Mom's Lifesavers

Easiest Muffin Recipe Ever

2011-09-20T14:21:00.002-04:00

http://www.familyzip.com/t118/easiest-muffin-recipe-ever

My NINE year old...Taking leaps!

2011-07-25T22:21:00.000-04:00

Just a little snapshot of what my littlest is doing now! What happened to my shy little girl. She has a passion in her that I'm truly amazed by. I hope she always enjoys her sport. So proud!

Lickable Finger Paint for Kids!

2011-07-08T16:42:00.000-04:00

It's a RAINY DAY HERE! How about a fun and easy way to spend your morning!

Lickable Finger Paint!

You need:

1 can condensed milk
food coloring
finger paint paper

What to do:

1. Divide condensed milk into small bowls. Add food coloring and mix to make different colors. (Red, blue and yellow work well to experiment with making new colors.)

2. Lay out finger paint paper and let children have a blast!!

Note:

For younger children, put a couple of colors of paint in a large Ziploc bag, sealed and reinforced with duct or masking tape.
Place bag on highchair or table and have children “draw” with their fingers for a great mess-free activity!

My Scratch Off Labels

2011-07-08T16:39:00.000-04:00

I'm gathering some ideas for my daughter's 11th birthday party! I love celebrating birthdays and always do something new and fresh to surprise her. I found the perfect fun idea online today - Scratch off labels!

Check out My Scratch Off Labels, this company provides:

Scratch Off Labels Stickers

Custom Scratch Off Cards for business or personal use

Scratch Off Games

NEW Custom Wedding Photo Scratch Off Save The Dates!

These cool scratch off stickers make the invitation process fun. I intend to print out my daughters invitation and place a scratch off sticker over the date, so her friends can scrape off the sticker to reveal the date of the party! I love these stickers!! I can see using them for a Save the Date for weddings or cool businesss cards.

Family Show at the ImprovBoston

2011-07-08T16:37:00.000-04:00

I was invited to attend the Family Show at the ImprovBoston - located near Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I had NO idea what to expect, and I was SO surprised how much fun we had!
I took along my 9 year-old-daughter and her two oldest pals...we were in good company as many of the kids in the venue were of similar age and interests.

Yes, I'm a mom up on the North Shore of Boston and pretty much know what's going on in the area for my blog, but I had NO idea this kind of quality show was less than an hour from home. Thanks to Twitter...we found each other!

The comedy show is completely IMPROVISED (unscripted), so there's NO telling what the creative and talented comedians and actors will be up to. The small, cozy theater was FILLED to the brim with at least 4 birthday party groups of excited kids with a few adults...kids dominate this ONE HOUR of action packed entertainment. Kids are invited up to the stage and participate if they like. The small stage is lost after a few moments...because the cast of 6 has more talent than Saturday Night Live...I'm serious!

I did a little bit of improv in H.S. and realized you needed to be REALLY, REALLY smart to pull off this kind of acting and entertainment! These folks all had their shining moments, and each had their strengths...together, they worked as a team to make each skit (about 6 or 7 at least) fun and memorable AND all KID FRIENDLY! I have to admit...adults will love the show as much as the kids...I promise!

I highly recommend ImprovBoston's Family Show! They're the winner of the coveted Nickelodeon award for Best Children's Theater. This venue is ideal for BIRTHDAY parties - perfect for that 'difficult time inbetween ages 8-12 when you have NO idea what to do with your child' birthday party! The whole birthday party was involved in the show...it was very FUN to see how much fun those kids had. At the end there was a Q&A with the cast, also very nice.
Please connect with ImprovBoston for a full slate of comedy during the week. I intend to take in some show with some pals very soon or even take a class! This place is AWESOME and WELL worth the trip! Tell them that Mom's Lifesavers sent you!

Follow them on Twitter:
@improvboston or @IBFamilyShow

For more tips - follow me at @momslifesavers

Simply Daisy

2011-06-27T09:50:00.000-04:00

Perfect Gift Idea, MOMS!

Hello Folks! I have much to tell you, but first I would like to dedicate this blog post to my new friend, Lisa!

Lisa Vincent of Simply Daisy is one of those wonderful moms you feel comfy, cozy with immediately! She is an amazing artist and a real sweetheart! Check out her Etsy shop called Simply Daisy. Lisa also has a cool blog called, Simply Daisy.

Off Our Wall - Online Art Gallery wasn't able to show her work this past weekend in Portsmouth and we feel terrible about it! So please, please, please show her some love! From one mom to another! :)

I saw this last week at her studio...LOVE IT!

Add caption

New England Babies

2011-04-05T13:07:00.000-04:00

The weather in my town is improving (Thank you!) and what I most enjoy seeing out and about are all the new wee babies coming out of their cozy homes to discover their neighborhoods for the very first time. Today I saw a tiny 5 month old with an expression of PURE wonderment. PURE joy! Pure discovery beyond the 4 walls of home!

When do we lose that sense of awe? I was inspired by this tiny human being pushed in a swanky stroller...all bundled up with pink cheeks.

What a sight it was today!!! :)

brickboys518

2011-04-04T14:16:00.000-04:00

Brickboys518 - FUTURE FILM MAKERS!

I had a 'Tweetup' on Friday night at a restaurant in town. This was the second 'meeting of the minds' to date and it was a blast to visit with some really awesome bloggers and folks that I twitter with! I will post a detailed post about who went at a later time, but now I would like to highlight just two of them for now.

Being a mom these days is tough. My tween girls are thankfully NOT requesting a Facebook page yet, or spend too much time online. They DO love playing cooking games on various apps and I think that's super important to learn to cook, so I don't discourage their playtime on their computers.

But I must say, there were 2 kiddos at the 'Tweetup' that had me intrigued. They greeted me kindly as I walked in, and little did they know, I had 'vetted them' before I arrived - I GOOGLED THESE KIDS! I came up with a plethora of links to a YouTube Flickr account, Twitter and FB Fan Pages about LEGO building. They have THOUSANDS of hits weekly on their accounts....OMG!

Yes, LEGO building is their claim to fame! And they make even ME want to go out and buy a set for heaven's sake - that's how fun they make it!

Local teenagers, Matt and Zach, have THE MOST AMAZING YOUTUBE CHANNEL...and they are only 14 and 17 years old. These kids could teach me a TON about Youtube and how to just follow your passion.

I sat down with them a bit and told them to follow their dreams and to always give back. THESE kids WILL BE FAMOUS one day... 100% believe this - I've seen people do just what they are doing at an early age, and now are super famous (sorry, I can't indulge who, but I did tell them *wink wink!). They have the people skills and smarts to make whatever they want, happen. They told me they want to go to college for film...YEAH!

I can't tell you how very pleasant this post was to write, often times we criticize the youth because they're bullying and just up to no good. Most kids want to have dreams. Most kids want to be good. It really is up to parents or caregivers to allow the opportunity to discover what it is that makes them feel passionate about something. That passion ALWAYS comes back in a good way, I'm convinced of that. And these opportunities don't cost anything...it's the TIME we invest in our kids that counts the most. I applaud Matt and Zach's parents, what a wonderful job they are doing to bring them to a very adult meeting...yet, STEAL THE SHOW!

GO AND FOLLOW these kids - or at least get your kids to!

YouTube Channel (yup, that is a LOT of people watching that channel!)

Brickboys518

ImprovBoston - The Family Show

2011-04-04T13:04:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday night I was invited to attend the Family Show at the ImprovBoston - located near Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I had NO idea what to expect, and I was SO surprised how much fun we had!

I took along my 9 year-old-daughter and her two oldest pals...we were in good company as many of the kids in the venue were of similar age and interests.

Yes, I'm a mom up on the North Shore of Boston and pretty much know what's going on in the area for my blog, but I had NO idea this kind of quality show was less than an hour from home. Thanks to Twitter...we found each other!

The comedy show is completely IMPROVISED (unscripted), so there's NO telling what the creative and talented comedians and actors will be up to. The small, cozy theater was FILLED to the brim with at least 4 birthday party groups of excited kids with a few adults...kids dominate this ONE HOUR of action packed entertainment. Kids are invited up to the stage and participate if they like. The small stage is lost after a few moments...because the cast of 6 has more talent than Saturday Night Live...I'm serious!

I did a little bit of improv in H.S. and realized you needed to be REALLY, REALLY smart to pull off this kind of acting and entertainment! These folks all had their shining moments, and each had their strengths...together, they worked as a team to make each skit (about 6 or 7 at least) fun and memorable AND all KID FRIENDLY! I have to admit...adults will love the show as much as the kids...I promise!

I highly recommend ImprovBoston's Family Show! They're the winner of the coveted Nickelodeon award for Best Children's Theater. This venue is ideal for BIRTHDAY parties - perfect for that 'difficult time inbetween ages 8-12 when you have NO idea what to do with your child' birthday party! The whole birthday party was involved in the show...it was very FUN to see how much fun those kids had. At the end there was a Q&A with the cast, also very nice.

Please connect with ImprovBoston for a full slate of comedy during the week. I intend to take in some show with some pals very soon or even take a class! This place is AWESOME and WELL worth the trip! Tell them that Mom's Lifesavers sent you!

Follow them on Twitter:
@improvboston or @IBFamilyShow

Facebook:ImprovBoston Family Show

ImprovBoston.com
40 Prospect Street, Cambridge, Ma
617-576-1253

A New Journey

2011-03-31T17:06:00.000-04:00

It's so exciting to see my new website - www.offourwall.com - coming together. I have become an agent for Lauri Kaihlanen Gallery in Rockport, Ma. It truly is a dream come true to do something I JUST LOVE!

About 8 weeks ago, I set up the gallery up on Facebook...it took off! After that, the only natural thing to do was to continue an online blitz of his work. I am at the helm of his online sales and representing him outside his beautiful gallery on Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA.
I've known Lauri and his wife much of my life, I am a BIG FAN of his work. After starting my new little biz, BoomGenY, I discovered the true need of small biz breaking out of their usual business plan and try new things...BUSINESS IS BOOMING!

Growing up in a very successful business comes into play EVERYDAY. I often wonder what my parents would do about certain decisions I'm making. Mostly I have my very loyal husband that pushes me to my limits. He is a GURU in sales at Kronos, Inc. of sorts, so I must say I'm super lucky to have such an amazing team around me for support.

Selling my book, Moms' Lifesavers is THE reason I know how to sell online....NO DOUBT about it. I made some serious connections trying to hawk that book for many years. And often to a reluctant audience, I needed to PROVE MYSELF. The book gives me credibility, it's a calling card of sorts. It's completely ME.

My journey is just beginning with the ART world, but my life as a champion for moms everywhere, via this blog and my book, is the heartbeat to all that I do from now on.

Stepping stones in life are so valuable. I'm treading lightly, but can't wait for this boat to get ROCKIN'

Cheers!

Welcome to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure:

2011-02-28T14:02:00.001-05:00

Please donate to a great cause and support the men and woman who are walking in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in Boston this July.

When it comes to my health, I'm so very fortunate to be in relatively great health, but I've had my health scares that have rattled me to the core. But some of my friends have had to deal with the reality of cancer. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. My friend Dana, a breast cancer surviver, is participating along with her team Tough Warrior Princesses! The team is raising money to support the initiatives of Susan G. Komen Foundation to find a cure.

Dana is hoping to raise $5,000 by July in honor of 5 years of being cancer free. Let's support her and her team! Donate today!

Back to the Snow!

2011-02-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

I'm back from the Sanibel house! We had a lovely time. It was so wonderful to see the folks after 5 months. We did actually head up to Disney for a few days. Love that it's not a full on Disney vacation, but rather a pop over to take in the rides and joy of the place. My parents calculated how many times they have been there and we got up to 27! WOWZA! The girls are now hunkered down for the day as it's snowing. I guess it's a perfect day to unpack!

I also did get some clarity while away. I had a great conversation with my hubby and he is handling the issues in his family head-on. I am so proud of the man he is...the father he is....I would marry him 100 times over. Really!

My little biz is growing and I'm so excited. I made some really great connections with some Social Media folks in Florida doing some amazing stuff in the tourism industry for small biz. So fortunate for Twitter right now...it's THE WAY to branch out, FOLKS!

Well, I'm off to do some laundry and homework with the kiddos.

Anyone else detest MCAS testing in the state of Massachusetts...it's causing such drama in my house! BOO!

Sanibel

2011-02-08T13:58:00.000-05:00

This weekend I fly down to my parents' home on Sanibel Island. Hubby is staying home with the menagerie and I'm taking the kiddos. I will be there for almost 2 weeks. I NEED IT.

Every year the month of January has a way of re-writing the script of life. And we are usually sick. All of us. This winter has been exceptionally brutal. The snows came and didn't leave it's grip. But more than the weather...the storm in my heart needs to find the beacon of light...called FORGIVENESS.

Right before the Thanksgiving holiday my husband and I had a HUGE problem with some family members on his side. We had to make some uncomfortable decisions on behalf of my children. My husband had such a hard time, that for a moment there, his health was of a great concern. We had to be UNCOMFORTABLE the whole holiday season, my hubbies FAVORITE time of year. Needless to say, these past few months have defined our relationship. Many marriages would collapsed under the pressure we endured. We were challenged by people we loved and trusted. We had to come to a place of protection of our commitment and CORE VALUES. Truly the way we WANT to raise our kids. And I have to say, yes, it's a bit on the protective side.

What I learned during this time is that people have choices. And some people can't just let others make choices that don't ultimately suit them. I have learned so much about myself as a wife and mother over these past few months. All that really matters is my home I share with my girls and wonderful husband. It truly is all about US in the end. We tried to have an open policy in the past. No longer. The open house has been closed until further notice.

The balance I seek in my life comes from a desire to LEAD by example for my tween daughters. And those I surround myself with are also in a position to show the best of themselves and the best of behavior so modeling can occur - my girls deserve this. If you can't do that, then you are not getting too far through my threshold...SORRY. If you don't respect yourself or others...then I'm sorry, don't bother with me.

I must find the beacon of forgiveness on my trip down south. I need to find it in the solitude of the seashells I simply and utterly enjoy collecting....stealing away alone in my thoughts. I need to find it in the safety of my parents' beautiful home....I need to find it in my heart. I need the sun to shine again. I need a safe place to have a temper tantrum if I want to. :)

Holding onto negative feelings just doesn't get me anywhere. It manifests itself into a life all it's own. Resentment will set in, and I WILL never forgive like I know I can. I need to do this soon - I can feel it.

I'm going to find the light in my heart, in my own time and way. Perhaps I will not find it in the next two weeks...I'm not going to pressure myself. But the universe is being asked to come and support me. I've ALWAYS been taken care of. But this time, I need to decide for myself what is best.

So, Sanibel here I come. I hope the weight of my heart will not burden you. I will heal. I know I will!!!

Zumba Cumbia Pa' La Ne Na

2011-01-22T21:31:00.000-05:00

Janine's Fitness in Rockport, Mass now has ZUMBA! This is a YouTube of Janine doing it and doesn't it look fun (and pretty hawt!)! You can take classes in her studio...contact her on her website; www.janinesfitness.com

Tribute to Gail Halvorsen: The Chocolate Pilot Song

2011-01-22T11:12:00.000-05:00

Gail Halvorsen is my father's ultimate hero! Here is a wonderful song prepared by young school children....you will need a tissue, it's too cute!! :) Love you, Daddy!

My brush with Oprah

2011-01-21T16:43:00.000-05:00

Many years ago, before I had children, I read THE READER. I noticed it listed on Oprah's Book Club list. The book hit me right in the gut for some reason and after reading the book, TWICE over a course of two days, I decided to email Oprah. Here is the letter;

Dear Oprah and staff,

Wow - THE READER really hit a cord with me and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for introducing me to this incredible book.
I can't get the book out of my mind for so many reasons, but I would like to share my thoughts about why it will affect me for a long time to come. I am a first-generation American; 28 years old with German parents from Berlin. My parents immigrated to America in 1966. My parents were born in war torn Berlin in 1940 and 1944; (the author was born in 1944 also). My parents suffered the consequences of war, both losing parents, friends, relatives and property. I grew up with parents with very strong German accents and the questions about our families past was always questioned by new friends and acquaintances. People for some reason wanted to know about our past in Germany. I grew up having many emotions and feelings about being German. My parents have many recollections of the war; of hiding Jewish friends in Berlin and the Berlin Airlift... My father's idols are the American men and women who flew the care packages into Berlin... he is deeply indebted to Gail Halverson, the Candy Bomber. My father and mother first tasted chocolate at five and nine, because of the allied troops. To this day, they have a secret stash of chocolate at all times, usually American brands only!

I was sometimes embarrassed for the acts of Germans in WW2 and took on some guilt, for reasons I don’t know. After reading the book, THE READER, it gave me perspective about the life and times of those days, and guidance on how you manage to live life differently because of the sins of the past. I live a little extra for the people in my family that didn’t come home from the war and for the Jewish and German children that didn’t have an opportunity to change the dynamics of the world back then, they merely survived the horrors of the war.

I was raise to have respect and compassion for all... never did I have the right to be above another.

I was raised without an identifiable religion, celebrating Indian cuisine with my father’s coworkers to Hanukkah with Jewish family friends. I have always had an eclectic group of friends.

Last year I married the man of my dreams; a wonderful, handsome, intelligent young man. We were married in civil ceremony in respect to all the religions in attendance and in respect to our ancestors - German and Jewish. I became a Cohen on that day... an honored name in the Jewish community. My name now is Christine H. Cohen. Hildegard was the grandmother I never knew; she was killed waiting in a bread line on the very last day of the war in Berlin, while her daughter, my mother, waited in the arms of her grandmother. I have great respect for my heritage and for the Jewish faith, I hope to name my children after their ancestors, German and Jewish.

The Reader brought out many emotions in me - it was the point of view of a German, close in age to my parents. My parents have experienced loss in so many ways, as the character in the book has. To reconcile ones self is the most important metamorphosis you can make – alone. I enjoyed the author’s voice; he truly painted a picture in my mind.

I am proud to respond to this book and hope you receive many valuable comments to indicate to you and your staff that what you are offering through fabulous literature is so very healing and helpful to people. Being a schoolteacher, I also have the ability to introduce valuable books to my 5th and 6th graders, like the Diary of Ann Frank, and Grace in Wilderness (about a young polish Jew in WW2) and hope to touch and educate my students in the same way you have.

Shalom, Gesundheit, and Thanks,

Christine Hildegard Cohen

SOOOO, I hear back FROM Oprah's producers almost immediately...I was shocked! They would like to have me on the show....OMG!!! I initially was planning my outfit, but then I was hit by the reality of this choice. I would have to dredge up stuff that really wasn't my history, but that of my entire family before me. After a loving conversation with my mother, I decided against it. I was, and STILL AM, honored that the show reached out to me and were intrigued by my story. Many people over the years have said that. Maybe one day I will document it all. But for now, it's my story still maturing and developing. I DID name my children after both German and Jewish grandmothers from both sides - it feels amazing to have followed thru with that.

Tell me something about what has crafted you as a person....what's your story?

Best Montessori Blog for Kids

2011-01-16T08:52:00.000-05:00

The My Montessori Journey Blog is truly one of the BEST blogs about what goes on in a Montessori classroom. You have a sneak peak into the classroom and also can use the ideas at home if you so desire. I have a direct link to the blog and get email updates as they are available. This is a must for your blog list if you embrace the Montessori philosophy, I sure do!

Blast From the Past!

2011-01-15T00:03:00.000-05:00

Just under 10 years ago, I began jotting down all my ideas and tips for new mothers with my dear friend. I was in the thick of baby rearing at the time. This was all before Babycenter and the glossy mommy sites and blogs we have today.  I was hard pressed to find any support on the Internet! NO JOKE. Moms relied on playgroups found via the playground or local library in their own town. Now, I chat with moms living in China on Twitter. Thank goodness for Twitter...that's all I gotta say!

So we have the ~~brilliant~~ crazy idea to self-publish a book. Again, in ancient times 10 years ago, before all the self-publishing companies sprang forth!  Our wee book was reviewed by the lovely ladies at Cool Mom Picks.  At the time, they were a small product review site. I thought those gorgeous ladies at the helm were ROCKSTARS! I still do....have you seen pictures of them? HAWT! LOL!

I'm still tickled pink that they actually reviewed the book and liked it! I did a little advertising with them when I could buy a little square on the sidebar for a month for about $75.  Amazing how times change. The success of CMP inspires me. I'm still so fortunate to have been a little piece of the start of something BIG. No, HUGE. AND they are still so accessible. They are the best online businesswomen I know!

Here is the review for nostalgic reasons...I'm in that kind of mood as I ~~segway~~ stumble into the next book version about TWEENS! The dilemmas, the nerves, the absolute terror of the new season is here for me, AND I'M TAKING NOTES...it's like being a mother again for the first time! Geesh!

Snow Day "Recipes for Fun" Suggestions!

2011-01-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

We have SNOW DAY #2 here in the Northeast. The cabin fever monster is here!!!! I have some fun suggestions to do with the kiddos. I have chosen a couple of RECIPES for FUN from my book, Moms' Lifesavers. Most of the recipes here are with items you probably have at home right now. I don't want you to race out in the snow for any of these items, so substitute what you want. If a snow day isn't in the works for you...still try these fun activities!

COOL 3-D PAINT
You need:
1/2 cup white glue
1/2 shaving cream
food coloring

What to do:
1. Mix the glue and shaving cream in a bowl
2. Divide into two or three smaller bowls, and mix in a few drops of food coloring to create different colors
3. Let sit for a few minutes, then use as paint to create 3-D pictures!

Scratch 'N SNIFF PAINT

You need:
Kool-Aid (assorted flavors)
Paint
Paper

What to do:
1. Add dry Kool-Aid drink crystals to slightly diluted (with water) paint (about 1 tsp. to half a baby food jar size of diluted paint). The diluted paint gives a wonderful watercolor effect!
2. Have kids paint pictures, and when they're dry, scratch and sniff the paint!

COLORED POPCORN PICTURES
You need:
1 cup popped popcorn
2 tbsp water
5-7 drops of food coloring
large Ziploc bag
white glue

What to do:
1. Put popcorn in bag
2. Mix water and food coloring and pour on top of the popcorn
3. Close bag and sake until popcorn turns color
4. pour popcorn out onto a paper towel to dry
5. Glue popcorn onto paper to create a work of art

JIGSAW PUZZLE
You need:
glue stick
poster board or any heavier weight paper
one full page of a magazine or a photograph you've printed or picture your little one draws

What to do:
1. Glue picture to poster board
2. When glue is dry, cut the picture into various shapes to make puzzle pieces.

ICE SUN CATCHERS!
You need;
aluminum pic plate
pictures of any variety on paper
hammer and nail
string

What to do:
1. Freeze 1 inch of water in an aluminum pie plate
2. Dampen pictures with water. Put on ice in pie plate.
3. cover with 1 inch of water and re-freeze
4. Remove sun catcher from pie plate
5. With warm nail pierce a hole to thread a string for hanging. (this takes some finessing)
6. Hang outside a window and watch it glitter!

Eventbrite my Personal Mom's Lifesaver!

2011-01-10T20:05:00.001-05:00

I'm an events volunteer at my kids Montessori Charter School. Lately, I've done some events that needed to be highlighted and promoted in our community. I'm a Twitter and Facebook fan. I LOVE what those Social Media outlets do for me as a SAHM and for keeping updated on the lives of my friends and connecting with interests beyond motherhood.

While FB and Twitter do their thing well. EVENTBRITE does the invitation and ticket sales thing like no other company I've used before.

The artwork for the event by my friend Bonnie!

Currently, I have an event I'm promoting in February for RVCS Foundation. You can customize your event needs to the tiniest detail. My event needed to have a place to sell tickets with a secure credit card area AND indicate names and owners of horse sponsorship. I am even able to add names and details to the RSVP list from checks that come in at the school. I will be able to generate a program directly from the Eventbrite management page and report the event details to the auditor at the end of the school year. Everything will be all in one place so it makes volunteering for this event much more doable. Eventbrite will charge a small fee for credit card transaction - nothing is for free, but in my research, they are right on target with their fees.

After my event is over, Eventbrite will send a check directly to the school. Money will not pass thru my hands at all. Perfect!

I highly suggest Eventbrite for any of your event needs. You can simply use it for an invitation for a social event or the big EVENTS with ticket sales.

Check out my event that I created and hope you use Eventbrite soon. Tell me if you do!!

Check out our event; http://rvcs-races.eventbrite.com/

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T19:18:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year from Mom's Lifesavers! This is going to be a fantastic year. I can just feel it!

Like never before, I will be very honest with my journey as a mother and share topics important to me, and hopefully, they will resonate with you. The direction of this blog may shift as motherhood takes a new turn onto TWEENDOM AVENUE! Oh, my GOSH!

My daughters are now 8 (soon to be 9) and 10. A whole new door is opening for us as a family - it's really exciting, but also very daunting to think about. So much change is happening with their lives, it's hard to keep up with sometimes. But I'm truly trying to accept this new season and GO WITH THE FLOW (that may not be a good way to put it, LOL!).

To me, motherhood has been the best journey of my life. It has shaped me like nothing else and I have the 'war' wounds to prove it. I will begin to talk more about those gashes and hurts in posts to come. I have 'em, just like most moms. I continue to parent from the heart and with compassion - I'm truly very fortunate that my husband is also a partner I can count on to support me. We are a joint unit and it's really a blessing that he shares a united vision for how we want to live our lives all together. He makes this time in my life so wonderful for me...he lets me stay home to raise them. I can't thank him enough for that.

Just today, I took a wonderful walk along the ocean with my family hunting for seaglass. We had a bounty of treasure after our hike and I'm simply so happy I have such an awesome family to share these moments with. Cheers!!

Cinnamon Clay Recipe - Perfect for Ornaments

2010-12-16T16:44:00.000-05:00

Cinnamon Clay Recipe - Perfect for Ornaments

Ravensburger USA Warehouse Sale - WRONG DATE

2010-11-24T19:09:00.006-05:00

BOO HOO...I must have heard wrong...this was LAST WEEKEND! BOOOOOOO! Sorry folks!

The best kept secret in these parts is the Ravensburger Warehouse sale this weekend! I've been a big fan of this game and puzzle company for years. The quality is fantastic and I've paid top dollar for these wonderful products at boutique toy stores.

This Thanksgiving weekend is a warehouse sale at their USA headquarters. I just can't believe it's like, 10 minutes away from my house...I'm GIDDY!

THE 411 if you go:

Ravensburger USA

1 Puzzle Lane

Newton, NH 03858

HOURS: 8-4

I have NO idea what they will be selling, but I'm hoping they will have some of the globe puzzles that are super awesome! :)

B Designs Letterpress

2010-11-20T19:31:00.000-05:00

Recently I took a tour of B Designs Letterpress studio in Amesbury, Mass. Stationary is one of my LOVES...a beautiful piece of paper REALLY makes me so happy. B Designs has wonderful holiday gifts for you to order online. You are buying from a SMALL business, printed right here in America. I'm beyond impressed with their products!

Check them out!

Gratitude Jar

2010-11-20T19:26:00.000-05:00

This holiday season, check out my Gratitude Jar on Familyzip. It's had so many positive comments over the past year. I think it's a popular idea you may enjoy!

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