A working blogging mommy

Bebe au Lait review and giveaway

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:25:00 +0000

Bebe au Lait first came about when founder, Claire Ekelund gave birth to her second daughter in 2003. Clair had found that most nursing covers were clinical, impractical, and difficult to find. I nursed Taylor and at that time hadn't known about nursing covers so I completely understand Claire's frustration. Originally the company was called Hooter Hiders but has since adopted a more chic name to match with all the wonderful prints they carry.

As a mom of a now almost 3 year old toddler I was sent the toddler hooded towel in my choice of print to review. I am in love with all the fun prints Bebe au Lait carries and after much thought I finally ended up choosing the hotdots pattern. Its cute and fun! This uber soft terry cloth towel has gotten even softer after being washed. Its the perfect thing to wrap Tay in after her bath. One of the best features on this towel are the hidden magnets that keep the hood of the towel secure around Taylor. As soon as I have the towel wrapped around my little monkey she's telling me to "button me mommy!". I think she must feel like superwoman or something the way she runs around with that thing on. Another fab feature is is a sewn in spot on both sides for your toddlers arms to rest. It ensures your little one to be extra snug after a bath. So not only will they be extra chic in their Bebe au Lait towel but they will be warm and snugly as well. A perfect combo! Since these towels do come in toddler and baby size I think its a perfect gift for a new mom to be.

Bebe au Lait not only carries hooter hiders and bath towels. There are also quite a few other great products which are all available in the amazing prints I mentioned earlier. There are burp clothes, bibs, jewelry, gift sets, simple organics and nursing covers. I am sooo excited for the day when Bobby and I have another little one. I plan on nursing again and I think that having a Hooter Hider will be essential when we are out and about. At least I know I'll be sporting the chicest prints in town!

GIVEAWAY

Bebe au Lait has offered one lucky reader a chance to win either a baby or toddler hooded towel in their choice of print.

INITIAL ENTRY

Check out all the prints and tell me which you would choose if you won.

EXTRA ENTRIES

- follow Bebe au Lait on Twitter

- Become a Facebook fan

- follow me on blogger

- subscribe to me

- blog about this giveaway and post the link for me

_ grab my button

- grab my Christmas button for 2 extra entries

- tweet this giveaway using @taysmommy

Contest is open to US residents only and will end 11/27/09 at midnight. Once winner has been chosen he/she will have 72 hours to respond to my email otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Wordless Wednesday

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:49:00 +0000

Hubby's ABU's <3

Michael Buble'

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:59:00 +0000

My new favorite way to unwind in the evenings now involves Michael Buble's just released Crazy Love albumn and a glass of wine. I am in love with the sultry CD. It instantly puts me in my happy place.

When Crazy Love came on, I couldn't help but sing along. Such a great classic song and I love Buble's spin on it. This man has the most amazing voice and good lawd does he exude major sex appeal or what?!

I am sure all Michael Buble fans are equally impressed with this new albumn, I know I am.

Album Tracklisting:

1. Cry Me A River
2. All Of Me
3. Georgia On My Mind
4. Crazy Love
5. Haven't Met You Yet
6. All I Do Is Dream Of You
7. Hold On
8. Heartache Tonight
9. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
10. Baby (You've Got What It Takes)
11. At This Moment
12. Stardust
13. Whatever It Takes (bonus track)

Buy it on Amazon for just $9.99!

Also be sure to to become a fan on the Facebook page!

Thanks to the One2One for this great review opportunity!

Gum chewer? Try Trident Layers!

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:18:00 +0000

In the past I was never a huge fan of chewing gum because I don't like the minty stuff too much and most of the fruity gum lost its flavor about 2 minutes after I started chewing it.

Recently I was introduced to Trident Layers. This gum not only looks super fly but the flavors are awesome!There are Green Apple & Golden Pineapple along with Wild Strawberry & Tangy Citrus which is my absolute favorite. Both flavors have 3 distinct layers that you can see and with each bite into the gum you get a new flavor. I think its a textural and flavorful masterpiece!

At just 5 calories per piece this sugarfree gum is a perfect appetizer suppressant for me. I get that yummy burst of flavors and it keeps my mouth busy so I'm not heading to the kitchen hunting through the fridge.

Trident Layers is:

Threelicious

The First Gumwich

Layers are back in

Nothing stacks up to the taste™

Want to try a pack of this tastey gum for next to nothing? Go here to print out your coupon for $0.75 off a single pack.

It's been a while...

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:56:00 +0000

Holy heck! I haven't blogged in a loooong while! Bet ya'll we're starting to miss me huh? I've been busy...per usual. A few weeks ago Tay and I joined our local YMCA so we've been spending alot of time there. Between the swimming and exercising I am sooo done at night! It's good for me though.

Last week I fianlly got to see my husband! Talk about the best feeling in the whole entire world! It had been 2 months since we last saw each other. Tay and I drove to San Antonio, TX with the inlaws. The drive was good and Tay did very well for 22 hours in a car. Mama was proud. The first time seeing Bobby I was amazed at how skinny he is! I knew he'd lose weight but it was just crazy to actually be able to see the changes. Tay was sooo happy to see her daddy! She ran right up to him and said I missed you daddy! It was so nice being able to spend time with him. We all really enjoyed Halloween since he had a town pass that day. We ended up heading to Riverwalk and spending there the day there. It was a perfect way to spend my 27th bithday. hehe. On Sunday we left around 6:00 pm for our long ride home. It sucks having to leave Bobby again. It was a hundred times harder then the 1st time we had to do it. The only plus to him still being away is that we can talk daily now. It really helps alot. He had a 14 hour bus ride to Buloxi, MI Monday at 12:01 am. Haha, they got those grads outta there as soon as possible! Right now at tech school all he's doing is briefings until next week. He said its very boring and is ready for the actual school part to begin. Tonight when we talked he informed me he is trying out for his squadron's basketball team. Sighhh... Hubs will be home for Christmas, he'll fly in late 12/18 and be here until 1/2. It wil be wonderful having him here with us! I think I'm still on my high from getting to see him last weekend. Ya'll have no idea how excited I am for Christmas time!

cute family piccie...if my eyes were opened!

Once in a Blue Moon

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Thanks to One2One Network I had the opportunity to review a wonderful newly released book written by Eileen Goudge. One in a Blue Moon tells the tale of 2 sisters seperated when they were very young only to be reunited years later.

Once brought together again the sisters Lindsay and Kerrie Ann realize what completely different upbringings they had. As time goes on they slowly bring out the best in each other and even overcome some pretty huge feats. Along the way there are plenty of mishaps and even some romance. Once in a Blue Moon was one of those books I had a hard time putting down. There was always something going on and one of my favorite characters, Miss Honi always had me smiling just envisioning what the retired stipper looked like.

I am thrilled to pieces that I enjoyed Once in a Blue Moon so much because I am forever on the lookout for new authors. With 16 other novels under Eileen's belt I'm sure to be kept busy.

Check Eileen out on Twitter and Facebook

Whatsa been going on with me....

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:08:00 +0000

Busy busy busy!!!! Ya'll know its just Tay and I for a while so more often then not I feel like my head is in a completely different universe. Just recently I got our house listed to sell. I've already had 2 showings and my realtor just called me and said there is an interested buyer so that is great news! We can't do much since I hardly have any contact with Bobby at the moment but hopefully we can get this thing moving along soon.

Last week both mine and Bobbys were were broken into. There was no damage but but they did go through EVERYTHING and Bobbys wedding band was in his center console which got taken. Everyone asks why wasn't it on his finger. Well he didn't want to bring it to basic because he won't exercise with it on...totally fine with me. He gave it to me when I dropped him off at MEPS when he left for basic and I stuck it in the console. I was planning on bringing it down for his graduation well now thanks to some idiots I won't be able to. It just sucks because I have't seen my husband in almost 2 months and his ring gets stolen. I called my brother in law freaking out...he was so nice to me and sent someone right over to take a report. (yay for having family in law enforcement!) The whole thing scared me more then anything.

Just recently Tay and I joined the local YMCA. We've been going daily and it's sooooo nice for us both. I take her to child care while I work out. She freaks out not having mommy there with her but each night is getting better. I think it's essential for her to start getting socialized with other kids now and getting used to mommy not being there. I do not want to take my daughter to school some day and have to pry her off my leg. Tonight I took her her swimming and she loooved it! I was so impressed by how much better she's gotten in the few months since the pool has closed. She can even swim a little bit by herself. She likes to jump off the edge and kick her little legs til she get to me. It's so cute! I then put a float belt on her and she was all over the place. My kiddo definetly inherited her fins from ehr mama. Daddy will do all her can to avoid the water! lol!

Next week is San Antonio week! woot woot! Soooo excited to see my husband! My 27th birthday will also be that weekend. Getting to spend the day with Bobby will be the perfect present! I can not wait!

Anyways on the blog front I have TONS of awesome reviews and giveaways coming up and Paige and I's Christmas event is going to be FAB! Just bare with me; If I don't have many personal posts ya'll know why. Hope everyone is doing well and has a great rest of the week!

CSN Mirrors - review and giveaway

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:10:00 +0000

I think mirrors are an absolute fab way to accent any space in a home. I have a large one in my living room and I think it gives an illusion of a much larger space. Plus it's nice to be able to check and make sure nothing is stuck between my teeth before I heard out the door. ;)

CSN Mirrors had contacted me asking If I would like to review a product from their line of mirrors or home accents. I feel like my house is half naked so I was thrilled at the opprtunity to bring a little life into it. I ended up choosing the Burns Cheval Mirror in Glossy Silver. Upon opening the box I pleased to find that the assembly was very easy and I had it together in about 15 minutes. This great floor mirror is a perfect addition to my bedroom. It added to some much needed heigth to the corner where it's displayed. The actual mirror can be moved forward and back so you can catch different angles of what you look like. My sweet little Taylor loves to play dress up in front of it. She has this one sequened feathered Barbie dress that she put s on and just twists and turns in front of that thing! Its a site to see for sure!

CSN Mirrors carrys any and all mirrors you could ever want. Like I said I chose to review a floor model but they also carry bathroom mirrors, table mirrors, dresser mirrors, wall mirrors, mirror mirrors...seriously any kind of mirror! There is a huge selection with many different styles to fit every budget.

The home decor section at CSN has many vases, paintings, and decorative items to choose from. I caught myself browswing all the lamps they carry for over an hour! Theres over 8000 to choose from!

CSN Mirrors is definetly a great place to shop for all your mirror and home decor needs and to get you started CSN Mirrors is offering 1 reader a chance to win a $30 GC.

Initial entry: Brose around the site and let me know what you would like to purchase for your home.

Additional entries:

- blog about this giveaway and link back to me (you can grab 5 entries for this)

- grab my button or give me a text link somwhere on your blog

- grab my christmas button for 2 additional entries

- tweet this giveaway using @taysmommy

- follow me

- subscribe to me

Contest is open to US residents only and will end 11/5/09 at midnight. Once winner has been emailed he or she will have 72 hours to respond otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Winners

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Sorry they're sooooo late....I swear some days I feel lucky enough to somewhat function in the evenings. I have the house listed to sell (yay!) and have already had a few showings sooo guess who's CONSTANTLY cleaning? I hope I have an interested buyer soon!

Kaskey Kids - Sports Guys

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

79
Timestamp: 2009-10-19 03:18:47 UTC

K Anne said... 79
If I won I would get the Soccer Guys.

fooks213@yahoo.com

October 3, 2009 2:32 PM

$50 Bob Evans GC

Here are your random numbers:

130
Timestamp: 2009-10-19 03:25:40 UTC

Anonymous said... 130
the meat lovers Boburrito is awesome!

lmp0909@yahoo.com

October 6, 2009 8:15 PM

Congrats to you both! I'll be emailing shortly!

Wordless Wednesday

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:50:00 +0000

Lawsie...I'm missing this man....

Check out Wordless Wednesday for more great posts!

Eden Fantasys $50 GC giveaway

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:26:00 +0000

I was first introduced to Eden Fantasys almost a year ago when I was able to review some yummy smelling smelling bath salts and some super sexy lingerie. Since then I have seen Eden Fantasys EVERYWHERE! This company has definitely blown up.

Eden Fantasys carrys all kinds of products such as lingerie, sex toys, erotic books and even party favors and gag gifts! I personally love all the gag gifts, its essential for a bachelorette party!

Eden Fantasys, in addition to their fabulous selection of products available to purchase also has their very own online magazine called SEXIS. There is an abundant of contributors who discuss all things sex. It s a great place to explore, learn and even laugh.

Now for the giveaway....

The very cool and super awesome DrewG is offering 1 lucky reader a chance to win a $50.00 gift card to spend as they wish at Eden Fantasys.

Initial entry: Check out Eden Fantasys and all of the awesome products they carry, and let me know what you would purchase if you won.

Additional entries:

- blog about this giveaway and link back to me for 5 additional entries (be sure to post separate comments)

- tweet this giveaway on Twitter using @taysmommy

- follow me on blogger

- subscribe to me

- grab my button or give a text link somewhere on your blog

- grab my Christmas button for 2 additional entries (be sure to post separate comments)

Contest is open to US residents only and will end 11/4/09. Once winner has been selected and emailed they will have 72 hours to respond otherwise a new winner will be selected.

My Little Pony - Twinkle Wish Adenture

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 +0000

When presented with an opportunity from Shout! Factory to review a copy of the brand new My Little Pony Twinkle Wish Adventure there was no way I was going to pass it up. Growing up my sister and I were both huge My Little Pony fans. We had the movie, watched the cartoon and of course had lots of the cute little ponies themselves.

Pinkie Pie and her her pony friends are very excited for the upcoming winter festival where the wishing start grants each pony a special wish. Wishing star disapears and everyone goes on a journey to find it. There is now a race against time before the festival begins. Be sure to check out this fun filled movie to see what happens with Pinkie Pie and her friends exciting journey.

Taylor and I both very much enjoyed the movie. It was alot of fun for me to relive a piece of my childhood. We also very much enjoyed the extras that this DVD comes with, especailly all the sing along songs! My little girl is a music loving toddler!

Six Sing-Alongs:

My Little Pony Theme Song
The Thing-A-Ma-Do Song
Dreams Do Come True
Somewhere Super New
That’s What Makes A Friend
A Wonderful Winter Song

• Waiting For The Winter Wishes Festival – A Prequel

• Elefun and Friends – A New Animated Short

• Four Downloadable Activities:

Coloring Sheet
Pony Note To Santa
How To Make A Snowman
Cut-out Pony Ornaments

This DVD releases tomorrow October 13, 2009. It retails for $14.99 and will also have a coupon in it for $5.00 off any My Little Pony Toy at the time of the DVD purchase.

I also have 1 Twinkle Wish Adventure DVD to give away to one lucky reader.

Initial entry:

Tell me about one of your favorite things from your childhood. Ex. tv shows, toys, clothes etc

Additional entries: (leave a comment for each you do)

- for 5 entries blog about this giveaway and link back to me just be sure to leave 5 seperate comments saying so.

- grab my button

- 2 entries for grabbing my christmas button

- follow me

- subscribe to me

- tweet this giveaway using @taysmommy

Contest is open to US residents only and will end 10/26/09 at midnight. Winner will have 72 hours to respond.

10 Tips for Finding the Perfect Halloween Costume Online

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:55:00 +0000

10 Tips for Finding the Perfect Halloween Costume Online

If you want to have the easiest and most affordable shopping experience this Halloween your best bet is to shop online. The days of driving from store to store searching for bargains and selections are over. You can search dozens of websites from the comfort of your home and find greater savings than you ever expected. Here are ten great tips that will help you make a smart online purchase this Halloween:

1. Shop early. Give yourself time for returns and exchanges if necessary.

2. Search, search, search. Online stores categorize costumes to make it easy to narrow it down to exactly what you’re looking for. You can search by any terms you like – sexy pirate, tween witch, men’s superhero, then find a variety of choices. Then search by price.

3. Look for bargains and promo codes – Once you find a costume you like at a price you like, look for websites that beat competitor prices. One of the best is www.costumediscounters.com who will beat any price by 20%. Not 20% of the difference but 20% less than the lowest price.

4. Consider the weather where you live. Can the costume accommodate long underwear or wearing street clothes underneath, etc? Does it bare exposed skin?

5. Look at the pictures closely, compared to the product description to know what you’re getting. The picture might show the Star Wars Clone Trooper holding a blaster but that blaster is probably sold separately. Better sites will have accessories and add-ons featured for sale with the costume to make shopping easier.

6. Check the size charts – don’t purchase from a site that doesn’t offer a size chart. Just like with regular clothes, some manufactures run big and others run small. Just because you wear a size 6 in your favorite brand of jeans doesn’t mean you’ll be a size 6 costume. Now is not the time for vanity. If the chart says you are larger size then get the larger size.

7. Is the costume appropriate for the venue? If the costume is mini, consider wearing opaque tights underneath rather than the fishnets it may come with if you plan to be at a party with kids.

8. Know the return policy. Many online stores will only pay for returns if the item is damaged. Costume Discounters.com will exchange items for any reason, like if it doesn’t fit or you simple don’t like it. It’s free and easy.

9. When in doubt or if you have questions, call customer service. Ask if customer service has access to the costumes in case they need to pull a costume to correctly answer a question.

10. Have a safe Halloween. If your kids plan to trick or treat at night, consider a costume in a bright color or simply adding some reflective tape to their shoes or Halloween treat bag. The internet is a great resource for Halloween safety tips for kids, parents and homeowners.

Hope, Faith and Charlie

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:56:00 +0000

As a mommy review blogger I work with many wonderful PR reps. One of the dear woman I work with asked me to review a copy of a book she wrote called Hope, Faith and Charlie. Me being a total book worm was thrilled with this opportunity.

Deirdre Carey was a young successful working mother when her youngest son Charlie was diagnosed with a lemon size brain tumor. As her and her husband John went through this difficult time they never once underestimated their hope, faith or power of prayer.

When Deirdre first asked me to review her book I thought I was going to be in for one tear jerker of a story and I was right, I definitely shed some tears for this courageous woman, her family and of course her beloved son Charlie. What I didn't expect was the tremendous amount of hope she portrayed. After Charlie's initial diagnosis and brain operation Deidre and her family met with the cancer doctor. He told them that Charlie had a 0-20% chance of beating this. A parent hearing that is equivalent of having your heart ripped out of your chest, I would think. Upon hearing the news Charlies pediatrician put the Cappadano family in touch with Dr. Kretschmar at Floating Hospital. This wonderful woman was able to give Deidre's family hope, something they had yet to experience with the previous MD.

So Charlie's treatment began. This young child had a tremendous amount of fight in him. He was always defying the "norm" when it came to recovery times. The day after Charlies initial brain surgery he was trying to roll over! They even got discharged early because of how well Charlie was doing.

Deirdre also put lots of time and energy into her older son, Jay. She wanted to make sure he never felt neglected. It's hard to imagine how tough it must have been to do that. I can imagine how cancer could easily overshadow everything in your life.

Little Charlie is now 10 years old (and not so little, I'm sure) and Jay is 12 years old. Charlie is doing great and continues to remain in remission. He now has yearly MRI's to make sure everything is the way it should be and that there is no new growth. After reading Hope, Faith and Charlie I can see hoe blessed Deirdre is with her 2 amazing children. It's obvious to anyone that they truly are the light of her life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who is facing a life threatening illness. It will inspire you and give you hope. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

About the author

Deirdre Carey was born and raised in Westwood, MA. She graduated from Regis College in Weston, MA with a BS in Communications in 1989 and went on to pursue her dream of working in the fast-paced world of advertising. She and her two sons, Jay and Charlie, along with their beagle Hershey, now reside in Franklin, MA. Deirdre is the Director of Client Services at Kel & Partners, a marketing & public relations agency based in Westborough, MA.

Deirdre enjoys skiing, biking, and cruising the high seas with her sons, reading her beloved People Magazine, and vacationing on Cape Cod with her family and friends.

Since Deirdre self published this book (go her!) it is not available in bookstores. You CAN purchase it here or on Amazon.

One more thing I must share...the copy of Hope, Faith and Charlie that I was sent is autographed by Deirdre and her boys! Can't beat that!

Halloween costume contest!

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:16:00 +0000

So ya'll know how I recently hosted that fab giveaway for a free infant, child or toddler costume? Well over at Anytime Costumes they are hosting a HUGE giveaway with 20 winners! Each winner will get their choice of any costume up to a $75.00 value! Isn't that awesome?! I am heading over to try my luck right now!

and I of course must show off my cute little girl doing her best modeling pose in her Supergirl Costume from Anytime Costumes :)

I just entered to win $12,445!!!!

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:04:00 +0000

Alll I had to do was sign up for a FREE basic membership at Care.com.

Care.com started running the Year of Care Giveaway a few weeks ago. It's a sweepstakes open to all families across the U.S. We're giving away $12,445--the cost of a year of child care for the average American family. This contest ends 10/9/09 so hurry and sign up for your chance to win!

Zula Patrol winners

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Oops! I posted the Anytimes Costume winner last night and forgot to post the Zula Patrol winners soooo here ya'lll go!

Here are your random numbers:

69
Timestamp: 2009-10-06 19:43:38 UTC

Carol EL said... 69
Follower. jelly15301@gmail.com

September 26, 2009 11:21 AM

and the 10 runner ups who win a free month at zulaworld.com...

Here are your random numbers:

63
73
13
50
2
62
60
27
72
59
Timestamp: 2009-10-06 19:44:43 UTC

Congrats everyone! Emailing you all shortly!

EA Sports Active review

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:33:00 +0000

When I first heard of all these exercise "games" for the the Wii I was a bit skeptical at first. I honestly didn't think it was possible to get a decent workout in my living room...until I was face to face with the EA Sports Active.

I have had all intentions to do the 30 day challenge but sadly I didn't complete it. I'm hoping to attempt it again here soon. I usually end up using the program 2 or 3 times a week, sometimes more...sometimes less. Having Bobby gone has completely thrown my routine so I'm still working on getting my house in order then hopefully the consistent exercise will happen. The EA Sports Active program comes with a leg strap and a resistance band, and you will need a nunchuck for it. It is also compatible with the Wii Balance Board. I think its a great way to spice up an otherwise ordinary workout routine.

I love how this program has soooo many different exercises that you can mix and match along with 3 levels of difficulty. It's also pretty cool to have a virtual trainer there with me. It's alot more motivating then attempting to do the early morning aerobics with those muscled and toned woman who are on tv. The most motivating factor for me if the calorie counter. I feel like I'm actually being productive (in case the sweat on my forehead wasn't proof enough).

I have never used the Wii fit so I don't have that game to compare to but I have thoroughly enjoyed working out with the EA Sports Active. Hopefully some time in the near future I will take on the 30 day challenge. When it happens I'll be sure to blog all about my expected progress. If you're looking to lose some weight or tone up I highly recommend the EA Sports Active program.

and the winner is...

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Anytime Costumes.com

Here are your random numbers:

5
Timestamp: 2009-10-06 02:31:34 UTC

Crystal said... 5
I love the toddler Supergirl costume and think it would be absolutely adorable on Mikyla my youngest daughter.

September 15, 2009 12:17 PM

Congrats Crystal! I'll be in contact with you shortly!

Anytime Costumes.com

Who woulda thought...

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:59:00 +0000

Having to run a house, take care a 2 year old, a dog and a cat has really been taking it's toll on me and my poor little blog has to be the one to suffer. I never imgained it would be this hard without having Bobby here. It seems like theres never enough time in the day. I'm always cleaning, playing, scrubbing or kissing boo boo's; by the end of the day I'm beat and all I want is my bed! I have no clue how you single mama's do it.... it's been such a hard adjudtment for me since Bobby left for basic training.

On the subject of my dear husband, I have been able to talk with him weekly which is amazing. He says things have calmed down alot and that he finally feels comfortable there. I really like hearing about everything thats going on in his life and of course all those little accomplishments that has happened during BMT. We got to talk yesterday and he was telling me about their M16 assembley. During the test he had a malfunction with a part on his gun and ended up failing it because of it. He said he didn't say a word about it at the time but after about 3 days his TI called him into his office and said that he noticed there was something wrong with B's gun and told him he was re-testing on the M-16 assembley. B said they get 2 minutes to do it and he said he had it done in about 30 seconds. I thought that was really cool and it showed what a fair man his instructor is. Yesterday when Bobby called he was on a "patio break". Thats where they get to use the phones and have access to the vending machines. He said him and 5 other guys got to have it for doing so well with everything. It was the first time anyone in his class got to have one so that of course made me feel uber proud of my hubby! I am sooo glad I get to visit him this month! It's coming up soon!

Anywho... my blogging mojo has returned so back I'll be back at it this evening!

I love Halloween parties!

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:20:00 +0000

and guess what?! Halloween, the coolest holiday ever, is on a Saturday evening! Saturday nights mean parties! If you happen to be planning a party, check out MyPunchbowl.com. They are the leader in start-to-finish party planning. They also offer over 20 FREE Halloween party invitations templates ranging from creepy to classic that will immediately engage the recipient and will ultimately set the stage for your Monster Ball!

Courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com

Black Eye punch is a terrific and frightful beverage to serve at your Halloween party. If its a party for adults you can always add a little liquor to give treat a little extra kick.

To concoct this wicked brew you’ll need to combine:

2 cups of sugar
3 quarts of water with
1 13 ounce envelope of unsweetened grape soft drink mix
1 13 ounce envelope of unsweetened orange soft drink mix
Stir until all of the ingredients are completely dissolved.
Right before serving, add in 1 liter of ginger ale and several pieces of eyeball candy to float on top of the punch.

I'm not "that " mom

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:04:00 +0000

I'm not the type of mom who trys to shelter my kid from any and everything, I don't do parenting books and I would never home school. Now I'm not knocking the parents who do do those things, it's just not me.

I think getting teased, learning about death and having fights with your friends (etc.) are all a part of life. A part that is necessary to develop into a normal functioning adult. Sure those topics are hard and will be even harder for me to have to watch my child deal with.

On the subject of parenting books...I don't get it. Why would anyone want to take advice about their child from someone who has never met your kiddo? Alot of people I know who do this have (in my opinion) normal functioning children. Sure they might have some hellish tantrums, but don't all kids? Why do you need a book to tell you how to deal with that?

Dealing with death is hard for anyone but when you have to explain it to a child it becomes unbelievably tough. This subject came up on my Mommy's board recently and maybe I'm odd but I have a completely different opinion then most. I think that death should be introduced to kids at a young age. It's not something I'd want to shelter my child from. I think that by doing that it will just make it ten times harder when they do have to face it. Taylor learned about it this past February when my husbands aunt passed away. Granted she was barely 2 years old but we made sure to explain the best we could about what happened since she was close to his aunt. To this day Tay will still talk about her and how shes in heaven. I know the older she gets she will of course have more questions but at least it won't be a complete shock.

Another topic on my Mommy's board was the homeschooling. I am against this on so many different levels but it all comes back to me wanting my child to experience the most she can. There are so many more things that she will get to do and experience going to school not just academically but socially as well. Yes, I know home schooled kids do go out and do things as well but I seriously doubt it can compare to what it would be like if they were in school. Another reason is there is no way in hell I myself am disciplined enough to do it, if you are then more props to ya. I'm also not educated enough to do it. Sure, I could be If I wanted to but I'm not. I have a high school diploma, teachers go to college and get a degree. Why in the world would I think I am qualified to teach my kids at the level they need to be taught? I know nothing about it. Another fear of mine would be how my child would fare when it comes time to go to college. After all those years of schooling at home with the rest of the family then suddenly being put in a completely different environment an expected to thrive just doesn't make sense to me. I'd prefer my kid already have a general idea of what to expect so it wouldn't be such a culture shock.

To sum it up, I'm the type of mom who lets my kid get dirty, I let her try to figure things out for herself, I let her experience life. I will do all in my power to make sure shes happy, safe and well cared for but I will not do things that I believe will hinder her natural curiosity.

Shoe Sales at 6PM.com

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:08:00 +0000

There was a HUGE sale going on all week at 6pm.com and I missed out on alot of great things BUT the good news that there are still some amazing sales going on through the weekend!

Friday 09/25/09
DC Blowout: Footwear 55% off, Snowboards, Apparel and Accessories 60% off Men’s and Women’s All Styles This Weekend!
Vaneli Footwear - $19.95 Select Styles This Weekend!
Two Lips Footwear – Select Styles $24.95 This Weekend!

Saturday 09/26/09
French Connection Clothing - 75% off All Styles This Weekend!
Ben Sherman Footwear Men’s and Women’s All Styles - $34.95 This Weekend!
Pro-Keds Footwear - $14.95 All Styles This Weekend!

Sunday 09/27/09
Bass Footwear - Mens $24.95 and Womens $21.95 – All Styles This Week!
Softspots Footwear - $24.95 Select Styles This Week!
Roxy Footwear – All Styles $19.95 This Week!

Join IVillage

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Did you know Malawi is among the world's least developed and most densely-populated countries? Because of the extreme poverty in the region, Malawi has a low life expectancy (44 years of age) and high infant mortality (89 deaths per 1,000 births, the 14th highest in the world). President Clinton just introduced a unique commitment between General Mills and CARE called Join My Village, an innovative online community that is fighting poverty in Malawi through the empowerment of women and girls.

Here's how you can get involved:

- Visit Join My Village and join one of ten village teams to benefit approximately 75 villages in Malawi

- As a village team member, you will get to know the women and families in Malawi through frequent updates, photos and stories

- You can also track how dollars are creating change and improving lives in Malawi

- Through simple online activities - answering a quiz question, telling a friend about Join My Village, or joining a village team - $1 will be unlocked by General Mills and will go to CARE's poverty fighting programs in the Malawi villages (limit of 3 activities per person per day, and $15,000 per online village team - or $150,000 in total)

- Additionally, General Mills will match personal contributions dollar-for-dollar for up to $50 per donor, $15,000 per village team or $150,000 in total

- CARE will distribute all funds raised directly to Malawi to provide economic opportunities for women and increase access to quality education for girls

Join My Village is setting out to drive measurable and long-term positive impact with women and families in Africa by tapping into the inherent power of women to connect with, and provide strength for, other women.

To learn more about Join My Village and help unlock funds to empower women and girls in Malawi, visit JoinMyVillage.com.

Thanks My BlogSpark for sharing this great site with me!

Fiber One winners

taysmommy1@gmail.com (taysmommy) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Amber said... 35
My guilty snacking pleasure is dark chocolate and I manage my weight be eating lots of small portions!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

September 19, 2009 10:56 AM

Natalie A. said... 26
I have your button up!
http://theadventuresofpaulnatalie.blogspot.com/

coolnatty12@yahoo.com

September 16, 2009 4:28 PM

js22 said... 79
tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/4298383283

email in blogger profile.

September 22, 2009 2:11 PM

Congrats winners! I'll be contacting you all shortly!