Tuesday, June 30, 2009

How cute are these??


Well here is a photo of the fabulous Tiny Prints Birthday Party Invitations I ordered for Jackson's Birthday in August!

Sorry, the color is a little blown out, but it's raining for the first time in over a month...so I really don't mind.

I am loving that little crab! The theme is "Ocean" and to say that I've gone overboard with the planning would be an extreme understatement. I can't really make that clear to you now...but when you see the photos from the party, you'll probably understand. :-)

Any party plans going on in your corner of the world? I'd love to hear about them!

Have a great day!




P.S. This post was not sponsored in any way. I will always make sponsored posts known to you, just FYI. I believe my readers deserve transparency. :-)

Monday, June 29, 2009

Good things come in small packages

Yesterday I had the privilege to photograph my good friend Yanira's baby shower. This was her 3rd child, but first boy, and a very festive occasion indeed.

Baby Esteban arrived about 4 weeks early, but healthy and large enough to go home after 2 days!

Here are few photos from the shower.







Have a great day!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

My new "love"

You know how Carrie Bradshaw would walk up to gorgeous new shoes in a shop window and say with much delight "Hello Lover"?

Yeah, well....I'm there. But it's not a pair of shoes that's done it to me......

It's a Coach bag I'm drooling over. From their new Poppy line.

Which is gorgeous and girly and AMAZING and...(even Mommy deserves an awesome bright glittery new something every once in awhile?????) Right?



Since becoming a Mom, I've let my fashionista tendencies go dormant along with my Size 8 jeans....but this purse..... this purse...


Let's just say if it were to magically appear in my hands right now....I would not be sad.

Nope, not at all. :-)

Have a great day!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Need to soothe an upset tummy?

***This giveaway is now closed***

And the winner is...

Tuesday Girl!

Congrats! I'll be contacting you shortly! :-)

***************


After sharing a stomach bug with my 2 guys twice in the last 30 days... I was glad to hear that I could help Jackson's little tummy get settled and back to normal without lots of medication.

I'm not going to lie, I am normally the Mom that reaches for the medicine bottle first thing when my kid is sick, but I'm hesitant when treating stomach bugs because I'm always worried anything I give him will make his stomach hurt more...or worse yet...that it will come back up in minutes.

So when I learned about Florastor(R)Kids I thought it seemed worth a try. I was bit skeptical, because I usually find that "natural" remedies are too mild, and don't bring relief. But I was pleasantly surprised this time!

We tried Florastor(R)Kids and it really worked! Not only did he seem to feel better after a day or so of it's use, but it got him more "regular" than he's been in months!

I was very impressed!

Plus, I was easily able to mix it into his water or apple sauce and he didn't even notice!

________________________


Here is some more information on Florastor(R)Kids:

Tiny Tummy Troubles and Florastor® Kids

Pediatric diarrhea can be extremely stressful for parents, especially in babies and toddlers. Adult anti-diarrheal medications are not recommended for young children, which often leaves parents with only “watchful waiting” as an option.

Probiotics are a new health buzzword, and can be a drug-free method of helping to manage children’s intestinal issues. However, it’s important to do your homework. Because probiotics are supplements and therefore not subject to government regulation, it’s important to look for a probiotic that has sound scientific testing behind it, and that is appropriate for your child’s issues.

Dr. James Sears, board-certified pediatrician, author and co-host of the CBS-TV show “The Doctors,” has recommended Florastor Kids to patients for years, first of all because he’s seen its efficacy in pediatric diarrhea, and because it’s backed by scientific studies.


Q&A with James Sears, M.D.

Dr. Sears answers some common questions about Florastor® Kids below:

Q: What are the most common causes of pediatric diarrhea?
A: Like most things in pediatrics, diarrhea is usually caused by a virus. The most common diarrhea-causing viruses are Rotavirus and Norovirus, but most parents just call them “stomach flu”. Kids can also get diarrhea as a side effect of antibiotics.

Q: How should a parent handle food and drink for a child with diarrhea?
A: The key to treating diarrhea is to keep your child hydrated and nourished. Breastmilk, formula, or electrolyte solutions are best for this, also, easy to digest foods will help keep the tummy happy. Cow’s milk can make diarrhea worse, so lay off this for a few days.

Q: At what point should a child with diarrhea be taken to the emergency room?
A: If your child is losing more fluid than he can take in, he runs the risk of becoming dehydrated. This is especially true if he is also vomiting. It’s often the second day of illness when a child will become dehydrated, so watch for decreased urine output – number of wet diapers is less, or trips to the bathroom are less. If your child becomes lethargic, this is also a reason to call the doctor.

Q: Do you recommend probiotics for kids?
A: I’ve been recommending probiotics for years, and it’s now a recognized treatment for kids when they have diarrhea. When kids get diarrhea, a probiotic can help replenish the “good” bacteria that is supposed to be living in the intestine – which will improve their digestion.

Q: What is Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids is a natural probiotic that supports the presence of beneficial (“good”) microbiota in the intestines, which helps keep pathogenic (“bad” or “disease-causing”) microbiota (like bacteria and viruses) from attacking the gut.

Q: What is the active ingredient in Florastor Kids and how does it work?
A: The active ingredient in Florastor Kids is a freeze-dried form of yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii lyo. It helps promote the growth of good microbiota, while attracting and removing pathogens from the intestines.

Q: Have any clinical tests been done to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Florastor Kids?
A: Yes. The active ingredient in Florastor Kids, Saccharomyces boulardii lyo, has been studied in more than 40 clinical trials. Studies have been published in top medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and Gastroenterology magazine.

Q: How do the effects of Florastor Kids differ from those of bacteria-based probiotics, such as acidophilus?
A: One of the key differences in a yeast-based probiotic, such as Florastor Kids, is that it can not be killed by antibiotics, and it, in turn, protects the body’s own flora during the course of antibiotic treatment to guard against antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of “good” and “bad” microbiota in the intestinal tract, causing harmful bacteria to grow far beyond their normal numbers. The result is often frequent, watery bowel movements.

Q: Which kids could benefit from Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids has been proven effective in managing a wide variety of intestinal problems, but is often used to help with:
• Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)
• Acute gastroenteritis (general, sudden onset diarrhea)
• Traveler’s diarrhea
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (C. diff)
• Chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s

Q: Why would a parent choose to treat a bout of diarrhea with Florastor Kids as opposed to an anti-diarrheal product?
A: Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) are typically not recommended for young children. Florastor Kids helps remove toxins from the intestines and at the same time bolsters the body’s defense against the pathogens.

Q: How should Florastor Kids be taken?
A: Florastor Kids is a fruit-flavored powder that comes in packets. The powder can be mixed into water, milk, juice or soft foods (such as applesauce), and should be taken twice a day.

Q: How long can Florastor Kids be taken?
A: There is no reason that Florastor Kids can not be taken every day, but it is most often taken once symptoms start, and until symptoms stop. It is recommended to start taking the same day as antibiotic treatment and stopping it once the course of antibiotics is complete. For those wishing to protect themselves from traveler’s diarrhea, it is recommended that Florastor Kids be taken starting four days before the trip starts, and finishing four days after the trip ends.

Q: Who should not take Florastor Kids?
A: Children under two months of age, as well as those with yeast allergies and central venous catheters.

Q: Does Florastor Kids need to be refrigerated?
A: No. Florastor Kids’ freeze-drying process means that the product does not need to be refrigerated, making it ideal for travel.

Q: I went to a few pharmacies in my area and could not find Florastor Kids on the shelves. What can I do?
A: Try asking the pharmacist. Even though it does not require a prescription, many pharmacists may keep it behind the counter so that they can explain its benefits, particularly if they recommend taking it with antibiotics. On www.florastor.com there is a list of local and online pharmacies that stock Florastor Kids.

__________________________

The makers of Florastor(R)Kids have generously offered 1 Box (10 packets)
for me to giveaway to a lucky reader!

Want to win? Just leave a comment ON THIS POST by Friday July 3rd at Mindnight CST.

I will draw the winner randomly and annouce them on July 5th.

Good Luck!


Thursday, June 25, 2009

Purex is changing lives

Did you know?

Purex® has launched an exciting new initiative to help change the lives of families across the developing world.

It's a program where Moms here can help underprivileged moms throughout the world!

Purex®, Kiva® and Angie Harmon have teamed up to create the Purex® Changes Lives program to help moms around the world who are struggling to provide for their families.



When you submit the bar code from the back of your 20-count starter kit or 24-count refill pack of Purex® Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets™, Purex® will contribute $1 to the mom entrepreneur of your choice, allowing you to make a difference in the developing world and help empower a mom to lift her family out of poverty.

Kiva® is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending web site, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. Visit purex.com/change to meet the amazing mom entrepreneurs we’ve selected from Kiva’s database.

You can also help these moms by spreading the word and introducing purex.com/change to your online community. The more people we get involved, the more moms we can help.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

This might be harder than I thought...

Remember the other day when I was so excited about this? Well, now I'm in the process of switching over from the post-bound albums and this is where I am at.



See that stack...it's what I still have left to organize and put into the 2 new binders.

One reason I flipped over the 3-ring binders so much is because I often have a tendency to go through my older photos and scrap events months after they occur.

Well that was all fine and good except that my books are organized by date, so when I would go to add the new pages to one of my older post bound albums...I wanted to scream at how difficult it was!

The 3-ring binders solve that problem and hold a ton more layouts than my other albums did!

This is a Win-Win situation for sure!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The planning and organizing has begun!

I'm super exited to say that I have started organizing my things and planning my outfits for the BlogHer 09 conference.

I'm so excited...I mean...to the point that I am jumping out of my skin!

I get to meet so many bloggers that I have admired for such a long time! Which also makes me a little nervous, but I'm trying to get past that.

So, does anyone know what the weather is like in Chicago in July? Like, will I need a light sweater in the evening if I go outside? (You know, because I'm from Tx and it's 95 here at night time...but I know it's not like that everywhere)

Also, how does it go when you recognize one of your bloggy friends (but have not yet met them IRL)? Do you just run up and say HEY! all excited like, or do you saunter over and calmy say hello.

I guess I just don't want to make a fool of myself....although I think it's gonna happen regardless. :-)

Anyway, if anyone else has tips or ideas on how to make my trip more fun, easy, etc....please drop me a line! I would love your advice!



Monday, June 22, 2009

First Cut



I wanted to record the memory of Jackson's First Hair Cut, even if I didn't get photos of it since he totally spazzed! LOL!

Here's the end result...I like the colors alot. I think it's cool they give you a little certificate and clipping of hair too!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

I could not ask for more...


Happy Father's Day to the best husband and father ever! We love you!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Sweet Soulful Music


Have you heard of Diane Birch yet? If you haven't you need to check her out. Her voice is so smooth and her lyrics meaningful...you will be swept away by her CD Bible Belt.

For singer-songwriter Diane Birch, music was a refuge. Although Diane was born in Michigan, her childhood was spent on the move as the daughter of a preacher, living between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia, before her parents finally settled in Portland, Oregon. When she was in her early teens, Diane absorbed a unique and cosmopolitan perspective on life that shines through her music and makes a simple categorization of it impossible.

The result? Diane Birch sounds like an old favorite, with all the sparkle and magic of a breakthrough talent. People says she sounds like a combination of early Carole King, Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks, with a little Joss Stone and Cat Power mixed in. Bible Belt is only her first record, but it’s one of the most accomplished albums you’ll hear all year. From the opening track “Fire Escape” to the closing “Magic View,” Diane’s stunning voice is mesmerizing.

Written entirely by Diane, Bible Belt was recorded in New York City and New Orleans with an impressive team of Grammy-winning producers: S-Curve Records founder Steve Greenberg, soul legend Betty Wright and Mike Mangini, in their first project together since producing Joss Stone’s first albums.


Discover the critically acclaimed debut album from new artist Diane Birch and donate $1 to charity. Automatically. Just click on the little banner in my sidebar to help raise money for the March of Dimes and enjoy this new album at the same time!

Want to Win a copy of this fabulous new album?


Just leave a comment ON THIS POST before Midnight CST on June 19th. One winner will be randomly drawn and announced shortly there after.


Good luck and Happy Listening!


Saturday, June 13, 2009

Gosh I love a good deal!


Check out this beauty! It's a 3-ring 12x12 scrapbook album by Making Memories! And, it has my fave thing on the front...a bird!

I snagged 2 of them off the clearance isle at Michael's for only 12.99 each!

I only recently discovered the fabulousness that is a 3-ring scrapbook and am about to totally convert over to them since post bound books drive me insane!

Just thought I would share my fabulous little find with you. :-)

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Friday, June 12, 2009

One isn't lonely at all...

This post is to just state something flat out....it's not even a soapbox post really, just a truth that I feel like I should express here.

Recently, I read THIS post by one of my very favorite bloggers, Steph. I absolutely love reading her blog (she makes everyday life more beautiful and easier to bear with her poetic posts) and with that particular post of hers she struck a note in me that prompted to me write the post you are reading now. She has been having issues with people questioning why she has a large family (which consists of four beautiful children I might add!) ...and I have been experiencing something similar about my decision to have only one.


I am completely happy with my one fabulous little boy Jackson. He will be 2 in August.


*A layout with us together last summer at a local waterpark.*


I have decided we are not having anymore children. I am currently in the process of scheduling a tubal. Yes, I am only 25. And yes, I know it's permanent...and no, I don't think I will change my mind down the line or regret this.

Lots of people have things to say about this. While I do appreciate everyone's concern....in my heart I know this is the right thing.

It's funny...people bring up all these "what if" scenarios as if to try and talk me out this (or to convince me I'm just confused about what I want for my family) ...but the truth is no one should live their life on a limited basis and constantly stand back and say "well I can't do this because what if......?" Fear should not dictate and control our lives.

Jackson is perfection with Blue eyes and Blonde hair. He is all I will ever need.

I wish people would stop kindly suggesting that he needs a sibling or else he will be lonely and socially stunted...or even worse that he or Dave might die one day and that I need to have a back up plan just in case.

What a terrible way to go through life...always thinking about the worst that could happen.

I'm not in denial...bad things do happen...but I'm not going to let that possibility define who I am or how I live. I am most certainly not going to have another child to be more socially accepted...or so that some of the previously mentioned concerned individuals can sleep better at night.

We live in the moment in this house...and we will soak up every last day we are blessed to have with each other (no matter how long or short that might be).

One child is perfection for me...but the one thing I've taken away from this whole idea is the true meaning of the phrase "to each his own"...because the only one who knows what's right for your family is you.

Have a fabulous day!


Thursday, June 11, 2009

Lil' Surfer Boy




Here's a layout to get you in the summer spirit! Most everything on this layout came from my Crop Addict kits for May and June. The postcard is by Junkitz and the letters are Thickers "poolside" by American Crafts!

I love, love, love how this turned out! Baby J looks so cute!

******
Originally Posted June 16, 2008

Look how little he was! :-)


Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Happiness is...


Summer Splashing.

Happy WW!

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Insert Catchy Title Here

Today I should be in my first class at summer school, but instead I'm at home after being vomited on by my 2 year old. The poor little guy. :-(

Jackson has a terrible fever, chills, and apparently an upset stomach.

So we are laying low today in the hopes that he will feel well enough tomorrow to return to daycare...please pray for his quick recovery...TIA!

Other than that...I'm attempting to try and meal plan for the rest of the month...so if you have any favorite recipes you'd like share...I'd be super grateful!

Thanks!

Monday, June 08, 2009

The disappearing blogger...

Ever look up and realize an entire week has just flown by? Yeah, well that's what just happened to me.

Between working a little extra job to try and pay off a bill, preparing for summer school, being super sick, and caring for my family...blogging just sort of took the back burner.

And I HATE that.

I really do, but I'm realistic enough to know that if I'm getting the important things done...that's all that matters.

Summer school begins tomorrow. I'm not ready to go back...but I'll live.

I'm happy to say that during my absence I got the house quite clean...so I can at least say I accomplished something. :-)

I hope you have a great day!

Monday, June 01, 2009

A whole lot of nothin

So today Jackson has a checkup at the dentist in the morning, and then I have to go to my dentist in the afternoon to get a crown fitted over my tooth that recently had the root canal (I guess technically I had the root canal...but you know what I trying to say...right?).

I'm also planning to list the last of my Stampin' Up! stuff on ebay...so if your a scrapper/stamper I highly suggest you check HERE and see if there is anything you can't live without. ;-) hehe!

I'm beginning to panic about what I will be wearing at BlogHer...so I'm trying to work on outfit decisions now...maybe by July I'll have my mind made up.

Finally, I have been feeling gross and weird with a little stomach virus for like 2 weeks...and NO, I am not pregnant. (as several overly eager friends have suggested LOL)

In fact, just to be sure I got a test...and it told me what I already knew...that I just have some nasty stomach bug...not something in the oven.

So yeah....hopefully this thing will pass soon. I feel bad, and I really want to get back to summer fun. :-)

Have a great day!

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