Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Musings from Me on Kids, Preteens, and Teens: Seizing Family Time Seizing family time one dinner...game night...movie at a time. ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://musingsfromme.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Musings on Health by Examining Family Health History](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-health-by-examining-family-health-history/) - Though she had ongoing bouts with depression, I have fond memories of her taking me to the seaside and riding a carousel, making endless cups of tea, and cooking traditional English roast dinners. She was always game for anything...she played cricket with my sister and I on the beach, she flew to America to visit I have a passion for family history and geneaology, AncestryDNA, and family trees, especially how my health and wellness relates to my family health history. I only knew my mother’s parents. We called them Grandad and Grandma...I'm English. I never knew my father's parents...my Dad's father was probably one of the last people in England to die of turbuculosis or TB. He died the morning my dad started a new school. My dad was 11 and about to start his 1st Year of high school, now called Year 6 (or 6th grade in America). 6th Grade is a pivotal year for a child and I cannot imagine losing a parent on top of everything else. Apparently, he was not told that his father had died and was sent to school. He missed the next two days for the funeral. - [Musings from Me: The Mommy Blogger Review Life](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-from-me-the-mommy-blogger-review-life/) - I am my brand. My brand is me. I blog about myself. I muse about being me and muse about living the Musings from Me family blogger life. From 2008, I have been Musings from Me on every social media platform I could get my hands on...even some that are long defunct...RIP ello...RIP TSU. Becoming - [Work from Home Remote Tips When You Have Babies and Toddlers](https://musingsfromme.com/work-from-home-remote-tips-when-you-have-babies-and-toddlers/) - I'm currently colleagues with two moms of babies and toddlers. When I talk to them, I am reminded of what my life was as a work from home remote tips when you have babies and toddlers. I was a remote worker before anyone had ever heard of remote work! Way before the pandemic made telework I'm currently colleagues with two moms of babies and toddlers. When I talk to them, I am reminded of what my life was as a work from home remote tips when you have babies and toddlers. I was a remote worker before anyone had ever heard of remote work! Way before the pandemic made telework a way of life for the majority of the nation, I was juggling work and deadlines WITH bottles and naps. But, I'm realizing how challenging working from home and raising babies and toddlers was back then. When I got pregnant, I never once thought of daycare as an option. Nothing against daycare but I knew I wanted to stay home with my children. But I had a new home, mortgage, and many expenses, so not working was out of the question. Fortunately, a coworker had had a baby the year before. She had asked her supervisor if she could work from home. She was reliable, diligent, and productive. Rarely missed a deadline. When I got pregnant, I was a little hesitant to ask my supervisor to also work from home, but had a feeling that I would be permitted to follow in my co-worker's footsteps as I was a very reliable Editorial Production Editor. - [International Students: Going Home for the Holidays Travel Tips](https://musingsfromme.com/the-long-journey-home/) - I had a trip home from college that was a doozy. I was a freshman...new to being away from home...new to the United States...at least as an adult. I had lived in the U.S. as a child. I was more than ready to see my family for Christmas and the New Year. My journey started - [TECHNOLOGY: Sex, Lies, and Technology the Tell Me Lies Way](https://musingsfromme.com/technology-sex-lies-and-technology-the-tell-me-lies-way/) - Tell Me Lies is basically a college drama about sex, lies, and new technology. Over 3 seasons, those crazy kids at fictional Baird College discovered the best...and the worst...of technology: Flip phones…all conversations happen over phone. BlackBerry phones…lots of texting, but no group texts iPhones…hey look I can take selfies! Digital instant cameras Digital still - [Stocking the Shelves at Sainsbury's](https://musingsfromme.com/stocking-the-shelves-at-sainsburys/) - My job was stock person at Sainsbury's supermarket in Wilmslow, Cheshire, England -- Summers 1984 and 1985. I was a freshman home from college in the United States (Franklin & Marshall College). My uniform was a blue plaid dress with broad orange panels. It zipped up the front. The neckline was v-neck with a very - [If It's Saturday It Must Be Volleyball!](https://musingsfromme.com/458/) - Over Memorial Weekend we made our now annual trip to Penn State. For the previous two years, my husband drove our oldest to play at the 3-day tournament while I stayed home with the younger two. So technically this was my first tournament -- as well as the first for my son and middle daughter. This - [Clorox Green Works: Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/clorox-green-works-giveaway/) - Hey folks! Welcome to the first giveaway on my new blog! The first of many more to come -- judging by the stack on my dining room table, not that I'm procrastinating or anything. No, not me! A week or two ago, I saw a tweet about a giveaway for a green dishwashing liquid. I'm - [Rubbermaid Rocks: A Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/rubbermaid-rocks-a-giveaway/) - Hands up if you have opened a kitchen cabinet and had Rubbermaid tubs and lids fall on you? *raising hand in the air* Hands up if you have searched in vain for a Rubbermaid lid or a tub? *hands waving madly around* I'm what you would call an organized disorganized person. By that I mean...I - [Tucks Take Alongs: A Review](https://musingsfromme.com/tucks-take-alongs-a-review/) - I'm not the most "open-about-my-feelings" type of person." I don't go around chit-chatting about personal issues. I am most certainly not an open book when it comes to bodily functions. So, why am I writing about Tucks? That's a good question... I'll tell you why. In the late stages of each of my pregnancies I - [Musings on England Trip: Taxi!](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-england-trip/) - After a 7 hour transatlantic night flight we walked out of the nightmare known as the Heathrow customs and arrivals lounge. I was hot and sweaty after standing in line to go through passport and customs. Heathrow has been under construction since 19-ought something. Always an unpleasant experience. The sweatiness of the arrivals area was - [Back-to-School Giveaways from MomCentral](https://musingsfromme.com/back-to-school-giveaways-from-momcentral/) - Back-to-School makes me think of different images from the different times in my life. MomCentral is offering a Gift Guide to help you with your back-to-school needs. For me back-to-school means trying to figure out which school I was in at the time of my memory. You see I had a nomadic childhood. I was a - [Holiday Gift Guide: Eco-Friendly Toys!](https://musingsfromme.com/eco-friendly-toys/) - My oldest daughter attended a preschool that I thought was O.K. Adequate for her needs at the time, but not exceptional. In my area it was hard to find a part-time preschool for a 2-year-old. I had limited options. A change in director, a teacher change or two or three, and a odd choice of - [The Sound of Quiet: New to my #OpenSky Store](https://musingsfromme.com/the-sound-of-quiet-new-to-my-opensky-store/) - As a new homeowner living in the middle of nowhere I was astounded by the quiet. As I stood on the driveway our first night in our new house, I could hear nothing...literally nothing. No cars. No traffic. No horns. Nothing. We had looked at houses in a county adjacent to DC, but it was - [Family Game Night: Spending Time Together](https://musingsfromme.com/family-game-night-spending-time-together/) - Our family plays games. Not all the time. We're busy with school, work, homework, sports, and music practice. When we get a chance to play games, it's good family time. One of the themes of this blog AND our family is that we "Seize family time one dinner/movie/game at a time." Oh, we have our - [Get Clicky with Lego at National Building Museum](https://musingsfromme.com/nationalbuildingmuseum/) - Another of my posts over at Oyster Locals Blog. Did you know I write about DC? --- Lego? Blocks? Buildings? Are your kids as obsessed with constructing as mine are? My little guy eats and breaths Lego… From morning til night. He even brings a Lego guy or two to school so he doesn’t miss - [Getting Someone Else To Do Your Stuff](https://musingsfromme.com/getting-someone-else-to-do-your-stuff/) - You know how it is. You find a notepad. Select a working pen. Gather your thoughts. Put pen to paper. Take a breath. Get totally overwhelmed. Take another deeper breath. Decide what needs to go first. Make the first notation on your to do list. Make a second entry. Third entry. Fourth. Fifth. Tenth entry. - [Family Dinner Prep: Shop for Pork at Costco #PorkParty](https://musingsfromme.com/family-dinner-prep-shop-for-pork-at-costco-porkparty-giveaway/) - Earlier in the week I told you about the great deals on pork at Costco. It's also National Pork Month, so Costco members can find a sweet...uh...tasty deal on pork tenderloin and boneless loins. Until October 28, whole boneless loins are $2.50 off at Costco. And if you want to sweeten the deal, I have - [Holiday Gift Guide: Jump in to a New World with Skylanders Giants #holidaygiftguide](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-jump-in-to-a-new-world-with-skylanders-giants-holidaygiftguide/) - When my son was in kindergarten, he told me MANY times that a kid in his class played a super violent role-playing game. I'd say "What?" And then say "Well, I'm sure X doesn't play the game, but maybe his dad or older siblings play." My son was satisfied with my answer even if it - [Friday Wrapup](https://musingsfromme.com/friday-wrapup/) - I posted over https://www.ourblubheroverhaul.blogspot.com/ on my continuing journey to lose weight. Today's topic: Friday FitnessToday I am feeling energized after a phone conversation with Chad from https://kidsmealdeals.com/ This site has a growing listing of restaurants perfect for families with children 12 and under. The site lists restaurants by state, which offer kids meals. As a - [We Don't Need No Stinkin' Fastfood](https://musingsfromme.com/we-dont-need-no-stinkin-fastfood/) - Love, love that I have written two posts about our attempt to curb our consumption of FastfooD otherwise known as the Mom on the Run FastfooD Ban and I have an ad on this site for Wendy's. I needed a chuckle today and I got one! It's 4:19 p.m. and this Mom on the Run - [Star Trek...I Don't Get It](https://musingsfromme.com/star-trek-i-dont-get-it/) - I don't "get" Star Trek. There I said it. When I was first married I watched all of the variations: Star Trek, Deep Space Nine, as well as the movies. I even had the poster from Star Trek Generations framed. I liked the shows, but watched because more because my husband was watching them. My - [Finding the Scoop about the Newseum](https://musingsfromme.com/finding-the-scoop-about-the-newseum/) - I'm not a weepy person. I don't cry at the drop of a hat. My steeliness was thrown out the window as I watched the 9/11 film at the Newseum at the end of the summer. I sat with my three children and husband while we watched a short movie chronicling what happened in New - [Can I Cancel Christmas?](https://musingsfromme.com/can-i-cancel-christmas/) - I'm sitting here at the computer feeling overwhelmed. Here's a rundown of what I have done -- to make me feel that at least I have done something to prepare for the holiday:- outdoor inflatables up outsideHmmmm...is that it. I really think this is so. I have many projects to do before Christmas day or - [Black Friday or Why I Felt the Need to Brave the Crowds on the Busiest Day of the Year](https://musingsfromme.com/black-friday-or-why-i-felt-the-need-to-brave-the-crowds-on-the-busiest-day-of-the-year/) - Black Friday is a word that strikes energy and excitement in many diehard shoppers. I have heard families planning their shopping strategy on Black Friday with the precision of a military strike. I am not one of those people. I have done the Black Friday shop twice: today and on other time when I shopped - [Birthday Party Dilemmas](https://musingsfromme.com/birthday-party-dilemmas/) - We used to do at-home parties for friends and family--parties were too big and caused problems for birthday child. By the time each child was 5, we moved on to doing two parties, one for friends and one for family--it made for a long weekend of parties, house cleaning, and entertaining. I think we now - [I am Now Publishing on AddsYou.com](https://musingsfromme.com/i-am-now-publishing-on-addsyoucom/) - https://www.addsyou.comusername=MjAwOC0xMS0yOCAxNToyNjoyOA== - [New Writing Projects: AddsYou.com and Typeamom.net](https://musingsfromme.com/new-writing-projects-addsyoucom-and-typeamomnet/) - In the interests of earning my keep here in the Mom on the Run house, I have been exploring my employment options. At some point an actual, real live honest to goodness job may be necessary, but for now I'd like to give writing a shot.I am now the Pre-teen Editor and a Writer for - [Orthodontic Visit: Observations](https://musingsfromme.com/orthodontic-visit-observations/) - I took my 10-year-old daughter (Sporty Daughter) to the orthodontist today. Here's my thoughts:Taking one child anywhere is so relaxing. I could talk to my daughter and not have to listen to my son's incessant talking.Picking my daughter up at the start of recess/lunch means that she does not miss any school work. Yay for - [New York in Pictures: Part 1](https://musingsfromme.com/new-york-in-pictures-part-1/) - The ferris wheel at Toys R Us. You can never have too many Barbies...the Barbie Dream House at Toys R Us. Feeding time at the Central Park Zoo...with Gus the polar bear. Eloise at the Plaza. - [New York Observations from a Mom on the Run: Central Park Zoo, Hayden Planetarium, American Girl Place, Metropoitan Museum of Art, The Plaza Hotel](https://musingsfromme.com/new-york-observations-from-a-mom-on-the-run-central-park-zoo-hayden-planetarium-american-girl-place-metropoitan-museum-of-art-the-plaza-hotel/) - We're BAAACCCKKK from our New York City trip. Left Friday at 3p.m....arrived home tonight at 11 p.m. Good time had by all, well, we had some mixed moments mostly to do with the amount of walking needed to get anywhere in the city. I could not live in the city...too busy and hustly and bustly - [Correction](https://musingsfromme.com/correction/) - In previous post, I should have tagged mommyneedstherapy . - [wii Did It!](https://musingsfromme.com/wii-did-it/) - After months of wondering, pondering, and fretting over this pruchase. We broke down and bought it. It was expensive, but I am looking forward to some good old family time with a brand new games system. Of course my kids are arguing over whose turn it is...ahhh family time at its finest!The system comes with - [Musings from Me: Just Something Silly](https://musingsfromme.com/just-something-silly/) - My Peculiar Aristocratic English Title is (real name removed to protect the innocent): My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Milady the Most Honourable ??? the Dissolute of Similar Ealand Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title Anyway, so I am back. I have been devoting my blogging time to my "real" blog...I need to get back to this - [Wordless Wednesday -- 5th Grade Band](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesday-5th-grade-band/) - Well, Wordless Wednesday was almost Photoless Wednesday since I couldn't get blogger to add photos. The photos are of poor quality since the lighting was poor in the school cafetorum. Perseverance won out and here are the photos:Tonight was the 5th grade Band Concert for Sporty Daughter. She was super excited. She had band rehearsal - [Love Thursday -- Happy Thanksgiving!](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-happy-thanksgiving/) - This is a quick one tonight. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We are just finishing up our evening at my parent's house. We started out at my in laws for lunch. Two huge meals in one day. It's really too much and I am suffering now. Oh well, tomorrow is another day - [Wordless Wednesday -- Timeout Step](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesday-timeout-step/) - My son is beginning to read. We have labeled many items in the house, including the timeout step. Sad, but true. - [Parent Bloggers Network: Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and more](https://musingsfromme.com/parent-bloggers-network-candy-land-chutes-and-ladders-and-more/) - I was supposed to write a post for Parent Bloggers (https://www.blog.parentbloggers.com/) and ea games (https://www.ea.com/) last night on what my family does on game night. Well, my procrastination gene won out and I did not post. But, I really want to tell you more about my family.Game night for us is not a regular occurrence. - [NaBloPoMo Oooops I Messed Up! or SuperVolunteer Is Ready](https://musingsfromme.com/nablopomo-oooops-i-messed-up-or-supervolunteer-is-ready/) - Well, I tonight I had a post ready and raring to go. Nope, did not happen. Well, I am going to promise to get back on track.Some housekeeping issues:Mom on the Run Family's Fast Food Ban -- Broke the ban on Friday...lasted all of 12 hours before I took a Subway sub to my daughter - [Suzanne Franco -- The Next Blogging Idol](https://musingsfromme.com/suzanne-franco-the-next-blogging-idol/) - Came across someone who wants to be the next Blogging Idol. I'm a huge American Idol fan, so this one caught my eye. If you feel you want to support her, read what I found on Suzanne's site. By the way, if Suzanne Franco wins the Blogging Idol, I could win a Blogging Boot Camp - [Technorati](https://musingsfromme.com/technorati/) - Technorati Profile - [Yoursphere](https://musingsfromme.com/yoursphere-2/) - [Mom on the Run: 10 Things You Might Want To Know About Me](https://musingsfromme.com/mom-on-the-run-10-things-you-might-want-to-know-about-me/) - 1. Mom to three children: Crafty Daughter, 12; Sporty Daughter, 10; and Adventure Boy, 5. Married to Coach Dad: a former high school English teacher and volleyball coach, now a school administrator.2. In a previous life, I was a Senior Production Editor for a health care publisher.3. I have been at home with my children - [Hi, I'm Mom on the Run....](https://musingsfromme.com/hi-im-mom-on-the-run/) - I'm adding this weight loss ticker here in the hopes that it acts as a motivation for me to exercise more often. With diet (another post needed for this topic) and exercise, I would like to get to my goal weight. Now to get off the computer and out of my PJs.... - [Eight Facts About Me...](https://musingsfromme.com/eight-facts-about-me/) - So the mrs. tagged me in a post...Here are the rules:1. Each player starts with eight random fact/habits about themselves.2. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose people to get tagged and - [5 Years Old and Shows It](https://musingsfromme.com/5-years-old-and-shows-it/) - My son is 5 and, boy, is he giving me a run for my money. He is a burping, talking back, argumentative, defiant ball of 5-year-old "ness."He started kindergarten in late August. All was well for the first week. He did well in school...at least, we heard nothing from school, so we assumed he was - [5th Birthday!](https://musingsfromme.com/5th-birthday/) - Well, the fifth birthday celebrations are at an end. He had lots of fun the last two weeks while he celebrated his birthday. His birthday was April 3.We celebrated his party over several days/weeks.-On April 2, the day before his birthday, he celebrated his birthday at school. He chose a favorite book to bring in...Chick - [Scenes from the Sidelines of Youth Soccer Game](https://musingsfromme.com/scenes-from-the-sidelines-of-youth-soccer-game/) - The mad morning scramble for soccer uniform, soccer cleats, soccer ball, and soccer shin guards! Why didn't we pack everything the might before?! The frantic Febreze-ing of "forgotten in the laundry pile" soccer uniforms. The lightning-quick power drying of too-damp soccer shirts. The gathering of "things to keep the younger siblings occupied" at the older - [10 Tips To Get Your Child Ready for Soccer Team, Practices, Games, and Of Course Snacks!](https://musingsfromme.com/10-tips-to-get-your-child-ready-for-soccer-team-practices-games-and-of-course-snacks/) - Tips for a Successful Youth Soccer Team Season When your child expresses an interest in playing soccer, do a Google search for kiddie/kid/youth soccer teams and organizations in your area. Before you sign up for a kiddie/kid/youth soccer team or organization, join a Facebook group for your area or talk to mom/dad/parent friends with older - [ACTIVITIES: Kids and Bikes Through the Years](https://musingsfromme.com/activities-kids-and-bikes-through-the-years/) - Musings on Bikes You know how they say that the youngest child misses out? This is so true for my family. My older kids rode bikes all the time. They came home from school, hopped on their bikes, and rode to their hearts' content. My youngest is 4 years younger than one sibling and 7 You know how they say that the youngest child misses out? This is so true for my family. My older kids rode bikes all the time. They came home from school, hopped on their bikes, and rode to their hearts' content. My youngest is 4 years younger than one sibling and 7 years younger than his oldest sibling. By the time he was of "bike riding age" his siblings had long since abandoned their bikes for texting friends, watching Netflix, and hanging out in their rooms. - [COLLEGE: College Search To Find the Perfect Educational Fit](https://musingsfromme.com/the-college-search/) - My youngest child has toured colleges with his older siblings since the age of 10. We have toured all.the.schools. to help our kids with their college searches. Big schools. Small schools. Football schools. Non-football schools. Liberal arts colleges. Frat schools. Granola crunchy schools. Catholic schools. D1 schools. D2 schools. D3 schools. You name it. In - [GIFT GUIDE/REVIEW: Beauty Care, Hair Care, and Skin Care Products for the Holiday Gift Giving](https://musingsfromme.com/beauty_care_hair_care_skin_care-products_holiday_gift_giving/) - Beauty Care, Hair Care, and Skin Care Gifts for the Holidays I have the worst time keeping my hands from cracking. Every winter I get cracked cuticles. The skin on hands are super sensitive. I constantly knick and cut my fingers and hands doing routine tasks as my skin is so dry. With the holidays just - [GIFT GUIDE/REVIEW: Blending Fruits and Veggies with Vitamix](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-review-blending-fruits-and-veggies-with-vitamix/) - On a whim, I purchased a Vitamix. I was strolling around the frozen food section at Costco when I heard the whirring of something electronic. I whipped my head around and pushed my cart toward the booth. I saw the demo person chopping fruit, then vegetables. I was intrigued at what would happen next. The - [GIFT GUIDE/REVIEW: Home Brewed Coffee, Keurigs, and Coffee](https://musingsfromme.com/food-drink-home-brewed-coffee-keurigs-and-coffee/) - The water reservoir has to be HUGE! No more walking back and forth to the fridge water dispenser to refill. My house is on well water and I have a filter on the kitchen fawcet and the fridge water dispenser, but I prefer to refill the water reservoir using the fridge water dispenser. Tastes better. - [TIPS: Family Finances, Banking, and Getting Out of Debt](https://musingsfromme.com/finance-family-finances-banking-and-getting-out-of-debt/) - Debt free? Seems like a pipe dream at the moment. With kids in college, public school, private school, and all kinds of activities, having no debt whatsoever seems like an outlandish idea. Or is it? Could we be debt free? We're always saving...for retirement...for tuition...for kids' activities...for a rainy day. Could we save more? Could - [GIFT GUIDE/REVIEW: Get Ready for Valentine's Day](https://musingsfromme.com/valentines_day_gift_ideas_for_him/) - Chocolate? Nah! Go Beyond Basic Valentine's Day Gifts for Him Wondering what to get him for Valentine's Day? Look no further...I've got you covered! Burt's Bees Gift Set: Surprise home with a Burt's Bees Gifts Set, featuring 6 Products in Giftable Tin – Cuticle Cream, Hand Salve, Lip Balm, Res-Q Ointment, Hand Repair and Foot Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for him - [FINANCE: If I Won the Lottery...](https://musingsfromme.com/finance-if-i-won-the-lottery/) - I purchased a PowerBall ticket. I bought it on a whim. A few weeks ago. If I won the PowerBall, I would pay off all.the.college loans. Paying off loans would be a gift to my family. Having all.the.money would be a blessing. We wouldn't have to struggle to pay off college loan, which would be - [Kneebouncers.com -- I Want to Play!!!](https://musingsfromme.com/kneebouncers-com-i-want-to-play/) - When my girls were toddlers and "itty bitty ones" there were no games available for them to play. Oh, you could buy CD-ROMs "for Toddlers" but the games were not easy to use. The games required use of a mouse AND good hand eye coordination. If you have been around a baby or a toddler for any - [5 Tips for Photographing Toddlers](https://musingsfromme.com/photographing-toddlers/) - FireMom over at StopDropandBlog posted about photographing toddlers. Her post brought back a flood of memories of some great and not-so-great experiences photographing our children. I made a decision early on with my oldest to have regular photographs taken. Since we had a so-so camera, we joined a photoplan at Sears. Several times I used - [Musings on Babies: Tracking Your Baby](https://musingsfromme.com/babies-yep-theres-an-app-for-that/) - The scraps of paper. Notebooks purchased with the best of intentions. Writing on my hands and arm. Telling my sleepy spouse the time and praying that he remembered when I started nursing as I knew I was too sleep-deprived to remember. I tried these and more to keep track of my baby’s feeding, diapering, and - [Changing Track: When Naptime for Toddlers Ends](https://musingsfromme.com/family-centered-activities-get-schools-involved-submitted-to-parentella-blog/) - When my oldest was 18 months old, my days were so filled with babies, bottles, and books -- I was an at-home freelance editor -- I couldn't imagine where I would find the time to take a Mommy and Me class. I would pick up the free local parenting mags and flip to the pages - [@Kneebouncers: Free Games for Toddlers [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/kneebouncers-free-games-for-toddlers-giveaway/) - A few years ago my friend told me about a game her toddler son played all the time. The game was a "simple tap of the keys and watch what happens" type of game. A simple concept to adults, but the game allowed kids to make choices and decisions about how the game would be - [Holiday Gift Guide: Lego Duplo Jams App](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-lego-duplo-jams-app/) - Music calms the savage beast...uh...I mean baby. If you have every sat in a car with a squalling crying baby for a long trip you will feel my pain. As the navigator-not-the-driver-on-family-trips, I am the designated hitter with any crises to do with the kids. As the kids moved from the babies and toddlers stage - [Holiday Gift Guide: Get Moving with Sesame Street TV Kinect #seizingfamilytime #giftguide [Giveaway ends 12/20]](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-get-moving-with-sesame-street-tv-kinect-seizingfamilytime-giftguide-giveaway-ends-1220-toddler-preschooler/) - Many of you reading this post probably rarely sit with your toddler at the family desktop or laptop computer. Your toddler might play a game on your phone or tablet or even on the TV with a game system. You are beside them helping them when they got stuck. Cheering when they play a game. - [Gifts for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Giveaway ends 1/28/13)](https://musingsfromme.com/gifts-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers-giveaway-veggie-tales-dvd-robin-good-and-his-band-of-not-so-merry-men-the-penniless-princess/) - Once upon a time I volunteered in the church nursery. I helped another mom wrangle the one- through four-year-olds while their parents were at church. I thought that looking after little ones would be easy, especially since I looked after my own little ones at home. I only volunteered once every month or so, but - [Swapping Kids' Toys, Clothes, Media Made Easy with Swap.com Valet Service and Code for Free Shipping](https://musingsfromme.com/swapping-kids-toys-and-clothes-made-easy-with-swap-com-valet-service/) - One day, the piles around my house were of no consequence to me. I happily stacked one toy on top of the other. I stowed clothes in storage bins. I squeezed between bins of toys to get from one room to another. Stored loads of board games in the toy cupboard. Piled DVDs haphazardly one - [Birthday Parties Ideas for Home Parties for Babies and Toddlers](https://musingsfromme.com/birthday-parties-ideas-for-home-parties-for-babies-and-toddlers/) - If I sat down I could add up the number of birthday parties I have held. So how many have I hosted for my kids? Since I have hosted birthday parties since the mid 90s, sometimes it is hard to remember each party in detail. But suffice it to say, I've held well over 30 - [Stories from the Bright Side: Epic Feeding Battles and More #HFBrightSide](https://musingsfromme.com/stories-from-the-bright-side-epic-feeding-battles-and-more-hfbrightside/) - Disclosure: This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Happy Family blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. Feeding my younger two children was a breeze. Both would slurp down their bottles to the last drop. One would eat 2 jars of baby food; the other 3 jars. At - [Musings on Little Ones: Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane #Halloween](https://musingsfromme.com/taking-a-trip-down-memory-lane-halloween-with-little-ones/) - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. My neighbor stopped by on Halloween with her adorable baby. He's about one. He was strapped in his jogging stroller. The rain was starting to come down, but he was ever so snug in his Tigger costume. You know the - [Getting Our Mickey Mouse on for #DisneySMMoms! #spon #giveaway #MagicatPlay](https://musingsfromme.com/getting-our-mickey-mouse-on-for-disneysmmoms-spon-giveaway-magicatplay/) - Disclosure: Kohl’s provided me with a Kohl’s Gift Card to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. I'm a reluctant shopper. I wasn't always this way. Once upon a time, I loved hopping in my car, walking from store to store at the mall, staggering back to my car loaded down - [Changing Track: Climbing Out of the Abyss of Daytime TV](https://musingsfromme.com/changing-track-climbing-out-of-the-abyss-of-daytime-tv/) - I'd always said that my child would not sit for hours in front of the TV. Nope, not my child. My child would NOT be a couch potato! No sir! I would read to my child. Do crafts with my child. Go to activities with my child. Play outside with my child. But...though I did - [Conquer Bedwetting with @Pampers UnderJams #ConquerBedWetting at @Walmart](https://musingsfromme.com/conquer-bedwetting-with-pampers-underjams-conquerbedwetting-at-walmart/) - Move from Baby to Toddler I changed a diaper once. Babysat one time. Gave a baby a bottle just once. This was the sum total of my "baby" experience before I had my first baby. I had never fed a baby. Or potty trained a toddler. Or even put a baby down for a nap. Given the fact - [REVIEW: Review: 2006 Toyota Sienna](https://musingsfromme.com/review-2006-toyota-sienna/) - PROS...as of 2014 Passenger side sliding door in the 2006 Toyota Sienna is great for kids. Easy to get in and out of van. Also great for carpool drop off and pickup as my kids can easily get out of van with push of button. Also I can close the door from a button above - [TIME MANAGEMENT: Musings on Preschool: How To Use Your Time Wisely](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-preschool-how-to-use-your-time-wisely/) - I had a child in preschool from 1998 through 2008 with a slight gap between 2003-2006 when youngest child was a baby. For a 1-year period, I even had 2 children in preschool simultaneously. Even with the gap, I was always in "preschool" mode. Always looking for preschools. Gathering information from friends and family. Always - [Musings on Organization: Do You Make Your Bed Each Day?](https://musingsfromme.com/do-you-make-your-bed-each-day/) - U.S. Navy Admiral McRaven recommends making your bed each day. Do you? I do not. Never have. I give my sheets and comforter a shake before climbing in to bed. I plumped my pillows. I straighten the items on my nightstand. The only time I make the bed is when I change the sheets in - [VeggieTales Toys Teach Life Lessons Through Fun #VeggieTalesFun #WeaveMade #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/veggietales-toys-teach-life-lessons-through-fun-veggietalesfun-weavemade-ad/) - Disclosure: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and DreamWorks, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #VeggieTalesfun https://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH VeggieTales saved the day. I had a roomful of cranky toddlers. The church nursery was packed that Sunday. It was cold and flu season. All I heard was - [BIRTHDAY/HOLIDAYS: Birthday Party Planning and Organizing for Babies and Toddlers](https://musingsfromme.com/planning-a-birthday-party-for-babies-and-toddlers-birthday-birthdayparty/) - Party Theme Ideas for Babies and Toddlers For the first birthday parties for each of my babies, the theme centered around the paper goods. That was it. Sounds odd doesn't it? But if you had seen the cute 1st Birthday Party Teddy Bear paper plates and banner you would have squee-ed too. Plus my babies - [To Zip the Coat Or Not? Letting Kids Fail and Grow #greatschools](https://musingsfromme.com/to-zip-the-coat-or-not-letting-kids-fail-and-grow-greatschools/) - Disclosure: I was compensated for writing this post. I've done it. I'm sure you've done it too. As parents, we've all done it at one time or another. Scene: Your home. Your child struggles zipping his coat. You see your child tugging the zip up and down but not getting the coat zipped. He pulls - [Is it O.K. to Bash a Preschool?](https://musingsfromme.com/is-it-ok-to-bash-a-preschool/) - I have three children. The older two attended two preschools each. The youngest only went to one preschool. My oldest's first preschool and my middle's second preschool had major problems. I pulled my oldest from her preschool, but opted to deal with the problems with the middle's preschool. I will have to live with my - [TIPS: Using Organization, Storage, and Tracking Systems To Solve Help Your ADHD](https://musingsfromme.com/tips-using-organization-storage-and-tracking-systems-to-solve-help-your-adhd/) - I'm a Tad Forgetful I put items away for "safekeeping," then cannot for the life of me find the items. I have walked around my home searching high and low for my sunglasses only to find that my sunglasses are perched on top of my head. Ooops. I have used my phone flashflight to find my But I have systems and my systems have subsystems. I use an online calendar for work, another for my business, and yet another for my personal life. That's three calendars...count 'em three! The trick is to sync all three calendars. So when I create an calendar entry I send it to all 3 calendars. I'm not saying I never miss an event but I miss very few events. - [BIRTHDAY: Little Girls and Their Love for Dresses](https://musingsfromme.com/little-girls-love-dresses/) - You can never have too many fancy dresses and dress up dresses! My daughters always wore two dresses on Easter and any other special occasions. On special holidays, they wore the dress bought by my parents, then before leaving my parents' house I would do a quick change in to the dress purchased by my - [GIFT GUIDE/REVIEW: Stress Free Car Buying with Costco Auto Program](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-review-stress-free-car-buying-with-costco-auto-program/) - A bag of paper towels. A freezer full of frozen food. A large container of strawberries. A carton of sodas. A pack of soup cans. A bed. A brand new computer. What do all of these things have in common? All these items and more can be purchased from Costco. Isn't Costco the best store? Founded in 1983 in Seattle, Costco - [How To Be a Great Volunteer Coordinator and Effeciently Manage Parent Volunteers for Summer Swim Team Leagues](https://musingsfromme.com/how-to-be-a-great-volunteer-coordinator-and-effeciently-manage-parent-volunteers-for-summer-swim-team-leagues/) - I had a mostly love relationship with summer swim team leagues. My kids swam on a local summer swim team from 2004 through 2017. You had to be a member of the swim club to join the swim team...summer swim team fees on top of the monthly club dues were reasonable. I highly recommend "adopting" - [Review: My Week with Marilyn](https://musingsfromme.com/5721/) - I saw buzz about My Week with Marilyn and wanted to see it. Marilyn, played by Michelle Williams, was an intriguing character. #Ad - [What Is Your Favorite Candy? Mine is Peanut M&Ms](https://musingsfromme.com/5720/) - M&MsChocolate CandiesHow can you resist these little guys? Mmmm #Ad - [Musings on Me: My Writing](https://musingsfromme.com/1816/) - I was mentioned in the New York Times! O.K., O.K., I wasn't actually mentioned by name nor was my blog mentioned by name. Details, details. But, a travel website I wrote a post for was referenced in this article. Have you heard of Trekaroo? Trekaroo is a website written by moms/dads who have travelled with children for moms/dads - [Musings on Kids Sports: T-Ball and Beach Volleyball](https://musingsfromme.com/395/) - We're on Day #4 of solid rain. T-Ball was a washout on Saturday...although there was a break in the weather briefly which meant the fields were open. But since the coach cancelled the game earlier in the day, the team did not play. My son is old enough to be disappointed, but young enough to - [ORGANIZATION: Musings on the Home: Decluttering and Organizing Your Home](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-the-home-decluttering-and-organizing-your-home/) - I have a Black Belt in bolting up from whatever chair I am sitting in and racing about madly cleaning or tidying when I see the headlights of my husband's car coming up the driveway. Just takes practice. In fairness, I am as lackadaisical about impromptu cleaning jags as I am about any other cleaning. - [ENGLAND v. AMERICA: Home Thoughts from Abroad](https://musingsfromme.com/home-thoughts-from-abroad/) - When I lived in New Jersey as a little kid, my dad would send photos and write ups about what my sister and I were doing to my local newspaper, the Manchester Evening News. We loved when a relative would send clippings to us. It was our only way of keeping in contact. Yes...we could - [KIDS/GAMING: Gaming for Kids, Tweens, and Teens](https://musingsfromme.com/gaming-for-kids-tweens-and-teens/) - 3/30/2014: I'm not a tech blogger, but when I list off the tech stuff we have I might as well be one! The three kids each have their own iPad and iTouch. The older two (15 and 17) each have an iPhone and a regular Kindle. The youngest (10) has a Kindle Fire. As the - [CHARITY: Giving Back and Social Media](https://musingsfromme.com/giving-back-and-social-media/) - 4/24/2014: I was one of the first people in my community to embrace social media. I live in a rural community where 3-5 years ago people were hesitant to use email and certainly would not log on to Signupgenius.com to sign up to help at an event. Any time I needed to get volunteers for - [ORGANIZATION: Musings on Home: Building a New Home, then Renovating a Home](https://musingsfromme.com/building-a-house-tips-and-tricks/) - 3/20/2013: My builder was a cheapskate. There was no doorbell. Really. He installed no light fixtures in any of the rooms in my home except for the dining room chandelier. Ridiculous. As a new home buyer, I never thought to ask about light fixtures. I ASSUMED they would be installed. Big mistake. Before I installed lamps - [SPORTS: Musings on Family: Sports and Activities](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-family-sports-and-activities/) - I am guilt personified. If there is something to feel guilty about, I will find it. I will seek it out. I will claim that guilt as my own. And sometimes I manufacture guilt out of thin air. I have a need to be fair...always. Definitely with situations involving my children. I strive to be - [SCHOOL: The Tale of Two Homecoming Dances](https://musingsfromme.com/the-tale-of-two-homecoming-dances/) - One year, we had the tale of two school dances. That year one daughter was at a public high school, while the other daughter was at a private high school. I don't need to tell you that the two dances couldn't have been more different! Some things were the same. Both dances were in the - [REVIEW: Musings from Me Reviews: Costco Auto Program](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-from-me-reviews-costco-auto-program/) - I've never purchased a used car. I'm not saying this to sound superior. On the contrary, it is just that I have found buying a new car to be preferable. Over the years, I have saved a lot of money purchasing only new cars. New Driver But, my first car was an older vehicle -- - [ENGLAND v. AMERICA: Schools Days in England and the United States](https://musingsfromme.com/schools-days-in-england-and-the-united-states/) - My childhood was nomadic and chaotic. So was my educational journey. Starting School in England I started kindergarten in England. Prior to kindergarten, I attended a church preschool. It was September and I was 4 when I started kindergarten. Autumn term. School uniform with velour hat and buckled shoes. Full school day. Very academic. Learned - [SCHOOL: I Hate Tests...All of Them! Are You Good at Tests?](https://musingsfromme.com/i-hate-tests-all-of-them-are-you-good-at-tests/) - Elementary School Years in England and the United States My childhood was nomadic and a bit chaotic to say the least. I attended preschool (Reception) and kindergarten (Year 1) in England, and preschool and kindergarten in the United States (my family emigrated from England to the United States...long story). I completed 1st grade (Year 2), - [TRAVEL: Hotel, Food, and Travel: Do You Use Airbnb, DoorDash, or Uber?](https://musingsfromme.com/hotel-food-and-travel-do-you-use-airbnb-doordash-or-uber/) - I always thought I was a Baby Boomer. I was convinced I was a Baby Boomer. As was Dad Knows Better. I knew my parents and father-in-law were the Silent Generation (1928-1945). My oldest child is an older Millennial (1981-1996), but identifies as Generation Z. My middle child and youngest child are Generation Z (1997-2012). - [ORGANIZATION: A Clean Kid's Bedroom Is a Myth, Right?!](https://musingsfromme.com/a-clean-kids-bedroom-is-a-myth-right/) - 4/3/2014: I would never publicly shame any of my children by posting photos to social media. I have threatened to remove all items from their rooms except for bed and bedding. I have never followed through on these threats, except for one time when I dragged a nightstand towards the door of my kid and - [TV: From My Strange Addiction to Extreme Cheapskates](https://musingsfromme.com/from-my-strange-addiction-to-extreme-cheapskates/) - Felt blah this morning and watched a DVR'd Scandal, then moved on to My Strange Addiction with the lady with the 5-inch toe nails, the 15-inch finger nails, and the two body guards to keep pedestrians from stepping on her toes. Her godson and nephew were clearly ticked off at how much they had to - [I Hate Midterms and Finals! They Stress Me Out.](https://musingsfromme.com/i-hate-midterms-and-finals-they-stress-me-out/) - This photo has everything: -Mom dressed in baggy clothes. -Three kids gathered around the kitchen table doing crafts. -Mom looking anxious about Easter egg dyeing. -Cluttered bulletin board and mom calendar. -Kids' crafts stuck to kitchen window. I took no standardized tests in middle school or high school. That's no tests for the entire 7 - [Do You Love Live Music? Music Events, Concerts, Festivals, and More](https://musingsfromme.com/do-you-love-live-music-music-events-concerts-festivals-and-more/) - When my oldest was in high school, I drove my teen and a friend to a music festival just outside Baltimore, Maryland. I wasn't thrilled about it. Seemed dangerous. The festival was all day. My mom spide-y sense was on high alert. Danger lurked. As a high school senior, my teen needed freedom. High school - [Wordless Wednesday: New Year's Eve Photobombing](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesday-nye-photobombing/) - If you have a little kid, you'll know that when you want them to cooperate when you take a photo, they have no interest and can be quite awkward. But when you are taking a photo and don't want them in they are uber enthusiastic to get in on the act. I was snapping pics - [Eureka! Tweet Photo on the Verizon Palm Pre Plus](https://musingsfromme.com/eureka-tweet-photo-on-the-verizon-palm-pre-plus/) - I may have mentioned that I am #notatechie. I know just enough about my blog to know that I should avoid doing ANYTHING with the code. My husband has set up our TV/DVD/Surround Sound in a such a way that I find it hit or miss that I will get TV and DVD and Surround - [College Search: Application for $20K College Scholarship Now Open!](https://musingsfromme.com/college-search-application-for-20k-college-scholarship-now-open/) - Do you live in Washington, D.C.? Do you have a high school senior? Does your high school senior attend a public, charter, private, or parochial high school in Washington, D.C.? Is your high school senior planning to attend an accredited, four-year, postsecondary institution in the fall of 2024? The Junior League of Washington is offering - [10 Tips for Teaching Teens How To Drive](https://musingsfromme.com/10-driving-tips-for-teens/) - I don't know what is more shocking...that I have child old enough to drive OR that I have a child entering her last year of high school. Same child. Same shock. Can she really be 17? Where did the time go? Wasn't she driving the ride-on Jeep yesterday? Didn't she board the yellow school bus - [Kindness Matters](https://musingsfromme.com/kindness-matters/) - JollyTime Kernel of Kindness I think giving back to my community is very important. I give back through volunteering at my kids' schools. through church projects, and by working at a local soup kitchen. I also participate in food, baby items, and clothing drives in my community. I regularly donate items or money to local - [Rainy Day Movie Fun with the Kids at #DisneyPlanes](https://musingsfromme.com/rainy-day-movie-fun-with-the-kids-at-disneyplanes/) - I'm a bit of a cheapskate when it comes to movies. I need to get my money's worth out of a movie. In college I saw a bunch of movies each year thanks to a frequent punch discount card. I've bought movies tickets through Groupon or used the ones in those Entertainment books. I LOVE - [Spring in to Spring with Home Depot and @Savings #SpringIntoSavings](https://musingsfromme.com/spring-in-to-spring-with-home-depot-and-savings-springintosavings/) - Disclosure: I was compensated by Savings.com to write this post. The views expressed in this post are my own. Spring has sprung! Note how I am ignoring that I am wearing slippers inside and that it is not at all spring-like outside. I'm in la-la land. After the Polar Vortex winter here in Maryland, I - [10 Tips for Doing the New York Toy Fair in One Day #toyfair](https://musingsfromme.com/10-tips-surviving-new-york-toy-fair/) - I've gone to Toy Fair three times. As a blogger, I'm invited to events all the time. I go to press conferences. I've been a guest at the HQs of a couple of brands. I've attended restaurant openings. I even got the "golden ticket' to Disney Social Media Moms last year. I feel blessed to have these opportunities. The - [Gift Guide: Makeup for Tweens and Teens](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-makeup-for-tweens-and-teens/) - My teen was and still is a makeup aficionado...unlike her mom. She buzzed from Sephora to Ulta to Target and back again. Once she had her own wheels, there was no stopping this makeup hound from acquiring all.the.makeup. Top 5 Makeup Gifts for Tweens and Teens Makeup Kits Flavored Lip Gloss 3. Lighted Vanity Makeup - [The Worst Vacation Ever](https://musingsfromme.com/the-worst-vacation-ever/) - As a kid, I stayed at a hotel on the Greek Island of Corfu. During the two-week stay, my family experienced a multitude of issues. Seriously, it was like the universe decided to cause a tsunami of disruption during our vacation! On the way to the airport, the dad of one of the families we - [Musings on England: Travel Disasters](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-england-travel-disasters/) - I'm good at a lot but not planning a vacation, but that's why we have Dad Knows Better. Dad Knows Better is a pro at travel. Flights? He knows the day that flights are cheapest. Hotels? He has a knack for finding the best hotel in a sea of mediocrity. Tourist attractions? He books them - [Making Memories for My Youngest](https://musingsfromme.com/making-my-youngest-sons-day/) - The life of the youngest kid in the family is a mixed blessing for my son. For as many times as he has avoided chores...he loves being the youngest. Even when he has to do chores, he always gets the recycling. His sisters are stuck loading/unloading the dishwasher or Swiffering the floor. But, there are - [Darn! I Missed World Nutella Day!](https://musingsfromme.com/darn-i-missed-world-nutella-day/) - How is it that I spent my teen years eating Nutella sandwiches after school, but missed World Nutella Day? I can still smell the chocolatey goodness that was Nutella. I had the freshman 15 BEFORE college due in large part to eating Nutella sandwiches and English chips and gravy EVERY day. When I write statements - [Trot over to Maryland](https://musingsfromme.com/trot-over-to-maryland/) - What question perplexes me most on forms and questionnaires? The question I find most difficult to answer is what major city do I live closest to? As a child through my pre-children years, I would have had several answers: 0-4 years -- Manchester, England 5-8 -- New York City 9-10 -- Manchester, England 11 -- - [Reminiscing... I Was a Stranger in a Strange Land](https://musingsfromme.com/reminiscing-i-was-a-stranger-in-a-strange-land/) - I had a nomadic childhood. I lived in England...America...England...America...England...Italy...and finally America. I came to the U.S. to attend college. For the most part the people I met were kind to me. I must have sounded strange to them with my heavy British accent. I fell in to the routine of college life, except for one - [Brrrr: Beach Time In Manchester](https://musingsfromme.com/brrrr-beach-time-in-manchester/) - With summer approaching, thoughts of water, sand, and sun spring to mind. I was born in Manchester. We spent many rainy, windy days bundled in blankets behind windbreaks sipping hot tea at the "seaside" in Southport. My sister and I would run about on the beach. The sea was miles away. My parents and grandmother - [My Ancestors](https://musingsfromme.com/my-ancestors/) - I applied to be one of the bloggers who would get the chance to tour Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty on the Thursday of BlogHer (August 5) as part of the Liberty Mutual Responsibility Project. I don't think I was chosen. I haven't heard anything. I desperately want to go on the tour. - [How Did Our Mothers Do It?](https://musingsfromme.com/how-did-our-mothers-do-it/) - If this post was a sponsored post, it would be sponsored by a company that manufactures megaphones or a store that sells earphones. Seriously, folks this has been the summer of kids yelling, mom yelling, dad yelling, and the fish yelling. I am assuming the fish are yelling since we can't hear 'em through the - [A Classic Movie Brought to Life on Stage: Mary Poppins](https://musingsfromme.com/a-classic-movie-brought-to-life-on-stage-mary-poppins/) - As a kid Mary Poppins was a favorite film. Of couse unlike my children I only watched Mary Poppins and other classic kid’s films once. There was no DVD or DVR in my house. I was a teen before we had a video cassette recorder. Mary Poppins was memorable even after seeing it - [Celebrating Spring...First Communions, Graduations, Weddings...](https://musingsfromme.com/celebrating-spring-first-communions-review/) - Rite of passage. Tradition. Celebration. Sacred. All of these words embody what First Communion means to me and my family. My First Communion -- like the celebrations for my two daughters -- took place on a warm spring day at a church in Metuchen, New Jersey, with a reception at a well-known restaurant in Princeton. - [Pomp, Circumstance, and All That](https://musingsfromme.com/pomp-circumstance-and-all-that/) - I don't remember my mother waking me up at 4 o'clock in the morning. I was probably bundled in to the car in my jammies. I'm not a morning person still. I don't recall what the bride wore or who the bridesmaids and page boys were. I do have a recollection of watching TV and - [Learning Something New About a Brand I Have Known About for Years #kfcfresh](https://musingsfromme.com/learning-something-new-about-a-brand-i-have-known-about-for-years-kfcfresh/) - A few weeks ago I took a quick trip to Louisville, KY. And by quick I do mean quick. I was in the air or on the ground for about 27 hours. Quick. The trip couldn't have come at a better time. I was knee deep in writing before the trip. I made a decision - [Three Channels and There Is Absolutely Nothing on](https://musingsfromme.com/three-channels-and-there-is-absolutely-nothing-on/) - When I was growing up in England the TV had three channels. True story. There were the two channels operated by the BBC. BBC 1 was on for most of the day. I could tune in around to 9 a.m. to children's programming. By 1 p.m. BBC 1 switched to news, cooking shows, or horse - [Why Not Visit London?](https://musingsfromme.com/why-not-visit-london/) - New York. London. Paris. As a little kid, I was a seasoned traveler. I had visited all of these cities and more by the time I was 9. My passport had stamps from the many cities we landed in. Of course I was a young enough and security was very lax back then, so I - [Sharing Moments with Family #sogoodsosweet](https://musingsfromme.com/sharing-moments-with-family-so-good-so-sweet/) - A couple of summers ago we had the trip of a lifetime. After months and really years of saying "I'm going to take my children to my home in England...someday." We finally went HOME.Our trip was amazing. The trip of a lifetime for me, my husband, and my kids. The trip was made more memorable - [Family Fun: Going Home #sogoodsosweet](https://musingsfromme.com/family-fun-travel-sogoodsosweet/) - As many of you know, I write about family...a lot. I may not get in to specifics. Or details. Or the nitty gritty about our family, but as much as I can I write about our lives. Although, you would be hard pressed to know my children's first names. You won't see references to their - [A Highland Jig or Two #bravecarslandevent](https://musingsfromme.com/a-highland-jig-or-two-bravecarslandevent/) - Quite a few years ago, my husband and I took back-to-back trips to the U.K. Two major trips in TWO years seems so decadent and extravagant. But, it was different back then. We were practically newlyweds. Both super busy at work. No children to have to worry. My husband had summers off with his teaching - [Seizing Family Time with Kaboom Kids movie titles #seizingfamilytime](https://musingsfromme.com/seizing-family-time-with-kaboom-kids-movie-titles-seizingfamilytime/) - Movie watching is an activity we can all do. Sometimes we’ll watch a movie together. Watching a movie is a great way to spend time together as a family. - [Was There Anything Better Than Saturday Morning TV?](https://musingsfromme.com/saturday-morning-tv-disney-lone-ranger-family-movie/) - My mother wasn't particularly strict about TV. I don't recall earning TV time or losing TV time. The TV was on or it wasn't. We watched TV when we ste dinner...my mother would roll the TV over to the table and then roll the TV back - [Musings on Downton Abbey from a Brit](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-downton-abbey-from-a-brit/) - Some of you may be surprised that I am British. I mention my British-ness here and there. A memory. An anecdote. A tale of my childhood. Probably most obvious when I meet someone. I always hear "You have the faintest smidge of an accent." While for the most part I blog as an American living - [Why I NEED To Go to Cybher and London! #UKSoFab](https://musingsfromme.com/why-i-need-to-go-to-cybher-and-london-uksofab/) - From time to time, I like to share fun stuff with my readers...his is one of those times. Collective Bias -- a PR company I happen to love to work with-- is sponsoring the Cybher conference in London on June 1st, 2013. Which is cool...very cool...but the icing on the cake is they are taking one lucky Sofab (Social - [The Fizzy Drink Report: #PepsiNext](https://musingsfromme.com/the-fizzy-drink-report-pepsinext/) - I did a head snap last month. I was at the pool watching my kids swim. Sitting in the shade...as you do. Reading a book...as you do. Doing some people watching...as you do. When in walked a woman. Older than me by a year or two. Holding a TAB. I did a head snap. TAB? - [Rain, Rain, Go Away #EnglishMemories](https://musingsfromme.com/rain-rain-go-away-englishmemories/) - I'm sitting here on the couch staring out the window. Rain is coming down. It's damp...chilly...and bleak. Nothing like Monday's heavy tornado-like rain. Just a rainy day. I'm used to rain. Growing up in England, rain was the weather I experienced the most. For all my school years, I always had an umbrella and a - [British Housing...Making the Most of What Little Space There Is #EnglishMemories](https://musingsfromme.com/british-housing-making-the-most-of-what-little-space-there-is-englishmemories/) - My husband looked puzzled as he peered at me from the dining room doorway. He had heard my laughing from two rooms over the noise of the TV and came to investigate. Why was I laughing? What was so funny...he wanted to know. I showed him the site I was looking at. That site -- - [How About a Spot of Tea for National Hot Tea Month? #giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/how-about-a-spot-of-tea-for-national-hot-tea-month-giveaway/) - Disclosure: I was sent a selection of Salada and Red Rose teas as part of this campaign. The views expressed in this post are my own. You would think that coming from England I would be a tea drinker. I'm actually not. Coffee is my preferred brew. After a childhood spent hearing adults say "Let - [Foods You Can Only Find in Britain](https://musingsfromme.com/foods-that-you-can-only-find-in-britain/) - I always say I won't click on another BuzzFeed link. Nope! I do not have time to waste. I have things to do. Places to visit. People to see. But then... I see a headline like: The 23 Greatest Things That British People Love To Eat. How in the world am I supposed to ignore - [#ImBornTo Travel the World](https://musingsfromme.com/imbornto-travel-the-world/) - Disclosure: I was compensated to write this post. The views expressed in this post are my own. As a child, I traveled. Oh boy, did I travel! My dad was an engineer with much-in-demand skills. Basically, he moved to where the work was. Whenever he moved, my sister, mother, and I moved too. I was - [What Was It Like To Go to School in England?](https://musingsfromme.com/what-was-it-like-to-go-to-school-in-england/) - Senior Year or "Upper Sixth" in English Speak1. Did you date someone from your school? No2. Did you marry someone from your high school? No3. Did you car pool to school? No--I walked to the train station from my home, took a train in to the center of Manchester, from there I walked to a - [Musings on England Trip: Hope for Youth](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-england-trip-hope-for-youth/) - Editor's Note: I will post on our trip to England in a series of short posts. So much to write about, but I want to make it manageable for myself to write. Stay tuned. Today: Hope for Youth I was in a McDonald's in London with my family. The McDonald's was in a shopping mall - [England v. America: Afterschool and School Activities Then and Now](https://musingsfromme.com/england-v-america-afterschool-and-school-activities-then-and-now/) - My teen was talking about the prom the other night? She was talking dresses, dates, and dinner. Even after 20-plus years in the U.S., I'm still shocked by American traditions, particularly in high school. In my high school in England there was: No prom -- instead we had a sad event for the 6th Form - [Growing up in England v. Growing up in America #EnglishMemories](https://musingsfromme.com/growing-up-in-england-v-growing-up-in-america-englishmemories/) - I grew up in England and America, and even Italy for a short while. When I'm talking to someone about my childhood, I often base my answers on what I did in one country. You would think that my childhood stories would be the same since I grew up mostly in two English-speaking countries, but actually - [Vacation Disasters: My Kingdom for a Rental Car #travel #vacation #London #England](https://musingsfromme.com/vacation-disasters-my-kingdom-for-a-rental-car-travel-vacation-london-england/) - Have you ever thought "Phew! At least nothing else can go wrong!"...and then it does? A few years ago, my family and I took a much anticipated vacation to my homeland. I had wanted to explore England with my children. I wanted to wait til all three of my children were old enough to enjoy - [Google Chromecast Audio: Streaming Music Over Wifi @BestBuy #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/google-chromecast-audio-best-buy/) - Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. We go through phases in life, don't we? Phases where we are super active and always on the go. Phases when we are completed devoted to our jobs. Phases where - [How Did I End up at a U.S. College, Anyway?](https://musingsfromme.com/how-did-i-end-up-at-a-us-college-anyway/) - So, I'm now in Maryland...a naturalized U.S. citizen...but how did I get to America from the place of my birth...Manchester, England.In 1982 I was convinced that I would attend college in America. My parents had other ideas. My family had emigrated to America (NJ) in 1970, but we returned to England in 1977. All through - [Trekaroo Thursday: Spending the Weekend on a College Campus](https://musingsfromme.com/trekaroo-thursday-spending-the-weekend-on-a-college-campus/) - My daughter spent her first night on a college campus as a 10-year-old. No, she wasn't a student. Her volleyball team participated in a 3-day tournament over Memorial Day Weekend. Going away to college at aged 10?! We talked about whether she should go or not. We wondered if she was ready. Her dad was - [Pondering the College Search Process with My 11th Grader #MOOCadvisor and #spon](https://musingsfromme.com/studentadvisor-com-moocadvisor-and-spon/) - There's no avoiding the fact that my 11th grader is looking at colleges. I cannot be in denial any longer. For the last 18 months, our mailbox has been stuffed to overflowing with postcards, flyers, and letters of interest from colleges all over the country. So as not to get overwhelmed, her dad decided that - [College Days: Two Weeks In](https://musingsfromme.com/college-days-two-weeks-in/) - Two weeks. Fourteen days. That's how long it is since I saw my daughter last. Dropping her off at college seems like months ago. It's not that the house is quieter without her. She's a very quiet person. But even her quiet, reserved presence is noticeably missing from the hub bub of the house. I - [Following, Not Leading Your Child's #JourneytoCollege](https://musingsfromme.com/following-not-leading-your-childs-journeytocollege/) - My oldest child is a trailblazer. She's my "out of the box" thinker. She does everything her own way. She's the child who informed me after a lengthy timeout when she was 7 that she would do what I asked her to do next time but only because I asked her not because she thought - [Musings on Travel: A College Tour and a Vacation Rolled in To One... #CollegeTourCation #travel #vacation #fl](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-travel-a-college-tour-and-a-vacation-rolled-in-to-one-collegetourcation-travel-vacation-fl/) - The College Search The College Tour is in full swing. This is my second ride on the "College Tour Bus" with a child. The first College Tour happened two summers ago when Child #1 toured colleges in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia. After many college visits she settled on a college in upstate New York that - [Musings on Travel: Spending the Day at the Kennedy Space Center #kennedyspacecenter #travel #vacation #fl #collegetourcation](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-travel-spending-the-day-at-the-kennedy-space-center-kennedyspacecenter-travel-vacation-fl-collegetourcation/) - Disclosure: I was given tickets for my family to visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Road Tripping To Florida This summer we embarked on a road trip to end all road trips. It was epic. It was a trip I had - [Musings on Travel: Spending the Day at the World of Coca Cola #WorldofCocaCola #travel #vacation #ga #collegetourcation](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-travel-spending-the-day-at-the-world-of-coca-cola-worldofcocacola-travel-vacation-ga-collegetourcation/) - Disclosure: I was given tickets for my family to visit the World of Coca Cola to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Road Tripping To Georgia This summer was the summer of the road trip to end all road trips. For years, I wanted to road trip with my family...possibly in a - [The College Tour...Swimmer Style](https://musingsfromme.com/the-college-tour-swimmer-style/) - My freshman and I scoped out pools and athletic facilities at colleges long before my daughter applied to colleges. Even though my 11th grade daughter was closer to looking at colleges, the 9th grader gained insight into what she wanted in a college, too. Each weekend my freshman daughter and I embarked on a mini college - [Musings on Little Ones: Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Blue's Clues](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-little-ones-toddlers-preschoolers-and-blues-clues/) - Images courtesy of NickJr.com. Blue's Clues was my daughter's first TV show. For my daughter's first year, she watched no TV. Not surprising since how many infants watch TV, right? But there was one person in the house watching TV. Whispers...me. That's right. Once my daughter was born, I morphed from non-daytime TV watcher to - [Gift Guide: Summer Learning Activities](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-summer-learning-activities/) - More often than not, I had kids at three different schools. That's 3 sets of emails, different days off, multiple health and safety alerts, and a slew of grading notices from three schools. At one time, I had 1 kid in a public elementary school, 1 kid in a public high school, and 1 kid - [Girls Are UnSTOPpable](https://musingsfromme.com/girls-are-unstoppable/) - A PSA for my Readers… I was contacted about a worthwhile campaign. Would I post about a campaign if it wasn’t worthwhile? You know I wouldn’t. So read on… Candace Parker has teamed up with the Playtex® Sport® brand for the “Unstoppable Moves” video series.... Every time a clip of unstoppable moves is uploaded, $5 - [Mentioning Unmentionables](https://musingsfromme.com/mentioning-unmentionables/) - When I was last in an office...literally in another century. I was a cubicle dweller. I longed for a window, but had to make do with craning my neck to get a glimpse of natural light. I worked a short drive from home. I did Happy Hour with friends. I was married but with no kids. - [Spring Is in the Air: Gift Guide](https://musingsfromme.com/spring-is-in-the-air-gift-guide/) - Road Rippers Brings Back a Classic The thrill of the road. The need for speed. Taking control. All these phrases apply to race car drivers and RC drivers alike. Vroom! Are your children like mine? Do they love gaining control of a remote control race car? My children -- girls and a boy, tween and - [Make Moms Day and a Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/make-moms-day-and-a-giveaway/) - I was thinking about my ideal day would look like the other day. You know since Mother's Day is on the horizon. Probably thought about what my day would look like in between loading the dishes and stepping over the laundry pile and getting ready to drive to volleyball. When I had a moment I - [All About Me by Musings from Me](https://musingsfromme.com/all-about-me-by-musings-from-me/) - All About Me... I'm English -- although at this point I have been in the U.S. for more than half of my life. I'm a proud U.S. citizen. My nomadic childhood of living in 8 houses in 3 countries while attending 7 schools is in stark contrast to the fact that I have lived in my home - [Eating an Ice Cream Cone and Did I Mention We Went to the Cherry Blossoms](https://musingsfromme.com/eating-an-ice-cream-cone-and-did-i-mention-we-went-to-the-cherry-blossoms/) - First you contemplate the ice cream pop after the first bite. Then you take a big bite...Chomp! Next make sure to lick your lips...you don't want to lose any precious dribbles of ice cream. Sometimes it is a good idea to squat while eating...you know how messy those drippy ice cream pops can be. Ah, - [Sponsored Post: Win a $100 @Sears Gift Card! LocalAd #SWEEPS #Ad](https://musingsfromme.com/sponsored-post-sears-localad-sweeps-ad/) - This is a sponsored post. I am a Sears blogger, though all opinions are my own. Is it just me or do you like to do a bit of shopping once the weather gets nicer? After a winter hunkered down at home or bundled under layers, spring is a welcome respite from the cold. Once - [Holiday Gift Guide: Free 1-Year Yoursphere.com Membership!](https://musingsfromme.com/yourspherefree/) - As many of you know, I have a preteen and a teen. Preteens and teens love to be connected to their friends. Chatting at lunch. Socializing on the school bus. Texting on cell phones. And on the computer or lapop. As a mom of a preteen and teen, I can handle my daughters checking e-mail - [Musings from Me: Writing Journey](https://musingsfromme.com/writing/) - 10/14/2013: I'm no stranger to writing. As a kid, I wrote several "books" about being a kid who moves back and forth from the UK to the US and even to Italy. I haven't stopped writing since then...English major and college newspaper reporter, graduate school in writing student, editor/writer for a trade association's communication department, - [5 Gifts Your Tween Will Actually Use](https://musingsfromme.com/5-gifts-your-tween-will-actually-use/) - When you have tweens, you can forget about strolling the aisles of your local Walmart or Target. While tweens are adamant about what they don't want, finding what they do want is tough. Tweens do not want toys...of any kind. And if they do want a toy, the one they will want will be super - [The Finder of Lost Stuff](https://musingsfromme.com/the-finder-of-lost-stuff/) - One of our family mottos is nothing is every lost...missing permanently...but never lost forever. I AM the finder of lost stuff. I usually find whatever it is that is missing in a place where someone (usually me) stashed it for "safekeeping" or I moved the item when we were having a party or something. Preschoolers - [5 Post-Surgery Tips for Knee Surgery -- Meniscectomy](https://musingsfromme.com/5-post-surgery-tips-for-knee-surgery-meniscectomy/) - DH and I both had knee surgery, more specifically a meniscectomy, a few years ago. Same knee. Same surgeon. His was a sports injury, mine was not. The key advice from me post surgery is: Follow the doctor's postop advice to the letter. Drink, drink, and drink some more water. Set up a downstairs area - [Top 10 Pet Peeves about the Pool](https://musingsfromme.com/top-10-pet-peeves-about-the-pool/) - Another in my series of "giving new life to old posts" saved in draft... People who change babies on top of picnic tables. Gross.People who change older kids behind a towel instead of going to changing room. Give your child some dignity.Piles of fresh poop on the floor of a waterpark changing room. Had to change - [A Roundup of Musings from Me: Week of October 7, 2012](https://musingsfromme.com/giveaways-att-smartphone-wiggles-dvds-just-dance-xbox-kinect/) - A short and sweet roundup of what I was doing/where I was/what I was up to this week. Riding rides with Dad. My WW...plus check out this link for other WW. Two giveaways are up and ready for entries. The first giveaway is a hodge podge of giveaways...a smartphone, Wiggles DVDs, Drop Dead Diva and - [A Roundup of Musings from Me: Week of October 14, 2012](https://musingsfromme.com/a-roundup-of-musings-from-me-week-of-october-14-2012/) - October 21? How can October be almost over? Wasn't it September not too long ago? Summer doesn't seem that long ago, does it? Yet, here I sit on a Sunday night contemplating that November is on the horizon. Thanksgiving not too far off. Time flies that is for sure. As I get ready for the - [Talking To Your Kids About How They Act Online #digifam](https://musingsfromme.com/talking-to-your-kids-about-how-they-act-online-digifam/) - I do 100% of my work online. I'm either on a desktop, a laptop, or out-and-about on my smartphone. I'm writing blog posts or posting to Facebook/Twitter/Instagram or hosting a Twitter party. When I'm not online, I'm in the car driving kids from sports practice to Cub Scouts to swimming before heading back home. Or - [Who Says I Can't Rock a Blue Wig?! #fiercefund](https://musingsfromme.com/who-says-i-cant-rock-a-blue-wig-fiercefund/) - Turning 40 was just one of those milestones. I wasn't even dreading the whole "turning 40" thing. It was just another birthday. A time to celebrate with family. But then I started getting all introspective. I started thinking differently about myself. I wasn't liking the "me" I saw in the mirror at all. Who was - [You Can Find Me Writing Here...About Tweens, Baltimore, and DC](https://musingsfromme.com/can-find-writing-dominos-birthday-desserts/) - Did you know that I write somewhere else? Somewhere other than this blog I mean. That sounds like I am cheating on you, doesn't it?! I'm not deserting you, my faithful readers...reader?! I just love to write! I started this blog back in January 2008. In blogging terms, that is VERY old. My first post - [MOVE: My Word for 2015](https://musingsfromme.com/move-one-word-2015/) - Choosing a Word for 2015 I see words for 2015. Words in blog posts. Words posted on Facebook. Words that people choose. Words that are inspirational. Words that guide people through the year. I've never picked a word for the new year. Until now. Have picked a word for 2015? I have considered choosing a word. Some - [My First Tweet](https://musingsfromme.com/my-first-tweet/) - Am I cutting edge? Yes...and no. As far as social media, I was an early adopter. Got my first twitter account in June 2008. I wasn't even working in social media. At the time I knew no one who had a twitter. I'd heard about twitter and HAD to know more. https://discover.twitter.com/first-tweet#musingsfromme https://twitter.com/musingsfromme/statuses/832220280 Those first - [Oh, The Messes I Have Seen](https://musingsfromme.com/oh-the-messes-i-have-seen/) - I will never forget how messy the early years were. I had no idea... the number of diapers I would change...3 kids...3.5 years each in diapers...pullups at night for a bit... the mouths I would wipe... the clothing I would scrub, pre-treat, bleach, soak, and launder...only to find that the stains were permanent... the laundry - [10 Tips for a Successful Yard Sale](https://musingsfromme.com/tips-for-a-successful-yard-sale/) - Another in my series of "giving new life in to old posts" saved in draft... Today's post...tips for a successful yard sale. Over a period of months, start the process of sorting items to be sold at your yard sale. Group items together...toys, games, clothing, books, tools, appliances, etc. Ask yourself if you would buy - [10 Pet Peeves about the Beach](https://musingsfromme.com/my-top-10-pet-peeves-about-pool-or-beach-behavior/) - I'm giving my blog a bit of "love" by clearing out old drafts. I won't tell you when I wrote this... Enjoy! 1. Smoking on a beach. 2. Loud music. 3. Families arguing loudly on the beach. And why is it that people in large groups set up chairs so far away from each other - [Wednesdays R Us](https://musingsfromme.com/wednesdays-r-us-2/) - Goggles keep snow out of 5-year-old's eyes. Goggles are also funny looking. Not that I would ever laugh at my children. No, not me!Submitted to Wordless Wednesday, 5 minutes for Mom, The Not-So-Blog Blog, Punky Monkey's, Wordful Wednesday, Go Graham Go, Moomette's Mama Mentor Blog, All About Kimberly, Mom of 3 Girls, Newlyweds!, Nothing but - [Love Thursday: Faces of Teen, Preteen, and Kid](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-faces-of-teen-preteen-and-kid/) - "Ahem, I'm 13 and really DON'T like having my photo taken, but if I must I will smile. Thankyouverymuch." "I'm 10 and as goofy as anything!" "Hi! I'm 5 and I'm happy to be skiing with Daddy...not you Mommy, but Daddy!" - [Coach Dad + Mom on the Run = How We Met](https://musingsfromme.com/coach-dad-mom-on-the-run-how-we-met/) - Coach Dad and Adevnture Boy after their skiing mis-adventure -- will post about this soon. Why, oh, why, do I keep using this dreadful photo of myself...Twas the summer of '86. Hot as anything in Rockville, MD, just outside Washington, D.C. I was home for summer break from college. After a few days of frantic - [Twitter and Me in 140 Characters or More](https://musingsfromme.com/twitter-and-me-in-140-characters-or-more/) - Ideally I would like my Twitter posts to be 1500 characters or more like my puzzle...but, it looks as though I will have to deal with 140 characters or less.I like Twitter because I can read short bursts about what is going on in someone’s work or home life or work/home life if WAHM. Twitter - [Review: Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende](https://musingsfromme.com/review-daughter-of-fortune-by-isabel-allende/) - I just finished or more accurately I am almost finished with Isabel Allende's Daughter of Fortune for my Book Club -- we met in Starbucks for a change of pace. Book Club was a huge success -- talked about the book for almost the whole session which is very rare.Written originally in Spanish this book - [Musing on Sick Day Policy for Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/musing-on-sick-day-policy-for-kids/) - *Lately we've had a run of ill health and kids off school and even a "I never take a sick day husband" around here. I have instituted a sick day policy for all kids. This is the first year that my son is included since last year he was home all day with me. The - [IHeartFaces -- Wonder of Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/iheartfaces-wonder-of-kids/) - This photograph speaks for itself...Be sure to head on over to https://www.iheartfaces.com/ to check out all of the beautiful face entries this week!"UPDATE: Ooops! I reread requirements and well, this is obviously not black and white. I'll try again next week. - [Wednesdays Grab Bag](https://musingsfromme.com/wednesdays-grab-bag/) - So, exactly where were we headed. North? South? End of driveway?Submitted to Wordless Wednesday, 5 minutes for Mom, The Not-So-Blog Blog, Punky Monkey's, Wordful Wednesday, Go Graham Go, Moomette's Mama Mentor Blog, All About Kimberly, Mom of 3 Girls, Newlyweds!, Nothing but Purple, and Stay at Home Mom (Big thanks to https://www.feelslikehome.com/ for the links - [Love Thursday: 13-Year-Old Plans Own Birthday Party!](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-13-year-old-plans-own-birthday-party/) - Cucumbers! Relaxation Station Foot Soak StationReading and Massaging Chair StationNail Polish and Body Lotion StationFor more Love Thursday, head on over to https://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/2009/2/26/love-thursday-trust.html - [My Worst Fear...Mice!](https://musingsfromme.com/my-worst-fearmice/) - I am afraid of mice. There I said it! Not Mickey, but all other slithery, mouse-like creatures. Did you know that mice can squeeze their bodies through the tiniest cracks and openings?Here's the thing I live in a semirural area. I never know when I will see a mouse in my yard, garage, field, anywhere. - [Just Not in the Mood](https://musingsfromme.com/just-not-in-the-mood/) - I was going to write a funny post about wearing yet another purple Winnie the Pooh sweatshirt to the health club, but I just don't feel like it.About 4 or 5(?) years ago I heard about a young boy in this area who had relapsed with ALL -- a type of leukemia. He had a - [Observations from the Pool Deck...Swim Team](https://musingsfromme.com/observations-from-the-pool-deckswim-team/) - It would seem that on the pool deck or at a sports game, my husband is the one who gets to get all snippy with me about whatever it is that he had planned that I did not do the right way. Such as giving the kids a juice bag. In my defense I gave - [Tiffany Giardina -- A New Preteen Sound from Disney](https://musingsfromme.com/tiffany-giardina-a-new-preteen-sound-from-disney/) - As a mom of a preteen (see photo of Sporty daughter ready to rock out), I'm always on the lookout for things that will keep my preteen young and innocent for just a little while longer. Kids grow fast. I have a 13-year-old who is ready to take on the world on her own terms. - [Having a Day...](https://musingsfromme.com/having-a-day/) - Having a day where I...Tried to focus on getting kids ready for school by not checking e-mail before everyone left for school -- but still forgot my son's library book since it is media today and forget to remind my middle daughter to talk to the assistant principal about a bus problem. So, a mommy - [Yanni's Voices -- Airs March 2 on PBS](https://musingsfromme.com/yannis-voices-airs-march-2-on-pbs/) - I posted a week or two ago about how surprised I was that I liked Yanni's Voices so much. Well, I'm back to let you know that the Yanni's Voices special will premiere on PBS starting March 2. Check here for airdates in your area.Yanni Voices PBS Event: https://tr.im/gN1CPBS Special Teaser Video: https://tr.im/gUJD These young, - [Talk About Tuesday](https://musingsfromme.com/talk-about-tuesday/) - Let's talk about my minivan for a moment shall we? The van is much more than a vehicle. Much more than a means of transportation. It is our home on wheels -- a family room on wheels if you will. It takes us to swim practice twice a week, volleyball practice four times a week, - [A 5-Year-Old Boy Needs His Daddy](https://musingsfromme.com/a-5-year-old-boy-needs-his-daddy/) - Kind of wondering if a Dyson could clean up my 5-year-old's behavior?Struggling today, really struggling with my son. He is in that "knows what he wants to do and Will do whatever he wants to do phase." I am being driven slowly insane as I deal with him and his demanding behavior.Lately he is not - [Like American Idol, Sunday Was a Winner](https://musingsfromme.com/like-american-idol-sunday-was-a-winner/) - Sunday Blast from the Past -- My 9-year-old with her Monkey Toaster Strudel circa 2005.Sunday could not have gone any better. Let's review shall we...Kids let us sleep in.Kids did not argue -- too much -- while downstairs alone.Kids got dressed for church in a timely and relatively nonwhiny fashion. I could have critiqued wardrobes, - [But, Mommy Melted!](https://musingsfromme.com/but-mommy-melted/) - Like most children, my children have their times when they don't want to go to bed. Overall we have had an easy time of the bedtime woes, but every now and then we have a night of excuses. In random order, our Top 10 Excuses for Not Wanting To Go To Bed:"My room is cold." - [March Is National Reading Month](https://musingsfromme.com/march-is-national-reading-month/) - 10-year-old reads Teen magazine on plane to Disney while 8-year-old looks over her shoulder.If you have kids, hop on over to https://www.leapfrog.com/readingmonth/ to pledge how many minutes you will read to your child. I have one nonreader -- I pledged that I would read to him for 30 minutes a day for 30 days. I'll - [A Hat for All Seasons](https://musingsfromme.com/a-hat-for-all-seasons/) - My folding laundry hat. My cleaning the garage hat. My proud to be an American hat (I became a citizen in the 90s).Have a favorite hat? Post it here. https://flickr.com/photos/33223799@N06/?saved=1 - [I Vant To Be Alone -- Mommy MeTime](https://musingsfromme.com/i-vant-to-be-alone-mommy-metime/) - As a mom I value my free time. Although I can never fully relax since I am always thinking/worrying about my children. I've never been away by myself -- I envy moms who go to a hotel or on a cruise by themselves or with a friend. But I do enjoy getting together once a - [Presenting! Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney On Ice](https://musingsfromme.com/presenting-ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey-circus-and-disney-on-ice/) - When I think of the circus I think of the three rings, acrobats, animals, and of course the elephants. MomCentral and Feld Entertainment have joined forces with RinglingBros and DisneyOnIce to bring you special offers for families to go to two fun events.About two years ago I took my family to see the Ringling Bros. - [Wednesdays R Us: SledMom](https://musingsfromme.com/wednesdays-r-us-sledmom/) - This may or may not be me hurtling down a slope face first on a foam sled.Submitted to Wordless Wednesday, 5 minutes for Mom, The Not-So-Blog Blog, Punky Monkey's, Wordful Wednesday, Go Graham Go, Moomette's Mama Mentor Blog, All About Kimberly, Mom of 3 Girls, Newlyweds!, Nothing but Purple, and Stay at Home Mom (Big - [Will Blog for Food! or Is Blogging a Job?](https://musingsfromme.com/will-blog-for-food-or-is-blogging-a-job/) - Just call me SAHM turned Blogger. I'm not a well-known blogger like JessicaKnows or FireMom. Someday-- could I be in the same sentence as these two? Who knows. But, for now...I am a SAHM to three kids. I am a blogger -- MusingsfromMe I twitter as @musingsfromme I Facebook. I LinkedIn. I social network.I was - [Love Thursday: Elf + Shrek's Puss in Boots = Compliant Mommy](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-elf-shreks-puss-in-boots-compliant-mommy/) - When my kids want me to let them do something, they will bring out the big guns. The "mommy-cannot-say-no-to-us" move.The move in question would be the Elf pose crossed with the Puss in Boots pose. Huh?? What?? Wait, ever seen the movie, Elf? In the scene in the department store, Elf Buddy rides an escalator - [Friday Fitness -- Sledding with the Family](https://musingsfromme.com/friday-fitness-sledding-with-the-family/) - Monday was a snow day -- a blessing in disguise. A break from the hectic schedule of school, activities, homework. My husband even stayed home...woo hoo...this never happens unless it is a snow day or he is sick. One of the perks of being married to a teacher!We have talked about taking the kids sledding - [Scary Phone Call](https://musingsfromme.com/scary-phone-call/) - Kids were eating breakfast. Crafty Daughter was at school. I was checking e-mail, of course. Phone rings. I see Crafty Daughter's middle school phone number. It was the school nurse. Crafty Daughter had passed out in homeroom. I asked how my daughter was. Nurse said she was resting in nurse's office. Pale, but alert. My - [Rural Roadkill Report](https://musingsfromme.com/rural-roadkill-report/) - As a country dweller, not a day goes by when I don't see a dead animal beside the road. Sometimes I see the same animal for days. The same animal getting smaller as birds peck at it. The same animal getting mushier as cars drive over it. Folks, it's not pleasant, but it is part - [Ballas & Hough Dancing with the Stars](https://musingsfromme.com/ballas-hough-dancing-with-the-stars/) - Mark Ballas Derek Hough Tune in tonight on ABC at 8/7 to watch Mark Ballas (red shirt) and Derek Hough on the 2-hour season premiere of Dancing_with_the_Stars.Derek is dancing with multi-platinum artist Lil' Kim and Mark's partner is Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson. Derek and Mark have dominated the past two seasons, having led their - [Live Blogging Bedtime](https://musingsfromme.com/live-blogging-bedtime/) - Round these parts we love our jammies so much...we even wear them outside!Considering live blogging bedtime. It would be interesting, no? A sociological experiment? A testament to how ornery my kids are? A glimpse in to my "putting-kids-to-bed" persona. It's not pretty, y'all.Let me just say that Coach Dad is the primary bedtime person. He - [Wednesdays R Us: Multitaskers](https://musingsfromme.com/wednesdays-r-us-multitaskers/) - Multitasking at its best...coloring a Simpsons poster from Burger King while watching The Simpsons Movie. Excuse my messy family room...it was a snow day.Submitted to Wordless Wednesday, 5 minutes for Mom, The Not-So-Blog Blog, Punky Monkey's, Wordful Wednesday, Go Graham Go, Moomette's Mama Mentor Blog, All About Kimberly, Mom of 3 Girls, Newlyweds!, Nothing but - [Cool Mommy Guide: Blog Swing](https://musingsfromme.com/cool-mommy-guide-blog-swing/) - Fitness Friday: Reflection by CouponCoupJennI'm struggling to write a Fitness Friday post. I'm not sure which aspect of my life to write about right now...it all seems very fitness and health related. I'm not clever enough to think of something creative to write about...I'm struggling to find a direction for these posts with the addition - [Laundry Alternatives: Wonder Wash and Mini-Countertop Spin Dryer](https://musingsfromme.com/laundry-alternatives-wonder-wash-and-mini-countertop-spin-dryer/) - ResourcefulMommy has challenged me to post about my laundry situation. Truly this post was tailor made for me -- pun intended.Of all my household tasks I love doing laundry the most. There is something quite satisfying about having a pile of darks, lights, and inbetweens and transforming them in to a neatly folded laundry basket - [IHeartFaces: The Grass Is Always Greener at the Soccer Field](https://musingsfromme.com/iheartfaces-the-grass-is-always-greener-at-the-soccer-field/) - Is there anything cuter than a team of 5-year-old boys playing soccer? Nope. Nothing is cuter. Mom and dad love watching 5-year-olds play soccer. For the 5-year-old it is all about the snack--the sweeter the better.Submitted to IHeartFaces: Kids and Green - [Full-Day School Is Hard on 5-Year-Olds](https://musingsfromme.com/full-day-school-is-hard-on-5-year-olds/) - First day of school balloons with GrandadI think my son may have hit a wall with school. Oh, he has fun at school. He has his Star Wars buddies at recess. He loves his teacher. He's doing well in Math and making good progress in reading. But, for the last 2 months I have not - [Ballas Hough Band featuring a song by American Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi](https://musingsfromme.com/ballas-hough-band-featuring-a-song-by-american-idol-judge-kara-dioguardi/) - I've been listening to a new CD while I work on the computer. This is unusual for me since I work in silence except for the dishwasher, phone ringing, kids screaming... But I digress... I was asked to review the BHB CD for the Ballas Hough Band.Simply put, I love this CD. Now I am - [Best of Both Worlds: Housing Development in Rural Area](https://musingsfromme.com/best-of-both-worlds-housing-development-in-rural-area/) - Our neighborhood Halloween Parade group -- mine is the Darth Vader in the front row.I live in a housing development in a semirural area. Best of both worlds scenario. Neighbors close by yet bordered on three sides by protected land and one side by a working farm. I can see horses and cows from my - [Wednesday R Us: Ex.Cuse Me!](https://musingsfromme.com/wednesday-r-us-excuse-me/) - 10-year-old giving me the eye at a volleyball game. She used to be a real ham when it came to taking photos, but as time goes on she wants to be left alone. Sigh. Not that this stops me from taking photos, though.Submitted to Wordless Wednesday, 5 minutes for Mom, The Not-So-Blog Blog, Punky Monkey's, - [Love Thursday: My Hat Collection](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-my-hat-collection/) - We love this story in our house: Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey BusinessIn fact I wrote about my hats over at JessicaKnowsFor more Love Thursday go to https://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/2009/3/12/love-thursday-scattered-hearts.html - [The Circus is Coming to D.C./MD/NoVA](https://musingsfromme.com/the-circus-is-coming-to-dcmdnova/) - Yes, that's right the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to an arena near me. I am a Feld Family Activator. I'm helping Feld Entertainment get the word out about the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and also Disney on Ice. In fact, I am taking my family to the - [Win $25 of Products from ecostore USA!](https://musingsfromme.com/win-25-of-products-from-ecostore-usa/) - Eco-friendly or green cleaning products are the talk of the town. My buying philosophy is combination of "buy green" and "save green." Green in the latter case would be money. Saving money while shopping leads me to the mecca of shopping, the Holy Grail of shopping...Costco. I wrote a post on Costco over at TypeAMom. - [Circus: A Good Night To Be a Kid!](https://musingsfromme.com/circus-a-good-night-to-be-a-kid/) - Last week we attended the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus courtesy of MomCentral and Feld Entertainment. The night was a wonderful experience for my kids. When my children were little I resisted attempts to take them to the no name circuses that frequently come in to town in spring- and summertime. I wanted - [Who Am I?](https://musingsfromme.com/who-am-i/) - I've been a SAHM since 2002. This year at the same time as my youngest child started kindergarten, I started looking for work opportunities during the school day. Part-time jobs are hard to find in my semi-rural area. Many jobs are too far for me to drive and still put kids on and get kids - [Star Wars and 5-Year-Old Boys](https://musingsfromme.com/star-wars-and-5-year-old-boys/) - At Halloweentime my son announced that he wanted to be Darth Vader. I found this odd since he had not seen any of the Star Wars films, nor expressed much interest in Star Wars. In the weeks before Halloween he talked more and more about Darth Vader and Luke and Anakin. He still had not - [Baltimore Site for Moms of Preschoolers](https://musingsfromme.com/baltimore-site-for-moms-of-preschoolers/) - Mother's Day Tea Preschooler Style! My very serious preschooler at the Mother's Day Tea!I no longer have a preschooler, but I do live near Baltimore. Informative site for anything and everything to do with preschoolers.https://baltimore.savvysource.com/Enjoy! - [Site for Conecting Teens, Parents, and Technology](https://musingsfromme.com/site-for-conecting-teens-parents-and-technology/) - I kinda consider myself a blogger who writes about teens since I have one. I've found very few blogs on teens written from the parent perspective. One I've found that I like is:https://www.connectwithyourteens.blogspot.com/ - [I Might Just Meet Jared Today!](https://musingsfromme.com/i-might-just-meet-jared-today/) - Remember this guy?Guess who I might meet today -- Jared! There's a Subway event downtown promoting health eating for kids. (Thanks to Marianna for the information -- @LookNoHands and RidingwithNoHands and also thanks to Janine for the invitation -- @twincident and TwoferthePriceofOne )The event will be held at the D.C. Armory. Subway has partnered with - [Kettlebell Rocks in Northern Virginia!](https://musingsfromme.com/kettlebell-rocks-in-northern-virginia/) - When I first heard the term "Kettlebell" I had no idea what it was. Kettlebell? I found out that a Kettlebell is a weight with a handle -- see photo above. I participated in a Kettlebell class at Kettlebell_Strong_in_VA Participated is not the right word. The Kettlebell workout is the first workout I have ever - [Boys Love Play Kitchens, Too!](https://musingsfromme.com/boys-love-play-kitchens-too/) - I'm participating in Grace's Kitchen over at www.feelslikehomeblog.com. If you write about kids, food, or kids and food --think about posting! When my son was around 2 we pulled out the old Little Tikes kitchen. His sister got this kitchen for Christmas when she was 2. My middle daughter played with it as well. After - [Fitness Friday: It's Jared from Subway!](https://musingsfromme.com/fitness-friday-its-jared-from-subway/) - Jared was interviewed by CNN at the NIH/SubWay We Can! rally.Laila Ali at the NIH/Subway event at the Satdium Armory in Washington, D.C. -- and me!Yep, I met Jared from Subway!Tab Ramos, former Olympic soccer player; Laila Ali, boxing champion and Dancing with the Stars finalist; and Jared, Subway spokersperson who lost weight eating Subway - [Cool Websites for Teens and Mother's Day Giveaway for Oliver's Labels](https://musingsfromme.com/cool-websites-for-teens-and-mothers-day-giveaway-for-olivers-labels/) - I found an outstanding resource this week. I saw this list of "parenting your teen" websites on https://connectwithyourteens.blogspot.com/ Go to website for complete list.1. The Teen Coach Blog2. Parent Empowerment3. Radical Parenting4. Parent-Teen.com5. Parenting Teens Online6. Parenting My Teen7. Please Stop the Rollercoaster!8. Parenting Teens Resource Network9. iParenting: Preteen & Teen Channel10. Suite 101 - - [An Easter Egg Hunting We Will Go!](https://musingsfromme.com/an-easter-egg-hunting-we-will-go/) - 3-year-olds love hunting for eggs -- sometimes they have trouble finding eggs that are "hiding in plain sight"!3-year-old and 7-year-olds scampering for Easter eggs. Where's the 10-year-old you might ask? She OPTED out of the Easter egg hunt! She did hide the eggs, though.Success -- an egg all for little ole me!The best part of - [Odd Socks](https://musingsfromme.com/odd-socks/) - I've twittered about odd socks. I've Facebooked about odd socks. I found a post on odd_Socks. And, now I'm blogging about odd socks. Odd socks are the bane of my existence. I should state at the outset that we have no shortage of socks in our house. I believe my children each have close to - [Sara Lee Fresh Bakery: Win a Heart Healthy Cookbook](https://musingsfromme.com/sara-lee-fresh-bakery-win-a-heart-healthy-cookbook/) - Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Sara Lee Fresh Bakery knows the first step to a healthy heart is maintaining a healthy weight and getting the nutrition women need in order to live a strong life and care for their families. For more information, go to WomenHeart.Sara Lee - [Pseudo Live Blogging Volleyball Tournaments](https://musingsfromme.com/pseudo-live-blogging-volleyball-tournaments/) - Crafty Daughter's volleyball team at Penn State for volleyball tournament...Crafty Daughter is third from left, sitting on lion. Her team won the gold medal in the platinum division. Her team was young -- most only 10 in a division for 12s. There were 4 divisions in the tournament that featured teams from the east coast - [Oliver's Labels: How Kids' Stuff Finds Its Way Home!](https://musingsfromme.com/olivers-labels-how-kids-stuff-finds-its-way-home/) - I cannot even imagine how many items I have taken out of my house over the years. I've had children in toddler time, preschool, elementary school, and now middle school. I never leave the house without a drink for one of the kids, several bags, library books, a coat or two. I have to admit - [ecostore USA Winner Picked!](https://musingsfromme.com/ecostore-usa-winner-picked/) - Winner picked for ecostore USA giveaway via random.org. Winner is 21 -- will let you know her details when she e-mails back. Update: And the winner e-mailed back...Christina G. Check her blog listings of coupons, dicounts, and giveaways: https://extra-entries.blogspot.com/ This was a good giveaway. Hit the spot with me as I am trying my best - [Can't Seem To Get It Right: Birthday Parties at Home or at Venue?](https://musingsfromme.com/cant-seem-to-get-it-right-birthday-parties-at-home-or-at-venue/) - See this little face. Innocent. Most assuredly. Agreeable. Most of the time. Opinionated. Yes, Yes, 100 percent Yes.My son turns 6 on Friday. He's been in planning mode for his birthday party for at least 2 months. Plotting. Discussing. Reworking. Talking to experts -- his sisters. One has had 13 birthday parties and the other - [Real Simple -- April 2009 -- A Review](https://musingsfromme.com/real-simple-april-2009-a-review/) - Real Simple. I've only seen this magazine once. Last spring I had a graphic design class. The professor recommended that we amass a collection of magazines featuring cool design styles. Real Simple was one of the magazines I saw on a rack in Borders, but did not choose. So, when I was contacted by Real - [Love Thursday: Yanni Voices Is Here!](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-yanni-voices-is-here/) - A little while ago I posted about the Yanni_Voices_PBS_Special. When One2OneNetwork offered me the chance to review the actual CD -- I was excited! You see listening to the sample tracks from Leslie Mills, Ender Thomas, Nathan Pacheco, and Chloe had left me wanting more. The CD did not disappoint.The first song -- Omaggio -- - [Yoursphere and My Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/yoursphere-and-my-kids/) - My 13-year-old wants to be on the computer. All. the. time. Sounds like someone else in the family. Why yes, that would be me. She likes checking her e-mail. She likes going online. She has decided that Coach Dad's laptop is in fact hers. She gets a little miffed if he takes it to work - [New Coke, Tiny British Fridges, Milk Man](https://musingsfromme.com/new-coke-tiny-british-fridges-milk-man/) - Anyone else remember New Coke? If you don't know about New Coke then you are probably younger than me. Not that I am 40-mumble-something or anything. New Coke came out while I was in college.To backtrack as a teenager in England having a Coke was a treat. By treat I mean I only had it - [Parenting a Teen: The Slippery Slope](https://musingsfromme.com/parenting-a-teen-the-slippery-slope/) - I read the Zits cartoon by Jim Scott and Jerry Borgman every Sunday in The Washington Post. The cartoon is a portrait in teenage lethargy. The teen who cannot move a muscle. The teen who is unable to carry a bowl from the coffee table to the kitchen, but had no problems carrying the same - [Why I Blog.](https://musingsfromme.com/why-i-blog/) - So, I've been a-bloggin' since the fall of 2008. As my son started his school journey with kindergarten, I embarked on the uncharted territory of blogging. A new chapter for both of us.For my dreaded graphics class, I had to update a blog for my design projects. I started a person family-type blog at the - [Wednesday R Us: Star Wars Birthday Party](https://musingsfromme.com/wednesday-r-us-star-wars-birthday-party/) - A Star Wars birthday party is not complete without a Darth Vader pinata.Submitted to Wordless Wednesday, 5 minutes for Mom, The Not-So-Blog Blog, Punky Monkey's, Wordful Wednesday, Go Graham Go, Moomette's Mama Mentor Blog, All About Kimberly, Mom of 3 Girls, Newlyweds!, Nothing but Purple, and Stay at Home Mom (Big thanks to https://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/ for - [ecostore USA -- Ask the Ecoman Tour](https://musingsfromme.com/ecostore-usa-ask-the-ecoman-tour/) - A week or so ago I posted about my experience with ecostoreUSA. I have some great news...ecostoreUSA is offering free shipping on orders $25 and up, all this month for Earth month. This is a great opportunity to try ecostore products. Take it from me...you won't be sorry. Coming up this month ecostore founder Malcolm - [Walmart Rocks](https://musingsfromme.com/walmart-rocks/) - My son turned 6 last weekend. He chose a Star Wars themed party. He was very, very, and did I say, very specific about what he wanted for his birthday party. Let's just say we had a lively discussion about why I wasn't hosting 12 6-year-old boys in our home. He was convinced that we - [WalMart After Christmas Sales Rock](https://musingsfromme.com/walmart-after-christmas-sales-rock/) - I may not be a WalMart 11 Mom, but I do know a thing or two about Walmart. For the last 4 Christmases I have shopped the WalMart after holidays sale. I went on a whim and was astounded at the bargains. Here are some of my bargains:10 Cars watches for $2.50 each10 John Deere - [Easter Egg Dyeing](https://musingsfromme.com/easter-egg-dyeing/) - Growing up in England...I have no recollection of dyeing Easter eggs. I remember eating chocolate. Giving my sister a Cadbury's chocolate egg, but not dyeing Easter eggs. So perhaps it is an American tradition. We started dyeing Easter eggs when my daughter was 4 months old. She's now 13 and we're still doing it.As I - [Giveaway: One Year of Free Online Fax Services!](https://musingsfromme.com/giveaway-one-year-of-free-online-fax-services/) - Have you always wished you could receive faxes to your home office, but you can’t afford a fax machine? Maybe you have a fax machine, but it’s seen better days. Or maybe you’re just looking for a green solution to all of those faxes you’ve been receiving!Packetel’s Online Fax Service allows you to receive unlimited - [Why Didn't I Think of That? Wallpaper That You Color In](https://musingsfromme.com/why-didnt-i-think-of-that-wallpaper-that-you-color-in/) - Color in wall paper. Why didn't I think of that? I love this product. It's from NineteenSeventyThree.One of my fondest memories of childhood is receiving my Easter coloring book from the Easter Bunny. The coloring book stood at least 2 feet tall. I would spend days coloring in it, occasionally with my sister, but most - [Small Talk Six: Breakfast Food...Yum!](https://musingsfromme.com/small-talk-six-breakfast-foodyum/) - Small Talk Six Brought to You by MomDot.com: Six Favorite Breakfast Foods1. Pancakes with chocolate chips, but without syrup. 2. Yogurt.3. Chocolate -- Chocolate croissants, chocolate chip pancakes, chocolate milk... 4. Anything Mexican -- omelette, frittata -- the spicier the better. 5. Cafe du Monde coffee with cream and a beignet from Cafe du Monde - [Sightseeing in D.C. with Kid, Preteen, and Teen](https://musingsfromme.com/sightseeing-in-dc-with-kid-preteen-and-teen/) - Taking pics at the foot of the Jefferson statue. And, three a kid, a preteen, and a teen posing with Eleanor Roosevelt. In her day all three would have been silent children...ahhh the good old days! Snapping pics on the mall with a certain brand new KidiZoom camera and helpful carrying pouch.Riding on the Metro...the - [Kajeet Prize Pack Giveaway!](https://musingsfromme.com/kajeet-prize-pack-giveaway/) - Do you know my friend Janine? She twitters as @twincident. She is someone from bloggieland who I met IRL. Yep, I met her for coffee. She told me I would recognize her by her pink laptop case. Pink laptop case is the new red carnation in the lapel! I saw her again at the circus. - [That Baby DVD and That Baby CD Review and Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/that-baby-dvd-and-that-baby-cd-review-and-giveaway/) - I'm sure you have suffered through CDs and DVDs bought as gifts for your children that are quite simply the worst thing you have ever heard. I'm currently listening to a CD my 5-year-old picked up at the library of children singing opera about historical events -- think shrill voices and booming drums. I don't - [My Son Is Trouble and mumble, mumble, The Washington Post Called!](https://musingsfromme.com/my-son-is-trouble-and-mumble-mumble-the-washington-post-called/) - "What me cause trouble? You must be thinking of someone else? My son suffering from strep throat.Let's just say we had a "night" and leave it at that. Oh, you want me to elaborate. Well, O.K. My son -- the star of this post -- came home from school in an especially cheerful mood. He - [Williamsburg -- It Never Gets Old to Me](https://musingsfromme.com/williamsburg-it-never-gets-old-to-me/) - May Day, May Day! Tired, cranky 2-year-old in need of a nap sitting by the maze at the Palace Gardens!Noncranky, perfectly contented 2-year-old taking a ride on the bus -- his favorite part of the trip by a country mile.Sporty Daughter, Crafty Daughter, Adventure Boy with two people who are not Mom and Dad. As - [It's All Good on the T-Ball Field.](https://musingsfromme.com/its-all-good-on-the-t-ball-field/) - Adventure Boy and Coach Dad -- at the photo stand Obligatory pic of Oriole Bird...unlike some of the kids my son did not kick the Oriole Bird! Throwing out the first pitch -- well, it's t-ball so there is no pitcher and it was the second inning by the time this pic was taken, but - [Sports Parenting Made Easy: T-Ball](https://musingsfromme.com/sports-parenting-made-easy-t-ball/) - So, your child is playing t-ball for the first time. Maybe this is your first time as the mom or dad of a sports player. Take it from me...you are in for a good experience.I've said it before and I'll say it again. What helps to make an experience fun for kids and parents alike? - [April 20-26 -- National TV Turn-Off Week](https://musingsfromme.com/april-20-26-national-tv-turn-off-week/) - Without TV to watch, a kid, a preteen, and a teen might have fun playing with the box that the TV came in!Did you know that tomorrow is the first day of National TV Turn-Off Week. It goes through April 26. It comes at a perfect time with spring in the air and kids ready - [Ecostore USA Teams up with Disney Earth and Radio Disney](https://musingsfromme.com/ecostore-usa-teams-up-with-disney-earth-and-radio-disney/) - My friend and her daughter saw Disney Earth at a private viewing. Harrummph. I want to see this film! My daughter is going on a field trip to see Disney Earth on Earth Day. I wasn't chosen as a chaperone. Double harrummphh!On April 22 -- Earth Day -- Disney will be promoting Ecostore USA ask - [Weight Watchers](https://musingsfromme.com/weight-watchers-2/) - Weight Watchers...just writing it down makes me cringe. I'm four for zero for joining WW. Joined in the 80s, 90s, and I *think* 2000. At my best I lost 10 pounds. At my worst I went for weeks without losing a single pound. Frustrating.The final time -- I suffered through interminable meetings where people debated - [Fashion Diva](https://musingsfromme.com/fashion-diva/) - Summer garden party? Going to a stylish restaurant? Getting down? School clothes?With my 10-year-old...you just never know what she will come out of her bedroom wearing. Stripes and plaid. Paisley and fluorescent. Everyday is a mystery...except mismatch day at school where actually she matched, except for a pair of mismatched shoes and socks!In the photo - [Chocolate + Spa = Mommy Nirvana](https://musingsfromme.com/chocolate-spa-mommy-nirvana/) - The idea of going to a spa sounds absolutely delightful to me. As a mom of three trying to juggle the family's activities AND write this blog, review products, and start an at-home writing business, a spa weekend sounds like a wonderful experience.Would you like to have a chance to win a Chocolate Spa Getaway - [National TV Turn Off Week Is Over!](https://musingsfromme.com/national-tv-turn-off-week-is-over/) - Some of us might have wielded a Nerf Dart Gun during a TV-free moment.Some of us might have been in the firing line of the Nerf Dart Gun. Oops.Some of us might have played with our box of groovy toys from Subway's We Can! program -- a good way to stay out of way of - [Sludge, Slime, and Other Yucky Stuff](https://musingsfromme.com/sludge-slime-and-other-yucky-stuff/) - This is just plain gross. This is the after shot from my ioncleanse experience. To back up I participated in the Middle School Health Fair. I represented Yoursphere. The turnout was on the low side...elementary school band concerts? lacrosse practice? apathy? Whatever the reason the vendors all had time on their hands to try each - [A Saving We Will Go, A Saving...](https://musingsfromme.com/a-saving-we-will-go-a-saving/) - While I probably didn't save as much as this person, I did have a banner day at Food Lion. I purchased milk, cheese, yogurt, pudding, frozen food, meat, cereal, snack food, and soda. Spent $156.82 -- which doesn't sound like I saved any money. But, I actually saved $16.35 in Food Lion MVP Savings and - [Why Yoursphere Works for My Teen (and Me)](https://musingsfromme.com/why-yoursphere-works-for-my-teen-and-me/) - As most of you know, I am a Mom Advocate for Yoursphere: The Safe Online Site for Kids and Teens. The founder of Yoursphere recently let me know that Yoursphere was reviewed by Common Sense Media. The review was a little lukewarm at best. If you know me, you know that I had to put - [Washington Post and Fox45 WBFF in the Same Week...](https://musingsfromme.com/washington-post-and-fox45-wbff-in-the-same-week/) - Me and Diet Coke...I'm still reeling from being featured in a story in The Washington Post Business section on finding free stuff online...https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/18/AR2009041800113.html Me,little ole me in The Washington Post!And, then last week I was interviewed by Fox45 WBFF Baltimore about myinvolvement as a Mom Advocate for Yoursphere. My daughter was featured as well. Stillwaiting - [DrWeigh.com: Giveaway!](https://musingsfromme.com/drweighcom-giveaway/) - A few weeks ago I met Dr. Joanna Dolgoff at the Subway/NIH We Can! PEP Rally. Dr. Dolgoff runs an Online Weight Management Program for Children and Teens called DrWeigh.com.Dr. Dolgoff's Weigh is a traffic-light based nutrition plan in which all foods have been divided into red light, yellow light, and green light categories. Simply - [WE CAN! Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/we-can-giveaway/) - A couple of weeks ago I was invited to the launch of the WE CAN! joint initiative of NIH_and_Subway.To recap...NIH stands for National Institutes of HealthSubway is that great sandwich shop with Jared Fogle as the spokesperson. If you recall Jared lost weight eating Subway subs each day.The event was a PEP rally for local - [Musings on TV Watching by Toddlers](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-tv-watching-by-toddlers/) - Adventure Boy -- aged around 2 -- in our family room/playroom. You can see the train table in the window for our Thomas the Tank Engine fan.I responded to a HARO request about TV viewing of toddlers. The perfect post for National TV Turn-Off Week! Here are my answers to the reporter's questions.Does/Did your child(ren) - [Baskin Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night...Be There!](https://musingsfromme.com/baskin-robbins-31-cent-scoop-nightbe-there/) - Visit your local Baskin Robbins on Wednesday, April 29th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. - [Packing a Lunch for Earth Day or Channelling Ma Ingalls](https://musingsfromme.com/packing-a-lunch-for-earth-day-or-channelling-ma-ingalls/) - Some kids carry Monkey lunchboxes. Some kids are more in to Speed Racer.So, my children's elementary school went all out for Earth Day. Parade, showing of Wall-E, and a waste-free lunch. I'd almost forgotten about the waste-free part when I found the bright green flyer with 85 instructions for Earth Day on the hopelessly cluttered - [Take Your Daughter to Work Day](https://musingsfromme.com/take-your-daughter-to-work-day/) - Coach Dad is a stickler for a myriad of things. He likes things just so. To him there is his way or the high way. Take Your Daughter/Son/Child/Offspring is a major pet peeve for him. "Peeve" is not the right word. It's a major annoyance. As a 20-plus veteran of teaching, he has seen scores - [BzzAgent: Glad Sense & Spray Automatic Spray](https://musingsfromme.com/bzzagent-glad-sense-spray-automatic-spray/) - When I joined my first BzzAgent campaign, I really had no idea what to expect. My thoughts ranged from what exactly is a BzzAgent to what am I supposed to Bzz about.The BzzAgent folks sent me the Glade_Sense_&_Spray to try in my home and the Bzz about. I found out that Bzzing can mean having - [Mom-o-matic: I Want One, Now!](https://musingsfromme.com/mom-o-matic-i-want-one-now/) - People -- I need the Mom-o-Matic! I say the same thing over and over again each day. I'm a walking repeat-o-matic. I'm a broken CD. Can you imagine not having to say the following phrases each day?Pick up your bath towel.Did you brush your teeth?Where is your homework?Don't leave the table until dinner is over.If - [Make Your Own Soda the Green Way](https://musingsfromme.com/make-your-own-soda-the-green-way/) - My family has had a checkered past with electronic appliances and gadgets.After months of pestering, my dad finally agreed to get a VCR -- I was about 14 and ecstatic. My dad didn't choose a Sony Betamax or a VHS. So, what did he choose? He chose a "Video 2000." Huh? Yes, Video 2000 was - [Date Night at Yanni Voices](https://musingsfromme.com/date-night-at-yanni-voices/) - I'm not a hermit or a shut-in by any means. But, I don't get out much. Oh, as a mom of 3 active kids, I'm constantly on-the-go. On-the-go to swim practice, volleyball games, PTA meetings, t-ball practices, clarinet lessons, and the list goes on. But actually going out somewhere special. This happens very rarely -- - [Scaling Mt. Laundry](https://musingsfromme.com/scaling-mt-laundry/) - Is it O.K. to blog about cleaning tips while there are dishes piled in my sink, dirty laundry strewn about my children's bedrooms, and several pairs of mismatched shoes under the didning room table? No? Well, I'm doing it anyway. So there!So my house has cleaning issues--big time. A person should not have to tell - [My M&Ms Promo Codes](https://musingsfromme.com/my-mms-promo-codes/) - So, M&Ms have the M&M stamped on them. Right. Ever wondered about what else can be stamped in an M&M. How about a photo? A message? A sports' team log? A Disney Princess? If you said all of the above, you are right.You can create your personalized M&Ms, at My_M&Ms. Here's a few codes for - [Community Happenings: Glenwood Community Center, Cooksville, MD](https://musingsfromme.com/community-happenings-glenwood-community-center-cooksville-md/) - Glenwood Community Center To register for activities at the Glenwood Community Center: by phone -- 410-313-4840 -- or online -- www.howardcountymd.gov/rap or by mail -- Director of Finance, Glenwood Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723Saturday Night at the Movies -- $2/person. Pregistration is preferred.Iron Man May 16, 7 p.m.Horton Hears a Who June - [Free Ice Cream at Friendly's!](https://musingsfromme.com/free-ice-cream-at-friendlys/) - What are you doing on June 6? Quick check your calendar! I'll wait. Oh, good you're back. Are you free? Yes? So, am I? Good. Head on over to your local Friendly’s Free Ice Cream Day.Excited Ice cream lovers can receive their free one-scoop dish or cone of their flavor of choice on June 6 - [Our INterview Finally Airs!](https://musingsfromme.com/our-interview-finally-airs/) - Do you recall I mentioned that our family was interviewed by Kathleen Cairns of FoxBaltimore? Here's what I wrote about the TV_Interview.From watching how Kathleen Cairns put my daughter at ease to marvelling at the way the cameraman (Brian) filmed Crafty Daughter play on Yoursphere, I knew that the interview would be a good one. - [Baby Food: Some Like It Hot and Some Like It Not](https://musingsfromme.com/baby-food-some-like-it-hot-and-some-like-it-not/) - My baby was a picky eater from the moment she was first able to eat food. Actually even when she was breastfed she was fussy. I had some issues breastfeeding. She was never satisfied and I never could pump enough. Not an ideal situation.Once on bottles she ate like champ. She would regularly slurp down - [Health Precautions and Swine Flu](https://musingsfromme.com/health-precautions-and-swine-flu/) - Swine flu is still a news story to me. Oh, I'm worried about the outbreaks in California, Mexico, and other states. But, I have not come in contact with anyone who I know has swine flu. I hope I never come in contact. I do wonder about the symptoms. It would be awful if someone's - [Middle Child Syndrome](https://musingsfromme.com/middle-child-syndrome/) - I tend not to blog about my older kids in the excruciating detail that I do with my youngest child. I try not to get into too many details. I blog about them just not every single, solitary thing that they do. One of my daughters reads my blog on the laptop. And the other - [Momfluence Mother's Day Gift Guide Is Here!](https://musingsfromme.com/momfluence-mothers-day-gift-guide-is-here/) - Featured Products Chic and Carry Wristlet - Make mom’s quick trips out with baby much easier with this great product. Miessence Organics Mothers Day Set - Every mom deserves to be pampered once in awhile, and these organic body products allow her to do just that. Sara Lee Simply Sweets Pies - Sara Lee’s Simply - [BlogHer or Bust?](https://musingsfromme.com/blogher-or-bust/) - When I started blogging in October of last year, I'd never heard of BlogHer. Much less the conferences. Once I started doing some reading of other people's blogs I found out about BlogHer and the annual conferences it hosts from the shiny buttons -- look if I push this button I will find all sorts - [Mamapedia.com Sitewarming Party, Friday, May 8 from 9 to 10 p.m.](https://musingsfromme.com/mamapediacom-sitewarming-party-friday-may-8-from-9-to-10-pm/) - It's 2:00 a.m. and your three month old is crying...a lot. You're a first time mother, and while you've got a ton of questions, you called your mom at 2:00 in the morning last night about that crazy looking diaper, so you'd really like to get through this one on your own.But where can you - [Kindergarteners Want to Stay Home](https://musingsfromme.com/kindergarteners-want-to-stay-home/) - So, I'm feeling a little more guilty these days. Well, more guilty than usual about the time my son spends in the car driving from one activity to the next. Last year as a preschooler he loved a ride in the van as he was home with me all day. Some days we had a - [Moo-re Skinny Cow, Mom!](https://musingsfromme.com/moo-re-skinny-cow-mom/) - Skinny Cow is a fixture in our freezer. Not that it lasts. It's a fixture for a brief moment until someone discovers the box and wham...the Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches are gone. I know who the major culprit is...you know how those oldest children are...not that I'm naming names.But getting back to the ice - [Winner, Winner...](https://musingsfromme.com/winner-winner/) - And we have a winner! Several winners in fact!Lucky number 8 won the We Can! $10 Subway gift card and box of outdoor toys. Looking forward to hearing back from ms-texas! Just in -- heard from winner, will ship box today!Lucky number 3 for That_Baby_DVD. Tara @ Feels_Like_Home is the winner. I think her daughter - [In Praise of Mom: Dr. Laura](https://musingsfromme.com/in-praise-of-mom-dr-laura/) - I must admit that when I entered the giveaway for tickets to see Dr. Laura's "In Praise of the Stay-at-Home Mom" I wasn't sure what to expect. Thanks to Momfluence for the enlightening evening!I have listened to Dr. Laura's radio show several times. She has been a guest on Larry King Live and I think - [Musings on Mother's Day!](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-mothers-day/) - Sporty Daughter Adventure Boy Crafty DaughterSo, it’s Mother’s Day. As I lay scrunched up under the covers, I could feel the soft blanket up by my neck. Nothing was exposed except my head. The fan whirred overhead. Not too cold, not too loud. Just enough air to cool the room, but not enough to make - [Romano's Macaroni Grill Restaurant Favorites: Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/romanos-macaroni-grill-restaurant-favorites-giveaway/) - I may have mentioned that I am a lousy cook. I burn rice. I burn garlic bread. I regularly lose track of what I am doing and..you guessed it...burn something. Cooking from scratch is problematic for me since I have this notion that I am a Top Chef contestant who can throw three or four - [Musings on Baby Gadgets: What Works and What Does Not](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-baby-gadgets-what-works-and-what-does-not/) - Gadgets that workCrib -- Invest in a decent crib. Our crib lasted through 3 kids. We did not buy a crib that could convert in to a bed, instead we bought a regular twin bed when the time came to switch our toddlers in to a bed.Graco Playyard -- square, folded in to zip up - [Mamapedia!](https://musingsfromme.com/mamapedia/) - *Thank you to New Baby for donating this VADO camera from Creative Labs to our fun event. Please check out New Baby and consider adding your own vlog!Last weekend we had the opportunity to meet a wonderful new parenting advice search engine, Mamapedia, and now we'd like you to try the site out for yourself - [Kindergarten Field Trip to the Library](https://musingsfromme.com/kindergarten-field-trip-to-the-library/) - Sometimes simpler is better.In years past the Kindergarten classes have visited the zoo. I'll let that idea sit for a minute. I'll wait. Ready? The zoo. 70-80 kindergartners. 3 teachers. 2 aides. About 1 parent per every two children all walking around the Maryland_Zoo_in_Baltimore in the heat of May for about 4 hours. It was - [Final Swim Practice of Year until...](https://musingsfromme.com/final-swim-practice-of-year-until/) - The younger two have been swimming since September...twice a week with only a missed practice here and there. I've used the time to workout most Tuesdays and Thursdays.Until April both swam in back-to-back sessions. I would workout the first session and spend the second session trying to figure out how to entertain my son. The - [California Tortilla Is Open in Mount Airy, MD!](https://musingsfromme.com/california-tortilla-is-open-in-mount-airy-md/) - About 2 months ago I drove down Main Street in Mount Airy and almost crashed my car. Okay, Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration -- no crash, but I might have slapped my hands on the steering wheel. Folks it does not take much to get me excited! Obviously...What was the cause of my - [Florastor: A Giveaway for Helping with Your Child's Diarrhea](https://musingsfromme.com/florastor-a-giveaway-for-helping-with-your-childs-diarrhea/) - Moms know poop. Moms know when to be worried when poop looks different. Moms know when to just let it be.But what happens when your child has tummy problems. Diarrhea. What do you do then?From the Florastor website....Pediatric diarrhea can be extremely stressful for parents, especially in babies and toddlers. Adult anti-diarrhea medications are not - [As Sands Through the Hour Glass](https://musingsfromme.com/as-sands-through-the-hour-glass/) - I look at my 13 yo daughter with whom I have clashed with, fought with, been driven to frustration with, but ultimately love with a fierce strength -- and wonder where has the time gone. Where is the skinny, squawky baby who refused her bottle until the 3rd try?Where is the defiant toddler who would - [And That's All I Have To Say About That...](https://musingsfromme.com/and-thats-all-i-have-to-say-about-that/) - Is there really anything more to say about this cake? A cake made by my father-in-law with a raised cake nose, indents for eyes and mouth, and chocolate shavings for hair. No, I did not think so.My FIL makes cakes for every occasion...birthdays, graduations, special occasions. He loves the process of making a cake. Often - [You Might Be an 80s Girl If You...](https://musingsfromme.com/you-might-be-an-80s-girl-if-you/) - Hands up if you remember the following:Kodak Disc Cameras5 1/4" floppy disksMacintosh computers that were a rectangular boxy shaperecord players with flimsy wooden speakers but wihout a tape deckSony Walkmans -- so bulky that you wore it with a shoulder strapcassette tapes -- at some point in 1986 or so I saw a CD when - [Umbrella Hat or Not?](https://musingsfromme.com/umbrella-hat-or-not/) - This might possibly be the most ridiculous item I have seen in quite some time. Not only it is an absurd hat...but look at the model. Why the crossed eyes and the tongue sticking out? Is the hat not enough? Does the wearer have to act like an idiot? People, it's late and this is - [LeapFrog Text and Learn](https://musingsfromme.com/leapfrog-text-and-learn/) - Have I mentioned that I'm a winning machine? Yes, just about every week I win something or so it seems. I know I sound braggy, but if it were not for winning prizes and getting free stuff to review I wouldn't have anything tangible to show for my blogging at all.I write for 2 sites: - [e-beanstalk Toy Giveaway!](https://musingsfromme.com/e-beanstalk-toy-giveaway/) - I receive lots and lots and lots of e-mails. Sometimes I find myself hitting delete, delete, delete on the MLM scheme ones and the "You have won a $1 million dollars, but it is in Nigeria." I exaggerate, of course. Through the myriad of ridiculous e-mails, I can always find the keeper e-mails. This is - [Do You Do This?](https://musingsfromme.com/do-you-do-this/) - When your spouse is losing weight, are you encouraging or do you make your spouse feel guilty about trying to get in shape? I'm sad to admit that I am not a cheerleader when my husband is dieting. He -- like most men -- will say that he is giving up late-night snacks and actually - [Teens and Other Drivers: Take the Buzzed Driving Pledge!](https://musingsfromme.com/teens-and-other-drivers-take-the-buzzed-driving-pledge/) - None of my children are of driving age...YET. I don't need to worry about handing the car keys to a teen who may or may not be heading to a party where alcohol may or may not be served. I hope that my constant talk about no drinking alcohol and certainly no driving while drinking - [Dear Clothing Manufacturer](https://musingsfromme.com/dear-clothing-manufacturer/) - Example of "fugly" shirt. Why all those circles? Why brown, beige, and orange? Dear Clothing Manufactuers:I'm not happy with the size and style of clothing that I need to wear. Three pregnancies and a largely nonexistent willpower have left me with a great deal of weight to lose. For this I take full responsibility. It - [KidiJamz](https://musingsfromme.com/kidijamz/) - The box was huge! I placed a can of lemonade beside it to show the size.A week of two before Christmas I was sent the KidiJamz keyboard by a nice person at V-tech. I am embarrassed to say that in the rush to get ready for Christmas and then the rush to get ready for - [ZipnGo Blanket: Perfect for Outdoors and Indoors](https://musingsfromme.com/zipngo-blanket-perfect-for-outdoors-and-indoors/) - Zip-n-go BlanketJust before Christmas I found out that I won a huge assortment of gifts from www.foodiemama.com For days I was opening packages and exclaiming over the sheer wonderfulness of the gifts. So generous!One of my favorites was the Zip-n-go Blanket. As soon as I saw it I knew it would become an essential part - [Volleyball tournament: Part 1](https://musingsfromme.com/volleyball-tournament-part-1/) - Crafty Daughter on the courtIt's 8:11 p.m. and Coach Dad is due any minute with our two girls. Crafty Daughter had a volleyball tournament about 1.5 hours from home. She has a tournament about 3 weekends a month. Yep, this will be our life through high school. Sporty Daughter is following in her footsteps. She's - [Wednesdays R Us](https://musingsfromme.com/wednesdays-r-us/) - Crafty Daughter turned 13 two weeks ago...13, I am literally wondering where did all the time go.For her family birthday cake I used the "1" birthday candle from her Winnie the Pooh 1st birthday party and the "3" candle from her Teletubbies 3rd birthday party. I'm a pack rat. Oh, BTW, if you are turning - [Bump a bob? Rock a pony? Bumpit](https://musingsfromme.com/bump-a-bob-rock-a-pony-bumpit/) - Just when you thought you had seen everything, I present to you the Bumpit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHPYPOo-oDQ This nifty hair device fits under your hair to create a "big" hair style. Bump a Bob. Rock a Pony. On a side note when doing an Ask.com search for Bumpit, I came across some scary sites for "Bumpit Entertainment." - [Love Thursday: Spa No. 13](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-spa-no-13/) - Reading a "Teen" magazine while relaxing in a massaging chair. Soaking your feet in Mint Foot Soak. Painting your nails and moisturizing. Cucumbers waiting for the facial.For more Love Thursday, go to https://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/ - [MeTime and Post over at OurBlubHerOverhaul](https://musingsfromme.com/metime-and-post-over-at-ourblubheroverhaul/) - My love for my new MeTime t-shirt and reading a friend's post about jeans inspired me to write this post over at OurBlubHerOverhaul.blogspot.com: https://ourblubheroverhaul.blogspot.com/2009/02/jeans-and-fugly-shirts.htmlBTW, have you heard about MeTimeMeTime is a wonderful mom-owned business that produces adorable t-shirts for moms. I won a MeTime t-shirt in yellow with a cute design of a mom-type drinking - [General Hospital and the Baby](https://musingsfromme.com/general-hospital-and-the-baby/) - First of all, I must admit my vice...I watch General Hospital. We Tivo it every day. Yes, I said "we." My husband started watching as a young teen when his grandmother was ill. He would sit with her and keep her company.I watched one episode of General Hospital while I was in college visiting a - [Yanni Voices as Reviewed by a 40-Something Mom](https://musingsfromme.com/yanni-voices-as-reviewed-by-a-40-something-mom/) - I must admit that when I first heard of Yanni as a 20-something I knew that he was married to Linda Evans from Dynasty and was a kind of easy listening musak-ian. My 20-something persona was all in to 80s and English New Wave and Duran Duran and Wham and Eurhythmics and well Yanni was - [Guest Post: Mom It Forward](https://musingsfromme.com/guest-post-mom-it-forward/) - I have a guest post up at Mom It Forward...check it out...https://mommygossip-gno.blogspot.com/2009/02/can-my-kids-scrapbook-10-tips.htmlThanks, Jyl and Carissa, for the chance to guest post! - [Capitol Hill Volleyball Tournament -- Washington D.C. Convention Center -- and Dig Pink](https://musingsfromme.com/capitol-hill-volleyball-tournament-washington-dc-convention-center-and-dig-pink/) - My daughter is on a 13s volleyball team. Her team is called a travel team. She plays setter soemtimes and server other times. She is not tall, but she reads the ball well. I'm not sure exactly what that means...but, she is able to figure out where to be when the ball gets to her - [Best Laid Plans -- What Happens When You Have an Appointment and Your Kid Is Sick?](https://musingsfromme.com/best-laid-plans-what-happens-when-you-have-an-appointment-and-your-kid-is-sick/) - So, today was planned out months in advance. Volleyball tournament, dental appointments. The only teeny tiny problem is two children have strep. My son still seems under the weather -- fever last night of 101.7. I cannot in good conscience take him to the dentist even though both kids have been on antibiotics for over - [Volleyball and Teen Girls and Mary Poppins and Twilight](https://musingsfromme.com/volleyball-and-teen-girls-and-mary-poppins-and-twilight/) - There is a nesting thing that happens at volleyball tournaments frequented by teenage girls. The girls arrive at the court with huge backpacks or duffle bags. The bag looks like a small holding device, but in reality it is the Mary Poppins carpet bag of volleyball. If you watch these girls you will see them - [Not Me Monday -- A Recap of What I Did/did Not Do This Week -- Huh? I Know I Don't Get It Either, Just Read on](https://musingsfromme.com/not-me-monday-a-recap-of-what-i-diddid-not-do-this-week-huh-i-know-i-dont-get-it-either-just-read-on/) - Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.--I did NOT frantically search through mountains of laundry looking for a volleyball uniform which I should have had washed, folded, and ready to - [Musings on Getting Kids to Clean Their Rooms...](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-getting-kids-to-clean-their-rooms/) - I'm pretty sure that if I had a Dyson all my household cleaning nightmares, child disciplining problems, and general disgruntled-ness would disappear!Musings on Getting Kids to Clean Their Rooms... I get tired of sounding like either a "broken record" or "my mother."I WISH that I wasn't so wishy washy about the state of my house. - [I Love Photography -- Wonder of Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/i-love-photography-wonder-of-kids/) - Wonder is that a 10-year-old could stir an icing-covered marshmallow in a cup of hot chocolate and still declare the drink not sweet enough. - [Love Thursday: Reindeer Food](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-reindeer-food/) - My middle daughter brought home a ziploc bag of reindeer food her first year of preschool. At the preschool Christmas party she made reindeer food using glitter and oatmeal. She is now 10 and we still make it. This year her brother made the "food" and she sprinkled the "food" outside on Christmas Eve. There - [Terps, Redskins, Manchester United: We Support 'Em All](https://musingsfromme.com/terps-redskins-manchester-united-we-support-em-all/) - My friend FireMom over at StopDropandBlog is giving away a Pepsi Super Bowl XLIII prize pack. The pack contains:• 1 football• 1 beverage pail• 1 snack helmet• 2 key chains• 2 hats• 2 t-shirts• 5 Pepsi 24 pack coupons• 5 Frito Lay couponsFireMom has asked me to blog about who I would support in the - [Wordless Wednesday/Wordful Wednesday: Stupid](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesdaywordful-wednesday-stupid/) - For more WordLESS Wednesday link action, go to https://www.5minutesformom.com/Why did my 12-year-old use her brother's LeapPad letters to spell "STUPID," then take a photograph? She thought it was a fun thing to do. I found many photos of household objects and toys displayed in odd ways in a file on my computer. My children had - [What Works For Me Wednesday](https://musingsfromme.com/what-works-for-me-wednesday-2/) - Short and sweet. What Works for Me is that even though we have various gaming systems and handheld devices and DVDs in our house, my 5-year-old can still have fun with a cardboard box. He took that box in to our hallway, rustled around in it, and walked in to the kitchen with his body - [Pediatric Cancer Sucks](https://musingsfromme.com/pediatric-cancer-sucks/) - There aren't words to describe how absolutely awful pediatric cancer is. Natalie shared her thoughts. Sums up my feelings entirely.https://canicontrolmylifeificantcontrolmyhair.blogspot.com/2009/01/anguish.htmlA friend of a friend's son has neuroblastoma, possibly the pediatric cancer with the worst prognosis. I keep up-to-date on his condition by checking his caringbridge page www.caringbridge.org/visit/evanlindberg . His parents are strong, but this cancer - [Love Thursday: Coach Dad](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-coach-dad/) - My husband is a big fan the Idiot's Guide books--no jokes!My Love Thursday post is about my husband, known on this blog as Coach Dad. He's a good husband, good dad, and all-around good guy. He has turned a blind eye to my desire to make blogging a "career" even though at this point I - [Eating By the Decades: My Children](https://musingsfromme.com/eating-by-the-decades-my-children/) - Crafty Daughter in her "hat phase," Adventure Boy in his "squirming to get out of the photo" phase, and Sporty daughter as a Cat (I don't recall which one) from Cats.My three children were born to the same parents, live in the same house, eat the same food, but were born in different decades. Now - [Tuesday's Movie for Folding Laundry: Mission Impossible 2](https://musingsfromme.com/tuesdays-movie-for-folding-laundry-mission-impossible-2/) - This week's Movie for Folding Laundry...Mission Impossible 2! So, pull out your laundry basket and round up your odd socks. Get ready for the second thrilling installment in the Ethan Hunt saga.Do you recall the old TV series? You are right...the old TV show bares little resemblance to this movie series, except of course for - [Wordless Wednesday/Wordful Wednesday: Goof Off Leaves Stain That Cannot Be Removed by Goof Off](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesdaywordful-wednesday-goof-off-leaves-stain-that-cannot-be-removed-by-goof-off/) - For more WordLESS Wednesday link action, go to https://www.5minutesformom.com/So, if you set a can of Goof Off on top of your toilet tank and it leaves a stain... Why is it that the stain cannot be removed by Goof Off--the ULTIMATE Remover?? I had to resort to Formula 409...henceforth known as the Big Gun.Goof Off - [Love Thursday: Diet Coke](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday-diet-coke/) - I've said it before and I will say it again...I love Diet Coke. While pregnant all three times I gave up caffeine and diet drinks. It was hard. I would occasionally ask to sniff my husband's Diet Coke. Before my third child was born, I told my husband that all I wanted was a Diet - [Fill in the Blank Wednesday](https://musingsfromme.com/fill-in-the-blank-wednesday/) - Mom on the Run Hits the SlopesNew Years' Eve...I swear the children only drank sparkling cider, so why then does my son look tipsy?My son teaches his godmother how to play Mariocart...both had great fun!My favorite Christmas time gift and activity...the 1500 piece puzzle. Love it. So, does my 10-year-old daughter!Submitted to Wordless Wednesday, 5 - [Dyson, Hoover, Electrolux...I'm Not Picky I Just Need a New Vacuum](https://musingsfromme.com/dyson-hoover-electroluxim-not-picky-i-just-need-a-new-vacuum/) - I just got a cardio workout vacuuming my entire house with the hose attachment since the main part of the vacuum is broken. Oh, my back, my aching back. And, to top it off I have two daughters, so when I wasn't bending over to vacuum, I was bending down to pick up hair accessories, - [The Last Gasp of Christmas](https://musingsfromme.com/the-last-gasp-of-christmas/) - Razor ride-on...here comes Crafty Daughter! Pajamas on Christmas Eve. Two-wheeler time for Adventure Boy. Toe socks and flip flops, but of course.Christmas will officially conclude tonight as Crafty Daughter has her volleyball Secret Santa dinner. It has been a long, yet very fun Christmas. The kids were off for a full two weeks. Unheard of. - [Wordless Wednesday/Wordful Wednesday: Zero Pounds](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesdaywordful-wednesday-zero-pounds/) - I will never weigh "000" pounds...not ever. My daughter stood on this atomic scale at the Hayden Planetarium in the Museum of Natural History in New York City.For more WordLESS Wednesday link action, go to https://www.5minutesformom.com/For more WordFUL Wednesday go to Seven Clown Circus - [To Twitter or Not to Twitter](https://musingsfromme.com/to-twitter-or-not-to-twitter/) - I often write about my daily trials and tribulations over at www.twitter.com/musingsfromme in 140 characters or less, I vent or complain or observe. Very tidy, except that then I realize that this blog gets neglected. So, here is an honest to goodness post about our daily goings on in the Mom on the Run household.This - [If You Love Books, You Will Love Poingo](https://musingsfromme.com/if-you-love-books-you-will-love-poingo/) - The Mom on the Run Family is a books family. We have bookshelves in every room except the three bathrooms. Mom on the Run is not a fan of reading books in the bathroom...it's gross I'm just saying.My children each got a beautiful pine bookshelf with their name carved on the front of the top - [Could the Music in Hollister Be Any Louder?](https://musingsfromme.com/could-the-music-in-hollister-be-any-louder/) - My daughter can think of nothing better than shopping at the mall. At almost 13 she is the prime target audience for mall stores, such as Abercrombie, Aeropostale, Hollister, and American Eagle. As her mom I can think of nothing worse than shopping at the mall. Here's Crafty Daughter surrounded by her christmas loot...clothes from - [Kids and Computers](https://musingsfromme.com/kids-and-computers/) - Adventure Boy wants to get back to the laptop...Sporty Daughter loves www.WebKinz.comCrafty Daughter spends time on the computer doing schoolwork.With as much time as I spend on the computer it is no wonder my kids are computer geeks! - [Christmas Lite](https://musingsfromme.com/christmas-lite/) - As every other mommy blogger out there, I have posted about stress and the holidays. But, what am I doing to ease my stress (thanks to my friends at https://blog.parentbloggers.com for the suggestion):- Minimizing the decorations inside and out. This year my 12 yo is not interested in decorating at all. My 10 yo and - [Wordless Wednesday: Cookie Cancels Out Stress from Swim Meet](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesday-cookie-cancels-out-stress-from-swim-meet/) - The only remedy for a stressful swim meet: a heavily decorated cookie.For more Wordless Wednesday, go to 5MinutesforMom.com - [Christmas Might Just Happen](https://musingsfromme.com/christmas-might-just-happen/) - Here's photographic evidence that Christmas may just happen for my family:Decorate Christmas tree -- doneAssemble nativity scene --doneSet up It's A Wonderful Life village scene -- doneWrite and mail children's letters to Santa -- doneSet out snowman figurines collected over the years -- done (I don't have the heart to rearrange this group since 5-year-old - [The Real Soup: Progresso Broth](https://musingsfromme.com/the-real-soup-progresso-broth/) - Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of soup? Now, I'm not talking about the "add a can of water" soups. I'm talking about a flavorful soup like Progresso. As a child I drank the add water soups, but now I prefer the taste of Progresso soup.Progresso is making it easier to create your - [Wordless Wednesday: Egg Nog Moustache](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesday-egg-nog-moustache/) - Coach Dad made a run to Food Lion for our Christmas Feast last night. He got the roast beast, but not Egg Nog. First thing this a.m. my son asked for Egg Nog. Sadly had to tell him that Food Lion was all out. Later I discovered Coffee Mate Egg Nog-flavored coffee creamer. SCORE! - [Merry Christmas from My Blog to Yours: Better Late Than Never](https://musingsfromme.com/merry-christmas-from-my-blog-to-yours-better-late-than-never/) - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! - [Oh! Nuts Company: Review](https://musingsfromme.com/oh-nuts-company-review/) - A little while ago I received an e-mail from the Oh! Nuts company -- https://www.ohnuts.com/ . I was asked if I wanted to review several different types of nuts. The Oh! Nuts Company is a family-run business with ties to New York state. The nuts are all certified as kosher.The OhNuts Company offers a large - [Little Boys and Star Wars Toys](https://musingsfromme.com/little-boys-and-star-wars-toys/) - My 5-year-old (aka Adventure Boy) is enamored of all things Star Wars. Two months ago he barely knew Star Wars. His new obsession happened around Halloween. He insisted that he wanted to be Darth Vader. How could he know who Darth Vader was? He had never watched the movies OR read a book. I got - [Build-a-Bear: the Second Greatest Place on Earth](https://musingsfromme.com/build-a-bear-the-second-greatest-place-on-earth/) - I downloaded a sidebar from twitter moms that contained a link to Feels Like Home. I twitter with Feels Like Home and feel like I know her...except for one teeny, tiny insignificant detail--the fact that I don't know 100 percent of the people I meet on the net, yet feel like I do. Hi, strangers!FeelsLikeHome - [Wordless Wednesday: Sticker Shock](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesday-sticker-shock/) - Both of my younger children chose a book called Spyology for their book fair wish list. The book is a whopping $25. I purchased the book despite the price with the intention of giving it to them to share. The book explains the history of spying through words, pictures, and memorabilia. We have another of - [Giveaway and Love Thursday](https://musingsfromme.com/giveaway-and-love-thursday/) - Wow! I am overwhelmed at the response. 117 comments! I need to go through the comments and pick three winners. Hopefully I will have time tomorrow to do that. Once I have the winners I will e-mail all three and get mailing addresses. All three will receive a gift basket directly from Progresso.I'm a little - [A Little Bit of This and That](https://musingsfromme.com/a-little-bit-of-this-and-that/) - Musings from me. A something and nothing post. Bulleted items are all I can manage. Nothing is wrong, just getting caught up in reading other people's blogs while not attending to my own.- Two out of the last three nights I have fallen asleep on the couch without brushing my teeth...yuck.- Those same two nights - [We Are Not Wilderness People](https://musingsfromme.com/we-are-not-wilderness-people/) - So, the 5-year-old was given a tent by his grandparents. A 3-person tent. The tent has been in the garage since April. We talked about erecting the tent...never happened. We measured the family room to see if we could put it up indoors...never happened. I started feeling guilty about it. My son never asked about - [So Many Books, So Little Time](https://musingsfromme.com/so-many-books-so-little-time/) - I picked up this meme from Lisa from Texas. How many books have you read from this list? Post on your blog and let me know.The National Endowment for the Arts believes that the average American has read only 6 of the books on the list below.1) Look at the list and bold those you - [My Daughter Is The Creative Type](https://musingsfromme.com/my-daughter-is-the-creative-type/) - My 12-year-old is one of those creative types who can do anything with construction paper, scissors, and tape. What is her creation above? A drink cup/hat/storage container. of course. As a small child she would make cartoon books out of a pad of post-it notes. I recall finding a pad of postit notes, realizing she - [Question: Should 12-Year Olds Watch PG-13 Movies?](https://musingsfromme.com/question-should-12-year-olds-watch-pg-13-movies/) - My 12-year-old daughter wanted to see The House Bunny. Let me back up a bit... I didn't know she wanted to see it until she told me a group of friends saw the movie over the weekend. I immediately went in to "why was my child excluded mode?" I know, I know not my finest - [Calling Moms of Toddlers](https://musingsfromme.com/calling-moms-of-toddlers/) - We've been fans of Yoplait kids yogurt for as long as I can remember. My oldest started eating Yoplait Kids yogurts as one of the first couple of nonbaby foods I gave her. She ate very little as a young baby and toddler, except for Yoplait, orange juice, and the occasional piece of fruit. While - [Is a Cell Phone Safe in the Hands of a 7th Grader?](https://musingsfromme.com/is-a-cell-phone-safe-in-the-hands-of-a-7th-grader/) - I think not. After hosting a small group on Friday, and the prospect of hosting the same group tomorrow, I know that a 7th grader can't function without a cell phone. Yes, this is an exaggeration. In reality only one of the three girls was attached at the ear to the cell phone. My daughter - [Mo Willems Rocks](https://musingsfromme.com/mo-willems-rocks/) - Knuffle Bunny? Ever heard of it. No neither had I until I saw the book on a rack at Borders. Cover was eye-catching as it was a city street with a cartoonish boy and his dad walking along the street. I almost put the book down, then thought no give it a try. I tend - [Perfect Fall Day](https://musingsfromme.com/perfect-fall-day/) - Our neighborhood costume parade: My son is Darth Vader. My middle daughter opted not to wear her costume "Candy Corn Witch" as it was too cold. My oldest opted to stay in her room.We are a sports family. I am chuckling as I write this since I play no sports myself. I "workout" at the - [Wordless Wednesday](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesday/) - "Just how much candy did I eat?" - [Sesame Place, Crayola Crayon Factory, Dutch Wonderland](https://musingsfromme.com/sesame-place-crayola-crayon-factory-dutch-wonderland/) - My son reaching for Snuffy in the Sesame Street parade at Sesame Place. He loved, loved, loved everything.We live between Baltimore and D.C. Driving to PA for the day is a very doable day trip. It makes for a looonggg day, but hey, that is why we have a DVD player in the van! Over - [Yoursphere](https://musingsfromme.com/yoursphere/) - I have 12-year-old and a 10-year-old daughters. Both have limited e-mail access. We have two computers in our dining room. Both girls have to ask permission before logging on to the internet. We have safety controls on our computers. It's not enough. The oldest wants more access. Crafty Girl wants a MySpace or Facebook page. - [Love Thursday](https://musingsfromme.com/love-thursday/) - So, I missed Wordless Wednesday, but here I am with Love Thursday... The photo above embodies the essence of 5 years old. My son skips on our newly powerwashed and treated deck (gratuitous household task mention). He had just carved a pumpkin with his dad. He loves his dad. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are hard for - [What To Do When a Little Tikes Playhouse Crashes in to Your Kitchen Window](https://musingsfromme.com/what-to-do-when-a-little-tikes-playhouse-crashes-in-to-your-kitchen-window/) - Our swingset was crushed by hail in 2005 (see above). It looked as though a giant stepped on the swingset.So, today it was light, then dark, then windy, then dark again, then light rain, the torrential, soak-to-the-bone rain, then windy, then dark again. A great day to stay indoors. The one time I did venture - [Wordless Wednesday: My Family](https://musingsfromme.com/wordless-wednesday-my-family/) - Mom on the Run -- My son took this photo after begging for the camera. He had sat through not one, but two volleyball matches. I was humoring him so that he would sit still for just one more minute.Crafty Daughter -- Getting ready for a pass at her volleyball match. She dabbled in many - [A New Way for Kids To Interact Online: Yoursphere](https://musingsfromme.com/a-new-way-for-kids-to-interact-online-yoursphere/) - About 3 weeks ago I found a banner ad for Yoursphere. I clicked on it and was immediately intrigued. Yoursphere is a new place for kids to meet online -- a safe place without predators. I have 10-year-old and 12-year-old daughters who I worry about when they go online. Yoursphere is a meeting place where - [Trying to be a good Catholic parent and other musings from me](https://musingsfromme.com/trying-to-be-a-good-catholic-parent-and-other-musings-from-me/) - NaBloPoMo is over. I posted all but one day of November. I tried to use the schedule feature to post, but lost track of days. A valiant effort. I will say one thing...I plan on keeping up the pattern of posting every day. Before November I was a "twice-a-week poster." I would have plans to - [Books for Preteen Girls and Reluctant Readers: Beacon Street Girls book series/Love Thursday](https://musingsfromme.com/books-for-preteen-girls-and-reluctant-readers-beacon-street-girls-book-serieslove-thursday/) - Sometimes this Mom on the Run gets it right.I have a 10-year-old daughter, known here as Sporty Daughter, who is a reluctant reader. She was reading by the end of kindergarten, right on schedule. While her older sister (Crafty Daughter) at 5-6-7 years old devoured books, Highlights Magazine, and the comics, my middle daughter would - [Focus Friday/Friday Fitness](https://musingsfromme.com/focus-fridayfriday-fitness/) - Focus FridayPutting away last of Christmas decorations. Still have It's a Wonderful Life village and Charlie Brown's Christmas set out, as well as assorted other items. Need to rearrange basement storage room to accommodate other all of the Christmas gear.Bathrooms -- clean, no questions.Bedrooms -- mostly tidy, but still too many clothes that don't fit - [7 Random Things as I Don't Have Time for 25](https://musingsfromme.com/7-random-things-as-i-dont-have-time-for-25/) - So I was tagged by SassyMomma! It's funny though when I received this tag, I was stewing about the "25 Random Things" on Facebook. You see I got tagged twice, wrote half the list, saved it, but alas I cannot find it in the Notes section. So, grrrrr.So here are my 7 random things you - [Weight Watchers](https://musingsfromme.com/weight-watchers/) - I posted this over at https://www.ourblubheroverhaul.blogspot.com/Here's my problem in a nutshell...I had a doctor's appointment for a laundry list of complaints. Honestly, at one point the doctor said I would need to make another appointment to discuss all my issues. I think she might have done the "Time Out" hand signal. It was like I - [Our TV Debut -- WBFF Fox 45!](https://musingsfromme.com/our-tv-debut-wbff-fox-45/) - Tonight my family will be on TV...not national TV, but Batimore's Fox station WBFF45. The TV crew will come to our house to interview all of us. I have no idea what I will wear today, my house is not quite ready for primetime, and I have to take a child to the doctors, but - [Roundup of Deals -- 12/21/12](https://musingsfromme.com/roundup-of-deals-december-21-2012/) - Reading on-the-go with Audible.com -- BookRenter -- Save up to 80% -- YesVideo -- 25% off coupon -- Nissan 2013 Pathfinder -- Coupon for Finish Dishwashing Detergent -- Air Optix...a new way to manage eye care -- Epsilon -- Earn rewards through Shoppers Voice -- JibJab -- 1 year subscription -- Kellogg's -- Dr. Seuss - [New from Disney: Films Due out in 2013...Iron Man 3, Monsters University, The Lone Ranger](https://musingsfromme.com/new-from-disney-films-due-out-in-2013-iron-man-3-monsters-university-the-lone-ranger/) - ET played in my hometown theater for 6 months. My hometown movie theater had one screen. Occasionally the movie theater was rented out to local theater companies. I'll let that sink in. How many of you live in a town where the only movie theater has one screen? And sometimes the movie theater didn't even show movies! - [Iron Man 3...New Clip! #ironman3](https://musingsfromme.com/iron-man-3-new-clip-ironman3/) - I'm not an action movie person. I much prefer a drama like Argo. However, when it comes to the Marvel franchise movies, I can be persuaded to watch. Doesn't hurt that the Marvel movies are stacked with top stars. My particular favorite is Robert Downey, Jr., in Iron Man. With Iron Man 3 about to be - [Capturing Memories in a Photobook AND a Promo Code @GrooveBookApp](https://musingsfromme.com/capturing-memories-in-a-photobook-and-a-promo-code-groovebookapp/) - If I have ever been asked the questions "What would you take out of your home in the case of a fire or natural disaster?", my answer is "After I have safely escorted my family out of the house, I would take as many photo albums as I could carry." You see photos are my - [Sponsored: Organizing Photos of a Special Birthday Party for a Special Guy @Tapsbook](https://musingsfromme.com/sponsored-organizing-photos-of-a-special-birthday-party-for-a-special-guy-tapsbook/) - Sponsored: I was compensated to write this post. Something happened this spring that has never happened before. I'm still kind of reeling about it. I did something I have never done before. I didn't host a birthday party for one of my children until months after the child's actual birthday. Eeek. No Mom of the - [A High-Protein, Satisfying Snack Chip #QuestChips](https://musingsfromme.com/high-protein-satisfying-snack-chip-questchips/) - I always have the munchies. Not so much during the day, but definitely in the evenings. I know I shouldn't snack late at night. I should be good. I should say no. I should capitalize on good eating choices made during the day. I should do all of these things. But don't. The evening rolls around. - [Global Influence Holiday Gift Guide](https://musingsfromme.com/global-influence-holiday-gift-guide/) - Holiday shopping season is here again and the Global Influence network has some great gift ideas for you, tried and tested by real moms. Click on the links to check out what our team of reviewers had to say about each of these gift ideas, and then take a moment to enter our fun giveaway - [Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving](https://musingsfromme.com/buzzed-driving-is-drunk-driving/) - Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. I had a car at college for my last two semesters of college. It was fun to be able to get in the car and go home for the weekend. Before I had to arrange a carpool or have my parents come pick me up for the weekend. There were drawbacks...paying - [Buzzed Driving Is a No-No](https://musingsfromme.com/buzzed-driving-is-a-no-no/) - As a new to the United States college student, I was intrigued by everyone's love for St. Patrick's Day. Green beer, shamrocks, four leaf clovers! What's not to love? I attended a school run by an order of nuns from Ireland as a kid in England. Back home St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in a - [Pretending To Be a VIP [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/pretending-to-be-a-vip-review/) - "This is not the way other people ride rides at amusement parks!" I said this as we were ushered on to the Simpson's Ride at Universal Studios. I felt compelled to explain to my son that our VIP access was very unusual and special. He shrugged. At 7 he did not "get" how extraordinary VIP - [Mmmm...Cinnabon](https://musingsfromme.com/mmmm-cinnabon/) - My friends at Pssst..., General Mills, and Cinnabon asked me to share this with my readers. Who am I to say No? So here it is... Cinnabon was able to warm the hearts of others this holiday season through its Random 'Packs' of Kindness contest. Now it's your turn to do the same! Throughout the - [Save the Whales with #BigMiracle [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/big-miracle-giveaway/) - As a little kid living in New Jersey, I recall seeing a couple of movies at the drive in movie theater. The movies were loud and I think one was a James Bond film, Goldfinger(?). Not all that appropriate for kids, really. I have very strong recollections of falling asleep while watching the movie. As - [Family Organization by AboutOne...Coming Soon!](https://musingsfromme.com/family-organization-by-aboutone-coming-soon/) - Family + Organization = ?@?$#?!? When I look at the above equation, I see the crowded-with-dates kitchen wall calendar. I hear the anxious voices of my husband and I trying to calculate how 2 of us will get 3 kids to 4 different places on 1 night. I feel my throat get tight as my - [My Kids Always Get the Mail First #skylanders](https://musingsfromme.com/my-kids-always-get-the-mail-first-skylanders/) - There's a problem with having a house full of readers. You want to know what it is? You can never again have a box, package, or envelope delivered to your house without a child reading the name of the sender or the logo of the product itself written on the box. Call me an idiot - [Simple Toys Are the Best #bestpals](https://musingsfromme.com/simple-toys-are-the-best-bestpals/) - Every so often I long for the days of basic. Simple. No power. No need for AA batteries. Just straight forward simple toys. Blocks. A doll house. Trains and cars. And of course, dolls. My husband and I don't usually fight. We especially don't fight about dolls. But, we had a doozy of a tiff - [A Roundup of Musings from Me: Week of September 17, 2012](https://musingsfromme.com/whats-new-on-the-web-this-week-week-of-september-17-2012/) - I'm going to start a new feature. A roundup of interesting links I know you'll want to read. I'll include giveaways and parenting posts from this blog. Articles I've written on one of my other sites. And anything I see that piques my fancy. Nothing lengthy or wordy. Just a short and sweet link. I'll - [Blinds.com: Raising the Bar for Blind Safety](https://musingsfromme.com/blindscom-raising-the-bar-for-blind-safety/) - As a new mom I was hyper concerned with safety. Danger lurked around every corner for my baby. I sterilized bottles and pacifiers. I kept medications out of reach. I safety-proofed the house top and bottom. I thought I was on top of everything until I saw a recall for blinds. We had installed window - [Sponsored: Back-to-School Mishaps #BacktoSchoolwithBSK](https://musingsfromme.com/sponsored-back-to-school-mishaps-backtoschoolwithbsk/) - Sponsored: This is a sponsored post. La...la...la..la. I'm not listening to back-to-school talk. La...la...la...la. I can't hear the TV and radio ads for backpacks, composition books, and crayons. La...la...la...la. I'm not even thinking about when the teacher assignment letters will arrive. I'm not ready for back-to-school at all. How about you? The beginning of the - [Top 5 Must-Have Clothing Items for Fall](https://musingsfromme.com/top-5-must-have-clothing-items-for-fall/) - I'm not what you would call a fashion plate. I don't shop til I drop except for children's toys and storage units. I have not worn makeup since the 1990s. I buy shoes two pairs at a time, so that I can avoid shoe shopping. I am starting to realize that in my new found career of blogging - [Review: Sweets 'n' Treats by Tracey Singer](https://musingsfromme.com/review-sweets-n-treats/) - Have you heard about Sweets 'n' Treats? I'm always on the look out for children's music that I can listen to. It seems that so often, the music kids listen to is for want of a better word -- sugary. For me sugary = turn the CD off now! But as you know kids would - [Review & Giveaway: BABW Alvin & the Chipmunks](https://musingsfromme.com/babw-alvin-the-chipmunks/) - Build-a-Bear is just a magical place. After many years of watching my children make a Build-a-Bear at parties or on special visits I finally made a bear!! I had a bunch of coupons and special offers begging for me to use them. My plan was to get myself a BABW on the day my youngest - [Paint It Purple...Juice Style [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/paint-it-purple-juice-style-review/) - I have a vague memories of drinking juice as a child. I probably drank the sickly sweet orange-juice like liquid the milkman delivered to my grandmother's house in England. Note...it likely had little to no actual orange juice, but I loved the sweetness of it. I had a nomadic childhood so my juice drinking at - [Letting Him Down](https://musingsfromme.com/letting-him-down/) - Saturday was not my finest mom moment. It started on a questionable note when I slept later than usual while my son played. You might ask well his dad was up so what is the problem. The problem is that his dad and his middle sister left very early for a volleyball tournament. He rose - [Respectful Silence: Visiting D.C. War Memorials with Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/respectful-silence-visiting-d-c-war-memorials-with-kids/) - As a long-time resident of D.C., I have visited D.C. sites many times. I am thrilled to announce that I am now an Oyster Locals blogger! Oyster.com is a hotel review website...Oyster provides the skinny on hotels...the good, the bad, and the ugly. Oyster Locals is a companion blog for what to do once you - [A Pain in My Neck and other Holiday Woes [Giveaway] [Closed]](https://musingsfromme.com/salonpas-patches-giveaway/) - I sit at my desk each morning. I cradle a cup of coffee. I breath a sigh of relief that all three children are headed to school. As the rush rush of the morning wake ups, lunch packing, and school bus frenzy ends, I start noticing my neck and back and shoulders. My early morning - [Teaching Your Child About Spending with #virtualpiggy](https://musingsfromme.com/teaching-your-child-about-spending-with-virtualpiggy/) - I held the Disney art kit in my hands as my daughter rummaged in her purse. I was shopping at The Disney Store with my then 7-year-old daughter. She was so excited to spend her own money. For the first time in her life, she had saved money. She had saved for weeks...a nickel here, - [Get Advice from @ShopYourWay Member Assist to Enhance Your Shopping Experience](https://musingsfromme.com/get-advice-from-shopyourway-member-assist-to-enhance-your-shopping-experience/) - You may have read on this blog that I am a Shop Your Way blogger for Sears and Kmart. This service is convenient and makes my shopping experience SO much easier. Shop Your Way is a site for all your shopping needs. Shop Your Way wants to make shopping on ShopYourWay.com even EASIER. Introducing: Shop - [Pucker up for Raisels [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/pucker-up-for-raisels-review/) - One of the best parts of the school year coming to a close is that I no longer have to pack lunches. After weeks and weeks of packing lunches for three children, I can say with certainty that most days the lunches I packed fell in to the "more of the same category." Sandwiches. Cheese - [Get in on Event Tix Savings with @ScoreBig](https://musingsfromme.com/get-in-on-event-tix-savings-with-scorebig/) - I'm not a deal blogger. I don't eat, sleep, breath deals. I click on deals that look fun for my family. I collect coupons and mostly use them when I grocery shop. I use a "deal" toolbar when I shop online. But, I don't buy or have a need for 60 bottles of mustard. Aren't - [Sweet Kids' Clothing from @Kudzoom](https://musingsfromme.com/sweet-kids-clothing-from-kudzoom/) - From time to time I post about deals. After Blogher, I became a tad obsessed with deal sites. Previously, I didn't think deal sites were for me. I'm not a huge shopper. I was surprised to find how many of the daily deals were of interest to me. Over the past few weeks I have - [Children's Hospital -- 3rd Season Now on DVD](https://musingsfromme.com/childrens-hospital-3rd-season-now-on-dvd/) - Childrens Hospital: The Complete Third Season on... by thewbdotcom As you know I write for WBWord. I get to write about upcoming shows and DVDs of WB shows. One show I have been asked to write about is Childrens Hospital. The doctors on this show are a tad irreverent and they don't take anything seriously, - [Review: True Lemon](https://musingsfromme.com/review-true-lemon/) - I saw a tweet about @truelemon and my head spun around really fast. What was this? A product? It sounded so good and refreshing. Or was it a really creative twitter name? I had no idea, so I clicked to see what it was all about. Twitter is very clickable...you wouldn't believe the people, places, and products I have found - [1-800-Flowers.com Helps Toys for Tots](https://musingsfromme.com/1-800-flowers-com-helps-toys-for-tots/) - Years and years and years ago, my then boyfriend/now husband sent me flowers at my office. I recall the receptionist calling me. I bounded down the hallway...trying not to appear excited and failing miserably. I was in my second job. Quite a step up but still rather entry level. I was a jack-of-all-trades communications person. My then - [Researching Prices Online Leads to Savings](https://musingsfromme.com/researching-prices-online-leads-to-savings/) - I'm not a shop every day type of person. I shop here and there for what we need. My grandmother grocery shopped every day. I recall my Grandma leaving her house with a leather shopping bag and a fur hat to shop for dinner and for lunch the next day. It was fascinating to me as - [Pillsbury Coupons](https://musingsfromme.com/pillsbury-coupons/) - Just found this link for free Pillsbury Food Coupons from General Mills. Found it here. Don't forget to check out my Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls giveaway! Enjoy! - [Go! Go! Sports Girls Dolls -- A Giveaway!](https://musingsfromme.com/go-go-sports-girls-dolls-a-giveaway/) - I recently attended the Toy Fair in NYC. I keep remembering bits and pieces about the Toy Fair. The day was overwhelming...in a good way. I knew the Toy Fair would be big, but never guessed just how big it would be. It was located on 3 floors of the Javits Center. I walked through - [Ultimate Blog Party](https://musingsfromme.com/ultimate-blog-party/) - Janice and Susan from 5minutesformom.com are hosting the Ultimate_Blog_Party_2009. Mommybloggers, daddybloggers, mompreneur bloggers, and other bloggers can post about their blog on the 5 Minutes for Mom site at the Mr. Linky links.Over the next week I plan on visiting AND commenting on other blogs. If you are stopping by, Welcome! Don't forget to leave - [...and I'm in The Washington Post!](https://musingsfromme.com/and-im-in-the-washington-post/) - A week or two ago I responded to a reporter's request to find people who had won things or found freebies. Here's the Washington Post link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/18/AR2009041800113.htmlIn the fall I was a winning machine. It seemed to me that whenever I entered a giveaway I won. Not quite true, but for a 3-week period I - [Don't Break the Bank, Shop with #GrouponCoupons! #ad #spon](https://musingsfromme.com/dont-break-the-bank-shop-with-grouponcoupons-ad-spon/) - Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine. I've always loved a good deal. The sweeter the better. I love getting something for nothing or next to nothing. There's nothing better! Way before the internet, I saved coupons, looked for deals, and trolled the sale aisles at my favorite stores. Though now I - [This Part of My Life Is Called...Rushing](https://musingsfromme.com/this-part-of-my-life-is-called-rushing/) - To borrow a line from the Pursuit of Happiness..."This part of my life is called...rushing." Rushing. Dashing. Flying. Scrambling. These words describe my day-to-day life. I'm a wife...a mom...a work-at-home mom...a taxi driver...a housekeeper...an errand runner....a laundress...a maker of lunches...a finder of lost items. I "hold" all of these jobs and more. Some of these - [Stay Safe on the Road with Zubie](https://musingsfromme.com/stay-safe-on-the-road-with-zubie/) - This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zubie for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. I drive all the time. No seriously...I am never out of my minivan. I don't work out of the home, so don't have a commmute. I more than make up for my lack of a commute - [Remembering #WhyMommy](https://musingsfromme.com/remembering-whymommy/) - From The DC Moms You know the phrase "welcomed with open arms"? I've been the new kid on the block more times than I care to consider. First, as a young child moving from a school in one country to a school in a new country. As a college student stepping foot on an American - [The Great Toy Decluttering #DonateStuffCreateJobs](https://musingsfromme.com/the-great-toy-decluttering-donatestuffcreatejobs/) - If you walked around my home, you would think I was moving. I have boxes in my living room. Piles of clothes on couches, chairs, and the floor. Books are stacked everywhere. No, I'm not moving. I'm just in major purge mode. There is a 4-year gap between my middle and youngest child. My middle - [Get Ready To Do Battle With the #BeyWarriors #chatterbox #giftguide](https://musingsfromme.com/get-ready-to-do-battle-with-the-beywarriors-chatterbox-giftguide/) - Disclosure: I was sent an item to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are to my amazon account. "I review stuff...you know...DVDs, toys, games, books, restaurants. I write about them on my blog." Every time I say this I get the same blank, nonplussed stare from the - [From Drab to Fab with the @Sears Furniture Collection](https://musingsfromme.com/from-drab-to-fab-with-the-sears-furniture-collection/) - Disclosure: This is a sponsored post through the Social Media Chicks influencer network. I am a Sears Holding Corporation blogger, though all opinions are my own. From time to time my husband and I will talk about our pre-kids couch. We don't have to say much. I will start rubbing my - [Discount Codes. Deals. Free Shipping. I Love a Good Deal!](https://musingsfromme.com/discount-codes-deals-free-shipping-i-love-a-good-deal/) - Do you remember a time when you bought what you wanted, when you wanted, and didn't care what anyone said about what you purchased? In my 20s and single, I was never a shop-til-you-drop gal, but if I needed a shirt or a dress or a pair of shoes, I didn't consult anyone. I never - [FedEx SenseAware: Making Sure a Precious Cargo Arrives Safe and Sound](https://musingsfromme.com/fedex-senseaware-making-sure-a-precious-cargo-arrives-safe-and-sound/) - I was talking to a dad at my son's end-of-season sports party about cycling. As the kids splashed in the pool, we chatted about soccer, our jobs, and our families. And then we started talking about biking. I know nothing about cycling. Aside from seeing cyclists on the country roads near my home and knowing - [Kiddie Activities: Worth It?](https://musingsfromme.com/kiddie-activities-worth-it/) - Just moments after clicking the payment button for my daughter's swim team registration, I read a blogpost on spending money on kiddie activities. The post was on the Wells Fargo blog. Talk about an apropos post! You see I spend a great deal of money on As a new mom I spent very little money. - [Keeping Breakfast Simple & Fit [Giveaway] #breakfastlove](https://musingsfromme.com/simple-fit-breakfastlove-ihop/) - Is there anything better than breakfast? I could eat breakfast for dinner, lunch, and well, breakfast. Eggs and bacon, pancakes and waffles, omelette and frittatas, you name the breakfast food and I will eat it. And, of course, I'm all about coffee...endless cups of coffee...bottomless pots of coffee. Yum! I discovered eating out for breakfast - [Seizing Family Time with New Dip'ems from @kfc_colonel](https://musingsfromme.com/new-dipems-from-kfc-giveaway/) - I'm not ashamed to admit that when my children were babies, toddlers, and preschoolers I LONGED for them to go to full day school. The school bus would appear on our street each morning and afternoon. As I was talking to my children about the kids on the bus, the wheels on the bus, and - [Do You Manage the Family Schedule or Does It Manage You? #goodnesstogo](https://musingsfromme.com/do-you-manage-the-family-scheudle-or-does-it-manage-you-goodnesstogo/) - My friend looking at all the papers tacked to my bulletin board said: "Your bulletin board is making me stressed out!' Me: "Right!?" My friend: "How do you keep track of everything you have going on?" Me: [silence and a blank stare] I had this conversation with one of the women in my Book Club. - [Holiday Gift Guide: An XBox 360 Kinect Game for EVERYONE on Your List! Kinect Sports Dance Central Kinectimals Nat Geo TV](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-an-xbox-360-kinect-game-for-everyone-on-your-list-kinect-sports-dance-central-kinectimals-nat-geo-tv/) - Did you know you can get an XBox for as little as $99? I was surprised too! And the 4GB XBox with Kinect is also $99. And the 250 GB is also $99. The 250 GB with Kinect is $149. These deals are part of - [Holiday Gift Guide: Moms, Get Real About Food](https://musingsfromme.com/moms-get-real-about-food-with-new-book/) - I have come to terms with my love affair with food. For as long as I can remember I have loved food. It is both a joy to me and a curse. Over the years, I have learned to eat in moderation. I'm not happy, but eating in moderation is a step in the right - [Wanted: Dinner Fairy GodMother #SmartOnesReview](https://musingsfromme.com/wanted-dinner-fairy-godmother-smartonesreview/) - Where oh where are you? When are you coming to cook? My family would love to see your wand, sparkly dress, and most of all your wings. I can just see you floating in to the kitchen. Maybe via back door when a kid comes home from school. Perhaps you'll live in our home and - [Massage, Magic of Christmas, and More](https://musingsfromme.com/juice-in-the-city-deals/) - I'm not a deal blogger, but I would by lying if I said I could resist a good deal. Chances are good...if I see a deal I like...I buy it. Lately I have purchased a number of deals that fit with what we do as a family. I bought a kiddie cooking class lesson from - [You Know Those Food Samples at Costco? #trop50](https://musingsfromme.com/you-know-those-food-samples-at-costco-trop50/) - Every so often I try a new product. I might be strolling the aisles at Costco. I'll see a sample kiosk. If I have my children with me, we ALWAYS stop. No questions asked. I'll stand while my children take a sample. If there are enough samples left, I take a sample myself. I'm rarely - [Holiday Gift Guide: Imaginative Play and The Costume Trunk [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-imaginative-play-and-the-costume-trunk-review/) - The costume box was THE best purchase of all time. More so than the Step2 Kitchen or the Lego sets or the Thomas the Tank Engine trains or the Fisher Price Loving Family Dollhouse. Don't get me wrong all of those toys were beloved my kids. No question about that. Played with constantly, but in - [Commuting by the Numbers](https://musingsfromme.com/commuting-by-the-numbers/) - I was in the rat race. I'm still a worker bee now, but back then I was not only working but commuting over an hour to work. About 10 years ago, my commute took up two precious hours of my day. While I earn far less working from home, I DON'T miss commuting. If you - [Seizing Family Time with Family Movie Night](https://musingsfromme.com/seizing-family-time-with-family-movie-night/) - Readers of this blog know that I am all about family time. With a teen on the cusp of adulthood, I grasp at family time any way I can. Even my youngest is now 8. Still a little boy, but his preteen years are not far off. If I see a movie in the theater, - [Peace of Mind with Carbonite Backup](https://musingsfromme.com/peace-of-mind-with-carbonite-backup/) - This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carbonite for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. A few months ago everything in my corner of the web was hunky dory. That is until I heard that my blog host's backup server and main server had failed. I was speechless. Clueless. And angry. - [Back to School with the Boy Scouts](https://musingsfromme.com/back-to-school-with-the-boy-scouts/) - This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boy Scouts of America for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. We all feel the need to belong. Somewhere. Someplace. Or with someone. As a 3rd grader in my small town in New Jersey I was a scout. I wore my uniform proudly. If - [Catch a Screening of @SuburgatoryABC before Tonight's Premiere -- ABC 8:30 EST](https://musingsfromme.com/catch-a-screening-of-suburgatoryabc-before-tonights-premiere-abc-830-est/) - I love a show with a voice over. A witty tongue in cheek voiceover. You know kind of like the voice of the dead housewife on Desperate Housewives. Mary Alice was only on the show for 1 episode, but she lives on season after season. She's the voice of reason. She tells it like it - [Are You a Mom On-the-Go?](https://musingsfromme.com/are-you-a-mom-on-the-go/) - This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. My teen was surprised to hear me talk about all the trendy clothes I wore in college. She literally stopped eating when she heard me say that I shopped at a couple of stores in - [Late to the Glee Party](https://musingsfromme.com/late-to-the-glee-party/) - I have a history of not jumping on the bandwagon or catching a show a season or two in. Lost. 24. American Idol. And now Glee. I saw the tweets. I love the blonde-haired cheerleader coach from all the Christopher Guest movies. I don't watch network TV live. I occasionally watch if I DVR it, - [CityMommy Rolls Out Two New Cities!](https://musingsfromme.com/citymommy-rolls-out-two-new-cities/) - Joining a moms group can be the difference between feeling isolated and feeling connected. Moms groups provide a place for moms to connect, vent, exchange information, whine (a little), and feel validated for the job they do. Whether the moms group is in your neighborhood or through your church or even online, the spirit of - [Is Screen Time Killing Reading Time for Our Kids?](https://musingsfromme.com/is-screen-time-killing-reading-time-for-our-kids/) - I Can Read! Books Become an I Can Read! Member I posted recently about my worry that the plethora of tech gadgets available to kids stops kids from reading. Do you see your child staring at a screen and wonder "Why aren't you reading?!" I know I do. DS, wii, PS3, Flip, itouch...you name it - [Reading Tips for Summer Reading](https://musingsfromme.com/reading-tips-for-summer-reading/) - Although I seem to spend more time reading a screen than I do a book, reading for me is a given. How would I function if I could not read? In our family, reading happens everywhere...except the bathroom. I am not a book-in-the-bathroom person. Ewww. We have bookcases in every room except the bathroom. It's - [The Endless To Do List #ImOnTop](https://musingsfromme.com/the-endless-to-do-list-imontop/) - Are you like me? Do you have detailed plans to cross off everything on your to do list? Well, if you are like me, you will find that it is easier said than done to actually complete everything on the to-do list. This weekend my to-do list included: Take down the houses from the Christmas - [Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive](https://musingsfromme.com/crest-pro-health-complete-rinse-test-drive/) - I recently discovered the Sonicare toothbrush. I have sensitive gums. The Sonicare brush heads vibrate to dislodge food particles between my teeth. No matter how long I use the Sonicare -- there is a timer, but I generally guesstimate how long I will brush, my mouth doesn't feel clean until I have swished my mouth - [Make Crest Part of Your Daily Routine](https://musingsfromme.com/make-crest-part-of-your-daily-routine/) - After using Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse for a month, I have two thoughts... I love the taste and feel as I rub my tongueover my teeth. I need to buy another bottle of Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse as my husband developed a liking for it, too! My husband has always used mouthwash. I come and - [We're Revving up for Cars 2](https://musingsfromme.com/were-revving-up-for-cars-2/) - Are you like me? Do you remember everything about your child's first movie experience? Did you fret over whether your child was ready for a movie in a theater? I'll bet you waited until your child would sit still for a movie at home. My daughter loved watching videos. Some of the Golden Books videos - [Catching up with Top Chef Richard Blais](https://musingsfromme.com/catching-up-with-top-chef-richard-blais/) - A few months ago, I caught up with Richard Blais -- the winner of Top Chef: All Stars. On a stop on his road trip with his family, he took time to talk to me. He's a great guy! Anyway, here's the transcript from my interview with him... -- Musings: What have you enjoyed doing - [I'm Exhausted](https://musingsfromme.com/im-exhausted/) - I am officially not a spring chicken. If a day spent sitting on a chair in the heat can cause the type of tiredness that caused me to pull off on 270 and "rest" then I am officially an olde fogey. The day was exhausting. Here's why: Staying up until 3 a.m. to print out - [Wanchai Ferry: Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/wanchai-ferry-giveaway/) - My children are not adventurous eaters. We live far enough away from a big metropolis that we are not able to expose the children to a variety of food types. Truth be told I am not an adventurous eater, either. I have a few Indian dishes that I like. On our trip to England this - [@CityMommy Is Looking for New City Leaders](https://musingsfromme.com/citymommy-is-looking-for-new-city-leaders/) - As many of you know, I am the Co-Leader for DC CityMommy. I Co-Lead with Rachel. I joined CityMommy about 2 months ago. I love helping the DC CityMommy grow. We're a vibrant community of moms...looking to meet other moms...discuss topics...find out about events. Come join if you live in DC-MD-VA! In my role as - [My Bedroom](https://musingsfromme.com/my-bedroom/) - The title of this post says it all. After almost 20 years of marriage I still refer to the master bedroom as "my bedroom." I chose the bedding color, the furniture (with input from the husband), and the wall art. What was my husband's input? He insists on having a small TV with FIOS box in the - [Washington, D.C.: Home Grown Knowledge](https://musingsfromme.com/washington-dc-home-grown-knowledge/) - I wonder how many of my posts start out with... "I was trolling around on twitter and found [fill in the name of cool project]" ? So, I was trolling around on twitter and saw a tweet about... Wait a minute. I wasn't on twitter, I was reading my e-mail when I saw an e-mail - [Giveaway: Joanie Leeds CD -- City Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/joanieleedscd/) - California Olive Ranch -- Everyday California EVOO From the website: We press our olives within hours of harvest to seal in our distinctive fresh taste. Order your bottle today and enjoy the difference that fresh extra virgin olive oil makes in your dressings, marinades, and cooking. Available in 500ml and 750ml bottles. You can purchase - [Nature's Peak Frozen Fruits Great in Smoothies](https://musingsfromme.com/natures-peak-frozen-fruits/) - I'm not a fruit smoothie drinker usually. I prefer my fruit intact. If I'm going to have a blended drink, I prefer chocolate milkshake or frozen margarita, but I may have found a third drink to add to my smoothie lineup. I mixed Nature’s Peak frozen fruit with frozen yogurt and was wowed by the flavor. - [A Giveaway to Help Mom Be the Chief Memory Officer](https://musingsfromme.com/chief-memory-officer/) - If you are on twitter as much as I am, you will notice the plethora of hashtags. On any given day, who knows how many are buzzing around. This week's hashtag #CES and #KZone. #CES is the The Consumer Electronics Show 2010 -- happening now through January 10th in Las Vegas, NV. CES is the largest - [Swim into a Good Book](https://musingsfromme.com/swim-into-a-good-book/) - For as long as I can remember, books were my go-to entertainment source. Now don't get me wrong I do watch TV and obviously I spend time on the computer, but a book can make a long flight pass quickly...a car journey go by in an instant...create a moment between mom and child. Simply put - [Does a Teen Need a Birthday Party??](https://musingsfromme.com/does-a-teen-need-a-birthday-party/) - Movies theaters cost an arm and a leg. My teen did not want a birthday party this year. I am very relieved. I offered to host a party for her. We talked about a few ideas. Our top three: A sleepover for a large group. A movie outing with a small group. Something else. She - [Review: Kenny Loggins "All Join In"](https://musingsfromme.com/review-kenny-loggins/) - Editor's Note: I had the privilege of getting a review copy of the Kenny Loggins CD -- All Join In -- a while back. I'm just now getting to the review -- I've had a busy fall with travel and 3 kids at 2 different schools! Writing up reviews before the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and holiday season are - [Oscillococcinum?](https://musingsfromme.com/oscillococcinum/) - I saw a sign for Oscillococcinum at the recent TypeAMom Conference. The word jogged my memory back to an old commercial where an older lady carefully enunciated the word for a friend. She did a good job because I knew how to pronounce the word when I wandered near the Boiron booth at the TypeAMom Conference. - [Musings on Busy](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-busy/) - Busy is what I do. Sometimes I am so busy that I forget to eat. Busy can mean I get maybe 4 hours of sleep and a couple of cat naps. I thrive on busy. But busy is not good for me. The lack of sleep leads to heavy consumption of caffeine. The endless cups of - [You Smell Like Grandma's House](https://musingsfromme.com/you-smell-like-grandmas-house/) - We have a joke in the Musings from Me house that my MIL is so intent on keeping the kids clean that she puts the kids in the washing machine. Disclaimer: I only joke about this with my preteen and teen...don't want to the kid to get any ideas! It is not unheard of for my - [General Mills #tabletalk -- Day 1](https://musingsfromme.com/general-mills-tabletalk-day-1/) - My first blogging event ever! I was invited to visit the General Mills kitchens and sample new GM products. I was honored to attend with a group of mommy bloggers who blog about raising their kids, saving money, finding the best deals, cooking, and so much more. My teen's reaction to my trip was funny. - [Sneaking Veggies In](https://musingsfromme.com/sneaking-veggies-in/) - My kid, preteen, and teen are a little old for me to "get away" (insert air quotes) adding fruit and vegetables to their food. I'm a meanie and I make them actually eat their F&V. Back in the day we had never heard of Jessica_Seinfeld. I wonder if I would shred veggies in to food - [The Circus Is Coming to Town!](https://musingsfromme.com/the-circus-is-coming-to-town/) - There are circuses, and then there is the CIRCUS.The RinglingBros. and Barnum_&_Bailey_Circus is quite simply spectactular. Three rings of high wire acts, death-defying motorcycle stunts, and an exotic array of animals...not to mention the clowns. We took our children two years ago. I purchased seats in front of the middle circle, which meant we could - [Is a Hotel a Home?](https://musingsfromme.com/is-a-hotel-a-home/) - Home means something different for everyone. Is home a house you have lived in since you were a newborn newly brought home from the hospital? Or, is home the place you lived for a short while. Can a home be a hotel? What does home mean to me? Home can be a hotel. A caravan. - [WNBA: Family Time](https://musingsfromme.com/wnba-family-time/) - At 5'3" I'm not what you would call basketball material. In school in England we played a version of basketball called netball. Anyone ever played? You pass the ball to each other, shoot in to a low basket, but don't bounce. When I played the game each player wore a yellow vest with the position - [Del Monte Fruit Chillers: Review](https://musingsfromme.com/del-monte-fruit-chillers-review/) - On a hot summer day, nothing hits the spot more than something cold and refreshing. I find ice pops to be too sugary and sickly for the most part. You know the ones I mean...the ones with 50 pops that you place in the freezer. Kids love 'em, but I find them lacking in the - [Consignments R Us](https://musingsfromme.com/802/) - I recently entered typeamom.net's That's Ingenious Challenge. The challenge was to come up with an invention/solution to a sticky problem -- this is not quite the wording, but that's my interpretation anyway. My answer: I'm a consigner. I might even call myself a master at consigning! After 4 years, I know what to consign, I know how - [Review: Rock of Ages](https://musingsfromme.com/review-giveaway-rock-of-ages/) - The 80s marked the beginning and end of what I term my obsession with music. You know what I mean...that time in your life when you live and breath music. When you wake up to music and simultaneously annoy your roommate with the selection. My junior year roommate only listened to Rush. I was more - [Is Blogging a Job?](https://musingsfromme.com/is-blogging-a-job/) - So, my friends over at https://www.blog.parentbloggers.com/ have issued a challenge to me to blog about getting my life together in 2009. Wow, just writing 2009 seems crazy. Wasn't it just 2000??So, 2009 will either be the start of my at-home blogging/reviewing/writing career or the end of it. I really need to start making some money - [I Got Flamed on Complainary.com](https://musingsfromme.com/i-got-flamed-on-complainarycom/) - I found a website that might just have been designed with me in mind: Complainary.com is a place to Opine, Gripe, Grouch, Grumble, Editorialize, Rave, Rant, Express Anger, Grump, Moan, Flame, Sound-off, Tell-off, Vent, Complain or Cheer..... about anything! Seriously doesn't this sound like a great site?I posted twice. The first was on a topic - [Trash, We Don't Need No Stinking Trash!](https://musingsfromme.com/trash-we-dont-need-no-stinking-trash/) - In a previous post I listed my resolutions, mostly household-related because dude, I Am Not a Domestic Goddess. Aside from washing dishes and keeping laundry under control...as if this was even remotely possible, how will my family help others in 2009?All kidding aside I do take my responsibilities as a citizen and a human being - [A Roundup of Musings from Me: Week of August 25, 2012](https://musingsfromme.com/where-am-i-this-week-2/) - My old tag line made me laugh...even LOL...although I don't use texting language...EVER. Although I do overuse ellipsis...all...the...time... Here's what made me chuckle. My old tag line was: "I'm a writer who stays at home or a stay-at-home mom who writes." What's that expression? Oh, that's it...you slay me! Or rather my tag line slayed - [Winners! zpizza_dc, Florastor, and M & S](https://musingsfromme.com/winners-zpizza_dc-florastor-and-m-s/) - The trip to England, back-to-school shopping, and my jaunt to General Mills has made me a negligent blogger. Never fear -- I am back and determined to be organized! Winners of recent giveaways: zpizza_dc -- Winner of $20 gift card: @spbray Florastor -- Winner of a box of Florastor, a probiotic for kids intestinal health: @CutestKidEver McCormick & - [Choosing Healthy Snack Foods #WWFoodsAtShopRite #Pmedia @WeightWatchers #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/choosing-healthy-snack-foods-wwfoodsatshoprite-pmedia-weightwatchers-ad/) - Disclosure: This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Weight Watchers, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #WWFoodsAtShopRite https://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV I'm on the road A LOT. My body is permanently bent in the shape of my seat. No, really...when I get out of my minivan after - [Ice Cream for Breakfast? Sure! @TinyToastCereal @GeneralMills #TinyToastCereal #Kroger](https://musingsfromme.com/ice-cream-for-breakfast-sure-tinytoastcereal-generalmills-tinytoastcereal-kroger/) - Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Acorn, an Influencer Company. The views expressed in this post are my own. As a child breakfast was one of my favorite meals. Whether my mother prepared an elaborate English breakfast of sausage, fried mushrooms, eggs, grilled tomatoes, and toast or a simple breakfast of cereal and a hot drink, - [Gift Guide: The Animals Are Running the World! #zootopia #familymovienight](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-the-animals-are-running-the-world-zootopia-familymovienight/) - Disclosure: I was sent a DVD to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. I love family movie nights. Any time we can get at least part of the family together to watch a movie is a treat. With two kids working summer - [Gift Guide: Rediscovering a Classic...Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs #FamilyMovieNight](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-rediscovering-a-classic-snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-familymovienight/) - Disclosure: I was sent a DVD to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. I'm a collector of movies. I love receiving movies as gifts. I search Facebook yard sale groups. I can't pass a movie display at a store without buying something. - [Jump in to Virtual Reality at @BestBuy with @SamsungMobileUS #GearVR](https://musingsfromme.com/bestbuy-samsungmobileus-gearvr/) - Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. It's Father's Day and I should know what to get the dad in my life...but I'm not sure. Will he want an electronic gadget? A movie? A video game? A cool - [Gift Guide: Lego Star Wars Droid Tales Is a #familymovienight Treat](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-lego-star-wars-droid-tales-is-a-familymovienight-treat/) - Disclosure: I was sent a DVD to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. Have a kid who is a Star Wars fan? Lego lover? Combine your child's two loves in this latest DVD release. Picking up after the Victory Celebration in the Ewok - [Traveling to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration #DSMMC #travel #work #vacation](https://musingsfromme.com/traveling-to-the-disney-social-media-moms-celebration-dsmmc-travel-work-vacation/) - Disclosure: I was invited to attend the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I paid my own conference fees and received gifts during the conference. All opinions, experiences, and thoughts are my own. I've written before about the amazing time my family had at the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. We laughed. We smiled. We - [Musings on Little Ones: Surviving the Toddler Years](https://musingsfromme.com/toddler-tales/) - When more paint gets on the table, shirt, and pants than on the paper...When your toddler discovers a drum kit at a family member's home and bashes the living daylights out of it and begs for his own drum set... When you question buying a wooden sand box, but realize that your toddler will happily - [Disney Is Magic #DisneySMMC #Disneyland](https://musingsfromme.com/basking-in-the-disney-magic-disneysmmc-wordlesswednesday-wordfulwednesday/) - I don't care how old you are...you are never too old to have your photo taken with a Disney character...EVER. A Magical Event Sprinkled With Pixie Dust The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was a truly magical event for me and my family. We didn't know how in need of a vacation we were until - [I Love a Good Shopping Deal. Period.](https://musingsfromme.com/i-love-a-good-shopping-deal-period/) - On the eve of Black Friday, I sit. On the eve of Black Friday, I peruse the Thanksgiving circulars. On the eve of Black Friday, I wonder if my natural inclination to spend as much time in bed as possible will conflict with my love of a good deal. Black Friday, I just don't know - [Book Review: She Still Calls Me Daddy](https://musingsfromme.com/book-review-she-still-calls-me-daddy/) - I recently discovered through my good friend, Mariana, that publishers have programs for bloggers. I love this idea. I quickly signed up with Thomas Nelson. My first book for review was a good one: She Still Calls Me Daddy: Building a New Relationship with Your Daughter After You Walk Her Down the Aisle by Robert Wolgemuth. I'm not a dad - [Gift Guide: Kids Play with Toys, So Kids Need to Clean Up Their Toys, Right? #organization #pley #spon](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-kids-play-with-toys-so-kids-need-to-clean-up-their-toys-right-organization-pley-spon/) - Disclosure: I was compensated to write this post. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. I have a high tolerance for mess. I can walk past a sink of dirty dishes and not bat an eyelid. I know that I will deal with the dishes eventually. Seeing - [Coffee and Me Time Helps Me Recover from ALL the Snow Days #pmedia #CoffeeRoutine @InDelight @Truvia](https://musingsfromme.com/coffee-and-me-time-helps-me-recover-from-all-the-snow-days-pmmedia-coffeeroutine-indelight-truvia/) - Disclosure: This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® , The J.M.Smucker Company, White Wave, and Truvia Natural Sweetener, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CoffeeRoutine https://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV One snow day is a blast. Two snow days are awesome. Three snow days are amazing. But four snow - [Gift Guide: Sifting, Sorting, and Storing ALL the Toys #pley #spon](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-sifting-sorting-and-storing-all-the-toys-pley-spon/) - Disclosure: I was compensated to write this post. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. This winter has been a doozy. Snow, snow, and more snow. I've lost track of the number of days the kids have missed school due to snow. In a typical Maryland - [Reducing Your Carbon Footprint](https://musingsfromme.com/reducing-your-carbon-footprint/) - Yesterday I desperately wanted to post, but cleaning had to happen. Late in the day I wanted to post, but an end-of-the-year volleyball party happened. When I got home I wanted to post, but zzzzzzz happened. Today I'm posting about something that I strongly believe in. Tomorrow I'll be back to posting ridiculous stories about - [Myths of Mommy Bloggers](https://musingsfromme.com/myths-of-mommy-bloggers/) - I answered a question from @reallifesarah about the myths of mommy bloggers. Sarah was kind enough to include me in this article. https://www.reallifeblog.net/2009/06/top-ten-myths-about-mom-bloggers.html Thanks, Sarah! - [Putting the Positive Back in Sports](https://musingsfromme.com/putting-the-positive-back-in-sports/) - As a mom of three sporty kids, I am constantly driving from soccer to volleyball to swimming and back to volleyball with a pitstop at soccer. Well, you get the idea. My kids play lots of sports. To my husband and I, it makes sense. Coach Dad was unable to play sports in high school due - [Splenda Is Splendid](https://musingsfromme.com/splenda-is-splendid/) - I have been a watcher of what I eat since I don't know when. High school? College? First years of working after college? Newlywed? After first baby? Second baby? Third baby? So, I have been watching what I eat for roughly the last 25 years. Whoa! 25 years is a whole lotta calorie counting. I - [Sonicare...Now for Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/sonicare-now-for-kids/) - My daughter started the Sonicare trend in our house. She got braces. We wanted to give her the best shot at remaining cavity free after braces. Can you imagine how maddening it would be to put money (dental insurance pays for only part of the cost of braces) and time (many, many trips back and - [Taking in a Show at the Kennedy Center #MaryPoppins](https://musingsfromme.com/taking-in-a-show-at-the-kennedy-center-marypoppins/) - As a D.C. resident for the last 20 years, I have done it all...well almost all. As an Oyster Locals Blog Travel Writer, I write about what I love about D.C. My latest post is the Kennedy Center. If you are local to D.C. or in D.C. for a visit, you will love EVERYTHING that - [Join the #vpstyle Twitter Party 6/21 9-10 p.m. EST. RSVP Now.](https://musingsfromme.com/join-the-vpstyle-twitter-party-621-9-10-p-m-est-rsvp-now/) - I got this from SheSpeaks...wanted to pass it on to you. I'm reprinting it word-for-word. RSVP using the link below. Thanks! Do you love designer brands such as Versace, Tommy Hilfiger and Catherine Malandrino? Us too – that’s why we’re so excited to have found vente-privee (p.s. it means “private sale” in French). You won't - [5 Parenting Tips from a Not-So-Perfect Parent](https://musingsfromme.com/back-to-school-parenting-tips-from-a-not-so-perfect-parent/) - I'm not a perfect parent. Let's just get that out of the way...in case they were any questions. Though I provide parenting tips and anecdotes about my family's adventures on this blog and the other sites I write for. I'm not an expert. I'm not a trained professional. I have only my experience as a - [5 Tips for Shopping with Little Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/not-a-fashonista-tips-for-shopping-with-little-kids/) - I'm not what you would call a clotheshorse. I have clothes in my closet from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Now not all of the clothing fits, but the fact that I have decades old clothes shows you that I don't purge my closet often. I'm a bit of a hoarder. Periodically I declutter. Out-of-date skirts - [5 Tips for Working from Home](https://musingsfromme.com/working-from-home-tips-for-being-productive/) - The last time I sat in a cubicle was years ago. I'm not kidding. The last time I sat in an office was in the mid-90s. My cubicle was small. Enough room for a desk chair, a filing cabinet, some shelves attached to the cubicle walls, and a wrap around desk. I spent so much - [5 Tips for Decluttering Your Home To Create Space #Organization](https://musingsfromme.com/decluttering-your-home-to-create-space-organization/) - I never post before photos. Too scary. I don't want reveal the clutter of my home. As I said it is TOO scary. But today I am doing the unthinkable posting a couple of before photos. The first photo is mostly an after photo, but from the clutter on top of the desk you can - [10 Tips for Decluttering Toys #organization](https://musingsfromme.com/10-tips-for-decluttering-toys-organization/) - I've found that people fall in to two categories when it comes to their homes...the very neat and the very messy. There's gray area in the home neatness spectrum. I fall in the gray...closer to the "very messy" but with brief brushes with the "very neat." Where do you fall in the Home Neatness Spectrum? - [5 Tips for Getting Kids Involved with Chores #home #organization](https://musingsfromme.com/5-tips-to-get-kids-involved-with-chores-home-organization/) - I wish I had jumped on the chores bandwagon when the children were small. The earlier you start assigning chores to your children the better, right? My little ones always wanted to help me clean or fold laundry...even if I didn't actually want the help. At times their "help" meant far more work for me - [3 Tips for Home Energy Saving from @NRGEnergy #giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/home-energy-saving-tips-from-nrgenergy-giveaway/) - Disclosure: I was sent a Redskins jersey, a Redskins scarf, two NRG mini footballs, and a Home Depot gift card as part of this campaign. The views expressed in this post are my own. As if shedding a winter layer of fur, I got rid of my sweater collection...one sweater at a time. - [5 Tips for Purging and Decluttering Your Home #organization #home](https://musingsfromme.com/tips-for-purging-and-decluttering-organization-home/) - 1. Examine Your Home My home is not small by any means. There are four bedrooms; a very large family room; a basement with laundry room, office, and storage room; and a two-car garage. When I built my home 20 years ago, all the rooms including the four bedrooms seemed more than enough house for my family. It was just - [Gift Guide: Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies #familymovienight](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-steven-spielbergs-bridge-of-spies-familymovienight/) - Disclosure: I was sent a DVD to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. I love a good thriller. An edge-of-your-seat nail biter. A movie that keeps you guessing. Bridge of Spies is that kind of movie. Family Movie Night for One We - [Take the #YogaPantChallenge with Depend® Active Fit @walmart](https://musingsfromme.com/take-the-yogapantchallenge-with-depend-active-fit-walmart/) - Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Acorn, an Influencer Company. The views expressed in this post are my own. There are a few subjects that are taboo. Subjects that are hush hush. Never spoken about...ever. Perhaps we whisper about them...but that's it. Light bladder leakage or LBL is one of those subjects. No one wants to - [What's Hot...I Mean Cool? The Poise Fab 5 #PoiseFab5](https://musingsfromme.com/whats-hot-i-mean-cool-the-poise-fab-5-poisefab5/) - It's funny how things change, isn't it? Growing up in England I was never without a coat, always carried an umbrella, never wore shorts, and generally sported a sweater 10 months of the year. During the so-called summer, I wore slighty lighter clothes, but still wore sweaters at night. These days I literally can't remember - [Gift Guide: Pop Star Minnie Is Ready To Rock! #familymovienight #giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-pop-star-minnie-is-ready-to-rock-familymovienight-giveaway/) - Disclosure: I was sent a DVD to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. My area is under a Winter Storm Warning. Again. I'm bracing myself for snow. It's inevitable. Might only be 4 to 8 inches. Where I live, "4 to 8 inches" - [Donate Stuff. Create Jobs. #Goodwill #7DaysofSpringCleaning](https://musingsfromme.com/donate-stuff-create-jobs-goodwill-7daysofspringcleaning/) - Disclosure: This post was made possible through the support of Goodwill. All opinions are my own. I don't know about you but I am SO ready for spring. I noticed a pair of snow boots underneath a shelf. I wanted to kick those boots across the room. I'm so sick of trudging through snow, - [Give a Book, Get a Book with Disney #DisneySMMoms](https://musingsfromme.com/give-a-book-get-a-book-with-disney-disneysmmoms/) - I was stuck. Writer's block. Too many ideas floating in my brain and not enough time to sort the ideas in to a logical series of posts. The week after Disney SMMoms, two of my children and husband were on Spring break, but one child still had school. So hardly any writing happened that week. - [Gift Guide: Great Holiday Gift Ideas from @BestBuy #HintingSeason @Xbox @TomTomUSA @Garmin](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-great-holiday-gifts-bestbuy-hintingseason/) - Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. I use tech gadgets all day long. I use a DSLR and camcorder. I spent hours logged on to my desktop computer and laptop. My smartphone is “attached” to - [Thursday at #BlogHer12 (Part 1)...Dreaming of #BeachesResort](https://musingsfromme.com/thursday-at-blogher12-dreaming-of-beachesresort/) - A vacation should be relaxing. Stress free. A welcome distraction from life back home. That's the theory anyway. I've heard rumors of relaxing vacations. Ones where you sip a drink while relaxing by the pool. You sleep in or get up early depending on who you are. Meals are prepared for you. After a long - [Let's Assemble for The Avengers Movie and Pizza Night! #MarvelAvengersWMT](https://musingsfromme.com/lets-assemble-for-the-avengers-movie-and-pizza-night-marvelavengerswmt/) - Running. Driving. Picking up. Dropping off. Phew. I'm exhausted just reading through this list. Since school started we have not stopped running. It's a blur. It's all a blur. I have three in school, and my husband is a school administrator. Should be easier for me to have everyone in - [Holiday Gift Guide: New from Littlest Pet Shop...Fairies! #holidaygiftguide #toys [#Giveaway ends 12/20]](https://musingsfromme.com/littlest-pet-shop-fairies-hasbro-giveaway/) - My daughter squealed with delight. She was opening her birthday gifts. I could see her face light up. She couldn't contain her excitement. One of her best friends had given her the perfect gift. What was the gift? The gift was a teeny tiny pet from the Littlest Pet Shop collection. That one toy -- - [It's Officially My Birthday Event...Seeing the New Iron Man #ironman3 #seizingfamilytime](https://musingsfromme.com/its-officially-my-birthday-event-seeing-the-new-iron-man-ironman3-seizingfamilytime/) - I have vague memories of new movies...first run movies. Seeing those movies on opening weekend or shortly thereafter. Watching the Oscars and realizing I had seen ALL of the nominated movies. My husband and I would hear about a new movie. One call to our friends and whammo we had a date to see the - [Soaking Up the Fun in Belmar, NJ, Even If It Is Wet AND a Twitter Party 6/19 9-10 pm EST #JerseyLove #D6SurfSkimmer #HangTenOriginal](https://musingsfromme.com/soaking-up-the-fun-in-belmar-nj-even-if-it-is-wet-and-a-twitter-party-619-9-10-pm-est-jerseylove-d6surfskimmer-hangtenoriginal/) - Sponsored: I was given hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals from Caesar's, Harrah's, DJais, and D6 Surf Skimmer as compensation for writing about my trip to the Jersey Shore. I paid for my own conference ticket and travel expenses to the event. I have SO much to tell you about my trip to Atlantic City, - [How To Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular #DWDragonsLive #DC [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/how-to-train-your-dragon-live-spectacular-dwdragonslive-dc-giveaway/) - I'm giving away a family 4-pack of tickets to @DWDragonsLive in Washington DC July 19! #DWDragonsLive - ["Be Careful, Hiccup!" #DWDragonsLive](https://musingsfromme.com/be-careful-hiccup-dwdragonslive/) - Every so often you go to a play or a show or a movie or an event where you are totally in awe. The show FAR exceeds your expectations. I had that experience at a show on Thursday. I knew I was going to see a live show with animatronic dragons, actors, and special effects, - [Vroom! Vroom! with @ToyState](https://musingsfromme.com/vroom-vroom-with-toystate/) - My son is all boy. I don't know why this surprises me so much. Except that he has two older sisters. With his sisters I was extremely careful not to say that a toy was a boy toy or girl toy. I called all of the toys...toys. I bought dolls, play food and a kitchen, - [A Brush with Celebrity After #BlogHer](https://musingsfromme.com/a-brush-with-celebrity-after-blogher/) - BlogHer was a whirl. A veritable blur of activity. I had my family with me, which added to the chaos. Although really I was so much in my own world of BlogHer that I hardly noticed my family. I don't mean to sound like I didn't care about them. Far from it. I texted my - [It Is #BlackFriday Isn't It?!](https://musingsfromme.com/surviving-blackfriday-shopping/) - Shopping is a necessity not a desire. For me I shop when I need things. My days of browsing the racks and window shopping are long gone. I have a more precise, laser-like method of shopping than in my teen/college/premarriage years. If I need it, I buy it. If I see it on a rack, - [Holiday Gift Guide: Tonka XT Ricochet Tricksters [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/tonka-xt-ricochet-giveaway/) - At a recent Monster Jams, show I was slack jawed at the way the drivers drove those enormous trucks over massive mounds of dirt, around precariously placed barricades, and on top of dirt structures the size of small homes. The show was noisy and fun. The show had me wondering about the offerings in the - [Holiday Gift Guide: Can You Solve the Rubik's Cube? [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/rubiks-cube-giveaway/) - Give me any puzzle. From 500 pieces to 1500 pieces. 3D puzzles. Even those mystery puzzles where you don't know what the image will be until you start putting the pieces together. You name the puzzle and I will do it. Now there is one puzzle which is befuddles me. This puzzle makes me wonder - [Remembering a Friend](https://musingsfromme.com/remembering-a-friend/) - I only knew Susan from her blog. By that I mean I didn't meet her before I started writing my own blog. But, Susan was among the first group of local bloggers that I met. We have a vibrant and very supportive group here in D.C. Second to none. But, to say that Susan was - [Celebrating the Grad @DaveandBusters](https://musingsfromme.com/celebrating-the-grad/) - In England there are no graduation celebrations. At least not for anyone below college age. I don't recall anyone making a big deal of graduation until college graduation. Traditions may have changed somewhat in England, but back when I was a kid the only people who graduated were those getting a bachelor's or master's degree. - [Suspense, Horses, and Romance: A Trifecta for Relentless by @PJ_ODwyer](https://musingsfromme.com/relentless-pj-odwyer-giveaway/) - About six months ago, I had a stack of books on my nightstand. None of the spines were cracked. Now you must know that I NEVER crack the spine of a book for any reason. So the fact that the spines were not bent or mangled was not unusual. While the spines weren't cracked, the - [I'm All About Kids and Reading](https://musingsfromme.com/im-all-about-kids-and-reading/) - From the earliest days of parenthood, books have been my friend. I use books to solve parenting problems. I find books to help my kids do their homework. I seek out books that give instruction for making a craft for Halloween or decorative picture frame for Grandma. Simply put without books and reading where would - [Make a Sandwich AND a Story with Buddig [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/make-a-sandwich-and-a-story-with-buddig-giveaway/) - Runaway Bunny. Guess How Much I Love You? Berenstain Bears Go to the Dentist The Very Hungry Caterpillar The books listed above are among my favorites. I have spent many hours reading books to my children. Do you love reading to your children? What is your favorite book to read to your child? Kids love - [Down with Uncomfortable Jeans! [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/down-with-uncomfortable-jeans-review/) - If you have met me in person, you will either see me wearing my "work-at-home-mom" clothes of t-shirts, shorts, capris, sneakers, flip flops, and the occasional sweatshirt OR my "at-an-event-conference-or-party" clothes of blouses, pants, skirts, jacket, and the occasional dress. But, jeans...I rarely wear jeans. I'm not exactly sure why. In my college days I - [The Scent of Chanel](https://musingsfromme.com/thescentofchanel/) - Speaking of scents, were we? Well, no we weren't speaking of scents, but when I think of France my mind settles on the scents of France. France was our vacation spot during my preteen years. It may sound exotic and adventurous, but when you are living in England your choices for summer vacations are (1) - [Pucker Up for the Neosporin 3-Day Challenge](https://musingsfromme.com/pucker-up-for-the-neosporin-3-day-challenge/) - Winter is wonderful if...there is snow on the ground. And the snow must be pristine, white, freshly fallen snow...not slushy, brown, bracken-ish snow. With snow on the ground, I can survive low temperatures, wind chill, and bone-chilling cold. But, take away the snow and add in the cold, you would be left with a miserable, - [Where Am I This Week?](https://musingsfromme.com/where-am-i-this-week/) - Let's start with where I was last week. This week is all about recovering from taking the train to New York and flying to and from Houston. New York was awesome. I met a niche toy company. This company have a line of dolls for girls aged 1 to 3. The dolls are super cute. - [Dinner](https://musingsfromme.com/dinner/) - Dinner is a given. Dinner must be cooked. Dinner is always cooked by me. I would prefer to eat out. A frozen pizza sounds like dinner to me. All of the above statements make sense to me. How to solve my dinner dilemma? I posted a question over at DC CityMommy asking who knew a - [Helping Teens Deal with Illness](https://musingsfromme.com/helping-teens-deal-with-illness/) - I posted this as a response to a mom on the Momster Facebook page. The mom recently had major surgery. Her daughter did not visit her in the hospital and has not spoken to her mom since she got home. I thought it merited its own post... When I was 15, my grandmother was in - [Do You Remember Completing the 2000 Census?](https://musingsfromme.com/do-you-remember-completing-the-2000-census/) - I wrote a post over at my Baltimore Parenting Tweens Examiner site on the 2010 Census. I listed tips on how to explain the U.S. census to your tween. It got me thinking... I don't remember completing the 2000 Census. I know I completed it, but I don't have any recollection of the form. Was - [When Is the Right Time?](https://musingsfromme.com/when-is-the-right-time/) - When is the right time to start a family anyway? Should I buy a house now or in a year? A vacation? When is a good time to go? At one time or another we have all pondered these types of questions. I am sure -- like me -- you have found that there is - [Why It's a Good Idea Not To Read the Newspaper...](https://musingsfromme.com/why-its-a-good-idea-not-to-read-the-newspaper/) - I stopped the Washington Post a few months ago. It was a sad day for me. I was the only one who read the paper. I never read it on a daily basis, but I looked forward to reading it. I would allow the paper to pile up until I had a stack. Once the - [I'm Joining the 5MinutesforMom Ultimate Blog Party 2010!](https://musingsfromme.com/im-joining-the-5minutesformom-ultimate-blog-party-2010/) - I'm so annoyed with myself! I almost missed the 5 Minutes for Mom 2010 Ultimate Blog Party. I saw a tweet about it. Of course I did! I'm always on twitter. But, I never wrote a post. I participated last year...here's my post. So, here's my post...better late than never! I *think* you can still - [Read a Book, Give a Book at WeGiveBooks.org](https://musingsfromme.com/read-a-book-give-a-book-at-wegivebooks-org/) - As a kid I devoured books. I read through the Judy Blumes. I raced through Harriet the Spy. I became obsessed with reading every book in the Chalet School book series. The Chalet School books were written in 1930s and 1940s. The books were hard to come by, but I found them at the library, - [Getting Away](https://musingsfromme.com/getting-away/) - A few years ago I was desperate. In desperate need of time to myself. Time with adults. Time alone. Just time. Two years have gone by since those needy times. I now have time. Time to myself during the day when the children go to school. Time to myself -- not as much as I - [Nerf Football: A Must-Have and a Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/nerf-football-a-must-have-and-a-giveaway/) - The Nerf Football sits in the palm of your hands. It is lightweight, squishy, and ready-to-throw. The Nerf football is sure-fire throwing object. In whatever direction you throw it, the Nerf football will meet its target. Ready. Aim. Fire. Our first Nerf was an NFL football. We tried to find a Redskins football, but had - [The Big Event and the Let Down: DC Metro Moms Closes Its Virtual Doors](https://musingsfromme.com/brand-blogger-dc-metro-moms/) - Life takes over sometime, doesn't it? You have plans to write a post IMMEDIATELY after returning from an event. You have a window of opportunity but you are too tired. You log on to your computer, but hear the sounds of TV drifting in to your office. Before you know it you go to bed - [@litl: Cloud Computing and a Discount Code #svmomsbitmoms](https://musingsfromme.com/litl-cloud-computing-svmomsbitmoms/) - I am not, I repeat, I am not a techie. I often use the hashtag #notatechie to describe my trials and tribulations with technology. As a college student DJ, my radio show was called "Technical Difficulties." Skipped records, locked myself out of the studio, broke the sound cart...you name it I did it. At my - [@litl: Works for Web-Surfy Family of #mom #dad #kid #tween #teen](https://musingsfromme.com/litl-works-for-web-surfy-family-of-mom-dad-kid-tween-teen/) - A week or two ago I attended a brand/blogger event sponsored Silicon Valley Moms Blog and numerous brands. It was truly a day of pampering, information, and community. The best kind of day, really! I had the unbelievable good fortune to win a laptop computer. I was thrilled not only to win, but to try - [When I Am Not Here, Where Am I?](https://musingsfromme.com/when-i-am-not-here-where-am-i/) - I often use the phrase in "my spare time." This phrase makes me laugh. Spare time? With my writing and social media work, I tend to spend large chunks of time on the computer. Is this work time? A hobby? Spare time? Since some of the work I do is unpaid and some paid, the - [Alcohol Abuse in Teens](https://musingsfromme.com/alcohol-abuse-in-teens/) - It chills me to the very core to think about what goes on in high school. Several months ago, I received an e-mail about a drug sweep at a local high school. The e-mail from the school administration was chilling to me...K9 dogs had found drugs, cigarettes; and when the lockers were opened knives were - [You Can Find Me Writing Here...There...and Everywhere](https://musingsfromme.com/you-can-find-me-writing-here-there-and-everywhere/) - Just in case you were wondering what I do during school hours and in the evenings... I write at: Musings from Me Savvy Source DC Oyster Locals DC The DC Ladies TypeAMom Preteens Baltimore Examiner I moderate: Momster.com -- four groups on tweens and teens DC CityMommy MomSpark I manage an #opensky Store, too. - [Capturing the Essence of Your Tween and Teen](https://musingsfromme.com/capturingtheessenceofyourtweenteen/) - From my tween/teen years in England, I have only one school photo. Do you know what age I was when the photo in question was taken? I was 13. Of all the years to pick for a school portrait, 13 is a tough one. I wore no makeup. I wore a school uniform. I wore - [#BlogHer Dos...and a Few Don'ts](https://musingsfromme.com/blogher-dos-and-a-few-donts/) - Writing wrapup posts is hard for me. How can I encapsulate everything in to one single post? It's hard writing everything in multiple posts, too. I'm giving it a shot. So, here's my #BlogHer Dos post... Do bring recycled shopping bags -- empty ones. When I go to a blogging event, I generally get a - [Portrait Session: Let Your Teen/Tween Make a Statement](https://musingsfromme.com/portrait-session-let-your-teentween-make-a-statement/) - When children are young, taking photos is relatively easy. Most children will smile naturally when asked to by the photographer. Once the tween/teen years hit, many children become self-conscious about having their photos taken. A good photographer can put your child at ease. Mary Gardella is that photographer...the one who can take the photo that - [A Love of Books...Starts Early... [Five + Five Road to Literacy Test Drive]](https://musingsfromme.com/a-love-of-books-starts-early-five-five-road-to-literacy-test-drive/) - Books! We're a book family through and through. I read to my kids from the time we arrived home from the hospital with each of them. I didn't read to them in utero. My husband would grab a stack of boardbooks as he prepared our babies and toddlers for bed. He'd start with one large - [All I Want for Christmas...](https://musingsfromme.com/all-i-want-for-christmas/) - My friend Elizabeth is giving away a $250 Toys R Us Gift Card today only. Enter now! But, come back and read my post, please? Pretty please. Elizabeth's favorite toy was the FP dollhouse. I didn't have one, but I wanted it! As kids, we had many Little People, furniture, cars, but used them in a wooden doll house. - [Birthday Party Ideas for Tweens](https://musingsfromme.com/birthday-party-ideas-for-tweens/) - Some birthday party ideas that have worked for us: - My tween has an August bday. We held a party for her at the outdoor pool where we are members. Several of the guest were also members. I purchased a guest pass to cover the other kids. Since all tweens are dropped off, I did not - [What Lights My Fire?](https://musingsfromme.com/what-lights-my-fire/) - Editor's Note: I wrote the following as a response to a writing prompt about electrical storms wiping out the internet (shudder). I was asked to write about my passions... Nothing like being under the gun to write. Pressure? No pressure! I just have a day to write about my passions. No, not feeling anxious here...no, - [Want to Know How I Roll? Read on...](https://musingsfromme.com/want-to-know-how-i-roll-read-on/) - I live, work, and raise my family in the D.C. Metro area. As a 20-year plus resident of the D.C. Metro area, I have visited Washington, D.C., hotels, restaurants, and sites many times with family, friends, and out-of-town guests. I have walked the Mall, visited the FDR Memorial, trudged up the Smithsonian Metro stairs, listened - [Who Am I and What Am I Doing Here?](https://musingsfromme.com/who-am-i-and-what-am-i-doing-here/) - I'm new enough to blogging and social media that readers might stumble upon my blog and not know who I am. Want to find me somewhere other than this blog? Facebook? Even this blog has a Facebook page! Twitter! Let's not forget my other home. You might not know that... I live between D.C. and - [Cross Posting or The Other Places I Write about Preteens](https://musingsfromme.com/cross-posting-or-the-other-places-i-write-about-preteens/) - I know that I don't cross post my writing enough. I post each post I write on this blog on Facebook, but what about my other posts? Some posts I heavily promote, while other posts I neglect. Here's a partial roundup of posts by topic: Preteens: How to plan a birthday sleepover Parent and Tween - [Volleyball Tournament: We Survived](https://musingsfromme.com/volleyball-tournament-we-survived/) - Have I mentioned that we live at volleyball tournaments? That I am constantly washing volleyball uniforms? That I am in a constant panic about whether or not I washed the right uniform shirt or not? That I trip over knee pads, volleyball shoes, and assorted bags on a regular basis? That I need a spreadsheet - [i-Turtle: Momfluence Summer Gift Guide](https://musingsfromme.com/i-turtle-momfluence-summer-gift-guide/) - i-Dog. i-Fish. i-Cy. i-Turtle. After the success of the dog, fish, and penguin, Hasbro has unveiled the i-Turtle. The i-Turtle is a stand-alone musical toy, which can also be used with an i-pod. i-Turtle would be a great gift for the child, preteen, or teen in your life. My teen squealed when she saw the i-Turtle. - [Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters: Review](https://musingsfromme.com/nature-valley-granola-nut-clusters-review/) - My friends at MyBlogSpark.com sent me a selection of Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters to try. Now I will say that while none of my family is allergic to nuts, we also don't eat very many nuts. I don't cook with nuts. So, I was anxious to try out these snacks on my family. The Nature Valley - [Review and Giveaway: zpizza](https://musingsfromme.com/review-and-giveaway-zpizza/) - I don't have to be told twice to go try a pizza place, that is for sure. Pizza has been my downfall for years. I can remember my first slice as if it was yesterday...a heavenly single pizza at the Metuchen Fair in NJ when I was about 7 years old. It was round, it was overflowing - [Review: Zhu Zhu Pets](https://musingsfromme.com/review-zhu-zhu-pets/) - I want to write a more detailed review on the Zhu Zhu Pets, but must post that the kid, the preteen, and the teen all LOVE the cute, cuddly, no mess hamsters. Have you seen them? The Zhu Zhu Petstheme song is super catchy. The pets are super cute. The Zhu Zhu pets house reminds - [Kenmore Crazy Cleaning Confessions: Do You Have One?](https://musingsfromme.com/kenmore-crazy-cleaning-confessions-do-you-have-one/) - So, do you have any crazy cleaning habits? No? Come now. Think about it. You know you have a wacky habit or two. I know I do. Here are my crazy cleaning habits. I clean the shower while naked or seminaked, but I wear a pair of old flip flops as I don't want to - [Do One Nice Thing: A Silicon Valley Moms Book Selection](https://musingsfromme.com/do-one-nice-thing-a-silicon-valley-moms-book-selection/) - As I sit pondering this month's book selection for the Silicon Valley Moms Book Group, I can't help, but notice the ambulance with flashing lights in my neighbor's driveway. The book, Do One Nice Thing: Little Things You Can Do to Make the World a Lot Nicer, resonated with me as for the past year I have taken my - [Review: Zhu Zhu Pets](https://musingsfromme.com/review-zhu-zhu-pets-2/) - When I agreed to do a Zhu Zhu Pets party for my daughter's birthday, I had no idea how huge the ZhuZhu pets craze would be. In fact, I had not even heard of the toys when I signed up. The toys were actually called something else back in the summer -- "Go Go Pets." When - [Review & Giveaway: Movie Tickets!](https://musingsfromme.com/review-giveaway-movie-tickets/) - As a child I can count on two hands the movies I saw: - a Bond film in the 70s - Jaws -- scared the life out of me - Airplane -- my grandmother took me as she thought it was a kid's film...uh oh! - Sinbad and the Seven Seas (?) -- freaked out by weird - [Giveaway: Thanks to My Readers!](https://musingsfromme.com/giveaway-thanks-to-my-readers/) - I am a lucky blogger. An incredibly fortunate person, seriously. This has been a wild year. A bumpy ride, but in a good way. Oh and I discovered my voice in writing -- amazingly gratifying for me. As a former editor, I would critique other's writing, but never felt confident enough to take a professional - [Good Things Come to Those Who Wait: https://www.themotherhood.com/](https://musingsfromme.com/good-things-come-to-those-who-wait-httpwwwthemotherhoodcom/) - Several weeks ago I happened upon a scavenger hunt. I found it on a blog I sometimes read. The object of the scavenger hunt was to find some mommy blogs in order with a final stop at a "new " mom site. I became a little obsessed with this one. I was determined to find - [Gift Guide: Teaching Responsibilty with Pley #spon](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-teaching-responsibilty-with-pley-spon/) - Disclosure: I was compensated to write this post. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. I never realized how much I missed Lego until my 8-year-old got a Lego kit for Christmas. She had asked Santa for Lego. As she was an enthusiastic soccer player, Santa decided - [Pley: A Rental Lego Store #Pley](https://musingsfromme.com/pley-a-rental-lego-store-pley/) - Disclosure: I was compensated to write this post. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. Brrr. The wind chill is picking up. I can no longer wear a t-shirt. I had to find where I stashed all the gloves and hats. Summer is a distant memory. Fall - [Gift Guide: Marvel's Ant-Man Is Small But Mighty #antman #familymovienight](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-marvels-ant-man-is-small-but-mighty-antman-familymovienight/) - Disclosure: I was sent the Ant-Man on 3D Blu-ray to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. If you follow my blog, you know that the Musings from Me Family LOVES Marvel. With a tween and two teens, finding a movie that we - [New from Disney: 2015 Disney Movie Releases! #Disney #movies #FamilyMovieNight](https://musingsfromme.com/2015-disney-movie-releases/) - Whenever I think of Disney movies,my first thought is always the Wonderful World of Disney. I watched the Wonderful World of Disney on TV as a child. We only had a black and white TV back then so I didn't get the benefit of all the bright colors. This was in 1970s New Jersey, when - [Gift Guide: Travel to Agrabah with Aladdin #Aladdin #familymovienight](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-travel-to-agrabah-with-aladdin-aladdin-familymovienight/) - Disclosure: I received the Aladdin: Diamond Edition Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. I'm not a good cook...and no I'm not downplaying my skills. My family will wholeheartedly agree that my cooking is questionable. My husband and kids - [Gift Guide: Gorging on Movie Popcorn & Ant-Man Due November 17 #antman #familymovienight](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-gorging-on-movie-popcorn-ant-man-due-november-17-antman-familymovienight/) - Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this post. Can we have a moment of silence? There’s a deceased appliance in my home. Sniff! I lost a handy dandy trusty rusty kitchen appliance last month. My Hot Air Popcorn Popper is dead. There’s no possibility of emergency intervention. The Hot Air Popcorn Popper flatlined. I’ve used - [Gift Guide: Journey to the Future with Tomorrowland #Tomorrowland #familymovienight](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-journey-in-to-the-future-with-tomorrowland-tomorrowland-familymovienight/) - Disclosure: I received the Tomorrowland DVD to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. Today is Back To The Future Day! How fitting that today I get to tell you about another movie about the future: Tomorrowland. For the first time in a long time, - [Gift Guide: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Speed Racer on DVD: A Review](https://musingsfromme.com/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-and-speed-racer-on-dvd/) - Got 6-Year-Old Boy? Must Have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Speed Racer DVDs. GO SPEED RACER, GO. My son was a real trooper over Memorial Day weekend. He and I drove to State College, PA, to watch his sisters' play in the Happy Volley Volleyball Tournament. The prospect of driving alone was not appealing to me. - [Gift Guide: A Transformers Rescue Bots Family Movie Night #transformers](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-a-transformers-rescue-bots-family-movie-night-transformers/) - Disclosure: I received Transformers Rescue Bots: Heroes on the Scene DVD to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. As the mom to little girls, our family's DVD movie collection was all about princesses, horses, castles, ponies, and knights in shining armor. The shelves - [Keeping Track of Everything](https://musingsfromme.com/keeping-track-of-due-dates-2/) - Disclosure: The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. Keeping Track Calendars. To do lists. Post it notes. The dates on my family calendar are populated to my work calendar. Cozi is the best family calendar I have ever used. Family members have the Cozi app installed - [The Play Is The Thing](https://musingsfromme.com/the-plays-the-thing/) - Disclosure: The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. Are You a Drama Nerd? I’m a drama geek! Or should I say drama nerd? I never know that exact phrase. Suffice it to say I love everything about theater. From preschool plays to the Royal Shakespeare Company - [Musings from Me on Snow Day](https://musingsfromme.com/snow-day/) - Disclosure: The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. My day started in a good way. We got the call that school was canceled for all my children. A snow day is always a good day for me and my kids. My husband even decided to stay home and - [5 Tips for Joining a Swim Club #swimming #swimmom #summer](https://musingsfromme.com/5-tips-for-joining-a-swim-club-swimming-swimmom-summer/) - Disclosure: The views expressed in this post are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. When I look back at summers with my children, I divide the summers in to two types: (1) summers before we joined a swim club and (2) summers after we joined a swim club. In our pre-summer swim club summers, I was - [Musings on Deals: Halloween Gift Guide](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-deals-halloween-gift-guide/) - Disclosure: The views expressed in this review are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. Save 10% on Orders from ThingsYouNeverKnew! Find unique, fun and interesting gifts for much less at Things You Never Knew Existed. Great for all special occasions! Save 10% on orders over $50 from ThingsYouNeverKnew.com. Big savings on New Arrivals, Bizarre - [Let Robots Help You Heat Your Home #LennoxArtProject #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/let-robots-help-you-heat-your-home-lennoxartproject-ad/) - Disclosure: I was compensated to write this post by Lennox and Sverve. The views expressed in this post are my own. I was promised robots. Where are the robots? I was promised robots that would take out the trash. Clean the house. Do the laundry. Drive the car. It's 2015...where are the robots?! All kidding - [Gift Guide: A Star Wars Family Movie Night! #starwars](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-a-star-wars-family-movie-night-starwars/) - A Star Wars Family Movie Night! Did you shop on Force Friday? I wasn't able to shop as I had to work and the kids had school. Boo. I missed out on some sweet Stars Wars Force Friday deals. Double boo. Though we missed out on Star Wars Force Friday, we did the next best - [Finding Calm In The Summer of Busy #CustomTV #Sponsored](https://musingsfromme.com/finding-calm-in-the-summer-of-busy-customtv-sponsored/) - Disclosure: I customized my TV package thanks to Verizon FiOS®, as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars. The views expressed in this post are my own. #CustomTV Escaping the heat is key. This time of year most days are in the 80s or 90s. Not exactly a heat wave, but I am feeling the heat. - [@HCDFRS Has A New Way To Handle Disasters and Rescues #PodPower](https://musingsfromme.com/hcdfrs-has-a-new-way-to-handle-disasters-and-rescues-podpower/) - Fire Fighters Help Communities During Disasters and Rescues When I moved to my town, I learned that my town had a fire station. I knew where the fire station was. In fact, the fire station was one of the navigational markers I gave friends when giving directions to my home..."If you pass the fire station, you've gone too - [It's Not TOO Early for Halloween Costume Shopping](https://musingsfromme.com/its-not-too-early-for-halloween-costume-shopping/) - Not so many years ago, Halloween costume shopping for little ones was so easy. I would see a costume in the store perfect for my baby, toddler, or preschooler, and buy it. Or I would browse online and see a costume I knew my child would love. The Halloween costume package would arrive. Kids would be ecstatic and - [The Frozen Birthday Party of Your Child's Dreams](https://musingsfromme.com/the-frozen-birthday-party-of-your-childs-dreams/) - Summer temps may still be hot, but the prices on Frozen party supplies at Birthday Express have definitely cooled off. You can get everything from Frozen-themed party invites and party favors, to Frozen plates, treat bags, and birthday banners at up to 66% off! This super cool savings is available only while supplies last, so prepare - [Getting a Good Night's Sleep #FoodforSleep](https://musingsfromme.com/getting-a-good-nights-sleep-foodforsleep/) - If Bo (Jackson) knows football. There's no doubt that I know sleep. Sleep and I go waaaaayyyy back. In fact, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I have had insomnia...and I would still have fingers left. I put my head on the pillow and within seconds I am asleep. - [2012: Resolutions and Then Some #Tots2Tweens](https://musingsfromme.com/2012-resolutions-and-then-some-tots2tweens/) - Sticking to New Year's Resolutions is hard. Using a chore chart helps. - [Not Just a Snow Globe...It's a SnoMee! #snomee1 #giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/not-just-a-snow-globe-its-a-snomee-snomee1-giveaway/) - A Warm Welcome To You From the Oscar Nominated Artists for Animation Feature Film The Illusionist In July 9-15, 2012 Mega Blogger Giveaway Event! We have teamed up with their creative team who is ready to release into this world the first-time ever SNOMEE. What Is a Snomee? Who Is a Snomee? A - [Defending Costco!](https://musingsfromme.com/defending-costco/) - A fellow DC mom wrote that she was about to quit Costco. My response? Whaaaaatttt??? Heresy! We love Costco! I have been a member of a warehouse club since 1989...BEFORE we got married! Do you remember when Costco was Price Costco and before that Price Club? Yep...we were members then. Actually, we were members of - [Adding a Little Flavor to My Day...or Evening.](https://musingsfromme.com/adding-a-little-flavor-to-my-day-or-evening/) - I should not complain. I really shouldn't. I survived infancy, babyhood, toddler mayhem, the threes(!), and preschool days as a SAHM of three children. My three children are now in full-day school. No more crazy 2.5 hours of preschool to get a haircut, drop off a prescription, buy a few groceries, and make it back - [Caught in a White Lie @theMiddle_ABC](https://musingsfromme.com/caught-in-a-white-lie-themiddle_abc/) - It can happen very quickly. One minute you tell your friend over the phone that you can't meet for coffee as the kids are whiny. And the next moment you run in to your friend at the coffee place...with your kids...who are whiny. You quickly have to manufacture why you couldn't meet your friend for - [Kids Do the Darnedest Things Don't They?](https://musingsfromme.com/kids-do-the-darnedest-things-dont-they/) - I remember the day do well. It was actually early in the day. First thing in the morning. I was hanging out in my parent's bed. I was about 10. I don't recall why I was hanging out in their bedroom. There was no TV. I was probably reading a book. My sister came in - [The Hecks Are Just Like Me! @TheMiddle_ABC](https://musingsfromme.com/the-hecks-are-just-like-me-themiddle_abc/) - If you don't clean up your room, you are not going to Grandma's house! Please tell me that I am not the only to say something like this to a child? Come on folks, I need safety in numbers. Are you like me? Do you say this type of thing to your child in the - [Camp Is Not Just for Summer](https://musingsfromme.com/camp-is-not-just-for-summer/) - Whether you are working from home or working out of the home, you will want to have piece of mind that your children are occupied. Winter break is short his year, so Kindercare is offering winter camps to keep your little ones occupied. News from MomSelect... Explore a Winter Camp that gives your children everything - [Holiday Gift Guide: Blok Squad Construction Site](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-blok-squad-construction-site/) - When my son was born, my oldest was finishing up 1st grade while my youngest was finishing up her last year of preschool. As the school year began for both girls the following August, my son and I were left in a strangely quiet house. From 8:10 until 3:30 p.m. it was as quiet as - [Feeling the Holiday Letdown](https://musingsfromme.com/feeling-the-holiday-letdown/) - I should prepare myself. It happens every year so why am I so shocked. Every year I get blindsided the day I start taking down decorations. For a day or two before all of us stop turning on the Xmas tree and village. The inflatables are down for the count. The outdoor lights are dark. The presents - [Resilience: What Is It? #FishfulThinking](https://musingsfromme.com/resilience-what-is-it-fishfulthinking/) - RESILIENT Resilient children are emotional It is a myth to say that resilient children are unemotional. Resilient people need to ask for help. If you have to ask for help, is a good thing. Resilient people act fast? Resilient people tolerate ambiguity. resilient people can analyze the situation. Fact gather before making a decision. Who - [Your Kid Will Be a Happy Camper at KinderCare!](https://musingsfromme.com/your-kid-will-be-a-happy-camper-at-kindercare/) - As a new mom, I never considered using a babysitter or day care or summer camp for my child. I was blissfully ignorant of how hard it is to work from home AND care for children. I enrolled my daughter in preschool when she was 2. The program was 3.5 hours long twice a week. - [Coach Dad Might Have a New Drink of Choice: Steaz](https://musingsfromme.com/coach-dad-might-have-a-new-drink-of-choice-steaz/) - My husband is a creature of habit. He HATES change. Coach Dad is a mess when I do my periodic furniture rearranging. If a chair is out of alignment, he will mention the change over and over again. And don't even think about moving the colander from one cupboard to another. The fallout! He prefers - [Exhausted Part Deux](https://musingsfromme.com/exhausted-part-deux/) - I left a lengthy comment over here in response to Amy's post about being overscheduled. My comment was so lengthy I am turning it in to a blog post. Exhausted maybe. Resourceful most definitely. Amy -- I could write this article 3 seasons a year. We are the poster family for overscheduled. What started as - [Island Magic: Wizards of Waverly Place House Party](https://musingsfromme.com/island-magic-wizards-of-waverly-place-house-party/) - Sun. Surf. Waves. Sand between my toes. Drinks with a straw. It's what I am thinking about on this November morn. It's not particularly cold today or dreary. In fact, the sun is shining. This happy feeling takes me back to the last days of summer vacation this year... My daughter was born at the - [Musings on Thanksgiving](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-thanksgiving/) - As a former foreigner, I now claim Thanksgiving as a my holiday. As a child Thanksgiving was celebrated intermittently. When in America, do as the Americans do. As a freshman in college, far away from home I was taken in by English friends of my parents. I trekked from Amish Country PA to Edison, NJ, - [Review: Gotta Catch Santa Claus](https://musingsfromme.com/review-gotta-catch-santa-claus/) - Here at the Musings from Me home...we love movie night. With a kid, a preteen, and a teen, I am often stumped for what to do as a family. For movies in the movie theater, we have to see two different movies. While the kid and the preteen are happy with the zoo, the teen - [CookiesKids.com Laptop Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/cookieskidscom-laptop-giveaway/) - CookiesKids.com Laptop Giveaway Sweepstakes Is your current computer stalling and giving you blue screen nightmares? Would you love to be able to have one that the kids could use (alas, staying off of yours)? CookiesKids.com feels your pain and has come to your rescue! Sign up to recieve the Cookies Kids Newsletter via - [Did You Know I Write Somewhere Else?](https://musingsfromme.com/did-you-know-i-write-somewhere-else/) - I write for DC Metro Moms. I guess you could call me a DC Metro Mom. I'm trying to bring a bit of my geographical heritage to the site. My geographical background in reverse order would be Howard County via Montgomery County via D.C. via Montgomery County via Lancaster County via Cheshire, England via Lancashire, - [Back-to-School with Peter Walsh](https://musingsfromme.com/back-to-school-with-peter-walsh/) - It's that time of year again. Time to get kids ready to go back to school. Time to clear out last year's backpack of papers and binders in time for this year's papers and binders. I'll let you in to a little secret...I'm not that organized. In our family back-to-school shopping is a much anticipated - [Review: Kmart "Be a Schoolebrity"](https://musingsfromme.com/review-kmart-be-a-schoolebrity/) - I happened upon a contest that I know will be of interest to my readers with school-aged children. Kmart has launched two new websites for its customers to enjoy: Moms can explore: https://www.kmart.com/schoolebrity Kids and Tweens can play games AND enter to win: https://www.kmart.com/schoolebrityrocks Kmart has launched a new selection of "trend-right fashions" and - [Review & Giveaway -- The BlackBerry Diaries: Adventures in Modern Motherhood](https://musingsfromme.com/review-giveaway-the-blackberry-diaries-adventures-in-modern-motherhood/) - One benefit of being a mommy blogger? PR people send me books to review. I love books! So this situation is a win for me. If I like a book, you'd better believe that I will tell everyone I know about the book. If I don't like the book, well, you might hear chirping... I was recently - [Atkins Online Recipe Contest!](https://musingsfromme.com/atkins-online-recipe-contest/) - Everyone is on the Atkins Diet, Right? Well, maybe not everyone. I'm not, but really do need to find a successful program to lose weight. Perhaps, Atkins is it? I got the chance to sample two new products from Atkins -- I'm impressed -- Atkins Penne Pasta and Atkins All Purpose Baking Mix. The Penne - [Review: Durham County](https://musingsfromme.com/review-durham-county/) - There's a new hit show in town. The show airing on the ION network --“Durham County.” The show is similar to Desperate Housewives with a crime drama twist. From the press release... The award-winning "Durham County" is a one-hour crime-drama series that follows the troubled world of Homicide Detective Mike Sweeney (Hugh Dillon, CBS' "Flashpoint"). - [Review: Shelter Me by Juliette Fay](https://musingsfromme.com/review-shelter-me-by-juliette-fay/) - I loved this book! I know, I know what you are going to say. "She was sent a free copy, so of course she will like the book!" Here's the thing though...you can't read a long and involved story like Shelter Me just for the sake of a free review copy. You have to give a - [My Guest Post at TheBlackBerryDiaries.com](https://musingsfromme.com/my-guest-post-at-theblackberrydiariescom/) - When not blabbing on this blog, I'm writing about preteens here. When not going on and on about preteens, I tweet concisely in 140 characters or less unless I have too much to say...then I use 2 tweets , which defeats the purpose of twitter. Seriously. So what am I doing when I am not - [Why We Are Not Shopping at Party City for Halloween Costumes](https://musingsfromme.com/party-city-halloween-costumes/) - My friend and driving buddy for TypeAMom Conference, Holly, wrote about her dismay over little girl clothes and Halloween costumes here. As the mom of two girls, I have fought the good fight against my girls wearing clothing and costumes that I deem to be slutty or offensive in someway. It's a hard battle to fight, but I'm in it - [Let's Get Physical, Physical!!](https://musingsfromme.com/lets-get-physical-physical/) - I go in spurts with exercise. Last spring I was a dynamo...well, perhaps not a dynamo, but I was exercising twice or three times a week. I felt good. I never overdid the exercise. I was more in shape than I have ever been. Then, summer hit... Summer is all about dragging three kids to - [Cervical Cancer: Pearls of Wisdom](https://musingsfromme.com/cervical-cancer-pearls-pledge/) - Thank God cervical cancer has not hit my family -- is all I can say. Cervical cancer is a brutal, unrelenting disease that strikes indiscriminately. Cervical cancer kills thousands of women in the U.S. each year. I participated in a conference call through SVMoms. I write for DCMetroMoms. The call was informative and touching in a - [Vote for Brandy!](https://musingsfromme.com/vote-for-brandy/) - As a young kid my parents covered my health insurance. In England, we used National Health Service doctors. No copays. No fees. All free health care. Of course, if you required a specialist the wait time could be lengthy. A cousin of mine waited 1 year for tear duct surgery. Madness. In the U.S., our - [Diane Birch -- Bible Belt: A Review](https://musingsfromme.com/diane-birch-bible-belt-a-review/) - I'm thoroughly enjoying my participation in the www.One2OneNetwork.com -- an amazing network for women. I heard about Diane Birch when I was reviewing the https://musingsfromme.com/yanni-voices-as-reviewed-by-a-40-something-mom/. The night before I received I read many tweets about how awesome Bible Belt was. I couldn't wait to listen to the CD. I was not disappointed. Do you know what - [This Post Was Brought to You by...](https://musingsfromme.com/this-post-was-brought-to-you-by/) - I was looking at the last 7 or so posts. I'm a little horrified to see that all of the posts are giveaways or product reviews. Nothing against giveaways and reviews...it is just that I have lost the blogging about me/Musings from Me mojo. My excuse...end-of-the-school year shenanigans, end-of-season mayhem, beginning of summer swim team - [What Happened to the Girl I Married: A Review](https://musingsfromme.com/what-happened-to-the-girl-i-married-a-review/) - I had two reactions to What Happened to the Girl I Married?: excitement that I get to participate in my first SVMoms Book Club and disappointment that this is the first selection. Now, don't get me wrong. This is not a bad book at all. It's actually quite a thoughtful book. It is just that it hits a little - [Spotlight on PR: Jill Berry](https://musingsfromme.com/spotlight-on-pr-jill-berry/) - Who am I? I'm a writer. In the early days of my career I shied away from the "writer" title. I was an editor of other people's writing. I loved my job as a Senior Editor for a publisher, but there was something missing. Writing! I found my voice. I love to write...about anything. I am - [Who Am I and Where Am I Going?](https://musingsfromme.com/who-am-i-and-where-am-i-going/) - My new bio: Some days I am a stay-at-home mom who is a writer and other days I'm a writer who stays at home -- depends on my mood. I can tweet with the best of them. I blog on raising a kid, a preteen, and a teen at Musings. You can also find me - [Handwritten Letter](https://musingsfromme.com/handwritten-letter/) - My mother wanted me to write an e-mail to my dad's e-mail account explaining blogging and product promotion to her. My dad will print off the e-mail for my mother to read since she does know computers nor have an e-mail account. My mother will then rewrite my e-mail in a handwritten letter which she - [Who Am I and Why Am I Here? (remember Admiral Stockdale from Presidential Debate)](https://musingsfromme.com/who-am-i-and-why-am-i-here-remember-admiral-stockdale-from-presidential-debate/) - My name is Jill Berry in real life, but online I am MusingsfromMe. I'm a writer who stays at home or a SAHM who writes...it depends on the day! Mom of a kid, a preteen, and a teen...living to write about it at here. When not blabbing on my blog, I am blabbing over at - [I'm Blabbing About Halloween Costumes over at BlogHer](https://musingsfromme.com/im-blabbing-about-halloween-costumes-over-at-blogher/) - If you follow me on twitter... If you read my blog... If you have met me at a blogging conference or tweetup... If you are my friend on Facebook... If you know me in real life... You know that I write here about Preteens and here about raising kids int he DC Metro area. But, did - [Our Back-to-School Traditions](https://musingsfromme.com/our-back-to-school-traditions/) - I never had any traditions when my children started preschool. I was too busy dealing with cranky babies, non-napping toddlers, and a busy work schedule to do more than give my children a hug on the first day of school. No notes in the lunchbox. No photos. Nothing. As I left my child at preschool - [Clutter...Back-to-School Edition](https://musingsfromme.com/clutter-back-to-school-edition/) - I'm not what you would call a super-duper housewife. I clean when I have to do. I declutter when the mood strikes. The problem is that I never know when a cleaning mood will strike. This weekend was one of those times. I saw an opportunity to not only declutter but do it with other - [Back to School: School Bus or Car Pool?](https://musingsfromme.com/back-to-school-school-bus-or-car-pool/) - This morning was a little less rushed than the previous two days. Why? One reason, and one reason only. Car pools rock on the day you DON'T have to do the car pool. This week I've juggled drives to and from school and practice with 3 other moms and I have to tell you that - [Experience Peter Pan in a New Way #PeterPan360](https://musingsfromme.com/experience-peter-pan-in-a-new-way-peterpan360/) - A week ago I was asked if I wanted to see Peter Pan. I was told that the production was a rethinking of Peter Pan. A reinvention of the play. A restaging of the show. I was intrigued and didn't hesitate to say yes. A classic show enjoyed by kids and adults alike, Peter Pan is a - [5 Tips for Summer Swimming Fun #swimming #swimteam #swimmom](https://musingsfromme.com/5-tips-for-summer-swimming-fun-swimming-swimteam-swimmom/) - 1. Join a Swim Club or Pool We are at the pool daily. Often we go to the pool on Saturdays and Sundays. I don't know what I would do without our pool membership. It is our home away from home. Although 12 years ago, I had a hard time convincing my husband that joining a pool was a - [Packing All The Travel Essentials for Your Trip #FastRelief #Travel #Vacation #Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/packing-travel-essentials/) - Disclosure: I received a 4-pack of First Aid Shot Therapy and a $50 Safeway Gift Card as compensation for writing this post from First Aid Shot Therapy and Sverve. The views expressed in this post are my own. Preparing for a trip is stressful. There's the travel logistics...buying airline tickets, coordinating vacation dates with work and school, planning - [The Most Perfect Mother's Day Breakfast #MothersDay](https://musingsfromme.com/the-most-perfect-mothers-day-breakfast-mothersday/) - When I became a mom I had no preconceived notions about Mother's Day. Before Mother's Day my dad would take my sister and I out to buy a card and either a potted plant or a bouquet of flowers. On Mother's Day morning my sister and I would hand my mother her card and flowers. - [Sponsored Video: Caring for Kids at Boston Children's Hospital #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/sponsored-video-caring-for-kids-at-boston-childrens-hospital-ad/) - U.S. News & World Report ranked Boston Children's Hospital as the #1 ranked Children's Hospital. Located in Boston, and over 15 locations in Massachusetts, Boston Children's Hospital is a 395-bed comprehensive center for pediatric health care. Boston Children's Hospital offers an extensive range of health care services for children from birth through 21 years of - [An Evening of Reality TV #CustomTV #Sponsored](https://musingsfromme.com/an-evening-of-reality-tv-customtv-sponsored/) - Disclosure: I customized my TV package thanks to Verizon FiOS®, as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars. The views expressed in this post are my own. #CustomTV I need to come clean. I need to be honest. I need to be straight with all of you. It's hard...very hard to admit. Breathe. Stay calm. O.K., - [Loving My FiOS® #CustomTV #sponsored](https://musingsfromme.com/loving-my-fios-customtv-sponsored/) - Disclosure: I customized my TV package thanks to Verizon FiOS®, as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars. The views expressed in this post are my own. #CustomTV I grew up watching only three channels. That's right I said THREE. British TV was a barren wasteland of limited programming on those three channels. There were news - [Events at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration #DSMMC #books #reading](https://musingsfromme.com/events-at-the-disney-social-media-moms-celebration-dsmmc-books-reading/) - Disclosure: I was invited to attend the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I paid my own conference fees and received gifts during the conference. All opinions, experiences, and thoughts are my own. I've written before about the amazing time my family had at the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. We laughed. We smiled. We - [The Power of Suggestion](https://musingsfromme.com/the-power-of-suggestion/) - It was a day like any other day. A hot summer day. I was a stay/work-at-home mom of a toddler and an infant. I was making a rare trip to Walmart with my 2.5-year-old. I had time to kill between appointments. My husband -- @DadkKnowsBetter -- was home with the baby. We wandered from aisle to aisle. My - [Graduation Wisdom For Life #Graduation #Wisdom #Sponsored](https://musingsfromme.com/graduation-wisdom-for-life-graduation-wisdom-sponsored/) - Disclosure: I was compensated to write this post by The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life by T.A. Barron through Crackerjack Marketing. The views expressed in the post are my own. I never graduated from high school. I took my final exams. On the last exam day in June, I returned all - [FlexOffers](https://musingsfromme.com/flexoffers/) - FlexOffers -- This is a test. - [You Know What They Say About the Best-Laid Plans...](https://musingsfromme.com/you-know-what-they-say-about-the-best-laid-plans/) - You know how you plan and plan and then plan some more. Just when you think your plan is set in stone something happens to derail it. You look around and think "How did that happen?!" You're blindsided. But, if you are like me, you roll with it. What else can you do? I injured - [Musings on Swimming](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-swimming/) - As a kid going swimming meant hopping in the car, driving to the local indoor swim center in my British hometown with my dad and sister. My mother usually stayed home on those Sundays to cook the Sunday roast beef and Yorkshire pudding dinner. After we arrived at the indoor swim center, we purchased wrist - [What Does Community Mean To You?](https://musingsfromme.com/what-does-community-mean-to-you/) - As far back as I can remember, I have wanted to belong. I moved around a lot as a child. I was always the British kid in the American school or the American kid in the British school. I desperately wanted to fit in...even going so far as to speak with an American accent. I hated - [Enhance Gaming and Entertainment With HP Envy Touchsmart Laptop @BestBuy #AMDFX](https://musingsfromme.com/hp-envy-touchsmart-laptop-bestbuy-amdfx/) - Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. I'm hardly cutting edge when it comes to tech. I'm often a day late and a dollar short. I'll hear of a new tech gadget, mention my new "find" to a - [Teaching Children To Love Math](https://musingsfromme.com/teaching-math-to-children/) - I'm a math phobe. Or is it "math phobic"? I took my last math class in 10th grade. I scraped by in my national math exams at age 16, doing just well enough on the tests to continue on with the two years of college prep classes needed for university. The British school system is very different to the - [Hanging with Goofy at Disneyland #DisneySMMC #2014 #Disneyland](https://musingsfromme.com/hanging-with-goofy-at-disneyland-disneysmmc-2014-disneyland/) - Disclosure: I was invited to attend the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Disneyland. I paid my own conference fees and received gifts during the conference. All opinions; experiences, including hanging with Goofy; and thoughts are my own. - [Lennox Uses Art To Communicate Efficiency, Intelligence, and Quiet #LennoxArtProject #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/lennox-uses-art-to-communicate-efficiency-intelligence-and-quiet-lennoxartproject-ad/) - Disclosure: I was compensated to write this post by Lennox and Sverve. The views expressed in this post are my own. Home is where the heart is. Home is where you belong. Home is where you feel safe. My children have only known one home. I love that my children will have memories of only - [Limping, Knee Surgery, and Convalescence #kneesurgery](https://musingsfromme.com/limping-knee-surgery-and-convalescence-kneesurgery/) - I couldn't keep up with my family. They were walking normally. Not going a mile a minute. Just walking at a brisk pace. I was a slow poke. We were at one of the stops on a double decker bus tour of Philadelphia. I was lagging way behind my husband and three children. They were - [Organizing the Toy Box, the Playroom, the Storage Room](https://musingsfromme.com/organizing-the-toy-box-the-playroom-the-storage-room/) - Disclosure: I was sent a Bliss in a Box kit from Extra Space Storage to facilitate my review. My husband has not said a word about the piles, the stacks, or the mounds of stuff. These mounds are EVERYWHERE. Upstairs. In the family room. On the staircases. In the living room. And he has not - [What's Your Shopping Style?](https://musingsfromme.com/whats-your-shopping-style/) - If I shop without a list, I end up buying many processed or packaged foods. A shopping list coupled with buying specific menu items helps me stay focused. I am not a good cook, so a recipe gives me step-by-step and ingredient-by-ingredient directions. Read: Idiot proof! I would be ideal candidate for an online grocery - [It's the Summer of Fun! #Yoursphere #parenting #onlinesafety](https://musingsfromme.com/its-the-summer-of-fun-yoursphere-parenting-onlinesafety/) - As you know I am the Social Media Manager for Yoursphere.com. I have worked with Yoursphere from practically the start of my blogging career in some capacity or another. I clicked on a link -- intrigued about a safe social network for kids and tweens -- and here I sit today promoting the benefits Yoursphere.com - [Review: Word Girl New Episodes for Fall...A Sneak Peak](https://musingsfromme.com/review-word-girl-new-episodes-for-falla-sneak-peak/) - WordGirl makes me smile. Who can resist plucky Becky Botsford? She's a preteen you know -- I know a thing or two about ten-year-olds. Becky defeats villains with superpowers and a super vocabbulary. Each episode highlights several words. This technique of repeating the words throughout the episode reinforces the words for a child. Kind of - [Review: Dinosaur Train](https://musingsfromme.com/review-dinosaur-train/) - One of the perks of being the kid, preteen, or teen offspring of a mommy blogger is getting to review stuff. My kid, preteen, and teen will fall over each other to get to the front door to bring the latest package in. It's good to see that I am not the only one in - [Thin Readers: Never Lose Your Reading Glasses Again! #giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/thin-readers-never-lose-your-reading-glasses-again-giveaway/) - Disclosure: I was sent a phone case and a pair of Thin Readers to facilitate my review. You always remember big events in your life. They stick in your mind. You can recall everything. Every little detail. When I walked out of the eye doctor wearing glasses for the first time, it was as though - [Holiday Gift Guide: Suspend for Family Game Night Fun [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-suspend-for-family-game-night-fun/) - Suspend by Melissa and Doug is a family game of balancing and strategy. Win one for your family! - [Who Had More Fun? Mom and Dad or the Kids? #Legoland](https://musingsfromme.com/who-had-more-fun-mom-and-dad-or-the-kids-legoland/) - In true Musings from Me fashion, last year's summer vacation was thrown together at the last minute. I knew I was going to BlogHer, but the details were very sketchy. At the beginning of July, all I had was a ticket and a hotel room. By the end of July, I had decided to bring - [Doing Good As a Team #MembersUnite](https://musingsfromme.com/doing-good-as-a-team-membersunite/) - As a college student, I discovered the Jerry Lewis Telethon one Labor Day Weekend. I was new to the U.S. having recently moved from England to Pennsylvania for college. As a kid in England I watched TV, but I had never seen a televised program designed for the sole purpose of raising funds for a - [Taking Back Date Night #sitterscout](https://musingsfromme.com/taking-back-date-night-sitterscout/) - Stress was my middle name when my oldest was a baby. My husband and I were living in a whirl of work and school. He was an English teacher who coached two Varsity teams for the high school he taught at. And he was in graduate school at night for his PhD in English Education. - [Spiffing up Weeknight Dinners #BertolliMealSoup](https://musingsfromme.com/spiffing-up-weeknight-dinners-bertollimealsoup/) - Not so long ago, if the clock struck 6 in our home you'd know where to find everyone. Dinnertime was a given in our home. We would gather. Eat. Share about our day. Have talks about school or weekend plans. Dinnertime was a time to come together as a family. One of the hardest parts - [Crossing Stuff Off the Holiday List Is So Much Fun with @Zaarly](https://musingsfromme.com/crossing-stuff-off-the-holiday-list-is-so-much-fun-with-zaarly/) - I'm the worst person to buy for. I buy few clothes for myself as my tastes and specifications are very limited. I can search racks and racks at a clothing store and find only one or maybe two items that I can tolerate. I don't play video games. I don't listen to music on my - [Clothes to Fit Your Size? Yes! [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/sonsi-review/) - On the rack. Off the peg. Fits like a glove. Stylish. These are all terms that make me think of fashion. I would dearly love to get all "Project Runway" when shopping for clothes. I'd love to "Make it work" a la Tim Gunn. But the reality is that shopping online or in a store - [Rockville Restaurant Week: The Bean Bag Deli & Catering Co. [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/rockville-restaurant-week-the-bean-bag-deli-catering-co-giveaway/) - The best laid plans? You knows how it is. You plan for an event. Write the event down on calendar. Do a mapquest. Even give family members a heads up about the plan. But, no matter how much you plan and plot, the best laid plans often don't work out. Last week was a case - [App of the Week and a Giveaway: Arithmaroo](https://musingsfromme.com/app-of-the-week-and-a-giveaway-arithmaroo/) - I won an ipod touch. I know! Can you believe my good fortune? I won it before Christmas. It was a Christmas gift to myself...except my kids pounced on it. Two have ipods and were anxious to check out the itouch. One kid just wanted to get his hands on a gaming device. The day - [Cottonelle: Team Over or Team Under...Hmmm](https://musingsfromme.com/cottonelle-team-over-or-team-under-hmmm/) - Are you a roll the toilet paper under or roll the toliet paper over? Cottonelle needs to know... I am definitely a roll the paper over the roll. I have been known to fix a toilet roll at a friend's house. I suppose I shouldn't admit this, but I feel better getting it off my - [Go Globies: A Giveaway for Free Tickets to See the Harlem Globetrotters!](https://musingsfromme.com/a-giveaway-for-free-tickets-to-see-the-harlem-globetrotters/) - The day after Christmas we were invited to see the Harlem Globetrotters. It was just the lift we needed. Now, don't get me wrong. We had a wonderful Christmas. The kids were spoiled as usual by grandparents, mom and dad, and Santa. The food was plentiful. I cleaned ahead of time, which meant I was - [Yoursphere Is Where It Is At for Kids/Tweens/Teens](https://musingsfromme.com/yoursphere-is-where-it-is-at-for-kidstweensteens/) - At the beginning of January, I saw an ad for Mom Advocates needed to promote a new social network for tweens/teens. I responded ASAP. With a kid, a preteen, and a teen, we have gone through many sites and networks over the years. The first foray in to computers? Games like Reader Rabbit Toddler and JumpStart Toddler. - [Christmas Gift Ideas and Traditions](https://musingsfromme.com/christmas-gift-ideas-and-traditions/) - Cost cutting stocking stuffers Shop the Walmart after-Christmas sale for bath products, small toys, and Christmas-themed items. Save for following Christmas. Target $1 or the Dollar Store are also good, but be aware of small pieces, lead paint, and choking hazards. Dollar Store has good selection of tiny puzzles -- great for stockings. I place - [Review & Giveaway: Five for Fighting -- My Blog Anniversary](https://musingsfromme.com/review-five-for-fighting/) - I'm in a listening to music type of mood. I might be the last person on earth without an ipod. Thank goodness, I can listen to music on the computer or CD player. #notatechie I'm listening to an album right now. Want to know who it is? I'll tell you it is a good one! - [HP Magic Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/hp-magic-giveaway/) - HP has given 50 bloggers over $6,000 worth of computer equipment each to give to one lucky entrant. No one needs this amount of equipment. This huge prize could benefit so many different people. Just think of the smiles on each recipient's face as they give part of their prize away to another person. Paying - [So Sad That Phineas and Ferb is Ending #DisneySMMC #2014 #Disneyland](https://musingsfromme.com/phineas-and-ferb-disneyland-disneysmmc/) - No photo opp with Phineas and Ferb but we did catch them dancing at California Adventure at Disneyland! Disclosure: I was invited to attend the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Disneyland. I paid my own conference fees and received gifts during the conference. All opinions, experiences, and thoughts are my own. - [Musings on Play: Stay Safe in the Summer](https://musingsfromme.com/be-safe-in-the-summer/) - We may not be hikers or outdoorsy people, but we stay active. Teen and preteen play volleyball. Kid plays lacrosse. All three kids are on the swim team. Dad is in a volleyball league. Mom -- even I -- works out at a health club. Some of us are more active than others...ahem. One constant - [Cyberbullying in the Digital Age #Blue4Grace](https://musingsfromme.com/cyberbullying-in-the-digital-age-blue4grace/) - If you read my blog, you will notice that I have several topics that I talk about over and over again. My blog evolved from a general catchall for anything to do with raising a kid, a preteen, and a teen when I first started to a destination spot for ways to seize with your - [Sunburn, Sunscreen, Rashguards, and Hats...Oh My](https://musingsfromme.com/sunburn-sunscreen-rashguards-and-hats-oh-my/) - What Is It Like To Sunburn And Never Tan? 1. When my teen was 9, she would tell me that she wanted to lie in the sun with her friends and "tan." Not wanting to burst her bubble, I agreed to her plan as I applied layers of SPF 50. 2. One day at the pool I was - [real life adventures: Table Topic Tuesday](https://musingsfromme.com/real-life-adventures-table-topic-tuesday/) - real life adventures: Table Topic Tuesday - [Table Talk Tuesday](https://musingsfromme.com/table-talk-tuesday/) - It doesn't look as though Christy is doing her Table Talk Tuesday, but....Dinnertime at our house is either a relaxed, leisurely meal, with hopefully all kids eating OR a mad dash, free-for-all, slurpin' soup, crammin' food in mouth, race to the finish line nightmare. Tonight will be the latter type of dinner. Tuesday is back-to-back - [Musings on Mom Friends](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-mom-friends/) - I've been a mom for 13 years. My approach to friending/friendship with moms has evolved over the years. My workstatus is a huge factor. As a WAHM from 1996 through 2002 I maintained a close friendship with two people I worked with who left and had babies at same time as me. We met for playdates. - [Table Talk Tuesday: Mom on the Run Meets Broken Record](https://musingsfromme.com/table-talk-tuesday-mom-on-the-run-meets-broken-record/) - Table Talk Tuesday: Would you rather be smarter, more athletic, or better looking?I'm late to the game, but want to participate. We had a rushed dinner last night so no questions were asked of my three kidlets. It was "Eat," "Eat," and "Don't argue at the table!" Ugghhh Would I love a break from my - [Gift Guide: Shop for Formal Fashion @CacheStyle Closing Down Sale!](https://musingsfromme.com/fashion-shop-cache-closing-down-sale/) - Isn't this gown GORGEOUS? It's a prom dress, but I could see myself wearing this beautiful dress to a formal event. This Silver Beaded Gown with Cap Sleeves has exquisite beadwork, an "utterly feminine style," and floor-sweeping skirt. This fabulous formal prom gown is available at Cache. Cache, a premium women's apparel chain store, recently filed - [Teaching Teens Personal Finance: Attention Must be Paid](https://musingsfromme.com/teaching-teens-personal-finance-attention-must-paid-hr-block/) - Disclosure: I was compensated for writing this post. The views expressed in this post are my own. When our college freshman was in elementary school, she decided she wanted to start her own cosmetics company. Alas, that venture never got off the ground. But it is not forgotten: In an early phase of trying to create - [TCB Writing Prompt #1: What Kind of Writer Am I?](https://musingsfromme.com/trash-can-bloggers-writing-prompt-1/) - Either a writer doesn’t want to talk about his work, or he talks about it more than you want.- Anatole Broyard My first writing prompt of the year. Perhaps my first writing prompt ever?! First on my blog. I've done writing prompts for classes and such. Where to begin? First off, I'm not a writer. - [HexBugs: Partying for All Ages](https://musingsfromme.com/hexbugs-partying-for-all-ages/) - After #BlogHer and #TypeAMom, I came to the realization that I need to be a niche blogger. I need to find a niche. My elevator pitch sounds vague because it is "I blog about raising a teen, a tween, and a kid because I have one of each." Uh, this pitch is so wishy washy. - [A Post I Could Not Write](https://musingsfromme.com/a-post-i-could-not-write/) - A few months ago I received a pitch from a company. The company asked me to write a post on a Home & Family topic. Sounded acceptable to me. There was a payment involved. Again this was acceptable to me. I was excited to tackle the post. Wrote a few intro sentences.Did a little research - [Black Friday and Me](https://musingsfromme.com/black-friday-and-me/) - I have a checkered past with Black Friday. I love it and hate it at the same time. The love is the deals. The hate is getting up early and braving the DC Metro traffic and the crowds! Did I mention how crowded the stores are? Crowded as in you have to wait in a line - [Musings from the Beach: Boogie Boards and Burqas](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-from-the-beach-boogie-boards-and-burqas/) - O.K. so I am not at the beach at the moment. And no, I have no desire to go back to the beach. You can take your sand, sea, crowds on the beach, sunscreen-and-sand as exfoliant, and never finding a comfortable seat on a beach chair, beach blanket, or the sand and do with it - [Soaking in the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel](https://musingsfromme.com/soaking-in-the-loews-portofino-bay-hotel/) - Fabulous. Amazing. Wonderful. All of these words are overused , but they aptly describe our family's stay at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando. I will even add "Awesome" to the mix! Our hotel stay was an experience from start to finish. We arrived late at night. Very late and very hungry. Our quick - [Seizing Family Time at Universal Orlando [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/seizing-family-time-at-universal-orlando-review/) - Spinning on the Accelatron at Islands of Adventure. I had an idea about writing a series of posts on traveling to Orlando with a focus on Universal Studios rather than other attractions. You know what I mean... Fueling up with bagels, croissants, Nesquik, coffee, and OJ from Sal's Market Deli before hitting the parks. My - [Sweatin' to the Newbies [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/sweatin-to-the-newbies/) - I'm not a fan of sweat. I don't like exercising, but then who does? No, don't answer that if you lurve exercising and can't get enough of it. We can remain friends even if you are an exercise fiend. We'll have to agree to differ on the "love of exercise" issue. Is it me or - [Purex Insider: Trying Purex Crystals for Cleaner Laundry](https://musingsfromme.com/purex-insider-trying-purex-crystals-for-cleaner-laundry/) - The term Brand Ambassador has a nice ring to it. It rolls off the tongue. Sounds official, but not pretentious. Evokes the notion that the bearer of the title is "in the know." And doesn't this sum up blogging? Bloggers know what is happening. Bloggers may not know EVERYTHING but if it fits the blogger's - [Getting Your Science Fair On! #ProjectReady](https://musingsfromme.com/getting-your-science-fair-on-projectready/) - My 7th grader loves shopping. She’s the type who gets excited about a trip to Walmart. Doesn’t matter what we are there for. She loves shopping. Last night we needed to pick up the supplies for her Science Fair project. We shopped. She picked up items. I snapped pics. Once the serious part of the - [The English Major in Me Wants to See Gnomeo & Juliet [Giveaway] [Closed]](https://musingsfromme.com/the-english-major-in-me-wants-to-see-gnomeo-juliet-giveaway/) - A few months ago we saw Tangled. We missed the official screening due to traffic. You would think after living in the D.C. area for over 20 years that I would check traffic BEFORE driving to an event AFTER learning that there was a parade right near the theater where the movie screening was taking - [Oyster Locals: The Search for Gourmet Food Trucks in D.C.](https://musingsfromme.com/oyster-locals-the-search-for-gourmet-food-trucks-in-d-c/) - I'm tweeting about gourmet food trucks in D.C. @curbsidecupcake @DCSlices @DistrictTaco @FLmeetsDC @Fojolbros @LobstertruckDC @WhereSauca. - [Holiday Gift Guide and Giveaway -- Dora's Christmas Carol DVD and CD [Giveaway] [Closed]](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-and-giveaway-doras-christmas-carol-dvd-and-cd/) - When my daughter was 2, she loved all things Dora and Diego and Boots. She had the backpack and a range of Dora DVDs. I remember several car trips that were more bearable for all of us with a Dora DVD. My son was the same way -- obsessed -- with Diego! I planned to - [I Feel Like a Grownup...Yes, I Do!](https://musingsfromme.com/i-feel-like-a-grownup-yes-i-do/) - You know how 10 years ago you could pick up a box of business cardstock and print your own cards. This was back in the day when the cards you printed had no logo...just your name, job title, business name and address, and perhaps an email, but definitely not twitter or Facebook or urls. No - [Nescafe Dolce Gusto: More than Instant](https://musingsfromme.com/nescafe-dolce-gusto-more-than-instant/) - Coffee is my thing. My vice. My secret treat for myself. Starbucks. Caribou Coffee. Corner bakery. Even McDonald's McCafe hits the spot. But, what about brewing coffee worthy of a coffee shop creati0n at home? I have a jar or two of instant coffee. But, instant is not my favorite home beverage. I much prefer - [Holiday Gift Guide: Car Toons Mater's Tall Tales (wii)](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-car-toons-maters-tall-tales-wii/) - Every so often a film comes around that we all like. All 5 of us. To find a film that all 5 of us can tolerate is a tall order. A film that works for mom and dad and a kid, a tween and a teen? A tall order indeed. A sure bet is Disney. - [Holiday Gift Guide: Nescafe Dolce Gusto](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-nescafe-dolce-gusto/) - A pot a day. A pot a day is what I would drink. Some days I was so sleep deprived that the pot of coffee was all that kept me awake. Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io Think sleep deprived with a newborn, a preschooler, and a kid in elementary school schedule. After late nights - [Kraftmaid: Define Your Style](https://musingsfromme.com/kraftmaid-define-your-style/) - In our house the kitchen is the hub of all family activities. It is not huge. It certainly has architectural issues. For instance I cannot open the fridge door all the way. But, it is our meeting spot for homework. Gathering place for dinner. An repository of broken items. If Coach Dad has superglue...Coach Dad - [Stopping Breast Cancer One Lid at a Time](https://musingsfromme.com/one-lid-at-a-time/) - With two grandmothers who died from breast cancer, National Breast Cancer Awareness month is somber for me. I did not know my father's mother. My mother's mother was a sweet lady who was felled by the ravages of breast cancer. Cancer is unrelenting. A friend of a friend's son died after a lengthy battle with - [Ford's Theatre: History in Action](https://musingsfromme.com/fords-theatre-history-in-action/) - "Seeing D.C. for the fresh eyes." -- this sums up my new task of blogging about D.C. sightseeing hot spots for Oyster.com. I am seeing all of them with fresh eyes. Looking at the venue with an eye for how families would take in the museum, theater, or restaurant. ___ Ford’s Theatre is much more - [My Night @FordsTheatre](https://musingsfromme.com/my-night-fordstheatre/) - Sabrina is full of life. Wet Wednesdays are humdrum in our house. Dinner. Homework. Music practice. Reading. Math facts. Sports practices. Blah. Kids. Blah. Kids. Blah. Except that every so often I get a chance to do something very grownup and elegant. Last Wednesday I was invited to the media night at Ford's Theater. I - [Kids Through Teens: Maryland Science Center Has It All](https://musingsfromme.com/kids-through-teens-maryland-science-center-has-it-all/) - I blog about finding activities that a kid, a preteen, and a teen will enjoy. It's a tall order. Some days it is impossible. Other days it is easy as pie to find an activity fun for all. In the spring we spent Spring Break working, working, and working. We had several highlights in among - [What is a SEED? My Whrrl Story](https://musingsfromme.com/what-is-a-seed-my-whrrl-story/) - I created a Whrrl story to explain what SEED means to me. I submitted my Whrrl story for the SEED BlogHer contest sponsored by Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom. Come check out my story: Powered by Whrrl If my Whrrl doesn't show up...sometimes Whrrl doesn't like WordPress, here is the link: https://whrrl.com/experience/story/19780410 - [Give the Gift of Joy Berry Books!](https://musingsfromme.com/give-the-gift-of-joy-berry-books/) - As a mom, books have helped me teach a child about a favorite subject....quiet down a rambunctious toddler before naptime...take some downtime for myself...help my children do their homework... Books will always be an integral part of my parenting, marriage, and life. As many of you know, I first heard about Joy Berry at a - [Blockbuster Express Codes from MomSelect!](https://musingsfromme.com/blockbuster-express-codes-from-momselect/) - How many times in your life has a DVD saved the day? I know that I have used DVDs to distract a toddler while I made an important phone call. I have used a DVD to keep two kids from fighting with each other over a toy. From entertaining fidgety kids on long trips to - [Movies Bring Our Family Together: Air Bud Golden Receiver Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/movies-bring-our-family-together-air-bud-golden-receiver-giveaway/) - There was a time when I could grab a DVD from the rack. Pop it in the car DVD player. Hit play and drive. All three of my children loved the same movie...Finding Nemo, Spy Kids 2, or any Disney movie was a surefire hit. Those days are long gone. My son likes action movies. - [MomzShare: I Was There!](https://musingsfromme.com/omzshare/) - Mom 2.0 in February. Bloggy Boot Camp in March. #MomzShare on Saturday. I am one lucky bug! Lucky to have the chance to learn more about my craft through conferences like Mom 2.0 and Bloggy Boot Camp. Fortunate to have the fellowship of bloggers who get it at all three. Loved the close proximity of - [General Hospital: Sonny Corinthos](https://musingsfromme.com/general-hospital-domestic-violence-is-no-laughing-matter/) - We’re in final week of the General Hospital Blog Tour. I am watching, DVRing, rewinding, reading blog posts, surfing the General Hospital website, and reading tweets. The tweets I am reading are from GH Ambassadors who are watching in real time. If you follow me on twitter, you might have seen me use the hashtag - [Nothing Compares to the San Diego Zoo](https://musingsfromme.com/nothing-compares-to-the-san-diego-zoo/) - On last summer's Musings from Me trip to southern California, we did it all! Dad and the kids toured Sea World and relaxed on the beach, while I did my thing at BlogHer. While I was very happy to go to BlogHer, I was sad to miss one San Diego landmark...the San Diego Zoo. I've - [Getting the Most Out of Your Disneyland and Walt Disney World Vacation #seizingfamilytime](https://musingsfromme.com/getting-the-most-out-of-your-disneyland-and-walt-disney-world-vacation-seizingfamilytime/) - Some tips for getting the most out of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. FASTPASS FASTPASS is the key to getting the most out of your Disney experience. My husband is somewhat of a pro about the FASTPASS. FASTPASS can be used on the following attractions at Disneyland: Autopia, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, - [BlogHer Party Update #momsparkmedia](https://musingsfromme.com/blogher-party-update-momsparkmedia/) - BlogHer was my life for months. And no I'm not kidding. For months I read, searched for, and ogled the BlogHer hashtag. I devoured the BlogHer newsletters. I wanted to know EVERYTHING about BlogHer. To a less intense extent I did the same thing last BlogHer. This year was different. This year I knew what - [New Here? Here's Where I Write](https://musingsfromme.com/new-here-heres-where-i-write/) - Want to know where else you can find me? Baby, toddler, preschooler, and early elementary activities in DC Baltimore parenting tweens examiner TypeAParent Preteens and product reviews Out and about in DC Do you want sites we manage or moderate? If yes, then… I’m the Community Manager for two local mom sites — I post - [Blogging Conferences](https://musingsfromme.com/blogging-conferences/) - If you had asked me in 2008 what a blog was...or a blogging conference...or a blogger, I would have looked at you with a blank stare. Now don't get me wrong I was computer and internet savvy back then. But, had no idea how rich the world of blogging was. Since childhood, I have written - [U by Kotex...Shhh](https://musingsfromme.com/u-by-kotex-shhh/) - Were you embarrassed the first time you had to purchase...you know...those products? Did you insist that your mom bought them for you? I know I was mortified at the thought of buying Kotex products by myself. Now, I don't mind if the cashier yells to a male colleague for a price check on Kotex products. - [How Many of the 99 Things Listed Have I Done? Let's See...](https://musingsfromme.com/how-many-of-the-99-things-listed-have-i-done-lets-see/) - Found this over at More than a Minivan Mom's blog... You can add this to your blog, too! Instructions: Copy the list, bold the ones you've done (with explanations if needed), share with friends. 1. Started your own blog -- January 2008, did not write regularly until late 08/early 09 2. Slept under the stars - [Handy Manny Big Race -- Saturday, March 20 at 7 p.m. on Disney Channel](https://musingsfromme.com/handy-manny-big-race-saturday-march-20-at-7-p-m-on-disney-channel/) - My son loves Handy Manny. Disney has been a source of great entertainment for all my kids when they were in preschool. My oldest was a lover of Little Mermaid. The middle daughter was in love with Bear and the Big Blue House. My kids all love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Handy Manny is a show - [Baltimore #BloggyBootCamp](https://musingsfromme.com/baltimore-bloggybootcamp/) - Don't you just love the name? Doesn't this sum up what we -- I -- need as a blogger? I need someone to tell me what I am doing wrong. I need the confidence to get what I want. I need to mix and mingle with others who are doing what I am doing. In - [Winners: Joy Berry Books!](https://musingsfromme.com/winners-joy-berry-books/) - I let snow, snow days, kids off school, shoveling, snow blowing, get in the way of picking my winner for the fabulous Joy Berry Book sets. I apologize. It won't happen again. Do you forgive me? Say yes? Oh, goo! Now on to the winners. Joy Berry is a prolific author of parent-child books. Joy - [I Heart Southwest](https://musingsfromme.com/i-heart-southwest/) - I posted this over at DC.CityMommy.com, but wanted to post it here as well... Can I just say how much I adore Southwest? I flew Southwest to and from Houston for a Mommy Blogging Conference (Mom 2.0). I was initially worried about not having an assigned seat. I don't fly regularly, but when I do - [#ToyFair](https://musingsfromme.com/toyfair/) - Phew...is all I can say. I pulled in to the driveway last night? this morning? at 12:53 a.m. I was so exhausted I could have...but did not fall asleep in the driver's seat. Let's recap the day shall we? - Woke or more precisely woken up by husband at 2:50 a.m. Yep, that's right I - [My Morning Routine...zzzzzzzzz](https://musingsfromme.com/my-morning-routine-zzzzzzzzz/) - Husband tells me it is time to wake up...I sleep like the dead. I lie in bed until 6:20 a.m. when I know I need to get up or kids will be late for school. I get up and stagger to bathroom to brush my teeth. Teen and tween are already up getting dressed, brushing - [Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences: Feeding Dolphins #OrlandoMom](https://musingsfromme.com/once-in-a-lifetime-experiences-feeding-dolphins/) - My younger two children are animal mad. My younger daughter would regularly cradle our friend's cat as though she was carrying a baby. At 18 months old, she carried a cat that was almost as big as her. My son loves playing with our neighbor's dog. The teen is more like me...it's good to have - [A Stitch in Time](https://musingsfromme.com/a-stitch-in-time/) - I sewed a button on my husband shirt last night. It was a long involved process. First, I had to find the sewing kit. The shirt was easy to find as my husband has reminded me every morning for the last week that he is down to his last "three shirts...two shirts...one shirt." Once I - [My Job Chart: Teaching Kids to Work](https://musingsfromme.com/my-job-chart-teaching-kids-to-work/) - If you are like me, you will have days where everything works like clockwork. Kids get to school on time. Work assignments and meetings go as planned. Dinner is on the table. Chores are done. And then there are the days when nothing goes right. In our house, if mom forgets to do her chores...the - [Secretary of Education to Speak to Mom Congress -- Webcast on May 3](https://musingsfromme.com/secretary-of-education-to-speak-to-mom-congress-webcast-on-may-3/) - A month or so ago I clicked on a link to the Mom Congress. I am a clicking fool lately. If I see it, I must click. Now I must admit that clicking around has led me to opps I would not have known about. Anyway, I clicked on the Mom Congress link. I was - [Cast Your Vote: American Express Members Project](https://musingsfromme.com/cast-your-vote-american-express-members-projects/) - The call was brief. A caller from a cancer organization called a few minutes ago. When she was done, I politely said that I had already committed to giving to other charities. I told the caller "Thank you." This type of phone conversation makes me realize that we all need to do our part to - [Blockbuster Express Triple Play: I Know What I Am Doing This Weekend!](https://musingsfromme.com/blockbuster-express-triple-play-i-know-what-i-am-doing-this-weekend/) - Last month as many of you know I discovered Blockbuster Express kiosks. I found one at my local K-Mart. For years I was a regular Blockbuster Express movie renter. But, one kid, two kids, and three kids with sports, activities, and playdates threw our family schedule in to chaos. With one of the kids emerging - [Blogs To Follow According to MusingsfromMe](https://musingsfromme.com/blogs-to-follow-according-to-musingsfromme/) - Pssst! I'll let you in on a secret. I experience no writer's block when writing comments on other blogs, or leaving a comment on Facebook, or responding on twitter. But, if I sit and stare at the "Add New Post" on this WordPress blog I end up running through and rejecting topics to write about. - [Want to Find a Hotel That Works for You?](https://musingsfromme.com/want-to-find-a-hotel-that-works-for-you/) - If you are traveling to a city by yourself or with kids, you need to know that you have booked in to the right hotel. There is nothing worse than checking in to a hotel that has seen better days. Or what about the hotel that says it is kid-friendly, but in actuality only offers - [Dove Chocolate: I'm Not Sharing It!](https://musingsfromme.com/dove-chocolate-im-not-sharing-it/) - If you read my blog, you know that I have my entire family participate in review process. How can I tell my readers about a toy, DVD, CD, or game, without mentioning how much my family enjoyed playing with it? We all pitch in. Coach Dad has played games. The kid has watched DVDs. The - [Autism and Vaccines Discussion in Rockville at Universities at Shady Grove](https://musingsfromme.com/autism-and-vaccines-discussion-in-rockville-at-universities-at-shady-grove/) - Thought this event might be of interest to my readers... The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, MD, is hosting a free panel discussion about the recent controversial findings about the link between vaccines and autism on Wednesday, April 7 at noon. This event will present a history of the issue and provide insight about - [#OpenSky: Come Stop By My Corner Store!](https://musingsfromme.com/opensky-come-stop-by-my-corner-store/) - As a little girl I would walk to the corner shop with my grandmother. It was 1970-something, but really it could have been 1940. My grandmother wore a dress, high-heeled shoes, an overcoat, and a fur hat. Her shopping basket was a wicker basket or plaid shopping bag depending on the season. I hurried to - [Welcome to My OpenSky Store!](https://musingsfromme.com/welcome-to-my-opensky-store/) - When I was little, my family would visit my grandmother every summer at her home in a suburb of Manchester in England. My family was English, too, but we had been living in New Jersey for a few years. My visits to England were eye-opening to me as the English way of life was so - [I Miss Easter Dresses](https://musingsfromme.com/i-miss-easter-dresses/) - Yesterday we dyed eggs. We decided not to attend a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt as we were at Arundel Mills Mall for my son's 7th birthday outing and lunch. He chose to have lunch at the Johnny Rockets and visit the Lego Store. I have sooo much to write about our experience at the Lego - [I Joined @MomSpark Media. Did You?](https://musingsfromme.com/i-joined-momspark-media-did-you/) - At #TypeAMom 09 there was one person I had to meet. I was a new blogger. I decided to travel to Asheville, NC, at the last possible second. I found a roommate and a couple of travel buddies. I got not one, but two sponsors. Once at the conference I was a learning, promoting, and - [Spicing up Dinner with Filler Free Spices [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/spicing-up-dinner-with-filler-free-spices-giveaway/) - I'm not an adventurous cook. If I deviate from a recipe, well let's just say the end result is not pretty. My husband is a better cook. Grilling is his thing. Between the two of us we make a decent cook. There is one ingredient that helps us...tremendously...premixed spices. Dry rubs. Seasoning salt. Spices. All - [Finding My Niche](https://musingsfromme.com/finding-my-niche/) - I suffer from what I call the "rambling, stream of consciousness elevator" pitch. Before BlogHer I worked on my pitch. I posted about my struggle to come up with a good pitch over at MomSpark Forum. I got a few good suggestions. I added. I deleted. I rephrased. My pitch still sounded vague and wishy - [Have You Tried MyLikes?](https://musingsfromme.com/have-you-tried-mylikes/) - I click on many links throughout the day. Sometimes I click a link to join, but realize that I have already joined. Do you ever do that? I guess I am a little click happy. MyLikes is proving to be a good one to join. Basically, here's how it works... Like Sponsored Tweets, I receive - [Nick Saves the Hotel Stay #nickyourstay](https://musingsfromme.com/nick-saves-the-hotel-stay-nickyourstay/) - Staying in a hotel is highlight for my teen. Sometimes I think that she is more interested in the hotel than in the place we are visiting. She loves it all...the hotel beds, the soaps and shampoos, the large TV near her bed. Our hotel stays were anything but pleasant when she was little. The lights - [OXY Clinical and Your Teen](https://musingsfromme.com/oxy-clinical-and-your-teen/) - My kids race to open the packages that arrive each week. My teen will examine the label to see where the review product originated from before asking to open the package. My other two aren't as discerning. Our sample of OXY Clinical arrived when the teen was doing the daily chore of "go get the - [Sun Exposure for Kids, Preteens, and Teens](https://musingsfromme.com/sun-exposure-for-kids-preteens-and-teens/) - Another comment from a forum that was long enough for a post! In answer to the question, do you use sunscreen, why, and what strength. If you want to participate in this discussion, join MomSpark Forum. I had one very bad burn on my back as an 8-year-old and another serious burn on my back - [A New Breakfast Staple](https://musingsfromme.com/a-new-breakfast-staple/) - I'm not a short order cook...especially not at breakfast time. My husband is a breakfast lover. I prefer to go out for brunch. As a way to feed my family a healthy breakfast, I rely on several staples: bagels and cream cheese, pancakes, and waffles. Waffles are huge hit with everyone in the family. Waffles - [Trying a New Concept in Weight Control and a Discount Code to Try the Products](https://musingsfromme.com/trying-a-new-concept-in-weight-control-and-a-discount-code-to-try-the-products/) - Baby weight? Is it accurate to refer to baby weight when your babies are 7, 11, and 14? No, I didn't think so! But, I am struggling with my weight. I lose some. I gain some, but I never get anywhere near my goal weight. My goal weight is largely unattainable to me. Did I - [Googly Bands Are in the House and a Twitter Party!](https://musingsfromme.com/googly-bands-are-in-the-house-and-a-twitter-party/) - Spring is a time when kids go wild. Some children have a hard time sitting still in circle time at school. Homework is the last thing on many children's list of things to do. Summer seems like it is around the corner, and yet June seems soooo far away. Our house had Spring Fever badly - [#BlogHer by the Brand](https://musingsfromme.com/blogher-by-the-brand/) - Last year's BlogHer was so much more awesome than BlogHer 10 and BlogHer 10 was an amazing conference. Is it just me or does BlogHer get MORE awesome each year? The session are usually packed. Great speakers. A good mix of topics for bloggers across the spectrum from newbies all the way to veterans. Truthfully, - [Surviving and Living](https://musingsfromme.com/surviving-and-living/) - Last week was quite a week. Last week was the second week of school...it felt like week 40. No honeymoon period for us. We are full tilt in to the whole school thing. Volleyball practice. One of the kids made the Varsity team. And swim team...you know that's no small commitment. And we have a - [Soup: The Lunch, Dinner, or Whenever Food](https://musingsfromme.com/soup-the-lunch-dinner-or-whenever-food/) - More check-ins at walmartPowered by Whrrl - [My Go-to Lunch for Rushed Mornings](https://musingsfromme.com/my-go-to-lunch-for-rushed-mornings/) - Our weekly lunch menu is as follows: If kids are home, I cook. On days off school and weekends, my older kids often make their own lunches. If kids are at school, I pack their lunches 4 out of 5 days. 1 day out of 5 I let the children buy the school lunch. Our - [Don't Buy Junky Toys...Buy Classics](https://musingsfromme.com/dont-buy-junky-toys-buy-classics/) - As a mom-to-be, I spent hours, days, and months searching for the perfect baby equipment form my baby. I am a fossil so all my searching was done by actually driving to stores, walking up and down the aisles, and asking questions of salespeople. Quite retro I know. Oh, we did have a home computer, - [Kids Love Science...in Any Form](https://musingsfromme.com/kids-love-science-in-any-form/) - Science is a hit in our house. My children love doing experiments. Any experiments. With children, it doesn't matter what the experiment is. It matters that the child is able to take an active role with the assistance on mom, dad, or a caregiver. My teen and I sat down at the kitchen table when - [@YoursphereMom in the #BlogHer House and a #Giveaway!](https://musingsfromme.com/yoursphere-mom-in-the-blogher-house-and-a-giveaway/) - As a mom of teens, tweens, and kids, online safety is my thing. Must have it. Must teach it to my kids. Must make sure that kids are safe while browsing the internet, e-mailing, and so forth. At home and at school and on vacation. For the past year, I have blogged about online safety - [Spreading the #Yoursphere Message at #TypeAMom](https://musingsfromme.com/yourspheremom-at-typeamom/) - You know when you meet someone and you click? You talk in person or on the phone, connect online, in e-mail, or on twitter. Whatever way you connect you instantly know that you and this person click. I had this experience when I "met" Mary Kay Hoal over a year ago. We first exchanged e-mails, - [Unilever Showcases Brands @BlogHer](https://musingsfromme.com/unilever-showcases-brands-blogher/) - The Unilever Penthouse at #BlogHer was fun. "Fun" really is an inadequate word to describe the awesomeness of the event...hair, makeup, reflexology, food sampling, crafting, and more was on tap at the Unilever event. I wasn't sure how Unilever would showcase its food line and skin care products in the same space...but the Unilever people - [Toys, Toys, and More Toys at My #OpenSky Store](https://musingsfromme.com/toys-toys-and-more-toys-at-my-opensky-store/) - With three children at home, we have toys. More toys than we know what to do with. Toys come in to our house as gifts from grandparents...from birthday parties...and just because. Toys go out of the house, too. I don't mind when a toy is ready for donation or consignment. I consider donation and consignment - [Explaining Social Media and Blogging to an IRL Friend Online](https://musingsfromme.com/explaining-social-media-and-blogging-to-an-irl-friend-online/) - A friend of mine. We met a few years ago...at a church playgroup. My friend needed some information about blogging for a business. I wrote a lengthy reply to her. I am wordy hear me roar. My reply made me wonder if I should post my tips. I removed all the identifying references to my - [Sportsmom Update: Gatorade Refreshes](https://musingsfromme.com/sportsmom-update-gatorade-refreshes/) - Our year is all about sports. In fall it is football and volleyball. In winter it is karate and volleyball. In spring it is lacrosse and volleyball. And in summer it is swimming with a little volleyball. With swim season ending July 31 and football practice beginning on August 1, we have absolutely no break - [Coming to Grips with Taking Care of Yourself](https://musingsfromme.com/coming-to-grips-with-taking-care-of-yourself/) - I hate taking medication. I especially dislike taking daily medications. There I said it. I really do. It's not the taste of the medication. My problem is that I would rather not have to remember to take medicine each day. I'm a wash-and-go type of gal. I keep my morning routine brief. I pride myself - [#BlogHer Recap with Photos](https://musingsfromme.com/blogher-recap-with-photos/) - So it seems a little funny to be writing an update post so long after everyone else, but... I finally uploaded photos to Facebook from BlogHer. A blog post is in order. On the Thursday of BlogHer I was invited to a very intimate gathering with Chris Evert. Evert is the spokesperson for Hood Simply - [Oyster Locals: Spy Museum Teen Style](https://musingsfromme.com/oyster-locals-spy-museum-teen-style/) - New from my Oyster Locals Blog... Following your teen around the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. --- About six years ago, my teen was all about spies. She lived and breathed spies. She was a spy for Halloween. Her favorite movies: Spy Kids 2 with a chaser of Spy Kids 3-D. What was on her - [What Age Did Your Child Sit Still AND Watch a Movie in the Movie Theater?](https://musingsfromme.com/what-age-did-your-child-sit-still-and-watch-a-movie-in-the-movie-theater/) - I posted this response over at @MomSpark Forum in answer to the question in the title of this post. Add your first experience in a movie theater over @MomSpark Forum not on this post. --- We had a few AWFUL "first time at the movies" experiences. I took my then-3-year-old to see Tarzan. In the - [Meeting People Who Care About #OnlineSafety](https://musingsfromme.com/meeting-people-who-care-about-onlinesafety/) - This blogging gig is amazing. From the new friends to the review products to the relationships made with brands -- everything is good. My fave part above everything else is attending events for causes near and dear to me. I have blogged extensively about my passion for keeping kids safe online. When I first went - [On the Go: Try @Tales2Go [App of the Week]](https://musingsfromme.com/on-the-go-try-tales2go-app-of-the-week/) - Edited to add: Today ONLY!! You can get a FREE summer of @Tales2Go!! https://bit.ly/d64VP1 @momswithapp #AppFriday The doctor's office...waiting for our name to be called. The car dealership...clockwatching until the repair was done. The supermarket...sitting not so patiently in the shopping cart. In the van...running errands that were endless. With my girls in tow I - [Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone](https://musingsfromme.com/stepping-out-of-your-comfort-zone/) - I am not an outgoing person. I keep to myself. I don't like to be the center of attention. Working from home works for me. At my first blogging conference, I knew my roommate, my driving companion, and 5 other bloggers from my state before I arrived at the conference. As I stared at all - [#Yoursphere Is FREE and a Sign Up Code YSMC-0051](https://musingsfromme.com/yoursphere-is-free-and-a-sign-up-code-ysmc-0051/) - I wrote about our homework struggles. While most of the country's kids are skipping out of school, our county's kids are "still going and going" -- like the Energizer Bunny. I complained about how much time we spend at volleyball tournaments. I even wrote letters to my kids. The post I need to write is - [What Age: Cell Phones...ipod...itouch...Nintendo DS? @BitMoms](https://musingsfromme.com/what-age-cell-phones-ipod-itouch-nintendo-ds-bitmoms/) - Cell Phones We let our girls (now 11 and 14) to both get cell phones in 6th grade. Both spend all day at volleyball tournaments 2 weekends a month. Their dad is always with them, but if he had to leave early the girls would have a way to contact us. The other moms and - [Weigh in @MomSpark on the Term "Mommy Blogger" https://tinyurl.com/2eje9cu](https://musingsfromme.com/weigh-in-momspark-on-the-term-mommy-blogger-httptinyurl-com2eje9cu/) - I don't know about you but I fell in to blogging. I never set out to make a career in blogging. I read a few blogs. Clicked a few buttons. Joined a few networks. Marvelled at the free stuff I was shipped. Stressed about writing a good review. Developed intermittent writers' block. Decided "What the - [Finding Deals in Baltimore](https://musingsfromme.com/3295/) - Recently I started looking for deals in Baltimore. I have always kept an eye out for DC deals. I am an equal opportunity visitor. I am as happy in DC as I am Baltimore. As summer approaches, I am equal parts excited and apprehensive. Summer is all play for us with swim meets, volleyball camps, - [Our Weekend in Photos #volleyball](https://musingsfromme.com/our-weekend-in-photos-volleyball/) - This weekend we roadtripped in two cars with three kids to the Happy Volley Volleyball Tournament on the Penn State Campus in State College, PA. The highlights -- more detailed blog post to follow: tween and teen happy to stay in dorms thankful that other moms were happy to chaperone both of my daughter's teams - [Uncle Ben's To the Rescue #UncleBens](https://musingsfromme.com/uncle-bens-to-the-rescue-unclebens/) - I'm not a gourmet cook. I'm not a made-from-scratch cook. I simply cook meals for my family each and every night. I don't love to cook. I do love cooking shows, but I never follow through on any of the recipes because I don't like to cook. In my early married days my husband was - [Representing DC and Baltimore Moms](https://musingsfromme.com/representing-dc-and-baltimore-moms/) - I straddle two markets. What started as an inconsistency when I answered the question "where do you live?" with "D.C." or "Baltimore" or "D.C./Baltimore," has turned in to a passion to be a part of both markets. See wishy-washy-ness pays off! I am close enough to DC for my husband to work in a DC - [Healthy Options When You Eat Out with Kids? Yes!](https://musingsfromme.com/healthy-options-when-you-eat-out-with-kids-yes/) - Joe’s Crab Shack The Corner Bakery Au Bon Pain Chevy’s Burger King Chili’s and even Carrabba's Italian Grill I have eaten in these restaurants more than once. In some cases I have taken my family to the restaurants on multiple occasions. I should feel guilty, but I don’t. The reality of my life is that - [Is It Your Nemesis or Friend? Cross-posted at MomSpark Forum](https://musingsfromme.com/is-it-your-nemesis-or-friend-cross-posted-at-momspark-forum/) - I must admit that the car TV was a no-no for me once I had children. I planned on limiting TV when at home. Watching TV while driving was not an option. I had heard more than one friend bitterly complain about the way her kids insisted on watching the TV on the way to - [Flip Cam Is Ready to Go](https://musingsfromme.com/flip-ultra-hd-video-camera/) - I was given a Flip video camera last fall as part of a campaign for Verizon FIOS. My husband took the lead in filming us talking about FIOS. We had to reshoot those scenes quite a few times due to giddy 6-year-olds and surly tweens and teens. The finished product was awesome except for my - [My Take on Blog Conferences...](https://musingsfromme.com/my-take-on-blog-conferences/) - I posted this over at MomSpark, but wanted to let my readers have a chance to read it, too. Are you a new blogger? Do you aspire to blog for money? Are you interested in attending a conference? Here's my takeaway on blogging conferences: I have attended three conferences...all three were very different. At TypeAMom - [Yogurt Is My Go-to Lunch Choice for Me and the Kids [Giveaway] [Closed]](https://musingsfromme.com/yoplait-fiber-one-blueberry-prize-pack/) - In the early days of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, yogurt was my go-to food option. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Snack. Yogurt was a very useful and nutritious option. Of course there was that one incident where my "I won't eat anything that offered to me" toddler threw a full container of yogurt, which hit the chair - [Yoplait Lids Save Lives](https://musingsfromme.com/yoplait-lids-save-lives/) - A Note from my pals at MyBlogSpark and MyGetTogether... October may be over but you can still help support the breast cancer cause through Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives until the end of the year. For every pink lid sent in through December 31, 2010, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen - [Holiday Gift Guide: Mythbusters' Science of Sports](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-mythbusters-science-of-sports/) - With two older sisters, my son is always intrigued by the Science Fair projects that the girls choose to do. From the time he was barely walking he has wanted to do whatever it was that they were doing. He would gladly have crawled on the bus with them each day. Was my conversation and - [Join Yoursphere.com for a Chance to win a wii, Dance Central w/Kinect, and more](https://musingsfromme.com/join-yoursphere-com-for-a-chance-to-win-a-wii-dance-central-wkinect-and-more/) - If you read me on twitter, friend me on Facebook, meet me in the corridors of the local schools, or read this blog, you will know that I have MY topics. You know the ones I blog, chat, ramble on about time and again. I blog about eating dinner as a family. Not that I - [Putting the Spotlight on Georgetown Cupcakes](https://musingsfromme.com/putting-the-spotlight-on-georgetown-cupcakes/) - A few months ago I applied to be a blogger for a travel site. The travel site -- Oyster Locals Blog -- wanted a D.C.-area writer to write about places of interest in D.C. Oyster is a hotel review website. As a long-time resident I wanted to share my knowledge of D.C. Through writing for - [Mixing Business with Family in Southern California #seizingfamilytime #blogher](https://musingsfromme.com/mixing-business-with-family-in-southern-california-seizingfamilytime-blogher/) - With a Kid, a Preteen-now-Teen, and a Teen, finding something fun for all of us to do is a challenge. You wouldn't think so, but it is. Years ago, we could pop in a DVD. Go to a museum. Go out for ice cream. But, then school intervened. And homework. And weekends packed with birthday - [FIOS? What Would I Do Without It?](https://musingsfromme.com/fios-what-would-i-do-without-it/) - We're ditherers here in the Musings from Me household. Well, I should clarify by saying that depending on the issue one or both or all us will dither and cogitate and mull over an issue. If it is kid-related, I am the one who will tie my stomach in knots thinking of all the permutations - [What You Need to Know About #OnlineSafety and a Twitter Party!](https://musingsfromme.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-onlinesafety-and-a-twitter-party/) - Learn about online safety through Mary Kay Hoal's blog. - [What's New on Yoursphere? [Giveaway] #Yoursphere](https://musingsfromme.com/whats-new-on-yoursphere-giveaway-yoursphere/) - If you follow me on Twitter, you know I tweet about Yoursphere. Yoursphere has everything a kid...and a parent could need. What is new on Yoursphere for kids? Adults: You can click on the links below to see the pages, BUT the pages do not link back to Yoursphere as Yoursphere.com is for kids only. - [To Facebook or Not to Facebook: A Mom's Dilemma #Yoursphere](https://musingsfromme.com/to-facebook-or-not-to-facebook-a-moms-dilemma-yoursphere/) - My teen first started talking about Facebook in 5th grade. I joined Facebook around the same time. We don't friend our Teen, BUT we have her password. She knows that anything she posts could be viewed by one of us at any time. She's a conscientious student and all-around good kid who "gets" that the - [Animal Planet Stars on #Yoursphere](https://musingsfromme.com/animal-planet-stars-on-yoursphere/) - If you follow me on Twitter, you know I tweet about Yoursphere. Yoursphere is our family's go-to social network for my Kid, Preteen, and Teen. Yoursphere has everything a kid...and a parent could need. What is so special about Yoursphere? I'll tell you. What Mom and Dad need to know about Yoursphere.com... No adult profiles - [Reading on the Move](https://musingsfromme.com/reading-on-the-move/) - The books are piled. Piled high. Beside the couch. Near the bookcase. In the bedrooms. Mostly on bookshelves. What am I going to do with all these books? I move books all the time. My Teen's books move from my Tween's room to my Kid's room. A handful of books are considered to be treasures. - [What Is Technology to You? #windowsphone](https://musingsfromme.com/what-is-technology-to-you-windowsphone/) - As a kid in England, technology meant nothing to me. I was as far away from being a tech geek as you could be. My neighbor was super cool as he had an Atari system. Even the little kid I babysat for had a simple computer through the TV. I remember a handful of kids - [On the Hunt for a Family Game](https://musingsfromme.com/on-the-hunt-for-a-family-game/) - Tiddlywinks. Tiddlywinks? When I think back to my childhood games, the first thing that comes to mind is Tiddlywinks. Do you know this game? A small mat, some large plastic pieces, a smaller plastic piece, and that’s it. My memories of the game have less to do with the game itself and more to do - [My Kids Would Love to Do This!!!](https://musingsfromme.com/my-kids-would-love-to-do-this/) - Coffee. Juice. Soy Sauce. Lasagna. What do these 4 items have in common besides tasting good? Stains and lots of them. Ever try to get juice out of a kid's shirt? Or a pasta sauce stain out of a crisp white blouse? Yeah, good luck with that! Juice, soy sauce, and spaghetti sauce are almost - [Tween Style...Is That Normal?](https://musingsfromme.com/tween-style-is-that-normal/) - A friend asked about my tween's knee socks. The knee socks are bright. And by bright I mean neon. Sometimes striped. Often with a repeating pattern of frogs or Nemo fish. The socks could be argyle or plaid. But, for my tween the brighter the better. I told my friend that with tweens all bets - [Holiday Gift Guide: @DaGeDar Marble Race Toy [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/new-toy-from-the-makers-of-zhu-zhu-pets/) - I loved marbles when I was a kid. Marbles felt weighty in my small hands. I would roll marbles along the sidewalk cracks. My kids love marbles, too. They love balls and anything that rolls. The concept of rolling a ball along a crack or on a track is the basis of a new toy - [Making the Most of Your #BlogHer Experience](https://musingsfromme.com/making-the-most-of-your-blogher-experience/) - "BlogHer is what you make of it." A wise friend described BlogHer this way. I knew what she meant. I pondered how I would tackle BlogHer last year. I wanted to get the most out of a new-to-me experience. I knew I would be overwhelmed. I planned. I plotted. I Mapquested and Hopstopped. I was - [The 80s Are Calling Me! @popsalad](https://musingsfromme.com/the-80s-are-calling-me-popsalad/) - As a new, fresh off the boat...uh plane...from England college freshman, I had 3 cassette tapes. I'll let that sink in. Cassette tapes. Not CDs. Not digital downloads. Not ipods or itouches, but good old-fashioned cassette tapes. Back home in England, I even had a record player. Ahh...the 80s. My beloved but tiny music collection - [My Days as a Radio DJ @popsalad](https://musingsfromme.com/my-days-as-a-radio-dj-popsalad/) - I posted about the new Duran Duran tour and album a few days ago. It got me reminiscing about the 80s. I had a Duran Duran t-shirt at one time. My last DD t-shirt was purchased in the 80s and sadly even if it fit it would be faded and worn out. It might be - [Sharing Is Caring at @MomSpark's #BlogHer Forum](https://musingsfromme.com/sharing-is-caring-at-momsparks-blogher-forum/) - If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know I tweet. A lot. It's what I do. I have made a science -- at least in my own mind -- of keeping my tweets pithy, on point, concise, and informative. All within the 140 characters or less. I want you to not only read the tweet, - [Don't Suffer in Silence...Get Help](https://musingsfromme.com/dont-suffer-in-silence-get-help/) - I hated the feeling of being caught off guard. Still hate it. Twice when I had heavy bleeding I was at school...high school. You don't want to stand out in high school...ever! But, there I was...stuck at school and totally caught off guard. I have never felt so helpless. As an adult I can and - [Memories in Print](https://musingsfromme.com/memories-in-print/) - I don't have time to post, but I wanted to embed the code for the Shutterfly.com I made for my mother as a belated birthday gift. Click here to view this photo book larger I know she will love it! - [My Girls Love Bling [Review]](https://musingsfromme.com/my-girls-love-bling-review/) - I'm not sure how it happened, but it did. The person who likes, but doesn't jewels and jewelry has two daughters who adore anything shiny. How did I give birth to two daughters who are all about bling? From the earliest days of their toddlerhood, each of the girls was enamored of necklaces, rings, tiaras, - [The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: A Photo Story](https://musingsfromme.com/the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-a-photo-story-2/) - I have started this post many times. Try as I might I cannot adequately sum up the new Harry Potter ride in words. Words and photos, but not words alone. Edited to add: I finally published this post only to lose it and every other post I wrote in March to the #GreatServerHostFail2011. I was - [Bnter-ing with Friends](https://musingsfromme.com/bnter-ing-with-friends/) - Do you ever tweet something funny or crazy or ridiculous and think "I wish I could keep a record"? I know I do. In fact I'm a much more consistent tweeter than blogger. Why is this? I think primarily the reason I blog less than I tweet or Facebook is the pressure to blog. First, - [New, Exclusive Deals from Juice in the City for You](https://musingsfromme.com/new-exclusive-deals-from-juice-in-the-city-for-you/) - Atlanta: Atlanta: Buckhead/Midtown $12 for $25 Worth of Caribbean Cuisine from Chef Rob's Caribbean Cafe Austin: North Austin $7 for $14 Worth of Authentic Kolaches at Kolache Creations Dallas - Fort Worth: Collin County $25 for a 60 Minute Massage from H.T. Massage Dallas - Fort Worth: Collin County $25 for a 60 Minute Massage - [Giving Back Is Simple with @SamsClub #MyBlogSpark](https://musingsfromme.com/giving-back-is-simple-with-samsclub-myblogspark/) - It's funny to think that I joined a membership warehouse club when I was in my 20s...pre-marriage...and pre-kids. What did I buy? Why would I need a gallon drum of mayo? Did I even think about saving money back then? My then-boyfriend/now-husband and I joined Pace Membership Warehouse in 1989. Pace, you say? Why am - [Day One Musings from Me Trip to Southern California: #BlogHer11 and @SeaWorld](https://musingsfromme.com/day-one-musings-from-me-trip-to-southern-california-blogher11-and-seaworld/) - As a mom in blogging, I review toys, games, DVDs, hotels, food, amusement parks, and if-you-name-it-I-have-probably reviewed it. I get packages delivered 2 to 3 times a week. You can bet that the kids stampede to any package delivered to this house. You have never seen such disappointed faces when I have to tell them - [Hugh Jackman, @RealSteelMovie, and Prizes! [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/hugh-jackman-realsteelmovie-and-prizes-giveaway/) - Sugar Ray Leonard choreographed the boxing. Hugh Jackman is the star. With these two stars on the cast, Real Steel is sure to be a hit. I just know it. This morning on Good Morning America Sugar Ray Leonard explained the premise of the movie. Dreamworks Pictures' Real Steel is set in the future where - [Playing in the Fresh Air and Winner Announced](https://musingsfromme.com/playing-in-the-fresh-air-and-winners-announced/) - There was a time when I was rarely inside during the day. My little ones wanted to be outside all the time. Playing in the sandbox. Swinging on the swings. Running around. Playing ball. Riding bikes. You name it and we were outside doing it. Don't get me wrong I love the fresh air, but - [Juicy, Yummy Deals](https://musingsfromme.com/5090/) - Austin: North Austin $20 for a Manicure & Pedicure at Shawn Michael Salon Start Date: Thursday 11/10/2011 End Date: Sunday 11/13/2011 Austin: South Austin $42 Classic Luxe Facial with Eye Treatment at Luxe Salon Start Date: Thursday 11/10/2011 End Date: Sunday 11/13/2011 Dallas - Fort Worth: Collin County $24 One Hour Facial at Skin Care - [Phototaking without Tears](https://musingsfromme.com/phototaking-without-tears/) - Tips for taking the perfect...and not so perfect but just as precious family portrait. - [Who Doesn't Love a Cinnabon...Not Me!](https://musingsfromme.com/who-doesnt-love-a-cinnabon-not-me/) - From the folks at Cinnabon and MyBlogSpark... Cinnabon is looking for ways to warm the hearts of others this holiday season and needs your help to Spread the Warmth through its Random `Packs´ of Kindness contest. Cinnabon wants me to share its ooey-gooey awesomeness with my friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers, and then share - [With My Kids Safety Is Always First](https://musingsfromme.com/with-my-kids-safety-is-always-first/) - Safely Social Monitor is a free service to keep an eye on how your child is using her Facebook page. You want to know that you child is presenting herself in a safe way. - [#Yoursphere Halloween Twitter Party October 27 9-10 pm EST](https://musingsfromme.com/yoursphere-halloween-twitter-party-october-27-9-10-pm-et/) - Click, click, click. If you stopped by my home on any given day, you would hear someone clicking away on a PC or playing a game online or tapping on a laptop or playing the wii. As a mom of one teen, one new teen, and one almost tween, the sound of someone using an - [Tween Brings Silly Bands to #Yoursphere -- Use Code YSMC-0051 for FREE Access](https://musingsfromme.com/tween-brings-silly-bands-to-yoursphere-use-code-ysmc-0051-for-free-access/) - My tween was at first reluctant to join Yoursphere. She might have been annoyed that I asked her to do something. I am the resident nag. Or, she might have felt that she didn't want to try Yoursphere since her sister has a Yoursphere account. Who knows? Last week I finally persuaded her to sign - [Spreading the News about #Yoursphere and Code YSMC-0051 for FREE Sign Up](https://musingsfromme.com/spreading-the-news-about-yoursphere-and-code-ysmc-0051-for-free-sign-up/) - As many of you know I am passionate about keeping my kids safe offline AND online. As a young mom I safety proofed my house, used car safety seats until the kids were 8 years old, held hands when we crossed a parking lot, and cut their food in to teeny tiny pieces. You might - [Yoursphere Test Drive Mom: Signing Up #Yoursphere](https://musingsfromme.com/yoursphere-test-drive-mom-the-spheres-in-yoursphere/) - My tween was reluctant to join Yoursphere.com at first. She felt that I was requiring her to do something. You know in the same way that I require her to do homework...clarinet practice...shower. I'm mean that way. I assured that her that Yoursphere was fun. She didn't believe me! Her older sister told her that - [BABW--Build-a-Bear Gift Card Giveaway!!](https://musingsfromme.com/babw-build-a-bear-gift-card-giveaway/) - Dogs. Bears. Cats. Pandas. Horses. Bunnies. Dragons. You name an animal. Build a Bear probably has it! I know because we have a collection of BABW furry friends strewn around our house. BABW furry friends make the perfect toy for all ages. My little guy clutched his Elmo by the ear when he was not - [Bra-lliant Idea](https://musingsfromme.com/bra-lliant-idea/) - For years I wore bras that fit...I even had a proper sports bra. For years I wore maternity or nursing bras...let's not get too specific about the actual span of years I wore these bras, shall we?! For a few years I wore bras so threadbare and saggy that the bras did not deserve the - [Was My Tween "Fooled" by Sugar Free Ring Pops or Not?](https://musingsfromme.com/was-my-tween-fooled-by-sugar-free-ring-pops-or-not/) - Years ago we had one of those dentist visits where my heart was in my throat. You know the ones. We learned that our 4-year-old had a cavity. I was shocked. She brushed her teeth twice a day under supervision. She took fluoride drops as we are not on city water. She had had regular - [U Taste, We Donate Through Pringles Multigrain](https://musingsfromme.com/u-taste-we-donate-through-pringles-multigrain/) - As an English person at an American college, I was continually bombarded by unfamiliar food. Pop Tarts. Bagels. Meatloaf. Pringles. My first taste of Pringles was a little like biting in to a wafer. I was used to English crisps that are heavy and greasy. Pringles were anything but greasy. Pringles are still a staple - [Shoppers Food Warehouse Launches Nutrition IQ and a #Giveaway!](https://musingsfromme.com/shoppers-food-warehouse-launches-nutrition-iq-and-a-giveaway/) - I grocery shop for my family with health in mind. I search the aisles for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack foods. I don't read every food label, but I do care about the health value of the food I buy. I want to start focusing more on the healthiness of the foods I purchase each - [Twitter Party with CityMommy Tuesday at 6 p.m. PCT and 9 p.m. EST! #CityMommy](https://musingsfromme.com/twitter-party-with-citymommy-tuesday-at-6-p-m-pct-and-9-p-m-est-citymommy/) - JOIN US AT THIS FABULOUS PARTY! HOST: ALL CITYMOMMY's NATIONWIDE GUESTS: ALL OUR INCREDIBLE MEMBERS Please join us every Tuesday night at 6 p.m. PCT and 9 p.m. EST for a fun, interactive party with special guests and topics. Opportunities to win some prizes! What you will need: A Twitter account...THAT'S ALL! Hashtag: # citymommy - [The Tween Test Drives #Yoursphere](https://musingsfromme.com/the-tween-test-drives-yoursphere/) - For those that read my blog, you know that I have promoted Yoursphere online and offline for over a year. I am continuing my work with Yoursphere by participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program. My kids are 7, 11, and 14. We have frequent discussions about online safety. I have hammered in to the - [Spending a Day with the Boy at Disney Hollywood Studios -- #OrlandoMom](https://musingsfromme.com/spending-a-day-with-the-boy-at-disney-hollywood-studios-orlandomom/) - More check-ins at Disney's Hollywood Studios Powered by Whrrl I traveled to Orlando with my son as part of a mom blogger trip organized by the Orlando Convention & Vistors' Bureau. The views expressed in this Whrrl story are my own. - [Spare a Letter for Our Troops?](https://musingsfromme.com/spare-a-letter-for-our-troops/) - Way, way, way, way, and even way-er back I was not a U.S. citizen. That's right I was actually a citizen of another country. I had the world's...well, obviously not the world's worst childhood...far from it...but definitely the world's most nomadic childhood... I was born and lived in England from newborn through age 4. Moved - [Bathroom Talk Is Now, O.K. #CloroxLounge](https://musingsfromme.com/bathroom-talk-is-now-o-k-cloroxlounge/) - The grimace. You know the one that you make when your children says something about the bathroom or anything in the "toilet talk" range of conversation topics. You cringe. You take a sharp intake of breath. You pray that your child doesn't go off on a rant about toilets, pooping, and any other toilet talk. - [Plugins for a Blog That Rocks #aff](https://musingsfromme.com/plugins-for-a-blog-that-rocks-aff/) - I wanted to share this with you. I recently found out about about a site for WordPress plugins. If you are like me, you are not a coder or a blogging guru. If you are not like me, I worship the techy ground you walk on! Here's what I know... plugins can make your life - [Holiday Gift Guide: Dicecapades! Kerfuffle!](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-dicecapades-kerfuffle/) - "There'll be a lot of kerfuffle." I remember like it was yesterday my grandmother warning me about an upcoming commotion or fuss or kerfuffle. She was all about anticipating potential disaster. I definitely inherited my "it will end in tears" attitude from my grandmother. Kerfuffle is one of those words I like to drop in - [Holiday Gift Guide: Dancing Family Fun #seizingfamilytime](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-dancing-family-fun-seizingfamilytime/) - Is there a speed faster than fast? I'm thinking about the Spinal Tap amp that goes to 11. Right now, my speedometer is at about 250. Fast. Speedy. Vroom. Whoosh. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of school, work for two parents, dental and doctor appointments (with 3 kids...someone is ALWAYS at the - [Holiday Gift Guide: A Gift Box Sure To Please One and All](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-a-gift-box-sure-to-please-one-and-all/) - Cheese. Cheddar. Gouda. Smoked Cheddar. Creamy Swiss. Mission Jack. And even Jalapeno and Cheddar. To me, cheese is a major food group. I can eat cheese morning, noon, night, and even late in to the night. Cheese hits the spot. It's satisfying, filling, and can be a meal by itself. As a child in England, - [Where Was I? Where Will I Be? #SheCon12](https://musingsfromme.com/where-was-i-where-will-i-be-shecon12/) - I've been a little quiet lately. Not quiet on Facebook. No, I'm never quiet on Facebook. Quite the contrary. I'm kind of a talking machine on Facebook. Online friends "get" that talking on Facebook seemingly all day is what I do for a living. Offline friends fall in to two camps. One group probably think - [Active Kids Needs Downtime in Summertime](https://musingsfromme.com/active-kids-needs-downtime-in-summertime/) - Busy. That's the word I would use to describe our summer. And we cut back on activities...a lot. But we're still chock-a-block full over here. From swim team to workout sessions at the health club to doctor/dental appointments to day trips, our calendar is packed. Downtime. That's the word to describe what we need after - [I'm Not as Young as I Used To Be #Snomee1](https://musingsfromme.com/im-not-as-young-as-i-used-to-be-snomee1/) - Blisters. Chafed thighs from a wet swimsuit. Sore lefts from walking up and down stairs. And no I didn't do a hike or go on a nature trail. But I did get a workout of sorts at an amusement park. While I wasn't walking the Appalachian Trail, I was walking up a storm at Hershey - [Green Works Gives Back](https://musingsfromme.com/green-works-gives-back/) - Drawing inspiration from nature, artist Mr. Kiji used Green Works cleaners as the medium to create murals in a mundane underpass in Silver Lake, with the hope that the unexpected art exhibit illustrates that cleaning can be beautiful and inspires viewers to do their part. Mr. Kiji turned an urban space green. Mr. Kiji created - [5 Tips for Prepping for the Holidays for the Organizationally Challenged](https://musingsfromme.com/5-tips-for-prepping-for-the-holidays-for-the-organizationally-challenged/) - The holidays are busy and stressful. Don't get me wrong I love spending time with my family, especially at the holidays. I enjoy time with family throughout the year, but the holidays are a special time of the year. Time away from work and activities is all sorts of awesome. No schedule. No where to - [Virginia Beach: Soaking Up the Sun and More](https://musingsfromme.com/virginia-beach-soaking-up-the-sun-and-more/) - The beach is THE best place to vacation. How do I know this? I polled a representative group who overwhelming told me that the beach is THE best vacation spot. Of course, none in the group I polled was over 18. None would be willing to pay for a beach vacation. And all are my - [What's on TV Tonight?](https://musingsfromme.com/what-is-on-tv-tonight/) - Have you ever clicked through channels and found NOTHING on? I'm sure you have. Like me you probably think of the Bruce Springsteen song "57 Channels and there's nothing on" as you scroll through the channels. Truthfully, there's always something on TV, but is it something you want to watch? The key factor is choice. - [White Coat Ceremony](https://musingsfromme.com/white-coat-ceremony/) - Contributed by Milford Woods My brother is going to medical school this fall. The first step is to do something called the White Coat Ceremony. It is like their induction into medical school. They get their named called, walk across a stage, take the Hippocratic Oath, and get a white coat place on them to - [It Was a Puddle and a Big One, Too #cloroxlounge](https://musingsfromme.com/it-was-a-puddle-and-a-big-one-too-cloroxlounge/) - It was an ordinary day. No preschool to rush to. A lazy day where I stayed in sweats. The baby hung out in her swing or bouncy seat or on her mat. I alternated between playing with my toddler and the baby. A nice relaxing day... As I was bounced the baby on my lap, - [Holiday Gift Guide: GeoMag, the Kid Magnet](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-geomag-the-kid-magnet/) - I thought I was so CLEVER. The large box arrived before the holidays. I stashed the box in the corner of the kitchen. With the family calendar and bulletin board up on the wall, I knew that no one would notice a box on the floor. Add an overflowing magazine rack and small computer stand - [What Will You Get for Dinner? #KFCFresh [Giveaway]](https://musingsfromme.com/kfcfresh-giveaway/) - As I walked through the KFC HQ a week or two ago, I could not miss the very recognizable smell. It was the smell of chicken...KFC chicken. It was everywhere. The smell of chicken seemed to follow our band of bloggers. It brought me back to my childhood. I have very strong memories of eating - [Holiday Gift Guide: Squeeze a Little Fun in Your Stocking with @GoGosqueeZ #holidaygiftguide [#Giveaway ends 12/20]](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-squeeze-a-little-fun-in-your-stocking-with-gogosqueez-holidaygiftguide/) - I was chatting with a friend about holiday traditions. I shared that my mother always put my gifts in a pillowcase at the end of my bed. How do I know this? Because I saw the photos! Don't worry I had long since stopped believing. What is funny, though, is that my parents continued the - [Holiday Gift Guide: Gamers Transform with new Transformers Prime for Wii, WiiU, 3DS, and DS #transformers #holidaygiftguide](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-gamers-transform-with-new-transformers-prime-for-wii-wiiu-3ds-and-ds-transformers-holidaygiftguide/) - I'm not what you would call a watcher of action/adventure movies. My dad is all about movies with fast-paced car chases while my mother is all about movies where nothing happens. My husband likes movies with action, and so do the kids. But I am happy with a family drama or mystery thriller type of - [Accessorize To Your Heart's Content @XSRE #XSREGirl](https://musingsfromme.com/accessorize-to-your-hearts-content-xsre-xsregirl/) - Have you ever said a word not once but maybe 10-15 times? Each time you say the word, you are careful to say it correctly as it is a new word. You want to get it right. Recently, I was asked to help get the word out about a new store in - [Be the Next #XSREGirl and Win a Modeling Contract! Casting Call...Westfield Annapolis Mall (MD)](https://musingsfromme.com/be-the-next-xsregirl-and-win-a-modeling-contract-casting-call-westfield-annapolis-mall-md/) - Can you strut your stuff? Walk the cat walk? Show 'em your best moves? Do you have what it takes to be the Next XSRE Girl? If you answered "Yes" to the questions above, you will want to know about the XSRE Casting Call. Or maybe you - [Meeting Friends on Connecting Flights Is an Unexpected Treat #connectingflights](https://musingsfromme.com/meeting-friends-on-connecting-flights-is-an-unexpected-treat/) - My husband shakes his head whenever I run in to someone I know. I can't help it. I have a good memory for faces. A very good memory. If I meet you, I will likely remember you when we next meet. Once I've talked to you I always remember you. I may not always have - [A Little Me Time and Discovering New Toys for the Holidays #MomMixer](https://musingsfromme.com/a-little-me-time-and-mommixer/) - I hate to come right out and say that I have no time for myself. But really it is true. I have no time for myself. Every moment of the day I am answerable to someone else. In the mornings it is the kids. In the late afternoons it is the kids and my husband. - [A Roundup of Musings from Me: Week of September 30, 2012September 30, 2012](https://musingsfromme.com/whats-new-on-the-web-week-of-september-30-2012/) - So how are you this fine Sunday night? Me? I'm tired...exhausted even. My son and I had a Scouts camping trip. I know! I am shocked as you are. I'm not outdoorsy. I last took a hike...well, let's just say my last hike was a lomg time ago. We are a two speed family. Fast - [A #Sandy Update, Roundup of Musings from Me for the Week of End of Oct./Beginning of Nov., and Winners!](https://musingsfromme.com/a-sandy-update-roundup-of-musings-from-me-for-the-week-of-end-of-oct-beginning-of-nov-and-winners/) - I would be remiss for not mentioning the events of the last week or so. I have not written about #Sandy, largely because I don't usually write in real-time on this blog. And by "real time" I mean that I write about comings and goings in my family, but often there is a lag of - [My Kid Can't Get Enough of Sports Illustrated for Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/my-kid-cant-get-enough-of-sports-illustrated-for-kids/) - Boys are different. Obvious, right? After having first one and then two girls, I waited a a year or two before getting pregnant again. By the time I was finally pregnant my girls were 4 and 7. Our house was overflowing with every pink toy known to man. Every surface was covered in either a - [An Easy Dinner with Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust #myblogspark [Giveaway--Ends 9/24]](https://musingsfromme.com/pillsbury-pizza-crust-myblogspark/) - I'm a cook in name only. I cook 3 meals a day for my family. I want to prepare healthy meals, but I lack an interest in cooking. Are you like me? From time to time I cook a recipe that the family likes. You can bet that the recipe is added to my rather - [Back to School: Easy Lunches with Del Monte Fruit Cups #SmartSnack](https://musingsfromme.com/back-to-school-easy-lunches-with-del-monte-fruit-cups-smartsnack/) - I have systems. Plans. Methods for organization. My systems have systems. I file the school papers. Clip them together in stacks. Hang the papers from the fridge or bulletin board. I sort old papers so that old papers don't get mixed up with new papers. But, I ALWAYS have a stack of papers on the - [Eye Glass Selection Made Easy #rivetandsway](https://musingsfromme.com/reading-made-easy-rivetandsway/) - I shared my journey to perfect vision with all of you a couple of days ago. I was a glasses wearer, a contact lens only wearer, a contact lens and sometimes glasses wearer, and finally a glasses only wearer. I remember how happy I was the day I wore contact lenses for the first time. - [Sunday at #BlogHer12... #freshproduce #brunch #clevertech](https://musingsfromme.com/sunday-at-blogher12-freshproduce-brunch-clevertech/) - Now that my children are all in school for a full day and I am back to work more or less full time, I have no time for shopping. I'd rather write a blogpost than drive to the mall. In fact I'd rather clean, cook, do laundry, or do anything than shop! This past July - [Old Neighborhood? New Community? Where Should You Buy?](https://musingsfromme.com/old-neighborhood-new-community-where-should-you-buy-spon/) - My children's idea of compromise is easy. If they both have their hearts set on playing with a toy, they will both agree, after some hemming and hawing, to take turns with a toy. One child will play with a toy for 20 minutes. Then the other child will get a turn. Easy peasy. Hey - [Spruce Up Your Home at @Kmart Semi Annual Home Sale! #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/spruce-up-your-home-at-kmart-semi-annual-home-sale-ad/) - Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am a Kmart blogger, though all opinions are my own. I have a neighbor who re-decorates a lot. And by a lot I mean that there is a constant decorating going on at her home at all times. She will overhaul a room at least every 3 years. - [Method Acting Gone Wrong, Sing-a-Longs, and More #Oscars](https://musingsfromme.com/method-acting-gone-wrong-sing-a-longs-and-more-oscars/) - Source: @RyanPBroderick of Buzzfeed. These gifs make me chuckle. Not high brow. I like Sandra Bullock. She's a bit of a fixture at the Oscars. Has she ever won? I don't think so. But she is in the group of actors who give out awards. Someone has to. What were your highlights of the Oscars? I - [Review & Giveaway: SIMS ANIMALS Africa for wii](https://musingsfromme.com/sims-animals-africa-for-wii/) - Two summers ago we purchased a wii. We were stuck at home in August...feeling a little sorry that we were not going on a big vacation trip in August. We did go to the beach in June of that year, but August was looming ahead with little planned. My husband is the original gamer in - [Napping by the Numbers...Child #1, #2, #3...](https://musingsfromme.com/napping-by-the-numbers-child-1-2-3/) - Have you ever written a comment on a blog or a message board and thought "This could be a post." I. Do. This. All. the. Time. You know what is funny? When I actually sit down to write a post or an article, I sometimes have the worst writer's block. But, let me leave a - [Review: Nerf-n-Strike Elite Bundle](https://musingsfromme.com/review-nerf-n-strike-elite-bundle/) - It was a direct hit. I aimed. I fired. I nailed my target. My target? My then-boyfriiend/now-husband. The location of the hit? The toy aisle at the Gaithersburg Square Toys R Us. My weapon of choice a Nerf Javelin. It is a moment we still speak of...well some of us more than others! I'm surprised - [Consumer Reports Knows](https://musingsfromme.com/consumer-reports-knows/) - My husband is a Consumer Reports officionado. If he can't find a review -- a favorable review in Consumer Reports, then he is not buying the product. Period. The man is militant about CR. I'm a late-in-the-game follower, but realized the necessity of doing research while buying a fridge. Since I was the one who chose the - [New Year's Eve Musings from Me Style!](https://musingsfromme.com/new-years-eve-musings-from-me-style/) - More check-ins at our homePowered by Whrrl In past years we have spent time with family. At these parties/gatherings, I would always long to be at my home. I don't enjoy driving on NYE even if the weather is fine. The combination of the lateness of the night, driving on country roads, encountering drunken people behind the - [Review & Giveaway: Cuisinart Rice Cooker](https://musingsfromme.com/cuisinart-rice-cooker/) - My basement storage room is work in progress. Everything has a home...theoretically. The problem is that some items have several homes. The floor is perhaps the worst home for any item. I can lose items in a sea of boxes and bags. I'm currently missing the orange juicer. Needed it Christmas morning. Search Christmas Eve. No - [Musings from Me: All About Us](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-from-me-all-about-us/) - I'm a blogging mom with three kids: a kid, a preteen, and a teen. My preteen/tween is 11. My teen is 13. My youngest is 6. The husband is a teacher/administrator. We live between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. I was on TV! I did a product review piece a month or so ago DC-affiliate WUSA - [Review & Giveaway: Where Would We Be Without Hellmann's?](https://musingsfromme.com/hellmanns25giftcard/) - When I stepped foot in the dining hall at college for the first meals of my freshman year, I was astonished by two things: the size of the portions and the array of condiments. At home in England, we used HP sauce for breakfast, tomato sauce AKA ketchup for chips AKA french fries, salad cream - [Giveaway: Temple Touch Thermometer & Childproofing Kit](https://musingsfromme.com/thermometerchildproofingkit/) - I hate to show my age, but when my oldest two were babies we used a....dare I say it...rectal thermometer. Eeek. I don't even know if there were other thermometers in the late 90s. I will wager that some moms used glass mercury thermometers. I know this because I was given one as a shower - [Review & Giveaway: Walmart to the Rescue](https://musingsfromme.com/walmartholiday/) - Almost 15 years ago... As a new resident in this part of our county, I was immediately struck by how far away everything was. In our old house, I was 10 minutes from work, in walking distance from a grocery store, close to a dozen restaurants, and...sniff...I could have a meal or a pizza delivered from - [Holiday Gift Guide: BABW Hal & Holly Moose](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-babw-hal-holly-moose/) - We're BABW fans from around the time my girls were 6 and 4. We were awaiting the arrival 0f our new baby. The girls were busy with school, friends, and activities, so I was not worried that either would be jealous of the baby. There are plusses to having a baby when your kids are a - [Target...Oh, How I Love You.](https://musingsfromme.com/target-oh-how-i-love-you/) - My friends at RetailMeNot sent me a couple of links for your shopping needs. The weather is so pleasant isn't it? Usually, by this time of year I am homebound with snow or ice...waiting for a chance for the snow to get plowed and an opportunity to go shopping. Of course, with the weather so - [Fill Your Closet for Fall](https://musingsfromme.com/fill-your-closet-for-fall/) - New deals from RetailMeNot for beefing up your fall wardrobe and more... 30% Off at Kohls.com! Coupon code: SAVEATKOHLS. Expires 10/29/2011 Free Shipping Everyday at Gap.com on orders over $50! No coupon code necessary. Save up to $195 on special order windows or patio doors at HomeDepot.com! See store for coupon codes. Expires 1/1/12 $30 - [It's Not Too Late To Buy a Costume #Halloween](https://musingsfromme.com/its-not-too-late-to-buy-a-costume-halloween/) - I wanted to give you a headsup on savings from RetailMeNot. Vistaprint $2 Halloween Tote Bag and Other Halloween Treats From Vistaprint! Kohls Friends and family get 20% off with coupon code: OCTFF20. Valid through 10/16/11. Spirit Halloween Get 20% off highest priced item in your order with coupon code: SPAFF20. Valid through 10/26/11. Macy's - [Shoes, Clothes, Home Savings](https://musingsfromme.com/shoes-clothes-home-savings/) - Short, sweet post today with links...DSW...Kohl's...HomeDepot.com...and OldNavy.com Free Next Day Shipping on any order for DSW Premier Rewards Members. See site for details 10% off everything at Kohl’s! Coupon code: SMS2828 Expires 10/22/11 Save up to $600 Instantly at HomeDepot.com with Buy More, Save More on Special Order Windows and Patio Doors. 25% off at - [Nerf Dart Tag Capture the Flag Set: Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/nerf-dart-tag-capture-the-flag-set-giveaway/) - My son is all about his Nerf guns. He hides them on every level off the house. Behind couches. Inside closets. Under the bed. Because you never know when you are going to have to start a war with someone. My son's motto is "Have Nerf. Be ready." In the spring my son began his - [Blockbuster Express New Code!!](https://musingsfromme.com/blockbuster-express-new-codes/) - I have ANOTHER Triple Play Promo Code to share with my readers that's good for THIS WEEKEND. Blockbuster Express Kiosks are popping up all over the place. Here's the promotion details: Blockbuster Express Triple Play Promotion. What: Rent ONE Get the THIRD Free When: Begins on Friday, 5/14/10 at 12:01 AM Ends on Monday, 5/17/10 - [Census, Taxes...So Many Deadlines, So Little Time](https://musingsfromme.com/census-taxes-so-many-deadlines-so-little-time/) - My husband electronically filed our taxes at noon today. This is the latest we have ever filed in the history of our marriage. I was relieved to finally finish the taxes. A deadline is looming for another important event. The 2010 U.S. Census is due April 16. April 16 is the last day to mail - [Sonny Is Not My Favorite GH Character...There I Said It!](https://musingsfromme.com/sonny-is-not-my-favorite-gh-character-there-i-said-it/) - Is it because I have a good sense of right and wrong? Is it because I loathe people who get away with murder (literally) over and over again? Is it because I take General Hospital too seriously? Probably, all of the above account for the reasons why I dislike Sonny Corinthos. Yes, yes, I know - [I Won and a Chance to Win Airwear Lenses for Your Family](https://musingsfromme.com/i-won-and-a-chance-to-win-airwear-lenses-for-your-family/) - I don't often post about what I win. I'm thrilled to have won the Twittermoms contest about "Being a Green Mom." The post was for Essilor Airwear lenses. You can read about my baby steps towards becoming a green mom. Here's some information on Essilor. Essilor’s Airwear®, eyeglass lenses are made with 100 percent recycled water - [Concluding the Science Fair Project #ProjectReady](https://musingsfromme.com/concluding-the-science-fair-project-projectready/) - My tween and I embarked on a project this past month. After a few days of the project, I knew that my tween was able to do all the work by herself. As a mom it is easy to micromanage school projects. Over the years, I have resisted the urge to rewrite, correct, and change - [Finding Time for Me is Sweet.](https://musingsfromme.com/finding-time-for-me-is-sweet/) - Powered by Whrrl - [I'm a Cheap Date...in a Good Way](https://musingsfromme.com/im-a-cheap-date-in-a-good-way/) - Movies? Date night? Dinner? These terms are vaguely familiar to me. In years past, my husband and I went to so many movies per year.Now, not so much... In pre-kids days, we were free to go out at the drop of the hat. Post-kids we were able to go out if we had babysitting from - [My @Whrrl Story about Target-To-Go-DC -- Dec. 11-13](https://musingsfromme.com/my-whrrl-story-about-target-to-go-dc-dec-11-13/) - Powered by Whrrl - [Review & Giveaway: Nerf Wall-to-Wall Basketball -- Holiday Gift Guide](https://musingsfromme.com/giveaway-nerf-basketball-net/) - My son is a basketball nut. He shoots, he scores! Well, perhaps he shoots and he misses the net by quite a bit would be more apt, but the kid is madly enthusiastic about basketball. He loves it! Plays when he can, but... Our outside basketball net is down for the count. An awesome family - [Musings on Eating Healthy](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-eating-healthy/) - I am not a particularly good cook, but I do cook all meals for the family. With several picky eaters and a hectic afterschool sports schedule, I tend to cook meals that we all like. The Musings from Me house policy is that I make one dinner for everyone...no substitutions! Pasta is a favorite of - [Need a Little Help Entertaining: A Giveaway!](https://musingsfromme.com/need-a-little-help-entertaining-a-giveaway/) - A few years ago I attended a very formal and fancy holiday party at a friend's house. Uniformed waiters handed out tray after tray of hors d'oeuvres. Our host mingled with her guests the whole evening. I complimented my friend on how calm and relaxed she looked. She revealed that she had spent 2 weeks - [The Dulcet Tones of Music in the House](https://musingsfromme.com/the-dulcet-tones-of-music-in-the-house/) - As a child my parents did everything they could to avoid having a violin player in the house. In fact, I never picked up an instrument until I was in 6th grade. That year I tried trumpet, guitar, and flute. None were a good match for me, so I moved on. I wanted my children to - [Hi! My Name Is Musings from Me and I Am Addicted to TV](https://musingsfromme.com/hi-my-name-is-musings-from-me-and-i-am-addicted-to-tv/) - You will never hear me say "You know I could give up TV and not notice at all." TV is my source of all things entertainment plus a healthy dose of reality TV with a dash of news. Probably should adjust the proportions to watch more news, but I do find out news from the - [Kmart Bluelight Specials](https://musingsfromme.com/kmart-bluelight-specials/) - Straight from Kmart to you.... Bluelight Special teasers for 12/5 to 12/6: · All 14k gold Birthstone Baby Charms $29.99 (reg $69.99) · Mushabellies $14.99 (reg. $24.99) · 4 piece table tennis table $99.99 (reg. 149.99) All day offers: · Saturday: Small Wonder Blankets & Wonderkids Thermals – BOGO Free · Sunday: Men’s 3pk Fashion - [Review & Giveaway: InfantNutritionCenter.com](https://musingsfromme.com/review-giveaway-infantnutritioncentercom/) - I was invited to attend the unveiling of a brand new website for moms and moms-to-be recently. The event was in the heart of Capitol Hill, D.C. -- I felt a little out of place in my mommy-ness in a sea of business suited men and women, but the event was well worth it. I even - [Review & Giveaway: A Very Monkey Christmas -- My Blog Anniversary](https://musingsfromme.com/review-giveaway-a-very-monkey-christmas-my-blog-anniversary/) - Curious George is a character from my childhood. When my daughter was a baby I could not wait for her to be ready for longer books. We read books from the time our oldest was a few days old. In the Musings from Me house it is never too early to read books! A few - [Review & Giveaway: Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt -- My Blog Anniversary](https://musingsfromme.com/review-giveaway-oikos-organic-greek-yogurt-my-blog-anniversary/) - Things that make me say "Ohm." - when my teen is giving me the rolled eyes. - when my preteen can't locate the thing I just handed her a minute ago. - when my kid runs around my dining room with a light saber AND a ninja sword. So during my day I have many - [Lemonade Stand 2009 or What Should Kids Do by Age 6!](https://musingsfromme.com/lemonade-stand-2009-or-what-should-kids-do-by-age-6/) - My son is the youngest in our family...youngest grandchild, too. From time to time I forget what he has and has not done. Are you like me? Do you keep a running list in your head of activities that kids should do? My list for what kids should do by age 6 goes something like - [Play Doh + Marshmallow Eye = Fun!?](https://musingsfromme.com/play-doh-marshmallow-eye-fun/) - Do you ever go back to your online photo albums and search for a photo? I searched and found this photo. I search in the October 2006 folder and found a true Halloween memory! Let me tell you the back story on this beauty... The photo is from 2006. I was in a "my kids - [I'm a part of the #community Sitewarming on Twitter Tonight!](https://musingsfromme.com/im-a-part-of-the-community-sitewarming-on-twitter-tonight/) - To attend Tonight's #community Sitewarming party go to www.resourcefulmommy.comto RSVP. The party starts at 9 p.m. I'm giving away the latest wii Littlest Pet Shop game -- not due out until next week. The winner will have one copy hit of the presses! I'm not entirely sure when I attended my first Sitewarming party on twitter. I - [Money, Money, Money Makes the World Go Round](https://musingsfromme.com/mintcom/) - Money! Can't live with it, but can't live without it. We need money to live, to survive, to have fun, to function. But, money can cause problems. Right? Have you ever loaned someone money? It can get awkward can't it? I know that I have never loaned anyone a huge amount of money. I've let people borrow - [I'm Ready to Cry Uncle and a Giveaway (Clorox Green Works)](https://musingsfromme.com/im-ready-to-cry-uncle-and-a-giveaway/) - It's official! I'm ready to give up on my house. I'm not sure what was the trigger. Some possible suspects: - the 100 or so unmatched but clean socks - ditto for underwear - the perpetual toothpaste stains in the kids' bathroom sink - the numerous bottles of shampoo and bars of soap the kids - [What's Cooking at the Metro Cooking Show?](https://musingsfromme.com/whats-cooking-at-the-metro-cooking-show/) - Have I mentioned that I'm not a cook? I prepare meals 3 times a day for my family, but I am not a cook. I love cooking shows like Top_Chef and Food_Unwrapped. Ever heard of this guy?I'd love to cook like Guy or Paula or Giada. Since culinary school is in not in - [I'm Going to TypeAMom!](https://musingsfromme.com/im-going-to-typeamom/) - I started writing for TypeAMom almost a year ago. In fact here's one of my first articles on homework. Almost a year later I am now the Preteens Editor at TypeAMom. I write from the experience of surviving one preteen and gearing up to get another one through this stage. Parenting! It's a fight to the - [Review: TripFlix](https://musingsfromme.com/review-tripflix/) - TripFlix is a unique concept in children's programming -- the viewer gets to decide how the story will end. The TripFlix DVD features over 25 destinations in the U.S., which are visited by two engaging presenters. As your child watches TripFlix he can decide where to go in the U.S. My children -- aged 6, 10, - [Anyone Need a Makeover? Bueller?](https://musingsfromme.com/anyone-need-a-makeover-bueller/) - Saw this one over at MomDot and thought of my readers! Good_Housekeeping magazine is in the midst of putting together its holiday TV special, which includes a segment on makeovers. GH is searching for "3 women to makeover (hair & makeup) in “thankless” professions (MOMS!)." If you’re willing to help, I’d love for you to spread the word among your bloggers. - [Review: Gap Outlet](https://musingsfromme.com/review-gap-outlet/) - I'm not a beach person...never have been...never will be. I'm not a sun worshipper. I burn easily. I hate sunscreen and sand mixed together. My family love the beach. Even though my children are as fair-skinmed as I am they still love the beach. Oh, all three fight sunscreen application, but all three would rather - [Review & Giveaway: UPrinting Poster](https://musingsfromme.com/review-giveaway-uprinting-poster/) - I love UPrinting! I love the high standards of this company. Uprinting has an exemplary relationship with bloggers. What's not to love! UPrinting is holding a giveaway for (1) 18x24” rolled poster print. For more information on the high-end services from UPrinting, go to: Posters or Online_Printing. I don't even know what I will choose for my - [Hosting the Most Over-the-Top Birthday Bash](https://musingsfromme.com/hosting-the-most-over-the-top-birthday-bash/) - I just heard about Paper_Culture-- check them out for a huge selection of eco-friendly birthday party and announcements. Have you ever gone to THE BIRTHDAY PARTY? You know the one I mean. The one with all the bells and whistles and then some. The one where parents are slack-jawed at the sheer scale of - [Disney On Ice is Coming to Maryland and Virginia](https://musingsfromme.com/disney-on-ice-is-coming-to-maryland-and-virginia/) - In our family, we love the circus. Not just any old circus, but the ultimate circus: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. I wrote about our night at the circus courtesy of MomCentral here. I'm back to tell you about Disney_on_Ice. I'd love to take the children to see Disney on Ice. The excitement, drama, and thrill of - [Disney on Ice Promotional Codes!](https://musingsfromme.com/disney-on-ice-promotional-codes/) - The excitement, drama, and thrill of Disney On Ice sweeps in this fall along with the new school year! Feld Entertainment's Disney On Ice live spectaculars feature iconic Disney stories, characters, music, and world-class skating; providing families with a unique entertainment experience to which they can look forward to this fall and winter. Your kids will - [September 13 Is Grandparents' Day!](https://musingsfromme.com/september-13-is-grandparents-day/) - Grandparent's Day is not a holiday that I know very much about. Did you know it is the 30thNational Grandparent's Day? On September 13th. What will you do to honor your parents and inlaws or the special people in your children's lives who are surrograte grandparents? We are fortunate to have all 4 grandparents living - [Car Seat Safety Check -- Twitter Party, September 9](https://musingsfromme.com/car-seat-safety-check-twitter-party-september-9/) - Did you know that 3 out of 4 carseats are not installed as they should be, keeping the children who use them from being as safe and secure as possible. Momfluence has been asked to help spread the word about the NHTSA's Child Passenger Safety Week, which kicks off on Saturday, September 12th with "Seat - [School Year's Eve...Better Late than Never](https://musingsfromme.com/school-years-ev/) - Happy School Year's Eve! I know I'm a little late with this post, but a few things got in the way like the actual preparation for the first day of school and a blogger event that you might have heard mention on twitter #tabletalk. The event took me to Minneapolis, specifically the General Mills facility. - [Review & Giveaway: Libby's Jumbo Fruit Cups](https://musingsfromme.com/review-giveaway-libbys-jumbo-fruit-cups/) - The cherry was a topic for discussion after my oldest tried the Libby's 6-ounce Jumbo Cups. You remember the cherry don't you? I don't mean a maraschino cherry from the top of an ice cream sundae. That was far too sickly sweet. No, I mean the cherry found in cans of fruit cocktail. But, lately the cherry seems - [Gather.com: A Review](https://musingsfromme.com/gathercom-a-review/) - I joined Gather.com some time ago. I find this site very helpful. I was able to: - Meet people who share my interests -- Mom to a kid, a preteen, and a teen. - Connect around life experiences - Talk about the news of the day - Express yourself in writing, pictures, and video - Make great friends - [PreciousGirlsClub.com: Review & Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/preciousgirlsclubcom-review-giveaway/) - Are these pets cute or what? According to my daughter these are cutest little stuffed animals out there. And, my daughter should know. She's somewhat of an afficionado of stuffed animals. To her no stuffed animal may leave our house. Ever. These little critters are part of the The Precious Girls Club. As a mom I - [National Hot Dog Day](https://musingsfromme.com/national-hot-dog-day/) - Did you know that July 23 is National Hot Dog Day? It is appropriate that National Hot Dog Day is smack dab in the middle of summer! Hot Dogs for me are as American as apple pie. Here's my history with the hot dog: As a little kid in England I had never heard of - [Mom Central Summer Giveaway Bonanza](https://musingsfromme.com/mom-central-summer-giveaway-bonanza/) - Even the best-laid plan for entertaining your children can be derailed. You can be left scratching your head and thinking "Now what do I do with these kids???" Believe me I have been in the spot where I am scrambling for something for the children to do...anything. As a Mom Central mom I want to pass this - [Get EA Sports Active](https://musingsfromme.com/get-ea-sports-active/) - If you've spent any time at all on twitter in the past weeks, you couldn't help but notice the tweets about EA Sports Active and the 30-Day Challengers. It is a new wii game from EA Sports. From the moment I heard about the game, I. Had. To. Have. It. To find out how I - [EASportsActive Challenge Is Over](https://musingsfromme.com/easportsactive-challenge-is-over/) - Almost two months ago I participated in the #easactive challenge as an at-home tester. I was borderline obsessed about getting my grubby paws on a copy of EASportsActive by EA. I wrote about my mission to EASportsActive here. The best part of being an at-home tester was sharing the game with friends. I hosted a giveaway on my - [Not Going to BlogHer?](https://musingsfromme.com/not-going-to-blogher/) - Join Kimberly of Petroville and Trena of You, Me and a Baby as they host the Mommy Needs a Virtual Cocktail Party on Friday, July 24, from 9 to midnight. We’ll have 25 swag bags to give away. It’ll be just as good as being at the party. Join the party for your chance to - [Romano's Macaroni Grill](https://musingsfromme.com/romanos-macaroni-grill/) - A while ago I hosted a giveaway for Romano's Macaroni Grill gift baskets. I have three of them to giveaway. I'm finally contacting the winners. In the meantime, if you would like more information about the Romano's Macaroni Grill meals or to download a $1 off coupon for the product visit www.restaurantfavoritesathome.com. - [Step2 Play Up Gym: Recall](https://musingsfromme.com/step2-play-up-gym-recall/) - I look forward to reading the recall e-mails from the www.cpsc.gov -- the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I know this sounds odd, but I WANT to know if a toy or household product or article of clothing is dangerous. Once I receive an e-mail, I remove the item from our home. Most companies will offer - [Speak Now for Kids](https://musingsfromme.com/speak-now-for-kids/) - I was asked to join a Blogger Advisory council for Speak_Now_for_Kids by Resourceful Mommy Media, LLC. I did not have to be asked twice once I found out that 11 percent of children in the United States are not insured. Just reading that number makes me furious. ALL children should have health care coverage!I have - [Spread the Love in BloggieLand](https://musingsfromme.com/spread-the-love-in-bloggieland/) - In the early stages of blogging, as a newbie blogger I was in awe of all that I saw -- "look shiny things and rainbows!" Every blog look so much more polished, more interesting to read, funnier, more profound. It was enough to make me want to quit the whole silly far-fetched idea of blogging - [The Sippy Cups in Washington, D.C. on May 2, 2009](https://musingsfromme.com/the-sippy-cups-in-washington-dc-on-may-2-2009/) - I love the name of this band. The Sippy Cups!How many sippy cups have I bought over the years? How many styles did I experiment with in those early days when my babies refused to drink out of a sippy cup? But through and through one thing was constant -- all sippy cups were sippy - [National Mom's Nite Out](https://musingsfromme.com/national-moms-nite-out/) - So, do you get out regularly with your fellow mom friends? Happy Hour? Mom's Night Out? Book Club?I used to get out once or twice a month with my Mommy friends when my oldest was a baby. Coffee at Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks. Book Club. Birthday dinners. Scrapbooking nights. But then I had a second child and - [Momaroo -- Odd Socks](https://musingsfromme.com/momaroo-odd-socks/) - I mused about odd socks over at Momaroo. - [What's Your Edu-Parent Style?](https://musingsfromme.com/whats-your-edu-parent-style/) - DreamBox Learning just released a fun interactive quiz that you may enjoy, "What's Your EDU Parent Style?" The quiz asks a series of questions concerning different teaching situations parents are likely to face. Then, based on your answers it tells you what your teaching style is. It's fun, colorful and interactive!I did it -- I'm - [Review & Giveaway: Money Savvy Pig Savings Bank -- My Blog Anniversary](https://musingsfromme.com/review-giveaway-money-savvy-pig-savings-bank-my-blog-anniversary/) - I want to teach my children about money, but as in all matters of parenting I'm wishy washy from time to time. Sometimes I get it right... I wrote about teaching teens about money management here. But, what about kids? How we teach our kids the value of a buck? I was forced to deal with - [Guest Post at Geezeo.com](https://musingsfromme.com/guest-post-at-geezeocom/) - I wrote about teens and finance over at the geezeo.com blog: https://blog.geezeo.com/2009/03/how-much-is-that-shirt-in-the-window-teaching-teens-about-money/ - [Yoursphere and TypeAMom and Me](https://musingsfromme.com/yoursphere-and-typeamom-and-me/) - I have a few irons in the fire at the moment:As a Mom Advocate I have been "getting the word out" about Yoursphere.com: the internet site that puts safety first for kids 9 through 18.When not posting flyers and e-mailing friends and twittering about Yoursphere, I have a writing gig at TypeAMom.net. I'm a contributing - [Wednesdays R Us: No Photo, Just Griping](https://musingsfromme.com/wednesdays-r-us-no-photo-just-griping/) - Well, this should be a pic of something cute, but Blogger photo is not working. So, I will gripe about technology, photo inserter not working, twitter seemingly broken, my blog design needing help...One last chance for Blogger to let me insert photo...Nope, still broken!Submitted to Wordless Wednesday, 5 minutes for Mom, The Not-So-Blog Blog, Punky - [Skiing Through the Years](https://musingsfromme.com/skiing-through-the-years/) - I posted over at Addsyou.com on skiing. https://www.addsyou.com/reading/2722/107/Skiing_Through_the_Years.html - [My Fruit Roll-Ups...Winner, Winner, Chuck E. Cheese Winner!](https://musingsfromme.com/my-fruit-roll-upswinner-winner-chuck-e-cheese-winner/) - I picked a winner. The winner has been contacted by e-mail. Once I hear from her, I'll e-mail the code to her so that she can customize her very own My Fruit Roll-Ups. Congratulations, msbabedoll!The birthday party stories were FUNNY! Chuck E. Cheese birthdays were mentioned many times by posters. Sporty Daughter love Chuck E. - [Sweet Giveaway: My Fruit Roll-Ups](https://musingsfromme.com/sweet-giveaway-my-fruit-roll-ups/) - Kids love Fruit Roll-Ups. Fruit Roll-Ups have been a lunchbox favorite over the years. If you don't know what a Fruit Roll-Up, it is a thin sheet of fruit-flavored candy rolled in to a tube shape.My friends at https://www.myfruitrollups.com/ have offered me a giveaway of a free order of customizable My Fruit Roll-Ups -- 30 - [Focus Friday: Living MY Best Life](https://musingsfromme.com/focus-friday-living-my-best-life/) - Quite a few Facebook friends have been using the phrase "Living my Best Life" to describe their status. I am not sure if this is said tongue in cheek or not. I'm not a huge Oprah fan, but I know an influential woman when I see one. I am sure she has caused a change - [I Bet You Didn't Know I was Crafty...](https://musingsfromme.com/i-bet-you-didnt-know-i-was-crafty/) - Angela Moore over at A Month of Stuff featured my post. Check it out: https://amonthofstuff.com/2008/12/31/mom-on-the-run-31-days-of-holiday-crafts-day-31/ - [Progresso Gift Basket Winners!](https://musingsfromme.com/progresso-gift-basket-winners/) - I was a contacted by a representative of Progresso Soup about doing a giveaway of a kitchen gadget basket about a month ago. I love soup, so I was sold on the giveaway! The giveaway generated a whopping 117 comments -- a stratospheric record for this blog!The winner's of my second giveaway are:Linda of Travels_with_Children - [Paper or Plastic: A Christmas Meme](https://musingsfromme.com/paper-or-plastic-a-christmas-meme/) - In honor of having most of my shopping done, here is a little Christmas Meme! Enjoy!1. Wrapping paper or bags? BAGS2. Real Tree or Artificial Tree? ARTIFICIAL3. When do you put the tree up? MID-DECEMBER4. When do you take the tree down? BEFORE MY DAUGHTER'S BIRTHDAY IN JANUARY5. Do you like eggnog? LOVE IT6 Favorite - [Mom on the Run Chronicles](https://musingsfromme.com/mom-on-the-run-chronicles/) - Ta Da...this blog has a new name. Introducing: Mom on the Run ChroniclesI have thought for a while that Writing My Life One Blog at a Time is just too long for a blog title. It summed up what I wanted to say in a blog, but I needed a shorter title. I want to - [Technorati](https://musingsfromme.com/technorati-2/) - Technorati Profile - [Committing to NaBloPoMo...Sounds Like a Disease](https://musingsfromme.com/committing-to-nablopomosounds-like-a-disease/) - Well, I am throwing down the gauntlet...I'm going to do NaBloPoMo for the month of November. Now please know that I am the most inconsistent blogger. I pretty much post twice a week. I have high hopes for posting daily then life sets in. Really, I would rather read other people's blogs. See blogroll for - [Life Lessons from Mom on the Run](https://musingsfromme.com/life-lessons-from-mom-on-the-run/) - Shamelessly stealing this post on life lessons from jodifur. Here's what I have learned in my 43 years on this planet:Life Lessons from Mom on the Run1. It is perfectly fine to wear maternity clothes for a year after the baby. If you are still wearing maternity clothes two years after having a baby, go - [There Is Always a First Time...](https://musingsfromme.com/there-is-always-a-first-time/) - Borrowed from Mom to 2 Boys: https://hurtados1098.blogspot.com/:1. Where is your cell phone? purse...kitchen counter...gaww I hate calling my phone from my home phone to find my phone2. Your significant other? snoozing on couch...trying desperately not to yell at kids for being uhhh kids3. Your hair? unwashed4. Your mother? at home writing a letter to Best - [Grab a #BlackFriday Deal with RetailMeNot!](https://musingsfromme.com/grab-a-blackfriday-deal-with-retailmenot/) - Disclosure: This post is sponsored by RetailMeNot but all opinions are my own. Just like George Washington I cannot tell a lie. I also cannot pass up a good deal. Nope. I simply cannot pass up a deal. It is not in my nature to ignore a sweet deal. The sweeter the deal the - [Start Your Holiday Shopping Early @Kmart with #KmartLayaway](https://musingsfromme.com/start-your-holiday-shopping-early-kmart-with-kmartlayaway/) - Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am a Kmart blogger, though all opinions are my own. Layaway was one of new terms I learned when I moved to the United States. The shopping experience in England was so VERY different to what I saw in the U.S. There were no malls and no big - [A Shout Out to the #JerseyLove Sponsors #summer #beauty #kids #makeup #shoes](https://musingsfromme.com/a-shout-out-to-the-jerseylove-sponsors-summer-beauty-kids-makeup-shoes/) - Sponsored: I was given hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals from Caesar’s, Harrah’s, DJais, and D6 Surf Skimmer as compensation for writing about my trip to the Jersey Shore. I paid for my own conference ticket and travel expenses to the event. Affiliates links are to my amazon account. You're probably getting tired of me - [Preparing for Seasonal Allergies with the Children's Claritin Mom Crew](https://musingsfromme.com/preparing-for-seasonal-allergies-with-the-claritin-mom-crew/) - Sponsored: I'm in the Children's Claritin Mom Crew. I was sent a Spring in Your Step Meet-Up Kit as compensation for writing this post. Sniffles. Sneezing. Coughing. Tissues. Aachoo! Bless You! Cover your mouth when you sneeze. If I have said one of these words or phrases this spring, I have said them hundreds of - [Stylin' with My New @ConsigndNYC Store](https://musingsfromme.com/stylin-with-my-new-consigndnyc-store/) - I hear people talk about the office or going to work or commuting. I laugh at their funny tales of office shenanigans. I hear the tales of woe. I hear them vent about co-workers or office politics or crazy bosses and sympathize. Truthfully there are days I miss working in an office. I miss the stability of - [Deals and More...Nature's Sleep Memory Foam Mattresses...](https://musingsfromme.com/deals-and-more-natures-sleep-memory-foam-mattresses/) - Our mattress has seen better days. A friend said that you should replace your mattress every 10 years. I was like "What did you say?" Uh...10 years? I've had mine for 20-plus years. And I have the creaky back to prove it! Here's a deal from Nature's Sleep for 50% off Nature's Sleep Memory Foam - [Is There Anything Worse Than the Anonyspill? @Clorox #Icktionary](https://musingsfromme.com/is-there-anything-worse-than-the-anonyspill-clorox-icktionary/) - This a sponsored post through a SocialMoms.com and Clorox blogging program. Is this a familiar scenario to you? You walk through the kitchen, or perhaps the kids' bathroom. Your mind is abuzz with plans for the day. You need to make lunch so that you and the kids can go to the park before school pickup. You - [Social Media Moms Doing Social Good #JerseyLove](https://musingsfromme.com/social-media-moms-doing-social-good-jerseylove/) - Last October we pressed pause. Briefly. I knew that something awful was coming. Not a family issue or anything to do with jobs, but a change was coming. The second to last week of that month we braced. We prepped for a weather issue of unknown proportions. I'm not trying to be dramatic. Not at - [Musings on Deals: Disney Vacation, Travel to Alaska, Cepacol, Mr. Food, Goldstar, and More](https://musingsfromme.com/musings-on-deals/) - Let's get this show on the road...deals for you...hope you enjoy! Disney Parks Vacation Planning DVD Hereditary Cancer Quiz Travel Alaska Mom365 Sweeps Air Optix Cepacol Coupon Reward Survey (free magazine subscription) Mr. Food Goldstar Recipe Lion- Giveaway Chili's Email Club It's Tax Season!!! - [Musings on Little Ones: Starting Languages Early #LangStars](https://musingsfromme.com/starting-languages-early-langstarsopenhouse/) - The other day I shared with the kids that I had once taken Spanish in school. My daughter was interested as she takes Spanish. My husband was astounded. Apparently I had never mentioned this before. Uh...I am sure I have told him that I briefly took Spanish in middle school. I dropped it after a - [Holiday Gift Guide: Relief for Chapped Lips and a Cute Stocking Stuffer #holidaygiftguide](https://musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-relief-for-chapped-lips-and-a-cute-stocking-stuffer-holidaygiftguide/) - I don't need to see a thermometer or watch a weather report to know that winter is coming. My hands are the first to react to the cold weather. I can feel the tops of my hand get dry. The skin around my fingers gets tight, then dry, and eventually cracks. Ouch. Quite painful. Next, - [Roundup of Deals](https://musingsfromme.com/roundup-of-deals/) - From Centerpoint Media: Free Shipping on December 17 (all day!) from more than 1,000 merchants: Kohls Oriental Trading Bass Pro Shops Barnes & Noble Purse Perfector -- When you use the code SHIP4FREE at PursePerfector.com, you'll get free-shipping on your order. If you order by December 17th, your gifts will arrive just in the nick - [Help Me Raise Money To Feed the Hungry #JohnsonvilleSponsors](https://musingsfromme.com/help-me-raise-money-to-feed-the-hungry-johnsonvillesponsors/) - A local church near me -- Calvary United Methodist Church -- hosts a free meal every Thursday evening. God's Kitchen provides a free meal for anyone...the homeless, the hungry, those who have financial issues, those who are elderly or have health issues, or even those who simply do not want to cook. I was excited - [Gluten Free Cereal from Malt-O-Meal](https://musingsfromme.com/gluten-free-cereal-malt-o-meal/) - My mother never asked what cereal I wanted for breakfast when I was a child. There were exactly two types of cereal in the kitchen cabinets. Corn flakes and Farley's Rusks. This is not exactly accurate. There were other cereals for sale in England in the 1980s. Most were variations on corn flakes, which I - [Summer Grillin'! #ReadySetRibs #WeaveMade #Ad](https://musingsfromme.com/summer-grillin-readysetribs-weavemade-ad/) - Disclosure: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media, and Farmland/Smithfield, but all my opinions are my own. #WeaveMade #ReadySetRibs https://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH I'm not a good cook in the kitchen. I'm not even a good grill cook. I lack some sort of innate gene when it comes to cooking. - [Get In To Spring with @Kmart #KmartLayawayDance #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/get-in-to-spring-with-kmart-kmartlayawaydance-ad/) - Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am a Kmart blogger, though all opinions are my own. Snow is thick on the ground. Winter storm warnings abound. The weather reports are all about how many inches of snow will fall, and not about sun and high temperatures. When was the last sunny day, anyway? The - [Spongebob Birthday Party Ideas](https://musingsfromme.com/spongebob-birthday-party-ideas/) - Get out the magic conch! Birthday Express has everything you need to throw a SpongeBob Birthday Party! They have so many great SpongeBob birthday decorations that your only challenge will be deciding on which ones to use! Here are a few ideas that will compliment any SpongeBob party theme: Invitations Let SpongeBob's smiling face get - [Restore That New Car Smell with Febreze Car Vent Clips #FebrezeCar #Giveaway](https://musingsfromme.com/restore-that-new-car-smell-with-febreze-car-vent-clips/) - You open your car door one day and there it is. That unmistakable smell. You are momentarily overpowered by it. Knocked over by the odor. The odor is something entirely out of this world...and not in a good way. The smell? The smell is unmistakable. It is the smell of too many fast food meals gobbled on - [English Memories: Catching Up on Movies](https://musingsfromme.com/video-2000/) - I'm a talker. Some would say a nervous talker. I chatter. I start conversations easily. I make connections. I find common ground when I talk to someone. What I wrote today still holds true. I could have written the above paragraph when I was a college freshman. I was a fish out of water. I - [BODYARMOR SuperDrink: An All-Natural Sports Drink for Kids and Athletes](https://musingsfromme.com/bodyarmor-superdrink-sports-drink-kid-athletes/) - I hate getting sick. Touch wood...reaches for wooden desk and taps vigorously...I rarely get sick. I get a flu shot each year without fail. In fact, I haven't missed a flu shot since the flu shot shortage of 2004 or so. My children and husband each get a flu shot. Still the flu shot can only protect - [The Spongebob Movie: In Theaters Now!](https://musingsfromme.com/spongebob-movie-coming-theater-near/) - Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Spongebob Squarepants! Absorbent and yellow and porous is he. Spongebob Squarepants! My kids missed the Spongebob Squarepants phase. How did this even happen? I don't know how they missed this phase, but they did. They didn't power watch Spongebob Squarepants like they did other TV shows. There - [Trimming the Fat in 2015 #payoffmindset #whatsyourpayoff #Pmedia #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/trimming-the-fat-in-2015-payoff-payoffmindset-whatsyourpayoff-pmedia-ad/) - Disclosure: This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Payoff, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #payoffmindset #whatsyourpayoff https://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV Debt free? Seems like a pipe dream, doesn't it? With one kid in college, one in private school, and all three kids in a myriad of activities, having - [Chevrolet Volt Makes Debut at the Washington Auto Show](https://musingsfromme.com/chevrolet-volt-makes-debut-at-the-washington-auto-show-chevrolet/) - Disclosure: This post is part of a compensated opportunity with SheBuysCars.com. All opinions expressed are my own. I was provided travel expenses to attend the 2015 Washington Auto Show. For as long as I have had children and probably before, I have wanted to go to the Washington Auto Show. Always on the lookout for fun - [Gift Guide: Boxtrolls Released on DVD and Bluray! #seizingfamilytime](https://musingsfromme.com/boxtrolls-released-on-dvd-bluray/) - Every so often I'm drawn to a movie. Can't stop thinking about it. At first I can't explain why. Why am I so obsessed with this movie? Why? I think about the movie. See the movie poster. Read a brief description of the movie. Hear someone talk about the movie. Soon I realize that the - [Marvel Studios: New Movies 2015-2019 #Avengers #FamilyMovieNight](https://musingsfromme.com/marvel-studios-new-movies-2015-2019-phase-3-marvel-cinematic-universe-avengers-familymovienight/) - I was scrolling through my inbox just now. I came across an email. I'm shocked I missed it. It's from the fall. And it's about one of my all-time favorite movie franchises...Marvel Studios. So without further ado... Marvel Studios: New Movies 2015-2019 Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe includes a mix of fan favorites - [Avengers: Age of Ultron Trailer #Marvel #FamilyMovieNight](https://musingsfromme.com/marvel-avengers-age-of-ultron-trailer/) - Finding a movie to watch when the kids were little was a snap. I would suggest an animated film. The kids would all get excited. My husband would make movie food, which in our home is mini quiches, pot stickers, and pizza bagels. All 5 of us would settle down to watch. With two daughters - [The Grand Opening...or So I Thought](https://musingsfromme.com/the-grand-opening-or-so-i-thought/) - What can I say? I was naive. It seemed perfectly plausible to me at the time. A new recreation center was opening in my town. So my sister and I decided to be the FIRST people at the opening of the recreation center. Seemed like an amazing idea at the time. We lived in a town where - [Gift Guide: Get Fit with #JabraHeadphonesBBY at Best Buy](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-get-fit-with-jabra-headphones-bby-best-buy/) - Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. Last year and the year before, my New Year's resolution was the same. To exercise regularly at the health club. Both times I was derailed due to an unexpected surgery. Now - [Gift Guide: Buy Gifts Cards and Save at Food Lion #FLVisa15](https://musingsfromme.com/buy-gifts-cards-save-food-lion-flvisa15/) - Disclosure: I was compensated for writing this post. The views expressed in this post are my own. I sat bolt upright in bed on Saturday morning. I looked at the clock. I put my hands over my mouth to stifle a sound akin to a primal scream. I'm a long-time member of the "No One Utters a Loud Sound - [Gift Guide: Dress in Style and Save at Sears #MoreMerry #Ad](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-dress-style-and-save-sears-moremerry/) - Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am a Sears blogger and all opinions are my own. The other day I sifted and sorted through my closet. I pulled out pants, blouses, sweaters, and scarves. I looked at jewelry, watches, and shoes. I coordinated outfits. I keep my wardrobe simple. My dress clothes are white, - [Gift Guide: @BestBuy Is My Ultimate Destination for Cameras and Camcorders #CamerasatBestBuy #HintingSeason](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-bestbuy-ultimate-destination-cameras-camcorders-camerasatbestbuy-hintingseason/) - Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. I’m a bit of a hoarder. There I said it. Fortunately for my family, my hoarding is contained to my basement storage room. The rest of my house is...for - [Gift Guide: Skylanders Trap Team for Wii, PS4, XBox One, XBox 360, WiiU, and Tablets #giftguide](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-skylanders-trap-team/) - Disclosure: I was sent this game to facilitate my review. The views expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. I like to be "in the know." If there is something new, I want to know about it. New movie. New book. New restaurant. You name it...if it is new I - [Get Free Shipping with The 12 Days of Free Shipping at Leading Retailers](https://musingsfromme.com/get-free-shipping/) - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be over, but you can still nab FREE SHIPPING. That's right, your order will ship to you at no charge. Now that's the type of deal I get excited about! Savings.com - [Gift Guide: Gap, HP Smartwatch #Giveaways](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-gap-hp-smartwatch-giveaways/) - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Win a Gap Gift Card! Savings.com is giving away $1000 worth of Gap Gift Cards. 20 winners will receive a $50 Gap Gift Card. Enter here! Giveaway ends Friday, December 19, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. ALSO, while we are talking about the Gap... Buy ANY 3 Items at The - [Gift Guide: Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-lego-batman-3-beyond-gotham-video-game-ps4-ps3-wii-wiiu-xbox-360-xbox-one-ps4-digital-code-pc-download/) - Disclosure: I was sent the game to facilitate my review. This post contains affiliate links. The views expressed in the post are my own. One of the perks of having a mom who blogs is getting your mitts on something new. A brand new game. A crisp book hot off the presses. A recently released - [Win a Sony PS4! #Giveaway #SonySavings](https://musingsfromme.com/sony-ps4-giveaway/) - Disclosure: This post contains Savings.com affiliate links. Savings.com is giving away a Sony PlayStation 4 to TWO lucky winners! This giveaway runs through Friday, December 12, 2014, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Two winners will receive a Sony PlayStation 4 valued at $399.99. Enter the giveaway by going to the Sony page on Savings.com and submitting - [Gift Guide: Cooking with Passion--The Hundred-Foot Journey with Helen Mirren](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-cooking-with-passion-helen-mirren-hundred-foot-journey/) - Disclosure: I was sent the BluRay to facilitate my review. This post contains affiliate links. The views expressed in the post are my own. Unintentionally we had an Indian themed Family Movie Night over Thanksgiving. I love movies. My husband loves movies. The kids love movies. We love nothing better than hunkering down on weekends and watching movies. We - [Gift Guide: Catching Up with #Supernatural Season 9](https://musingsfromme.com/catching-up-with-supernatural-season-9/) - I rarely watch shows in real time. I only watch DVR'd shows. I go through the DVR every day or so and watch my DVR'd shows. If I am not watching DVR'd shows, I'm watching on Netflix. Unfortunately Netflix doesn't have every show or even every movie in stock. So I watch whatever shows I - [Gift Guide: Healthy Snacks and Drinks...for School Lunches...Soccer Practices...Christmas Stockings](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-healthy-snacks-and-drinks-school-lunches-soccer-practices-stocking-stuffers/) - Disclosure: I was sent a sample pack of snacks and drinks to facilitate my review. This post contains affiliate links. The views expressed in the post are my own. Shopping for Healthy Snacks and Drinks for School Lunches Sandwiches. Yogurt and fruit. Bagel with cream cheese. Fruit snacks. Granola bars. Cookies. Fruit juice. Water. - [Gift Guide: Dress Up Your Sports Bag or Your Hair with Pomchies](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-dress-up-you-sports-bag-or-your-hair-with-pomchies/) - Disclosure: I was sent a sample pack of snacks and drinks to facilitate my review. This post contains affiliate links. The views expressed in the post are my own. It's a good thing that I never close the door to my basement. I leave it open and never close it. Why is that you ask? - [You Can Find Me Writing Here...the Baltimore Examiner](https://musingsfromme.com/link-baltimore-posts/) - Here's the thing. I need to admit something. I need to come clean. Breathe. I am HORRIBLE at self-promotion. There I said it. I don't promote my posts...sponsored and not...on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and even Google+. I just don't. I am a bad blogger. I am a bad PR person. If I won't promote my - [Gift Guide: Shop Cyber Monday at Amazon and More! ](https://musingsfromme.com/gift-guide-shop-cyber-monday-amazon/) - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Shop Amazon Cyber Monday Deals Week Are you feeling the pain that is not only a Monday, BUT a Monday after a holiday weekend? I'm in full-on relaxation mode. I'm not ready for carpool, making lunches, getting everyone off to school, and work. I want to be back lounging - [Save Money and Energy at the Great American Bulb Swap #DC](https://musingsfromme.com/participating-great-american-bulb-swap-cree-save-money-save-energy-cree-led-light-bulbs/) - Disclosure: I was given a gift card and a Cree Light Bulb Starter Kit as compensation for writing this post. The views expressed in the post are my own. Everyone has a job in my house. I take care of grocery shopping, ferrying kids to activities, cleaning, setting up doctors' appointments, and laundry. The kids - [All the Winter Fun in Gulf County, Florida #GCFLnofilter](https://musingsfromme.com/winter-fun-gulf-county-florida-gcflnofilter/) - This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Gulf County, Florida for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Summer isn’t the only time for a fun vacation. When most people think of winter vacations, they think of skiing or vacationing on a tropical island. One of my most fun vacations was in - [Gift Guide: BlackSocks' Funky Sock Collection](https://musingsfromme.com/losing-socks-odd-socks-blacsocks-com-funky-socks-collection/) - Disclosure: I was sent a pair of socks in exchange for writing this post. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. I've lost keys and cellphones. I've misplaced books and DVDs. I've lost gloves and hats. But I always find what I am looking for. I'm the finder of missing items. My children (and husband!) - [Gift Guide: A Lil' Holster for Your Shower](https://musingsfromme.com/caddy-shower/) - Disclosure: I was sent a Lil' Holster Skinny in exchange for writing this post. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. My shower is a mess. The shower in the children's bathroom is a mess, too. The shower caddies are overflowing with shampoo bottles, shaving cream, conditioner, soap, razors, and more. Clutter on top - [I Will Replace the Bathroom Faucets When I Remodel](https://musingsfromme.com/danze-bathroom-faucets-sink-bathroom-sink-danze-com-renovation-home-remodel/) - Disclosure: I was sent a Danze showerhead in exchange for writing this post. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. You would think that I would love my bathrooms. Considering that I am the original owner of my home. I should love my bathrooms, right? I designed them from the plans. I had the - [First Post at Blogher.com](https://musingsfromme.com/first-post-at-bloghercom/) - I posted over at Blogher.com. I have been meaning to for sometime. Here's the link to Mom on the Run v. Husband SUV and my other writing pieces on BlogHer.com. - [I Grab Me Time ANY Time I Can! #MeTimeMags #Safeway #WeaveMade #ad](https://musingsfromme.com/grab-time-way-can-metimemags-safeway-weavemade-ad/) - This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and PEOPLE® and PEOPLE StyleWatch®, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #MeTimeMags https://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH Hands up if you have ever walked back to the exam room at the doctor with a People? Anyone? Ahhh. I see a few hands - [Win a Trip to New York or San Diego! ](https://musingsfromme.com/win-trip-new-york-san-diego-2/) - This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Atlantic Luggage for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Is the weather getting you down? Do you long to take a trip with your family? Well, you are in luck! Atlantic Luggage wants to send your family of 4 to either New York or - [Grease Is the Word](https://musingsfromme.com/grease-is-the-word/) - Grease! I may not be the biggest Grease or musical theater fan, but Grease: the Soundtrack was the first album I ever purchased. I bought it from Woolworth's in Wilmslow...a small town outside Manchester, England. It was a double album...yes, I am an olde fogey! I could not afford to buy the Grease album by - [You Can Find Me Writing Here: My Writing History Part 2](https://musingsfromme.com/can-find-writing-writing-history-part-2/) - To catch up on the first part of My Writing History click here. Now here's Part 2 of My Writing History. I wrote very little in the early years of raising my children. I desperately wanted to write about my experiences with motherhood and raising children, but was simply too tired to put pen to - [You Can Find Me Writing Here: My Writing History Part 1...](https://musingsfromme.com/can-find-writing-herethereand-everywhere-september-2014-edition/) - If you ask my family, what I do all day they would all say "play on the computer." Grrr. Not true. I have to beg to differ. I do A LOT of things during the day. I work from home. I write on the computer for sure, but I also cook dinner...not well...but I do cook meals - [Support Teen Through @GiveForward #Love>Hate](https://musingsfromme.com/support-oh-teen-through-giveforward-lovehate/) - Unless you are living under a rock, you know about the Ice Bucket Challenge. I couldn't check my Facebook timeline without seeing 5 or 10 Ice Bucket Challenges. By some strange twist of luck, I did not get nominated. I'm online so much that I suspect that everything thought that I had been nominated already. I - [Living...uh...driving in a van down by the river...](https://musingsfromme.com/living-uh-driving-in-a-van-down-by-the-river/) - I'm like a broken record. If you tell me you are looking at a new car. If you post about your car search on Facebook. If I even get an inkling that you are car shopping, I will tell you about a fantastic auto program that saves you big $$. The program I continue to - [Zap! Pow! Kachow! #MarvelUniverseLive](https://musingsfromme.com/zap-pow-kachow-marveluniverselive/) - Last week was rough. Busy. Hectic. Stressful. I barely had time to do anything extra. Everyone got to school, work, but that was it. I haven't had a start to the school year this crazy in a very long time. Friday afternoon as each kid came home from school...I got back from driving carpool...and my - [#MarvelUniverseLive Comes to #DC](https://musingsfromme.com/marveluniverselive-comes-to-dc/) - Finding a movie for all five of us to watch as a family used to be so easy. I would pick a Disney movie or another animated movie and everyone would be happy. Once my oldest turned 12 or so, her interest in animated movies waned. My middle and youngest were still game to watch - [Start the Conversation with #GrabtheGoodies @GoFAAR @AskListenLearn](https://musingsfromme.com/start-the-conversation-with-grabthegoodies-gofaar-asklistenlearn/) - I can be an ostrich. I can bury my head under the sand. Sing La La La when confronted with a situation that makes me uncomfortable. But I'm an adult. I can't avoid unpleasant conversations with issues that affect my kids. I need to remove my head from the sand, come up for air, and - [Is It a Bird? Is It a Plane? No! It's the Superman Hall of Heroes! #EverydayHeroes ](https://musingsfromme.com/is-it-a-bird-is-it-a-plane-no-its-the-superman-hall-of-heroes-everydayheroes/) - Growing up I saw very few movies. My town had a one-screen movie theater that was used only 50% of the time. The other 50% it was a theater for traveling or local theater productions. When a movie played, it played for weeks. I had to go to the next city to see a movie - [I Spy With My Little Eye...a Quick Dinner Option for Summer Nights #familydinner #familygamenight](https://musingsfromme.com/i-spy-with-my-little-eye-a-quick-dinner-option-for-summer-nights/) - Even in the most ideal and favorable circumstances, cooking dinner is not my favorite activity. During the school year, I cobble together reasonably decent meals for my family. Come summer all bets are off. My school administrator husband steps up and manages dinner prep for most of the summer when he is home from school. - [Experiencing WWE Raw for the First Time #WWEMoms #RAW #DC](https://musingsfromme.com/wwe-raw-in-d-c-wwemoms-raw/) - This past Monday I stepped out of my comfort zone. Waaayyyy out of my comfort zone. Want to know what I did? You won't believe it if I tell you. My friends certainly did not believe it even when they saw my photos on Facebook. I took my family to WWE Raw! What a great - [Spending Time With My Son...Priceless](https://musingsfromme.com/spending-time-with-my-son-pricelessry/) - Fabulous day with my son. First we saw a screening of HOP with @MinkyMoo @1Momof5 @ILikeitFrantic @MaryMac @ThienKim and @UrbanMama. My son was interviewed, too! I'll post a link when the interview is up on ivillage. Next it was off to lunch with my son. We haven't had lunch out alone -- that wasn't McDonald's ## Pages - [Grants Consulting](https://musingsfromme.com/grants-consulting/) - Contact Jill Berry for grants consulting, reporting, research, and writing at jillanneberry@gmail.com. Contact Jill Berry for grants consulting, reporting, research, and writing at jillanneberry@gmail.com. - [About Jill](https://musingsfromme.com/about/) - Jill seizes family time whenever she can. Dinner as a family? Check. Marathon game sessions? Check. Movie night? Check. You name it...she wants to do it. Now finding a time when everyone is free is another story. With three kids in a myriad of sports, activities, and school clubs, and a school administrator husband who - [Privacy Policy](https://musingsfromme.com/privacy-policy/) - Who we are Our website address is: https://www.musingsfromme.com. What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. 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