I know I have been terrible about posting the last couple of weeks. I have so many plans, a couple reviews, some giveaways and some crazy stories about my life. I have just been so overwhelmed with work, school and the kids that when I do get a moment I just sit there. I actually have all my good thought when I should be sleeping!! I decided I just need a recorder so I can talk myself to sleep and later transcribe it into a blog post. Am I going crazy? Or is this just a part of being a mother and an adult.
I am 9 1/2 weeks away from finishing my Master's degree. Part of me is thinking WOOHOO! FREE TIME! another part of me is thinking Now What? and yet a third part is thinking I want to continue and get a degree in IT and Marketing so I can get a job as a website designer, social media guru. Am I Crazy??
I would gladly take some advice if anyone has any or some words of encouragement that I am not Crazy.
Also if anyone is making a go at website design and or working in social media I could really use some guidance there.
Thank you to all my readers and I hope that you stick with me through these times.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tommee Tippee Summer Tour Review
Thanks to the Mom Bloggers Club and Tommee Tippee Little J, Big J and I got to review 3 Tommee Tippee
products. (Ok I just really like to say Tommee Tippee, I think it is a brilliant name for baby products!) This is to promote that as of January and April respectively, the Tommee Tippee products are now available in the United States at Babies "R" Us and Toys "R" Us stores.
We were sent the Nonslip Easy Mat, the Weaning Bowl with Spoon and the Spill Proof Water Bottle. The mat and bowl come in Pink, Blue, Green or Orange while the bottle comes in 7 different colors.
With two girls in the house there is nothing I hate worse (ok this is an exaggeration, there is probably things I hate more, but this is on the list) then feeding a child (or trying) and having the bowl get knocked over and food going everywhere. I mean my poor husband has to clean all that up! I think it is hard enough getting food in a wiggly infant, or even a toddler who is too busy to sit still to have to worry about how close the bowl is to the edge of the table. Don't get me started on the cup spillage in our house! This is why I wanted to try out the Tommee Tippee Explorer products.
Although Little J is still to small to feed herself her arms can flail around and knock over whatever is in its path. It was great to be able to concentrate more of feeding her without working about the food ending up in my lap. ( I know from experience and prune cereal is not a pretty site.) The bowl and mat held fast to the table and did not budge when Little J's hands smacked it. We even let Big J take a turn trying to knock it over, with no food in the bowl of course. (I did have to stop her after a bit because she was trying too hard to knock it over) It was also easy to remove the bowl when you were ready, by pulling the tab on the mat.
Big J was a little jealous that she did not have something so I let her try out the cup. This also worked because Little J is not using cups yet. If this cup could survive and not make a mess I knew it would be a keeper. My Big J is tough on cups, furniture, rugs, floors and more and is typically not allowed a cup without some sort of lid unless she is firmly seated at the table. Even then many times we end up with a beverage all over the place. We tried the cup with water at first and it worked great! Big J was able to drink out of it very easily and when tipped over or knocked off the table it did not spill!
Some information about the company:
Tommee Tippee®, from the UK-based Mayborn Group Limited, is the number-one brand of infant and
toddler feeding products in Great Britain. Since 1965, Tommee Tippee has earned a reputation for its
clever ideas, product quality and simply intuitive designs that promote natural development at every
age, stage and feeding need. Today, Tommee Tippee innovations provide comfort for babies and
peace of mind for parents in 45 countries around the world. It is estimated that Tommee Tippee sells one product every three seconds in the UK and that most households with a child under two own up to 15 Tommee Tippee products. That brand leadership was recognized this year when Tommee Tippee became the only children’s feeding brand to be voted a UK Superbrand in a nationwide poll of consumers, putting it on par with brands such as Microsoft®, Coca-Cola®, Nike®, Lego® and Google®
In a newly released study by Harris Interactive of more than 300 recent and expectant mothers across the
United States, Tommee Tippee explored the worries about being a mom and raising children that are keeping
moms up at night and found some common and not so common themes. Feeding is one of the biggest sources of mom-xiety, according to Tommee Tippee. While experts agree that breastfeeding is best, for many moms (about 20%), breastfeeding isn’t possible or practical because they can’t always be there to feed their baby. But breastfeeding isn’t the only cause for concern:
• Almost four in 10 moms (39%) are worried that introducing a bottle will cause their baby to reject breastfeeding;
• Forty-four percent (44%) of moms don’t quite know when to transition from bottle or breastfeeding to
drinking from a cup; and,
• When moms do transition from bottle or breastfeeding to a cup, 43% are confused about which type of sippy cup spout to use, and when.
In addition to the items I received for review the company also sells Bottles, Pacifiers, Spoons, Bibs, Other bowls and cups, and the list goes on.
Some information about the three products:
Nonslip Easy Mat
- Non slip, easy grip mat
- Sticks to all flat surfaces
- Easy release tab
- Use with explora® weaning bowls
- Holds bowls and plates securely in place so less mess
- Ideal for travel - just roll it up and off you go
- BPA Free
- Easy to use and easy to clean
- 11floz/325ml
- BPA free
- Spill proof lids for less mess & less stress
- Ergonomic shaped handle for easy grip
- Stay clean cover for spoon - always keeps clean when on the go
- Microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe
- Stackable for easy storage
- Use in conjunction with the magic mat
- 1 x 12floz/ 355ml Cup
- Unique Dura-spout for Kids on the Go
- BPA Free
- Truly non spill & leak proof
- Larger Capacity Cup
- Dishwasher safe
- Unlike other valve systems their active sensor valve is designed by a physicist to be both so sensitive that liquid flows on demand, yet truly spill and leak proof
Want to purchase a Tommee Tippee item for your little one?
Tommee Tippee is now available at Babies "R" Us and Toys "R" Us stores or online at BabiesRUs.com
(Until July 23rd, but any Tommee Tippee Explorer items and get the second 50% off)
For more information about Tommee Tippee please visit:
tommeetippee.com
TommeeTippee on Twitter
TommeeTippee on Facebook
I received the three items free of charge from the Mom Bloggers Club and Tommee Tippie in order to facilitate my review. This did not sway my review and all opinions are 100% truthful and my own.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Reclaiming the Ta-Tas, PB (and I do not mean Peanut Butter) and Life
Well that was annoying.... stupid mouse. I had a nice post going and with an accidental click of the side button on my mouse... Poof it is gone. So lets begin again.
Reclaiming the Ta-tas.
Officially as of Tuesday night I have reclaimed my breasts from Little J. In all actuality I reclaimed them from the breast pump since Little J had no desire once she met the bottle, which was at 6 weeks when I had to go back to work. I am a little sad about it, but I was actually much more upset when she decided breastfeeding was beneath her. Ok I am sure it is more bottles are so much easier for her to eat from, Lazy baby! I knew eventually I would stop and was aiming for 6 months but I feel proud that I made it to 5. For any mothers out there who ended up just pumping and not breastfeeding you know what I mean. I love the fact that I know have more time to be with the girls, of course I have to remind myself of that right now because it HURTS! I guess it is more like a dull pain unless I bump them and then watch out. If anyone has some great words of wisdom for getting through this without much pain, Please let me know!!
PB
Yes I know we all are thinking, YUM Peanut Butter, but this is not even close. PB is the nickname we have for the ex-wife. No not my ex-wife, my husbands and the mother of Big Sissy (my 13 year old bonus daughter) When I first started dating my husband he told me she was crazy and angry. I just thought, sure everyone says that about their exs. I know my parents were divorced when I was 4 and I have stepparents. Then I was warned by his parents and even started witnessing some fights and yet I still shrugged it off. (Big Mistake, although I would have still married him anyway)
My first real understanding was shortly after we moved to Myrtle Beach (Pre Big J) and I answered the phone. PB spent an hour talking and talking about how she knew nothing about me and I could be an alcoholic, drug abusing, child abuser. (I put the phone on the desk and just let her go) I am sure there was more to the converstation (althought one sided) but I think I blocked it out. Anyway at the very end she tells me that she needs me to watch Big Sissy so that her and my husband can talk. I was thinking, WHAT? You pretty much just said I could be beating your child and doing drugs in front of her and yet you want me to be alone with her??????? That was truly an eye opener.
You think that was bad? Then there was the time we met at South of The Border (Yes the cheesy yet fun tourist trap) and we were an inch from each other screaming. All of a sudden something in me came back to reality and I turned, walked away and got in the car. The whole time Big Sissy was in my car waiting to come home with me. A little background, shortly after Big J was born we moved to Charlotte, NC and Big Sissy was still in Myrtle Beach. So every other weekend I would drive on Friday to meet them at SOTB. Which was a 3 1/2 hour drive for me (and usually Big J) and 1 1/2 for them. I do not even remember what the fight was about that time, I do know that it got ugly. When I got in the car poor Big Sissy hugged me and said that is what my mom does to people.
So anyway the latest and greatest is that we saw Big Sissy for the first time in over a year for Jillian's Birthday. (You might notice that it took me a few days to finish this post, life just got in the way) Only for a day, yes a 9 hour drive and it was for a day. (We did not have to drive my FIL arranged it so we could see her) Not only did that suck but poor Big Sissy ended up grounded for a week before she got there, meaning no phone, no laptop and no friends. Why you ask? Because she was at a friends house and her mom called the friend to tell Big Sissy that she would be there in 10 mins. Well Big Sissy figured her mom would call again when she got there ( Big Sissy's phone was broken), which she did but no one answered. So instead of getting off her butt and walking to the door she sat outside for 20 mins. Once Big Sissy got out there she was very angry and grounded her. Well the point of my story is that my husband called Big Sissy after she was here and left a message saying I know you are there since you are grounded. Her mother flipped out at her for telling us she was grounded. I mean what the??????
Another funny point PB's sister (Big Sissy's aunt) has actually sent not 1 but 2 friend requests on FB! (One after insulting him) Then when he blocked her she continues to post things about him on her page. When did Facebook become a place for people to be wimps and fight???
Enough already.... my next post will be happier.
Reclaiming the Ta-tas.
Officially as of Tuesday night I have reclaimed my breasts from Little J. In all actuality I reclaimed them from the breast pump since Little J had no desire once she met the bottle, which was at 6 weeks when I had to go back to work. I am a little sad about it, but I was actually much more upset when she decided breastfeeding was beneath her. Ok I am sure it is more bottles are so much easier for her to eat from, Lazy baby! I knew eventually I would stop and was aiming for 6 months but I feel proud that I made it to 5. For any mothers out there who ended up just pumping and not breastfeeding you know what I mean. I love the fact that I know have more time to be with the girls, of course I have to remind myself of that right now because it HURTS! I guess it is more like a dull pain unless I bump them and then watch out. If anyone has some great words of wisdom for getting through this without much pain, Please let me know!!
PB
Yes I know we all are thinking, YUM Peanut Butter, but this is not even close. PB is the nickname we have for the ex-wife. No not my ex-wife, my husbands and the mother of Big Sissy (my 13 year old bonus daughter) When I first started dating my husband he told me she was crazy and angry. I just thought, sure everyone says that about their exs. I know my parents were divorced when I was 4 and I have stepparents. Then I was warned by his parents and even started witnessing some fights and yet I still shrugged it off. (Big Mistake, although I would have still married him anyway)
My first real understanding was shortly after we moved to Myrtle Beach (Pre Big J) and I answered the phone. PB spent an hour talking and talking about how she knew nothing about me and I could be an alcoholic, drug abusing, child abuser. (I put the phone on the desk and just let her go) I am sure there was more to the converstation (althought one sided) but I think I blocked it out. Anyway at the very end she tells me that she needs me to watch Big Sissy so that her and my husband can talk. I was thinking, WHAT? You pretty much just said I could be beating your child and doing drugs in front of her and yet you want me to be alone with her??????? That was truly an eye opener.
You think that was bad? Then there was the time we met at South of The Border (Yes the cheesy yet fun tourist trap) and we were an inch from each other screaming. All of a sudden something in me came back to reality and I turned, walked away and got in the car. The whole time Big Sissy was in my car waiting to come home with me. A little background, shortly after Big J was born we moved to Charlotte, NC and Big Sissy was still in Myrtle Beach. So every other weekend I would drive on Friday to meet them at SOTB. Which was a 3 1/2 hour drive for me (and usually Big J) and 1 1/2 for them. I do not even remember what the fight was about that time, I do know that it got ugly. When I got in the car poor Big Sissy hugged me and said that is what my mom does to people.
So anyway the latest and greatest is that we saw Big Sissy for the first time in over a year for Jillian's Birthday. (You might notice that it took me a few days to finish this post, life just got in the way) Only for a day, yes a 9 hour drive and it was for a day. (We did not have to drive my FIL arranged it so we could see her) Not only did that suck but poor Big Sissy ended up grounded for a week before she got there, meaning no phone, no laptop and no friends. Why you ask? Because she was at a friends house and her mom called the friend to tell Big Sissy that she would be there in 10 mins. Well Big Sissy figured her mom would call again when she got there ( Big Sissy's phone was broken), which she did but no one answered. So instead of getting off her butt and walking to the door she sat outside for 20 mins. Once Big Sissy got out there she was very angry and grounded her. Well the point of my story is that my husband called Big Sissy after she was here and left a message saying I know you are there since you are grounded. Her mother flipped out at her for telling us she was grounded. I mean what the??????
Another funny point PB's sister (Big Sissy's aunt) has actually sent not 1 but 2 friend requests on FB! (One after insulting him) Then when he blocked her she continues to post things about him on her page. When did Facebook become a place for people to be wimps and fight???
Enough already.... my next post will be happier.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Brugo Mug Review & Giveaway
For those of you who have been following my blog you KNOW how much I LOVE coffee. This is especially true since February 16, 2010, the day Little J was born! There are many days where I would not make it through the day without at least one cup.
Speaking of which I will be right back, all this talk of coffee makes me want one.
Yup that is much better now.
Back to coffee, I love it, but I only love it when it is HOT! There is something wrong about loke warm coffee that just makes me run to the nearest microwave. Which means all the way downstairs to the 1st floor, forget the fact that I am on the 2nd floor. We all know what microwaved coffee can taste like, YUCKY! However, although my love for hot coffee is strong, my love for burning my mouth is low! There is also nothing worse then making a cup and having to wait 20 minutes to be able to drink it.
This is why I have now found a new love in my coffee ventures, the Brugo Mug. This mug allows a portion of your drink to cool to a more comfortable drinking temperature, while keeping the rest of your drink hot. Which means you get to drink it now without burning your mouth but also know that your drink (because it is also good for tea, hot chocolate and other hot beverages. I try not to discriminate.) will stay hot for longer.
It does take a little getting used to, there were a few times I forgot to tip and could not figure out where my coffee had gone. Luckily you can easily move the dial from Tip & Cool to Sip (when the temperature is just right) and there is no longer a need to tip. Another great feature is that you can turn the dial to lock and the mug becomes spill proof. Yes I tested it by holding it upside down (over the sink) and not a drop was spilled. Great for those of us who love to drink on the go.
Good hot coffee and no more burnt mouth, what more could a coffee lover ask for? Well I will tell you a good looking cup and choices in colors.
Here are some of the cup's features:
Patented 2 oz/25 ml Temperature Control Chamber giving you sip by sip satisfaction at the perfect temperature
Double-wall insulation
3-position drink mode selector - "Lock, Sip, Tip & Cool" - allowing you perfect taste and temperature control whether you need a bolt of caffeine or prefer to linger over your coffee ritual
16oz / 450ml capacity cup size - a large cup
Non-slip bottom keeping your coffee where you put it
Ergonomic grip for maximum comfort
13 stylish colors
Stainless Steel and Chrome accents
Fits all cup holders
One Lucky Winner will win a Brugo Mug of there very own ($19.95)
Mandatory Entry: (Must be completed before extra entries)
Visit Brugo Mug and tell me which color and design you would like.
Extra Entries: Leave a comment for each Entry Below
- Follow Brugo Mug on Twitter
- Like Brugo Mug on Facebook
- Follow Big J & Little J on Google Friend Connect
- Comment on something you like about the Brugo Mug at Big J & Little J's Facebook Page ( Make sure you leave a comment below telling me you did)
- Follow Big J & Little J on Twitter (Leave your Twitter ID)
- Tweet this giveaway (daily) (And leave me a comment with the link below)
- I entered to win a Brugo mug from @Brugomug and @Bigjandlittlej. http://bit.ly/b2Obbr
Open to US, giveaway ends July 31, 2010 at 11:59 (EST) The winning comment will be selected by random.org. The winner has 48 hours to respond to e-mail or an alternate winner will be chosen. Please make sure that I have a way to contact you via e-mail! Winning comment will be verified.
I received a complimentary mug in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% truthful and my own. All images were taken with permission from the Brugo Mug website.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Balloonatiks Winner!
Comment # 5 choosen by random.org.
♥Heather♥ said...
I follow you with GFC!
mommys3lilbirds@gmail.com
Winner has been e-mailed. Thank you all for entering and please check out my newest review/giveaway for a Brugo coffee mug!
♥Heather♥ said...
I follow you with GFC!
mommys3lilbirds@gmail.com
Winner has been e-mailed. Thank you all for entering and please check out my newest review/giveaway for a Brugo coffee mug!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Big J's 4th Birthday Party
First let me begin by saying, "I cannot believe my 1st born is 4 years old today!"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG J - Mommy loves you more then words can describe.
So this year we decided to host her party at Bounce U. Let me tell you it was so worth the money! I did not have to worry about anything, including the cake. We had two party hosts that help the kids climb, set up the room, serve food and drinks, help with the presents (even keeping track of who gave what) and clean up. Which means all I had to do was enjoy the party and take pictures. Although I did choose to make my own goody bags.
Little J was exhausted before it even began
Big Sissy , wearing Big J's hat
Waiting to watch the video on proper bouncing etiquette
Little J and Grammy
Big J riding the Dozer in our Party Hat
Me & My DH racing.
Little J "Bouncing"
Princess Cake
Big J opening her presents
Big J opening her presents
My DH (Little Papi)
Mommy (Me) zooming down
The long climb to the top (so much easier for the kids!)
Big J, enjoying the victory of climb!
Partying like you are 4 is hard work and yet very rewarding. I am not sure who had more fun the kids or the parents. ( I think it was pretty equal.) It was also the best work out ever!!
Also take a moment to check out some great giveaways, Including my Balloontiks one which ends tonight (July 12th) at midnight!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG J - Mommy loves you more then words can describe.
So this year we decided to host her party at Bounce U. Let me tell you it was so worth the money! I did not have to worry about anything, including the cake. We had two party hosts that help the kids climb, set up the room, serve food and drinks, help with the presents (even keeping track of who gave what) and clean up. Which means all I had to do was enjoy the party and take pictures. Although I did choose to make my own goody bags.
Big sissy
Partying like you are 4 is hard work and yet very rewarding. I am not sure who had more fun the kids or the parents. ( I think it was pretty equal.) It was also the best work out ever!!
Also take a moment to check out some great giveaways, Including my Balloontiks one which ends tonight (July 12th) at midnight!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Five Question Friday
1. What is one food you could eat everyday?
Cereal, anytime anywhere, hands down the best food. So easy and so yummy!!!
2. Are you working in the career you thought you would be when you were 18?
No, although I had no idea what I wanted to be at 18. I did have dreams of owning a business but I do not think I was specific on what kind I wanted.
3. What is something that you wish you would have done when you were younger and you didn't?
Party more, yes really. I was too good and never rebelled and went to parties, etc. I am not saying doing drugs and wild drinking (ok maybe a little wild drinking) just normal teenage partying.
4. What color are your kitchen walls?
Lovely, standard apartment white.
5. Do you remember what your very first favorite song was?
Hmmm.. I used to belt out Heart songs, then of course there was Tiffany, New Kids on the Block, Debbie Gibson, Janet Jackson. Oh those were the days.
So excited for this weekend!!!! Bonus daughter comes tomorrow and Big J is so excited to see her, we are too! It has been way TOOO LONG! (Thanks a lot PB) My Dad and Stepmom are coming and so is my FIL. Then Sunday we get to BOUNCE!!!
Almost time for a loud Happy Birthday to Big J!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Now on Facebook
I decided it was time to jump on the bandwagon and create a Facebook page for The Trials of Big J & Little J, so please take a minute to "like" us!
I received this book in the mail the other day: The updated and revised version of The I Hate to Cook Book. This says everything about me because yes I hate to cook! Thankfully my husband loves to and does it all for us, however I have been feeling bad that I do not help, especially since he just started working after a year. My goal for this week, while on break from school, is to read this "cookbook" and choose three recipes to cook sometime this week or next week. My goal in the next 6 months is to start cooking two times a week to help my husband out, and I am talking real cooking not boxed food or breakfast items. Nothing against breakfast items, I believe breakfast for dinner is fantastic and should happen at least once a week, but I can already do that!
So lovely readers I am asking you to hold me accountable and check in to see if I am reading the book and what cooking I have done. Although I do promise that I will post the recipes here and let you know the outcome. Time permitting there will be pictures too!
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for the Balloonatiks DVD a cartoon for kids featuring balloon heros, it is very funny! Giveaway ends midnight on July 12th in honor of Big J's 4th birthday! Sunday is Bounce University day for the big party! We are all so excited here, thankfully there is not much to do since they take care of most of it. Although that is my favorite part of her parties is the planning, decorating and creating. Oh well next year. I do get to make the favors/goody bags on Saturday so that will be fun.
So stay tuned for more fun to come!
I received this book in the mail the other day: The updated and revised version of The I Hate to Cook Book. This says everything about me because yes I hate to cook! Thankfully my husband loves to and does it all for us, however I have been feeling bad that I do not help, especially since he just started working after a year. My goal for this week, while on break from school, is to read this "cookbook" and choose three recipes to cook sometime this week or next week. My goal in the next 6 months is to start cooking two times a week to help my husband out, and I am talking real cooking not boxed food or breakfast items. Nothing against breakfast items, I believe breakfast for dinner is fantastic and should happen at least once a week, but I can already do that!
So lovely readers I am asking you to hold me accountable and check in to see if I am reading the book and what cooking I have done. Although I do promise that I will post the recipes here and let you know the outcome. Time permitting there will be pictures too!
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for the Balloonatiks DVD a cartoon for kids featuring balloon heros, it is very funny! Giveaway ends midnight on July 12th in honor of Big J's 4th birthday! Sunday is Bounce University day for the big party! We are all so excited here, thankfully there is not much to do since they take care of most of it. Although that is my favorite part of her parties is the planning, decorating and creating. Oh well next year. I do get to make the favors/goody bags on Saturday so that will be fun.
So stay tuned for more fun to come!
I have let my readers down
So my life has been so crazy hectic lately that I just realized it has been 1 whole week since I posted last! I am so very sorry everyone and I promise that it will NEVER happen again!!!
Well now I have a whole week before classes start again so I plan on posting everyday, including another one later tonight. (I am on lunch break at the moment) Have a review planned, as well as a couple review/giveaways! Also Sunday is Big J's 4th birthday party!!
For now we are linking up for Wobble Over Wednesday with My life with rats and more
Well now I have a whole week before classes start again so I plan on posting everyday, including another one later tonight. (I am on lunch break at the moment) Have a review planned, as well as a couple review/giveaways! Also Sunday is Big J's 4th birthday party!!
For now we are linking up for Wobble Over Wednesday with My life with rats and more
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