Daddy passed away a little over two weeks ago.  I shared a little bit about it on Mile A Minute Mama, but haven’t put hardly any of my thoughts and feelings into words…

Each day, sometimes several times throughout the day, there’s a different memory.

One of those memories was of the watch Daddy always wore.  It was a simple Timex with a silver band.  Nothing fancy.  Not one of those high tech sport watches or some fancy top brand show piece.

Daddy was a simple man – he was very smart, so I don’t mean simple in intelligience.  He just didn’t believe in being showy, living beyond his means, or being someone he wasn’t to impress someone else.  He had amazing standards, was very involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities (especially sports!), was very involved with his church, and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed.  He was quiet and strong.  He was simple in all the best ways.

His watch was an example of that.  Simple, but it did exactly what he needed it to do.

I remember it almost always being on his wrist. Infact, it is hard to think back and picture him, without also catching a glimpse of that watch in the memory as well.

It’s funny the things you remember, that come to mind just out of the blue like that.

Like his early morning routine.  He’d get ready for work, then sit down and eat a bowl of Cheerios with slices of banana while reading the daily Florida Times Union newspaper.  He’d put his boots on just before heading out the door to work.

It is not just memories of him, but small snapshots of time gone by. Where he always wore that watch, people now do a quick glance at thier smart phone.  Where he would read the local paper pretty much front to back, people now get a lot of their news from the internet.

Written in partnership with H. Samuel, The Jeweller.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

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It’s a thought provoking question – the life of an unborn child? Eternal life? Living life instead of just trudging your way through your time on earth?

Choose Life in order that you may live.

~ Deuteronomy 30:19

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If you have ever been by my Pinterest page (pinterest.com/christyr_sts), you may have  noticed I’m a little obsessed with educational essentials, craftivities, etc - and nope, I’m not a teacher!

You’ll also notice that my Pinterest page is very difficult to navigate because with almost 400 boards, it is too time consuming to get them in ABC order – I’m working on a different solution for that, but anyhoo….

I am what I call an overly involved parent.  I jokingly say one of my requests for each year’s teacher is that they don’t mind me being “all up in their business.”  Truth is, I’m in the classroom at least once a week, more if I can; I try to make a weekly treat to go along with whatever theme they are discussing, and I’ve learned I have a skill in organizing teachers’ closets in a cute and useful way. So far, Banan’s teacher each year haven’t minded the involvement at all, but it is my not-so-subtle attempt of a reminder that we do need a teacher that would not mind the heavy involvement.   I’m currently on the PTO board and am the incoming PTO Vice President for the 2013-2014 school year.   I often buy things when I’m out and about for craft projects, holiday decorations, or other things that can be used in the classroom.

The Dollar Tree and Target’s Dollar Spot are great for inexpensive items for craft projects, rewards, simple decorations, etc… but sometimes a little more is needed to develop or update the learning environment, whether at home or at school.

Centers, or subject/activity specific areas of the classroom, are becoming increasingly popular.  In some classrooms, they are a part of the everyday schedule.  In others, they are used  in lieu of recess when weather doesn’t permit outdoor free play or for early finishers.  It s one way of making learning fun.

Edusentials sells a wide variety of products to help set up a new classroom or homeschool room, help you update your existing classroom and supplies, or create an environment of learning at home.  While redecorating your child’s room, consider adding in a large carpet that offers educational value, while also being cute.  Or set up an arts & craft area complete with an easel, craft supplies storage and of course a place to display the finished projects!  Books are obviously very important.  Make sure appropriate and on-level books are readily available and easily accessible with fun book storage options.  For more ideas for the classroom and home, check out Edusentials.co.uk!

Written in partnership with Edusentials.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

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Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness.

~ Ephesians 4:1-2

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You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

~ James 4:14

This is a great reminder for us to make the most of everyday we have!

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I’m going to level with you.  I live in sunny Florida where, although we do have a chill here and there, our winters are pretty mild.

I know not all of you are so lucky, and while you love the fresh fallen snow, white Christmasses, and all the beauty that goes along with it, sometimes you find yourself wishing you could just step out of the bone chilling, dreary cold.

Summer vacations are all the rage, always have been, but there’s something to be said for a winter vacation to somewhere warm and tropical.  A place where your bones can defrost and you can soak up the beautifully warm rays of the sun.

Cape Portfolios may have the perfectly unique – and WARM! – vacation you are looking for…. along the sunny beaches of South Africa and Mauritius.  I live in a mostly-sunny locale and just perusing the pictures of their vacation villas and nearby areas and beaches has me ready to pack up, hop across the Pond, and settle right into one of those pictures!

I love to travel and I am very interested in visiting new places and introducing my children to my love of travel – it is an interest that we can share as a family for years to come, even once they are adults and have their own families.  Our next international trip is already on the horizon – we plan to travel back to Ireland and take the boys along this time (little known fact: my oldest was “made in Ireland”!).  I can honelty say, before checking out this website, that I had not previously considered traveling to Africa.  However, perusing this website has shed a light on parts of Africa I had never considered.  The beauty is amazing.

Have you ever traveled to Africa?  (Or internationally for that matter?)  I’d love to hear about your trips and the places!

Post inspired by Cape Portfolios.

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No matter what language you speak – and read! – there are some things that easily cross the language barrier.  An immediate verbal reaction to pain for instance, (ow, ouch are our English versions) or surprise (“oh!”).  Feelings also cross the love barrier.   Even though we may use different words to express the emotions, love, anger, fear, etc are the same regardless of which continent you are standing on.

Another is shared interests… like the love of reading and especially of certain authors and works, which is why you’ll find many texts published in multiple languages.

It is for this love of reading that I wanted to introduce you to a new site I’ve come across, Love Reading.  LoveReading was founded by book lovers for book lovers in 2005 and is an amazing resource for finding that book that you want to read next.

There are a lot of book lists to give you ideas, as well as a wealth of information about authors and books. There’s opening extracts so you can get a peek into an array of books, and possibly get hooked!  Suggestions based on authors and books you have read…. an email newsletter filled with wonderful information and tips, and it just goe son and on.

One of my favorites on Love Reading is “This Month’s Featured Books”, a great selection of books each and every month, introducing you to authors and books that you may not have been previously familiar with.

If you love to read and are always on the hunt for the next great book, be sure to stop by and check out Love Reading!

Post inspired by Love Reading.

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The clock is ticking away the minutes, days, and weeks until Christmas – it is almost time to break out the classy cutlery and nice dishes for the annual feast to end all feasts!

From carving the ham and turkey to the serving pieces, to eating up each delightful morsel, you’ll want your Christmas Dinner spread to look its best.  In addition to the special cutlery and dishes, think about the background… tablecloths, beautiful and bold placemats, and of course a centerpiece.

To step it up even further, you can consider touches like using chargers under the plates, stemware in place of regular drinking glasses, multiple smaller ceterpieces in addition to the main centerpiece, and perhaps even cloth napkins with festive napkin rings.

Once you have the serving dishes all set, consider what you will be placing in those dishes.  While there are tried and true side dishes we all know and love, I have seen an awesome array of special touches to food on Pinterest – go ahead and get festive!  Do a little searching for those ordinary dishes and see how you can put a special holiday flair on it.

One example is a veggie tray laid out in the shape of a Christmas tree (think other holiday shapes as well!).  There are also some fabulously tasty twists on the old tried and true.

If you are looking to step it up this Christmas and get a little fancier, there are certainly a lot of ideas and options available to you.

If you are feeling that your kitchen and dining room aren’t making the statement you want as the backdrop to the Christmas Dinner prep and for the feast itself, check out Kit Stone to help you get the look you truly want.

Post inspired by Kit Stone. 

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There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise…

Proverbs 21:20

.. 

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I live in sunny Florida – it isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing.

But even here, at certain times during the winter, the temperature drops to just below “brrrrr…”, and there are plenty of times during our winter when that ole familiar friend, the Sun, just isn’t anywhere to be seen.

It is during those colder days and weeks (let’s just say all of February!) that I long for sunny days.

I think many may plan a Hawaiin vacation during the summer – after all, what feels more summery than Hawaii?

I think such a trip would make a lot more sense during the winter, to take a break from the dreariness.

Imagine yourself here… in one of the Kauai vacation rental homes… soaking up the warmth… and enjoying this view…

… While your friends back home are layering on the clothes, and possibly shoveling snow off the driveway if you live a bit further north than I do.

Hawaii is on my short list of dream vacations.  I have visited islands in the Caribbean – and enjoyed views somewhat similar to this.  I live close enough to the beach to be fortunate to enjoy a beach day on a moment’s notice.  And our winters, while sometimes somewhat dreary, have a mixture of cold and not so cold days, so it truly isn’t so unbearable.

Yet the allure of Hawaii is still there.

One of my six-year-old son’s friend’s family was able to cross this dream vacation off their bucket list this past summer.  The pictures were just amazing (the mom has a nice camera and her photography skills were obvious as she was really able to bring out the exquisite beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.  It almost felt as if you were there, just looking through the pictures.  And the memories they made…. I’m sure those outshone the pictures by far.

I love to travel, though unfortunately my travel bucket list is something of champagne tastes on a water budget!  Not that the vacations are so terribly expensive in and of themselves, but air travel certainly is!

We visited Ireland on our honeymoon six years ago, and ever since I have been longing to go back – and this time take our boys.  I want to share with them my love of travel.  We visit New York about once every year or two, and have begun talking about exploring other states (perhaps a summer driving vacation?).  There are lots of places I want to visit and explore.

Hawaii continues to wait on that list….

———————————————————
Link provided by Summit Pacific.  All thoughts & opinions are 100% my own.

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TutorHub offers tutors available online, covering numerous topics.  This service is UK based, one-one turoring service, price by the minute (or hour if you prefer).  Click the link in this post to earn more and find a tutor.

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I love that Banan has varied interests – and that he is getting out and putting experiences to those interests.

But it does make for a tired mama!  LOL!

Soccer is winding down, so that will free up qute a bit of time by the end of the month.  I have really enjoyed watching him practice and play in the games.  This is his first year playing, and it is just little kids, so there isn’t a huge level of expectations (though they are learning!).  When he first walked onto the field, he was only half-interested.  But over the weeks, h has become more involved and more interested.  He’s enjoying it more, which is all that matters to me.

Cub Scouts is a whole new world, for sure.  I’m not new to the idea of scouting – my nephew is an Eagle Scout – but I am new to scouting  as it applies to our full involvement.  It is a little tricky because Patrick’s schedule often has him working when Banan has Scout meetings andit is difficult for me to be fully focused during his meetings while trying to keep Calen happy and entertained.  Patrick and Banan went to this year’s first camping trip and I felt bad because I was sick the day they left and was unable to oversee the packing (and, yes, a couple important items were left behind).  Hopefully, they’ll be more prepared next time.  Either way, Banan loved his first camping trip!  THere’s another one coming up in a couple of weeks and yet another one next month.  Calen and I will be going on the November trip, which to say the least should be interesting!

Banan absolutely loves science.  Ever since the Space unit in Kindergarten last year, he has had an almost obsession with Outer Space!  It isn’t fully on the front burner, snce his newest obsession is states – learning about them and planning visits! – but Space is still a big interest.  He’s part of the 4H Astronomy club and will be joining a science club at school.

It is all exciting and fun, but smacks of the harsh reality that my baby is growing up.

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Let’s just say right off the bat that I am not in the know, so to speak, when it comes to online financial trading.  It is the “in” thing, no doubt.  Where stock trades used to be reserved for those in a higher income bracket or those savvy in the ways of financial business, the still fairly new method of online trading has brought the availability of stock trading to the everyday Joe.

Information is readily available – afterall, we live in a 24 hour news cycle world – if you are interested in learning more about online trading or the specifics of companies you may be interested in investing in.

Online Trading and Investment companies make it almost too easy to get set up and on the road to managing your own investments and making your won trades… and thankfully without leaving you completely to your own devices.  Financial advisors are available and these companies may also offer full service investing, doing the work and research for you, but still allowing you to see and know instntly how and where your money is being invested.

I haven’t jumped on the band wagon, yet.  I’m intriqued, but it is all still so foggy to me that it’ll take more time and reading up before I am ready to find out for myself the feeling of taking those investments into my own hands.

I have read that Digital Options (also known as Binary Options) are the fastest and most efficient way to convert your financial decisions into substantial profits.  CedarFinance.com offers a professional and objective platform for this type of ype of online trading.  I understand that people are investing small amounts of $100-200 and winning hundreds of dollars in the trade, that their customer support was excellent and withdrawing funds was simple and problem-free.

While Digital Options trading is a little different from traditional stock purchases and trades, they are both a part of the financial world I am slowly (perhaps too slowly!) learning more about.

I’m interested in feedback before deciding to dip my toes in the water.  Have you done online trading or participated in Digital Options?  What was your experience?  I’ve done the whole 401K thing, but now you can more directly control it, pretty much like online trading.  Do you directly control your 401K online?  How often do you trade?

I know it is a ton of questions, but this is a new area for me and I would love feedback and experiences!  Thanks!!

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I wake up in the morning to get Banan up and ready for school (well, he gets himself ready, but needs “encouragement” to do what he needs to do so we get out the door somewhat on time).  What seems like a few minutes later, I experience a brief moment of success that both boys are in bed before I collapse on the couch.  Sometimes for the duration of the evening (or most of it anyway).

I am aware there are some hours in between those 2 moments… but seriously? Most days it hardly feels like it.

Calen is at that age - and such a handful! – that I spend the good part of the day being climbed on and pulled about, and undoing pretty much everything he does.  Lots of cleanup involved with tihs one!  I finally moved the canvas bins of small items (Mega bloks, cars, blocks, etc, etc) out of reach because he found a certain joy in dumping them out.  All of them.  He exhausts me.

Banan is involved in a couple of extracurriculars that help to keep us running non-stop.  At least they offer a change of scenery in which to keep up with Calen’s exuberance.

I know this is all very typical for many.  Kids are busy creatures.

But it still makes me wonder where the day went, pretty much every single day.

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Nopalea is currently offering a 32 ounce bottle of their natural anti-inflammatory drink by visiting their site or calling their toll free number, in an attempt to reach potential customers that may not otherwise try Nopalea.

Nopalea is sourced from the fruit of the Nopal cactus, also known as Opuntia Ficus Indica.  The Opuntia Ficus Indica has been used for centuries for its healing attributes.

Nutrients in the Nopalea wellness drink have been especially chosen to work together to help the body neutralize its inner toxins, as well as helping to reduce inflammation.

In addition to neutralizing the body’s inner toxins and reducing inflammation, the 32 ounce bottled sample  of the wellness drink, Nopalea, have also been proven to help the body improve joint health, protect cellular health, reduce the pain caused by inflammation, and relieve swelling in muscles.

The Nopalea wellness drink is not a miracle working drink, despite all of its benefits, but could be a nice addition to your wellness and fitness lifestyle – or be a great piece of the puzzle as you start a health, wellness and fitness routine.

Interested in the Nopalea wellness drink freebie and  taking the Nopalea Wellness Challenge?

Visit trynopalea.com for more information and call their toll free number.

You will be responsible for the shipping fee of $9.95 for this sample.

On a personal note, my very recent bout with a stomach bug made me think more about my current wellness and fitness routine – or lack thereof.  Not that the stomach bug could have been prevented (that I’m aware of), but being not well sure makes one think about how they want to be well again.  And in thinking about how much I wanted to be well again and back to 100%, I began to think about what it meant to be 100% and that I really haven’t been 100% in quite some time, illness or not.

I’ve made steps to do things a little healthier, but then get off the band-wagon, so to speak.  It is hard for me to stay on track, but I’ve been realizing more and more that not being on track makes me feel more easily exhausted, less motivated, and all around just not 100%.

I’m sure what my full plan of action will be…. or heck, even what my first step will be…. but I am going to work on that.

Here’s to better wellness!

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Things have been absolutely cahhh-raaaazyy lately and I keep trying to convince myself that it is a “right now” thing, that surely things will settle down and get a little calmer.

Summer was busier than I anticipated – I thought being free of the daily school schedule would mean more veg time for me.  Ha!  Instead of just having one kidlet to keep entertained and busy, I had two.  Summer was a lot of fun though, and we did stay pretty busy.  We had or got memberships to the local Zoo and Museum and frequented both, as well as parks and checked out other cool places.  We even had a visit from my sister and nephew that lives out of state.

As our fun, busy, crazy summer started winding down (well, it actually came to an abrubt halt as school started super early plus it was a week earlier than it started for us last year), I found myself thinking maybe getting back into routine – and having one of the kids at school six hours a day – would calm thing down a little.

Why do I keep thinking this?

We started school one week (and by start school, that means I’ve started volunteering, making the weekly theme treat, doing a little something for Banan to give his classmates for their birthdays, and blah, blah, blah).

The following week we started soccer.  A week from today will be pictures and our first game.  This is Banan’s first year playing and so far, he’s loving it!  This adds 2 practices a week + a game every Saturday morning to our schedule.  The first game is a week from today.

The week after soccer started was Cub Scouts sign-up.  Yes, we did.  Those meetings start next week, thankfully on a different night than soccer practices.  We did get a little lucky there, but that’s 3 nights a week, plus Saturday mornings all booked up.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that the boys have swimming lessons after Banan gets out of school everyday, dependant upon the weather.  They are doing great, but between the TONS OF RAIN we have been getting lately and vacations (ours and the swim instructor’s), the boys didn’t get many lessons in August.  This is Florida though, so we still have all of September before we even think of fall days.

This morning, Calen is up playing, snacking on breakfast, and watching Chuck & Friends on Netflix (who am I kidding? He’s spending most of his time trying to get where I am and climbing all over me!), Banan is still sleeping, and I’m going to attempt to get a little work done.

Of course, if I’m working, I’m not cleanig and there are little (and not so little, ha!) things that keep calling out to me…. laundry that still needs to be put away, a bathroom needing a good cleaning, etc.

Oh!  And, also?  I think we may all be getting sick.  Super!  :/

I haven’t found a good balance yet, but I have found that I cmpletely stink at time management.  I’m a work in progress, I guess, but hope I can find a way to successfully juggle it all!

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Keeping our children safe is job number one for parents.  Fire safety is an important piece of that puzzle.  We have to do all that is in our power to prevent a fire incident.

Kids need to be taught right from the jump that fire can be very dangerous.  Fireplaces are an obvious red flag, but don’t overlook all the common items around the house: candles, lighters, matches, fuels, etc that can be dangerous.  Put them up high, out of reach and out of sight to help avoid curiosity seizing the moment.

These are adult-used items only – not for kids.  Be responsible in how children see you use them.  If you are “messing around” with a lighter when it is time to light up the grill, not only may they think you are cool for doing it, but chances are they will want to be cool just like you and seek out the lighter at some point.  Model and teach fire safety.

Shop around and do your research on prevention products like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers from fire protection online and while you are out and about at brick and mortar stores.  Once you have the products you need, learn about their use and upkeep.

Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries changed once or twice a year. THey should be placed every level of the home as well as outside the sleeping areas.

Practice escape routes with your children so they know all the possible ways to get out of the home quickly and safely.  Teach children not to stop to gather favorite items, as there isn’t time and having h/her hands full may hinder the process of getting out quickly enough.  Also go over alternate routes in case smoke is pouring in or a door is hot.  Kids go through fire drills fairly often at schcool and doing a periodic drill at home is a good idea, too.

Introduce children and toddlers to firefighters – either at the fire station nearby or inquire at their school if they have a field trip to the fire station or have firefighters come in.  Children & toddlers need to be able to see firefighters in full gear, including SCBA, so they understand what to expect should firefighters show up at a fire at their house.  Firefighters will look and sound different (speaking while wearing SCBA) than what the children may expect.  This will help them to feel safe and secure should they encounter firefighters during a fire.

A couple of other quick things:

Appliances, small and large, can become a fire hazard if not working properly.

Electrical cords: make sure they are not frayed and never place under rugs.

Light bulbs: use correct wattage for light fixtures.

Outlets: only use as recommended and place plastic covers in all outlets that are not currently in use.

Cooking: don’t leave food or even boiling water unattended.  Some stoves have flame burners, so make sure that nothing touches or is close to the flame.

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Holy cow, where did our summer go???

Banan will be starting FIRST GRADE in two weeks.

I’m excited about the fresh start feeling, kinda like when Jan 1st rolls around, and all the newness that goesalong with school starting.

But I’m also sad that the summer went so fast.

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Viviscal specializes in a line of beauty products to help create fuller, longer, and healthier hair and they have stirred up quite a buzz!

From celebrities to fashion magazines to professionals to everyday people, people are talking about Viviscal vitamins for hair growth and what it is doing for them.

And the popularity of Viviscal is only growing…

New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco says she has seen good results with Viviscal, according to the May 2012 issue of Allure Magazine.

According to Harpers Bazaar, November 2011, Actress Liv Tyler started talking it after hearing buzz about Viviscal from her friends.

Reese Witherspoon relies on Viviscal Extra Strength supplements keep her locks healthy, according to 101 Hairstyles, October 2011.

Mila Kunis, Finola Hughes and scores of others are also offering up positive words about Viviscal.  Reviews, press mentions, and opinions can be found on the reviews page of their website and on their Facebook page.

These are not paid endorsements, y’all.

In fact, not only have various sources found that none of these celebrity comments were paid endorsements, but the only Viviscal compensated spokesperson is Tabatha Coffey, host of Bravo’s “Tabatha’s  Salon Take Over“, according to a press release on PR Newswire (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tabatha-coffey-touts-viviscal-as-favorite-at-americas-beauty-show-140855923.html).

While I don’t find my hair to be thinning, I have always shed a lot of hair everyday.  Reading up on Viviscal, it makes me wonder how much thicker my hair may be if I didn’t constantly lose hair at such an alarming rate.

Viviscal Hair Repair for damaged hair would be great if you are hard on your hair – and let’s face it, life can be hard on our hair!  Styling products, treatments, sun, etc.

Also?

Viviscal is currently running a “Great Hair Rescue” contest on their website, with the grand prize being a trip to New York City for a hair makeover with Oscar Blandi, stylists to celebrities.

Yes, please.

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I had this crazy thought that summer meant vegging and relaxing, taking things down a notch, a break from the regular schedule.

Ha!

I can’t wait til school starts back – even as crazy as that time will be – so I can REST!

This week we have 4H summer camp and are starting ISR swim lessons.

I started a new blog (I know, I know,m you’ve heard that before from me!), but there’s something a little different this time.  You’ll have to wait to find out though.

Most of our summer days have been filled with a little outing – maybe to the Zoo (we have a membership, so we just spend a couple of hours, hit the splash park and see an animal ot two), the MOSH (museum & planetarium – we also have a membership there so we can go all we want – helps with filling summer days!), exploring different parks, etc.

We finally got the watermelon seeds planted – I can’t believe we planed them so late, but Banan is happy, lol.

It is a crazy time, but I wanted to touch base since I’ve been so hit n miss on the blog for awhile.

I’ll be posting before long with news about the new blog!

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Do your kids love online games as much my son, Banan does?

He’s only 6, but is really getting into them.  Quite awhile back he played a little bit of a Zoo app online, but soon grew tired of the constant upkeep & time required.  He was a bit younger then, because it is a totally different story now (though he isn’t playing that same app).

My husband, Patrick, recently started messing around with a car game/app online and once Banan realized it, he wanted to do it too!  He’s having a blast with it.

He got an iPod Touch for his birthday recently and we’ve installed a lot of fun age-appropriate apps on it for him.  Plenty of educational apps, plus food making games, and pet games, etc.  He loves exploring new apps and games – both on the iPod and online.

Cartoon Network is now offering a plethora of cartoon network games & I am planning to add icons directly on the computer’s desktop so he can easily access them.

TIP:

If you are on a webpage and want to add a quick click link on your computer directly to that page, right click and select “create shortcut”.  A link to that page will instantly be on your desktop.

I do this for several sites & games for Banan and it works great!  It’s one-click directly to the game he wants to play, so although I watch his online activity, I don’t have to do it for him.

They have games for  cartoons on Cartoon Network, badge games, sports & racing games, action games, adventure games, and on and on – you get the idea… there’s a bunch!  You’ll want to check these out, especially if your kiddo is a big fan of the Cartoon Network.

There are three Naruto games, plus you can check out info on the Naruto characters and see the schedule.  Cartoon Network also offers clips and episodes you can view right online of favorite shows.

Game on!

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Whether it is for Halloween, a costume birthday party or simply to make playing pretend feel more real, there is no doubt that kids love costumes!

Dressing up as a favorite character isn’t just for Halloween, though that is typically when we have the most fun with it.

However, if your house is anything like my house, donning a costume isn’t a once-a-year thing.  Banan has one costume in particular {Spiderman!} that is showing more than its share of wear and tear because it has been wore so much.  There have been times he has worn it day after day, for hours on end.

He also has a Buzz Lightyear costume, plus bits and pieces of pretend gear for other characters, but super heroes are absolutely his favorite.  In fact, we are having a hard time organizing his costume gear.  I think when we re-do his room, I may try to figure out a better storage solution.  The plastic Buzz wings take up a tremedous amount of space, nevermind all the fire helmets and face masks and the very puffy alien costume that I’m certain hasn’t fit him in years, but he refuses to part with.

Up for the running for this year’s Halloween costume, which will then remain in his possession for the next several years, lol, is the Iron Man 2 (2010) Movie – War Machine Classic Muscle Child Costume.  Gotta love the costumes with the built-in “muscle”.  So cute.  {OK, probably not completely appropriate to call the rough character Iron Man, “cute,” but the kid all decked out in the costume certainly is!}

We are giving it a practice run.  We’ll have to see if it is the one we will put up for Halloween or if it will become the new everyday play favorite!  I’m leaning toward the former, since that would mean we are all set for Halloween, but chances are he’ll like it too much to part with it already and spend the next few months thinking Halloween will never come  Ha!

Product provided by buycostumes.com to help facilitate this review.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

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Before you pack, be sure to ask the hotel if they have a gym or pool and bring appropriate clothes to get some exercise. (No excuses!)

Bring healthy snacks for the road / plane. Items like Medifast Crunch Bars are great options because they’re satisfying, portable and contain less sodium and calories than airplane snacks or fast food options.

Drink lots of water. Any sort of traveling is taxing on the body and you’ll want to keep hydrated.

Remember that alcohol will let down your defenses and is full of empty calories and carbs! It is best to choose club soda or a diet drink with your meals.

Make healthy choices. Some days you may have to have both lunch and dinner out, so make the best of it and choose wisely.

Order a salad and appetizer for you main meal.  It will most likely be the proper portion.

Remember to bring your journal to jot down both memories from the trip as well as what you ate to help you keep track of calories.

Dr. Wayne Andersen is the Medical Director for Take Shape for Life Wellness program. He is board certified in internal medicine and specializes in weight management. Dr. Andersen graduated from University of Florida. Involved with Johns Hopkins in collaborating studies to show the efficacy of meal replacements, Dr. Andersen’s goal is to provide simple, convenient means for people to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As the chief architect of Take Shape for Life, Dr. Andersen has built an integrated support system that helps people make the necessary changes in their lifestyles to create optimal health.

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So… We finally finished painting the kitchen and dining room.

Again.

We had it all painted (well, almost – there was that bit above the cabinets on one side of the kitchen that wasn’t painted) then completely changed our minds on the color.

I was repainting the dining room, kitchen, and laundry room a little bit back, and for the life of me I cannot remember why I stopped.  But, stop I did.  And that unfinished bit stayed unfinished until a few days ago.

The laundry room still needs to be finished, but it is a great feeling having the dining room and kitchen completely painted – including above the cabinets, which was neglected before.

I love it.

But then… it brings my attention to those kitchen cabinets.  They are plain and a very blah wood color (in my opinion anyway).

Why is it that checking something off the to-do list tends to add another item – or two – onto that same list?

The blah-ness of the cabinets sends me exploring rta kitchen cabinets.  And thinking on some of the ideas that have been forming in my mind for a few years now.  I want to paint or replace our kitchen cabinets.  I want my kitchen cabinets to be different than what I have now. Because I am tired of looking at them.

I want the upper kitchen cabinets to go all the way to the ceiling.  (Do not even get me started on the grease & dust trap that space above the kitchen cabinets creates.  I hate it.)  I want a different color – right now, I’m leaning toward white.  I want design – added moulding, something, to give the cabinets – and the kitchen as a whole - some style.  I want hardware.  Mine doesn’thave any hardware at all. At. All.  So blah.  I’m thinking of open shelving about the stove & microwave.  I’ve seen where moulding and furniture leg looking pieces were added here and there to really give the kitchen cabinets a very stylish look.

To completely replace the kitchen cabinets would be an expense that I’d have to plan for and budget out. I’m not sure I really want to go that route.  Perhaps just replace the cabinet doors?

Even painting the kitchen cabinets would be a pretty big project that while it wouldn’t incur the same expense as replacing them, it would need some good budgetting of time.

Either way, tackling the kitchen cabinets would be a project that would turn the kitchen – and therefore the entire house and what little scraps of sanity I’m holding onto – completely upside down.

But I want to do it.

In association with kitchencabinetdepot.com.

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