Do You Have an Adrenaline Junkie?

Posted Monday, June 07, 2010

I could say that my 3-year-old is a daredevil, but that doesn't seem to tap into her need for a thrill. In fact, I think it's fair to say that my daughter is an adrenaline junkie.

I never had to childproof the house for Peri, but Ryah on the other hand has been curious from the start. If it can be opened, climbed on, jumped off of, she'll do it. Lately, she's taken to climbing halfway up the stairs and jumping down to the landing with a really loud thump. I don't always catch her doing it and I swear I'm just waiting for her to sprain her ankle or something.

Last weekend, Jim and I took our first big trip without the kids and my in-laws were kind enough to watch the chicklets. They took the girls to the local aquatic center for swimming and good times. Ryah likes to jump off the side of the pool in the deep end and my MIL had to constantly keep tabs on her because she'd just jump in when no one was around. When Pat would pull Ryah up she'd be all smiles and wanted to go again. She even tries to step to the side and jump in next to you so you won't catch her. She loves the thrill of it!

Then this weekend my neighbor was showing Ryah her garden. About 20 minutes later, they both came strolling down to my house and Ryah was carrying something. "Ryah has something to show you." A freakin' garden snake! She just picked it up and started playing with it by whipping it against the ground. By the time I saw it, it was dead. Not sure if she found it that way, but it looked recently dead. I couldn't believe it. After tossing it in the debris bin we asked Ryah if she was scared of spiders and she said, "yes." When asked if she was scared of snakes, she said, "no." Ack!

So, apparently I need to keep a closer eye on my adrenaline junkie or enroll her in a 12 step program. Yup, AA, Adrenaline Anonymous.

7 Days to an Organized you....well....

Posted Saturday, June 05, 2010


...so here I go again - organizing attempt number 10,329...tisk! I saw this one on Yahoo's home page and fell in love (as I always do) because it's just a little bit every day - -doesn't seem quite as overwhelming! I'm very excited to get started Monday! I won't type out the entire article because you can read and print it for yourself HERE ...but I will hit the high points!

MONDAY: Organize your in-box: Slip into the office an hour early for an uninterrupted cleaning session.

TUESDAY: Calm Cabinet Chaos. Roll up your sleeves and tackle your kitchen Cabinets.

WEDNESDAY: Create a hassle free hall closet. Plow through the gear crowding the closet.

THURSDAY: Lick the linen Closet. Pull out all like items and organize by shelf.

FRIDAY: Manage your meds. Sort through the prescriptions in your medicine cabinet.

SATURDAY: Draft your family. Time to include them in the organization efforts. Identify on a cleaning schedule weekly and monthly tasks for each person.

SUNDAY: Plot your pleasures. This day is all about you! Order Take out, spin your favorite tunes and resist the boob tube temptation. In a notebook, scribble wish lists...

Ok Divas - I'm outtie - we've been at the pool all day and now we're gonna watch the Wolfman and Alice and Wonderland...for the 1000th time! hee hee

Berry Picking with Tots

Posted Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Monday after attending a flag raising ceremony and pancake feed to benefit the local scout troop, we took a drive to the country to pick strawberries at a friends patch. Oh the berries we picked ... 15 quarts, in just under an hour!

Picking berries is one of our families favorite activities during the Summer. With five little helpers this summer, Papa and I knew the experience would be much happier if everyone had their own berry bucket, but as I started to collect bowls from the kitchen, I didn't have enough. eeek! think fast...
A couple of months ago I saw the "super scoopers" in Family Fun Magazine and started saving milk jugs and made a half dozen or so for craft supplies. They are fantastic for markers, glue bottles, scissors, etc. They looked like they might work for berry picking, so I grabbed the three closest to the kitchen, (dumping the glue sticks, glue bottles and scissors out onto the craft room floor) and quickly rinsed and cut up the jug waiting for the recycling bin from last nights dinner. Armed with four super scoopers, and three graduating plastic bowls, we were off.

A super scooper makes a fantastic berry picking bucket for little hands! They are light weight, have a handle, stand up well on their own, and hold plenty of berries! This new found use means I'm going to need to hang on to a half dozen more jugs (I won't have to wait long, 7 gallons is what we go through in less than two weeks). I'm thinking they'll come in handy when the garden starts producing peas, beans, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

Need a hands free bucket? Loop the handle through a belt, or thread a rope through the handle and loosely tie it around your waist.

You can make your own by follow these instructions from FamilyFun.

Pregnancy Exposure

Posted Saturday, May 29, 2010


As some of you know - I work in a Genetics Center where we handle a wide range of issues with children and babies. One service we offer is a pregnancy exposure hot-line. I thought, since summer is upon and these basic questions pop up alot on the hot line that I would share some info for anyone who is expecting or knows someone who is :)...then I'm off to the pool YAY!

1. Hair Color:
Highlights are fine b/c they dont touch the scalp - hair dye, however is a no no b/c it saturates your scalp and is then absorbed into your blood stream.

2. Teeth Whitening:
Hormone levels are elevated during pregnancy and increase tooth sensitivity - which makes whitening a bad idea The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recommends waiting until you've finished breast feeding.

3. Acne
Spot Treatment ONLY - no over all acne systems on a regular basis!

4. Fake Tanning
These are ok - b/c they only sit on the skins surface.

5. Hair Removal
SHAVING ONLY! No chemical removal!

6. Manicure
Manis and Pedis are fine just make sure the salon is well ventilated b/c they can have fumes-o-plenty from all the procedures going on at once!

EtsyKids Design Challenge - We Have a Winner!

Posted Friday, May 28, 2010

Congratulations to the winner of this month's challenge 62. Hummingbird and Wildflowers Dress Reserved for Izzie by: greengoat ! At Green Goat you'll find an appealing array of colors and elegant illustrations screen printed onto 100% organic cotton baby garments. All are hand dyed and printed using eco-friendly, low- impact dyes and inks, making it a safe and wonderful addition to your baby's wardrobe. You can view their entire collection by following this link.


"100% Organic and Original Screenprinted Apparel for those who hunger for something fresh, different, and eco friendly. "

EtsyKids Design Challenge - It's time to VOTE!

Posted Friday, May 21, 2010

It's time to vote for your favorite item! Voting will be open through midnight EST on Thursday, May 27th. This month, EtsyKids members were challenged to create an exciting new item based on a theme "Flowers". We received a lot of fantastic entries from some talented designers and crafters. Each designer was assigned a unique random number. Please note your favorite from the list below and place your vote. You can also view each entry in detail by clicking on links provided at the bottom of this post or HERE.


(If you can't view the voting poll above, please follow HERE to vote.)

1. Garden Fairies by: raspberrykidz,
2. Pink Cupcake by: PBDesign
3. Cherry Blossom Custom Name with Large Wooden Letters - set of 4 letters by: LittleElephantCo
4. Flowers and France Purse for girls OOAK by: Bellesmademoiselles
5. Handmade Soft Fabric Toy Ball for baby- Pop Garden by: woodponddesigns
6. Alexander Henry Little Girls Dress Handmade by: OriginalsbyLaurenToo
7. Cheerful Double Flower Headband by: peanutfeet
8. RTS SALE....Custom Explosion Box...Scrapbook...Gift Card/Money Holder... The all-inclusive gift by: sweetdreamsboutique
9. Silly Swirls Blooms Set of 6 by: GaddyNipperCrayons
10. Fresh Picked Simplicity Apron Knot Dress Size 2T, 3T, or 4T by: elizakatedesigns
11. Signs of Spring Receiving Blanket and Burp Cloths by: Lilikin14
12. Spring Daisy Cotton Cap and Booties Baby Set Hand Knit and Crochet Yellow Orange by: ohbabydotcom
13. Newborn Flower Hat by: 40LittleToesDesigns
14. Reversible Jumper Dress - Custom Order 6M-5T by: BellaShade
15. Mixed Floral Cupcake Wall Hanging by: LilBitSassy
16. SO SWEET Ribbon Flower Clippie - Chocolate Flowers by: AllThingsGirly
17. Girl's Blanket - Luxurious Pink Minky With Alexander Henry Kleo Designer Cotton by: SnazzySnugglies
18. SPRING FLOWER DREAM CUPCAKE HAT NEWBORN- MADE TO ORDER by: NinisHandmades
19. Girl's Flared-Leg Pants in repurposed fabrics - Size 12M Size 0, purple floral with blue trim by: sparklepanda
20. Mermaid Soft Toy- Turquiose Hair by: TheSewingLoft
21. Cashmere Cloche Baby Hat- Free Shipping in US by: jaclyn43552
22. Pretty Flowers----Baby-Toddler-Childrens Neck Travel Pillow by: Tracysarah
23. Robbins Egg Crochet Summer Hat by: SadieBearAccessories
24. Roxy Bird and the Butterfly - 8 x 10 Print by: AndThen
25. Etsy Kids challenge entry, minky baby or toddler blanket and 2 burp cloths. towels, Fresh flowers and green polka dot gift set by: yourloveyboutique
26. I'm Making a Grand Entrance in My Twirly Dress by: bipsbabes
27. Flowers Children's Board Book by Matthew Porter by: matthewporterart
28. Tiered Sundress - Summer Flowers - Girls Size 3 FREE Shipping to US and Canada by: JoyfullySewnDesigns
29. Girl's LOVED Small Tote in hot pink and bright orange flowers by: HelensCorner
30. Daisy Tee 24m/2t up to 5/6t by: plumtreestudio
31. Boutique FELT Layered Flower Nylon Headband with Pearl Center-----------ENGLISH GARDEN-----WHITE on WHITE BAND-------- by: SOUTHERNBABYBOUTIQUE
32. Pink Print Fabric Flower Hair Clip by ccooperdesigns-FREE SHIPPING in U.S. by: ccooperdesigns
33. Skirted Diaper Cover in Orange Floral by: vivyscloset
34. Boutique Style lined alligator Clips - Flower Clip Yellow Collection by: sunshineshoppe
35. Ryder Hand Painted Personalized Wood Doll Pendant by: peanutbutterbandit
36. Floral Print with Yellow-Orange Summer Blanket by: lilstinkercrafts
37. NEW...SUMMER 2010...FANCY ANCY TWIRL SKIRT...NEEMIES by: neemies
38. Wrap N Snap REVERSIBLE Car Seat Covers for Infants Toddlers and Adults (c) by: AmyRoseDesigns
39. Free Shipping Flowers Bubble Skirt sizes 3 mos.-10 years by: cuppycakedesigns
40. Infant Overall in Ivory Wildflowers - sized 0-6 months - READY TO SHIP by: OverallBaby
41. Hand Sewn Ribbon Rose Headband - OOAK Victorian Millinery Head Piece by: FruitsOFtheBLooM
42. Bucolic Cows on Wheels - Wooden Folk Push Toy / Art toy by: prettydreamer
43. Laney's Emergency Hat - Green Garden by: TawnyBee
44. SandDance Custom Boutique Posey Girl A Line Jumper / Capri Pant 2pc set Sz 6mos to 6T by: SandDance
45. Peasant Dress by: RainbowDreamBabies
46. Flower Gumball necklace by: cfarmdesigns
47. Flower Toddler Dress size 3 by: angelswan81
48. Little Miss Frilly tea party crochet cloche SHIPPING SPECIAL by: littlemissfrilly
49. Hot/Cold Cup Sleeve by Woolly Boo - Everlasting Bloom by: WoollyBoo
50. Princess and Her Frog Prince Messenger by: meeabee
51. Boutique Suri Dress in Black Floral and Houndstooth by: kangacoo
52. Slouchy Purse with Matching Headband by: melanieganson
53. FREE SHIPPING......The Kelsie Dress by: lovetagsandbags
54. Fancy flower on purple long sleeve onesie, 6-12 Months by: hounddogdesigns
55. Whimiscal Crown - Roses by: StellandLivi
56. Flowers and Flutters -- Creativity Wallet -- Includes Crayons and Notepad -- Ready to Ship by: DucksInARowBoutique
57. Medium Pink Polka Dots with Grey and Pink Swirl Flower by: jenlucasdesigns
58. SUNFLOWER Ribbon Ruffle Socks and Hair Bow Set...Custom Made ANY Size by Giggle Baby Designs...Adorable Boutique Set...Perfect for Summer by: gigglebabydesigns
59. NEW FOR SUMMER 2010 - Big Poppy Apron Skirt - 6m, 12m, 18m, 2, 3, 4, 5 by: 1crown3tiaras
60. Personalized Eco-friendly Rainbow Garden Stationery by: kindlivingdesigns
61. Handmade Dolly Rattle with Flower Bow in Anna Maria Horner Fabric by: MissBakerStitches
62. Hummingbird and Wildflowers Dress Reserved for Izzie by: greengoat
63. Girly Girl Organic Cotton Flower T Shirt by: BoutiqueLuckyStars
64. NEW design Luau Twirly Skirt BLUE and PINK Hula Girl 12 months to size 7 Made on Maui by: tikitales
65. Custom Boutique Girls Linen Tank Top 18m 2T 3T 4T 5T 6 7 Floral Citrus by: HotLavaClothing
66. Child's Hand Painted Step Stool by: GrowinLikeAWeed
67. Flowers organic baby blanket by: curlymonkey
68. Size 4 capri pants outfit - The Daisy Collection by: SassySweeties
69. AVA ROSE Aqua Pink VINTAGE ROSES Custom SUMMER Boutique Pillowcase Dress by: lilsweetieboutique
70. Flower trails crayon roll set by: ChildishThoughts
71. salt water taffy top in butterscotch - sz 18m.-2 by: sunnybrookfarmdesign
72. Hippie Chick Reversible Kerchief Headband by: creativemindboutique
73. Custom Felt Doll - You pick Hair and Details - MADE JUST FOR YOU by emmiscottageetsy
74. NEW May Flowers Personalized Folded Notecards by: theenglishpea
75. Custom Boutique Handmade Garden Apron Dress 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6, 7, 8 (You pick the fabric) by: Brkids
76. Japanese Cherry Blossom with Butterflies Baby Blanket - Pink and Cream - New Item by: BBsForBabies

Summertime Summertime...

Posted Monday, May 17, 2010

So how fantastic would it be to find the absolute best handmade kids items around, chock full of style and flair yet without leaving the privacy of your own home? A dream, right? Well your dream's come true! If you haven't yet seen the EtsyKids Summer Shopping Guide here and before you go, fix yourself a nice tall glass of tea, you're gonna be there awhile! Hard not too with all of the wonderful items around ~ its your seasonal guide to all the best handmade stuff for babies, toddlers, & children!

Happy Shopping!!
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