Tales of My Life

Kind of a "Dear John" Letter

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

As we grow, we change. Change is often difficult. It’s not always bad, and realistically positive most often comes from change if embrace it, learn from it, and grow from there.

“Without change there would be no butterflies.”

Almost three years ago I started this blog. I wanted to share parenting tips that I learned and green living changes I was making. Honestly, I needed an outlet. I needed somewhere to pour my feelings, but early on, I left me out of my blog. I was too afraid to share me and kept myself hidden behind thick walls.

Three years ago I knew very little about myself and the world. I knew I was a hard worker and that I cared about everyone. I was afraid to make mistakes, insanely, unreasonably afraid and toed a line of perfection in everything I did. In all of this, I thought I was happy.

As the next year unfolded I grew very unhappy. In my own way, I voiced my sadness and loneliness but was ignored. I pushed on allowing decisions to be made for me because I felt unheard and taken complete advantage of. The more I pushed for help, for love, for me, the more I was forgotten and the more my self-worth disappeared. I was alone in taking care of my children.

There came a point last summer where I was done, completely and utterly. I was done being held back and not living life. I was done being unloved. I was done. I finally stood up and realized that I deserved more. I was scared out of my mind but took one small step forward. I applied for a job.

The whirlwind that followed, including being offered and accepting the job within a week of applying, brought my walls down and put me on my feet. I work 40 hours per week as a teacher, earning just above the poverty line, and supplement by working on my photography business 15-25 hours per week. My bottom line at the end of the month is zero or less depending on expenses – car maintenance, lawyer fees, and medical costs. BUT the person that I am before you today is the person I wished to be all of my life. This is who I wanted to be when I started this blog 3 years ago.

Obviously, I would love to be home more with my kids. My dream was to be a mom at home until the kids went to school at which point I would enter (or re-enter) a science career. However, on this path I’m giving my boys much more than just my presence. They will learn not to settle for less than what they want or deserve. They will learn to work hard for happiness and to cherish that happiness. They will learn to hold on tight to those people who truly care and support you because even though they are often few in number, these are the people that will bring sunlight into your life and the people that you should surround yourself with. (Thank goodness I have a shining star in my life.) They will learn that judging others is harmful and hateful and your energies are better spent supporting and loving those that are hurting. They will learn that life cannot be lived behind a wall of comfort and closed mindedness.

They will learn these things because over the last year and a half, I have learned these things. I have learned, changed, and grown in an incredible way, much like a caterpillar goes through metamorphosis. I know that I can instill these positive changes in my boys and that together we can spread our wings and take flight. The flight may be long and difficult but those moments of sunshine and rainbows make escaping the cocoon more than worth the struggle.

And here it is… as part of my growth, I’m closing down this blog. As I’ve grown I’ve realized that I want to focus my efforts on family and my passions.

I will continue to write and will be transferring some of these posts to my photoblog JacqieQ (a work in progress). There are very important pieces of me in this blog, and I don’t want to lose them.

Thank you with all of my heart for joining me on this part of my path. Your support has meant the world to me, and every one of you have been the ears I needed when I went unheard. With gratitude, love, and excitement I begin the next part of my life path.

Much love

TerraCycle: Outsmart Waste

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Ever wonder what happens to waste that can't be recycled? Think it just sits in a landfill? Think again. TerraCycle is making an effort to reduce the amount of waste lying around by recycling items that are typically non-recyclable or difficult to recycle. TerraCycle has diverted billions of units of waste and used them to create over 1,500 different products available at major retailers, like Whole Foods Market.

They carry a diverse stock of green items ranging from the very cool circuit board coasters and clipboards to tumblers to clocks.

TerraCycle also makes household cleaners, like the All-Purpose Cleaner. TerraCycle cleaners are non-toxic, bio-degradable and packaged in a waste stream bottle! They are safe for use on all surfaces and even effective on glass and mirrors.

TerraCycle's cleaners are derived from organic essential oils and natural plant and mineral extracts. The All-Purpose Cleaner is certified non-toxic, biodegradable and hypo-allergenic making it safer for you, your pets, and the planet. Both the bottle and the spray cap are rescued from industrial waste streams and used for packaging on this and other products created by TerraCycle. The All-Purpose Cleaner even comes with the Eco-Logo, the strictest certification given by the Canadian Government.

I tested the All-Purpose Cleaner and can attest to its ability to clean dirt, grease, fingerprints and more. I even buffed mirrors with a bit of the All-Purpose Cleaner and was left with clean, shiny glass. It has a lemony odor, leaving your room smelling fresh.

Check out the Brigades Program that collects and recycles waste from various products.

I was not compensated for this review other than being sent a product sample.

Women@NASA

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:53:00 +0000

I had an amazing day yesterday with some fabulous ladies from NASA. YES! NASA! The event and stories shared are inspiring and relevant to women today.

The largest message is that we need to expose girls to more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities, both inside and outside the classroom. We need to push past feeling great about mere progress for women in the work place and strive for equal numbers of women and men in STEM careers.

The issue here is not the gender difference. The issue here is that we need to tap into a diverse array of minds, no matter the gender or color of a person. Without those people who think differently would we have band aids or light bulbs or even the airplane?

So challenge your daughters, nieces and the little girls in your life to love science and math. Equip them with the tools they need to be innovative.

IHF: Hugs & Kisses!

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:47:00 +0000

My motivation...

Check out other Hugs & Kisses entries at I HEART FACES.

I left

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:10:00 +0000

If you've been following, you know this. You know five months ago I moved out. I've never really explained why. I've tried to talk with a couple people about this, but almost none of them truly understand. I've been flat out told, "I don't support you because I don't understand". I've swallowed that. I'm working on living with that. I know there are people out there with assumptions, none of them correct, on why I left.

As I fought to save myself and stay in my marriage I became more fearful. I was afraid. I was afraid of becoming my mom, never content, always afraid of being abandoned and somewhat lost in the world. I was afraid of being lost in a deep black hole. I was afraid of being nothing forever. I was afraid living but not living. I was afraid of never truly being loved by anyone but mostly by myself. I didn't like the nothingness that I was becoming.

I have big personality. I have big dreams. I have a huge heart. I have a huge smile. All of that was hidden, muffled by the life that had me trapped in chains. The life where I simply cared for everyone else and sat in the shadows alone. I was afraid of that life and that person. I wanted to be myself. I wanted to let me out. I wanted to be the person that it's inside of me, the parent that's inside of me and the woman that's inside of me. And, if this makes no sense to you then I think I've proven my point.

I couldn't be Jacqie where I was. I was lost because all responsibility was placed on me. I was alone because no one wanted to help. My cries felt silent. I thought I might have been suffering from postpartum depression, but that plea also went unheard. I was neglected, uncared for, and completely unloved.

I don't think I'll receive understanding and compassion from most people currently in my life. I've realized I needed to break away from that. I needed to fly on my own and figure out this life where I could be happy. That's why I left.

And, I'm not afraid anymore.

But, there's always the big question: Why didn't you stay for the kids? My boys are the most important thing in my life. But you have to consider the kind of life they would have had with a mother who was lost in the dark. I grew up with that. I didn't want that for them. They deserve to have parents that are fantastic role models. What kind of home would it be with a mother who was pretending, smiling through a broken heart? They would know. They would learn resentment and disappointment within their family and would not have the model of a loving, happy relationship that they so deserve to grow up with. They will know resentment. They will know disappointment. But, they will also know that they have support and a safe place to share their feelings, to talk, and to just be accepted for who they are.

I was not myself. That was normal. They would have learned that's it's normal to hide parts of yourself that you didn't want broken, that you were afraid of sharing and being. The person that I am now... the mother that I am now can nurture their little personalities and teach them that they are beautiful and loved and amazing as they are. That the important things in life are to love and to be respectful. They'll know it's okay to fail. It's okay to love. It's okay to be silly. It's okay to be smart. It's okay to dream big. It's okay to cry. It's okay to hurt. It's okay to be happy. It's okay to stand up for yourself. They'll know it's okay to just be.

And so it is. I'm at a point in my life ready to cross to the other side, ready to take this life for myself and for my children.

Oh geez...

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:32:00 +0000

It's been almost a month since last posting?! Eek. Well, I have been battling a Kracken from the Sea, flying through the skies with Super Puppy (Yes! He exists... in my three year old's mind), playing mad scientist by day and Playboy photographer by night... well that was during the day so scratch the last part. Most nights I'm ever up super late or asleep in bed with two little guys. (Ew! Not like that.)

I have some personal posts coming up and will be including more of a variety of posts, maybe some photography, in the coming weeks and months. Life's changing and growing brighter. Check back... SOON! I've got one boiling over, ready to be posted.

IHF: Best Face 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:07:00 +0000

This week on I Heart Faces is the Best Face Photo from 2011. I can't believe how much the three of us have grown throughout this year. Bug will be 2 in two months and my heart smiles every time I hear his little giggle. His current favorites are strawberries, playing pirate (complete with a "GAR HAR HAR"), and imitating big brother.

Check out other entries:

Be New

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:49:00 +0000

To say 2011 has been the hardest year of my life would be one of the truest statements bouncing around my head. I've been through every last emotion there is. I've been broken, beat down, crushed and over come all of it.

The person I was a year ago and the person I am today are more than worlds apart. I'm stronger, smarter, happier, more confident and more in tune with myself. I'm not saying life is easier by any stretch. In fact, it's more difficult in many aspects. The difference is that I know me. I know I can more than handle this.

My current situation is temporary. I'm in a transition between the life that was not me, the life where I was nothing and forgotten and the life where I'm me, the Jacqie I always wanted to be. Change is hard but sometimes good. The struggle I feel is diminishing, and I will be extraordinary in this life I was given.

So I as I celebrate the arrival of 2012 I look at the future in a positive way. I see all the possibilities and opportunities that lie in front of me. I'm excited for all the good that lies between the small bumps coming.

Wishing you the 2012 of your dreams. I'm ready to reveal the new me. <3

Life List Updated!

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:40:00 +0000

I just finished washing dishes. It's 12:29 and lunches are packed, kitchen is clean(-ish) and here I sit. I sit here a lot, working mostly. I've overwhelmed myself with things to do. I get run down and frustrated at the situation, but overall I'm so much more free and happy.

No one really expects their life to fall apart. No one wants to climb impossible mountains or walk through thorny paths. I did. It was my goal to get through that as quickly as possible. It was my goal to lift myself and to make myself better for me and the boys. They deserve a happy mom and I deserve to be happy. So, I may not sleep much (sleep is for wussies anyway - that's what I tell myself so I don't mourn the person who used to sleep until noon or so...), but this is temporary. I'm building a life where I'm happy. I'm building a life I can love. I'm building a life where I can be loved.

So, speaking of goals. I revisited my life list and I find it incredible the number of things I at least started on my life list. I thought for sure I'd ignored my goals since I wrote it, working through emotional turmoil and figuring out living on my own. Nope. Turns out the things on my life list are truly the things in my heart.

One big goal of mine that I crossed off was #4: Publish a Photograph. I have the wonderful opportunity of working with the great minds behind Kaia Magazine. They used one of my photos for the cover and another inside. Plus, I there's an ad inside for my photography business! Check it out!

I have recently formed some pretty lofty goals. Reaching for the stars, literally. Keep watching for additions to the life list.

Merry Fluffy Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:21:00 +0000

Check out the 2nd annual Merry Fluffy Christmas event. I'm not participating this year but there are some great green blogs involved like The Eco-Friendly Family, Healthful Mama & The Crunchy Wife and lots of great cloth diapering related prizes.

Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:04:00 +0000

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

Just Quiet

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:49:00 +0000

It's very difficult for me to turn off my brain. I have a to-do list that would take an entire village to complete... first year Chemistry teacher, mom to two awesome boys, photographer, student (taking two classes for re-certification) and many other responsibilities that make it near impossible for me to just turn off.

I drive and I think. I sit and I think. I work and I think. I shower and I think. I eat and I think. I teach and I think. There are very few times when I'm focused on only one thing, or even better NOTHING. I've recently figured out there's only one place I can go and just be.

Outside.

I'm not talking walking down the street or walking to my car or even driving through a woodsy area. That doesn't work. My brain is quiet when I walk deep into the woods or sit by a solemn river or stream or watch the sun set into the mountains with a gentle breeze blowing my hair.

Being outside in the last few weeks reminded me how much I did this as a child and even a teenager. When my parents divorced this was my escape. I'd tromp up through the woods, leaves crunching under my step and just hide. I'd wish and hope and dream in those quiet surroundings and would be happy and at peace. I would gather my emotions there in the Autumn woods. Or, in a silent white snow I would work up courage and resolve to be amazing.

This is the only place where my mind wanders about nothing. My brain can rest and I only think of the gentle breeze, the floating leaves or the sound of the gurgling water. This is where everything is just quiet.

Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:23:00 +0000

Thanks, ladies, for your entries! I've been super excited about this giveaway. The winner is #4 Adrienne! Congrats!

Don't forget to shop Shabby Apple and use coupon code talesofthewife10off for 10% off your purchase. Their holiday collection is now available. Coupon is valid until Thursday, November 16th.

A Little Piece of Me {Shabby Apple Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:09:00 +0000

As I continue to explore my likes and dislikes I stare into my closet and wonder why I wear most of the clothes I have. Honestly, I've purchased very little of my wardrobe. Most of it was given to me for Christmas or Birthdays and I only actually chose some of it myself.

I've made a habit of passing through ladies' departments or going into stores I normally avoided because I wouldn't buy things for myself. Even though I still find it difficult to actually buy something just because I like it, I'm learning more about the clothes that I actually like to wear. One big thing I've noticed is that I have a HUGE dress fetish. I lost my girlishness for more functional, cheaper attire. But, I love wearing dresses. They make me feel pretty and make me feel like me.

Shabby Apple approached me and I was more than thrilled to share information about the women's dresses they carry. Their selection of dresses and skirts includes styles for both modern and vintage tastes. They carry dresses to get you from casual through formal and even have a line of feminine fitness wear.

I'm especially drawn to white dresses at the moment even though the season is all wrong. I'm okay with breaking the rules a bit to make myself happy.

I've also been searching for work worthy dresses and am in love with Shabby Apple's Azure Coast dress. The faux wrap style is flattering on many figures and the color is gorgeous. It's 100% cotton fabric is perfect for no fuss cleaning, which is important for me.

Shabby Apple also carries girls dresses, maternity dresses and accessories.

Save
Shabby Apple is offering readers a coupon code of 10%! Simply use code talesofthewife10off by Wednesday, November 16th.

Giveaway
Shabby Apple is offering the Azure Coast dress for giveaway to a reader of Tales of the Wife!

To enter simply like Shabby Apple on Facebook, leave some love if you like and comment here letting me know that you did so.

U.S. only. Giveaway ends 11/14 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time. Winner will be drawn by random.org and will be contacted by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.

I was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own, honest opinions.

I Heart Faces: Let Them Be Little

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:34:00 +0000

Crazy in love with these two. Even when they growl at each other.

Just Try

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:18:00 +0000

After you're with someone for so long you both feel comfortable. The romance fades a little as normal life takes over and you have to impress that person less. You have her. She loves you. Why put in the extra effort that needs to be spent elsewhere?

But, the spark should continue as should the romance because you love that person so much that you can't help but show them and the world how much she means to you. It should be genuine and passionate. Real, raw emotions can be felt and are known just as forced emotions are noticed.

The flame stays lit because you try and she tries. When one person stops trying the flame is snuffed out. Darkness closes in, leaving the other completely alone, still trying but not being seen and not being heard.

Dark. Alone.

Just Fly

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:02:00 +0000

I've been quiet. Way too quiet. I'm not a quiet person. I haven't been myself for a long, long time. Maybe I've never truly been myself. I've never let go because I was trained to think it didn't matter. I thought that I didn't matter. I do for everyone. I please everyone. And, that's how I feel fulfilled. It's what I've known. It's what I've done.

Not anymore.

Just over a week ago I moved out. On my own. My own apartment. My own bills. My own life. At 28 years old, I never really found myself. (I hate saying that. Sounds so cliche. But, it's the truth.) I never really pushed for myself. My wants and needs were forgotten. I was forgotten.

There comes a point when you're so deep in a black hole that it feels normal. It feels okay. I was lost. I was alone. But, that was normal so there was comfort in it.

Then something makes you look at yourself, deep inside your heart and you realize this isn't enough. I'm more than this. I want to be more than this, and I can be more than this.

You get ONE chance to live your life. One opportunity to be the person you want to be. It's not always easy to take a hold of that and run with it. But, if you free yourself from the chains of everyone's assumptions of you and their desires for your life you can really figure out who you are, what you want and what you need.

You can spread your wings. You can fly. You can soar.

That's what I'm doing. I'm flying. I'm learning to be the best me, the happiest me. And through these actions, I'm teaching my sons so much more than I ever could have had I remained in that comfortable, dark hole.

Don't settle. Don't compromise yourself. Just be awesome at being you.

I couldn't remember...

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:40:00 +0000

I couldn't remember if I had posted about my new job or not. I looked back and I had mentioned it, yes. That tells you how fried my brain is at the moment. But, here's how it's going now...

The transition was SUPER tough at first. Going from staying at home to putting your babies in a daycare center/pre-school is very difficult. I couldn't help but feel like I was letting them down. I was terrified they would think that I abandoned them and that our bond would be compromised.

I was certain that C, my youngest, would have the biggest issue. He freaks if I turn the corner and he can't see me. On the other hand, big brother runs from me every chance he gets. Seriously, this kid is down the mall lickety split. I was so very wrong.

Of course, C fussed when I left but I expected that. What I did not expect was for my independent 3 year old to cling to my neck and cry and cry and say, "Mommy, go home. Mommy, take it with you." I had to peel him from me after twenty minutes, both of us crying, and attempt to drive away. My heart broke into a million zillion pieces, totally shattered. I cried until lunch. The waterworks wouldn't stop. It was like watching that Chase Credit card commercial while pregnant and hopped up on hormones.

Day by day we managed. Fast forward two weeks... they are transitioning much, much better. D, my 3 year old, even told a sad little girl in class today that "Mommy come back. Mommy go work." Now, that makes my heart swell. He's getting too big.

So how about mom? I miss staying in bed and laying around in my pajamas and playing all day. Who wouldn't?!? But, I am glad that my kids are reaping the benefits of socialization that goes along with being in daycare. D's vocabulary has exploded and he's speaking in many more sentences than he was a month ago.

And, I'm also glad I have more time to be me and explore my huge passion for teaching. My students are doing wonders for that passion and brighten my early mornings. I'm so very happy right now with my job and am incredibly lucky to be able to say that. Of course there are obstacles. I'm totally stressed out keeping up, and the textbooks look like they're older than my parents and completely turn me off. (Imagine what they do to the kids!) That just means I turn on my creative side and hook these kids in a different manner.

Today, I'm handling life and I'm handling it well.

Muck

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:51:00 +0000

The boys are adjusting as expected to being at their pre-school. I get sad faces in the morning, but they have a blast during the day. My 3 year old's language and vocabulary have exploded, and I couldn't be prouder of the awesome person he's growing to be.

Me? Not so much. I'm hurting. Bad. I really like this job so far. The faculty and students are awesome. I'm teaching a subject I love. But, my heart aches.

2 days in

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:05:00 +0000

I went back to work yesterday, a full time position as a Chemistry teacher. While I'm super excited about science, it's difficult to sift through everything right now and be amazing as a teacher. I'm pulling through it because I want to give these kids opportunities to love science as I love science.

Second day back at work, and I'm dead tired. No wonder people drink pots of coffee to perk up. Anyway, today I was peed on, clung to, cried for and falling apart by 9 a.m. Hardest.thing.ever. But I know who I am and I know why I need to continue on. I don't give up. I fight and push and carry on. I'm determined, and I will get where I need to be.

Hoping for an easier day 3 but ready for it to be just as mucky.

Soap Hope {Review}

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:45:00 +0000

If you're searching for a place that carries eco-friendly bath, body and home products, look no further than Soap Hope. They carry premium brands such as Badger, Pangea Organics, Klean Kanteen and BioKleen.

Ready to hear the best part? Soap Hope invests 100% of its profits every year into anti-poverty non-profits. These organizations use the funds to provide loans, training, literacy, health care, and other services to women in poverty. This approach can permanently lift whole communities from poverty, providing families with the resources and skills they need to be self sufficient. This program is called "Good Returns."

Every dollar of profit earned by a "Good Returns" company goes to a nonprofit institution to help empower women. Soap Hope's goal is to help lift women out of poverty. Their mission is to give ambitious women all over the globe the opportunity to support themselves and their families.

How do you help? By shopping at Soap Hope, successful women can help support developing women by making your purchase through their online store.

Some of the products they carry include the Pangea Organics line, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The Japanese Matcha Tea Mask hydrates and renews balance for your face. The Balancing Oil is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins. It's not as heavy as you would expect, which worked well for my skin.

Soap Hope carries a wide variety of bar soaps, such as the Organic Cedarwood soap and the Wild Honey Oat soap. The soaps contain no artificial preservatives, fragrances, colors, parabens or other harmful chemicals. All products are cruelty-free.

Soap Hope is currently having a special on mineral make-up. Buy $20 of Mahya Cosmetics mineral make-up and receive your purchase with a $20 voucher for $20 on your next purchase of make-up. Use coupon code MYA204.

You can check out Soap Hope's Deals for other coupon codes. They're also offering free shipping on orders over $35 and percentage discounts on lotions and Badger products.

Soap Hope ships their products in an "ugly box" which is a box made from cardboard scraps. No unnecessary extra packaging, just re-used cardboard.

Follow Soap Hope on Facebook and Twitter to connect with eco-conscious families and for product recommendations.

Two in Diapers... Still

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:37:00 +0000

This isn't your average potty learning post. Honestly, I'm supposed to be working, but talking about parenting is a little more important right now.

Poot turned 3 last month and still wears diapers. Sometimes, he asks to wear them. Sometimes, he runs around naked. Sometimes, he will sit and use the little potty. Most of the time, I don't care. I said it. My 3 year old is in diapers, and I don't care. At some point in time, yes, he should use the toilet. However, this is a phase. Everything is a phase.

He's 3. He's learning to exert his independence. I want to teach him to make choices on his own, preferably good ones. If I do not let him make the decision and instead tell him what to do then I'm teaching him that I'm in charge. I'm teaching him that he should live to please me.

Let's be honest, certain things he does make me happy and other behaviors do not. However, he is not on this Earth to serve me and make me happy. That is not his responsibility. Right now his responsibility is to play and enjoy his childhood. I will not take that from him.

Sure he will make mistakes but it's from those mistakes he will learn to make good decisions. He will learn that it's okay to fail as long as you pick yourself up and learn from that experience.

Being a dictator does not work with an irrational 3 year old. Instead give them choices that both you and he can live with. Let go a little... bake cookies... dance in the rain... after all he's only 3 for 365 days. Actually, I'm cheating this year and keeping him 3 for one day longer.

P.S. It's leap year next year. ;)

I'm still here!

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:15:00 +0000

I'm around. Promise! Just working on a few things, such as...

Shooting a wedding

Doctor's appointments galore and tubes for Bug =(

More of 100 days of summer on Pinterest

Balloon Release for my littlest niece Morgan Marie

Getting psyched for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Hanging out at the Farmer's Market. There's this little old lady who never gives me correct change but I love her raspberries so we just deal with paying a bit more.

What activities are filling your summer days?

Summer Skincare {Review}

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:02:00 +0000

Summer. Playing outside. Sunshine. Days at the beach. Heat. Field trips. Adventures. Summer.

We may go to the lake. We may go to the zoo. We may go to the pool. We may go fishing. No matter where we go, I know how important proper skincare is for both my boys and myself.

First, using a great sunscreen is important when the sun is beating down on you. EcoMom carries a great variety of eco-friendly products, including Dr. T's Supergoop. I'm picky about what I put on my kids, but Dr. T's Supergoop passes the test. By taking your child's health seriously you must also take a hard look at what you put on him.

Dr. T's Supergoop is formulated in conjunction with the stringent standards set forth by Healthy Child Healthy World, whose non-profit mission is to inspire parents to protect their family from exposure to harmful chemicals. It is our mission to educate and help safely incorporate sun protection into your family's daily routine, 365 days a year.

Dr. T's sunscreen products are rate 1-3 in the EWG's cosmetic database which rates products based on the hazardous potential of their chemical ingredients.

I throw a tube of this in the diaper bag and keep an extra in my car. We use this sunscreen for days spent swimming at the lake and building sandcastles on the beach. My kids have been fully protected, and their sensitive skin is unaffected by the ingredient. Dr. T's Supergoop is recommended for babies aged 4 months and older.

Also important are the products we use on our own faces. (Moms are important too!) Sweat, dirt and pollutants can make a mess of your face. Using an exfoliating mask will help remove the grit and will leave your skin feeling refreshed.

EcoMom carries a line of Pangea Organics products for moms as an approach to more Ecocentric skincare. The Janpanese Matcha Tea Facial Mask is skillfully blended to incorporate a holistic approach to beautiful skin, our mask includes a diversity of sustainable elements.

Goji berry in this mask has anti-aging properties and restores nutrients to your skin. Acai revitalizes your skin, and overall the mask makes your skin feel softer and look more even. While the smell was strong (not bad, just stronger than I expected) I was more than pleased with how it made my skin feel.

Check out the other Pangea products carried at EcoMom.com.

I was sent samples of these products to review. No other compensation was requested or offered. This review is of my own honest opinions.

100 days of summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Jacqie) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 03:27:00 +0000

If I wasn't completely involved with caring for a sick baby right now, I'd be totally obsessed with Pinterest. (What's Pinterest? A bookmarking site where you organize all the great things you find on the internet.) I can, however, let my Pinterest friends do the work for me. Here's a great board they found: 100 days of summer. There are 100 activities to do starting with a recipe for sea salted caramel. As you could, guess I'm behind so I skipped days 1 and 2 and went to day three: Watermelon Waffles!

What? Watermelons aren't square? Don't tell my kids... There are some seriously cute ideas! Can't wait for day 64!