Sleep Yourself Skinny

Better late than never right? Hm, I just realized that could be said for Dear Aunt Flo, but I'm talking about posting late today. Generally, I'm on top of it and have my posts pre-done, but lack of sleep and hubby this weekend, with two children that get up at 6am and I'm wasted tired.

I've also decided that I'm no longer blaming my size on baby-weight because in reality, it's lack-of-sleep-weight. Did you know that? One of those nifty Ivy League schools did a sleep study and found that on average, people who got less than 7 hours of sleep each night could have up to 33 extra pounds of weight. Yikes! So not only does having babies make you fat, but keeping them makes you fatter! That was so not in ANY of the baby books I read.

Since mid-December last year, I joined a gym and have made a conscience effort to lose 25 pounds. Total loss so far? Nada. Yup, nothing.

Discouraging, yes, but I have a goal and I'm going to look hotter when I hit 30 than I ever did at 29. Ah heck, since 22 realistically. I want to be one of those moms that other people see and say, "She's had two kids? No way! She looks fabulous!!" I'll even take the snide remarks, "She must have had some work done. Skinny B@#$&."

I know I'm not the only one. Unless you're Marisa and get to be naturally skinny (grrrrr) then you're probably struggling like I am. And if you're putting forth the effort with diet and exercise too, then sleep may also be your culprit. Maybe we should start a movement, Sleeping Yourself Skinny. Couldn't hurt right? Plus your children will have the added benefit of a well rested mama and I don't know about you, but sleep equals patience and I need that in spades.
*Yawn* Naptime anyone?

Originally posted 6/29/09 here

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EtsyKids Design Challenge for July is...

Each month EtsyKids Team members are challenged to create a unique item within a chosen theme. This month's challenge is 'School Days!', picked by last month's winner BellaParis. EtsyKids members will have until July 19th to submit their entries, and voting will be open to everybody from Tuesday, July 21st to Monday, July 27th. So, be sure to come back to the EtsyKids blog for a new post on the 21st to see all of the entries and VOTE! In the meantime, click here to get a sneak peek at some exciting entries so far!

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Featured Shop - ciaobambino

I am happy to be able to highlight another beautiful shop this week, ciaobambino.

After years of planning parties for her own six children and trying to find party decorations to fit their personalities, Ciao Bambino tried her hand at creating fun custom decorations with much success!

At Ciao Bambino you'll find whimsical decor that will make your child feel like the star they are on their special day. Custom orders are also welcome in addition to what you see in the shop.

There are cute cake toppers, banners, party hats, wedding shower tags and more to be found with postage available worldwide.

I will be stopping by for my son's 3rd birthday in October and I think it will have to be the pirates that win this year, I can't resist them.

enjoy!

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Looking for toys for my boy

Well I have started my b-day shopping already for my big boy. He will be five at the end of August and the days seem to be flying by already, so I thought I would start my shopping now. I have gotten a few things already but I found a few I want to get but need to make a little more money before I can finish my shopping.

So when I get my money I will have to hunt you all down, lol.

Like I sooo want to get this for him. It is great for us, because we are homeschooling and it would be totally beneficial for him.

By Tootsiebear

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11915267

I love toys for my boy and I really love it when they are educational too, it is like a two for one in my brain, LOL. What is better than learning while playing?
He would also love these little guys

by Kidnaroundcreations

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24203067

He loves firemen and police and this would just be sooo much fun for him to play with.

And what little boy wouldnt just love this here wooden tool set.

by Prettydreamer

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24888043

Now I have to get to work and sell some stuff so I can get these for my little boy. LOL. Have a wonderful day and enjoy creating.

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Anyone Else Hate to Cook?

I'm so not a chef/cook by any stretch of the imagination. Really, I hate cooking. I keep thinking that maybe my disdain is due to having a small kitchen, no "proper" training or a fridge that doesn't have the freezer on the bottom (I'm sure I'd enjoy cooking more if I had a freezer on the bottom).

So, I'm all about making it asap with minimal effort and if I can avoid touching raw meat, BONUS!!! Here's a complete, simple meal that's ready in an hour, but only because the chicken bakes for that long. Prep time is only five to ten minutes. Serve with canned fruit like peaches and some fresh from the store bakery French bread.

Entree: Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients

1. Boneless, skinless, frozen chicken breasts (4 or however many you can fit in a 9x13 baking dish) The chicken doesn't affect the taste or the overall dish, so you can make as much or little as you need.
2. 1 can cream of mushroom soup (I use the fat free one)
3. 1 cup of milk
4. 1 packet of onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place froze chicken breasts into baking dish then mix together cream soup, milk and onion soup, until blended, and pour over the chicken. Bake for 1 hour. Serve over rice.

Salad: Cranberry Almond
Ingredients

1. Dried cranberries (I use Craisins)
2. Slivered almonds (you can find these in the produce department next to the croutons)
3. Shredded mozzarella
   
4. 1 package of ready to use salad lettuce mix
5. Dressing of choice (I like ranch with the cranberries)

You can buy everything ready for use (so simple), so all you need to do is throw it all together in a bowl and use however much or little of each ingredient as you want. The cranberries have a nice tangy flavor and the almonds provide a little crunch. Yummy and simple.

Enjoy!

Originally posted 7/2/09 here

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It's True

Really, it is. Today is the big 36 for me. 36 years, hard to believe. If I were a kid again (and believe me I've tried!) I would have a ball with EtsyKids (well, in fact, I still do!) But here is what I'd order, for me! :)

a fantastic tutu skirt from lexiloudesignulove

and wonderful booties from funkyshapes!

...ahh to be young again!

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Personal Independence

I WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A WONDERFULLY CELEBRATORY INDEPENDENCE DAY! GET OUT AND HAVE FUN! XO

In our professional and personal lives, we often lose track of our own needs--and rarely address them. Make this Independence Day different!

1. Step 1
   Pick a day that belongs to you and you alone--no meeting family needs or job requirements and proclaim to all that this is "MY INDEPENDENCE DAY".
   
2. Step 2
   Go to any place that brings you serenity and allows you to focus and identify how you got SO lost-and how you can find yourself, by identifying those activities and behaviors that makes you feel content, fulfilled and at peace.
   
3. Step 3
   It may have been a long time since you have focused on yourself, so bring a pen and tablet, to list your own needs. Until your own needs are met, it's pretty hard to satisfy others, without harboring resentment.
   
4. Step 4
   Announce to family and co-workers that you are making changes in the way you participate in life--AND follow thru.
   
5. Step 5
   Your new found activities may include joining a gym, or a garden club, taking a class, learning to play an instrument or even learning about the artist in yourself, through a craft.
   
6. Step 6
   Keep the new you in the front of your mind, because it is much easier to slip back into the old routine of being everything for everybody.
   

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Friday Finds: EtsyKids Central region

Today's Friday Finds are based on one of our regions' team tag "EtsyKids Team CEN," which is the Central region (Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana).

1. 12m girls sweatshirt jacket by Perennialpiecer.
2. Blue Daisies Toddler Skirt Fully Lined by OnTheSweeterSide.
3. Punk baby goth Girls Skull and Crossbones Michael Miller baby or toddler blanket by RockerByeBaby.
4. Ladybug top for 18 inch dolls by Jillsfabricdesigns.
5. Chihuahua Dinner Party - Burp Cloth Set by Apap3rgirl.
6. Educational Summer Flipboard Game Set by TootsieBear.
7. Owl Tote Bag - Orange and Corduroy - Adult or Child by Everydaycelebrations.

Hope you have a wonderful July 4th weekend! :-)

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Featured Shop - mama made

While searching for an interested shop to feature this week I came across what I think to be one of the best inventions that I have seen for a long time. I must not be the only one either as there is currently two weeks wait for your order to be shipped! I think well worth the wait....

Mamamade reusable sandwich and treat bags are a welcome change in a disposable world.

These too cute sandwich/treat bags are the perfect size for a sandwich and also great for snacks like cookies, carrots and more. The outside of the bag is a 100% cotton print. The bag is lined with a waterproof PUL (polyurethane laminated knit - used commonly in cloth diaper making), and a polyester thread is used for increased strength and durability. When you're done using a bag, just shake out the crumbs, or if it gets messy just toss it in the washer and line dry.

The 100% cotton prints are to die for and if you are a little fabric obsessed, like I am, you will find it hard to pick just one.

Mamamade does ship internationally simply contact her for a quote if you are outside USA or Canada.

Apart from the reusable snack bag invention there are lovely toys, quilts, even shirts and burp cloths in mama made's shop so it is well worth stopping by.

Enjoy!

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School will be starting here around the corner

I personally homeschool my son, but I know I have to encourage him to want to do his work, so I created some back to school crayon roll sets to get him motivated. He is only in Kindergarten so not too much work there. LOL. So I though this week we would do a search on back to school items. Apparently I got started a little early because there wasn't too many, but I did manage to find a few.

Such as these really cute bottle-cap images, they would make some cute little pony tail holders or bows. You could even make them into magnets to hand out for all the kids in the class as a back to school gift.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27024988

This is by bbsbowtique.

And I thought these are perfect for back to school, send your daughter to school with an apple in her hair.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21531084
By lilibugboutique

And then here is my back to school item.

Hope y'all won't be insulted by my including myself in the blog this week.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27185952

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A camping we will go...

Seriously, I had to boot my husband off of the computer so I could get to work. What I love about working is the part of getting to look through all of the wonderful EtsyKids' finds! Well, as the husband closed his search on pull-behind campers, I myself stumbled upon a camping find of my own!

I really really want to be a kid again!

Kids Play Tent by Babypop!

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Design Challenge for June...and the winner is

4. Camo Critters Puppy Tee and Camo Shorts by BellaParis

Congratulations to the winner of this month's challenge - Camo Critters Puppy Tee and Camo Shorts by BellaParis (aka Sweet Dreams Designs)! Sweet Dreams Designs is a lovely store selling unique handcrafted kid's clothing that are bright and fun. You can visit them at bellaparis.etsy.com or check out their other site at www.sweet-dreams-designs.net

We had an EXCELLENT selection of entries this month and a close race. Cheers to all of you that participated!

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Different...

Good Morning Divas!!!
I hope everyone had a fantastic week, despite the tragedy's in the entertainment world. I know all three deaths impact almost the entire worlds population. It makes you see that even people we grew up thinking were untouchable....well, aren't - and we should cherish each moment we have with our loved ones and live life to the fullest.

Today I would like to share a small piece that my boyfriend (for you Sex and the City fans - he's my man friend - LOL) sent to me and I got it yesterday.


People share so much in common, yet are so magnificently different. They think differently; they have different and sometimes competing values, motivations and objectives. Conflicts naturally ark out of these differences. Society's competitive approach to resolving the conflict and differences tends to center on 'winning as much as you can' Though much good has come from the skillful art of 'compromise', where both sides give on their positions until an acceptable middle point is reached, neither side ends up truly pleased. What a waste to have differences drive people to the lowest common denominator between them!!! What a waste to fail to unleash the principle of creative cooperation in developing solutions to problems that are better than either party's original notion!!!

This, of course is true with your significant other, work affiliates and kids, it is true in almost any situation. It feels extremely uncomfortable at first (for a professional arguer like myself) but once you get in the habit of really listening to the other opinion instead of just 'thinking of what you'll say next - once they shut up'. I can personally vouch that this does, indeed work!

Enjoy your weekend! Me and my crew are off to the pool!

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Featured Shop

Each week I have decided to feature an etsykids shop - there are so many talented people within the etsykids team that I thought that it would be great to highlight some of the great talents I find along the way.

The first shop that has caught my eye is Butterfly Baby Place.

Butterfly Baby Place was established in August 2008 from the inspiration of children and butterfly kisses. You will find something for both sexes including lovely old fashioned boys rompers, beautiful girl's dresses and aprons for both sexes, I even saw a great chef's hat!

Butterfly Baby Place ships worldwide and loves creating custom orders.

One thing that I particularly love about about this shop is that there are a wide range of sizes to choose from starting at 6mths and working up to 10 years!

You can visit the blog here to get updates on fabric choices and sneak peeks!

Why not stop by and show her some love.......enjoy!

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Kids in the Kitchen

Each week I hope to bring you some inspiring - or just plain ol' fun - recipes, activities and ideas that you can do with kids...in the kitchen! I'll try to feature and shine a spotlight on some related shop listings from our EtsyKids members as well (the best shop owners on Etsy, right?!?!)!

This week on EtsyKids' Kids in the Kitchen...let's talk about PICNICS!

I'm pretty sure that every single child on the planet loves eating their meals outside! And now is the perfect time to pack a lunch and head outside for a little food and fun in the sun! Here are some helpful tips and healthy ideas for your picnic lunch with the kids!

PICNIC TIPS:

• Pack your picnic basket with what you need 1st on top such as a tablecloth or silverware on top.
• Keep cold food cold and warm food warm to prevent spoiling. Don't place warm food in your cooler. Wrap the dish in towels.
• Store any uncooked food (if you are grilling) separately from cooked, prepared food.
• Freeze a few juice boxes to help keep things cold and for a cool drink later in the day.
• Place your food in zippered baggies and then on top of the ice in your cooler. This keeps food from getting wet once your ice starts melting.

PICNIC FOOD:

Picnics are all about fast, easy to handle & easy to store menus! That's why kabobs are so much fun to prepare and take along on picnics! Forget about the kabobs you toss on the grill...you can make fresh and healthy "mini-lunches" on kabobs any time...and kids will love them! All you need is simple wooden skewers (you can find them at your local grocery store) and an assortment of healthy foods easy for skewering!

Here are some great ideas for making delicious kabob skewers to take along on your next picnic:

• Great Snack: Cheese and ham cubes
• Fruit Salad on a Skewer: Cut fresh fruit into one inch cubes or chunks: watermelon, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, bananas, & apples - to keep the fruit from "browning"...toss the cut fruit in a small amount of lemon juice before skewering. Also...freeze the fruit kabobs for an extra special treat on a hot summery day!
• Salad on a Skewer: Cut up chunks of fresh veggies for your children to use to create their own fresh salad kabobs - cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets & carrot chips. You can also pack small containers of hummus, ranch dressing or your child's favorite dipping sauce too!
• For a fun dessert kabob: Go to your favorite local donut shop and get a variety of donut holes. Have your children skewer donut holes onto the wooden skewers for a yummy treat!
  

Here are some great shop listings from EtsyKids Members to help you pack a perfect picnic lunch...just click on the images to go directly to the shop items!

Insulated Cool Sak from Naturally Felt, Reusable Sandwich Bag from MamaMade, Travel Bib from Odannysgirl

If you have an idea for an EtsyKids' Kids in the Kitchen blog post or would like your "Kids in the Kitchen" related shop items to be featured...just email Nicole, owner of Lil Boo & Co., at ncpnkr@aol.com Subject Line: EtsyKids Blog

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Just Nod and Smile

When I first got pregnant with my daughter Peri, I was adamant that I wanted a drug-free labor and I was bound and determined to make it happen. I did my research and Jim and I attended Bradley Method classes with 2 other couples. We were all set to go, armed with our information, my coach of a husband and my own personal relaxation techniques. I was going to do it.

The only mistake we made, was telling other people. This is one of those new parent instances, where as someone experienced, you should just nod and smile and say, "That's great! Good for you." We all have our ideals and the nicest thing you can do is to let people hold onto their delusions. Instead, I was constantly met with negative comments; "It's going to hurt. You'll want the epidural," "Why in the world would you do that," "No one's going to give you a medal."
My response was usually, "Really? Have you tried it?" To which the answer was ALWAYS "No." Hm, so I guess you can't knock it 'til you've tried it, right?

Well, anyone that knows me should know that telling me not to do something, will only make my decision even more resolute. And guess what? I did it. Oh yeah, drug free, baby! Not once, but twice. I labored and delivered twice with nothing but my determination. And I'd do it again, dagnabit!

In fact, shortly after having Peri, there was a request in FitPregnancy for readers' responses to whether or not they wanted drugs in the delivery room. Of course I had to write in and share my personal experience and lo and behold, they contacted me to tell me they were printing my response.

"I didn't want anything to do with pain medication. I knew that if I could work with the pain, rather than against it, I would be fine. Yes, it was the worst pain I have ever felt, but looking back, I wouldn't have done it any other way."
April/May 2005 Fit Pregnancy Issue

As if that weren't cool enough, they sent me an Evenflo ExerSaucer SmartSteps activity center. Those things are around $100 and they were sending me one for free just for printing my response! How cool was that?!

And so, to all those naysayers who told me I "wouldn't be given a medal," I say, "Are you kidding?! I got the best medal ever! And both of my kids got a lot of use out of it." Once they figured out the toys were on top, that is. :o)


Originally posted 6/8/09 here

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Happy Father's Day!

Dads come in all shapes and sizes and can be our natural fathers, stepfathers, fathers in-law, friends, however they've come into our lives they are our heroes - Happy Father's Day Dads from EtsyKids!!!

fantastic hand painted canvas sign from imnotspoiled designs!

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VOTE NOW!

It's time to vote for your favorite item! Voting will be open through midnight EST on Saturday, June 27th.

This month, EtsyKids members were challenged to create an exciting new item based on a theme "My Pet!" and as usual, they did an outstanding job. Please be sure to check out the entries below and VOTE!

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Fabulous Entries:)

1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9.
10.11.12.
13.14.15.
16.17.18.
19.20.21.

1. Run Bunny Run Dress Little Girl Jumper by thetrendytot
2. Crochet White Kitty Cat Hat with Earflaps by amotherscrochet
3. Mommy's Little Monkey Hair Clips by Emmaleesboutique
4. Camo Critters Puppy Tee and Camo Shorts by BellaParis
5. Natural Child Friendly Crocheted Cotton Amigurumi Turtle - OOAK by sabahnur
6. Big Belly the Turtle - Weighted Stuffed Animal by cuddlebugkids
7. My Pet Pony-I Love Horses Bottlecap Charm Pendant Necklace by craftyaddictions
8. Cat Kitten Face Yellow Purse by SewSoNancy
9. XL Here Kitty, Kitty Flannel Baby Blanket -DOUBLE SIDED by cuddlebuddies4kids
10. Crayon Roll Up - Dalmations by DancingKat
11. Personalized First Birthday Bib by sewsosweetboutique
12. Puppy Bath Mitt - Toy or Washcloth by crochele
13. Doggie Blue Beanie Newborn by NinisHandmades
14. Ale's Pink Pet Elephant Hair Clip by CuzItClipz
15. Atomic Doggy Reversible Bib by babycheeks
16. Photo Prop Puppy Dog Cocoon and Hat for Newborns by BurryBabies
17. Little Bunny Tutu with yards of soft pale pink tulle by piggytailsboutique
18. Pinkie the Horse on Pink and White Tee by plumtreestudio
19. Upcycled Recycled Felted Wool Striped Plush Cat by woodponddesigns
20. Woof Dog Applique Onesie by TheRoyalDetails
21. Little Goldfish Hair clip by happygrandma402905

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