Kid Things

The Secret Ingredient

Crystal — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:11:34 +0000

There’s a secret that we’ve found. It’s the one ingredient that turns a simple stack of pancakes into a devoured breakfast treat.

While maple syrup is also an obvious must, even it doesn’t have the same enchanting effect. Just leave it to Grandma to find out what it is.

What is this magic ingredient? Whipped cream!

A turn, or two or three, around the plate opens her mouth without complaint. Preferably in a happy face pattern, though any will do.

It’s not the healthiest of ways to start the day, but that’s what makes it so good. You can see by the look on her face.

Putting Together a Swingset

Crystal — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:23:57 +0000

How many people does it take to put together a swingset?

That sounds like the beginning of a joke, except it isn’t very funny. It’s more than it would take to screw in a lightbulb, I assure you. The short answer is that it takes a team. Along with a lot of grumping and a couple scraped knuckles, over the course of 3 days in shifts. More than 7 hours in total. But thanks to my brother and parents, we went from a bunch of confusing pieces…

To a complete swingset that, in the words of my 8 year old son, is “really awesome!”. The little boy from next door even came over to help us test it out.

What I Want For Mother’s Day

Crystal — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:16:10 +0000

Oh, Mother’s Day. A day to honor mom and all she’s done. The hard work she labors through 24/7, in the name of love for her children. It’s a tough job raising little people into appropriate and prosperous adults, and it’s nice to get a bit of recognition. Mother’s Day is a day to be thankful for mom, because she’ll always have your back.

That is what it should be. That’s not usually what it is in my experience.

Now, I’m not very particular about my gifts. But while I adore my kids’ handmade cards they were forced to construct in class, there are a few other things I would love to receive this Mother’s Day.

Books and the time to read them
I seem to be one of the remaining few women who haven’t read 50 Shades of Grey, and I admit, I’m intrigued. I would like to see if it’s as ridiculous as I’ve heard it is. Also on my love to read list is Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by The Bloggess/Jenny Lawson. Except there is never enough time. I’ve had Scary Mommy Confessions for months now and I’ve barely been able to even skim it.

A morning to sleep in without feeling guilty
Emphasis on without guilt. Because even if I had a morning to sleep as long as I wanted, which sadly I don’t and probably won’t for another 15 years at least, I would only wonder what my children are doing and who are they doing it to.

Flowers
They may be known as the generic last minute Mother’s Day gift, except they can also be so much more. Especially to someone like me, who has never been sent flowers. I remember my own mother remarking some time ago about how no one has ever sent her flowers, either. Which is why I’ve finally been able to remedy that this Mother’s Day by sending her a bouquet from 1800flowers.com. And I’m patting myself on the back for this one. I just wish I would have thought to send some to myself, too.

Nothing was sponsored in this post in any way.

A Field Trip with 2nd Grade

Crystal — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:41:33 +0000

It has been many years since I’ve been on a school bus.

Many years.

Yesterday, however, for the first time in many years, I boarded a school bus with my son and his 2nd grade class for a field trip to a zoo. Once we got there, the small class was broken into smaller groups. I was responsible for keeping track of my son and two of his friends. Which wasn’t as easy as it sounds since they were excited and liked to run from one exhibit to the next. But, to win them over, I bought them all rainbow sno-cones.

We had a really great time.

Beyond Coastal Giveaway

Crystal — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:30:13 +0000

I come from a lineage of pale skin. It’s a trait I’ve passed on to my kids, as well. We don’t tan, we freckle or burn. My dad has had a bit of history with skin cancer, also. Nothing that’s turned serious, thankfully, but it’s still enough to think about.

Needless to say, protection while having fun in the sun is very important to me.

I was recently sent some products from Beyond Coastal to try and I jumped at the chance. Their sunscreen is all natural: gluten free, cruelty free, fragrance free, oxybenzone free, paraben free, oil free. I feel safe and comfortable applying this to our skin.

An application goes on thick, you really have to work it in, but not greasy. I was especially fond of the Active Face Stick SPF 30, which goes on clear with the lightest natural scent that instantly made me think of the beach. The Active Lip Balm, SPF 15, was also a favorite.

And I really put their products to the test during a sunny 80 degree day.

First, I spent over an hour mowing my lawn. When that was finished, I put up my kids’ pool. They were then also lathered with sunscreen and we had great time splashing in direct sunlight for much of the afternoon.

In all, we spent most of the day outside and our cheeks weren’t even pink. Beyond Coastal really did it’s job!

And now you can win a Beyond Coastal Sunscreen Kit!

You will get everything you see here: Active Sunscreen SPF 30+, Kids Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+, Natural Clear Sunscreen SPF 30+, Active Face Stick SPF 30, Citrus Grove Lip Balm SPF 15, and an exclusive carry-along bag.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules
All contest entries must be submitted through Rafflecopter to be considered. Contest runs from 05/07/12 until 05/15/12 at 12:01 a.m. Open to legal residents of the United States only, age 18 or older. I will notify the winner of the giveaway by email, after verification of entries. At which point winner has 24 hours to respond, or a new winner will be drawn.

I was sent Beyond Coastal products to review through The Global Influence. All opinions are my own.