for YOUR health as it is for the longevity of the tech itself. Before you give your smartphone a flea dip, though, it’s important to know how to clean it the right way. Whether it’s your TV or your laptop or your trusty sidekick, the smartphone,… -
Trolling for Traffic: Is It Worth Tarnishing Your Brand for Clicks?
15 May 2012 | 6:00 am“Don’t feed the trolls.” Meaning if someone posts an extremely negative and inflammatory post about you or a group that you belong to for the sole purpose of eliciting a response, the best thing to do is not respond. It’s become the mantra of the blogosphere and is a generally good life principle to not get into it with someone who for all intents and purposes just wants to start a fight. But what about those who ‘troll’ for traffic by posting negative articles and comments about a specific group with the intent of using their reaction to drive traffic back to the original source? -
The E-A-S-Y Principle: Why the Secret to Getting What You Want Starts with EASE
14 May 2012 | 6:00 amPeople are lazy, busy, overwhelmed or just plain not interested in jumping through a bunch of hoops to do what you want them to. There, I said it. Yes, it’s a slightly pessimistic view of human nature, but more often than not, it’s true. You see, good intentions fall by the wayside when you ask people to take too many steps, especially when they aren’t particularly interested in doing so. Now with that out of the way, let’s talk about how you motivate these lazy, busy, overwhelmed and uninterested people to do what you want them to do. In short, make it E-A-S-Y. Take a networking…
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Eccentric Eclectic Woman
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Oprah Magazine 12 Issues for Only $10 Deal!
6 May 2012 | 11:01 amI'm reporting to you as your friendly Purex Insider. Purex has teamed up with Oprah Magazine to bring you a fantastic deal: 1-year subscriptions to O Magazine for only $10! That is 12 whole issues of this awesome magazine! I believe this is the lowest price for O Magazine available anywhere on the internet, during this promotion window.DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the O Magazine promotion I will get a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card for every 5 subscriptions I generate. Thanks to Purex for providing me this promotion information. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion… -
Purex Let’s Be Honest Campaign, Sweepstakes And Sample
5 May 2012 | 10:54 amI'm reporting to you as your friendly Purex Insider. Starting today, Purex launches their new Let’s Be Honest promotional campaign. Every few days through mid-July at www.purex.com Purex will feature Second City Comedian Molly Erdman in a series of funny, short videos sharing honest moments from everyday life, laundry, etc.The best part is that you can also enter their sweepstakes to win a full year of Purex laundry detergent. I really love their Free and Clear Detergent!!Have you gotten and tried a free Purex sample yet? If not, go HERE to get a free sample and try it for… -
Gardening with Little Miss Greenfingers: Growing Culinary Herbs In Containers by Anja Koch Ebook Review
3 May 2012 | 3:30 pmDid you know that May 5th 2012 is Herb Day? What better way to celebrate than to plant and grow some culinary herbs in some containers for your kitchen or outdoor area! 'Gardening With Little Miss Greenfingers: Growing Culinary Herbs In Containers - Healthy & Delicious!' by Anja Koch is just the ebook to give you the perfect amount of information you need to do this in an easy and affordable way.This ebook is the first of a series called 'Gardening With Little Miss Greenfingers' by Anja Koch. It covers all aspects of growing culinary herbs in containers indoors and outdoors. It…
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Mom Generations - Mom Fashion and Beauty » Audrey
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Tide’s My Story, Our Flag: Interview with World Champion Cyclist Sarah Hammer
16 May 2012 | 1:03 pmI’m currently working with Tide on their Gold Medal Blogger Team right now and I couldn’t be more excited and honored to be doing so! Tide is doing an incredible campaign right now called My Story, Our Flag and they’re asking everyone to share their red, white and blue stories. What does red, white and blue mean to you? It’s different for everyone and a beautiful way to get everything excited for the upcoming Games! To share their red, white and blue stores on Facebook and Twitter! Yesterday I had the opportunity to interview World Champion Cyclist Sarah Hammer, one of… -
My Facebook Chat with Kerri Walsh for Pampers — Watch Video
15 May 2012 | 2:30 pmTwo-time Olympic Games Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh may be gearing up for the London 2012 Olympic Games, but I had the amazing opportunity to steal some of her downtime to chat all things mommyhood… !! What a DAY!! Thank you Kerri! Share this on Facebook Tweet This! Get Shareaholic -
Hanes Men’s “Tee-ser” Event
15 May 2012 | 1:47 pmOn Monday, May 8th, I had the chance to check out a Hanes Men’s “Tee-ser” Event in NYC! With having 4 sons and a husband… all whom love Hanes, I love seeing what’s new and what’s going on in the world of Hanes for men, especially their tees. My husband wears Hanes ALL THE TIME, tees and (ahem) underwear, they’re the best and they are incredible quality and amazingly affordable. It’s a win-win! What I love the most about Hanes tees for men is that they can easily be dressed up or down… they are versatility for men at its finest……
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The Survival Mom™
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Self-Reliance Expo Coming to Colorado Springs
12 May 2012 | 5:27 amNext weekend, May 18 and 19, the Freedom Financial Services Center in Colorado Springs will be buzzing with thousands of families searching for strategies and tools to become more self-reliant. I’m excited to be a part of this event, the Self-Reliance Expo. The line-up of speakers is simply amazing. Here is just a sample of what is scheduled for one of three stage areas: Friday May 18th 10-10:45 Kellene Bishop: 10 principles of preparedness 11-11:45 Lisa Bedford: No Man is an Island: How to Get Your Whole Family Involved with Preparedness 12-12:45 Dr. David Christopher:… -
A Manual Well Pump for Grid-Down Scenarios: The Bison Pump
11 May 2012 | 5:51 pmGuest post by Stephen Clay McGehee who blogs at The Southern Agrarian. image by Stephen Clay McGehee When we decided to add manual pumping capability to our electric pump well, it came down to two alternatives – the Simple Pump or the Bison Pump. Both are designed for different uses, so one is not necessarily “better” than the other. They are, however, very different. We chose the Bison pump. Before we discuss the Bison pump, let’s look at the Simple pump. The well and pump company that we use – Trentham Well Drilling in Orange City, Florida – has installed a number of Simple… -
Win a Copy of Survival Mom AND a FlashLantern!
10 May 2012 | 11:58 amimage by Newsbie Pix If you hurry, you have a chance to win a signed copy of my book, Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst Case Scenarios, and a really terrific product, the FlashLantern. There will be 5 lucky winners! Bookperks, who is handling this giveaway, is a sort of Groupon for book lovers, and they selected my book for this promotion! I’m very honored and excited to be included. I reviewed the FlashLantern a while back, you can read my review here, and our family takes it on every camping trip. I love that Bogden Outdoor Equipment is a…
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teach mama
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learning during read-alouds: critical thinking, new literacies
14 May 2012 | 9:00 amI read an extremely interesting article this week that has really left me thinking about how I read with my children. It left me thinking about my expectations for what we discuss and for what my children are capable of gaining from texts. It left me thinking about how deeply we delve into the books we read and whether or not I am helping to prepare Maddy, Owen, and Cora for a ‘new’ literacy–a literacy ‘reconceptualized for the 21st century’. I am fairly confident that during many of our read-alouds, I do my best to sneak in some sort of comprehension strategy,… -
disney social media moms celebration: 5 life lessons learned
11 May 2012 | 9:00 amI am over the moon to share all that I learned at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, but it just cannot be done in a single post. So today, I’m going big. I’m looking at the big picture, the umbrella ideas, the big take-aways. And it hasn’t been easy to narrow all that awesomeness into a few big ideas, but I’ve tried. Because I know for me, simpler is better. And with a whole lot of Disney magic, a bit o’ pixie dust, and a spoonful of sugar, I’ve managed to squeeze five full days of Disney awesomeness and an incredible conference into 5 simple life… -
quick trick: how to teach kids to write number 5
10 May 2012 | 7:00 amMany, many children I know have a difficult time writing number five. Actually many children I know have a difficult time writing many of the numbers because they don’t have many opportunities to write them like they do with letters. But I think that especially when kiddos turn five–and when they’re ready to head to Kindergarten–it’s important that they know how to write ‘their’ number. Five is a big year–at least it is in our house. It means preschool is nearly over. It means Kindergarten is around the corner. Five just sounds bigger…
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Unmotherly Insights
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Random acts of Starbucks
11 May 2012 | 8:53 amSo we ran out of coffee beans this morning. This is a bad thing. My children stayed conspicuously absent during our usually chaotic morning routine. They knew that a mommy void of caffeine was not to be trifled with. We all marched into the car at the ridiculously early hour of 7am so we’d have time to stop at Starbucks, get to the eye doctor to pick up Levi’s new specks, and still get to school by 8. The drive-thru was packed so I decided to run inside for my fix. But alas, the number of customers in line so far outweighed the number of baristas, I made the call that waiting was not an… -
Happiness is…
5 May 2012 | 1:49 pmHappiness is…a warm puppy…or whatever you make it! I heard something interesting on the radio the other day about happiness. Happiness, the philosophical talk show host explained, was different depending on your stage of life. He went on to say that when you are young, happiness comes mostly from thinking about your future. Then, in middle age, it comes largely from being in the moment and living life, often quite hectically, in the present. Old age finally, finds happiness predominately from memories of the past. I haven’t been able to shake this concept. I find it sad and… -
A field trip to make a mom proud!
28 Apr 2012 | 5:00 pmLevi at last year's "Clean up the park day." My 11 year old son, Levi, is a worrier. I have to admit he comes by it naturally. But he’s always been this way which makes it hard to determine whether it’s hard-wired into his DNA or just the product of an overly dramatic, catastrophizing mother. One of the things he’s always been concerned about is the environment. So when, as a four year old, he approached his preschool teacher with a “clean up the park” scheme, I didn’t really think twice about it. Luckily his teacher was a creative empowering woman who believed in…
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Stage Mom
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An old married couple
16 May 2012 | 4:01 am“La Cage Aux Folles” is one of the best musicals I’ve seen at ASU Gammage (Photo by Paul Kolnik/Courtesy of ASU Gammage) They weren’t technically married, of course, since same sex marriage was strictly verboten when Brooklyn-born Harvey Fierstein (book writer for “Newsies” currently on Broadway) wrote the book for “La Cage Aux Folles.” But the musical’s two main characters — a transvestite dubbed Zaza and his merely gay partner named George — aren’t all that different from the rest of us long-wedded couples. -
Once upon a painting
16 May 2012 | 2:41 amMy favorite scene from “Red” — which runs through May 20 at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix (Photo by Chris Bennion) Now that our three college-age kids are home for the summer, we’ve got a bit more help around the house. Not with the heavy lifting, but more modest tasks like snatching papers off the printer and delivering them to me at my laptop. When they come with a smile, I feel doubly blessed. Recently Jennifer was the bearer of a bio I’d printed about artist Mark Rothko, whose work is at the heart of a play called “Red” that’s… -
Mothers making the journey home…
13 May 2012 | 2:02 pmWomen at Estrella Jail participating in the Journey Home program. Photo by Aaron Lavinsky. Courtesy of ASU Gammage. Mother’s Day was the farthest thing from my mind as I drove into the parking lot for visitors to the Estrella Jail in Phoenix, which is temporary home for “approximately 1,000 inmates, predominantly female.” I’d been invited to see a performance by women participating in Journey Home – one of many community outreach programs of ASU Gammage in Tempe, which is headed by executive director Colleen Jennings-Roggensack. We use lots of labels to…
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ChildWild
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So Much For Quitting Everything
10 May 2012 | 5:40 pmA few years ago I quit everything. Well, not everything, but nearly all our organized activities. I was tired of the running around, tired of the time pressure, tired of the money sink. Tired. We’ve had a few relatively quiet years drenched in free play and getting used to the routines of school life. Now that’s changing. It started with Softball. One day last week, a friend of Rio’s from school invited her to play softball after school. They picked her up and took her out for what I thought would be a pick-up game in the park. Or rather, I guess I knew there was some level… -
The Full Catastrophe: The Nields’ New Album About Motherhood
5 May 2012 | 1:11 amRio recently interviewed the Nields, one of our family’s favorite folk bands. They also hooked us up with a review copy of the new album, which I’m doing my level best to review here. The Full Catastrophe isn’t a kids’ album, but it is catchy and listenable in a way my kids enjoyed. It’s thematically dedicated to families and motherhood. It’s no wonder the Nields are focused on motherhood. When we talked, Nerissa said, “We are inspired by what we do. Of course, being mothers, that’s what we’re thinking about all the time.” Of… -
Did The Nields Ever Play For The Queen Of England?
4 May 2012 | 5:18 pmNo, they did not. They did play lots of house concerts in Ireland, though, while traveling there. They played for every house that hosted them. Ask me how I know? Because Rio interviewed them, and one of her first questions was, “Did you ever play for the Queen of England?” The Nields are one of our family’s favorite bands. We love their music, we love their attitude. We love the music they make for adults and the stuff they play for kids. You can imagine how excited we were when I was invited to interview them about their new album, The Full Catastrophe. Rio at 7 knows…
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Honey Hazel
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a little play time
16 May 2012 | 8:45 amwe decided it was time for us....time to go play. and so we headed a million miles away to play mini golf. they built this brand new one last year. it's probably the funnest place on earth just because putt putt has the best features. I personally couldn't stop taking photos and Bryan was like, "I didn't pay $60 so you could take photos!" UM yes you did, sir! LOLbest invention ever......this fan is what every outdoor location needs in SW FL......it splashes water and cools you like no other!I like crashed zebra planes! i think we enjoyed playing in the water over putting the balls in the… -
Taking My Coffee for a Walk and an Asshole
9 May 2012 | 8:05 amit all started with these bad ass stairs. i love steps. and we were a little early waiting for the bus. i normally don't take M down, Bry does; so when I take her down, i bring the coffee with us. it was already a scorching 90 this morning. and i wore my pajama pants out. i knew i should have thrown my shorts on, damn it. i had to hurry. we walked quickly towards Mack and then wished her a good day and said i love you:except she doesn't care and continues playing with her music;-)and off she goes.....and so do we! i headed back to the house where the golf carts have a stop sign on both sides,… -
Stripes and Red
3 May 2012 | 8:03 amBefore we went to Starbucks, we parked along the road and got out at the end of our community where the water is. It's relaxing and was just the perfect breeze for the day! I hadn't painted my nails in such long time---red was the perfect color! I bought this striped dress and red bag at Aggro for $64. Bryan was going crazy. Are you kidding me? I never buy myself anything. A summer dress and new bag was just what i needed. I love Roxy! Some of my favorite pieces are Roxy Brand. Hannah was a good photographer. I love these cheeks.We dipped our hands in the water and made handprints on the…
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Where there's a Willer
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Not mom enough, at all
15 May 2012 | 10:50 pm“How was your Mother’s Day?” she asked, at kindergarten drop off. “I…uh…hmm…” I stammered in response. Christ. So Sunday morning we had to get back to Toronto from Ottawa and quickly as Mark had to get to work, and we had to get the dog from the kennel. He took the boys for a swim while I packed everything up and quickly fed the baby. Then boys thrust some Hallmark greeting cards into my hand and Mother’s Day was never mentioned again. We checked out of the hotel, we grabbed some breakfast, and then the road trip home started. Once we made… -
Uncle Buck
9 May 2012 | 10:09 amIt may seem odd to be shocked by the death of someone who had cancer for more than 20 years. Who battled and waged war against that cancer for most of my life. I assure you, however, that a phone call from my parents last week to relay the news was a huge jolt. Fitton, Nicholas James – Suddenly on Friday, May 4th, 2012 in hospital after a long battle with cancer…(full obit). He was supposed to be invincible, after all. I won’t even believe this has happened until I see my family tomorrow and he’s not there, with no giant hug for me. A life has so, so, so many stories, and… -
Review: Playing with the Blackberry Playbook
6 May 2012 | 10:14 pmLast week, we took a quick trip to Orlando, Florida. Mark had a conference to attend, so we added a couple of extra days and packed up most of our earthly belongings (or so it seemed) and treated the kids to a bit of an adventure. One of the handiest things we brought? Our new Blackberry Playbook. I loaded a bunch of kid-friendly apps on the device before we left. The older kids were complete angels on both flights as it was a special surprise treat to use Mummy’s tablet – only in exceptional circumstances do I let them touch such things! They mastered educational games from TVO,…
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grumbles and grunts
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I just want to play outside all day
16 May 2012 | 9:56 am{drop by and leave some comment love or see more at grumbleandgrunts.com}Grumbles and Grunts © 2012 · Copywright protected, may not be reproduced or reprinted without permission. -
madewell
15 May 2012 | 12:18 pmWriters love words and take any opportunity to heap up for admiration in great shifting creaking piles. On the other hand, readers love a clear message without having to wade through stacks of irrelevant bullshit to get to the center of the tootsie pop. Somewhere between the two is the sweet spot. There's no need to throw every word in the library at the wall if you can come up with four or five that hit the mark just right– it's fluffy, sloppy, and inefficient, and there's nothing that makes me ball up my fists of fury more frequently than inefficiency because I am a testified INTJ, and as… -
precious and rare
14 May 2012 | 12:04 pmSometimes I wish there were more pictures of Jude and I together, you know, being whatever. Then again, I hate having my picture taken and the above is pretty much all we do. Yes, we're as fun (and loud) as we look. /Motherhood experience summarized.{drop by and leave some comment love or see more at grumbleandgrunts.com}Grumbles and Grunts © 2012 · Copywright protected, may not be reproduced or reprinted without permission.
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The Shopping Mama
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Should Companies Stop Selling Crib Bumpers?
16 May 2012 | 10:22 amThis morning’s TODAY Show included an investigative report style story about crib bumpers. We know the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not using crib bumpers, the City of Chicago has banned the sale of bumpers and now the CDC notes an increase in baby’s suffocating and urges parents to keep cribs empty. Regardless of the warnings, manufacturers continue to make crib bumpers, stores continue to sell them and parents continue to use them. I’ll admit Max’s Stokke Sleepi Mini has the corresponding bumper in it but when he moves to the full size Sleepi he’ll… -
BabyCenter Big Day Out {ERGObaby Giveaway}
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amThis Saturday, May 19 is the second annual BabyCenter BIG Day Out. The idea is to encourage families to get outside and have some fun. We all know kids need to get outside and play and the facts are that kids these days are spending too much time indoors. As part of the Big Day Out, the BabyCenter blog is hosting awesome giveaways. In fact, my latest post is a review and giveaway for THREE ERGObaby Original Baby Carriers. Go, quick, enter to win! And, for a fourth chance to win, visit the ERGObaby blog. My three year old and I are ready to go with the ERGObaby Original in Outback. In addition… -
Max Daniel: Luxurious Baby Throw {Review}
15 May 2012 | 7:00 amMax Daniel is soft, chic and luxurious… no, I’m not talking about my son Max Daniel. I’m talking about the baby blanket by Max Daniel Designs. Shortly after Max was born an in-the-know reader told me about Max Daniel the blanket company. I am obviously biased towards this company since it shares a fabulous name with my son, but I was excited to discover that the blankets are fabulous. Max Daniel Designs is a family-owned and operated business based in Los Angeles that has been making cuddly things since 2003. In addition to baby throws and security blankets, Max Daniel also…
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Is It Monday Already?
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Just got back from Vegas
26 Apr 2012 | 9:25 pmWe were so luck to be able to return to Vegas this past Friday over Monday. We actually had just visited in October so it was crazy to be able to go back so soon. We try to make it a point to go away once per year without the kids (as long as my mom is willing to watch the kids) as we rarely get time alone. Vegas is the place we enjoy going because we can act a total fool and its all good. This was the first time since out honeymoon that we were able to go on a weekend which was so nice; even more so as my brother, sister-in-law, and some friends went at the same time. So nice to hang out… -
Been a while since I have written
5 Mar 2012 | 10:30 amYes I am still around just busy as always. I have to say though that I am truly enjoying myself this semester in school. I cant believe how nice it has been to be in a class that I want to take rather than one that I have to, so much in fact that I may not even continue on for a degree hahah that is unless I can figure out how to take my passion and make it conform to a degree.Perhaps I can if I go more into digital arts or something of that sort. Anyway it has been so nice tapping into my creativity rather than just my intelligence. I do know that I still have to get one writing class out of… -
Wow what's worse being rich and losing it all or never having a lot in the first place but holding onto it?
30 Jan 2012 | 7:23 amYeah so I was over at the board that I found for foreclosure support and I got kinda pissed, no not kinda pissed I guess really pissed at a post. Now I responded well as I can be very diplomatic in my replies to people even if I am mad and even when I think they are spewing nothing but crap. I actually pride myself in this ability as I know some people just do not have that kind of personality. I am passionate but always respectful. Anyway the post started was by a rental investor and the first sentence was "We used to be rich, really rich but now we are losing it all". Mmm k that sets…
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The View from My Fishbowl
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Leaving on a jet plane...Atlanta bound!
14 May 2012 | 11:27 amI'm leaving on a jet plane.Atlanta is calling my name.My bags are packed.Sort of.I'll finish packing tonight or tomorrow.I hope. Tomorrow I'm headed down to Atlanta for the "Conversation with Coca-Cola" social media conference. I'll be joining a couple dozen other bloggers/social media moms for a couple days talking about blogging, social media, branding and more. And, we get tour of the World of Coca-Cola.And, I'm going to be meeting some pretty awesome bloggers.Did I mention how excited I am about this? I can't wait to share my adventures with all of you!Keep watching the Fishbowl for… -
Square one. Again. [alternate title: Wash. Rinse. Repeat.]
10 May 2012 | 7:00 amRemember last month when I blogged about the new gig?The one I called a "win-win" for me?The new gig that I was excited about? Yes, well.I'm not so excited anymore.In all honesty, I'm extremely frustrated.And annoyed.And, I'm back to square one.Yeah.Wash. Rinse. Repeat.Or in my case, send out resumes, wait for a response, and repeat.Oh, I'm still "working" on the other "job" ... sort of.It's been a month and I've "worked" for about FOUR hours.And that's been "training" more than "work."Training that isn't really training because I still don't really know what is going on.Sure, I have one… -
Wordless Wednesday - Dreaming
9 May 2012 | 8:31 amOne of my favorite views at Epcot.If I could, I'd pack my bags today and head there.And then I'd grab a Grand Marnier slush, a cheese plate from the bakery, and find a comfy place to sit.And I'd be happy.
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Sist3rs
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How We Spent Mother's Day
13 May 2012 | 11:38 amYou're probably expecting me to tell you about breakfast in bed and lovely gifts, but that's not what this post is about. Besides, you have to wake up at the butt-crack-of-dawn to serve this girl breakfast in bed. I iMessaged my sisters this morning to wish them a Happy Mother's Day. Monique did the mature-thing and went out to brunch (la dee da), while Lise and I goofed off like the juvenile 40-somethings that we are... Danie: OMG Lise: Coloring the hair today. Danie: Not any better looking here today. Lise: Bahaha Lise: LMAO Lise: LOL Danie:… -
Save the Date: Revenge Week
10 May 2012 | 9:18 amSave the Date for Revenge Week May 21-25 on Sist3rs.Net! I will be hosting a party for five of my Revenge super-fan girlfriends so we can watch the season finale together and I'll be making a week of it. The planning and scheming is well under way. I'm looking forward to making this party special for the girls--they deserve it! I can't wait to tell you all about it but you'll have to wait until May 21 for the details. If you haven't seen it yet--there's still time to get caught up (and hooked) before the season finale. ∞ Stay tuned! Save the Date from Paperless Post Who else… -
WTF?
3 May 2012 | 5:03 pm...and by WTF I don't mean Wednesday, Thursday, Friday... Do you ever have one of those moments where you can help but look around and say, 'Ok, you got me, where's the camera?!' Well I had one of those moments on the W and thank goodness I had company in my vehicle or I may have just thought I had daydreamed the whole thing TF....Let me just preface this with - it's to the point these days where I don't even like to lean forward and attempt to change the radio station because drivers in Edmonton are so distracted and so rude and so impatient - I worry about getting into…
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The MamaZone
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Friends-day Wednesday 5/16
16 May 2012 | 7:24 amWelcome to Friends-Day! The goal of this hop is to give you a quick glimpse into some other great blogs and to give you an opportunity to share a glimpse of yours. Feel free to grab the button and blog hop code to add it to your site as well! Here's how it works: It's not mandatory, but I'd love to have you follow me at The MamaZone, If Mama Ain't or at Daily Fast Fuel. If you follow me and leave a comment, I'll definitely follow you too! Add your blog name and a short description. For example, "The MamaZone: great t.i.d.bi.t.s. for mamas!" Feel free to link directly to your blog, or to… -
Summer Reading with New Releases from Margaret Wise Brown
15 May 2012 | 7:00 amIf you are a fan of the classic, “Goodnight Moon,” you’ll be thrilled with our recent discovery. Parragon Books has released two “lost” titles by the wonderful Margaret Wise Brown and we’re delighted to share our thoughts on “Count to 10 With A Mouse” and “Goodnight Little One.” Can you believe that kids have been devouring Goodnight Moon since 1947? Over 16 million copies of the book have been sold internationally since its first publication! I’m certain that children will take to these two new titles just as enthusiastically as they took to that one. Each of the… -
Building Traffic by Sharing Your Audience
12 May 2012 | 9:12 amA major component of blogging is building traffic. You work hard on your blog, you create great content and you want it to be seen. There are so many strategies out there for building traffic that it often makes my head spin. There is one strategy, however, that is actually a great deal of fun and pretty easy to do. I like to call it “sharing your audience”. We put a lot of emphasis on sharing things with our audience (and we must do that), but sharing our audience with other bloggers can go a long way toward building traffic and finding new fans. In order to do that, simply visit other…
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Dear Crissy
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Wordless Wednesday: Finding Time to Shoot
16 May 2012 | 9:42 amI miss taking photos for the sake of taking photos, and having time to edit them for hours — just for fun. I hope to get back into this more this summer. Speaking of editing, I’m giving away a copy of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4! More great Wordless Wednesday bloggers Angry Julie Monday, Better in Bulk, Five Minutes For Mom, Live and Love…Out Loud, The Divine Miss Mommy, and Dagmar’s Momsense. If you link-up, please take a moment to comment on the post. -
A&D: How To Treat & Prevent Diaper Rash
15 May 2012 | 7:58 pmGood old A+D Ointment. It’s the same product that my mom used on me when I was a baby to treat and prevent diaper rash. If you are a mom, you know all about A+D Ointment. You’ve no doubt had your fingers in it a thousand or more times, and you’ve trusted it on your baby’s most delicate parts. I really thought I knew all that there was to know about A+D, but I actually wasn’t aware that the Zinc Oxide formula is specially formulated to TREAT diaper rash, and the Original Ointment is better for prevention. That is really good to know, since I had been using the… -
Is Balance Possible? #HaierValues
15 May 2012 | 2:00 pmI see so many blog posts, television shows, and even self-help courses geared toward assisting women in finding a better work-life balance. I feel like this balance is even more difficult for WAHM’s (work at home moms) to achieve, because the lines between work and home life overlap completely. In fact, there are days when I wonder if I would not be happier and healthier (emotionally and mentally) if I worked outside the home. Don’t get me wrong, I treasure the time that I am able to spend at home raising my two beautiful children, but I often don’t feel like I am ever…
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Child Mode
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CPSC Issues Recall For Crib Tents & Play Yards Made By Tots in Mind Due To Strangulation & Entrapment Hazards
16 May 2012 | 12:54 pmThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and five retailers are announcing a voluntary recall to provide refunds to consumers who own crib tents and play yard tents made by Tots in Mind, Inc. CPSC is warning parents and caregivers who own these products that infants and toddlers are at risk of serious injury or death due to strangulation and entrapment hazards presented by these products. Tots in Mind recalled the play yard tents in July 2010 and offered a repair kit that is no longer available. The company is no longer in business and has stopped all sales. CPSC staff urges parents… -
Review: SwimZip ~ UPF 50+ Rash Guards For Babies & Toddlers
16 May 2012 | 11:42 amI’ve been holding off on writing this review for awhile, because we haven’t had an opportunity to really test it’s strengths until just earlier this month while I was attending Disney Social Media Moms in Orlando and Mom 2.0 in Miami. What better time to test out the UV strengths right? I used sunscreen on all of the areas that were not covered by the shirt and after staying outside in the hot sun for an hour, he was still happy as a clam and no burns to report. The really great thing about these rash guards is they are so easy to take on and off thanks to the full length… -
The Best Passport Wallet For Multiple Passports ~ Tribe’s Changi
16 May 2012 | 10:14 amTraveling with kids can get nerve wracking when you are trying to keep all your travel documents, passports, change and receipts in order. I’ve had a couple of incidents where I thought I lost the girls’ passports. We were waiting in line at the airport, I was scrambling to look through my huge tote and after 15 minutes (it felt like hours) I finally came across the darn books. Over the last couple of trips I’ve been testing out Tribe’s Changi Wallet and it has become my new best friend. Tribe is a company founded by an Australian mom who designs luxurious leather…
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One Bored Mommy Blogspot
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~Citrus~
16 May 2012 | 1:35 pmOnce, we had a huge ORANGE TREE... in our backyard! We Loved It! -
A Chicken Soup For The Soul #GIVEAWAY- Just For "Stay At Home Moms"!
16 May 2012 | 5:30 amIf you're a stay at home mom...or know one, you know that we do far more than just "STAY AT HOME". Though we may not get ourselves dressed and ready to head out to jobs outside the house, the impact we have on the little lives we are developing at home, can sometimes make a far greater difference to the world. I had to giggle when the latest "Chicken Soup For the Soul" book arrived for my review/feature! This one is titled, "Stay at Home Moms - 101 Inspirational Stories for Mothers about Hard Work and Happy Families". Could you find a more fitting book for me? -
ToysRUs Pet Line At PetSmart - Toys R Us͐ Pets Plush Animal Water Bottles
16 May 2012 | 4:00 amTwo things our dog especially loves about her toys... If it makes a noise of some sort! If it gives her something to chew on too! We received the Toys R Us͐ Pets Plush Animal Water Bottles from PetSmart, that Jade absolutely loved! In fact, my kids loved it almost as much as she did...as you'll see from the video: Since I wasn't able to get very good footage of her playing with it...I took a couple pictures to show you how much she loved chewing on it. She was a very HAPPY girl! This toy is a Cute plush animal character that conceals a crunchy, crackly water…
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HomeToHeather
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5 Wall Treatments to End Boring Walls Forever.
15 May 2012 | 10:54 pmUntil now, I’ve been immersed in the process of selling our home. It’s not fun. It’s cleaning and organizing and schedule disruptions but it does lead to the fun part…house BUYING! I absolutely love looking at houses. I love seeing how other people live and I adore getting decorating ideas. The best places for decorating ideas are show homes. Every thing is new and pretty and while they imply that kids could live there….kids don’t actually live there. It’s like looking into a dream world. A laundry room without dirty socks on the… -
How to Keep Your House in ‘Showing’ Condition All Week Long.
8 May 2012 | 9:36 amPutting our house up for sale has taught me a lot about how to keep our home clean and in ‘show worthy’ condition. At any point in the day our agent could call us up and ask if someone can come look at the house. They give us anywhere from 1 to 24 hours notice and with two little kids and three pets it’s been a HUGE learning experience in efficiency and time management. While this pace is a lot to keep up day to day…I hope to retain some of these habits even after the house is sold to make it easier to clean and stay on top of it all. THROW OUT EVERYTHING. -
He got the Whack. I got the Wake Up Call.
3 May 2012 | 8:30 amPick up your socks. Don’t play with your juice. Stop throwing that ball. Put it away. Make your bed and remember to hide your pjs. Pick up that towel. Put it in the laundry basket. Don’t make a mess with your breakfast. No, we aren’t doing a craft today. Stop whining. Mommy is wiping the sink because you got toothpaste all over it…again. Put that away. Hurry up, we have to go. Stop playing around and just put your shoes on. Why is your coat on the floor? Come on, we have to go. No, you don’t need your umbrella. Hurry up, your brother and I are waiting. *CRACK* I…
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hollywood housewife
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pod busters
16 May 2012 | 5:00 amWe first started to notice them years ago on Bravo. While watching an episode of Real Housewives or something else equally highbrow, there would always be some sort of random non-sequitur scene about the 40 minute mark. It usually didn't have anything to do with the plot line, and it was very short, a minute or less. It started after a commercial and immediately went back into a commercial. It would drive The Gorilla and me nuts. We always thought that it was just a place filler to put in a funny joke or scene that didn't fit anywhere else. Turns out… -
the art of fielding
15 May 2012 | 5:00 amI wanted to read The Art of Fielding after I read a fascinating article in Vanity Fair about getting it published. It had an interesting arc, getting this thing written and then published to much fanfair. A Moby Dick type of story, if you will. I enjoyed it. It's well written and the characters were fleshed out for me in ways that many writers gloss over. It felt like - without knowing him at all - there was a lot of author Chad Harbach in The Art of Fielding. Like Moneyball, it was a book about baseball that wasn't really about baseball. Considering… -
{brag book} incentive
14 May 2012 | 4:53 pmAt the end of this week, I'll be hosting {brag book} spring style, where people can upload pictures of themselves in their favorite (or just fun!) outfit of the season. The point of the brag books are to encourage one another, and to show sides of ourselves that we might otherwise be too shy to share. I'm extra excited about this brag book because everyone can participate instead of just other bloggers. But because some people are still a little nervous to brag on themselves, I like to offer an extra incentive. This pretty La Mer Collections watch will be on…
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All About Avacakes
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Mother’s Day Weekend with a Trip to the ER
14 May 2012 | 5:26 pmI don’t really know how to describe this last weekend. Roller Coaster is, frankly, an injustice. It was much more than that. Mother’s Day was amazing. Full of family, good food and lots of laughter and play with the kids. I got a beautiful basket of flowers (that I really hope I remember to water!) and most importantly lots of hugs and kisses from my Ava. The day before Mother’s Day? Day. From. Hell. No hyperbole. I’ve been through some truly awful things in my life. Nothing, and I mean nothing compared to this. I don’t know how else to tell… -
To Future Ava
9 May 2012 | 1:01 pmI don’t have a clue what your future holds. Will you be a lawyer, successful with a busy life full of friends, family and career? Will you be a stay at home mom, spending your days wiping noses, driving to and from softball games and gymnastic lessons? Will you be a bleeding heart liberal? Will you spend your time actively working to better life for people around you? Will you be a conservative Christian, who thinks government should stay out of private lives and private sector? I don’t know what paths you will take. I have no idea what roads you… -
Weekend of Fun In Pictures
16 Apr 2012 | 12:27 pmAfter 80bazillon months of nothing but rain, we finally had a sunny weekend. I wanted to make sure we took full advantage of it. Ava and her BFF Ella had a play date at the park. We got there a bit early, so Ava wanted to inspect all the beautiful tulips that were in bloom. She found a bench, and immediately hopped up on it for a photo opp. Next, she discovered the grassy area among the rosebush beds. She took off running. Only pausing to look back to make sure I was still behind her. “Come ON, Mommy!” Then Ella arrived and off they went. Almost 3 hours of non stop…
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Following In My Shoes | Houston Mom Blog
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{semi-wordless wednesday} Don’t Ask For The Soup
15 May 2012 | 8:17 pmTweet Yes, this is from a real restaurant, and, yes, it is here in Texas. My Father-In-Law captured this gem from his menu and sent it to the Husband. (sigh) Share and Enjoy:PrintStumbleUpon -
Grilled Garlic Shrimp (and Sears Giftcard Giveaway)
14 May 2012 | 11:05 pmTweet This past weekend, the Kidlets and I headed to Oklahoma for some family time; the weather here is absolutely beautiful right now: everything is green, lush … butterflies are landing on all the vibrant blooms and Grand Lake, visible from my Mom’s kitchen window, shimmers in the distrance. Sunday was made just a wee bit more perfect thanks to adorable handmade Mother’s Day gifts the Kidlets fashioned in their Sunday School Class … and thanks to my Dad’s impeccible grilling skills. There is just something about a man and fire. My grandfather, my father,… -
Choosing to Delay Kindergaten
10 May 2012 | 10:32 amTweetIn a few short weeks, the Little Lady will have her fifth birthday. F-I-V-E. Give me a moment — I need to let that sink in. This morning, I sent her off with her Daddy for her final day of school. For most five year olds, this would be the last day of preschool. But not so for our daughter. We have decided she needs one more year . . . she is just not ready. As much as I tell myself, “we are doing this for her,” I still feel guilty, wondering if it is really the best decision. Wondering if she will resent us for “holding her back.” Wondering if she…
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Momma Findings | Houston Mom Blog
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Local Findings: H-E-B Primo Picks Bring Unique to Texas
15 May 2012 | 10:42 amDo you ever catch yourself in the aisle of your favorite grocery store kinda bored? I'm not talking bored with grocery shopping, I'm talking bored with grocery selection. My kids get tired of the same meals, cooked with the same ingredients, with the same result. While satisfying, I think sometimes? We just need to try new things. Don't you think? H-E-B, our favorite grocery store in Texas, had me in mind when they debuted their NEW Primo Picks line of products. These products are MEANT to get you outside of your comfort zone. With their unique flavors and outstanding quality,… -
Experience Adventure and Ziplining at Florida EcoSafaris
14 May 2012 | 3:26 pmEarlier today I let you in on a MUST HAVE service if you're going on a road trip with the kids this Summer. Make sure to check out how you can easily transfer your favorite DVDS to digital copies so you can have handy when you go on a Summer Vacation. Speaking of which, are you still looking for something to do that the whole family can enjoy? Well, last month, during the #DisneyGlobalEvent, I had the chance to go on a thrilling zipline adventure at Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida. There's something for the WHOLE family! From nature, to animals, and all the way to the adventure… -
Movies on the Go With Walmart's Disc-to-Digital Service {$50 Gift Card Giveaway}
14 May 2012 | 10:05 amSummer is almost here.. wait. Who am I kidding? Summer starts in January here in Houston. What I MEANT to say is Summer VACATION time is almost here. Families everywhere will be gearing up for fun in the sun. Road trips will be planned. Hotels will be booked and we're left with the every looming cries of the kids in the backseat yelling, "Are we there yet?!" Now with Walmart's NEW Disc-to-Digital service, you can take ALL your favorite movies with you on-the-go. This new service turns your physical movie library into digital movie and allows you to watch your favorite movies…
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Cora's Story
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30 Months
8 May 2012 | 10:07 pmHere's the thing about your baby dying suddenly. All it takes is one triggering article. One horrible flashback and bam you're in a tailspin. A few weeks ago (I think it was a few weeks ago, it might have only been days), I read an article that talked about a baby that died when her mother fell asleep breastfeeding her. I know that the timing of Cora's death was a fluke. I know that it just happened to be that moment her heart gave out. I know that the death was investigated. I was told over and over that it was impossible she smothered in my breast. But, still sometimes I still… -
Twenty Twitter Accounts to Follow for Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health Information
4 May 2012 | 7:59 pmThis is primarily a memoir blog. A place where I remember Cora, talk about my feelings and hopes and dreams for the future. Today, I'm doing something a bit different. When I was pregnant with Cora, I read constantly. Yet, I never came across congenital heart defects. I read all of the mainstream resources. After Cora died, I've stumbled on so many wonderful resources that I wish I'd known about before she died. It came to me that when I was pregnant, I would have loved to see a list of Twitter accounts to follow for newborn and maternal health. I never did come across one, so I'm creating my… -
What It's Like to Try to Conceive a Baby After Your First Baby Dies
30 Apr 2012 | 10:15 pmTime for one of those raw emotional posts again. A glimpse into my world these days. When you're trying to conceive your second child after your first child dies, you'll worry endlessly that your next child will have a birth defect or other disorder. You'll take folic acid supplements, probiotics, prenatal vitamins for months, and if you miss a dose, you'll convince yourself you're a horrible mom. You'll take a pregnancy test daily as soon as you are nine days past ovulation. With every negative test, it will feel like a little part of your hopes and dreams died all over again. If your first…
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MomFinds
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In Case You Missed This…
16 May 2012 | 1:00 pmIt’s catching on! First Beyonce, now new mom Charlize Theron is wearing mommy jewelry. Find out what Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley named their new baby girl. Jennifer Connelly claims her children never fight. Here’s how she does it. Tiger Woods’ former mistress, Rachel Uchitel, is now a mom. She welcomed a baby girl yesterday. Related Posts In Case You Missed This… In Case You Missed This.. In Case You Missed This… -
Jessica Simpson’s Baby Photo Sold For What?!
16 May 2012 | 12:00 pmNews just broke that People magazine bought the first photos of Jessica Simpson’s baby girl, Maxwell Drew. And the price for those photos? $805,000!! Insane, right? But it turns out, not really. Considering the going rate for celebrity baby photos in the past, People actually sort of got the photos for pretty cheap. Not that Jessica Simpson is in dire need for extra cash, but take a look at what some other celebrity parents were paid for their baby photos: Nicole Richie raked in $1 million for the first photo of her baby girl, Harlow Madden. Jessica Alba reportedly got paid $1.5 million… -
Win It Wednesday! Join the MOMfinds Community and You Could Win a Marvel Avengers Prize Pack!
16 May 2012 | 11:00 amIs your family one of the millions now obsessed with The Avengers? Well here’s a giveaway they’re sure to love. We teamed up with Target and three lucky winners will receive a special Marvel Avengers-themed prize pack from Target. Each set includes: Avengers Hulk Smash Fists Marvel Power Attach Avenger Captain America Avenger Throw Think your kid would love these goodies? Just sign up for the MOMfinds.com community, then start a discussion and you’ll be entered to win. We’ll announce the winner next Wednesday on the community homepage. Good luck! Rules: 1. You must be…
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The Mom Maven
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Disney Social Media Moms Day 1
16 May 2012 | 5:59 amEach year it is truly an honor to be invited to share in the magic of this special invitation only conference and I don't take the honor lightly. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
HomeschoolShirts.com Review
15 May 2012 | 6:29 amDuring our 16 year homeschooling journey my kids and I have owned several homeschooling themed t-shirts. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Mouse House Memories-Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
14 May 2012 | 6:47 amHave you and your child experienced the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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BuenoBaby
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Don't Call My Tumor Fat
25 Apr 2012 | 9:21 pmFourteen years ago, just weeks after Lexi was born, I noticed a lump on the inside of my left thigh. I was twenty-four at the time, severely sleep deprived and hormonally poisoned so when I first stumbled upon the lump I naturally thought I was going to die. But my doctor reassured me the lump was just a lump and so did every other doctor who I insisted check out my lump. Yeah, that dental appointment. SO AWKWARD!In the past couple months, the lump has gotten bigger so I decided to schedule an appointment with my dermatologist. Dr. N is a short, efficient man who likes to talk about things… -
Ben and I Have Something ALMOST NEW To Tell You!
19 Apr 2012 | 12:56 pmSo Ben and I have officially decided to ruin our marriage...I mean work with each other. Although, in the past, we've collaborated on some projects together, we've never done so with intent. What I mean is that up until now, we've worked on the random project together but never considered working together on a regular basis. It's been more like...O.k., just this one project together, this one time together...which then turned into...We'll just work on a this second project together, this second time...and so on and so on, which turned into me asking for a company car. What we do: Ben… -
It's The Post About Well Water You've Been Waiting For
16 Apr 2012 | 2:48 pmI'm going to the dentist next month, and I only tell you this so that you'll hold me to it and make sure I don't reschedule (or just get up out of the dentist's chair and walk out). When I was growing up, we had well water, and if you're not familiar with well water, consider yourself lucky! That is of course unless you like rust stains in your toilet and dry, brittle hair courtesy of well water's natural minerals. Because if that's the case, you city-water folks are missing out! Yes, well water and their rascally wells are some fun. Listen to this party: A few years back, my dad called to…
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Mommys Hangout- Atlanta Georgia Mommy Blogger (Jen Williams)
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Wordless Wednesday 5/16/2012
16 May 2012 | 1:12 amJada’s 1st grade award Day 2012~ Jada and her Teacher! -
Princess Jada Rocked First Grade!
15 May 2012 | 9:00 pmI am so proud of my princess! Today was our award day! we officially have only 2 more days till summer break!! She won the one and only 1st grade’s Young Georgia Authors Competition award at her school! The annual Young Georgia Authors (YGA) Writing Competition is a state-wide contest that inspires Georgia [...] -
Sweeping Saturday 5/12/2012
11 May 2012 | 11:00 pmI Hope all you moms have a HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY!! 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!
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Naptime Radio
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Episode 048: Sunburn
15 May 2012 | 5:32 amHeather and Kate discuss growing up and getting old, analyze a listener's biz buzz with Alli P., power nap on sunburn (the scarlet letter of parenting) and wrap with Nodelman's news quiz. Enjoy and thanks for listening! -
Episode 047: Concussions
1 May 2012 | 2:00 amWe discuss Kate's trip to San Fran and the end of an era, get web lingo biz buzzed with Alli P., power nap on concussions and wrap with Nodelman's news quiz. Enjoy and thanks for listening!! -
Episode 046: Homework
16 Apr 2012 | 1:15 pmHeather and Kate discuss travel debacles and the TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY of Naptime Radio, get biz buzzed Alli P. style, power nap on managing homework and wrap with Nodeman's news quiz. Enjoy and thanks for listening!
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just another mommy blog...
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Wednesday Photo Overload
16 May 2012 | 5:30 amHold me closer, Tiny Dancer... My little ballerina isn't quite so little anymore... In fact, she's become quite a lovely young lady. Trying to not smile when she saw me taking her pic at rehearsal... She's got a great sense of rhythm that I credit both me and Patrick for. I love that they were ALL doing so well, too. The ballet group has been together for a few years and have all developed good friendships... Jazz is a new one for Corinne. She mostly loved that she got a cool costume and could shake her hips... It's all about the accessories for… -
I'm like Dr. Doolittle only without the Animals. Or book/movie deal...
15 May 2012 | 7:43 amDespite everyone telling me, repeatedly, to not plant my seedlings in the garden in April (when it was SO warm and it freaking felt like JUNE); I did it. I now have some fabulous lettuce and cilantro because they can handle the frigid drops in temp at night. Sadly, all of my baby tomatoes, cucumbers, jalepenos, and sweet peppers? Did not fare as well.Thankfully, I had started a few more seeds inside, just for kicks, so I spent Sunday afternoon happily digging in the dirt, talking to my new vegetables."Just GROW, guys. Buck up if it gets a little chilly and hunker down. Don't do what they did… -
My Blog is making me sleep on the couch. AGAIN.
12 May 2012 | 4:14 pmI missed my blogaversary AGAIN.I suck at this. My blog is totally never going to talk to me again... "No present? Not even a freaking CARD? Tracey? You. Suck."I must figure out a way to remedy this issue. After all, it's not every day that you can celebrate the joyous moment of Six Years of blogging!!6 Years.Heh. You'd think I'd be better at this by now.I need to pick up an apology gift for my blog. Maybe an app or something? What do blogs want, anyway? I wish they'd just tell you instead of assuming that we can read their minds, and then being angry when we bring them a box of chocolates.
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Mommy Niri
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Hey Kiddo, Meet Archie!
16 May 2012 | 10:44 amDid you comics as a kid? I did and though my teacher raised her eyebrows at me considering the shortened words and peppered slang not good reading material, they were the sprinkles to my ice-cream. I was a last-minute study kind of girl, and I still thrive on deadlines, but since I was wicked smart I did well each time. I remember studying for my matric examination, which were stressful since these results affected you getting into college, and I decided Archie comics would be my reward. In an age (18) where teens maybe look to a night at a club or something similar as their unwinding treat,… -
Kidz Bop Ultimate Hits!
15 May 2012 | 10:21 amFor a long time I have been extra careful about exposure to the music pumped out today. If you scrutinize the lyrics you could forgive this mama for that. Of course deciphering the lyrics itself is a mighty task on its own and was a reason I considered to just let it be. Then I realized kids seem to have the natural ability to unlock the words that frankly sounded like another language muffled under a thick winter scarf to me. That alone was an incentive to explore Kidz Bop. I explored another CD in the Kidz Bop series earlier and it became a firm favorite but I was dying for something new we… -
Stocked on Summer dresses yet?
14 May 2012 | 11:44 amI have bare minimum staples that I rely on, especially in winter. Jeans seems to be the order of the day and if you find one that fits you perfectly, it is worth its weight in gold. But nothing screams summer like a summer dress. Now since I grew up in South Africa in Durban which is on the beach and we had tropical weather (I know, you hate me right?) dresses were a huge part of the wardrobe and were on sale there in every season, and to be honest there are only 2 seasons there: a little hot or a lot hot (jealous again are we?). In Boston we see every season clearly and fashion is molded…
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single spaced
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Paper Weekend
7 May 2012 | 9:30 amThis past Saturday was National Scrapbooking Day! I didn’t get much scrapping done outside of my normal Project Life stuff (and I didn’t even get to finish this week’s journaling for it), but I did get a huge happy mail package from my lovely lovely Brooke! Every time she shows up in my Google Reader, she’s my first read. It’s one of my mondo beyondo dreams to go half on a summer home with her where we could do craft vacations and eventually start a hippie commune together. I squee’ed so hard when I saw her mail on my doorstep, and when I opened the box I… -
Music Monday: Rest in Paradise, MCA
7 May 2012 | 8:07 amIt really doesn’t feel right to do Music Monday this week without paying tribute to MCA and saying just a little bit more about how the Beastie Boys’ place in my life. I didn’t even realize how vocal I was about my love for them way back when — many of my friends wrote on my wall as the news of MCA’s passing was going around, telling me that I was someone they thought of or that I was the biggest Beastie Boys fan they knew. Huz and I listened to them all weekend long, and I could still recite all the words to many of their songs, could still whistle MCA’s… -
R.I.P. Adam Yauch
4 May 2012 | 12:56 pmY’all don’t understand. I stanned so hard for the Beastie Boys when I was younger and I have long been waiting for my chance to see them live. Once in high school, three of my best friends and I skipped school to go to a Tibetan freedom rally and we saw MCA there and completely geeked out. It hurts my heart that he’s gone. The growth he’s shown throughout his career is so inspirational; we should all hope to grow as much in our creative endeavors. My thoughts go out to the family he left behind. My favorite Beastie Boys songs ahead:
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Big Binder
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Twenty Five Things To Do With Kids In Grand Rapids
16 May 2012 | 7:45 amBig Binder celebrates raising children in this community – but what is it like to be a kid here? Pretty exciting, if you ask me! Here is a list of 25 things to do with your children in Grand Rapids {while they’re still young!}. Some are year round and some are annual or seasonal events; so the links may go back to a previous year. Many of them are posts with information about how to do the activities with a budget in mind, too. Bonus! Credit: Go to the kids’ events at LaughFest {March} Learn about Maple Syrup making at Blandford Nature Center’s Sugar Bush {March}… -
Summer Reading Programs
9 May 2012 | 9:00 amIt’s a little hard for me to fathom this; but this is my fourth annual Summer Reading Programs post. I think it might be my favorite post to write! I am not really a big ‘summer slide’ conspiracy theorist. If my kids forget how to do a few math problems or score 3 points lower on their standardized tests in the fall I really, really don’t care. Summer is for exploring and adventure and relaxing. I love the library all year long; but especially in the summer. It’s nice and cool, and quiet. I love watching my kids choose books that appeal to them, and I… -
Announcing the NEW West Michigan Events Calendar!
7 May 2012 | 9:00 amI am TERRIBLY excited to tell you that I’ve teamed up with Sarah’s Deals to bring you a comprehensive West Michigan events calendar! It’s full of family friendly, kid focused, cultural festivals, sporting events, community expos, garage and mom to mom sales, and charitable events. There are contributors from all over the region, and we are working hard as a team to bring you the best of the best. As you know Sarah and I share a frugal sensibility; and the events are meant to provide a way for everyone – regardless of income – to enjoy living here in West…
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Simplified Saving
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Free Christian Fiction Kindle Book: A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes
16 May 2012 | 1:18 pmRight now you can get a free download of A Necessary Deception (The Daughters of Bainbridge House) by Laurie Alice Eakes. When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages. While she should be focused on helping her headstrong younger sister prepare for her entré into London society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting… -
Hillshire Farm Deli Carvers Lunchmeat Printable Coupon
16 May 2012 | 10:08 amRight now you can print a coupon for $0.55 off Hillshire Farm Deli Carvers™ Lunchmeat. Share This -
Fast Company Magazine $3.50 Per Year
16 May 2012 | 10:01 amRight now you can get a 1 year subscription to Fast Company Magazine for only $3.50 when you use coupon code SIMPLIFIEDSAVING at checkout. That’s 70% off! You can order up to 4 years at this price. This is one of those magazines that I read cover to cover every month and I’m always really inspired! This offer expires Thursday 05/17/12 09:59 AM EST EST. Not interested in this magazine? You can save 20% off most magazines when you use coupon code SIMPLIFIEDSAVING at checkout. Share This
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Unofficial Mom
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The one where I no longer have a good attitude
11 May 2012 | 9:33 amThis sucks. Straight up. I went to the doctor yesterday and was told it will be at least another two months before corrective actions can be taken for my vision. TWO EFFING MONTHS. Two @#%&*) months.And that's not for sure. It's just the next time they think it's worth checking. I'm officially pissed.I think that's about all I've got for the moment...at least all that's fit to publish. -
When it rains it pours
4 May 2012 | 8:16 am...and sometimes you have to say forget the rain and jump in muddy puddles.Non-update update - nothing new to report, but I have another appointment with a new doctor next Thursday so fingers crossed something will come from that. -
An update and an anniversary
5 Apr 2012 | 10:20 amFirst of all let me just say thank you for all the sweet comments and support. You guys are the best. Seriously.The latest news is no news. Everything is the same. I go back to the doctor next Wednesday to see where we are, which I'm hoping is somewhere that involves being functional again. For those of you asking, yes the Topomax caused my vision loss in an extremely rare side effect. And yes the damage is permanent. My life from now on is legally blind. Good times. I'll try to update again next week after we see the doctor. Keep your fingers crossed that things have settled down enough…
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Motherhood in NYC
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Today’s The Day!
16 May 2012 | 6:41 amIf you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ve probably suspected that I’m on a brink of a nervous breakdown and maybe you even have a little side pool going about when the day that I finally snap will be. Well, great news! If you picked Wednesday, May 16th, 2012, you get to cash in because it happened. My fragile mind snapped. And this is all it took. You know the cheddar goldfish that we all weaned our kids on? A delicious snack, right? I mean until the moment that a kid stepped on one and it became lodged in our carpet for months? Anyway, the goldfish made sense… -
I’m Right, You’re Wrong: If It’s Yellow, Let It Mellow?
15 May 2012 | 7:32 amI’m Right, You’re Wrong is back and this week, we’re heading over to the potty! Yes, all of us! Let’s go! While I was enjoying my time with roommates in Florida recently, an issue came up. Disagreement: If you have to pee during the night, do you flush the toilet after? Disagreers: Marinka vs. Stacy and Loukia. Position One: Hello? Yes. Use toilet, flush toilet. No one needs to see urine in the morning! Position Two: It’s just urine. Flushing the toilet will wake up people. If it’s yellow, let it mellow! What do you think? Middle of the night flushing or…
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Family Travel Blog
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May 16, 10 Best Amusement Parks! don't Miss the World's Greatest Rides!
15 May 2012 | 11:43 pmCheck out the best amusement parks from around the world! -
May 15, Jamaica Family Vacation, Find Family Hotels & Things To Do In With Kids
15 May 2012 | 4:45 amBeaches, waterfalls & zip lining are part of your Jamaica family trip! Find child friendly resorts and fun things to do for everyone! -
May 15, Grand Cayman Islands with Kids
15 May 2012 | 4:37 amEnjoy the Grand Cayman Islands on your next family trip!
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Cool Mom Tech
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A mobile punch card...brilliant!
16 May 2012 | 11:00 amYou know those cards you get from various retail establishments that you are supposed to hold onto until each box has been stamped so that you can redeem your free latte, or soup, or frozen yogurt? -
Since time warps when you become a mama, here's a watch made just for you.
16 May 2012 | 5:00 amOnce you're a new parent, so much revolves around time: how long has the baby been sleeping? Is it time for a diaper change? When did she last eat? -
Save the Earth, and your iPhone
15 May 2012 | 12:00 pmAs much as I love eco-friendly iPhone cases, so many of them are fabric-based and a little heavy for spring and summer. So if you're looking for something cool that's not made from felt or wool, you need to check out these new earth conscious cases from CMT-fave case-mate.
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bethany actually
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intermittent blogging
12 May 2012 | 10:47 pmI just realized that I didn’t take a single photo of the cupcakes Annalie decorated for her birthday party today. I took the photo above of one of the unfrosted cupcakes, because happy cupcake is happy, and that’s kinda neat. I took a few shots of the kids eating cupcakes at the party, but the decorations probably aren’t very visible, and who knows when I’ll get around to downloading those photos off the memory card anyway. I’m bummed that I don’t have a picture of the cupcakes, because she really had fun decorating them. But I also think, “Eh. -
this is what an 8-year-old looks like
9 May 2012 | 8:41 amJust in case you were wondering. -
ready to celebrate EIGHT
8 May 2012 | 10:27 pm
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Motherly Law
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“I’m Fine = I Wish I Could Tell You How I Really Feel” {Bullies Strike Again}
14 May 2012 | 2:39 pmA Heartbreaking Tale Sometimes I read stories that make me reach back to my own pubescent years to try to understand the young girls who are still so immature in thought and feelings, but are pushing hard on the doors leading to maturity, not yet grasping what that term truly... -
Mom; An Altered State of Being {Mother’s Day}
13 May 2012 | 1:11 amDo you remember back in the 90s when the malls were full of vendors selling those large prints that looked like nothing more than computer generated patterns, but then if you stood and stared and let your eyes relax and lose focus, you could make out a hidden picture within... -
Loss of Status: The Day Social Media Stopped Talking...to Me {A Bit of a Soapbox}
11 May 2012 | 10:29 pmSocial Media is a fickle bitch. When I first started out, it took me a while to really get the hang of it. Then, after spending hours and hours chatting up perfect strangers on Twitter and reconnecting with people on Facebook, I finally got it. People responded to me; answered...
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Mom Made That!™ | THE Mom Business Registry
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WILDTREE
8 May 2012 | 1:38 pmWildtree is an exciting direct-sales company whose all natural gourmet culinary blends, infused Grapeseed oils, dressings and sauces are sold through home Tasting parties. Our Independent Representatives will show your guests how to make cooking everyday and gourmet food quicker, easier and more healthful for those who are short on time, and a fun, interesting adventure for those who wish to be more creative in the kitchen. Visit Wildtree at www.mywildtree.com/aushleyg. Sign up as a consultant for a special gift! -
AMATHIA SOAPWORKS
2 May 2012 | 7:56 pmWelcome to Amathia Soapworks, where luxurious natural skincare and decadent shea butter soap are a staple in our lives. My products offer the pampering your skin deserves without hurting Mother Nature in the process. Being close to the Earth, and caring about the world around us is important to me. This always ties into formulation, packaging, marketing, and sales – using recycled materials, recyclable packaging, and using the three R’s in house. All of my products are made in small batches with the highest quality ingredients I can find. Each product and formulation is… -
B. BABIES
16 Apr 2012 | 5:00 pmWhen it comes to your baby, your nursery décor and your Alma Mater remember B. Babies offers a wide range of crib sets, diaper stackers, burp cloths, pacifier clips, booties, beanies, artwork, diaper wipe cases, baby gift baskets and much much more! Babies can even add your baby’s name to any of our products for that personalized touch. All Products are hand made right here in Winter Park, Florida. B. Babies also offers custom dog beds and custom dog crate pads made using high quality mono-suede fabric. They are double-stitched by hand, customizable, and available in a variety of…
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Not Your Typical Mommy
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Giveaway: Stanley Steemer
7 May 2012 | 4:39 pmMy house has carpet in it... and to be honest, cleaning the carpet is one of my least favorite chores to do. Seriously, it's a lot of work and takes forever. I'm more of a fan of having someone else do it for me. Enter Stanley Steemer. You've seen their commercials with the catchy jingle, right? They provide a great service to busy moms like me. All I have to do is call them up (after checking their website for specials, which they always have), schedule a time, pick up my floors and the rest is in their hands. They do a great job too. Some facts about Stanley Steemer: "Not just for carpet… -
Giveaway: Big G Curvy Straws
7 May 2012 | 4:31 pmWhen I was a kid, I loved nothing more than getting a prize in my cereal box. I didn't get many toys growing up, so that cereal box toy was treasured. The other day I was commenting that you never really see toys in cereal boxes anymore and I dislike that my kid doesn't get to experience the kind of joy I did. My favorite Big G cereal's are coming out with a new toy to find in your favorite cereal boxes, Curvy Straws! Curvy straws are cute straws that your kids can slurp the milk out of your cereal bowl once you are done (seriously, who doesn't do this?) My girls are crazy about their… -
Orlando Events: Food Revolution Day!
4 May 2012 | 5:57 pmI got this press release and had to share with you. "JAMIE OLIVER FOUNDATION LAUNCHES INAUGURAL FOOD REVOLUTION DAY Celebrate Food Revolution Day Orlando with Free Family Urban Farm Tours Winter Park Harvest Festival, Edible Orlando magazine, Slow Food Orlando and Livepretty.com Combine Efforts in First-Ever Day to Stand Up for Real Food WHAT: The Jamie Oliver Foundation is launching its first-ever Food Revolution Day, a global day of action to inspire, educate, and empower people everywhere to stand up for real food. Thousands of…
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Absolution Mediation - Jason Dykstra
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Everyone’s talking about it, but what does it mean? Listening.
7 May 2012 | 1:06 pmIt seems every conference or speak I go to these days people are talking about Listening. In our relationships – we need to listen, in Social Media – we need to listen, in our churches – we need to listen, how we’re doing our partner, customer, client, friend, etc. a disservice by not listening, so [...]Everyone’s talking about it, but what does it mean? Listening. is a post from: Absolution Mediation - Jason Dykstra -
100th post!
18 Apr 2012 | 2:37 pmIt’s been just over 2 years that this blog has been kicking around. Can you believe that? And this is our 100th post! So in honour of this milestone we’re going to look back at some of your favourites and some of ours as well…well…maybe just 5 of them… Ready? Set? Go! 1. Everyone Has [...]100th post! is a post from: Absolution Mediation - Jason Dykstra -
Recognizing Shame in Mediation
28 Mar 2012 | 11:42 amHave you ever read a book that really makes you think? Right now I’m reading the book, “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brene Brown and it’s making me think a lot. In mediations, and in conflict in general, we deal [...]Recognizing Shame in Mediation is a post from: Absolution Mediation - Jason Dykstra
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My Home Sweet Home
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The Evolution of Our Instagallery
15 May 2012 | 10:54 pmLast summer I wrote How to Create Your Own Instagallery, the story of a DIY magnetic chalkboard project that became a place to display our Instagram photos. Eleven months later, I thought you might like to see how we continue to use and update it. Periodically I take down some photos and put them in albums and print new ones to take their place. Other odds and ends have joined the mix, such as my autographed Straight No Chaser concert ticket from December, . . . my Help-Portrait volunteers’ group photo, and Smilebooth shots from Relevant. Everyday Moments + Instagram = Memories… -
Is Radical Change Possible?
15 May 2012 | 10:50 amMajor changes can be difficult to make and to maintain, just ask anyone who’s tried to lose weight, stop smoking, or quit a bad habit. We’ve all heard the stories; however, there are successes, too, and that’s what I’m interested in examining. What does it take to make a radical change stick? Please join me and read the rest today at (in)courage! Is Radical Change Possible? is a post from: My Home Sweet Home © 2012 My Home Sweet Home | All rights reserved -
Sometimes I Need to Think Small
14 May 2012 | 12:13 amA day devoted—at least in theory—to honoring mom {me} sounded like a good excuse to plan big. Two years ago I requested a family outing to the High Museum and I seriously considered the same this year, until a conversation with a friend on Saturday night made me stop and think . . . Iris asked what we’d planned for Mother’s Day and I told her my big museum idea. Then she pointed to the recliner behind her and said, “I want to sit in that chair and read my book while everyone cleans the house,” and I knew in that moment that she was the wiser. Saturday we’d…
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Los Angeles Mamma Blog » Los Angeles Mamma Blog
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Kate Middleton [almost] Wordless Wednesday
9 May 2012 | 5:37 pmLove her. OMG, I love those shoes. (photo courtesy of omg! yahoo!) -
Kohl’s Spring Trends
26 Apr 2012 | 2:40 pmWhen the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to get a wardrobe makeover. You/I start to feel like it’s time to go out with the old, shed the winter warms, and sport the spring cools. You want to have an awesome spring look to step out in, especially when the weather warms up and you can show some skin. Time to tone and expose. That’s huge this season. At Kohl’s there are so many choices for a spring look. I chose a look from their Open Stitch trend. I chose a short sleeve, remember showing skin is in, textured shrug. I liked the no button look, because I felt it was more versatile. I… -
Monetize Your Blog
16 Apr 2012 | 5:07 pmTons of these posts have been written, and although I am not an expert (yet) I have been trudging through the process of trying to make money through blogging. The truth is that you should be compensated as a blogger, when you are approached by a product or service asking you to cover them you should demand payment for your work. They don’t work for free, and neither do you. It’s as simple as that. I don’t make enough money to do nothing but blog right now, but I make some extra cash, which I can use for entertainment purposes, and that’s nice. Social platforms…
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Mama Bird
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On Earth Day: Rachel Carson & Others I Admire
22 Apr 2012 | 5:54 pm"A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods." So wrote Rachel Carson inThe Sense of... -
Sudden Spring: A Birder's Take
20 Mar 2012 | 3:46 pmToday is the first day of spring, but for birders like me, signs of spring began appearing in early February,... -
Coaching Basketball is Like Coaching Birding
22 Feb 2012 | 7:37 pmAlthough, for most families, the in-house basketball season is over, basketball season itself is still full-throttle. Sure, there’s high school...
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Christian Homemaking & Family Resources, Encouragement & Help at Embracing Home
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Mother’s Day Printables : Free Bookmarks, Gift Tags and Other Goodies
9 May 2012 | 6:55 amMother’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re like me, you want to be prepared beforehand. I’ve already bought my wonderful mom her gifts, but along with them, I’m also going to print out some of the adorable goodies in this post to give to her. On this page you’ll find printable bookmarks, note paper, games, posters, and even printable party decoratives if you’re planning a celebration. If you’re a teacher, these printables will also be useful for Mother’s Day school and church events. I really admire all of the work that designers have… -
Free Printable Mothers Day Cards
8 May 2012 | 4:32 amIf you’ve been looking for some beautifully designed Mother’s Day cards that you can print out for free then you’ve come to the right place. Awesome deisgners have created some unique printable cards. I’ve collected the prettiest designs in a list on this post. So you can just scroll down, click on the links and choose which design you feel matches the mother you will be gifting. Of course you will want to write a heart felt message of your own too. Clementine Creative Card Carmia from from Clementine Creative made a free printable Mother’s Day card that you can… -
Top 25 Beautiful Free Printable Calendars for 2012
26 Apr 2012 | 4:07 amEvery year I update this page to hold only the current year calendars. You’ll find links to the most adorable 2012 calendars designed by awesome artists all around the globe. I put last year’s calendars in another post. You can find the 2011 calendars here and the 2010 ones here. Organizing doesn’t have to be boring. Use artistic calendars and get yourself inspired to accomplish your goals and manage your time in 2012. Don’t forget to stay updated on inspirational resources for your home and family life by signing up with your email for the Embracing Home newsletter.
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Rage Against the Minivan
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my kids are going to change the world. with war and chicken nuggets.
14 May 2012 | 6:28 amI mentioned last week that we’ve been reading questions from the Table Topics Family Cube each night at dinner. It’s provided us with some interesting perspective on our kids. Some of it is not so flattering. (Like, for example, when Jafta answered the question about whether or not he would go to school if he didn’t have to, and he replied that he would stay home and watch video games every day). Tonight’s question brought us to a new low. The question: If you could make one change in this world, what would it be? Perhaps I’ve watched a few too many Miss America… -
that’s what she said: mother’s day edition
13 May 2012 | 7:26 pmWhy I Hate Mother’s Day | Anne Lammott I hate the way the holiday makes all non-mothers, and the daughters of dead mothers, and the mothers of dead or severely damaged children, feel the deepest kind of grief and failure. The non-mothers must sit in their churches, temples, mosques, recovery rooms and pretend to feel good about the day while they are excluded from a holiday that benefits no one but Hallmark and See’s. There is no refuge — not at the horse races, movies, malls, museums. Even the turn-off-your-cellphone announcer is going to open by saying, “Happy Mother’s Day!” You… -
what I learned about motherhood by being an adoptive parent
12 May 2012 | 11:13 pmI wrote a guest post for the Huffington Post this weekend. They are doing a Mother’s Day series, and asked me to write about what I’ve learned by being an adoptive mom. Here’s an excerpt: My family has been formed in many ways. My first child was adopted from the foster-care system as an infant. My second two children came the old-fashioned way. My last child was adopted at nearly 4 years old from an orphanage in Haiti. I've been blessed to experience the beauty of childbirth, as well as the joy of meeting an adopted child for the first time. Each experience was…
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Last Shreds Of Sanity | California Mom Blog
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The Free Range Stupid Crashed Through My Gate
6 May 2012 | 9:40 pmThis was supposed to be a post about why I haven’t been online for over a week and the bombshell my FIL dropped on us — he’s moving to the Philippines for some woman named Misty that he met online. But I haven’t had a chance to finish it yet because yesterday morning The Free Range Stupid crashed through my gate. Sorry, Liz. I’ll have the tale of the made-for-FaceBook-Lifetime movie up by Tuesday. Hopefully. I knew that Cinco de Mayo — the made up holiday designed to get drunk gringos to buy Mexican piss water beer — in this ghetto neighborhood of… -
How The Kristin Lesney-Ruiz Plagiarism Scandal Should Cause Brands To Choose Bloggers Based On Content, Not Traffic
23 Mar 2012 | 8:12 pmImage courtesy of TILT: The Information Literacy Tutorial Last week, while I was firmly ensconced in my graphic designing-got-to-finish-this-website-now-oh-shit-the-car-died-on-the-freeway-and-the-tow-company-charged-us-three-times-for-the-fee bubble, something curious happened in the mom blog world — a blogger, Kristin Lesney-Ruiz, who has had multiple complaints and police reports about her and her husband’s shady, and possibly criminal, online activities but still manages to make money and get scads of free shit from major brands — was found to have plagiarized another… -
Tide Laundry Soap Is Currency For Drugs. Apparently.
13 Mar 2012 | 7:53 pmAt least that’s one of the scenarios that my local news put out today after a man was found to have stolen $25,000 worth of Tide liquid detergent over a 15-month period. Yes, that is what I heard — stolen from stores in record numbers, Tide laundry soap is currency for drugs. Apparently. Or sold to Mom & Pop Shops at a discount. Or sold to regular people who can’t afford the high prices charged in stores so that they, too, can have ultra clean laundry. They think. The police and media, I mean. Not the people buying hot laundry soap. Because they don’t care,…
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Mommy Nani Booboo
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8 Line Challenge – droplets.
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amMy pubic bone was split and left with an 8mm gap. I began writing in only 8 lines for a month. The 8 Line Challenge was born. It’s time for another one. Boom. The prompt was – droplets. Here are my guests: Danielle Aubenque is an ex-theatrical, a poet, and [...] -
I’ve been busy with stuff. Also, my eyes might bleed.
15 May 2012 | 7:00 amWhat day is it? What’s going on? Who are you people? I’ve been running around like a mad chicken lately, chasing after my seven month old. Meatball, who has spent his entire life demanding to be held, has now decided being held is for schmucks and has forgone crawling to [...] -
One mother to another.
12 May 2012 | 8:22 pmI remember: Singing on the way to preschool. Gentleness. Amazing Grace on the guitar. Playing with fly swatters. Sleeping with you when Daddy was away. Wearing your clothes. Telling me you were proud of me. Arms around me when I cried. You listening. You taking a dance class with me [...]
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Miscellaneous Mom
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When Her Heart Breaks
26 Apr 2012 | 8:30 amHere in Fairytale Land we’ve had a few heartbreaking days, consecutively. For the past 2 days the princess has come home from school crying and feeling defeated. Nothing prepared me for the heartbreak that I would feel by not being able to make it all better. I remember middle school being really rough for me. I was unsure about my body. I was uncomfortable being smart, but hated being less than smart. I failed tests on purpose. I placed too much value on what other people thought and said about me. My self esteem was lower than slime on the bottom of a pond rock. And, I never said a… -
Yesterday, She Was a Baby
22 Mar 2012 | 8:58 pmMy cousin and his wife had their first baby earlier this week. She is impossibly beautiful, incredibly tiny, and totally sweet. It’s exciting to watch them begin their parenting journey. 15 years ago, I was pregnant with my own first child. She was impossibly beautiful, not so tiny, and totally sweet. Today, she’s still impossibly beautiful, no where near tiny, and, well, not so sweet. Teenagers are like that. No one mentions that at the baby shower. None of the unsolicited parenting advice you get when you’re pregnant covers mouthy teens. Or, sassy tweens. Or, even whiny… -
The Talk 2.0
27 Feb 2012 | 1:40 pmLast week, during Jon Acuff’s Blissdom keynote, he said something that really struck me. Parents have been having The Talk — birds & the bees — with kids for years, but we’re the first generation who has to have a digital footprint talk. And, that is a true story. When the teen first got on Facebook, we had a conversation with her on dos & don’ts. We covered cyberbullying. We covered inappropriate behavior. We covered deleting posts & internet caching (Google never forgets!). And, we covered our own (newly created) digital rules—she has to be…
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Chasing Supermom
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Bering’s Grilling Giveaway!
15 May 2012 | 12:16 pmWith the arrival of warmer weather, and with summer just around the corner, many of you may be breaking out the grills for some barbecue! I don’t know about you, but my family LOVES to grill! Bering’s, has exactly what you need to fire up the grill and get cooking with your family! (They would also be a GREAT resource to find just the right Father’s Day gift! In fact, this giveaway prize would make an awesome present for Dad!) What dad wouldn’t love this Weber Style 3-Piece Stainless Steel Tool Set?! This set comes with a spatula, chef’s tongs, and grilling… -
Rate That Dinner!!
14 May 2012 | 8:25 pmI don’t know how many times I’ve started to think about dinner and have wished I could remember if my kids liked it or not. How many of you have also gone through the dinnertime battle with a picky eater, and would be interested in avoiding the fight from time to time? While I am all for making kids try new things, sometimes it is great to go into a meal knowing the arguments I’m going to face. Then, there are evenings like tonight when our pickiest eater DEVOURED his dinner, and had three helpings! I thought to myself, I need to remember that he likes this so much! Thus, I… -
Everything to Everyone
11 May 2012 | 2:30 pmFor the last few hours, I’ve been throwing myself a pity party. There’s been no cake, no guests, and lots of crazy mom guilt. Sound fun? Probably not, but I’ll bet you’ve been there too. My daughter’s kindergarten class is taking their last field trip of the year today…..and I’m here….at home. While I understand how important my role is at home today, and that I am here to meet the needs of my three other children, there is a huge part of me that feels incredibly guilty for not being there for her too. I am literally mad at myself for not having…
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ifthisismotherhood.com
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Gonna Miss You.
14 May 2012 | 10:43 amOh Hugh Laurie, I’m going to miss you. I can’t believe it. House M.D. is coming to an end. Let’s face it, you can only watch the reruns so many times. I’ll buy every season on DVD but it won’t be the same. This is the story, plight and downfall of a House addict. No. Really. I. LOVE. HOUSE. And….I. LOVE. HUGH. LAURIE. So a few days ago, I watched the last available episode on Hulu until the end of this week and found myself sitting on the couch, staring forlornly at the screen. But I need a plan. I need to have something when House is… -
Mapping Parenthood…
13 May 2012 | 12:51 pmLast night, I laid in bed thinking about how much having children has changed me. People say it all the time, “I’m a different person because of my kids.” But what does that really mean? What changed? When I became a mother, I knew exactly what I wanted for my kids. I had beliefs – strong ones — and I wasn’t willing to bend on them. At least I thought I had beliefs I wasn’t willing to bend on. But as time ski’s by, I find that with each passing day, those beliefs are challenged and thrown back on the drawing board for revision. … -
A Letter For The Boys – Mother’s Day Reflections
12 May 2012 | 6:13 pmDear Boys, If you’re reading this, you’ve already made it through half of this blog and you’re probably disappointed. You probably expected this blog would be full of joy and fun memories because mothers LOVE being a mother, right? Reading passages where I complained about motherhood, said you were annoying or pondered if you’d be living in my basement when you were thirty, yeah, probably made you sad. Motherhood is an experience I wasn’t prepared for and I haven’t grown into it or adjusted. Being a parent is hard. Being a mother often feels like a…
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The Mom Writes
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Grow Your Business While Taking a Break with Mom Biz Retreat
16 May 2012 | 2:05 amDo you want to take a break but feel your business will suffer? Are you overwhelmed with the demands of a growing or new business? Are you tired to the bone creating a strategy or business plan for your latest venture? Does just the thought of a pedicure seem like true bliss? Well, then I have just the right solution for you! Meet the Mom Biz Retreat – a weekend spent nurturing and rejuvenating your soul while working on your business with two talented business coaches and trainers – Lara Galloway and Shelagh Cummins. The first Mom Biz Retreat was held in Chicago and was, not… -
Travel with Kids: Top 10 Tips to Make Traveling Easy for Everyone
14 May 2012 | 12:49 amAs we plan our annual summer vacation later in June, I can’t help but recall all the travel tips and tricks that have helped us make road trips and flights easy and stress-free with our daughter in tow. Whether she was a baby or a toddler, schlepping her around was easy-peasy because we devoured books and blogs that helped us plan for a hassle-free journey. After 4 years of traveling as a family, here are 10 of our top “travel with kids” tips to make journeys easy for everyone, you included: 1. Travel with Kids Means Planning, Planning, Planning Yes, even before you book the… -
7 Fun and Frugal Mother’s Day Gift Ideas: Simple Ways to Make Mom Feel Extra Special
11 May 2012 | 8:39 amNote from Prerna: This weekend, we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom-in-law and of course, me. Naturally, I’m delighted to have Mayank share his fun and frugal ideas to gift a mother on this special day. “Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing.” ~Ricki Lake This Sunday is Mother’s Day. It is a day to thank and shower a lot of love on your mother. While we all agree that just a day in the year is not enough to show your love or appreciation for someone as important as your mother, one can still try and make this day memorable for your Mom. Make…
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A Frog In My Soup
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Touching Moments – Writing Inspiration
16 May 2012 | 10:26 amThis week begins the first weekly writing inspiration. If you are planning on joining in and want us to see your work, please feel free to leave a comment with a link to your post or with a bit of your writing. This week’s topic is Touching Moments… it will mean something different to every single person who sees that prompt. Write about one moment…what you feel, what moves you, why it moves you and how it moves you. Atmospheric Change The day was dark and dismal, much like any other day in our area but there was a sense of something to come, something bigger than ourselves,… -
Stopping to Smell the Flowers
14 May 2012 | 11:08 amI can’t begin to recall how many times I have received a hand picked boquet of Dandelions that have been presented by a sweet little boy with the sweetest little smile on his face. My reaction to said boquet has always been… well… not so enthusiastic. I detest Dandelions with all my being. I have all but shunned their very existence, especially when the nasty things are brought into my house. So when a sweet little boy delivers a bouquet of them, my immediate reaction is and always has been, “thank you sweetie, can we keep these outside though?”. So when I got… -
Scentsy
11 May 2012 | 8:47 amIn my pre-child life, I loved to have candles all around my house. I loved how they smell, I loved how they looked, and I liked that I could add a little design flare to my house with different holders and colors. Enter children. And there went my candles. (Along with all of my other beautiful vases, and crystal, replaced with the standard mom decorations of stuffed lovies, pacifiers, and sippy cups.) Don’t get me wrong, being a mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me, but I was overjoyed when I saw a friend of mine from high school posting on Facebook about her new…
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4tunate
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Square Foot Gardening: Keeping It Growing
16 May 2012 | 8:59 amWe’ve commenced our 3rd year in backyard square foot gardening! We still don’t entirely know what we’re doing, but it’s a fun experiment each year. And while it’s a little work to keep it going, the benefits are well worth the family effort! Fresh organic produce Backyard convenience Learning about plant growth from seed to harvest The accomplishment of growing your own food Family involvement/excitement So far our peas are looking great and we’ve also added lettuce starters. Since this picture the green beans are popping up nicely, along with sunflowers, and… -
Rookie Runners
14 May 2012 | 10:01 amWe have four more runners in our house. After and during Brad’s mini-marathon training, they’ve been running their hearts out: 3 runs around the block on Sunday, laps around the outside of the house, sprints from one end of the house to another. {If you can’t tell, they look up to their daddy intensely!} We discovered that part of the 500 Festival in Indianapolis during the month of May includes a non-competitive Rookie Run for kids ages 3-12. It took no convincing to sign these band of brothers up for their first race! Of course, their superhero capes gave them an unfair… -
Motherhood Wanderings…
11 May 2012 | 10:13 amThe approaching Mother’s Day holiday leaves me not only emotional about the awesome privilege of becoming a mother to these four boys, but an overwhelming gratitude for my own mother’s love. Source: notonthehighstreet.com via Anna Cristina on Pinterest Our journey to motherhood was a bumpy one, and my heart aches for those who would rather hide under the covers than face another year without a baby to hold in your arms. Others of you are without your mother on this holiday, and I cannot imagine how hard that must be to muster your way through such grief. Some of you…
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Mommy In Suburbia
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Mother's Day
15 May 2012 | 10:40 pmI hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day! I got to spend all day with my husband and babies, and loved every minute of it. We had a slow, comfortable morning and went out later in the afternoon. We had lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant. It's rare to find authentic Mexican food in Ohio, and they had a harp player (and singer!) come in during lunch for the day. The kids were absolute angels during lunch too. It always cracks me up to see people cringe when we walk in with three little ones, expecting them to act like heathens. Then I get to watch their expressions change during the meal as… -
What I Cooked Tonight
9 May 2012 | 11:40 pmSo, making Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls the second day after deciding to cut down on sweets? Probably not my best idea ever. But... out of 67, I only ate two! -
Where Have All the Nose Pads Gone?
7 May 2012 | 8:02 pmAnyone who wears glasses has had a nose pad break. The little plastic ovals that help hold glasses on your face. I have one break about every 6 months or so, and usually I replace them myself. You just get a kit with a screwdriver, and a few different pad sizes, and you attach a new one. Apparently, they don't sell them anymore. I found foam cushions, screwdrivers, and plenty of cleaning kits, but not a single set of replacement nose pads to be had. I went to three different stores. I had to go to my optometrist to have them put on a new set, which they did happily and free of charge. But…
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As Mom Sees It
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We're announcing our 2nd #BlogHer sponsor!
16 May 2012 | 5:18 amIf there's one thing that bloggers love, and often hate to live without, it's technology. I am thrilled to be working with leading one of the leaders in useful and fun technology, Kingston. We've had the pleasure to work with Kingston before on a few reviews and giveaways; they're a great company and a great group with which to work. It's funny because, when I first started to talk about their sponsorship to friends and family, they didn't recognize the name at first. I think that Kingston is one of those hidden gems that you don't realize you love until you realize that you're already using… -
Flash #Giveaway: $25 Old Navy egift card
15 May 2012 | 11:01 pma Rafflecopter giveaway -
Enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
15 May 2012 | 11:01 pmReady to win another $100 Amazon code? Enter on the Rafflecopter form below: a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Mama On the Go
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How Far to Space Apart Your Children Is Partly a Financial Decision
14 May 2012 | 12:54 amPhoto by jamma.blogware.com Most of us have children because we enjoy raising children and we think they will make our lives more complete. We look forward to watching them grow up and to one day having grandchildren. The decision to have children is a personal one as well as when to have them and when to have another one. We don’t like to think that finances have a role in that decision, but they do, especially when deciding how far to space apart our children. My first two children are 4.5 years apart, and my last two are 1.5 years apart, so I have seen both sides of the spacing… -
Preserve Spring and Summer Fruit To Save Money
7 May 2012 | 12:13 amThe best way to save money on groceries is to buy produce that is in season. The best way to eat healthy foods is to buy produce that is in season AND local so it doesn’t have to travel on trucks for days to get to you. While many of us know this, we may be reluctant to follow these rules because, let’s face it, some of the fruit choices that are available in the fall and winter such as apples, oranges and tangerines, can get boring after awhile. You can save money by preserving local, in season fruits and vegetables now, while they are available. Strawberries If you don’t yet have… -
Telephone Options for Your Small Business
23 Apr 2012 | 8:15 amPhoto by plenty.r. If you’re a small business, it can be difficult to figure out the best option for phone service. It is a decision of balancing customer needs with costs, and also emerging forms of communication. As more and more individuals stop having home phone service, businesses are having to adapt as well. Here are some good telephone options for your small business. Traditional Phone Service Many small businesses will still need some type of traditional phone service. However, it is important to think about why, and what your customers need. If you do a lot of your…
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Everyday Eve
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Let the Waiting Begin… Again..
29 Apr 2012 | 11:41 amJune 1st.. that’s when the letters are mailed saying if I got into this year’s nursing program or not. It will be a stretch to get in this round, because of the math class I am finishing up over the summer (most applicant’s have already finished it) but it will be possible so I am on the fence… it could go either way at this point… I have a plan even if I don’t get in this round, the worst part of NOT getting an acceptance in June is that I will be in school for exactly one year longer than if I do get accepted. BUT I will be a year closer to my… -
USO Fundraiser : Comforts of Home
21 Apr 2012 | 12:39 amFor only $10.00, you can sponsor an Avon Cares USO2GO Kit, which the USO will deliver to isolated troops deployed abroad.This is a wonderful opportunity to express your gratitude to our brave service men and women. The Avon Cares USO2GO Kit includes five full-size toiletry products. You can also send a personal message of encouragement with each kit. Avon Products, Inc. will donate all of the products listed below as well as $4.00 of your $10.00 to the USO to help provide emergency relief programs, family assistance activities, entertainment tours and more. There is no limit to the number of… -
Avon Special: Try the ANEW Skincare line in special ‘try it’ sizes! B1G1 Free!
16 Apr 2012 | 9:10 pmI have been using the night cream and LOVE it, but it is your chance to fin out for yourself! Try any of the ANEW product line to see what you like the best. Special offer of Buy One Get One Free ‘try-it’ sizes come in a 2 week supply (lasted me more like three lol) of any of the ANEW line. Avon Anew products and regimens are perfect for all ages, skin types, and concerns. If you are unfamiliar with the Avon Anew product line then this is the perfect starting point to find the right anti-aging product that matches your needs! Check out the entire line here and give it a try.
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Louisa Claire
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A Season of Hopefulness, Anticipation and Fear.
16 May 2012 | 8:20 amThere’s nothing quite like a pregnancy to make you feel helpless. I’m in that awkward phase; in between DR appointments that reassure me that all is progressing well and that bubs is safe and thriving and yet not feeling bubs moving around, giving me that wonderful constant comfort that all is well. I don’t look pregnant – just fat(ter) so no tummy to prove to the world myself that this is real, and at the same time I’m starting to feel well again, less nauseua, less tired – this is a blessing, an answer to prayer and yet it leaves me…anxious. I… -
10 little feet…
13 May 2012 | 4:38 pmFather asked us, “What was God’s noblest work?” Anna said, “Men”, but I said “Babies”. Men are often bad, but babies never are. Louisa May Alcott -
Dear Australian Labor Party, I think you’ve missed the point…
8 May 2012 | 8:24 pmMy husband looked at me last night and said “There was a moment in time, where we had Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turbull leading the parties; two reasonable men… and now we have this.” I am so angry right now, so angry. And stupefied. Dear Australian Labor Party, I think you have missed the point. When you almost lost the last election it wasn’t because people stampeded to the right of your policies. It was because they went left. I’m not sure if you missed that lesson in kindergarten where you learnt the different between your left and right but now might be…
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Tree, Root, and Twig
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Could You Use a Little #ChopInspiration? {Twitter Party & Prizes}
16 May 2012 | 8:02 amI think nearly 70% of the meal ideas I use at home come from the internet. Cooking isn’t something that comes naturally to me, so I need all the inspiration I can get! Anytime I find blogs, boards, updates, or chats that help me discover new recipes is a win for me (and my family!). Tomorrow I’m looking forward to joining the National Pork Board at a Twitter party called #ChopInspiration to discuss great ways to cook pork (including on the grill – Hello Summertime!). PARTY DETAILS: Who: Main hosts are @AllAboutPork and @TheMotherhood When: Thursday, May 17 at 7-8 p.m. ET… -
Mother’s Day Gift Idea: The VTech LS6475-3 Multitasking Home Phone System
11 May 2012 | 9:13 amEveryone who knows me knows how hard it is to get me on the phone. Frankly, I don’t like to stop what I’m doing to have a conversation, and as a busy mom of 5, it seems I’m always doing something. This stubbornness of mine has been particularly challenging since my husband started working out of town last year. He likes to call and check in at least once a day (sometimes more), but I often keep the conversations short because I’m distracted by the task I’ve just left on hold. (ps: I feel bad about that.) We’ve been testing out the VTech LS6475-3… -
Who Won and What I Learned from the SAFESKIN® Kids Sport Wrap Giveaway
9 May 2012 | 2:05 pmLast week I announced a very quick giveaway for a $100 Walmart gift card from SAFESKIN® Kids Sport Wrap. I’m happy to announce that reader Liz N. was the winner. Congratulations to her! The giveaway required that readers answer the question: “have you or your child ever suffered a sports-related injury?” In Liz’s case, she answered that she tore her ACL in high school. Ouch! In fact, a lot of readers (or their children) seemed to have suffered some pretty intense injuries. I learned two things from reading the few hundred responses: (1) there are a lot of ways to get…
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The Latest From KludgyMom
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Nine.
16 May 2012 | 5:30 amThe age of 8 was not an easy one for you, son. It’s been a tumultous year at best. I wonder what word you would use to describe it all. You were in the midst of enjoying a fun summer vacation and readying yourself to be a third grader when we dropped a bombshell on you. We are moving. In ten days. What enormous weight we asked your young and slender shoulders to bear. You started a new life, away from all that you had ever known. You handled it with maturity and grace far beyond your years, rarely complaining; always putting your best foot forward. Always setting an example. We asked… -
Decisionmaking
15 May 2012 | 8:00 amMissy at Wonder,Friend has been a blogging friend since nearly the beginning. She’s an IRL friend, too, and it’s been a joy to get to know her better over these last two years. I’ve featured her here a couple of times – I love her sometimes-neurotic wit, the beautifully fragile way in which she can write about her kids, and her overall vibe. Missy asked me to guest post for this week, and I’m honored to do so. I”m writing about the trouble I have with decisionmaking. It’s called: Decisionmaking: What The Cheetos Won’t Tell Me. I hope you come… -
Catching My Breath
14 May 2012 | 5:20 am1 Conference Pass to Bloggy Boot Camp Las Vegas One copy of DIY Blog Critique eBook and One Spot in MomComm’s Content Brew class for June $100 in Design Credits at Booyah’s Momma Digital Art and Design A Year of method Laundry Detergent + More Cleaning Supplies! Gorgeous Four Boys Jumbo Tote by Scout by Bungalow in Winner’s Choice of Pattern $50 Store Credit To Girl Frenzy Designs Personalized Gifts $75 To Spend on Clothing or Throw Pillows At Basic Couture $75 to Spend on Jewel Kade Jewelry Well, peeps, I’m exhausted. Between launching over 15 giveaways last week (note to…
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The Mom Around Town
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Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
12 May 2012 | 4:35 pmImage courtesy of Instructables.com Here’s something from the archives for you to enjoy: Homemade detergent is great for sensitive skin and the pocketbook! I got a call from my cousin Michele recently telling me she had something to teach me. This was totally out of the blue and totally genius! I love learning to make things none of my friends make. I feel creative, unique, resourceful, confident, and sexy. That’s right, sexy! A 50-ounce container of Tide 2x Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent costs about $8 and lasts for 32 loads of laundry. At that rate, if you do only one load of… -
Girls’ Weekend
2 May 2012 | 5:13 pmI haven’t had a weekend with my college girlfriends since my wedding five years ago. This past weekend we did something about it. We are spread out around the country, so we picked a location and all met there. Vegas! It wasn’t exactly the wild Vegas trip people might expect from a bunch of college girls reuniting. This trip was a guy’s worst nightmare: days of nonstop chatter and catching up over ice cream and fun meals. We actually hardly left the hotel, which (me being the explorer) would typically bother me. Not this time. Five tired moms getting much-needed sleep, comfort from a… -
Le Gourmand: H’s Favorite Eats
1 May 2012 | 3:15 amHayden is quite the gourmand, and here is his list of favorite restaurants for food and ambiance—or maybe because they’re where his mom drags him. Either way, here are H’s picks! The Yellow Church Cafe, Ellensburg, WA This place is in—you guessed it—an old church. Super cute inside, and the food is amazing. Don’t forget to try the heavenly loaf. Really though, I am positive there isn’t one thing on the menu that is so-so. Everything we have eaten has been over-the-top amazing. El Caporal, Cle Elum, WA Your typical Mexican restaurant. We love it here because the food…
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Kid Things
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Putting Together a Swingset
14 May 2012 | 7:23 amHow many people does it take to put together a swingset? That sounds like the beginning of a joke, except it isn’t very funny. It’s more than it would take to screw in a lightbulb, I assure you. The short answer is that it takes a team. Along with a lot of grumping and a couple scraped knuckles, over the course of 3 days in shifts. More than 7 hours in total. But thanks to my brother and parents, we went from a bunch of confusing pieces… To a complete swingset that, in the words of my 8 year old son, is “really awesome!”. The little boy from next door even came… -
What I Want For Mother’s Day
11 May 2012 | 7:16 amOh, Mother’s Day. A day to honor mom and all she’s done. The hard work she labors through 24/7, in the name of love for her children. It’s a tough job raising little people into appropriate and prosperous adults, and it’s nice to get a bit of recognition. Mother’s Day is a day to be thankful for mom, because she’ll always have your back. That is what it should be. That’s not usually what it is in my experience. Now, I’m not very particular about my gifts. But while I adore my kids’ handmade cards they were forced to construct in class,… -
A Field Trip with 2nd Grade
10 May 2012 | 7:41 amIt has been many years since I’ve been on a school bus. Many years. Yesterday, however, for the first time in many years, I boarded a school bus with my son and his 2nd grade class for a field trip to a zoo. Once we got there, the small class was broken into smaller groups. I was responsible for keeping track of my son and two of his friends. Which wasn’t as easy as it sounds since they were excited and liked to run from one exhibit to the next. But, to win them over, I bought them all rainbow sno-cones. We had a really great time. Copyright © 2012 Kid Things. All Rights…
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mommyposh.com
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OOTD: Head To The Tropics
14 May 2012 | 2:17 pmFlorals and bright colors are a huge trend this season, so if there are no plans of you heading to the tropics then there isn’t no excuse why the tropics can’t come to you, courtesy of Kohl’s that is. Over the weekend I headed off to Kohl’s Department Store with my $100 gift certificate, $10 Kohl’s cash and 30% coupon, in search of the perfect tropical trend look. Admiring my favorite designers, from Jennifer Lopez to Vera Wang I knew that this was not going to be an easy task. However, I stopped in my tracks when I saw that the LC Lauren Conrad collection had… -
Time Magazine Cover Mom Speaks Out!
11 May 2012 | 2:07 pmWheter you agree to disagree on the recent Time magazine cover, it surely brings up the most controversal topic ever – to breastfeed or not to breastfeed. I know moms who have chosen not to breastfeed their newborns (some for vanity reasons and other for health reasons), nonetheless, whatever choice you make, its YOUR choice. Related Post: Why I Loved Breastfeeding So this morning, Time magazine’s cover mom went on the Today show to share her views on attachment parenting and explain the story behind the cover photo. She was joined by her 3-year-old son, Aram, Dr. Sears, and… -
“The Vow”: The Perfect Date Night-In Movie
9 May 2012 | 1:10 pmI laughed, cried and couldn’t help but reminisce of my own special moments shared with my husband while watching The Vow in theaters this past February. The first time we met, our first kiss and the moment we said our I-do’s are always with me..even those love letters and cards that we’ve exchanged in our first years of dating. Now with our family growing, we share even more fond memories. The Vow stars Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams in a touching romantic drama based on a true story. Husband Leo (Channing Tatum) is faced with the unthinkable heartbreak when his wife,…
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Momscape Blog | Family Fun, Parenting Tips, Cool Finds, and Coupon Codes
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Join Bob Greene’s 15-Week Reward Program for Free
15 May 2012 | 2:48 pmBob Greene and The Best Life.com Launch “Best Life’s Small Change Movement” – a 15-Week Rewards Program Based on Making Small Changes to Help People Lose Weight, Get Healthy and Live Their Best Life TheBestLife.com, the online weight-loss program based on the best-selling book The Best Life Diet by Bob Greene, is proud to announce the “Best Life’s Small Change Movement” starting on Tuesday, May 15. The program, which is free and open to the public, is based on the successful strategies that Greene has used over the course of his 25-plus years as a health and fitness… -
Healthy Habits: Introducing Your Family to Red Foods
6 May 2012 | 6:23 pmHealthy Habits: Introducing Your Family to Red Foods A guest post from Cheryl Tallman, Creator of FreshBaby.com In Japan, the color red signifies energy and power and is often used as a color for heroic figures. This is a good description because when you include red fruits and vegetables in your child’s meals, they will grow up strong like superheroes. Red foods are packed with lots of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. Red foods also contain compounds called phytochemicals, which have been shown to have positive health benefits. Phytochemicals you might… -
Choosing the Right Pet When You Have Allergies
6 May 2012 | 5:29 pmA pet can be an important part of your family, but it can also be a source of frustration. If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies to pet dander, having a pet can even be a health risk. Simply having an allergy to dogs, however, doesn’t mean you can’t have one in the home. You need to start by: Having your allergist identify exactly what animals you’re allergic to and how severely. Know the risks involved in exposure to those animals. Do some research to determine which pet or specific breed might be best for you. Accordingly, here are some basics that can get you…
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Memphis mom, parenting & life blogger | a belle, a bean & a chicago dog
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It’s Senior Hottie Time, Yo!
14 May 2012 | 6:00 amThe competition is ON in the race to be named #SeniorHottie 2012! Grab your photos from your senior year of high school, grab a photo of yourself in the present day, and the #SeniorHottie button in my sidebar, and LINK UP, BABY! I Was a Senior Hottie: Then & Now runs from today through midnight on May 20th. At that time, I will select finalists for all 5 contest categories, and our esteemed Hotness Judges – KLZ, Amanda and Hutch – will choose the winner of each category! #SeniorHottie Contest Categories: Hasn’t Changed Since High School Should Have Been Prom Queen Are you… -
My Loves
9 May 2012 | 6:00 amThis week, I have 4 little creatures to be thankful for. My twin… My “Mommy & Daughter Preschool Time” My first “baby” My learning-to-love-to-cuddle pup What do you have to be thankful for? * * * * * * * * This post is part of #iPPP (iPhone Photo Phun), where we link up photos taken from our smart phones. Any smart phone. -
Because I was 27 when I became a mother
7 May 2012 | 6:00 amIf you had asked me about being a mom while I was growing up, I would have answered you with things like, “Of course I will!” and “I want 8 kids!“. But nowhere in my responses would you ever have heard an age attached to those plans. I’ve never been one to have “deadlines” for life events, though I’m sure you all know at least 1 person (or perhaps, yourself?) who does. For me, it was College after High School, Marriage after College, and Babies after Marriage. That was the extent of any and all expectations or life plans I had for myself. I…
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Our Mommyhood
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Why your Facebook Friends Are Secretly Checking up on your Past
15 May 2012 | 6:09 amWe all know how cool it can be to re-connect with old friends via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even Pinterest. There are so many social platforms where we can share and discuss our lives with peers and loved ones and take a look at what others have been up to all these years. But, why is it that those long-gone friends are suddenly coming out of the woodwork as soon as you set up your first social media profile? -
7 Family Activities to Enjoy on the Island of Oahu
14 May 2012 | 10:50 amThe island of Oahu is the most popular tourism destination in the chain of Hawaiian Islands. Although it is not the largest island in Hawaii, Oahu is the most densely populated and is home to some of the biggest attractions in the state. If you are planning an upcoming family vacation to the island of Oahu, try to include some of these family-friendly activities in your travel itinerary. -
How Social Media is Positively Affecting Your Teen
8 May 2012 | 8:02 amAs a mom of a teenager, it’s common to worry about the effects that social media may be having on your child. Cyber-bullying is a hot button topic right now and it’s hard to avoid news reports of teenagers committing suicide because they have been teased, harassed or bullied through social giants like Facebook and Twitter. Unfortunately, the positive effects of social media are rarely reported. Believe it or not, sites like Facebook can actually benefit your teen. Here’s how:
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The Epic Adventures of a Modern Mom
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Fine Gardening
15 May 2012 | 10:55 pmRecently my uncle-in-law’s garden was featured in Fine Gardening. I thought for Wordless Wednesday this week, I would show off some pictures of his prized gardens. Everyone in that generation of our family seems to have inherited this super gardening gene but somehow, the green thumb gene has decided to skip a generation. Hubby and I can’t seem to keep our garden growing (except for weeds), but we have clearly done our duty and passed on this very important gene to our toddlers. They clearly have inherited the family gift of gardening. They seem eager and excited to… -
Becoming a mom
12 May 2012 | 7:16 pmBecoming a mom has been terrible for my ego but wonderful for my soul. I used to be hip, trendy, stylish and fun. I used to strut around like I was hot stuff and then I got filled up from the inside with my babies. As they grew, so did my love for them, swelling within me, overwhelming my emotions. It transformed me and helped me see the world in a whole new way. In the past three years, I have been covered in vomit, snot, food, drool and other unmentionables. I have stayed up all day and all night holding a sick child in my arms and nursing them back to health. I have wiped tears, kissed boo… -
Weekend Blog Hop Till You Drop
9 May 2012 | 9:44 pmHey party people of the blogosphere, welcome to the Weekend Blog Hop till you Drop! After linking up to the blog hop, here are some other fun things for you to do. Link up to my ‘Best Blogs on the Block Blogroll here and I would love for you to join my Pinstagram Party on Pintrest, see details below!!! Blog Hop Rules: This is a Fun Linky hop to find other blogs we can follow! 1. Follow the hostess, Epic Mom a.k.a Char from The Epic Adventures of a Modern Mom, and be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back. 2. Link up your blog so we can all check it out. 3. Please feel…
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Sweet Potato Chronicles
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Roundup: Favourite Asparagus Recipes
16 May 2012 | 6:00 amIt’s Spring Fever week here on SPC and to me, nothing screams Spring more than asparagus. It is one of my favourite vegetables and it is much more flavorful during the Spring months. It’s so versatile and can be made as a side dish, or incorporated into a main dish, the possibilities are endless. When I see a bunch of asparagus at my grocery store, I can’t help but buy it, but then, it stares at me from the fridge, day after day, each time I look, there it is. I hope I’m not alone in this, but sometimes I just don’t know what to do with what I have in my fridge. -
What’s So Great About Wheat germ?
15 May 2012 | 6:00 amLet’s take a groovy time machine back to the far out 1970’s today. Not all things from the ‘70’s are worth resurrecting (the Pet Rock comes to mind). But wheat germ, that bran muffin boosting, meatloaf bulking powder your mom likely used, does indeed deserve to make an appearance in your modern kitchen. So don’t be a square, get on board with this nutrition star and be cool, man (to be honest I was very young in the ‘70’s so its possible these terms were only spoken by Fat Albert and the gang in which case, my apologies to true 1970’s aficionados). According to the Mayo… -
Spring Fever Week: Strawberry Rhubarb Crostata
14 May 2012 | 4:55 amHere’s an oldie-but-goodie from the archives. There are still gorgeous shoots of rhubarbs in the stores and this is a really easy yet impressive way to use them. Let me know if you try it! – C.M. I don’t know how many ways we can complain about spring’s slow arrival, but it’s getting dire, isn’t it? So, at SPC our new motto is: If we eat them, it will come. Them being spring fruits and vegetables and It being the stubbornest spring in memory. We couldn’t have known when, some time ago, we decided this would be Spring Fever Week on the site. So…
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Tripping Mom
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The ¨30 days without yelling at my child¨ challenge
15 May 2012 | 11:19 amThe thing started spontaneously. A few times I had committed myself to ¨not yelling just for today¨, which gives great results. Then a few times, it was: ¨Wow, 3 days in a row without screaming!¨ But then I´d forget about it. Last week though, I had a quote from A.S. Neill stuck in my head: ¨Compulsive discipline always implies fear¨ (I don´t want my daughter to de afraid of me, so that I get something done or cleaned), plus learning what self-regulation means, when during a 2-days in a row without screaming I read Jennifer´s post: Do you scare your kids? Do you think they deserve… -
Summerhill School – Quotes from A.S. Neill on his living free school
4 May 2012 | 10:26 amSummerhill School in Suffolk, England The book Summerhill School – A New View to Childhood tells the experience and observations of A.S. Neill running a free school in Suffolk, England for fifty years. The book was originally written in 1960, when Neill was 88-years old. It´s amazing to see the story of a school that was founded in 1921 on revolutionary principles for today. When Neil died in 1973, his wife Ena took on the school for 12 years. The school is now run by their daughter Zoe. The pupils are free to attend classes whenever they want. The kids can play for days, weeks or… -
Volcano trip with a 4-year old in Costa Rica: couchsurfing, hiking and long bus rides
19 Apr 2012 | 1:09 pmIt´s getting time to go back home in Brazil. Before we leave, however, I still had to go and see a volcano with Luísa. I have a thing about volcanoes. We went to La fortuna to see the Arenal volcano for 3 days. The secret to traveling nicely with children is to travel slowly. I took the first bus ride of 5 hours to San Jose and another 1-hour bus to a friend´s house for the night. The next morning, another 4,5 bus ride to our destination. I had a couchsurfing friend to host us. When I was on my way, I called our tico host and he told me he wouldn´t be there till later at night, so there…
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The Ultimate Juggle
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The Importance of Vacations For Kids
4 May 2012 | 1:28 pmWhen my wife and I were first married and no children were in the picture yet, some years we would skip going on vacations. Instead we preferred to invest the money that we saved, hoping to accumulate enough to make … Read more » -
Saving Money By Doing Small Repairs Yourself
18 Apr 2012 | 10:21 amWe have two kids that we like to spend money on for things such as sports, birthdays, and other activities but money is not limitless in our household, so when things break, we can’t afford to hire a repairman to … Read more » -
Staying Healthy While Busy
6 Apr 2012 | 9:40 amAs we all know, staying active and healthy can be difficult when life gets busy. Before you know it, you find yourself running from this to that with very little in between. You may start to sacrifice precious hours of … Read more »
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Raising Rockstar
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Screw It Just Buy It (Or, I Threw Up In A Furniture Store So Shut Up)
15 May 2012 | 9:27 pmHorribly irresponsible post alert? What if you tell some poor depressed soul she can’t buy something just a wee bit out of her budget and she goes and kills herself? "Happy Ending Pic" - Rockstar scarfing free (and biggest) sesame seed cookie at Tequila Kola waiting for me to finish my purchase (the nice furniture showrooms have now started offering freebie cupcakes, cookies, coffee/ tea/ babycinnos to shoppers or at least their kids) But seriously. I’m one of those obsessive compulsives who has almost always been able to name every big-ish item on her credit card bill… -
Our Un-Mother’s Day
14 May 2012 | 1:43 amRockstar had a very irritating night cough last week, and after it cleared what I’ve now got feels strong enough to stun a water buffalo. (Well, pushing 73kgs now, I’m close No, massive weight gain usually doesn’t bother me, nor do I make a point of losing the weight fast after the pregnancy because I figured slowly (and permanently) is healthier…) Rockstar swears he “never” had the symptoms I’m having (and Kings is starting to have as well), which makes us think (and hope) The Rockstar has the resistance of a rhino. Must be the being regularly… -
Oh, Baby Ultrasound!
12 May 2012 | 12:46 amWe went for an ultrasound recently, so the Gynea could check if we had 10 fingers and 10 toes, among other things, in there. Rockstar of course brought along his iPod (someday we’re gonna have to edit the thing – Kings recently brought him for drinks with clients and he abruptly offered, “Who wants to hear my Daddy snore?” I hadn’t caught on when, heading home from a dinner with another family recently, he had declared, “(Friend’s son) says his daddy definitely snores loudly than our daddy.” I thought they were making up their own…
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The Divine Miss Mommy | Atlanta Georgia Mom Blogger | Travel Blogger
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Wordless Wednesday – Our New Pet, Majestic the Turtle {LINKY} #ww #wordlesswednesday
15 May 2012 | 10:16 pmHe came into our house just a few short weeks ago. Majestic is a Red-Eared Slider. My son is already in love. Did you know turtles can live 40-50 years? Yeah I didn’t either. I told my son that it was very likely that his grandchildren would be enjoying this turtle as well. For more [...] -
SOCIAL MEDIA – OFFICE ON-THE-GO #windowsphone
15 May 2012 | 3:14 pmMy full time job is as a wife and mother. Although I spend a lot of time with those duties (they are neverending, right?) I am also a social media consultant. I work with many different companies on a regular basis. Some are ongoing clients. Others just need my help briefly. But they are all [...] -
COOKING WITH TECHNOLOGY #windowsphone
11 May 2012 | 12:13 amYou may recall that I am doing some work with Windows Phone. I have posted a few times about how much easier my life is because of my phone. Check out my previous posts: ME TIME: Escape in the Park #windowsphone FAMILY FUN: Chronicling Our Lives – Tips for Making Everyday Pictures Even Better #windowsphone [...]
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Dagmar*s momsense
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Wordless Wednesday — Tractor Love
15 May 2012 | 5:39 pmLandon loves tractors, see? These two pictures were taken just last week. I just found out I’m No. 8 of the Top Home Design Moms 2012! Couldn’t have done it without you — thank you for your votes! What do you think of the controversial TIME magazine cover? I had to weigh in: here is [...] -
Attachment Parenting Isn’t Martyrdom, It’s About Following Your Instincts
15 May 2012 | 9:43 amI breastfed my son until he was 5 1/2 and have had a wonderful experience with attachment parenting. I never once felt like a martyr. Wanting to be close to my baby and reacting to his needs immediately came naturally. I was following my maternal instinct, and that felt right, and my baby was responding [...] -
Your Vote Will Make Dagmar’s Momsense One of the Top Home Design Blogs
14 May 2012 | 9:13 amI just received an email from Circle of Moms: Hi Dagmar, Congratulations on being a contender for the Top 25 Home Design Moms – 2012! Just a quick reminder that the deadline for votes is coming up in 2 days on May 15, 2012. Your fans can vote for you once a day until that [...]
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JoliviMag
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Sweet and Sour Raw Green Mango Curry Recipe
13 May 2012 | 11:50 pmSweet and Sour Raw Green Mango Curry Recipe Now that summer is here, the scorching sun with its brilliant fire, blazing hot, rising humidity levels, soaring temperatures, sweltering heat and sweating, along with these come some wonderful fruits that are typical of the season. They come in varieties like watermelons, melons and mangoes, both ripe and raw those are available in plenty. This luscious tasty and tangy fruit loved by all is seen hanging on trees, during the season, reminiscent of childhood days offering the greatest temptation to pluck them straight from the trees for a tasty… -
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
10 May 2012 | 2:43 amHealth Benefits of Coconut Water Coconut water, tender coconut water in particular, is not only refreshing but also rejuvenating owing to its health benefits. It is better than many bottled beverages and doctors recommend it to people who need to replenish the water and minerals their body has lost. Here are few of the health benefits of coconut water. Major Health Benefits of Coconut Water Coconut water contains calcium, iron, manganese, zinc and magnesium in better proportions than found in fruits. It is low in sugar, calories and fat contents, being as much as 99% fat free. Therefore, it… -
Vegetable Manchurian Recipe
9 May 2012 | 1:22 amVegetable Manchurian Recipe Indo Chinese cuisine with its exceptionally unique taste and exotic flavour is a favourite among young and old alike. The fusion cooking using Indian ingredients along with spicy and tangy Chinese sauces, offers a wide variety of dishes. One such popular dish is the Vegetable Manchurian prepared with mixed vegetables, shaped into dumplings, deep-fried and cooked in tasty and tangy sauce. Ingredients For the dumplings (Manchurian Balls) Finely Grated carrots-1/2 cup Finely chopped green beans- ½ cup Finely Grated cabbage- 1 1/2 cups Finely chopped bell peppers…
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Traveling with Baby
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Gluten-Free Pizza Creation Party Day {Review + Giveaway}
13 May 2012 | 11:25 pmDo you like pizza? I kind of love it. Going gluten-free (or mostly gluten-free) meant we needed to go without pizza. It didn’t take long after eating a few slices when I’d feel all stomach-achey and horrible awful the next day. The trouble with making something gluten-free is that in order to make something stretchy [...] -
Shifting from anxiety to Gratefulness
12 May 2012 | 11:59 pmBy the grace of God, I’ve been able to keep up with washing laundry (that doesn’t necessarily mean folding and putting away), dishes, and cleaning up the bathrooms. However, that’s about all I’ve been able to keep up with as far as my ever-growing list of “NEEDS TO BE DONE.” The list piles on with [...] -
Love to Read: Books for Kids
10 May 2012 | 8:37 pmWe’ve been reading a lot of books with our son. Several chapter books and other bedtime reads. We just wrapped up Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. I forgot how wonderfully this books depicts memorable characters, and a beautiful portrayal of loyalty and friendship. My son loved it so much he asked for a sequel where [...]
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Frugal Front Porch - Useful & Practical Tips
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Peek-a-Boo with a Twist
16 May 2012 | 9:24 amPeek-a-Boo with a Twist, is brought to you by Frugal Front Porch.On Monday, Wild Man decided it would be fun to play a new little game:Peek-a-boo with a twist!He decided after a morning of playing outside, he would come in and play a game of peek-a-boo with a fever! It would appear for a few hours then it would strangely disappear (without any meds) then it would show up. Every time the fever would kick into high gear, he would crash & wake up long enough to puke!It seemed like it went on FOREVER but after the second round of puke, we started meds.Not sure where it came from but but… -
Hawaiian Tropical Splash Giveaway
15 May 2012 | 1:26 pmHawaiian Tropical Splash Giveaway, is brought to you by Frugal Front Porch. The Hawaiian Tropical Splash Giveaway from Purex is live. Grand Prize3-night stay on the beautiful beachfront hotel – Outrigger Reef on the Beach, in Waikiki.There will also be 500 2nd place winners that each receives a coupon for a free bottle of Purex Crystals!Sign up for the sweepstakes at http://www.purex.com/tropical-splash-getaway. Be sure to ‘like’ Outrigger Reef on Facebook.BTW-The 25 Days of 25 Crystals Promotion is live as well! Every day Purex will be giving away 25 bottles of Crystals to… -
iPhoto of the Day: Life Flight
14 May 2012 | 12:47 pmiPhoto of the Day: Life Flight, is brought to you by Frugal Front Porch.While yard saling Saturday, a life flight helicopter landed next door to the sale we were checking out, which happens to be in front of the local hospital. We never heard who was carried away but our prayers are with them and their family.I’ve never seen a helicopter this close before. Other than the circumstances over their presence, it was cool to see it up close.
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Globetrotting in Heels
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Party inspiration: baby showers
16 May 2012 | 1:08 pmHave I told you that I am about to become an aunt? Yay! In just a couple of months I will have a baby nephew, and I can’t wait! Being an only child, this is my first nephew. I am beyond excited, which is one of the reasons why I offered to throw my sister in law a baby shower. And the web is full of fabulous inspiration! My brother in law and his wife have a penchant for straight, modern, minimal decor, so the shower will probably not be as elaborate as the ones above, but they are still lovely, don’t you think? Chances are my baby shower will pale in comparison to these awesome… -
Sunday Trippin’ with Jack of Wasted Talent and Jack Germain Handbags
13 May 2012 | 4:31 amI first came across Jack Germain handbags just a couple of weeks ago, and instantly fell in love. Jack’s pieces are everything I feel a handbag should be: beautiful, versatile, well-made, with a touch of edgy. The perfect handbag isn’t just something you carry your stuff in, it’s a beautiful accessory that actually improves and add to your outfit; and Jack’s designs fit the bill wonderfully. Which is why the title of her blog, Wasted Talent, is so funny – ’cause Jack’s talents has been clearly put to very good use! Here’s a bit more about this smart… -
Saw, Loved, Want: Accessorize lookbook for Summer 2012
11 May 2012 | 1:08 pmYou know what’s the best cure for the winter blahs? Color. Well, ok, the best cure is actually the sun, but in its absence, a healthy dose of color can do miracles. I emerged for this past super-freezing winter with a major craving for brights. The new J.Crew ballet boutique was definitely a pick-me-up and super-tempting, but for a more budget-friendly color fix, I know I can never go wrong with Accessorize. Here are a few pages from their Summer 2012 lookbook: My favorite! The zip clutches. So fun for a date on a warm summer night! What’s your fave?
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Twelve Makes a Dozen
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What's for Lunch?
16 May 2012 | 3:04 amMy sweetie works for a large engineering company across the valley and it is too far away for him to come home for lunch, so he packs one every day. With all these kids, we have several large (OK, there are three) chest freezers in our house. One is only for meat, one is almost exclusively TV dinners bought for lunches when they are on sale really cheap, and the other one is for everything else. -
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
15 May 2012 | 2:55 amI know, I know, Cinco de Mayo was almost two weeks ago, but I've had so many things to tell you I haven't had a chance to share my fun pics with you (and Teach is getting mad at me because I asked her to take a bunch and then I never used them). No, I'm not Hispanic, but my SIL is, effectively making my grandsons Hispanic too. Not that it matters, we started celebrating Cinco de Mayo long before -
My Mother's Day
14 May 2012 | 2:11 amWasn't that sweet of Teach to write a post for me for Mother's Day? I had 10 of my 12 kids around me today. After church in our own ward and then a second Sacrament meeting for my nephew's farewell, my sweetie made dinner while I took a little nap with Baby Doll. When I got up it was definitely a fiesta! We had chicken chimis and chips with queso. We also devoured a huge watermelon and
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Create-Celebrate-Explore
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Catalina Island with Kids
15 May 2012 | 11:44 pmI've been a little skeptical about taking the kids to Catalina Island with me, but it was one of the items on my 40-by-40 list so I was on a mission to conquer it. To me very few places I want to go are truly off-limits with kids, I'm willing to give almost anything a go, but I wasn't sure how they would do on the long boat ride. Then being without a vehicle once we had arrived on the island I wasn't quite sure how I would keep two five year-olds entertained and be able to sightsee for about 10 hours before our boat ride home. Normally I would stay overnight and thus… -
The Sandra by Sandra Lee Summer Carnival
14 May 2012 | 3:26 pmA couple of weeks ago I was invited by Sears to travel to New York City for a Summer Carnival hosted by Sandra Lee, to celebrate the launch of Sandra's new home collection currently available in Sears and Kmart. Sandra Lee is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and TV star. She has a keen eye for what women want in home entertaining, with almost 200 items in her collection, that are affordable, and stylish. The items range from storage, utensils, and tableware, to small kitchen appliances, bakeware, and textiles. The signature red and white items are perfect for year-round… -
Grilled Salmon with Blueberry and Mango Couscous Salad
14 May 2012 | 4:30 amEven though we grill year-round, I especially love that over the warmer months I can add grilling to my weekly meal plan without fear of rain putting a damper on things. Although now that I have a new Sandra Lee indoor grill from Sears (blog post about our fabulous NYC event with Sandra Lee to come) I'm guessing I won't mind the grilling indoors so much over the winter months. This week though we grilled outdoors again. This Grilled Salmon with Blueberry and Mango Couscous Salad is quick, easy, kid-friendly, and delicious. Grilled Salmon Ingredients: Maker's Mark Honey My…
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StyleBakeryMom - stylish finds for moms & little ones
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Accessorize with a sporty watch for the summer
16 May 2012 | 12:00 amWhile some of you actually wear a watch to know what time it is, some of us where a watch as another way to accessorize our wardrobe. While there is nothing better than "functional fashion," wearing a sporty watch this summer is a great way to add another little pop of color to your outfit. Go for a fun, bright color like orange or hot pink with a silicone strap so it's safe in the water and on the sand and you'll always be on time and in style for the summer. DBFGNS Silicone Rubber Sports Fluorescent Green 16cm Watch $19.99 - Endless.com Sprout Watches - ST-3800BKOR $75.00 - Zappos TKO… -
Boat shoes for the season
15 May 2012 | 12:00 amIn the summer time, I love wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off or that can be thrown in a bag at a moment's notice. Rather than just always wearing a flip-flop which is a little too casual, try going for the preppy look with a classic boat shoe. This season the boat shoe is jazzed up with everything from floral prints to metallic colors for a summer look that just can't be beat. Croft & barrow® plaid boat shoes $59.99 - Kohl's Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes - Striped $75.00 - Bloomingdale's ALDO Chiou Floral Boat Shoes $78.28 - Asos Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Boat Shoes… -
Pretty swimsuit cover-ups for every body type
15 May 2012 | 12:00 amNo matter how fit or how confident you are, traipsing around the pool in a swimsuit can make anyone feel self-conscious. That's probably why you see so many women pulling an oversized tee on the minute they step out of the water. Sure, it's comfortable and covering but where's the style in an old, ratty t-shirt? If you've been guilty of this in the past, make this the summer you try a figure-flattering swim cover-up. Styles like pareos fit any figure--pregnant or not--and tunics are so versatile you can literally wear them at the beach with a swimsuit, then pair them with skinny ankle pants…
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Kelly Tirman
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Walmart Get On The Shelf Winners Announced
7 May 2012 | 12:56 pmWalmart has announced the winners of its Get On The Shelf competition, an “American Idol”-like contest that attracted products from inventors, entrepreneurs and small businesses across the nation. Decided by fan votes, three unique products, including grand prize winner HumanKind Water, took the top spots and will now be featured on Walmart.com and in stores. It greatly exceeded expectations, with over 4,000 entries and massive engagement on social media. There was also a great deal of traditional media coverage of contestants and the contest by large media and by local outlets… -
Linden Estelle is Eleven Months Old
7 May 2012 | 1:02 amLinden Estelle turned eleven months old today. I can’t believe how fast time is flying. To ensure I remember all these special moments I will be taking a “birthday” picture every month for her first 24 months as well as charting her developments. Summary of Linden’s development this past month: She will pretty much repeat any word or tone you make. Not only does she appear to be musically gifted thanks to her dad’s nonstop guitar playing but she is turning into quite the mockingbird as well. She is currently cutting two more teeth, for a grand total of six. Will stand… -
Super Cute and Easy DIY- Perfect for the Kiddos.
16 Apr 2012 | 6:28 pmWhen we decided to start a family we knew our lives would change forever. For many people this change includes painting walls with chalkboard paint. However if you hate painting or you can’t paint because you rent, I have the PERFECT solution for you – Chalkboard Contact Paper. Yep, that’s right thanks to this wonderful contact paper, YOU can easily make a super cute DIY chalkboard WITHOUT having to paint anything! First grab an old inexpensive media cabinet (like this one from IKEA). We purchased our several years ago before we ever dreamed of having kids. However, if you…
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Lille Punkin'
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Car Magnets for your Small Business
16 May 2012 | 12:55 pmThere is a growing trend I've seen in small business marketing lately -- the car magnet. I have considered getting one for Knerl Family Media (my content company), and now that we have a new professional logo, I think I'll take the leap. When it comes to choosing the right company to handle your car magnet order, however, not all offer the same benefits. I was recently introduced to Signazon's car magnets, and I found them to be a great alternative to expensive car wraps or having your car custom painted. Some benefits include: The magnets are long-lasting (weatherproof and… -
$100 Amazon GC Rafflecopter Giveaway
16 May 2012 | 12:24 pmReady to win another $100 Amazon code? We are doing one more giveaway with a bunch of other bloggers! Enter on the Rafflecopter form below. (Not seeing the form? Click here to access the direct link) : a Rafflecopter giveaway -
Pet Month at Walmart: For the Cats!
15 May 2012 | 4:31 pmIn keeping with the theme of Pet Month at Walmart, it's time to talk a little bit about my cat, Elijah. He was a barn kitten, who had been manhandled by the kids when he was tiny. This made him tame, so we adopted him into our family, and he's now an inside/outside cat. The good part of having him outside is that he uses the potty outside -- no litter box! The bad part is that he can be gone for a day or two, and come back with dirt and bugs! That's why it is so important that we treat him monthly with PetArmor for Cats. We've been using this product…
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A Hen's Nest
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Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! Healthy Snacking Challenge {#giveaway}
16 May 2012 | 10:34 amOur Healthy Snacking Challenge with Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! Popcorn has been going well. We’ve been enjoying this healthy treat at different times throughout the week and I’m really surprised by how satisfying a serving size is! There are just 100 calories in a 6-cup serving size and there are seven and a half cups of tasty popped corn in . . . → Read More: Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! Healthy Snacking Challenge {#giveaway} Related posts: I’m an #Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! Ambassador! Eating Light – 400 calories or Less —… -
Armor All Air Freshener $1.00 off 1 coupon
16 May 2012 | 12:11 amMy husband uses Armor All products in all of our vehicles… religiously — I don’t think he’s ever tried the Armor All Air Fresheners though! I think I’ll get him a couple to stuff in his Father’s Day gift bag . A 3 pack retails for around $2.64 at Walmart so using this . . . → Read More: Armor All Air Freshener $1.00 off 1 coupon No related posts. -
Vistaprint – 6 personalized Mommy Must Haves under $3.00!
15 May 2012 | 11:53 pmMother’s day may be over, but you deserve to be spoiled year round! Treat yourself without spending a fortune this week with one or more of these six essential premium Vistaprint products at $3.00 or less each! You can be just a phone call away with the adorable Mommy Contact Cards. At just $2.00 for 25, you’ll be able to share important information . . . → Read More: Vistaprint – 6 personalized Mommy Must Haves under $3.00! Related posts: Free personalized Valentines from Vistaprint! Sent your Holiday greetings yet? Get 20 4×8 cards (within 7 days) for only $7! Save…
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Simply Stacie
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SHOP.CA is Opening Soon!
16 May 2012 | 12:24 pmI’ve been anticipating the launch of the revolutionary online Canadian SHOPPING site, SHOP.CA for months now. I’m happy to say that it’s almost time! It will be opening very soon and I can’t wait to start SHOPPING! In fact, I’ve been trying to hold off John from buying supplies for his new aquarium so I... read more »This content was posted exclusively for Simply Stacie. If you have seen this content on a site other than Simply Stacie please let me know in the comments here: SHOP.CA is Opening Soon!. Thank you for helping to stop content theft!! -
Win Woombie Eco Baby Donut & Cozy Dry at 17 Sirens (US)
16 May 2012 | 10:00 am17 Sirens is giving away a Woombie Eco’Baby Donut and a Cozy Dry! Two winners will each receive one of the products. The giveaway is open to US only and ends 5/31. Visit 17 Sirens to enter the giveaway! *This post is brought to you by 17 Sirens as part of my Gemstone Blogger Packages.*This content was posted exclusively for Simply Stacie. If you have seen this content on a site other than Simply Stacie please let me know in the comments here: Win Woombie Eco Baby Donut & Cozy Dry at 17 Sirens (US). Thank you for helping to stop content theft!! -
BedLounge Review & Giveaway (US & Can)
16 May 2012 | 7:12 amDuring my childhood, I saw a doctor regarding my back and posture and discovered that I have Scoliosis, which means that I have an abnormal curve in my spine. For whatever reason, my parents chose not to have me treated, and I still to this day have not gone back in to see what I... read more »This content was posted exclusively for Simply Stacie. If you have seen this content on a site other than Simply Stacie please let me know in the comments here: BedLounge Review & Giveaway (US & Can). Thank you for helping to stop content theft!!
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MommyPR.com™
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Dorfman Pacific Ribbon Crusher Hat Review
15 May 2012 | 10:58 amIt is amazing how much I have to protect my skin now that I am pregnant. I recently spent 45 minutes outside with my 4 year old on a mild sunshine day and walked away with quite the sunburn on my neck , face and arms. I have tried to be conscientious about wearing sunscreen or a hat every time I am outside now. I recently had the opportunity to review the Dorfman Pacific Ribbon Crusher Hat (also known as The Tres Jolie on the website). Dorfman Pacific has been expanding the sun protection portion of its line season after season. Their 2012 collection features many striking styles and… -
Winners for Middle Of May
15 May 2012 | 9:16 amWinners will be notified soon Click any photo to enlarge. -
Summer Infant Prodigy Travel System Review & Giveaway
10 May 2012 | 3:22 pmI remember buying my original travel system 7 years ago when expecting the birth of my first child….little did I know 7 years later I would need to go shopping again for the third child! One of the most crucial items I need when toting around an infant is a travel system (infant car seat which is compatible to a stroller) and boy did I ever have my homework cut out for me. After hours of searching I found a travel system that surpassed all of my needs…the Summer Infant Prodigy Travel System. The Prodigy™ Travel System features the one-of-a-kind SmartScreen technology guiding…
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The Dixon Dialogue
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Ashlee & Marshall Get Married
15 May 2012 | 7:14 amAshlee, my cousin, got married Saturday night. It was a beautiful outside wedding with lots of unique and rustic decorations, delicious food, dancing and a really fun photo booth! Will took the small digital camera and took all of these pictures at the reception. The bride & groom doing the first dance. There are several pictures of completely random things! His favorite “subjects” were the people he knew so almost all of the pictures are of us. Dana was a bridesmaid. Lauren & Dana. Lauren is our cousin and Will & Thomas loves her! She carried Thomas all over and Will… -
Mom Monday: Being Mommy
14 May 2012 | 12:43 pmI may have gone into motherhood kicking, screaming and holding onto the door frame but now? Now I can’t imagine anything better! The joy, frustration, laughter and challenges of being a mother is almost something that I can’t describe in words. Overheard: Will: Thomas if you want to borrow my car and share then you just have to say “May I borrow your car, please?” And then I’ll say, “Yes you may.” You don’t have to scream. Thomas: Goo, Gah, Mama, Buh, Buh Will: Yes, you may. Mommy! We’re sharing! I love being absolutely ridiculous because… -
Relaxed Week
11 May 2012 | 10:23 amWe had a pretty relaxing week around here. Some weeks I feel like we’re running all over but this week felt different. I’m the first to admit that I don’t like staying home all day too many days in a row! And now that I think about it today is the only day we’ve been home all day with nothing on the agenda. Monday we went to Will’s gymnastics class then spent the rest of the day playing outside and on Tuesday I did “whatever I wanted to” while the boys were at Mother’s Day Out. {I ran 4.5 miles & then finally used the gift card for a…
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The Mogul Mom
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The 3 Rules of Target Markets
15 May 2012 | 3:40 pmEvery month I give a seminar on target markets to budding young (and old) entrepreneurs at the Self Employment Business Program. And every month they hustle in the door expecting some boring speech on determining the basics behind your target market complete with charts, graphs, and who knows what else. At the end of the two hours, I have a sky-high stack of evaluations with remarks like “ooh, who knew target marketing could be fun!” and “holy crow, I can’t believe I didn’t think about this before”. So it got me thinking – there are probably a few… -
The Best Places for Mom Entrepreneurs to Work It
13 May 2012 | 12:20 pmBeing a home-based mom entrepreneur has many benefits; a casual dress code, lots of flexibility, a travel-free commute to your office, and most importantly, getting to do something that you truly love each and every day. But no matter how happy you are working from home, there will come a time that being cooped up at home isn’t working. Whether it’s distractions, isolation, or having to meet a client, there are going to be days when working at your kitchen table just isn’t going to cut it. So when these times happen, use some of the suggestions below to keep yourself productive, sane… -
Are You Going To Start Cheating the Day After Mother’s Day?
10 May 2012 | 2:28 pmOn the day after Mother’s Day, there’s a spike in registration of married women to infidelity-matchmaking services. Kind of amazing, but the day after mothers are supposed to be celebrated, appreciated and fêted for doing all that they do, they are actively seeking appreciation and adoration from someone else – someone who’s not their spouse! Clearly, something is amiss with Mother’s Day. But is it really just about Mother’s Day? Mother’s Day carries big expectations of wanting to really be acknowledged for all the zillions of things we do as mothers. And when we don’t…
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A Familiar Path
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A new desk
15 May 2012 | 4:25 pmNaturally I searched and searched for a picture of my office before and could not find one. I know I took some, but those elusive before photos always disappear on me when I need them. My office is a tiny space, smaller than my walk-in closet and right off the living room. I had a ginormous desk in here that made it difficult to even close the door. It was like one of those impossibly small public bathrooms that you have to be just in the right spot before you can open or close the door. I knew I didn’t want to buy another desk. I wanted it to be simple and I wanted to reduce the amount… -
Long summer evenings
15 May 2012 | 12:36 amWe penciled in a family fish fry for this past Friday a few weeks ago. I bought fun colored lights and we got a fire pit. I planned a festive outdoor gathering with lights and a fire. The family fish fry part was a success, but my outdoor evening got rained on. Saturday we planned a spontaneous shopping/eating out trip, but before we left I insisted on some Mother’s Day pictures since I knew Sunday would be too busy. We had 2 extra friends over, but they are just like my own kids so they, along with the dogs, got in one picture. We got some astonished looks and heard some out loud… -
Weekend Links
13 May 2012 | 9:37 pm25 of the best Brene Brown quotes from The Pioneer Woman Homeschooling. I heard her speak at Blissdom and she is a great speaker. Solar Eclipse Over America from Classical Astronomy. Get ready! Balance vs Margin from The Tiny Twig. My life is never balanced, but I always try to have a good bit of margin in my life. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a wide-open day on my calendar when I do not have to go anywhere. If I have every moment filled there’s no time to stop and visit a friend, to make a spontaneous trip to the park, or have an urge to clean out a closet and do it! What…
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Rich Single Momma
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3 Tips to Staying Debt Free
14 May 2012 | 2:16 pmIf you’re a single mother these days, then you probably don’t need anyone to tell you how hard it is to raise a child, or multiple children, and always make ends meet. Often times, we rely on a combination of credit, extreme determination, and the grace of God to get us through. Staying on top of your finances and following budgets can certainly be hard work among all the various other things you’ve got to worry about. That’s why I’ve compiled this short list of tips that have helped me stay debt free, and on top of my financial obligations during times of serious struggle:… -
Free Community Day at Atlanta’s Woodruff Arts Center
8 May 2012 | 9:16 amIf you live in the Atlanta area you know the festival season is getting into full swing. Well the arts centers are getting in on the act as well. On June 3, the Woodruff Arts Center will have a Free Community Day. Here are the details: Community Day at The Woodruff | Sunday, June 3, 11am–5pm | Free Admission Join us as we commemorate the anniversary with a free Community Day at The Woodruff. Activities include: • FREE admission to the High Museum of Art Storytelling, puppets, music and art projects with Young Audiences Performances and acting workshops by the Alliance Theatre An… -
Take Control of Your Finances with Daily Worth
7 May 2012 | 11:41 amA few months ago, maybe a year ago I started getting daily emails from Daily Worth. The are very informative and helps me as I continue my quest for financial freedom. Each day I get emails on a different financial topic. They are quick tips to help me with budgeting, savings, and spending. They spotlight real women who are having problems or who are successfully implementing new financial habits. In their own words, “DailyWorth is a free daily personal finance email for women. It delivers practical tips, empowering ideas, and the occasional kick in the pants. DailyWorth tips cover self…
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Extraordinary Mommy
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Need Snack Ideas For Your Kid’s Sports Team? Suggestions From The Dish
16 May 2012 | 6:30 amWe are a Sports family. All year long. Just because the school year is winding down, do not think our sports schedule is doing the same. Sure, in the Fall – it is soccer and basketball, but in the Spring and Summer, we are running full-tilt into softball and baseball. Both small people. And I’m told this is just the beginning. (I was not much of an athlete growing up, so ‘traveling teams’ are foreign to me…but apparently they have a place in my very near future) So…here’s the thing: as the mom of a couple of little athletes, my job is to keep… -
How The Olympic Athletes Are Inspiring Me To Be A Better Example For My Children
15 May 2012 | 3:42 pmI think this whole parenting thing may have been easier when my small people were small. I mean really small. Small enough to miss the moments when I’m practicing ‘do as I say and not as I do’. Like when I tell them to eat their vegetables and then I pass mine off to the dog. What? You’ve never done that? *sigh* Or sending them outside to get their exercise while I found myself too busy to fit it in? Or standing over them, encouraging breakfast, ‘the most important meal of the day’, while I skip it myself. I’ve had a few epiphanies about… -
Mother Letters: The Story Behind The Story. And Why You Need This Book
11 May 2012 | 11:11 amI am a lover of stories, of words, of wisdom. I have always been in awe of people who can sprinkle words across a page that you follow with your eyes but feel in your heart. It likely won’t surprise you to know I am a better TELLER of stories than I am a WRITER of them, but you can’t blame a girl for trying, right? And since this story is about LETTERS, I won’t be telling, I’ll be writing. You can judge my prose at the end. This story, for me, begins back in 2009 when I first entered this blogging space. I didn’t know a soul. But I was about to be moved…
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Mommy Said What?
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Damn kids are too smart
3 May 2012 | 8:02 amA few months back, my son and I had the whole “where do babies come from?” conversation. It was quite explicit and detailed, as he was no longer satisfied with the stock egg meets sperm answer. But it was fine, and aside from wishing to be a fly on the wall in the kindergarten playground the next day, the whole thing never really came up again. This morning, out of the blue, my daughter asked from the back seat of the car, “So. Where do babies come from anyway?” You see, she’d heard the question those few months back, but never the answer. Obviously, she was… -
State of the children
2 May 2012 | 8:00 amFrom time to time, we’re forced to reflect on the way we’re raising our children, whether we’re instilling the right values, and whether we’re leading them down the right path. This is one of those times, and over the past few weeks, I’ve really put a lot of thought into this. I teach my children to stand up for what they believe in. They’re each unique individuals, both so smart, so capable. They know how to express themselves, ask questions, speak out. They know that crying when they don’t get their way does nothing to further their cause. If they… -
The Social Web: Are we all just wasting our time?
19 Apr 2012 | 8:02 amThe other night, after the kids went to bed, I sat down on the couch intending to watch some television. It used to be that after the kids went to bed, I sat down on the couch to write a post, but lately things have gone in a different direction. My hand reached for the remote, but instead picked up my smart phone. Oh, well, I figured. I’ll just play a few games of Draw Something. A few games turned into a few more and after an hour passed I realized that it was too late to watch anything on television, much less start writing a post. Oh, well, I consoled myself, at least I played a fun…
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iDreamofClean
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Sassy Sauce: Ingenious Use for Vinegar
10 May 2012 | 12:25 pmI have a friend who’s children are extremely well-behaved. You could say the kids were just born that way. I would say she trained them to be that way. You see, my friend is a spit fire; full of personality and funny to the bone. She’s also brilliant. Put those qualities together and what you get is Sassy Sauce. We already know that vinegar has a 1001 uses but it’s quite possible that this is a use for vinegar you haven’t thought of before: Sassy Sauce. Recipe for Sassy Sauce Ingredients: Vinegar Spray Bottle Directions: Spray sparingly on the tongue of a kids… -
A Multitasking Phone for a Multitasking Mom
9 May 2012 | 1:04 pmHow many times have you needed to make a phone call but as soon as you pick up the phone you have to bounce the baby on your knee so he’ll stop crying, stop a spilling sippy cup with your free hand, and then drop the phone so you can catch a flying toy with the other hand? The specific details might be different, but if you’re a mom, you can probably relate! Talking on the phone in a professional manner can be tough when the kids are around. Back in the day, when I dressed in a suit every day and didn’t smelled like spit up, I had a fancy-smanshy phone in my office. It made… -
What do Fireproof Safes, Gifts Cards, and the Mercy House have in common?
8 May 2012 | 12:27 pmIf you have ever read a blog (that would be YOU because you are reading a blog right now!) then this post is for you! You Can Get… Over the next month, you are going to have some opportunities to win some great prizes! What kind of prizes you ask? $200 Target Gift Cards (who doesn’t like Target?), and Fireproof/Waterproof safes from Sentry Safe. Keep reading to find out how to win! You Can Give… Over the next month you will aslo have several opportunities to help those in need by making one short comment each week. Here are the details: Sentry Safe has asked 5…
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misspriss.org
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MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS giveaway
27 Apr 2012 | 12:26 pmSo, I don’t know about you, but I’m kindof a little teeny bit looking forward to a movie coming out next week. Maybe you’ve heard of it? (image courtesy of MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS) And it might have a little bit to do with Tony Stark. Maybe, but I’m not telling. Okay, so it’s not *just* Iron Man. It’s all of the characters, brought together in one place. And I’m even a little partial to The Hulk. I grew up watching Bruce Banner on the TV show(even though it’s not exactly like the comic). You know, the one with Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno? Yeah, that one. Reminds of when I was… -
If I could I would run away and join the Circus
26 Apr 2012 | 11:07 pmLast night I got the chance to see Cirque du Soleil for the very first time. And what a show to see for your first. It was premiere night for TOTEM by Cirque du Soleil and man, do they put on a production. Cirque du Soleil has been putting on shows for close to 30 years. I wondered how they could be original and creative and amazing after all that time. But they are. They are fantastically good at what they do. TOTEM is about the origin of our species. It starts with a big shape covering the stage that’s reminiscent of a turtle. But underneath that shell there’s a surprise in store for… -
decorated keyboard
21 Apr 2012 | 1:34 pmdecorated keyboard, a photo by lola goetz on Flickr. I am currently loving Washi Tape. Like, a lot. I saw something like this on Mary Ann Moss’s blog, and she had seen it somewhere else. I was waiting for someone working on my computer, so while that was going on, I decorated my keyboard. In addition to the numbered tape, I had a few different types of alphabet tape. This was the result. I don’t know how long it’ll last, but it’s fun in the meantime.
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MamaBlogga
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Mother’s Day: do you measure up?
13 May 2012 | 2:57 pm(Hint: the answer is probably YES!) In our church, we have members of the congregation testify and preach to us each week. The leadership of the congregation gives the speakers their topics in advance. These assignments are often a little terrifying (unless you’re a member of my family, I guess), but today of all days, the assignment to speak can be fraught with peril. I know because I have spoken on Mother’s Day FIVE times (you can read the last time here). It seems there’s just no good way to address everyone in the congregation on this day. The emphasis on motherhood can… -
Motherhood in perspective
4 May 2012 | 12:31 pmA repeat of an oldie but goodie, from the days when I had only one child! When something goes wrong for Hayden, he sometimes has a tendency to overreact. I take away his current play thing, he screams. The ribbon from his balloon gets caught in his toes, he squeals and kicks. We try to see if he has any new molars, he arches his back, struggles and wails. I’ve called him a bit of a drama “king” before. But really, I don’t expect anything different from someone who has no outlets or resources to draw upon when he’s frustrated. I also don’t expect anything… -
12 for 30 check in!
2 May 2012 | 10:42 amSo after my birthday last month, I decided to set 12 goals for the next 12 months, until I turn 30. (I honestly didn’t care about turning 30 until it was upon me.) And today I’m checking in for my first month’s goal: Lose some weight (and get a scale so I can figure out how much…) I can tell you straight up I failed at the second half of that goal. Never got a scale. But I did make some changes in my life to work on the first half: I started paying a lot more attention to how I eat. This included keeping a food journal for a week, cutting down on snacking (especially…
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United States of Motherhood
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Seattle Children's: Keep Strong. Get Stronger. [video]
9 May 2012 | 12:39 pmLove this video....LOVE!I've spent far too many hours at Seattle Children's over the years. Far too many. Emergency breaks and surgeries usually. And? As much as I hated to be there with my kiddos in pain, I was always blown away by the care and personal touches that Seattle Children's went the extra mile to do for families. This Mom Says You Rock the Casbah.I cannot imagine being there with a child with cancer, but clearly these children and their caregivers are going something right.Kids? Keep strong. Get stronger.My friends? Pass it on... -
Bear Attack: A Girl's Gotta Have Dreams
7 May 2012 | 4:48 pm...And now my greatest wish is to be attacked by a bear. You? Yep, I'm going to go rub myself down with some raw salmon and go hiking in the Cascades. Great idea, no? Who is with me? -
Lizards Making Love: Have a Naughty, Naughty Turtle Week-End, Y'all
4 May 2012 | 6:33 pmI was chatting with my sister the other day. Somehow we got on the subject of the lizards in her neighbors' backyard having sex...except all I heard was the neighbors and sex. When she told me she got her kids to watch her neighbors having sex, I gasped.She was like, "No really. They were going at it. Hard."This is my pretty conservative, very religious (and much loved) sister. So not in character, I just continued to gasp and giggle and chuckle...and only be a little...okay a lot shocked at her voyeurism.It was even better when we finally cleared up that we were talking about lizards on the…
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Feathering the Empty Nest
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The Jays Were Robbed in the Ninth, But That’s No Excuse…
15 May 2012 | 9:44 pmTonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays was the sloppiest I’ve ever seen by the Jays’ defense. Four errors should not be expected to lead to a win. In this case, it was a... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
There is Hope for Humanity…
14 May 2012 | 3:30 pm…and it rests with our youth, like the young man in this video. Today’s been a good day and one of the reasons is finding this video posted on Facebook by an old friend (thanks, Dar!). As... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
It’s Mother’s Day!
13 May 2012 | 6:35 pmI got a beautiful hanging plant from Mark yesterday (I guess the anticipation was killing him… he couldn’t wait until today), and a flowering plant basket from Erin today (see right).... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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Mommy Living the Life of Riley!
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You are What You Eat! Start Munching on These Super Foods for Healthy, Glowing Skin!
16 May 2012 | 10:00 amWe've all heard the saying, "You are what you eat," and it couldn’t be more true when it comes to your skin. A nutrient-filled diet based in whole foods directly translates into clear, healthy skin. Here is his list of the top 15 nutrients needed for healthy skin and a more youthful appearance: Olive fruit extract. This extract helps protect the skin from free radicals and the oxidative damage associated with aging, as well as improves the overall health and beauty of skin. Kiwi seed extract. Studies have shown that kiwi seed extract improves radiance, reduces the appearance of fine… -
Cute Summer Dresses from Fresh Produce Capture the Easy, Breezy Feeling of Summer!
16 May 2012 | 1:49 amIf there's one thing I love about summer, it's the fashions! I've never been one to wear many dresses during the year, but for some reason, I seem to live in them once the warm weather hits. Summertime, for me, is all about the easy, breezy, laid-back lifestyle and I love finding brands which reflect that same theme. Fresh Produce is definitely one such brand that accentuates color, comfortability and a coastal attitude. One look at their selection of summer dresses and I was hooked. Keep reading to see which dress I chose and to learn more about Fresh Produce! [...]This is just the… -
Top 8 Tips to Avoid Drowning in Those Money-Saving Groupon and LivingSocial Daily Deals!
16 May 2012 | 1:06 amTough financial times call for smarter shopping measures. For some of us this means going to extremes and cutting up credit cards. For others, it just means clipping coupons and unplugging appliances. No matter what your money-saving solution, merchants are catching on to these smart shopping tactics. Stores are constantly developing their own methods to make sure we keep buying. Many times, this comes in the form of a sale that looks great on the surface, but actually ends up saving next to nothing. In fact, recent studies suggest that plenty of shoppers are overwhelmed with the flood of…
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The Zen Mom
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Hilarious Video-When Your Love Of Pinterest Goes A Little Too Far!
16 May 2012 | 1:29 amIf you’re stuck in a mid week blah and need a little laugh. You need to check this out! It is hilarious! Like! Repin! :) OMG! Super Cray…right? This is just one of the videos on... Click on www.thezenmom.com or title for more. -
Monday Motivator: The Secret To Success-Plant Your Seeds!
14 May 2012 | 1:02 amI went to the Count Me In Urban Rebound conference on Friday. I met some amazing entrepreneurs with vision, passion and drive. I have a lot of insights to share, but today I wanted to focus... Click on www.thezenmom.com or title for more. -
What Do Moms REALLY Want For Mother’s Day?
12 May 2012 | 3:49 amHappy Mother’s Day weekend! Even though the day is supposed to be about us, moms don’t always ask for what they want. So what do moms REALLY want for Mother’s Day. We headed to... Click on www.thezenmom.com or title for more.
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worksmartmompreneurs.com
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Guest Post: Time Monster – Find Your Balance by @JillKroeger
3 May 2012 | 3:51 pm“My physical appearance at this exact moment could quite possibly convince others that the zombie apocalypse is real.” Tired of the Time Monster stealing away your day with nothing completed – find your balance? Knowing what is important in your life helps to manage your time and energy leading to a balanced life– KNOW your limits. Tip: Write down your goals for the day – keep the list to 5-6 items. Anymore and it is not practical and leaves no room to say yes to a surprise (sick kids – that look like zombies, a friend calling for lunch or work emergencies). Plan for success –… -
Guest Post: How to Legal Proof Your Business
24 Apr 2012 | 6:28 amEveryday a new entrepreneur clocks out of their 9-5 job to embark on making their start-up dreams into a reality by starting a business. Entrepreneurs have many hats to wear as they kick-off their adventure to becoming a business owner. From CEO to CFO to CMO all the way down to administrative and janitorial duties… they do it all. When it comes to legally getting a business up and running, many entrepreneurs get frightened by the stacks of daunting paperwork they face to get their legal ducks in a row. Try not to get overwhelmed and stick with these main action items. Business Name… -
Guest Post: The Three Rewards of Living On Purpose by @EmeliaSam
13 Apr 2012 | 7:15 pmTo live on purpose is simply to live with meaning. Unfortunately, far too many of us operate on automation going through our daily routines without a second thought. When we live on purpose, we choose to live consciously and as a result, experience the best that life has to offer. Purpose is the difference between living and existing. When you begin to understand and live out what you were intended to do, the immediate benefits will surface. 1) You will experience increased energy levels. When purpose directs your life, you are in partnership with the universe. This means that you are not…
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SavvyMom Today
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Canada: Fun-Infused Learning
16 May 2012 | 8:00 am -
Canada: The List: 10 Allergy Soothers
15 May 2012 | 7:58 amIt’s hard to enjoy spring when allergies abound, so try these tricks to prevent and alleviate misery-inducing symptoms. Find out more. -
Vancouver: Fun Run for Kids
11 May 2012 | 8:00 am
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CookiesKids.com Blog
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Hi i need to know when will my order be shipped as it is been on the processed status for two days now order number : 737517
13 May 2012 | 5:05 pmHello! I see your order has been packed and shipped and that you received a tracking number. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help with. -
Time to Play Outside!
3 May 2012 | 9:56 amA lonely wind howls through the swing set. A tumbleweed rolls across the nature trail. Backyards, front yards, side yards – all abandoned. Where are all the kids? It’s no secret that kids are spending more time indoors than they used to. Between homework, various screen entertainments, and after school activities, there seems to be little time left in kids’ schedules for unstructured outside play. And some parents are concerned about everything from neighborhood safety to their kids’ clothes getting muddy. But despite the risks, being outside is an essential way for kids to get active… -
What do ps mean that I will be unable to order anymore clothes through you?
9 Apr 2012 | 9:00 amHello, PS means that your order is in processing. You are unable to make changes to this order, but you can place another order.
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Philadelphia Media Mom, Joey Fortman
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NBC 10! Show Toy Time
16 May 2012 | 10:40 amI love being a mom. Really REALLY love it. I can play with toys all day long and it's like Christmas everyday at my house! =) I was invited onto the 10! Show, NBC Philadelphia for a fun segment on the hot toys for the warmer weather season. Bill Henley is adorable. I don't think he liked my jokes though! haha Here are the products: Lay-N-Go Disney Brave Merida character Brave Merida Archery Set AppGear CuddleUpIts View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com. -
iVillage iVoice: When I Became My Mother
10 May 2012 | 11:34 amOMGOSH. I PROBABLY HAVE NEVER LAUGHED THIS HARD IN MY LIFE. Reason #2,341 why I LOVE being a mom. And before you watch the video-MOM...I LOVE YOU. haha You have amazing LEGGS, mom. As your 3 daughters have thunder thighs from hell...ahem. You do have amazing characteristics. WHY we didn't get that?!?!?! Grrrr. This one though? GULP. When You Realized you WERE Your Mother: -
National Train Day 2012
8 May 2012 | 4:12 pmNational Train Day One of my utmost favorite things to do is taking Amtrak into NYC for the day. Or week. Or heck. I'd do it EVERYDAY if I needed to! lol I remember the first time I went. It was to see Martha Stewart show with a bunch of blogger friends! You know I love trains. When you see all the train fun Boston has. Needless to say-you GOTTA love trains if you're a mom to boys! Girls' love them too. So.... with that being said.... here's the PERFECT event for you and your family on May 12th!! National Train Day Even though we live in this modern insane…
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The Megalomaniac Mommy
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Outdoor Fun for Every Little One
14 May 2012 | 1:42 pmAs we get closer to buying a home of our own, I keep thinking about all of the awesome things I want our new home to have. Not only do I want enough space for the entire family, an open kitchen where we can cook as a family and a basement that we can convert [...] -
SAVE GCB!!! SAVE GCB!!!
14 May 2012 | 1:25 pmGCB has become a show that is watched weekly in our hoe by both myself and the Hardworking Hubby. It is one of the few shows that we both enjoy and we love spending time watching it together. Please help save this show!! Change.org|The Proven Petition Site -
CoffeeTable “May is for Moms” Giveaway – Ends May 23rd
10 May 2012 | 10:59 pmIt’s May and that means Mother’s Day! Looking for a gift for Mom but not sure what to buy? If you are an iPad user there is a simple solution. Simply visit the Apple App Store and download “CoffeeTable”. CoffeeTable May is for Moms! Moms deserve more than just one day of celebration – that’s [...]
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Really? I'm a Mom?
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its about that time
13 May 2012 | 1:44 pmThats something my family would say when they were about to leave after a visit. Its just about that time. And? For me? Its just about that time here. This past weekend has made a huge confirmation for me: I try to hard. I need to learn when it is okay to say enough is enough. In other words? I need to bow out of blogging for a bit. I need to concentrate on three other very important things in my life. My kids, my health and my book. Literally in that order. I have been driving myself crazy trying to come up with awesome stuff week after week, day after day for here and its starting to take… -
For you repeat
10 May 2012 | 8:42 pmThere is a lot happening in my life this week. First and foremost - huge family reunion. Has me a little scatterbrained. So, I am gonna hafta do something a little different. While, here on the post I will play my repeat; please feel free to either follow me on twitter @imperfectmomma or follow the hashtag #foryoufriday. All day I will be tweeting...for you my hurting friends. And? Just remember always that even though I am really busy - my hearts a stereo and it beats for you...so listen close. -
about some awesomeness
7 May 2012 | 2:01 pmHi! Yup. I'm out of the funk. Might have something to do with the fact that our road trip is over - no I will not go into detail about it. Thats just how I roll. Things have happened that made me reevaluate this blog. More details to come, but today? Today, you must come over & visit me over at the ever awesome Kim...awesomeness. Dang. Totally failed with that introduction. Anyhow, lets try again. Kim, from All work and no play make mommy go something something (really long title but - such an awesome blog), asked for guest posters and me being the ever sweet, generous, kind, loving and…
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OC Mom's Activity Guide
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Cloud Watching - Wordless Wednesday
16 May 2012 | 10:57 amOkay, I admit it, I'm a sucker for gorgeous clouds. The above is a picture I took recently of the sky. It's Wednesday and that means the week is half over! Have a great day! [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Happy Mother's Day and Gift Card Giveaway for Mimi's Cafe
13 May 2012 | 8:30 amHappy Mother's Day! As Moms it seems like our job is never done, just as soon as you finish one task it seems fifty others pop up!!! At Mimi's Cafe, they are celebrating the "Mimi's Month of Mom" and offering special menu options (full menu can be seen here) including Le Parisian Omelet, Cinnamon Brioche French Toast, Chicken Madeira Crepes, Parisian Shrimp Salad along with Cafe Classics including Mimi’s Slow Roasted Turkey Dinner and Oven Fresh Pot Roast and more. Moms can also... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
$1 Blended Coffees at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf TODAY!
10 May 2012 | 8:30 amI don't deny it - I'm a HUGE coffee fan. If you're at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf fan, you'll want to head down today from 2-6 pm for a $1 blended Mocha Mudslide or Cookies & Cream (12 ounce). For more information you can head to their Facebook page here or just head down to your local store! Enjoy! [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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QuirkyFusion
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K’NEX Brand Waxes Nostalgic with KISS and Yellow Submarine Figures
15 May 2012 | 8:30 amI didn’t grow up with K’NEX; the brand launched when I was in my 20′s. But for some reason, it feels like a toy I played with growing up. In fact, I think K’NEX appeals to adults, as well as kids, due to the ability to build... [[This is an excerpt. Please visit the site for full content. Thanks!]] -
Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2012 Family Highlights
14 May 2012 | 7:45 amI could write a novel about the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration this year. I had an absolutely amazing time, and so did my family. I have more coverage to come, but here are some of the highlights for the kids. It’s not surprising, given... [[This is an excerpt. Please visit the site for full content. Thanks!]] -
The Real Victims in the "Mommy Wars"
11 May 2012 | 10:31 pmLast night, I enjoyed an evening with some amazing women as we celebrated National Mom’s Nite Out. These ladies are smart, savvy, and have a diverse range of parenting styles. They are members of Boston Parent Bloggers, where we mingle... [[This is an excerpt. Please visit the site for full content. Thanks!]]
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Rich Single Momma
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3 Tips to Staying Debt Free
14 May 2012 | 2:16 pmIf you’re a single mother these days, then you probably don’t need anyone to tell you how hard it is to raise a child, or multiple children, and always make ends meet. Often times, we rely on a combination of credit, extreme determination, and the grace of God to get us through. Staying on top of your finances and following budgets can certainly be hard work among all the various other things you’ve got to worry about. That’s why I’ve compiled this short list of tips that have helped me stay debt free, and on top of my financial obligations during times of serious struggle:… -
Free Community Day at Atlanta’s Woodruff Arts Center
8 May 2012 | 9:16 amIf you live in the Atlanta area you know the festival season is getting into full swing. Well the arts centers are getting in on the act as well. On June 3, the Woodruff Arts Center will have a Free Community Day. Here are the details: Community Day at The Woodruff | Sunday, June 3, 11am–5pm | Free Admission Join us as we commemorate the anniversary with a free Community Day at The Woodruff. Activities include: • FREE admission to the High Museum of Art Storytelling, puppets, music and art projects with Young Audiences Performances and acting workshops by the Alliance Theatre An… -
Take Control of Your Finances with Daily Worth
7 May 2012 | 11:41 amA few months ago, maybe a year ago I started getting daily emails from Daily Worth. The are very informative and helps me as I continue my quest for financial freedom. Each day I get emails on a different financial topic. They are quick tips to help me with budgeting, savings, and spending. They spotlight real women who are having problems or who are successfully implementing new financial habits. In their own words, “DailyWorth is a free daily personal finance email for women. It delivers practical tips, empowering ideas, and the occasional kick in the pants. DailyWorth tips cover self…
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Blasian Baby Notes
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Chillin in the Stroller - Wordless Wednesday
9 May 2012 | 7:55 amMister cool Daniel chilling in his stroller while waiting for me. I had to chuckle at his pose.Like this article? Subscribe to the RSS feed or for email updates! [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Being THAT Selfish Mom
17 Apr 2012 | 4:38 pmOk, I'll admit it. I've been selfish. I'm not ashamed to admit it cause we all know it's true. I've been hoarding Daniel and all the cool things we've been doing to myself. Again. Even after I said I would share more. Again.Are ya'll really going to blame me for not sharing? Wait. Don't answer that. I know some of ya'll are really opinionated. LOLBut really the ability of a mother to be selfish [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Black Breastfeeding 360: Resource for African American Community
16 Mar 2012 | 9:19 pmToday's guest post comes via Kimberly Seals Allers, author, breastfeeding advocate, and founder of MochaManual.com – Onica, editorI spend a lot of my time writing (loudly) about the problems I see in the world. Particularly, those affecting black mothers and babies. Over the past six years as I've been working as an author and commentator on the African American motherhood experience, I have [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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Notes from Home
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Selling a house: preparation, staging and frustration
25 Apr 2012 | 6:17 amSo it turns out we are not moving after all.I knew I shouldn’t have broadcast on the internet that we had a buyer – it’s the ultimate jinx!This is the second buyer that has pulled out. The first pulled out because she was allergic to rapeseed which the farmer sometimes grows in the adjoining fields. The second buyers pulled out because they are divorcing. I can make our house look absolutely beautiful but I can’t do anything about those sorts of factors.So now we have switched agents and are starting again. It is rather depressing though to look at our house with fresh… -
I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it
20 Mar 2012 | 9:37 amHello! I have missed you.It has been a hectic few months since I last posted. Regular readers will know that we put our house on the market many many many months ago – rather later than we hoped so we missed the traditional housebuying spring market. Despite quite a few viewings and a couple of offers it didn’t sell. However it looks as though we might have a buyer now, so I hope our move is all going to go smoothly. I also hope it means I’ll be spending less of my time scrubbing, tidying and removing all evidence of us actually living here (and you will have NO idea how… -
Christmas traditions: Christmas Kisses
20 Mar 2012 | 9:25 amDue to the fact that I have four children in three different schools and our afternoon school run starts at 2.50pm and ends at 5.10pm, we spend a great deal of time in the car these days. This excessively long school run was only supposed to be a short-term arrangement but it has dragged on rather longer than we would like because we couldn’t sell our house. So our opportunities for Christmas traditions were much more limited this year. In previous years we have had traditions like Advent Reading by candlelight as well as our usual Christmas traditions but this year we added a new one,…
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Wifely Steps
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How to enjoy the play days of summer more
15 May 2012 | 3:59 amTweet I came home yesterday to a lovely package filled with great-for-the-summer goodies! Johnson’s is advocating the wonders of outdoor play. These products of theirs can get kids enjoying the outdoors more while keeping cool. No sticky feeling, no “amoy-araw”, and no “bungang araw”! Ack, I remember being a victim of bungang araw when I [...] -
Happy Mother’s Day!
13 May 2012 | 9:37 amTweet When I have a major milestone in my life, Mama’s there to fix my hair! First pic: My wedding day, May 2003. Second pic: The day I gave birth to my son, August 2009. Thank you for always making sure my hair looks nice. Happy Mother’s Day, Mama! I love you very much! Most [...] -
Summer Frozen Delight: Creamed Corn Cubes
9 May 2012 | 1:27 amTweet Creamed corn with milk and ice has always been a family favorite. I associate this dessert with Sunday evenings of my childhood. After dinner, my Mom would take out a serving bowl of this creamy dessert and ladle them into our individual bowls. My Dad, my sisters and I would savor every drop of [...]
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Katie the Scrapbook Lady
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I’m number 8 on the list
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amI was excited to see this list of top scrapbooking sites on the Frugal Dad blog – and even more excited when I saw that I’m listed at number 8! 8. Katie The Scrapbook Lady is a blogger who writes about her life and her adventures in scrapbooking. This unique look into the daily life of the author makes seeing her scrapbook projects especially interesting for readers. Popular Post: A Girl Can Dream: This post is all about Pinterest. The author shares some of the unique spaces and places she has drawn inspiration from. If you want to see who else made the list, hop on over… -
Color games and quizzes
15 May 2012 | 7:00 amSometimes I just enjoy a fun little diversion like a color personality quiz. I always say that I’m doing it for the “scrapbooking material” but I’ll admit that some of what I’m doing is just procrastinating all the other things I really SHOULD be doing. If you want to do some “research” for your own scrapbook, here are a few little color quizzes to take. What color are you? What color do you feel? Colorstrology Here are my results: you are palegreen#98FB98 Your dominant hue is green. You're logical and steadfast, focused on figuring life out and doing what makes… -
My 12 of 12 for May
14 May 2012 | 7:00 amI’m happy to report that I remembered to take 12 photos on the 12th of May and I had some pretty cool things to photograph that day! My hubby basically spoiled me rotten this weekend by giving me the gift I needed the very most – a break! I got to spend time away without any kids, homeschool, housework, or any type of work at all. The last time I had a getaway like that was back in 2009. I had a very out of the ordinary day and I had fun capturing it with my camera. I think my favorite part was just walking around taking pictures of beautiful flowers like these: …
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Making Time For Mom
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MasterCard’s Priceless Chicago Cubs Pledge Program
16 May 2012 | 12:00 pmI am attending my very first Cubs game tonight courtesy of MasterCard and their Priceless Cubs Pledge Program. I am excited to go because I haven’t been to a major league baseball game since I was in high school {or maybe it was even junior high….} MasterCard is asking Chicago area residents to show their Cubbies love by pledging what we’d do if the Cubs win. Just by pledging we have the chance to win awesome prizes! My pledge is to donate money to Autism Speaks if the Cubs win today. Here are the simple steps you can take if you live in the area and want to make a pledge,… -
Graduation Day {Wordless Wednesday}
16 May 2012 | 8:07 amMy little brother graduated from college last Friday! I am SO proud of him :) He graduated with Honors as a Pre-Med major with a Psychology minor in just 3 years! Filed under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged: graduation, Wordless Wednesday -
Honey Bunches Of Oats Giveaway {Savory Summer Hop}
15 May 2012 | 11:00 pmWelcome to the 2012 Savory Summer blog-hopping giveaway event! I have teamed up with Measuring Flower, Graphoniac, and a bunch of other awesome blogs to bring you some food-related giveaways (each worth at least $25)! The grand prize sponsors for this event are Nostalgia Electrics and Ella’s Kitchen, who are offering prizes worth over $100 each! You can enter to win one or both grand prizes HERE. MY GIVEAWAY: FIVE coupons for Honey Bunches of Oats cereal {$25 ARV} to ONE WINNER I had never tried Honey Bunches of Oats before so I was looking forward to trying it out. I tried the Honey…
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Musing Mommies Mom Podcast and Mommy Blog - Interviews, Giveaways, Mothering advice
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Musing Mommies Podcast Episode 154 {MuMos take on Mother’s Day}
9 May 2012 | 9:03 pmMusing Mommies Podcast Episode 154 Tuesday May 8th, 2012 Moms all over the country are anticipating next Sunday. Will they get breakfast in bed, a sweet, hand-made card, a spa day or dinner out? Or, will the day be any different from the rest? This week on the Musing Mommies Podcast, Kim and Dawn take on Mother’s Day, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Find out what they think of the “holiday” and what plans they have to make the day special. Until next time, ~Dawn and Kim Please share us with your friends! We are on Facebook, Twitter, iTunes, Miro, Stitcher and on iPods and… -
Musing Mommies Podcast Episode 153 {Is it bedtime yet?}
1 May 2012 | 3:13 pmMusing Mommies Podcast Episode 153 Monday April 30th, 2012 The evening is winding down, the dinner dishes have been cleared from the table, homework is done, baths and jammies are on and it’s approaching that magic hour – bedtime! Are you a laid back, whenever-you-get-there-is-fine kind of mom, or are you a clear the calendar, do nothing after 6pm, check the clock every five minutes to make sure everyone is in bed at the exact right time each night kind of mom? This week on the Musing Mommies Podcast, Kim and Dawn discuss bedtime rituals. Tune in to find out if the Mumos are easy… -
Musing Mommies Podcast Episode 152 {An interview with Jason and Layla}
24 Apr 2012 | 6:12 pmMusing Mommies Podcast Episode 152 Tuesday April 23rd, 2012 This week the Musing Mommies are talking to people all over the map! After an awesome LIVE show last Wednesday with listeners from as far away as Connecticut, this week Kim does a super fun interview with a brother and sister musical duo who Skyped in from New Orleans, LA and New York, NY!! Listen in as we get to meet Jason and Layla, and hear about their fantastic children’s music and their upcoming album. Until next time, ~Dawn and Kim Please share us with your friends! We are…
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Fizzy Liz
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Photo apps: FINE I’LL ADMIT IT
23 Apr 2012 | 9:25 amI’ve heard many protests about the Facebook-Instagram purchase: “I was going to try it, but then Facebook bought it!” Illogical. First of all, Facebook didn’t buy Instagram in order to keep it away from you, silly. Secondly, the photo app is no less cool for being more widely used. I guess if you are committed to being a hipster, you could try Hipstamatic ($2), which features a deliberately clunky and slow-witted interface intended to slow your photo-filtering process and make you feel better than everyone. However, I would question the integrity of a product that… -
Secret Code
19 Apr 2012 | 1:28 pmWhen I picked him up from kindergarten today, Daniel gave me this “secret code,” rolled up and tied with an elastic band. It helps a person forget the laundry list of stressful life challenges, you know? © 2011 Fizzy Liz | All rights reserved. Copyright for republished writing or artwork belongs to the original writer or artist, as noted. This post cannot be republished without express written permission. No related posts. -
American Robins Flocking in Alberta
15 Apr 2012 | 10:54 amWe rarely see more than three or four robins hopping about in the garden at one time. Lately, though, we have been treated to this spectacle: a good-sized flock of American Robins gathering in our nearby trees, filling the air with their pretty birdsong. They love the old crabapple tree in out backyard, because it drops so many crabapples from the previous year. I wasn’t able to capture the entirety of the spectacle because the birds heard me arrive and scattered, but these trees were bowing with the weight of all the resting birds. Here’s my little nature video: © 2011 Fizzy Liz…
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GoldCoastMama.com
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The Unlikely Bully
11 May 2012 | 8:05 amPicture these three scenarios: • Your kid goes to school and someone belittles him about his disability in the cafeteria. • Your kid is trying to make an alternative argument in a high school social studies class discussion about a hotly controversial national issue, but someone keeps suppressing him and talking over him loudly to further their own position. • Your kid talks to someone at school about something important, and then he overhears what he said being repeated, laughed about and mocked to others. Each one smacks of bullying, no? Okay, now… -
Date Night: Barry Manilow at Radio City
2 May 2012 | 9:17 amLooks like we made it: After postponing his original February appearances at Radio City, the showman himself, Barry Manilow, performed this week and we were more than happy to have a Monday night date! -
Giada’s Stuffed Mushrooms
30 Apr 2012 | 12:16 pmSource Stuffed Mushrooms Chef(s) Andrea Active Time 10 minutes | Inactive Time 25 minutes | Level Easy Every once in a while, I have a stuffed mushroom craving. There’s something so “cocktail culture” about them, and besides being flavorful and a satisfying mix of textures, they’re a snap to make. While I’ve seen mushrooms stuffed with things like crabmeat and sausage, nothing fancy for me, thankyouverymuch. Just a simple savory breadcrumb stuffing, enhanced with some salty romano cheese, a zippy touch of garlic, and a couple of herbs. It’s the…
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CoffeeJitters
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Monday morning, from 10 to 11
15 May 2012 | 6:08 pmThe magic happens every day, but I don’t always take the time to stop and notice. In just an hour of paying attention: The air is the perfect temperature – not so warm or cold as to demand attention. Watching an artist become The little one exploring – getting familiar with Mother Nature And Mother Nature says hi right back. A mama bird feeding her chicks… A perfect rosebud… Mother Nature reclaiming a chair… I find the magic every time I look for it. I just have to remember to look. Every day is a gift. WW Linkup Every week I host a photo linkup where we… -
Photography as a meditation
8 May 2012 | 9:25 pmI stalk the light, and the world fades away. There is only this moment, this camera, this flower, this light. Which camera? Irrelevant: an old beater, camera phone, DSLR… it doesn’t matter. The flower – deconstructed petal, stamen, line, curve, color. I capture the light, not the flower The way the light moves and flexes, around and through, reflection, absorption, glow. In the end, it’s not even about me; it’s about embracing the light. WW Linkup Every week I host a photo linkup where we share posts featuring a photo. It started out being called Wordless… -
Grasping at Bubbles
1 May 2012 | 2:41 pmWriting has been difficult lately. I feel like I’m chasing soap bubbles, and the moment I grasp a nugget, a train of thought, an approach, an angle, it disappears into nothingness before I can pin it to paper. It’s so very much like my daughter chasing these bubbles around the park – yet so different. First, I’m not having as much fun (I need to do something about that). Second, my failure to grasp these bubbles, and manipulate them into a cohesive thesis, has consequenses. Just a few more days, I can count it in hours now, till this semester is done. The last paper…
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Feistymomma
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Why Does It Matter?
9 May 2012 | 1:45 pmThe conversation at our dining table this past weekend was initiated by my son. He asked us, “why does it matter if other people want to marry the same sex, if they love and care for each other?” That came from my 14yr old son. It shouldn’t, was our reply. But there are other people [...] -
Dandelions
8 May 2012 | 6:03 pmMy husband specifically told me today not to do anything but rest. Just sit in the couch, watch TV, and let my body heal. I asked if it is because I’m broken and he replied in a very sexy and authoritative tone of YES. The truth is, I’ve been sick for almost a week. [...] -
15th Anniversary
5 May 2012 | 9:02 pmI’m sure my friends in Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are tired of reading about our 15th anniversary but it’s obligatory for me to post this in my personal blog. Well, not really but I probably should and might as well. Yes, my husband and I are celebrating out 15th year anniversary. We’ve come a long [...]
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Kidsumers
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Wordless Wednesday: The Hidden Zoo
15 May 2012 | 9:09 pmI attended a blogger event at the Toronto Zoo this week. It was called “The Hidden Zoo” and I will tell you all about it later this week, but for now I will leave you with a couple of my favourite pictures. A rhino wanting a little more to eat… My own group of [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Leafy Greens + Food Safety = Healthy Families
15 May 2012 | 8:32 pmThe California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) is a model program that was created in 2007 by California farmers who came together to raise the bar for food safety. I think this is an important program, and I really support what they are doing. In the past, I ran our local meals on Wheels... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
On Top of the World at Adventures Unlimited #brandcation #gulfcoast
11 May 2012 | 11:00 amDiscover the FUN of outdoor adventure! Adventures Unlimited offers Canoeing, Kayaking, Tubing, and Camping along Coldwater Creek past secluded, sugar white sandbars, through Blackwater River State Forest of Northwest Florida . Zip on the canopy tour, on Zip Adventures at Adventures... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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parenting BY dummies
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Wordful Wednesday. Growing Older Gracelessly.
15 May 2012 | 8:32 pmToday I ignored with vigor celebrated my 5th 29th birthday. I pretty much felt like this all day. I mean it was a Tuesday after all, which meant school, tutoring, soccer, and dinner and someplace fast and disgusting. Plus, I decided ages ago that I was never going to be okay with turning 30 (or [...] -
Dumb Mom’s Guide. So Your Child Failed His Hearing Screening?
14 May 2012 | 9:20 pmRecently, #3 had his 4 year old physical appointment with his pediatrician. In addition to his overall good healthy, we learned that he is the average height and weight of a 6 year old. Score! That basketball scholarship might work out yet! The doc did all of the developmental tests, checked for scoliosis, and informed [...] -
Dude Mom Life. A Mother’s Day Celebration Hosted By Future Stunt Dudes.
13 May 2012 | 9:35 pmI’m pretty sure that there is an unwritten life rule out there that says that no matter what, on Mother’s Day, little children everywhere have to act like they were raised by wolves and therefore do not have to celebrate or even recognize the date’s existence, and they can instead proceed to snarl at each [...]
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La Jolla Mom
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Travel Etiquette: Do You Tip, Take, Or ?
15 May 2012 | 2:28 pmHave you ever paused and thought, “hmmm…..what do other travelers do?” as you’re about to reach for your wallet or put those luxurious amenities in you luggage? I have, and it’s been on my to-do list to look into what is “normal” for some time. Or is there a “normal?” Do You Take The Hotel Amenities? I admit it. I was so in love with the above Bvlgari amenities at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills that I took them, used each bottle to the last drop and then recycled the bottles. I actually bought a full-sized bottle of the Bvlgari… -
KidsFest San Diego Is Back On June 9 & 10 (Ticket Discount)
14 May 2012 | 12:41 pmAre you pulling your hair out trying to figure out how to keep the kids busy this summer? Put this in your calendar. San Diego’s largest hands-on, creative festival for kids and their families, KidsFest, will be held on June 9 & 10. More kid fun (ages 2-10) than they’ll be able to handle will occupy the 100,000 square foot NTC Promenade at Liberty Station in Point Loma. Your ticket price includes ALL KidsFest activities. This list is enormous so here’s an abridged version: Messy Zone for kids who like to get dirty A make and take crafts Creation Station Dance Party for… -
Discussing Facials At Maryam Beauty Salon And Spa: Exfoliation And Extractions
12 May 2012 | 6:26 pmI hadn’t been in to Maryam Beauty Salon and Spa yet, despite driving and walking by it on Girard literally hundreds of times. I had no idea how huge the space is or that they are a full service salon offering threading, waxing, hair, make up, lash extensions nails and more. Deal Me In Today is currently running a deal with Maryam for facials and waxing, just in time for Mother’s Day. I opted to try a facial since I needed it. I asked Papar and Paknar, the mother-daughter team who owns the salon, a few things about exfoliation (I don’t do it as much as I should) and…
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MamarazziKnowsBest.com
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San Diego After-School All-Stars’ 5th Annual “Party Like an All-Star” Dodgeball Tournament
16 May 2012 | 12:47 pmSan Diego After-School All-Stars Presents Fifth Annual “Party Like an All-Star” Dodgeball Tournament on June 8 Charity dodgeball tournament at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego offers $500 in prizes SAN DIEGO – May 11, 2012 — The San Diego Chapter of After-School All-Stars announces the fifth annual “Party Like an All-Star” Dodgeball Tournament on Friday, [...] -
Time Warner Cable Celebrates San Diego’s 50 Best Moms
15 May 2012 | 12:11 pmOn May 12th, Marcella Lee, weekend anchor for CBS 8, and I co-emceed San Diego’s 50 Best Moms Awards yearly luncheon held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in La Jolla, California. This is the eleventh year Time Warner Cable has hosted this community program celebrating exceptional mothers. Photo courtesy of Time Warner Cable This [...] -
Going Strong AfterTwenty Two Years — Put that Up in Neon!
11 May 2012 | 1:28 pmToday is our 22nd Wedding Anniversary! According to tradition, Copper is the gift conmemorating this milestone. Though totally unrelated to what I’m going to write about, I thought I’d let you know about this fun fact. The couple in the photo is us on our honeymoon; a young and unsuspecting couple starting the journey we had just [...]
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mummymcauliffe
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Meet Fudgy bear
16 May 2012 | 11:13 amSome time ago, Fudgy bear came to stay. He’s settled in beautifully and now lives very happily in Little I’s playroom. He can often be found snuggling up with Upsy Daisy and baby Barry (who happens to be a girl!) in the dolls crib. Fudgy arrived in his very own canvas bag, along with a [...] -
Have you ever had second thoughts about your child’s name?
10 May 2012 | 2:00 pmSelecting a child’s name is such a huge responsibility. I don’t think you appreciate what a big decision it is until you have your first child. Suddenly it dawns on you that the name you choose, your child will have to carry with them for the rest of their life. I’ve come across a few [...] -
How do Mums feel about their work-life balance?
8 May 2012 | 3:13 pmWithin a recent US survey of 250 working mums, which looked at the challenges of balancing a career and a family, 55 per cent admitted that “the struggle to excel at both is overwhelming.” I am easily a part of this statistic. I have had so many highs and lows since returning to work after [...]
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sunnysideup
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Spring 2012 nail polish favorites
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amIf you, like me, grew up watching Nickelodeon, you will remember how that network just loved to slime people. You know, dousing unsuspecting people with green guck from above? That’s kind of what it’s like to spend the day with a kid. But the icky green slime comes at you from all directions. My everday look could best be described as ratty chic, minus the chic part. Kate, like most toddlers, believes me not only to be her soother and diaper changer but also large napkin. At any point throughout the day, she might find her nose a little snotty and in need of a good… -
How I learned to love exercise
15 May 2012 | 7:21 amIt’s no secret I love group fitness. I make time to exercise every single morning. It’s a non-negotiable. I’ve been an early morning exerciser since college when I found myself strung out and in desperate need of stress relief. But I haven’t always exercised purely for the relief it gives my spirit and mind. When I was in elementary school, I played softball and soccer, and I loved sports for the commraderie and team work. But in middle school and early high school, puberty hit me like a ton of bricks and suddenly just being active wasn’t enough. -
Project Life 2012 | Week 19
14 May 2012 | 7:00 amBaron, my parent’s lovingly enthusiastic Golden Retriever, joined us this week while my parents enjoyed a much deserved vaction out West to the Grand Canyon. (And by much deserved I really mean: why didn’t you take me with you?! WAH!) I think Baron found his accomodations at Casa Bagley up to his standards. Kate even provided him with a complimentary hair brushing. With my paddle brush. Oh well, file that under: Things I Don’t Care About. Besides hanging out with Baron and preventing him from eating Kate’s plastic play food (Remember, he is the $6,000 dog),…
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Chocolate Cake Moments
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5 Life Lessons My Mother Taught Me
15 May 2012 | 5:48 pmFellow Mothers, I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day full of “Chocolate Cake Moments” – hugs, surprises, walks down memory lane, and you didn’t have to wash a gosh darn dish the whole day. I enjoyed my Mother’s Day thoroughly and it got me thinking about my Mom and what she has taught me that I want to pass along to my kids. Other than learning to use a fork or how to tie your shoes, that is. (Of course it would have been better to get this post up on Mother’s Day but hey, I was busy doing Mom-ish things.) We’ve all had moments where we… -
Fun Dessert for a Family-Friendly Cinco de Mayo Party
11 May 2012 | 12:18 pmWe invited some friends over for a casual Cinco de Mayo party last weekend and we had a blast catching up with our friends and letting the kids have fun. We kept the food simple, so we could have more time to enjoy our Queso Fundido and Margaritas. (Which we greatly enjoyed, by the way.) We put the kids to work making their own dessert, Ice Cream Banditos, which was a huge hit! I mean “un exito bien grande!” So, I wanted to share how to make this fun treat. These ice cream banditos are easy, tasty, and they kept the kids occupied. They’re perfect for a Cinco de Mayo party,… -
Free Download – Kids Birthday Party Planning Guide
9 May 2012 | 11:01 amI love to plan kids parties. For me, it’s a lot of fun to come up with creative ideas and surprise my kids with a great time. I like being able to customize the parties to the theme that interests them most, whether it be luchadores, mustache parties or my daughter’s soon-to-be Michael Jackson dance party. But it definitely takes some planning to host a fun and memorable kids party. To help me plan my kids parties I put together a party planning worksheet to make sure I don’t forget anything and stay organized. I’d love to share that with you so you can be a party…
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The Counselor Mom
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When to say no?
7 May 2012 | 10:00 pmWith limit setting, it’s always hard to be consistent. Just like I’ve talked about before, when your child begs you for the candy at the check-out lane, and he begs for it 5 times, and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
What’s In a Name?
29 Apr 2012 | 10:06 pmI am pregnant with my second girl. And being 35 weeks along, I STILL do not have a name picked out for her. Since my little bundle of joy is due in a few weeks, we are feeling the stress. …... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Diapers
20 Apr 2012 | 10:17 pmYes, I am one of those cloth diaper mommas, but with baby #2 almost on the way, I have wondered what I am going to do- stay with cloth or add disposables? When I was first pregnant with Luna two... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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The Wink
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Boots of a Different Color
15 May 2012 | 6:47 amMy memory is shaky on things like birthdays and holidays. They almost always seem to sneak up on me in some way that requires me to feign awareness—”Oh, of course I have green things for each girl to wear and little leprechaun top hats,” and “Oh, sure, big doin’s for the holiday weekend. Been planning for months.” I have the best intentions, but the dealine to sign up for things and the second Monday of each month just seem to slip through my fingers. I’ve read beautiful posts by people who would appear to have their acts together—birthday posts right… -
For Mother’s Day
11 May 2012 | 8:09 pmThis Mother’s Day, if I could make one request, it would be this: one of my childhood friends, a girl who peppers most of the happiest memories of my youth, needs something, I’d like to help deliver it to her. We fell out of touch as people do, and then reconnected through Facebook. I’ve often chuckled at her pictures, her three rough and tumble boys a stark contrast against my three squealing, boa-loving girls. She in Oklahoma, me in Upstate NY, both so very far from Eugene, Oregon. During movie time in school we used to take her Swatch watch and take turns running it up… -
Go Get Your Tap Shoes
10 May 2012 | 10:21 amWe were standing in the kitchen with the girls running laps and shrieking at the top of their lungs, the dog in hot pursuit, when I realized that if dinner wasn’t done in 30 minutes, the catastrophic domino effect would begin—bedtime would be so late that it would box out story time, which would squelch the chance of making lunches ahead of time unless I pushed my own bedtime later. Then just as I burned my hand on the edge of the burner another request came in. I couldn’t understand it so much as I felt it pelting against me as she repeated it. It was with a strident note in my…
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Clea Shannon - Live Inspired Today
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Popsicles!
15 May 2012 | 6:07 pmvia LiveInspiredTodayWithClea http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/111084218967004 -
Watermelon and Black
15 May 2012 | 6:06 pmvia LiveInspiredTodayWithClea http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/111084218967004 -
Roasted Spring Asparagus
15 May 2012 | 8:32 amEach Spring I look forward with anticipation to a few of my favorite seasonal vegetables – Meyer Lemons and asparagus are some of the tastiest harbingers of spring. Pair roasted Spring asparagus with any meal for a quick and seasonal side dish loaded with flavor and nutritional benefits. As a certified health coach, I like to share with you my hip, simple, fabulous recipes AND the value and benefits we receive from the food we eat. As I learned in nutrition school, our food truly is our fuel – so let’s choose the most effective (and delicious) fuel that we can! A versatile…
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Full of it...
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You might think it's funny, but it snot....
16 May 2012 | 1:32 pmThat is NOT a typo...up there in that title. I'm swimming in nasal fluid over here and I'm ready for whatever cold that has hit our house to move on out. Mr. B came home from a sleepover on Saturday morning with a yucky nose, then gave it to Miss P on Sunday, and now I have it. All of us process colds differently. Mr. B just gets extremely stuffed up and has that yucky breath for a few days, but otherwise is a happy camper who sleeps like a rock. I have inherited my family's history of post-nasal drip, which forces me to sleep sitting completely upright in order… -
Hey shortie, it's your birthday...
11 May 2012 | 10:10 pmI don't know about any of you, but we've been slammed with birthday parties over here. Our own kids AND other friends. For a while there, we even had trouble booking my own son's birthday party, as it is double booked behind a ex-student's (who has done this for the past 3 years with us, even though her son's birthday is in JUNE...but I digress...) party on the same day, one hour earlier on the complete opposite side of town. And we're not the only family to have fallen to the rescheduling nightmare. In the thick of things, emails were flying back and forth requesting… -
Three is the new two...
2 May 2012 | 7:02 pmMiss P turned 3 on Tuesday, and like clockwork, her new age brought a whole new level of defiance and tantrums. I love her madly and would throw myself in front of a loaded gun for her, but man, she's become a little turd at times this week. You'll ask her a question and she'll just stare at you without answering. Or blinking. THAT LOOK. The one that will make me even crazier when she's a teenager. She's already perfected it. When she's not doing that, she's having a colossal tantrum. Welcome to 3! Mommy's going to need some new tricks up her…
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Fox In Flats
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Dream Wedge Boot…Copenhagen, Denmark
15 May 2012 | 7:43 amOgle these one-of-a-kind boots, then check out 5 of the best wedge boots available online now. -
How to score this outfit for under $80 while you’re shopping for someone else’s socks
14 May 2012 | 9:34 pmSonia’s mercy-dash to Kmart netted her a new get up for less than a tank of petrol. -
The Fox in Flats Style Manifesto for Mums
10 May 2012 | 10:57 pmWe're all trying to do our best, amongst the sleepless nights, the sticky fingers, and our morphing body shapes. Yet sometimes a word of encouragement or a reminder of our intentions can feel like a big warm hug and make us smile.
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Hearts Make Families
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I Witnessed A Small Miracle
8 May 2012 | 4:03 pmIn the midst of having to pick up a part for the air conditioning that is not working in the hottest day of the year, we decided to celebrate my birthday by going out to dinner. I chose to go the Applebees close to my husband’s work. They have a great two for $20 deal going on. We picked up the part from a friend of one of my husbands and then headed to Applebees. It was about 7 pm on Saturday night. I didn’t think about how crowded such a popular place would be. The parking lot was full. My husband said why don’t we drive to the one out by our house. I said… -
Sunday Stealing – Get Out of Jail Free
6 May 2012 | 12:52 pmI love this meme at Sunday Stealing. Here are the details: Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link… -
Sugar + ADHD = Disaster
4 May 2012 | 11:13 amI just got a call from school. Jason is acting up again. The conversation went as follows: Teacher: Ms. Z, Jason is having an episode again. Me: What is he doing? Teacher: He is running all over the place. Me: Did you give him sugar? Teacher: The other helper did. Me: Then you have to wait til the sugar runs out. I can’t stop him now. I told you no sugar. Teacher: But he needs to stop. Me: Then don’t let someone give him sugar. Sugar feeds his ADHD. I told you the doctor said no sugar. Teacher: That doesn’t solve the issue. Me: He’ll…
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Romantic Frugal Mom
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Does Green Living Pay Off Economically
16 May 2012 | 5:00 amEven if you do not have sleepless nights worrying about melting glaciers, the Brazilian Rain Forest or animals becoming extinct, you should be aware that green living not only helps the planet but also makes economical sense by helping your finances. It is easy to have a flippant attitude regarding environmentally friendly products being too [...] -
How to Reduce your Carbon Footprint When Exercising
15 May 2012 | 5:00 amYou may not think that it is possible to reduce our carbon footprint when exercising but it can be achieved by various measures. The thing about being kind to the environment is to think before you act. With a little planning you can exercise knowing that you are doing your bit to save the planet. [...] -
Do YOU Believe In Genius?
14 May 2012 | 7:09 amI thought I would share this article I came across on parentatthehelm.com by Linda Dobson for my daily mom blog roundup. She writes about how a parent mold their child into a genius? Well, according to a 1960 study, the Public School system is not the answer, in fact it is detrimental to enhancing intellect. [...]
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Beauty Filled Life
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Not-So-Baby Morning Breath - WW
16 May 2012 | 12:30 amThe moment you realize your baby is not so much of a baby any more? You get a wiff of their not-so-baby morning breath. Haaaaaaah! For more Wordless Wednesday or Mostly Wordless Wednesday, visit Wordless Wednesday HQ, Seven Clown Circus, Live and Love Out Loud, and 5 Minutes For Mom -
Nursing Bras
14 May 2012 | 2:00 amHad to stop by Target the other day to buy more nursing bras because I have been using the same two (yes, TWO) nursing bras for this go 'round with Baby Girl, that I used while I nursed Monkey. Rotating between two nursing bras, daily, over the span of two non-consecutive years has done a number on these babies. Once you see what I've been dealing with, you'll be amazed by the fact that I didn't get new ones - or add more to the mix! - sooner: Sad, sad state of affairs. -
When Kids Go Screen Capture Crazy - WW
9 May 2012 | 2:34 amDon’t teach (or inadvertently teach) your kid how to do a screen capture. Unless you like deleting these kinds of pictures - one by one - all afternoon, with him screaming, “Nooo mommy! Das my pick chuuuur!” Ugh. For more Wordless Wednesday or Mostly Wordless Wednesday, visit Wordless Wednesday HQ, Seven Clown Circus, Live and Love Out Loud, and 5 Minutes For Mom
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Mummy's Busy World
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Fun Movie Alert! DisneyNature's CHIMPANZEE
20 Apr 2012 | 6:00 amI had seen movies on a big TV before, and I'd been to one in London, but not as big as the one we went to this week...it was ENORMOUS! Mami said it was called the "movie theater". What ever it was, it was so cool!We were invited by Disney to see the advanced screening of CHIMPANZEE at the Mazza Gallerie in Washington, DC. It was during my bedtime, but mami said it was a special occasion and so off we went.That's Oscar!Hey! I didn't care, I was happy to not have to go to bed. AND I begged mami to buy me popcorn. She didn't want to at first, but I just kept asking, and asking and asking… -
Mummy's Busy World is TWO!
19 Apr 2012 | 11:02 pmYes! Can you believe I started this blog two years ago?! Yep, me. Mami was "super busy" back then (not sure what is now??) and kept talking about blogging. So I just did it for her!So much has changed and happened along the way for all of us. I don't wear nappies anymore. Mami understands me when I speak, she doesn't work at the office anymore, I can ride my scooter without falling and we live in another country!There is lots more, but that would be way too long.I'm sure you have guessed it's been quiet around here, but mami has new things going on, I'm busy hanging out with my friends,… -
Arggggg! Jake & the Never Land Pirates DVD giveaway
3 Apr 2012 | 5:31 pmARRRRRRGGGGGGG!Don't be scared. It's only ME, Little M. I'm just pretending to be a pirate. Pretty good, right? Mami says I look just like one and I have to agree!Last week Disney Home Entertainment sent me their latest full length adventure movie called Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns 2-Disc DVD pack ($19.99). And let me just say, its sooooo cool!The movie is out today on Blu-Ray and DVD and you can watch it in English, Spanish or French. OUI!In their first ever movie, Peter Pan is back to lead Jake and his pirate friends on a fun adventure and even encountering…
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The Bold Blend
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Summer Vacation = A Partial Break From Social Media
10 May 2012 | 12:58 pmToday is Half Caff’s last day of pre-school. In a few days, Latte will be out of Kindergarten as well. It’s time for summer! It’s time for swimming lessons, ballet and craft camp, and hanging out by the pool at Grandma’s house. It’s time for play dates and sleepovers and lemonade stands. Oh, and those pesky tonsils of mine are coming out mid-June. I want to be present for all of it. I’ve been thinking along the lines of backing off of social media for the summer for a while now. It’s why I haven’t blogged in nearly a week. We’ve already… -
The Weird & The Wonderful
5 May 2012 | 7:29 amOn Thursday, Mr. Coffee and I had one of those rare “date days” where both girls were in school and we were free to run around town on our own. We shopped, went to lunch, and carried on a conversation without thirty interruptions. It was fun! Before picking up the kids from school we had lunch at Chuy’s Mexican restaurant. The food was fine, very standard chain restaurant fare. Personally, we prefer local Mexican restaurants that aren’t afraid of a little spice and flavor but overall it was a good meal. Anyway, the food wasn’t the memorable part of our lunch… -
My Last Post About Growing Out A Pixie Haircut…..You’re Welcome
4 May 2012 | 10:05 amI never meant to blog ad nauseum about something as inconsequential as my hair. That said, after writing about it the first time I noticed that post quickly became about 50% of my search traffic. So, I went with it. Growing out a pixie haircut appears to be a common struggle that is affecting a lot of people. Writing about my hair ended up becoming a public service really…you’re welcome. This week, I realized I didn’t have the right stuff to grow out my hair. The stringy look is not me. I didn’t like the amount of time it took to tame my curls only to have them spring…
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Marketing Mama
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on mother’s day
13 May 2012 | 10:36 amYesterday was my birthday. I turned 36. And someone important to me was getting married, so I spent it celebrating with the groom, his new wife and a handful of friends. Some people expressed surprise that I’d spend my birthday at a wedding. The way I see it, you get a lot of birthdays, you only get two or three weddings. Just kidding. Kind of. Today is Mother’s Day. The weather is gorgeous! I’m taking the kids to a baseball game. Not something I would typically choose to do on Mother’s Day, but the St. Paul Saints is having a special section for families with food… -
It’s No Accident:: book giveaway & ask the expert
6 May 2012 | 1:55 pmA new book about potty issues for little and big kids. Accidents, bed wetting, constipation, UTIs... all covered with important facts and hope for parents and kids. I ignored the first e-mail that came my way asking if I’d like to review a new book about potty issues for kids called It’s No Accident: Breakthrough Solutions to Your Child’s Wetting, Constipation, UTIs, and Other Potty Problems. Nobody really likes talking about this issue, and even if I’m struggling with some of these issues in my home, I really didn’t want to talk about it publicly. The truth… -
Vlog: Neighborhood Health Connection
28 Apr 2012 | 9:50 amAllina Health is giving out these awesome "Wellness Kits" to the first 500 families to attend the kickoff event at the Mpls Farmers Market, Sunday 4/29. I get pretty excited about giving back to support the health of the community, both personally and professionally, that’s why I’ve focused my career on non-profits and healthcare. Occasionally I share some of the cool things happening where I work on this blog if there’s a way for you to get involved or benefit from a cool program. This week Allina Health is launching Neighborhood Health Connection- a new…
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A Daily Dose of Toni
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Mighty Fine Hits Theaters May 25, Touches On Serious Issues
15 May 2012 | 7:40 pmLast week I had the chance to preview the upcoming movie, Mighty Fine, on Constellation. When I was approached about having the chance to watch this movie, which touches on an issue that I have experienced in a bit of a different way, I was thrilled to say yes. This movie was such a powerful movie that touched not only on abuse, an issue I have had first hand experience with in a past relationship, but also mental health issues which have affected friends and family members. Mighty Fine really touched me when I sat and watched it, thinking back how I was that woman (minus children,… -
Sleeping Beauty’s Evil Queen, Maleficent, Hitting The Big Screen
15 May 2012 | 3:33 pmI will be the first to admit Angelina Jolie looks as if she is going to make a wonderful Maleficent. She definitely pulls it off well!!! The Walt Disney Studios has announced a U.S. release date of March 14, 2014, for Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie in the title role as Disney’s ultimate villain. The live-action film explores the origins of the evil fairy Maleficent and what led her to curse Princess Aurora in Disney’s animated classic Sleeping Beauty. Leading a team of visionary filmmakers known for creating and transporting audiences to new and exciting worlds, Academy… -
Excited To Announce I’m A Skype Ambassador
14 May 2012 | 1:23 pmI have a little secret weapon that keeps me connected and it’s known as… I am excited to announce to you today that for the next few months I will be one of the Skype ambassadors. Skype plays a big part in my online (and offline) life. I have family and friends all over the country and what a fun way it is to stay connected in an instant. When I am online, sure, I could use the phone but it’s so much easier to open Skype on my iMac and have an instant message chat with friends and family who are online. Not only can I IM, but I can also make phone calls to any phone,…
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Baby Bump Fashion
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Anna Faris and Chris Pratt Expecting
10 May 2012 | 11:24 amRemember those I Know What You Did Last Summer spoofs with funny woman Anna Faris? Well, it’s been a long time from that. And according to PEOPLE, actress Anna Faris and equally as funny husband, Chris Pratt, have just announced they are expecting! Chris, who is on the hit TV show Parks and Recreations, and [...] -
Sarah Michelle Gellar Shops in Skinny Jeans, White Blouse and Black Wrap Cardigan
10 May 2012 | 11:13 amNewly pregnant actress Sarah Michelle Gellar was spotted shopping around yesterday afternoon in Hollywood, CA. Seen soaking up the sun, the baby bump fashionista donned a pair of dark grey skinny jeans, paired off with a white blouse and a black wrap cardigan to top it off. She accessorized with peep-toe flats, a black Chanel [...] -
Lisa Stelly and Jack Osbourne Welcome Baby Girl
9 May 2012 | 11:12 amLisa Stelly and fiancée, Jack Osbourne, have much to be excited about. The awesome duo has welcomed a baby girl to the world not 2 weeks ago. Baby Pearl was welcomed to the new parents at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. Jack spoke about the arrival of baby Pearl saying, “People say when [...]
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{So Wonderful, So Marvelous}
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Kinder.
16 May 2012 | 5:34 amMy little bug is going to kinder next year and dear Lord, I don’t know how I am going to survive this. I feel like he is ready. It is me, who is not. Not at all. Last week we went to registration and it has taken me almost a week to write about it. Every time I thought about sitting down, I got all choked up. My baaaaaaby. {Yes, I know how utterly ridiculous I am.} They had all of the classrooms open for the kids to go through. So many of his little preschool buddies were also there, it made me so happy that we chose a preschool in the… -
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
15 May 2012 | 5:37 amAfter Tate was born, my friend Steph invited us over for dinner one evening. She made chicken tacos in the crockpot and they were fabulous. They are now a staple in our house, we modify it slightly and add black beans. You will need: 1-2 whole boneless skinless chicken breast {cut in half and trimmed of any fat} 1 can red or green enchilada sauce {we prefer the red} 1 packet taco seasoning 1 can water Pop all of it into the crockpot and cook on high for an hour and a half to two hours or low for 4 hours. Remove the chicken breasts from the liquid and shred. I used this… -
Nestle Drumstick Review + Giveaway
14 May 2012 | 5:05 amWe are inching closer and closer to summer here in Ohio. We keep getting little glimpses of it--an 80-degree day here, an 85-degree day there. It is just enough to break out the shorts, open up the windows and stick toes in the grass. This weekend, we did just that. Off we went to spend some time with the cousins. It was nothing special, just some time playing on the swing set and enjoying this gorgeous weather. We parents got to sit on the deck with the little ones and watch the boys having a blast. When we broke out the box of Nestlé® Drumstick® Lil’ Drums Caramel Delights, they were…
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From the Mommy Files...
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Taming the 3 Year-old Beast
25 Apr 2012 | 10:38 pmBebs turned 3 more than a month ago, and boy, she’s really giving us a run for the money. I remember vaguely that Boo had some issues too when she first turned 3. After a couple of months, she just kinda mellowed out. I recall asking her teacher about it. I said something like, “I thought 2s were supposed to be terrible. They haven’t seen 3s!” She agreed. She did have some advice. But I can’t remember. I don’t think it has anything to do with the brain cells I lost during chemo. Or the lingering mommy brain, that I’m told you never quite recover from. It’s Selective Memory. I… -
Sgt. Mom
13 Mar 2012 | 10:39 amYou’ve heard of Mr. Mom. Dr. Mom. Then there’s Sgt. Mom. You know about Sgt. Mom. You’ve been there. It’s when you have to go into full drill sergeant mode to get anything accomplished in your home. I can see you shaking your head right now. One day I realized that I totally felt like a drill sergeant, especially in the mornings, trying to get out the door for school. I have this thing about being late—I’m Greek, but don’t subscribe to Greek time. If you don’t know about Greek time, it’s that the appointed time is merely a suggestion and you show up whenever. I say,… -
Why are We So Breast-Obsessed?
19 Jan 2012 | 7:37 amI started thinking about this again recently, as I entered the bathroom at a restaurant where we were having lunch. Would you want to have lunch in the loo? Immediately, I was struck by the memory of once sitting in there for 40 minutes nursing my baby, while my stomach growled louder and louder, and the rest of my party waited for me at the table. At issue? People were staring at me while I was nursing. Yes, I was nursing my baby. I was a first-time mom, and not feeling like sending a message – and too exhausted to protest. Just wanted to feed the baby, eat my lunch and get on with it.
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RuralMom.com
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Kindle Fire - Flash #Giveaway
15 May 2012 | 2:00 amIf you'd love to own a great device for your summer reading, read on... Rural Mom has teamed up with COUPONING4YOU and a group of other amazing blog owners to bring you a five day flash giveaway for a Kindle Fire! This giveaway runs from May 15th 12:01 a.m. (EST) and closes May 19th 11:59 p.m. (EST.) Giveaway is opened worldwide for entry. So, make sure you get your entries in- this giveaway will be gone in a flash! TO ENTER, see the easy-peasy options in the Rafflecopter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a… -
What Do You Want to Know About Pinterest?
14 May 2012 | 11:09 pmWhen I first discovered Pinterest, I was captivated. The sentiment hasn’t subsided. Not familiar with Pinterest? Pinterest is a virtual pinboard where you post images you want to collect or remember. Very similar to the corkboard style you might have on your wall at home currently hosting pictures, greeting cards, and magazine pages. (If you need an invite, click HERE) In other words, it is an amazing electronic visual display of goodies just waiting to be tapped into and savored. Naturally, I dove right in and began devouring every craft, art, recipe, and oogly-googly great picture of… -
The Man Cave Filler Father's Day #Giveaway
13 May 2012 | 11:44 pmRural Moms, I know Mother's Day has just passed and yes, I'm still basking in the glory of the sweet attention from my family, too... but as we all well know, dad has his day on the horizon. This year, shopping is going to be a whole lot easier for one lucky mom... Because this year voiceBoks, Good Steward Savers, Terri's Little Haven, Cute-Ecakes, Giveaway Promote, and Linkie's Contest Linkies have put together an awe-inspiring Father's Day giveaway! $700 in prizes! Hurry and enter because this giveaway ends June 8, 2012. Entry is easy, just follow the directions on the…
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Little Creek Life
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When She Laughs
22 Apr 2012 | 8:10 pmMy little Blueberry Gal's names mean "Life" and "Happiness," which I tell her is a wish that she will have a lifetime of happiness. Whatever our thoughts were when we gave her the handmedown name, she has come to embody happiness and brings immeasurable joy to our lives. She loves to laugh, and she loves to make others laugh. I captured her laugh on camera last August, and loved it so much that I had it enlarged and framed. Her rounded cheeks and sweet, baby neck rolls adorn the wall in our living room, and keep us smiling. Not too long ago, on my grandmother's birthday, a heavy fog rolled in… -
Family Silhouette - Then and Now
17 Mar 2012 | 4:34 pmA few summers ago, I stumbled across an opportunity to take a family self-portrait capturing our silhouettes as the sun set behind us. I had owned my big-girl camera for only a few weeks and most everything I caught on camera those days was by accident. On this evening, I tried to take a photo of the cabins and their contrasting reds, greens and cedar shakes as the sun glint behind them. That did not work at all, but the black profile of the building gave me an idea. Fast forward two years and ten thousand photos later. No, I am not exaggerating. It's amazing that the shutter button on my… -
A Different Christmas
3 Dec 2011 | 9:30 amThis Christmas, my thoughts are less "Let It Snow" and a little more "Away in a Manger." I'm not wishing away the snow, and I'm not bah-humbugging the heart-warming, holiday traditions, nor am I cynical about the child-like excitement that comes from exchanging gifts. It's just that my thoughts have been obsessed with the story surrounding the birth Jesus. "The tinsel and the lights are nice" and fitting, even, because He came to be the Light of the world. He brought Hope for lives filled with Joy and Peace where before we were simply lost in darkness. But His Light didn't look like glossy…
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Assistance for Single Mothers
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How to Start a Non-Profit With Limited Resources
16 May 2012 | 8:28 amDo you have a passion for a certain cause? Are you thinking of starting a non-profit organization to help raise awareness or possibly make significant changes in society or to certain individual’s lives?In recent years, the number of non-profits has grown significantly. Unfortunately, many people jump right in before laying the proper foundation and planning out the process.If you want to be successful, a non-profit should be treated with the same care and wisdom as the start of any business, –because essentially it is. So, what exactly is a non-profit?Non-profit organizations are… -
Top 3 Careers for Single Mothers
14 May 2012 | 10:27 amWith being a single mother having to work to makes ends meet and still fulfill your responsibilities as a mother, finding work-life balance can seem nearly impossible.You can’t work extended hours because you may not have someone who can care for your children that long, and it’s not the ideal of what you want for your children.The good news is that there are some careers you can transition into that will help you balance your life better.Career #1: TeachingAs a teacher, you will be able to make a difference in the life of children. You will be the one who teaches, supports and encourages… -
How to ask for time off at work
13 May 2012 | 1:35 pmAs a single mother, you need time off more than most people because it’s only you. Sometimes your children become sick, sometimes you have no one to take care of them when they have a day off.Others times, you just need to spend quality time with them by going on a field trip and taking them on a special adventure to show them they are just as important as work.Asking for time off from a boss can be an intimidating process, especially if the work environment is not family-friendly.Some of the mistakes many mothers make when they ask for time off makes them seem as though they are not…
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SuperMomWannabe Mom Blog
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From Suburbia to…Over the Hills and Through the Woods.
4 May 2012 | 12:06 pmI haven’t posted in awhile, because I have had my hands full. Moving a family of 8, along with 4 dogs and 2 parrots – clear across state in a one way move…well, it’s a bit challenging. After 7 years in the same home, we accumulated a lot of STUFF. Unfortunately I learned quickly, during the sorting and packing phase, that much of our “stuff” was not very worthy stuff… Trying to fit all that was worthy, into a 26 ft truck, and one 12 ft. trailer – proved to be…impossible. Another trip is necessary (good thing we weren’t… -
The Perfect Hard Boiled Egg
12 Apr 2012 | 1:26 pmSounds easy enough – boil up some eggs! But how often do you peel off half the egg because the shell is sticking to it? Or what about those off colored centers? No biggie, unless you are trying to make beautiful deviled eggs – which do not work out if the outer white portion is picked apart and dented to no end…takes away from that smooth delicious beauty. So, here’s what works for me every time. And I mean the eggs peel very easily, the shell coming off in big sections (love that!), and the center is perfectly cooked through and perfectly yellow. So this is just for… -
Batter Up!
10 Apr 2012 | 4:44 pmI love watching my son play baseball! He is very different than I was in his approach to team sports like baseball. I remember feeling intimidated when up to bat – excited but intimidated, “what if I don’t hit the ball?” I desperately did not want to let my team down. My son just goes after it. He said his favorite position to play is first base because everyone throws the ball to him. He can’t wait to get up to bat. He’s so much fun to watch! Last night, the weather was perfect for a game, coolness in the air after a warm spring day. I…
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Kat's Cafe
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Fan Appreciation Cash Give Away (and a Kat’s Cafe Surprise!)
15 May 2012 | 9:12 pmAmazing Fan Appreciation $150 Giveaway! (With thanks to hosts Mom Does Reviews and Emptynester Reviews and Giveaways) I’m excited to offer this great giveaway to my Kat’s Cafe readers. Along with the Wii Super Mario Bros Prize Pack, we have several hundreds of dollars worth of prizes for you to get excited about! To make this VERY interesting, I’m going to offer something similar to the Wii Giveaway: After entering the giveaway, leave a comment (in addition to any required or do them all-together!), and tell me what your favorite post at the Cafe is! (Title and link!). The… -
Wii Super Mario Bros Party Pack Give Away (+Kat’s Cafe Surprise!)
15 May 2012 | 8:08 pmWii Super Mario Bros Party Pack Giveaway! From Kat: I know the Cafe is a busy place this month, with the Autism Awareness in Action Campaign going on, but I just couldn’t help but join in the fun with this great Wii Super Mario Brothers Party Pack Giveaway from Mommy & Baby Reviews & Giveaways, Powered by Mom and Mom Does Reviews. If you look at the end of the post (just before the RaffleCopter) you will see that a TON of bloggers came together to offer this amazing Wii Super Mario Brothers Party Pack, which comes with tons of extras and I know will make any gamer a very… -
What is Autism Awareness in Action?
15 May 2012 | 5:06 pm[View the story "What is Autism Awareness in Action? " on Storify] What is Autism Awareness in Action? Some examples from the Social Media record about Autism Awareness … in action. The Autism Awareness in Action Campaign at Kat’s Cafe is a way to highlight awareness IN action – because awareness without action just isn’t good enough any longer. Storified by Katrina Moody · Tue, May 15 2012 18:02:04 Autism Awareness: Moving Beyond Awareness into Action and PromiseAutism Awareness campaign to move beyond awareness, creating and pledging to foster actionable goals…
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Special Mom Space
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Scripture Saturday: Commitment to God
12 May 2012 | 7:00 amAnd thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and will all thy soul and with all thy might. Deuteronomy 6:5 [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Your Opinion on a New Design of My Stress and Pain Relief Store
11 May 2012 | 10:12 amI’m seriously thinking of redesigning my stress and alternative pain relief site. It has not been performing the way that I’d like and before I make the decision to completely shut it... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
2012 Summer Fun Ideas for NY Special Needs Kids
8 May 2012 | 9:00 amSummer is just around the corner. I used to feel like my son was missing out on the many things that “regular” kids do. You know, activities like riding roller coasters, going skating and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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Biz Mommy
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FEATURED POST: Mother’s Day Movie Review, “Girl in Progress”
10 May 2012 | 3:00 amGirl in Progress director Patricia Riggen at a special screening of the movie in Santa MonicaMother/daughter movies, Hollywood-style are usually filled with a lot of angst and drama, in addition to bittersweet moments of learning, understanding and, finally, resolution. It would certainly be nice if real-life relationships wrapped themselves in such a neat package. But we all know that familial relationships can often be so challenging and difficult, that sometimes it takes us years to come to any kind of comfortable understanding or peace with them. Of course, it’s also a difficult… -
FEATURED POST: A Hip-Hop Tribute for Mother’s Day
10 May 2012 | 2:00 amGirl in Progress director Patricia Riggen at a special screening of the movie in Santa MonicaMother/daughter movies, Hollywood-style are usually filled with a lot of angst and drama, in addition to bittersweet moments of learning, understanding and, finally, resolution. It would certainly be nice if real-life relationships wrapped themselves in such a neat package. But we all know that familial relationships can often be so challenging and difficult, that sometimes it takes us years to come to any kind of comfortable understanding or peace with them. Of course, it’s also a difficult… -
Up to 37% Off Little Pim Language Learning Gift Sets!
10 May 2012 | 1:00 amGirl in Progress director Patricia Riggen at a special screening of the movie in Santa MonicaMother/daughter movies, Hollywood-style are usually filled with a lot of angst and drama, in addition to bittersweet moments of learning, understanding and, finally, resolution. It would certainly be nice if real-life relationships wrapped themselves in such a neat package. But we all know that familial relationships can often be so challenging and difficult, that sometimes it takes us years to come to any kind of comfortable understanding or peace with them. Of course, it’s also a difficult…
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Silly Mummy
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The Best of Me: I Am Woman First
16 May 2012 | 9:12 am{background image source} Last week my son was asked to do a collage to show the class what his mummy looks like. Below is his version of me, through his own eyes. I understand that the kindergarten teachers gave each child access to various items that they could choose to make their Mummies and that what we have below is what my Curly sees when he sees me! Locks? OK… but dress, bling and pink? This is weird because I don’t really have time to see myself as a woman. I’m too busy working, studying and mummying. This fortnight I even forgot to tidy up my eyebrows and wax my… -
Peaceful Bedtimes, What Bliss!
14 May 2012 | 6:28 amMy cheeky monkey took a long time to learn to go to bed when told AND on his own. We didn’t think forcing him would be the right way, so we let him be ready first. Fighting him would make things worse and because he couldn’t speak well, we didn’t even know if maybe he was just afraid to go to bed alone. So, just like when we did toilet training, we let Curly show the sign that he was ready. We decided to stop chasing him around the house at night to get him to come to bed. First daddy had to take him to bed and read some books to him. This took like 6 months because we moved house and… -
Mother’s Day Show and Tell
13 May 2012 | 5:10 amI had a great Mother’s Day even though I had to spend most of the weekend working my ass off on assignments. We went out for lunch on Saturday with the mother-in-law so I could clear Sunday to work on one of my papers which is due on Monday. Today, Sunday, I sent the boys out so I could finish off my paper – oh what a bliss the quite house was! I then caught up with them at the in-laws’ house for dinner. I received some surprises from my 4yo, Curly. He came home with quite a few gifts – one bunch from kindergarten and the other from daycare. At kindergarten – where he goes 3…
