Published on Sunday, November 27, 2011 by caryn
After surviving Black Friday and scoring some great deals, Cyber Monday is just around the corner for those who prefer to avoid the crowds and shop from the comfort of their own home. I still have some shopping to do, so I'll likely spend some time exploring some of my favorite sites, particularly for the kids since most of my shopping is geared towards them.
Ele... Read More »
Published on Thursday, June 23, 2011 by caryn
There is so much excitement and buzz around Disney/Pixar's latest action-filled racing adventure. I have the 411 on the latest Cars 2 video game, the hottest Cars 2 toys, the special activities being held at the El Capitan, and exclusive interviews with the talent.
Yesterday, the brand new Cars 2 Facebook app entitled Mater's Secret Mission, launched on the Walma... Read More »
Published on Friday, June 10, 2011 by caryn
With Father's Day coming up, I've been thinking about how to recognize the dads in my life. My husband, my father, and my father-in-law have all done amazing things. My father took me to school and picked me up every single day during my school years, cooked, and cleaned so my mother could pursue her career, my father-in-law took a job 300 miles away but came home... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 by caryn
I spend a good part of each day cleaning up messes. 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). It... Read More »
Published on Sunday, March 6, 2011 by caryn
I remember my son's first birthday like it was yesterday. His love for trains started early, and it seemed fitting to celebrate in one of the old trains at Travel Town. For a first birthday party, it went surprisingly well and the kids really enjoyed the venue. For many children, their first birthday is their first exposure to cake, as was the case with my son. ... Read More »
Published on Monday, January 24, 2011 by caryn
Last week, I told you about a pretty fabulous contest from Sears and Whirlpool. Through January 31st, they've teamed up to give away a Whirlpool Duet laundry pair and this is one super easy contest I would LOVE to enter. Both the washer and dryer are front-loading which means they are energy efficient, water conserving machines! This week, I thought I'd share ju... Read More »
Published on Monday, January 17, 2011 by caryn
Laundry...it is literally a part of my daily life. With two small children in the house, I have to stay on top of it or it gets out of control. And who really wants to spend an entire day sorting, washing, drying, folding and putting away laundry?
Since the amount of clothing we go through isn't going to change anytime soon, I have to be really efficient about the ... Read More »
Published on Friday, January 14, 2011 by caryn
I haven't formally announced it yet, but in March, I will be heading to Orlando for my very first visit to Walt Disney World Resort! In December, I submitted my registration to attend Social Media Moms Celebration at the Walt Disney World Resort and I was approved. So this SoCal gal who grew up going to Disneyland from the age of 2 will finally head to the other sid... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 by caryn
Do you need new appliances? Could the ones you own use a little revamping?
Starting today, you can enter to win a suite of appliances from KitchenAid (valued at $7,000), Service Live Credits toward remodeling (valued at $1,000), and a phone consultation with kitchen design expert Susan Serra. Simply submit a photo of your old kitchen appliances between now and... Read More »
Published on Thursday, June 24, 2010 by caryn
As a "green" parent, I'm always interested in learning what companies are doing to protect and preserve our planet. I recently learned that Crayola is using renewable energy, reducing waste, and protecting rainforests in an effort to work towards providing a healthier environment for children. Additionally, solar panels are being used to provide power to make 1 bi... Read More »
Published on Thursday, June 10, 2010 by caryn
It's very, very rare that I enter general contests (but blog giveaways, absolutely!). With that being said, I've entered my son into Ronzoni's Smart Taste Photo Contest. Very soon, consumers (and you!) will be able to vote on your favorite photo. Pasta is one of my son's favorite foods so I thought this would be a fun little project for us.
Since we were only... Read More »
Published on Monday, May 24, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Valancia #112!
I've been deemed crunchy by many of my friends and family members. And I'm actually ok with that designation because, the reality is, we are learning more and more about the potential health hazards posed by many of the cleaning products we use in our homes. I switched to green cleaning products during my first ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 by caryn
For the past 3 1/2 years, I've been wearing either a maternity or nursing bra. If anyone needs a new bra makeover, it's me (hehe!).
Did you know, that seven out of ten women are wearing the wrong size bra? (I did!). According to Playtex, wearing the wrong size bra can lead to back and shoulder pain, bruising, and digging (ouch!). After all is said and done ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 by caryn
That is the question Miraclebody is asking women across the country. Off the top of my head, I can think of several. My mom...my best friend...the woman that "shaped" me into the daughter, wife, mother, and woman I am today. My very best friend Amy...who inspires and motivates me to dream big.
In honor of all of the women who do amazing things, Miraclebody is s... Read More »
Published on Sunday, April 25, 2010 by caryn
If you've seen my hair in pictures, you most likely have seen it straight. What you may not know is that I have curly hair....really curly hair! So how do I get it straight? With a flat iron! For many, many years, I assumed that the health of my hair was related to the products I use, the treatments I get done (i.e. highlights), and how often I cut it. Howev... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by caryn
When my babies are little...infants...I keep them close to me. Even with two, I try to keep my daughter in a carrier as much as possible. These days, running after a 2 year old with a baby strapped to me is both convenient and challenging, depending on what we're doing. And if I'm going to get anything done around the house (or get in a shower) I have to put her... Read More »
Published on Saturday, February 20, 2010 by caryn
Evenings are my respite. That is when my husband comes home and gives me a bit of a break with my son. Very often I'll hear them upstairs giggling and squealing...And I know that my husband is forever changed by these babies of ours. These are the moments...the one's my children and I will remember...recognize. But they're the most important...those unsung momen... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 19, 2010 by caryn
I don't have the opportunity to spend nights out with my girlfriends much these days, but when I do, it's usually with moms just like myself. Once you become a parent, it's hard for others to empathize with you when your toddler sticks a crayon up his nose. So most of my nights out with the girls are with other moms. Other moms who have similar stories about thi... Read More »
Published on Saturday, February 6, 2010 by caryn
My son learned the names and locations of his body parts during bath time. He is able to distinguish his right from his left because of bath time. He practices swimming during bath time. In our house, we utilize bath time for many important things. We use it for learning and playing. When my son was a baby, he didn't like the bath. In fact, it was miserabl... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 by caryn
It's not often I post about contests. It's not that I don't enjoy them...it's that there are so many that I could never find time to post them all. So I strive to bring you only THE best contests! Serta is hosting a "Get Sheepless with Serta" promotion and the grand prize is a brand new Serta mattress (very cool!). I've already entered and it's easy! The bas... Read More »