And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14
So as soon as my second child was born, everything just clicked. I'm mean I had already gone through all of this with my first child. I'm a mommy pro, duh. Not to mention they are both girls. You should have seen my husband's face when we found out it was another girl.
Well that's a whole another story.
So of course when we hit the sixth week of breastfeeding (that's how far we made it the first time) I was like okay, no problem we can keep going. Well UNLIKE my first born, this little booger who is now turning one next week (oh so exciting!), she is still always attached to my boob, which means I have never been able to be more then a few hours away from her (goodbye date nights & working. which I really don't miss. the working, not the date nights) AND she has yet to sleep through the night for me. I was blessed the first time because her wonderful sister was sleeping through the night since (I kid you not) four months old.
So I am throwing out the whole been there done that attitude with this kid. I mean of course yes, there are some things that come more naturally. However, it's crazy how two children could be so opposite.
Plus, you kind of have to tack on like 20 extra minutes to everything. For instance, getting ready to leave the house. Not only are you dressing two kids. But then of course you have the youngest following you screaming her head off because she wants to nurse and all you want to do is take a quick shower.
Yeah, not happening.
The biggest challenge thus far has been sharing my time with both girls. Carleigh is at the age now where she does understand emotion and feels strongly too. I mean you can really feel the jealousy from her and sometimes she tends to want to take it out on her baby sister.
Well at least Kendall will learn to fight back, right?
There is no question, that I love both of them equally. But at times, I do tend to favor one more then the other. Usually it's whoever is NOT CRYING.
And when they are both crying. I run and hide. or make daddy take them!
Hanan Webster
Many thanks to Hanan Webster for submitting this guest post, to The Chatty Momma. For more of Hanan's writing, visit her on Facebook and Twitter, and read her blog Lilac City Momma.
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| Tassimo T20 Brewbot by Bosch with Tassimo coffee and Starbucks cappuccino |
It's not a secret that I looooove lattes, and The Chatty Daddy is quite the connoisseur of coffee!
We're known to take detours on the way to "wherever" to grab a delicious cup of Starbucks, anytime!
Lately, that has been a challenge, because we're not on the same schedule that we used to be. These days my lattes have been drop offs he picks up on his way from work.
That is why having the opportunity to review the Tassimo T20 Brewbot has been fantastic!
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| Several T-Disk options |
It's cold out, I stay home with my girls now, hubby is plenty busy, and I can still get a delicious latte right here at home.
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| The T20 takes up very little counter top space |
Having the T20 Brewbot makes having coffee at home fun and easy! Anyone can operate the machine. It really is simple.
- Insert a T-disk
- Press the on/off button
- Wait for coffee
Cup after cup, drinks are made to perfection every time!
I love having the Brewbot around for company too. Long gone are the days of offering soda, milk, juice, or water to drink. You can spoil your friends and family with the coffee, hot chocolate, mocha, espresso or tea of their choice.
So, that's exactly what I did. Since I love lattes, hubby loves coffee, and entertaining is my middle name, I invited the family over for an evening of "Coffee, Tea, and ME! introducing my new Tassimo T20 Brewbot.
It was awesome. Hubs played barista, I was the "Hostess with the Mostest" and we served our family with smiles as they placed orders for coffees, lattes, mocha's, and hot chocolate!
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| The Chatty Daddy gives a quick lesson |
Not only did we serve, but our resident barista, "The Chatty Daddy" was so kind to give lessons on using the machine. Good thing my sister is a quick study. She was ready for a mocha and got started right away!
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| Putting the user-friendly machine to the test, my sister tries it out |
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| Mmmmm, loving this "a latte!" |
● Makes coffee, tea, cappuccino, latte, crema, espresso and hot cocoa
● Makes drinks in about 1 minute
● Includes an exclusive flow–through water heater for faster, quieter brewing
● Space saving design ideal for apartments, dorm rooms and counter tops
● Smart bar code technology allows the brewer to adjust each beverage with the proper temperature pressure and amount of water
● Weight: 7.08 lbs. Length: 11.0 "; Width: 7.9 "; Depth: 11.8 "
● 1.5 Liter water tank
● Retail Value: $129.99
● www.brewbot.com
SPECIAL OFFER:
Click here to purchase a Tassimo T20 Brewbot online here,
and save $25 and get 2 free T DISCS!
Click here to purchase a Tassimo T20 Brewbot online here,
and save $25 and get 2 free T DISCS!
Also available at many fine retailers such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Target, and more.
T DISC Technology
Through patented technology developed and designed by Kraft Foods, the TASSIMO brewer reads the bar code printed on each T DISC to ensure optimal brewing conditions, including the exact water amount and temperature. Because the brewing takes place inside the T DISC, consumers can prepare different drinks, one after another, with no flavor transfer from cup to cup. This ensures first-cup freshness and consistent taste every time.
Drink Varieties
TASSIMO is the only Home Brewing system that gives everyone the drink they want, from coffees and teas to rich cappuccinos and lattes. Even hot chocolate. Tassimo offers more than 40 beverage and flavor varieties to satisfy everyone with 13 distinctive beverage brands including Milka, Gevalia, Maxwell House, Suchard, Mastro Lorenzo, Twining’s®, Kenco, Jacob’s, TAZO®, Nabob, Carte Noire and Seattle’s Best Coffee®. TASSIMO even satisfies your coffee-house coffee cravings with a great variety of Starbucks brands – including Cappuccino Primo and Latte Primo.
Love the Tassimo, but want to personalize it? Try a Tassimo Brewer Kit available in several colors!
Want even more information on the Tassimo Brewbot? Watch a few Tassimo videos.
How about your very own Tassimo machine in time for Christmas?
Enter my Tassimo T20 Brewbot Giveaway TODAY! Contest starts 12/17 Contest ends 12/20
Trust me when I say coffee never has to be the same again!
To enter, you can:
- Visit the Tassimo website and leave one comment on this post telling me your favorite drink of choice. (worth 5 entries)
- "Like" Tassimo on Facebook, and let me know (worth 1 entry)
- Follow Tassimo on Twitter, @TassimoTaster, and let me know (worth 1 entry)
- Send a friend over to enter the contest and have them leave a comment that "you" referred them. (worth 5 entries)
- Bonus entry (optional, but will get you closer to free lattes for Christmas) - Use your Twitter account to tweet the following (worth 10 entries): "I want to win the Tassimo T20 #Brewbot from @TheChattyMomma today! http://bit.ly/eXN7WH"
Earn as many points as possible for a better chance at winning!
Please be sure to leave your email address in your comment.
Winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by email
Good Luck,
Product Review disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for my opinion and for the purpose of writing this post. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]
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| Released November 9, 2010 by Ubisoft |
I am not a hard-core gamer by any means, but because I have a degree in fashion and I love the art of design, I reviewed the newly released StyleLab Fashion Design game, by Ubisoft for the Nintendo DS.
It was very easy to learn, and entertaining for it's intended audience of kids.
The game allows you to design tops, baseball caps, and handbags for an avatar that you have created, or for several character "friends" that come preloaded with the game. You can also create several additional characters.
You are given challenges to design clothes for your friends that they approve of and they judge you on your designs after their big reveal. You can even see the fashions you've designed in a virtual fashion show.
My 4 year old had a fun time playing it and creating her very own avatar that resembles her.
What is awesome about this game, is the ability to save and upload your own designs to your very own online Boutique using the Nintendo WI-FI Connection. You can share them with friends or wear them in real life using the Zazzle website.
Of course kids love everything they create, so this would be a great little craft project for them that they can make and give as gifts.
The game is fun and pretty cute for little kids, but I don't think older kids would get a that much of a kick out of it, because the options are limited and the graphics are similar to old clip art.
Since the game is very basic and so user friendly, I would recommend it to kids from ages 4-8. Nintendo has rated this game "E" for everyone.
To find more games like this, visit the Nintendo DS website or to experience virtual design fun online, visit the UbiWorld website.
Product Review disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for my opinion and for the purpose of writing this post. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]
By unanimous vote of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), all drop side cribs have been outlawed. This comes after the deaths of 32 infants and toddlers since 2001.
The announcement, made in Washington, came from the office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., who pushed for the ban.
The CPSC states that the cribs with side rails that move up and down for easy access to babies, have hidden dangers that have led to suffocation and stangulation. They have now banned the manufacture, sale and resale, as well as the use of the cribs in any childcare or lodging facility.
Despite the deaths of many children over the past decade, the cribs continued to be sold, even as many brands and models were recalled. Since January of this year, 3.5 million cribs have been recalled. 2 million of the recalls were done in June alone.
According to the CPSC the ban will take place in June of 2011 and the following new safety standards for crib safety will be in effect:
- Stronger mattress supports
- Sturdier crib hardware
- More rigorous testing on baby beds
For more Recall and Product Safety News, visit: CPSC
This week our fun snack was my all time favorite.
Watergate Salad!
Anyone who knows me and has been to any party of mine will tell you, there is never a shortage of this delicious treat on my watch. I absolutely love it.
A few years back, when Isabella was a baby, I did a blog post about Watergate Salad, and it was my pleasure to teach her how to make it now that she is four years old. We had a great time.
This recipe is easy and fun. Perfect for any kid!
Watergate Salad!
Anyone who knows me and has been to any party of mine will tell you, there is never a shortage of this delicious treat on my watch. I absolutely love it.
A few years back, when Isabella was a baby, I did a blog post about Watergate Salad, and it was my pleasure to teach her how to make it now that she is four years old. We had a great time.
This recipe is easy and fun. Perfect for any kid!
To make your own, you will need:
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 pkg. pistachio flavor instant pudding
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained
1-1/2 cups thawed whipped cream
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Now, let's get started:
Find more awesome (easy) kid made snacks on
Can you imagine how cool it would have been back when you were little to catch Santa Clause in action? What would you have done if you saw Santa eating cookies, leaving gifts, or coming down your chimney?
I would have been on my best behavior for at least two months. At least! *wink*
Wouldn't that be great if it worked on our own kids!
Why not try it and see?
I recently "caught Santa" by our tree and I can't wait to share the photo with my girls.
Well, obviously I didn't REALLY "catch" Santa...
iCaughtSanta.com
With the magic of iCaughtSanta.com, I was able to add Santa (available in several poses) to a real photo of our home during Christmas.
This is such a great idea for those of us who love to keep the magic of Christmas alive for kids. iCaughtSanta photos are really cute and fun, and they get even better when you add video.
After purchasing an iCaughtSanta.com photo, you are given the option to also get videos of Santa in your home.
You can choose from several poses and videos of Santa in your home, such as:
- Delivering presents
- Drinking milk and eating cookies
- Sneaking around
- Checking his list of names
- Tinkering with your ornaments
- Coming down the chimney
- and more!
Isn't that cool?
I remember the only option for Santa memories during my childhood were photos you took at local malls when your parents took you to sit on Santa's lap to ramble off your "Wish List". I still love the idea of taking my girls to see Santa, but there's something really special about him visiting our home and really dropping off the gifts that the kids ask for.
I love the idea of being able to have a personalized memory of Santa that can be enjoyed for years to come.
The really awesome thing about iCaughtSanta photos is that you are the owner of the print and they can be sent directly Walgreens from the website for printing, or downloaded to your computer and printed right on your personal printer at home!
Do you love the idea of "catching Santa" in your home at Christmas?
Visit iCaughtSanta.com today to purchase a Christmas memory that your kids will never forget!
Use Coupon Code:
CHATTYMOMMA
and receive a 25% discount
Or, get a FREE photo of Santa by entering my giveaway below.
Enter my iCaughtSanta.com Giveaway
Contest starts: December 8
Contest Ends: December 15
Prizes available: 10
Leave a comment about your favorite Santa or "Magic of Christmas" memory!
Note:
Winner will be chosen by random.org
and will be notified by email
Product Review disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for my opinion and to conduct this giveaway as a part of TwitterMoms. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]
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| Isabella's 1st Gingerbread Man "Mom, Look he has blue eyes like daddy!" |
I love boots. It is no secret.
Boots are my favorite!
Tall ones, small ones, short ones, long ones...
I love boots!
They go with everything and in my book, they are for everyone. So, when I had the opportunity to review a product designed to take care of all of my favorite boots, I jumped on it.
Check out Booty Shapers!
They come in three very cute designs and are sure to be one of the most valuable accessories to any boot aficionado.
Nothing beats an inexpensive product that offers such valuable protection. For as little as $10, you can purchase a single pair of Booty Shapers.
What I love about Booty Shapers, is their durability, their function, their stylish appearance, their price point, and length (can be used with calve, knee high, or above the knee boots). These are perfect for displaying your favorite boots upright on a closet shelf.
Booty Shapers are from Australia, but can be purchased in the US through the following retailers:
- CVS
- Drugstore.com
- ShoeBuy
- Organize.com
- Product Express
- Hometrends
- and select Bed, Bath and Beyond Stores
Give them as a gift, or keep them for yourself!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
During pregnancy every woman will experience a little to a lot of weight gain and/or swelling at least sometime. Some at the very beginning and others close to the end.
It's safe to say that almost all of us will be feeling a little less attractive, because it is our nature to be uncomfortable with weight gain, since we always want to look our best...not bloated!
The good thing is, there is always some type of product out there that insists it will help!
The bad thing is, not all products do what they say they do, and in fact may make things worse.
Fortunately, Preggers by Therafirm, is a product that works, just as it says it does.
Preggers by Therafirm are fashionable maternity support hosiery and compression products designed to energize tired, achy legs and to reduce and prevent swelling.
According to the testimonials of many pregnant women, Preggers,
- Make pregnant women look and feel sexy
- Do not bunch up
- Reduce leg swelling and pain
- Help with varicose veins
- Come in great color choices
- Provide the needed support during pregnancy
Preggers by Therafirm™ is a unique line of maternity support hose and
compression products developed by future moms for future moms. We
invited moms-to-be to try our products and provide opinions on styles,
colors, and fit. Our “Preggers Mommas” team were an integral part of our
product and brand development to ensure a full line of healthy products
that will benefit you during and post-preggers.
I have found Preggers by Therafirm, to be very fashionable and very sexy myself. They are sleek and slimming. They feel great on. The compression is firm, but gentle. They look great on and are noticeably shaping (on me).
I tried on a size M, which according to the chart, is a size larger than the size S recommended for my pre-pregnancy weight of 100-102lbs and height of 5'4".
Since the size M was so tight on me, I actually think I could've gone a size larger and would still benefit from the tights. It depends on each woman. I, myself, get a little claustrophobic when fabric are to constricting, and based on my experience in the size M, I would be miserable in the size S. Not to mention, today I am weighing in at 110lbs, and I'm not pregnant or bloated.
Some of the benefits of the style that I chose are:
Maternity Footless Tights 10-15mmHg* Compression
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I think these tights would be a great addition to any pregnancy wardrobe and especially post pregnancy to take advantage of the compression while returning back to pre-pregnancy shape.
To learn more about Preggers by Therafirm,
- Visit the Preggers website
- Follow Preggers on Twitter
- Like Preggers on Facebook
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
We finally made it out as a family to take our girls to see Disney's latest masterpiece, Tangled.
It was such a sweet movie and Isabella enjoyed it so much. She was so thrilled to see this film, because it was a character that she felt she could relate to (long hair, princess), and her excitement was absolutely adorable.
It took me back to my own childhood.
Gabriella slept through the beginning of the film, but when she woke up, she was also pretty excited to be in the theater and enjoyed watching the movie too. She made it through the whole show without ending up in the "crying babies" section in the back.
I was surprised.
We enjoyed a matinee showing, had a great time as a family.
I highly recommend taking your little ones to see this film, since it is clean, fun, and an age old tale that even adults enjoy.
I love spoilers, but you may not, so I won't tell you any details of Tangled, but you can preview the trailer here:
To see show times at your local theater or to buy tickets to the movie, visit Fandango.
Enjoy!
Every night without fail, while I am singing lullabies to Gabriella, she belts out the words with me.
Pointless, right? I know, but super cute!
She acts like lullabies with lyrics are party songs, and "night-night" time is a karaoke festival, which totally defeats my purpose of singing to her! In her mind, she's probably thinking, "Pump up the jam!"
Gabby loves to sing!
What's wrong with that? Nothing. I actually don't mind. I love that she has been given the gift of song, and will really be excited if she remembers all the words to every song like her grandmother (who could win The Singing Bee show hands down), because I can hardly remember any lyrics...ever!
It would be nice to play a song that she just listens to and falls right asleep though.
The remedy!
Recently, I had the opportunity to review the coolest new lullaby CD's available, with no lyrics!
Cradle Rock
These CD's really do "ROCK", pun intended!
Cradle Rock, is a series of children's lullaby albums, created and produced by Brash Music and Tree Top Records. The albums are instrumental covers of original records by well known recording artists, such as Michael Jackson, Kenny Chesney, and Johnny Cash.
Each song is beautifully recorded as an instrumental version of the most popular records using vibraphones, glockenspiels, and mellotrons that lull babies to sleep to our favorite songs of yesteryear and today.
The wonder of these albums is that babies and small children are being introduced to the awesome music that we love, in the form of "non-traditional" lullabies.
Not only is baby enjoying listening to the music, but parents will enjoy the CD's just as much.
Hubby started rocking Gabby to sleep to John Mayer (one of our favorite recording artists) at about two months of age, and to this day, she loves to hear John Mayer's music as much as we do. I am hoping that one day his music will be available as a lullaby for me.
Isn't this something we all could use? An instrumental version of our favorite music that we can all relax to!
These CD's are fun for bedtime, nap time, for car rides, and just for background music at home. They really can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime!
“Parents will appreciate that Cradle Rock keeps melodic structure
and tempos in tact. Moms and dads write us saying they can sing
right along to Cradle Rock while rocking baby to sleep.”
Steve Jones, CEO of Brash Music
Coming soon to Cradle Rock's collection are songs by: The Black Eyed Peas, U2, Eagles, Pink Floyd, and Carrie Underwood!
Check out samples of current available albums:
To purchase any of these albums, visit the Cradle Rock Store today! Or, enter my giveaway to win a Cradle Rock album for you and your baby, or as a wonderfully unique gift to another mom and baby!
Enter my Cradle Rock CD Giveaway!
Contest Starts: December 6
Contest Ends: December 13 (extended to 12/21)
To enter, please do the following:
- Follow Tree Top Records on Twitter
- Like Tree Top Records on Facebook
- Click the 3 links above to hear samples of the Cradle Rock CD's and leave a comment for me below, letting me know you did steps 1 and 2. Please tell me which CD you would want if you are the winner of this contest.
Be sure to include your email address!
Note:
Winner will be chosen by random.org on 12/21/10
and will be notified by email
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
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