Table Talk Left Me With One Question
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 Posted by Kristin
I forgot to ask while there. Brooklin had a mishap involving poop, diapers, and clothing. Somehow in the mess of it all I forgot to ask this question….
When will they introduce the next Betty Crocker?
Did you know Betty Crocker was a fictional character? Rather just a signature. Almost every decade they update Betty with a newer more modern look. So now what will the next Betty Crocker look like? I know the newest generation of Betty’s are fabulous.
When will a new painting go up?
Join Me for #GNO Tuesday
Monday, August 31, 2009 Posted by Kristin
Tomorrow night join me and enter to win one of three Dyson vacuum cleaners. I’ll be a panelist for #GNO
- What: Dyson is sponsoring this week’s #gno Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)
- When: Tuesday, September 1, 9-11 p.m. EST
- Where: Join us as we party using this custom Tweetgrid. (Use hashtag #gno.)
- Topic: Cleaning and organizing tips & tricks
- Who:
@aordinarylife from An Ordinary Life,
@createdbymom from Created By Mom,
@mommymandy from Mommy Mandy,
@mychaos from My Organized Chaos,
@organizersandy from Organize With Sandy,
@troypattee, @mommygoggles from Mommy Goggles, - Party Favors: Click here to check out this week’s giveaway sponsored by Dyson.
- RSVP: Please leave your Twitter ID in the comments to follow and be followed (on Twitter, of course!) by other #gno gals. The best format is as follows: http://twitter.com/jylmomIF.
Visit Mom It Forward to RSVP.
Table Talk
Monday, August 31, 2009 Posted by Kristin
Pic from Betty Crocker Table Talk Set
It’s over, we had a wonderful time and can’t thanks Coyne PR and General Mills enough! We saw old friends, and met new ones. Everyone went above and beyond for Brooklin (mini blogger) and I and we can’t wait to share more. For now my Bookie is pooped, and I am too.
Table Talk Here We Come!
Saturday, August 29, 2009 Posted by Kristin
Brooklin and I are about to head off for her first bloggy adventure. I was pregnant when Kaila and I attended Hallmark’s mom blogging trip. Once again I get to see my dear friend Lizzy and meet some other really fabulous bloggers.
I leave feeling guilty. I didn’t want Kaila to feel left out, since she’s been having some jealousy issues so I sent her to her Grandmother’s. She can’t quite understand it’s easier for me to bring Brooklin. Right now she’s my sidekick. I’d like to keep it that way. Kaila is off for an exciting weekend at the beach with Grandma, I know she’ll have a lot of fun too.
Brooklin quite literally just started to laugh out loud. I cannot wait for my fellow bloggers to meet her.
Last minute is there anything for baby travel wise that I need?
Here’s what’s planned:
- Discussions about nutrition, value and fun for dinner time
- Hands on making of dinner solutions
- Group Presentations and Sampling
- Sampling of New Product
- Amanda: Gourmet Mom on the Go
- Amanda: Mommy Mandy
- Brandie: Free Sample Freak
- Elizabeth: Busy Mom
- Erinn: Parenting Our Children
- Gina: The Clan McLeod
- Jennifer: J. Leigh Designz
- Jennifer: The Mom Salon
- Jeri: Pink & Posh
- Jill: Musings from Me
- Julie: Coupon Saving Family
- Julie: Julie’s Journal
- Kate: MomTrends
- Kristin: Our Ordinary Life (with Brooklin)
- Latricia: 1stopmom
- Leighann: The Full Mommy
- Lindsay: Suburban Turmoil
- Lisa: My Thoughts and Ramblings
- Lisa: Growing Up Mo
- Liz: Lizzy Dear’s Life
- Maria: SavingQueen
- Melanie: Little Patch of Sunshine
- Nicole: Being Frugal Is Fabulous
- Stephanie: Katy Couponers
- Toni A Daily Dose of Toni
- Tonya: Small Town Louisiana Girl
General Mills Table Talk Event Attendees
- Is there anything you’d like me to ask General Mills? Any dinner time tips you’d like to share?
Should Bloggers Share Contacts?
Saturday, August 29, 2009 Posted by Kristin
An interesting debate came up on Twitter today. Rather me venting my frustrations. I have to ask bloggers do you think you should share contacts? Do you share contacts?
I get approached by people wanting different things. I love when bloggers reach out to me for advice. I also get asked to share contacts. There are certain times like while working with other bloggers on a Gift Guide. I will also pass along contact information if a rep ask. Like I will be doing a project with Maghound, they asked if I knew any moms. I sent along a few and they picked just one of the moms I mentioned.
I do get emails from bloggers, asking for things. When I don’t give them what they want all of a sudden they “unfollow” you and never again return. I guess I don’t really want them as a “reader” anyway right? I think I’ve worked hard to be where I am at. I get pitches in every single day, and sometimes I pass them along to other bloggers within the community. So does that mean I have to share?
What do you think about sharing contacts.
I Have A Confession…
Saturday, August 29, 2009 Posted by Kristin
I’m still wearing my maternity jeans….remember those?
I just haven't broken down to buy anything new. I’m partly depressed because none of my much smaller prepregnancy clothes don’t fit. I refuse to believe i will be this size long long to spend money on my size. So today I bought the biggest pair of jeans I’ve ever purchased. Besides pants for Del, of course! I’m working on it, usually I would just diet hardcore but I can’t do that this time. I have to feed Brooklin, so I’m stuck.
I may be size=fat but fabulous.
for now..watch out world
Wow Wow Wubbzy
Saturday, August 29, 2009 Posted by Kristin
Meet Mubbzy’s Kickity-Kickball
Kai adores Wow Wow Wubbzey. Noggin is one of the only channels she watches so she already knows about the kickity-kickball. This Christmas underwear-wearing Wubbzy and his kickity-kickball take your kiddos on a wild ride around the house or play a fun, kooky game using the “W” shaped remote.
All of the magic of this remote-controlled Wubbzy is in his kickity-kickball that can be driven forward or in reverse. It’s actually the ball that moves as Wubbzy is dragged behind. Stop suddenly and you will see Wubbzey flop forward onto his head. (Cause and effect, Kaila loved doing this!)
It’s such a cute gift this Christmas.
Buy It! Purchase now on Amazon.com or at the Nick Shop.
Unique Baby Gifts from Red Envelope
Saturday, August 29, 2009 Posted by Kristin
We’ve been wanting to do a special project with Kaila and Brooklin. The girls just got their very first pictures together so we decided to turn our Deluxe Baby Keepsake Kit into something special for them both.
This kit captures that first year (or any year as long as the handprint will fit) with a 4" x 6" photo and handprints or footprints. Just press your child’s hand or foot into the soft, mess-free, nontoxic clay. Requires no mixing, baking or painting and is easy to assemble.
We had both Kaila and Brooklin do a handprint then we placed a picture of them both in the center. It turned out absolutely adorable! Plus we’ve been trying to keep Kaila involved with the baby, this was the perfect gift for the big sister as well.
Red Envelope sent the package in a beautiful big red box. It was beautifully gift wrapped so I suggest if you need a baby gift do it with Red Envelope.
They have an adorable selection of baby gifts this keepsake kit included.
- impression material, wooden rolling pin and shaping ruler
- features white acid-free mat boards and two mat background boards
- offered in solid wood in espresso, mahogany or white. See above for available styles
- each frame includes a tan mat that reverses to sage-green and a pink mat that reverses to light blue
- frame measures 17 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 11 1/2" high
- optional nickel-plated plaque may be personalized with up to 25 characters per line (two-line maximum). Personalized plaque arrives in an envelope with the product and may be affixed by the recipient at their discretion
Dress Your Student for Under $50 for an Entire Week with Walmart
Saturday, August 29, 2009 Posted by Kristin
Did you know that on average moms spend $230 on back to school. Did you know that Wal-Mart has found a solution. For just $50 a month you can dress one student for a week. It’s true! I tested it out myself. I will be honest we don’t generally shop at Wal-Mart although my experience has somewhat changed my mind about the store.
The outfit Kaila is wearing is slightly more then the ones listed below. They have all sorts of adorable print leggings. I was able to get these purple ones which match the Faded Glory top for $14. (entire outfit) I could pair it with faded glory jeans and mix and match.
The basics are were it’s at moms. I love to buy leggings of all colors. I remember when I was in 4th grade leggings were popular. I loved mine. Kaila has all kinds even the Capri ones. I know I can let her play and she won’t mess anything up, and if she does at least her clothes are affordable.
I saw other parents there shopping with their kids. The basic separates were a huge hit in the store. $50 for an entire week. They really do mean “Save Money, Live Better”
Some clothing options include:
- Girls Faded Glory® Mix and Match Top, $5 + Faded Glory® Mix and Match Scooter skirt, $5
- Boys Faded Glory® Short-sleeved Crew Shirt, $3.50 + Starter® Dazzle Shorts, $3
- Boys Faded Glory® Striped Polo Shirt, $5 + Faded Glory® jeans, $6
- Girls Faded Glory® Tank Top, $2.50 + Faded Glory® shorts, $2.50
- Boys Starter ® Screened T-Shirt, $5 + Starter ® Breakaway Pants, $7
Beech-Nut Baby Food
Saturday, August 29, 2009 Posted by Kristin
Del is the big baby food tester in our house. Ask him, he’ll tell you he’s tried everything Kaila ate as a baby. Beech Nut sent us some of their Homestyle Baby Food. He tried out the blueberry and pears. I admit it wasn’t that bad, tasted just like fresh berries.
Within the homestyle collection is also cinnamon raisins and pears, peaches apples and bananas, and also apples cherries and plums. I hear the great folks at Beech-Nut prepare a smaller batch. This makes the flavor more real, more like homemade for those fast easy meals.
With school coming up we’re going to need all the fats and easy we can get around here!
Win It!
5 winners - Beech-Nut Totes including three jars of Beech-Nut baby food packed full of leading-edge nutrition.
- To enter: Leave me a comment here on this post telling me an easy meal tip.
See my Rules for Extra Entries!
Giveaway Ends Sep 12th
My Foster Care Journey (one last time)
Friday, August 28, 2009 Posted by Kristin
A dear sweet friend of mine Elizabeth is working on making change. This post comes strictly form my heart in hopes that one day it may help someone else. Even in the smallest of ways.
My mother had it rough. Five kids all almost after one another, with a man who wasn’t around. My dad was a good guy, at heart he just made bad choices. Selfish ones. I was 18 months when I was placed in foster care.
This letter was in my file. I should take a picture of it for you. My entire life was in a sense blogged. Logged on paperwork and stuck in a file. When I was 19 I got a hold of this file, I was surprised at the details it revealed. This letter was written by my father on Januray 11, 1987. I was not even two years old. It looks like it more of less came from his then wife Laurie, by the writing. These are the sweet memories my file had. Letters and notes taken by my social workers over time telling the story of my life. My file is 4 inches thick, and I still have every piece.
My siblings and I have always been separated. It was Amanda and I who stayed together. As a child I had separation anxiety, but who could blame me. Amanda wasn’t able to spend the night with her friends. I remember the first time she did. It was to her friend Joclyn’s house I cried at the stairs of my aunt and uncle’s room. Begging that they bring her home. I did eventually pass out, but I remember feeling so scared. So alone.
That’s how foster child feel ya know? Alone. I was one of the lucky ones. To this day I think the Lord had plans for me. I can only imagine the person I would be hadn’t I had been raised the way I was. My aunt and uncle didn’t have an easy time. We went to live with them when I was three. They tried to keep us all but couldn't. So they decided not to separate Amanda and I again. We both brought with us a lot of hurt, and a lot of pain.
It was hard growing up. I remember my dad came to visit when I was in second grade. All day I would daydream about what it would be like to have a happy normal family. All of us together. For me then all I 
wanted was a mommy and daddy. My other siblings went to live with other family members, somehow my brothers ended up with my biological mom. (That’s a whole other story. It’s their story to tell)
When I was ten my dad showed back up. Once again I had secret daydreams about him building us a house. We’d all be together again. It would be perfect. In the short time he lived in our home I treated him like dirt. It was all the hurt. I just wanted him to stay, to come and get us like he said he would.
On October 2, 1995 my father died in our home. We had just gotten back form school, I sent Amanda to go find him.
I once again was left feeling alone. Abandoned, except this time there were no daydreams. That all ended that afternoon.
When I was 16 I was sent back to Oklahoma. My aunt and uncle couldn’t take it. I was self destructing fast! I was placed into a shelter. Have you ever seen a city shelter for foster kids? No, probably not. It was right next to the courthouse. I remember that. The same judge who had my case my entire life was standing before me. If I messed up this was it. I was doomed to be lost in the system.
That shelter broke my spirit. I was there during Christmas, and I remember the “normal kids” came. They had all bought us presents. During this time we were able to hang with the little kids. There were more of them then us older teens. They kept us separated although we could see their tv area from ours. I remember this little black girl. She kept trying to cuddle up to one of the staff. She kept pushing her away. I saw this happen so many times, and my heart broke for her. This little girl, she had no mommy or no daddy. She had only wanted to cuddle, and on Christmas no less. This broke my spirit, the system was shattered.
I was never supposed to make it. The fact that I am even stable enough to have a computer amazes me. I never thought I was going to go to college. I never thought it was possible without parents.
I am one of 13 percent of kids who age out of foster care and make it to college. The State of California stood up and offered me $5,000 grant a year until I turned 23. They also helped with checks to Target to buy my first home supplies. I had to search for these things. I demanded help. Most foster children don’t have anyone to turn to. They don’t even have the resources to seek help. Please if you are a foster child look into the Chafee Grant for college. If you need help please take the time and email me. If I can help YOU in any way, please let me know.
I was one of the lucky ones…
Buying for Baby: Toys
Thursday, August 27, 2009 Posted by Kristin
I learned early on that babies sometimes need to explore. Kaila loved her excersaucer, although she didn’t stay in it very long. I knew when buying for Brooklin I needed another one. The Baby Sit & Step® 2-in-1 Activity Center by Kolcraft is perfect. Brooklin actually tried it out with the help of the Hugga-Bébé. She’s still a little too young since this product is recommended for ages children 4-months to toddler years.It’s made for children to experience comfort and security while playing in activity centers, jumpers, walkers, and park bucket swings.
I love this all pink activity center. It also double as an adorable walker when the time comes. I already know Brooklin is going to really love this activity center. 
There's definitely more to come.
With Features Like:
Buy It! Online at Wal-Mart.com, Amazon.com, Albee Baby.com
We’ll be throwing An Island Life Baby Shower please go add the banner. There will be more great products from Kolcraft to win.
Win It!
I have one adorable Baby Sit & Step® 2-in-1 Activity Center by Kolcraft to give away.
- To enter: Visit the Kolcraft website and tell me one other product you think is a must ahve for baby.
See my Rules for Extra Entries!
Giveaway Ends Sep 12th
She Brought Me Flowers
Thursday, August 27, 2009 Posted by Kristin
She brought me flowers, complete with Barbie plate as a saucer.
What About Cleaning?
Thursday, August 27, 2009 Posted by Kristin
Today I realized that since I received my new Frigidaire stove I’ve yet to wipe down the front. With our old white appliances it seems like I was always scrubbing something off the front. I’m not the cleanest cook and with kids running around appliances can get dirty. 
Since getting my new stove two months ago today I wiped down my stove. It wasn’t even needing it, I just felt the need to clean it. It’s made form real stainless steel with a protective coating that reduces fingerprints and smudges so it's easy to clean. And it really is!
Other really great cleaning features are One-Touch Self Clean. You simply start the self-cleaning cycle with just the touch of a button. And the Quick Clean, for a light and quick clean. It’s these things that truly do give me more time.
How much time do you spend cleaning your stove a week?
Little Fit Children’s Trucker Hats
Thursday, August 27, 2009 Posted by Kristin
Little Fit... Cool Kids, Infant and Toddler Baseball & Trucker
hats that fit right and look great!
Meet newest Ordinary Life model Carter, my adorable nephew. What I’m a proud aunt! He’s wearing this skater boy hat by Little Fit. He looks like such a big boy or should I say skater boy. These adorable kids trucker hats come in two sizes. Carter got the larger size 18 mo-4 years. Although they also carry a 4-18 month size. This hat has been screen printed with “Skate or Cry” on it.
I think the Skate or Cry Trucker Hat is adorable. It fits him perfectly. And it wasn’t too long ago and his Uncle Mark was doing the whole “sk8 or die” thing himself. (they even did the whole 8 ha!) All of the hats are great quality and they have many designs, like a great collection of classic hats. There is also a selection of hats for girls like a pink Skate or Cry hat. cute!
Buy IT! Buy now and get 25% off your order with code: LIFE
Win It!
We’ve got one hat to give away.
- To enter: Tell me which style hat you’d like to win.
- Also Follow Little Fit on Twitter
See my Rules for Extra Entries!
Giveaway Ends Sep. 9th This giveaway is open worldwide. Please everyone enter!
