Just like everything...

Just like everything in live the professionals make everything look easier than it is...so here it is - unvieled for the first time - here is my first vector drawing...

I am putting it out there for all...

Enjoy!

Trip Down Memory Lane

So I looked back to my first posts - back when I thought I was actually going to blog about how much I like fitness and dieting...ha ha ha...that lasted all of not that long - granted I do like to try to keep in shape, but this blog has been so much more to me. 

Here are some of the things I have learned along the way.  Always comment back...even if you don't have time to comment - you can come back 6 months later and let fellow bloggers know you read and appreciate them.  It feels good to let bloggers know you lerk...they know you are there...but say something.

Also as blogging has grown there is a lot of meanness - there are cliques - but stand above that and all will be good.

Blogger is a pretty good platform as is wordpress.  I like each for different things.

If you decide to stop blogging for a while you can come back...the blogs will change and things will be different - but don't stop - take a break - but keep on keeping on - because depending on your goal it will work out.

You don't have to be everything to everyone - we appreciate honesty - put it out there...deny it later if it is that bad but don't be afraid of what others will think...be yourself.

Small thing I have learned but hey it is a Sunday evening...time for bed.

Facebook Friends!

That is right - I am on facebook.  I do plan on updating with pics and other fun.  Please find me, and friend me.  I friend back!  Thanks.

Dooce Blog - Tweet and Poop

So I was reading my tweets today and yes doing some catching up and noticed this tweet from Dooce, "Why do I add all this artificial sweetener to my coffee? Because on my death bed I'd like to have a vague idea of why I'm lying there."

I think this is hilarious for so many reasons - and most of them have to do with poop and diarrhea.  Coffee makes me crap.  Every morning.  It does the job - now combine that with splenda and you have a real mess.

I hate to say it but in the blog world The Pioneer Woman and Dooce don't shit.  They are like the Britney and Paris of the Mom Bloggers - only way funnier, way more intelligent, and way more educated...okay you get the point...

Wait...okay - I am pretty sure I can imagine Britney pooping - nevermind all that above - I think I meant to say - Dooce and Pioneer Woman both get the media attention (online in the mom blog circle) of those two - but whatever...

But back to the point combining coffee and splenda - not a move I would expect from Dooce - then again she works out of her home so what does it matter?!  I mean on the weekends I am way more open about my breakfasts.  I will eat blueberries and chase them with coffee, or watermelon in the summer.  I would never do that on a work day.  I don't crap at work - that is just a general rule.


Funny that Dooce doesn't think that way.  One more reason to be a professional stay at home mom blogger to add to the list - pooping at home and adding whatever I want to my coffee.

Don't blog and drink at the same time

Today has been a frustrating day - but if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all - so....

On to less frustrating matters - matters of the boy.  My baby boy love reading and as any first time competitive mommy I take this as a sign of him being gifted.  His current favorite book - Ants in My Pants.  I tickle him at the end of every story too.  He loves it...I say "The End" and then I get him in his rolls.

I swear I am obsessed with my little man...no matter what happens he is my dream guy.  I know it sounds familiar to all the moms out there...but babies are a gift from the heavens.  I don't know what I ever did before the little monster.

Chupacabra and Duct Tape An Award

Okay I would like to thank Pampers and Pinot for this award - and I might add that I haven't gotten an award in well over a year so this one is a special one - and just a bit of stream of consciousness here...because I don't have time for much more with a hubby in the shower and baby duty and the errands of a Sunday.  I know Pinot as I like to call her gave me this award because she loves me but I also think it was a sign because she wrote a post that went with the award that made me cry because it sounded just like words I would have written myself.  I think we were meant to be virtual bffs you see.

Pinot is going back to work and all her feelings are mine - down to the Citibank card which I also own with the ridiculous interest rate.

Penot! I love you.  And this award goes to:

The Winey Mommy

alabastercow

Spilled Milk

The Tarr Pit

What to do:
Thank the person who gave you the award.
and
Pass it on!

Vacation

I think that Yahoo with their pretty picture and features on the homepage should be banned at work.  Seriously.  I looked today and there was an article about deserted beaches.  Seriously yahoo?!  I want to be on the beach so badly - and it doesn't even have anything to do with anything other than the beauty and sereneness.  I swear work will be the end of me.  It is so stressful.  I would give anything to just pick up and move to the coast with my baby, husband, and computer.  I would just blog by the sea.  Wouldn't that be the dream?!  My adsense bringing home the bacon.

Then again do you think I would be a boring blogger?!  Who wants to read all day about the perfect blogger who sits on the beach all day?  I sort of like reading about poop mishaps and work blunders.  So I guess all in all it isn't so bad.  Plus by husband always says that we should never live where we vacation.  I completely don't understand that - but if I convince myself it would make me boring...well then I guess I could agree.


But the people in Key West who roam and just stay there always look so happy and tan!

Rainy Sunday

I have taken the 31 Days to a Better Blog Challenge and one of tasks is to make a list post, honestly I have really struggled with ideas, but I will write a list of my favorite things to do on a rainy Sunday - because you guessed it - today it is a rainy day.

1.  Read a book with my baby
2.  Watch TV with my baby and get hugs in between his running around
3.  Go for a sun tan lotion free swim in the indoor pool
4.  Go to spinning class
5.  Eat some chocolate ice cream
6.  Stay in my PJ's all day

Bride Wars

Okay does anyone else think this school teacher who has her wedding day on the same day as Chelsey Clinton is making a huge deal out of nothing?!  I mean get over it!  I think she is being super selfish to her guests.  First of all she is really milking this opportunity to get 5 minutes of fame.  Secondly, she claims she isn't a bridezilla and I completely disagree.

If I was invited to her wedding and I had RSVP'd "no" I am pretty sure I would be calling to say I could make it after all.  I mean I am superficial and I would totally want to accidentally bump into famous people.   I would get a last minute gift off the registry too.  She is getting all bridezilla and not thinking about her guests who I am pretty sure would want to brag about running into Obama and family.   Plus from what I read she has been engaged and planning this wedding for two years!

I don't even really buy the whole two year thing.  If she has really been planning the wedding for two years anyway I am sure she is the type to make her guest sit through a painful 1 hour ceremony.  I mean this is completely uncalled for.  If the two years thing is what I think - then she is more than likely giving it up, living with the dude, and trying to get him to just put the rest of the ring on it and shut up.  I know how this stuff works.

So get over it...let your guests get tied up in a start studded weekend and enjoy the horse and pony show I am sure the Clinton's are putting out - happy wedding!

Business Casual

I work at a large ass company. The people that work at my company come in many different shapes and sizes. There is also a very wide interpretation of what it means to be business casual. The other day I saluted one woman's interpretation with a conversation in the elevator. Of course this conversation took place entirely in my head - and now on my blog.

Me: Hey goth girl with large nose

Goth Girl: Hey J-crew bitch

Me: What possessed you to wear patent black 4 inch stripper heals that make your calves clinch to work today?

Goth girl: I am not sure, the same thing that made you decide to wear gold ballet flats to work - I thought they would look nice with my dress.

Me: Yeah that dress is great. It is super tight and I can totally see that in the elevator reflection you like the way it makes your cleve look. Plus the black lace cardigan will keep you warm in our over air conditioned corporate tower.

Goth girl: Well speaking of the boob area - your cotton J-crew dress covers up your nursing bra nicely. You should go milk those things soon - swush swush.

Me: Thanks bitch, err Wednesday - how long did it take you to get to work from the dark mansion you call your home?

Goth Girl: Faster than you from your suburban cookie cutter house.

Me: Exiting the elevator - Have a good day.

As I exited the elevator I kept thinking - where on earth could that girl possibly work? There are so many exciting possibilities in our large company. Perhaps Goth is considered part of the new diversity initiative. I even went as far as to do a quick Google search but all the pages about "Goth Corporate Jobs" had white text on a black background so I got super dizzy and wanted to take some drugs. For now I am going to stick with my best guess - accident claims?. A bit disgusting, and probably totally racist for me to have this thought - but - it satisfies me for now.

Will everybody just chillax?

Will everyone just chill the fuck out about Bristol Palin's engagement?

Is there one person in this world that doesn't agree that her Mom is probably so up in her relationship? If rebelling for this chick is getting engaged without her mom's knowledge then Sarah needs more things to worry about. Maybe she can go down and plug the oil spill with her dick.

Bristol already had a baby so it is confirmed that she has had sex. Now the only thing worse she could do is become a druggie. Becoming a druggie would be super easy for her too, because her finacees mom did a small amount and got put in some scary Alaskin (yep I said Alaskin) jail for drugs sometime during the campaign. Really who can blame her? I am pretty sure if my son was dating Sarah Palin's daugher then I might dabble in a little something something too.

And really I don't even think having sex is that big of a deal - was she like 16? Okay that is young but I am pretty sure that Bristol was exposed to adult things at an early age. I guarantee that dinner at the Palin's was all about really adult things like politics and oil. I think sex is just part of politics and oil. What politician that is really into oil isn't banging an entire block of women? Most of those women are hot too. Oil makes men rich, hot women like rich men. I know how this shit works.

So I don't think the whole thing is that big of a deal.

Giveaway - C.O Bigelow - $49.50 - Value and perhaps more

Who doesn't love LEMON! I am doing a pretty sweet givaway - it is running starting today - until July 31st - why July 31st - well because it is an arbitrary date I picked on my calendar.

I will be giving away: the C.O. Bigelow® Lemon Body Cream (Jar) Special Limited Edition 32oz - value 49.50

Here is a sexy pic:

I will be drawing the results using Randomizer.org

Here is how to enter:



1 Entry - Subscribe to this Blog
1 Additional Entry - Subscribe to my other mom blog: http://www.powellmom.com
1 Additional Entry - Tweet about this Giveaway
1 Additional Entry - Tweet about my new blog http://www.powellmom.com
10 Additional Entrys - Write a post about my Powell Mom blog explaining how I am a mommy blogger that is going local with 2 links included asking people to check it out and subscribe

As you can tell - I am pretty stoked about this giveaway - but wait - there is a catch - if my new blog http://www.powellmom.com gets to 100 subscribers then the first person who enters this givaway will get a $100 dollar TARGET gift card - who doensn't go to TARGET? If my new blog www.powellmom.com gets to 200 subscribers I will be doing a $200 dollar gift card to the first person who enters! There is no limit on entries. Remember to post a comment and tell me what you did!! And if you are first - then work-it girl! Cause you could be going shopping at Target!!

GOOD LUCK

I am such a crime fighter

Last week I drove my friend Jen to work.

Jen: I probably pass you everyday on the way into work

Me: I don't like to rush in the morning - I would rather enjoy my morning commute eating my bagel, drinking my coffee and listening to my pump up music.

Jen: Yeah but I hate being in traffic - it makes me cuss and drive erratically - I get road rage.

So today while I was sitting in traffic drinking my coffee and listening to Akon - I am pretty sure I saw a murderer or someone that did something to result in major blood spatter on their back plate. If I had been rushing like Jen I never would have noticed the car in front of me. The license plate had dark brown crusty stuff all over it. I am convinced it was blood. Seeing as I was afraid to make eye contact, I simply noted the fact in my mind. I looked at the car and there didn't appear to be any dents or dings so I think the person who clearly ran someone over must have moved the license plate to a different car as part of the cover up.

You see if I hadn't been taking my time waiting in traffic to go to work I would never have noticed this vehicle.

Now the next logical question would be did I report the mess of a license plate that I saw - no - because for all I know this person had a valid reason. I mean if I have a small list of people that I might tap with my car. Just a warning tap.

I would give Perez Hilton a warning tap...all the other bloggers talked about Miley's crotch - but Perez posted pictures. I think that is just wrong. I would also give Lindsey Lohan a tap with my car. She is so fucking annoying. She thinks that being nasty skinny drugged out and going to jail matters. I am so sick of Lindsey Lohan taking up spots on the superficial.com. I am tired of her boney ass. I would rather read drama from some other successful actress. Dakota Fanning hasn't flashed her cooch yet - make room for someone else Lo-ho.

This is why rushing around serves no purpose in the morning. Take your time going to work.

Missing the Obgyn

So I feel like I was pregnant all of last year. I know it was really only 10 months - I don't buy the whole 9 month thing at all. 40 weeks is 10 months - and I need an extra 2 months of just sympathy - so pretty much I was pregnant for 12 months.

So every month I would go to the doctor. Fortunately I had an uncomplicated and relatively easy pregnancy so going to the doctor was a happy time. My husband and I would bond over the dilation circle poster, we would glow after hearing the heartbeat and the doctor would ask about life and send me on my merry way. In addition to the monthly visits I had my birthing class which was in the lobby of my OB. So the last month and half I was at the doctor weekly. These were very happy times.

With all this happiness and fond memories - I miss the doctor. It was a routine. A place I would go for my baby checkup. The baby check up gave me so much reassurance and such a feeling of comfort. I would wear my best maternity outfit to go for my checkups. At the end I would hang on every word the doctor would say - just waiting for my new arrival.

I am not saying I don't have all those happy feelings now - I do...in fact I have way more happy feelings. I just miss the regular feeling of going into the doctor. In some ways going to the doctor and that constant positive feeling, and reassurance is like a good relationship.

I can't imagine that I am alone in this feeling. I have just never heard anyone talk about it...plus I might look at someone oddly if they told me they missed the OB-gyn. But I do.

Pervert Alert

So I started a new blog! And I got my very first pervert search according to my google analytics. The search term was "naked wife pictures in ohio" Okay so you might ask how in the hell that is relevant to my blog. Well, my new blog is a local blog - and I also wrote a post on all the things my husband will do for a free lunch - including posting naked wife pictures. Okay that is totally a joke - he would NEVER do that, but that isn't the point. The point is that in trying to be funny I got a perverted searcher.

Happy Sunday!

Negativity

Okay so I admit that I am a complainer. That is the first step right? I love hating things and complaining. I know it makes me seem like a downer but I swear I am not. I just like to complain. Really when stuff isn't that bad. Okay I am not the person who goes out to eat and doesn't like anything, or the person who talks poorly of all her friends. I complain at work alot. I can't help it. Honestly, nothing against work, but I just don't like to do it. I think because I am secretly lazy. Yes, I know this is funny, since I am always on the go, and really into working out. So I guess the first step is admitting it.

I would say I would try not to be the complainer type, but that would be a bold face lie. So I am not going to say that. I am just going to admit the truth. I am that girl.

Brand New Ad Network

So I am joining an ad network to help monetize this blog and make a little dough. The new ad network is just starting up and it is at: www.boutiquemarketingmama.com. It is ads that are pay per sale, so I would only get paid if a sale resulted from seeing an ad at my blog. There are cookies in place so that the shopper only has to encounter the ad at my blog, and then I get credit for the sale. It is pretty exciting that something like this is starting up for bloggers.

My friend and fellow marketer is the girl setting the whole thing up so I said I would give her some shouts on my blog - so here it is. Try it out...sign up...www.boutiquemarketingmama.com if you are interested, and pass it along. I am pretty sure that there will be alot of interest in these ads. They are going to be cute and pretty mom focused. If you are interested you can also email her at sarah@boutiquemarketingmama.com. Just let her know you heard about the new ad network she is starting from Marketinggurl!!

OMG Overwhelmed

I am so overwhelmed. I feel like I have no time at all, and it hasn't even been a week. Honestly, there is a peacefulness to the week. Taking my son to swim or to music class during the week is just nice. The weekend has to be shared with everyone and everything. I hate it.

Okay so I know I am just a complainer. I know I know! The only thing I am motivated to do at this point is push super hard on owning by own business. More to come on this...

In the meantime, I am struggling to find time to workout and just have me time. I love being with my little man too, and I miss him like crazy.

I know the superficial side of me is still here! I did get some new clothes to feel better! There she is!

Please don't t hate me

Please don't judge, but I am getting a cleaning service and going back to work full time. You see, I know this is counter to all the things I want in life...to be self employed and staying home with my baby (and future ones) but I am just not there yet. I know all of you have been there with me through the ups and downs and postpartum mess that I was.

I know that I haven't been posting that much lately and this is in part why I have not been writing as much. It isn't because I have been busy working. My first week back is really this week. It is because to write the post about going back full time is admitting it to myself.

I am so conflicted that I am leaving my little one...but I know all the mom's out there understand the conflict. At times I question if this conflict just exists no matter what when you have a kid.

Petite Monkey - Baby Boy's Boutique

So I can't go long without a project. My latest and greatest is helping a friend with Petite Monkey which is a baby boutique that carries only boy clothing. Finally a boutique for boys! My friend is starting it up for the extra money. She keeps a low inventory and is picking some adorable stuff. So my 2 cents and promotion for my friend here: Check out the Boutique!! http://www.petitemonkey.com. I also have placed an ad for her in my side bar, so click on through and support a mommy business.

In other news, it is hands down 100% amazing out here these days. Sun is out, and the baby guns are out. I got the little man a couple outfits at Carter's to bare those baby arms of his, and I am sporting the flip flops and loving it.

I need to get back into posting and commenting, but at least I am checking in an letting the blogsphere know that I am not slacking or anything, just enjoying the life with the little man!

The Mall Whore and Granny Ho

I am a mall whore. My clothes come from Banana Republic, Gap, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft and Jcrew. I love tissue tees and the editor pants at Express. My underwear is from Victoria Secret and I usually smell like Sun Ripened Raspberry from Bath and Body Works.

So now that you know my qualifications, I can tell you this story.

My mom, my son's grandma, is a great woman - all 66 years of her. She changed her life and has lost over 50 pounds. She is showing girl power and wanting to flaunt it. When she had my brother and I she gave up her style and became a sweats mom. I don't see anything wrong with this.

Now that she has lost the weight she is kind of turning into a Granny Ho. We went to Filene's Basement (she only shops discount stores) and I had to pry her out of the juniors department. While I admit she had some cute clothes in her hand, there is a reason those t-shirts are for 14 year old girls. As a mall whore I know. I have experience with Forever 21 and H&M. I know what nicer cuts and fabrics do for a figure. I also know to stay out of Macy's Juniors department. I probably shouldn't really even be in Forever 21 or H&M. But my extensive time slutting around the mall and philanthropic support of all the mall stores qualifies me to know that there is a time and place for the juniors department (bachelorette party attire).

I feel like this is the problem with discount stores and potential Granny Ho's. The discount stores are for professional mall whores only. Those of us who know our stuff. Even designer brand whores can get in trouble there. See discount stores have Seven jeans that didn't sell.

I am not knocking discount stores. I guess I just think they should come with a Granny Ho disclaimer. Or a shop at your own risk sign. Malls have it all planned out. If I take the Granny Ho to a mall she heads right for J-Jill or Chicco's. These are her type of stores.

We have a baby shower for a friend coming up. I am going to pee my pants laughing if the Granny Ho shoes up in another Junk Food Tee. I love her though - the ho bag slut that she can be at times.

I think butts are hilarious.

I swear butts are hilarious. So I was sitting in this guys office at work for a meeting. The guy is one of those guy's guy types. You know the guy at the office who you can see saying, "bros before hos" and all that college bullshit. The guy who is the ring leader of the boys club. Yeah that is him. In any case he had a college football poster hanging up. Seriously the whole poster was all butts. If I had pointed it out I wonder if he would take it down thinking it was "gay". Does the fact that it is football negate any potential "gayness"??

The other thing I think is so funny about butts is the different shapes and sizes. For something that everyone has they come in so many different varieties. There are certain butts I find extra funny though. I think men with huge wide asses are so funny. Those aren't meant to be on men, especially when they are disproportionately wide. I also find what I call vulgar butts hilarious. To me a vulgar butt is the type of butt that cannot help but eat the pants the person is wearing. Sometimes when I see someone who really shakes their vulgar butt I sing the thong song to myself. It makes me think butts are even funnier. I sing in my head, "She had dumps like a truck truck truck. Thighs like what..." So funny!

Twas the night before Mother's Day

So it is the eve of my first Mother's Day. I must say that this has been the happiest year of my life, next to the year before I was married. Being a mother completes me. It is challenging, yet rewarding, and enjoyable. Reflecting on the experience, however brings up some things that I have learned. These learning(s) call for a list:

1. Breastfeeding isn't easy, natural, and instantaneous. For my son and I it was alot of work, learning, tears (for both of us). In the end, I am so happy we made it though the journey, and over the next 3 or 4 months, we will enjoy the home stretch of the journey.
2. Tripping into motherhood is common. The baby blues are for real, and beyond the baby blues I can still say that I do not feel "normal" even 8 or 9 months postpartum. It took 9 months to build everything up and I believe it takes a while to come down from all of those changes
3. The worry list goes on and on, and will never end.
4. Our family is stronger and better bonded than ever before. We also laugh more.
5. Fatherhood is pretty darn hard too.
6. I love my little man more than all the love I have ever had for anything times 1000!
7. Everyday brings on new concepts, and changes
8. You can never really relax in the same way again
9. You can never ever turn your back in the same way either
10. You never want to go back to a time when you weren't a mother.

Happy Mother's Day - to All!

My gifted baby

Okay I don't mean to sound like I am bragging. I swear my baby is gifted. I know it is because of all of the DHA in my milk, and all the essential fatty acids I ate while pregnant.

He is 8 months and he has figured out the shape sorter. Granted, I show him how to do it everyday.

I am realistic. I know my baby is the smart, athletic, ladies man type. I am going to have to have the girls line up.

Today, I am a proud parent, of a crawling, babbling, clapping, spit bubble blowing baby! And I love it.

World Press Freedom Day

Yes, I am a day late. But it is worth mentioning that yesterday was World Press Freedom Day, at least according to Google. What is this about? Well - it is about the dangerous work that journalists (traditional and bloggers) do to get information from various parts of the world.

There are parts of the world where journalists are not safe. Violent crimes are committed, the press is not protected, and furthermore the criminals are not punished.

World Press Freedom Day brings awareness to this cause.

If you would like to read more about World Press Day on Google's blog then follow the link below.

I can be a bit of a news junkie, and today I am thinking of those who put their lives in danger to bring the news to a 53 inch flat screen in my living room.

http://googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com/2010/05/celebrating-world-press-freedom-day.html

Crazy Pretty Day

So today was hands down the warmest nicest day of the year so far. The little man and I started the morning out going to music class, followed by a walk and flanked with baby Einstein dvd's and crawling. When the hubby came home, I had Whole Foods Sushi waiting, and we enjoyed some sake to complete the meal.

These days are truly rejuvenating. I really think that these are the times I will remember when I think back to my first born's baby years.

I know I have been slower on the blog posts this week, but I am trying to maintain the balance I set out to have when I decided to become part time. I think sometimes I get these ideas in my head and can't stop forging forward, at the expense of enjoying the moment.

Being part time gives me more dream time, and time to create the vision of what I want for the future. I know that someday I want to own my own business and be a WAHM, but I am trying not to get too ahead of myself by working during any free time I have. That time was meant for Little Man.

Priorities and Balance. The story of my life, and the theme of most of my posts these days.

Best of Both Worlds and not enough

So I wanted to discuss something that is near and dear to my heart. Working and/or being a stay at home mom. To each there own, but I have the luxury of working part time. This is more than a luxury, I am super lucky and blessed. Shortly before getting pregnant I landed my dream job in marketing. I am not only in marketing but I am in Search Engine Marketing. In my opinion this is the best place to be as a marketer. Our budgets are increasing at the expense of others. But that isn't the point of my post today. My point is more along the lines of "never enough".

I am a complete total perfectionist. I also have to see something from beginning to end. I do not feel comfortable with ambiguity. Which brings me to my problem. I feel in between both worlds and that I never get enough of either world. In the deepest part of me I want to be home full time with my baby. The other part which is almost as deep inside wants to work. I say almost because if I had to chose, which I don't, I would choose to be home.

The part of me that goes to work, is the part of me that believes in being an independent thinker and a woman who is not dependent on her husband. I hate to talk about what-if's but what-if something happened with my husband? What if it was up to me to support our house and life? Giving up my career wouldn't allow me to easily step into that role. I can't give up the security I have by working. It is comforting to know you have money coming in to help.

But I do feel that I am between both worlds and not doing either fully. Each and everyday I go to work, I chose to give up time with my son to go. Giving up that time with him better be worth it. But what defines worth? To me, I want to go to a place where I am important, needed, and where what I say counts. Yes, by getting a pay check my company tells me I am all those things. But I would be a liar if I said working at a large company makes me feel complete in the ways I defined.

I am assuming this is a internal battle of all moms. Everyone of us had a certain definition of ourselves before babies. I personally think that having a baby changed me, I mean "rocked my world" at the most primal level. It is an experience that makes you different in ways you cannot even describe.

I hope this post helps to put some words to a small part of that change...

Re-alignment, time managment, and family

So this weekend and early week has been about re-alignment. I am working on time management. Balance can be hard to find with work and family. Yes it is only Tuesday, but I feel refreshed already. Not in the rested way - when are we ever really rested -- but in the spiritual way. Family time really does fill me up inside. I have spent some good quality, in the moment time with the family over the past couple days.

Sunday it rained here, and I took two mini-naps with the little dude, and then we all went out in search of a new kitchen table. Monday we had a burger dinner on the grill, and then tonight we are back from pizza out.

Tomorrow the little man and I are going to story hour and then swimming. I am also going to take the morning off from working out, and watch the today show in my pjs.

We all need weeks like this sometimes.

LIttle Man's Birth Story

So I added some static pages to my profile including my little man's birth story which will hopefully live on in the digital format for years to come - I know very modern...

I would go on and on here about his digital scrap book as well. Sorry I am a computer nerd at heart. This post is supposed to be about post about my new static pages.

Particularly I want to open up my "Shop Mom" page to anyone who wants to advertise on my blog. This is free advertising space. I am doing this to support Mom businesses. Send me a note if you are interested. If I found your shop on my own I may have already added you!

If you are reading this post and it looks familiar but different it is because when I re-read it the post didn't flow. I feel like I am losing my mind today and cannot write...so I edited it and re-published.

I think it is time to go read and comment...

Don't bother Mommy - She is Busy Bulding her Brand - I Wish

So if you haven't heard there is a great article about Mommy Bloggers in the NY Times. I posted the full article on my marketing blog. It is a long article and I found myself reading it between fusses, so I am going to review here and then if you have time to read the whole article that would be great too.

Title: Don't Bother Mommy I am Busy Building my Brand - I don't love the title it. I am not saying I don't let Little Man fuss while I do things sometimes, but fuss while I build my brand - no - I wish. I let him fuss while I use the bathroom, or while I get 3 bags ready to take him to the pool, or while I prepare him a meal that he hates.

Content: The article is about a Mommy Blogging Bootcamp - the 411 on commenting, getting views, SEO (love it) and taking your blog to the next level. But the article goes it to things that I didn't know about and that I find very interesting, like the advertising disclosure law. The article concludes by discussing how corporate brands have found the blog-sphere to be a viable forum. Lastly the article points to some well know mommy bloggers who get a whopping 36,000 plus visitors a day! WOW.

My conclusions: I think this article is very interesting and I am glad the topic is getting some attention (esp from NY Times versus just Oprah). I would have never said a year ago that I would want to attend a blogging conference , but I do. I find blogging to be a refuge now. I find it to be a place to meet new people and to share thoughts with others. I find it to be authentic. That is not to say that there isn't ruddiness, but I can deal with that, because for this time in my life the pros outweigh the cons.

The things I should be doing...

Okay so my baby is napping on the couch beside me - okay whatever...I know that he should be in his crib - but I do not wake sleeping lions, I am enjoying some me time reading the blogs...oh oh - he might wake up...oh no eyes can't say open, I might have 5 or 10 more mins...probably 3 but in Mom free time that is like 20.

I should be making dinner now. I mean I am part time and today is my day off - but honestly I have been reading and commenting...so hey I am doing something good.

Okay last thing...this is more of a should not...but I can't help it...I really shouldn't feel guilty but I do...I feel like I cheated on myself. I used to blog all the time and I loved it...I don't know why I quit but I did...I guess I feel so different now that I am back. Why did I ever take it for granted before...I used to blog or be in the blog world every day and sometimes all day on Sundays...reading, commenting, added new things to my blog...

I guess I just feel like I am a new person blogging now...mommyhood does make you reinvent yourself as a woman.

I mean I started it a young eager professional, and I come to blog now as a refuge to read other peoples thoughts and feelings. I guess it is just different on the inside...it is me not you who has changed.

Well I better go on to make dinner while I have the chance - if I don't do it now I will be doing it with a 20 lbs 8 month old strapped in the Baby Bjorn...needs to happen now...god protect the back and shoulders!

Love, MG

My First How-To

This post is how to do the scrolling badge display on my left side. I can't say the idea was mine, so first I am going to give credit where credit is due. I found it first on 365 Days of Being 30 and a Mommy so I need to give credit for it there. Also, read her blog! I am a big fan.

Moving on...so I went to the layout tab, added a widget and pasted the code in red into my widget (html/java script).

First Line: marquee direction="up" onmouseover="this.stop()" onmouseout="this.start()" scrollamount="8" loop="true" height="300" width="200"

- In here paste the sticker codes

Last Line: marquee

Tips: Don't forget to add the HTML brackets <> before the first line and after the last - I took them out for this how to because if I add them blogger renders the html instead of the text.

I hope this helps! Now I can check off my first how-to-do! If this is a good post you are more than welcome to pass it on and post on your blogs or point others here!

Blogger List of To-do's

My blogger list of to-do's

1. Read all of my followers blogs - this is something I always said I would do when I first started blogging - it is a promise I made - this is how I learn and meet about new people...
2. Take the time to comment - I am always in my google reader - commenting is great because I have lots to say - and I want everyone to know I am out there
3. Add the links of the blogs I love to my scroll list
4. Add my reading list to a post - I want to share the love - I read so many great blogs daily I want to make a point of passing the list around
5. Do a great give-a-way. I love giveaways - easy ones with good prizes...but I admit I don't do them, and I want to
6. Update some of my stickers, and blurbs
7. Make a static bar of links at the top and write my information for each of those links - about me in more detail, awards, and make a big page of them (love sharing the creativity) and so on..
8. Post how to dos for anyone who doesn't have the time to dig around for answers
9. Post links at the bottom of posts - if you like this - Love those because then I read the majority of a blog before I know it!
10. Post a blog list of blogs I wish I wrote...god I adore blogs - I want everyone to know who I hero worship!

My New Look and Feel

I am doing it - the blog is in the process of being updated. I am using a free template I found from a fellow blogger. I am going to be posting a link to her site on the side bar in a few minutes here. I love her designs so much I will probably splurge on a new updated look from her in a few weeks here...I just want to get a feel for her style and templates before the big upgrade - so it will be a work in progress. I am also updating my stickers and things to brag about and all that fun stuff. I hope everyone enjoys the process as much as I do. I feel like I am getting a make-over.

Giveaway!

So my friends!! The first giveaway is currently going on over at Stylish Baby Bedding's Blog!

Check it out and enter!

GOOD LUCK

The grind

You know sometimes the week is just plain overwhelming - go to work, work, come home, sit in traffic - rinse repeat. I think overall I am just feeling it. Tomorrow I am taking the day to spend with the little dude. No, work, no computer, just me and the little one. Everyone needs that sometimes. Just curious, what are your grinds.

Do any of the blogger out there have crazy commutes? Long hours? Rough - high stress jobs. Just curious - I want to hear...feel free to comment - or blog a response.

Sunday Blog Day

Yeah it is Sunday morning and our little family of 3 has Sunday traditions. We call this bacon Sunday. Yes, I eat a small bowl of cereal, some coffee, and 3 slices of bacon every Sunday. We started little things like this when I had the baby - little routines we could all count on to make things predictable. We read "Good Night Moon" before bed. Little man and I watch the Today Show in the morning things like that.

Today we are also going to a cookout. I love friends with children - not forgetting my single friends - love them too, but friends with children have cookouts that start at 4 - eat at 5 and home by 8...love it.

Well - now my favorite part of blogging...reading what everyone else is up too...

Latest Project - SEO and Link Building for Stylish Baby Bedding

My latest website freelance job is to optimization of the the pages of Stylish Baby Bedding. (http://www.stylishbabybedding.com). This is a page that offers baby bedding, crib sets, moses baskets, baby blankets, baby gifts and more.

Please visit the site when you get a chance.

I will be a little SEO centric in my plug for them. In any case the boutique is allowing me to share some of my experience with my blogger friends, for my effort. I am going to be posting alot on my Marketinggirly Blog as well.

So with that my next post is going to be about how you can help - AND WHAT YOU GET for the help...see...anyone who helps gets some benefit - I am working with the client to map out what that is...

Hope my blogger friends enjoy the journey.

Blog Roll, Blog List, In need of Update

So in self-response to my blog post of yesterday, I am not only going to update my look, but I am calling all my readers to let me know about you. I need to update my blog list on the side. I read a ton of your blogs and I want to update the side bar. Let me know if you are our there and lurking so I can make sure I add you.

Love to you all! MG is keeping up the amazing-ness.

Also does anyone have a good mobile solution that they use. I want to read blogs and comment using my android...let me know if you have any favorite solutions.

Missing out

So one of the hardest parts about taking a blogging vacation. I am going to call it a vacation because it feels bad to call it a forced break due to life - is that everyone has changed and some have left since then. Do these sentences even make since?

I am trying to say that alot of people have new designs, way more followers, different stories, new additions to the family. I guess I feel in some ways like a bad friend. In other ways I feel new to blogging again.

I guess it is the flow of things. I am hoping if I keep my blogging promise that in a couple weeks it will all feel normal again.

Okay so also - I used to read Misadventures of a Newlywed regularly but her blog is by invite only - if anyone is in touch with her I would love an invite. I miss her alot.

Yipee it is almost 7am

and I slept what I now consider to be all night. That is baby boy went to bed at 8 and got up at 6 am. I nursed him, pumped, and now hear I am - blogging...keeping my commitment. You know, when you become a mom you lose alot of things. Fortunately for me I lost weight as well, but let me tell you that went with other things too. I am going to try here at 6 am to compile a short list of what comes to mind.

1. Sleep
2. The ability to go back for seconds and linger while you eat
3. Evening social life
4. Clothes budget
5. Long phone conversations
6. Pick up and go mentality
7. Blasting music in car
8. A spotless house
9. The ability to write this list without thinking about all the amazing positives

With that what I love:

1. The zoo members only night - hottest spot in town
2. Cuddles
3. Family Cuddles
4. Open mouth kisses from baby
5. Baby coos
6. My husband and I laugh so much more
7. Stroller status (this is a whole post in it self)
8. Mommy friends!!!
9. The Mom Club
10. Knowing you can do anything after having gone through labor

Bookstore Saturday

It feels like Sunday today in my world. We did the family outing to the bookstore. Normally that is a Sunday thing. We also went to pick up another new carseat for the little man. Yes, this is the same 7 month old that ate a whole muffin today. Yep - I have a big eater just like his mama. I love it! On to enjoy the purchases.

Tornado

Okay how on earth do I tackle the tornado of clutter. We spend most of our time in the kitchen/living room which are joined and after a couple days they are slammed with toys, snacks, and I don't even know what else. This is enough to drive me insane. Anyone who has won this war needs to speak up.

Husband doesn't are obviously since he can still sit and surf the internet and scoot things to the side. Does this not bother him?

Baby has some dagger nails

My baby boy has some nails. For such little fingers those things can sure scratch. He gets himself and everyone around him too. I have to wait for him to sleep to trim them. Unfortunately I don't want to go anywhere near him while he is sleeping. I treat him as a live grenade during that time. His small power naps are used to go to the bathroom or get something to eat, or to even do a dish or two. Taking the time to trim his nails isn't worth the risk. I pay the price later on however.

Playtime

Baby is playing with his favorite toy and I have 5 minutes to type a post. Lets start with my internal battle that I keep having with myself. To stay home or not? Lets face the facts. Our family has a new baby and we need the money. We also need the time. It is hard to have both. I also spent quite some time making a name for myself in the marketing world, which isn't an easy task to do. I have it easy - mom watches baby, however my heart is always at home these days. Mom vs Career is for real.