It has come to my attention that I am so far from the norm in my parenting style and how I approach the mommy blogging community. I think I'm actually going to start to speak my mind, because there are some mommy blogs out there right now that are such hypocrites it gets my brain boiling hot! I will not mention these blogs yet, but it's coming, I'm fuming.
Ever pass by a mommy blog raving about good nutrition? But then look at their banner and see a McDonalds ad prominently displayed? These ADS PAY THEM in google ads. OMG! Or this NEW idea of 'less is more' mentality with raising kids? I don't recommend a completely full schedule of activities, but I do highly recommend a passion your kiddos enjoy and going with it, it makes for a MUCH better home - believe me. Kids can't just watch YOU making a go at life, they also need help and tools to do the same.
Next rave statement: Most moms of toddler and preschoolers have no business writing books about raising kids until all is said and DONE. Seriously. I have learned so much in the past year of 'tweendom' that everything I thought I would do is now thrown out the window, and is being rolled under a very large and heavy bus...I have SO MUCH TO learn.
I'm almost done...really....
Real quick while I'm having this meltdown...those mommy bloggers that blog for major corporations. Enough already. How about the struggling small business owners that would love your blogging 'Klout Score' and perhaps you can gain a few new customers for a struggling small business of a working mom? How about we try that out for size?
Sorry for my rant this afternoon. Apples don't fall far from the tree and if you are going to preach certain things, then really follow your own drum and truly teach your children your family core values and SHOW your kids how it is to be a healthy and giving individual. Take the time to relish the time you have with your kids.
Regardless of your view, we ultimately have our own vision and I have the ablitity to tune out the blogs that I ultimately can't identify with any longer. Parenting is filled with choices - I guess I've just made another bazillion one today...walk the walk and talk the talk.
Amen.
3.01.2012
9.20.2011
7.25.2011
My NINE year old...Taking leaps!
Just a little snapshot of what my littlest is doing now! What happened to my shy little girl. She has a passion in her that I'm truly amazed by. I hope she always enjoys her sport. So proud!
7.08.2011
Lickable Finger Paint for Kids!
It's a RAINY DAY HERE! How about a fun and easy way to spend your morning!
Lickable Finger Paint!
You need:
What to do:
1. Divide condensed milk into small bowls. Add food coloring and mix to make different colors. (Red, blue and yellow work well to experiment with making new colors.)
2. Lay out finger paint paper and let children have a blast!!
Note:
Lickable Finger Paint!
You need:
- 1 can condensed milk
- food coloring
- finger paint paper
What to do:
1. Divide condensed milk into small bowls. Add food coloring and mix to make different colors. (Red, blue and yellow work well to experiment with making new colors.)
2. Lay out finger paint paper and let children have a blast!!
Note:
- For younger children, put a couple of colors of paint in a large Ziploc bag, sealed and reinforced with duct or masking tape.
- Place bag on highchair or table and have children “draw” with their fingers for a great mess-free activity!
My Scratch Off Labels
I'm gathering some ideas for my daughter's 11th birthday party! I love celebrating birthdays and always do something new and fresh to surprise her. I found the perfect fun idea online today - Scratch off labels!
Check out My Scratch Off Labels, this company provides:
Scratch Off Labels Stickers
Custom Scratch Off Cards for business or personal use
Scratch Off Games
NEW Custom Wedding Photo Scratch Off Save The Dates!
These cool scratch off stickers make the invitation process fun. I intend to print out my daughters invitation and place a scratch off sticker over the date, so her friends can scrape off the sticker to reveal the date of the party! I love these stickers!! I can see using them for a Save the Date for weddings or cool businesss cards.
Check out My Scratch Off Labels, this company provides:
Scratch Off Labels Stickers
Custom Scratch Off Cards for business or personal use
Scratch Off Games
NEW Custom Wedding Photo Scratch Off Save The Dates!
These cool scratch off stickers make the invitation process fun. I intend to print out my daughters invitation and place a scratch off sticker over the date, so her friends can scrape off the sticker to reveal the date of the party! I love these stickers!! I can see using them for a Save the Date for weddings or cool businesss cards.
Family Show at the ImprovBoston
I was invited to attend the Family Show at the ImprovBoston - located near Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I had NO idea what to expect, and I was SO surprised how much fun we had!
I took along my 9 year-old-daughter and her two oldest pals...we were in good company as many of the kids in the venue were of similar age and interests.
Yes, I'm a mom up on the North Shore of Boston and pretty much know what's going on in the area for my blog, but I had NO idea this kind of quality show was less than an hour from home. Thanks to Twitter...we found each other!
The comedy show is completely IMPROVISED (unscripted), so there's NO telling what the creative and talented comedians and actors will be up to. The small, cozy theater was FILLED to the brim with at least 4 birthday party groups of excited kids with a few adults...kids dominate this ONE HOUR of action packed entertainment. Kids are invited up to the stage and participate if they like. The small stage is lost after a few moments...because the cast of 6 has more talent than Saturday Night Live...I'm serious!
I did a little bit of improv in H.S. and realized you needed to be REALLY, REALLY smart to pull off this kind of acting and entertainment! These folks all had their shining moments, and each had their strengths...together, they worked as a team to make each skit (about 6 or 7 at least) fun and memorable AND all KID FRIENDLY! I have to admit...adults will love the show as much as the kids...I promise!
I highly recommend ImprovBoston's Family Show! They're the winner of the coveted Nickelodeon award for Best Children's Theater. This venue is ideal for BIRTHDAY parties - perfect for that 'difficult time inbetween ages 8-12 when you have NO idea what to do with your child' birthday party! The whole birthday party was involved in the show...it was very FUN to see how much fun those kids had. At the end there was a Q&A with the cast, also very nice.
Please connect with ImprovBoston for a full slate of comedy during the week. I intend to take in some show with some pals very soon or even take a class! This place is AWESOME and WELL worth the trip! Tell them that Mom's Lifesavers sent you!
Follow them on Twitter:
@improvboston or @IBFamilyShow
For more tips - follow me at @momslifesavers
I took along my 9 year-old-daughter and her two oldest pals...we were in good company as many of the kids in the venue were of similar age and interests.
Yes, I'm a mom up on the North Shore of Boston and pretty much know what's going on in the area for my blog, but I had NO idea this kind of quality show was less than an hour from home. Thanks to Twitter...we found each other!
The comedy show is completely IMPROVISED (unscripted), so there's NO telling what the creative and talented comedians and actors will be up to. The small, cozy theater was FILLED to the brim with at least 4 birthday party groups of excited kids with a few adults...kids dominate this ONE HOUR of action packed entertainment. Kids are invited up to the stage and participate if they like. The small stage is lost after a few moments...because the cast of 6 has more talent than Saturday Night Live...I'm serious!
I did a little bit of improv in H.S. and realized you needed to be REALLY, REALLY smart to pull off this kind of acting and entertainment! These folks all had their shining moments, and each had their strengths...together, they worked as a team to make each skit (about 6 or 7 at least) fun and memorable AND all KID FRIENDLY! I have to admit...adults will love the show as much as the kids...I promise!
I highly recommend ImprovBoston's Family Show! They're the winner of the coveted Nickelodeon award for Best Children's Theater. This venue is ideal for BIRTHDAY parties - perfect for that 'difficult time inbetween ages 8-12 when you have NO idea what to do with your child' birthday party! The whole birthday party was involved in the show...it was very FUN to see how much fun those kids had. At the end there was a Q&A with the cast, also very nice.
Please connect with ImprovBoston for a full slate of comedy during the week. I intend to take in some show with some pals very soon or even take a class! This place is AWESOME and WELL worth the trip! Tell them that Mom's Lifesavers sent you!
Follow them on Twitter:
@improvboston or @IBFamilyShow
For more tips - follow me at @momslifesavers
6.27.2011
Simply Daisy
Perfect Gift Idea, MOMS!
Hello Folks! I have much to tell you, but first I would like to dedicate this blog post to my new friend, Lisa!
Lisa Vincent of Simply Daisy is one of those wonderful moms you feel comfy, cozy with immediately! She is an amazing artist and a real sweetheart! Check out her Etsy shop called Simply Daisy. Lisa also has a cool blog called, Simply Daisy.
Off Our Wall - Online Art Gallery wasn't able to show her work this past weekend in Portsmouth and we feel terrible about it! So please, please, please show her some love! From one mom to another! :)
 |
| I saw this last week at her studio...LOVE IT! |
| Add caption |
4.05.2011
New England Babies
When do we lose that sense of awe? I was inspired by this tiny human being pushed in a swanky stroller...all bundled up with pink cheeks.
What a sight it was today!!! :)
4.04.2011
brickboys518
Brickboys518 - FUTURE FILM MAKERS!
Being a mom these days is tough. My tween girls are thankfully NOT requesting a Facebook page yet, or spend too much time online. They DO love playing cooking games on various apps and I think that's super important to learn to cook, so I don't discourage their playtime on their computers.
But I must say, there were 2 kiddos at the 'Tweetup' that had me intrigued. They greeted me kindly as I walked in, and little did they know, I had 'vetted them' before I arrived - I GOOGLED THESE KIDS! I came up with a plethora of links to a YouTube Flickr account, Twitter and FB Fan Pages about LEGO building. They have THOUSANDS of hits weekly on their accounts....OMG!
Yes, LEGO building is their claim to fame! And they make even ME want to go out and buy a set for heaven's sake - that's how fun they make it!
Local teenagers, Matt and Zach, have THE MOST AMAZING YOUTUBE CHANNEL...and they are only 14 and 17 years old. These kids could teach me a TON about Youtube and how to just follow your passion.
I sat down with them a bit and told them to follow their dreams and to always give back. THESE kids WILL BE FAMOUS one day... 100% believe this - I've seen people do just what they are doing at an early age, and now are super famous (sorry, I can't indulge who, but I did tell them *wink wink!). They have the people skills and smarts to make whatever they want, happen. They told me they want to go to college for film...YEAH!
I can't tell you how very pleasant this post was to write, often times we criticize the youth because they're bullying and just up to no good. Most kids want to have dreams. Most kids want to be good. It really is up to parents or caregivers to allow the opportunity to discover what it is that makes them feel passionate about something. That passion ALWAYS comes back in a good way, I'm convinced of that. And these opportunities don't cost anything...it's the TIME we invest in our kids that counts the most. I applaud Matt and Zach's parents, what a wonderful job they are doing to bring them to a very adult meeting...yet, STEAL THE SHOW!
GO AND FOLLOW these kids - or at least get your kids to!
YouTube Channel (yup, that is a LOT of people watching that channel!)
Brickboys518
ImprovBoston - The Family Show
This past Saturday night I was invited to attend the Family Show at the ImprovBoston - located near Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I had NO idea what to expect, and I was SO surprised how much fun we had!
I took along my 9 year-old-daughter and her two oldest pals...we were in good company as many of the kids in the venue were of similar age and interests.
Yes, I'm a mom up on the North Shore of Boston and pretty much know what's going on in the area for my blog, but I had NO idea this kind of quality show was less than an hour from home. Thanks to Twitter...we found each other!
The comedy show is completely IMPROVISED (unscripted), so there's NO telling what the creative and talented comedians and actors will be up to. The small, cozy theater was FILLED to the brim with at least 4 birthday party groups of excited kids with a few adults...kids dominate this ONE HOUR of action packed entertainment. Kids are invited up to the stage and participate if they like. The small stage is lost after a few moments...because the cast of 6 has more talent than Saturday Night Live...I'm serious!
I did a little bit of improv in H.S. and realized you needed to be REALLY, REALLY smart to pull off this kind of acting and entertainment! These folks all had their shining moments, and each had their strengths...together, they worked as a team to make each skit (about 6 or 7 at least) fun and memorable AND all KID FRIENDLY! I have to admit...adults will love the show as much as the kids...I promise!
I highly recommend ImprovBoston's Family Show! They're the winner of the coveted Nickelodeon award for Best Children's Theater. This venue is ideal for BIRTHDAY parties - perfect for that 'difficult time inbetween ages 8-12 when you have NO idea what to do with your child' birthday party! The whole birthday party was involved in the show...it was very FUN to see how much fun those kids had. At the end there was a Q&A with the cast, also very nice.
Please connect with ImprovBoston for a full slate of comedy during the week. I intend to take in some show with some pals very soon or even take a class! This place is AWESOME and WELL worth the trip! Tell them that Mom's Lifesavers sent you!
Follow them on Twitter:
@improvboston or @IBFamilyShow
Facebook:ImprovBoston Family Show
ImprovBoston.com
40 Prospect Street, Cambridge, Ma
617-576-1253
I took along my 9 year-old-daughter and her two oldest pals...we were in good company as many of the kids in the venue were of similar age and interests.
Yes, I'm a mom up on the North Shore of Boston and pretty much know what's going on in the area for my blog, but I had NO idea this kind of quality show was less than an hour from home. Thanks to Twitter...we found each other!
The comedy show is completely IMPROVISED (unscripted), so there's NO telling what the creative and talented comedians and actors will be up to. The small, cozy theater was FILLED to the brim with at least 4 birthday party groups of excited kids with a few adults...kids dominate this ONE HOUR of action packed entertainment. Kids are invited up to the stage and participate if they like. The small stage is lost after a few moments...because the cast of 6 has more talent than Saturday Night Live...I'm serious!
I did a little bit of improv in H.S. and realized you needed to be REALLY, REALLY smart to pull off this kind of acting and entertainment! These folks all had their shining moments, and each had their strengths...together, they worked as a team to make each skit (about 6 or 7 at least) fun and memorable AND all KID FRIENDLY! I have to admit...adults will love the show as much as the kids...I promise!
Please connect with ImprovBoston for a full slate of comedy during the week. I intend to take in some show with some pals very soon or even take a class! This place is AWESOME and WELL worth the trip! Tell them that Mom's Lifesavers sent you!
Follow them on Twitter:
@improvboston or @IBFamilyShow
Facebook:ImprovBoston Family Show
ImprovBoston.com
40 Prospect Street, Cambridge, Ma
617-576-1253
3.31.2011
A New Journey
It's so exciting to see my new website - www.offourwall.com - coming together. I have become an agent for Lauri Kaihlanen Gallery in Rockport, Ma. It truly is a dream come true to do something I JUST LOVE!
About 8 weeks ago, I set up the gallery up on Facebook...it took off! After that, the only natural thing to do was to continue an online blitz of his work. I am at the helm of his online sales and representing him outside his beautiful gallery on Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA.
I've known Lauri and his wife much of my life, I am a BIG FAN of his work. After starting my new little biz, BoomGenY, I discovered the true need of small biz breaking out of their usual business plan and try new things...BUSINESS IS BOOMING!
Growing up in a very successful business comes into play EVERYDAY. I often wonder what my parents would do about certain decisions I'm making. Mostly I have my very loyal husband that pushes me to my limits. He is a GURU in sales at Kronos, Inc. of sorts, so I must say I'm super lucky to have such an amazing team around me for support.
Selling my book, Moms' Lifesavers is THE reason I know how to sell online....NO DOUBT about it. I made some serious connections trying to hawk that book for many years. And often to a reluctant audience, I needed to PROVE MYSELF. The book gives me credibility, it's a calling card of sorts. It's completely ME.
My journey is just beginning with the ART world, but my life as a champion for moms everywhere, via this blog and my book, is the heartbeat to all that I do from now on.
Stepping stones in life are so valuable. I'm treading lightly, but can't wait for this boat to get ROCKIN'
Cheers!
About 8 weeks ago, I set up the gallery up on Facebook...it took off! After that, the only natural thing to do was to continue an online blitz of his work. I am at the helm of his online sales and representing him outside his beautiful gallery on Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA.
I've known Lauri and his wife much of my life, I am a BIG FAN of his work. After starting my new little biz, BoomGenY, I discovered the true need of small biz breaking out of their usual business plan and try new things...BUSINESS IS BOOMING!
Growing up in a very successful business comes into play EVERYDAY. I often wonder what my parents would do about certain decisions I'm making. Mostly I have my very loyal husband that pushes me to my limits. He is a GURU in sales at Kronos, Inc. of sorts, so I must say I'm super lucky to have such an amazing team around me for support.
Selling my book, Moms' Lifesavers is THE reason I know how to sell online....NO DOUBT about it. I made some serious connections trying to hawk that book for many years. And often to a reluctant audience, I needed to PROVE MYSELF. The book gives me credibility, it's a calling card of sorts. It's completely ME.
My journey is just beginning with the ART world, but my life as a champion for moms everywhere, via this blog and my book, is the heartbeat to all that I do from now on.
Stepping stones in life are so valuable. I'm treading lightly, but can't wait for this boat to get ROCKIN'
Cheers!
2.28.2011
Welcome to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure:
Please donate to a great cause and support the men and woman who are walking in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in Boston this July.
When it comes to my health, I'm so very fortunate to be in relatively great health, but I've had my health scares that have rattled me to the core. But some of my friends have had to deal with the reality of cancer. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. My friend Dana, a breast cancer surviver, is participating along with her team Tough Warrior Princesses! The team is raising money to support the initiatives of Susan G. Komen Foundation to find a cure.
Dana is hoping to raise $5,000 by July in honor of 5 years of being cancer free. Let's support her and her team! Donate today!
When it comes to my health, I'm so very fortunate to be in relatively great health, but I've had my health scares that have rattled me to the core. But some of my friends have had to deal with the reality of cancer. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. My friend Dana, a breast cancer surviver, is participating along with her team Tough Warrior Princesses! The team is raising money to support the initiatives of Susan G. Komen Foundation to find a cure.
Dana is hoping to raise $5,000 by July in honor of 5 years of being cancer free. Let's support her and her team! Donate today!
2.25.2011
Back to the Snow!
I'm back from the Sanibel house! We had a lovely time. It was so wonderful to see the folks after 5 months. We did actually head up to Disney for a few days. Love that it's not a full on Disney vacation, but rather a pop over to take in the rides and joy of the place. My parents calculated how many times they have been there and we got up to 27! WOWZA! The girls are now hunkered down for the day as it's snowing. I guess it's a perfect day to unpack!
I also did get some clarity while away. I had a great conversation with my hubby and he is handling the issues in his family head-on. I am so proud of the man he is...the father he is....I would marry him 100 times over. Really!
My little biz is growing and I'm so excited. I made some really great connections with some Social Media folks in Florida doing some amazing stuff in the tourism industry for small biz. So fortunate for Twitter right now...it's THE WAY to branch out, FOLKS!
Well, I'm off to do some laundry and homework with the kiddos.
Anyone else detest MCAS testing in the state of Massachusetts...it's causing such drama in my house! BOO!
I also did get some clarity while away. I had a great conversation with my hubby and he is handling the issues in his family head-on. I am so proud of the man he is...the father he is....I would marry him 100 times over. Really!
My little biz is growing and I'm so excited. I made some really great connections with some Social Media folks in Florida doing some amazing stuff in the tourism industry for small biz. So fortunate for Twitter right now...it's THE WAY to branch out, FOLKS!
Well, I'm off to do some laundry and homework with the kiddos.
Anyone else detest MCAS testing in the state of Massachusetts...it's causing such drama in my house! BOO!
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