It Keeps Getting Better

Little Miss Ariana - 7 Months Old

2012-01-26T13:17:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe my little baby Ariana is seven months old already!

She is increasingly aware of the world around her... and can't get enough of masking tape! Really, there's nothing that keeps Ariana & Phoenix more entertained than a good ole masking tape house on the floor!

She crawls around the house like a champ... and simply adores watching and "chasing" Mieke around the house, trying to ~~pull out handfulls of her fur~~ pet her.

Ariana is all about staying active, and has even been caught doing an inner-thigh lift... with impeccable form & accuracy for a 7-month-old! Just look at how that top leg crosses over, creating extra resistance for her bottom leg.

Yes, my girl is really starting to let her athletic side shine. Her preferred method of transportation is a bit less like typical baby crawling, and a bit more like an army crawl.

And, most recently, she's even started situating herself to a sitting position - all by herself!

She just cut her first tooth yesterday. After a day of an unusually fussy Ariana, I noticed that her very first tooth had broken through. :)

I'm also very proud to say that Ariana is exclusively a breastfed baby - 7 months old and so far 100% bottle-free, and I couldn't be happier! I think I may have missed my calling to be a lactation consultant... because there's nothing I enjoy more than learning all there is to know about feeding a baby, the way nature has created. If you have ANY questions about breastfeeding, please don't hesitate to ask. I feel like a pro, and I'd love to help other mothers as much as I can! :) We'll start to introduce solid foods soon... not so much for nutrition... a mother's milk provides that... but more for learning & fun :)

What's your favorite memory of your children when they were babies? Leave a comment. :)

Sufficient

2012-01-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

A crazy thing happened when I left my job about 9 months ago to become a stay-at-home mom. I started really looking at everything I have, and comparing it to how much I actually need. I stopped wanting to acquire more things, and instead get more use out of the things I already owned. I had a newly-found desire to scale down my consumption, and to become more self-reliant and less dependable on outside resources.

Everything really clicked for me. My family didn't need to have two incomes. We could scale back on consumption, live a bit simpler life, and I could have the freedom to be able to raise my children. And, it didn't have to be a painful thing. In fact, I've LOVED the process of simply living with less, and am always looking for new ways to become more self-sufficient.

The hubby once joked that I'd be happiest living in a cabin in the woods, working in the garden, making food from scratch, making everybody's clothes by hand, etc. And the crazy thing is... he's right. I would love to do that. It's life from a simpler time. There would be no worries about the economy or layoffs or taxes. I wouldn't be working to help my boss buy his third vacation home. I'd be working for me. Self-employed. My job would be to take care of my family. Just thinking about it puts a big ole smile on my face.

My desire to become more self-sufficient started innocently enough. I started looking at the ingredients in my food. I started to learn what I was putting into my body. It turned out that that the stuff I was eating was barely even food. I was often eating a mixed array of chemicals designed to simulate food... but this stuff wasn't food. With a few simple ingredients on hand, I started to learn how to make real food from real ingredients, and I loved it!

One of the first foods I made from scratch was brownies. I figured there must be some way to make that brownie powder that came in the box... and there was! You can imagine my delight when I started tweaking the recipes... substituting different ingredients to make them just a bit healthier... I loved it! and, the crazy part? It's not much more work than when you make it out of the box anyways.

This year, I am committed to starting my own organic garden. Growing my own food also ensures it's safe to eat. I don't have to worry about the side-effects of pesticides, or e coli contamination. Those things don't happen in your backyard garden. I want to stop relying on the grocery store to provide my family with food, and rely more on our land. I'm still in the research phase, but I'm having a blast learning as much as I can. :)

What are your thoughts on living a more sustainable life? Would you ever want to be free from a job & paycheck... just working to provide for your family? Leave a comment.

PS - If you're interested in reading more about becoming this topic, check out Sufficient: A Modern Guide to Sustainable Living by Tom Petherick. There's a lot of great and inspirational info I know you'll find helpful.

A Makeup-Free Monday Mingle :)

2012-01-22T18:31:00.000-05:00

This week, I'm excited to be doing my Monday Mingle make-up free! I was motivated by those lovely makeup-free posts from my friend Daenel & the folks at The Beauty Bean. The Makeup Free Monday movement is all about empowerment. It’s about recognizing inner beauty, expanding the definition of outer beauty and showing the world what both look like. It’s about real beauty.

And now... This Week's Monday Mingle Questions

1. The phrase “It seemed like a good idea at the time”…what has been your worst idea?
2. What was your worst subject in school?
3. What subject in school did you excel in?

Feel free to join in & leave your answers in the comments section below :)

A Great Opportunity For Bloggers

2012-01-20T12:35:00.001-05:00

I have great new for my fellow bloggers who are looking to be compensated for posts. I've been working with EdenFantasys for a while now, and they're looking to expand their Blogger Ambassador Program.

First, a little about EdenFantasys. They're an online adult store which has recently started to carry bath & body products, cosmetics, and even some really cute club wear. They're offering bloggers $25 or $50 gift cards in exchange for posts. Additional compensation of $5 can be earned for including a banner like this --->
PLUS, you can earn another $5 for using the term "sex toys" and linking it to their site. (See the "FINE PRINT" at the bottom of this article for a great way to sneak that extra bonus into your post. :)

One of the things I LOVE is that they don't tell you what to write... you just incorporate their website or products however you see fit. You can see how I've managed to write for them while still keeping everything PG13 if you check out my anniversary post, my $55 giveaway post, or even this post that you're reading. It's great that they understand that bloggers are writing for various audiences, and don't want you to be somebody you're not.

Jenn is in charge of the blogger program, and is amazing to work with. If you're interested in joining the program, you can contact her at jenn@edenfantasys.com, and tell her that Lisa from It Keeps Getting Better sent you.

Would you ever do a sponsored post for EdenFantasys on your blog? Why or why not? Leave a comment sharing your thoughts.

THE FINE PRINT:
EdenFantasys, an online retailer of sex toys, provided me with a gift card in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Barley: More Than Just A Fancy Beer Topping {GIVEAWAY}

2012-01-19T19:28:00.000-05:00

Barley. It's hard to hear that word, and not instantly think of beer. It's certainly the first thing I think of... and I'm not even a beer-drinker. I imagine frou-frou beer shops around the world, sprinkling barley no top of their brews... everyone is laughing and having a good time. But, it turns out that hardly anybody actually uses barley as a beer topping. Apparently, it's actually a totally alcohol-free grain. Crazy... I know.

What Is Barley?

Hulled barley is a healthy high-fiber, high-protein whole grain boasting numerous health benefits. Some call it scotch barley or pot barley. When cooked, barley has a chewy texture, similar to pasta or brown rice. Soup is the most popular way to eat barley, but it can be used like any other grain such as couscous or rice. You can serve a curry or stir-fry over barley instead of rice or make a barley pilaf. Some roast and grind it for a coffee substitute. It also makes a delicious breakfast, just use it in place of oats.

How Do You Cook Barley?

Hulled barley is actually super-easy to cook - very similar to cooking rice. Just take 1 cup of dry hulled barley and add it to 3 cups of water. Cover it and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.

How Do You Cook Barley In A Slow Cooker?

I'm a big fan of super-easy recipes. So, I decided to cook my barley overnight in a slow cooker to have in the morning as a breakfast dish. Just add 4½ cups of water & 1 cup of (hulled) barley into your slow cooker. Toss in dried cranberries or your favorite dried fruit. Sprinkle spices like cinnamon, ground clove, nutmeg, and allspice into the slow cooker at night. Cook on low for eight hours, and your delicious & healthy sweet barley porridge will be ready in the morning. (Makes 4-6 servings)

Sweet Barley Porridge is a delicious breakfast

Try It
See for yourself how amazing this stuff really is! You can order a 5lb bag of Tropical Traditions USDA Organic Hulled Barley Whole Grain HERE for the special sale price of $8.15 ~~retail price of $9.81~~. In addition, first-time purchase will also receive a FREE gift, the book "Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours!" This book is packed with testimonies and solid research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how people can incorporate coconut into their diet.

Win It
One winner will receive a 5lb bag of Tropical Traditions USDA Organic Hulled Barley Whole Grain . Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Learning To Share

2012-01-17T10:54:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've been working a lot on sharing at home. I've tried taking Phoenix to playgroups, but have temporarily put those on hold. You see, there's quite a small window of time between when I can get Phoenix, Ariana, and myself up, fed, and ready to go in the morning... and when it's time to come home for lunch & nap. If I'm out with Phoenix too close to nap time, he gets cranky, and turns into an entirely different person.

Long story short, after two separate biting incidents, I realized that the playdates didn't seem to be helping him much in developing social skills, so I grudgingly phased them out of our routine. For now at least. It's been about 1 month since we've been to a playgroup. And, while nearly every day I'm tempted to take him back to see how he acts around other children, I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm just so scared that he might bite again, that the fear of the "maybe" keeps me from going. It'd be one thing if it was just Phoenix & I... but it's not. My attention is split between him & Ariana... who may or may not be nursing at any given moment. I know I can't give him my full attention, and since I can't, I just don't go.

So, our sharing lessons have been limited to the home lately, and I'm okay with that. In fact, Ariana is to the age where she's taking interest in toys... Phoenix's toys. And, I'm taking full advantage of this by using it as a way to teach him to share.

He's certainly not always happy about having to share his things...

But I think the more he sees that sharing can truly make other people happy, the more he'll see how fun sharing can really be!

Do you have any tips on teaching children to share? Leave a comment.

Faint With Love

2012-01-15T15:35:00.000-05:00

I normally don't write about God. But, I have gone to Catholic school for 13 years, I've studied religion in college, and continued to learn as much as I can about religion as possible. It's one of the most interesting things there is to learn about... and the learning can never end. The Bible is an endless source of inspiration. So today, I've decided to do celebrate this through Scripture & A Snapshot. I first heard about them from my friend Daenel, who has been doing Scripture & A Snapshot for a while now, and I'm excited to do one too.
My goal is not to write an exegesis on each verse, but rather to bring a lesser-known verse of the Bible to life. I'd love to know your thoughts about the verse, how you interpret it, and how it impacts your life in the comments section below :)

Relief For Walgreens Customers Caught in The Express Scripts Dispute

2012-01-12T16:02:00.001-05:00

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

This is a special post for all of my readers who have been affected by the Walgreens and Express Script dispute. I'm sending a tip of the hat to Walgreens for stepping it up for their customers during this rough time.

For the past year, Walgreens has been in negotiations with pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts for a new contract to continue as part of its pharmacy provider network. They were unable to reach an agreement, and the contract expired on Dec. 31. As a result, Walgreens is no longer part of Express Scripts’ pharmacy provider network as of Jan. 1, 2012. This includes all Walgreens pharmacies nationwide and Duane Reade pharmacies in the New York City area.

Express Scripts Shows Its Dark Side

Now, pharmacy patients are being forced to go elsewhere to use their in-network pharmacy benefits. Express Scripts’ actions are causing disruption with no significant benefit to patients or their health plan. Patients covered by an Express Scripts plan now find themselves not only having to change their pharmacists, but many are having to drive farther to get prescriptions filled at pharmacies with less convenient hours for their hectic schedules. Walgreens offers more 24-hour and drive-thru pharmacies than any other pharmacy in the country. And patients are not seeing their costs go down in exchange for the increased hassle they’re being subject to. It’s all pain with no gain.

Express Scripts Cares About Profits, Not Customers

Express Scripts could offer substantial savings to its clients by promoting 90-day refills at retail pharmacies, but it conflicts with its own mail order 90-day prescription business that it profits from. In addition, while profits per prescription among retail pharmacies have been flat or declining in recent years, Express Scripts’ profits have grown at a rate more than two times the average of peers in health care.

What this means for Walgreens patients
Many patients under an Express Scripts plan have used Walgreens pharmacies for years and have a personal relationship with their Walgreens pharmacist. In an effort to minimize their disruption and inconvenience, Walgreens unveiled a comprehensive national effort to make this transition as smooth as possible and is doing all it can to help patients continue to use Walgreens when possible, or take care of them as they are forced to leave Walgreens in order to use their in-network coverage.

Only patients with certain prescription insurance plans managed by Express Scripts are impacted. It is best to check with your local Walgreens pharmacist to find out for sure if you’re impacted. Patients also can check the back of their prescription insurance card – if it has Express Scripts’ name there, then they may be affected. If it doesn’t say Express Scripts, then they are not affected.

To show their care & concern for the unfortunate customers Express Scripts is abandoning, Walgreen is offering a special discount on annual membership for its Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. An individual can join during a special January promotion for only $5, or $10 for a family membership, and receive savings on more than 8,000 brand name and all generic medications. More than 400 generics are available with a three-month supply for less than $1 a week. Regular annual membership is $20 for an individual and $35 for a family.

Beyond the contract issues, this issue between Express Scripts and Walgreens is really about being free to support of your local community pharmacy. Express Scripts wants customers to use their own mail order pharmacy business instead of your community pharmacy whenever possible. This could threaten all community drugstores in your area. Remember, community pharmacies are a valuable presence in your neighborhood when you need a pain medication as you leave the emergency room at 2 a.m., or need a flu shot and haven’t been able to get to the doctor’s office. Community pharmacies are often the first point of entry for many people into the health care system, and the value they provide by lowering overall health care costs should be recognized by Express Scripts.

Support Walgreens and stay updated by liking Walgreens on Facebook Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter.

Angelina Jolie in a Live online Q&A... Right Here!

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

We are very excited to co-host for this rare and special event! It Keeps Getting Better is proud to present: Angelina Jolie in a Live online Q&A on Thursday Jan 12th at 8pm EST / 5pm PST to discuss her writing & directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey. This exciting and interactive event gives fans the chance to ask Ms. Jolie questions about the film LIVE!

You can also enter to win a A Limited Edition Promo Blood And Honey Poster (From Writer/Director Angelina Jolie) here. (Only 19 entries so far)

If you could ask Angelina Jolie anything... what would it be? Leave a comment below.

Here For The Blink Of An Eye

2012-01-10T21:36:00.000-05:00

It's January in Ohio, and the grass that is usually covered in feet of snow by this time is still just grass. It's been an unusually warm winter so far, and I've really been enjoying it! The only thing that I dislike about it is the lack of snow to introduce Ariana to and for Phoenix to play in.

The other day, we got a mist of snow that provided Phoenix with quite a bit of fun.

And little miss Ariana loved her introduction to our ever-so-brief snowfall.

And, I'm lucky to have captured it with photos, because it had melted by the next day.

It was if it stopped by just to remind me how fleeting these special moments are.

They are here for just the blink of an eye, so more than anything,
it's important to make the most of them :)

To know that the dishes can wait... that it doesn't matter if the house is a mess... and to just spend some special time together with those who are most important to you.

Oprah's Lifeclass #2 - Letting Go Of Anger

2012-01-08T19:29:00.000-05:00

This post isn't sponsored by anyone. I just like Oprah & the whole Lifeclass concept. :)

Last week, I started my own re-broadcast of Oprah's Lifeclass on my blog with The Power Of False Ego. Today is about letting go of anger. You can watch it at http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/Oprahs-Lifeclass-Webcast-Day-Two-Anger-with-Iyanla-Vanzant-Video. This video is packed full of incredible insight, and is a great one to watch.

Letting Go Of My Anger

I don't feel like I'm an angry person, but I will admit that I do have some unresolved issues in terms of anger. I don't know where they stem from, but one thing that has consistently made me angry is when I am busy working around other people who should be working, but weren't.

For example, when I was working as a graphic designer, I almost always showed up on time & got started working right away. If it were just me working hard, I'd be ok with that. But, I had a co-worker whose cubicle was right next to mine. She was consistently late, and on top of that, would easily spend the first 1½ hours of her day in the bathroom blowdrying her hair... and flat-ironing her hair... and doing her makeup. Then, her days often were spent looking up equally unproductive things online. And, it infuriated me. And, all of this while I worked my butt off right next to her empty cubicle. I just sat there, in silence, but secretly fuming inside.

That's not the only example either. This situation keeps on finding ways to creep into my life and make me angry. But, I never really realized it until today. I have discovered the problem, I realize that it hurts me when people who do less work then me are treated as though they are working just as hard as I am. It hurts when I see other people not contributing as much as I feel they should be. But, I still need to figure out the root of the problem... what the hurt is coming from.

What is holding you back in your life right now?

Leave a comment.

I'm hoping to post about Oprah's Lifecasses on a weekly basis.
Sign up to receive an email when the next one is posted.

It's All About You ;)

2012-01-04T23:11:00.001-05:00

I usually don't do the "bloggy award" thing... but after receiving a blog award AND a blog tag within two days, I felt I better participate! Plus, I love spreading the word about some of the blogs that I love!

Katie at All Natural Kate was sweet enough to give me the Kreativ Blogger Award. Her blog is amazing, and really motivates to me to live a more natural life. You should really check her blog out!

Ok - here are the rules you have to follow when receiving this award:

Link back to the person who gave you this award
Complete the form below
Award 10 other blogs and let them know in a comment or email
Share 7 random thoughts about yourself

Form

1. Name your favorite song:

"Love Is" by Helen Austin - the song I used for a video with Ariana a while back in a video :)

2. Name your favorite dessert:

No-bake peanut-butter, chocolate & oatmeal cookies.

3. What ticks me off:

People who are contagiously negative & miserable.

4. When I'm upset I:

Make rude remarks to the person who is upsetting me.

5. What's your favorite pet:

My cat Mieke. We put her brother Rufus to sleep a few months ago, but he'll stay in my heart forever.

6. Black or white:

Black

7. Biggest Fear:

Getting a tattoo I don't like to "impress" my tattoo-loving husband of 10 years... and not telling the tattoo artist I don't want a palm tree on my leg because I don't want to hurt his/her feelings.

8. Everyday attitude:

I'm happy :)

9. What is perfection:

Chocolate that makes you skinny!

10. Guilty Pleasure:

The Kardashians & Pretty Little Liars

10 Blogs

In no particular order:

Daenel - Living Outside The Stacks

Cynthia - Life By Cynthia

Amanda - Love U More Than Anything
Tesa - 2 Wired 2 Tired

Ally - Love Parish

Kylie - A Little Red Dress

Mai - Story Book Mom

Melissa - East Harbor Montessori

Brooke - And They Lived Happily Ever After

Andrea - We Sure Do Have Fun!

*****************************************************************

Heather from Mommy Only Has 2 Hands tagged me as well. And... the title of her blog couldn't be more accurate! Heather is an amazing mother & blogger who is going nonstop to give her children and her family the best life she can :)

So because she tagged me, the rules are:

1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things yourself.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this.’ Blah blah blah, you legitimately have to tag 11 peeps!

Ok, so here goes nothing!

Eleven Random Things About Myself

1. My arms are long, making it difficult for me to find shirts that fit.

2. I want to start an organic garden this year.

3. I was with Ken for 13 years before we decided to have children.

4. I never saw myself being a stay-at-home mom, but now that I am, I couldn't be happier.

5. I hate clutter around the house.

6. I wish people would realize that owning things doesn't bring true happiness.

7. I wake up every 2 hours at night to feed Ariana & soothe her back to sleep.

8. I not-so-secretly wish I had been an astronaut.

9. My favorite local restaurants are always the ones that serve Mexican food.

10. I'm obsessed with watching documentaries on Netflix.

11. I'm beyond intrigued with sustainable living.

Eleven Questions From Heather.

If you had one last meal, what would it be? Veggie Pizza from Hungry Howies w/ Diet Coke
What is something you consume every day? Water
What’s the song you love jamming out to when you get in the car? "I Know A Ckicken" by The Laurie Berkner Band (Hey, just keepin' it real.)
What were you doing on New Year's Eve? Hanging out at home with the family.
The last place you went on vacation? An indoor waterpark in Columbus
The last time you were in the hospital was because? I decided to have a hospital birth
The last time you ate out was at? Applebees
The last concert you went to? Um... Red Hot Chili Peppers, I think
Your favorite lounge clothes would be? Jeans & a long, fitted tee
Your favorite hang out is? Umm... my nursing chair :)
The last time your heart rate was above normal was when? I (quietly) yelled at Phoenix for being too loud this morning.

- Alright, I'm heading to bed. I'll tag ya'll in the morning :)
Now that I have done my part, here are the ~~eleven~~ ten people I am tagging to join in. Yup, the sames one as above. Feel free to do one. Or the other. Or both. :)

Daenel - Living Outside The Stacks

Cynthia - Life By Cynthia

Amanda - Love U More Than Anything
Tesa - 2 Wired 2 Tired

Ally - Love Parish

Kylie - A Little Red Dress

Mai - Story Book Mom

Melissa - East Harbor Montessori

Brooke - And They Lived Happily Ever After

Andrea - We Sure Do Have Fun!

My Eleven Questions To You All

(The same ones Heather gave me... because it's getting late & I'm tired.)

If you had one last meal, what would it be?
What is something you consume every day?
What’s the song you love jamming out to when you get in the car?
What were you doing on New Year's Eve?
The last place you went on vacation?
The last time you were in the hospital was because?
The last time you ate out was at?
The last concert you went to?
Your favorite lounge clothes would be?
Your favorite hang out is?
The last time your heart rate was above normal was when?

A FREE 2012 Calendar :)

2012-01-02T08:59:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to pass this along - I just found a great place to get a free 2012 calendar from Premier Communications Group. It's very well-designed, which I love! And, the best part? with simple repurposing ideas and insight... which i absolutely LOVE! The link says "Available while supplies last!" so be sure to order yours asap. Happy New Year!

This post isn't sponsored by anyone. I just like a good ole well-designed free calendar. :)

Household Traditions Dish Liquid {GIVEAWAY}

2012-01-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! With 2012 is officially here, and I figured a great way to kick it off would be with a giveaway from one of my favorite sponsors - Tropical Traditions. I recently had the pleasure to try out Household Traditions Dish Liquid, and have found out that it's a great way to get your dishes clean... without the harsh chemicals.

Household Traditions Dish Liquid is free of:

Fragrances
Dyes
Petroleum Solvents
Respiratory and Skin irritants

Household Traditions Dish Liquid is an effective and concentrated dish soap developed by and for people with allergies, asthma and multiple chemical sensitivities. Since it's a coconut-based product, washing dishes is even soothing to your hands. Plus, it breaks down safely and rapidly making it safer for the environment. Household Traditions Dish Liquid is free of fragrances, phosphates, petroleum solvents, chlorine, dyes and other common triggers for respiratory or skin irritations.

Ingredients: Deionized water, coconut and sugar-based cleansing and sudsing agents, plant-based surfactants, emulsifiers.

Try It
See for yourself how amazing this stuff really is! You can order a 32oz bottle of Household Traditions Dish Liquid HERE for the special sale price of $9.95 ~~retail price of $19.95~~. In addition, first-time purchase will also receive a FREE gift, the book "Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours!" This book is packed with testimonies and solid research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how people can incorporate coconut into their diet.

Win It
One winner will receive a 32oz bottle of Household Traditions Dish Liquid. Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Oprah's Lifeclass #1 - The False Power Of Ego

2011-12-31T11:33:00.000-05:00

This post isn't sponsored by anyone. I just like Oprah & the whole Lifeclass concept. :)

About a year ago, Oprah started giving lessons that she has learned throughout her life in a series called "Oprah's Lifeclass." It was a series I really wanted to watch & participate in... but never did. We don't get cable, so there was really no way for me to watch the show. That's why I am so excited to have discovered the webcast portions of her classes are still available! And... with 2012 on the horizon, I felt like this was a perfect time to start. I'll be posting new videos here, for everyone who wants to participate as well.

Oct 10 Webcast: Oprah and Eckhart Tolle - The False Power of Ego

During the premiere episode of Oprah's Lifeclass, Oprah opened up about one of her biggest regrets: wheeling out a wagon filled with fat after losing weight. During the live webcast that followed the show, Oprah was joined by author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle to discuss the false power of ego with viewers and members of the studio audience. Watch the complete conversation now.

The False Power Of My Ego

When I decided to blog about Oprah's Lifeclasses, and realized that the first one was about ego... I was pretty sure I would have nothing to write about. Within the first 12 minutes, I knew I was wrong. Truth be told, I think a false ego creeps up into many aspects of my life.

For example, today we decided to go out for dinner, but I warned the hubby... if we go out, let me know, because I need to get ready. I'd been at home all day, and would never leave the house without at least spending 20 minutes fixing my hair & doing my makeup. Is that my false ego? You bet. The hubby insisted that I looked fine, and that there was nobody I needed to impress, but that little voice in my head was telling me other wise.

"What if we run into one of your co-workers & they see how awful I look?" I said.
"Who cares what they think?" he replied.

"Well, I do," I said.

"Why?" he asked.

"I don't know," I replied.

That's just how it is for me. I don't want people to see me as ugly. I want to look nice. And, to be honest, I'm pretty sure it's from feeling ugly as a child. But, as much as I think that was just from a long time ago, it's obviously still affecting me today. I try to act like I don't care what people think. And, I've almost convinced myself on occasion that I'm not out to impress anybody... but it's not true.

Where does your ego get in your way?

Leave a comment.

I'm hoping to post about Oprah's Lifecasses on a weekly basis.

Sign up to receive an email when the next one is posted.

The Christmas Post

2011-12-30T05:30:00.000-05:00

This Christmas was amazing... and there were tons of pictures to prove it! But, rather than posting a zillion pictures of my children... I've decided to post just one pic of each... enjoy! :)

Phoenix with one his favorite presents - some toy trains.

Ariana exploring her new ladybug bank.

I hope those of you that celebrate had a great Christmas!

What was the highlight of your holiday so far? Leave a comment.

What I Love Wednesday: Gingerbread Cookies

2011-12-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

It's really the simple things in life that really make life worth living. The more time that I spend with my children, the more I realize that it's not always the things in life that matter... it's the experiences, and the people you share them with.

So, this week, I'm participating in something new called "What I Love Wednesdays". It's just a simple little post about something I love. So, this week, I love...

Making gingerbread cookies with the family.

The husband's creative cookies!

When I asked 3-year-old Phoenix what shapes he wanted on his cookie,
he simply replied, "A circle. Oh, and a hexagon."

What do you love this Wednesday? Leave a comment. :)

Easy Christmas Angel Ornament - Craft for Kids

2011-12-24T17:33:00.001-05:00

Christmas is officially in full swing here at the Brown household. Pandora is playing the best Christmas songs. Our elf Fred has been doing a great job of reporting the naughty and nice to Santa. And, our old Christmas angel has even been replaced by one hand-made by Phoenix himself.

It was actually a super-easy craft that I did back when I was just 5. In fact, my Christmas angel had been topping the tree for years, and every year, I secretly dreamed of the day an ornament made by my own child one day... and it finally happened!

Items Needed:

3 1/2“ triangle for dress

2” circle for head

4” wide piece for wings

1/2 pipecleaner for halo

1/2 cotton ball for hair

1 clothespin

crayons/markers/paint/glitter glue for decorating

1. Cut out the head, wings & halo pieces from a piece of cardboard and decorate.

2. Glue the wings to the back of the clothespin.

3. Glue the dress to the front of the clothespin.

4. Glue the head on top of the dress, so it's slightly overlapping it.

5. Twist the pipecleaner so it forms a halo, and glue it to the back of the clothes pin.

6. Let dry, and that's it!

If you give it a try, let me know how it goes! :)

What are your favorite Christmas crafts? Leave a comment.

"A" Is Everywhere: My Predictions For Pretty Little Liars

2011-12-22T13:20:00.000-05:00

So, in case you haven't heard, the best show on television is going to be back in a little over a week. Yup, the new season of Pretty Little Liars has its Winter Premiere Jan 2, Mondays at 8/7c on ABC Family. I've been having a blast watching the show, and guessing what will happen next.

Can we expect the girls to be up to all of their same old tricks in the New Year?
Oh, definitely! I have a feeling that the Jenna & Garrett situation is finally going to be exposed... and I'm pretty sure that it will have nothing to do with the disappearance of Alison. Oh, yeah, I said disappearance... I'm pretty sure she's not really dead.

Will we ever see Dr. Sullivan again, and what was in the envelope that “A” handed to her?
I think we're going to see Dr. Sullivan again. She knows so much, I think that a major part of next season will revolve around Dr. Sullivan. What was in the envelope "A" handed her? I'm guessing that it was a picture that incriminates the girls... you know, cause that's how "A" rolls.

Do you watch Pretty Little Liars? What do you think is in store for next season? Leave a comment.

Missed some of the nail-biting suspense from last season? Make sure to get all caught up here: http://bit.ly/tupDF8

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Pretty Little Liars.'

Heaping Doses Of Love

2011-12-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

In the past six months Ariana has grown from a newborn baby into this tiny little person, unique and perfect in every way.

She's been working on perfecting her sitting skills, so she can see the world from a whole new angle.

And I'm right there behind her to catch her when she falls.

And while we don't keep her in a cute red bucket at home... it does make for an interesting photograph!

Oh, and little sister can rock those cloth diapers too!

I love her inquisitive eyes and her ever-so-slight grin.

I also want to cover her room in that chic vintage wallpaper!

A girl like Ariana just begs to be put in pink!

Check out those arms... she gets those long things from her mama!

Her body is 6-month-sized... but with those arms she easily fits into 9 month clothes.

Seriously... where can I get this wallpaper?! I'm so in love!

Her smile... that the reason I still hold her in my arms for what seems to be 24/7.

Any glimpse of that smile, and I'm in heaven.

The one that says she's happy, and knows that she is loved.

And, that's the one thing she's spoiled with... love.

She's no mechanical swing baby... she doesn't cry it out.

She gets heaping doses of love, and hugs, and kisses, and tickles.

And... judging from her smile, that's ok with her.

And, as I look down at her in my arms,

I think that I might be getting the hang of this mothering thing after all.

I love you Ariana! - Mom

A Fresh New Bloggy Feel

2011-12-18T14:20:00.001-05:00

Phoenix - 1½ years old

When I started this blog two years ago, I was a busy mother of one working full time as a graphic designer. My commutes were long, days were busy, and nights & weekends were divided between catching up on housework and spending time with my son Phoenix. I was desperately trying to do it all, but at the end of each day, I was only left feeling empty.

Two years later, I'm a completely different person. I have completely re-prioritized my life, and am now a stay-at-home mom. The commutes that used to be spent listening to audiobooks are thing of the past. My dreams of having a huge house, expensive cars, and going on exotic vacations has been replaced with an overwhelming desire to simplify my life.

So, I've finally re-organized my blog to match with my new outlook on life, and what is important to me now. My family will continue to be my source of inspiration, but now you will also be greeted by tabs at the top of the page about "natural living" and "simplifying". I hope this change will be a welcome addition for all of my readers.

And speaking of readers, thank you so much for reading my blog! I appreciate it more than you'll ever know. Since links are the currency of the internet, if you have a blog you'd like to promote, feel free to leave a link to it in the comments section below. :)

Cake, Ice Cream, And More

2011-12-17T21:59:00.000-05:00

I never imagined I would ever be the mom who would cry at the thought of my children getting older. But, there I laid, the night before my son's third birthday... and a few tears just started making their way down my cheeks. My little boy was getting bigger. And, it made me... well... realize how quickly life happens.

When you're living your life without kids, days seem to blend into each other. Days go by... months turn into years. You get older, but you never really have that reminder of how fast life is going by. With kids, it's a whole other story.

In just three short years, he has gone from that tiny new baby I was just figuring out how to hold... into a little boy.

He has went from being the baby to being the one eager to help out with the new baby. And, if there's one person in his life he loves more than anyone, it's his little sister, Ariana.

Not a day goes by without Phoenix saying:

"I want my AR-EE-now-uh."
"She's so cute!"
"She's my baby SIS-ter"
"Aww... she's my best friend"

As days go by, life happens.
So, we stop to celebrate birthdays... to acknowledge the passing of time and amazing thing called life.

Oh, and we celebrate for the cake too! Oh, the cake!
Phoenix just couldn't stop looking at his Thomas the Train cake!

And a delicious cake it was!

And while birthdays are never about the gifts... Phoenix did get some amazing and thoughtful presents.

But sometimes the cake & gifts are trumped by something better - spending time with family.

Happy Birthday, Phoenix!

You're the sunshine in my life!
- Mom

Who Is "A" On Pretty Little Liars?

2011-12-16T14:32:00.000-05:00

It's the question that leaves us wanting more... and coming back to every episode to find out. Nothing is what it seems on Pretty Little Liars... and that's what makes it to hard to figure out who "A" really is.

Who planted the shovel? My best guess is Mike. I think he's in communication with "A" online. And, that's why he was so upset when his mom took his laptop. He's also been doing a fair share of mischief... breaking into houses, etc. I think "A" is far away, but has blackmailed Mike into doing her work.

Is the Jenna/Garrett alliance something worth keeping an eye out for, etc? While I think that this certainly seems like a possibility, it's almost too obvious. I think they're going to be completely innocent when it comes down to it, and there will be a perfect reason to why they've been acting weird.

Who is "A"? It just keeps coming back to me that "A" is Alison. I'm guessing that she is very far away... and that she has bribed Mike into doing her dirty work. She's probably alive and well, living somewhere happily with her family. They may have faked her death to get out of town. Remember that Alison saw Emily in a dream-state? Emily asked Alison if she knew who "A" was, and Alison replied that two can keep a secret if one of them is dead? Well... that's even more proof that Alison isn't dead.

The season premiere is January 2, where do you think the plot will pick up and how are the girls going to get out of the mess they’re in? I think that Jenna & Garrett are going to step in and defend the girls... and will have some sort of proof that it was Mike who planted the shovel.

It's also worth mentioning how evil & manipulative of a person Alison truly is. I think she has a lot of pain inside, and has taken it our on manipulating her group of friends. I think she faked her death just as another way for her to have fun with her friends by torturing them. After all, Alison was the one who lured her friends to an abandoned house and pretending she was being killed. Maybe that wasn't enough for her, so she took it one step further.

Tune-in to the Pretty Little Liars Winter Premiere on Jan 2, Mondays at 8/7c on ABC Family.

Missed some of the nail-biting suspense from last season? Make sure to get all caught up here: http://bit.ly/tupDF8.

Do you watch Pretty Little Liars? Who do you think "A" is? Leave a comment.

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Pretty Little Liars.'

The ABCs of Me - An Ohio Mommy Blogger - :)

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

I'm borrowing this lovely post idea from Mrs. Cox at Slice O Heaven, who borrowed it from the lovely Daenel at Living Outside The Stacks. I'd trace it back further, but I'm pretty sure Daenel invented it, because she's absolutely brilliant.

Age ~ 32

Bed Size ~ Queen

Chore that you hate ~ Dishes! Ugh, dishes!

Dogs ~ Snoopy was the dog I first had growing up - she was a beagle & collie mix. Lotte was next - she was a boxer/lab mix. But, no dogs for me now... two children are enough to take care of!

Essential start to the day ~ Hmm... nothng really. I just get up & go.

Favorite color ~ blue

Gold or silver ~ I LOVE silver.

Height ~ 5’8”

Instrument you play ~ None

Job ~ CEO for a small family organization & blogger :)

Kids ~ Phoenix - 3 years old & Ariana - 6 months old

Live ~ Ohio

Movie ~ One that always sticks out in my head as being brilliant is Fight Club.

Nickname ~ Mom. Mommy. Mum. Muma.

Overnight hospital stay ~ The last time was when I had Ariana. Her birth story is... crazy.

Pet Peeve ~ People who are just crabs to be around.

Quote ~ "I reject your reality and substitute my own!" Adam Savage, MythBusters

Right or left handed ~ Right

Siblings ~ 2 sisters

Time it takes you to get ready ~ By myself, 30 minutes... with the kids, 2 hours.

Underwear ~ Yes!

Vegetable you hate ~ Squash

What makes you run late ~ Getting the kids fed, clothed, diapers changed, shoes on, in the car, etc.

Xrays you’ve had ~ My leg for an acl tear & cancer scare, chest for pneumonia & cancer scare.

Yummy food that you make ~ Vegan brownies

Zoo animal ~ Any mommies with their babies

Pictures With Santa

2011-12-14T14:17:00.000-05:00

I really do understand why Christmas is called "the most wonderful time of the year" - it's truly an extraordinary time. It's the time for passing down traditions, and starting a few of your own. I always remember going to see Santa when I was younger. I even remember our mom toting us to the mall to capture a few holiday pictures of her own in front of the holiday decorations. I'll never forget those wonderful Christmas memories.

Now, as a mother myself, always look forward to taking Phoenix, and now Ariana to see Santa as well. It's times like these that it truly brings makes me so happy to be part of such an amazing family. We were lucky to visit Santa the other day, and were able to capture some amazing photos too. It was also the day Ariana turned 5 months old :) Both of the kids were very well behaved... and Ariana was extra-smiley. I'm pretty sure it's because she was feeling pretty in her pink dress. :)

Yup... she's a doll!

Phoenix smiles at the camera... as a dinosaur sniffs his shoulder.

Phoenix & Ariana with Santa

Santa: What do you want for Christmas?

Phoenix: Presents.

Yup, he's starting to figure this whole Santa Claus thing out! :)

How To Get Free Stuff For Blogging!

2011-12-12T18:42:00.004-05:00

I recently became a member of Influenster - a community of trendsetters invited to share their lifestyles and show their influence to qualify for personalized product shipments, special rewards and exclusive deals from the brands they love. Members test the latest products, give insightful feedback, and spread the word on their favorite finds! So today, I received my very first VoxBox, am excited to share with you the products I'll be testing this season. :)

imPRESS PRESS-ON MANICURE BY BROADWAY NAILS
Introducing imPress, the revolutionary way to apply nail polish! Featuring advanced technology, this product delivers a salon-perfect manicure in seconds - simply peel off, press on, and you’re done (no drying time!). imPress comes in 36 colors and patterns, including trendy brights, fun prints, classic darks and animal prints.

SOFTSOAP COCONUT SCRUB BAR SOAP
Renew the skin with NEW Softsoap® Coconut Scrub bar soap. Enriched with crushed coconut extract, this bar soap gently exfoliates to renew your skin’s surface, while helping retain natural moisture for soft, supple skin. Also comes in two other exotic fragrances: Juice Pomegranate & Mango Infusions and Sweet Honeysuckle & Orange Peel.

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE FACE MASK
Montagnue Jeunesse’s face masks are jam packed with the most delicious natural ingredients and are bursting with luscious juicy fragrances. Influensters will receive one of the following flavors: Strawberry Souffle, Cucumber Peel Off, Passion Peel Off, Dead Sea Mud, Fruit Smoothie.

NEW YORK COLOR LIQUID LIP SHINE
Straight from the city that never sleeps, New York Color’s Liquid Lipshine is uptown style at a down-to-earth price. With pure pigments that create a 3-D gloss effect and vitamin E that provides shine and moisture, this product is perfect to keep lips looking and feeling fabulous this season. Comes in 10 shades from neutral nude, to berries & fuchsias.

MENTOS PURE FRESH GUM
Whether it’s before a holiday party, date or meeting, pop Mentos Pure Fresh Gum for a quick refresh! The crunchy outer shell conceals a green tea extract core that provides an immediate burst of coolness for long-lasting fresh breath. Its unique container keeps gum protected in your purse!

LARABAR SNACK BAR
Made from only 2-9 ingredients, each LÄRABAR is a delicious blend of just fruits, nuts and spices. Pure and simple, just as nature intended. Larabar comes in 19 delicious flavors!

GARDEN BOTANIKA LASH PRIMER
Take lashes from fine to fabulous. Simply brush on bare lashes, let dry, then apply mascara. Lengthens and thickens lashes; conditions them so they're healthier, too. Small brush simplifies application.

I'm excited to let you know which products I love! If you're a blogger or active in social media, sign up to receive your own products to sample. :)

Thanks to Influenster for providing me these complimentary products to review.

Monday Mingle Time!

2011-12-11T21:01:00.000-05:00

It's been SO long since I've done a Monday Mingle... and I'm swamped uploading birthday pics and videos at the moment, but I just wanted to do a quick write-in version this week.

This week’s (12/12/11) questions:

1. What is on your wish list this holiday season?

Hmm... nothing, really! The hubby & I don't do gifts for each other. If we want something, we just buy it during the year. So, we don't really feel the need to spend just to spend for Christmas.

2. Have you done your holiday decorating? Show us!

We have our tree up, lights, and Christmas figurines up as well. I like to decorate the day after Christmas, so we have longer to enjoy the holiday fun. :)

3. Are you going to any blog conferences in 2012?

I would absolutely love to go to BlogHer in NYC. Since I've officially become a SAHM this year, it's been a lot of fun to blog on the side, but I really want to take my blog to the next level. I think that going to a conference could really help with my long-term blogging goals. But... I kinda want the hubs & kids to go too. I think it could be a fun trip for everyone, but at the same time, I'd be doing my own thing the whole time, so it wouldn't really be a family vacation. I also want the whole family to go because I'm still planning on breastfeeding Ariana, who will be around 1 year old at the time. I know it creeps people out, but I'd ideally like to nurse her for 18-24 months... but we'll see how that goes. I'm interested to see if anyone else I "know" will be there!

So, what are your answers? Leave a comment. :)

How I Lost My Pregnancy Weight... Most of It At Least!

2011-12-11T19:00:00.001-05:00

This post brought to you by Slim-Fast. All opinions are 100% mine.
When I was pregnant with Ariana... I gained a bit too much weight. I started my pregnancy at 140lbs, and ended it at around 186-ish. That's right, I gained right around 46 lbs. And, though I never felt huge, the scale... and my doctors... told me otherwise.

As any new mom can attest to, it's hard to get back into the working out groove after you've had a baby. You're lucky to have time to sleep, to take a quick shower, to eat... let alone work out! I haven't worked out at all since Ariana was born, but I am still managing to slowly shed that baby weight. Right now, 5 months after she was born, I have about 6 lbs left to lose. It's not a lot, and I'm not really worried about it. I'm just happy to fit into my regular clothes again!

So, what has worked for me? Well, I exclusively breastfeed Ariana, which burns quite a few calories. I am also a vegetarian, so I think that helps as well. I'm actually in the process of incorporating more vegan meals into my diet by eliminating dairy & eggs as well. Plus, when I can, I try to cook from scratch... though it doesn't happen nearly as often as I would like it to! I don't claim to look perfect, but I'm comfortable with my body.

My first piece of advice to any new moms, is that if you are able to breastfeed, do it! It's the easiest way to burn calories! On top of that, incorporate more vegetarian meals into your diet as well.

I had never tried diet pills, weight loss shakes, etc. a try until yesterday. I gave Slim-Fast's Creamy Milk Chocolate Shake a try, and it was honestly delicious! It was also a bit more filling that what I expected. I can totally see how these could help with weight loss. The Slim-Fast 3-2-1 Plan is ridiculously simple - you just have 3 Nourishing Snacks, 2 Shakes or Meal Bars, and 1 Balanced Meal a day.

The new Slim-Fast shakes, snack bars, and meal bars are available in the pharmacy sections of grocers and retailers nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway and Kroger. You can also get them online at Amazon.com and the Slim-Fast 3-2-1 Store on Facebook - so be sure to "Like" them there.

So, if you're looking for a way to loose weight, you might want to give Slim-Fast a try. From what I've seen, it's a great way to lose those pounds we pack on during the holidays. Heck, it'd even be a great way to curb your hunger at holiday gatherings. Just have a shake before you go, and you won't be starving & eating everything in sight when you get to your destination.

Are you on a diet, or planing to be on one soon? Do you have any tips on how to lose weight? Leave a comment.

Pretty Little Addiction

2011-12-10T06:11:00.000-05:00

When I got a phone call from my sister a year and a half ago, telling me about a new show on tv that she promised me would be amazing, I didn't know what to think. But, because I was desperate for some good stuff to watch, I gave it a try. Well, that pilot episode was the one that got me hooked.

To those of you in need of a great show to watch, I have three words for you... Pretty Little Liars. It's basically like Desperate Housewives, except it's about teenagers. And, the acting is better. And, the plot is more realistic. And, the clothes are cuter. Come to think about it, it's not too much like Desperate Housewives after all.

In the pilot episode, we first we meet Aria, who has just returned to town after spending a year overseas. She's trying to deal with the fact that her dad had recently cheated on her mom with one of his ex-students at the college, while keeping her mom from finding out. And, at the same time she can't ignore the intense chemistry with Ezra Fitz - Aria's English teacher, who she sort of accidentally made out with once.

Then there is Hanna, who recently transformed herself from a chubby awkward girl into the current "It girl." She gets caught shoplifting, but the charges are dropped when her mother steps in - eager to keep her own reputation and the image of her daughter untarnished.

Spencer is a perfectionist and straight-A student whose pressure to stand out in her overachieving family leaves her feeling alone... until she finds understanding in the unlikeliest of places...

Emily is an athlete who finds herself drawn to her new neighbor, Maya, a free spirit who recently moved into her friend's old house across the street.

When each girl receives an anonymous text message, their lives picturesque suburban community suddenly seems far from perfect as secrets, lies and betrayals threaten everything they hold dear.

Missed some of the nail-biting suspense from last season? Make sure to get all caught up here: http://bit.ly/tupDF8. Then, be sure to check out the show's Winter Premiere Jan 2, Mondays at 8/7c on ABC Family. :) And, don't forget to let your friends know on Facebook.

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Pretty Little Liars.'

Playdate Time - A Movie Reviewing Party!

2011-12-09T14:43:00.001-05:00

I've taken Phoenix to quite a few playdates... but have always been intimidated to host my own... until today. That's right, today a few of Phoenix's friends from our playgroup came over for a movie viewing party of Disney's Winnie the Pooh, and it went great!

The popcorn & movie were both a huge hit with the kids!

And, while some kids were engrossed in the movie, others just played...

I was a little bit crazy, but a whole lot of fun!

And... the mailman even drove by during our party!
Life as a toddler doesn't get much better than this!

The children couldn't wait to pick out their own goodie bags, complete with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and bath wash! They were absolutely ecstatic!

A big thanks to MomSelect/MommyParties, Oral B, and Crest for giving me the opportunity to host such a great playdate!

BISSELL Perfect Sweep Turbo {GIVEAWAY}

2011-12-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

Great news! Remember when I wrote about Phoenix learning to vacuum? Well, Bissell is sponsoring a contest for one lucky reader to win their own BISSELL Perfect Sweep Turbo! How cool is that? I just know you're going to love it as much as we do!

It's great at picking up:

Food crumbs
Kitty-litter tracks
Random debris
Pine needles
Play-Doh & Moon Dough messes
And so much more!

TRY IT
BISSELL is offering $5 off a Perfect Sweep Turbo from www.bissell.com, when you enter the code "perfectsweep" at check out. They're normally priced at $39.99. PLUS, you get FREE SHIPPING!

WIN IT
Fill out the easy Raffelcopter form below to enter to win your own :)

THE FINE PRINT:
Thanks to Bissell for providing the Perfect Sweep Turbo for this giveaway.

Making Tuesday FUN!

2011-12-06T14:08:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There's no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com.

By nature, Tuesdays aren't supposed to be fun. They're just a boring day in the beginning of the week. We might as well call it "The Day After Monday" because that's all it often tends to be. Tuesday.

And, I've had enough boring Tuesdays. Hey, it's December! Nothing should be boring this month! It's time to eat, drink, and be merry! So today, I decided to make this Tuesday a bit more fun. I invited Heather & her friend Taylor over for some dessert, and before my very eyes, this Tuesday morphed from something boring into something worth remembering. Nothing fancy... just some Decadent Apple Caramel Cake & some good company.

And, of course, Phoenix was more than happy to provide entertainment for our guests, who certainly got an earful!

Phoenix told his "best friends" about we saw Santa at Giant Eagle bagging groceries... and how we could tell because he left his Santa hat on! They heard about how to saw big cranes, the mailman, and the UPS man... and SO much more!

They hears stories of how Santa is the garbage man too! Apparently, there's nothing Santa doesn't to. And, as you could guess, there was hardly a moment of silence, as there were eruptions of giggles almost constantly! Yup, this is what Tuesdays are all about!

I've found a new appreciation in celebrating Tuesday, and I don't think it's going to stop today. Every day we're here, with those we love, is a gift, and we should celebrate that every day!

The only question left to ask... who wants to come over for cake next Tuesday? ;)

Remember to check out Duncan Hines' website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.

Top 10 Ways To Get Your Family Ready For Christmas

2011-12-05T16:09:00.001-05:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, I thought it'd be a perfect time to make a list of my Top 10 Ways To Get My Family Ready For Christmas. :)

Source: http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com

Put up your tree. I know, obvious, but nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit like having our beautiful tree lit up!
Listen to some great Christmas music. Forget all that contemporary Christmas music... pop singers & Christmas music don't mix! Jam to the stuff you grew up listening to. My favorite is the Children's Christmas Channel on Pandora
Candy canes & hot chocolate. Nothing is better than a nice hot chocolate on a cold December day... and mixing in a candy cane is just pure delight!
Read How The Grinch Stole Christmas. In the midst of the hussle & bussle of Christmas, it's always good to have a reminder that you really don't need anything to celebrate Christmas but each other.
Wrap presents. Yup... i said wrap. Because, let's be honest, it's always more fun to unwrap presents, no matter how old you are!
Visit Santa with your kids.
Make a Christmas Chain. It's a great way to count down how many days until Christmas! Visual reminders always work better than just telling your kids there are 20 more days until Christmas.
Have an elf in your home. We are visited by Fred, our Elf On The Shelf. It's a great way to teach kids about Santa... and a reminder that they need to behave!
Let your kids play with the nativity scene. If it just sits there... you're missing out on a lot of fun! Nothing is cooler as a kid than playing with all of the different figurines. It's a magical thing to do, and was one of my favorite things to do as a child during Christmas.
Advent calendars. Whether chocolate, Legos, or something else, an advent calendar makes a little celebration out of each day!

What are your favorite things to do to get in the holiday spirit? Leave a comment.

Ariana - 5 Months Old

2011-12-04T16:16:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's hard to believe that my little baby is already five months old! Ariana has completely mastered the art of rolling over. She'll do it again, and again, and again! And, not only that, but she's a little inchworm too. Between rolling & wiggling, she gets around pretty quick! Gone are the days where I can set her down in the same place, and expect her to remain safely there. Nope, she's all over the place now! Big brother Phoenix continues to be her favorite person in the whole world... and it's something I just can't get enough of!

Every day is a new adventure with this girl, and I can't wait to see what each new day brings!

A Great Gift Idea For Grandparents

2011-12-01T22:27:00.000-05:00

Today, I picked up my very first canvas photo print, and thought it's make a GREAT gift idea for anyone still looking to buy gifts for grandparents!

From November 27-December 3 you can get 30% off all Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints at Meijer ! PLUS, as a friend of mine, you can download a coupon for 10% off any canvas photo print at Meijers.

Have you ever had a canvas photo print made? What did you think? Leave a comment.

THE FINE PRINT:
I received the above product, free of charge, from BzzAgent to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Feeding Babies On The Go... Easy! Feeding Toddlers... Not So Much.

2011-12-01T16:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PackIt. All opinions are 100% mine.

Easy usually isn't the word you'd use to describe life with a baby. But... it is. As a breastfeeding mom, leaving the house involves grabbing the diaper bag and heading out. Even if you use formula, it's easy to pre-make bottles up... but keeping them cold is another challenge. And, once they get older, a day trip becomes a bit more involved in figuring out meals to pack, snacks, how much milk to bring etc. And, on top of that, there's always the guessing game of how many ice packs to throw in. And, no matter how many you used, nothing stayed cold enough for long enough.

Well, it turns out that I'm not the only one who has felt this way. Jeannette and Melissa are two mothers who were fed up with trying to keep their children's lunches cold. They decided there had to be a better way to keep their kids lunch cool. They figured out a great way to keep lunch boxes cool for hours and started selling PackIt lunch boxes.

And, if you head on over to PackIt lunch boxes, they're having a Buy One at $19.95 Get One Free Sale.

What would you use a PackIt for? Do you think it'd be better than what you currently use? Leave a comment.

Holiday Giveaway From CrazyDog T-Shirts

2011-11-28T15:19:00.001-05:00

Just in time for the holidays, I have another giveaway from CrazyDog T-shirts. They have everything there... even the super-trendy Ugly Christmas Sweater tees. Yup, you heard it here first... these things are super-hot right now.

I'm sporting my new favorite tee from there - the Antartic outpost research station 31 t shirt. It's a movie t-shirt,... from The Thing. I've never seen the movie... I just wanted this shirt because it was so darn cute! I got it in a mens small - which is the perfect size. It's slim-fitting & stylish too! I love it! What do you think?

WIN IT

One winner will be chosen to receive a $15 gift card to www.crazydogtshirts.com. Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter. (The winner cannot have received a promotional item within the past 90 days, or own a review/giveaway blog of their own.)

I have a material connection because I received an item of nominal value that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content.

My Pixie Haircut... Now In Soft Black :)

2011-11-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

Well, as if chopping all of my hair into a little pixie haircut wasn't enough of a change... I also dyed it black. Well, soft black to be exact. My "natural" color just wasn't doing it for me with the new cut. I needed something bolder. So, it was a toss-up between red and black... and after some thought, I went with black, figuring that with such a short cut, black would grow out nicer. I used Garnier Nutrisse's 20 Soft Black (Black Tea), and am really happy with the results. The color came out pretty close to how the box said it would, which was great. I've washed it three times so far, and I'm still getting little bits of leftover color washing out, but I'm pretty sure that it's gonna stay pretty close to the color it is here. I do have light/medium toned skin, so I was risking looking a bit "goth" (lol - do they still call it that?) or washed-out and pale, but it turned out great! So, I've colored my hair brown, red /auburn, and black... the only shade left to try is blonde... but I'm not quite ready for that one yet!

Taking The "Christ" Out Of Christmas

2011-11-27T13:01:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year. And, as a few Facebook posts have already reminded me... it's easy to fall into the trap of the Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays debate. What's right? What's offensive?

False rumors about the White House not putting up Christmas Trees have begun. The rumor states that they will be called "Holiday Trees" - and a debate about taking the "Christ" out of Christmas ensues. Numerous Christians take personal insult when people choose the word "Holiday" over "Christmas". Somebody will complain about a the Walmart greeter wishing them a "Happy Holiday" instead of a "Merry Christmas". It goes on... and on... and on.

And, more often than not, these are the same people that often remind us to not forget the true meaning of Christmas... the birth of Jesus. While at first these two arguments seem to go hand in hand, in reality, they couldn't be more opposite. If the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus...

It doesn't matter what the White House calls their tree.
It doesn't matter if a store clerk wishes you a happy holiday.
It doesn't matter if stores stop selling Christmas trees.
It doesn't matter if nobody put up a Christmas light again.

All that matters is that you celebrate the holiday as the birth of Jesus. What other people say and do has no effect on your true beliefs. As a Christian, your beliefs have never existed because of Walmart ads, or what the White House does. A Christian complaining about anyone "Taking the Christ out of Christmas" is simply the highest insult to any believer. You believe with all of your heart and soul, and nothing as trivial as this can even put a dent in your beliefs.

Christ will never be taken out of Christmas. Period. Because every December 25, all over the world, I guarantee every seat in the church will be packed. Voices will be singing, and celebrating, and that can't be taken away.

"Every Who down in who-ville, the tall and the small, was singing! Without any presents at all! He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME! Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?" ~ Dr. Seuss, How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Skipping That Obligatory Thanksgiving Post...

2011-11-25T21:15:00.000-05:00

This year, I fully intended on skipping mention Thanksgiving. It's not because I'm not thankful... I'm thankful for so much. But, I knew my praises for all that I'm thankful would just get lost in the colossal clutter of all of the other Thanksgiving posts. So, I had made my decision not to write about it... and then life happened. Life gave me that beautiful, simple moment that made me realize just how truly lucky, blessed, and thankful I am. While holding Ariana & giving Phoenix his bath, a giggle-fest ensued that just begged to be filmed. Phoenix would splash, and Ariana would giggle. Sometimes the giggles would turn into snorts. And, this exchange went on for quite a while before I finally summoned the hubby to catch a few giggles on video. It is days like these that I absolutely live for. The beauty of life at it's best - that's what I'm thankful for.

How To Stop Following Blogs In Google Reader

2011-11-25T14:44:00.001-05:00

If you're like me, you follow a lot of blogs. A LOT. And, sometimes it gets to the point where it's just ridiculous. So, you go to manage your Google Reader subscription settings, but those darn blogs keep showing up. Again. And again. And again. So, how do you delete those darn blogs that keep showing up for good? I finally figured out how. Steps must be done in this order for it to work.

1. Log into a blog with Google Friend Connect.

2. Under your name, click "Options" and "Site Settings".

3. A box will pop up with a "Sites you've joined" tab. This is where Google Reader keeps pulling those returning sites from. You just need to stop following those sites here.

4, Once you've done that, log back into Google Reader and delete the blogs from there as well. To do that, just hit the arrow by "Subscriptions" and click "Manage Subscriptions".

5. Completely restart your computer. When you turn it on and log back into Google Reader, the blogs should be permanently removed from your Google Reader. That's it! I found this info extremely helpful, and I hope you will to!

Did it work for you? Leave a comment and let me know. Thanks!

Help Me Help You :)

2011-11-23T19:10:00.001-05:00

Here's the deal. I'm starting to monetize my blog... and in order to do so, I need demographic info from my lovey visitors. So, if you could please take a moment to fill out this completely anonymous survey - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BM9G9PK, I would be forever grateful! And... if there's anything I can do to return the favor, please leave a comment & let me know! This blog is nothing without my readers, so though I don't say it enough... thank you!

Taking The Pixie Haircut Plunge

2011-11-22T14:44:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've been enjoying every minute I can with Ariana. She smiles, and I smile back. Her coos, her giggles - they bring sunshine to every day. With her beautiful blue eyes and commanding smile, she exudes confidence like I've never before seen it a 4-month-old girl. She doesn't have much hair, but doesn't seem to care either. Whether she's in a cute flowered hat, adorable bow, or even accessory-free she's undeniably adorable. And... she's been rubbing off on me.

And, one day, as I sat in front of the mirror, blow-drying & straightening my hair for a quick trip out of the house, I suddenly realized... if Ariana doesn't need long hair to be pretty, then why do I? Getting ready in the morning can be quite taxing when you're caring for a toddler and a newborn at the same time. Phoenix wants to play... Ariana wants to eat... and every minute I'm spending in front of the mirror is... well... a waste of time. There is so much to do, most days, I'm lucky if I have time to even brush my hair. Now, don't get me wrong... there's nothing I love more than getting ready in the morning. But... when you're getting ready to a symphony of crying and whining, you just put that hairstyle on hold and take care of your children.

Yes, I get it... the moms who wear pajamas all day. The moms who wear no makeup and are lucky to squeeze in a shower before the day is over... I get it. Some days, it's just not worth the struggle.

So, what's a busy mother to do? I want to get ready in 5 minutes and still look cute. I want to have a cute haircut that styles itself.

And, the more I think, the more I realize...

Maybe I don't need to have long hair to be pretty. Maybe the length of my hair has nothing to do with how pretty I am. Perhaps beauty really does come from within. Ok, maybe a bit from the right lip gloss and eyeliner... but mostly from within. Either way, a short hairstyle would force my hidden confidence to shine through. There would be nothing to hide behind. With short hair, you'd get me. And... I'm ok with that.

So, I gave up my shoulder-length bob, and went for it. I went pixie short. If my daughter can be brave enough to rock a pixie... then I can too. :)

I'm still getting used to it. But, I think I'm starting to like it. If anything, I LOVE that I can get ready in a matter of minutes! It's super-easy to style, and looks much better than my quick ponytail I would normally have instead. And, it's just hair anyways. It'll always grow, so why not try something new & different now and then?

When's the last time you tried out a new hairstyle? Would you ever get a pixie haircut? Leave a comment.

I Only Love Cooking When I'm Confusing It With Baking

2011-11-21T21:03:00.000-05:00

Image source: https://www.sweetsallys.com

Every day really is a new adventure. Not because I go anywhere. I'm usually just lucky if I get out of my pajamas, and if I'm feeling extra-motivated, take the little ones to the library for some ~~pushing~~ ~~biting~~ play time.

Oh, but this isn't about pajamas. It's about me. Cooking. And apparently, not actually cooking.

*****

Me: I love cooking.

Ken: You're not cooking.

Me: Yes I am. I'm making chocolate chip cookies... from scratch!

Ken: That's not cooking, it's baking.

Me: Oh, it is?

Ken: Um, yeaaaah.

Me: So, when people talk about how much they like baking, they just mean they like making cookies and cakes and stuff?

Ken: Yup.

Me: So, baking is basically just making homemade junk food?

Ken: Yup.

Me: Oh. Then I LOVE baking!

*****

Do you like to bake? Leave a comment. :)

Win A $55 Gift Card To EdenFantasys {GIVEAWAY}

2011-11-19T14:22:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I've worked with EdenFantasys (♥ Happy Anniversary - Together 16 Years! ♥) and I am excited to have them back as an sponsor again. As a mom, I blog about life in general... but certainly not about what goes on between the sheets. Yikes... that would be incredibly awkward for everybody! I try to make sure everything on my site is family friendly.

Well, EdenFantasys recently expanded their catalog to include bath & body products, makeup, even club wear! And, I'm pretty sure you'll love the new stuff they've added as well. To celebrate, I've decided to host a BIG contest for one of my lucky readers to win a $55 gift certificate to EdenFantasys! All shipments arrive in a non-marked box, so nobody will know where you're shopping online. AND... the gift certificate can even be used toward shipping! How cool is that?!

I'm making it super-easy to enter. Just use the Rafflecopter entry for below. Good luck! :)

What would you think about regular contest to win gift certificates to EdenFantasys? Leave a comment.

THE FINE PRINT:
EdenFantasys, an online retailer of sex toys, provided me with a gift card in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Practical Life Skill: Vacuuming

2011-11-18T13:41:00.001-05:00

Lately, I've been trying to incorporate a few Montessori principles into everyday life with Phoenix. One of the latest practical life skills that we have been working on is vacuuming. It's a great way to teach him how to care for himself and his environment. And, while "play" vacuums are cute, they don't work, and that leads to a child becoming confused and frustrated. Children want to help in a real way, and learn the most when they are given the opportunity to use proper tools to get the job done.

Our son is still to small to use our regular vacuum, but I've found that the Bissell Perfect Sweep Turbo is ideal for him. It's small enough for him to maneuver with his own body, which helps to build his gross motor skills. Plus, it's something he can do completely on his own, which is great for helping him build independence and confidence.

So now, whether it's cereal, leaves, crafts, or anything else, Phoenix is able to vacuum up a mess. He's able to get out the Bissell Perfect Sweep Turbo, take it to the mess, turn it on with the push of a button, maneuver to clean up the mess, turn it off, and empty the dirt tray all by himself. In fact, he takes great pride in himself whenever he needs to clean up a mess. And, I take great pride in the fact that I'm teaching my child how to be independent.

Aside from teaching your children practical life skills, the Bissell Perfect Sweep Turbo is great for anyone to have around the house to quickly clean up a mess.

Here are a few of my favorite things about it:

Powerful, battery-powered sweeper brush with up to 60 minutes of cordless cleaning time
Easy-to-remove, top loading dirt container
Safe on carpet, rugs and hard floors
Perfect for in-between cleanings

It's great for cleaning up:

Food crumbs
Kitty litter tracks
Random debris
Pine needles
Play-Doh & Moon Dough messes

Do you have a cordless vacuum? What are your favorite things to clean up with it? Leave a comment.

THE FINE PRINT
Bissell provided me with a Bissell Perfect Sweep Turbo for the purpose of this review.

Baby-Wearing Bliss

2011-11-17T09:54:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things to do with Ariana is to simply have her close in a baby carrier. I can feel every breath she takes, the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest . It allows me to be close to her - to let her know that I am near. And, with a toddler, it gives me the freedom of movement so I can be there for him too.

I've tried numerous baby carriers. Some were too bulky, others were too awkward with their harnesses and pouches - they just never seemed natural to me. So, rather then spend a fortune finding the perfect carrier for me, I just made my own. It was a long piece of cloth wrapped a certain way to become a baby carrier. I wanted a baby sling that conformed to every curve of my body - I wanted it to feel like a second skin when I was wearing it. I had tried numerous other carriers, but I always just came back to my simple homemade wrap.

The Infantino Sync incorporates everything I love about a baby carrier. It's a wrap that keeps your baby snug & close and offers all the tried and true benefits of wrap style carrying. The unique lumbar belt simplifies usage while providing maximum back support. And with the one-size-fits-all design, you are free to customize the fit to your own body style.

4 Carrying Positions Grow with Baby:

1. Infant hug hold
2. Facing-in cozy time
3. Hip hugging
4. Backpack exploring

Features:

• Simplified design makes wrapping easier.

• Distributes weight evenly for maximum comfort.

• Adjustable lumbar belt provides ultimate back support.

• Light-weight stretch cotton panels holds shape and keeps you and baby cool.

• Clever knit straps provide additional support for baby.

• Designed for babies and toddlers.

• Machine washable.

• 8-36lbs/3.6-16.3kgs

Currently, Sync carriers are available at amazon.com.

Stay in the loop about the latest from Infantino:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/q3UNqI

YouTube: http://bit.ly/qqvLmC

Twitter: http://bit.ly/nmN3Ih

“I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.”

Climbing The Walls

2011-11-15T06:30:00.000-05:00

Phoenix attempting to climb up the wall in so he can get the clock. I think he needs to work on his technique a bit more! (Though I LOVE the sound he makes as he falls!)

All She Needs Is Love

2011-11-12T14:39:00.001-05:00

Today Grandma Brown & Cousin Ammanda came over to babysit Phoenix while Ken, Ariana and myself headed out to get some early Christmas shopping done. It was the first time I've spent time away from Phoenix in about 6 months... which may make me sound completely insane... but I'm not, I swear! I'm just still soaking up like as a stay-at-home mom. It took me working a full-time job and being a full-time mother for me to realize that one job meant the world to me, and the other job was just keeping me away from that world.

Sorry, back to the Christmas shopping story. First we headed to the local consignment store to pick up some clothes for the kids. I'm really trying to support local this season instead of just adding it to the Walton's family fortune, and shopping at consignment stores is my new favorite way to do this.

Next was Toys R Us, where I picked up a few classic toys. Nothing blinked or made sounds... they were just good ole toys that I'm hoping will challenge Phoenix to think in new ways. Yup, this means learning toys... but learning in a fun way! The way playing Candyland is fun. The way a magnifying glass is fun. The way Memory is fun... that's what I was going for. So, I followed my detailed list, picked out what I wanted that were at a good price, and headed out. I was happy with what we got for Phoenix, but as I pushed our cart to the car, I couldn't help but think about what we could get Ariana.

Toys? She has Phoenix's entire collection of baby toys.

Clothes? She has plenty of clothes from when her Cousin Alyssa was younger.

Should I buy her things she doesn't need, just for the sake of buying her things? It seems so silly, especially with a baby who will only be 6 months old.

If I could ask her what she wants more than anything else in the world, what would she say? What can I give her that will help her become all that she can be?

I can only think of one thing. And, if I could wrap it up, I would. I would find the prettiest bow, and tie it around the box. I would place it underneath the Christmas tree, and the whole box would just glow. And, though it wouldn't cost me a penny, I'm certain that it would be the best gift she will ever receive, because I know my baby, and I know what she needs.

~ Thank you for your comments! ~

Creative Fun With Play-Doh

2011-11-11T23:33:00.000-05:00

Inspired by a few Montessori learning websites I've been visiting lately, I've decided to make Phoenix's time at home a bit more educational. Think about it - as a baby, almost all of his toys were educational, but now that he's a toddler, hardly any of them are. While at first he seems to be perfectly content with playing with his cars & trains all day, I don't think he's being challenged at home the way he wants to be. I'm hoping these fun learning lessons will be something he will really enjoy as well as something he can benefit and grow from.

I gave Phoenix bucket with blue Play-Doh, an Ernie toy, an plastic octagon toy & a plastic circle toy. The first thing he wanted to do was get a rolling pin, so after we got that, he was ready to go!

Immediately, his imagination started running wild. He was crafting, dinosaurs, sea dragons, and all sorts of clever creatures.

And when he asked me to make him a cup & something to pour for drinks, I gladly obliged.

Next thin I knew, we were in full-on tea part mode... complete with tea/pop/milk and waffles/pancakes.

It was a great time, and we both had a blast! I'm looking forward to having Play-Doh time together as one of our regular activities :)

What was your favorite activity to do with your kids when they were toddlers? Leave a comment.

Fun At The LEGO KidsFest

2011-11-06T21:21:00.000-05:00

This weekend, our LEGO-loving family went to the LEGO KidsFest at the IX Center in Cleveland. We all had a great time... there was really something there for every age group. :)

Phoenix was fascinated by the LEGO-lady, who was just his size!

He's obsessed with the mailman, so when he saw the letter on this LEGO-lady's shirt, it just completely won him over!

And, when he found out that he could spin her head around?! Well, it just didn't get any better than that!

Except or when he was standing in front of a Lightning McQueen LEGO sculpture!
Phoenix was beyond thrilled!

Soon, Phoenix insisted on having his picture taken in front of every sculpture there...
and there were A LOT!

He couldn't keep his hands off of the cool castle... and who could blame him?

There were also a bunch of Monochrome Build tables...
where everyone was free to build whatever they wanted to.

But, they were a bit out of his age range... so we headed over to the area just for him....

The DUPLO Zone!

We were all entranced by the LEGO-scapes & DUPLO-scapes like this one that were scattered throughout KidsFest.

Aah, and, yes my beautiful Ariana was there too!

Ken has loved Legos since he was a child, so it is really amazing to see him passing this down to his own child.

Phoenix's expression says it all in this photo!

Do you share any hobbies with your own children? We'd love to hear about it! Leave a comment.

DISCLOSURE

I received a complimentary admittance to the LEGO KidsFest to facilitate this review.

Laundry Detergent Experiment On Cloth Diapers

2011-11-03T22:24:00.000-04:00

Since I've started using cloth diapers about 6 months ago, I've been using Ultra Tide Powder. I was lazy, and attempting to be frugal. Yes, perhaps it was a poor attempt to be frugal, but when my math said that using Tide would only cost $0.15 per load, as opposed to the $0.20 per load of the highly recommended "frugal" Country Save, I was sold. Online, you'll find good and bad about Tide, but I was willing to give it a try. It seemed to work well at first, but gradually, my diapers were holding less and less liquid... and I started to think that perhaps the detergent was the problem.

In my search for a new detergent to use, I stumbled across Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent. It was re-assuring to see that Tropical Traditions claims it is safe for cloth diapers. But, just to be sure, I emailed the ingredients to a popular cloth detergent rating website to get their opinion. I was thrilled when they confirmed that its three ingredients: soda ash, sodium percarbonate, mild surfactants are safe for cloth diapers! Yup, just three ingredients. It doesn't get any more pure than that!

So, I decided to strip my diapers - which is basically running them through hot laundry cycles without any detergent until they don't make any bubbles in the water. After running them through about 7 cycles, they were stripped. First, cleaned a load with more Tide... it took 4 washes on the hot cycle to strip the detergent buildup from just one wash with Tide. The next time they needed to be washed, I used 2 scoops (4 oz) of Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent for my medium-sized load of diapers. This time, they didn't need any extra cycles to remove any detergent buildup - the water was completely clean the second cycle.

I was seriously impressed. There was only one more thing to test... the absorbency. Night time is the best way for me to check this. Previously, Ariana had always soaked through her diapers at night. But, after stripping the diapers & washing them in Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent... her diaper didn't soak through at night!!!

I'm now sold on Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent. Our diapers come out clean, with no detergent buildup, and absorbing more than they ever have before! If you're into cloth diapers... or even if you just like stink-free, super-absorbent towels... I highly recommend it. Remember, strip the old detergent off first, and then wash with Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent.

Try It
See for yourself how amazing this stuff really is! You can order a 5 lb container of Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent HERE for the special sale price of $16.99 ~~retail price of $30.00~~. In addition, first-time purchase will also receive a FREE gift, the book "Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours!" This book is packed with testimonies and solid research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how people can incorporate coconut into their diet.

Win It
One winner will receive a 5 lb container of Household Traditions Laundry Detergent. Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

You Are What You Tweet

2011-11-01T20:36:00.000-04:00

I'm an odd Twitter user... I'll go from checking my account 10 times a day to not logging in for weeks. Right now, it's been a few days... but this little info graphic has me charged up and ready to log in again :) You can get your own infographic at http://visual.ly/twitter - and feel free to link to it in the comments below :)

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:39:00.002-04:00

There's something about having kids of your own that really lets you see things through the eyes of a child again. Today, the magic of Halloween was in full effect.

Hope you had a Happy Halloween as well!

Making The Most Of Our Small Space

2011-10-30T13:57:00.000-04:00

Our Small Home
I live in a small house by American standards. Yup, 1,092 square feet. It was fine when it was just the hubby and I. We made adjustments when Phoenix was born, and now we continue to make adjustments with Ariana. We had entertained the idea of the two kids sharing a room, so we could still keep our computer room... but that didn't last long. We soon realized that it would be good for Phoenix & Ariana to each have their own room... and another stage of living with less had begun.

It's no small task to clean everything out of a computer room to convert it to a bedroom. Oh, and not just one, but two computers. I soon realized that we could put one computer desk in our bedroom, and I would just get a laptop, so I wouldn't need to have a computer desk anymore. So, we're in the process of converting the computer room into a bedroom for Ariana. Part of it looks good, but there is still plenty of work that needs to be done.

Wardrobe Downsizing
I like the idea that everything should have a place. So, to make room for some of my stuff that was in the computer room, I'll need to get rid of other stuff. And, right now, one of the easiest things for me to get rid of is clothes. Yup, clothes. Instead of having a closet packed full of clothes I hardly ever wear... I'm doing some major downsizing. Anything that I love and wear on a regular basis stays. The rest is being donated to Goodwill. If you've ever been pregnant, you've likely survived around 6 months on just a few articles of clothing anyways... and, it really wasn't that big of a deal. You just wore what fit. Well, keep that same mindset. Wear what fits. Wear what makes you feel beautiful. Get rid of the rest. It really is as simple as that.

The Gift Of Giving
I used to hate getting rid of things. But now, I actually love it! Will I be happy with just one white tank-top instead of eight? Of course. Seven tank-tops for Goodwill. Do I really need to keep those hand-me-downs from what's-her-name that I never wear? Nope. Five shirts for Goodwill. Those pants that I spent a small fortune on that make me feel frumpy whenever I wear them... what about those? Directly to the Goodwill pile. Oh, and there are those sweaters that shrunk a bit too much when I put them in the drier? Three sweaters to Goodwill. Aah. And, with each piece that goes into the Goodwill pile, I feel a sense of calm. A sense of release.

Less Is More
I still have a long way to go, but I'm making progress. And, now, when I peek into my closet, I'm greeted by my favorite clothes that I wear on a regular basis. And, even after downsizing considerably, I still have plenty of clothes to wear! It's amazing once you organize your closet - you can really see how many clothes you really have. I had no clue I owned so many t-shirts. And, jeans... I thought I only had 2 pairs, but I was able to find 5 pairs! That's more than enough... especially since I almost always wear my favorite pair wherever I go anyways!

My newly-simplified closet. :)
To be fair... I do have a few shelves to the left that I have my work pants, gym pants, and sweatshirts on.

Quality Not Quantity
In addition to getting rid of things I don't love, my new downsizing goal is to really place emphasis on quality... not quantity. For many things, one is enough... especially when the quality of that one is amazing. I'm getting rid of all my ratty old purses, and just keeping really nice one that I won in a contest a while back. There will never be an instance where I'd choose to carry a ratty, frayed purse when I already have a stunning leather one.

I also currently have two black turtlenecks, which both need to be thrown out & replaced with a nicer one. The one I always wear keeps on getting holes around the neck area, and the other one is just an unflattering cut on me. They were both purchased for around $12 each... but now I know better. Sometimes you need to spend a bit more to get better quality clothes, that will in turn last you longer.

Decluttering & minimizing always seems to be a never-ending process, but it's one that that I really enjoy. :)

I'll leave you with a little story I posed before, but it really gets at the heart of this whole idea.

Releasing the Cows - Told by Master Thich Nhat Hanh

One day the Buddha was sitting in the wood with thirty or forty monks. They had an excellent lunch and they were enjoying the company of each other. There was a farmer passing by and the farmer was very unhappy. He asked the Buddha and the monks whether they had seen his cows passing by. The Buddha said they had not seen any cows passing by.

The farmer said, "Monks, I'm so unhappy. I have twelve cows and I don't know why they all ran away. I have also a few acres of a sesame seed plantation and the insects have eaten up everything. I suffer so much I think I am going to kill myself.

The Buddha said, "My friend, we have not seen any cows passing by here. You might like to look for them in the other direction."

So the farmer thanked him and ran away, and the Buddha turned to his monks and said, "My dear friends, you are the happiest people in the world. You don't have any cows to lose. If you have too many cows to take care of, you will be very busy.

"That is why, in order to be happy, you have to learn the art of cow releasing (laughter). You release the cows one by one. In the beginning you thought that those cows were essential to your happiness, and you tried to get more and more cows. But now you realize that cows are not really conditions for your happiness; they constitute an obstacle for your happiness. That is why you are determined to release your cows."

What about you? Do you enjoy decluttering? What do you think about releasing a few of your own cows? What's more important for you when it comes to clothes... quantity or quality? Leave a comment.

This post was inspired by http://www.theproject333.com/ & http://www.bemorewithless.com. There are a lot of great articles and inspiration at those sites, and I highly recommend them to anyone interested in simplifying their life.

Another Giveaway From CrazyDog T-Shirts :)

2011-10-26T19:42:00.000-04:00

Sporting the Mens Small

Here's the deal - ever since my first purchase from CrazyDog t-shirts, I have been a huge fan. They really do have something for everybody. A fan of The Office? Check out their Schrute Farms Beets shirt like I'm sporting... just one of the many funny t-shirts they have. Sure, most people probably won't get it... but every once in a while, somebody will see your shirt, and gave you a head nod or something, and that's what makes wearing an obscure shirt worth it!

Oh, but this post isn't about me... it's about you. And, there's nothing I enjoy more than giving back to my loyal readers... so I'm excited to be hosting another giveaway for a $15 gift card to www.crazydogtshirts.com.

TRY IT
Through October, use code TRICK for $5 off any costume order, OR TREAT for 10% off any costume order at CrazyDog T-Shirts

WIN IT

Be sure to check out all of their t shirts - they have a variety of Funny T Shirts for everyone!

I have a material connection because I received a review copy (book, CD, software, etc.), or an item of nominal value that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content.

My Baby Ariana - Four Months Old

2011-10-25T23:11:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe Ariana is already 4 months old! Oh, Ariana. It's hard to believe there was a time when I referred to you as "Baby Girl" or "Phoenix's Baby Sister". You're getting to be so much more than that as each day passes by.

Four months ago, I was debating if Ariana was the right name for you... and how it should be pronounced. For a short time, I called you air-ee-AH-nuh, but that just didn't seem right. So, I changed the way I pronounced it to, ar-ee-AH-nuh. It fit you perfectly, and that's how it's been ever since.

Every day is a new adventure for you. Today, you started blowing bubbles with your mouth. It's amazing to watch you discover new things in your life.

And, there is no body on earth you adore more than your big brother Phoenix. Watching you to interact is just magical. Just a glance from your big brother, and you can't stop smiling.

Those baby blue eyes just melt my heart!

Ariana.

In Greek it means holy one.

In Welsh it means silver.

But to me, Ariana simply means love.

Make Your Years Count

2011-10-22T06:43:00.000-04:00

Today, I was greeted by the usual barrage of birthday emails. As I sat there clicking delete, one caught my eye... and my heart.

It really says a lot about how I feel about life. And, it continued on...

"What matters most in life is often viewed as perephial to the things that we usually focus on. Passion takes a backseat to production, wellness to working, and balance to busyness. The old adage that "life is not a dress rehersal" is so true, and yet we act to the contrary by putting off what is truly important or indulging in things that are not. Today, stop focusing on your age and start thinkng about your lif at this exact moment. How can you make it better? During the next year, reshuffle your priorities. Spend more time with family and friends. Take care of your body and health by eating well and exercising regularly, and offer to help others in need. Discover what matters most to you, and make your daily life into a true reflection of those ideas, beliefs, and attitudes." - SparkPeople

I've made a lot of big decisions this past year. For the first time in a long time, I have made some major progress in focusing on what truly matters to me. Most importantly, I decided to have another child, and to leave my job so I could pursue my vocation as a stay-at-home-mom. I've come a long way this year, and I am look forward to another year of following my heart.

What life-changing decisions have you made this past year? Leave a comment.

That Rare Musical Jem

2011-10-20T13:59:00.001-04:00

Ever since we've started watching less tv in our house (Finding Time For It All), we have been spending a lot more quality time together. Instead of zoning out in front of the tv, we're doing things together. We're playing with toys, working on practical life skills, finger painting, singing, and dancing... and it feels great!

We've found that a good cd has been a great way to help the house really feel alive. And, well, let's be honest, if it's a cd that mama doesn't like, I'm not gonna be hitting the play button. I've heard my fair share of completely awful children's cds in my search to build our music library. Ugh! I never knew there were so many annoying childrens cds out there! I guess I'm always on a search for that rare musical jem.

A new one I recently came across is Groove Kid Nation's "Music In Motion.". It's great collection of kids songs that I can't help but move around to! As soon as it starts playing the room just comes alive - the right music just makes everything more fun. Whether we're playing with cars, pouring beans, or doing crafts, it what we're jammin' to. And, yes, while it's made for kids in mind, it's so good that you'll find yourself loving it too :)

What's your favorite cd to listen to with your kids? Leave a comment. :)

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.

The Everyday Beauty of Our Lives

2011-10-16T10:58:00.000-04:00

There was nothing really special about today. It was rainy with a slight chill in the air - a perfect autumn day. So, I decided to take Phoenix & Ariana outside with a stroller, umbrella, and camera in tow.

And, with that camera and my children in tow, I was able to capture the everyday beauty of our lives. So, in a way, everything was special about today. :)

LEGO KidsFest In Cleveland {GIVEAWAY}

2011-10-12T20:17:00.000-04:00

To say that my husband is a fan of LEGO is a bit of an understatement. Obsessed is a bit more like it. And, like any good daddy, he's passing down his Lego obsession to our son. And, lately, the hubby has been talking about the LEGO KidsFest that is coming to the Cleveland IX Center. We'd never been to anything like this, but after browsing the site, I'm sure it's something that our whole family would really enjoy!

The LEGO® KidsFest national tour stops at Cleveland’s I-X Center November 4 – 6, 2011, bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in this three acre activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.

Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find:

LEGO Model Gallery: 40 life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks
LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play
Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
Mystery Mural: build a piece of a giant mural to help reveal the image
Race Ramps: build your own custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family
LEGO Games Arena: roll the dice to play LEGO board games
Construction Zones: creative free build, play and display areas
LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building
LEGO Retail and KidsFest Marketplace: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity
Brickscapes: fantastic displays that combine lots of LEGO and DUPLO sets
LEGO Universe: become a custom LEGO Minifigure in this multiplayer online game
And much more, covering over 150,000 square feet of space

“Any family who likes to be inspired, get hands-on and have fun together won’t want to miss LEGO KidsFest,” said Vince Rubino, LEGO events manager. It's a great way for parents and kids to share a day together and really engage their creativity.

Based on sell-out attendance in previous markets, advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Five sessions – all identical – are available for the November 4 – 6 tour stop. LEGO KidsFest tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for children and can be purchased online at www.LEGOKidsFest.com. You can also enter to win 2 tickets to the Sunday, November 6th session from 3-7:30pm by entering below. Good luck! :)

THE FINE PRINT:

LEGO has given me tickets to the show to facilitate this review & giveaway.

How to Negotiate Lower Medical Bills

2011-10-11T05:56:00.000-04:00

Having a baby at the hospital is not cheap. Ok, nothing at the hospital is cheap. So, when medical bills started rolling in from Ariana's birth, I did what everybody does... I complained.

I was charged $500 for 1 day in the nursery. And, since I kept Ariana in my room, I called the hospital to question the charge. Apparently $500 is the going rate for the plastic tupperware-container-on-wheels we kept her in when she wasn't being held. Yeah, seriously. It's beyond frustrating when you get a hospital bill and look at the outrageous costs for everything. And, it's yet another reason why I'm totally going the home-birth route next time. Not that I'm planning on baby #3... but you never know.

So anyways, I did what anybody would do in my situation... I complained. And, as usual, my mom one of the people I complained to. I wasn't looking for a magical way to lower my medical bills... but that's exactly what I got! My mom suggested calling up the number on the bill and asking them if they could lower my charges. Seriously... it can't be that easy. But, I figured that it was worth a try.

I called up the number on the bill, and asked that magical question, "Is there any way you could lower my bill?" And... they did! I couldn't believe it! I was able to get anywhere from 10%-20% discount off of a handful of hospital bills just for asking! They both did ask me to pay the balance right then, which was fine. I gladly gave them my credit card info right then and there!

Have you ever tried to get your hospital bills lowered? Did it work? Leave a comment.

The WAT-AAH! Challenge

2011-10-08T22:37:00.000-04:00

Kids always want what looks cool and fun. So, is awesome packaging all it takes to get your kids to drink water? Today, we took the WAT-AAH! Challenge to find out. WAT-AAH! is one of those simple, yet brilliant ideas that you wish you had thought of - a line of functional water for kids free of sugar, calories or coloring, tasting like pure, clean, unadulterated water. Since its inception in 2008, WAT-AAH!'s mission is to reverse kids' dependency on sodas and sugary drinks and to make water their #1 choice for hydration. It is currently available in over 5,000 stores and schools nationwide.

I set the stage - two bottles of WAT-AAH! water right next to a can of Cherry Pepsi (which Phoenix loves), and his milk. We hardly ever give Phoenix the chance to drink pop... so I was interested to see what he would pick.

Which one did he choose? Watch the video below. :)

It was cute to see Phoenix grab a WAT-AAH! for himself and one for his dad. We've been really working on sharing lately, so Phoenix has been working on sharing food he really likes with us. So, without a doubt, the WAT-AAH! gets a thumbs up from our family!

For more info, visit http://drinkwataah.com/
You can also follow WAT-AAH on Facebook and on Twitter.

Did you have a hard time getting your kids to drink water or milk as opposed to sugary pop & fruit juices? Leave a comment.

I have a material connection because I received a review copy (book, CD, software, etc.), or an item of nominal value that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content.

Time to Vote For My Favorite Fridge Flair!

2011-10-08T04:02:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of T.G.I. FRiDAY'S for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Well, it's time to vote for my fridge in the Fun Freezer contest! OK, I'm not entirely 100% sure that out of over 100 entries that my creative jem is in the top 10... but... let's just say I have a good suspicion that it will be ;) Just click here - Fun Freezer contest - to vote!

Ok, you did it? Excellent - thanks! Now... let's get down to business... the business of quick meals! Ken and I are both HUGE fans of T.G.I. Friday's! But, having two little ones can make dinners out a bit of a challenge. Luckily for us, Friday's has came up with the perfect solution with their T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One”. The hubby has already tried their Sesame Orange Chicken, and loves it! Seriously... what's not to love?!

Sesame breaded white meat chicken, sugar snap peas, red peppers, carrots, broccoli, and white rice tossed in a sweet orange sauce... it's pure ecstasy. So, if you love eating out, but don't have the time to head over to Fridays, I highly suggest picking up a few of these in the freezer aisle of your grocery store... but only after you vote for my fridge in the Fun Freezer contest ;)

You Win Some, You Lose Some... And I'm Planning On Winning this One! :)

2011-10-07T20:55:00.000-04:00

So... that voting contest I entered Ariana in the other day? She's in 228th place. First prize gets $250... everyone else gets zip. Zilch. Nada.. So, I'm accepting the fact that I'm not gonna win, and I'm fine with that. But, when a door closes, a window opens. And, in this case, it's a much bigger window anyways!

That Friday's Fridge Flair contest I posted about not too long ago? The one that I entered this little guy in? Well, it got picked to be in the Top Ten! So... based on votes & scores from the judges, I have the chance to win one of these:

GRAND PRIZE (2 Winners) An $800 Gift Card which may be used for the purchase of a 42" HDTV with Sony Surround sound system and VIP Coupons for a Year's worth of Entrees for One (365 coupons). Retail Value = $2,300

FIRST PRIZE (3 Winners) A $300 Gift Card and VIP Coupons for a freezer load of Snacks (25 coupons). Retail Value = $450

SECOND PRIZE (5 Winners) A $100 Gift Card and VIP Coupons for a freezer load of T.G.I. Entrees for Two (15 coupons). Retail Value = $250

So... there are 10 people in the contest, and 10 winners... I like those odds! And, votes play a big role in who wins the big prize... so please vote here - https://apps.facebook.com/fridayfunfreezer/?contentID=4bb19373-2a91-4670-8544-6bad18ee9726 - to help me win the big prize! Vote every day - the contest ends on October 20, and I can think of no better birthday present than to win the grand prize!

As a special thank you, I've added in 3 daily bonus entries for those that vote for my $15 Gift Card to www.crazydogtshirts.com Contest & Household Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent Contest.

Thanks for your support!

Apple Picking In Autumn

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

The other day, our family spent the morning at Miller's Apple Hill. Nothing makes you appreciate the crisp autumn weather more than going on a fun family apple-picking outing. And, even though this was the first time we had been there, we really had a great time, and I'm looking forward to going apple picking there every autumn.

Phoenix waiting for the hay ride into the apple orchard

Finding a good one!

Checking the ground for good apples

Mommy helping Phoenix take a bite of an apple with Ariana's in the baby carrier

Dad & Phoenix standing by the biggest pumpkin they have ever seen!

Our family tree... well, they guy half of it!

Phoenix playing in some tires.

Taking a bite into apple #3 on the way home! He LOVED the apples!

He's always happy... but this day, he was just on cloud nine!

Does your family have any fall traditions? Leave a comment.

Vote for Ariana... Pretty Please? With Sugar On Top? ;)

2011-10-03T22:15:00.001-04:00

I hardly ever enter voting contests... but when I saw that American Baby magazine was having a cover contest, I just had to enter Ariana! And, as luck would have it, she has been picked to be this week's Reader's Choice finalist! So, if you could vote for her here, I would be forever grateful! You can vote daily now through October 9 - and, as a special thank you, I've added in daily bonus entries for those that vote for my $15 Gift Card to www.crazydogtshirts.com Contest & Household Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent Contest.

Thanks!

Household Traditions: Powdered Dish Detergent {REVIEW & GIVEAWAY}

2011-10-03T16:38:00.000-04:00

Perhaps it's the new mom in me talking, but I really have started to have a whole new obsession with non-toxic cleaning products. Sound crazy? Well, it shouldn't! I mean, really, who would want to be cleaning their house with TOXIC chemicals?

"Hey hubby, I'm just going to be spraying some poison around the house today, you might want to take the kids and stay out of here for a while..."

Yeah, using poison to keep things clean... doesn't make much sense, does it? I didn't think to either. So, in an attempt to not poison my family, I've started using the nontoxic household cleaners from Household Traditions. The latest item I've tried is their Powdered Dish Detergent With Enzymes - an ultra concentrated detergent that is free of chlorine, phosphates, fillers, and fragrances. And, since it does not contain chlorine, you won't get that chlorine smell in your kitchen like other products might leave behind.

Household Traditions Powdered Dishwasher Detergent is non-toxic and environmentally safe with no harmful by-products upon decomposition. It rinses away completely leaving no residue on your dishes so you get a clean, safe sparkle. In fact, it is guaranteed to work as well as the leading commercial products and it is economical to use.

Try It
See for yourself how amazing this stuff really is! You can order a 5 lb container of Household Traditions Powdered Dishwasher Detergent With Enzymes HERE for the special sale price of $16.99 ~~retail price of $30.00~~. In addition, first-time purchase will also receive a FREE gift, the book "Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours!" This book is packed with testimonies and solid research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how people can incorporate coconut into their diet.

Win It
One winner will receive a 5 lb container of Household Traditions Powdered Dishwasher Detergent With Enzymes. Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Finding The Perfect Tee: CrazyDog T-Shirts {REVIEW & GIVEAWAY}

2011-10-02T23:29:00.000-04:00

CONGRTS TO THE WINNER - CHRISSY R

There's nothing better than finding the perfect t-shirt. For me, it's cute, soft, long, and, of course, slimming. I recently realized that most of my t-shirts in my wardrobe were far from perfect, and am currently in the process of donating ALL of the ones I don't love to charity. But, that left me with 2 t-shirts... and even a simple girl like me needs more than that. So, I made a beeline to CrazyDog T-Shirts. It was where I picked up a Saved By The Bell Tee I simply adore a few months back. I was hoping they would have more great stuff in store for me, and they did!

After searching through their site, I settled on the Womens Overlook Hotel Tee from the Movie T Shirts category. And, nope, I didn't know it was from The Shining. I never saw the movie... I just loved the tee :)

TRY IT

Use code TRICK for $5 off any costume order, OR
TREAT for 10% off any costume order at CrazyDog T-Shirts

WIN IT

Be sure to check out all of their t shirts - they have a variety of Funny T Shirts for everyone!

I have a material connection because I received a review copy (book, CD, software, etc.), or an item of nominal value that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content.

Finding Time For It All

2011-09-29T21:14:00.000-04:00

Being a mom keeps me busy. Breastfeeding Ariana keeps me busy. Being a cloth diaper user keeps me busy. Facebook keeps me busy. Reading other blogs keeps me busy. And yet, this doesn't even seem to scratch the surface of what keeps me busy each day. And, lately, I've been having a hard time prioritizing all of these things that keep me busy. I tend to get overwhelmed at times trying to balance it all. So, here's my official plan on how I plan on how I'm going to devote more of my time to the busy things that I truly love... and less time on things that just keep me... well... just busy.

Only update Facebook when I have something important to say... not just because I feel I'm supposed to update it daily. I'll focus on quality updates, rather than quantity... updates that I want all of my Facebook friends to see... not just my "Close Friends"
Update my blog roughly every three days. I want to focus on quality rather than quality... and while I'll still do the occasional sponsored post & review, I'm hoping to make sure they're not so much for random things... but things I feel my family & my audience can benefit from. I'd much rather read a blog that has one post a week that is a really good post as opposed to reading a blog with a bunch of okay posts every day, and I'm going to assume my readers feel the same way.
Stop caring about my ratings... blog followers, Google Friend Connect friends, Klout, Technorati Ratings, Facebook Fans, Monthly pageviews... they're all a fun way to gauge your success as a blogger, but in all reality, then just don't matter. I should judge the success of my blog by how proud I am of it... and that's all.
Spend more time teaching Phoenix & helping him grow. With a newborn, it has been a little rough attending to Phoenix as much as I should, and the television has certainly been a great help... but enough is enough. While I'm not going to be completely television free, but I will no longer lean on it as a crutch to keep him occupied. So far, it's only on if he asks to watch something... which, luckily, has been only a few times a day. I'm actually in the process of learning about Montessori education & homeschooling, which also emphasizes a television-free environment. I don't intend to home school my children, but I feel that as a parent, it's my job to teach my child - and hopefully Montessori-style learning will be a great way to achieve that.

Do you ever get overwhelmed with everything you need to do? How do you find balance in your life? Leave a comment.

How To Use Dry Shampoo

2011-09-29T19:00:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TRESemmé. All opinions are 100% mine.

Lately, I've been obsessed with dry shampoo. Dry shampoos are basically a spray you use to help your hair absorb oil & keep it smelling nice and fresh. If you haven't tried them yet, you should! Your hair will style much easier when it's "dirty". Plus, it will also stay healthier, because you won't be blow-drying it and flat-ironing it every day. And, the time it will save you getting ready in the morning makes this one of my Top Hair Products for School. They're also a life-saver if you like to keep your colored locks looking fresh. Traditional shampoo can dull your color - so the less you use regular shampoo, the longer your color stays fresh.

To get the most out of your dry shampoo, follow these simple tips:

Do shake vigorously before use and in between spray bursts for best results.
Do lift sections of dry hair and spray lightly at roots
Do spray in short bursts, holding 8-12 inches from head
Don’t spray it like hair spray (all over and continuously)
Do leave in for 1-2 minutes.
Do use fingertips or a brush to distribute product evenly
If clogging occurs, remove nozzle and rinse the nozzle under warm water, then reattach.

TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo is a complete line of dry shampoos that revive your style’s look and feel on days you skip a shampoo. Uniquely formulated to absorb excess oil and remove odor, the full line of dry shampoos rejuvenates hair without a drop of water. With a renewing burst of citrus extracts infused into every product, it leaves hair with a clean, fresh scent.

The full line includes:

Strengthening Dry Shampoo: The formula, with B12 vitamins and keratin, helps strengthen hair and leaves it full of healthy body.
Volumizing Dry Shampoo: The formula, with mineral clay and citrus, removes oil while injecting hair with salon-gorgeous volume.
Smoothing Dry Shampoo: The formula, with Vitamin H & Silk Proteins, refreshes your straight style by removing excess oil, impurities and odor to ensure your smooth look lasts.
Moisturizing Waterless Foam Shampoo: The formula, with Witch Hazel, Citrus, and Aloe Vera, refreshes your hair by removing excess oil, impurities and odor while moisturizing hair.

YouTube Celebrity Elle Fowler has teamed up with TRESemmé and created a tutorial to teach people how to use TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo properly. Check it out below!

Have you tried dry shampoo yet? What do you think? Leave a comment.

Betty Crocker® Molasses Cookies Mix Prize Pack {Winner}

2011-09-28T13:08:00.000-04:00

Congrats to April Y. - the winner of the Betty Crocker® Molasses Cookies Mix Prize Pack! She won with her entry because she follows @BettyCrocker on Twitter. Check your email for details on how to claim your prize. :)

The Past 0-3 Months

2011-09-26T14:30:00.003-04:00

The other day, I was doing laundry as normal... with one exception. All of those 0-3 month clothes I have been dressing Ariana in got set to the side. My little girl is right on schedule, as she turns three months old today, her 0-3 month clothes are no longer fitting. And, as I set the clothes to the side, I couldn't help but wonder... will I ever dress a baby in them again? I'll be honest, some days I want to have more children, but on other days I am simply impressed that I manage to get through the day with two, I couldn't imagine having any more. Seriously, those mothers of more than two children deserve some sort of an award! But, enough of wondering what the future may bring... I'm more than happy living in the present. So, as Ariana turns three months old, I'm not going to miss her being a tad bit younger... I'm going to continue to love every minute as I watch her grow. :)

I made this hair bow for Ariana the day before we had her professional pictures done.

Those eyes... mommy's color & daddy's shape... the perfect mix of the both of us.

They laugh together quite often... Phoenix really knows how to make Ariana smile.

I love how Ariana's looking right at the camera for this one.

Playing & laughing a bit more.

If they have this much fun together already, I can't wait to see how they'll be in a few more months!

When I found out that I was having a girl... part of me didn't think it would be possible for her to be as cute as Phoenix... I was wrong... they're both absolutely adorable!

Oh, those baby blue eyes!

I'm just in love with every precious inch of her!

And, yes, maybe it's the mom in me talking, but I really do think she's the cutest little girl ever!

Mini Extreme Couponing

2011-09-23T14:35:00.001-04:00

My couponing score this week... just $7.66!

Well, even with a broken printer, I was still able to score some pretty good deals at Giant Eagle this week!

Here's what I snagged up:

Campbells Select Harvest Soups - $0.65 each (I bought 2 for $1.30)
On Sale for $1.25 each (minus $0.60 coupon doubled to $1.20)
Giant Eagle Diet Root Beer - $0.99 - regular price
Febreeze Air Effects - $0.50
On sale for $2.50 (minus a $1.00 coupon)
Febreeze Set & Refresh - $0.50
On sale for $2.50 (minus a $1.00 coupon)
Veggie Patch Hotdogs - $1.50
On sale for $3.50 (minus a $2.00 coupon)
Morningstar Farms Veggie Burgers - $2.50
On sale for $4.00 (minus a $0.75 coupon doubled to $1.50)
TGI Fridays Frozen Entree - FREE
Free coupon

Total Retail Value = $25.09

My Cost = $7.66

That's 70% savings!

I LOVE saving money, and as I have absolutely zero interest in buying new clothes lately... being able to save on groceries is a fun little hobby that certainly fills that need to get a good deal. :)

Do you use coupons & shop sales, or do you just buy whatever you need? Leave a comment.

Tropical Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner {WINNER!}

2011-09-21T09:31:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Jessica G. - the winner of the Tropical Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner! She won with her entry because she receives blog updates via email. Check your email for details on how to claim your prize. :)

Fridge Flair!

2011-09-20T18:01:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of T.G.I. FRiDAY'S. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have a confession. My family has been eating out quite a bit lately. Okay, "quite a bit" is an understatement. We've been eating out constantly for the past 2 months or so. and, while it's fun to go out... it's starting to take quite a toll on our wallet. The other day the hubby pinpointed why. Everything we have at home is boring. My heart sunk, but I knew he was right. I'd love to come up with fun creative meals. But, with a newborn and a toddler... most days, I'm lucky to get anything on the table. So, what's a mom to do?

Well, luckily, the new line of T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One” solves frozen food boredom with nine new entrées inspired by the bold and fun flavors of the famed T.G.I. FRiDAY’S restaurants. From Sizzling Steak Fajitas to Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo, the new varieties infuse a fresh new flavor and shake things up in the frozen food category. I'm pretty sure noting would make my husband happier than coming home to some Sesame Orange Chicken! Oh, and let's be honest... nothing would make me happier than having it ready in just 6 minutes!

T.G.I. FRiDAY'S wants you to make your own freezers at home a bit more fun by decorating them with their own unique flair and uploading a picture to the Fun Freezer contest on Facebook for a chance to win cool prizes, including a home theater makeover.

Check out my fridge flair below for inspiration :)

Ariana - 8 Weeks Old :)

2011-09-19T22:20:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, I'll write a blog post and instead of publishing it right away, save it for later. And, sometimes I forget they're there, and publish them much later than I had intended. This is one of those posts...

Eight weeks isn't a very long time... but for Ariana, it's a lifetime. Every giggle, smile, tear, and cry for her has happened in the past 8 weeks. I can't wait to see what the next 8 weeks bring! I love you more than you'll ever know Ariana! :)

Internet-Free Friday

2011-09-16T20:16:00.002-04:00

Enjoying an evening stroll with Ariana

Motivated by a post by one of my favorite bloggers, I decided to leave my computer off for the entire day last Friday. It was a tad bit rough, but it felt great... absolutely amazing. I felt like I was more in tune with life. I wasn't worried about reading everyone's Facebook status. I didn't care if somebody had left a message on my blog, or sent me a tweet. I didn't care if I had a potential blog offer waiting for me in my email. I just wanted a day off from being plugged in. And, I loved it. In fact, It's something I'm going to make a conscious effort to do at least one day a week. Technology can be fun, but it's important to unplug yourself every now and then. It really makes you feel alive. You can read the post that motivated me here: http://www.kellehampton.com/2011/08/unplugged-plugged-hallmark.html

And... while today is Friday, it certainly wasn't an "Internet-Free Friday"... but I made progress. I'm in the process of hiding quite a few "friends"... you know, the ones who you take time to comment to, but they never comment back? The ones who have actually never left a comment, or even a thumbs-up to you? Well, I figure that friendship is a two-way street. If people don't want to interact on Facebook, that's fine, but I'm not going to let them take up any more space in my news feed.

And, while I could write quite a bit more, it's time for me to unplug right now. I'm going to get a head-start on my "Internet-Free Saturday' tomorrow. The words of Kelle Hampton describe it best - "Looking forward to exactly that kind of weekend. Where we read books instead of screens and we write with crayons and pencils, not keyboards."

Are you addicted to technology? Do you always have to be 'connected"? Do you ever take a day to just unplug? Leave a comment.

Phoenix & Grandpa Brown

2011-09-16T14:02:00.002-04:00

Phoenix loves his Grandpa Brown! When Grandpa says something, Phoenix remembers.

When grandpa checked Phoenix's feet for toe fuzz one day, Phoenix remembered. He proceeded to check for his toe fuzz multiple times a day since then. He has even checked mommy, daddy, and Ariana's toes for toe fuzz. It would always go something like this: "Toe fuzz?" *Thoroughly inspects between each toe* "No toe fuzz. You're all clean."

When Grandpa told Phoenix that a train he heard was "far away", Phoenix remembered. And, every single time he's heard a train since then, Phoenix always shouts with exuberance, "Train! Train far away!" And, he'll keep repeating himself... "Train, far away! Train, far away! Train far away!" for fear he hadn't been heard until we verify his statement, "Yes, the train is far away."

And, when Grandpa taught Phoenix how to play the "Wind It Up game" - with his hands, Phoenix remembered. It's now his favorite game to play when he's sitting at the table!

What fun things do you remember doing with your grandparents? Leave a comment.

Walt Disney’s Spooky Buddies

2011-09-13T15:14:00.003-04:00

I used to cringe at the thought of children's movies. Well, with a toddler & a baby, that has sure changed! I've seen more children's movies than I ever thought possible... and yet, I find myself wanting to expand our collection. That's why I'm excited about a new "Spooky Buddies" moving coming out on September 20, 2011. From the previews alone, I just know Phoenix is going to love it! I've actually never seen the Buddies movies before, so I'm looking forward to it as well!

Disney's irresistible talking Buddies are back in an all-new movie that takes them for a spooky new adventure. With the help of some unexpected new friends -- Pip, Zelda, Rodney, and Skip, the buddies must stop Warwick the Warlock and save the world from his dastardly deeds.

Which Buddy are you? Take the quiz below & leave a comment. :)
*I'm Budderball!*

I received a cash payment, gift or item of nominal value from a company affiliated with a brand, topic and/or product that is mentioned herein.

Betty Crocker® Molasses Cookies Mix {Review & Giveaway}

2011-09-13T14:42:00.000-04:00

Making cookies was a perfect way to spend some
extra quality time with Phoenix

Love molasses cookies, but could do without the preparation and mess? Me too! Thankfully, Betty Crocker has come to the rescue! This fall, Betty Crocker is introducing a molasses cookie mix, making this year-round favorite easy to bake in less than 20 minutes.

My Thoughts
I had never really been a big fan of molasses cookies. I'm more of a chocolate chip cookie kinda gal. I actually got these for my husband. His sister Angela makes molasses cookies that he absolutely loves. So, while I wasn't going to make them from scratch, I figured that this was the next best thing.

Well... to my surprise... I actually LOVED them! With a soft and chewy texture, and an amazing spice cookie taste, these are perfect for the crisp & cool months ahead. Oh, who am I kidding? They'll taste great in any season! :) The Betty Crocker® Molasses Cookie mix combines real molasses flavor with hints of cinnamon and spice for a homemade taste that you’ll love.

Try It
Look for Betty Crocker Molasses Cookie mix in the baking aisle of grocery stores this fall. And, be sure to head over to http://bit.ly/cookiescoupon to download a printable coupon for $0.75 off the purchase of one (1) Betty Crocker® Molasses Cookie mix pouch today!

Win It

One winner will receive a Betty Crocker® Molasses Cookie mix prize pack which includes the Betty Crocker Molasses cookie mix, Betty Crocker apron, non-stick baking pan, and mixing spoon. Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter. Winning has never been easier!

The product, information and prize pack has been provided by Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark.

How To Make Money Online With SocialSpark

2011-09-12T15:52:00.000-04:00

When I started blogging, and had always dreamed of making a few bucks on the side, but I had no idea where to start. Then, I found SocialSpark. In a nutshell, they pay you do do sponsored blog posts. So far, I've done 9 sponsored blog posts - ranging from $13.50 to $25.00 per post. Yup, for those 10 minutes of work, I'm bringing in $81-$150/hour, and I'm loving every minute of it! In fact, today, I cashed out my balance of $145.32! And, I have more jobs that will be paying out soon. :)

They pay right into your PayPal account. And, it's legit.
That's an email from PayPal as proof.

I seem to get new offers daily. I'll take ones that I feel fit my blog and readers, and pass on those that don't.

So, I'm just writing to let all of bloggers know about this great site, where they can make a few bucks on the side, for minimal effort! If you're interested in signing up - just click here - SocialSpark. (I get a referral bonus... and once you sign up, you will to!) Of all the ways I've seen to make a few bucks on the internet, this by far is one of my favorites. So, if you've got a blog, you should at least give it a try. Accept any offers you like - pass on ones you don't. It really is that easy!

And, no technically, I'm not being paid to post this, but I do get a referral bonus. :)

If you're not approved at first, don't worry. A few quick changes to your blog, and you'll be making money in no time. To make sure you have the best chance of getting in, I contacted SocialSpark, and am excited to share with you these exclusive tips on how to get your blog approved on SocialSpark.

1. In order to be approved, a blog must be at least 90 days old with a minimum of 20 posts written within the 90 days prior to submission with no more than a 30 day gap in writing during that time.

2. The blog must have an uncluttered, easy to navigate layout, be written in fluent English and contain a chronological archives.

3. If a blog is not approved initially, it can usually be resubmitted when it meets the Terms.

So, now that you know what they're looking for, if you're interested in signing up or re-submitting your blog - just click here - SocialSpark. (Yup, for my shameless referral bonus... and once you sign up, you will to!)

Thanks - and good luck!

If you enjoyed this post, get FREE updates by email.

Monday Mingle :)

2011-09-11T13:14:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm a tad late this week... but better late than never ;) It's been way too long since my last Monday Mingle... but they're something I love to do! Click the image to the right to check out all of this week's Monday Mingles, hosted by the lovely Jennifer at Eighty MPH Mom. :)

This week’s (9/5/11) questions:

1. What are some fun attractions near where you live (farms, amusement parks, etc.)
2. Where’s the last place you and your spouse went alone?
3. Are you happy the kids are back in school?

Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song DVD {WINNER}

2011-09-08T08:22:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Deanna, our winner of the Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song DVD (Starring Lucy Hale)!

Check your email for details on how to claim your prize!

Glass and Surface Cleaner {REVIEW & GIVEAWAY}

2011-09-06T10:09:00.001-04:00

I love a clean house. It's not always clean, but I love when it is! I even went through a "bleach everything" phase when Phoenix was younger. But, now I realize that it's not always a great idea to constantly cleaning with harsh chemicals... especially now that I have a new baby in the house. That's why I was excited to give Household Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner a try. It has:

No ammonia, alcohol or harsh volatile solvents
0% VOC (Volatile organic Compounds)
No rinsing required
Non-streaking
No fragrance or dye added

Household Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner uses a revolutionary technology which guards your health from harmful irritants and inhalants yet effortlessly cleans glass and most surfaces without the use of ammonia, alcohol, or harsh, volatile solvents normally found in most glass and surface cleaners; even those labeled “natural.” Household Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner contains no fragrances or dyes.

But Does It Work?

I have stainless steel appliances in my kitchen, and have found that Household Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner is great at keeping them spotless. And, on my glass living room tables & windows, it performed like a champ! I had been using store-brand window cleaner, and have always had streaks. Well, no more streaks!!! I can't believe it! I had come to accept streaks as a natural side-effect of cleaning, but not anymore. This stuff is the real deal. And, i have never seen my glass shine like it does now. (I swear, my old cleaner must have been leaving some nasty buildup on everything.) With toddler around, things get dirty quickly, so I'll be using it quite often, especially because it doesn't contain harsh chemicals!

Try It
See for yourself how amazing this stuff really is! For the same price you spend on a gallon of name-brand ammonia-based cleaner, you can order 1 gallon of Household Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner here for the special sale price of $12.99 ~~retail price of $22.50~~. In addition, first-time purchase will also receive a FREE gift, the book "Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours!" This book is packed with testimonies and solid research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how people can incorporate coconut into their diet.

Win It
One winner will receive 1 Gallon of Household Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner. Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter. Winning has never been easier!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
Note for Canadian bloggers: Tropical Traditions is not responsible for customs or duties that Canada may charge if you decide to participate in this Tropical Traditions sponsored blog giveaway.