One Big 'Pyle' of Love

168 Hours in a week...

2012-05-21T21:22:00.001-04:00

There are 168 Hours in a week....

------------

40 hours minimum spent working outside the home.

10 hours minimum spent driving to or from work or there but off the clock (lunch).

12 hours cooking and eating

7 hours spent a week in the bathroom showering, going potty, fixing hair/makeup.

50 hours... or more... or less... spent sleeping.

3 hours shopping.

13 hours doing housework, laundry, chores.

-------------

= 33 hours...

You know my favorite way to spent that 33 hours?

Best hours (and most important) of the week are those spent with nothing to do but love my little guy!

*Images all photos taken with my LG Optimus April and May 2012.

Thursday 13: Elijah's Top Watched Shows

2012-05-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Elijah's 13 (couldn't get it down to 13) 16 Most Watched TV Shows

Find More Thursday 13 here and link your own.

Music Monday: LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem

2012-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem

Elijah likes to tell us he's Break Dancin' and Party Rockin' when he plays this song on his ipod!

He LOVES dancing to it! It's his favorite dance track ever!

YUM! Iced Coffee!

2012-05-03T21:50:00.000-04:00

I cannot stop drinking @indelight's new Iced Coffee!!! It's ssssoooooo good! I'm probably the reason Cockeysville Walmart was sold out...;)
— Erin McAllister-Pyle (@erinjeany) May 4, 2012

I have a thing for iced coffee. It's deep. We've been in a very serious relationship a long time. So when month or so ago I saw this carton with a picture of ice and coffee go by at work and was like... "Wait!?!?!? Was that an iced coffee I have not yet experienced!?!?!?? How is this possible?!?!?!" and sure enough it was. Since then friends have been buying it and sharing it, I have been buying it and hogging the entire containers... You know it's been a good time.

"New International Delight Iced Coffee is the perfect blend of 100% premium Arabica coffee, real milk and cream with just the right sweetness. And because it comes in a resealable refrigerated carton, it's ready to drink. Just pour over ice and savor the delicious, refreshing taste again and again."

Today I'm sitting here thinking about how I'm all out of the $1/1 coupons that I had from the paper a few weeks ago and decided to see what's out there right now so we can not go bankrupt with my tasty addictions. Oh and I thought you might like to know too so you can try it. And there it was, a $2 off International Delight™ Iced Coffee coupon on Vocal Point. It's $3.98 a carton at Wal-mart so a $2/1 coupon is awesome! If you're not a Vocalpoint member sign up only takes a few minutes and then you can get in on this sweet coupon and tasty drink!

Links to International Delight Iced Coffee Goodness!
International Delight on Facebook
International Delight on Twitter
International Delight on Pinterest

International Delight on VocalPoint

This post WAS NOT sponsored. It's 100% written only bc I actually really do love iced coffee, am a vocalpoint member, and signed up for a $2 coupon and thought you might like to know all that.

Music Monday: A-Ha - Take On Me

2012-04-17T00:08:00.000-04:00

This has been one of Elijah's top favorite songs since he was tiny! lol He loves to sing and dance to it!
A-Ha - Take On Me

When I was your age... Robots, glitter fire and poop, but don't worry, no one got hurt.

2012-04-13T21:39:00.004-04:00

Elijah: *Holding his ipod* "When I was your age I used to build electronics like these."

Me: "You haven't been our age yet."

Elijah: "Yes, when I was YOUR age."

Me to Dave: "He's apparently from future."

Elijah: "I was built by a robot silly!"

Me: *confusion... *laughter...

Elijah: "I swear, you were also in the future. You should know that silly. You were putting the machines together wrong. I told Dad, put this part here, but he didn't do it. He kept screwing it up because he put it on wrong. It broke out when I dusted it and it got snot all over it. And I was fixing it and little sparkle glitters came out. Like SSHHHRRRRUUUMMMM. They are fun to play with. But fire comes out. So you have to wash them out. We broke down a building with the glitter. Then *makes a splat sound effect* we filled up the whole pooping building with glitter fire. It was glitter and poop. It was SO SO SO FUNNY! And it was a broken down tower. I swear to god. *laughs really hard then suddenly gets serious* No one got hurt."

*Goes back to his ipod, putting his headphones on as he walks away*

Elijah: *mutters* "Maybe they were playing this game. (referring to the ipod game vortex) I could see that."

Me: *Sitting here with an eyebrow still raised*

$20 LeapFrog App Center Download Card only $15.52!!!

2012-01-28T20:42:00.000-05:00

Since getting Elijah his LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet I have kept my eyes out for the best LeapPad software deals! This is the best deal I have seen since before Christmas on App Center download cards!!!!

$20 App Center cards for only $15.52! Woohoo! Elijah's already told me what new apps he wants!
I have no idea how long this deal will last, so order soon!!!

Please note, this post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

Wordless Wednesday: Officer Elijah On Patrol!

2011-11-09T01:56:00.001-05:00

Now Reading: Moomettes Magnificents- What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial

2011-11-09T00:48:00.001-05:00

I've used Stumble Upon for years. As a matter of fact I created a second account when I began blogging because I love it so much! So when I read this post on Moomettes Magnificents about StumbleUpon I not only gave it a "thumbs up" I knew I had to share it with all of you!

What is StumbleUpon and How Does It Benefit Bloggers – Tutorial

http://moomettesmagnificents.com

While you're there make sure to check out the rest of Cindi' posts and subscribe to her RSS! Her posts are always so informative, thoughtful and all around AWESOME!

Music Monday: Gorillaz - 19-2000

2011-11-07T07:32:00.002-05:00

Elijah calls this his "Cool Shoeshine Song" He loves to dance to it and loves the video. Who doesn't love a gigantic moose... lol

Gorillaz - 19-2000

Music Monday: This is Halloween - Jack Skellington & Halloween Night - Wow Wow Wubbzy

2011-10-31T04:16:00.002-04:00

Since I did Elijah's Birthday song last week today for Halloween/His Birthday I will share two of his favorite Halloween songs!

This Is Halloween - Jack Skellington

(Nightmare Before Christmas - Danny Elfman)

Halloween Night - Wow Wow Wubbzy

Wordless Wednesday: The Birthday Costume

2011-10-26T00:57:00.000-04:00

Elijah was trying on his birthday costume and I just loved his poses! Too bad it was on my cell phone and not the real camera! Can you believe he's going to be 3!?!?!?!

Music Monday: Ting Tings- Happy Birthday (From Yo Gabba Gabba)

2011-10-24T23:08:00.002-04:00

Ting Tings- Happy Birthday (From Yo Gabba Gabba)

Happy Music Monday! Today marks one week until Elijah's 3rd Birthday!!!

*sigh* Time goes way too fast! I cannot believe he's going to be 3!!!!!

This is one of his favorite Birthday songs, so I thought I would share! <3

Happy Birthday Elijah!

Gazillion Bubble Show coming to Baltimore

2011-09-30T18:01:00.000-04:00

This Baltimore fun family event gives new meaning to "Good Clean Fun!"

Gazillion Bubble Show will be making a stop during it's first national tour right here in Baltimore! The Hippodrome will be featuring artist Fan Yang and his amazing bubble masterpieces on October 20th, 2011!

...to continue reading this story on my Examiner.com column click here

Free Fall Baltimore! FREE arts, theater, music, & more!

2011-09-30T16:37:00.000-04:00

Want to get out and enjoy some fun activities with your family in October without cutting into your budget? Check out Free Fall Baltimore! All totally FREE events in Baltimore!

It's easy to find something for everyone with all the great activities; Art & Museums, Dance, History & Heritage, Lectures & Readings, Music, Special Events, Theater, and Workshops.

All activities listed on the Free Fall Baltimore website are FREE on the dates and times noted. Many events require advance reservations.Check out the website for the full listing and to get more information.

Looking for something to do kid friendly? Make sure to check for the "k" symbol for activities especially designed for children.

Visit http://freefallbaltimore.com for more information!

Family Movie Night - Free Dumbo Printable!

2011-09-19T02:33:00.002-04:00

Elijah and I have a special time together on nights I am off early. We like to call it "Momma and Elijah's Cuddle Movie Time." We have spent many many nights cuddled up in bed watching a movie and eating snacks. Of course among the first movies I introduced him to were the Disney classics I grew up with. I cherish this time with him and know that family movie nights are not only great bonding time, they can also be used as an educational experience.

On September 20th Disney is releasing a special edition of one of their greatest classics, Dumbo. Available for the first time on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download. A classic I could not wait to share with him, Dumbo not only features an adorable elephant that I knew Elijah would like, it also teaches the important message to love ourselves for who we are.

To coincide with the release of the movie, Disney is offering a limited time printable PDF activity sheet for a Dumbo family movie night.

The sheet features the following activities that are not only fun, but also help your children take the most away from the movie:

Family conversation starters help you to know where to begin talking to your children and getting the most out of the movie's messages. At 3, Elijah is a little too young to fully understand all the lessons but we were still able to talk about Dumbo's ears making him feel sad and different at first, instead of unique and special. I even asked Elijah to pick out a part of him that makes him unique and special. Of course being the 3 year old boy he is, he said his "dancie." Which is apparently the part of his body that makes him a really awesome dancer...
Elephants to color
Fun Facts about elephants
A fun thumb print activity
A great elephant snack idea, Circus Peanut Popcorn

Available a limited time only (through September 25th) get your free Dumbo

Family Movie Night printable here: http://www.scholastic.com/parents/play/printables/dumbo.htm

Do you have Family Movie Night with your children? What's your favorite movie to watch?

Do you discuss the movie afterwards?

I hope you enjoy the printable and can't wait to hear about your Family Movie Night experiences!

This post was sponsored by Disney. The author was compensated in return for her agreement to blog about Dumbo's 70th Anniversary release and the Family Movie Night printable. However, all opinions are honest and that of the author. We wouldn't blog about something we didn't 100% honestly support!

Vote for Us! CBS Baltimore's Most Valuable Blogger

2011-08-22T22:38:00.002-04:00

Baltimore’s Most Valuable Blogger Awards 2011

We've been nominated for Most Valuable Blog

in the Lifestyle category!

Vote daily until September 9th and share your love for us!
There's no sign up or anything required, just click on the vote button to be counted!

Thank you!

Music Monday: Owl City - Alligator Sky ft. Shawn Chrystopher

2011-08-15T14:32:00.000-04:00

Owl City - Alligator Sky ft. Shawn Chrystopher

We LOVE Owl City!

Check out more of Adam's amazing music and get to know him on his Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Happy #MusicMonday!

Kohl's Cares for Kids - Clifford The Big Red Dog Books

2011-07-30T21:54:00.003-04:00

Since 2000 Kohl's has been raising money for kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. One of the ways they do that is by donating 100% of the net profit from the sales of Kohl's Cares merchandise program, which includes exclusive stuffed animals and books. In the past there have been characters from Dr. Suess, Winnie The Pooh, the adorable Llama Llama book series and more. This year Kohl's is adding the child favorite, Clifford the Big Red Dog from the books by Norman Bridwell, to it's merchandise that have been part of the Kohl's Cares program.

More than $180 million has been raised to date through the Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program since it started in 2000. This year promises to only increase that number more and help even more children.

When it comes to kids, Kohl's cares. We support kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. With over a decade of dedication and millions of dollars raised, we aim to give kids a happier, healthier future. From injury prevention, immunization and nutrition programs to scholarships and cause merchandise, we are committed to making a difference for kids so that someday they can make a difference in the world.

Now through September visit any of Kohl's 1,097 stores nationwide or Kohls.com to purchase adorable plush of Clifford and his pals or one of four classic Clifford books by Norman Bridwell for only $5! If you missed it I posted a few days ago about the plush.

The four books, featured for only $5 each, are some of my favorite classic Clifford stories. Clifford The Big Red Dog, Clifford The Firehouse Dog, Clifford's First School Day, and Clifford's Birthday Party all come in hardback and are guaranteed to delight your children for years to come. I know I can't wait to add them all to Elijah's book collection!

A little more about the books -

Clifford The Big Red Dog : "This "Clifford, The Big Red Dog" book by Norman Bridwell captures the spirit of Emily Elizabeth's favorite companion and his friends. In this story, it's simple to spot Clifford, even when he hides behind the house. Story shows how easy it is to spot the mischievous Clifford as he plays hide-and-seek with Emily Elizabeth." 64 Pages, also features a second story.
Clifford's First School Day : "This "Clifford's First School Day" book by Norman Bridwell captures the excitement of anyone's first day. See Clifford get caught in messy misadventures that make the small red puppy more lovable than ever. Story takes you along for Clifford's first day at school — filled with finger painting, cookie baking and messy misadventures." 56 pages, also features a second story.
Clifford, The Firehouse Dog : "This "Clifford, The Firehouse Dog" book by Norman Bridwell teaches fire safety in a fun way. See Clifford unexpectedly help put out a fire and rescue people from a burning building. In this story, Emily Elizabeth and Clifford take you on a visit to Clifford's brother, Nero, a fire rescue dog." 56 pages, also features a second story.
Clifford's Birthday Party : "This "Clifford's Birthday Party" book by Norman Bridwell captures the excitement of Clifford's big day. Help everyone's favorite Big Red Dog celebrate with all of his friends. In this story, you'll help Clifford celebrate his birthday with big gifts, a huge cake and an extra-special surprise." 56 pages, also features a second story.

To find out more about Kohl's Cares please visit www.kohlscorporation.com
To purchase Kohl's Cares merchandise, including Clifford books, please visit Kohls.com or any of the nationwide Kohl's Stores. To find a location near you check the store locator on their website.

This post was sponsored by Kohl's. The author was compensated a monetary fee of $100 per post, up to two posts, in return for her agreement to blog about Kohl's Cares. However, all opinions are honest and that of the author. We wouldn't blog about something we didn't 100% honestly support!

Notable Newness Freebie: Free Magazine Subscriptions (Bridal Guide, Working Mother, and Wood)

2011-07-29T17:56:00.000-04:00

Free Magazine Subscriptions!

There are three new offers for free magazine subscriptions through ValueMags I thought you all might like!

If you've been a reader for a while then you would know I have received tons of free subscriptions from ValueMags in the past. I have never and you will never receive a bill or need to cancel it. I have occasionally gotten renewal notices when the free subscription is running out, which are optional and can be ignored if you don't want more issues. After you submit your mailing address you may get a page of offers, I always just check no in every box and until I get to the end. After submission you can expect to see your first free issue arrive in 6 to 10 weeks.


12 Free Issues

4 Free Issues

8 Free Issues

To keep up to date with all my free stuff posts make sure you subscribe or check back often and look for Mailbox Monday and Notable Newness Freebie posts.

Remember to always use a separate email just for freebies if you sign up for them to prevent your mail email from getting junk and third party ads you don't want! To make signing up for free stuff easier consider using the AutoFill Forms and InformEnter add-ons for the Firefox web browser. I use them both and have even written a tutorial for InformEnter you can view.

Kohl's Cares for Kids - Clifford The Big Red Dog Plush

2011-07-28T23:47:00.001-04:00

When it comes to kids, Kohl's cares. We support kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. With over a decade of dedication and millions of dollars raised, we aim to give kids a happier, healthier future. From injury prevention, immunization and nutrition programs to scholarships and cause merchandise, we are committed to making a difference for kids so that someday they can make a difference in the world.

Now through September visit any of Kohl's 1,097 stores nationwide or Kohls.com to purchase Clifford books or an adorable 13.5" tall Clifford plush for only $5! They also have made adorable plush of his pals, Mac, Cleo and T-Bone. Each character is from 10 to 12" tall and made of the softest polyester fiber. They are also made for children as young as birth, so it's never too early to a Kohl's Cares collection for your child or a child you know. Elijah owns many of the Kohl's Cares plush and I can tell you for only $5, these are quality plush! From a past Kohl's Cares campaign Elijah received Max the Duck from Jackie Urbanovic's books as a present from his grandmother. It quickly became one of his favorite stuffed animals ever. He has had it over 2 years now, sleeping with it at night and dragging it around the house, and it still looks brand new! We will definitely be adding Clifford to our collection of Kohl's Cares Plush!

To find out more about Kohl's Cares please visit www.kohlscorporation.com
To purchase Kohl's Cares merchandise, including Clifford and his pals, please visit Kohls.com or any of the nationwide Kohl's Stores. To find a location near you check the store locator on their website.

Stop back Saturday when I will tell you a little more about the Clifford books that are included in the program!

This post was sponsored by Kohl's. The author was compensated a monetary fee of $100 per post, up to two posts, in return for her agreement to blog about Kohl's Cares. However, all opinions are honest and that of the author. We wouldn't blog about something we didn't 100% honestly support!

Music Monday: Owl City - Fireflies

2011-07-25T17:34:00.000-04:00

Owl City - Fireflies
Elijah loves this song and video!

Music Monday: Britney Spears -Till The World Ends

2011-06-13T12:38:00.000-04:00

Britney Spears -Till The World Ends, A great dance beat to get the whole family up and moving!

Help fuel kids’ futures, One drive at a time: The Road to Literacy Test Drive: Update

2011-05-21T13:46:00.004-04:00

Last month I told you about us looking for a new family vehicle and Chrysler's Road to Literacy Test Drive. If you didn't catch that post you can check it out by clicking here. I talked about Chrysler's current promotion and some of the specs of the Town & Country. All that was left was for us to go test drive one.

Right now it's a great time to test drive a new 2011 Chrysler Town & Country and I'm glad we did! Chrysler is just coming to a close with their program, Road To Literacy Test Drive. Test drive a Town & Country now through June 1st (next week) and they will donate five books to the school of your choice, plus an additional five books to a school in need. Donating over 150,000 Scholastic books across the country, Chrysler believes a bright future begins with a solid education for our children.

We went last week to a local Chrysler dealer and were thrilled with the 2011 Town & Country. We looked at the differences between the Touring, The Touring-L, and the Limited versions and decided on test driving the Touring-L model. I couldn't believe all they had to offer!

Their Stow n Go seating is awesome! Not to mention its a van so more trying to cram everything we want to take into a 2 door! I love the fact that everything is out of sight too, hidden underneath and out of the way. We could keep so much in the van all the time without it taking up precious space; extra outfits, diapers, wipes, toys for Elijah and all those items we have to lug in and out of the house every time we get in the car.

I'm totally in love with the optional Entertainment Group. It features a rear-seat entertainment system with two wireless headphones, satellite radio and a touch screen stereo interface with 30GB of digital music storage! To sweeten the deal there is a single-DVD player and a third-row screen, which swivels with Swivel 'n Go seating. There is even SiriusXM BackSeat TV available! That's enough options for Elijah to enjoy all his favorite music, tv shows and movies; more than enough to keep him occupied on even long road trips! And with the flip down kiddie mirror I can check on him easier than ever!

I could go on and on about all the options, but this post would end up being 7 pages long. It's just easier to go test drive one yourself and check out their website!

Speaking of test driving, the ride was SO smooth. A V6 automatic transmission, Electronic Stability Control, 16-inch wheels, automatic headlamps, fog lamps, power-adjustable pedals and cruise control; they've added so much to make your drive as comfortable as possible! And that's just some of the options on the Town & Country we tested. I can't tell you the amount of options actually possible!

I can't tell you enough good things about the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country! Go test drive one today and see for yourself! And don't forget to visit their facebook page before you go for more information on how to participate in the Road To Literacy Test Drive!

Chrysler on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChryslerTownandCountry

You can also visit Chrysler's website to get full information and options about the Town & Country!

http://www.chrysler.com

This post was sponsored by Chrysler Group, LLC. The author was compensated a monetary fee of $100 per post, up to two posts, in return for her agreement to blog about the Road To Literacy Test Drive. However, all opinions are honest and that of the author. We wouldn't blog about something we didn't 100% honestly support!

Dressing your toddler on a budget

2011-05-20T23:46:00.006-04:00

Thank you Old Navy for sponsoring my post today about baby and toddler styles. Old Navy is giving you 30% off everything in their baby and toddler summer collection, plus get an additional 15% off in-store.

Elijah in his Easter suit.

Even at two and a half, Elijah has a real sense of his style. He likes to pick his own clothes and will let you know what he does and doesn't like.

When Elijah was born he was 8lbs and never really 'newborn' size, he wore size 2 infant shoes within the first month and I quickly realized that every outfit I bought him looked like the one I had just taken off of him Everything was pale blue and had a puppy. It was cute but I still searched for something more interesting. His very first pair of shoes were a pair of baby Converse; high top Chuck Taylors. I wear black high top Chuck Taylors and thought it would be cute for him to match me.

The next obstacle with dressing Elijah was how quickly he grew out of things. I would spend $30 an an adorable outfit, only to find the third time I put it on him he had already grown out of it. That's when I decided I needed to come up with ways to still dress him adorable, but needed to spend about 1/4th what I was spending.

Infant Boys' Tops & Tees by Old Navy
Boys' Accessories by Quiksilver

Some of Elijah's style

Elijah's style of clothing he likes is simple. Is it soft, not hard or itchy? Does it stretch and it's not too tight? Does it have something to do with Halloween on it, a spider or a monster perhaps? Does it have Batman or a superhero on it? Does it have Snoopy or another of the Peanuts gang on it? Does it look like an item of clothing mommy and/or daddy wear? If it fits any of those qualifications it's sure to be a hit with Elijah!

His style makes it easy to shop so many places and get the best deal possible. Here are some tips on how I dress Elijah on a budget while keeping with his style.

Shop Sales and Clearance!

Try not to buy clothing right as your child needs it. Because you're rushed to buy it you're more likely to pay full price. Buy at least one season and size ahead. As we are coming into spring there were some great sale and clearance winter clothes everywhere! Winter coats that were normally $50 were on sale for $2! I buy everything end of season. Coats, bathing suits and seasonal wear especially!

Shop Consignment Shops!

There are so many great finds in consignment shops. Most consignment shops are pretty picky about what they take so you should know what you are buying is in gently used condition and you should get pretty good life out of it. I shop at a local consignment store called Kid to Kid. I have bought so much there and never had a problem with anything. Most of what I bought has actually looked brand new. The great thing about most consignment shops is when your child outgrows something and it's still in good shape you can sell it back to them for store credit and purchase your child something new using the credit! No money out of pocket to completely refill your child's closet! Consignment shops are also a great place to find brand names and licensed characters for practically nothing!

Join or Create a local swap group!

There are a few great groups on the Internet I've used to swap and I LOVE it! Check out www.thredup.com and www.swapmamas.com! I've used them both a few times and loved it!

I hope you can use those ideas to help dress your toddler in style for less! What other ideas do you readers have to dress your toddlers in style on a budget? Share in the comments below!

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received $50 in exchange for this article. All opinions are that of my own.