Crawl The Line

Five Reasons I HATE Dolphins & Why They're My "Spirit Animal"

2013-11-19T16:45:00.001-05:00

So this week my friend and fellow BLUNTmom Julie Nowell from the ah-mazing blog 3 Chickens and A Boat (shameless pluggage, baby!) posted a link to this "What's Your Animal Personality" cosmo-style quiz over at Buzzfeed. Naturally I jumped at the chance to learn more about myself, because a) Freaking Buzzfeed! and 2) narcissist. Duh.

(Yes I realize I just used two types of list styles. I'm quirky like that.)

ANY-WAYYYY, I was pretty pumped to find out which animal represented my personality. So far I'm a Tiger (Chinese Zodiac) so I figured it'd be one more step towards lifelong badass-ery. Then, it happened... I took the test and it turns out... I'm a Dolphin. A freaking DOLPHIN!

So first of all, I hate dolphins, and I'm going to tell you why in a minute. I know, I know, you're all like "but who hates dolphins?" -- trust me, they're very hateable. Secondly, I know I could've gone back and augmented even one of my responses to the test and turned out to be a pretty cool animal, but I'm just too honest. No, I was actually just too shocked to think about doing that at the time. Hindsight: It's 20/20.

My personality description (aka "The Dolphin"): Creative and contagiously happy, ENFPs have boundless energy and an appetite for learning about new things and meeting new peope. They bring joy to others and are keenly perceptive to the needs of those around them. They are vivacious and popular enthusiasts. ENFPs tend to get bored easily, and they are always ready for the latest and the greatest in friends, relationships, experiences, and ocean jumping.

Anyways, although the personality description was painfully accurate, I just refuse to be aligned with such a horrible excuse for a mammal slash fish. Now, I'm going to tell you the six reasons I hate dolphins. I should probably just say "Goodbye" to the little readership I've gained, shouldn't I? It was nice knowing you. *sob*

The Five Reasons Dolphins Are The Most Terrible Excuse For Mammals Slash Fish Known To Man

1. Their Texture. This one I just can't ignore. There's something about the slimy rubbery exterior of a dolphin that gives me the shudders. I'm weird about textures in general, but dolphin texture is the worst. PS: I'm talking about touching them, not eating them, though those crafty bastards probably deserve it.

2. Dolphin Tattoos. I know I probably shouldn't blame dolphins for being so adorable that humans insist on permanently marking themselves with dolphin homage tattoos, but I can't help it. The dolphin tattoo is a horrible blemish on the face of tattoo culture. There is no such thing as a "cool" dolphin tattoo. Also, I'm pretty sure the statistics of dolphin tattoo placement would place 98% of them firmly above the ass-crack, which is my second-most hated type of tattoo: tramp stamps. A dolphin tramp stamp? You're OUT!

3. They are crafty bastards. Dolphins are all like "look how smart we are" so humans are all like "Aww, you're so smart!" but I know, and you know, that Dolphins are tricky and like those evil little asian monkeys are probably stealing all of our shit.

4. They are planning to take over human kind. (See above and/or The Simpsons) You see this isn't a hilarious television plot, it is self-fulfilling prophecy, my friends!

They can't be trusted!

5. They can't decide if they're mammals or fish. Oh you think you're so evolved, little dolphins? Pft. Excuse me while I walk away on my LEGS and get into my CAR to drive home and watch TV. *hair flip*

Granted pretty much everything I've learned about dolphins I learned as a child watching The Simpsons. I always hated Flipper, the movie, though. So that says something right?

Also, a dolphin ate my mother. Not really... but it could happen!!!

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Buying Used

2013-11-18T16:20:00.002-05:00

You may not know this already, but between blogging and Mom-ming, I happen to work at a car dealership. I'm not in the car-slinging business, though, being the creative savant that I am, I just handle all of their digital properties! ;)

Before I began working at +Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd. I was a bit ignorant as to how the whole "car dealership" thing worked. We'd purchased one used vehicle in our time, and that experience was less than stellar. In fact, the experience of purchasing a vehicle at a non-local used dealership was so bad (faulty vehicle reports, lack of information, pushy sales people) that we swore off buying used all-together! When the time came for us to get into a bigger vehicle, we went straight for new! In hindsight, that probably wasn't the greatest decision for a young family with poor credit history and a new home being built, but what did we know?

I WISH the first time stop we made in our car-buying journey was at Mills! Since I've been working here I've come to see just how different they are! First of all, our company mantra is "Whatever It Takes"... and it truly is part of our every-day work lives. Everyone here puts 100% of themselves into everything. It's a refreshing thing to see!

If I just sat here and wrote a post about how awesome Mills is (it is) it'd seem nothing but biased, so instead I'm going to share with you the awesome things I've learned about the car business since starting here! Check the bottom of this post for the most epic Giveaway ever!

The Top 10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Buying Used Cars

What It's Like To Be A Hanson Fan In 2013

2013-11-13T23:17:00.002-05:00

So, I’m standing with my friends outside of a venue last week, in line waiting to see a band I’ve now seen probably more than 20 times. As people walked by us on the busy street, they would look at the long line of people gathered, then up at the marquee, then back at us, then shake their heads and laugh. A few were even rude enough to comment with quips like “Hanson? Really?” or “You mean those kids? They’re still around?”

This is what its like to be a Hanson fan in 2013.

Reading articles can be a bit of a nightmare, too. News reports are often riddled with phrases like “boy band” and the band being compared to performers like the Backstreet Boys and N’Sync. These terms and comparisons make fans like myself wince, as they’re so misrepresentative of not only the band, but also their music in general.

via @HollyMatrimony

It’s been sixteen (!!!) years since “MMMBop”, the poppy-harmonic up-tempo chart-topper hit the airwaves. In 1997 the brothers Hanson were 11, 14 and 16 respectively. It makes sense that many would assume their music fell into the “teen pop” category that was so popular at the time.

Be The Change You Want To See!

2013-11-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

Remember how I told you guys that I have a problem with blatant ignorance? Oh that was just last week? Well... newsflash I still do.

You know what no one, not ever, has ever said to me when I wished them a "Merry Christmas" --- No one has ever said "Umm... I don't celebrate Christmas so please don't say that to me. "Happy Holidays" would be more appropriate."

No one has ever said that to me. Not anything like it at all.
Have they said that to you? Really?

... and even if they did, would you be offended? I know that I wouldn't. I'd wish them a Happy Holiday and be on my Merry way! Because I realize that not everyone in the world observes the same holidays and traditions as me. Because I don't think that being considerate of other people's identities, colours or religions is too much to ask.

You know what people have said to me? Do you know what people have posted all over social media?

They've posted this image:

Against All Odds

2013-11-11T09:42:00.001-05:00

Several years ago I was sitting at my job, like any other day, when I got a call from my best friend. Her soon-to-be fiance had been in an accident while serving in Afghanistan. He didn't make it.

I was at Julie's side when they brought Anthony home. I never in my life expected to be standing on a military landing strip watching a soldier's remains be brought home to his family, but there I was... shaking and trying to be as strong as I could for my friend. She lost the love of her life before her life had barely even begun.

Anthony was an amazing person. He was a paradox, really. He was a geek and an athlete, and kind would be an understatement. He came from the biggest family I've ever met, and even though they'd never met me, and were going through so much pain, they showed me what love truly is.

Julie joined the military when we were teenagers, I thought of it as a summer camp. She went off to basic training and came back a totally different, amazing person. It's not that she wasn't amazing before, she was, but the military gave her the confidence and strength she deserved. She still serves to this day, more than a decade later and it amazes me regularly.

You'd never expect a 5'6" blonde, fair, blue-eyed girl to be so tough, but she is. She's the strongest, most beautiful and endearing person I know. I'm not an emotional person, but writing about her makes me want to cry, because I'm so proud of the person who she's become, in spite of everything she's faced.

Julie and Me. Way back when.

I've known Julie since I was 7 or 8 years old. For all intents and purposes we should have lost touch many times over the years. She moved. I moved. I moved again. Something has always brought us back to each other. There are so few, if any, people in our lives who truly know us better than we know ourselves.

Julie's strength, kindness and courage, qualities she likely picked up in her ongoing career with the military, pushed her to move forward, as Anthony would've wanted. She brings light into the world of everyone who knows her.

A few years ago I got another call, Julie had been in an accident during training. I likely can't remember the details of her injuries, but suffice it to say that she'd broken her back in more than one place. She was airlifted to a hospital close to where I live, and I was able to be with her. We didn't know how her back would heal, if she'd be walking again. If it had been me, I surely wouldn't have. But Julie? She got up as fast as she could. They told her she'd likely never run again, and just over a year later, she was running a half-marathon.

This is the amazing human being I get to call my best friend, folks. Amidst tragedy, battle, pain... she just keeps going. She'll never pretend its easy, but I don't think she knows how amazing she is, either.

Next year my best friend is getting married. Just like I stood by her side during the worst moments in her life, I now get to stand by her side during one of the best. (Here come the tears!) I am so lucky to still have this amazing, inspiring person in my life. I am grateful for her every day, but today I am sharing her, and her story, with you, because she deserves every good and beautiful thing that comes her way.

Today, Remembrance Day (or Veteran's Day, for the Americans), I am taking this time to acknowledge someone who could have been lost to us more than once, and who's fought the odds every single time. Today I pay my respects to the amazing beautiful person who we did lose too soon, and to the people who still miss him with everything they have every single day.

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To Anthony: Thank you for bringing such joy and happiness to my best friend's life. Thank you for your service, and for being part of the greatest good. Every year, on this day, my time will be dedicated to you. Rest peacefully, dear friend.

To The Klumpenhouwers: Thank you for your generosity, tears, strength, and beautiful beautiful souls. You love with such force, such might, I am in awe of your family and your strength in numbers.

To Justin: Thank you for bringing love back into Julie's life. Thank you for being you, being there, always. I look forward to many years of you being part of our extended family. Thank you for your service to our country.

To Julie: We always find each other. We always will. I can't imagine my world without you. You've been my strength, my heart. If there is such a thing as platonic true love, you're it for me, kid. I draw my strength, my reserve, from yours. I am more proud of you than you could ever imagine, and if I am only ever half the woman you are, then that is more than enough for me. I love you.

I Just Can't Stop

2013-11-07T23:52:00.002-05:00

My name is Christella, and I have a problem.

No, not a Rob Ford kind of problem, don't worry!

You see... I have a problem with keeping my mouth shut. Okay, not so much my mouth as my fingers... bring your mind out of the gutter this instant!

I've never had a problem with sticking up for the underdog. In fact, growing up I wanted to be a lawyer because I was so good at debates and fighting for my values I thought I'd make an amazing litigator. Then I realized most lawyers aren't exactly in it for the humanitarian accomplishments (see: piles and piles of cash) and the schooling alone would probably do me in...

With the advent of the internet, and social networks and forums, it's become easier and easier for people to speak their minds... we say whatever we're thinking, and often do things without thinking at all... regardless of the implications. People's dumbest moments are also showcased for the world to see... and once they're out there, you can't really get them back.

Every other day people are all up in a huff about someone who blogged this or wore that or got in trouble for this... and everyone has an opinion on what should've been written, wore or done instead. Myself included. Myself WAAAYYYY included.

You see... the internet makes it easy for us to formulate opinions, find like-minded individuals, and speak up when something isn't right. Even if that means pissing people off in the process.

Sometimes it's important to do, and sometimes its just unnecessary.

Today I commented on a post, on a friend's Facebook wall, that although I'm still adamant about my opinion on the subject, it may have been unnecessary. You see... sometimes there is no point in arguing a point when the people you're arguing it to have absolutely no intention of changing their minds. You can give them 112 reasons why their points aren't relevant, are invalid or are just plain ridiculous, and it doesn't matter... because if they WANT to be right, they will think they're right no matter what.

Okay okay, so the post was about this little situation... where a VP of a school dressed up as Mr.T, but in addition to wearing a funny wig, chains and running suit, he also donned a particularly revolting shade of brown make-up all over his upper body. The argument of the post wasn't the punishment vs. the crime (he was dismissed from his position), but instead about the fact that in this day and age people shouldn't be offended by a halloween costume where someone paints their skin black, or brown, in order to make themselves look black, or brown.

Sure, I guess you could argue that... but... blackface? Really? Why is this such a hot topic right now? Because we live in a world where people are finally okay with shouting "That's freaking WRONG!" from the rooftops.

Most of the commentary in said aforementioned Facebook post went along the lines of "people are too paranoid now!" and "back in my day people dressed up as Mr.T all the time! who cares" and "it was just a costume! he didn't mean any harm" ... they just didn't understand why anybody would care about what seemed like such an over-reaction to a costume.

Well I care! A lot actually, because I happen to be the mother of two black kids. Yes, they are half black, as I am white, but as their Dad says, "The world will only ever see them as black. It doesn't matter how white they are."

And you know what? I can't argue with him about that.

I used to want to argue, say that the world had changed, that people in our communities weren't racist anymore -- and it has... people aren't outwardly racist. They probably don't even realize how racist they are... that's how bad, and deep racism flows, that it's buried under our skin, indoctrinated into our lives... to the point where TEACHERS go to school, mimicking a particularly offensive portion of black history... without even REALIZING it! To claim ignorance is not only a terrible excuse, but it's actually quite frightening to me...

... because if you are actually ignorant to the fact of how morally vile sporting blackface less than a century after such brutal, vicious humanitarian crimes were committed (and still are being committed) towards an entire race, just because of the colour of their skin, then this world is even more fucked up than I thought.

If you are actually able to try and compare wearing a Hitler costume (also not Okay) to wearing blackface, trying to argue for the fact that "it's just a halloween" costume, then I'm sorry I don't care how much you think you like black people in general... to not understand the moral implications of such a terrible, horrible time in human history, and how even now uttering derogatory terms, or mimicking a stereotype perpetuated for entertainment is so absolutely, unequivocally, NOT okay, makes me worried for my children.

But this? This isn't even the worst problem! The biggest problem we have, as a society, is that there are still so many people, unlike me and my big mouth, who are more afraid to speak up about how wrong it is. People like me are left looking like crazed lunatics desperately defending a cause, because others are too comfortable, too complacent, too polite to get involved.

I'm by no means a radical activist, people. A few comments on Facebook or Twitter clearly will never change people's minds... this goes beyond petty debates online and speaks to a bigger, underlying problem... the fact that there are still such a significant amount of people out there who can see someone wearing a costume with blackface, and use their intentions as a reason why they shouldn't be held responsible, writing it off as a funny costume and nothing more, and not seeing the bigger picture there.

I get that the guy isn't a card-carrying member of the KKK, I am fairly certain he doesn't consider himself a racist. He probably actually is a lot like you and me, but for some reason, he didn't know, or understand that it's never... ever... ever...EVER okay to paint your skin dark to look black, because he a) doesn't know the history of black culture, or b) doesn't think its relevant in today's society. Either way, that's a scary attitude to have. People should be MORE aware and careful about how they conduct themselves with regard to socially acceptable behaviour now, not the other way around!

If you think I'm the only person who is so morally opposed to this behavior, you're wrong! Check out this poster campaign, "We're a Culture, not a Costume!" by STARS (Students Teaching About Racism in Society)...

source: STARS

This is why I can't stop. I can't stop responding, debating, and dropping my "opinion" at every turn. Because the fact that there are so many people out there that STILL BELIEVE its okay to act this way with no repercussions, and the fact that there are SO MANY PEOPLE out there that think it's okay to sit back and say nothing when they see conversations like this happening.

One day, I'm going to have to sit my kids down and talk to them about how insensitive people are towards gender roles, sexual identity and race. I'm going to have to explain to them why the world is filled with a bunch of people who seem to be arguing with each other for no reason at all... and I don't want to. I want to tell them that people will look into their hearts and see them as individuals, not as a specific race, colour or creed. But, I can't... because instead I'll be teaching them how to handle people being racist or hurtful towards them, intentionally or otherwise.

Potty Training Made Easy

2013-11-06T11:08:00.002-05:00

With two boys, 3 and under, I've been waist-deep in diapers for a while and I couldn't be more excited to get rid of the fluff! Cash has been a tough nut to crack, although day-training him was easy (*cough*forhisdaycaregiver*cough*) we still haven't mastered night-training yet. He's a very sound sleeper, when he finally sleeps, so getting him to wake to go isn't easy.

Carter, honestly, couldn't be more excited about hopping on the potty. He'd sit there all day playing with his, er... toilet paper roll, if I let him.

My issue with potty training hasn't been getting them on the potty, it's been the mess afterward!

Take yesterday morning, for example:

Cash decided he was going to be a little independent and tried getting on the potty himself. He happened to be wearing his Dad's old baseball t-shirt for bedtime, which is still a bit big on him... although he managed to "drop the kids in the pool" for the most-part.. when it came time to clean him up? Well... HOLY CRAP is an understatement!

The poop was everywhere. I'm about as easy-going as they get when it comes to body-fluids, and well... even I felt a little nauseous! Thank GOODNESS I had the Cottenelle Fresh Care Flushable Cleansing Cloths in there, because toilet paper alone would NOT have taken care of that mess. *shudder*

I don't like using regular baby-wipes in the bathroom, because I can't flush them. They end up in our trash can and then sit there... festering... for who knows how long. Trying to deal with a post-potty mess with toilet paper alone is okay, but I feel like it doesn't always get the job done. Having the ability to have a flushable wet wipe is AWESOME, because I can use it for a big mess, like yesterday morning, OR just for a post-potty final clean up.

Don't think I don't use these for myself, either! They're great for someone who's as anal (ha!) as I am about keeping clean down there.

If you haven't picked up each item for the #CottonelleCareRoutine yet, check it out! They have a few different varieties of product, including a handy little package for when you're on the go!

So, the verdict:

Would Hubs Buy It? Yes, if it meant more time spent on the toilet, he'd probably invest! :P

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Disclaimer: This post was lovingly sponsored by the folks at Cottonelle and EnCompass Media as part of their #LetsTalkBums campaign... All information and reviews are my own... my opinion can't be bought that easily! ;)

Carter's Wild Rumpus

2013-11-05T16:57:00.001-05:00

Let The Wild Rumpus Begin!

I just finished up these invites to Carter's Party.

I'm so in love. <3 p="">

Can you guess the theme? :P

300

2013-11-04T20:50:00.000-05:00

This is my 300th post.

300 ups and downs.

300 moments, thoughts and stories.

300 crooked smiles, nervous breaths as I hit "publish" and waited for the results.

I've been putting myself, all of myself, into this blog for 300 posts.

There are 3,000 more where that came from, so please, stay tuned, keep reading and keep sharing. You have no idea how much it means to me, and how much I appreciate every comment, share, like, page view and new follower I receive.

I have finally found a place in this world where being who I am, the real me, is embraced and valued. People may not always agree with me, but they support my creativity and my attempt at putting something good and valuable into the world, and that's all I can ask for.

So, from the bottom of my slimy little heart, thank you.

The Truth About Midwives

2013-11-03T10:09:00.001-05:00

I have this conversation a lot. It starts off innocently enough, chatting about pregnancy and birth with a friend, finding out someone is expecting… someone asks about my experience. But once I start? I can’t stop! It’s like I’m compelled to talk about everything I’ve learned since getting pregnant, all of the research I’ve done, all of the experience I’ve had… sometimes I want to clear up the misinformation out there, and sometimes I just want to talk about it all.

Although things are starting to swing back in the other direction, for the last few generations women have opted to have their babies in a hospital environment, with doctors and nurses attending. We’ve been taught that the hospital is the healthiest, safest place to bring new life into this world, and being of the mind that Doctors really know what they’re talking about, we listen. I mean, they’re the ones who fix us when we’re broken, right?

Then there’s the other argument, the one that is immediately declared “hippie dippie” and everyone assumes anyone who makes it has armpits flush with hair and Birkenstocks are tucked safely in their closet. The argument natural home births with a midwife are the best, safest way to have a baby.

I’m definitely not “crunchy” or “granola” as some people like to refer to natural parenting… I eat at McDonalds (for shame!) and I shop at Walmart on the reg. (Not in the pajamas at noon kind of way though!) I am, however, a fairly intelligent person. I like to think that when I form an argument, or make a decision, it’s based on some kind of research or educated opinion. I don’t let popular opinion sway my judgements, because that’s just not how I roll. So, when the topic of pregnancy care comes up, sometimes people are surprised to learn that I will advocate for midwifery practice until the cows come home.

Mom Must Haves - Cold & Flu Review & Giveaway

2013-11-02T07:30:00.000-04:00

Sending my kids to daycare is akin to sending them into a germ infested mud-pit. Don't get me wrong, I llooooooooveeee my kids daycare, and there's really no way to avoid cold & flu season, but I may have some things that can help!

There's pretty much nothing worse than having a sick kid and nothing that can help them. I try to wait out the visits to the doctor unless things take a turn for the worse, like high fevers or excessive/unrelenting illness, I think both of my kids have each only had maybe one run of antibiotics in their lives, which I'm pretty proud of.

Read more »

Happy MO-vember... have I checked your prostate lately?

2013-11-01T09:51:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you guys know this (you do) but I'm a serious mustachio fan. I'm a moustache hipster, because I thought they were cool before it was cool. :{

This month at work we've put together a team of some amazing ladies (mo-sistas) and gents (mo-bros) and we're raising money for the research and cure of prostate cancer. Did you know that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime? Scary.

EVERY DAY for the month of "MO"vember I will be posting a new photo of myself with a moustache... in hopes that I will spread awareness and hopefully get some ladies to get their men checked out. It may be uncomfortable, but it's WAY less uncomfortable than having cancer... in your prostate.

Please consider donating to my team, to do so click here: My Mo-Sista Page

Every dollar that I get donated, my boss will match, so let's double up the odds, shall we?

Don't forget to check my Twitter, Facebook & Insta for my daily moustachio photos!

The Drum Lesson to End All Drum Lessons

2013-10-29T22:18:00.002-04:00

STOP! You have to hit play before you read this post! It just reads better with it playing! Trust me!

You may continue!

.....

If you had a chance to read this post on Yummy Mummy Club that I wrote, you'd know that I am way more about experiences than things. Except when those things are instruments!

Manic Mondays: How OnStar Saved My Morning!

2013-10-28T13:14:00.001-04:00

I don't know if you've ever really experienced a case of "The Mondays" until you've locked yourself out of your car, with it running, and two toddlers in tow.

This morning, as a I was shuffling my tater tots out the door, I grabbed my car keys and hit the remote start button as I opened the passenger side door and threw my purse in. If you know anything about remote start, you actually have to hit the "lock" button before the remote start button to make it work.

As I mindlessly tried to usher my kids towards the back door, my toddler pushed the passenger-side door shut. Crap. I didn't unlock the car before I set the keys down on my purse. They were trapped in there, along with my purse and any remaining chance of me making it to work on time!

Great. While my pretty new 2014 GMC Terrain sat idling in my driveway, I pushed the boys back inside and prepared for a long wait. My dear old friend Barney (the dinosaur, duh) kept them occupied while I tried to sort out the situation.

Panicked (and thankful that I still had it in my pocket) I pulled my iPhone out and called OnStar. I provided them a few details and within moments I was back outside getting the kids into the SUV.

I don't know what I would've done if my car hadn't been OnStar capable! Having gone through this experience, I definitely know it'll be on my "must have" list for every vehicle I buy in the future!

At least I had a good excuse for being late, right?

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Disclaimer: I did NOT lock myself out of my car intentionally so that I could write a sponsored post about OnStar. They didn't pay me to write this. Maybe they will next time. ;)

Hallo-WINNING!

2013-10-27T13:45:00.000-04:00

I decided that I wanted the boys to be Wayne & Garth from Wayne's World when Cash was about 18 months and Carter was, uh... born.

The thing is, as cute as baby Wayne & Garth is, they aren't likely to keep their costumes on for very long when it involves a wig, glasses and a hat! So, I had to be patient.

I finally got the whole she-bang together, and I wanted to share it with you!

Here's what you'll need for this awesome DUO costume:

Wigs (2) - One Long-Ish Blond wig you don't mind chopping up, and a Black or Dk. Brown Mullet-Style. Our blonde wig was donated (old Hannah Montana phase!) and the Black Wig I scored at Value Village for $3.99! Nice!
Glasses - I grabbed these from the Dollar store (sunglasses) and popped the lenses out. Donezo.
Wayne's World Hat - I was GOING to make this, but time and perfectionism got the better of me, so I ordered it off of ebay. There's lots of replica hats out there, so make sure you're ordering one with a good quality graphic. I paid $9.99 for the hat, plus $9 in shipping, so it ended up being more than I wanted to spend, but meh, it's the icing on the cake of this costume!
Blank White T-shirt / Blank Black T-Shirt - The white t-shirt was easy to find, I actually got a pack of 3 for $7.00 (undershirts) and the black t-shirt I finally found at Walmart for $4!
Iron-On Tshirt Transfer - I picked the transfer paper up from Staples for around $10, and then I googled "Aerosmith Aeroforce One" and scoured the interwebs for the logo. Eventually I just grabbed one off of a pic of an actual tshirt and edited it in photoshop. It helps to have skillz. :P
Blue Plaid Button Up Shirt - Scored this from Value Village. It's not the EXACT blue plaid I wanted, and I would've preferred long sleeves, but it shall suffice.
Jeans (2 Pairs) preferably acid wash with rips in the knees - I just grabbed some "play jeans" from my kids collection, ones that had seen better days. I manually put in the rips with an exact-o knife.
Amazing Kids who will learn how to make "rockstar hands" for your photo! Haha

Injuries sustained? ONE - That exact-o knife better watch out, because I know where it lives!!!

I have a feeling we're going to be getting LOTS of the "big kind" of candy bars this Halloween!

Oh, were you looking for me? I'm on YMC!

2013-10-25T13:35:00.001-04:00

If you were looking for me, you can find me over at Yummy Mummy Club today! We've rehashed one of my faves: The Gift of Giving Nothing At All!

See you later, Crawlers!

Dollar Store Diva: My Halloween Costume -- A Sneak Peek!

2013-10-24T09:54:00.001-04:00

Hey Crawlers! Welcome to my first-ever costume How-To!

I don't know if you know this (you do) but I'm a bit of a Halloween freak. I love it. I love everything about it, the costumes, the asking strangers for candy, the contests, pumpkins and parties... everything!

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to be this year, then I got my Pin on. Eventually I settled on one of two things: A Barbie Makeover Giant Head or An Awkward School Photo.

In the end, I decided it'd be way more awesome (and more work!) to try and create my very own Barbie Dream Makeover Head! It actually was pretty easy, so I'm going to share it with you!

First, as with every Dollar Store Diva feature, here's my haul:

Were you looking for me? I'm on BLUNTmoms today!

2013-10-23T16:06:00.002-04:00

If you were looking for me today, you can find me over yonder, chatting about everyone's favourite topic (see: no one) - Circumcision!

It's just a hop, skip and jump away.... weeeeeeeeeeee here we goooooo!

For some reason they used an onion as the featured image. I can't decide if it's because circumcision makes you cry, or the onion is supposed to resemble a tiny penis. Either way. *shrug*

Fall Fun: Apple Picking at Watsons Farms Bowmanville

2013-10-22T09:05:00.000-04:00

This weekend we took a trip down to Watson Farms in Bowmanville. I call it a trip, but it was really a hop-skip-and-jump as we live quite close to the market/farm. As Hubs said, "You'd never get THIS living in the city!" and he's right! The location was beautiful, the day was perfect and armed with my camera, I managed to get some beautiful shots of the family spending some quality time outside.

Watsons Farms is a beautiful, local family owned farm. You couldn't ask for a friendlier staff or a better place to go that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. There are comparable farms in the area for U-Pick type adventures, but most of them cost much more and aren't around the corner, either.

Here's some of the beautiful moments I captured during our visit:

(click to enlarge & scan through)

Local Review: Joey's World Bowmanville

2013-10-20T17:16:00.002-04:00

As a mom with two young boys, there's no better adjectives for your everyday life than "Frenetic Energy". They're ALWAYS going. When they're not moving, you should be concerned, because they're probably into something and it probably isn't good!

So to keep myself sane and to try to expel as much of that energy as I can before bedtime, I try to get them outside, playing or doing something active every day. It's not always easy, but I try.

So naturally, when the cold weather hits (thanks, Canada!) I'm trying to find alternative (see: warmer) ways to get them active. I've been to TONS of indoor centres in our area, trying to find the best fit. Somewhere that is clean, age appropriate and most importantly: gives Mom the opportunity to relax while the kids run themselves tired.

When Mom Cafe announced that they were holding a play-date at Joey's World, I was more than excited to take part! An opportunity to hang out with my ladies, while our kids play themselves silly? Why not!

Here's my review:

PLACE: Joey's World
LOCATION: 380 Lake Road, Bowmanville
SERVING: The Parents & Kids of Durham Region
PRICE: $8.95 + $6.95 per additional sibling / Adults: Free (2 per Child)

TWITTER: @JoeysWorldPlay
FACEBOOK: Joey's World Indoor Playground
WEBSITE: www.joeysplayground.com

How to get a 3 year old to wear their Halloween Costume!

2013-10-18T18:38:00.000-04:00

My three year old, Cash, has his Mama's humour, but he got his Dad's stubborn-ness. Getting him to accomplish ANYTHING he doesn't want to is a major feat. Sometimes I have to strategize weeks in advance when I know that I need to get him to do something without the painstaking task of convincing him, or worse -- forcing him, to do it.

It literally took me an hour -- AN HOUR -- to get him into the Halloween costume that WE chose last year. Listen, I'll admit that Mommy's a wee bit neurotic about Halloween. We rarely do the whole "storebought" costume thing, and maybe a three-year-old doesn't quite get the notion of what is REALLY the best part of halloween (the candy!): the validation!

It's EASY to go to the store and buy a costume, it's not-so-easy to come up with a funny, interesting and unique costume. When you do, people appreciate it! You win costume contests, you post pictures and your friends talk about it for weeks (hours).

Yes yes, I know, I am nuts. But these are the little things, people!

Speaking of little things: Getting back to Cash and trying to convince him -- in the most stealth way possible -- that the Halloween costume we (me) decided on weeks ago is still an awesome idea, after he's asked to be 50 different store-bought costumes since then.

Here's what I'm going to do to convince my 3-year-old to wear his costume this Halloween:

1. No more costume stores! Don't bring your pre-schooler ANYWHERE where they can find different ideas. From now until Halloween I will avoid the costume section of Wal-Mart like the plague! This applies to everything from treats and puppies to toys and zoo animals. Out of sight: Out of mind!

2. Don't overdo it! Although we've watched Wayne's World six times since September, now that we're edging closer to Halloween I'm pulling back the reigns. The same concept as #1 applies here, if I show him that I really WANT him to do something, he'll do the opposite! Which leads me to...

3. Reverse Psychology! Starting a few days before the big day, I will start saying that I don't WANT him to be Garth (or Wayne, whichever he decides) for Halloween. Dropping it in at random times will make him think that I want him to be something else, so that when October 31st is actually here he'll be more motivated than ever.

4. Practice makes Perfect. Although I don't want to push the issue, getting him into the costume, the wig, the hat (if it ever arrives!) between now and the day may actually get him more used to the idea of it. Try on different pieces at different times and see what he thinks of them.

5. If all else fails? Bribe them. There's no shame in paying your toddler to wear their Halloween costume, is there? Yes? Oh well. I'm doing it anyway!

What's YOUR Excuse, Hot Mom Blogger?

2013-10-16T13:30:00.000-04:00

It's really not that hard to write a blog that pisses people off. In fact, in some circles it's something people aspire to. The web, much like society in general, has managed to divide itself into sub-genres, cliques; groups of people who have mutual interests, values and aspirations.

Generally these groups of people -- whether they be bloggers, super fans, hackers or every-day enthusiasts; mean no harm. I am proud to be a member of my own groups, a leader of others. I am a huge proponent of "finding your tribe" and finding perspective in your every day life.

As a personal rule, I try to avoid the whole "open letter" and call-and-answer type of blog post. I respect other people's opinions enough to let them be who they are, find their own light in their own time... BUT (and much like mine, that's a BIG BUT), its my nature to go against the grain, to fight for the underdog and to speak up when I think something is truly truly wrong or hurtful.

For a couple of days I've seen the "hot mom blogger" viral story floating around my social streams. A picture of a beautiful woman, flanked by her three gorgeous sons with their ages hovering around their heads and a caption that reads "What's Your Excuse?" floating above them.

I'm not here to tell Maria Kang (the beautiful, fit mother in said photo) that she's an jerk for making me feel like crap that I've been so terrible at managing my time/weight since giving birth to my own gorgeous boys. In fact, I don't think it was her intention to make me feel that way... but that's the thing about intent, what we set out to accomplish isn't always what we end up with and we have to be mindful of who we hurt in the process.

I'm not here to tell her to put her clothes on, because quite frankly I don't give two dill pickles what she wears. I am going to ask her, however, what is HER excuse for making a bunch of people feel crummy about themselves when she could be uplifting them with her personal story instead?! Instead of asking other mothers for their excuse for not getting fit, why couldn't she have said "I did it, and you can too!" I would have be impressed with that! I would have cheered her on and scolded the people shaming her about her clothes, because the clothes aren't what matter here.

I have countless -- COUNTLESS!!! "excuses" (I'm going to call them reasons!) as to why I haven't taken off the baby weight I put on during my pregnancies. For time's sake, I'll give you five:

No Halloweenies Allowed!

2013-10-15T12:47:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make.

Okay, it's not really a confession. More of a proclamation.

I take Halloween very very seriously. I use the word "seriously" lightly, as there is really nothing serious about Halloween, other than the INSANE amount of fun it is! :)

I'm the WOO HOO CELEBRATIONS OMGZ! Mom. I love every holiday. I try to decorate the house and make it an event, get the boys excited and really just have a good time. But Halloween? Well... it's the MOST wonderful time of year!

Zombies. Haunted Houses. Pumpkins, Oh my!

I wanted to share with you some of my most favourite Halloween moments of the past few years...

Embracing my Value, Finding my Bliss

2013-10-07T01:38:00.004-04:00

A week ago, I thought I was a fairly smart and occasionally funny person. We all have that thing we like about ourselves, our wit, our ability to take on a challenge, excel spreadsheets, our capabilities in the kitchen... as few and far between as they may seem sometimes, we all have something that we feel we're good at...

I won't lie. A week ago I still thought I was pretty fantastic, at least in the brain department. But... I felt like my zany, over-the-top nature was holding me back. Pushing people away. That somehow my big personality was an overshot. That the people in my life who've always told me to "tone it down" knew what they were talking about.

I blog to harness that nature in a way that allows me to contain my exuberant personality, putting my excitement, assertiveness and occasional comedic timing to good use, that way the pot doesn't boil over out in public, but instead in the privacy of my home. (The folks who know me personally are now thinking, holy crap, that's her toned down?)

A week ago, the thing that makes me ME was also one of the things I saw to be my biggest flaw. One of the things the people in my life have treated as a personality quirk...

... then I found my Bliss...
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Potty time, excellent!

2013-09-30T14:52:00.001-04:00

Only a few short weeks ago I had a baby and a toddler, now, overnight it seems, I've got a toddler and a kid. Everything is changing so fast. I'm not really apprehensive or even sad about it, I'm excited for the next stages. As Carter finally starts speaking more and they each hit more milestones it makes me look forward to our future as a family.

One of those milestones happens to be Potty Training! Cash has been on the "potty training" ride for a while now, and he's pretty much there. We still have the occasional accident, but generally we're almost at the point where I don't even have to accompany him to the bathroom anymore.

Carter, however, as his words have come slower everything else has come a lot sooner! Within a few days of getting some real words under his belt he started pulling down his pants and saying "potty" -- it was kind of difficult to mistake what he was trying to tell us!

So, since we already had all of the equipment, we just decided to go for it! No 3-day potty training routine or anything, just encouraging him to go since he seems ready. The one noticeable difference between Cash & Carter is their height. By Carter's age Cash was significantly taller, even now he is as big as most 5 year old's not far into being 3. So, by the time he was potty training it was easy for him to get to the toilet.

We're not really potty people. We prefer doing our business where people... well.. do their business. Having a little potty just seems like an extra step and we tried it early on with Cash without much success. So, pretty early on we began using Potty Rings instead of potty's. The only real downside was the fact that the boys had to be lifted up onto the potty to use it.

Thankfully, I have been given the opportunity to review the Karibu Baby Cushion Step Potty! So here's what happened:
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