First Friday Funday Winner

Congrats to Andrea for winning the Friday Funday Giveway!!! More giveaways to come in the following weeks. Keep watching!

One More Chance for Free Stuff!

I think I neglected to take into account that last week was Spring Break for half of the country. So I am going to extend the giveaway until Tuesday, March 22nd at 12:00 pm. Those of you who have already entered will get double entries!

Please be sure to read the instructions on the Friday Funday post carefully! Also, check your profile to ensure that I and others can see your posts. :) Your e-mail and private information are not posted when you reply. No need to worry about spam.

Friday Funday

It is chilly and a bit gloomy here, but all of you have filled me with sunshine. Okay...that might have been just a tad sappy. I have neglected you these days and I vow to be more consistent. So today I want to thank you for not forgetting about me! My little blog has received over 1,000 hits, and as my daughter would say (imagine in a high pitched 3.5 year old voice learning she is about to go to Disney World) "I'm SO excited!"

So today I am sponsoring this fun little giveaway. You all know that we need to drink more water. It is healthy, makes you feel good, and is essential to life! Bad news is that it becomes easy to forget or even overwhelming to think about consuming a minimum of 64 ounces.

I have found the cuter the drinking vessel the easier it is to drink. These days I consume at least 80 ounces of just water. Not trying to brag just proving a point. It is so easy because I use this super cute and earth friendly cup. This acrylic double barreled cup (with straw and lid) is easy to carry around and most of the time I finish drinking 16 ounces just on the way back from the sink. This is your chance to win your very own!


This contest is only open to those who are registered followers of the blog. If you aren't, just click the link on the right and start following (note:  you won't start getting annoying e-mails or spam). This giveaway is participatory, so please follow the instructions below. You don't have to do all of the options, but the more you do the more entries into the drawing you will receive. You have until midnight on Sunday to enter, and I will choose a winner through random.org on Monday.

1)  Leave a comment on this blog posting.
2)  Post a link to this blog on your facebook, twitter, blog, other social networking site and comment here that you have done so. You will receive on entry for each location to which you post.
3)  Invite a friend to follow the blog. After they become a follower, have them comment below saying that you sent them.

Good luck and happy Friday! Be sure to make it fun!

A Necessary Evil

I HATE shopping for swimsuits. In fact, I have never enjoyed this sometimes humiliating process. Now, I know a few weeks ago I wrote about embracing my body, loving the curves, and not stressing about those 8 extra pounds. I still love me and my new shape (on a side note, I have started running again…okay once) just not in a bathing suit. There is something about squeezing into a tiny piece of lycra and parading around half naked that is so not appealing to me. I also think that paying $75 for a decent suit is ridiculous, but sadly even the “cheap” ones can cost $40 or more. With a bathing suit, you definitely get what you pay for and I will take all the coverage I can get!  There has only one time in my life that I actually found a swimsuit  I liked, fit well, and was comfortable to wear. I still have it, but it likely won’t fit until NEXT summer.

Unfortunately, swimsuit season came a little earlier than anticipated this year. A last minute weekend getaway left me in desperate need of finding something that fit and 5 days to search a handful of stores. So one blustery Saturday, I left the kids at home with my hubby and set out on my mission. Two hours, 4 stores, and about 15 swimsuits later I arrived home empty handed. On the plus side, I scored 3 pairs of cute shorts (Old Navy Bermuda length) and found some great baby sales!

So on a whim I decided to try our local JC Penney’s during my lunch hour. Don’t get me wrong...there is absolutely nothing wrong with this store. I just almost never shop here. I entered the store expecting a quick trip only to be pleasantly surprised. I found several one and two piece suits that were cute, looked like they would be a good fit, and were on sale. I took 3 sizes (I’m not exaggerating) of every suit into the fitting room and for once didn’t hate the experience.  I was really dreading the thought of purchasing a one piece bathing suit. I know I hate swimwear, but wearing a two piece was somehow much easier than wearing what I used to call a “mom” suit. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a cute a.n.a option that came in real sizes not just s-m-l. These days, I need an actual size not just something that will fit most.  It met all of my specifications, hid the areas that I consider to be unflattering, was a beautiful blue, and wasn’t boring or “momish.” I loved it so much that at that moment I would have paid full price.

So I guess the moral of this little story is to search unexpected areas and you might just end up with fabulous results. I’m still not going to go on a crazy diet or start running 10 miles at a time just to trim the tummy and to fit into my other cute swimsuit. Instead, I celebrated my find with a salad…and a milkshake! J Embrace and love yourself…that is what matters most!

Giving In...Not Up

Every year about this time I start contemplating what I should “give up” for Lent. What small sacrifice I can make as a symbol of thanks for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. He gave His life to make us perfect. I NEVER think of myself as perfect. Instead I think of all the improvements I should make or the vices I resort to in times of need. I forget all too easily why God sacrificed his Son, but thankfully a message in my inbox and a series of events reminded me of this.

“With one sacrifice he made perfect forever those who are being made holy” Hebrews 10:14

The devotion went on to state that God completes us. We all have areas in our lives that we don't like, but this doesn't make us bad. I have to let God fix me...it is impossible to do so on my own. This message was preceded by an amazing sermon by our Pastor and study of Scripture from Matthew 6: 25-27.  This passage ends with “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” These are POWERFUL statements to remember…especially when I am struggling. I have been faced with my share of challenges lately and their burdens are too great. But instead of giving them to God, I try to sort through the mess on my own. Funny how sometimes we need that smack (or several) on the forehead to remind us what is truly important.

So this Lenten season I am giving into God. I am making Him the focus of each day, each decision, and every struggle. In all honesty, I am not entirely sure what this looks like, but I know that when I GIVE IN the path will be there for me to follow. I know that I need not only read but STUDY my Bible more. To let go of the worry and the unhappiness and let God take care of His child. Isn’t that really what Easter is about? He loves us and wants us to remember the beautiful gift of His Son’s sacrifice.

Gear and Gadgets

The baby industry is a multi-billion dollar racket! They lure you in with adorable prints and patterns and gear that you essentially cannot live without (insert sarcasm). I can walk into a baby store and instantly fall in love with 6 different carseats and start scheming reasons why we need to purchase new ones. I see baby bedding and decide it is time to redecorate. Since we travel so often, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest travel products. I’ve come across a few pieces that I really NEED, until my husband points out how 3 other items we already own are perfectly functional. Ladies…do not go baby shopping with your significant other. They will become easily overwhelmed with the sheer amount of stuff and after a few visits with be a hindrance to your shopping bliss. That is unless they like to shop as much or more than you.

While I love shopping for baby stuff, I have gotten pretty cheap about it. Most is way overpriced, only used for a small window of time, and a pain in the rear to store between babies.  I wish that I had borrowed more of these items. Although, we have gotten great use out of the items we purchased and now I am looking forward to passing it along to others!

The first few times I traveled, I was so worried that my baby would be bored without all of the items that we had at home. Truth of the matter is they will enjoy their new environment and the newness will keep them pretty entertained. However, there are a few items that I do consider to be essential when traveling.  Ideally, if you are traveling to a location that you will consistently visit several times a year (i.e. your parents, in-laws, etc.) it might be a good idea to invest (or frequently borrow) in a few key pieces that will grow with your baby. We have been very fortunate that both sets of grandparents have purchased some of these items for their own homes. It has made traveling much less stressful, and the items get plenty of use. My essential baby travel (and everyday use) items are:

1)   Pack and Play: Your baby can sleep here and it keeps them safely contained as they get a little older. If you plan on having your baby sleep in your room the first few weeks/months, this is a much more practical purchase than a bassinet. Most will come with a bassinet attachment and you have the added bonus of a changing table.  If you find yourself needing to travel with it, they are a little annoying to travel with but well worth the trouble. If you can utilize the ones at the hotel or borrow from a friend, leave the thing at home!  I used to be a snob when it came to borrowing or using ones from the hotel. My mind raced with germs from spit-up, sick babies, diaper blow-outs, you name it. Now I just throw in a small mattress pad and my own sheet. They don’t take up much room and I know they are clean!

2)   Bouncer:  When your baby is little, a bouncer is indispensible. It will help soothe, comfort, and entertain your baby. Splurge for one that has vibrations…so calming! Even after your baby has outgrown the infant needs, you can use it to feed your baby or keep them contained and entertained while you shower, get ready, etc.

3)   Booster Chair with play attachment:  Unless you really plan on utilizing a high chair when your baby is smaller, a great booster is all you need. Once they are strong enough to sit up and keep their necks steady, you will get the most use out of this. The play attachment is an added bonus because it snaps into the tray and keeps baby occupied while you enjoy a relaxing dinner (a girl can at least dream). Booster seats are also nice as they are easy to take with you to a friend’s house without lugging all sorts of other gear.  I have noticed that there now convertible high chair/booster combos that grows with your child. These look interesting and might end up being a good investment. Sadly, I won’t be purchasing any of this new gear so I have to rely on parents of all those new, cute babies!

4)   Stroller/Baby Carrier/Sling:  This one is a bit trickier. I am of firm belief that you don’t ALWAYS have to travel with a stroller. It really depends on where you are going, how you are going to get there, and what you plan to do. In most situations, I rely on my trusty Peanut Shell instead. Both of my babies LOVE being in them (I only use them once they can face out and keep their heads steady). They are versatile and can be used through toddlerhood. My husband prefers his front pack baby carrier. If you can splurge on both a sling and a front pack, I recommend it. At different stages of their lives, you might find both useful. There are a ton of different options out there so my suggestion is to WAIT until your baby arrives and is at the age that you can actually use it and experiment with what will work best for you and the baby. Trust me…MG was tiny and PD is already the size of a toddler!

5)   Activity Center/Walker:  Now this is not a make or break item, but it certainly helps. There are plenty of activity centers that will last through many developmental stages. Some have seats that later convert to a stand-alone play center.  Walkers are a controversial subject so do what you feel is best for your child. Both of my children loved using them, it is a useful alternative to an activity center for pre-walkers and are usually pretty easy to store. Like with all baby gear, use smart judgment, supervise your child, and don’t use for it for anything but it’s intended purpose.

6)  Age appropriate toys:  You will need far fewer toys than you actually think. Just take a few that will keep them entertained. You are probably going to be so busy that most of the toys are left unused.

As I look over this list, even though it is only 6 items it looks MASSIVE. This list is really ideal for traveling to homes, relatives, and if you are traveling by car and have room. If you are going to more of a destination, you will obviously not be checking your activity center on the plane. You just need to get creative. A stroller will double as high chair if needed. The carseat (I intentionally left this off the list as it is a no brainer…you HAVE to have one) can be used for several purposes. Pack light but pack the necessities. My overall advice is to borrow when you can. It is convenient, practical, and every penny counts when you add a child into the mix. I spend way more on my children than I do on myself. Keeping your baby safe is the ultimate rule of thumb. If you can splurge after that…go for it!

And one final word of advice, unless you know you are "one and done" buy gender neutral items. The little professor spent many of his early days in a pink, butterfly swing and a pink and gray pack n play with gender neutral sheets . Not a huge deal but something to think about!!

More to come on favorite baby items and a few other thoughtful topics I have been pondering...

(Note: The links in this post are for informational purposes only. Most of them are items we used but others are just pretty darn cute!)

Traveling Tots

I am exhausted and struggling to recover, but I don’t think my life will be in order until later this weekend. On Sunday we returned from a 6 day road trip, I went back to the office on Monday, and my husband is heading out of state until Saturday night. On top of all this, Wednesday and Thursday are gymnastics and dance nights for my daughter. Nothing like carting two kids around town and waiting in a small cramped room with an antsy baby and 75 other parents. Of course, I am still trying to get the house in some semblance of order and tackle my favorite chore of all…laundry.

Traveling wasn’t always such a tiresome and overwhelming experience. I vaguely remember the days when our trek from Stillwater to San Antonio was relaxing, enjoyable, and when 8.5+ hours in the car with my spouse was a time to reconnect. There was a time when flying to Columbus was an opportunity to finish a good book and maybe sneak in a little nap.  And I can’t forget about vacations…I am sure that one day I will go on one again and maybe even sleep!

My daughter has traveled so much in her 3 short years that she now has her own frequent flier numbers. The little professor would have his own too but for now he can still fly for free. Over the last 3 years, I have had more than my share of travel experiences. I would like to think that I have travel gear and packing down to a science, but every trip I inevitably forget something. Packing for a 3 year old really isn’t too bad. I get together her clothes and toothbrush, and she is responsible for her toy bag. I still have to modify the contents of her backpack, but overall it is a pretty good system. Now that I have a baby thrown into the mix, my whole routine is off.

My little man has already logged 3 car trips to Texas, a flight to Ohio, and another plane ride to San Antonio. This is about 4 trips more than I had planned after his birth. In fact, this was supposed to be a “no travel” holiday season but obviously that didn’t happen. There is just so much STUFF that a baby needs. The running list of necessities includes: clothes, diapers, wipes, bottles, pump, pacifiers, socks, a few toys, baby food, baby snacks, blankets, teething items, and a partridge in a pear tree. As I write this list, I am positive that I have already forgotten something. Then you have to think of all the things you might also need if your destination doesn’t have them: a play crib, sheets, mattress pad, baby proofing items (if mobile),  carseat, stroller, booster seat/high chair, stoller, baby carrier, larger play items if you are going to be there for quite some time. Whew…

The first time I traveled, my daughter was 6 weeks old and I packed HALF of her wardrobe. I wish this was an exaggeration but sadly it is not. In my head, she needed at least 3 outfits a day because she would likely go through that many with accidents. So for a 5 day trip, there were 15 outfits plus a couple extras (like 10). I may have forgotten that washing clothes was actually an option. Then, we were going somewhere relatively cold so she needed a snowsuit. I BOUGHT MY BABY A SNOWSUIT! Please consider how ridiculous this was. First, you don’t put the darn thing on the baby before you put them in a carseat because that just isn’t safe. And after you get to your destination, are you really going to take 10 minutes to wrestle it on in the cramped quarters of the tiny car you, your in-laws, hubby, and baby have all crammed yourself into…no. Needless to say I returned it without even trying it on, but it made the trip just in case. I also packed 6 bottles….just in case. She was primarily nursing and we hadn’t even introduced a bottle yet, but I didn’t want to be caught unprepared. In the case of baby travels, too much preparation can in fact be a very bad thing. I would also like to think that hormones also played a large role in my irrational thinking. It takes quite some time before us new moms can even remember what we had for breakfast much less formulate rational thoughts!

So even though now I still pack at the last minute, at least I have a pretty solid routine. The kids share a carry-on rolling suitcase with one outfit per day plus one extra (if we are going somewhere with a washer/drier).  If no washing facilities then I throw in extras based on how many days we will be gone. When it comes to my own suitcase, I go as low key as possible. I’m not trying to make any fashion statements so a few pairs of jeans, leggings, cute but comfy shirts, and a couple of pairs of shoes. I want to be cute, but all of my items must be functional. I choose clothes that can be casual or dress up easily. I promise that this works!  I only take the jewelry I am wearing as it minimizes lost items or having to keep up with a little bag of jewels (ha ha).  When it comes to all of the “extra stuff,” I collect it all in a central location so I have a visual of what might be missing before I toss it in my suitcase. (Important note:  always leave plenty of extra room in your suitcase. You will inevitable return with way more stuff than you expect.) If I’m really on top of things (which is rare), I make a list. Yet, somehow my lists never seem to be complete.

Worst case scenario…you forget something. In most situations, it won’t be anything too major. So this week I will continue with travels, packing, baby gear, etc. These are the things that are most on my mind these days especially because in a few months we are going on a MAJOR family vacation. While we aren’t leaving until April, I think I need to start planning now!