As a mom there are "those" pictures that are a must for your photo album. You know what I'm talking about. You have the shot of your kid blowing out his candles every year. You have those family vacation pics with the perfect scenic background because every three year old wants to have his picture taken with the sun setting at just the right time. Then there are the holiday shots. You gotta have the Santa pics and if you have the jolly old guy, you need to have the fluffy bug-eyed one. Oh yeah, it's the Easter Bunny.
I admit, I love to have the perfect pictures of my kids. Of course all the pictures my kids are in are perfect. I know as their mother I'm supposed to believe that, but that's not the truth. There are some pictures where one looks like a criminal while the other is sticking her neck out like a giraffe. This year's Easter Bunny photo was definitely not picture perfect and really cracked my eggs.
Why you may ask? Well, because my one and half year old would not go near the fluffy guy. My three and a half year old was ready to invite him over for dinner, while the little one had no use for him...not even for a stinkin' picture. She clung onto my jacket for dear life as her sister sat there and talked to this big headed creature that just sat there. Baby girl would not have any part of it. As much as I wanted a picture with my two girls, I wasn't going to be "that" mom who forced her kid to sit there in panic just for a snapshot. So, instead, I have a picture with one smiley toddler and an empty leg of the bunny dude where my other child should have been. The funny thing is that while she didn't want to take a picture with him, she did say goodbye to him and she did blow him a kiss. I just don't get it!
So, since that one didn't work out, I thought I would try again with a different bunny. Well, different bunny, still not so funny. Once again she was ready to throw a freak out while her sister didn't want to leave. Now, I have two lovely pictures of my older daughter with the Easter bunny and none with my little one. I considered photo shopping her in, but decided that would be borderline creepy. I will just have to settle and accept the fact that bunnies aren't for everyone, especially if they have abnormally large heads and hang out in the mall 24/7.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
It's My Blogaversary!
We all know the cliché, "time flies when you're having fun", or in this case, raising kids. This week marks my two year blogaversary. Instead of sending me flowers, I'll take some Dunkin' K-cups, but I digress. I really can't get over the fact that I've been rambling on about my life in mommy land for two years now. When I started, I only had one little momma running around. Now, there are two. When I started, I was working out of the house. Now, I am home, working on raising my family and getting some writing done. When I started, I was infatuated with my offspring. Now, I still am.
So, why did I start blogging? In case you're wondering, and even if you're not, I just wanted a place to vent about motherhood. I never knew where to do it, uncensored, besides in my head. Then some of my former co-workers started these blog things, and I thought, hell, I can do that too. So, I did, and here we are two years later.
So, why am I still doing this two years later? It must be for all the truckloads of cash that arrive at my doorstep every week, right? Excuse me while I laugh a bit, no excuse me...a lot!! Any blogger can tell you, the bucks ain't big. But, the experience can open more doors and opportunities. That is the truth in my case. My little ramblings secured me a regular blogging gig as Debate Mom on Mom365.com. I've also taken advantage of some product reviews and other freelance writing opportunities. I can't forget the other bloggers I've also met online. So, all in all, not too shabby.
Perhaps the main reason I still do this, besides maintaining my own sanity, is because other moms tell me they actually enjoy reading my ramblings, and can actually relate. Some mothers have told me my little stories have actually made them feel better, like they weren't the only ones with certain mommy issues. That is big in my book because it also helps me out. I also feel like I'm not in this alone.
It looks like I'll still be at this for awhile because each day my kids do more things that make me laugh, cry, scream, or a little combo of all three. Besides my kids, there are also still plenty of things out there to write about as long as people in the world constantly irk me, like the Facebook COO, but I digress. So, I'll be here writing. Hopefully, you'll still be here reading. Oh, and tell a friend too! Thanks :)
p.s. I went back to read my very first post, check it out if you haven't!
So, why did I start blogging? In case you're wondering, and even if you're not, I just wanted a place to vent about motherhood. I never knew where to do it, uncensored, besides in my head. Then some of my former co-workers started these blog things, and I thought, hell, I can do that too. So, I did, and here we are two years later.
So, why am I still doing this two years later? It must be for all the truckloads of cash that arrive at my doorstep every week, right? Excuse me while I laugh a bit, no excuse me...a lot!! Any blogger can tell you, the bucks ain't big. But, the experience can open more doors and opportunities. That is the truth in my case. My little ramblings secured me a regular blogging gig as Debate Mom on Mom365.com. I've also taken advantage of some product reviews and other freelance writing opportunities. I can't forget the other bloggers I've also met online. So, all in all, not too shabby.
Perhaps the main reason I still do this, besides maintaining my own sanity, is because other moms tell me they actually enjoy reading my ramblings, and can actually relate. Some mothers have told me my little stories have actually made them feel better, like they weren't the only ones with certain mommy issues. That is big in my book because it also helps me out. I also feel like I'm not in this alone.
It looks like I'll still be at this for awhile because each day my kids do more things that make me laugh, cry, scream, or a little combo of all three. Besides my kids, there are also still plenty of things out there to write about as long as people in the world constantly irk me, like the Facebook COO, but I digress. So, I'll be here writing. Hopefully, you'll still be here reading. Oh, and tell a friend too! Thanks :)
p.s. I went back to read my very first post, check it out if you haven't!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Goya MyPlate Cookbook Review
I'll be the first to admit that I don't particularly enjoy cooking. I'm not a person who gets excited about creating recipes of my own. In fact, I often joke around with my husband and tell him we're having "the house special" for dinner. That means chicken cutlets...again.
With that said, you may be thinking why on earth would someone like me want to review a cookbook? Two reasons...nutritious meals and easy recipes. That's the claim on the cover of the "Goya My Plate Cookbook", so I figured why not give it a try? The cookbook is part of Michelle Obama's LetsMove initiative, launched in 2010. Since I have been trying to eat healthier, I thought this may be a good starting point.
After flipping through the book, I decided to try my novice skills with the Black Bean Quesadillas. I've read black beans are good for you and I really like quesadillas, so I figured this was a win-win. There were also only a few ingredients needed and the recipe said the total time was only fifteen minutes from start to finish. With two extremely energetic kids, I can't spend a lot of time in the kitchen (not that I would want to), so I figured this was another reason why this recipe was perfect for me.
The prep was so easy. All I had to do was mix everything in a bowl, fill a tortilla, and put it on a griddle. I think even my three and a half year old could handle that, if she were allowed to use the stove!
The quesadilla cooked pretty quickly and was really, really good. I was actually surprised that it was something that I actually made! My 17 month old even tried a few bites too and liked it. I think my only critique would be that I would have liked more cheese than the recipe called for, but it probably didn't call for more because it is a pretty healthy recipe.
Besides the Black Bean Quesadillas, there are some other recipes I wouldn't mind checking out. The light fruit smoothie and the avocado and grapefruit salad sound pretty tasty too. They also fall into the category of things I can handle! I think this cookbook is good for moms who don't have a lot of time to cook, but also want to eat healthy.
For your chance to win a copy of this cookbook, just "like" this post on the Mommy Rundown's Facebook page or if you're not on Facebook, leave a comment below. The contest ends March 21, 2013 at 5 p.m. Good Luck!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I did receive one free cookbook to complete this review.
With that said, you may be thinking why on earth would someone like me want to review a cookbook? Two reasons...nutritious meals and easy recipes. That's the claim on the cover of the "Goya My Plate Cookbook", so I figured why not give it a try? The cookbook is part of Michelle Obama's LetsMove initiative, launched in 2010. Since I have been trying to eat healthier, I thought this may be a good starting point.
The prep was so easy. All I had to do was mix everything in a bowl, fill a tortilla, and put it on a griddle. I think even my three and a half year old could handle that, if she were allowed to use the stove!
The quesadilla cooked pretty quickly and was really, really good. I was actually surprised that it was something that I actually made! My 17 month old even tried a few bites too and liked it. I think my only critique would be that I would have liked more cheese than the recipe called for, but it probably didn't call for more because it is a pretty healthy recipe.
Besides the Black Bean Quesadillas, there are some other recipes I wouldn't mind checking out. The light fruit smoothie and the avocado and grapefruit salad sound pretty tasty too. They also fall into the category of things I can handle! I think this cookbook is good for moms who don't have a lot of time to cook, but also want to eat healthy.
For your chance to win a copy of this cookbook, just "like" this post on the Mommy Rundown's Facebook page or if you're not on Facebook, leave a comment below. The contest ends March 21, 2013 at 5 p.m. Good Luck!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I did receive one free cookbook to complete this review.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
The Blog Workshop
We’ve all heard it before…”time flies when you’re having
fun”. Or in my case, time flies when you’re blogging (and having fun at the
same time). As my two-year “blogaversary”
approaches, I really can’t believe how many topics I’ve written about and how many
interesting people I’ve met doing it. To think, this blog journey just started
as just a way for me to vent about that things that really irk me about
motherhood and kids! Who knew it would turn out to be so much more than that?
With that said, I also didn’t realize how much I’d have to
learn and quite truthfully, how much I still have to learn. I’ve gained a lot
from social media, but there are also online courses and plenty of blog
workshops out there that can really help out too. The only problem with that is
trying to find the money, time, and babysitters those require to make it worth
your while. That’s why The Blog Workshop
is really a win-win. It is a totally online conference that’s going on May 17th-19th.
That means no travel, less money, less hassle, all while getting the benefits of
some great speakers that will be dishing out great tips to make you and your
blog more successful.
The best part is the fantastic agenda they’ve got
planned. The line-up of speakers
includes experts on topics that will help you maximize your blog and branch out
in ways you may have never thought possible. Some of the speakers are from
Blog-Trends, The Blog Frog and IZEA, just to name a few.
If you’re worried about money, The Blog Workshop is a real bargain when
compared with so many other conferences that you would have to travel to get to. The Blog Workshop’s
registration is under $200. You can also get some discounted tickets
through the perks offered in their Indiegogo
campaign they have going on. It’s a total win-win.
If you couldn’t tell, I’m pretty excited about this event
and you should be too! What are you waiting for? Log on and sign up today!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Mommy Guilt
I am usually the cheerleader of "Mom-Me" time, but lately I've had some bouts with some uncharacteristic mommy guilt. Ugh. I don't really know why because it's not like I leave my girls often. When I do it's to go to the gym, do some shopping, or run an errand. It's not real exciting stuff, I know, but I enjoy it and it allows me to keep my sanity.
I'm beginning to think some women, myself included, are hard-wired to have mom guilt. Why do we feel like we need to be playing Barbies or cleaning dishes all the time? It's really annoying.
Don't get me wrong, once I'm out and about I shed that guilt faster than the celebs lose that baby weight. But, it's all that time beforehand that can sometimes have me second guessing myself. Pre-kids I remember telling my mom friends how important it was to take time for themselves and not feel guilty for leaving their kids once and awhile. I was the crusader for alone time. What happened? Oh yeah, I became a parent.
I keep telling myself I change enough diapers, read enough stories, and wear my "mom hat" enough hours in the day that it is okay to hang it up every now and again. But yet, I can still feel that guilt creep up every now and again. The funny thing is, I think that "Mom-Me" time makes me a better parent. I think time away and a glass of wine or two is sometimes just what is needed. Coming home after having that time away can make me really appreciate and miss the things that otherwise drive me nuts 24/7. Does that make any sense? The challenge now is to remember that and ignore the stupid little guilt trips.
I'm beginning to think some women, myself included, are hard-wired to have mom guilt. Why do we feel like we need to be playing Barbies or cleaning dishes all the time? It's really annoying.
Don't get me wrong, once I'm out and about I shed that guilt faster than the celebs lose that baby weight. But, it's all that time beforehand that can sometimes have me second guessing myself. Pre-kids I remember telling my mom friends how important it was to take time for themselves and not feel guilty for leaving their kids once and awhile. I was the crusader for alone time. What happened? Oh yeah, I became a parent.
I keep telling myself I change enough diapers, read enough stories, and wear my "mom hat" enough hours in the day that it is okay to hang it up every now and again. But yet, I can still feel that guilt creep up every now and again. The funny thing is, I think that "Mom-Me" time makes me a better parent. I think time away and a glass of wine or two is sometimes just what is needed. Coming home after having that time away can make me really appreciate and miss the things that otherwise drive me nuts 24/7. Does that make any sense? The challenge now is to remember that and ignore the stupid little guilt trips.
Monday, February 18, 2013
I Need a Clone
The day is almost over. The kids have finally drifted off to sleep. There is peace in the valley. Finally. But before you can exhale, there are dishes that need to be put in the dishwasher and a mountain of clothes on the bed you need to put away, that is unless you want to be sleeping with your shirts and underwear, which really isn't an entirely horrible idea at this point. There are checks that need to be written out and perhaps a lunch or two that needs to be packed. If you didn't already realize it, you need a clone to get all this done before you absolutely collapse. You could have another cup of coffee to get you through, but even that won't do the trick. You need a clone. Period.
Although your significant other may argue that one of you is plenty to go around, you know it isn't. There are just not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on that ambitious "to-do" list you made for yourself. You thought that list was a great idea, but now you're frustrated that not everything has gotten done. But, oh, if you had a clone, she could do all those crappy chores and you would have time to enjoy the good stuff like seven DVR'd episodes of "The Young & The Restless", but I digress.
That clone would also come in handy if you had two children who decided to wake up at the same time in the middle of the night and refused to go with their father. Not that I would have any idea what that feels like. But if there were two Mommys, each kid could have one, which would also ease up on the sleep deprivation. But again, I would have no idea what that would feel like!
Sometimes, a clone seems like the only logical solution to the problem so many of us face. By the time you've kinda finished everything you have to do, you're just too tired to enjoy yourself. Ugh!
Okay, so I know I'm not getting a clone (and I'm sure my husband is happy about that one). In the meantime I'll be sleeping with my clothes until I can cross that off my "to-do" list. There are diapers that need to be changed and little mouths that need to be fed..so ciao ciao for now!
Although your significant other may argue that one of you is plenty to go around, you know it isn't. There are just not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on that ambitious "to-do" list you made for yourself. You thought that list was a great idea, but now you're frustrated that not everything has gotten done. But, oh, if you had a clone, she could do all those crappy chores and you would have time to enjoy the good stuff like seven DVR'd episodes of "The Young & The Restless", but I digress.
That clone would also come in handy if you had two children who decided to wake up at the same time in the middle of the night and refused to go with their father. Not that I would have any idea what that feels like. But if there were two Mommys, each kid could have one, which would also ease up on the sleep deprivation. But again, I would have no idea what that would feel like!
Sometimes, a clone seems like the only logical solution to the problem so many of us face. By the time you've kinda finished everything you have to do, you're just too tired to enjoy yourself. Ugh!
Okay, so I know I'm not getting a clone (and I'm sure my husband is happy about that one). In the meantime I'll be sleeping with my clothes until I can cross that off my "to-do" list. There are diapers that need to be changed and little mouths that need to be fed..so ciao ciao for now!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Late to Bed, Early to Rise...Ugh!
I know, I know, I talk a lot about sleep on here. But, if you're a parent, you know that besides food and poop, sleep is right up there when it comes to popular kids' topics. Sleep is also one of the many things you sacrifice when you join the parenting clique...that along with not getting to pee and get dressed by yourself.
Using any form of logic, it would make sense that if you went to bed later than usual, you would get up later. Right? I mean, I know that's what used to happen to me before I got my 5, and 7 a.m. wake-up calls. But, when it comes to kids, you can throw logic out the window. Don't try to think you've got them and their quirky ways figured out because they'll just throw you curve ball after curve ball, especially when dealing with sleeping patterns.
We had some special occasions lately which meant the girls went to bed later than normal. I thought, oh thank you sweet baby Jesus! They will sleep later and if I get up a little earlier, I'll have some silent "me" time along with my cup of Joe. Honestly, that was just downright dumb. Shame on me. They actually got up about an hour or so earlier and woke me up from my Adam Levine and Jon Bon Jovi dream. Both hotties were asking me out for a date. Just as I was about to choose, I hear "Mom, Mom...Momeeee!". Adam? Jon? Then I hear another "Mommy". No, neither dude because the slight scream was followed by the dash of little feet. As I opened my eyes, still waiting to hear who I picked for a date, I saw my little three-year-old angel. I could still here her little sister waiting for her one way ticket out of the crib! No date for me. I still wonder who was going to ask me out, but I digress.
Now, back to reality where once again, logic would have you assume the kids would wake up cranky and overtired. Well, you know what happens when you assume. These chicks had more energy then someone on a Red Bull I-V. I. Just. Don't Get. It.
So, what have we learned here? There is no logic when dealing with kids. Some kids don't need extra sleep (lucky me). Oh, and yeah, I guess it is all worth it because I know they will be teenagers one day sooner than I would like and I'll be dragging their butts out of bed with plenty of attitude thrown at me. So, sweet dreams!
Using any form of logic, it would make sense that if you went to bed later than usual, you would get up later. Right? I mean, I know that's what used to happen to me before I got my 5, and 7 a.m. wake-up calls. But, when it comes to kids, you can throw logic out the window. Don't try to think you've got them and their quirky ways figured out because they'll just throw you curve ball after curve ball, especially when dealing with sleeping patterns.
We had some special occasions lately which meant the girls went to bed later than normal. I thought, oh thank you sweet baby Jesus! They will sleep later and if I get up a little earlier, I'll have some silent "me" time along with my cup of Joe. Honestly, that was just downright dumb. Shame on me. They actually got up about an hour or so earlier and woke me up from my Adam Levine and Jon Bon Jovi dream. Both hotties were asking me out for a date. Just as I was about to choose, I hear "Mom, Mom...Momeeee!". Adam? Jon? Then I hear another "Mommy". No, neither dude because the slight scream was followed by the dash of little feet. As I opened my eyes, still waiting to hear who I picked for a date, I saw my little three-year-old angel. I could still here her little sister waiting for her one way ticket out of the crib! No date for me. I still wonder who was going to ask me out, but I digress.
Now, back to reality where once again, logic would have you assume the kids would wake up cranky and overtired. Well, you know what happens when you assume. These chicks had more energy then someone on a Red Bull I-V. I. Just. Don't Get. It.
So, what have we learned here? There is no logic when dealing with kids. Some kids don't need extra sleep (lucky me). Oh, and yeah, I guess it is all worth it because I know they will be teenagers one day sooner than I would like and I'll be dragging their butts out of bed with plenty of attitude thrown at me. So, sweet dreams!
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