Sprinkles vs. Jimmies

What do you call the little, sugar-coated candies that is considered an ice cream topping? It comes in rainbow or chocolate??

I would love to see how many people would write SPRINKLES or JIMMIES. I'm always having this conversation with the hubby. He likes to say Jimmies and I like to say Sprinkles. I know most people from here, Philly, say Jimmies. I think Sprinkles is more appropriate, hence the action of "sprinkling" it on top of your ice cream and it's cuter. That is why Lyla now says Sprinkles as well. LOL

We just had this discussion yesterday when I order Lyla an ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. Some people around me started the conversation and it led me to write a post about it. I told the hubby I would and let's see if the majority of people agree with me or him...

SPRINKLES or JIMMIES?

What do you call them?

-Natalie

Padded Bikini Tops For Young Girls

Ok, I don't even know where to begin with this one... BUT I've come across some bikini tops for 7 YEAR OLDS that are PADDED!!

Yup, you read that correctly. PADDED bikini tops for little girls!! Why on Earth would a little girl ranging from let's say 7 years to 12 years of age need a padded bikini top?? What kind of message is that sending out? Why would a parent want to buy something like this for their little girl and have that kind of attention on her?

I don't get it. As a mother of 2 little girls, I would never consider this bikini for them. I personally don't mind them wearing bikinis. I think it's cute and I don't find anything wrong with it. But once there's padding in the bikini top, that's where I draw the line.

Anyone out there agree or disagree? Mothers of little girls, what do you think about this? Would you let your 7 year old wear a bikini like this one? I would love to hear your feedback!

Thanks,

Natalie

Weekly Wrap Up

Just in time! Almost didn't make it...

1. Started my new part time job today! If I didn't have enough on my plate!
2. I'm so tired of cleaning "pee-pee" off the floor and it ain't from a new puppy...
3. Thinks it's so cute when little kids whispers.
4. Procrastination leads to accumulation.
5. Potty training would be fun if Lyla actually liked the potty.
6. Coming home to a cooked dinner is fabulous!
7. I am sooo not bikini ready! Grrr...
8. Kalina loves to blow raspberries..... when she has food in her mouth.
9. Feels like every one of my weekends are booked until the end of summer!
   
10. Had an awesome time at the Laurie Berkner Band concert, despite the rain.
11. Bought VIP tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba Live in Philly for Lyla's 2nd birthday! Woo-hoo!
12. Really could use a weekend getaway with the family.
13. I get a panic attack just thinking about a hot air balloon.
14. You can't convince me to go on a cruise!
15. Love planning our Brazil trip for the end of the year.
16. Always have FAITH!

Love,

Natalie

$1 Old Navy Flip Flops!

Old Navy is holding their annual ONE DAY only sale on their flip flops! It's this Saturday, May 22nd - doors open at 7am!

Limit 5 per customer. Solid flip flops only.

You can find out more information on Old Navy's One Day Wonder Sales HERE.

Enjoy! I know I will be flop flippin' to an Old Navy store tomorrow!!

-Natalie

"Mommy, I touch poopies!" -Lyla

So today is the day that I've decided to take potty training to the next level. I introduced the potty to Lyla when she turned 1. She actually managed to go "poop" on there a few times and we got to the point where she now tells me when she's going. Once Kalina was born, I didn't have that much time to dedicate to the whole potty training thing. She still manages to tell me when she's going but she wants nothing to do with the potty. She likes to sit on it with her clothes on, talk to it and put things in it. My dream, and I think any mother out there share this dream, is to have her potty trained (at least during the day) by the time she is 2.

Well, it took one little incident for me to decide that we are in full effect with potty training. As usual, Lyla was in the corner and said, "Mommy, I pooping." And as usual, I always ask her if she wants to go on the potty, and her usual reply, "No." So I let her go about her business, even offered her a book and continued my conversation with my mother on the phone. As I'm talking, Lyla comes up to me and said, "Mommy, here, boogie." I thought she had picked her nose and wanted me to wipe off her hands. I noticed on her finger it was a BIG one! As a mom, nothing else disgusts me any more, so I just grabbed it with my hand until I was able to grab a tissue. Well, it turns out that this "boogie" was a little bit too mushy and still very warm...

As you all can guess by now, it was no "boogie". She had reached down in her diaper and touched her poop. I immediately hung up the phone to assess the situation. That's when I immediately went online and ordered her panties! I thought, that's it, I'm done with this whole diaper thing and apparently she is too. I ordered her "Yo Gabba Gabba" panties which I thought she would have fun with and actually wear them. I've been waiting for warmer weather where I can just let her run around in her new panties and a shirt.

Today, Lyla "threatened" to touch her poopies again, but I was able to catch her on it. Since it has gotten a little warmer, I thought today would be the day. My strategy? I really don't have one. I turned to my mother for advice, since she claims that I have been fully potty trained since the age of 2. Her way of approach was to just rip the diaper off and put panties on. That's it. She has warned me it will be the messiest few days of my life. But eventually, Lyla will feel gross and not want to go potty in her panties any more and I will start seeing signs of her wanting to go. That's when I'm supposed to scoop her up and put her on the potty.

Ok, so that is what I have done. Diaper is off, Foofa panties are on. I have set a timer to go off every 15-20 minutes, for me to put her on the potty. We'll see how this goes. Wish me luck!

** I would love to hear any of your potty training stories or advice or motivation words! ;o) **

Potty training is in FULL effect, starting................NOW!

-Natalie

Weekly Wrap Up

Ok, ok so I'm a day late with this week's WWU.

BUT to my defense, I've had a lot going on and I've been sick, SO I say better late than never, right?

1. Why do I always complain about infomercials but 10 minutes later I'm still watching it and contemplating whether or not to buy whatever they're selling??
2. I want to take this time to thank my lovely husband for teaching our toddler how to THROW! Her aim = MY FACE!
3. Celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! (love you)
4. Officially started classes.
5. Mommies do not get a sick day off :o/
6. Kudos to those working mamas! I leave my girls for 2 hours and I miss them terribly.
7. After searching for 10 minutes while the guy who was going to load my car with boxes patiently waited, I realized that my car does not have a button that pops the trunk!
8. Always keep snacks in your car, because when hunger strikes, eating left over crumbs of chips that your child did not want and have been sitting in your car for only God knows how long, might seem like a good idea at first, but it's...not.
9. There IS a difference between hearing and actually listening...learn it!
10. Loving the new Manor College T-shirts that I designed!

Until next week-

Natalie

~Havaianas & Ipanemas~

I've noticed Havaianas took off ever since the crew from the MTV Hit Show "Laguna Beach" started wearing them. And Ipanemas took off as well ever since Supermodel Gisele Budchen started promoting them. As you know by now, I'm Brazilian and both of these flip flops are made there. Ever since I was little, this is all you would find on my feet waaaay before MTV played reality shows and Gisele became a supermodel.

But of course they never made them this cute!! Take a look!

My awesome cousin has transformed ordinary Ipanema (Black) & Havaiana (White) flip flops into these sassy sandals! There hasn't been one time that I wear any of these and someone stops me to ask where I got them. I even have them asking if she's willing to make one for them! If you have ever tried one on, you know how comfortable and soft they are, and now they're cute and fashionable too! She makes all different kinds and colors making them even more unique!

Let me know what you think of them!

I'm ready for this warm weather to stick around so I can wear them!!

-Natalie

Tap it out with The Fresh Beat Band ft. Daddy & Lyla

So this is how the hubby and I are spending our Anniversary. I couldn't ask for a better moment...

Love,

Proud Mama

Open Love Letter

(On May 14,2005 at 8:00pm. in beautiful Brazil, I married my best friend.)

Dear You,

I can't believe it's already been 5 years since our "I Dos". It feels like it was just yesterday I was anxiously getting beautified while you were getting a massage and drinking by the pool side. You told me this morning that we have reached a milestone. Since that day, we have reached many. We have accomplished so much in these 5 years. We have reached 2 amazing, beautiful milestones along the way, their names being, Lyla & Kalina.

Everyday that I wake up, I thank God for all that is around me. I have to stop and really wonder why and how did I get so lucky to be blessed with such an amazing, little family. Never did I think that I would have one of my own. I never thought I would find what most people call, "THE ONE". I honestly believed that there are billions of people on this Earth and it was so stupid to think that there was only ONE out there for me. ONE that would make me sooo happy. ONE that would be my everything. ONE that I could spend the rest of my life with. I used to think that there were at least a couple thousands that would make me happy. ;o)

Well, let's just say my theory fell through when I fell in love with you. I never thought I would find the perfect person for me. When I was younger, I sat down and listed everything that my "perfect" one would have. It took me 2 days to run out of things to list. When I met you, you slowly started checking off my list without even knowing. I never thought I would find someone who bought me roses just because it was Tuesday. Or someone who would open my car door or all doors for that matter. Or someone who tells me they love me EVERY time they walk out of the room. Or someone who's not afraid to hold my hand. Or someone who, when I look my worst because I've been in labor for 10 hours (Lyla), still finds me beautiful. Or someone, when I've been nothing but screaming and saying mean things to them because I'm 9cm and still no epidural (Kalina), still finds the sweetest things to say and make me feel better. Or someone who supports me NO MATTER WHAT. Or someone who shares the same goals, beliefs and big heart as I do. Or someone who would give me 2 beautiful babies. Or someone who puts their family first at all times.

I could sit here and go on and on bragging about your great qualities, but like I said before, I would be writing for 2 days. I just wanted to write and let you know how much fun it's been so far. We've had a great journey together these past years. It's been quite a ride with lots of ups and downs. I'm looking forward to many, many more years with you by my side. Thank you for always being there when I needed you most. Thank you for loving me for me, no questions asked. Thank you for always believing in us. Thank you for being you.

I know I'm tough, stubborn, hard-headed, nagging and big pain in the butt at times or should I say a lot of times? LOL But, I know how much you love me because you show me everyday. Couldn't imagine why anyone in their right mind would want to be married to me on a daily basis, but hey whatever, it's your call! Thanks for always being an amazing husband and loving father. You make me fall in love with you every single day.

Like the words from our wedding song:

"I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you."

Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary!

Love Always,

Me

Cheers my love! To many, many more years with you!

*CLOSED* Laurie Berkner Band Autographed Album - GIVEAWAY! - Congratulations to Arden!

I am beyond excited about this giveaway! The Laurie Berkner Band are sending me an autographed copy of their NEW album "The Best of The Laurie Berkner Band" to giveaway to one lucky winner!

It's the first ever Greatest Hits album in Kindie Rock history! The CD is set to release on June 22nd. Here's a list of what songs will be on the album:

Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz) from Buzz Buzz

Rocketship Run from Rocketship Run

Victor Vito from Victor Vito

We Are The Dinosaurs from Whaddaya Think Of That?

I’m Gonna Catch You from Under A Shady Tree

Moon Moon Moon from Victor Vito

Pig On Her Head from Buzz Buzz

Fast And Slow (The Rabbit And The Turtle) from Rocketship Run

I’m Not Perfect from Victor Vito

I Really Love To Dance from Buzz Buzz

BOOTS from Victor Vito

Five Days Old from Rocketship Run

The Goldfish audio recording from the DVD We Are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band (2005)

Monster Boogie from Buzz Buzz

Song In My Tummy from Under A Shady Tree

I Know A Chicken from Whaddaya Think Of That?

Under A Shady Tree from Under A Shady Tree

BONUS TRACKS:

Pig On Her Head audio recording from Nick Jr.’s Move To The Music video (2004)

Moon Moon Moon audio recording from the DVD We Are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band (2005)

Open Your Heart written for the kids of the Pajama Program (2010)

I can't wait to receive my copy so I can play it for Lyla & Kalina and get them ready to go see The Laurie Berkner Band in Philly on May 22nd!

Here's how to enter:

• Follow my blog
• Become a fan of The Laurie Berkner Band AND my *MOM*ents on Facebook
• Follow my *MOM*ents on Twitter
• Leave me a comment telling me your favorite LBB song (don't forget to leave your name & contact info)
• Mention this giveaway

(You may leave an individual comment for each of the above that you have done for extra contest entries)

This giveaway will provide you with an autographed copy of The Best of The Laurie Berkner Band. Keep in mind that the album does not come out until June 22nd, so you will receive it shortly after that date.

Contest ends Monday, May 31st at 11:59pm (est). Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 1st.

(Don't forget to check out my other giveaway on U*neaks Customizable Footwear)

Good Luck,

Natalie