Sunday, January 18, 2015

Do I Smell Like A Man???

I used men's shampoo tonight...my 12 year old son's shampoo to be precise. How? Why? I don't know...these things just happen around here. While I was putting baby to bed tonight, I received two texts from Big Daddy downstairs: 1 - Is the dishwasher clean or dirty? Bam! He's doing the dishes! 2 - Our 8 year old son cannot find his shampoo. I plead ignorance on this one. Who loses their shampoo? This kid, that's who!  After I come downstairs, I find out that the shampoo is still "lost" so he used my shampoo. Whatevs, no big deal, smell like a girl...maybe he'll actually smell clean!  The piece of info that was missing was that he used my shampoo in some other bathroom in the house. So, when I finally got to take my shower...this was the only shampoo in the shower...
Yes, man shampoo. Okay, I'm no frilly girlie girl....I live in a house of all males. My fancy days are long gone. However, I do require two things...I must have lip gloss available at all times and I WILL smell like a girl!  Well, I guess I'm gonna have to double up on the lip gloss tonight.  In all honesty, I may have to use the "man shampoo" again. My hair feels amazing!!! It's so fluffy and soft!!!  And, I guess Ocean Charge isn't too manly of a scent. At least I didn't have to use the Axe body wash!
So fresh and so clean, clean! 

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

SubMom style

Ya got "dubstyle" "gangsta style" and countless other styles. But, here's a shout out to all my Mommas rocking the "SubMom" style. Haven't heard of it? Well, it really is a thing...I just decided. SubMom style - classic suburban mom. Drives a minivan or some sort of hybrid/crossover utility vehicle. The cool outfit consists of yoga pants/leggings, who knows what kind of shirt covered by their ski vest or North Face jacket, ponytail and dark sunglasses (to hide the nonexistent makeup and dark circles under their eyes). Typical hangout is school carpool lines, playgrounds and Target.  They are cool enough to have a "crew", a really loud and rambunctious "crew"...usually 2 or more depending on the size of their "brood". And, this crew is ALWAYS hanging around! Don't forget the Starbucks coffee mug...she's been partying with that crew all night. Oh, and her skills are off the chain! She can nurse a baby, make dinner, help one child with common core math and quiz another child on their spelling words all at once...AND still remember all the words to Rob Base's "It Takes Two" plus quote the entire movie, Goonies. But, don't you dare try to ask her what she did all day...she's way too cool to be bothered with little details like that! It's all a blur anyway.... Got the SubMom style?? I'm sure you do...and I bet your friends do, too! Rock it loud and proud!!! Slip on those yoga pants, pull that hair back and grab another cup of coffee! And, if you ever find yourself in your mom car alone headed to the grocery store to pick up your online shopping order....crank up that music, sip on that Starbucks and rock it like it's 1999!!!! Happy New Year to all my rockin' moms!!!

Friday, December 19, 2014

The Facebook post that ruffled my feathers and got me thinking...

 Ok...if you have been on Facebook for even one second this season. I KNOW you have seen this post! It's been blogged about, fussed about, heralded and I have even seen it shared in a few of my local online marketplaces.  It's a "plea" from a Mom to all parents to "keep it small" when it comes to Santa. Basically, level the playing field with gifts from Santa to spare other childrens' feelings who may not receive the same caliber of gifts due to financial circumstances. Read below and then let's chat....
So, let me be honest and just say when I first saw this, my response was, "Tell me what to give my kids from Santa?!?!?!" And then I thought...and couldn't stop thinking. Well played original poster, well played. Instead of strategizing my, umm Santa's, gift giving...what if I used that energy instead to really focus on the life lessons I want my children to carry with them everywhere they go? Lessons that are way bigger than who got what for Christmas. Lessons that will hopefully become an integral part of their just "being". So many things ran through my mind and here are some of the top winners...NOT in order of importance.

1. Don't brag....it's tacky. 
And, remember...there is a difference between giving yourself a "shout out" for well earned accomplishments and true bragging. Bragging is consistent and done to show others how awesome you think you and your stuff is, and theirs isn't. Bottom line...people don't care about your stuff and it's just rude. Enjoy your goodies and consider sharing with others especially if you and your stuff are really "all that" 

2. Give to others, always. 
Give, give, give. Give your resources, give your time, give your talents, give YOU! Back to the original post... No, not every child is as privileged as the next. More than understanding that no, not every child is receiving an iPhone from Santa this year, by the way...neither are mine, I want them to understand so much more. I want them to understand that there are children who do not know if they will have dinner or breakfast, children who are drinking and playing in toxic water, children who live in war torn lands and are worried about just staying alive. I want my kids to be less worried about leveling the material gift giving field and more concerned with leveling the right to a safe, loving, nourished life for all children. 

3. Understand the REAL reason for the season.
For our family, the REAL reason for the season is the birth of Jesus. Yes, I know historically Jesus was not born on Dec 25...it's just a time carved out of the calendar to pause and celebrate this gift. We also enjoy Santa but it is a side note to the holiday. A super fun side note but not top billing by any means. Truth be told, gifts are a last minute thought. We JUST began and finished shopping for our kiddos this week...9 days before Christmas. And, that's early for us.  We are most excited about having some time away from school and work to just "be together".  Figure out what your real reason for the season is and share with your children.

4. Everyone is different
I have put a lot of effort into teaching my children that the reason for the season is different for everyone and everyone celebrates in their own way. And, p.s., not everyone celebrates. And, guess what else? That's ok!! We go to church on Christmas Eve, our neighbors may not...that's cool. We enjoy Santa, some of my children's friends' families do not practice...that's cool. Santa consults with each parent on the gifts they would like their children to receive. Yes, I've said that. I have even gone as far to explain to my children that Santa is very respectful of all families and their choices this season. Who knew Santa was so PC??? Seriously, deep in my soul I am an "I'm ok , you're ok" kind of person. And, I want my children to be, too.  We all have to share this space in our world and a little kindness, understanding and compassion will go a long way. I'm not going to tell you how to live your life and I would appreciate it if you would not tell me how to live mine. There's one disclaimer...I'm ridiculously Southern so if I don't like how you are living that life of yours, I'm gonna pray for you 😉

5. Speak less, Do more
You know the old saying "Actions speak louder than words"? It's truth people! Spend less time talking about what you're gonna do and just do it! And, guess what, you don't need an audience.  Some of the most amazing things you will do in life, no one else will even know about it. That's what will make it so amazing!

So, thank you original Facebook poster who tried to tell me what Santa should give my children for Christmas. You got me thinking about so much more!  Things that will stretch way past Christmas morning. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, beware of Krampus and Happy Winter solstice to all of my readers. Plus happy whatever else you may or may not participate in. And, to my fellow Santas...you do yours and I'll do mine 😉 And, remember, don't brag...it's tacky.




Saturday, November 22, 2014

Children 'n Us Super Stroller Organizer Product Review




I am in love with this  new stroller organizer!!  It is the perfect little organizer...not too big, not too small....lots of pockets and can be used anywhere!  This great organizer will snap onto a stroller, car seat or even on the handle bars of a bike.  I love that I can throw the baby's snacks, drink plus my keys, phone and wallet in the organizer when I shop...so much easier than digging through the diaper bag for what I need.  It's all right there at my fingertips.  There's even enough room in the bag for a few diapers and a pack of wipes if you don't want to tote around the diaper bag. 




I also like that it is a nice flexible tote.  Empty, it folds up nicely when I collapse my stroller and store it in the back of the car.  I just keep it attached for the next trip!  Check out the Children 'n Us Super Stroller Organizer on Amazon!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014


WooHoo!!!  Another holiday gift guide!!!  Now, hold on a minute, this gift guide is a little different.  In this gift guide you will not find big box store items or the 20 best unnecessary toys for your kids.  Instead, you will find...unique, handmade items...small businesses...many are mommy businesses.  Wonderful, personalized gift giving items that you will not find out on the shelves of your local shopping center.  These little shops are a great opportunity to give a gift that will knock their socks off!!!  So, grab a cup of coffee, kick your feet up and take a few minutes to discover some amazing new gift items.







Where can you get super trendy gifts, accessories, mommy and children's clothing??? And....personalized???  Sew What Mommy!!  Sew What Mommy was formed  by two best friend mommies, Amy Snyder and Jennifer Holby, after the birth of their daughters.  They loved the look of the adorable boutique clothing available, but not the price. After perfecting their sewing and embroidery techniques to create their own one of a kind outfits for their little ones, friends definitely took notice and encouraged these two mommies to start their own business. Jenn and Amy now run one of the most well known home businesses in their local area.  Sew What Mommy is focused on delivering top quality, unique items with amazing customer service.  And, I can personally attest to this....Not only do I blog about Sew What Mommy, I'm also a customer! Every single item I have ever purchased from Jenn and Amy has drawn compliments everywhere I go!  Look for Sew What Mommy on Facebook and check out all of the embroidery, applique and a variety of clothing options. There's always something new!







Prissy On The Moon, written and illustrated by Dolores and Vladimir Andral, is a story about a little girl who uses her imagination to soar to the moon! However, reality collides with imagination when she uses her “moon" voice indoors, jumps on the furniture, and crashes into her mama as she flies through the house on her spaceship!  When she finds out about a party that will include fun, family, and food, she has to make the decision of whether she really wants to relocate to outer space, or maybe compromise so she can enjoy a bit of both worlds.  

In the author's own words, "Prissy On The Moon started out more like a joke in our house.  When my oldest daughter was a toddler she was very loud, so I'd always say, "You're not on the moon."  Or if the kids got too loud, I'd say, "You can do whatever you want on the moon, but in this house..."  In fact, we didn't need to use the words be quiet, it was always, "You're not on the moon."

I always told the kids I would write a story about it, and that's how Prissy came about.  I have about 9 "Prissy" stories.  The kids would ask me to read the stories so we'd sit around and have "Prissy Parties."  I would give the kids hot apple cider and whip cream and would read to them.

And my husband came to draw Prissy because I was so terrible at it.  He wanted to prove to me how bad my version was, which he succeeded in doing by illustrating a page so well, he found himself on the hook."

I love this and the fact that there are more "Prissy" stories to come!  The perfect gift for your little ones with big imaginations!  You can find Prissy on Amazon and at Go On, Be Prissy!  Also look for Prissy World on Facebook.







Sillie Lillie Events and Prints is the party planning and print passion of Shellie Tedford.  Shellie creates custom party prints and decorations so each event is unique.  In her own words,  Shellie expresses how she feels about her home business, "It brings me so much joy!  I do mommy things and wifey things - and this is my "Shellie thing"!  Sillie Lillie specializes in invitations, notecards, banners, framed prints and party decorations.  There are also many items that are perfect for teachers, friends and those "hard to buy for" family members.  Basically, just a whole mess of cuteness for everyone!!!  Sillie Lillie is based in the Charlotte, NC area so if you are local and in need of a party planner - look no further!  Not local??   No worries - Shellie can create the perfect party package and ship to anywhere in the U.S.!  You can find Sillie Lillie on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sillielillieeventsandprints and at http://www.sillielillie.com/  Let's Party!!







The Southern Pearl Boutique is two friends, Amber and Kennedi, who met in 2006 at a Halloween party. As fate would have it, they became fast friends sharing a love of family, faith and fashion. They both had the dream of one day opening up their own boutique and from that desire, The Southern Pearl Boutique was born.  Their jewelry is handmade, unique, and absolutely fabulous! Their goal through the Southern Pearl is to help women feel beautiful from the inside out while sharing their faith with others. In their own words, "We believe that life is all about making a statement and we want to help you create yours!"  Check out The Southern Pearl Boutique on FB, https://www.facebook.com/tspboutique and at http://www.thesouthernpearl.com/








Ivy & Co. is a blog/home business created by Becca Owen.  Becca is a professional dance instructor and choreograper in Hawaii who loves to create things during her time off.  Her blog is all about parenting, family, sewing and painting but, according to Becca, "at the heart of it all, I believe that creativity and the arts are essential to society and individuals, especially children."  Becca and her husband, Kit, highly encourage creativity within their daughter, Ivy, who is a great inspiration in Becca's creative process.  Ivy & Co. is filled with beautiful aprons, headbands and buntings - much of which is created from vintage fabrics and doilies.  Becca states, "I love history, which is why I thrive on bringing new life to old things. They all have their story.  When we're old and gray, that's what we'll have:  our stories to pass on to the next generation." These wonderfully handcrafted items are one way Becca aims to preserve that history.  Check out all of Ivy & Co.'s gorgeous offerings on Facebook at Ivy & Co. and hop on over to the blog too!  http://www.theivyandco.com/







Looking for unique woolen and knit items?  Well, look no further! Welcome to Cozy Cape Cottage!  Cozy Cape Cottage was started in 2012 when some of Kim Frer's mommy friends took an interest in some of her handknits.  Kim creates many beautiful items, such as toddler gloves, baby booties, slipper socks and gorgeous snap scarves.  The name of her business was inspired by her own home - a cape cod style house.  She liked the correlation of cozy, homey and knitted items and warmth - thus "Cozy Cape Cottage"  Kim loves to create beautiful items for others and in her own words, "I just love making things that hopefully people will love.  My shop has given me the ability to keep branching out and try new things." Check out all of the handmade offerings at Cozy Cape Cottage!




Have a book lover on your list?  Check out these adorable handcrafted bookmarks from Keepings!  Ribbon, charms and even pop culture references.  A perfect gift for anyone!  Keepings was founded in Australia by Kirsty.  Kirsty was inspired by all of the boutique and trinket shops close to home and loves creating and making jewelry, especially with metal and velvet.  She has also drawn inspiration from her two younger sisters.   This inspiration led to the creation of  "keepings" for the kids or kids at heart with characters from Adventure Time and Harry Potter.  You can find Kirsty's handcrafted bookmarks and jewelry at Keepings on Etsy.




Decals, diaper stackers and more!  Bobee, Inc., founded by Stacy Harfert, offers an adorable line-up of removable decals.  These great decals can be used on virtually any smooth surface...mirrors, car windows, walls, etc.  The options are endless!  Bobee Inc. also has an amazing diaper stacker/wipe organizer that would be the perfect complement to any nursery.  Each diaper stacker/wipe organizer also comes with a packet of polka dot  decals in various colors to complement any nursery decor.  A wonderful gift for any expectant or new parent.  Check out the diaper stacker at http://www.bobeeinc.com/ and all of the adorable decals Bobee, Inc. has to offer on Facebook.




Carolina Chocolate Company was started in the Carolinas by three friends who share a passion for chocolate.  And, as everyone knows...you can never go wrong with chocolate!!  From their signature barks to bars to covered cookie sandwiches, every offering is completely delish!  Chef Harold's chocolate concoctions are the perfect add on gift or stocking stuffer.  Or go big and Alicia, mommy and marketing director, will help you create a custom chocolate gift basket. Check out Carolina Chocolate Company on Facebook and at http://www.carolinachocolatecompany.com/  Portions of all proceeds will go to an organization in the Carolinas serving abandoned, neglected and abused children.




Love all of these adorable crochet, scarves and goodies from Anni Schenk, Grapefruit Princess!  From camo to team colors to Amigurumi....there is something for everyone!  What little kiddo wouldn't love to sport a fun "Minion" cap this winter?  Perfect for stocking stuffers.  Check out all Grapefruit Princess has to offer at Etsy.  





Caution!!  Shameless plug up ahead!!  Yep, I'm throwing my hat into the ring...Welcome to Suzi Bee's!  I started Suzi Bee's when I was pregnant with my 3rd child and have dabbled a bit with selling my items over the past year.  I love to craft and create, it's my happy place. I especially love creating unique items for others to enjoy.  At Suzi Bee's, you can find everything from baby items to hair bows and custom candles to personalized ornaments, all at reasonable prices.  Check out Suzi Bee's on Facebook and SuziBees at Etsy.



I hope you enjoyed checking out all of these wonderful shops!  When you get ready to do your shopping, take a peek at all of these creative and unique gift items and support these up and coming small businesses.  Happy Holidays!!!

Friday, October 24, 2014

Halloween Tricks and Treats - Kid-Friendly Witchy Finger Cookies!!!

I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!!!  I mean, big time!!!  The house is decorated inside and out and I have giggled with glee since the first of September knowing that Halloween was right around the corner.  And as much as I love the deco - the candy and goodies run a pretty close second.  Okay - who am I fooling - they are neck and neck!  These witchy fingers are one of my faves to make!  I will not for a hot second claim this recipe or idea as my own.  There are tons of variations out there.  I know when I first started making these years ago, I found all different ideas - flesh colored, strawberry jam on the end to look like blood, etc.  Mine are pretty basic and simple, kid friendly and perfect to make when you are short on time and need something amazing in a pinch!  I always use the classic Wilton spritz cookie recipe with my witchy fingers, top them off with a a little black icing for the fingernails and a cutesie spider ring for fun.  Plus, it's a little something for the kids to keep!



Classic Spritz Cookies

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon no -color almond extract

Ingredients for decorating:
green food coloring
black icing
plastic spider rings

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder.  In a separate larger bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add egg, milk, vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.  Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.  Once your ingredients are thoroughly mixed, add the green food coloring.  Knead the coloring through the dough with your hands until you reach your desired "witchy green".  Yes, you will have green hands but this is honestly the best way to ensure the dough is completely saturated with the color.  Do not chill dough.

Form small palm size balls of dough into "finger size" rods.  Round off one end of the dough rod and press down slightly on the top of that end to create a "nail bed".  This is where the icing will sit for the fingernail.  Pinch the dough slightly in three separate spots on the rod to create the look of a knuckles on a gnarled witchy finger.  DO NOT ADD THE ICING OR PLASTIC SPIDER RINGS UNTIL AFTER THE COOKIES ARE BAKED, OUT OF THE OVEN AND COMPLETELY COOLED!!!  o.k. - that was my safety disclaimer

Place each finger on a baking sheet and cook for 10-12 min.  Watch these closely as it will be hard to tell when the edges start to turn brown because of the green coloring.  No one wants to eat a burnt finger ;)

Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet set up on a cooling rack.  After a few minutes, transfer the fingers to another surface to cool completely and prepare for decorating!

Once cookies are completely cool - slip a little spider ring on the finger and pipe a small strip of black icing onto the nail bed of the finger.  

Have fun with your presentation!  I placed mine in a spider basket on a Halloween towel because I made them in flash mode right before a Halloween party.  I would love to see all of your super creative ideas!

Enjoy your Witchy Fingers - try not to break your tooth on a bone - Mwahaahahaa!!!  Happy Halloween!!! 





Thursday, October 23, 2014

Hair Skeered!!!!!

I'm freaking out! So skeered!! Which is a whole other level of scared...Hands are sweatin', hearts a racin' and I think I'm gonna puke! Why??? 'Cuz I'm getting ready to get my hair done! Please tell me I'm not the only one with an unnatural fear of the hair salon.  I cannot take the pressure. What kind of cut? What color? Lo-lights, hi-lights, all over color??? It's all so....permanent! Well, until 6 weeks later when there's a nice color line on the top of my head separating the light from the dark and the grays come out to play.  Cheeky little buggers.... I am so salon aversive that my husband actually forces me to go.  And, when I say force, I mean he calls me at 3:30 as I'm waiting at the deli counter with my two youngest kids who are acting like wild animals let out of their cage, already late picking up my oldest from school and tells me to be at the salon at 5:15.  Oh, why can't I just stay gray headed and ponytailed???  So here I sit, in the chair.  The stylist and I have consulted, meaning I have agreed to whatever she is saying because I'm clueless and panic ridden.  I must cover the grays...Big Daddy said so. So, color it is. I don't want a flat look so highlights, too. But, I don't want to look blonde. My natural coloring is red so let's play with that a bit. See how I try to sound like I know what I'm talking about???  Ok...colors have been picked, mixed and are now being slathered all over my head. Die grays...Die!!!  And then, a guy walks in the back door of the salon for a cut drinking out of a red solo cup.  All I want to know is, where's the keg? Instantly, I feel more relaxed. There's just something comforting about a red solo cup.  Wish I had one, too.... It would lessen my shock and horror as I look at myself in the fabulous full body mirrors they have.  Oh sweet Lord...do my thighs really spread out that much when I sit down? Ugggghhhh..... Ok...let's talk cut now.  I need to keep it long enough to do a ponytail and not too short that I have to fix it everyday. Oh and I have about 3 different lengths going on thanks to the two rounds of post baby hair loss and now regrowth.  Long layers it is.  At this point....I've been there almost 3 hrs and it's past baby's bedtime.  My panic has now shifted to what is going on at home and the potential horrors that await my return.  Kids running crazy, dishes overflowing in the kitchen, baby half dressed and screaming???? What? All done? I take a deep breath and look in the mirror. A lot darker than I thought but I don't see any grays and it is fall so darker is good. All in all...not too shabby.  I think I like it! Alright, ring me up...I've gotta go save my home! Mad dash to the house, stressing all the way...pull in front to see all of the Halloween lights are on in the yard....Big Daddy NEVER turns on the deco and I feel a glimmer of hope. I bust in the door to a completely quiet house, clean kitchen, Halloween lights inside are on and Big Daddy is standing in the den holding a completely calm baby (dressed in summer clothes) with his hands over his eyes awaiting the big reveal. Approval is unanimous...all 3 of my big guys love the new hair.  Feeling really loved and then Big Daddy says...."Awwww, I've got my pretty wife back!"  Really, so I was your ugly wife before the cut and color!?!?!!! It's a good thing he's cute...and cleaned the kitchen!