tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68096410970944008092024-02-18T20:49:52.479-08:00In the Pursuit of SimplicityMy journey into the not so easy task of trying to live simply in a not so simple world.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-75996315100169020732014-09-25T06:40:00.001-07:002014-09-25T06:40:17.873-07:00What Does A New Mom Need? A Post About Coming Home Gifts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO9f7QWZ1wKy_oWNhFznF9fJ1YfI0QGJSAlw7gVaqegjQ5aaeHL043sMpT0PvSKay0lxL9j7veMy5mlcLUzOV87MAvzIQYq4-CALOy5ORHj-eZ49nJ746bCHLlXS3jkHb7X6OsnT2LtP3/s1600/DSC_0007+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO9f7QWZ1wKy_oWNhFznF9fJ1YfI0QGJSAlw7gVaqegjQ5aaeHL043sMpT0PvSKay0lxL9j7veMy5mlcLUzOV87MAvzIQYq4-CALOy5ORHj-eZ49nJ746bCHLlXS3jkHb7X6OsnT2LtP3/s1600/DSC_0007+(2).JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you get a friend who just had a baby? They need a survival kit! Seriously, the wounds are still fresh from my last son. Any offering is definitely appreciated. I sincerely mean it when I say, "It's the thought that counts" when it comes to gift-giving in general. Even if you aren't actually buying something or sending money, there is something really nice and comforting about the simple act of taking the time to call to congratulate someone or to send a card in the mail when life's big moments happen. I think it has to do with a person feeling like they belong to a sense of community or family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My youngest boys are 17 months apart and we don't have any family here. We don't know a whole lot of people so here, so there were no baby showers or casserole trains. However, we did receive some gifts in the mail and some monetary gifts, for which I am SO appreciative. Those things are indeed nice, especially if it's your first child. However, in the wee hours of the night and during those sleepless early days of exhaustion what I really needed couldn't be bought at Target.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="yiv3081316903" />Even if you don't know a person that well, take the time to call her or send an email to see how they're holding up. Being in a place far from home, it was comforting when friends and family would call or someone would send me a message online but I still felt kind of lonely not knowing too many people here. It can be really isolating as a mom stuck in the house all day anywhere, let alone in a new place. I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t was nice to know someone was thinking about me and my family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said, what tops a phone call? A small token, from one mother to another, acknowledging the difficulties faced in those early days. New moms don't always feel like it's okay to let go. It's okay for them to be exhausted. It's okay for them to cry and to be unsure. It's okay to just start crying out of the blue because you are so happy to be holding this baby. It's okay to ask visitors to wait before coming over. It's okay for your house to be messy and one of the most important things- It's okay to ask for help and to accept help from those who want to give it to you. It's a joyful time but it is also a time filled with lots of emotions and I truly think that it does indeed take a village to raise a child. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="yiv3081316903" />If you are so inclined to want to give something to a new mom home with baby, here are a few ideas that I would suggest. Some of the items could be put in a "care package" for a "special delivery". I'm going to try to list them in my own preference for importance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="yiv3081316903" /><span class="yiv3081316903" style="font-weight: bold;">Number One: House Cleaning</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://i1.wp.com/mommymcblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rosie-the-riveter-cleaning-lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1.wp.com/mommymcblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rosie-the-riveter-cleaning-lady.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv3081316903" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Because who has time to clean showers now? Seriously, this is not something that I would be able to spend money on as a regular thing, but if someone purchased this service for me, I would definitely be so thankful. When there is a new baby, all attention and focus is on caring for the baby. There is really no time for cleaning house and a messy house just adds stress to a new mom. This is definitely a gift that will be appreciated. You may want to give the gift before the baby comes as mom might want to use it before baby's arrival to keep minimal interruptions after baby comes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="yiv3081316903" />As far as cost goes, I've seen deals on Groupon or Living Social for companies in my area significantly reducing the cost of these services. Watch for these to come up. For example, I just snagged 2 hours of cleaning for $50. If you are short on cash, another idea might be to clean her house yourself. She will probably never want to take you up on that offer so you may have to coordinate this with her significant other on how to do that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="yiv3081316903" /><span class="yiv3081316903" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411646115551_32444" style="font-weight: bold;">Number Two: Food (because she is going to be ravenous)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br class="yiv3081316903" /></b><span class="yiv3081316903" style="font-weight: bold;">Something to Drink/Snacks</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv3081316903" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="yiv3081316903" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411646115551_32448">I'm going to list this one first because honestly this is the area that did me in. I would be upstairs, nursing the baby and I would be SO thirsty and/or SO hungry. I would also get so unreasonable upset at my husband because I thought he should KNOW that I'm hungry and thirsty and bring me something. You know how we think they're supposed to read our brain waves. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite snacks were KIND bars and coconut water. I did order these once through Amazon but they are so expensive....would have been a great gift. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008F4BYEO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008F4BYEO&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20&linkId=4UHECAFALEQP3ZWS"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008F4BYEO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008F4BYEO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046HJN5G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0046HJN5G&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20&linkId=ZBOAGYDR7YDMVGQ3"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0046HJN5G&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0046HJN5G" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another idea, especially for nursing moms is a nice water bottle. Women need to drink lots of water when they are nursing and it's easy to forget. This might encourage moms to get in the habit of filling one of these up and leaving at their nursing station.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XXPHDC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007XXPHDC&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20&linkId=Z5T4K7PHQQVTV6LD"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007XXPHDC&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007XXPHDC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv3081316903"><br /> </span><span class="yiv3081316903" style="font-weight: bold;">Frozen Meals</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no time to think about what to cook for dinner after the baby comes home. Before my son was born I tried my best to stock my freezer with meals that could be popped in the oven. I had a decent amount of meals, but we went through them pretty fast. If you are preparing frozen meals, be sure to check with mom on any dietary restrictions she may have and you may also want to avoid foods that are typically avoided while nursing so as not to upset the baby if mom is nursing. Also remember to write down the meal and instructions on the packaging so mom and dad don't have to guess how to cook the meal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="yiv3081316903" /><span class="yiv3081316903" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411646115551_32460" style="font-weight: bold;">Homemade Meals and/or Finger Foods</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv3081316903" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>If you want to bring something fresh, I would say that's okay too. One thing that I would suggest would be anything that mom can eat with one hand. There will not be many hours in the day where mom will be without baby. It seems to me that by the time I would get the baby to sleep and then down for a nap, he would be up again and ready to nurse. Mom is going to need food that can be eaten with one hand. One suggestion might be a sandwich, fruit, or vegetable tray....dessert tray optional. <br /> <br class="yiv3081316903" /><span class="yiv3081316903" style="font-weight: bold;">Gift Certificate for Grocery To Go or Delivery Service</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv3081316903" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Many grocery store chains now offer online ordering and curb side pick up. If this is something available in your area, a month or two paid in advance may be welcomed by the family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> <br class="yiv3081316903" />Grocery delivery is something else to consider. I know that may larger cities have this now. Where I'm at there is also a service that specializes in local and organic foods. Again, this is not something that I would be able to justify as a regular thing, but something that would be fun and definitely helpful to have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="yiv3081316903" />Gift certificates for restaurants that offer healthy options for delivery or take out might be another option to consider.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="yiv3081316903" /><span class="yiv3081316903" style="font-weight: bold;">Offer to Take Older Children</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so blessed to have my mother in law here to help me after the new baby arrived. Her main role was to take care of my toddler. There was no way I was up to the task of chasing him around and it was so nice to know that his needs were being met as our family adjusted to the new baby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If a mom you know just had a new baby, offer to take her other children as a play date or take them to the park for a couple of hours. You may offer to pick up or take older children to their extra curricular activities. Make sure you make it as easy for mom as possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Number Three: Care Package</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now you can add some of the above items to a care package if you want but a nice welcome home gift might be to combine some of the following small items in a basket:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water Bottle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Magazines</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chocolate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Swaddling Blanket</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bottle of Wine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gift Certificates (maybe to one of the above ideas)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hand and Face Wipes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lip Gloss </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facial Moisturizer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nipple Cream (appreciated if she's breastfeeding)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-84959067627788239102013-10-02T05:21:00.000-07:002013-10-03T07:06:18.774-07:00Wordy Wednesday Week 7: Surviving the Shutdown. Going from One Income to No Income.<div style="text-align: center;">
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On the news I have heard that something like over 400,000 government workers are out of work because of the shutdown and guess who is included in that number!?! </div>
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We have been living on just my husband's income for two years now. When we moved we made the decision that I would stay home with the oldest and we would try to have a baby. We have always been extremely frugal and we are good savers, so we had some cushion to make the necessary transitions between moves and life changes. This took us about 10 years to achieve though and happened because we were always conscious about where are money went.</div>
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Since we were already very careful about the ways in which we spent our money, the transition to one income was honestly not that dramatic for us. I think we are getting ready for some drama though because going from one breadwinner to NO breadwinner overnight (right after we bought a house) is going to be a pretty pretty challenge. </div>
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I am probably going to be blasted by this but the reality is, this may be a wake up call to a lot of people that might have needed it. For far too long we've been a society that lives in excess. Too many people don't think that they've made it in the world until they have an enormous house, a huge gas guzzling car, designer duds for their children, European summer vacations...you get my point. </div>
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If you make the money to live a materialistic lifestyle, I guess it's your decision to do so. It's an extremely subjective determination that really varies by each person. Honestly, if someone from a second world country looked at my life they would probably say I lived lavishly. You know what? They would be right!</div>
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We need to not take what we have for granted. If you have a safe place to live, food to eat and a family that you love, you have the makings of a good life. Let's be thankful for what we have and work towards providing a future for our children that teaches them to value relationships and not things. </div>
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In the midst of this shutdown, many people are going to be hit hard.
Many people are already being hit so hard and are so far gone in debt,
they may never recover. What we need to do now is support one another with kindness and compassion. I believe it's the first step in getting ourselves out of this black hole of self-absorption that has darkened our country. </div>
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Tips for surviving on limited incomes:</h2>
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<b>1. Take a close look at your grocery bill.</b> This is a large part of a monthly budget and honestly it should be. Since we are a lacto-vegetarian family, we already save tons of money not buying meats. We do spend a lot of money on quality fruits and vegetables because it's important to me what we put in our bodies. </div>
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Here are a few tips and how we save money on groceries:</div>
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<li>Consider at least a partial <b>vegetarian </b>lifestyle.</li>
<li>We don't always buy organic but I do try to buy what's <b>in season</b> and <b>on sale</b>.<b> </b></li>
<li><b> </b>Avoid<b> </b>waste by <b>planning a menu.</b> </li>
<li>Use <b>coupons</b> whenever you can. </li>
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<b>2. Eating out should be a special treat.</b> Listen, I like to go out to dinner and have someone cater to me for a change just like anyone else. The problem is, when you are on a limited income this kind of mentality can get you into trouble before you know it. </div>
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Sure, you can go to your local fast junk food place and feed your family of four for $10, but do you really want to put that garbage in your family's body on a regular basis? Even the step up mid-scale restaurants use garbage preservatives and frozen foods in their dishes and you pay them probably about $50 to poison you and your family. When you <b>eat at home</b> you are not only saving money but you are in most cases eating healthier foods by controlling what you eat.</div>
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Of course we need to be treated sometimes. As a busy mom, we all deserve it. Here a few ideas: </div>
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<li>Compile a list of <b>affordable local restaurants</b> that use fresh foods.</li>
<li>Take turns hosting a <b>dinner party</b> at a friends house each week.</li>
<li>Consider becoming a <b>mystery shopper</b> to supplement lunches and dinners.</li>
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<b>3. Leave your credit cards at home.</b> If you have your credit card on you, you might be more likely to make that purchase immediately. If it's a big purchase, sit on it a day to make sure it is still something that makes sense to buy.<br />
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<b>4. Save up cash for purchases. </b> When you do this it does two things. It allows you time to consider the purchase to make sure that it's justified and it helps you develop patience which we all need in the grand scheme of things.<br />
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Just a tip. I save up cash in the bank for purchases but still use my card to buy things. That way, I never carry a balance but I still reap the <b>credit card cash back rewards</b>. Just make sure that you have the money to pay the bill first. <br />
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<b>4. Cut out unnecessary spending. </b> You know what is unnecessary, don't make this complicated. Don't spend money on "treats" for yourself everyday on things you are capable of doing yourself. Do you need a $20 a week budget for coffee? Is it necessary to get a $50 mani/pedi every week while you are out of money or is it something you can do on your own for awhile? Believe it or not....cable is a luxury.<br />
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<b>5. Embrace the bartering and online sales world.</b> Living frugally is not always easy and can take some creativity at times. There is also a great reliance on other people that comes when it comes to spending less money. It's sort of becoming old-school in a lot of ways, like a village. Anyway, here are some "village" resources that you can use:<br />
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<li><b>Barter your services with friends</b>. Babysit their kids and have them mow your lawn. Bake their child's birthday cake and let your friend make a pot of chilli for your family. You get the idea.</li>
<li>Sign up for your local <b>freecycle</b> group and get emails from people in your community giving away their unneeded goods. I promise you that you will be surprised at what other people give up. </li>
<li><b>Craigslist </b>is another local option for buying and selling. Check out Craigslist for gently used items before you buy them in the stores. Also, downsize your life here. I've made over $1000 this year so far by simply selling our unused items. It should be your first option for selling before putting the goods on Ebay since you don't have to give anyone a cut.</li>
<li><b>Ebay and Amazon </b>are other options for selling off your easily mailable items. I have made a good chunk of money doing this. Not enough to live off of, but enough to supplement our life.</li>
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How has this shutdown effected your family? Anyone else have any hints for surviving on a limited income? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-78068694400215521732013-09-25T08:35:00.001-07:002013-09-25T08:35:48.990-07:00Wordy Wednesday Week 6: Letting Go<div style="text-align: left;">
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To me this poem speaks not of the cycles of nature but of the great tensions of life. Let me explain. It seems like every week I'm contemplating what to do with my teenager. This week again I am really wondering if it's finally time to let go and just let him go live with his dad. I feel unappreciated and definitely disrespected. The truth is too, I am beginning to resent him. I have another child too but I spend an exorbitant amount of time wrestling with my oldest. How can a mother say that about her child?<br />
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He has always been one to throw a fit when he's told to do something that he doesn't want to do. It's beginning to be a little more than a fit. This morning we had a tussle. After repeatedly telling him to get out of bed, he came downstairs and acted like he was punching me in the face. I slapped him. He was not given his phone because his dad and I decided it should stay home instead of leaving the house to get lost again.<br />
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These two things obviously upset him and our morning consisted of this plus him grabbing my finger and bending it back, cursing at me, throwing pens, pencils, and his backpack at me, refusing to take his medicine, threatening to call the police and telling me that he wasn't going to come home after school today. It's 9:30 and I'm exhausted already.<br />
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There are a lot of things I can claim to have done wrong. Maybe there was a better way of waking him up and obviously slapping him in the face set him off too. What does he think though is going to happen when you catch someone out of the blue and pretend to punch them?<br />
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The words today come from a poem that I found back in the spring when I was first starting to really contemplate the idea of letting him go live with his dad. I guess there can be a lot of different interpretations for this poem. If you look at it literally, it's definitely a beautiful and peaceful poem about nature that vividly describes the changing seasons. For me personally though, I saw it as a metaphor on life.<br />
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Having shared custody between two families is an extremely complicated process. Magnified if the two families do not see eye to eye on any issues relating to the rearing of the child. Of course who this is most detrimental on is the child.<br />
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I am definitely not perfect in my child rearing abilities and I know I have made mistakes. Unfortunately my mistakes are always put on display because I am the one who is the "bad guy". I'm the one that pays the bills, I'm the one that deals with school and homework, I'm the one that organizes activities to keep my son out of trouble, I'm the one that plays the role of the adult and I'm the one that is constantly criticized for my decisions by both my child and my ex. <br />
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I guess what I'm saying is, I wonder if now I've done all that I can do. I know that my son is only 13 years old and still has much to learn from the adults in his life but it seems like it may be time for me to accept that I have given him all that I can these last 13 years and it's time for his dad to get it a shot and for my son to start making his own choices and facing his own consequences without mom "bailing him out".<br />
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The poem speaks to me as a metaphor on life's seasons and the trees are not just trees, but a symbol of humans "dressing" and "undressing" as they prepare for different stages of life. Right now, my son and I seem to be going through a season of birth and rebirth. My son is becoming a young man whether I like it or not. He is changing from my little baby boy to becoming his own person. I've prepared him the best I can to go out and make his own decisions and unfortunately we are at a point where he is no longer listening to what I have to say. Maybe it would be wise for me to take a step back and face the reality of winter while hoping for another spring. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-67632472265708514672013-09-18T13:26:00.003-07:002013-09-18T13:26:18.992-07:00Wordy Wednesday Week 5: The Death of Me<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's really hard to feel like an
effective parent when you have a child that is at a point where you
tell them to do something and their response is flat out defiance.
I'm trying to ignore the negative behaviors and have no reactions
only logical consequences but damn it's hard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For a specific example, let's go to
this morning. I told my 13 year old that he is grounded today and
tomorrow for his disrespect and defiance and he is also not going to
the school's dance on Friday if he does not find his missing
agenda/planner. His response, “You are not the boss of me” and
“I will do what I want” and then he walks out the door to be with
his friends. Now granted, he came back in about five minutes later,
but still just that fact that he is doing this is getting my blood
boiling. So anyway, I'm not going to kill him I am going to remember
the following the next time he's pushing my buttons and/or during the
next argument.</span></div>
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<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Tips for Dealing with
Your Teen</b></span></div>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Focus on the behavior, not the
person. </b></span>
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<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm trying to
really focus on these negative disrespectful behaviors as things
that need to change. My goal is to tie these negative behaviors to
logical consequences and stick to them. I also need to try to have
something positive to say about him every day, although I'm
embarrassed to say, it's been hard.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Remember what the argument is
about....filter out the trivial.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I notice that
arguments can quickly escalate, especially when people lose their
cool. My job is to not lose my own temper and focus at the task at
hand. Since a lot of my son's issues involve him not taking time to
think about the outcomes of his action, me role modeling calm
behavior is that much more important.</span></div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Be prepared for the low blows.
Don't allow the words to hurt.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yikes! How many
times am I going to hear “You are a horrible mother”, “You
need to take a lesson from X's parents on how to be a good mom”,
“You never care about anything I want”? Or my favorite one
lately is, “You are not my mother. I'm going to call you Jen (my
first name)”.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Good parents aren't born.
They are a work in progress.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Okay that makes
me feel better.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-89233948574897108122013-09-11T06:43:00.001-07:002013-09-11T06:43:03.731-07:00Wordy Wednesday- Week 4: Why Being Kind is Better Than Being Right<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="kind." class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/24/fa/db/24fadb7c02e8876c4c0b9fe0450c8629.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://pinterest.com/pin/33988172161338464/</span></td></tr>
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We all want to be right, but sometimes really, what's the point? Is the point to prove that you have some wit about you? Is the point to prove that you are a really cool person? Are you trying to establish yourself as a leader at work or at home? Is there a power struggle going on with someone that you don't want to admit?<br />
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I think that the need to always be right stems from a lot of different reasons and if we're not careful can be come a habit and an unfortunate trait of character. However, giving up this need to always be right can be an important lesson that may not only mend current and future relationships but can also bring your own mind at ease and bring you peace.<br />
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The thing that gets in the way is our ego. For some reason we feel that if we do not prove that we're right and "win" the argument we are less of a person or a weak parent. Of course I'm not saying that we should forget our values and simply approve of everything anyone says or does. That would lead to a weak character and a boring conversationalist, not to mention a very wishy washy parent. <br />
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It's tough because pretty much any parenting book is going to tell you that you should never let your kids know what you don't know. <i> Never let them know if you are indecisive</i>, <i>Stand your ground or they will walk all over you</i>, and on and on. It's tough having to pretend like you have all of the answers.<br />
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This week the quote on top is going on our fridge. My teenager thinks that he has to argue whether the sky is blue everyday, refuse to eat, and in general just create conflicts to assert that he is indeed becoming an independent young man. In other words, he is trying to "engage" us. My hope for him this week is that he will read the words and chill out a bit with the whole charade.<br />
<br />
My husband and I have another task. Our task is to not turn a blind eye to these behaviors, but rather try to really listen to what is going on underneath these actions. I think that what is really underneath these blatant shows of disrespect is a boy crying out for some attention and some guidance on navigating his feelings and insecurities. It's his job to challenge our authority. It is our job to understand this without taking it personally and find ways to teach respect and discipline without losing our cool. <br />
<br />
This week, I choose kindness and I will choose to really listen to what my son is trying to tell me, however convoluted it may be. This week I will choose to slow down and listen to what my baby is telling me with his cries. This week I will choose to slow down and be in the moment when my husband is telling me about his day. This week if there is conflict, I will choose to listen and model kindness in order to hear what my family is really trying to say. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" The more you listen the more you will hear." ~Steven Farmer. #life #mindful #wisdom" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/61/b0/02/61b00270a641b1850d2e7829a83b125c.jpg" height="341" style="margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://pinterest.com/pin/33988172161338754/</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-6547236850276937732013-09-10T13:06:00.001-07:002013-09-17T08:12:04.356-07:00Sustainablebabyish Organic Bamboo Fleece Diaper- FAVORITE at Night! Words cannot express how much I love these diapers, no really! <br />
<br />
This is my first go around with cloth diapers. With my older son, I just never considered it. This time around I spent a lot of time researching websites and blogs to educate myself on the ins and outs of cloth diapering and finding out which types of diapers people on the Web recommended. One brand that came up numerous times was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084374D6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0084374D6&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Sustainablebabyish</a> or SLOOMB. Although they are expensive, people LOVE them. And guess what? I do to!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1Y1UKcKEF_6JFDlLLPL5eoSc0qKIxgeQHK5YRJRME4J5Y_fSYw52d3ka7pBmPYrtY8tIzjlosQm6v7toOD8xsb-axJm3y_xZLBVACr0P7EJ0YdC9APsqrQTzDmPosap1RrnyReL8XN_6/s1600/resized+DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1Y1UKcKEF_6JFDlLLPL5eoSc0qKIxgeQHK5YRJRME4J5Y_fSYw52d3ka7pBmPYrtY8tIzjlosQm6v7toOD8xsb-axJm3y_xZLBVACr0P7EJ0YdC9APsqrQTzDmPosap1RrnyReL8XN_6/s1600/resized+DSC_0007.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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As most mothers do, I had a nesting stage before my son was born. I might be a bit of a strange bird because my nesting consisted of hours of research into finding the best diapers for my stash and then the best prices for those diapers. I am definitely not above buying used diapers and a good chunk of my stash was purchased used off of Craigslist. In fact, it's kind of funny to admit that I actually drove 3.5 hours away, from Virginia to Delaware to buy a selling her amazing stash for $200. Here is a little about what was in that stash:<br />
<br />
1/2 Package <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003N0JXP2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003N0JXP2&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Rockin' Green</a> Cloth Diaper Detergent<br />
1 Trash Can<br />
1 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009P7T5L4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009P7T5L4&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Planet Wise Diaper Pail Liner</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009P7T5L4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
1 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001R95J2W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001R95J2W&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Prince Lionheart Premium Wipe Warmer</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001R95J2W" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
3 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K50780/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000K50780&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Prince Lionheart Ever-Fresh Replacement Pillows</a><br />
12 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UU4TWM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003UU4TWM&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Little Comfort One Size Bamboo Cloth Diaper</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003UU4TWM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
4 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JO4AE0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004JO4AE0&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Organic Caboose, Plush Wool Diaper Cover</a>s<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004JO4AE0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
1 M Polyester Cover<br />
1 M Interlock Woolybums Diaper Cover<br />
1 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008X7C8ES/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008X7C8ES&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Loveybums Wool Jersey Diaper Cover With Snaps</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008X7C8ES" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
1 Lovey Bums Wool Cover<br />
12 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BBJBV66/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BBJBV66&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Disana Cloth/knitted Diapers 100% Organic Cotton</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BBJBV66" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Nappys<br />
40 Cloth Wipes<br />
3 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031AP83K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0031AP83K&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Snappi Cloth Diaper Fasteners</a><br />
12 Small Green Mountain Diaper Prefolds<br />
1 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00469ZSTO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00469ZSTO&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Flip Diaper</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00469ZSTO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
OS Cover<br />
1 Wee Huggers Diaper Cover<br />
3 Organic Lovey Bums Fitted Diapers<br />
Numerous Organic Cotton and Hemp Doublers<br />
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AND THE MOST AMAZING PART OF IT ALL?!<br />
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2 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084374D6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0084374D6&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Sustainablebabyish Organic Bamboo Fleece Fitted Cloth Diapers</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqTBYkid21YCyEqHs4IbQC48JR5UE7HQxoa55u9S1HtnLjtJfmNKPxK9ZAFBTHcpHYCtDbVFE9qzQ5pNfWnOeoRoxMOE1P6_DDO8yh4qsY2KSj6eSM__XsXgblm2pmQozXm-l9EBdWS1d/s1600/DSC_0051-+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqTBYkid21YCyEqHs4IbQC48JR5UE7HQxoa55u9S1HtnLjtJfmNKPxK9ZAFBTHcpHYCtDbVFE9qzQ5pNfWnOeoRoxMOE1P6_DDO8yh4qsY2KSj6eSM__XsXgblm2pmQozXm-l9EBdWS1d/s1600/DSC_0051-+resized.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
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Is there anyone else besides me that thinks I got an amazing deal or am I really bonkers? At the time I didn't know much about the different diapers and didn't realize how good of a deal I was getting. If I still had that woman's contact information I think I might have made her my best friend and sent her some more money. But I digress...more about these awesome diapers.<br />
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Now, I do have links for you to purchase these diapers if you so choose in this post. However, I would not recommend all of the diapers above. The Little Comforts are one sized and convenient but I find that they really don't hold poo in that well. The Disana Tie Nappies are beautiful, but once my son was able to roll and wiggle during diaper changes I found that these diapers were not really that practical. I do still use these diapers, I just wouldn't say I love them as much.<br />
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I do highly recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084374D6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0084374D6&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Sustainablebabyish Organic Bamboo Fleece Fitted Cloth Diaper</a> though. I only have two that fit right now and that is the only thing I put my son in at night. Which of course means that I have to do laundry every other day no matter what.<br />
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There are a couple of things to know about these diapers though.<br />
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<b>1. They will shrink! </b>The tags on the ones that I purchased used say they are mediums. The rise measures at 13" and they still fit him at 19 lbs, although they are getting a little small. You can see from the chart below how much of a shrinkage we're talking about.<br />
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Size Chart:</strong></div>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" class="sizetbl" style="background-color: #94d5f3; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 500px;"><tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><th align="middle" style="background-color: #dbf1fb; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899"><span id="goog_446872900"></span>size<span id="goog_446872896"></span><span id="goog_446872897"></span></a></th><th align="middle" style="background-color: #dbf1fb; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">fully extended rise</a></th><th align="middle" style="background-color: #dbf1fb; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">waist</a></th><th align="middle" style="background-color: #dbf1fb; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">leg</a></th><th align="middle" style="background-color: #dbf1fb; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">weight</a></th></tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">x-small</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">13" w/snap down</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">9"-15"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">5"-7"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">5-11 lbs</a></td></tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">small</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">15"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">10"-18"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">5"-10"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">9-16 lbs</a></td></tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">medium</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">17"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">12"-21"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">7"-14"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">14-22 lbs</a></td></tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">large</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">18"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">14"-24"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">8"-15"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">22-32 lbs</a></td></tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">x-large</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">19"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">15"-27"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_446872899">8"-17"</a></td><td align="middle" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 3px 5px;" valign="center"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">32 lbs +<span id="goog_446872901"></span></a></td></tr>
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With this information, I thought it would be best to purchase more in the large size so I am not always so locked into doing laundry every other day. However, when they came I was a bit shocked by how much bigger they were than my old ones. The new ones also looked and felt nothing like the old ones that I love so much. The new diapers measured 18" upon arrival but after just one wash they were 16".<br />
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The larges are a bit big on us now but I don't think it will be long before they fit him just right. He's approximately 20 lbs in these pictures. I'm also guessing they may shrink after a few more prepping washes.</div>
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<b>2. They are pretty stiff. </b>The stiffness is not really too much of a factor for me, just because I am so amazed by the absorbency of these bad boys and the stiffness does not irritate my son at all. It is true what you read, these will almost stand up on their own in the mornings. Some people say that Ecover works for them for softening them up but I've never tried it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZKJqHcDOpvbOch60Ss7rJFd0SSgR5Plb-GXYe45sLwo1pBPCArXZACI-sskdRtSwdWEpd7ioacDqbIDELGwr6A9CqCfOloQZJ1DeVw0Ucr63bHflwmU9mZ8maeYX698kRJLl_E71521h/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZKJqHcDOpvbOch60Ss7rJFd0SSgR5Plb-GXYe45sLwo1pBPCArXZACI-sskdRtSwdWEpd7ioacDqbIDELGwr6A9CqCfOloQZJ1DeVw0Ucr63bHflwmU9mZ8maeYX698kRJLl_E71521h/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think that the reason people mention the stiffness is because it is such a huge transformation from the buttery soft diaper it once was. When the diaper arrived it was super soft, the softness fabric I think I've ever came across. Comparing the new large one to my much loved possibly mediums it really is hard to believe it's the same diaper. It's hard to tell from the pictures but if I had to make a comparison to help you I would say that over time the diapers are as stiff and as hard as a....well slipper maybe and when they are new they are as soft as a bag of cotton balls.<br />
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That's not a very good sell I guess, comparing the diaper to a shoe. BUT I'm telling you I've never been happier with any night-time set-up. We go 12 hours straight and in the morning the diaper sometimes doesn't even feel wet, the sheets are dry and most importantly my son is dry and rash free.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaCK6qt7N8OaqrG_iprCSKn-jmv3ila7mi3wdFLz8aek4EUxmW2cRqQvcsphgATdwxHzZgo0OMsuzNR8Metv-JRIqxkYso8KWOM94N5vpzxCpvOd7VxENP3-xn08b8dCgDOKtINczz4mm/s1600/DSC_0032-+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaCK6qt7N8OaqrG_iprCSKn-jmv3ila7mi3wdFLz8aek4EUxmW2cRqQvcsphgATdwxHzZgo0OMsuzNR8Metv-JRIqxkYso8KWOM94N5vpzxCpvOd7VxENP3-xn08b8dCgDOKtINczz4mm/s1600/DSC_0032-+resized.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoKxBipqLomlJWcilJQZg8NhtYsuJXcaxp_qLfsuxRc_7tHHliWoUptYEbOKwhttBp4Avw8udmk-PNRwoxFfTjjO5X-rXCGyQDYPOpajAm9NGzdEx1HF45lA8kkau-jsMSOFAyjIgYq7e/s1600/DSC_0030-+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoKxBipqLomlJWcilJQZg8NhtYsuJXcaxp_qLfsuxRc_7tHHliWoUptYEbOKwhttBp4Avw8udmk-PNRwoxFfTjjO5X-rXCGyQDYPOpajAm9NGzdEx1HF45lA8kkau-jsMSOFAyjIgYq7e/s1600/DSC_0030-+resized.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
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The diapers come in lots of fun color choices. When I bought my new ones the natural was all that was in stock. I'm thinking that it might have been because it was during a time when Kelly's Closet was having a free diaper with purchase sale.<br />
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Available Colors:</strong></div>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" class="colorstbl" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="20%"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Berry" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/BerryS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Berry</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="20%"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Bing" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/BingS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Bing</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="20%"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Kirsche" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/KirscheS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Kirsche</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="20%"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Lemon" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/LemonS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Lemon</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="20%"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Lilac" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/LilacS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Lilac</td></tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="20%"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Mocha" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/MochaS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Mocha</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Natural" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/NaturalS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Natural</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Peacoat (Dark Navy)" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/PeacoatS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Peacoat (Dark Navy)</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Sprout" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/SproutS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Sprout</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Squash" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/SquashS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Squash</td></tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="20%"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Sugar" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/SugarS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Sugar</td><td align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="20%"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Sustainablebabyish-NEW-OVERNIGHT-Bamboo-Fleece-Fitteds_p_4961.html#" style="color: #8bb629; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Teal" border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/productimages/sustainbfnatNEW/TealS.jpg" height="120" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br />
Teal<br />
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Even with these issues, I have yet to find another diaper that fits as well and absorbs as well. They are very well made and judging from the used one I have, they hold up extremely well.<br />
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If you are struggling with finding a diaper to stand up to long nights and leave your baby dry and rash free in the morning, try these diapers! I'll admit they do carry a hefty price tag but if you check your local Craigslist or Ebay you might get lucky. You'll probably also notice that they guys hold their value and you can sell them yourself or you may consider selling them to one of the online diaper vendors that buy back used diapers. If you look at this piece along with the most important part, THESE diapers work fantastically you will see that these diapers are well worth the investment. Buy these diapers! I promise you won't regret it. If you do, let me know and I will buy yours off of you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/?AffId=769"><img border="0" src="http://www.kellyscloset.com/assets/images/affiliateBanners/banner-try-728x90b.png" height="79" width="640" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-59833974473536578372013-09-04T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-04T00:00:15.898-07:00I Love Words...Wordy Wednesday Week Three<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Our words carry power." height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7f/07/ce/7f07ce25368eded346e586b6da31d5c0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">http://anchoredinchrist4ever.tumblr.com/post/41395783995/born-to-follow-francislimml-makes-so-much</span></td></tr>
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This quote is so very powerful I find it pretty difficult to add anything to it. This week we have really been frustrated with my older son saying rude and obnoxious things. It really seems like anything that comes out of his mouth is either an argument or some critique of our character. I know that we are supposed to ignore it to a certain extent and trust that this is a stage in normal teenage development, but it gets to be difficult sometimes. </div>
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Unfortunately though, I know that I myself am also guilty of saying things that I've later regretted too so I guess it can be a "stage" that can continue into adulthood if you're not careful. But this week I will remember that my words as mom have everlasting power.</div>
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One of the problems kids with ADHD have is that they tend to say whatever is on their mind at that moment and don't think about what kind of consequences lie on the other side of their comments. Lots of times the comments are funny and witty, sometimes their enormously insightful, often without intent they are rude and hurtful.</div>
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You see, it is an issue with impulse control. In a conversation, most people are able to evaluate the situation, read the other person for cues, think of consequences, and evaluate the situation again before they speak. A lot of people can't do this and say immediately whatever is on their mind without thinking of the consequences. Of course this can be a great personality trait. These people are courageous and take chances in life, or they get punched in the face. I'm hoping for great things.</div>
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Impulse control is going to start with me. Without accepting the negative behavior, I have to remember that his words more often than not are coming from a place of frustration. It's my job to help him find the words that he's searching for. He's looking at me and the other adults in his life to model what it looks like to be compassionate, to listen to others, to think before you speak and to look before you leap. Kind words are going to start with me. Wish me luck.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-77966971120124382262013-08-29T19:23:00.003-07:002013-09-17T08:12:36.238-07:00Tree Hut Almond and Honey Shower & Bath Products Giveaway (ends 9/6)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Almond & Honey Bath & Body </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwoihQ836LAFxMy3qJw4jAo8ytLtOcO2HqWzD_C3nOqdVvpWcK5BieEfOq0WTjKNvDG9_IfjksmHDHRykIpa_Ix48Y7_Yz5iUbR572pGkXFsQCoRZ1MrE5pV7ctl7ZDljjpVG7wSy60Q/s1600/treehut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwoihQ836LAFxMy3qJw4jAo8ytLtOcO2HqWzD_C3nOqdVvpWcK5BieEfOq0WTjKNvDG9_IfjksmHDHRykIpa_Ix48Y7_Yz5iUbR572pGkXFsQCoRZ1MrE5pV7ctl7ZDljjpVG7wSy60Q/s400/treehut.jpg" height="242" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Almond and Honey forms provide a natural source of Omega 9, which provides daily moisture to your skin. Real honey lends its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to enhance every bottle. All of Tree Huts products are made right here in the USA, they are not tested on animals nor do they contain </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paraben or </span></span></span>Formaldehyde donors. Only real and organic ingredients, providing the best care for your skin!</div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almond & Honey Shea Body Butter (7oz jar) $6.99ARV</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almond & Honey Extra-Rich Moisturizing Lotion (9oz tube) $4.99ARV </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almond & Honey Shea Sugar Scrub (18oz jar) $6.99ARV</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almond & Honey Shea Moisturizing Shower Wash (16oz bottle) $5.99ARV </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can read Mami's 3 Little Monkeys full review <a href="http://mamis3littlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2013/08/tree-hut-sponsor-spotlight.html">here</a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Giveaway!</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">One lucky reader will win the Almond & Honey Collection, 4 full sized shower and body products at a $25 value. This giveaway is open to US residents whom are at least 18 years of age at time of entrance and it will run from August 23rd til September 6th. Enter for your chance to win through the Giveaway Tools form below, there is only one mandatory entry and the rest are optional. Complete one, two, all or anywhere in between, just remember the more entries you complete, the better odds of winning you have! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Good Luck! </span><b> </b></span> </span><b> </b></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<i>Disclosure:<span style="color: red;"> <b>Pursuit of Simplicity</b></span> and all other participating bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment of the above prizes. I received no monetary nor product compensation in exchange for this publication. This event was organized and hosted by Sarh at Mami's 3 Little Monkeys. Please contact Sarh with any questions at mamis3littlemonkeys[at]yahoo[dot]com .</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-24033023847813530782013-08-28T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-28T06:10:14.110-07:00I Love Words...Wordy Wednesday Week Two<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="I love you every step of the way...." src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/55/b0/92/55b0922a6d4596808e597e167b0519fb.jpg" height="400" width="273" /><img alt="From challenge, comes greatness www.notsalmon.com" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b1/80/c3/b180c3a9ed9e50137efc864c564cbd04.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></div>
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About the picture on the left....when you have a teenager, I think it's important to remember this quote.</div>
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The teen years are a time when it's important to muster up the strength and love 'em unconditionally. I don't mean letting them run a mock. I mean that even in the midst of unspeakable challenges, even if you may have to discipline harshly, they know and you remember that no matter what the crime they are still loved unconditionally. Even when we are disappointed with their behaviors, they should always know that they are loved and it will be alright in the long run. Which, if you are a parent of a teenager you know that this is sometimes easier said than done.<br />
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I found an amazing article titled, "<a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/raising-resilient-children-and-teens/201106/giving-unconditional-love-even-when-its-not-easy" target="_blank">Raising Resilient Children and Teens</a>" by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg from the Psychology Today website. It's funny because so many times I read these books or articles and I feel like they are amazing because they speak right to the issue I'm facing. It's a lonely place, parenting a teen. There are so many resources for what to do with the "Terrible Twos" and "Crying Babies" but when it's a problem with a teen...not so much. <br />
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One line that I really like and need to remind myself when my boy tells me that he hates me is: <i>Remember, our teens rarely hate us; they only hate how deeply connected they feel to us.</i> That should make me feel better.<br />
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Another phrase that caught my eye: <i>Just because you are in the midst of a crisis doesn't mean you have lost your child. On the other side of the crisis may be a deeper relationship and a son or daughter who has once more learned to turn to you.</i><br />
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That is part of my problem, I am often sick with worry over my child. I worry about his future. I worry about his lack of organization. I worry what his teacher must think of him...of me. I worry about the choices he makes. I have worried at times that I had "lost my child". <br />
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Late Spring we had our own major crisis. During one of our ongoing battles over homework that escalated into a power struggle with words that flew with venom, I hit my son. I tried to hit him again but he ran out the door. He eventually found some friends and they must have talked about what was the best thing for him to do, which was to go to the school and call the police. <br />
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I'm not proud of this moment and I hope that I never reach a point as low again where I let anger cloud my reality. Those months after this incident, and this summer when I thought he might go live with his dad were probably the hardest months of my life. It would be easy to say that these challenges were brought about by a boy challenged with ADHD, split between two households, wrought with teenage angst. The real reality though is that I let my son down. I have to be the stability in his life. I have to be the adult. I have to be the one that recognizes that these teenage years are a difficult time. It is a time of steps in our life that we have to take in order to find out who we are, what we really believe in, and where we stand as our own individual self. It is a time or a phase that that we all must go through in order to reach that higher place.<br />
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Teens are not the only ones that must "go through" something to reach a higher place of understanding. I'm not sure I've ever done as much reflecting as I've done this past summer. Which is the point of the second picture. The lesson that I have learned from this is that I need to remember who my son is. That this young man is still my little boy that caught frogs in the backyard and choose to have donations to the animal shelter in lieu of birthday presents when he was five. He's still the person who I read animal and Roald Dahl stories to every night and loved dinosaurs more than anything else in the world. Underneath all of this pain and confusion that he is going through now, is my young man. I dwell too much on the worries and need to remember the beautiful, passionate, and kind person he really is inside. I hope I never forget this lesson.<br />
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Thanks for reading.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-24368045228115230862013-08-27T14:25:00.002-07:002013-09-17T08:18:42.730-07:00Citrus Lane Subscription- August Box Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.citruslane.com/invitedby/citrus.lane.1045942" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcuv8PhqWpQc6TR0h1R3lR06GWLI9JckNglgeib1A0FmqSLhuiOhfTycQ5lcx7_xnUWYo59NLyulGizlDqS5moanYOjDvw4rCYhLykfhWQkvsPySChNsp9TQIcRN8blYVgHi3ZIxu95lH/s1600/logo@2x.png" height="41" width="320" /></a></div>
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I received my August box last week (on the 21st) and I must say I'm a little disappointed again. I've been saying that I was thinking about cancelling and this week I really did. It's not that I'm really upset about the items I received, it's just that I don't think they are things I would have went out and bought. I'm trying to save money and buy only things of real value to my family. Here is what I got:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16UcndfqSEwObsBAhU6pUo2JrF8QfOLwTzKiiGmQSKLx7neGSQFXZDGCjDK3WVw9En8_uy18otLCghbLotHtYx5-KKA4VyltHwabIK-l1EYoz1Akr89JvABwbfEHGEz7shglCJpYbg6mI/s1600/DSC_0067+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16UcndfqSEwObsBAhU6pUo2JrF8QfOLwTzKiiGmQSKLx7neGSQFXZDGCjDK3WVw9En8_uy18otLCghbLotHtYx5-KKA4VyltHwabIK-l1EYoz1Akr89JvABwbfEHGEz7shglCJpYbg6mI/s1600/DSC_0067+cropped.jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EOARMS0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EOARMS0&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Little Stacker</a>- Monkey<br />
The design of this toy is very nice and the material is super soft. The toy is pretty cheap though. The stacker fits together with one very flimsy strip of velcro that is seriously lacking sticking power. The toy is designed in Vermont and Made in China. I don't get what this new kick about labeling products, "Designed in U.S.A" and then made somewhere else. Is that supposed to make us feel better about buying crap? Anyone want to buy mine ($10 ppd)? This retails for approximately $13.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1846860601/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1846860601&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1846860601&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1846860601/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1846860601&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Cleo's Color Book </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1846860601" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
We love books so it's hard for me to give any book a bad review...BUT it's gotta really have something for me to get into color books or other basic books. I KNOW this is for a baby and maybe I'm just grumpy today or something but I'm not really into this book either. There are so many better options in my opinion for introducing colors. This is retailing right now for $6.29 on Amazon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeXEzY21rwZNuZtMrOCzpRE2DgVjGbpoxMs03RYNNpjBeonlKrT0ZWEl8SwmFdabVmxDhE0brm7sIkAFvrLf_IaycZlV3sFlKt3HB4czlo7IRQdyySq3fMMqcsx4BC01_ZByI9X3BCy8l/s1600/DSC_0062+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeXEzY21rwZNuZtMrOCzpRE2DgVjGbpoxMs03RYNNpjBeonlKrT0ZWEl8SwmFdabVmxDhE0brm7sIkAFvrLf_IaycZlV3sFlKt3HB4czlo7IRQdyySq3fMMqcsx4BC01_ZByI9X3BCy8l/s1600/DSC_0062+cropped.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2UhRlb7bEg_26tdPbkT47yNbCGh20JxkYej6P2DllB8WGgw4iWfBvj-q111dFKxesKKSt4P75wiADbqPQwpJaYmZjr9xDq0fMr-lCuRVKDLGU1plGXiXDW6jzhsb_WW2IDAcl3uVUfMu/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041VGWGA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0041VGWGA&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Cleanwell All-natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes -Orange Vanilla</a> Considering that I can't find the sanitizing wipes that I received in last month's box, I was happy to see these replacements. I'm going to use these to clean toys. They are safe to use on the hands and the face, are alcohol free and biodegradable. Ingredients include thymus vulgarts oil, aloe leaf juice, citric acid, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil, copper PCA, hydrolyzed oats, oregano oil, vanilla fruit extract, water. These are retailing for approximately $5.00 a canister online.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHkTKBrxMLgId14VAn7rPOh3ce6MBH2wBd6Zmo7brpGK-DEaxFD-TVseteezEZ4vHOU2Ax9BCzic4aTEd4j_oVUxdlAbDqgNdo9WXChARvo1IrbjT1U2K8JLd_4XNHc6Bch3iC6iaXPyz/s1600/DSC_0076+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHkTKBrxMLgId14VAn7rPOh3ce6MBH2wBd6Zmo7brpGK-DEaxFD-TVseteezEZ4vHOU2Ax9BCzic4aTEd4j_oVUxdlAbDqgNdo9WXChARvo1IrbjT1U2K8JLd_4XNHc6Bch3iC6iaXPyz/s1600/DSC_0076+cropped.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000535SR/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000535SR&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Weleda Calendula Baby Cream</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000535SR" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RYWXAC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007RYWXAC&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Ah Goo Baby Bottle Strap, Audrey</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007RYWXAC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <br />
I'm actually a fan of samples, just not paying for them. I've heard really great things about Weleda and I'm sure the diaper cream is a great product but I use cloth and I've read that Weleda is not good for cloth so I won't be using this sample. I haven't decided wheher or not I will be keeping the bottle strap. We don't use bottles but we have entered into the "throw everything on the floor stage so I might keep this. Bottle strap retails for $10.49 on Amazon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy2kFFSz1GOPoF_twNsX9WxHNjsfGf4rN0IiMCSODIuhsTWP09rU0pkSs2zp6Oq55W0KSoUMZdIlTQnIBsctXB-BCndhmzeDwnriggIGTvQ5TgnfUoG1bxFkdKyC-tgjQuO-bOJsdFsE2/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://fabkids-us-cdn.justfab.com/media/images/brand/fabkids_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fabkids-us-cdn.justfab.com/media/images/brand/fabkids_logo.png" /></a><br />
Outfit from<i> </i><a href="http://www.fabkids.com/" target="_blank"><i>fab</i>kids</a><br />
The box also contained a coupon for an outfit from the<a href="http://www.fabkids.com/" target="_blank"><i> fab</i>kids</a> site. The three piece outfits are $39.99 and with the code you receive the outfit for free and pay a $5.00 shipping fee. That's a pretty good deal for a really snazzy outfit. However, the site doesn't have either of my boys' sizes. The lowest is 2T and the highest is XL. I need baby or teen so I guess I will be looking for a gift.<br />
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So again, I really have no reason to be disappointed. The total for all of these items if I would have purchased them would be $74.00 and that's not counting the samples of Weleda Baby products. I'm just not going to renew for financial reasons.<br />
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Anyone want to share their thoughts and opinions on <a href="https://www.citruslane.com/join?utm_content=citrus.lane.1045942&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=refer-a-friend&utm_source=Citrus+Lane#choose-plan" target="_blank">Citrus Lane</a> or any other subscription box?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I purchased the Citrus Lane box on my own and was not given compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. This post does contain affiliate links.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-40822569174261148232013-08-21T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-21T00:00:15.900-07:00I Love Words....Wordy Wednesday Week One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83860289/family-rules-vinyl-wall-decal-item-fam16?ref=sr_gallery_30&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=family+vinyl+wall+decals+&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqQHL5u4iQSRUHf3lkH72oW_vi1-47sc-MupLaQIcR0plGuBVUUJbZ0pfEkjQ59eLGeOid0bpK4pMCmI6ZC_I0XgXmfCy7oSV3BhQKz6QPw7s4jydxz3NjKHZiBDLUacHODwG9dBICTLJ/s1600/47.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Words... They're innocent, neutral, precise, standing for this, describing that, meaning the other, so if you look after them you can build bridges across incomprehension and chaos. But when they get their corners knocked off, they're no good any more... I don't think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little or make a poem which children will speak for you when you're dead.” </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/293.Tom_Stoppard" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Tom Stoppard</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1303401" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">The Real Thing: A Play</a></span></i><br />
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Words can be powerful. Words can make you feel as though you are the most important person in the world. Words can make you feel like you want to lay down and die in a hole. Words can calm a tense situation. Words can create and effect change. On the other hand, words are capable of igniting an unstoppable fire, forever dividing anyone in their path. <br />
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My son has ADHD. I won't go into details here of his story, but anyone who has a child who struggles with behavior problems might know and be able to relate to the challenges we face everyday. We are also a blended family. My husband does not always have the patience for my son and I am often torn up by this reality. Also the reality that the world (including myself) does not always have the patience that my son requires. <br />
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My son is thirteen and starting seventh grade. He is the most beautiful, fun-loving and deep down kindest person I know. He is super intelligent even though his performance does not always show it. We had a pretty rough year starting middle school. One that culminated with yelling arguments, numerous behavior plans, phone calls from the school, demands to go live with his dad, family therapy, visits from social services and also a decision to start medication after many years of refusing this route. <br />
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Given that I am sort of anonymous, I'm feeling kind of at ease posting this. I find a lot of support online when I'm needing it. My family is at odds when it comes to what is best for my son. Mostly, I hear that he is just a normal boy doing normal boy things. I'm not so sure anymore that trouble finding him wherever he goes is normal or very good for his self-esteem. I know he is at such a cross roads in his life (middle school) and he needs a strong and supportive family to back him now more than ever.<br />
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So here goes my version or opposite version of the popular "Wordless Wednesday" postings, "Wordy Wednesdays". Each week I'm posting on my fridge a quote that I want my son and my family to remember and for all of us to hopefully reflect on. My version (a very inexpensive version) of therapy.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-59258421438379149172013-08-19T07:21:00.001-07:002013-08-20T10:05:40.656-07:00Why I Am a REALLY Bad Grandaughter <div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img alt=" " class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/32/72/43/327243ad610fa0dbd6935cfa8f30567a.jpg" height="400" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 40px 0px;" width="313" /></div>
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I should have went to go get the damn grapes. I am such a hypocrite. My grandmother is in the hospital and I can't help but feel that the majority of the blame lies with me and it's because I was too consumed with my own agenda to pay attention.<br />
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We just returned from a whirl-wind "vacation" to Florida, which is where I'm from originally. We planned to stay for six days. During that time I planned and scheduled time to get my hair done, visit with numerous family members, have a friend take my son's six month photos, and carve out time to see a few friends. It was jammed packed, my "schedule". During one of those days toward the end of my running out to our photo shoot my grandmother went into the hospital.<br />
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A few days before she had mentioned to me that I should go to the store to get some more grapes for us to eat. I told her that I didn't want to go to the store. We had too much food already and besides it was too much trouble to take the baby into the store....we did have more food in her house than anyone could eat before it went bad but the real reason is, it didn't fit into my schedule.<br />
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She was sick beginning to get sick over the weekend. She's the kind of person who will do anything and everything for anyone so it's very hard to gauge when she needs help. She was up over her head doing things she shouldn't have been doing at seventy years old and was wearing herself down further. Of course she is also the type of person that always says she is fine and won't accept help either. By the time Monday came around she was very ill. I left the house anyway, telling her, repeating what other family told her to do, "Stay here in this chair and get some rest today".<br />
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Stay in the chair she did not, she went to the store to get grapes. Unfortunately she didn't make it into the store. We left her house at about 12:30 and at about 1:30 she left. We returned home at about 5:00 from the photo session and she was not home. Immediately I sensed something was wrong. Shortly after, I got a phone call from a worker in the store. The woman on the other line told me that my grandmother had a medical emergency was being put in an ambulance. She had made it to the store and must have turned the car off and felt light headed or fell asleep from exhaustion from not sleeping the night before. The problem was, this was Florida and it is not a great thing to fall asleep of pass out in a car in August.<br />
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We are not sure how long she sat in that car, but it doesn't take long with the windows rolled up for a car to get dangerously hot. A worker found her and by the time the ambulance got her temperature it was a little over 104 degrees. At the hospital it was found that she had developed pneumonia and recently we found that she has the "super bug" infection <a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-mrsa-methicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-aureus" target="_blank">MSRA</a> Apparently she had this when she came to the hospital, but it's still unclear whether the pneumonia is caused by MSRA or if it was brought on by her ongoing cold.<br />
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This blog is about living the simple life. The definition of "Simplicity" would include praise for the ability to live intentionally, pay attention to the small things in life, and honor quality time with loved ones. It's seems pretty hypocritical for someone as self-absorbed as I apparently am to attempt this task of writing on this topic. What a lesson this has been for me, around and round my mind I'm reminded how very fragile life can be. In an instant someone can be gone. We are back North now, we had to leave so my husband could return to work and my older son could start school. Even though the words are very difficult to type, I hope I can get a chance to make amends and have another visit. This time remembering to slow down and remember not to take anyone for granted.<br />
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<img alt="We all need a little TLC now-and-then. Don't forget to give yourself permission to accept support! #caregivers #caregiving #eldercare #selfcare" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cb/c8/85/cbc88568642c3a65a1ddfa2e112ac465.jpg" height="320" style="margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px;" width="320" /> </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-31420994584181451172013-08-15T05:46:00.000-07:002013-09-17T08:19:20.140-07:00$50 Amazon GC Giveaway (ends 8/29)<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1376500241783_21285"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1376500241783_21284"></span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-64565748589559865242013-08-14T13:01:00.000-07:002013-09-17T08:20:17.788-07:00Seth Kornegay Perfume Giveaway (ends 8/28)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPnTYJL0vbo/UgukfNdBbxI/AAAAAAAAHFU/GrYYbhQpK-g/s1600/perfume1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPnTYJL0vbo/UgukfNdBbxI/AAAAAAAAHFU/GrYYbhQpK-g/s1600/perfume1.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
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<b>Hosted by:</b> <a href="http://www.elitemamasblog.com/">Elitemama</a> and <b>Co-hosted by:</b> <a href="http://www.javajohnz.com/">Java John Z</a></div>
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<b>Sponsored by:</b> <a href="http://www.sethkornegay.com/">Seth Kornegay</a></div>
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<b>About <a href="http://www.sethkornegay.com/index.php">Seth Kornegay</a>:</b><br />
Seth Kornegay is an elite luxury lifestyle brand that specializes in fine fragrances. They use only the finest pure ingredients from around the world in order to exceed the expectations of the most discerning clientele. Their indulgent products are designed to stand the test of time and they are never mass marketed. Instead, Seth Kornegay has chosen to limit the quantity of each product and solely focus on the quality and individuality. They primary goal is to service the high-end niche client who demands the very best and enjoys exclusivity. All of their fragrances are created in small, hand-numbered qualities with no more than 7500 unites of any one item for sale globally - ever!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yI4ez8mK4r0/UgunpefHquI/AAAAAAAAHFw/dN4ZcNTPEP4/s1600/EntireCollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yI4ez8mK4r0/UgunpefHquI/AAAAAAAAHFw/dN4ZcNTPEP4/s1600/EntireCollection.jpg" height="290" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.elitemamasblog.com/">Elitemama's</a> Review:</b><br />
I was given a wonderful opportunity to review Seth Kornegay's luxury perfume. I had a hard time choosing the perfume I wanted to review, but after a while, I chose one that I thought be the perfect scent.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6iJyxJG6kM/Ugunbn1U8GI/AAAAAAAAHFo/A4cjb8ZcUAc/s1600/DSCN2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6iJyxJG6kM/Ugunbn1U8GI/AAAAAAAAHFo/A4cjb8ZcUAc/s1600/DSCN2019.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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This right here is <a href="http://www.sethkornegay.com/component/virtuemart/fragrances/petra-detail?Itemid=0">Petra Perfume</a> ($365). This unisex fragrance represents the height of luxury and refinement. It is truly one of the rarest and most unique fragrances Seth Kornegay has ever created. It uniquely includes Islay single-malt Scotch whiskey. The Petra perfume expands the boundaries of traditional fragrance ingredients - tumbling over into the epicurean world. It features Sensual Amber notes that are melded with Alpine Freshness and the unique combination of white and dark woody notes which are exquisitely combines with exotic, wild Northern herbs and rare bark with high-class Islay single-malt Scotch whiskey.<br />
To be honest, I was never a perfume kind of gal. I guess I could say it's because I have never found the right scent, one that catches my senses. I used to be a fan of this Cotton Candy scent back in middle school, but that was then, lol. It was also generic, so it never lasted. I remember having to spray it a few times throughout the day because after a while, the scent would fade. I've noticed that with cheap perfumes that you find at the dollar store. Other perfumes that are "high-end" like celebrity perfumes and colones are not so great. They can become to strong on the senses and I've noticed some people tend to over spray and it stings the nose when they pass by. No offense to anyone! Lol.<br />
With the Seth Kornegay perfume/cologne, it's quite different compared to what you find in the stores. To be honest, I am a fan of the scent! I love wearing it when I am going out with the husband or even around the house. The perfume it smooth, has a hint of sweetness to it, it's kind of woody and earthy, and it almost smells like Egyptian must in a way. It's a pleasant spell that lasts a long time. It's not like other perfumes that need to be sprayed after a few hours. Once you spray the perfume on you, it will last the whole day and even into the next. I find it best to spray on the front of the shirt than the skin because it makes the perfume last a lot longer. And you only need to spray it once! This perfume from Seth Kornegay is honestly the best perfume that I have ever smelled and it will last a long time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">GIVEAWAY</span></div>
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One lucky reader will win a bottle of Seth Kornegay perfume - $285 and up</div>
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Open to the US only and address must <b>not</b> be P.O. Box! </div>
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You must be 18 years or older to enter</div>
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Giveaway begins 8/14 and ends 8/28</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-79317610591714089322013-08-14T00:01:00.000-07:002013-09-17T08:20:56.829-07:00Pretty Mommies Giveaway (ends 8/25)<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Pretty Mommies is the #1 physician recommended </b><br />
<b>maternity skin care line on the market. </b>
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<a href="http://www.prettymommies.com/" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Pretty Mommies Mom and Baby" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8607" src="http://accordingtojenny.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/5_Pretty_Mommies_Healthy_Babies-1024x565.jpg" height="353" width="640" /></a>
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Although it's aimed at those who are pregnant or nursing - it's natural, safe, skin care that's great for ANYONE - men included!.
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It's a simple three step system - <b>Cleanser, Skin Brightener, and Sunscreen </b>- it'll cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, brighten, soothe, provide high levels of antioxidants and anti-aging properties, as well as, physical broad spectrum sun protection. If you're curious about how these products work, be sure to check out the review on <a href="http://accordingtojenny.com/2012/08/let-love-nourish-sponsor-spotlight-pretty-mommies.html" target="_blank" title="Let Love Nourish Sponsor Spotlight: Pretty Mommies">According to Jenny</a>.
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<a href="http://www.prettymommies.com/" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Pretty Mommies Products" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8610" src="http://accordingtojenny.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Pretty-Mommies-Products.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a>
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There are lots of new things happening at Pretty Mommies. If you're a Zulily fan then you might have noticed them pop up there this past week! Not only are they now reaching their target audience online, you might also see Pretty Mommies in your OBGYN's or Midwifes office. And if you're in China - you can now get Pretty Mommies there, too!
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<a href="http://www.prettymommies.com/" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Pretty Mommies Girl" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8605" src="http://accordingtojenny.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1_Pretty_Mommies_Girl-1024x565.jpg" height="353" width="640" /></a>
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Pretty Mommies feels so deeply about educating women on the importance of safe maternity skin care that they've created a campaign on <a href="http://www.causes.com/causes/809520-safe-maternity-skin-care?query=safe+maternity+skin+care&rank=0&utm_campaign=search" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Causes.com">www.causes.com</a> to raise awareness of this important issue. You'll also soon find them offering up educational resources on <a href="http://safematernityskincare.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Safe Maternity Skin Care ">http://safematernityskincare.com/</a> and they support an open forum for Q&A for anyone who has questions about skin care during pregnancy, nursing - or just in general.
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<b>To celebrate all these new and exciting events (and their newly redesigned website) Pretty Mommies has partnered with the <a href="http://soeasybeinggreen-blog.com/blogging-mamas-network/" target="_blank" title="So Easy Being Green">Blogging Mamas Network</a> to answer your questions about safe skin care and giveaway LOTS of Pretty Mommies products!</b>
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**Ready to purchase Pretty Mommies for yourself?? Use code <b>pretty20 </b>at <a href="http://www.prettymommies.com/our-products-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Pretty Mommies">checkout</a> for <b>20% off</b> through 8/31/13!**
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<i style="text-align: left;">The Blogging Mamas Network and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Participating bloggers did not receive compensation for this post, although they may be eligible for a reward upon completion.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-790578083860053922013-08-13T09:47:00.000-07:002013-08-20T10:03:29.741-07:00Bloody Marys Count as a Salad Linkup!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to Bloody Marys Count as a Salad # 6</span></h2>
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What's with the name? We named it Bloody Mary’s Count as a Salad, because anything goes in this hop! Need to vent? Go for it! Need to say something snarky? DO IT! Or do you just want to share your blog and/or a specific post? We'd love to read it! Anything you want to share, we want to see it!<br />
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And introducing a social aspect of the hop! Each week we will feature a different social media linkup. This week is Facebook! Link up your blog in the first linkup and your Facebook page in the second linkup! </div>
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<b style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, there are a few rules, we aren't going for hop chaos here!</span></b></h3>
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<li style="color: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;">Grab the link up button and put it in your side bar, in your post, or put our link on your link up party page.</li>
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<b style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't Forget to follow your Hosts and special Co-Host:</span></b></h3>
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A Girl- <a data-mce-href="http://aboyagirlandthemarinecorps.com/" href="http://aboyagirlandthemarinecorps.com/" style="color: #1b8be0; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625; text-decoration: none;">A Boy, A Girl, and the Marine Corps</a></div>
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Special Guest Host: Jenn- <a href="http://inthepursuitofsimplicity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">In the Pursuit of Simplicity</a><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-7981039686088234122013-08-02T07:30:00.003-07:002013-08-21T09:46:39.580-07:00Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week Theme- Close to Mothers<a href="http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/"><img src="http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/images/wbw-banner.png" height="266" width="640" /></a><br />
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This week is <i>World Breastfeeding Week</i> and the theme chosen by the WABA group this year is "Close to Mothers". The theme relates to their 2013 mission to support mothers attempts to continue breastfeeding weeks after delivery. As the weeks and especially as the months after deliver go by, there is a sharp decline in the rates of exclusively breastfed babies. The site indicates that as the mother's visits to health care facilities and check-ups decrease, so to does the breastfeeding. It is this time when new mothers need the support and guidance from a network of loving family and friends to help guide her on the path of continued breastfeeding.<br />
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<b><span style="color: white;">WBW 2013 Objectives</span></b></h2>
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<b style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #122b7b; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. To draw attention to the importance of Peer Support in helping mothers to establish and sustain breastfeeding.<br style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2. To inform people of the highly effective benefits of Peer Counseling, and unite efforts to expand peer counseling programs.<br style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3. To encourage breastfeeding supporters, regardless of their educational background, to step forward and be trained to support mothers and babies. <br style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />4. To identify local community support contacts for breastfeeding mothers, that women can go to for help and support after giving birth.<br style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />5. To call on governments and maternity facilities globally to actively implement the Ten Steps, in particular Step 10, to improve duration and rates of exclusive breastfeeding.</b></div>
<i>Source: Objectives from <a href="http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/index.shtml">http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/index.shtml</a></i><br />
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Personally, I breastfed my oldest son up until a little past the two years mark. It was one of the greatest things that I've done and I truly believe that this is the reason why he is such a healthy young man today. Hopefully I will be blessed with the ability to breastfeed my youngest son for as long. He's six months now and we are still going strong and I hope that it continues.<br />
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I do realize though that there are times when a mother is not able to breastfeed and I can't imagine how I would feel if I were in their shoes. I can see how it would be easy to succumb to guilt and wonder if there was anything that I did wrong. I think it's important to support these women too because this is a reality that some women have to face. However, the number of women that truly fall in this category is pretty small.<br />
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In my own personal circle of experience, what I have seen as far as support is a bit different. All too often what I've seen happen is moms (feeling that ever present guilt and worry) rush to quick decisions about supplementing with formula because someone in their "circle of support" tells her things like: "the baby is still hungry", "the baby's not getting enough food", "give him/her a little formula and he'll/she'll sleep better" or my favorite, "you must not be producing enough milk". If that last one isn't a statement to get at a mother's guilt, I don't know what is. Unfortunately for new mother's who feel like they don't know any better they listen to these comments.<br />
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When my son was born, I heard these comments from family. I heard them from well-meaning friends too. They meant well, they just want to see what's best for me and the baby, I realize that. However, these comments are so disheartening and the very opposite of supportive. These comments come from a basis of fear and worry, not true understanding. That's why I am so excited that the WBW group chose this theme for 2013. <br />
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The reality is that breastfeeding is natural. Yes, that is true. It's also very difficult and if you don't realize that going into nursing and if your circle of family and friends do not realize that as well , the chances of continued breastfeeding are very slim. I knew that the first few days were going to be tough. I knew to stock up on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BUQO6S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BUQO6S&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Lansinoh Lanolin</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000BUQO6S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and nursing pads. I remembered that my milk wouldn't come in right away and I reminded myself that babies cry...that is what they do and it's nothing to get all panicky about. Most importantly I always remembered that one of the most important things that I can do for my baby is to nurse him for as long as possible. I did not want to throw that knowledge away the first time he cried and someone told me that he was starving.<br />
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A mother's instincts are very powerful. I believe that we all have a motherly instinct to nurse and we know deep down that what we are doing the right thing. What has happened over the years is that instinct has be replaced with fear and self-doubt. It's seen especially in the previous generations of mothers who were told by doctors and advertising that formula was superior to breast milk. Even if our mothers know now that they were told wrong all those years ago, it's hard to keep those old beliefs from reappearing. <br />
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Fortunately, times are changing and it's becoming more acceptable to nurse and it's expected for at least the first few days after the baby is born. We are moving in the right direction but there is still a long way to go. There is still a strong reaction from people when I tell them that I breastfed my oldest son past two years even though The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months and The World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.<br />
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I believe that what needs to change is the level of understanding people have about the benefits of breastfeeding. Once the knowledge is gained, then the level of acceptance can increase and over time the circle of support women have will grow as more and more people understand what an important role they play in supporting new mothers.<br />
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I don't want to just talk the talk. The next time someone that I know is pregnant, I am going to make it a goal to provide her with all of the information that I have (in a non-pushy) way so that she has the knowledge that she needs to make informed choices. I want to really let her know that if she wants, I'm available to her. <br />
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<a href="http://biglatchon.org/participants/attend-the-event" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://biglatchon.org/images/biglatchonlogo.png" height="46" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">A fun thing that is happening around the world is the "Big Latch On 2013". On </span>August 3 locations around the world will be hosting the event to advocate for breastfeeding. What a fun way to create a network of support! There is one in my area, what about yours?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-24420870829824682552013-08-02T06:04:00.001-07:002013-09-17T08:26:04.117-07:00DIY: Homemade Dishwashing Detergent Last night after dinner was finished I was looking forward to relaxing in the comfy chair, watching Curb Your Enthusiasm on DVD and entering end of the month giveaways. The baby was in bed, everyone was full and the dishes were clean....or maybe they weren't because we ran out of dishwashing detergent!<br />
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Over the last few weeks I have been trying to transition to a cleaner more non-toxic home. I've decided to quit purchasing items that are toxic, bad for the environment or that produce dangerous byproducts. My son is six months old now so I'm trying to get all of these cleaners out of the house before he is crawling and getting into everything. I just don't want to chance him getting into something. <br />
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There is a pretty extensive article I found online titled, <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_279.cfm" target="_blank"><b>How Toxic Are Your Cleaning Supplies</b></a> on the Organic Consumer's Association's website that I found very informative. It seems a little dated though as it cites it's data from the year 2000. It still a pretty good article and has extensive resources for alternatives to all cleaning supplies. <br />
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The problem for me is that I've tried "green" products before and never seem to find ones that can compete with the standard commercial cleaners I'm accustomed to. It may just be a matter of me finding the right product. I have found that I really like<b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YCAG0U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003YCAG0U&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Seventh Generation Dish Liquid</a></b>. It's works great and the smell is amazing so I definitely can recommend that product. I haven't tried their dishwasher detergent, mainly because it's so expensive but might bite it if this homemade route doesn't work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz468ywHX_Uog7peb-EYI-iniO-6nMWQamZ-2aH0FjLh0qaWTUQl8fFx7l0KSRUR0T6a-AFkH2Pyo4jVsqYFHHf7eOkbb2SGb6kyIzkKKPgYhsX-_FMdgfbAbGwzBfy-TzoS6uCT62eMm1/s1600/DSC_0024+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz468ywHX_Uog7peb-EYI-iniO-6nMWQamZ-2aH0FjLh0qaWTUQl8fFx7l0KSRUR0T6a-AFkH2Pyo4jVsqYFHHf7eOkbb2SGb6kyIzkKKPgYhsX-_FMdgfbAbGwzBfy-TzoS6uCT62eMm1/s1600/DSC_0024+resized.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7d9DtVYbzp8Kkxqe7eqa5pERL9xfeBUTNnqa-iPm_8tZ-2fzBhUXX82eSjfDJcxbSzPnyyAgdZx64AEFYzsAMDj7OUkC00_0UDOhm8FoxMKbIV9OsI8H8fq1snrbJ1SyQW1j5vVmwOT_/s1600/DSC_0013+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7d9DtVYbzp8Kkxqe7eqa5pERL9xfeBUTNnqa-iPm_8tZ-2fzBhUXX82eSjfDJcxbSzPnyyAgdZx64AEFYzsAMDj7OUkC00_0UDOhm8FoxMKbIV9OsI8H8fq1snrbJ1SyQW1j5vVmwOT_/s1600/DSC_0013+resized.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a>As far as dishwasher detergent that I've tried goes, the last detergent we bought was the Trader Joe's brand. It is a more natural alternative as it contains no phosphates, chlorine, or any of the "bad" stuff. However, I was not really impressed with the end result on our dishes.<br />
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Online there are lots of different recipes for homemade cleaners but the one I used couldn't be any simpler. I found the recipe in the book <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0965260313/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0965260313&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Super Baby Food</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0965260313" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>
by Ruth Yaron. The recipe from the book calls for one tablespoon of Borax and one tablespoon of baking soda. Yaron suggests putting one tablespoon in each of your dishwasher's components.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33BnA1qcuxRmsGerLiQSDh0tPBrncJhx3w3LZgx_Uf9axAv66QgYyCVTL4CGl0t49wqbxtP-okh7jOFfcGKwY5M6gJeJkPnfRBD1FKqvfiiYBpGk95afGGNWw6QFryDFI7LgEDtUsvzBv/s1600/DSC_0014+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33BnA1qcuxRmsGerLiQSDh0tPBrncJhx3w3LZgx_Uf9axAv66QgYyCVTL4CGl0t49wqbxtP-okh7jOFfcGKwY5M6gJeJkPnfRBD1FKqvfiiYBpGk95afGGNWw6QFryDFI7LgEDtUsvzBv/s1600/DSC_0014+resized.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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Now here's another controversy. Depending on where you look, Borax may or may not be a good choice for anyone looking for a cleaner and safer option for dishwashing detergent. Obviously, it's not something you would want to spoon over your breakfast cereal but from what I have gathered it's a safer alternative to the traditional detergents and a whole lot cheaper. Most importantly, my dishes are clean and I didn't have to leave the house to go buy something!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVIb1SRlfip-cksUU8fG4lPyCrGISkiHkX-i76uEdDkiw945L2jxRWheHFJyUgPMAZgzfHLSr1msJRoErQBwXoQP-qaJuU4GkssTiJeZLasvnc59t9SXy-TE3jZU5FVnwpx42KxUoJcR1/s1600/dishwasher+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVIb1SRlfip-cksUU8fG4lPyCrGISkiHkX-i76uEdDkiw945L2jxRWheHFJyUgPMAZgzfHLSr1msJRoErQBwXoQP-qaJuU4GkssTiJeZLasvnc59t9SXy-TE3jZU5FVnwpx42KxUoJcR1/s1600/dishwasher+resize.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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If you would still rather stick with a store bought product, I found a great chart outlining some suggestions found on Natrurmoms blog that you can see <a href="http://www.naturemoms.com/natural-dishwasher-detergents.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. She compares some of the common detergents for you in a very detailed and organized chart.<br />
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What about you? Do you have a favorite brand or recipe for homemade dishwashing detergent? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-74856759710533329672013-07-27T08:57:00.002-07:002013-09-17T08:27:37.603-07:00New Page! List of My Choices for Best Cloth Diapering Websites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://inthepursuitofsimplicity.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ny-lvk_ugcv_YajpU3EBOA70MOT6MMMGk6BZcBTPTq19lznBi9lh6TYqul65ahmMubwN_fVkOcML6FqcyzqLH5_08tJXWJiPbIayPo7xAeQQJDfQ2bG-KeRKbdX8t-6ojhMB23zP0SXb/s1600/diaper+blog+2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before my son was born I searched the Internet for resources on cloth diapering. I never knew that there was so much to consider. I've compiled a list of my favorites for my readers which you can find on the top menu. Please let me know if I missed your favorite.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-19837181986172308542013-07-23T08:47:00.000-07:002013-07-27T09:02:23.291-07:00Blogger Opportunity<center>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-46076100146469276252013-07-23T08:06:00.000-07:002013-09-17T08:39:27.274-07:00What's in the July Box from Citrus Lane?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.citruslane.com/invitedby/citrus.lane.1045942" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcuv8PhqWpQc6TR0h1R3lR06GWLI9JckNglgeib1A0FmqSLhuiOhfTycQ5lcx7_xnUWYo59NLyulGizlDqS5moanYOjDvw4rCYhLykfhWQkvsPySChNsp9TQIcRN8blYVgHi3ZIxu95lH/s1600/logo@2x.png" height="41" width="320" /></a></div>
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I received my July box last week (about the 18th of the month) and I must say I'm a little disappointed. I'm not really sure if I would have purchased all of the items in my box but it's still a fun program. Here's what I got:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumjmVk9LX94mj3DswRbIccLojb4cJ11uZAscOn_TWt0msbPl9ICI9fkOr5v4LqKKQoauSrA9j5v71HdugOZMKViEtgJkl2QrkE1KwyRuFfxc5xuIRg1r5EeDl56tCKRNCQrArxAN24hKN/s1600/DSC_0039smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumjmVk9LX94mj3DswRbIccLojb4cJ11uZAscOn_TWt0msbPl9ICI9fkOr5v4LqKKQoauSrA9j5v71HdugOZMKViEtgJkl2QrkE1KwyRuFfxc5xuIRg1r5EeDl56tCKRNCQrArxAN24hKN/s1600/DSC_0039smaller.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IDQ2TQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001IDQ2TQ&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Zo-Li On-The-Go Travel Formula & Snack Dispenser</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001IDQ2TQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Maybe I would be more excited about this if I fed my son formula but I'm just not into this item. The reviews are great and moms really seem to like that it's stackable so you can fit four different snacks conveniently in the diaper bag. Apparently it's also very easy to mix powder formula with. It's BPA and phthalate free, which is great I guess but really I'm trying to stay away from buying plastics at all. My son's still too young for me to be bringing snacks, but when the time comes, I will probably use whatever I have on hand (repurposed food containers). I don't feel like I need to buy him special containers. This retails for approximately $15.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gETjjODjn4CRkBQOWBcv_xOuU7RZEQETxOQ5_7q7dNzS0yhYBgn93iXcySmYgtm01cDrGPeQk7Kn6ExVru0gCfMTf8r5GMiLPxO7S-fYNHjnGm-lyxQHeiG88KXor8AGvPJ2Mg8ALCf6/s1600/DSC_0040+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gETjjODjn4CRkBQOWBcv_xOuU7RZEQETxOQ5_7q7dNzS0yhYBgn93iXcySmYgtm01cDrGPeQk7Kn6ExVru0gCfMTf8r5GMiLPxO7S-fYNHjnGm-lyxQHeiG88KXor8AGvPJ2Mg8ALCf6/s1600/DSC_0040+resize.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MFMB80/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002MFMB80&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Tiny Love Tiny Smarts Jittering Activity Toy, Giraffe</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002MFMB80" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> We love jittery toys and my son is liking this. It's colorful and I really like that claw-like snap. I also like that it has multiple textures for multi-sensory stimulation. However, we have one or two similar items so I'm really not sure if I would have bought this anyway. This is retailing right now for $8.59 on Amazon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxwI-z6JAqLsX5WoPM7j4sfQl8WIk598-TGNTiCQ8Etdum147UUOWlm_247FlBIC1xUExgfG6X3llU0-hhGBALqt3b_v9GbJ3BwnIKvmrn4yEhiQrNo56GIfpjXk4TqyxJloF_rDzHrOC/s1600/DSC_0099resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxwI-z6JAqLsX5WoPM7j4sfQl8WIk598-TGNTiCQ8Etdum147UUOWlm_247FlBIC1xUExgfG6X3llU0-hhGBALqt3b_v9GbJ3BwnIKvmrn4yEhiQrNo56GIfpjXk4TqyxJloF_rDzHrOC/s1600/DSC_0099resize.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00799SESU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00799SESU&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">me4kidz Little Buddy Antibacterial Wipes</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00799SESU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Now I was excited about seeing this in the box. We were just in a restaurant the other day and my son sat in a high chair for the very first time. It was completely unexpected, I guess I thought I would just keep him in the carrier but then we decided to put him in the high chair. I cleaned the chair with water but what I really wanted were some antibacterial wipes. These are non-toxic, alcohol free, and made in Israel. Ingredient list: benzalkonium chloride, purified water, polysorbate 20 (coconut oil), glycerin, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, cucumber & tea tree fragrance. These are retailing for $2.49 on Amazon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76sb81-QSWs9egyMttrD044sO2TfjCy530zyI3nDYe0QhWKFsL64mzEginuxp144zOWhtbk-nTKhyXx0zibAr4H70m-Ry9T3oCoem_ALWP2G-SS7JzqljmhC4EOrpO_Dk50i8h3g1xGUI/s1600/DSC_0102+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76sb81-QSWs9egyMttrD044sO2TfjCy530zyI3nDYe0QhWKFsL64mzEginuxp144zOWhtbk-nTKhyXx0zibAr4H70m-Ry9T3oCoem_ALWP2G-SS7JzqljmhC4EOrpO_Dk50i8h3g1xGUI/s1600/DSC_0102+resized.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GZJIQG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GZJIQG&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">California Baby Aloe Vera Cream, 2 oz</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000GZJIQG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032YV1T0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0032YV1T0&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">California Baby Calming Shampoo and Bodywash, 19 fl oz</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0032YV1T0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <br />
I really have been wanting to try more California Baby products and I was happy to see these samples in my box. These products always seem to get the highest reviews and recommendations for safe choices for babies. The only other product that I have from California Baby is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032YTT9E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0032YTT9E&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">California Baby Calendula Cream (4oz)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0032YTT9E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (that I picked up for a lot less than what it retails for) and I love it. Like I said, I've wanted to try their shampoos, but couldn't see paying what they retail for so I'm glad to get a chance to try it out first. It's also nice to have some aloe vera on hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-gMkQZWMA6eBuVeBYt2cUGeFj9KAzn2PyhGyfnxMqQrui29omsYpUCh8Jnn6qgD2Sf5a6lvKH9RkQBrducA9Eew4IjCDKbNQmMB0uakzxzLb27G2eTL3f-VOAphDlgS0QU-rCAdp7ovr/s1600/DSC_0101+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-gMkQZWMA6eBuVeBYt2cUGeFj9KAzn2PyhGyfnxMqQrui29omsYpUCh8Jnn6qgD2Sf5a6lvKH9RkQBrducA9Eew4IjCDKbNQmMB0uakzxzLb27G2eTL3f-VOAphDlgS0QU-rCAdp7ovr/s1600/DSC_0101+resized.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C3L4B4U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00C3L4B4U&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">NurturMe NurturMeals Carrot/Sweet Potato/Raisin Organic Dry Meal Pouches</a> <br />
I haven't started solids yet. We are going to make a big deal about it on my son's birthday. I'm going to give him his 6 month birthday avocado meal, we'll see how that goes. I will probably follow avocados with cereal, sweet potatoes, bananas, and then apples. I was planning on making his food and given that according to Amazon these individual packets retail for $2.11, I don't see myself buying them. However, this is nice to have when we travel. That seems a little steep, I'm sure that they can be had for cheaper at the local grocery stores but I haven't checked. Amazon's food prices are usually not that cheap.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDi9B4CrJ7GZjRAvWB4bn8JGZOqK6AhyphenhyphenddH0EbKE5nBMb3ZWsrJGIYiNMEafPeDCEGR8q4lmN-mwBrrT1_ePJuC8JYUFtr6SuJBcvzTpUVSGY-rgN48vsxZTlAkI_RR_Tp3Y9Ainw_2vY/s1600/DSC_0032+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDi9B4CrJ7GZjRAvWB4bn8JGZOqK6AhyphenhyphenddH0EbKE5nBMb3ZWsrJGIYiNMEafPeDCEGR8q4lmN-mwBrrT1_ePJuC8JYUFtr6SuJBcvzTpUVSGY-rgN48vsxZTlAkI_RR_Tp3Y9Ainw_2vY/s1600/DSC_0032+resized.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a>We also received a coupon for 10 free <a href="http://postagramapp.com/p/jzmxx" target="_blank">Postagrams </a>(retail value $10). I had never heard of this before and the process seems to be easy enough. It's not clear right away how much this costs but in the checkout process you find out that each Postagram is $0.99. The site allows you to upload pictures from your computer or device and crop them. Postagram is a branch of "Sincerely" brand products which include:<br />
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<i>Sesame</i>: Their push is "Beautifully designed gifts from your phone". <br />
<i>Postagram</i>: Mail real postcards from your mobile device.<br />
<i>Ink Cards:</i> Create and mail greeting cards from your mobile device.<br />
<i>PopBooth:</i> Mail photo strip cards from your mobile device.<br />
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I initially thought this would be a fun way to announce my son's 1st birthday or holiday cards but unfortunately the deal expires in November. Not sure what I will send out but fun anyway.<br />
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So I really have no reason to be disappointed. The total for all of these items if I would have purchased them would be $38.00 and that's not counting the samples of California Baby products. I guess I'm just bummed because I wasn't impressed with the big item, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IDQ2TQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001IDQ2TQ&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Zo-Li On-The-Go Travel Formula & Snack Dispenser</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001IDQ2TQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br />
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Bottom line, I think I'm going to try to sell the dispenser and see what I recoup and continue with the subscription. If I don't recoup some money this month I might discontinue after August. It's really fun though receiving these boxes in the mail I must say.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzy4kgIa0gvtgz06yLEeTGXl-R8I358a9OdX1C__XHc3VP8qIQHVsvFxR5C9dJYb-i733PxLyQmq_Dyy8q_PxABHbkHlmB6ZhSkmt5-hA2P5IZaADwB895AcXPIRvzzfvHIWVBAoWOwtY/s1600/DSC_0025+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzy4kgIa0gvtgz06yLEeTGXl-R8I358a9OdX1C__XHc3VP8qIQHVsvFxR5C9dJYb-i733PxLyQmq_Dyy8q_PxABHbkHlmB6ZhSkmt5-hA2P5IZaADwB895AcXPIRvzzfvHIWVBAoWOwtY/s1600/DSC_0025+resized.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I purchased the Citrus Lane box on my own and was not given compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. This post does contain affiliate links.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-20242927827815960542013-07-22T09:12:00.000-07:002013-09-17T08:39:50.229-07:00Seth Kornegay Blogger Opportunity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blogger Opportunity! Sign up to host this perfume giveaway starting August 9th. According to the company's website, Seth Kornegay Perfumes are natural and organic whenever possible.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBAH7ltyttw/UegVtx2mQqI/AAAAAAAAG1w/-aY_8FyK57U/s1600/perfume1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBAH7ltyttw/UegVtx2mQqI/AAAAAAAAG1w/-aY_8FyK57U/s1600/perfume1.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Sign-ups are open for the fabulous </span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 21px;">Seth Kornegay Luxury Perfume Giveaway</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This event is free to join with an announcement post. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For participation, you will receive 2 free links (Facebook and Twitter)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Giveaway begins August 9th and ends August 23rd</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sign-ups for the event closes on August 5th </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sign up for the event <a href="http://www.elitemamasblog.com/2013/07/sign-up-seth-kornegay-luxury-perfume.html" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;">Here</a></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-67801810247209136992013-07-19T07:56:00.001-07:002013-09-17T08:40:49.809-07:00Mama Needs (Wants) a New Camera<span style="text-align: center;">I love to take pictures and really it's a bit on the extreme. I created a Shutterfly page to show off the pictures I take to our family and friends and literally I am uploading hundreds of pictures at a time. I had a goal when my son was born in January to take one photo a day of him. I was doing well for awhile but that obsession has sort of died down a bit. Now it's more like three good pictures a week for his "Photo of the Day" folder.</span><br />
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I really am bordering on an obsession here. I'm obsessed with getting as many great shots of my sweet baby boy before he grows up to be a teenager...<i>like my other boy who can neither be classified as a baby nor sweet anymore. Which by the way are his dictated terms, not mine.</i> But I digress...What I'm saying is I realize now that I have a teenager, that the time really does get away from you. I am so desperate now to cherish every moment and every first that I can and also as many moments as my teenager will allow me to witness.<br />
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There is a lot of guilt, this mother bit. One thing that I'm guilty of is that I don't really remember a lot of my older son's firsts and unfortunately I didn't record the information in his baby book (t<i>hat was strike on my outing for "Mommy of the Year"). </i>I know when you ask other moms, they always have an answer for the date and time of when the said event happened. I am not one of them. Don't get me wrong, I have many cherished memories of nursing my son, rocking him to sleep, reading bedtime stories, playful moments we shared...but I can't for the life of me remember at what month he started sitting up, or walking, or talking! This kind of makes me feel bad, but I know I can't be the only one whose memory is fading after all of these frazzled years.<br />
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So here's my point. I love taking pictures and I want them to be of really good quality. I think I have pretty creative ideas at times and I have the basic knowledge of lighting and framing to set up decent pictures. Have I grown out of my point and shoot cameras?<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0073HSIY8/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0073HSIY8&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0073HSIY8&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0073HSIY8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G5ZTZO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001G5ZTZO&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001G5ZTZO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001G5ZTZO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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I currently have two point and shoot cameras. I have a small <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0073HSIY8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0073HSIY8&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Nikon COOLPIX</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0073HSIY8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and a now apparently ancient <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G5ZTZO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001G5ZTZO&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Canon Powershot SX10IS</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001G5ZTZO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br />
<br />
I honestly like both of these cameras. I use them both all of the time. I like the Nikon because it's small and convenient. In addition to it being super convenient, this camera takes great shots and really good HD video. The battery life is amazing too. However, I can't get great shots if the lighting is not just right in the house and forget about getting shots when my son is in motion, which is all of the time of course.<br />
<br />
We paid a pretty penny for the super zoom Cannon Powershot about five years ago and it's still pretty expensive now, so the thought of buying a new one doesn't really make financial sense. HOWEVER, I have the same problem with the Canon as I do with the Nikon. I can't get good shots when my boys are moving. No matter what I do something is blurry. There is also no depth to any of the pictures that I take....I don't like that.<br />
<br />
Like I said, I'm not a complete camera novice. I do know a few techniques and for the most part I like the pictures that I take and sometimes even receive complements. However, it's so very frustrating when you know you have a great shot and you take it only to find it didn't take well.<br />
<br />
Simplicity means a lot of things to a lot of different people. Some translate living simply as living off of the grid and being completely self-sufficient (which is pretty cool). To me, how I want to live simplicity means that I want to live in the present and surround myself with beautiful things and things that I love. Simplicity also would encourage living without clutter. Of course, purchasing a third camera may on many points be classified as a "camera clutter".<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I have saved so much money over the years from watching what I buy, not eating out, saving a significant portion of my income, not buying designer duds, and just generally being very conscious of my spending habits. If taking photographs is an artistic (liberally using this adjective here) hobby of mine that brings me joy and hopefully a finished product that I can cherish and love for years to come...is it worth it?<br />
<br />
Here's a brief comparison of the cameras that I have and also the Nikon DSLR that I'm considering. <br />
<br />
Comparison of the three:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VGGFZU/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007VGGFZU&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007VGGFZU&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0073HSIY8/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0073HSIY8&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0073HSIY8&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G5ZTZO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001G5ZTZO&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001G5ZTZO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007VGGFZU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G5ZTZO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001G5ZTZO&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001G5ZTZO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<div class="content" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0.5em 0px 0em 15px;">
<ul style="color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">10.0-megapixel resolution for high-quality printing and flexibility when editing</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">20x optical zoom, wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilizer; improved speed and quiet zooming</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">2.5-inch Vari-angle LCD; DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">MovieSnap mode lets you capture high-resolution still images while shooting a movie</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="moreContent expanded" id="more-feature-bullets-atf" style="background-color: white;">
<ul style="color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">20x optical zoom, wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilizer , improved speed and quiet zooming</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">2.5-inch Vari-angle LCD and DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0073HSIY8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0073HSIY8&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Nikon COOLPIX S3300 16 MP Digital Camera with 6x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0073HSIY8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<div>
<ul style="color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">16.0 Megapixel CCD sensor</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">6x Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">2.7-inch Bright LCD Monitor</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">HD (720p) Movies</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<ul style="color: #cccccc; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VGGFZU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007VGGFZU&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20" style="font-size: medium;">Nikon D3200 24.2 MP Digital SLR with18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007VGGFZU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">Wi-Fi Connectivity with adapter (not included)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor,Display Screen 3.0-Inch Rear Screen, LCD (921000)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">EXPEED III Image Processing</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">Wide ISO sensitivity range,Filter Thread: 52 mm</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="color: black;">One-touch Full HD 1080p movie recording</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Any opinions on these cameras from anyone out there?</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure: I was not given compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. If you found this post informative and you were going to buy this product anyway, consider using the links and I may make a nickel.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-55880190791346409522013-07-18T13:14:00.000-07:002013-09-17T08:41:09.151-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Welcome to the Action Baby Carrier Giveaway!</b></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hosted by: <a href="http://mamis3littlemonkeys.blogspot.com/">Mami's 3 Little Monkeys</a></b></span></div>
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Action Baby Carrier started out with mei tai style baby carriers that
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<b><a href="http://mamis3littlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2013/07/action-baby-carrier-review-giveaway-us.html">Read Mami's 3 Little Monkeys full review here! </a></b><br />
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This giveaway is open Worldwide to those who are at least 18 years of age at time of entrance. Giveaway will run from July 18th through August 8th. Winner will be chosen by random, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Enter through the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win. Good luck! </div>
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<i style="text-align: right;">Disclosure: In the Pursuit of Simplicity and other participating blogs are not responsible for shipment/fulfillment of prize. I received no monetary compensation for this publication. Review & Giveaway were conducted by Mami's 3 Little Monkeys blog, if you ave any questions please contact Sarh at mamis3littlemonkeys@yahoo.com.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6809641097094400809.post-89949773161552153782013-07-16T10:31:00.004-07:002013-09-17T08:45:45.928-07:00Made in the USA? (Why It's a "Patriotic" and "Crunchy" Thing To Do)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
The time has come for my baby boy to have his first "real" meal. I have been holding out for awhile. I think in part because he is growing so quickly and I want to keep him a newborn forever. Obviously that's not an option, so in eleven days he is going to be 6 months old and it's time for me to make that leap.<br />
<br />
One of the items I've yet to acquire is a set of eating utensils. Now simple living might dictate that I just use what I already have, and I might just do that. However, I know that a soft spoon would feel much nicer on my little one's gums. Yet, when I go and look for some to purchase I find that there are really not a lot of options if I want something environmentally safe and something that is made in the USA. <br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I'm not an uber-patriotic type, not that there is anything wrong with that (unless you're the xenophobic kind). I'm just a little concerned with all the reports that continue to come out about food and toys coming out of China being contaminated in some ways by lead or other harmful substances and also the more recent tragedy in India where over a 1,000 workers lost their lives. These reports cause me to take a hard look at my own spending habits and purchasing choices and how they affect the greater good.<br />
<br />
Buying products that are "Made in America" sounds ideal and all, but talking about it and actually doing it are two different things. I'm finding it very difficult to find many goods that meet this requirement. Go to Wal-Mart, (an "all American" store loved by those "uber-patriots" that I spoke of before) and try finding something that was actually made in America. It's not an easy task and honestly we as American consumers are mostly to blame. Of course there's lots of blame to go around. Some will blame the corporations, some blame the US government, many will blame China or other overseas countries. However what it really comes down to is cost. Wal-Mart is concerned with their bottom line the same way millions of families around the world are also concerned with theirs.<br />
<br />
Simple living shouldn't just be about how to live on a dime. Of course when you live simply you don't need lavish or unnecessary things. I believe simple living should be not about never spending money, but rather when the time comes to spend, <b>we buy things that we need and that will last with QUALITY in mind</b>. If we keep quality in mind, ideally we will spend less in the end.<br />
<br />
When shopping I think it's also important to ask ourselves, w<i>hy is it cheaper</i>? As a collective group we seem to love a good sale (think Black Friday) and yet we also love to complain about jobs being shipped overseas or the lack of government oversight when our dog food from China is found to have poisons. If we truly care about living conditions of our fellow man and the current state and future of our own living conditions here in America, does it make sense to trample each other on this new national holiday in order to save a few bucks on cheap plastic goods that we really do not need? Do we really need this new "sport" in America? <br />
<br />
The argument is that "Made in America" is a label that many simply cannot afford. However, are the implications to the future of our country, the health of our families, and the greater good of a global workforce reasons enough to cause a rethinking of our spending habits? It's apparent that governments and politicians push for a one world economy where profit numbers speak volumes. But what about the cost to our planet? Is it acceptable to purchase goods that were essentially created on slave labor wages? Is it possible to purchase quality items made here in the U.S. and not pay exorbitant costs? Would "Made in America" be more in our reach if we spent less on crap and more on quality? <br />
<br />
Essentially, this topic is one that warrants much more discussion and depth than I am able to provide. I just wanted to touch on some of the issues that I was thinking about in my quest to simply find a baby spoon. Seems like everything I try to do simply still warrants choice and contemplation. Then again, maybe that's what is at the heart of "simplicity"....conscious choices.<br />
<br />
So what about those baby spoons? Forget about finding anything in the stores. When doing a general online search I found not a lot, but there are a few options.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067JV4EE/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0067JV4EE&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0067JV4EE&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0067JV4EE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067JV4EE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0067JV4EE&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Baby Liberty Soft-Bite Spoons</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S2AM2C/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004S2AM2C&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004S2AM2C&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S2AM2C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004S2AM2C&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Green Eats 8 Pack Feeding Spoons, Yellow</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004S2AM2C" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036MEL2C/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0036MEL2C&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0036MEL2C&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0036MEL2C" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036MEL2C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0036MEL2C&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Green Toys BPA-Free Feeding Spoon/Fork</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0036MEL2C" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FONB04/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008FONB04&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008FONB04&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008FONB04" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FONB04/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008FONB04&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Spuds Utensil Set, Red</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008FONB04" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BY5OIOY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BY5OIOY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BY5OIOY&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00BY5OIOY&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BY5OIOY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BY5OIOY&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Re-Play 8 Count Utensils</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007TN2MVG/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007TN2MVG&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007TN2MVG&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007TN2MVG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007TN2MVG&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Camden Rose Maple Bowl and Baby Spoon Set</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007TN2MVG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004M4JEM0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004M4JEM0&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004M4JEM0&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004M4JEM0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004M4JEM0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004M4JEM0&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">Constructive Eating Garden Utensil Set</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004M4JEM0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSCHQK/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000CSCHQK&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000CSCHQK&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=inthepursofsi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CSCHQK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSCHQK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000CSCHQK&linkCode=as2&tag=inthepursofsi-20">BABYBJORN Plate and Spoon, Green</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inthepursofsi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CSCHQK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (made in Sweden)<br />
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I haven't decided which ones we are going to go with. I know that I need to make up my mind soon. They all seem to have their pros and cons. In then end I would love to find something that's cute but more importantly I want it to last. <br />
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What do you think? Are there any of these anyone has tried? Are there any other options that I missed?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I was not given compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. This post does contain affiliate links.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376600667424689091noreply@blogger.com0