Prego and Hungry. All. The. Time.

I have been trying to build up the recipes in my repertoire lately and fill my recipe box ~ which is essentially just a binder filled with loose papers {sometimes jotted down on a scrap or napkin} really ~ but I hope to one day have a fab recipe binder like the ones you can buy on Etsy or I have seen in Chapters stores.

My favourite recipes are:

~ ones that you can make double and freeze one for later {baby on the way}
~ recipes that you can prep ahead of the dinner hour {while Toddler B is napping}
~ really easy, not too many ingredient recipes {extra points for ingredients that I usually have on hand anyway}
AND
~ any sweet, delectable recipe {mmmm cookies... if I could make and eat only baked goods I would be a happy lady}

My friend Sarah over at Daffodil Design introduced me to my new blog addiction Buns in My Oven. Every single recipe on this site sounds so scrumptious that I drool all over my keyboard while I read through and look at the {fab} pictures! Thanks Karly at Buns in My Oven for all the prego cravings! ;) I recently made the Banana Bread Cookies pictured below and they are delish!

Photo from: bunsinmyoven.com

What's your favourite recipe website?

App Love

Today I took Toddler B with me grocery shopping. Normally I go by myself on Sunday afternoons while he naps, but we were away this weekend. Toddler B is not a big fan of grocery shopping {or any shopping in general really}, so the promise that he could play with my iPhone while we were there {if he was a good boy} was required in order to get him out the door.

I thought I would share a few of our favourite apps right now for other moms in the same boat:

{1} I Write Words ~ teaches tiny fingers how to write their letters and put letters together to create words. BONUS: There is a lite version of the app if you want to try it first to see if your little one likes it. DOUBLE BONUS: There is also a little tap-a-tune piano that plays the alphabet song {which by the way is the same tune as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Baa Baa Black Sheep}.

{2} Kideos ~ A collection of kid-friendly {still need to use your discretion on occasion} YouTube videos. KEEP IN MIND: This app requires an internet connection and will therefore use your data when you are not in a free WiFi area {Safeway has free WiFi FYI}. Toddler B ran this app a tonne while we were at Cross Iron Mills Mall recently and it didn't use up as much data as I anticipated, but it's still something to watch for.

{3} Chicktionary ~ Toddler B can't really play {the point of the app is to unscramble letters to create as many words as possible}, but he loves the sound effects on this one. Very addictive for parents too, so watch out! BONUS: This app was available for free {limited time offer} when I downloaded it, so it's worth checking out ASAP!

{4} Disney ~ A variety of fun games, activities and videos for all ages.

{5} My First Puzzles ~ Toddler B loves doing real puzzles and the e-puzzles have become favourites as well. There are lots of puzzle apps out there... find one that has a lite version to see if it has enough entertainment value for your child before you commit.

Next on my apps to purchase list: Super Why, WordWorld, and possibly Wheel of Furtune {another app with both kid and adult appeal... even if they can't play it properly sometimes the sounds or effects are entertaining enough!}. I think I'll save those ones to download before our next airplane trip though!

What app can't you live without {either for you or your kids}?

Most Fave Blogs

I try and make time every day or two to check out my most favourite blogs, so I thought I would share a few of them with you. Maybe one will become a favourite of yours too!

Daffodil Design

Mon Petit Amour

The Storque {Etsy's Blog}

How About Orange

Hostess with the Mostess

Everyday Celebrating

Pet Peeves

Here are some things that are driving me crazy:

~ online orders that cancel two days later because they don't have the stock!
~ when I forget, and accidentally throw in laundry that shouldn't go in the dryer!
~ my ridiculous pregnancy-caused heartburn {and the fact that nothing seems to help it}!
~ potty training {need I say more}!
~ the unpredictable Calgary weather!

What are some of your pet peeves?

Nursing Wear Sales and Contests

If you are currently nursing or an expectant mom who plans to breastfeed, you need to check out these great deals and contests!

BumbleWee Nursing Wear Sweepstakes {enter to win a nursing top every day for 30 days}

Momzelle {clearing out their current stock to make room for new styles - 25% off everything}

Bravado {enter to win a prize pack that includes some of their amazing nursing bras and an hbc gift card}

Zulily {one of this week's sales includes Larrivo Nursingwear at 55% off}

BumbleWee Nursing Wear Contest

I know I have been away for a looong time, but I have rather good excuses... or at least I have been trying to tell myself that they have been good excuses. The biggest reason I have been away for so long is that Toddler B is going to be a big brother. His baby brother or sister {we didn't find out} is due to arrive November 11th! I so enjoy my blogging, but the early part of this pregnancy was tough on me, and then everything just got so busy after that... Hopefully I can get back into it again soon!

But, I did want to share a link to this awesome contest that BumbleWee Nursing Wear is running. I am all about the baby stuff these days {and getting Toddler B's big boy room done, but that is another day's post}! They are giving away a nursing top every day for 30 days {today is day 3}, and you get a 50% off coupon code just for entering. I already ordered one of their sweepstakes items at 50% off yesterday. I am determined to look at least slightly stylish in the early days after this baby is born!

So You Think You Can Dance For A Really Long Time ~ YouTube Video!

I seem to be posting a little out of order lately... but even though it's Mother Monday I just had to share this video that our friends at The Mustard Seed made to help promote the event my sister and I are planning!

Check it out by clicking here!

Thanks!

Family Time

Hubby and I are taking Little Man B to Franklin (the turtle) at the Jubilee tomorrow afternoon. Is it weird that I am excited to go? It has been a while since we had a little family outing like that, so it should be a good time. Only trouble is that the show starts at the usual time that Little Man B naps. Hope it's entertaining enough that he doesn't get the grumps!

I found out about the show through an e-newsletter (Around Town Alberta) that I am signed up for through Babyvibe and Kindervibe. Lots of great ideas to get the fam out of the house for a little bonding time!

My Funny Little Man

Here is a conversation that I had with Little Man B the other day. He had woken up that morning about 15 minutes before this {he is such a lazy little guy sometimes and refuses to get out of his bed}.

Mommy: Okay, it's time to get up and go downstairs and have some breakfast!
Little Man B: {Shakes head no}
Mommy: Yes, we need to go and eat. Mommy is hungry.
Little Man B: No, I don't want to get up.
Mommy: Yes.
Little Man B: No.
Mommy: Yes, it's time to get up.
Little Man B: No.
Mommy: Well, yes, I am afraid so.
Little Man B: There's no monsters mom, nothing to be afraid of.

Review of New Online Shopping Sites

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the new group of online shopping sites that are popping up... you know the ones that offer a limited number of designer brand items at a discount until they are sold out. See the original post here. Well, back then I had placed an order with one of the sites, and now that my order has arrived I thought I would share my experiences with you.

Around the end of February I ordered some clothing for myself from Hautelook. It is designer name clothing, but a brand that I had never worn before. I ordered two tops, one dress and one pair of jeans. In terms of speed of service, the order did take longer than I expected to actually ship. I expect it to take a while to get here once it has been shipping since it is coming from the US to Canada, but it was over a week and a half before I was sent a shipping confirmation notice. I guess they must have a lot of orders to fill, so maybe I should cut them some slack.

However, the day after I received my shipping notice, I received another email stating that my order was not being shipped complete. In fact, one of the tops I ordered had been "short-shipped" by the supplier and I would not be receiving it at all... ever. This is not technically Hautelook's fault since the brand promised them a certain quantity and couldn't deliver. However, it is disappointing nonetheless. Hautelook refunded my money (probably not the same amount I had paid since the exchange rate had likely changed since then) and gave me a $20 credit towards my next order. At least they tried to make up for it.

On another negative side (totally not Hautelook's fault again), none of the clothes fit very well. I don't often buy clothes online unless it is a brand that I already have in my closet so I know my exact size, so perhaps I should stick to that!

In short, my advice is to to stick to what you know when using these fancy new online shopping sites... if you know you like the fit of William Rast jeans and know your size, then go for it! You'll save some money for sure... just don't get your hopes up too high in case there is a short-ship issue! And, be aware that you won't be getting them in time for that party this weekend if you live in Canada...

I Got My iPhone

I picked up my new iPhone today... Happy Birthday to Me! Any other iPhone or iTouch users out there please let me know which apps are must haves for moms, wives and females in general. I can compile a list of the fave apps and post it on my blog for everyone afterwards! Comment below or send an email to me at threemes@gmail.com!

It's my party and I'll rest if I want to...

Today is my birthday! So, since today is supposed to be about me... I choose to do as little as possible. I have a meeting this morning for an event, but that will only take a couple of hours, then the rest of the day can be spent being lazy and not feeling guilty about it. I will not be making dinner and I will not be doing any dishes. I will not clean anything. I think that it should be our gift to ourselves every year to be selfish for one day on our birthday! We deserve it!

Mother First

I have been feeling yucky all day, and therefore really struggling to take care of Toddler B. Poor little man wants me to play hockey and stuff, but I can barely get off the couch long enough to make him a sandwich. As a mom you do what you can to take care of your kids because they come first, right? But, while he naps I think I need to put myself first and maybe have a snooze too...

I need to pluck my eyebrows!

I have been torn this week about my decision to work part-time as a contract event planner for a local event company. I am more stressed out than usual, and I have less time for my family and taking care of myself and my home. Even my eyebrows have been neglected to the point that I looked in the mirror yesterday and nearly started to cry at the site of all the "stray" hairs.

But, I enjoy event planning, and when I took the job I felt like this experience would really help me on my path to becoming a qualified and respected events professional. How do you ever know what the right decision is? I am one of those people who asks "what if..." a million times a day. I analyze every possible outcome and event after I make a decision I obsess about whether it was the right one.

I guess at least I only have a 6-month contract to fullfil and then I can decide what the best future for me {and my family} will be. I am so impressed by all the other moms out there who seem to have it all together and balance everything.

*** On a lighter note, a shout out to my little brother who had his quarter century birthday on Wednesday! He commented that I had never blogged about him, so now he can't say that anymore! ;) Love you "Uncle Reggie" from B! ***

Simple Little Indulgences

Are there obscure little things in your life, that for whatever reason make you feel like a million bucks? Raindrops on roses perhaps? Or whiskers on kittens?

I am simply referring to the little somethings that bring a smile to your face, or remind you of something or time you enjoyed in the past. These may have a small price tag {like $5 or so} or be totally free.

Here are a few of mine:
1. A handful of chocolate mini eggs in the middle of the day.
2. Fresh squeezed orange juice. {Hubby and I picked some up at Sunterra Market a few weeks ago and it made us feel so spoiled, and reminded us of our vacation in Cuba where we were served fresh squeezed orange juice every morning for breakfast}
3. When my house cleaner folds the toilet paper into a little triangle just like a hotel housekeeper.
4. An out of the blue kiss or 'i love you' from my son.
5. A real letter in the mail.

What makes the top of your list?

Short & Sweet

Lately I haven't been able to find enough time to spend really playing with Toddler B between all the other schtuff that is going on, so this is it for today's Mother Monday post. Short and sweet so I can spend time with my short sweetie! Hope you all have a great day!

Fabulous Female Friday: Penny People Designs

It dawned on me the other day that I have yet to blog about one of my favourite companies ever... Penny People Designs. A wonderfully talented and sweet girl by the name of Lindsay Stephensen is the owner and mastermind behind this darling company that makes custom stationery products.

My favourite products are her penny people cards with characters that you personalize {hair colour and style, clothes} to make look like you {or the person that the cards are for}. They also make fab photo cards, birth announcements and mommy calling cards, amongst other cool products.

However, when I popped on over to the Penny People site this morning I noticed that a bunch of my favourite items aren't there anymore. So, I did a little investigating, and it appears that my favourite divapreneur is becoming a mompreneur! Yes, Lindsay is expecting, and in preparation for baby's arrival she has scaled back the business. But, she promises that when she returns she will be armed with a bunch of brand new products in addition to old faves.

In the meantime, you can still order a few birth announcements and her sweet alphabet or number art prints!

Best of luck Lindsay!

iphone, itouch, ijustdon'tknow...

It's my birthday this month and hubby and I have been discussing my gift. I really want an iphone, but I am having trouble justifying and digesting the cost. Did you know that Canada is the most expensive country to own an iphone in? The plans that are offered to Canadians are expensive when you consider what you get {most countries charge a similar monthly fee, but it includes unlimited data and downloads and/or unlimited talk as opposed to the common 500MB or 1 GB data plans and set number of minutes Canadians can choose from}.

I have mulled over the option of getting a blackberry instead, but it's really not that much cheaper and I won't be able to download all the fun apps. I really want the fun recipe apps my friends rave about. And I have heard rumours of an education learning app that turns your phone into a "toy" to distract a fussy toddler, while locking all other phone functions so that junior can't dial out or delete all your contacts while playing with your phone.

I also considered getting an ipod touch and just keeping my current cell phone, but then I don't get the email notifications on the touch and I can only use the internet when I am in a wi-fi supported area.

And if I do choose to get an iphone I also have to pick a service company. The lesser of all the evils, I just don't know?! And considering the speed at which technology is moving {and knowing my luck}, as soon as I make a decision a new generation iphone will come out and/or the prices will drop. Oh woe is me! Anyone have any tips?

I wish it really was spring!

I am really enjoying this spring-like weather we are having in Calgary lately. But, it is so disappointing to know that winter isn't actually over and this warm sunshine is only temporary! I can't wait to be able to get outside with Toddler B and burn off some energy each day, because he sure has a lot of spunk lately!

Toddler B is starting to grasp play time by himself for a little while, which is a nice reprieve for me. And, he also seems to enjoy pretend play now. We like to pretend we are airplanes flying to all his favourite places {everywhere from grandma's house down the street to a beach in Mexico}. He also like to do crafty things sometimes, which I find relaxing.

What are some things that you do with your little ones to keep busy {and sane} when you are cooped up inside over the winter?

And Saturday is the new Friday!

Friday afternoon we left to go away for the weekend before I had a chance to write my blog post. We are back in my husband's home town because yesterday was his friend's surprise 30th birthday party. I am trying to recall, but I think it is one of the few surprise parties I have attended with the only other ones being for my grandparents in the US. And amazingly enough the surprisee claims he was actually suprised. We all thought for sure he would have found out especially living in the Facebook world!

It was quite a fun little gathering, but even though we had grandma come and pick up Toddler B to take him home for bedtime, we ended up leaving extremely early ourselves {like we are talking home by 10:00pm here}. A large portion of the guests left before us as well {lots of us seem to have kids now}, and only a few hardcore guests headed out to the bar after the dinner party was over.

I still have a couple of years to go before the big 3-0. For me it probably won't be much different since I have never really been one to party anyways, but boy does it make you feel old when you look around a room a 9:30 and all you see is yawning faces. Or maybe, it was just that it was a Friday evening? I am always too exhausted to stay up on Fridays after surviving the week!

Thursday is the new Wednesday

Oops! I forgot to do a post again yesterday... so today is the new yesterday!

I have recently become addicted to the newest crop of online shopping sites... the ones that sell designer brands at a discount. I have been invited to try a few of them by friends, and I placed my first order last week. I am always a bit of a skeptic, so I have tried not to order anything else until I receive my first order and can determine if it was in fact a good deal, and if I received good service.

The one I decided to try first was Hautelook. But, there are more out there including Beyond the Rack and Zulily.

It's a bit disappointing when you log on and find that the items you would most covet are already sold out. You definitely have to be quick on the draw {or click as the case may be}. Warning: Your hubby or significant other will not be too pleased that you call him every morning asking if you can place an order!

Some {More} of My Favourite Things...

As promised, here is the follow up post to last week's Mother Monday list of some of my top baby/toddler finds {and the fabulous online stores I like to shop at}. I apologize that it appears that some of my links aren't working properly lately. If you need the info on any product or store, send me an email {threemes@gmail.com} and I'd be happy to oblige!

6. Toddler Buckled Belts by Kula Klips that I purchased from True Cuddles. My son has always been a little guy, and he needs a belt to hold up his pants because the ones that are long enough for him are usually too big in the waist. True Cuddles is one of my favourite online stores {also based out of Calgary} that offers one baby or toddler product each week at a really great discount. Sign up for their weekly email alert!

7. KidKusion Gummi Crib Rail Cover I ordered from Belly Laughs. Our little guy started chewing on his crib when he was teething and hubby and I struggled to find something that would save our $500+ dollar investment from our little termite. Enter the Gummi Crib Rail Cover. It has since fallen off {we had to move it once because we hadn't placed it correctly and the stick just never stuck right after that, so be sure you position it correctly the first time}, but it did the trick at the time! 8. Leap Frog Learning DVD Set ordered from Chapters or Amazon Canada. My son loves these DVDs and they are doing an excellent job of teaching him his alphabet! Chapters also has a great selection of toys and DVDs, so check them out next time you are ordering a book. Amazon doesn't carry toys, but their prices on books and DVD's are always competitive with Chapters.

9. Thought Spots by Thought Spots. Also a Canadian company. Thought Spots are little reminders and messages that inspire or tell someone you care. They cling to mirrors and other glass surfaces, but are easily removed. The New Mom Thought Pack makes a great baby shower gift!
10. Fisher Price Grow-to-Pro Basketball Net from Amazon.com. My son loooves his basketball net. No, Amazon.com still doesn't ship to Canada {at least not most things and not for a reasonable shipping fee}. I have family in Montana, so I shipped an order from Amazon to my grandparent's house a few weeks before my parents were planning to be there for a visit. Amazon seriously has everything, so I wish they would make shopping with them from Canada more easy and cost effective!

So You Think You Can Dance For A Really Long Time

Registration for the event that my sister and I are planning, a dance-a-thon fundraiser in support of the Mustard Seed in Calgary called So You Think You Can Dance For A Really Long Time, is now up and running!

Who: We invite all Calgary and area youth {or the young at heart} to sign-up to be a competitor by clicking the link above. Then download the pledge form {from the same website} and start collecting cash and cheque donations and bring them with you to the event.

What: Come prepared to dance the day away with your friends to great music, enjoy cool entertainment, and have a chance to win fantastic prizes!

Where: Eau Claire Market {Centre Court}

When: Saturday, May 15, 2010; 11:00am - 6:00pm

Why: This event will involve the entire community in a fun and competitive way while raising money for a great cause.

You can also send an email to dance@theseed.ca of you have any questions or find So You Think You Can Dance For A Really Long Time on Facebook!

How puzzling...

My husband and I consider oursleves King & Queen of Television Watchers, especially in the winter months. We usually sit down on the couch as soon as our son is in bed, and proceed to watch 2 - 2.5 hours of television {which in PVR terms usually means 3 hour-long shows}. There are probably only a handful of shows that we don't watch.

This couch potato status, as you can imagine, doesn't do a whole lot for our relationship. Sure, we bond over a good episode of The Office that we both laugh hysterically through, but we aren't talking {especially since we skip commercial breaks} about our days, or what is going on in our 'separate' lives.

So, a couple of weeks ago my husband suggested that we needed to 'do something' together, and since - much to his dismay - I do not enjoy playing cards, my hubby ordered us a puzzle off of ebay. We started the puzzle almost immediately and have both become hooked. We work together {okay, we still need to work on this a little bit}, talk, and just spend time together. So far, it has been a really positive change for us. I am going to bet that we will be purchasing another puzzle soon... and maybe the TV will get a much-needed rest for a few minutes each night.

Some of My Favourite Things...

For today's Mother Monday post I thought I would share some of my favourite baby/toddler items from the last two years. These five items just happen to come from five of my favourite online shopping stores as well! Next week I'll list off five more favourites, so come back next Monday for the rest!

1. My Petunia Pickle Bottom Touring Tote Diaper Bag. I had to take a picture of my exact bag because this print is no longer available, however, the new prints are just as fun! It is the perfect size for me, not too big, but still fits everything I need. I purchased my bag at my favourite online baby store based out of Ontario Dear Born Baby! A Canadian store that offers free shipping on orders for $100 or more, what could be better?!

2. Toddler B's Personalized Cubino Chair from You Name It Baby {also in Ontario}. The chair itself is available at other retailers, however, You Name It Baby embroiders your child's name on it {for a small fee} making it their extra special seat. My son sits in his all the time, and I happily have it in my family room because it looks good.

3. Gertie Balls are the best balls around for any active toddler. The smaller ones are good for older babies too because they are easy to grip. Toddler B has one in every toy area of the house for playing soccer, catch, basketball... I bought ours from Scholar's Choice and found them to have good customer service and reasonable shipping costs. *Note: Scholar's Choice seems to be out of stock on Gertie Balls right now. They are pretty difficult to find, so if you do find them, order a few extras to give as gifts!

4. The Imaginarium Train Table from Toys R Us. Santa got this for Toddler B for Christmas and it has been an excellent source of entertainment. The quality is great and it is compatible with the Thomas Wooden Railway trains. It does take a few hours to put together, but not too difficult. {Bonus: costs way less than the Thomas Train Set!}

5. Grobags from Mom & Baby Works. A Calgary-based online store that also features all of the Tiny Soles brand, as well as many other great products. Excellent customer service too. My son has been in a sleep sack since he was about 6 months old. My hubby and I give most of the credit to our being able to get good sleeps to Grobags.

So little time...

Sorry for the impromptu interruption in blog posts! I was so busy with the dance-a-thon event planning and finishing up a course for school that I couldn't find time to be on here. Such is life I guess!

I am super excited that registration for our event is finally supposed to be up and running starting on Monday! We will be able to start actively looking for event contestants... yay!

We also sent out a ton of sponsorship requests this week, so cross your fingers that some of those come through for us. We need a bit of money to pull this thing off. So far though we have been delighted to hear back from Coke and Hershey that they will donate some product for the event contestants and volunteers! Gotta make sure that we keep our dancers energized and hydrated!

As I mentioned, I also finished up my sixth of seven courses for my Event Management Certificate. It was a tough five weeks this semester with everything else that is going on but I still managed to pull of my 'A' thanks to the support of my hubby, mom and sister!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Fabulous Female Friday ~ Mon Petit Amour

I am absolutely loving my friend Morgan's blog Mon Petit Amour lately... In one of my first-ever blog posts I talked about how Morgan was my inspiration to start blogging, and it isn't hard to see why. I love all the new mom stuff that she is sharing with her readers lately {she had Baby Hunter in the beginning of December}, and her writing is so perfectly bloggy and fun that it keeps you wanting more! Plus she always finds the cutest images and graphics to post {something I am not very good at}.



If you haven't been over to her blog for a visit in a while, you need to pour yourself a cup of tea and pull up a chair at the computer. Morgan just recently purchased her domain name {so exciting}, and she has gotten back into the blogging groove after a short hiatus to {rightfully so} spend time bonding with Hunter.


This week she is focusing on something called FlyLady, and how you can change your procrastinating ways and not get too overwhelmed with the daily doings of running a household by doing everything a little at a time {and rewarding yourself when you stay on track which I think is key}. I think the suggestions are fantastic and I am making a mental note to go back and really look at the posts when I am done school {sounds a bit like I am procrastinating, but really and honestly I am too busy right now to implement something new}.

Be sure to check out her roundup post "daily deals online for mom and baby." I had wanted to put together a listing of all of these shopping sites, but now we can just share!

Nice work Morgan ~ you are going to be a top mama blogger that so many other bloggers are talking about I just know it!

I give you permission...

Dear Reader,


If you, like me, have been really, and I mean extra, way-more-than-usual, busy lately I give you permission to take the easy way out tonight. You deserve it!

Much like I am going to pick up Edo of Japan for dinner tonight for me and my little man {hubby is out of town for a few days}, you should find some sort of time {or sanity} saving step you can take in your day that will make your life a little more pleasant too!

The only catch is that it must remain guilt-free. Meaning that you must promise me that you will not lose any sleep over it. Did you plug in a Baby Einstein video for your infant so you could have 20-minutes to sit down with a cup of tea? Good for you! Or did you skip working out in favour of reading a book? Perfect! Perhaps you spent the afternoon scrapbooking instead of tidying up the basement? Nice work!

Now, don't you feel better? I know I will when I am eating the meal I did not have to prepare for dinner tonight!

No thank you cards? No problem.

It had already been a ridiculously long time since my son's 2nd birthday, and I found myself a few short on thank you cards this past week, so I sat down and got creative.

I went online to the Sesame Street website {to continue the Sesame Street theme from the party}, and printed off a couple of colouring pages of Elmo and Cookie Monster. Then I used my printer's re-size feature and shrunk the images down so that they would fit on some blank cards that I had left over from another project.

Then I grabbed my little man and some crayons and asked him to scribble all over the colouring sheets. I cut out the images, glued them onto the cards and wrote my messages to the Great Grandma's and Grandpa's and there you have it... a personalized thank you card to cherish! And a crafty, keep-him-busy-for-five-minutes project for Toddler B! One stone, two birds...

I know they aren't the most fabulous cards in the world, but when compared to the store-bought cards I sent to some of the guests, I kind of wished I had enough of these for everyone! They have character.

These would also make great Valentine's Day cards {with a fun Valentine's Day image and a red or pink card perhaps}. Just make sure you only ask the little ones to colour a few at a time or they'll get bored. Hint: An easy to cut out image will make things much less stressful and time consuming for you!

Event Planning Fun & Stressful Too

Everything for our fundraising event is {slowly} coming together. It seems like every deadline I set for myself seems to come and go without me completing the task. It's a little frustrating, but I guess that's to be expected when it is your first real event and you are volunteering your time. Other things on the TO DO list just seem to take priority sometimes! I will try not to be too hard on myself, and hopefully these last three months or so until event day things start going a little smoother.

The website for the event is up and running. Registration is not available yet, but if you want to check out the event details so far click here. We are also working on a facebook page, and our poster is being designed by the lovely and talented Sarah of Daffodil Design {who is also volunteering her time for this project}. The next top priorities are getting the sponsorship requests sent out!

If you are interesting in participating in or volunteering with the event please send me an email to threemes@gmail.com, and I will be sure to update you when registration is working, or put you on a list to contact later for volunteer opportunities!

Every Hip Hostess Needs an Apron

Michelle Stepp from Everyday Celebrating posted the most wonderful aprons on her blog yesterday... they are from The Hip Hostess. I think every wife needs one to help inspire her inner creative cook, don't you agree? So cute!

Label Lover

A few weeks ago I applied {and got accepted} to be a Mabel's Labels BuzzMama. This means essentially that I am an ambassador for them... they want me to talk to people I know about their products and then provide feedback to them on what was said. Pretty easy peasy for someone like me who loves to talk about children's products. I refer mommy friends to specific companies I find and love all the time anyway, so why not get rewarded for it, right?!

If you have never heard of Mabel's Labels they started out simply making super durable {they say you can put stuff in the dishwasher and the label won't come off, but I haven't put it to the test personally yet} "labels for the stuff kids lose," but now they have branched out into home organization products and personal stationery.

What I love about the concept of the BuzzMama program though is that I am not going to ever have to stand in front of a group of women and try and sell them lotion or something. I think I'd be pretty horrible on the home party scene. Nope - instead of getting paid a wage or commission I will get paid in product. And Mabel's Labels has lots of fun products that I will enjoy playing with for sure!

Another perk is that in my welcome package I received a bunch of coupons to share with my friends. So, if there is a product that you have always wanted to try from Mabel's Labels drop me an email at threemes@gmail.com and I'll see if I can hook you up!

Easy to Get {Joyfully} Lost on Etsy!

I have spent a lot of time perusing the wonderful world of Etsy lately. It is so neat to see what the creative minds out there have come up with.

Some of my favourite things to search for lately have been custom photo cards {I wanted to do some thank you cards from my son's birthday, but I have been procrastinating and now I am almost past what might be considered proper etiquette for thank you cards}, party kits and printables, purses, recipe organizers, and contact cards.

The only thing I have actually ordered so far is the contact cards. I figured I could use them dual purpose, as mommy contact cards when we meet some new potential playdate friends, and also as a business card when I am dealing with suppliers and vendors while planning the dance-a-thon event.

I used Etsy seller IcingsPrints, and owner, Ais, was a joy to work with. Super pleasant, and quick to respond. I am looking forward to receiving my finished product. I chose a flexible package that IcingsPrints offers that includes 30 printed copies of the contact card, plus the digital file to print more later myself if I run out. Perfect for me. Plus, I was able to get two different designs {one standard business card rectangle, and the other a funky square shape}. Thanks IcingsPrints!

Working Wednesdays

I think "Wife Wednesdays" might have to be re-categorized as "Working Wednesdays." My sister and I have been busily working on our event that we are planning in support of the Mustard Seed. We officially have a date and location now, so it so much more real!

So You Think You Can Dance For A Really Long Time, a dance-a-thon aimed at Calgary and area teens, will take place on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at Eau Claire Market. I am excited by the group of people that we have working to make everything happen so far. Generous, kind, wonderful people that are a joy to be around. And I look forward to even more people joining the team as things progress!

I will also be working in the true sense of the word soon since I have been offered a contract position with a local event management company! Lots of exciting things seem to be happening all at once.

Design In A Box

If you have been following my blog for a while, you already know that I have a passion for a few things. Baby/Children's Products, Event Planning, and Entrepreneurship are probably the highest ranking in my passion pages. Many of the posts I write tie into at least one of these themes in some way.

Today it's entrepreneurship, or since it is Mother Monday, more specifically "Mompreneurship." On Friday afternoon I was directed {via a Facebook fan page} to an article in the Globe and Mail entitled Technology Sets Mompreneurs Free. In the article they mention a Calgary-based business that I had never heard of before, but that I instantly fell in love with. The company is called Design In A Box.

Design In A Box is owned by professional interior designer Nyla Free. Clients send Nyla photos and specifications of a room in their home that needs some design TLC, and she creates a custom interior design kit complete with a floor plan, source guide of where to buy the items she is suggesting, and even fabric samples for you. The kit is put in a box {hence the company name} and mailed to you, and you can take it from there. How neat is that?

The best part is that Nyla has discovered a way to continue doing something that she loves, because her business plan makes it so she can work on her own schedule and still play mom to her two girls. Loving it!

Week in Review

My goodness life has been busy lately! Between the event that I am planning, school, and being a mommy I have barely had time to breathe these days! Sorry I missed Monday and Wednesday's posts, to make up for it, today's post will be all three posts in one!

Mother Monday
I have been taking Toddler B to classes three mornings a week. Mondays we are at Petite Beats for a Totally Tots class, Tuesdays is Sportball, and Thursdays we are at Gymtastics. I have discovered that three classes a week is way too many, but I can't decide which class to cut out of our schedule next session since we are enjoying all of them so much! Plus, we did enjoy Gym & Swim at the Shawnessy YMCA and I would consider going back to that as well. It's been good to be busy this winter though... nothing worse than a stir-crazy toddler!

Wife Wednesday
Yesterday when hubby got home from work and went to start the barbeque we discovered that there wasn't any propane left. Since there wasn't any other meal option in site, and the potatoes were already in the oven, we decided to pull out the indoor grill we have had for probably five years, but have never actually used before. It did the job, but wasn't ideal of course. Anyone else use indoor grills in their homes and have any tips? Maybe we should be using it more?

Female Friday
Anyone else in major need of a shopping fix? I haven't stepped foot in a mall or store since before Christmas, and I am going crazy! I do a lot of my shopping online, but there is something to be said about getting out with a bunch of rude, hurried shoppers and desperately trying to find what you are looking for. Hopefully an opportunity will come along soon where I can get my shopping on! I'd even be willing to head out to CrossIron Mills. Anyone been there and have recommendations of stores to hit up?

Sweet Valentine

Sorry about my absence on the blog... something came up that prevented me from being on here for a little while.

Today, I wanted to share with you a site that I found {via another site I love called Everyday Celebrating} that has some really neat ideas for Valentine's Day.

Skip to My Lou is a very cute little corner of the blog world with many crafty ideas that look easy enough for a beginner like myself.

Head on over to see the sweet candy cane lollipop tutorial that Cindy from Skip to My Lou has shared! If you poke around some more there are some adorable printable Valentines too!

Thanks Cindy for sharing!

We Are Calgary's Next Top Event Planners!

My sister and I had our first meeting with the Mustard Seed about our event today {from the Calgary's Next Top Event Planner contest we won}, and we are ready to get started! Stay tuned in the coming weeks as I will share with you whatever I can about the event and the planning process!

I'll try to get back on track with the Mother Monday, Wife Wednesday and Female Friday plan soon! Sometimes life doesn't fit into a blogging schedule I guess!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! Looking forward to what 2010 has in store...

Sorry that I have been away from the blog for a little longer than I had expected. Toddler B is going through a difficult stage right now, so we have been devoting more time to him. Hopefully it doesn't last too much longer. I need sleep!

We had a wonderful Christmas in Mexico with my family, and I hope everyone also had an enjoyable holiday. It wasn't quite the same being on the beach to open presents, but I'm certainly not complaining since it was a welcome reprieve from cold Calgary.

Just before Christmas my sister and I found out that we won that contest we entered looking for Calgary's Next Top Event Planner. We have our first meeting this week, so we will see what's in store for us in the coming months. I'll keep you posted!