Wednesday, January 30, 2013

So it appears from their Facebook page that 77Kids, the 0-14 size line of clothing by American Eagle, has sold to RUUM American Kid's.  Take advantage of their efforts to get rid of the old product to get ready for the new.  

Shop right now online and everything sitewide is 80% OFF.  I snagged a New England Patriots long-sleeve t-shirt for $2.99 and a nail-head belt for $3.99.  
0

Saturday, January 26, 2013


0

FEATURED BLOG: "SCARY MOMMY"
WHY IT ROCKS:  The main page proudly displays this warning. 
WHY I LOVE IT ENOUGH TO SHARE WITH YOU:
This is not a blog for everyone.  Matter of fact, most Mommies I know would be offended at some point when reading through this blog.  One of her most recent posts about things you don't need...I have almost half of them.  But when I read it, I laughed at myself.  I love that this blog helps you to not take motherhood so damn seriously.  I mean, it's only the hardest most important job you'll ever have. Ha ha It's snarky, sharp, witty yet compassionate.  The blog offers a great community for sharing and even a confessional for confessing a "Mommy Sin".  I follow the blog and the Scary Mommy Twitter feed.  I highly recommend the read...that is, if you can handle it. :)


0


My good friend Vanessa from home (Kansas City, Missouri) is asking for donations for her walk in the 2013 KC Walk For Wishes. She is on Team - Isaac & Madelyn's Angels. Vanessa just recently lost her dear little niece to a rare genetic mutation known as Alexander’s Disease. In September Madelyn had her wish granted through Make-A-Wish. It is an amazing organization. Their mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

 Please consider making a donation in support of Vanessa's walk in memory of Maddie by clicking the following link: 
 Vanessa's Fundraising Page for the 2013 KC Walk for Wishes

0

I have decided to make a lifestyle change.  I spout out goals for myself all the time randomly.  It's time to get serious.  This is my 10 step approach. Here are the goal categories I have chosen:



ONCE A DAY GOALS
1. Eat - I am using caloriecount.com to track what I eat and the associated calories.  I have a goal of eating a maximum amount of 1200 calories per day.

2. Fit - I am working out.  I have a MotoACTV wrist watch to track my physical activities and motivate me to start running.  I just signed up for a free training program via the watch to train me to the point of running a 5K.  Kinda resembles the "Couch to 5K" program.  This will also help me track my calories burned and steps taken each day.  I hope to lose about 50 lbs by October 18th, 2013 (my daughter 1st birthday).

3. Sleep - I gave myself a bedtime of 11 pm to ensure I am getting as close to 8 hrs. as I possible can with a toddler and 3 month old baby.  I plan to start "wind down" time for myself at 10 pm so I can make sure I have time to contemplate my goals and log a journal entry in my Lifestyle Change notebook on my Evernote app. 

4. Mental - I am setting goals for mental toughness and growth. I got two applications for my iPhone to counsel myself mentally stronger.  I put the "Thought Diary Pro" and "Mood-Anxiety Diary" applications on my iPhone. I have a goal to record at least one thought and one mood each day and learn from it. 

5. Spiritual - I have set a goal to pray at least once a day and read the Bible before bed every night.

6. Cleaning - I made a daily housecleaning checklist. Just a handful of tasks per day.  If I stick to it daily then the chores should not pile up on me and keep me from focusing on my other goals.

7. Journal - Using my Evernote app on my tablet take a daily picture and attached it to a journal entry everyday to speak to my progress with each goal.  This will help me to see my progress even when I am feeling like there isn't any and keep me going.

ONCE A WEEK GOALS
8. Love Life - Plan one date night per week. This can even be an evening at home together.  For a house date to count the kids must be in bed and we have to plan to do one thing out of the norm.  Such as snuggle on the couch with hot chocolate.   Have an indoor picnic. Cook something together.  Play a game.  Share new music by playing each other YouTube videos, etc.  Hopefully this leads to other weekly activities...ahemm..if you know what I mean. (wink, wink)

9. Me Time - I am a Stay-At-Home Mommy.  I need Me Time, but it never seems to happen.  So I am going to schedule 1 outing a week with no kids.  This can be anything from getting a pedi to just running some errands sans kidos.  

ONCE A MONTH
10. Mommy&Me Time - Each month plan a special activity with each child that will be just me and them.  One with Mason and one with Emerson.  Examples: Art projects, little gym time, etc.

I know it seems a bit much, but I'm not talking about losing a few pounds here.  I am talking about a complete Lifestyle Change! I challenge you to join me! Make your own goals and tell me about them! 


0

Monday, January 21, 2013

Diapers are a wonder gift to receive when you are expecting the arrival of a little one.  Unfortunately, there is no way to know how big your bundle of joy will be or for how long. Maybe you prefer a certain brand of diaper.  My baby girl is an adorable little chunker who never needed newborn diapers and only stayed in size 1 for a few weeks.  Now I am stuck with boxes of diapers with no receipts and no idea what store to try to return them to.   What a waste!  

Well, a friend of mine mentioned exchanging them.  I told her they were gifted to me without a receipt.  She mentioned that I can do a Google search of the UPC code and see where they are from.  She was right!  But it did take a more specific approach.  So I thought I would share to save you other Mommies some time.

1. Pull up Google.
2. Type in the UPC code and Click Search
3. Click to search via Shopping (Hopefully you see your item)
4. Click on the link "Nearby Stores"

This should tell you what store your thoughtful friend or family member purchased the diapers from.  Hopefully, it is a retailer that will exchange items without a receipt such as Wal-Mart.  If it is a store that doesn't I say try Wal-Mart.  They pretty much exchange anything.  It's not like you are trying to get money from the store just exchange for a different brand or size.  No harm, no foul as far as I'm concerned.  Worth a shot.  

If you truly are stuck with them you can always donate them or exchange with another Mommy you know or possibly on Craigslist, etc.


0

Friday, January 18, 2013


Boom...She's sleeping! So glad I remembered Dr. Harvey Karp's system of the "5 S's" because I needed them today.  I usually do only 4 of them.  I don't usually do the side/stomach position because I use a swing.

Swaddling: Tight swaddling provides the continuous touching and support your baby is used to experiencing within the womb.

Side/stomach position: The infant is placed on their left side to assist in digestion, or on their stomach to provide reassuring support. “But never use the stomach position for putting your baby to sleep,” cautions Karp. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is linked to stomach-down sleep positions. When a baby is in a stomach down position do not leave them even for a moment.

Shushing sounds: These imitate the continual whooshing sound made by the blood flowing through arteries near the womb.

Swinging: Newborns are used to the swinging motions within their mother’s womb, so entering the gravity driven world of the outside is like a sailor adapting to land after nine months at sea. “It’s disorienting and unnatural,” says Karp. Rocking, car rides, and other swinging movements all can help.

Sucking: “Sucking has its effects deep within the nervous system,” notes Karp, “and triggers the calming reflex and releases natural chemicals within the brain.”

Here's a link to the article I got the info from for any new Mommy's out there: http://www.happiestbaby.com/5-ss-system-may-help-colic-symptoms/
0

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

The website "The Cutest Blog on the Block" now provides a way for you to have your blog professionally-published in a Blog Book that you design yourself.  I often thought about printing my blog out to make a book.  My personal blog pretty much documents my life since 2005.  I have shared many life events on it such as my pregnancies   What would happen if the site shut down?  It would be lost!  So I think this is a great idea they have come up with.  You can personalize the pattern, if the cover is hard or soft, and it prints just as it looks on your blog - pictures and all.  

Thinking outside the box.  Now that I know this is an option I am going to start a blog for each of my children and print a book at the end of the year.  This will help to document their childhood.  This is much more my style than scrap-booking.

Tip: If you are going to start a childhood blog for printing like I am, either use the Blogger platform or make sure it is a public blog so the site can pull the feed to create the book. 
0

Monday, January 07, 2013

So now that I am a Mommy of two, I REALLY feel like a Mom.  With just having Mason I felt like I was just trying to figure it out.  Now that I have had baby girl and I remember what to do for her instead of learning what to do it makes me feel more confident in my "Mommy-Ness".  I also understand the whole no time for yourself thing more than ever.  I don't want to sell out on style but changes MUST be made in order to make the juggle happen.  Here's what I am trying: 
HAIR - I have dyed my bleach blonde back to its natural color.  I never get to my roots dyed in a timely fashion anymore and I run around like 80's Madonna with my dark roots and light hair. I know two-tone is in but this is two-tone tacky ..not the well done kind.  Also, it's just expensive!  I have other things that I would rather spend money on.  Like formula, diapers, activities for the kids or dressing them fashionably.  
I've started wearing it down more.  Sounds odd to save time, but for me who will fidget with a messy bun till I think it is perfection...it saves time.  I'm just putting it in braids at night to dry and create waves so I only have to touch it up with a few well placed curls of the flat iron around my face and randomly other places.  
MAKE-UP - My daily make-up consists of a knock-off Olay moisturizer (save where ya can) and a primer all over my face.  Then some under eye concealer for those mommy eyes if needed.  Very light weight anti-aging foundation (Yes, I have already gone there.) to even out the redness.  I brush on some of this cheapo, but pretty non-creasing and long lasting Sparkle Eye Dust I've found from NYC.  This stuff if great and with its own brush built in it is great for travel.  I brush on a few swipes of the mascara. Then just some regular Soft Lips shimmer lip gloss.  I have this down to 5 minutes.  I kick it up for other functions   This is just for everyday taking Mason to preschool without scaring people outings.

STYLE - Best way I can describe my style lately would be Sporty-Chic or Airport Celeb.  Think of the images you have seen of celebrities when they are at airports jet-setting.  It is a laid back, comfortable, yet stylish mix.  It says I know style but I'm busy right now.  I also seem to favor more of the sporty apparel.  Running errands, chasing after kids,  being able to piece together an outfit with whatever happens to be clean requires flexibility in my wardrobe.  I save the fun girly, uber-stylish pieces and high heels for functions, social events, and date nights.  

 Though I have sold out on the idea that I would be a "mommy in heels" kind of gal...I will try not to sell out on taking care of myself.  Just may take some adjustments to make that happen as a Mommy of Two! 

0

Friday, January 04, 2013

Breed-specific legislation has been abuzz all over my Facebook.  I never pay attention.  Why should I?  I own a Golden Retriever.  Only those crazies that want to save Pit Bulls care about those laws.  I am unaffected and uninvolved.  Well, I was...until now.

My husband made a career move that also moved our family to another state very quickly.  With no time to look for a rental we used an agent and rented a house sight unseen.  We were moving from a condo and we were ecstatic to finally have a fenced yard for our 2 yr. old son and our golden retriever Fenway to play in safely.  

To make a long story short.  That safe backyard is now a space we don't dare step into due to fear.  Our neighbor has two Pit Bull dogs that are very aggressive.  They are so intent on getting at our dog that they have headbutted and chewed the fence till they could break through.  They broke through the wooden fence and attacked our Fenway.  We had to call animal control to resolve the situation.  Nothing happened.  He got a fine, our fence is still broke, we live in fear of getting mauled.  Neither the neighbor or our leasing company will fix the fence and we are in the process of trying to get out of this lease.  

This horrible situation we have going on could make me join the ban wagon of banning certain breeds that are deemed unsafe or vicious such as Pit Bulls.  But I look out my back window at those dogs in their backyard huddled on eachother to keep warm, the yard just worn paths of dirt and I feel sorrow.  Those poor animals deserved better than to be trained to be hated.  They deserved a family that let them in their home and hearts.  They deserved a better owner.  I blame the owner.  Not the dogs.  Not the breed.  Any dog treated this way could act like that.  

I agree, Punish the Deed...Not the Breed.  Stop wasting time banning breeds but not looking at laws to help or protect people or other animals from attacks.  Lets work on legislature to stop bad owners from creating these animals.  Focus the energy where it needs to go!  BSL does nothing to help us in our situation.  In my opinion BSL is missing the mark! 
0

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Car Seat Canopy (carseatcanopy.com)
Hey Mommy friends! Wanted to share this deal I found in my Family Fun magazine.  I picked up a few things for myself, but how great would any of this be for baby shower gifts!?!  Go to CarseatCanopy.com, SevenSlings.com, or UdderCovers.com (I am pretty sure they are all under the same company) and get HUGE discounts with promo code "familyfun1212".  You can elect to pay a little extra on all of their products to get embroidery done if you want. 

Whole Caboodle from carseatcanopy.com
If you order a Car Seat Canopy, one of those adorable covers to block your baby from the elements, from carseatcanopy.com and use the promo code "familyfun1212" you can get one FREE and just pay for the shipping (about $13).  You even have the choice to take a discount instead off of what they call the "Whole Caboodle" which includes the Canopy as well as a matching Minky Car Seat Slip Cover, Minky Head Support Pillow, Replacement Umbrella with Minky Lining and a Baby Lap Blanket with Minky Underside. This promotion brings the price on any "Whole Caboodle Set" regularly priced at $135 to only $29.95 plus the shipping and handling!
sevenslings.com
Use the same promo code "familyfun1212" at sevenslings.com and you can get $40 off one of their baby slings which is normally $43.45.  So that's a sling for about $3.45 and again just have to pay for the shipping and handling which I believe is around $11.95...so your total would be somewhere around $15.40.  You also get the choice to apply the discount to one of their gift sets instead which is the sling, a matching bracelet for mommy, and leg warmers.  ***I was informed by a freind that the slings tend to run small. So maybe order a size larger than you think you need.***


Again, use the "familyfun1212" promo code at uddercovers.com and you can get a FREE nursing cover.  Shipping is about $12.   Made of 100% breathable cotton.  Stainless steel d-rings allow a fully adjustable neckline.  Machine washable.  Rigid neckline bows giving you direct eye contact with baby yet the sizing keeps you completely covered while breastfeeding.  The gift set you can use the promo code on and get a discount includes a nursing cover, Pink Milk Bands™ nursing bracelet and 2 pairs of Udder Covers™ 5 ply washable breast pads!  

Just wanted to spread the love, saving some cash for super cute baby items. Happy shopping!
0