October 2015 | The Glam Mom

The Glam Mom - Science Fun!

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Hi there!

My kids have recently started watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood on PBS (out of guilt that they've been watching too much TV, we've started defaulting to PBS instead of the Disney Channel so we can at least feel like they are learning something!).  Since Daniel Tiger is a spin-off from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, I checked Netflix to see if there were any episodes available, and there were a ton!  Since husband and I grew up watching Mr. Rogers, we thought it would be fun to expose the kids to him and show them where Daniel Tiger came from.


The 2nd episode we watched with the kids featured a segment with Bill Nye The Science Guy!  I LOVE him!  He demonstrated this experiment, and since we had all of the necessary items, we decided to try it with the kids. 


This video is of the 3rd time we attempted this. The first time worked great!  The second time, I didn't apply the balloon properly and it flew off the bottle.  This video shows how to do it properly.  But by this point, the kids had lost interest.


Anyway.  Enjoy!





Until next time!


xoxo,




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Airing My Dirty Laundry. Literally.

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Hi there,

I'm just going to put it out there: my house is a disaster.  It's my dirty. I try to keep things clean -bathrooms are regularly cleaned and disinfected,  my floors are mopped, even just quickly,  a few times a week, I vacuum.  But,  I can't keep the junk in check.  Toys and books are everywhere and my sink and dishwasher are always full. But the biggest disaster of all? The laundry.  

O. M. G. THE LAUNDRY!!! 

I just can't keep up!!! I've tried, I really have.  But my laundry room is in a constant state of THIS:


And my bedroom? A constant state of THIS:



How are you moms doing it???? How do you keep the laundry done???

I've tried the whole "do 2 load a day" thing.  Fine,  they get washed.  But they certainly don't get folded,  nonetheless put away.

I've tried a laundry day.  Nope.

Folding while the kids are awake.  HA!!!! As soon as something I've folded is within their reach... it's a waste of my time.  And there's only so long I can expect a 1 yearb old to entertain himself before he decides to attach himself to me and become my 3rd leg. 

Folding while the kids are asleep.  This works occasionally.  But,  those of you who know my kids know that sleeping is not something they really care for.  And folding laundry at 10:30 - 11pm, when I've finally convinced everyone to STAY IN THEIR BEDS is not something I'm dying to do.  But I do it. Sometimes.

But, there's ALWAYS MORE!!!!!!!!!!! This weekend, #2 had a stomach bug, throwing up on everything.  I was forced to try to catch up. These photos are from about halfway through day 1 of her bug. Yes, the "to be washed" pile is down considerably. But the "to be folded and put away pile"? I can't. I won't even show you. It's a nightmare. An embarrassment.

Why am I writing this blog instead of doing laundry,  you ask? Well, I'm laying in bed with #3 while he naps.  If I move,  he wakes.  If he wakes,  then I'm not getting anything done anyway,  so I may as well just lay here and complain.  LOL!

That's it.  That's the most embarrassing situation in my house.  Dirty laundry.  Well,  some of it's clean!

Make me feel better mamas! Tell me I'm not the only one!!! Please?!?!

Until next time,

xoxo

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Halloween Book Favorites!

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Hi there! 

Halloween is next week, so we've been reading a lot of fun, not at all scary Halloween books lately, so I thought I'd share the ones that my kids have been asking for over and over.  I've included affiliate links to each book in case any catch your interest.

The Nightmare Before Christmas - 
This is a fun picture book telling the same story as the classic movie.  My #1 has no interest in the whole movie, but he loves the "This is Halloween" song and recognizes Jack Skellington.  But even though he doesn't want to watch the movie, he LOVES this book.
Affiliate Link


Where's My Mummy - 
Such a cute story about Baby Mummy playing Hide-And-Seek with his Mommy Mummy.  He's not afraid of anything he finds in the forest, except...
You'll have to read it to find out!
Affiliate Link


The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin - 
I actually picked this book, and another in the series (below) at Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm.  When my kids are begging for toys or treats, I try to distract them with book.  These Spookley books were a great distraction!  All about a pumpkin who is different learning that his differences make him really special and those around him love him just the way he is.
Affiliate Link 


The Ugly Pumpkin - 
This is another book about learning why your differences make you special.  This "pumpkin" finds just where he belongs.
Affiliate Link


Happy Halloween, Daniel Tiger - 
Don't all kids love Daniel Tiger??? This is a fun lift-the-flap book about what Daniel and all his friends dress up as for Halloween.  Even Trolley joins in the fun!
Affiliate Link


Monster Trouble - 
This little girl is not afraid of monsters but they are keeping her awake at night and she's so tired!  She tries everything to stop them, and is surprised to learn what MONSTERS are afraid of.
Affiliate Link 


Skeleton For Dinner - 
This is a super cute story about a cutie skeleton misunderstanding a common phrase used by his friends, the Witches. Once he understands what he heard, he's not afraid anymore.
Affiliate Link


Spookily the Square Pumpkin: A Family to be Thankful For - 
Just like in the book above, Spookley is feeling down about being a Square Pumpkin, but by the end, he learns that his friends love him just the way he is.
Affiliate Link


Curious George: Haunted Halloween - 
This time, George isn't the one causing mischief!  He's solving the mystery of No Noggin, and helping everyone in his town feel safer on Halloween.
Affiliate Link



These last 2 books, we haven't read recently, but they are still worth a look!

We haven't read Room on the Broom since last fall because it got moved into the basement and we haven't brought it back up for daily reading, but my kids love love loved it. A cute story about a nice witch who picks up friends on her ride, and her friends end up saving her from a bad guy after her broom breaks.
Affiliate Link


I Need My Monster - This book was taken out of rotation because baby #3 ripped a page out of it and I haven't gotten around to taping it back, haha!  But this is a funny story about a boy whose favorite monster went on vacation and he just can't find a suitable replacement to help him get to sleep at night. 
Affiliate Link

I KNOW there is at least one more that we got last year that the kids loved, but I can't find it or remember the name.  If I do, I'll update the list and re-post.  

Hope those of you that are looking to expand your Halloween/Fall book collection found this list helpful!!!  If you've read any (or all!) of these, let me know!  And if you have any other suggestions of books I should pick up, please tell me!

Until next time,

xoxo



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Saras Fashion!

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Hi there!

I'm always on the lookout for cute, affordable clothes for my kids - especially my girl, because - well she's my only girl and I love dressing her up!  She's my little doll!   Special occasion dresses can sometimes be hard to find.  Yes, department stores have nice dresses, but EVERYONE shops at those stories, so your dress isn't necessarily special. I'm so glad that Monica from www.SarasFashion.com emailed me and asked me to check out their site!  Sara's Fashion has SO MANY DRESSES!!!

Monica let me choose one dress for my baby girl as a gift and, man, did I have a TOUGH time choose!  But I finally picked one and - It. Is. GORGEOUS!!!  Just look at my little princess in this dress!!!



Ugh.  She's so dang cute!  I LOVE this dress and so many others on this site!  

You can find the dress my girly girl is wearing HERE - 

At Sara's Fashion you can search by color, size, price, type and season.  They have flower girl dresses, baptism dresses, dresses perfect for any holiday.  The selection is great and the prices are SUPER affordable! You NEED to check it out!  

Thanks again to Monica for letting me know about this site and for gifting my daughter this beautiful dress!  I hope you guys will give the site a look and that you will find something perfect for your next special event!!!

Until next time!

xoxo

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Chloe and Isabel Review and a NEW GIVEAWAY!!!

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Hi there!

Have you ever been curious about Chloe and Isabel??? I have! I've seen their posts on Facebook and thought the jewelry looks so pretty! I also love those cute little birdies.  But, I never got around to shopping the site.  Luckily, Emily, a Chloe and Isabel Merchandiser, was kind enough to gift me a few items to introduce me (and YOU!) to the brand.  And I'm in LOVE!


Look at these gorgeous pieces!!!




Alphabet + Trio Stone Mismatched Earrings - I'm OBSESSED with these earrings!!! How fun is it that they are mismatched!  You can choose whatever initial you want for this set. And isn't the 3-stone stud a fun alternative to a single-stone stud! Love! (LINK

Sand and Sky NecklaceThis gorgeous necklace is actually 2 necklaces in 1! You can wear them together or separate! I love the shape of the stones and the versatility of this piece!  (LINK)

A few notes about Chloe and Isabel - 
  • hypoallergenic, nickel-free and lead safe. (I think this something moms are especially interested to know!)
  • high-quality, on-trend and affordable pieces including jewelry made with semi-precious stones, mother-of-pearl and gold plating.
  • backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee. If there is an issue at any time with an item, Chloe + Isabel will replace it!
  • designed in the C + I New York City studio.
I'm hosting another GIVEAWAY!!!  Here are the details:
I'm SO excited to have these pieces in my collection!  And, you have a chance to have Chloe and Isabel pieces in YOUR collection!

For any purchase made between Monday, October 19th and October 22nd, you will be entered for a giveaway of a convertible pendant necklace of your choice (photos below). 

Every piece of jewelry purchased = one entry for the giveaway and a better chance of winning! Plus, the winner will receive a $25.00 credit towards their next purchase. 

Make sure to use this link to purchase, otherwise your entries can't be tracked: 

Here are the necklaces the winner can choose from - 
Sand and Sky
Palm Royale
Moorea
Meridian

Medina
Marchesas

Malachite Pave
Lunette
Geovista
Gardenia
Copacabana
Bouquet Rouge
Bora Bora
Atlas

So that's it! Make sure you use the link above! Let me know if you have any questions!

Until next time!

xoxo






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JustFab.com Haul and First Impressions (August and September 2015)

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Hi there!  

I'm 3 months into my JustFab.com subscription and...I'm still not sure what I think.  I made a video to show you the pieces I've chosen and received so far and what I think of them.




I didn't include prices in the blog, so below are the details of the pieces shown:

FIRST MONTH - 
Jedelia Bootie - $39.95

Braided Waist Flare Jean
























Tie Front Blouse - 39.95
























Because it was my first month, I got a major discount.  I only paid $49.94 for all of these items, including shipping.  I could pass it up! The next month, I paid full price.

SECOND MONTH - 

Rondie Loafer - 29.95
























Reggie Boot - 49.95
























I'm about to place my 3rd order, and I'm hopeful.  These fringe boots are really, really adorable.  Not easy to walk in! But, they look GREAT!  See?

Let me know if you have any question and I'll be posting a new video on my next order as soon as I get it!

Until next time,

xoxo



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On October 15th, I Celebrate My Rainbow Baby

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Hi there,
If you aren't aware, October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.  Not that any parents need a "holiday" to remember these tragedies, but it is a good reminder to celebrate those babies we can't hold anymore.

Some of you know, but most do not, that I've had a miscarriage.  So many women - like 20%! - have miscarriages and never speak of them.  It's like some miserable secret we feel we need to keep inside.  I don't know why that is, but even I've felt like it's something I didn't want to share.  Because it's sad? Because 3 years later, it still makes me cry?  I don't know.  But I'm going to share it now because I think it's important .

My husband and I decided that when we started having kids, we were going to have them fast - and we did.  #1 was born in September 2011 and by May 2, 2012, I was pregnant again.  I never dreamed there would be an issue, so I told EVERYONE.  And everyone told everyone else. And everyone was so excited, especially me.  My babies would be born 15 months apart, just like my brother and I.  My baby's due date was December 31st.  How exciting to have a New Year's Baby!?  We talked names. I was feeling great.  Maybe too great, which should have been my first clue that something was wrong. But I was just too happy to be worried.

When I went for my 8 week ultrasound and the tech said it looked like I was only 6 weeks along, I was so confused.  I knew I was 8 weeks because we timed it.  We used a calendar to track everything.  There was no mistake in my mind that I was 8 weeks along.  So my doctor was very straightforward with me.  If I was sure of my dates, then there was something wrong with the fetus and I would most likely miscarry.  And I just had to wait it out.  OK.  So, that's basically torture.  Just going through life waiting for your unborn baby to die.  It was miserable.

A week later, I started spotting.  And I freaked out.  I called my doctor immediately and she had me come in.  There was nothing she could do.  I just wanted to talk to her.  She told me she wanted me to come back in 2 weeks for another ultrasound to confirm the loss.  2 weeks???  There was no way I could wait 2 weeks to know.  So she reluctantly said I could come back the next week.

I cried the whole way home.  It hadn't even happened yet, but I couldn't stop crying.  I didn't know what was happening to my body.  I didn't know WHY this was happening.  I knew I didn't do anything wrong, so what the heck?!  Why us?

When #1 was small, he never ever slept.  So my parents helped us out one night a week from the time he was 6 months until he was just about a year (and got too difficult for them to manage), and he would sleep at their house so we could get a few good hours of sleep.  I was so grateful that they had him when I finally miscarried.  I don't think I could have cared for him.

I knew it was coming.  I'd Googled and Googled, but couldn't find any specific information about what was actually going to happen.  I'm so tempted to put every detail in this blog so others might know what they could expect, but I honestly don't know if my experience was just like anyone else's, so I'll skip the graphic details for now.  But if you want to know - ask me and I will tell you.  Every. Single. Detail.

But basically, terrible back pain and then a lot of mess.  I had to take Tylenol to handle to pain.  And thankfully I made it to the toilet to keep the mess in check.   And right after I flushed, I had the most terrible thought and it still breaks my heart to this day.

I flushed.

I flushed my baby down the toilet.  I didn't even think about what I was doing - just habit.  But if I could go back, I would search and search and search until I found that tiny little 9 week baby and keep him or her with me forever.  Because that was my baby and it should be with me.  I still regret this.  It makes me so sad.

And once it's "over," it's still not over.  It took me 2 whole weeks to fully recover from this. It's like an extra period that lasts way too long. And you know what I did to help myself get over it?  I went on a diet.  I joined Weight Watchers.  Still bleeding from my miscarriage, 2 days later, I started walking. I lost 10lbs that next month.  I didn't know what else to do.  I had to keep busy.  I had to stop my body from revolting against me again.

It was over by mid June. July rolled by. Still sad, but feeling skinnier :) I don't know - this was a big comfort me at the time.  August 4th was #1's Baptism day.  After an exhausting day I woke up at 1230am with a horrible pain in my abdomen.  I don't know what about this pain told me "take a pregnancy test." But I did.  And it was positive.  I lost my baby on June 1st. August 4th, I was pregnant again.  And I was scared shitless for the next 36 weeks.

Anytime I felt something weird, or didn't feel something at all, I'd freak out.  I bought myself a fetal doppler to check for her heartbeat. This only scared me even more, because really a shitty $60 doppler from eBay isn't going to be accurate, so anytime I couldn't find the heartbeat or it seemed to slow, I'd panic and call my husband.  He told my doctor who made him take it away from me at 16 weeks.  I never saw it again.  And it was for the best.  But I still worried over everything.  EVERYTHING!  It's so hard to not be scared it can happen again.  Because it can - it happens to women over and over and over. It's a horrible reality of having babies. Not all babies are going to be "had." And, it's heartbreaking.

Did you know that a baby that is born after a miscarriage is called a Rainbow Baby?  The beautiful phenomenon that happens after a storm. Well, after everything - the pain, the confusion, the tears - I was so grateful to have my Rainbow Baby.  If I hadn't been through this, I wouldn't have her. So while it was so sad to go through, I can't dwell because I've been blessed with not one, but TWO beautiful babies since this tragedy.
2015
2016
But I won't forget.  I even have a memento of the experience.  It's weird and gross, but I have it and it brings me comfort. If you want to know what it is, I'll tell you, but I won't put it here because it's definitely odd.  Even my husband thinks so.

This is MY experience with miscarriage.  Everyone's experience is their own and everyone has to deal with it in their own way.  Don't talk about. Do talk about it. Cry. Don't cry. Whatever your process is, go through it.  But just know, if you NEED to talk about it, there are people you can talk to.  I found comfort in my husband and other moms I knew had been through it.  I'm finding comfort in writing this blog (and don't think I haven't cried all over again). There are tons of groups on Facebook and Baby Center that will offer information and support.  There is also October15th.com, which is a site dedicated to this topic and lists a ton of resources and even remembrance events by state.  You can even talk to me.  I'm no expert on anything, but I'm a good listener.

Oh, the ramblings of an exhausted mama...

I'm off to enjoy the rest of the day tear-free (HOPEFULLY!) with the most beautiful 12 month old in the world.

Until next time,

xoxo






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Sephora Haul - October 2015

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Hi there!

It's been FOREVER since I did a "Haul" video!  Don't know what a "Haul" is???  Well, it's basically me just showing you what I bought when I went to a store.  It might sound super shallow and ridiculous, but I LOVE haul videos!!!  I love seeing what people buy.  How else would I learn about must-have products???




In this video I show you some things that I consider MUST HAVES, including a brand I never tried before - Kat VonD.  OMG - her lipstick shades are TO DIE FOR!!!

I said in the video that I would do swatches, but I didn't.  But here are photos of me wearing The Kat VonD lipsticks I talked about:

This is SEXER (LINK) -


And this is ADORA (LINK)-

Here are links to the other products I mention - 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Chocolate - 


Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown -


Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer -


Clinique Blended Face Powder in Invisible Blend -


Josie Maran Argan Tinted Moisurizer -

Becca Cosmetics Highlighter in Champagne Pop (Limited Edition, but still available!) (LINK)


Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

xoxo

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