I Took the #Hallmark Get Carded Challenge

The number of texts and social media posts I received on Mother's Day and my birthday this past May dwarfed the number of greeting cards I got. This is why I jumped at the chance to participate in Hallmark's Get Carded Challenge. My mission was to sign, seal and send seven cards to seven people in seven days. They even sent me a complimentary pack of greeting cards to complete the task. Count me in!

I'm one of those people who has a love/hate relationship with technology and social media networks. I appreciate that social media helps me stay connected. Facebook is great for keeping up with old classmates and colleagues. But at the same time we are losing some of the traditional forms of communication by being on the Internet and our cell phones all the time. Text messages just lack a personal touch in my opinion.

My grandmother taught me that a thoughtfully handwritten card or note has the power to brighten someone's day, comfort the grieving, mend friendships, or reconnect long lost relatives. This is why I still mail Christmas cards every year. For my Get Carded Challenge I sent a Father' Day card to a friend and birthday cards to my sister and a close friend. My godson received a card wishing him a good time at camp. I reached out to another dear friend letting her know that I am here for her. Finally, I sent my mom and grandma cards to say I was thinking of them.
The response to my efforts was 100% positive. Everyone was surprised and more than a little appreciative. I talked to one friend on the phone for more than a hour when she called to thank me for her card. We had a lot of catching up to do!

Everyone likes to find a pastel envelope their mailbox. Get started by using the discount code BLOG30 to buy cards for 30% off on Hallmark.com throughout the year.

Interested bloggers can sign up to take the Get Carded Challenge too. Fill out the form at Hallmark's Get Carded Challenge signup page to see if you meet the criteria.

Which Video Makes the Bigger Splash?

I saw a performance of Cirque Ingenuex in 1998 and to this day I can vividly recall being awestruck by the fantastical physical feats of the performers. Check out these two dance videos that use fun water effects. Which makes the bigger splash?

"Electrobatique--An Enchanting Discovery" is a Cirque-style original dance created to celebrate the launch of a resource brand's Natural Spring Water. It is an eye-popping masterpiece of aerial choreography and acrobatic dance.



The fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas literally dance while "Time to Say Goodbye" plays over the speakers. The choreography is pure magic. It's almost like the water is married to the music.

So which is your favorite...the one where performers dance with water or the one where the water dances?

This is a Fashionista Events opportunity

My Robot Girl #WordfulWednesday

Marlie is so imaginative when it comes to pretend play. Last week she made a robot costume out of a box and colander.

Her costume shows creativity and inventiveness

Watch out Maker Faire 2025!

Morcom Municipal Rose Garden: #Oakland Summer Bucket List

I am always going on and on about how great Oakland is. But it's better to show and tell. This summer my family will be exploring Oakland's most popular sites and some hidden gems:

#1
Morcom Municipal Rose Garden: This 7-acre floral oasis is tucked away in North Oakland on 700 Jean Street off Grand Avenue adjacent to the Piedmont, California border. It is home to dozens of roses that bloom from May-October and is fragrant as it is beautiful. We witnessed just how intoxicating this enchanted garden can be while watching a middle-aged couple make out on a bench like two hormonal teenagers. The facilities can be rented for weddings.

Visit to the Amphitheater of Roses on Saturday May 25, 2013

If Dogs Could Talk (VIDEO)

It is often said that dogs are man's best friend. If your best furry pal could talk, what would he say? Check out this hilarious new ad for Dogswell Jerky Bars to find out what's really on Fido's mind:


So a talking dog would ask for food. It doesn't take a mind-reader to figure that out. But don't just give your pup any old treat. Dogswell, a super premium brand of pet food and treats is launching improved recipes and fresh, vibrant packaging for their complete line of Jerky Bars. The new product contains more protein than before and features real food ingredients that pet parents can see. The breakdown is simple: 85% protein, 15% fruits & veggies and 0% bad stuff.

Jerky Bars fresh flavors include: Chicken & Veggies, Lamb & Veggies, Salmon & Veggies and Turkey & Veggies. Jerky Bars are available for purchase online and in select retailers throughout the United States. For more information or to find a store that carries Dogswell near you, please visit www.dogswell.com.

Dogswell is even providing a special $1 off coupon so your pooch can sample these yummy treats. Just Like them on Facebook to receive this offer: $1 off Jerky Bars
 
Disclaimer: this is a Fashionista Events opportunity.

We Conquered Khan at the Irving Arts Center!

A couple of weekends ago we met up with another family at the Irving Arts Center to see the Genghis Khan exhibit with two toddlers in tow. Every inch of the exhibit was spectacular and the girls loved every minute of it!


We attended the free Family Khan Day on July 9 where we made our own ancient Mongolian travel passports. Marlie and Orlaith love to paint so this art project was right up their alley! There are three more Family Khan Days scheduled for August 13, September 10 and September 24...mark your calendars.

While our passports were drying we entered the land of Genghis Khan. It is recommend that you bring a sweater or jacket for each member of your party because the exhibit hall is kept at a low temperature to protect the mummy.  If I was a teacher or homeschool parent, I would be tickled happy by the learning opportunities offered by the Genghis Khan exhibit. There are many classroom activities designed around the exhibit like word find puzzles and scavenger hunts. The possibilities are endless!

Kids of all ages will enjoy Genghis Khan. Marlie was really taken by the the life-size replicas of a shaman, nomadic dwelling, and mounted horseman. I was really surprised that she wasn't afraid of the menacing looking warrior. She even took a peek at the mummy. I think her favorite part was touching the military helmet, chain mail, and arrowheads at the volunteer-led interactive kiosk. At the end of the exhibit we were treated to a live musical performance by Mongolian artists. Orlaith loved the paper Mongolian hat she received as a parting gift!

The entire exhibit was fascinating from beginning to end, but don't take my word for it, go see for yourself. The Genghis Khan exhibit closes on September 30, don't miss it!

Disclosure: I am participating in a promotional campaign on behalf of Irving Arts Center as part of Business2Blogger. All opinions expressed are my own.

I Need a Bow! Please Help Me Complete Marlie's Birthday Outfit

I've been planning this child's 2nd birthday party for about 4 months now. Like any good party planner, I started with the dress...hee. Last week I purchased the shoes. The only thing missing is a hair accessory. So help me complete her outfit by voting for a bows/headbands. I trust your sense of style. Here is what the outfit looks like so far:

the dress: Gymboree Pink Giraffe Dress

the shoes: Robeez Cupcake Party Mary Janes

Bow Option #1: Cotton Beanie with Pink Giraffe Bow

Bow Option #2: Pink Giraffe Bow on Alligator Clip

Bow Option #3: Light Pink Giraffe Print Bow on Crochet Headband

Take a Cultural Trip to the Genghis Khan Exhibit at the Irving Arts Center!

I complain (a lot) that there are hardly any fun places to take Marlie. Turns out there are lots cool events and activities in the Dallas Metroplex if you look a little closer. 

Take, for instance, the thrilling Genghis Khan Exhibit running at the Irving Arts center through September 30. The infamous Khan the conqueor gets the royal treatment in this stunning and highly interactive exhibition, the largest collection of 13th century Mongolian artifacts ever gathered in a single showing! 

Among the more than 200 pieces are gold jewelry, weaponry, tomb treasures, silk robes, religious relics, and porcelain vases. It's a feast for the eyes...a look at the life and times of the great ruler of13th century Central Asia!

The Genghis Khan exhibit promises to be an entertaining learning experience that the entire family will enjoy. In addition to the exhibit, the Irving Arts Center has organized a series of FREE events celebrating Genghis Khan such and lectures and films for the history buffs and art projects for children. Plus, there are all-day summer camps July 11-15 and 25-29.

Take your kids on a cultural trip that they will never forget. Get your tickets now!  
Hint: Everyone pays kids prices on these Mondays: June 20, July 18, August 15 and Sept. 19.

Disclosure: I am participating in a promotional campaign on behalf of Irving Arts Center as part of Business2Blogger. All opinions expressed are my own.

Laugh of the Week

I never liked the words doo-doo or poop, so I came up with some euphemisms for soiled diapers (Damon may have thought of one or two):

1. Ridin' dirty
2. Baked a chocolate muffin
3. Laid a brown egg
   
4. Funky in the bunky

Feel free to add yours!

Laugh of the Week

Photograph by Christopher Peterson

Lauren Bush, the pretty niece of former President George W. Bush, became engaged to David Lauren, son of fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Her married name will be Lauren Lauren. Buhahahaha!

That tickles me.

The Best of Marlie and Me in 2010

Everyone else gets to have a Best Of List, now so do I. So here is the best of Marlie and Me this year, in chronological order...

Gilligan's Island: I play Hollywood casting agent with my pick of actors for a Gilligan's remake on the silver screen. 3/19

I'm Not Your Dorm Room Bunny!: I take a stroll down memory lane as I recount (in accurate detail) how a budding college romance (with future hubby/baby daddy) was almost derailed by his insensitivity. 6/25

Mothers as Martyrs: After reaching my breaking point as a new mom, SAHM, mommy blogger, I take a hard-hitting look at the Supermom myth and the impractical standards we mothers try to live up to 7/26

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Girl: I poured my heart out as I recalled 100 of my best memories with my daughter in her first year. It still makes me weepy when I read it. 8/15

Sesame Street Made a Boob of Themselves: I examine the controversy surrounding the Katie Perry boob-gate scandal at Sesame Street and I decide to ridicule the show's silly decision to pull the episode by blaming jealous moms for the brouhaha. I still stand by my opinion that the whole issue is a non-issue, but I shouldn't have resorted to personal attacks. I should have simply said, turn the channel if you don't approve of the featured guest. 10/2

I have Proof that Dads are from Mars: my HI-larious take on the differences between moms and dads. I would add to the list that moms are proactive (we plan in order to avoid scheduling conflicts, we try to foresee trouble and take measures to prevent accidents, mishaps and boo-boos), but dads are reactive (they avoid planning in order to schedule free time, they dive head-first into trouble and then respond to accidents, mishaps and boo-boos by calling for mommy reinforcements). 12/6

My Mystery Illness Solved: I reveal my 5-year struggle with chronic hair loss and skin problems and my unrelenting hunt for a diagnosis and treatment. 12/14

I hope you have enjoyed reading my little blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it! Happy New Year!

Friday Date Night Movie Must-See: Outsourced

Time for another Friday Date Night!
So put the kid(s) to bed, grab some Junior Mints, pop in your movie, sit back and enjoy a show!

This week I recommend: Outsourced (not the new NBC show, the movie that it is based upon)



Synopsis: An American marketing manager is sent to India to train his replacement after his company outsources the call center. His anger is fueled by frustration as he struggles to overcome culture clashes to meet work quotas. But he softens after the workers and people teach him a few things about what really matters in life.

My Review: Most Americans view outsourcing as an evil act committed by greedy corporations working in cahoots with greedy foreign governments. I think the movie does an excellent job of telling the other side...the workers in far away countries trying to pass as Americans so that they can realize their dreams of upward mobility. The movie is sometimes simplistic and silly in its portrayals, but it is an honest and funny movie.

Friday Date Night Movie Must-See: TiMER

If going to the movie theater is not your cup of joe (costly tickets, price-gouging snacks, crowded aisles, ringing cell phones) or if you just cannot spring for a babysitter...do what I do and make Fridays your movie night in the comfort of your own home. You will need the following:

• a television
  
• a DVD or Blu-Ray player or Netflix Roku box
  
• a movie service (I alternate between Netflix and redbox)
• popcorn (I just Damon an old-fashioned stove-top popcorn maker)
• your loved one

After you put the kid(s) to bed, grab all your supplies, pop in your movie, sit back and enjoy the show!

This week I recommend: TiMER


Synopsis: In a not-so-far-away future people get timers implanted on their wrists that countdown to when they will meet their soul mate.

My Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie's take on digital love. It left me wondering if getting "chipped" to avoid all the bad relationships is a good or bad thing.

Showing Off My Swap Goodies

This post is long overdue.

I have been holding back only because I was patiently waiting for one more goody to arrive and it came yesterday.

Now I can spill the beans about the two amazing swaps I did earlier this year.

First up, is in the "New Years, New To You" cloth diaper swap hosted by Emi of The Cloth Diaper Report and Danielle of There's no snakes in New Zealand. I traded in three bamboo fitted diapers and got back two fitted diapers, a one-size cover, and a gift of 10 cloth wipes to add to my fluffy stash... Thanks Emi!

Se'Lah of NECESSARY ROOM organized a "Gift if Jewels" secret pen pal exchange in which the participants mailed handmade postcards and other "jewels" to total strangers. My *gift of jewels* came all the way across the pond from the U.K., a beautiful, handmade necklace and a pouch of scrumptious chocolates. Thanks Shani!

If you have never participated in a swap, you are missing out my friend. It is a thrill to send off something and get neat stuff back in return. But don't take my word for it...join a swap or start your own!

Tag, I'm It!

I recently started reading Heather's blog Theta Mom. She's such a REAL mom. So imagine my delight when she tagged my blog to play My Seven. I feel like I've been asked to sit at the cool kids table at lunch!
The rules of this tag are that I must describe seven things about me that you don’t already know (my habit of over-sharing has forced me to scrap the barrel...forgive me if I repeat something) and then tag­ seven oth­ers to do the same. Without further adieu....

1. I have a green mole on my right shoulder. It's green because it is attached to a vein...and yes I get it examined by a dermatologist every year.
2. I have two tattoos that I got while I was in college. One is a butterfly and the other is a panther. Polar opposites, I know, but that's who I was in college.
3. I have a partial dental implant to replace the tooth that was knocked out when my face *kissed* the back of my college roommate's car while I was rollerblading. I wound up in the ER (driven in the same car that I slammed into) where the nurses kept asking "did someone do this to you?" (did I mention that I was still wearing the rollerblades?) and the doctor wouldn't give me any pain meds (I guess I looked like a junkie). I had to go to back home to Miami (17 hours on a Greyhound bus!) to see a dentist because I was on my mom's insurance. it. was. the. most. painful. experience. of. my. life.
4. I've been a dog owner almost all my life. I can't imagine not having man's best friend around. Meet our fur baby Butters:
5. I took silversmithing classes for a year and was good at it. I even considered become a jewelry maker until the price of silver skyrocketed. I still make beaded jewelry. Oh, I just got an idea for a blog-versary giveaway!
6. I've been writing a book for more than a year. It's a children's book. It turns out that it's harder to write for children than adults. My goal is to finish it this year and then work on getting it published.
7. My favorite game at recess was kickball. I could play that all day.

I'm going to follow Theta Mom's example, and tag seven bloggers who are new followers:
Growing towards a dream
Luvs Jurn3
Pixeltrahmania
Sophisticated Redneck Mommy
The Musings of Earl's Daughter
TwinspirationalRunner
Whoz Your Doula

That's What Friends Are For

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for

I was reminded of this song when I received these two friendship awards from two women I met recently in the blogosphere. I get the warm fuzzies reading their blogs because they are so charming and genuine. First up is KarmaPearl at Hope Springs Eternal, who gave me this delectable Happy 101 Award. She's expecting her first child y'all...please stop by and congratulate her!

The Rules: List 10 things that make you happy, try to do at least one of them today, and tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day. For those 10 bloggers who get the award, you then link back to my blog and create your own makes you happy list.

1. Making my daughter laugh
2. Kissing my husband when he gets home from work
3. Eating cupcakes (carrot cake with cream cheese frosting...yummy!)
4. Fellowship at Wednesday night bible study
5. Reading a good book
6. Catching up with friends online (includes emails, blogging, Facebook)
7. Getting a good night's rest (haven't had one of these since August 15)
8. Winning (I'm a competition junkie)
9. Traveling to new places
10. Feeling the sun on my skin (my way of saying I hate winter!)

Kate at Busted Plumbing gave me my second Circle of Friends Award. Kate is a glass-always-full kind of gal with she has a wicked sense of humor.

The rules for the Circle of Friends award are: Say 5 things you like to do and then pass this on to 5 friends. I'm going to cheat and re-post my list from last time (is this a little like those actor's who give the same acceptance speeches when they win multiple awards?):

1. Spending time with by hubby and baby. They are my world, and I would be perfectly content if it were just the three of us in it.
2. Eating. I can't overstate this enough...I love to chow down. People think I don't eat enough because they only see me with tiny portions. The fact is I eat 6-8 small meals a day, which gives my metabolism the fuel to burn calories 24/7. As much as I love to eat, I really hate to cook. Thank heavens I married someone who loves to cook and can throw down in the kitchen. I show my gratitude my cleaning my plate (and the kitchen).
3. Blogging. What started as a pastime has become an obsession. I hope it leads to my second act...writing. I have wanted to be a professional writer since age 5. My grandmother recently gave me some of my earlier work that she had kept over the years. Reading stuff that I wrote when I was still in the single digits has reignited my desire to be an author...of what? I'm leaning toward children's books.
4. Rummaging. Yard sales, thrift stores, clearance bins...I can sniff out a bargain like a cadaver dog (sorry for the poor choice of metaphor). Nothing makes me happier than finding a perfect pair of shoes or place mats for 50% off (except for #1).
5. Walking/Hiking. I love to get outside, smell fresh air and feel the sun on my skin. I still like jogging, but I can't enjoy the outdoors when I am whizzing past everything.

Okay, I'm about to bend the rules a little by giving BOTH awards to these new and old bloggy friends because they make me happy:
The Cloth Diaper Report
Enjoyceing Life
Good, True and Beautiful
Greedy Girls Guide
Hearts Make Families
My Voice, My View
Post-Modern Jen
The Redhead Riter
Suburbanly Crunchtastic
Too Many Heartbeats

Saturday Special

I received this oh so lovely blog award from Betty at Cut And Dry. Thanks lady! The rules for this award are:
Grab the award, post it on your blog along with 5 things you love to do and 5 others you want to recognize.
Without further adieu, my top 5 list of things I love to do:

1. Spending time with by hubby and baby. They are my world, and I would be perfectly content if it were just the three of us in it.
2. Eating. I can't overstate this enough...I love to chow down. People think I don't eat enough because they only see me with tiny portions. The fact is I eat 6-8 small meals a day, which gives my metabolism the fuel to burn calories 24/7. As much as I love to eat, I really hate to cook. Thank heavens I married someone who loves to cook and can throw down in the kitchen. I show my gratitude my cleaning my plate (and the kitchen).
3. Blogging. What started as a pastime has become an obsession. I hope it leads to my second act...writing. I have wanted to be a professional writer since age 5. My grandmother recently gave me some of my earlier work that she had kept over the years. Reading stuff that I wrote when I was still in the single digits has reignited my desire to be an author...of what? I'm leaning toward children's books.
4. Rummaging. Yard sales, thrift stores, clearance bins...I can sniff out a bargain like a cadaver dog (sorry for the poor choice of metaphor). Nothing makes me happier than finding a perfect pair of shoes or place mats for 50% off (except for #1).
5. Walking/Hiking. I love to get outside, smell fresh air and feel the sun on my skin. I still like jogging, but I can't enjoy the outdoors when I am whizzing past everything.

I pass this award to these 5 bloggers who came to my SITSmas party:

• DIVIACITY
• Jael Custom Designs
• Of Mice and raMen
• The Redhead Riter
• When did I Become my Mom?

Merry SITSmas!!!

The ladies over at SITS asked their readers to post SITSmas cards. I love spreading holiday cheer, so here goes:

I love the holidays simply because its brings people together and reminds us about what is truly important...faith, family and friends. It is the renewed sense of hope that is the reason for the season.

Six days before Christmas 2008, we found out we were expecting our first child.

This year, we will celebrate Marlie's 1st Christmas!

This has been a rough year for many of my blogging buddies...illness, death, lay offs, loved ones away at war. My prayer is that 2010 is a better year for everyone.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Blessed New Year from our family to yours!!!

An Embarrasment of Riches

I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering from PTSD (Post-Thanksgiving Stress Disorder), which is why it was extra nice to receive some awards and prizes this week:

• a pair of Posh Pads organic reusable bamboo nursing pads from Happy Green Babies. My leaky boobs thank you!
• a $50 gift certificate from the Beau-coup.com store as part of their Fan Appreciation Giveaway. They are the ultimate in customizable party favors. I have a year to spend the money...I'm thinking of favors for Marlie's 1st birthday.
  
• Did I mention that I won the "I'm on the Blog Roll" contest over at The Redhead Riter by figuring out her real name? (It's Sherry in case you still don't know.) For all my hard sleuthing work, I won this Pamper Yourself prize pack, which includes candles, a book of poems, washcloths, a big fluffy towel, and a plush blanket to wrap up in (perfect for a long, hot bath on a cold, winter night):
  Sherry is currently hosting a giveaway for a $25 American Express gift card from Hellman's. We all could use a little extra cash this time of year, but you have to be in it to win it. Head over there to enter!
  
• The Redhead Riter also gave me this award. her blog is like a hot cup of tea, go check it out:

  This one didn't come with any rules, but I'm interpreting it as a recognition for those who leave heartfelt comments.
  
  
  
  
  

• I also got an award from Kate at Busted Plumbing...thanks my dear! Her blog is a must read. You'll fall in love with her sassy attitude and sense of humor that flies in the face of a heartbreaking situation. She could easily and justifiably be bitter, but she chooses to be bright...so.go.love.on.her! The rules for accepting this honor are:
  

• Share 7 things that you don't already know about me
• Name 7 other blogs to receive this award
• Leave a comment on each of the blogs I nominated
• Thank the person who gave you the award

7 Things You Don't Already Know About Me:

1. I've never met a vegetable I didn't like (except okra...too slimy!)
2. I was editor of my high school newspaper during my senior year. Our principal tried to censor a story and we challenged him in front of the school board. The ACLU got involved, and it made national news.
   
3. I majored in journalism in college. I wanted to be a news photographer for National Geographic.
4. Instead, I became a nonprofit professional and spent ten years managing youth programs.
5. I started my own nonprofit in 2003 called Enchanted Closet.
   
6. I cannot swim (despite living near a beach most of my life)
7. I cannot fall asleep without the television on.
8. I am a deep sleeper. I slept through Hurricane Andrew...the sounds of torrential rain, golf ball-sized hail, debris hitting our roof...none of it woke me up.
   
9. I'm athletic by nature. I like running, Rollerblading, biking, kickboxing, hiking, rebounding, yoga...anything on land.
   

I'm giving the Heartfelt Blogger Award and the Kreativ Blogger Award to these 7 blogs:

1. Akilah @ Execumamas, I hear ya!
   
2. Amy @ Six Flower Mom
   
3. Betty @ Cut and Dry
4. Jen @ Jael Custom Designs
   
5. Kelly@ Speaking from the Crib
6. A @ Lemonologie
7. Serenityville @ Aayymeee, whatchoo gonna do-o???

Whew! That's a lot of pats on the back and all well-deserved. I think I might go for a run now...

Award Season Continues...

I received this tangy, sweet award from Dawna at A Kiss and a Peck. There wasn't a title or description for this honor (maybe lifetime achievement in blogging?..not!). I looked it up on Google and it's an award for those who manage to make blogging lemonade. I graciously accept!

The rules for this award:

• Put the Lemonade logo on your blog or within your post.
• Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.
• Link the nominees within your post.
• Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
• Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Here are the ten (10) blogs I have chosen to pass this award to:

Gloria @ Gloria's Spanish View
Alicia @ Yaya Stuff
Kate @ Busted Plumbing
Linda @ COUNTRY PICKIN'S
Leigh @ Leigh vs. Laundry
Stesha @ Hot Chocolate Caramel Mocha
Sherry @ The Redhead Riter
Sharon @ Good, True and Beautiful
Speaking from the Crib
Teresa @ Too Many Heartbeats

Please visit these bloggers who find a way to turn something sour into something sweet!