What am I now!?

I've decided that I am going to stop worrying about what this blog should be, and just go back to my roots. I'm going to write about my family, my daughter, my adventures (and misadventures) in crafting, my Journey Barefoot, and try to share some awesome photos.
That's all I can do, and it's all I want to do. I want to go back to sharing my stuff.

Blog.... behind.

Wow, I'm so behind in updating my blog it isn't even funny.

Truth be told, there are few reasons:
1) Time. I haven't had much of it, so when I DO have it, I'm not spending it writing my blog. Which is kind of sad.
2) I go through cycles of things I like to work on. Sometimes its my knitting (which it is right now), sometimes it's making pendants, sometimes it's beading/making jewelry. Blogging has not been in the cycle as of late.
3) I haven't really felt like it. I'm sort of struggling with motivation in several areas - this, and my Barefoot Books business being the other.

Now, don't get me wrong. I still love my blog, my readers, my Barefoot Books, and all of my other hobbies. I guess it's the feeling of not being particularly good at any of them. The problem I find with my blog is that I can't seem to pick a direction to go with it. One minute it's a personal blog, one minute it's a business website, one minute it's a parenting blog... I feel like my blog has Disassociative Identity Disorder. These are all things that are important to me, but I don't want to write 18 different blogs just to cover them all.

So, I guess what I'm saying is... bear with me until I can settle on a direction. Again.

Many new beginnings

We have been so busy here lately! Today we were lucky enough to celebrate the wedding of John's friend Chris and his new wife Kim (or as one of our friend says it - Kis and Chrim) today. The ceremony was beautiful, so touching, and very personal to the couple. Not to mention, the reception was a LOT of fun! As evidenced by
:
I really want to stay up and post more, but I'm so sleepy!

Five summer getaways every kid should experience

Summer is a great time in the life of a kid. I mean, come on, no school, nice weather with which to do fun things with friends, an a chance to live what some would call the epitome of childhood!


So, how do you help your kids stay busy all summer? Social Moms and Alamo asked that question recently, and it got me thinking. There are some great opportunities available to kids, and these are the ones I think are the most worth looking into.


1. Send your kid to summer camp. There are so many things to be learned at summer camp, whether it's a day program or an overnight camp! Many town recreation departments offer camps at affordable rates to town citizens. Or, maybe your child is a Girl Scout and could go to Girl Scout Camp. Children learn so much about themselves when they have chances to do things that are out of the realm of "normal" for them. Outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing or swimming can teach new skills and a sense of accomplishment. When I was young, I looked forward to summer camp every year. Now, as a mom, I can't wait for my daughter to be old enough to start going to the same camp I spent so many summers at!


2. Take a family vacation. Now, now, before your kids start groaning, there are some fun trips that can be done with kids that are also educational. Some great ideas are: Washington, DC, campgrounds, dude ranches, and adventure trips. The thing I like best about visiting DC (aside from the fact that DC is our family destination this year) is that there is so much to do that is FREE to get into, like the Smithsonian museums or the National Zoo. But a dude ranch can be a lot of fun too, and many of these offer things other than just horseback riding, such as spas and pools.


3. Visit Niagara Falls. Whether you spend time on the US or Canadian side, there is so much to see there, besides just looking at some giant waterfalls. You can check out the Maid of the Mist, or Journey Behind the Falls if you really want to get wet! You can also check out the Butterfly Conservatory, or follow the Heratige Trail, where you can explore the historic sites of Niagara, learn about the War of 1812 and more!


4. Spend a day at the ocean, at least. This one can be hard, especially for people who live in the mid west, in the totally landlocked states, like Oklahoma. But the trip to the ocean is so worth it. My personal favorite is Ogunquit, Maine, if you like something touristy, or York, Maine if you want something a little more low key. You just can't relax at the beach like you can anywhere else, and it's such a unique place for kids to play and explore. It's amazing the things one can find in a tidepool!


5. Spend time with extended family. Give your kids the chance to spend some quality downtime with relatives they don't see on a regular basis. It's a wonderful chance for them to bond with their family, and learn a little more about their legacy. It gives your family a chance to know more about your kids, what they like and don't like, what their favorite subject in school is, and who their best friends are. Kids can form strong relationships with their families in such a short amount of time, so even if they protest, it's well worth the time.


These are just a few of the thoughts I had about great getaways for kids in the summer. I'd love to hear what some of your thoughts are! Leave me a comment and let me know!




I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

KIN 2m Ringtone settings

Okay, this post is so typically not like me, but I was so frustrated with not being able to come up with a consise method of HOW to make a new ringtone for my KIN 2m, that I decided that I'd post it, and if I could help one person, then I'll feel better.

It's so simple!

All you have to do is use an mp3 of the song you want to have as your ringtone. I suggest finding a way to shorten a piece of it down to no longer than 30 seconds. There are some good software choices, available free of charge, to do that. Just do a search online and you're bound to come up with something

Then, send yourself an MMS message. If you're like me, you're probably going "What the heck does that mean?!" Well, for me, I'm on Verizon, so it means I need to e-mail my phone. Yes, my phone has it's own e-mail address. Pretty awesome, no? So, to send an MMS message to my cell phone, I e-mail my 10-digit phone number @vzwpix.com, and it comes through like a text message. I've been trying to look up information for AT&T users, but haven't had any luck, so if anyone knows how to MMS an AT&T phone, please let me know!

So I type in the address, just like I was sending any other email:
TO: 1234567890@vzwpix.com
Then, I attach the mp3 file I want to use for a ring tone.

When the e-mail comes through on my phone, there are two options: SET RINGTONE or SAVE.

If you want the ringtone to be set for any incoming calls, then hit SET RINGTONE. If you want it to be for anything else, select SAVE. The phone already knows where to put it, and it will be under the "Melodies" section of your ring tone screen. From there, set it just like you would for any other ringtone/alert!

Pretty simple, right? I was thrilled to find out how easy it was. If anyone has instructions for how to MMS an AT&T KIN phone, please let me know so I can add it here!

Journey Barefoot

Do you Journey Barefoot?

I know not that long ago I posted saying I was getting started with Bamboo Pink. Well.... not so much. I wasn't crazy about the jewelry once the pictures started coming out, so it was hard for me to get excited about something I didn't really like.

But this... THIS I can be excited about!

I've signed on with Barefoot Books, and if you're not familiar with them, then you NEED to check out my website, especially if you're a parent. Barefoot Books sells a collection of beautiful childrens gifts, toys and books! My daughter loves to read, so I thought this would be a great way to keep her engaged, while also getting her to think about the world around her. Many of Barefoot's books are written with the world in mind, so they are often available in different languages, about different places, animals, and so on.

They invigorate the imagination with their illustrations and stories. My daughters favorite is I Took The Moon For A Walk. The first time we read it, she talked about that book for DAYS. It was amazing to see a book take such a hold on her!

So, consider this an open invitation for you to come visit my website, and see what Barefoot Books can offer you!

Free Entrance Days in the US National Parks

Mark your calendar for these fee-free days in 2011:

• January 15-17
  (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday weekend)
• April 16-24
  (National Park Week)
• June 21
  (First day of summer)
• September 24
  (Public Lands Day)
• November 11-13
  (Veterans Day weekend)

Fee-free days at more than 100 national parks.

Here’s a tip – many of your 394 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start Planning Your Visit!

Smartphone pictures pose privacy risks

For any of you that have an iPhone or another smart phone, PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO!

Bamboopink is the newest craze!

So, if you're on Facebook, my guess is that you've been seeing an explosion of a company called Bamboopink. If you haven't seen this explosion yet, I think you probably just either live under a rock or don't log on nearly enough. 


Let me give you a rundown:

You have until March 15^th to sign up as many friends and family members as possible with no sign up fees during the pre-registration period.  After that, the company will go into its Pre-Launch Marketing phase, followed with a major national marketing campaign making the opportunity available to everyone.

Your commission is at least 25% on all your sales. You also make a commission on the sales of EVERYONE you sign up! So if you have 10 people signed up under you you have the potential of making more money from their sales then from your own. You have until March 15 to get people signed up for free. Every person signed up under you can then get people signed up under them, thus making you even more money! You make a commission from your team, from their team on and on. Tthe actual commission percentages will not be released yet because they do not want their competition to know how awesome it is. Trust me, I know the numbers and it is amazing! You want to get some people on your team!

If you sell $1000 a month you make an extra 5% commission on all of your sales. 

All of the jewelry ranges from ABOUT $19 to $100! How many people do you know that could buy products in that range? I know lots. The prices are more competetive than Silpada and Lia Sophia, plus no cost to join up. 

This is just a handful of the info that is becoming available to the people who sign up now. I think the best part of it is that if, after signing up, anyone decides this isn't the opportunity for them, then they will be able to leave, with no obligation to the company, and (if signing up before 3/15) with no risk or loss!

To learn more about Bamboopink, visit http://www.mypinkinfo.com, and to sign up, visit http://www.bamboopink.com/mamaluna

Family Dinner Etiquette

Does your family eat with elbows on the table? Food in their mouth? Do they back talk you? What are some good ways to deal with rude behavior? If your family is anything like mine, you may have some work to do. 

It seems that today’s kids are bombarded with images of rude behavior - on TV, the bus, or in the classroom. It's considered "normal" to see kids wearing earphones while having a conversation with someone, or to spend hours on the phone or computer without regard to other family members needs.

So, what are some ways to deal with this behavior, and work towards modifying it? Let's look at some ideas:

1) Start by saying "Please," "Thank you," and "You're welcome." This is one of the most basic forms of etiquette, and one that people will appreciate anywhere, not just the table. Use these words all the time with your children, and they will start using them too. Role play, if that helps.  

2) Offer to help. Help set the table or clear the table. Imagine how impressed friends parents would be if your child helps with dinner! Definite brownie points with the girlfriend/boyfriend if the parents see this as the child gets older! These kids are sure to be invited over again.

3) Positive reinforcement - Point out the good behavior when you see it. Children like to please their parents, especially younger children. As a parent, I know that my daughter responds much better to positive reinforcement then to me yelling “No, don’t do that!”

4) Have a conversation - not a noise-fest! Don't allow children (or adults!) to talk with food in their mouths, or to chew with their mouth open. These noises are aggravating to some, and no one wants to see the food you've got in your mouth. 

5) Begin teaching etiquette from an early age. Many kids have never been told not to put their elbows on the table, or to put their napkin in their lap. Kids don't automatically know what to do or what is right or wrong. It is amazing the number of dates that go unrepeated because of poor dinner manners, or the number of job interviews that have been flunked over a lunch meeting. Start kids on the right track early! 

Keep in mind, these are only my suggestions. What are some of your tips for teaching your kids manners at the dinner table? Any creative suggestions? What has worked and hasn't worked? I'd love to hear your ideas!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Kraft Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese blogging program, for a free gift card worth $50. For information on how you can participate, click here.

New Header?

I've been thinking about getting someone to make a new header for my blog, something with a graphic of some sort, but I'm not really sure what to do. Anyone have any thoughts or tips on doing it? Any suggestions for where to look? I'd like to find someone on Etsy who is able to do it, because graphic design is just not my forte.

New Sewing Machine!!! WOO HOO!!!

Today I managed to get my hands on a new sewing machine. Well, new to me, but nonetheless, new. I am so excited! My favorite crafting blog ever, Ruffles & Stuff, has had some super cute projects that I'm dying to try. The one I'm the most anxious to make I can probably do pretty soon - Tiny tights to knee high socks. I think these are so adorable! There are a few other ideas that are super cute from that blog, so I'm totally sold on trying a few of them out. I think I might be raiding my daughters sock drawer looking for her old tights tonight....

Funnix Beginning Reading Program

Through the end of January, Funnix is offering their Beginning Reading program and Funnix 2 program for FREE! Since I'm all for anything that's free, I decided to give it a shot, since it's about a $249 purchase, typically.

We haven't started the program yet, but I figure since Hannah can recognize all of her letters and knows at least one sound most of them make, I thought it wouldn't necessarily hurt to give it a whirl. 

The course was put together by Siegfried Engelmann. "Zig" received the Council of Scientific Society Presidents' 2002 Award of Achievement in Education Research, and has authored books including Give Your Child A Superior Mind and Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons. You can find out more about Zig here. Looks like he's done some pretty impressive stuff, so I was inclined to try this program out. 

Everything I've heard is that this isn't a program to park your child in front of, then let them do it while you vacuum the living room - which is fine with me, because 1) I hate vacuuming, and 2) I wanted something that I could do with my daughter. We haven't gotten to start it yet, like I said above, but I have installed the program on my computer, and I need to find some time to print out all the papers that go with the program. There are 120 sheets that go with the first lessons, and 100 that go with the second, all of which need to be printed in order to use it with the program. There is also a teachers guide that goes with it, which I will read, but probably won't print out, because who can afford to print that much stuff??

The PDF workbooks are included so you are getting almost the complete Funnix system, which normally costs $249 plus shipping. There are no special codes required and it appears they are offering the Funnix system for free during the entire month of January. Also, the software won't expire, so once you have it, you have it forever.

The downloads take about an hour each on a cable internet connection, and there are three of them, so don't plan to download this when you want to start working with your child. This will take some preparation. I'll keep everyone posted of our progress (or not, if there isn't any), and I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the Funnix program too. Have you tried it? What do you think of it? Did it work for your child(ren)?

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. The Funnix software if free to everyone until January 31 (per the Funnix site). I am sharing this as a helpful resource to others who want to teach their child to read.

A simple way to make life better

This is my year.

This is my year to make my life better.

So, how am I going to do this? Well, by making simple changes in my life. As a working mom, simple is about the best I can do, but it's already been an improvement!

My big change this year was to just start walking on my treadmill three days a week. It was so hard to motivate myself to want to do it when I first started, but I feel so much better now that I've been doing it so much! My energy level is up, and I find myself able to keep up with my daughter, which makes our days so much more fun!

Another simple change I've made is to change the way I eat. Instead of eating candy bars and cookies all day (though trust me, those are still some of my favorite foods!), I eat more fruit, and when I really need something sweet to eat, those Special K Chocolaty Drizzle bars are the best! Their only 90 calories! But fruit, by far, has been one of the best changes for me. I started doing Weight Watchers before the new year, and on their current plan, I can eat as much fruit as I want! Not to mention, SIMPLE! Apples - don't have to peel them. Bananas - no core to deal with! And, my favorite fruit is now available in the grocery stores again! Yay! If you haven't tried an Ugli fruit (or a Uniq fruit), you've got to give them a go!

There are so many simple changes one can make in their day to day life that will make them feel so much better about the life they live.

Maybe it's to build your savings - put $5 per week in a savings account. It's amazing how fast that adds up!

Is your goal to get in shape? Find a friend and start walking!

Maybe you want to learn a new hobby? Start by taking a class! 

These are all simple things you can do to make a positive change in your life. Some things might be more time consuming than others, but they're simple changes just the same.

Have you made a simple change in your life that you want to share? Leave me a comment and tell me about it! Let's work together to make 2011 our year!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece.