Tag Archives: Mom

Toy Story 4 is coming!!

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms by

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I am so excited to share with you that Woody and the rest of the toys are back for an all-new adventure in “Toy Story 4,” welcoming new friends to Bonnie’s room, including a reluctant new toy called Forky. “Like most people, I assumed that ‘Toy Story 3’ was the end of the story,” said director Josh Cooley. “And it was the end of Woody’s stmoory with Andy. But just like in life, every ending is a new beginning. Woody now being in a new room, with new toys, and a new kid, was something we have never seen before. The questions of what that would be like became the beginning of an entertaining story worth exploring.”

A teaser trailer slated to debut with “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” in theaters Nov. 21, is available today. Check out the new teaser trailer here:

 

But Forky insists that he is NOT a toy! An actual spork-turned-craft-project, Forky is pretty sure that he doesn’t belong in Bonnie’s room. Unfortunately, every time he tries to get away, someone yanks him back into an adventure he’d rather skip. “The world of Toy Story is built upon the idea that everything in the world has a purpose,” said Cooley. “A toy’s purpose is to be there for its child. But what about toys that are made out of other objects? Forky is a toy that Bonnie made out of a disposable spork, so he’s facing a crisis. He wants to fulfill his purpose as a spork, but now has a new toy purpose thrust upon him.”

Filmmakers called on comedian Tony Hale to provide the voice of Forky. “It’s a huge thrill to be part of the Toy Story family,” he said. “But it’s going to take a while for it to really sink in.”

Said Cooley, “When we thought up this character, Tony was the first actor that came to mind and I’m thrilled he accepted. Tony’s performance as Forky is a comedy salad of confidence, confusion, and empathy… served by hilarious spork.”

How were filmmakers able to convince Hale to give voice to Forky? “A utensil’s existential crisis?” he asked. “I’m in!”

U.S. Release Date:  June 21, 2019

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Voice Cast:  Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Jeff Pidgeon, Blake Clark, Tony Hale

Director:  Josh Cooley

Producers:  Jonas Rivera, Mark Nielsen

NOTES:

  • “Toy Story,” originally released on Nov. 22, 1995, was the first fully computer animated feature film and the highest grossing movie of the year. It was nominated for three Oscars® and two Golden Globes®. 

 

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Bendy and the Ink Machine Birthday Party

Posted in Activities, Crafts, Kids and Moms by

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Anyone else have a child who picks the most odd themes that they want for their birthday party?

My son dropped on me that he really wants to have a Bendy and the Ink Machine birthday party in our yard this year for his birthday next month.  And guess what,  there aren’t any party supplies at all for it at retail stores.

I know that he loves it,  and he watches the videos on you tube,  so guess what? This mommy has to do what mommy has to do to make it happen! Make it!

I decided to do like I did last year when he wanted to have a Five Nights at Freddy’s themed party and the were limited decorations to choose from.  Large cardboard cut outs! Very simple and the best part,  the kids can do most of the work. It isn’t child labor if they request to do it right??!? LOL. Just kidding.  He was so excited to get to work on it.

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The first step we did was getting the images to print out in a larger then one paper format. We used a free site called blockposters.com which helps you convert the images easily to multiple pages to create a poster.

Then we cut each piece of paper out and organized them together. 20180421_091641.jpg

Look how great my little boy was doing. Yes, he really did this all himself!

Then, we used anything we had around the house that can act as a sturdy back for the image. We had one piece of a gift box,  and some previously used shipping boxes that we cut to lay flat.

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Then you just glue each piece on order,  let them dry, and cut them out on the box.  We also cut eyes holes out so that the kids can use them as masks.

For the happy birthday banner,  I used my cricut explore and downloaded the banner file I liked for .99 cents.

I already had some cool vintage looking card stock on hand so it worked perfectly for this theme.

Also,  to make it more fit the theme, I printed some of the images I found online of the characters and cut them on sticker paper that you can get at any craft store.

I have added the Bendy & The Ink Machine Birthday Party Invitation to my Etsy Store if you’d like to order! Digital File will be personalized for you! Click the image below!

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It was a little time consuming,  but fun to put together.

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Here are some pictures of the FNAF them cutouts and party we did last year!

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Hotels Tonight App w/ $25 off Coupon Code

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms, Product Reviews by

Looking for that last Summer trip before school starts back up? Save $25 on your next hotel stay by booking on Hotel Tonight with coupon code CKJUSTFORMOMS. It’s a free app available for android and apple. JUST CLICK “apply promotion” in the app.

Want to get away but not sure where to go? Or do you need a last minute hotel? Lucky for you, the more last minute you book with Hotel Tonight, the more discount you’ll get!

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Booking a hotel? Use coupon code CKJUSTFORMOMS to get $25 off of your booking!

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Check out the hot places to go local to you and find the staycation you’ve been wanting!

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Happy travels!

What’s in your Bag? GIVEAWAY

Posted in Kids and Moms, Product Reviews by

Hyland’s is proud to be a leader in offering safe and effective medicines for the entire family and I am proud to be working with Hyland’s on this amazing giveaway they’re hosting!  The What’s In Your Bag?” Giveaway has three bags to enter to win: A Baby Beach Bag, a Day-Trip Kid Bag and a Natural Fashionista Mom Bag. There is also a $100 VISA Gift Card per bag! They’ve provided me with products to try and share my feedback with you.

Click on the photo for the bags, choose one or all and you’ll be in for a treat! Each bag offers an interactive overview of each product up for grabs. You can also enter to win each bag and each bag winner will get a $100 Visa gift card as well.

Baby Beach Bag:

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Kid Day-Trip Bag:

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Natural Fashionista Mom Bag:

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Let’s take a look at some of the brand’s and what my fav’s are!

Hyland’s is well known for its homeopathic remedies and trusted by parents everywhere. I know people will know their teething tablets, but I’m the biggest fan of their Cold N’ Cough medicine. It’s safe for ages 2+ and seems to really help when my kids have colds. I’ve used it the last year since they’ve put it into stores.

Noyah prides itself on 2 things. HEALTH & BEAUTY combined. With all natural beauty products, you can feel good about the products you’re buying. Even better, right now, for every item you purchase and tag online, Noyah will donate a lip balm to the homeless.
SheaMoisture offers some wonderful alternatives to your everyday lotions like b&b and Vaseline. It’s amazing smelling and keeps your skin glowing all day.
Goddess Garden has some bad-ass products! Essential oils, sun repair products and sun screens. They even have a monthly subscription box if oils that are hand picked for you. Everything is free shipping over $35!

Babyganics offers a wide range of organic items for baby. The most well known, and one I love the most is their hand sanitizer. We were stocked on this for both of my children as babies and no one was allowed to touch or hold them until they sanitized! The best part is there is virtually no harsh smell and no alcohol drying out your skin so it’s safe to use as often as you want.
Jack ‘n Jill is representing with the all natural baby toothpaste. I wish i had this when my children were infants. Starting healthy habits young are key.
Ella’s Kitchen has the squeezable foods that are easy for parents and yummy for children. My kids were never a fan of the squeeze pouches unfortunately but I’ve always envied those who has kids who were. Easy to throw in your diaper bag and go!

Ishga Organic Skincare has provided some of the top skin care products to the US. Ish-what? Foreign is usually a sign that it might be some undiscovered secret to us Americans and these Scottish Seaweed skincare products are going to be all the new rage.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hyland’s and Promotional Partners. Uses for Hyland’s products are based on traditional homeopathic practice. They have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.

 

 

Mother’s Day is a Shitty Holiday

Posted in Kids and Moms by

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Don’t shoot the messenger before you hear the message… I’m a mom too. But let’s face it, majority of mom’s have a #1 on their wish list for Mother’s Day. To SLEEP. Yes, a holiday in which we want to SLEEP through.. #2 is to be ALONE or be left ALONE for 24 hours. What kind of shitty holiday is that?

Mother’s Day over the years has become more of a “What can you do for me” not what have I done for you type of day. To me, it’s about appreciation, reflecting on the thing’s I’ve done as a Mother this far, an more important, what my Mother has done for me. I much rather show my love for my mother and mother in-law then to dwell on what I expect from my significant other.

Let’s face it, my list will consist of the silly things that I am sure other mom’s will agree with. That silly little diagram floating around is pretty accurate. Sleep, Chocolate, Time Alone, & muted children are among the top 10. Flowers & breakfast are a close runner up, and then it becomes a list of material items that I would love to have someday. But most of it isn’t what I really want.

I want to be appreciated ALL YEAR. To not have to beg for an extra day of uninterrupted sleep. I signed up for that interrupted sleep & bathroom breaks the day I found out I was pregnant. It’s part of motherhood and although it’s a rough task, it is what makes us Mothers. The fact that we put others before us every day, most of the time unknowingly until it all catches up to us and we just want to fall into bed. I just want to be appreciated, all year… and yes, flowers are nice too.

Stop making Mother’s Day a SHITTY Holiday and own it!

This Mother’s Day, don’t sleep through it. Take it in as a day to feel appreciated by your children, and show your mother you appreciate HER. Take time to appreciate yourself, and do things your damn self! If you don’t get that spa pass you wanted, take it upon yourself to say I’m going to the spa!” and don’t take no for an answer…

And try to remember to water the beautiful damn flowers you got…after all, it’s another thing you now have to tend to!

Sorry not Sorry, I’m a helicopter mom.

Posted in Kids and Moms by

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(photo credit to http://www.babble.com – click for article)

I’m sorry if I cut you off mid-sentence to yell “Don’t go down that slide it’s hot!”, or if I seem halfheartedly interested in the conversation we’re having because I can’t stop counting my kids heads at the over-crowded park so I hit you with frequent the frequent “Mhmm” or “I know, right…” .

It’s just that when I take my kids out in public, I can’t control being a helicopter mom. And I don’t want to. I feel as their mother I have a responsibility to keep them from harm as much as possible, at all times. Last time I checked, there wasn’t such a title as a part-time mom. I hate when I hear or see articles saying, “Don’t be a helicopter mom” or “your kids need to learn the hard way”. Why? Why should I let my kids walk into even the smallest danger without trying to protect them? So they learn? I understand trial and error, and they will have much time for that in their later life as teens and adults. I’m sorry I do not feel that a child under 13 needs to learn through trial and error.

I know that there are bad people in this world, all over,.. it’s been proven time and time again and if I feel the need to hover over my child at the park, or at the beach to make sure they’re not stolen from under me, then that is what I am going to do. The world is a much scarier place then it was when I was younger.

And can I tell you something? While you “Free range parents” are not keeping a watchful eye on your child because they should be learning on their own or free to roam within distance, odds are, a helicopter mom like me nearby is busy adding your child to their constant back and forth of counting children and making sure everyone is safe because they’ve already stopped them from going down a hot slide, or putting a rock in their mouth. And that’s fine. It’s my prerogative. Just please don’t mind if I interrupt your lengthy phone call to tell you your child is crawling on top of your newborn babies car seat an caving in the top within an inch from your babies head. And I’ll squint and fake smile when you say thank you and quickly run to grab them off and go back to ignoring your children in a public place.

Now don’t take it the wrong way, children DO need freedom, but there is a time and a place. My children are also free to do whatever I allow them to do. They can even eat dirt if they feel like it (as long as it is inspected by me first – OK, I’m just kidding). I allow them to explore, play with other children, jump off of high objects, and balance on bars if they want to. As long as I am within distance and I always have my eye on their every move.

I can’t say for sure if I’ll continue being a helicopter mom as my children get older, but I can say that it’ll all be up to their decision quality.

So, I’m sorry I’m not sorry, I’m a helicopter mom. I am going to hover over my children until I feel they can make their own wise decisions. I am going to hover over MY CHILDREN until I see that they’ve proven to make the right decisions. And disclaimer; I may partially ignore you in the process.

My Messy House

Posted in Kids and Moms by

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I have an Angry Birds balloon that has been floating throughout my house for over a week now. I have thought about knifing it, and getting it over with because this damn thing refuses to give up. If I didn’t pay $9 for it, I probably would’ve told my son the bird flew away to find the others, but instead I stare up at it blankly thinking “Why did I pay $9 for this?”. That is until my 3 year old asks me to leap 5 feet into the air and grab it with my fingertips so that he can give it a big hug and run around holding it. It’s at that moment that I remember why I don’t mind having a hovering bird in my living room and occasionally getting sucked into the kitchen fan.

It’s my house. It’s a mess. Filled with toys, and small little parts that you laugh at people in the movies for stepping on and screaming in the loudest pitch as if it were the worst pain in the world. We all know that pain. That Lego on the kitchen floor in between your pinky toe pain. That “Oh my God what am I currently stepping in that squishy” dreadful thought. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hand prints on mirrors, and hand prints on walls. Toys in the kitchen. Speaking of which, a giant train track occupied my entire kitchen floor for two days straight. My parents and husband had conversations with me in the kitchen while effortlessly stepping in between plastic train tracks and navigating it like a minecraft level while going to and from the refrigerator.

To some, this may be insane. To me, it is my home, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sure, I can spend my 40 hours a week at work, and then the time at home spent cleaning and vigorously scrubbing the floor and picking up toys. But why? For who? For it to get messy again within the hour and my whole time wasted when I could’ve been having fun playing with my children and relaxing with my husband?

There are more clothes then any person should have in their home ever, but I somehow managed to get them all in my home,in just 1 room. Clothes get thrown all over, put into piles and climbed on like it’s Mount Everest. To pick it up, or not pick it up…fold and organize, or act like it’s not there.. that is the question.

Yes, I clean. Let’s get one thing straight… it’s messy, not dirty. There is a big difference.

I was once told that one day I would miss my messy home. To enjoy it now while my boys are little and still have imaginations. While they are innocent and their only care is what toy they’re going to play with next.

That one day, my husband and I will be in an empty home, and wish we heard the screams of our boys and the padders of little feet running back and forth. We’ll miss stepping on play-doh, and cleaning up random toys from in the bathroom. I know I will and I get sad even thinking about how fast that time will come. I mean, look how fast it’s gone already. Why waste it trying to keep a perfectly clean home. What’s the point?

Everyone should have at least one messy room if you have children. A room for when the time comes, you’ll clean it and start giving away the toys that your little one has already grown out of.

Yes. My house is messy. I have a large Mylar balloon currently staring me down from up above. And I don’t care.

I love my messy home and will cherish it for as long as my children will allow me to.

“I See Me” Personalized Books for Children – Review

Posted in Kids and Moms, Product Reviews by

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It’s the holidays. Perfect time for this review of I See Me personalized books for children.

I have been wanting to do this review for a long time. If you need something for a Christmas gift, a birthday, a baby shower or congratulatory gift, or even just a special memory from mom and dad, I suggest you check out http://www.ISeeMe.com.

My son received a personalized book from my late great aunt when he was born in 2008. I was unfamiliar with the company, and was so excited to see his personalized “My very own name” book. Unfortunately, she had misspelled his first name, as there are multiple spellings of it. They had great, no, excellent customer service. She had called to explain the misspelling of the name on her part, and without any issues, they re-sent a new book with the correct spelling and said to keep the other book as well.

I kept the other book for him to play with and see the pictures, he was young and I knew it may get damaged throughout the years. I kept the new book with the correct spelling locked away with my other sentimental stuff. I pulled it out for this review. Of course I had to let my son read it now that he is 6 years old and reading on his own. He was so excited reading it seeing his very own name in this book. Here it is looking brand new!

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First, middle, and last name. That is what is in his book. You can choose if you want to omit the middle name, but I think it makes it more unique. It depicts a story starting with the date he was born. Obviously all of this information being is entered by whoever is ordering the book so be sure everything is accurate before submitting your order.

The story reminds me of The Lion King when the animals all come together to watch for the child being born to be held up. All having a part in the circle of life. The animals joyously give their reasons why certain letters should be used in the naming of the child, and that there is something special tied to each of them.

All books are unique and specially created based on the letters of the name and the book that you choose. I’ll get into the other options later on.

Here is some of the content in our book;

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They have since added tons of book options. There are princess themed books, as well as some that you get sent to you, have your child draw in them or write the content based on which book you choose, you send it back, and they will create it into an actual story. I am really looking forward to trying one of their newer books for my 3 year old. It is something special they can have when they’re older.

Another option is whether to have it sent in a gift box or not. Mine was in a gift box, and has a cute gold tie on it. I think it adds a little extra to the book, and makes sure it has somewhere safe to stay. There is an additional fee for the gift packaging of $5.95.

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When you first go to their website, you’ll be greeted with the option of giving your email address to receive future promotional information about them, as well as a 20% off coupon code to new members – which is awesome!

They have virtual book tours which can definitely be a plus. You can make sure the book is exactly what you want it to be for your unique child.

Here are some of the other examples of book options from their website;

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They are growing and are not limited to just books any longer. They offer personalized puzzles, story boards,  ornaments, coloring books, placemats, stickers, growth charts, and so much more! They also offer gift certificates which are great as a gift for any occasion.

They are a fairly priced in my opinion. Maybe a little pricey, but definitely worth it for the keepsake. Books run anywhere from $29 – $40 plus shipping depending on the options you choose. Remember, you can get a 20% off code for signing up, which will bring the price down a bit.

If you’ve gotten a product from I See Me, I’d love to hear your experience and what book you chose!

There are so many to choose from it is going to be hard to pick just one!

BYE-BYE BINKY!

Posted in Kids and Moms, Self Help by

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BYE-BYE BINKY!

Here’s a tip to end the pacifier habit sooner than later;

Start off with limiting the pacifier to night/nap time only.

Get rid of the pacifier your child uses most and replace it with a new, fresh one of a bigger size (BIGGEST IS 18-36m). Odds are your child will try it, and not be comfortable with the new feeling of the bigger pacifier and reject it on their own.

Being that you’re still offering them a pacifier, they’ll think they are in control and not wanting it on their own. Eventually, the pacifier habit will be forgotten!

This has worked 2 out of 2 times in my experience. Anyone else have a similar experience?