Friday: Things I've Found This Week

Once upon a time, back when I had more free time, and blogged more often, this post seemed to be a favorite. And how could I deny a favorite!? Here we go again, enjoy!

This will be quite the hodge podge of random things, since I've built  up a lot of enjoyable and interesting things to show you in the last four months! Please feel free to comment. Actually, I really really think you should comment. Give me your feedback! It will help me to continue posting stuff you like and quit posting stuff you don't!

Also, if you read the blog regularly, or just enjoy some of my posts, or maybe you just think I have an adorable baby, do us a favor and click the big blue button at the bottom and vote for us on TopBabyBlogs.com. It's how we can get out there and get more readers! Thanks!


1.  99 Things You Should Have Experienced on the Internet!- This is debatable. The only way you could have experienced all 99, is if all you do is stumble-upon things all day. Oh, wait. That's what I do.... Some things on this list are enjoyable, but some are just plain dumb. Maybe you'll like them, no judgement if you do.

2. Mitch Hedberg Quotes- Because he's funny. For a drug-induced comedian. Who am I kidding? I love him. I remember sitting in a High School class with Val Huisman, going back and forth with these quotes and hysterically laughing. I digress...

3. 20 Creative Guest Book Ideas for Your Wedding- Because, you know, I'm totally about to get married. No, not at all. But I'm wedding-obsessed, despite my clear and obvious fear of commitment. This just goes to show you how out-of-sorts this post is going to continue to be. Anyways, the ideas are cute, so enjoy.

4. 50 Things Everyone Should Know How To Do- Because I agree everyone should know how to build a fire, win a street fight, and tell a great story, because you'll never know if you'll be chosen for the hunger games this year, and those skills are important.

5. Interesting Unknown Facts- Because, as you know, everything you read on the internet is true. So, fill up on that knowledge, people!

6. 10 Cool Kid's Halloween Costume Ideas- Some really creative ideas here. I love the idea of dressing a kid as the little old man from Up. Hint-hint Ashley Griffin! Personally, I really want to dress Clara up as Harry Potter. Is that so wrong?

7. Life After College Road Map Infographic- Who doesn't love a good infographic? Amiright? Wish I would have had this after college. Too bad, cuz I'm still living with my mom. Enjoy!

8. 7 Things Every Parent Should Discuss with Their Child and 3 Things They Shouldn't- I completely agree with this. Although, I think kids should know about money, that you have to work for it, that it doesn't grow on trees and such, but they should never know that the family is facing financial hardship. I'm not saying you should spoil them so that you have no idea, but don't put money-stress on them. They'll have enough of that when they grow up. Just let them be kids a little while longer. I also think you should add body-image to the list. Your kid should never hear the words "I'm fat". Just make healthy decisions for the whole family.

9. 25 Ways to Talk so Children Will Listen- I don't know a single parent who doesn't wish their kid will listen a little better. I think these tips are fantastic. The one that makes the biggest difference with Clara, is getting down to her level, and staying positive. The second she hears "no", she tunes out and runs in the opposite direction.

10. 500 Things to do With Your Kids Besides Watching TV- I know that I'm going to struggle this winter to not let Clara watch TV so much. During the warmer months, we're outside all the time. And not always by my choice, but by hers. She LOVES the outdoors. Anytime she sees a pair of her shoes, or hears a door open and close, it's like she remembers that there's a world outside. I love the list of indoor activities, and I know I'll get good use of this list in the coming months.


Don't forget to vote for us on TopBabyBlogs.com by clicking that big blue button down below, and stay tuned for a VERY overdue iPhone photo dump on Monday or Tuesday! Happy Friday!

Friday: Things I've Found This Week

Oh. Hi. Hello. 

It's Friday. Thank goodness. Are you excited for this week's links? Cuz I am!

1. Aha! Parenting- I'm really excited about finding this website.Want legit, expert answers to your questions about your kid? Check this page out!

2. Leaving Children in a Hot Car- I can't fathom leaving Clara in a car, but parents do it every day. Be careful this summer, and never ever leave your child in a car unsupervised.

3. Raising Boys From a Father's Point of View- "Let’s get one thing clear from the get go: moms are generally better parents than dads. And that goes double for me." 

4. A Mother's Prayer for Her Child- A lovely piece by Tina Fey.

5. Parent and Child Date Coupons- Perfect idea for the upcoming holidays for mom and dad.

6. Different Parenting Styles?- Couples still need to have each others' backs. I always remember that if mom said no, dad would say yes.

7. Spanking or Not Spanking: A Tale of Parenting Peer Pressure- Spanking debates are perennial: When a complete stranger approaches a mom to weigh in on it, parenting peer pressure becomes very real – if you're not being judged for one thing, it's another.

8. Thirty-Five-Hour Work-Week Recommended for Parents- Raising children isn’t considered work, of course.

9. 7 Ways to Save on a Kid's Birthday Party- I wish I would have had this for Clara's party.

10. The Guide to Mother's Day for Bad Dads and Everyone Else Everywhere- Mother's Day is coming up, and while all the Good Moms will smile and say it’s totally OK if you forgot Mother’s Day, or if you’ve booked a golf trip all day, or if her Mother’s Day is being spent at your Mother’s house where she will be subjected to passive-aggressive jabs and jell-o salads, be aware this crowd of Bad Moms sure won’t let you off the hook that easily.

Friday: Things I've Found This Week.

Welcome to this week's edition of Things I've Found This Week.

I know, I know, it's been awhile since I've done one, and you're missing my links so bad it hurts. 

What can I say? I love to stumble. 

1. It's Gonna Be a True Blood Baby!- I wonder if it will turn out like twilight... I hope it will be written into the upcoming season!

2. Baby Restraints- This seems like a good idea in theory, but Clara would find her way out of it. Or she would have a tantrum party at the slightest mention of being held down.

3. Things I want to Teach my Children- Most of them are fantastic! I need to start a list for Clara.

4. Things that Help Rid Working Mom Guilt- I have working mom guilt. Bad. And Clara barely knows I'm gone. I don't foresee a time in which I don't have to work to make ends meet. Maybe I'll even get to retire by age 80! Such is the life of a single mom. But I do worry about making time for Clara, and missing out on her developments.

5. Making the Most of What You Have- Make a difference in the environment and in your budget.

6. Baby Grow App- Chart your baby's growth using your iPhone! Available on the app store for $2.99.

7. Are You a Helicopter Parent?- Take this quiz and find out!

8. Saving for your Kids Without Straining your Budget- I like the concept of setting aside a portion of your tax return.

9. Totsy.com- A shopping site similar to Zulily.

10. Punishing Kids with Public Humiliation?- We have reached a new low...

11. What We See Vs. What Kids See- I'm half and half on these.

12. Teach a Kid to Argue- Basically what my father did with me... and I turned out alright?

13. Parents did not Know Their Son was Missing- That sucks! Maybe you shouldn't have so many kids if you don't realize one of them is missing...

14. How Infant Circumcision Affects Everyone- I don't really have an opinion on this, as I have a daughter. Parents of little boys, what's your opinion?

15. 11 Signs You're a Hipster Parent- Turns out I am!

Friday: Things I've found this week.

1. Safe Baby Handling Tips

2. Baby Checklists

3. Spring cleaning 101

4. How to Teach Kids to Swim

5. The Changing Face of Motherhood

6. Alicia Silverstone Feeds Son from her Mouth... eww

7. Vision Development in Babies

8. The Secret Language  of Baby Cries

9. 'Evil' Things Babies are Capable of

10. Unusual Baby Gifts

Friday: Things I've found this week.

Just quick links this time. I'm busy getting ready for Clara's first Birthday party, coming up soon. :)

Don't forget to enter the Sunbaby Diaper GIVEAWAY!

1. Tax Credits for Parents

2. The Velveteen Rabbit

3. 10 Ways I was the Perfect Mom Until I Had Kids

4. 35 Things I Hope My Kids Will Say About Their Dad

5. Vaginal Birth is Better for Breech Babies

6. When Your Toddler Won't Obey

7. Single Parenting and Emotions of Children

8. 50 Things Every 18-Year-Old Should Know

9. More to a Mommy Blogger Than Meets the Eye

10. The National Diaper Bank Network

Friday: Things I've found this week.

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1. How to Clean Your Car Headlights- I saw this yesterday and immediately tried it! It helped! Mine were so bad that you couldn't tell when the brights were on.

2. How to Make a Cookie in a Cup!- In the MICROWAVE! Fantastic! Sometimes, you have a craving for cookies, but I know that if I have a batch sitting around, I'll eat 'em. This is a much better idea. Let me know how yours turn out.

3. Is it Okay to Ask if Someone's Kids Are Adopted?- Being an adopted child, I'm still the same race as my parents. So it definitely wasn't obvious. We even look a lot alike. But it would really bother me when people would say "you definitely take after your dad", or, "you have your mom's eyes". Because I didn't. It was a little twist of the knife. I still struggle when people tell me that I look nothing like my sisters (who are basically twins).

4. Younger Girls Are Eager to Wear More Make-Up- Clara, don't even think about it.When did you (will you) let your daughter wear make-up?

5. Moms Can be Fired for Pumping at Work- I had no idea. And I'm not 100% sure I trust this article. Your thoughts?

6. An Unlikely Love Letter- Keep the tissue box handy- I cried like a baby reading this one.

7. I Don't Care if My Kids Go to College- I can relate. Is a 4 year degree really worth 20 years of debt?

8. 9 Months in 90 seconds- Cute little video!

9. Jessica Simpson Bares Her Bump, Confirms It's A Girl- Talk about photoshop!

10. 31 Ways to Get Your Baby to Sleep and Stay Asleep- Great tips!

Also, you should check out this video!

 

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Friday: Things I've found this week.

1. Alana- Tots and Tiaras- Video: Horrible parenting at work. But at least she doesn't want to be a Disney princess when she grows up. She's funny and outspoken. You just need to watch.

2. Would You Let Your Teenager Share a Bed?: Umm, no! Parents really let their teenaged children sleep with their significant other under their roof? Heck, no! That's just asking for a teen pregnancy, if you ask me.

3. Mommy Vomit: I totally have mommy vomit! I hate it, too! I had those mothers who would scare the crap out of me during my pregnancy and giving me unwanted advice, and I hated it! And, of course, now I do it. (Sorry to the other moms and moms-to-be that I do this to all the time.) Do you have mommy vomit?

4. Parenting Secrets of a College Professor: I love this! And I think it's great advice. I also knew students with "helicopter" parents that hovered like crazy. And grown adults who still took advantage of their parents.

5. How to Wash Cloth Diapers: In case you weren't sick of me talking about my cloth diapers, here's another article.

6. 10 Low-Cost Spring Break Activities to Do With Your Kiddos: You've gotta find something to do with them when they're not in school.

7. SIDS Statistics: Some stats you probably didn't know about SIDS. But it doesn't change my opinion on co-sleeping. If we didn't practice co-sleeping with Clara until she was ready to sleep on her own, I don't think she would have slept through the night as quickly as she did.

8. Taking Off the Bumpers- Raising Responsible Kids: If you make everything "okay" for your kids, how will they learn to deal with the consequences of their actions?

9. Take 10- Help Your Children Grow: I'm guilty of being a busy mom- work, blogging, chores, TV, etc. I constantly have to remind myself to stop. The dishes will be there later, but these last 11 months have flown by so fast.

10. Signs You're Not Ready for Potty Training: Humorous and informative! This mama gives great tips on how to know when your little one, and you, are ready for potty training to begin.

Could you spare two clicks and vote for the blog on TopBabyBlogs.com? Pretty please?

Friday: Things I've found this week.

I know, I know. It's Saturday Sunday. It's been busy around here, yo. I had my two nephews and my niece Friday night until last night. And Clara. Four kids is a lot to handle. I don't know how my sister does it every day. Definitely makes me rethink having more than one. 

Enjoy the things I find enjoyable.

1. The Busy Budgeting Mother: The organization. Oh-my-goodness the organization. I love this woman. I want to be her. I want to store her craftiness in a bottle and pull it out every time I fail at using scissors. 

2. The $5 Savings Plan: Such a fantastic idea! I don't know how I didn't think of it sooner. 

3. Valentine's Day Baby Born With Heart-Shaped Birthmark: And from Hillsdale, Michigan nonetheless. How cool! This baby was blessed in a special way.

4. Healthy Homemade Snacks for Toddlers: With my niece and nephew constantly saying they were hungry, I wanted to make them something healthy that they would like, too. I made them the energy bites and my niece said they tasted like cookies. Totally making baked apple rings for Clara this week. Side note: Check out the Jessica Seinfeld cookbook. She hides veggie purees in her kids food to boost nutritional content. Smart lady!

5. Kid Rex: The kid-safe search engine. Hey, it's better than some of the results Google spits out.

6. Ten Words You NEED to Stop Misspelling: FINALLY! Seriously. I am so annoyed when college grads use "YOUR" for EVERYTHING. YOU ARE = YOU'RE. Really, it's not that difficult.

7. I'm Not Raising Princesses: Love this blog! It's so true. Disney teaches you that if you wait long enough, so matter what horrible conditions you're living in, your prince will come to sweep you off your feet. This is so not fair. It holds men and women to a completely ridiculous standard. It's the start of a horrible body image in our little girls. Have you ever seen a fat disney princess. Nope. (Mulan is the only one I really like. But I wouldn't call her a disney "princess". Just a kick-ass lady.)

8. 25 Ways to Talk so Children Will Listen: I've come to learn that listening skills aren't prevalent in many children. I don't want that to be the case with Clara. But I also didn't want to be a super-strict parent. I like these tips on how to get down to your child's level and really talk to them.

9. Five Worst Times of the Day for Parents: True. I'm spoiled. Clara has a wonderful babysitter, but my least favorite time of the day is when I have to leave her and go to work. And also between 11 and 12 at night when I know I need to go to bed, but I have so much left to do.

10. Reality TV vs. Reality: Teen Mom infographic. Informative. Plus, I enjoy infographics.

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Friday: Things I've found this week.

1. Inflatable Car Seat-  You'll never rent a car seat when you travel again! I've never traveled far with Clara, but I can only imagine the headache of dragging a car seat through an airport or in NYC. I would much rather have one in the diaper bag that I can inflate!

2. For the Love of Boobs- I am so glad I have a girl. Although, that's not stopping her. Clara will often hit my boobs and even pull my shirt down... but only if it's low-cut and only if there are other people around.

3. Homemade Gummy Fruit Snacks- I can't wait to send Clara to school with these some day. I'm also planning on making her fruit roll-ups with a dehydrator. :)

4. Make Your Own Diaper Sprayer- Now that my BRAND NEW cloth diapers are on their way, I want a diaper sprayer! And I want one before the diapers get here so I can start using them right away. I'm sorry, seasoned cloth-diapering moms, but I am not dunking a diaper in a toilet.

5. The Stroller Burn Workout- It feels like spring is approaching here in Michigan, which is getting me excited about finally being able to workout outside! I have Clara with me all the time, so I can't wait to try this out and see the results!

6. How to Prepare for a VBAC- I'm no where near ready to have another child. I wanted to be married before the first one, and I'm definitely planning on being married before the next. So, it's going to be a ways away. BUT, I am planning on doing a VBAC if possible.

7. Babyhawk Mei Tai Carrier- This carrier is SO cool! I love Heavenly Hold because they let you do layaway on a very expensive (but to me, worth it) baby carrier! I just ordered mine and I can't wait to get it. You can also go to the babyhawk website and design your own!

8. Toddler Yoga Pants- is any explanation necessary? I could die from the cuteness...

9. Why You Should Say No to Girl Scout Cookies- I never knew.

10. The Importance of a Fever- It's so good to read this and learn not to give your child tylenol the second their temperature spikes. Learn when is the right and wrong time for intervention.

Speaking of which, Clara is all better! I'm so happy I had her checked out at DeVos. They did some thorough testing and gave her a clean bill of health!


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Friday: Things I've found this week.

1. Baby Finger Food Recipes: Don't worry... it's not food made from baby fingers... I was running out of stuff to feed Clara. She has 0% interest in pureed baby food. She wants stuff with texture and lots of taste that she can pick up. She's over the bland stuff... and I have to say, I don't blame her. I've already done the sweet potato fries for her, and we're doing cubed tofu today.

2. Free Video Surveillance: I always see those ADT, or whatever company, commercials about being able to see who's in your home from your work computer or something. (Perfect for the future, so I know if Clara tries to sneak someone in...). This system uses a webcam, either detached or the one built into your laptop. It records as soon as it detects movement, and emails you. Perty cool, I'd say!

3. Get Your Kids to Give More and Take Less: The last thing I want as a mom is for Clara to grow up spoiled and think that everything in life is going to be handed to her. The second Clara says, "I have nothing to play with", she's boxing up 10 of her toys to take to Goodwill. I completely agree with the "Look in the Mirror" tip. I already coupon (not the extreme kind, but I'd like to), I'm paying over on my student loans each month (very difficult when money is tight, but I want them to be paid off before Clara is 5), I shop at Goodwill for a good amount of our things, and I VERY rarely buy something that's not on clearance. We'll be volunteering at least once a month, hopefully more.
I want her to learn things about money that I had to learn the hard way... she's going to have to earn the things she asks for. Her Dad and I have been talking about signing her up for MET (Michigan Education Trust) so she can get college tuition at the same price it is today, instead of 2 or 3 times as much. Mostly, I want her to be thankful for what she has, and have to work for it, but not struggle like I did.

4. Stupid Things People Say to Single Moms: Don't even get me started. Sometimes, people say things that make me wanna punch them in the face. The one I get the most is, "Is her father in the picture?". How rude. The author said it perfectly. Why would you ask that question like he isn’t? And even more importantly, why would you feel comfortable enough to pose that, like you’re inquiring about where I got my sweater or who did my hair?
I've also had people assume I have a husband because I have Clara, I've had people ask where my wedding ring is, I've had people assume that she's my little sister, I've also had people try to give me money once I tell them I'm a single mom. I'm not begging on the street here people.
You know what else sucks? When your friends go out and leave their kids with their husbands. I don't have one of those. It really grinds my gears.
Also, don't tell me I look tired. I'm gonna look like this for the next 17 years.

5. Porn for Pregnant Ladies: Awesome. Just awesome.


What have you found this week? I'd love to hear it!

Friday: Things I've found this week.

This is probably my most favorite post. I look forward to it every week! I feel like I bore the family and people in my life with my information. Things I've read, things I've heard... I enjoy current events and articles. I guess what I'm saying is that I'm so thankful for this weekly post because I can dump my information overload on all my readers. :) So, thanks for that! And here we go!

1. Dating Tips From 1938: One side of me finds this completely inappropriate. It pisses off the feminist in me. Men. Ugh. But, it was 1938... and things were different then. The other side of me finds this hilarious and completely entertaining.

2. How to Pack a Kick-Ass Preschool Lunchbox: Rookie Moms is one of my all-time favorite parenting websites. I get information, and yet I'm still so entertained.

3. DIY Play Kitchen: I'm so totally doing this for a present for Clara's first birthday! How awesome! It looks like so much fun to make, as well. I can't wait! Plus, I can make play food out of felt. Bring on the tutorials!

4. Dads Are Parents, Too: I really enjoyed this. I'm completely guilty of thinking "Oh, that's sooo nice/cute/awesome" etc when I see a father out with his children. Playing, grocery shopping, walking, biking. Whatever. My Dad did stuff with us all the time. He never missed an opportunity to pull out the video camera and force us to say things in unison, or teach us a life lesson. Even if it was just why the leaves change color. I think I'm just so used to being a single mom at this point in my life, that I just assume all other Dads are "babysitting". That's wrong of me, especially when there are single Dads out there, too.

5. 15 of the Worst Mistakes Women Make Trying to Look "Pretty": BAHAHAHA! Some of these I'm guilty of, and some I don't know why any woman would do...


What are your thoughts? What do you find on the interwebs that you'd like to share?

Friday: Things I've found this week.

1. Cry It Out: The Method That Kills Baby Brain Cells: This is so scary. I've always heard that babies crying (screaming) for more than 10 minutes kills brain cells. I don't know how anyone can stand to listen to their baby scream for that long.

2. Is 40 Weeks the Ideal Maternity Leave?: How cool would that be? Ten months of maternity leave? Yes please. I was so lucky to be able to stay home with Clara for as long as I did. I definitely wouldn't have been ready to leave her after only three months. I was still recovering from my c-section at the time.

3. Three Sets of Twins Born in Different Years: So rare. I wonder how it will affect their years in school.

4. 25 Best Mom Confessions of 2011: I don't know if I would say that they're the "best" confessions, but they are definitely funny. I have some better ones. Hmm... that gives me an idea for a weekly post.


5. If Bill Passes, Nursing Mothers in Michigan Will be Excused from Jury Duty: I've never had to do jury duty, but the possibility of this bill being passed is fantastic. I just don't understand why this isn't already in place. You can't expect a mother to leave her infant like that. "If a nursing woman is picked as a juror or alternate, she must take a pump and possibly a cooler, said moms who talked to the Free Press. Every few hours, she would have to stop court proceedings to express milk." Completely agree.



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Friday: Things I've found this week.

Top Parenting Stories of the Year. 

 

1. D.C. as best city to raise kid- Parenting magazine names D.C. as the best place to raise your kids.

2. Over-parenting as the new bad parenting- Atlantic magazine published a piece that claimed that this generation of parents has lost its way. In “How to land your kid in therapy” Lori Gottlieb argued that too many of us are over-parenting and, in effect, setting children up to fail

3. Kids not wanted- Some restaurants revealed a deep anger from many childless adults, and even some parents, at what they see as this parents’ generation inability to rein in their children in public places as well as a perceived entitlement parents display.

4. The Sandusky scandal- Though this terrible, still-unfolding story was not about parenting, it did raise questions about our collective responsibility to children. The scandal brought down a folk hero and forced many of us to examine what we might have done differently had we been in the Penn State chain of command.

5. Parental responsibility in childhood obesity- This summer a commentary in the Journal of American Medical Association suggested parents should lose custody of obese children in extreme circumstances. What seemed like a provocative theory became reality when a Cleveland mother lost custody of her obese son because the county said she was neglecting his health. The commentary and the case triggered difficult questions about who is to blame for the health crisis.

6. Leiby Kletzy- One of the worst events of the year was the killing of little Leiby Kletzy. The 8-year-old got lost on the first day that his parents let him walk home from summer camp and ended up being “helped” by a true monster. His story terrified parents across the country and is one of those events that many of us will remember with chills for years to come.

7. Dads can’t have it all either- Two attention-getting studies this year found that fathers are increasingly struggling with balancing careers and families. The Families and Work Institute reported that men are feeling stressed by the increasing burdens on them to succeed professionally and be nurturing caregivers.
Meanwhile, a Pew Research survey found that fathers who live with their families are more involved than ever before. The same survey found the majority of fathers think being a dad is a tougher job now than it was 20 or 30 years ago:

8. Sarcastic parenting- This year saw the rise of sarcasm in parenting, from Tina Fey’s irreverent and beloved “Bossypants,” (Reagan Arthur Books, April 2011) to the profane take on bedtime stories, “Go the ---- to Sleep,” (Akashic Books, June 2011) by Adam Mansbach. The latter was a best-seller before it was even available and inspired a slew of copycats.
The trend must say something about our need to lampoon our reluctant transition into parenthood. But who reading these could keep a straight face long enough to explain exactly what?

9. Screen time debate- Common Sense media reported that young children are using electronic media at staggering levels, with infants and toddlers spending twice as much time with screen media as books.
At the same time, the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with a reiteration of its largely ignored plea to parents to withhold “screen time” from the youngest children. Many parents, meanwhile, say the official advice is not keeping up with either the realities of parenting or the increasing benefits of modern technology.

10. The changing relationship between parents and their adult children- Adult children stampeded back into their parents’ home in recent years and with them the notion of hands-on “parenting” took on a longer shelf life.
The book “How To Raise Your Adult Children: Real-Life Advice for When Your Kids Don’t Want to Grow Up,” by Gail Parent and Susan Ende (Plume, August 2011) came out this summer. Disguised as an extended Q&A, it was really a collection of letters that revealed the angst older parents harbor when dealing with their still-dependent grown children.

Bring in 2012 with love, peace, and happiness. See you next year!

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Friday: Things I've found in week 11!

1. What to Say if Your Kid Asks if Santa is Real: Hilarious and useful. :)

2. Extreme Attachment Parenting: How to practice attachment parenting without going to the extreme. Wonderful advice!

3. 10 Ways to Get Your Child Interested in Reading: I'm definitely going to take these tips into account when teaching the Bean to read. She already has a love for books, mostly chewing on them... but that counts, right?

4. Free E-Books.net: Free books? Umm, YES.

5. Disrespect for Children: Does our society have a blatant disrespect for children? Read this blogger's opinion and decide for yourself.

6. Lunch. Parenting: Relevant reviews by real people.

7. Secrets of Boob Feeding: Oh the powers of boobies.

Enjoy! Feel free to comment. Also, the competition on TopBabyBlogs.com is a bit ridiculous, so could you spare a vote? Thanks. :)


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Friday: Things I've found in week 10! Celebrated with 10 links!

I know. Today is Saturday. Yesterday, I kept thinking it was Thursday. Messed up my whole schedule. Anyway. Clara is 8 months old today. How did that happen? It's like the 7th month didn't even exist. I feel like I should start thinking about her first birthday party. Probably need to focus on Christmas first.
I did ten links this time! Partially because this is the 10th week of Things I've Found on the interwebs, but also because I had so many great links to share. 

1. Mother Glow: Videos of couples telling their families that they're preggers. It's apart of FeelGoodBlogs. Look at it. You won't regret it, I promise.

2. Ring on the Finger: From the same FeelGoodBlogs site. Videos of couples getting engaged. More tears shed here. Mostly because I'm super jealous. I want something special. :( #PityParty

3. 1000 Awesome Things: Fantastic! You'll love it!

4. We make it Safer: Product recall site! Keeping your baby safer when it comes to toys and gear. You can search for whichever products you own, and it will tell you if they're recalled or not.

5. So They don't Like the Name You Chose: Lines to reply with when family, friends, and strangers aren't fond of your kid's name. I mean, some criticism is legit. Don't name your kid Harry James Potter, because those are big shoes to fill.

6. The Tucker Diaries: I gave you a link to the first post. This girl is FUNNY! She should have her own column. The blog is specifically for this girl's crazy online dating story with this guy named Tucker. I was so into the story, which is both funny and suspenseful, I sat and read through the whole blog in one go. I promise you'll be on the edge of your seat waiting for the next post. Turns out she's my sister's boyfriend's cousin. ANNND she might be featured on Ellen.

7. Bundle Bee: Such a great idea for Christmas gifts and something for the new parent(s). Feel free to send me a bundle if you so desire. :)

8. Post Preggo Exercises: I know, you've probably read tons of articles about how to tighten your bum and such post pregnancy, but this site helps you tighten SKIN as well! Crazy! Take it from someone who does P90X, these are a piece of cake!

9. 15 Stress-Less Ways to Shop with your Kids!: Just in time to do all of that Christmas shopping!

10. Top 4 Foods to Avoid for Toddlers: Wonderful advice!



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Friday: Things I've found in week 9!

I know. It's Saturday. Oh well.

I can't believe it's already week 9! Don't forget to enter the giveaway! Only 2 days left! There have only been 11 entries so far, so you should have a pretty good chance of winning if you enter now!

1. Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts that do good! Wanna feel good about the gifts you give this Christmas? This site has lots of ideas. I wish I was closer to NYC so I could get the museum pass. I would DIE!

2. What to do with that Leftover Turkey: This site has fantastic ideas of what to do with your leftover turkey. Better than a week of plain turkey sandwiches.

3. 40 Sayings From Your Parents that You Swore You'd Never Use (But Do!): A big saying with my parents was, "Because." or "Because I said so!". I've promised to never do that with Clara. To explain my reasons to her. I know I have good intentions, but it's useless. I'll do it. What do you say to your kids that you hated when your parents did the same?

4. Top 10 Things Your Baby Doesn't Need: I agree with the Baby Einstein videos. Do I think they make Clara smarter? No. But it's like baby crap. I don't feel good about using the TV as a babysitter. But it's REALLY nice to have when I need a break for 10 minutes, or have something I need to do.
I have to say that I disagree with the boppy. I NEEDED the boppy. A regular pillow would not have cut it. What do you feel like you could not live without when it comes to caring for your baby?

5. Permits for Parents?: An interesting take on what it takes to parent our future generation!

PLEASE don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY! Only 2 days left! And feel free to vote for us on TopBabyBlogs.com. We've fallen over 10 spots. :( So PLEASE vote!



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Friday: Things I've Found in Week 8!

1. Why You Should Stop Yelling at Your Children: I know it's going to be hard to not yell in the future when I'm frustrated. But this is good advice.

2. Video! Notorious B.I.G: The Ultimate Baby Pacifier: BAHAHAHAA! Best baby reaction EVER! Reminds me of something Baby Daddy would do.

3. Advice for a Hypothetical Daughter: Cute :) I should do something like this for Clara.

4. Cool Way to Welcome a Baby into the World: Such a cool video! I would love to do something like this.

5. How Much Bacteria is in a Nursery?: Swab results of this Mom blogger's nursery.



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Friday: Things I've Found in Week 7!

Jumping right in :)

1.Which Toddler Wore it Best?: I love this post. Women are already held to impossible standards as far as beauty, weight, and fashion go. Why project this onto these poor little girls? And the comments? Are you kidding me? I bet they're from the Moms on Tots and Tiaras.

2. Hobo Mama: Formula Feeders and Bottle users Welcome: I still haven't accepted the fact that in my eyes, I failed at breastfeeding. I mean, I made it 5 months, but my goal was a year or more. Every time I have to feed Clara formula, I cringe a little inside. So, nonetheless, this post makes me feel... welcome. I feel like I'm judged by other Moms when they see me feeding my baby formula. But I feel misunderstood. I want to shout out, "I tried my hardest! I saw a specialist, I took all kinds of herbs and drank teas. I even pumped every hour on the hour. (Even during the night). And I still couldn't produce enough..." Yeah. I still have terrible mommy guilt.

3. Parenting FAILS- Halloween Edition: BAHAHAHA! Child group costume of Jersey Shore!? Parenting Fail. But a win. Simultaneously.

4. Magical Baby Monitor: A little too much tech for me. What about you? I don't have an iphone, so it kinda rules me out. But would you want one of these?

5. The World's 7th Billion Person: I read like 4 different articles about 4 different babies being the 7th billion person born. On Halloween, nonetheless. My friend, Cheri's, daughter was born on Halloween. Maybe it's her kid. The truth? No one really knows.

Thanks for reading! I would love your feedback, as well as your VOTES! If you would be so kind. :)





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Things I've found in week 6!

Sorry for the big delay in posts. Clara has been steadily doing better, but I've been doing worse. Another symptom is added every day, and the existing symptoms are worse. I feel like poo. :( Clara had a third chest x-ray Thursday, in addition to some more blood tests. Everything came back alright, but Clara has to get an ultrasound with a pediatric urologist tomorrow. Wish us luck.



1. Hyper-dad-dria: Exactly! Hypo-mom-dria is true as well.

2. How to start cloth diapering your baby: I've really been wanting to cloth diaper, but I'm broke. And yes, I realize that cloth diapers save you a ton of money. I would have bought them before she was born, but I don't have the start-up money. As soon as I do, I'm getting them.
Do you cloth diaper? What kind of diapers do you use? Have any tips for me?

3. What to teach our kids about credit cards: Good idea! STAY AWAY, that's what I say.

4. What to do with your child's artwork: Good ideas to keep your fridge from being cluttered with finger-painted masterpieces.

5. Products for traumatizing infants: BAHAHAHAHA!


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Friday: Things I've Found in Week 5!

We've been MIA... I know. I'm sorry.

Clara and I have been out of town since Tuesday visiting her Dad. Some very interesting... and.... stressful things happened. Stay tuned tomorrow to hear more about that.

Anywho. Jordan, over at Holding on to the Little Things did a blog re-design for me! I'm a bit lost when it comes to technology, and Jordan was more than happy to help me out. I know my blog looks SUPER awesome now, and if you want yours to look awesome, too, head on over to HOTTLT and ask her to do yours, too!






ANNNDDDD now it's time for Things I've Found This Week! Don't lie. You're excited.


1. My 4-year-old is obsessed with Babies: Sorry to start off with a sort-of downer... but I cried the whole way through this post. The saddest thing I've ever heard. I would just die.

2. Having a Gentler Marriage: GREAT advice! I've never been married, but I think the BD and I could have used this in our relationship. There's no use in getting upset over silly things you won't even remember next week, next month, or next year. Silly!

3. Murder and Grief: WTF!? Women who lose their pregnancies now being faced with murder charges?! Please read and express your outrage/opinion.

4. Kidisms: I've never heard of this. It's like the show that Bill Cosby used to host, via the interwebs. And interactive. The jury is still out for me. I like reading them, but I'm disturbed that we seem to have another Twitter, FMyLife.com, or something similar. What do you think? Would you make yourself an account on Kidisms?

5. Boob Tube Dumbs Down Baby: I'm completely guilty for using the TV as a babysitter. Definitely not all of the time. But if I need to get something done and Clara needs.to.be.held.right.this.second. Hell yeah, I'll use the TV. However, I do agree with the AAP, and I promise I will try sooo hard to not let Clara watch any TV at all this week. (I promise to myself.)

Have you found anything interesting this week that you'd like to share? What a coincidence! I LOVE comments. :)

I also love VOTES! But you don't have to. Unless you want to. :)


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