Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wordless Wednesday
Bumbleride Queen B stroller giveaway
Melanie
Gonna Make Tuesday Tasty!
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 sprig fresh thyme
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Butter
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch thick slices
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for broiling
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a saucepan, heat up the cream with a sprig of thyme, chopped garlic and nutmeg.
While cream is heating up, butter a casserole dish. Place a layer of potato in an overlapping pattern and season with salt and pepper. Remove cream from heat, then pour a little over the potatoes. Top with some grated Parmesan. Make 2 more layers. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Sprinkle some more Parmesan and broil until cheese browns, about 5 minutes
Winner-It's Hip Hop Baby!
Things we do everyday
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Curse Of The Whiney Toddler
She is in between the stage of speaking everything and just learning how to speak. She puts short sentences together but, with most two year old children, she can't tell you why she is frustrated or mad or happy or sad.
Daily it's "maaaaama" this and "uhhhhh" that. I make her use words as often as I can but, that's her go to. UGH!
Since she is already verbal, I can't wait until she gets to the point where a words goes in the place of a whine. I love the toddler stage. So much to learn and explore. This is one of those subjects along with "no" that I could do without!
Simply Breastfeeding DVD-REVIEW
That really threw me off my course but, I was still determined to nurse. I had never pictured myself *not* doing it for her. Especially when I knew that I would be home with her instead of going back to work immediately. On the third day, my milk came in and I was in the clear to breast feed my daughter. It seemed like an easy enough thing to do. Wrong! I was still pretty medicated, my daughter was tiny and I was engorged. My daughter had a decent latch but, wouldn't stay awake for her meals and was spitting up all of the formula that she was being fed with.
After we got home, I settled in and continued to nurse her. It really took me about 4 to 5 weeks before my daughter was nursing consistently without me having to pump some of her meals. It was frustrating at times but, again, I was already sold on the idea.
I just watched this video, Simply Breastfeeding-The Criso Method on DVD. I had heard about Shari's video and asked her if I could watch it and review it. Even though I breastfed my first, it didn't mean I couldn't learn anything for when we decide to have another baby. I have to say I was surprised at how thorough Shari was. This educational video was filmed in a classroom setting, and is simply Shari and a few students learning the importance of breastfeeding. In it's simplest terms, that's what it's about. It's not this big movie production that's there to entertain.
Shari is a CNM, MSN, and IBCLC. In layman's terms she is a nurse, certified nurse midwife, and a lactation consultant. She is very thorough in her explanations and reasons for her subjects. Shari has been doing this for awhile and you can tell she has a confidence level to back her teachings up. She makes it so you can take her "class" and learn from her even if you're not in the same city she is in. She is a hard sell on breast feeding. She goes over proven studies as to just how important it is to at least try to give your baby the nutrition your body was made to give. She also feels that it's important to be fully committed or face giving up easily when it's tough.
The DVD covers every detail you can possibly think of regarding breast feeding an infant. American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, benefits, challenges, how much they need from birth to a year or more, changes in the body regarding hormones from pregnancy to milk production, positioning, latching, nipple soreness, fore milk, hind milk, pumping, using a bottle, growth spurts and cluster feeding and so much more!
I read a lot of things about breast feeding before I had my daughter. I thought I was pretty knowledgeable since I had done that and nursed my own daughter until she was ten months old. I did learn a few things from Shari that I hadn't heard or didn't really know. I was always fuzzy about how much a baby really needs to eat those first few days and Shari shows an exact comparison via a bottle as to how much a baby can tolerate at a feeding and how much you actually produce in the first few days. I also didn't know that it was a myth that a C-section has no bearing on how quickly your milk will come in. That is determined by the placenta being removed and the transition of hormones in your body. I was surprised at how much I did learn and that's why this review is so complete. Shari really knows her stuff and knows how a woman's body works and how they are made to feed our babies.
Friday, March 27, 2009
My Two Year Old Shaking Her Booty
Freaky Friday-Speed cameras
I have been in a funk ever since those cameras were rolled out here in the Fall. I have lived out here almost 13 years and "knock wood" have never received a speeding ticket. I drive on average on the freeways, five to ten miles over the speed limit. Which by the way, is generally going with the flow of traffic. I don't drive crazy and switch lanes a million times or run red lights either. I absolutely loathe driving on the freeways here now. As if the traffic congestion wasn't bad enough, now I have to deal with everyone going an average of five miles under the speed limit because they don't want a 200 dollar ticket. Then, there was the time that I almost rear ended someone going 60 mph on the SR51 because the guy directly in front of me slammed on his brakes because he didn't want a ticket. Now tell me that isn't causing a problem all on it's own?
It's no secret that these cameras were not put in place to protect the lives of AZ families but, to put money into the pockets of the government. I just read an older Wall Street Journal article confirming that the cameras are used as "a means of generating revenue". Just the same as when a government is in a decline financially, they tend to have their police write more citations.
The verdict is still out on whether or not the cameras improve safety because people slamming on their brakes can cause accidents and there was only a "modest" improvement on side impact crashes in some areas where there were cameras placed for red light running.
I don't like them period.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
WINNER-Photofiddle $50 gift card
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tiny Tag Designs-Customer Service KUDOS!
My information was sent to Melissa Clayton, the owner of Tiny Tag Designs. Some time went by and I received an email from her directly inquiring if I had received the necklace I won. I advised her that I hadn't and she said she would send it right away.
Another week or so went by and I hadn't received it so I emailed her and she apologized profusely, didn't make much excuse but, had been busy. She advised that she had finished my necklace and would be sending it out immediately. She also offered an additional item at no cost for the wait. I advised her that it was up to her if she wanted to do that and thanked her.
So, as you're reading this you may say, "she made you wait, so how is this great customer service?". Well, my answer is that I have worked in the service industry for many years. I have heard excuses and complaining alike. I have dealt with people who have a sense of entitlement many times over. The true heart of service is what remains with me.
At my previous job I was asked to read Raving Fans. If you've ever read it you know what I'm talking about. Melissa has made me a raving fan. I won this necklace, I didn't pay for it and yet she made good on it and then some. She was concerned about my experience.
I received the necklaces and they are DARLING! There's a ball chain on one and a sturdy box chain on the child's necklace. I purchased a hand stamped washer necklace from someone on Etsy and the quality wasn't that great. Melissa's are small and cute. They are clean looking and perfect for multiple discs if you don't want a bunch of stuff cluttering your neck. Personalized is the thing to have now and she grabbed it by the reigns.
And, if that's not enough kudos for her, she also does this as a one woman show basically while caring for her husband and two children. That's deserves an added THANK YOU from me. I am a woman with an entrepreneurial spirit as well and am always excited to see a woman successful at doing what she does as well as trying to be there for her family.
This may not be an "official" review but, it's a review from the heart. Please take a look at her stuff. What's the worst you can do? Buy something?!
See Kai Run-Review AND Giveaway*CLOSED*
Leave a separate entry for all that you do so you get all your entries.
Contest expires April 6, 2009 11:50 PM Arizona time
Coconut Groove CD-Review AND Giveaway*CLOSED*
I got the CD and since I was home I popped it in right away. The Hello song came on and both my daughter and I started moving. It's a really catchy, fast paced song that makes you wanna dance and laugh. I listened intently to the rest of the CD and was pleasantly surprised at the variety of music, the education within the songs, and the sound. It truly does have an island "feel" to it.
I have also enjoyed looking through Nick's blog http://bathtubsinging.blogspot.com/ and seeing his views on music, education and things that make him laugh.
Buy It
Buy a Cd or download MP3 from here http://cdbaby.com/cd/innickoftime
Win It
Nick is being generous and offering one of his CD's to a lucky winner! Even better, he said he would autograph it! How exciting.
Rules
You must go to In The Nick Of Time website and tell me a favorite song, or fact listed on the site. Not something I've listed here please!
If you don't follow the rules, your entry will not be considered. Please leave your email address so you can be contacted if you win. You don't have to have a blog to enter.
U.S Entries only please
Giveaway ends April 6, 2009 11:59PM Arizona time
Saturday, March 21, 2009
I've Been Tagged Again!
1. I have no tattoos and only my ears pierced. Besides a belief that I shouldn't do it, I feel like an individual now because there are so many tattooed and pierced people that I'm now almost the minority
2. I never went to college or university or even a trade school because I could never decide or "lock down" what I wanted to do professionally. The only thing I ever wanted to do was be a mom. That's not to say that I wasn't a professional in what I did. I didn't have a child until I was 31 so I had plenty of work to do before then. ;)
3. I love asparagus! ha I love it grilled and roasted or steamed. Add some garlic in there and I'm in heaven. Most people I know aren't fond of it but, it's so versatile to me and so very yummy.
4. I am a Coke addict! No, not the kind you snort. I don't have many addictions but, I can tell you I rarely miss a day when I don't have some, if even just a little. When I do go without it, I miss it. ha!
5. I've been told by more than one person that I'm a great gift giver. Not that I'm super extravagant or anything like that, it's just that I enjoy picking out just the right one. I won't give someone something random unless I barely know them. I take my time window shopping for just the right little gift to cheer someone up and brighten their Birthday or whatever. I'm the same way with cards. If I can't find a card with a sentiment that says what I want it to say, I will fill one out myself with a blank card. I think it's important to make your friends and family feel special and it's always nice to know someone cares enough to think about your like and dislikes. I know I LOVE it when I get a special little gift or card in the mail!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Welcome Ultimate Blog Party People!
Hello everyone, I'm Melanie and welcome to my blog! I started this blog to keep my online friends up to date with the happenings of my life and family, and later to update my family out of town.
In the last couple of months, I have eased into the review/giveaway arena because it looked like tons of fun! It HAS been lots of fun, and I'm enjoying networking with so many wonderful businesses and people.
If you look to the right of my blog, you will see windows for both my Etsy and Art Fire shops, KaiLei Designs. I am currently making home decor frames from recycled and unfinished frame bases and decorating and/or painting them. Please check it out when you have the chance.
I am married, just over three years now and I have one daughter and a step-son. They make life fun and interesting. I am currently a stay at home mommy, and I love it. Such a blessing especially in these times, to be able to do. Blogging helps me stay in touch with adults while taking care of a toddler during the day. I even get to talk to my friends that are just a few miles away :)
I have the most awesome friends and church community. They're the reason I stay here in the desert. After living here 13 years, I could say the only place I'd dislike more is one that snows as much as we have heat! I am where I want to be so I can't complain...too much ;)
Here are some pics of myself and my family-
My daughter and step-son
Thanks for coming by. It will be so nice to meet as many of you as I can!
My top 5 prize wish list-
1. USC35-hotslings sling and nursing cover
2. 89-gc to Homegoods
3. 58-Kitchen aid artisan mixer from moms who think
4. 56-Surprise art supplies-kv creative designs
5. 19,21, 0r 22-$50 Target gift card from shoot-me-now Agoosa or Beginner baby blog
Freaky Friday-Cat found in $27 couch
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tasty Thursday-Buffalo chicken wings
2 lbs. chicken wings (disjointed − discard the tips)
1/4 Lb. Margarine (do not use butter!)
8 Oz. "Frank's" Hot Sauce (also labeled as
Durkee Hot Sauce. NO SUBSTITUTIONS!!!)
Oil for frying
1. Melt margarine in sauce pan until barely liquid.
Add hot sauce, mix, and put aside.
2. Deep fry wings until brown and crispy. Remove
and drain on paper towels.
3. Put wings in a large bowl that has a cover. Pour
sauce over all, cover, and shake to coat the wings.
Serve with celery sticks and Blue Cheese or Ranch
Dressing.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desire.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
No!
I suspect my daughter will be O.C.D. on some level. She is technically a firstborn since her brother is 7 years older and lives with his mom. She is very particular about being clean and doesn't like to be dirty. She had a stomach virus last weekend and insisted on having a Kleenex, paper towel or baby wipe with her when she threw up. My kid is only 26 months old.
I ask her what she wants to try and give her some choices. I will give her a choice of certain things to eat, wear, etc. I have been hearing a lot of "No's" lately. Do you want to watch this? "no" Do you want to take a shower? "no". This is one of those phases that I could do without but, I understand that to a toddler, the world is their oyster and they want control!
I love that she is independent and strong willed because that can be used for so much good. It's my job as a first born, strong willed, independent mommy to teach her what's important in life and how to pick your battles.
Winner!!! Milkshake CD,DVD and comic
12
furygirl3132 said
I am also following you on Blogger.
Eloise
furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net
Congrats! Thanks for entering and you have 48 hours to contact me to claim your prize. An email has been sent
Melanie
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wordy Wednesday-Cherry Blossoms
A little background, I love cherry blossoms and wanted to work with a medium that I've never worked with so I bought acrylic felt and drew up a little pattern for a blossom. I cut out the blossoms and sewed little stamens on with a chocolate brown embroidery floss. I painted the branches on the canvas with an acrylic craft paint and attached the blossoms with hot glue. I love how it turned out, especially since I'd never done anything like it!
St Patricks Day With A Little History Thrown In
I looked up St.Patrick to see what all the hub bub was about and some of the things I knew over time and some things were a little surprising to me. St.Patrick's day was a religious holiday back in the day. Not surprising since it's an Irish national holiday celebrating a saint. Traditionally, "Saint Patrick's blue" was worn to associate St.Patrick but, the term "wearing of the green" was long associated with Irish nationalism and/or loyalty to the Roman Catholic church. Some protestants have begun wearing orange on St.Patrick's day in defiance. Interesting.
A surprising fact is that it became a national holiday in 1903 in Ireland and the pubs were ordered to be closed on March 17 but, it was changed in the 1970's. Surprising because I'm sure that many people that celebrated this as a religious and national holiday would be amazed at the amount of debauchery that goes on now! Some think that the reason so many have turned this into a secular holiday is this coincides with a pagan festival celebrating the god of wine. Yet another new one for me.
According to wikipedia, St.Patrick was a Roman-Britain born a christian missionary and was captured by Irish raiders and made a slave to Ireland before he escaped, about six years later. There is much more information and even some theories, but I won't type all these up. Happy St. Patrick's day however you celebrate it. Just don't celebrate TOO much!
Please Vote For My Friend
They are a one income family that works hard and plays hard. They could really use your help in getting a new washer and dryer since theirs are on their last legs and they don't have a lot of money to replace them.
If you are registered with momcentral, please take a moment and vote for AJacobsen!
Thanks
Mel
Winner! Handbag Heaven
280
Anonymous said...
I like the Lanie Classic hobo in lime green. Well...this is for my wife actually. jimmyrug @ hotmail.com
Congrats! An email has been sent and you have 48 hours to get back to me. I'm sure your wife will LOVE you!
Monday, March 16, 2009
It's Hip Hop Baby! Review & Giveaway*CLOSED*
1. Grab my Ramblings Of A Wannabe Writer button and put it on your blog
2. Follow me on Blogger
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Hurry!
Handbag heaven-choose your own handbag giveaway ends 3/16 at midnight Arizona time.
Milkshake music CD,DVD and comic book giveaway ends 3/17 at midnight Arizona time.
Thanks for your entries and good luck!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Freaky Friday-"Vampire" found in Italy
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tasty Thursday
2/3 cup whole fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 large egg whites, room temperature
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside.
Place strawberries in a small food processor; process until pureed. You should have about 1/3 cup of puree, add a few more strawberries if necessary or save any extra puree for frosting; set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together milk, vanilla, and strawberry puree; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add egg and egg whites until just blended.
With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture; mix until just blended. Slowly add remaining flour mixture, scraping down sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary, until just blended.
Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until tops are just dry to the touch, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer muffin tin to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in tin before icing.
Do You Want A Custom Blog Design?
Woot!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Please Take A Moment
Their new March edition is available now! Our blog is in their directory too!
Thanks for your time.
Melanie
Do YOU Believe In Fairytales?
Why? Because of their high quality ingredients, including creamery butter and Belgian chocolate. These are the kind of brownies that make you stop dead in your tracks and say "WOW". You can really taste the dense, semi sweet cocoa flavor. They have thirteen regular flavors and even Fairytale truffles which are brownies dipped in chocolate. I know, you died and went to chocolate heaven. Ha! They're so good, even one of my neighbors swiped the first order sent to me. No lie.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Why We Need To Go To Sea World!
I'm supposed to tell him why. I could give you big sob stories right now about how we are totally broke and unable to pay for a trip right now, how my husband is the primary income maker of the house and never has time off, how the wife(that's me) can't really go anywhere due to fund problems as well, or how we haven't been on any type of family vacation for over a year. All of those things may be entirely true but, I won't tell you that. ;)
I will say that we would love to go and spend some quality time with our two kids. We have never been to Florida as a family and 3 out of 4 of us have not been to Florida period. It would be a new experience for us and definitely an adventure flying cross country with two kids.
If that's not enough, how cool is the Manta ride??? I would pee my pants going on that thing, I love crazy rides! Woot! My husband and I both love them and yet we've never been on any big rides together. Guess we'd have to get some neighboring family to take the kids while we go "fly" like the manta does in the sea.
Here's hoping we get picked for this amazing giveaway!
Melanie and family
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Photofiddle Review AND Giveaway*CLOSED*
I love that they have SO many "fiddling" options to choose from. You can make your high resolution photo look like a classic oil painting, charcoal sketch, pop art and modern art just to name a few.
They have been featured in USA Today and Better Homes and Gardens, as well as many other high profile media. Based on what you receive, they are wonderfully affordable and make awesome gifts. Mother's Day is just around the corner and I am seriously considering this as a gift for mine. What a unique gift for that special mom in your life!
I was impressed by the amount of communication that I was sent regarding my order. The first picture I sent wasn't high resolution enough so, they asked for a different photo. I was a little bummed but, understood that they wanted to make something high quality. I resent a photo and was told that it was going to be processed in the fiddle of my choice. I chose Modern Art. I received an email through each step of the way and was able to check the status online through my account with Photofiddle. I am a person that likes to be communicated with, and to have that level of service was outstanding!
On to my artwork. I received this gorgeous, gallery wrapped canvas of my original photo. It's on an 18x12 canvas.
My Photofiddle:
Photofiddle is being very generous and offering my readers a 15% off code to purchase their very own photofiddle! Once you are at your shopping cart enter writer15 as your coupon code and it will take it off your purchase.
Win It
Photofiddle has offered a lucky winner a $50 gc for their very own photofiddle!
Rules
You must go to Photofiddle and choose the style that you would love to have your photo made into. If this rule isn't followed all other entries will be invalid!
Please leave your email, I can't give you a prize if I can't contact you!
Extra Entries
-Grab my Ramblings Of A Wannabe Writer button and put it on your blog-I must be able to verify this so please leave your blog link or be signed in to your blog when you enter.
-Follow me
-Blog about this giveaway AND leave me a link
Please leave a Separate entry for each thing you do.
Contest ends March 23, 2009 11:59 PM Arizona time
U.S. Entries, open to non bloggers with email address
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Freaky Friday
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Fun With Flowers Giveaway!
Please go check out this giveaway as well as the awesome apron she is giving away!
Thanks,
Melanie
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Milkshake Music Review And Giveaway! *CLOSED*
It's fun and vibrant and the lyrics are about everyday life. Well, I wanted to share their music with all of you. They have a new CD out now called Play, that has some really cute tunes about having a band, pirates, and Superheroes!
We received the new CD, the new DVD and the comic book to review. The DVD features really cute, kid friendly videos with the band singing their songs. They have different locations and really play out the visualization of the songs. The DVD also includes two videos that were created for PBS kids and a noggin hit, Bottle Of Sunshine.
The band's mission is to create children's rock music. They were inspired by the birth of their children and what they are going through on a daily basis. They are soulful and inspired and a break away from traditional children's music.
Win It!
One person will win a Play Cd, Screen Play DVD and a Comic
Rules
Please go to the Milkshake music website and tell me your favorite song from the new CD, Play. This must be followed or your entries are invalid! I need your email as a way to contact you or the prize will go to someone else. You will have 48 hours to respond to my email.
Extra Entries
1. Grab my Ramblings Of A Wannabe Writer button and put it on your blog
2. Follow me on Blogger
3. Add me to twitter(kaiasmommy) AND tweet this contest. Please leave your twitter name and tweet link in your entry
4. Add Milkshake music to your Facebook
Please list each entry separately as I have no way of going through each entry.
This contest ends March 17Th, 2009 at 11:59 Arizona time
U.S. entries, open to non bloggers with email address
winner will be chosen by random.org
Make Something Monday
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Recaro Car Seat Giveaway
Melanie