Letter B = Boys and Bowling

We headed to the Orange Country Arboretum with the 2nd grade class and the boys were having a great time on this swing. Handsome never got on but I think it was because there was so much to do and there were tons of kids. If it were empty, he would have done it.

Goddess and her Daisy troop headed to the bowling alley for a little R&R after getting all their petals. It was a blast and the girls had a great time.

I Suck At Girls by Sh*t My Dad Says Author Justin Halpern

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The 411 by Maria:

Let me start with this....one of my favorite book reviews of the year so far. WOW! I literally cannot stop rereading it to myself and anyone who will listen. Tonight I am going to down and highlight my favorite "dad" quotes. Pee your pants funny.

Hysterical read! I am not sure how "dad's" (Sam's) wife can be so normal. She must have literally needed Depends to live with this character. Humor is so attractive to me which means I find Sam super sexy!

Some of my favorites:

Justin draws a picture in class of a girl he is "sweet on". The girl gets upset, Justin's parents are called in and handed the picture Justin drew. It is of a girl, the girl wearing a shirt with her name on it. Above her head is a yellow dog who is showering brown clumps from his butt on her head. She has a thought bubble that reads, "I like it." Now, I know what you are saying. What does this mean? Why did Justin think this would make her like him back? Why the thought bubble or whatever else is going through  your mind. Nope, not Justin's dad...he wants to know:

Why is the dog above her head? That doesn't even make sense. How'd he get above her head? You have to draw a hill or something under the dog. A dog can't just float in up in the atmosphere and take a shit on someone's head. I mean, I know you are six or seven or whatever, but that's pretty basic physics right there.

And...that is just page 17 of the book...wait..it gets better.

Feel like laughing, get this book. Great father's day, and grand father's day gift idea too!

If you are around check out Justin's event calendar and if he happens to be where you are, head over and tell him Maria from Maria's Space loves his book, his dad and his sense of humor.

The Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant

OK..you all know I am NOT looking to get pregnant but being pregnant was an amazing experience for me and I love sharing stories with my friends about my pregnancy, births and parenting. Anytime I can read something about pregnancy and the amazing wonders of it, I am in. I still watch all those real birth stories on TV. Love how amazing the body is. Sometimes getting knocked up, pregnant, bun on the oven, or whatever you want to call it isn't quick and easy which is why this book is so great. There are so many books about getting pregnant, how to, and whatnot but not a whole lot out there for those who have been trying without luck. Is it the luck of the draw (pun intended)?

 The 411 by Maria:

I loved this book. It is a great resource for everything you need to know or even some things you had no idea you wanted to know. 

Jean takes all the medical, technical information and spoons feds the reader so that we can understand how much of the pregnancy myths are true and false. Can we really get the boy or girl we want? Does position matter? The more sex the better? Umm....all questions that Jean Twenge will answer in this book!

My Kids Love Kidz Bop

Handsome and Goddess love music. Teach and I love that they love music and adore hearing them sing songs from the backseat of the car or on the deck in the summer. I remember being a kid and wanting everyone to hear me sing. It is so cute to hear them sing together and I know that it is short lived and they will eventually get self conscious so we listen without discussing. We love Kidz Bop for the kids. It is the songs they love sung by kids. The albums are composed of "kid-friendly" versions of the latest songs on Top 40 radio.

Some of the songs are some that they never heard. We really filter out a lot of stuff. They are extremely sheltered and I appreciate that I can let them experience the songs in a very kid friendly way.  The only one they complained about was Taylor Swift's You Belong with Me. They love Taylor and I found it hysterical how they didn't like it. They probably felt the same way I felt when I heard Adel's Set Fire to The Rain sung by Kidz Bop.

If your kids love music check out the latest!

Playing Catch Up - Easter Egg Hunts

We were invited to an Easter Egg Hunt this year. Mina is Finnish and really knows how to do a party. She is big on gatherings and has a huge heart who enjoys being a hostess.

Thankfully this was the perfect day for this hunt because the kids and I were in town for the Police Departments annual Easter Egg Hunt but had to leave just as it was starting.

Picture this....

We wait 40 minutes for it to start. The kids are finally at the start line with their baskets and friends waiting for the go ahead when I start getting severe stomach pains. After my situation with my digestive system last year, I start getting nervous. It came on suddenly and not at a slow progression either. I am in severe, pain and unsure if I can maintain consciousness. It hurts to even touch my stomach (like the last time). I am worried about passing out and start getting very hot. I am on the other side of the egg littered field with my camera poised on the children all waiting to run.

The kids are smiling, I start walking across the field and try to keep my breath even. I can't do it to them. Maybe I can wait it out. I walk back to the side of the field and feel like I am going to pass out. It is too noisy. I am too hot and my stomach is causing me debilitating pain. Will I pass out here in front of all these people? Will I throw up in front of all these people? Will I end up in an ambulance? All thoughts are spinning and I am barely able to stand.

I walk to the kids and swallow my heart. "Please come with me you guys. Mommy is really sick and we have to go. I am so, so sorry." Handsome takes my hand and says OK and Goddess starts to cry. My heart breaks and my stomach hurts. "I know honey, I am really sorry. I don't even know if I can make it to the car. Please don't cry. Please Honey! I wouldn't do this if I didn't have to".  We start walking to the car and I have to stop for a moment. The pain is terrible. I turn to Handsome and ask if he knows what to do if something happens. He says yes, he will call Daddy on the cell and get help.

Goddess is crying in the backseat and I am unsure if I can pull away. I just want to get the car out of the parking lot away from all my fellow townspeople. I don't want to get sick in front of all these people and kids.

We drive very slowly out of the parking lot with Goddess crying quietly and my severe pain.

I pull over two times and finally stay. I beg her to please stop and again tell her how sorry I am. Feeling ill I open the door and throw up something the size of a quarter. It is nothing but I am suddenly better and back to normal.

We sit for two more minutes while I gather my thoughts.  We drive home with Goddess still crying. My heart breaks for her. I can only imagine what that felt like for her. She is dressed up, Easter basket in hand at the front of the line. The eggs are right there and she has to leave. My poor baby. I couldn't wait to get home so I could hug her.

We pull into the driveway and Handsome gets out. He is fine. I ask Goddess to climb into the front seat with me. She does and I hold her. She cries and I play with her hair apologizing more. (I always over apologize). Teach comes out and takes her from me through the open car window. She cries on his shoulder as I explain it to him. He doesn't understand crying and tells her it is OK because we have another hunt to go to.

She is crying on the couch when I get inside. We hug and I ask her to what she wants to do until the next hunt. We play board games and laugh. She is OK. I knew she would be but it still hurt.

What was it? Who knows. It has only happened one time before (3 months ago). Going back to the Gastro DX next month (1st appointment I could get).

We finally make it to the second Easter Egg Hunt.

The kids have a blast. They ate, grabbed eggs, ate, watched Minna play piano while her daughter sang, jumped on a trampoline and played ball. They had a great time and my guilt eventually went away.

Ahhh...being a parent is hard and I know I am hard on myself but I can't help it. I want them to be happy.

Color Carnival - Link Up Your Color Pictures

2nd Wedding Gig

I received a phone call from someone looking for a photographer. A friend who is passed them onto me. Turns out I know the woman who was getting married which made this really special.

Here are some shots from the shoot.

The bride and her daughter are so alike. I love this shot of her daughter catching me while mom looks just so happy.

They were all looking at the beautiful lake when I called the bride. I love this shot too.

They asked for pictures of their nieces also. I love how everyone is doing their own thing except the bride and groom who are unified here.

You can see how much her daughter is in awe of her mom here. She obviously thinks she looks like a princess.

I was in love with these faces. They are soooo cute.

 

16 years was a long time to wait to get that ring but she has it now!

Aurora World Introduces Crinkle Friends

 
The 411 by Maria:

I remember when Goddess and Handsome were babies. Their favorite toys were always the ones that made noise. Anything that could elicit a sound from a baby makes them happy. They get the "wait, I did that!' face and who could resist a colorful crinkly, rattly, squeaky toy? Even though my kids are obviously not babies, they loved the Alligator that we received to review and while there are plenty of babies in our family, they are fighting the "it's for the babies" speech I sometimes have to give. They "love" him and "he is our favorite" has been making it hard for me to stick to my guns. But, together they will decide which lucky baby in the family gets it. 

What We Love:

The colors. The brightness makes you take notice. It is the first thing other kids have spotted in the house over the last week.

The sounds: They are subtle and quiet, just like parents and babies like it.

It is soooo soft: Who wants to give their precious baby a scruffy, stubbly, toy that can irritate their soft skin? They can lie their cheeks all over this guy and believe me, he is so soft, you will want to too!

Let's Hear it For Almigal Stems Conversations About Differences In 2nd Grade Class

The 411 by Maria:


A little over a week ago I headed over to the school to celebrate Handsome's birthday with his class. The teacher requested that I bring in a book to read to the class. Never one to miss an opportunity to read, I grabbed Let's Hear It For Almigal. I had never read it as it had just come in the day prior so it was a new story for me too.


The kids grabbed their place on the rug and I started reading. You could hear a pin drop as the students, teacher and aids listened to the story of Almigal.  Almigal is different which is beautiful. Who wants to be like everyone else anyway? Almigal cannot hear. She discusses all the things she wants to hear like a robin singing and the music for dance but what she wants most is to hear her parents tell her that they love her. I almost lost it reading that line to the kids in class. As a big, softie I could barely hold it together thinking how I would feel knowing that Handsome or Goddess couldn't hear my love yous or me theirs.

What I loved more than anything about the book is how open the children were with their own stories afterwards. They talked about needing glasses, a crutch, braces, and even another talked about her own cochlear implant. The teachers asked to borrow the book to show the inclusion and special ed teacher as well as the school guidance counselor because of the positive message about differences, acceptance, acknowledgment, encouragement and finally who doesn't love a happy ending.

You cannot help but fall in love with Almigal.

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We Took The Crasin Challenge - See Our Results

Goddess, Handsome and I took the challenge. Handsome took it today because I wanted to get the review up and 2 out of 3 of us like the Craisins by Ocean Spray better. A positive that came out of this challenge is that Handsome now likes raisins. He didn't know what I was going to give him so he had no chance to say no. He ate the first one which was a Crasin followed by the raisin. He like #2 better. He doesn't like anything sweet so I am so happy he tried it and likes it. He has had two handfuls today.

As for the Crasins we need to buy another bag because Goddess took them as snack all week.

OK...here is what I know:

Craisins come in 4 varieties: Original, Blueberry, Cherry & Pomegranate (we want to try them all).

Here is our Blind Taste Test Results 

 

Skindinavia: 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray - A Review+

The 411 by Maria: 

Interesting.  This was a really fun review. As a mommy blogger, I get more than my share of kid reviews and while we love every minute it was fun to have a review that the kids couldn't participate in. 

 My sister-in-law and I are always talking about woman today and during our parents time. Woman in their 40s now look amazing. We believe this is how 40s are supposed to look but are never afraid to try a new product to see if it makes a difference. Marta, wears full makeup everyday for her job so I asked her to join me on this review.

She compares it to a toner that you put over your makeup. It tights everything up and doesn't settle into the lines and wrinkles around her eyes or mouth. She also loved that she could spray it on without worrying about staining her clothing. "I was surprised that it didn't mess up my makeup. It was wet when you put it on but didn't run any of my makeup including my blush. No streaks. I used to spray with another toner when I was younger and always ended up having to fix it  my streaky blush. "


We have only used it for 6 days so far and so far. Basically when you are done applying your makeup, you use this as a finishing spray.  We also love that it extends the life of our makeup. 

Marta: 
I give this product a "B". A "B+" if you have dry or normal skin. While it definitely doesn't make you look 10 years younger, it does help with keeping your make up in place. If you have oily skin, like I do, the effect doesn't last all day - but other types of skin might have different result. If you use a powder foundation (something 35 and older women shouldn't be doing) this helps stop the powder settling into fine lines, something that instantly ages you. My final thought - while this product is OK, you can buy a cheap spray bottle fill half with sterile water, half Witch Hazel and you basically have the same thing, that gives you the same effect, for a fraction of the cost.

Maria:
While I have combination skin, I found that the product definitely kept my make-up in place for most of the day. I don't know about the younger thing either but I am a realist and didn't expect it to. You can't fight gravity with a product and I have earned every one of my lines and I am proud of them. I don't agree with Marta on her rating, I believe like it more than OK and would give it a B+ because it does keep you from looking tired by the end of the day and since like her, my day never ends this is perfect for me. We definitely have very different skin so our results would be different.

Inviting for You And Your Pooch

A new shop opened in town. We haven't had a thrift shop in some time but this is no ordinary thrift shop. The sisters who run this are honoring their mom who did a lot of volunteer work. The sisters will be giving 50% of their proceeds to either the food pantry or the animal shelter depending on the month and if they hear of a family in need, their gears will shift to provide for that family too. Beside the high end boutique feel of the place, you would never think thrift shop when you walk in, there is a bin for food pantry and animal shelter donations. Plus if you are walking your dog by the shop, your pooch just may find a treat in the bowl and water for a sip.

I love the red door and their store front has definitely changed the look of the street.

Gluten Free Foods by Udi's

As the weather heats up, grilling season officially begins. With Udi's Gluten Free Foods, grilling in the backyard can be delicious, nutritious AND gluten-free.   

We received samples of Gluten Free Foods from Udi's and have been spreading the word for the past two weeks.

So far, we don't have a need to be Gluten Free in our family of four but have many family and friends that do which means when we entertain, we are always shopping Gluten Free!

We received hot dog rolls, whole wheat and plain hamburger rolls and Snickerdoodle cookies to review.

Goddess and I were literally licking our fingers over the cookies and I am currently still craving them because I happily shared it them with my niece and sister-in-law when they visited. My sister-in-law has been eating gluten free for a health reason for 5 months and loved the cookies. She wrote the name and website down before heading back to California this week because she said she had all but given up on having a burger on a bun since her problem started.

Handsome's Godmother is another gluten eater due to her health issue with a now controlled Celiac Disease diet. If she doesn't eat gluten free she suffers terribly and really sticks to what works for her. When I called to see if she knew about Udi's she told me "yes, I recently found them and love their hamburger buns because with others when you put the burger on it, the bun falls apart. This is the only bun this doesn't happen to." I only buy them now. I of course told her that she had to now find the snickerdoodle cookies. They are amazing. I have to keep reminding myself that gluten free doesn't mean fat free. They are so good, I could literally eat the whole container in one sitting.

This Means War Starring Reese Witherspoon Hits Shelves Next Week

The 411 by Maria:


Tuck (Tom Hardy) and FDR (Chris Pine) are Secret CIA Agents. Tuck, a single dad is interested in falling in love again.  Lauren (Reese) is funny as a consumer product evaluator.  Her friend Trish (Chelsea Handler) makes her a dating profile on an online service to help her get back into the dating pool.  When Lauren and Tuck go on a date, on the same day, she runs into FDR who not only manages to piss her off but talks her into going on a date.  Both men are dynamic and interesting and both are go out of their way to find out what Lauren likes to one up the other by using all their resources at the agency including being able to track each other as they are on a date with her.

I enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would and here's why:

1) Great movie for couples because it is nicely balanced with action and romance in a way that really works.

2) Chelsea Handler is too funny. Wish she was in it more. It is the perfect role for her as Lauren (Reese's best friend). She is witty and deadpan. "Oh no! I'm Yoko!" and "Do it for all the woman who have to have sex with the same guy every Wednesday night at 9:00 PM while eating Cheetos." Bwahahah hysterical.

4) Tons of action, explosions, gun fights, fist fights, jumping off buildings, car crashes and more. Tuck and FDR are secret CIA Agents.

5) Loads of sexy scenes of Reese trying to decide which guy she loves. Poor Reese she always has such a hard job.

Personally, I think Lauren picked the wrong guy but that is just me!

Beautiful Tribute To Our Daughters

The 411 by Maria:

I received this book right before Mother's Day. It is absolutely incredible.  It is one perfect, powerful poem. A poem made into a book for mother's to give daughters and friends to give each other. 

Having a daughter for me, was on my bucket list. I knew I didn't have much say in the matter and prayed for Goddess as hard as I could without going overboard afraid that if I begged too hard, God would feel it was unfair and unwarranted.

What Sarah Kay does is takes everything I have ever felt or thought about my daughter and put it into words. Every girl should have a copy of this book. They should read it and re-read it because Sarah speaks the truth. Life will hit you in the face and wait for you to get back up so it can kick you in the stomach. This is a healthy dose of reality but written in a poetic, joyful way, truly beautiful way. 

Apologize when you've done something wrong. . 

But don't you ever apologize for the way your eyes refuse

to stop shining; your voice is small,

But don't you ever stop singing.

That lines brings tears to my eyes. It is everything I would have wanted someone to say to me as a child and it exactly how I want my Goddess to grow up. Never ever stop singing. 

After you read the book for the 10th time, go back and watch Sarah Kay read it. She really is very special and I want to thank her for writing everything I would want to say if I knew how.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate this review.  No monetary compensation was received.

Act of Valor on Blu-ray Combo & DVD June 5th

The 411 by Maria:

Well, let's just jump right in with we love movies about the military and we love action so we had very high hopes for Acts of Valor. 

We loved the action. We loved the concept and knowing this was "real" we loved that too.  When there was action, we were on the edge of our seats. However, when there was no action, it was very slow. The dialogue was slow, the acting was slow. Yes, these are real Navy Seals and not actors but honestly, I felt like it was a propaganda movie.  It seemed a little empty and unfulfilling to me which had me thinking maybe it was a "guy" movie but there were a few times Teach wanted to give up on it. We hung in but he did leave the room a few times and if something is really good he asks me to pause it. When I asked if he wanted it paused he said no. This sealed it for me. 

Good movie if you can sit and remind yourself that these are not actors. Not a single big drawing name among them but if you want to see something "real" made into a high budget film. This is it.

Chronicle + A REVIEW

The 411 by Maria:

Where to start! This was AWESOME! We loved Chronicle. It is everything the super hero movies strive to be. In most super hero movies I wish they spent more time on the hero learning his new abilities. That was one of the things I loved about Chronicle. Wait, I digress; let's start at the beginning. Andrew is the kid in school you hope at least has a better life at home. He is constantly beat up at school and walks around behind a camera documenting the world around him. Usually his videos end up with his camera falling as someone punches or hits him. Poor kid has it just as bad at home. His father sucks too. Things appear to be very hard in Andew's home and dad either drinks because life is hard or Dad drinks because he is a tool but either way dad drinks and his poor mother is sick in bed, on oxygen and dying.

One day after dad comes in and beats him, Andrew joins his friend Matt at a party.  After fighting with his friend he is lead to a hole in the ground by another guy Steve. Steve is very popular and wants Andrew to film this hole so that everyone can see it. They head down and are "zapped" by something. We never do find out what it is. Obviously something extraterrestrial.

The next thing you know these guys have super powers of the coolest kind. The best parts of the movie is of them honing in on their powers.  They are having fun and enjoying their new found fame and friendship. Andrew is finally part of a group but then things change for the worse.

This is a great movie where the actors are fantastic in their roles. The dialogue is real and made me feel like I was watching reality TV as we are seeing a lot in the beginning through the eyes of Andew's camera.

If you like Sci Fi, this is a great movie. I can't wait to watch it again.

Eating Light, Done Right by Tania N. Boughton + A REVIEW

The 411 by Maria:

You seriously need this book!
I received a PDF of it and will hopefully be getting the book. 
Tania is a funny, funny woman and really puts things in prospective. I love how she was reminding herself that things couldn't go on the way they were as she reached into a jar of Nutella. Goddess eats a Nutella sandwich for lunch every single day! That jar of Nutella shows up again after she has her second child and life takes a turn. 

Tania's story is easy to relate to and this is the first recipe book that I honestly enjoyed the story as much as the recipes but anyone who can put in breakfast ideas like Beautiful Brunch Ham Strata is going to be A+ in my book. I love breakfast and cereal isn't going to do it for me. This is a perfect meal and in the back of the book....desserts. Yes, desserts. This is the perfect way to eat. 

Looking for a Hot Read? Bared to You by Sylvia Day

The 411 by Maria:

Wow...read in under 2 days. I loved this book so much. Beside it being a super hot book, I love Gideon. He is such a complicated character. 

This is my first Sylvia Day book and while I know everyone is hyped up about the idea of "mommy porn" this isn't that! This is just good writing, solid characters and really sexy, steamy, sex.

When these two damaged characters come together sparks fly and I mean that in a good way. Gideon and Eva are very into each other from the moment they literally bump into each other. 


I am very excited for book 2 of the "Crossfire" series and hope for it to be even better. While I was in love with Gideon, I often wanted to slam the book over Eva's head. She is intense and constantly needs reassurance. We have all been through terrible things but Eva allows it to define her in a way that tells me she needs more therapy than anyone I know.

Gideon is often jumping through hoops to reassure her of his desire for her.

Besides my despise for this needy woman, I truly loved the book. I would have sat and read it straight from cover to cover and in my very busy life that says a lot.

The degree of their damage from their past is deep. They are both flawed but together they are learning to care about and trust others.

Hopefully book 2 will give us  more of Gideon's prospective. He is a solid character who even with all his flaws knows exactly what he wants and what is good for others too.

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He's Been Sheared!

Oh my gosh. I don't even know who this kid is. When he asked me to make an appointment for his haircut I assumed that he wouldn't ask for it short. He said he wanted it and I figured he would change his mind. I was wrong.

All his friends have short hair and he wants to be like everyone else. So...here we are...at the hair salon and my hands are over my eyes practically. Watching the right side back of his head. My angle was perfect because when Denise the stylist was done, I was surprised. He Loves it. I Love it but it will take some getting used to. He looks like a stranger but worse than that he looks older. My little guy will be 9 tomorrow and he no longer looks like a baby to me.

When did you let your kids make their own hair decisions?

Monsuno Toy Line Review

We received a Monsuno Party Pack – the ultimate starter kit for Monsuno. Our pack contained enough products for four boys (ages 6-10) to play, plus collectible items and tips and tricks to master Monsuno.

This week after school we invited two brothers from our neighborhood down for a play date. Goddess and Handsome have been playing with them since they are all babies but not as much as neighbors should so this was the perfect opportunity to have them over. I have to admit, after reading the game play instructions, I was hopeful that the boys could figure this one out on their own.

Monsuno is a wonderful way to engage boys in social interactive play doing something they like. They talked and laughed most of the time. It took some time for everyone to figure out how to spin the Monsuno figures, one boy in particular got it right away. He is 7 and tried to show his older 10 year old brother and handsome how to do it. Oddly enough Goddess and T were much better spinners at 7 than the older boys.

The boy's mom and I watched some Monsuno video and read up on the skill levels while the kids played. We soon realized that Monsuno is a great toy based mostly on the fact that it can be long lived. They will evidently never grow out of this. As the kids get older and their skill level increases, so does the game play.

Here is our video:

The 411 by Maria  Nurse S: While we agree the show is great and our kids enjoying watching and that the toys are super cool "no reason, a kid wouldn't love these" we felt that the game play was hard to understand. "There are more rules than Chess" but we also are well aware that we are not boys and the kids seemed to enjoy spinning their Core figures and seeing whose jumped out. They also really liked looking at the cards. We ended up (as suggested) by our Party Pack Combat sheet to exclude some of the rules for first time players. The kids traded and looked at each others cards and decided which Core Animal they wanted. There was one that was hard to get into its tube and no one wanted him. We feel that the boys were eventually read more of the rules and play the way Monsuno is meant to be played. We also feel that they are a great collection for kids who enjoy the show.

Add Pizazz To Your Hair Without Making It Permanent

Goddess and I wear a lot of hair accessories. She just turned 7 and while I am almost 40 years older we share many of them. One of our favorites are hair clips with colored streaks. We love the change and how you can add them to different looks but don't have to do anything to actually alter the color of your hair. This is a trend that will be around for a while and Scunci has the perfect product to help you with this fun trend.

Memorable Mother's Day Gift Idea

7 years ago as the mom of two babies under the age of 2 I decided to start a blog. It was my way of giving myself therapy while in the midst of a very lonely time. Husband work, no nearby friends or family and days that ran into days. Each day was exactly the same and the kids were so young that conversation was extremely limited.  This was why I started the blog but not what kept me going for 7 years.

Many readers know I lost my mom when I was 12. My dad left us when I was 13 and I moved out of my grandparents house the day I graduated high school.  I spent many years feeling very alone and it was only after my babies came along did I really feel the hole in my heart close up.

Being a mom is truly my favorite thing in life and I relish each and every moment, even when they drive me crazy. This is why I keep up with the blog. I often wondered who my mother was. What did she like? What did she think about? What were her fears? Her wishes? I long to know her personality. Not as a wife or daughter but as a woman.  The blog is something I know my kids will have, they will never wonder what I thought. It is all here. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Creating journals for my kids is something I had started before the blog. I called it Love Letters from Mom and wrote with different prompts.

This is truly a beautiful tribute to one of the most important woman in your life. Plus who doesn't love talking about themselves. We moms love telling stories and this is something that can be cherished for years to come.

I love the pages which are largest enough to accommodate stories and pictures if you wish.  So far I am 5 pages in and loving leaving my thoughts for my children.

Level Up DVD GIVEAWAY

The 411 by Maria:

If you haven't seen Level Up yet, it is a great show. Now that the kids are getting older, we watch a whole lot more TV together. Being a big kid myself, I really get into the shows with the kids. 

Level Up is about four very different high school students named Wyatt, Dante, Lyle and Angie 

Goddess and I LOVED this movie.  Handsome didn't watch it with us the first time around but he now has it in his room and has watched it daily for 4 days. 

The boys are big gamers and spend their free time working as a team in the virtual game Conqueror of All Worlds. Unbeknownst to them, they really know each other and don't actually like each other at school.  

When they accidentally open a portal from their game world to the real world, all hell breaks loose.

They believe that they have unlocked some beta version of the game but the next night when they meet up online they soon realize that they must meet in person and figure this out.

What a great movie. Taking these very different personalities, the jock, the skater boy, the geek and throw in the spunky chick and there is someone who will appeal to all kids.  I love the idea that these kids who are so different, hang with a certain crowd in school, tease and disrespect each other can come together and realize that we are really just people living together in this world. All for one, one for all!

We Love Cuddle Covers

Meet these six animal buddies: Berry the Bear, Don the Dinosaur, Izzy the Unicorn, Kit the Cat, Louie the Lion, and Max the Dog who make up the line of Cuddle Covers™

The 411 by Maria:

We received a Louie the Lion Cuddle Cover two weeks and the kids have been sharing him ever since alternating each night. I wanted to see if the fascination would die down after a while but so far, they love him! He is big! You can insert any pillow into the cover or get a super fluffy pillow for $14.99. We received the pillow and it is even cute without the Louie cover on it. So cute that I almost didn't want to cover it at all.

While my kids haven't slept out yet, I believe this pillow is the perfect companion especially for kids who are shuttled between houses or God forbid have a hospital stay. It is a great constant.

Both kids need one so Handsome may be getting one for his birthday very soon. Goddess wants the Unicorn which she put on her Christmas list for 2012 (hello it is only May).

We love Cuddle Covers because they are so soft and well, cuddly! Personally, I want the blue cat for myself

Mother's Day Gift Idea - Mumbani

The 411 by Maria:

Well, now...I have been using Mumbani for a week and a half and while I can't tell you that it is working for me in the "sleep wrinkle" department, I can without a doubt tell you that it makes sleeping deeper easier for me.  As someone who sleeps with a ton of wake breaks throughout the night (kids), the Mumbani makes it easier for me to go back to sleep by blocking out all light from night lights, electronic gagets and the digital frame hanging in my living room when I finally end up on the couch by 3:00 A.M. 

I enjoy the softness and while I usually sleep on my back is this product is mostly for side and face sleepers, when I start out sleeping on my side I know that I am not adding to the crows feet I already sport.

 

The Big Fun, Sexy Sex Book In Stores Now

The 411 by Maria:

As someone who has an amazing sex life with my husband (20 years strong) I may not be the person this book was written for so I asked some of my friends to read some passages just for fairness. Here is what they said:

"Why, did she feel the need to write this?"

"Umm...OK..disgusting but I appreciate her candor. Not sure if I wanted to know all that much about her sex life but interesting."

"She is funny. She thinks she is exotic but I think she looks weird."

OK...ladies...enough about Lisa, tell me what you think about the book!

"I like their paragraph titles: A Hairy Situation. Sexy Thrills. Sexercises"

"The sexercises seem like yoga poses and I like yoga. Maybe I will try them."

"Some of the book was very basic but I enjoyed the section on Staycations."

Well, as you can see my 3 friends (T, K, C) didn't hate the book. I didn't hate it either but at times I felt it was a little condescending. However, I did love the layout. It makes it easier to read, especially for those who wouldn't normally read a book about sex. The breakup of the sections, with Fun Factions, Lisa says, Ian says, really work.  Some times I felt like I was reading a book for young people who are just starting out in their sexually active lives and had to remind myself that this book was made for grown people who have lost some of their mojo and may desire to get it back.

Other than that, this may be a helpful companion for couples who want to experiment or those who just like to read about the different ways to fellatio a man in detail (yup, it is in there). Whatever it is you are looking for, I guarantee you will definitely read more information about Lisa and Harry's relationship than you will ever want or need to know about.

Beautiful Orange County NY Town's Sign

I love this sign that I pass almost weekly.  Just lovely colors against a beautiful natural background.