Before I had kids, shopping was a hobby of mine. It still is, but instead of shopping for adorable shoes and the latest clothing styles; I shop for baby clothes, toys and room decor for my kids.

I recently decided it was time for me to take some time for myself. A day of shopping, relaxation and pampering were on the menu. I started the day off at a nail salon, getting a French manicure and a pedicure. I sat in the plush massage chair while my feet receive some much needed TLC. I was in such a state of euphoria that I actually fell asleep; but was quickly assured that ‘it happens all the time.’ All that I could think was “I hope I didn’t snore!” I left the nail salon feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, just what I needed.

I headed over to the hair salon, ready to part with my nasty split ends. I always feel weird getting my hair done, I’m not one to make small talk, and I hate feeling like I’m supposed to engage in meaningless conversation. But the hair stylist was amazing, he eased into light conversation by asking about my family. After talking with him a bit, I found out that we were the same age, which totally took me off guard. Here I was thinking he was this young kid, right our of high school. I felt a bit uncomfortable for awhile; I felt so….old. What do I have in common with this guy? We may be the same age, but I sure don’t feel like it. So I asked him about his friends and family; it was nice to hear about what was going on in his life; it was nice to have a conversation with a real adult! A conversation that didn’t involve topics of poop, diapers and tantrums!

I ended the day by hitting up a few stores. I had decided it was time for me to re-evaluate my wardrobe. No more maternity jeans and old lady tops for me! Or so I thought…

It seemed as though each outfit I tried on just accentuated my flaws. After having kids, things just aren’t where they are supposed to be. Gravity has reared it’s ugly head and my body is a victim. I have rolls coming from places it shouldn’t. I want to hide this and cover that, without wearing a mu-mu! When I finally did find clothing that hid my flaws and felt comfortable, I realized these were styles that even my grandma wouldn’t be caught dead in. Seriously, you have got to be kidding me! My favorite past-time has now become a dreaded chore. Why oh why can I not find solace and peace in the one thing I had found comfort in just 5 years ago!?

I left the mall, cursing each and every clothing designer that came to mind.

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Rite Aid Introduces Tugaboos, New Private Brand Baby Care Line

Tugaboos Diapers First in New Brand, Now in All Rite Aid Stores

Informational Videos and Coupons Available on Video Values Site of www.riteaid.com

CAMP HILL, PA (May 20, 2010) – Rite Aid is introducing its new private brand baby care line Tugaboos, with Tugaboos diapers now available at all Rite Aid stores. Tugaboos compare in quality to the national brands but are priced much lower.

The new baby care line is part of Rite Aid’s plan to revamp its entire private brand program with a new look, new brands and additional offerings to meet the needs of today’s value-driven consumer.

Tugaboos uses new diaper design technology for additional absorbency and leakage protection and offers a money-back customer satisfaction guarantee right on the package. Tugaboos includes jumbo and overnight diapers and trainers and are hypoallergenic. Creams, lotions and wipes are among the products that will be added to the line of Tugaboos baby care products.

Parents and caretakers can watch short informational videos about Tugaboos-Premium Diapers and Tugaboos Training Pants on Rite Aid’s Video Values online savings program site at www.riteaid.com, earning $1 off coupons. Videos on the site can be viewed by brand, category or manufacturer. Customers also receive a $5 Rite Aid Bonus Coupon when they earn 20 video credits. Some videos are worth multiple credits.

Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,800 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia with fiscal 2010 annual revenues of more than $25.7 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through Rite Aid’s website at www.riteaid.com.

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I was contacted to review a CD titled “Beautiful Creatures – Children’s songs of Africa by Ed Jordan and Alan Glass”. I thought that this would be a great opportunity for our family since Little Missy is my “Dancing Queen”. She loves everything that has to do with music and dancing, or anything that puts her in the spot light; typical two year old right?

Well, I received my free copy of the CD and turned it on while she was coloring in her coloring books; she immediately got into the reggae feel of the music and danced around the living room! After we finished the CD, she wanted to listen to it over and over again!
I didn’t put up a fight, anything beats watching Yo Gabba Gabba all day!

Little Missy loves this CD so much that we made a copy for the car so that she can listen to it while we are running errands. My husband and I even find ourselves signing and dancing along! What I love the most about these songs is that they are actually educational and interactive! Each song is dedicated to a different animal and the lyrics tell a story about that animal. Even Little Missy, who has a significant speech delay, sings along to parts of the song.

I definitely suggest that parents with a child between the ages of 1 and 10 grab a copy of this CD! It’s a great way to engage in quality time with your children by dancing and singing together. It’s also become my savior when I need some quiet time; just pop in the CD and she is instantly dancing and singing, leaving me time to relax for a bit.

Want to win a copy for yourself?

Simply leave a comment stating why you want the CD!

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Giveaway Ends At 11:59pm CST On Monday, May 31st.

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I had the chance to review a few products found at Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio.
After just having had a baby, the chance to relax and pamper myself was a great opportunity!

I love any skincare product that I can get my hands on, but most of them are made with chemicals that I can’t even pronounce. So I was happy to find out that Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio uses natural and organic products whenever possible.

At Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio you will find products such as:
Handmade Shea Butter Soap
Butter Cream Hand and Body Lotion
After Shower Moisture Spritz
Natural Liquid Soap
Moisturizing Bath Salts
and Reed Diffusers

You can select from a variety of fragrances such as:
Tuscan Lavender
Truest Rose
Mandarin Vanilla
Winter Yuzu
Woodspice
Honeysuckle
Peaceful Patchouli
Grateful Geranium

I was lucky enough to receive the Reed Diffuser, After Shower Moisture Spritz and the Moisturizing Bath Salts all in Honeysuckle. After using the Moisturizing Bath Salts, I could already feel the difference in my skin. Immediately after my bath, I used the Moisture Spritz and headed off to bed. I had an amazing night’s rest, my skin felt like silk, Little Missy even kept running her fingers on my arms.
I’ve had the reed diffuser on my mantle for three weeks now and my entire living room smells like a sweet summers night. Did I mention how long this thing is going to last? I was afraid that it would run out quickly, but after three weeks, I can’t even tell that any has left the bottle!

I started out as a skincare junkie, with tons of products overflowing from my bathroom;my husband complaining about how much money that I spend on these products that don’t work. But my extremely cheap husband loves the prices at Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio; luckily for us their products are extremely affordable because I’ve caught him using my Bath Salts and Moisturizing Spritz more than a few times!

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I just want to pass this on to all of the parents out there! If you are like me, you have a cabinet filled with medicines, just in case your child gets sick while the pediatrician’s office is closed.

Tylenol has a voluntary recall out for several of it’s Children’s and Infant’s Tylenols. I’m not sure what brought on the recall, but I urge you to visit this site and see if you have this item in your house.

http://www.tylenol.com/page2.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/ndc_finder.inc

If you are concerned about your child’s health, contact your pediatrician right away.

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Mother’s Day is imminent and can someone please explain why every day is not dedicated to those beautiful vessels that brought each one of us into this world? Not that I’m calling anyone’s mama a boat. Go visit Wickedly Chic’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide, http://www.wickedlychic.com/giftguide/mothers-day and pick out something extra special for your mom this year. It’s the least you can do to make up for all those stretch marks, don’t you think?

Some of the participating businesses include: Paper Scissors Rock, http://www.psrock.com (whimsical clocks, magnets & greeting cards), Castle Baths, http://www.castlebaths.com (spa bath products), always B designs, http://www.alwaysbdesigns.com (custom stationery & gifts), Lissa Harlin Designs, http://www.secretgardenjewelry.com (jewelry inspired by nature) & Modern Tribe, http://www.moderntribe.com (modern Judaica store).

The Guide will run through May 29 and is open 24/7. Get your credit card out and start clicking away without stepping foot in the mall.

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As a mom, there are days when putting on my make-up and fixing up my hair just aren’t possible. When I was contacted by HairCoverings.com for a product review, I thought it would be awesome!

Now that I’m a mom of two, the stress has doubled. Especially with a defiant two year old and a one month old with a bottomless tummy, leaving the house to make appointments is a long process. It has become some sort of science that I can’t seem to master.

I received a beautiful hunter green scarf which can be used in a number of ways! I wrapped mine around my neck and it instantly made my jeans and tee outfit move up ten notches on the style ladder. By just wearing that beautiful scarf, I received many compliments on my look that day! Who knew that a $20 accessory would make my outfit look effortless yet classy.

At HairCoverings.com you will find many products such as; Hair Clips, Bandanas, Feather Headbands, Head Scarves, Hair Loss Coverings, Fashion Accessories, Headbands, Hair Accessories, Pony Holders and Banana Clips.

Check out HairCoverings.com for affordable ways to dress-up your look!

Simply leave a comment stating why you want the CD!

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Giveaway Ends At 11:59pm CST On Monday, May 31st.

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Well, Little Missy is two and a half; we first introduced the potty chair at 18months old. We didn’t push or even mention potty training, but she has always done everything at her own pace, that we figured bringing it into the house would get her used to having it around.

Around her second birthday, she expressed interest in potty training, but never sat on the potty long enough to go in it. She is now at the point where she absolutely hates having a dirty diaper, and brings us a clean diaper and the baby wipes each time she dirties her diaper.

So you’d think we are right there…almost using the potty and on our way out of diapers! But she refuses to go on it. I can sit her on there and just as soon as she is back in her diapers…she does her business.

So I read that Elizabeth Pantley just came out with her new book, The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution. She is giving away her whole set of No-Cry books to bloggers who help her promote her new book.
The books in her set include:
The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution
The No-Cry Nap Solution
The No-Cry Sleep Solution
The No-Cry Discipline Solution
The No-Cry Potty Training Solution
The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers

I would LOVE to get my hands on this set, not only will the Potty Training book be awesome, but now that I have a newborn in the home again…I feel like a new mom all over!

I’m also curious, what Potty Training tips have you tried that worked for you? I know that not all kids are the same…but I’d love to try as many solutions as I can.

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You must think I’m insane after reading that header…but let me explain!

Since I had Little Mister 5 weeks ago, I have been waiting for my C-Section to heal so I can start working out. Now, I’m not one of those skinny exercise freaks, but I’ve lost 20 pounds since I had him. I’ve NEVER lost that much weight before. I gained 12 pounds with Little Missy and never lost it. Even though EVERYONE told me I would lose weigh by breastfeeding. I then went up FOUR pant sizes after I had her..

I started walking last year, in an effort to lose weight, when I found out I was pregnant with Little Mister. Then I fell down the stairs and had that HUGE scare, not to mention that ugly cast…so I stopped walking and never got back to it. You know how that goes!
Well, I gained 14 pounds with Little Mister, and I am now down 20. I credit it with breastfeeding because the first 3 weeks, I laid in bed as much as possible and stuffed my face with loads of junk food.

So now that I am seeing my stomach get slimmer (pre-pregnancy jeans are still tight) I am motivated to lose more weight. I want to fit into my PRE-DATING David jeans! Yes, I still have them! I gained so much weight after I met him and then more after the wedding. Then of course I got pregnant RIGHT AWAY. I’ve actually been pregnant for most of our marriage.

Well, now to my story. We went out to CiCi’s Pizza, where I continued to stuff my face with pizza. I DID have a salad as well.
After leaving, I noticed there was a gym right across from the restaurant and I laughed. You could see everyone in their running on the treadmills and watching us eat. Now THAT is motivation. Watch a bunch of chubsters fill their mouths with buffet pizza while thinking to yourself “I don’t want to look like that.”

So I got the idea that I wanted to run when we got home. Yes, me…the one who hasn’t run since she was 12! Seriously, not even a freaking jog from me. I’ll walk all over town (ok maybe not ALL over town) but I HATE to run. If someone were trying to mug me, I’d seriously just give them what they want. There would be no reason to run, because they would just catch up with me.
Well, when we got home, we put both kids in the stroller and started our run. The deal was that we would walk from one light post to the other, then run from that light post to the next. We continued that a few times until I gave up because I was cramping. I blame all the pizza I ate. Maybe my mom was right when she said to let your food settle before you go back outside and play. I am alive, surprisingly not sore…but a little freaked out. Now I’ve got a butt on me, but geez…I didn’t think it would JIGGLE so much when I ran! Do they make support bras for your butt?

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I just had a baby, which some of you may or may not know. Which is why I haven’t been blogging much lately. He is a beautiful, VERY chunky one month old now! Wow, time flies!

So when Twitter Moms wanted to know what our tips are for managing day to day life, I figured I’d give it a shot. I mean, that is of course what I’ve come to master in the past four weeks.

So here they are, my 10 Tips For Managing and Organizing My Family.

Tip 1: Schedule-I’ve learned (even though I HATE alarm clocks) that having a set schedule helps things. Kids just behave better when they wake up and go to sleep at or around the same time each day.

Tip 2: Communication-You’ll never get anywhere unless you communicate what needs to be done.

Tip 3: Routine-Our days are pretty routine, we wake up and it’s diaper changes, breakfast, showers and off to run errands or get to our scheduled appointments. I try to make sure that nothing is planned around nap time, and even though my two year old won’t always nap, it’s quiet time so that I have time to run my home business.

Tip 4: Teamwork-As cliche as it may sound,things just run smoother when everyone works as a team. My husband and I don’t always see eye to eye (he just can’t seem to realize that I’m always right) but we try to make sure we tag team each project or chore. For example, when I cook dinner, he washes dishes…or vice versa. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t ALWAYS happen; but when it does, things are less stressful.

Tip 5: Organization-My house used to be immaculate, that was until Little Mister made his appearance 4 weeks ago, and well I’m just too freaking tired to clean. But,when my house is clean, I know where things are. Which makes things less stressful. You know what I mean, when you are running late for that pediatric appointment and you just can’t find your car keys. Then once you find them, you’re so frazzled that you run out of the house and don’t realize you forgot to put your shoes on until you get to the clinic. Try explaining that one to the Pediatrician! (Yes, this did happen to me–last week actually!)

Tip 6: Meal Planning and Preparation-We grocery shop twice each month and before we go to the store, I have a calendar with meals planned out for each day. This also help when I make my grocery list. This Meal Calendar helps to keep things in order each night when it comes time for dinner. Especially on those nights when I ask hubby to cook. He can no longer look absentmindedly in the cabinets while saying “I can’t find anything to cook.” That’s when I point to the Meal Calender with a smirk on my face while I head to the bathtub to get some quiet time. If there are meals that can be precooked, pick a day each week to cook and freeze meals. This can save SO much time during the week.

Tip 7: Planning-I hate driving all over the state just to get this and go there. So, if I need to grab something at a certain store, I try to plan my trip when I will already be in that area. It saves on gas and saves me time.

Tip 8: Have Fun-If your family is anything like mine, then it wouldn’t function without you. Your Top Momma and honestly nothing would get done without you. With that said, your always the one who has to boss everyone around. You have to play drill sergeant to get people out of the door and to their scheduled activities and you have to bark orders when their chores aren’t done. I’ve come to realize that my family listens to me when they are happy. So have some fun! It could be washing the car together and having a water fight or blasting music while you tackle the dust bunnies. They forget they are doing chores!

Tip 9: Get The Little Ones Involved-I only have little ones, so I get Little Missy involved by handing her the broom stick while I clean up in another room.It helps me get things done, it keeps her out of my hair, and she gets this huge grin because she is being “Mommy’s Big Helper.”

Tip 10: Throw It All Away-You can plan,schedule and organize as much as you’d like. The truth is, things happen! Let them. There is no sense in stressing out over being late to an appointment and driving like a maniac will only lead to something dangerous possibly happening. If your house is a mess,so what! That doesn’t mean it’s ok for creepy crawlies to be all over the place, but if there are toys in the living room and a pile of laundry that needs to be folded…leave it for awhile. Play with your kids, take them to the park, take a walk…whatever. You will never get these days back…you’ll have plenty of time to clean when your kids are grown and sending you the bill for their therapist.

Be sure to download the Mom’s Personal Assistant! We could ALL use the extra help!

Disclosure
This post is part of a blogging contest from the TwitterMoms community. There is a chance this post could be randomly selected to win a $50 Target GiftCard, so wish me luck! For more details, you can view the contest page here (http://icomp.ly/IconApps).

What Are Your Tips??

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