Mommie Joys

Etsy Shop, VintageJoys, Re-Opening!

2013-06-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

My Etsy shop is now re-opened! New items being added regularly! Please stop by and browse, "like" items you like and maybe even buy something!

I use as many vintage materials as possible! All handmade in my home.

Vintage Rosette Bib Necklace

Upcycled Braided T-Shirt Scarf

Upcycled T-Shirt Scarf with Loops

Product Review - Toms Shoes

2013-04-16T15:16:00.001-07:00

So, what's the big deal about Toms?

Zulily ran a Toms special about two months ago. I snatched up two pairs for my daughter at about $18 each, plus shipping. (This is as much as I've EVER spent on shoes for her.) I bought the canvas and petal pink colors. With white shoe season finally here, I put the canvas Toms on her the day after they came in the mail. After wearing into ONE store, for less than ONE hour - the canvas colored Toms were GREY all over the toes.

Ok, so you might say it's MY fault for putting a child in canvas colored shoes, but truthfully, I've purchased other brands of white canvas tennis shoes in the past and did NOT have this problem.

On a positive not, they're super cute and she says they're comfy. *smiles*

Via Pinterest, I stumbled upon the Toms Online Outlet! Yup, that's right. Discounted, cheap, on sale, affordable Toms! Mostly, they carry women's but I've seen men's too.

Because of the whopping $50-60 per pair I discovered every time I found Toms in a retail store, I never was willing to spend the money. But when I saw the price of just under $18 each plus shipping (which was $7.50 each) I snagged a grey and silver pair! I'd seen the SAME SHOE on Zulily during their sale, but they were around $35 plus shipping.

Promptly, my package arrived from China, registered mail. The boxes were really squished. But the shoes were in perfect condition. With excitement, I tried on my Toms. Both shoes were the same size. The silver Toms were super tight, while the grey Toms were super loose! Hmmm...

I decided to wear the silver shoes out that afternoon. (Yup, I'd heard that Toms are supposed to be a little tight at first, but will stretch after wearing them.) Uhm...I got blisters after a couple hours of wear on places on my foot that have never seen a blister. The side of my heal and the top of my foot!

Also, I didn't find them to be thaaat comfortable. No thick cushioning to speak of, no arch support. They're not uncomfortable, but nothing like Ecco or SAS.

Since the grey pair were definitely too large, they'll be on the auction block pretty soon. *sigh* And as for the silver ones, wear #2 was mucho better. They didn't blister my tootsies this time. Not A+ for extra-comfort though. Certainly an A+ on cuteness and a go-to-to-go-with-everything shoe. *grins*

On the upside Toms are incredibly light-weight, so for packing they would be wonderful. The style goes with shorts, pants, skirts, pretty much everything!

If you have a long walk ahead or need comfort because you'll be on your feet all day, I think I'd skip on Toms. They have great marketing I guess. *winks*

All in all I'm giving Toms Shoes 3 stars outta 5.

***Toms Tip: Buy the sparkle shoes a size bigger and the regular canvas shoes your regular size. Odd, but they run differently.

Up-cycle Necklace

2013-04-13T16:00:00.001-07:00

I've been wanting to make a necklace like this for about a year. FINALLY, I got around to it!

Nothing was difficult...just took time...

Simply make rosettes in various sizes.

Lay them out on the table first to determine your design.

Next, lay them on felt and cut around them.

Trim the felt while hot gluing.

Add your bling with a glue gun and creative eye!

I used random pieces of material (some vintage) left in my scrap bin and even some scraps from t-shirt scarves! The "bling" is a vintage earring and vintage buttons.

This is SO my style. *winks*

In the very near future this bib necklace will be completing my outfit!

Now, if I can convince the cat to lift a paw and actually HELP me during photo time. *winks*

Gluten Free in Kauai, Hawaii

2013-04-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

My family just got back from Kauai, Hawaii!

As a devoted gluten-free-er, travel can be difficult. Salads and grilled chicken get oh-so boring fast!

After doing some Googling, I was excited to find Sweet Marie's. But that was it!

Everywhere we went, I kept my eyes and ears open. AND - asked lots of questions. *smiles*

Here's a list of what I discovered!

Sweet Marie's

Sweet Marie's shows up all-over Google. Their website isn't exactly user friendly, but I was able to find an address and Google the location.

Right after we arrived in Kauai I made a trip here. Excited to find a designated gluten free bakery, I bought three of her muffins, a pack of chocolate chip cookies and a brownie. That should do it for an eleven day visit. *smiles* The small shop had a steady flow of customers. Three were finishing up lunch when I walked in, two others came in behind me to get baked goods and as we drove away, another car full of people was arriving. My daughter enjoyed playing with the toys in the corner of the shop!

Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the taste and texture. Her muffins all tasted heavy of banana. They also were extremely oily. The chocolate chip cookies were very crunchy and tasted like baking soda with a grainy texture. The brownie was very yummy - would get that again!

My daughter, who has been raised gluten free, refused to eat the banana chocolate chip muffin she picked out from the case! I offered it to her several times over a 2-day period, but after that first bite she wouldn't touch it again.

Banana Joe's Fruit Stand

During an afternoon drive, we stumbled up Banana Joe's Fruit Stand. It's a treasure. Banana Joe, in person, whipped up a pineapple frosty for me - it's just frozen pineapple! After about half of it, I'd had all the acid my tummy could handle, but for a cool and fresh, lightly sweet healthy treat it was fantastic.

In their freezer they had gluten-free bread and tortillas to buy. I spied gluten free fudge too. *winks*

A handful of locals came through while we were browsing, to buy his frosties and to get produce. The produce seemed to be a good price and good quality.

Common Grounds

Recommended by Banana Joe. A bit on the spendy side, but they said their GF breakfast options were superb.

Kilauea Bakery

On that same afternoon drive, my husband and I stopped in this marvelous local bakery - we were looking for a bathroom. (They're in a market place, but I cannot remember the name!) They sell GF pizza (not cheap, but you are in Hawaii!) and GF baked goods. All of their soups are GF and they even made me sandwich with the loaf of gluten free bread I purchased! A refil of any coffee or tea is only $2. *smiles*

While our meal cost more than soup, salad and sandwich at home - the portions were generous and quite filling!

Kalaheo Steakhouse and Ribs

They do not claim to have GF options, but the staff was very understanding and made great recommendations. Again, on the spendy side, but it was some of the best food we ate on our vacation.

The owner personally came to our table and chatted for a while.

Shrimp Station

Their garlic shrimp is amazing. There are other options, of course, but this was our lunch and/or dinner multiple times! Quick service. Very clean.

The Fish Hut

The Fish Hut is located in the Coconuts Market in Kapaa. I was unable to find a website for them. Their Hawaiian Shave Ice is the best value and quality we uncovered. We were not disappointed with any our food choices either - fish, shrimp, rice, hot dog and fries. Again, a good value!

An Owl's Message

2013-02-20T17:51:00.005-08:00

So I walked over to my kitchen sink to start some dinner prep and I was met with this little message that made my night! And YES, it naturally happened!

Sometimes you just need a little, yellow timer-owl (ok, Azaleas) to make you smile.

Reminds me of Charlotte's Web. *winks*

Product Review - Trader Joe's Freeze Dried Blueberries

2013-02-20T12:58:00.003-08:00

via Trader Joe's

So, I'm new to Trader Joe's. Everyone has always ranted and raved about Trader Joe's. So, I went and tried a few things.

Here's one of my first experiences with one of Trader Joe's products...

Yup - you see that correctly. (The coin in a quarter.) That BIG bag with literally and handful of

freeze dried blueberries. I felt jipped - tricked - fooled.

Please Trader Joe's, either increase the amount of blueberries in the bag, or make the bag smaller.

Thank you.

P.S. Taste and quality were great! My daughter loves them.

Mommie Rant - Social Media in a Mommie's Life

2013-02-11T13:57:00.002-08:00

In the last few months I've had a few conversations which included the topic of social media. These conversations have made me think, ya know, they've gotten my dander up! *smiles*

Should I be active in social media as a Mommie? Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and the like take a LOT of time. But how do I balance having a "life" with being a full-time mom and wife?

This Mommie Rant post will cover some of my thoughts on the issue.

What role should social media play in the life of a Christian Mommie?

I believe that we need to stay relevant. We need to understand the struggles and world our children will be facing. By intentionally shutting yourself away from social media and the online world you cannot fully prepare your children for what lies ahead. This is a technical age. Trust me, I have fought to keep electronics out of my daughter's reach all of her short life. It's a battle that I cannot win. *smiles*

Everywhere you go something and someone is telling you how great this App is for you child's development or how this game prepares your little one for school or how this gadget teaches the alphabet and phonics. But nothing compares to hands on education. You, getting eye level with your child and playing with them and teaching them.

So, what approach do we Mommies need to take with ourselves? Do we shun social media completely, or give ourselves some rules and guidelines? (Not forgetting that we are setting an example to our children on how to be responsible with high-tech-ness.)

Through these social sites, are we exposing ourselves to immoral and offensive materials that have no place in our lives?

Scantily clad women in provocative poses can easily be discovered on Pinterest, Facebook, etc. Foul, offensive language is used in status updates and quotes on both of these sites.

The people we "friend" are the people who we...

Want in on their gossip.
Need to fill in the blanks about our past.
Are curious about them.
Are family members, close friends, co-workers, fans, etc.

If you want to control what you are seeing on Facebook, Pinterest and others - be choosy who you friend! Only see updates, Tweets or pins from those friends. If a co-worker or relative has a foul mouth when you meet "in real life" why would you expect their status updates to be any different? Actively, let your voice be heard by those site's editors if material, that is out of your control and is offensive to you, pops up regularly.

And, if you decide to cut one or two areas of social media because of what you're being "forced" to see, you need to stay consistent. Not being on Facebook because of what you are exposed to doesn't make sense when you watch every season of Dancing With The Stars. (Aren't their outfits "revealing" and the dance moves quite sexy?) And then to top it off, you let your little girl watch bikini wearing Ariel and Jasmine and think nothing of that "exposure." (For the record, I am NOT stating my own beliefs here, only some observations I have made.)

One of my favorite quotes is "Life is a balancing act." That is true in every level/situation in life. Stay consistent. If we're not careful, we will be sending confusing, mixed messages to our kids.

**And as an extra Mommie Rant...

Keep your convictions to yourself. Your convictions are your convictions. They're between YOU and GOD. I don't need to see a Facebook status about how you've decided to "raise your standard" and no longer subscribe to this or that website.

You are not God in other people's lives. You must live your life as you and God determine. Just because it's different, doesn't make it wrong.

And I'm sorry, but sometimes what you see on Facebook and Pinterest is actually real life. Not the "holier than thou" and "I'm unspotted from the world" approach, but real life in the real world where God DOES exist and where God DOES love all mankind.

Yes, trash is trash. But please, don't judge others based upon their pins and updates. They are at a different place than you. Your thought should be, "Do they love God?" And not, "How in the world do they think this is ok?" Flaunting your rules, convictions and moral ideas will not win people to the Lord. Kindness, grace and love WILL.

How do you decide how much time online is too much?

Is your husband being put on the back burner? Are you checking your phone, sending texts and writing status updates when you could be having a meaningful discussion or special time with him? Are you ignoring him too much?

Are you plopping your kids in front of a TV screen just so you can catch up with life on Facebook or text that girlfriend?

When was the last time you actually made a real, entire dinner without checking in online?

Are you staying up later than your husband and kids to browse Pinterest for hours on end? Then catching a few hours of shut-eye after 1 AM and finding yourself cranky and groggy the next day?

Has blogging and snapping that perfect photo for your blog become an obsession? Is your blog a legitimate business? Is your blog a legitimate way for you to relax and think? Or are you just using the excuse that you're a blogger to get away from craziness and responsibility?

Are you choosing online time over God? Does your phone interrupt church?

Basically, are your responsibilities suffering?

Does searching blogs and Pinterest create dissatisfaction and discontent?

Have you noticed yourself becoming unhappy with what you have? "That closet on Pinterest was so organized and beautiful. The linens were gorgeous, the baskets amazing...my stuff is so old and ugly, and I can't afford to buy new towels..."

Are you hating your own body because "those Mommies online dropped all their baby weight in like 3 months?"

Your child can't do this or that and they're a whole year older! What's wrong with my kid?

You wish you could be a super-crafty Mommie, instead of boring-old-you.

Conclusion.

Make sure you're thinking. Yup. Like Pooh Bear, "...think, think, think..." Don't just do and later regret. Prayerfully consider changes you need to make to put God, your husband and kids back in priority over your beeping phone and "Oh, she's pregnant!" updates.

Technology is here, it's the future too. What you do with it, will help shape what your kids do with it. Are you obsessing over your texts and daily deal sites? Then why be surprised when your child begins obsessing over their texts, etc.

I'm all for a "check-in with reality" during the day. Being a Mommie is stressful, busy, crazy and at times overwhelming.

Again, think balance. Balance your time. Balance your moral reasons why or why not.

My phone just bleeped and I'm off to check my text...*winks*

~ I'd love to hear any and all feedback on this post. Please, stay positive, even if you don't agree with me. *BIG grin*

15 Minute Wreath

2013-01-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

With all my Christmas decor coming down, I wanted something pretty to put on my front door. My time is SO short these days with organizing projects, child rearing/educating, going to the gym, being a loving wife, still recovering from my head injury, yadda yadda.

I needed a simple wreath that I can add more to later...when I have the time. And here is I what I scrounged up from my crafting shelf full of this and that...

Wreath was a Goodwill find, un-decorated and cheap!
It was just sitting on my craft shelf waiting to be used.

Leftover flowers I'd pulled from another Goodwill (UGLY!) wreath.
I just tucked the stems inside.

Bits of burlap, twine and mini-clothes pins leftover from this wreath.
I attached the twine to the wreath with wire.

Amazing chevron print burlap ribbon left over from yet another project!
I just tied a bow, used a bit of wire to add a little flounce and cut ends to desired length.

This wreath literally jumped together in about 15 minutes.

And there's room left for me to add a cute Valentine's heart or anything else. At least my door is dressed and it's no longer Christmas-y. I'm happy with my 15 Minute Wreath - it makes me smile.

Burlap and Vintage Button Wreath

2012-12-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

This wreath inspired me...

TaterTotsAndJello

...so I decided to make my own! With my own, personal twist of course!

And here is my finished product, now hanging proudly above our Master Room bed. *smiles*

(Walls are painted Silver Plate from Sherwin Williams._

Here's what I used/you need...

Wreath

5 inch strips of burlap (Aprox. 3 yrd. depending on wreath size.)

Hot glue and glue gun

Scrap material in the color of your choice

Extra burlap

Vintage buttons

Scissors

Chalkboard bunting

Twine

Lots of patients and strong hands!

To make...

Cut out circle, after circle, after circle, in various sizes using your burlap and material. Hot glue circles together. Hot glue buttons in the center.

(Instead of counting, I eye-balled, placing the completed flowers on the wreath without gluing them.)

Cut burlap into 5 inch strips - or use some of that amazing burlap ribbon!

Wrap the burlap strips around the wreath, hot gluing occasionally to keep in place.

After all of your flowers have dried, hot glue them onto your wreath!

It worked best for me to lay out the flowers on the wreath before I glued,

to get a balance of colors and sizes! *grins*

Use twine to string your bunting, and then hot glue to the back of the wreath. I also used twine and hot glue to create a hanger on the back.

Honestly, the hardest part about making this is the cutting, and cutting out of the circle flowers!

Instead of "Luv" you could place your initials "A + B" or "Joy" or any other word you wish!

Christmas prep...

2012-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

That's right! Christmas is coming! And with a child in the house,

preparing to celebrate Christmas can be a whole lot of fun!

Yeah, it typically takes longer, but it's so worth it.

We've let out daughter help us every step of the way.

Here's a glimpse into what's been going on around our house in the last week or so.

Trimming the Tree

Peeling (and eating!) Pomegranates

Helping place the Baby Jesus and Angel Yard Art

What IS normal?

2012-11-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

Stolen from a friend's Facebook

As a Christ-follower, mother and wife, sometimes I do wonder,

"What's normal?"

"Is there really such a thing as a "normal" marriage or a "normal" child?"

"Am I normal?"

Nope.

Each marriage, each family, each child is unique! Instead of trying to cram our spouses, selves and children into a "normal" mold, a mold created by man and not by God by the way, we should step back and examine our situations. Season our actions and plans with grace. In the end, who cares what people think! Honestly, your life and your family have only to answer to Christ - not to society, not to someone who wrote a best seller or to the pastor at your church.

Can you, at the end of the day, face your Lord, child and husband with a clear conscience and love? Have you done your best that day with what that day brought your way? Does your child know you love them unconditionally? Are you willing to swallow your pride in order have a better marriage? Are you allowing God's grace to minister to your heart?

Or, are you so caught up with the "rules" you read in that book, heard on a radio program, saw on a Power Point at church or jotted down at a seminar? Maybe you're supposed to "only" have one child instead of one thousand. Maybe your husband is a better cook. Maybe you're not a good house keeper. Maybe your child is going to have a tantrum here and there. There is no formula to a successful marriage. There is no formula to raising a God-loving, well adjusted child. There is no formula to being a content, happy individual.

But there is God's grace. There is joy in your child's laughter. There is love in your husband's kiss. Get off the "normal" merry-go-round of life. Appreciate today. Be thankful for the good moments. You're a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. There is no normal!

Actively seek what God wants for YOU, the square peg! What story does He want to write with your life and family? Look for the square window that He has customized for YOU - between you and God, between you and your husband, between you and your child.

It's time to accept the fact that we're all different and we're all children of a loving, grace giving God. Yes, there are absolute "right" and "wrongs" in Scripture that we all should live by. We are all humans and all have the same Creator, that's what makes us "the same." But there is no "normal" outside of that.

So, from now on, "normal" is just a setting on a dryer. *smiles*

Become the lady, wife and mother God wants YOU to be. And only that. It's freeing. It's fulfilling. It's right.

Product Review - Kumon Write and Wipe

2012-11-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

Image via Amazon

Another fun Goodwill find for me was this complete set of Write and Wipe cards!

My little one is nuts about them!

Start at the dot, follow the arrow, end at the star! So easy.

This cards keep her busy and holds interested for at least two times through the alphabet!

On the flip side of each card is a coordinating picture and word.

Kumon's ABC's Write and Wipe gets a five outta five from me!

**I was in no way compensated for this review.

Coach Tennis Shoes - From Goodwill

2012-11-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

Indeed, true, authentic Coach tennis shoes from Goodwill. A steal at $14.99.

A little help from a Magic Erase and they look like new!

What have you found recently while thrifting?

Paper Scrap Letters - Cheapo Anthro

2012-11-11T22:29:00.002-08:00

So I fell in LOVE with the Anthropologie letters. Ain't they grand? Each one is unique and they're $14 a pop! (Unless they're on sale!)

While these are beautiful, quilted and quality, I didn't want to swing for 'em. So I put on my thinking cap and camp up with the Cheapo Anthro version. (It also didn't take very long, and was "almost" free - compared to $14 each.)

Here's what you need...

*Cardboard letter

(Store bought or actually cut from a piece cardboard.)

*Scraps of paper

(Could use old magazines, etc.)

*Tape or glue

*Scissors/paper cutter

All you have to do is wrap a strip of paper around the letter, cut to size and tape or glue on the back! Voila! You could add those cute cloth rosettes and even some bling if you want a fancier look.

Your cheap (mine were $1 each) or free Cheapo Anthro letter! Now you can afford to spell out a whole name, word and make some for gifts!

Girlie Curious George Birthday Party

2012-11-11T12:50:00.004-08:00

On the morning of her birthday, we celebrated with a tradition that has been in my family for about 30 years - the red "You're Special Today" plate. *smiles*

Gluten free blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and a new (Goodwill!) Princess birthday shirt. Perfect start to any child's day.

For her party, we went with her current favorite cartoon - Curious George! I tried to keep things simple yet a bit creative and lots of fun! The typical red, blue, green and yellow George party wouldn't work for us, naturally. So we chose purple, pink and yellow - now that's more girlie.

For party favors for the visiting kiddos I used buckets and filled them with these treats...

A Curious George Mask (from Party City)

A Curious George bottle cap necklace (PPPartyFavors from Etsy)

Squiggle straw

2 monkey erasers

Kite ($1 bin at Target!)

Baggie of banana chips

Picture of my daughter with her age and "Thank you!" printed (Made by me.)

and

A Curious George chalkboard mat (Nickle Pickle Quilts from Etsy)

As I said, I tried to keep the decorating to a minimum.

Wal-Mart had these bright decorations for a $1 each in their party section.

I propped Curious George books everywhere, windows, mantel, etc.

And that was it - favor, food and drink stations decorated and books spread about.

In our entry, I used this plastic back-drop with

lips, glasses, hats and mustaches for the guests to pose with as they came in.

Later, I sent an email thank you with their photo!

Her gluten and dairy free Curious George birthday cake came from a local bakery.

Somehow, they missed the multiple email memos about our color scheme. *grins*

Instead of yellow, they used green.

But we rolled with it, and I don't think any visitors noticed.

Outside we had a kiddie pool and sprinkler and ladder ball.

For food we opted to go with brisket on the grill, baked potatoes and baked and green beans in crock pots.

As adult visitors left, I gave them the Thank You photo of my daughter. *whew*

Saves on writing thank you cards later!

And there you have it! This birthday party is now behind us. And you know what, my daughter already knows what kind of party she wants next year. *smiles*

A blue princess party. *sighs*

DIY Topiaries

2012-10-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

So my friend and I were happily strolling through a fancy shop in the quaint, historic part of her town and we spied these amazing topiaries. At about $65 retail price, I was shocked. My friend mentioned how easy it would be to make them. And of course, I agreed. *smiles*

I'd been wanting to find something tall and "natural" for the dresser in our master bedroom. The topiaries were the perfect idea! I decided that I didn't like the clay pot look, and used some chalkboard paint I had purchased earlier.

A run to Hobby Lobby, a quick stroll around my backyard and voila!

(If you wait until each item goes on their 50% off sale, you can make these topiaries for about $6.50 each. MUCHO cheaper than $65 per green thing. Yes!)

Looks navy blue when you open the can!

One coat, with a foam brush, was all I needed.

I opted for the pre-made greenery balls.
There really wasn't much of a price difference.
You could make your own for a more custom look.

One package of moss covered the tops of all 3 pots.

Chalk markers, or pens, are simply amazing.
Favorite new find.

I can write whatever words I'd like - seasonal, some special note, etc.

Standing tall on the dresser.

Vintage Gun Cabinet to Jewelry Hutch

2012-10-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

Habitat for Humanity has a great store not far from our house. One time we just "stopped in" and this is what I fell in love with...it was only $25.

This cabinet was supposed to be for a spot in our guest bath, but at some point an idea jumped into my head...a jewelry hutch! For years and years I've been trying to come up with some way to store ALL of my accessories in one place. The jewelry chest my husband bought me a few years ago was nice, but all my chunky vintage pieces well, they didn't fit. So I had the jewelry chest, and a hanging bag and a pile, and then another hanging bag...all in the same closet! Nothing I have is valuable, so it's not like I needed a way to keep things "safe," but a way to keep all my pieces in one place would change my life! *winks*

Original Hinges

Gun rack and support for old shelving.

DIY Chalk Paint via I Heart Nap Time

Paint will be very thick, keep stirring!

I just loved the swirls! *smiles*

I chose a $3 Oops! paint for my shelf color.
(More coral than peach in person.)

The Vaseline trick via really works!

With the Vaseline, paint just wiped right off.
(I did use a chisel to scrape off the old white paint in the places I wanted that chippy look,
so the natural wood underneath would show through too!)

A good soak in hot, soapy Dawn helped the old paint peel off!

Hobby Lobby and their 50% off hooks afforded me a great vintage style look.

My husband is so handy. He's helped me with every project I've ever wanted to do. He's full of marvelous ideas. *pats husband on back* He knocked out the gun rack and extra shelf supports. Put in another board on top for screwing the cabinet into the wall and well, everything!

Here's the finished product...I'm in LOVE with it!

My husband hung this massive cabinet on the wall - top hooks I can just reach.
An insane amount of bling fits in here!
(I will stack more of the wonderful bamboo cases on the 2nd shelf - after I go back to get more!)
When all my "jewels" are displayed, it's amazing! *smiles*

Wood Block frame I made here holds a vintage Scripture found in an old house.
Hands business card holder serves as a great cocktail ring holder!

IKEA paper towel holder for bracelets - was on sale for .50 cents!

Oatmeal box - headbands fit great!

Product Review - Shout Color Catcher

2012-10-01T13:32:00.004-07:00

About two years ago, I took moooost of a quilting class with a friend at her church. *BIG grin* There, the ladies introduced me to an amazing laundry tool - Shout Color Catcher.

After ruining a new red and white striped rug, an newly made quilt, a few baby clothes and the like, I grabbed on to these Color Catchers.

The size of a dryer sheet, you simply toss a Color Catcher into the wash and it literally catches the colors as they run. Colors run onto this sheet instead of onto your clothes. It's simply wonderful. This product works.

Now, when I wash a new garment for the first time or washing something old or super nice (if I'm worried about the colors running) instead of washing it alone and wasting all that time, water and energy, I merely toss in a Color Catcher and wash a full load!

Five outta Five is what I give the Shout Color Catcher. My stamp of approval for sure. Try it.

Like the Shout on Facebook to get coupons and special offers!

*I was not paid to give this review. I did not receive product to review.*

Disney Princesses. Fairy Tale or Reality?

2012-09-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Disney Princess Clipart

I have a problem. And this problem is a tricky one. I don't like the Disney Princess culture. It bothers me.

Another part of this problem is that my daughter is noticing the princess stuff everywhere we go - everywhere. (Standing in line at Lowes they're selling Disney Princess color books!) She's really drawn to it and loves being a princess. Thus, why it's on my mind.

Let me set the record straight...

I love dress up.
I love pretend/make believe.
I love girlie-girl.
I love, true love stories.
I love true princesses.

But I don't love having my daughter bombarded with fake-ness. The original fairy tale stories are wonderful, but it's how Disney has manipulated and over sold them hits me wrong. I feel Disney has capitalized on a natural part of a growing girl - learning about herself, her self-image, her dreams. (Smart business move!) Every girl wants to be thought of as pretty. Every girl wants to be loved and adored by someone. Every girl wants to be strong and confident.

GearFuse

Somehow this artists rendering of Belle seems a bit more accurate. Not all little girls are teeny tiny. But if you get a steady intake of Disney Princesses, you swallow the lie that you have to be super skinny to be a princess and get the prince.

Also, to be a real Princess, you're going to have to rebel against something. Your dad, your mom, your culture - something. You're going to have to fight (as a child, or very young adult) to get what you want or what you believe in.

The original Princess stories were about a damsel in distress - Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella - true make-believe, fairy tale stories. Their handsome prince comes to fight away the evil and save the day. Disney started with a sweet foundation and twisted in various religious beliefs, self-centeredness, self-sufficiency and a lack of respect for authority. (And more!)

This "not-so-current blog" has much to say on this issue, PrincessCulture also has this link to a clip from ABC News back in 2007.

PrincessProduction is also an "out-of-date" blog, but one that makes some great, more detailed points.

Please, if you have a precious princess of your own, take some time to consider what I and the blogs above have said. Don't just buy in to a culture for your little one that was created by a business move.

I believe if we allow our children to become absorbed with any one thing for an extended time - a food, an action character, a series of books, etc. - it can become harmful for them.

As far as this house, we are going to continue playing dress-up, purple eye shadow included. But we are not going to glorify the Disney Princess culture. We are not going to have a favorite princess, or on purpose buy as much Princess pinkness as my daughter's heart can handle! We will graciously accept Disney Princess gifts from those who don't know my view. (Honestly, we may exchange the gift for something else if possible. If we can't, then we will gratefully play with the toy!)

I want my little one to enjoy being a child. I want her to play pretend. I want to to experiment with hair, make-up and clothes. I want her to have fun, giggle and read books with me - lots. But I also want some reality thrown in - honesty, respect, hard work and a firm foundation about what she believes and who she is in Christ.

So Bibbity-Bobbity-Boo...to you! (As we creeeep towards October.) *winks*

Garden Fresh Salsa

2012-09-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

So, as I posted a couple days ago, my daughter and I just returned home from vacation. My friends had a wonderful, wonderful garden going full steam. The tomatoes were so ripe and begging to be used.

Somehow in all my years, I've never made blender salsa. This seemed like a task a toddler and Mommie could tackle. (My friend of one her kiddos also joined in!)

Being away from home, my computer and "regular" internet (yup, out in the boonies!) I turned to my phone for Google. "Blender Salsa" turns up some significantly different recipes, so I blended my own blender salsa. Turned out super yum if you ask me...and my friend, and my husband, and my daughter, and...and...*smiles*

Ingredients I used...not measured, but a handful, a dash and to taste. *winks*

Tomatoes

Cilantro

Jalapeno

Yellow Onion

Cumin Powder

Garlic Powder

Salt

Pepper

Honey

If you're a stickler for exact cooking, here is a marvelous looking recipe similar to what I tried...

Mountain Mama Cooks

Kids Get in the Way

2012-09-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

MizWhiz

All I wanted to do was get my house clean. Company was coming over and I wanted to "put my best foot forward." It was one of those "distract my child as easily as possible day" so I turned on Ni Hao Kai'lan, Curious George, Pooh and whatever other "babysitter" that was needed. But, all SHE wanted was her Mommy.

"Mommy hold me."

"Mommy, come play with me."

"Mommy, sit with me."

"Mommy, rock me."

"Mommy, read me a book."

"Mommy, eat with me."

"Mommy, help me go potty."

My child was in the way of me achieving my goals. I had this list of things that needed to be done, and I mean needed. And there she was, causing me to literally stumble over her. My little ankle biter was crawling up my legs. Crying for me. Begging for me. Seriously, she was getting in my way! A couple hours into this that wave of conscience, or better judgement or whatever you call it hit me,

"What better to do with my day then spend it with my daughter? She is my life's work. She's more valuable than a clean house or the reputation of being one of those "put-together moms" who has a perfect house."

There I was with a self-conscious need to "look good" for company, while my daughter had a genuine need for some TLC from her Mommy. This is a lesson that is so hard for me to learn!

Kids get in the way - but in the way of what? Yes, my life has to slow down. Yes, my sleep is interrupted. Yes, my goals are often put on the back burner. Yes, that nap or fussy time made me late. Yes, I was embarrassed at my child's behavior during dinner. Yes, I don't get to spend as much time crafting or practicing music as I used to before baby.

But are kids really in the way, or are they helping us get our priorities right? Do all those little "getting in my way" scenarios help me see my own self-ish, self-centered heart?

If she doesn't do this exact thing, my exact way, at my exact time, there's something wrong with my child - she's strong-willed, disobedient, etc. Perhaps it's not the child (granted, it might be, depending on the instance!) but instead, is it me trying to live my life around my kid, instead of living joyfully with them?

Airport Etiquette - The Make-Out

2012-09-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

MommyGaga

Dear Dramatic,

Kissing your 20(ish) year old, foul mouthed, headed to the Navy boyfriend, in the terminal for 5 minutes straight - while crying, and groping his head, with everyone standing in line ready to board the plane - really does nothing but prove that...you're desperate, over-emotional, silly and quite immature. At least, that's what your behavior would make things appear.

A nice kiss, maybe 2,a hug and a few tears with a goodbye are all that are needed in public. (And you're lucky, in some cultures that's waaaay over the line.)

I appreciate your exuberance and feelings, but next time, say the dramatic goodbye before you go your separate ways. Or like everyone says, "Get a room!"

Thanks.

Airport Etiquette - Bra Wearing

2012-09-25T20:07:00.002-07:00

MommyGaga

Dear Stressed Mommie at the Airport,

If you are very enlarged and engorged from nursing, traveling alone with your baby, hurrying to catch your next flight, and have chosen to NOT where a bra...please, please, please...wear something appropriate OVER your tight, linen tank. The swinging from side to side, "headlights" and general eye trap just don't add to the sweetness of the mother and baby concept.

I traveled often when my daughter was an infant - by car and by plane. I nursed my daughter until she was 15 months old, then continued pumping a couple months after that. I KNOW what it's like to be stressed while on the go with a baby, while nursing. Eliminating the bra in such a public way, well, is it really THAT much of a hassle to pull up a sports bra when needed?

It's totally your choice to wear or not wear a bra but, if you're not wearing one, save the rest of the people sitting in their terminals at the airport from a site that they will long remember.

Thank you.

**Just my personal opinion, from my personal observation. *smiles*

Airport Etiquette - Movie Watching on a Plane

2012-09-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

MommyGaga

So, as you know, I recently returned home from a vacation. While on one of our plane rides, the man in the aisle seat, one aisle ahead and to our left (my toddler daughter was in the aisle seat with me in the middle) pulled out his lap top and ear buds and began watching a movie.

Suddenly, scenes of skulls, dead bodies, gyrating bodies, blood, masks, etc. began flashing on the screen. Images from KISS, Marilyn Manson and other such shock rock concerts barraged the open eye-waves. Obviously, this was an explicit documentary on a debatable topic.

As soon as I realized what was being viewed, I told my daughter to turn and face me. Naturally, she was curious about what he was watching and kept trying to peek around. The couple across the aisle from us saw what I was doing, and peered around the seat to take a gander. Their eyebrows went up, and I got a nod.

I knew our flight we coming to an end shortly, but was stuck...do I ask the guy to turn off his movie because my toddler daughter was RIGHT THERE? If she had been sitting straight forward - knees to the tray table, she would have been watching the whole movie. Instead, I distracted her. We played with her few toys, the plastic cups and paper napkins. A stewardess walked by, saw what was going on, and just kept walking.

Thankfully, the "put away all electronic devices" call came about 20 minutes later. But this incident left me thinking...

Did he really have the right to watch a "viewer discretion advised" movie on a public plane in front of my innocent daughter?
Should I have asked him to turn the screen or turn off the movie?
Was he simply ignorant to this situation or did he not care?
Airlines edit movies (or at least they used to) that were for public viewing during a flight, so shouldn't passengers, who are subjecting other passengers to their choice of entertainment, also have to follow some guidelines or decorum? Especially when a minor is clearly able to see everything!
When I turn on the TV, go to a theatre, etc. I get to choose what I deem appropriate for myself and my child, but on a plane, I'm expected to just accept whatever the guy across from me wants to watch - even if it's not child-appropriate?

Personal stories, ideas, rants...anyone?

Thanks.

FALLowing A Vacation

2012-09-25T12:39:00.002-07:00

So part of my silence (again!) has been because I went on vacation! First to visit with the in-laws and celebrate their 40th anniversary! (My parents also celebrated 40 years of marriage. What a blessing for BOTH sets of parents to be together...still!) Then we traveled next to see my friend and her family - in another completely different State! Yes - 2 trips, within 2 days of each other. 8 planes later, I'm sooo happy to be home and getting settled in to our old routine.

And on that note...

Why do we ALWAYS get sick from being on a plane? We used Airborne, saline, extra immune boosting vitamins and lots of hand sanitizer! *sneeze*

Why does it ALWAYS take my child 2 weeks to re-adjust to life at home? I know I've heard other Mommies share this same exasperating feeling, but really kiddos...! *smiles*

Moving on, away from ranting...

Fall was just arriving as I flew to my vacation destination - weather got into the 50's a few nights and stayed in the 70's most days.

I thought I'd share some pictures with you of a bit of "country farm life" we got to experience while staying with my friend. My daughter surely enjoyed the array of fruit trees and plentiful garden she was allowed to explore and taste! The goats and calves also added for some new experiences and fun.