Monday, May 30, 2011

Swimming class ends today

As the title states, the swimming class Kyle and I participate in is ending today. I am sad to see that happen.  While we have missed a few classes, it was really nice to know that I would see 3 of my girlfriends and their little dudes every week.

With summer approaching, it also means that 2 of those friends will be heading back to work soon - sigh.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

please follow on twitter

I would love it if you could follow me on twitter - @tlsofmommyhood.
There are lots of review opportunities out there, but they require a certain number of followers on twitter - so, if you want to see more giveaway's from me at the blog, click the link above and follow me!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Kids and junk food

I grew up in a house where we ate dessert pretty much every night; whether it was 2 cookies, a small slice of cake, ice cream cone - we were allowed after our supper.  We weren't made to clean our plates, but we did need to have "enough" as deemed by our parents.

My mother loves to bake - and she is terriffic. This meant that we almost always had homebaked cookies, brownies, muffins, cupcakes or cake in the house.  As long as we ate our nutritious meals, we were allowed to enjoy the baked goods - in moderation.

Moderation - I think that this is key. I am like my mother, we always have junk in the house (normally home made, but sometimes store-bought) and I let my oldest son eat it. He has such a variety of food in his diet (grains, dairy, fruits, vegetables and meats) that when he has 2 cookies - I am ok with that.  He doesn't get dessert after dinner EVERY night, but I will be honest and tell you that he has cookies/cake/popsicles or the like pretty much EVERY day.  He also eats peanut butter, chicken, eggs, apple sauce, yogurt, strawberries, carrots, broccoli, rice, salmon(a favorite), tuna, garden salad, steak, potatos, asparagus (one of his favs).
He is not overweight; he has no health concerns other than asthma; and he is a VERY active soon-to-be 4 yr old.

When I think of 2 cookies and the rest of his diet - it makes up such a small portion of the food he eats daily - and it doesn't KEEP him from eating the rest of the nutritious food that is provided.


So, what is your take on the situation? Do you let your kids have junk food on a regular basis, or is it reserved for special occasions only?

Sunday, May 22, 2011

BabyBond discount

Thanks to everyone that entered the BabyBond nursing sash giveaway.  Although there could only be 1 winner, BabyBond has supplied me with a coupon code for my readers! If you enter the code "TOM" when you checkout, you will receive 25% off your purchase - how awesome is that?

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Congratulations lucky comment #49

Congratulations Lindsay - comment # 49

Lindsay said...



I "like" Baby Bond on Facebook - facebook.com/heartsncrafts

True Random Number Generator


Min: 1
Max: 70
Result:
49

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

I have sent an email to the winner; they have until Sunday evening to respond, or another winner will be chosen!




Thursday, May 19, 2011

Gender sterotypes - do you follow them?

I have 2 boys. I love my boys. Julien has always been a "stereotypical" boy in the fact that he loves cars, loves sports, loves to be rough.  If he isn't dirty, I think he is probably ill.

Although he is in to all things "boy" - he is also drawn to nail polish and lipstick; women's shoes and purses.

I imagine this is because he spent the majority of time with myself, my mom and my MIL.  I have no problems painting his nails if he asks for it; I will put light lip gloss on him if he see's me doing it, and I get a kick out of seeing him try to walk in my shoes!

I don't want him growing up thinking that there is anything wrong with the colour pink; having a tea party or playing with dolls. Just as I don't see anything wrong when girls want short hair, to play with cars or to play sports.

What are your thoughts?

Lovely Pocket Diapers

As you know, I am very new to cloth diapering. The biggest complaint I have, is that the diapers are expensive. In the long run, much cheaper than disposables, but it's a little hard to stomach spending $20 + on 1 diaper.  When I came across Lovely Pocket Diapers on facebook, I thought it might be too good to be true - $7.00 per diaper? really - what's the catch? do they leak? fall apart in the wash?

I needed to build up my stash, as 8 was not cutting it. I decided to order 6. I anxiously waited for them to arrive (approx 10 days - not too bad!) and set about prepping them as soon as they came in!

I was pleasantly surprised when I felt the inner lining - very soft against babies skin! and they are super absorbant. I did a touch test when I changed him, and the lining was dry - but the insert was VERY wet.

I will most definitely be ordering some more of these Lovely Pocket Diapers, and recommend them - give them a try!

Please take a moment to vote for me!

Please click on the link below - that's all you need to do to vote! To make it more enticing, if you vote, you can have an extra entry into my open giveaway (BabyBond nursing sash - find it here) just comment "picket fence bonus entry!"

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Looking for a giveaway linky?

Check out A Sophisticated Mommy - she has a giveaway linky now on Saturdays! Add yours!

The effects of nursing

I nursed my oldest son for 13.5 mths - not once did I have a blocked duct, mastitis or any milk blisters.
I have nursed Kyle so far for 8.5 mths - and I now have a milk blister - it hurts. I noticed yesterday that nursing off my right breast was a little painful - but I thought that maybe his teeth were poking in. Then last night, I realized that my right nipple was sore - so I took a look, and there was quite a large blister protruding. OUCH.

There is absolutely no point to this post, I just needed to put it out there - that's all.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

and the winner is.........

Lucky comment #135 - belonging to leanne!

Random.org pick

Result:
135



Leanne, I have emailed you and you have until tuesday evening at 9pm to reply, or I will draw another winner! Congratulations!

Friday, May 13, 2011

I am so sorry for the inconvenience

Blogger was in read-only mode for almost 24 hrs, as well as a glitch that caused posts and comments from yesterday to be deleted.  I do keep track as they come in, and have added them back - but due to the blogger mix up I will allow anyone that enters the Hank Player giveaway to add in 1 extra entry. Leave me a comment with "blogger mess up" and that will count for you.

Again, I apologize for the delay and good luck!

GIVEAWAY BabyBond Nursing cover - (tomoson review)






REVIEW



I have never been a big fan of nursing covers - why would I want to cover my babies head while they eat? In the early days, I was very shy about nursing in public, and I can remember throwing blankets over both myself and the babe, trying to get him latched on without showing any skin. It was difficult. I tried a few different covers, but they seemed to attract MORE attention.

For the most part, I am comfortable nursing in public now- but there are times where I will find a private spot - and I know that there are many moms that are incredibly shy and uncomfortable nursing in public completely. This is the perfect solution. The BabyBond Nursing cover is meant to cover YOU and NOT your baby!

The BabyBond Nursing cover is a sash, and is pretty low key - which makes it very discreet!
It is easy to use - just slide it over your head and loop 1 arm through - open up the split in the sash as wide as you need to or are comfortable, and then get the baby latched on!  Using the baby bond nursing sash allows you to watch your baby, and your baby to watch you or look around! No more need to hide half of your body AND your baby. The sash is available in 3 different styles (original, couture and flex); it comes with a matching carrying pouch, and a detachable burp cloth! It is durable, light weight and easy to care for - just throw it in the washing machine!




nursing my son using the flex sash
I will mention that you should be really sure of the sizing - the chart is a little difficult to use (I ordered based on my weight/bra size) and it was REALLY too big - I normally am a Small/Medium (which would be size 2, but with their product I should have ordered a size 1)


Buy It:  Check out BabyBond Nursing and you can order online. They have created a coupon code for my readers that will get you 25% off your purchase, just enter the word "TOM" upon checkout (at the end of shipping address)

Win It: BabyBond Nursing is going to provide 1 of my readers the chance to win any item (in stock) from their website (open worldwide!!!)

Mandatory Entry :
Check out Babybond Nursing and tell me which of the 3 styles you would want to try, and what colour you would choose

Bonus Entries (mandatory entry must be completed or bonus entries will not qualify):

1)Follow me on GFC (3 entries)
2)Like my FB page
3)Follow Tales of Mommyhood and  BabyBond on twitter
4)Like BabyBond on facebook (it would be awesome if you thanked them for the giveaway at Tales of mommyhood!)
5)Share this giveaway (facebook, twitter, blog) and leave me a link to where I can find it


GIVEAWAY RULES: check out this post for more info


Remember, one comment per entry. Your entry is your comment (so if you leave 1 comment telling me you did all 5 bonus entries, that will only be 1 entry). I will number entries and use random.org to pick a winner.


Don't forget to leave your email in the comment (or have it visible in GFC), if I can't contact you - your entry will be excluded

The contest opens May13, 2011 and will run until May 20, 2011 at 9pm (EST) I will be using random.org to choose the winner. Winner will be contacted by email and will have 48hrs to reply back; if not, another entry will be chosen. Open World Wide. Good luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Thank you playtex

As a follow up to my recent post regarding the diaper genie refills being defective, and how unhappy I was that playtex had not followed up with my complaint; I am now happy to report that I have been in contact with their quality assurance team and they will be sending me out a few coupons so I can replace the defective units.

Thank you platex!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Nursing session

I asked a very talented friend of mine to take some nursing photo's for me. The nursing sessions Kyle and I have are times that I treasure, and I wanted photo's to remember them.  I don't have any from Julien, and it is my biggest regret.

So, here are a few of my favs!






where did you meet?

A friend and I were talking yesterday, about where/how we met our husbands. It got me thinking about when we first got together.

Our initial "meeting" was at a friends house, although we didn't speak to each other. The next time, was at a local bar on karaoke night, and that was really the start of it all. In my drunken haze, I kept pulling him up to dance with me.  The next time, was again at this same bar on karaoke night, and he asked me for my number.

We saw each other a few times, but November 12, 1999 - after the backstreet boys concert I attended with a few friends, was when we made it "official". After a few weeks - I told him that we were going to get married - I don't think he believed me - but here we are, 11.5 years later - house, married and 2 children!

So, what's your relationship story?

Monday, May 9, 2011

REVIEW - Bears n Buddies

From the website:

Introducing Bears n Buddies Canada - your one-stop do-it-yourself headquarters for teddy bears and other stuffed animals and accessories since 2005.


We offer you a wide selection of high quality unstuffed teddy bears & animal kits that you make at home. No more waiting at the mall in long line-ups to have stuffing blown into your new friend. And no sewing is required - close the zipper, cut the string, and seal the industrial-strength velcro & your Buddy is ready for you!

We specialize in Do-It-Yourself Birthday Parties!!

Review:

When the package arrived, Julien and I opened it together. I hadn't told him that we would be doing this, so he was quite confused when he pulled out an unstuffed bear.  I read the instructions and explained to him what needed to be done.

contents of the package


At first, he watched me and when I tried to get him to help, he didn't really want to. However, after watching me stuff the bears head, he decided to give it a try - and he did a pretty good job with it! I was actually surprised - based on his age - how well he did!




After we stuffed the head, arms and legs, we half stuffed the bear, he made a wish on his star and put it in the centre - and then we were able to finish.


making his wish on the star

adding the star to the tummy

With your animal kit, comes an adoption certificate - Julien decided that he wanted to name his bear "happy birthday bear".
his finished product, "happy birthday bear"

All in all, it took us about 20 minutes to make the bear - and he had a lot of fun in the process.

If your looking for a fun rainy day project, or need a craft idea for a group - check out Bears n Buddies!

bad mommy award winner

Have you ever won a bad mommy award?

I have 2 - from the past week.

Kyle and I picked up my brother from his shoulder surgery on friday afternoon. On the way home, he started SCREAMING. He doesn't LOVE the car, so I thought he was just tired of being in the carseat (although different type ofscream). So, we drive the 40 minutes (gotta love rush hour) get my bro home and I take him out to nurse him - the poor child, his car seat straps had been diigging into his neck AND his belly (were talking huge, deep, red marks). I felt so awful - so that was the first.

The 2nd happened yesterday morning - he was cruising along the bookshelf J built - and he reached for a book (but decided to use both hands) tumbled and scraped the skin off the tip of his nose - and a bump on his head.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Being a mom

In honor of mothers day, I thought I would post about being a mom.

All I ever wanted from life was to be a mom. When I was pregnant, I couldn't imagine loving my child more than I did at that time - boy was I wrong.

When Julien was born, I couldn't get over the overwhelming emotion that went with holding my child. Watching him fight in the NICU, getting stronger and breathing better everyday was amazing.

Holding him, connecting with him and finally being able to nurse him was the most incredible feeling I had ever had.

As he grew, watching him explore and grow into his personality - it was so much fun. When I found out I was pregnant with Kyle, again, I was ecstatic - but this time I knew the love I had for him in the womb was nothing compared to after his birth.
Seeing my two boys, experiencing life as a mom of 2 is absolutely woderful. It is the most incredible thing I have experienced, and I only wish that EVERY woman had that chance.

I was nursing Kyle this morning, and knowing that he gets his nourishment from me - well, I don't really have any words to describe the moment we had. But it was a fitting time seeing as today is mothers day.

So, if your mom is with you - giveher a hug; if she isn't, know that she felt these same things about you as I feel about my boys.

Happy mothers day

Good moning everyone - and happy mothers day to all you mam's! I hope that you all have a teriffic day and get spoiled by your children!

I don't have too much planned for today - heading over to my moms for dinner tonight - not sure what the day holds for me.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

StyleFind

I am a bzzagent and recently found out about StyleFind through there bzz labs!



Clothing, shoes, accessories and more - you can search over 500,000 items to find what you are looking for - all from top retailers!

I recently sined up (it's free!) check it out and see what YOU can find!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

If Heaven wasn't so far away

"If heaven wasn't so far away

I'd pack up the kids and go for the day
Introduce them to their grandpa"

these are lyrics from the song "If Heaven wasn't so far away" by Justin Moore

I recently heard this song on the radio, and it got me thinking about my dad. I would love for my kids to meet him; spend time with him and get to know him.

I would love to spend more time with him - the 15 years I had with him wasn't enough (although I don't think a lifetime would be enough either)

If Heaven wasn't so far away, who would you like to spend time with?

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Mothers Day

Mothers Day is fast approaching - Sunday, May 8th - only 4 more days.

What do you do? Do you spend it with your mom? Are you a mom? Will your husband/kids make you breakfast in bed? let you sleep in?

Leave me a comment and tell me how YOU will be celebrating mothers day this year! and, Happy Mothers Day to all my fellow moms and the moms to be also!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Canada's 2011 Federal Election

I am so disappointed with the voter turnout. I find it hard to believe that so many eligible voters don't CARE about the way the country is run.

To me, regardless of the outcome, Canada speaks - whether or not I am happy with the party that is voted in, really doesn't matter - because I exercised my right to vote - but so many ppl don't show up - and I have a very hard time grasping why?

I would be very interested to hear why those that didn't vote, chose not too - and being busy really isn't an excuse to me - because they give you opportunities to use advance polls. If your going to be away, you can arrange to vote in a different riding - you just need to do it ahead of time.

The Night Night Book - review

I was recently given the opportunity to review "The Night Night Book" by Marianne Richmond
When my oldest son was born, my mom gave us a copy of "Gift of An Angel" which is also written by Marianne Richmond, and I adore that book - so much so, that I have picked up copies and given them as gifts to new parents. When I saw that she had written a new book, I was anxious to check it out!


About the Author

Marianne Richmond started her own greeting card company (Marianne Richmond Studios, Inc) and has become a recognized creator of numerous books that celebrate milestones in life, memorable journeys, and relationships.  Since her first book in 1997, Gift of An Angel, writer and artist Marianne Richmond has touched the lives of millions over the past decade through her line of greeting cards and gift books.

Review
I love books; I love reading to my kids; so I was thrilled with the opportunity to check out this new book! When the book arrived, I opened it and had a peek before my son found it! I wanted a chance to really check it out.  It is a board book, so it is nice and sturdy. The pages are thick, which make it easy for little hands to turn them! Marianne uses bright, bold colours in her illustrations, which is great for helping to keep the attention of my son!  As a mom, I have come to realize that young kids like short, concise stories - if it takes too long, or gets too complicated they lose focus quickly - the author keeps to 4 lines on each page, using short, easy words that kids will understand.

As soon as Julien saw the new book, he got very excited. So, as I was preparing dinner my husband read him the story at the kitchen table.  He was pretty taken with it, and I could see him getting interested as my husband got further into the book.  When the story was over, we asked him if he liked it - and his answer was YES! I like my new book mommy!

I would definitely recommend picking up a copy to have in your child's library of bedtime books! It is a new one that we will be adding to ours!

If your interested in learning more about Marianne Richmond, or her work - check out her website