Published on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 by caryn
A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart til the day you die
 -Mary Mason
Even before I opened up a single book, I knew that my pregnant body would undergo a variety of changes, some of which might be uncomfortable. Morning sickness, fatigue, and hunger seemed like unpleasant but manageable symptoms... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by caryn
Have you ever wondered how a product ends up on the shelves at Walmart? I can imagine that getting Walmart to sell the product you've worked hard to develop would take your business to an entirely new level.
For the very first time, Walmart has announced an innovative new contest called Get On the Shelf. The nationwide search is on to find the latest "it" produ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 by caryn
So much of what I remember from my childhood was associated with experiences. My mom used our weekend day trips to the beach to teach me about sea life and our vacations to expose me to art and history. Because I'm a hands-on learner, I've strived to provide my children with the same type of experiential learning. My son, who just turned four, is an active, inqu... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 by caryn
About a year ago, I really started pursuing my passion for photography. I invested in an SLR camera (and some other equipment), read some books, and gleaned wisdom at conferences and informally through photographers I know and admire. Â And then I did what is probably the most important part of learning to do something...I practiced...a lot. Â In fact, I'm still pract... Read More »
Published on Friday, May 27, 2011 by caryn
The hubby and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our brand new iComfort Sleep System from Serta. He's a "hot" hubby, which means regardless of the season, he's always warm...particularly at night. I think he's most excited about the prospect of sleeping an entire night without having to open a window or turn on a fan while I simply can't wait to get a massage in ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 by caryn
I spend a good part of each day cleaning up messes. Â Crumbs and crayons are just some of the messes I've cleaned up in the last few days! Ironically, there are just a few times during the early years when messiness is welcomed...even encouraged.
Both of my children's first birthdays involved lots of crumbs and frosting (and I'm not talking about on the cake). Â It... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by caryn
While I find it beneficial to shop for my pregnant friends from a registry, sometimes I like to gift something unique yet functional. Â One of my top recommendations for creative baby gifts are from a company called The Baby Bunch. Â I've had the privilege of featuring the company several times and I'm always impressed with their latest in beautiful, usable gifts.
... Read More »
Published on Sunday, March 6, 2011 by caryn
I remember my son's first birthday like it was yesterday. Â His love for trains started early, and it seemed fitting to celebrate in one of the old trains at Travel Town. Â For a first birthday party, it went surprisingly well and the kids really enjoyed the venue. Â For many children, their first birthday is their first exposure to cake, as was the case with my son. ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 by caryn
To celebrate the release of Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster on Blu-ray and DVD, Zoinks Points recently launched the Scooby-Doo! Mystery Vacation Sweepstakes where one family of four will win an all expense-paid vacation to a mystery lake resort.  Ten winners will also receive a First Prize Gift Pack which will include a Scooby-Doo Towel, Scooby-Doo Blanket,Â... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 4, 2011 by caryn
Super Bowl and Valentine's Day are coming up very quickly this month and I know that many of us have chocolate on the brain! While Reese's and York Peppermint Patties will remain my all-time favorite chocolate candies, I do enjoy the diversity offered in Hershey's Miniatures packages (Milk Chocolate, Special Dark, Krackle, Mr. Goodbar). And with the big game comin... Read More »