Our Ordinary Life

Little Sister

2009-07-16T01:25:00.001-07:00

Little sisters are sometimes annoying, or brats as my sister would say. They are sometimes loud and obnoxious. It’s because they want to be heard. Little sisters sometimes want to be babied. No matter how old they are. Little sisters are special. Just ask my sisters.

Mommy Bloggers Sell Out? Shut Up!!

2009-07-15T23:28:00.001-07:00

I love how moms who blog are being grouped yet again into one category. I’m honestly sick and tired of the transparency talk, weather you get paid for a review, or get supplied a product we all know what's going on. Most blogs have a policy somewhere on them, if you’re doing reviews most likely you’ve got a policy. WORD!

The thing is, I am happy to be a mom blogger. I mainly post about my life as a mom. I even chronicled my entire pregnancy. I do reviews and take sponsored paid trips and they are, sort of my payment for doing what I do. I go to school fulltime, and sometimes I get useful products I use and would otherwise buy for free. I only feature things I believe in. I do not blog every item I receive. (shocking!! You know you don’t have to right? This is a whole other blog topic!) I hate being grouped as a mommy blogger, because we’re all seen as selfless reviewers taking on anything and everything. Those my friends are review bloggers I however am a mommy blogger. As in the term…I do sometimes talk about poop, or sometimes awkward pregnant sex. You know, what us moms deal with. Because this is my life at this very moment. I’m a Mommy and yes I blog!

What a concept! Like who actually cares, I’m just a turtle in my little turtle shell.

I’d like to think while we’re all at BlogHer we can just get along. I wish we could go back to the old blogsphere when blog wars were about SEO techniques and not what we’re all getting paid. Or who’s getting what review and who has who’s contact. Let this be known..Ask me to hook you up, there’s no shame in my game. I’m quite giving.

Kiss my ass beotch!! *gasp* Now can we all just get along?

Dog Shampoo

2009-07-15T23:08:00.001-07:00

I love mans *ahem* or woman’s furry friends. Throughout my life I’ve had a dog, and the one thing I hate is stinky dog. You know the dogs that you go and pet and they just stink. You run to the sink trying not to touch your face with your hands, I even try and avoid doorknobs. Yeah, THAT stinky dog smell. Or the poor dogs who just itch and itch. Is this your dog? Or a dog you may know?
What if there was a dog shampoo that was natural and did everything you really needed it to do? There is one shampoo Dogosuds ® made by Dinovite, Inc. This soap really does make your dog smell clean and great for much longer than any soap you’ve used before. With just one wash it also quickly and easily rinses out. It’s a natural flea deterrent and has no chemicals, or fillers. Nothing will irritate your dog’s skin. With its therapeutic grade essential oils it has a natural healing effect. Oh and get this! If your dog somehow chases down a skunk, it will also get rid of any skunk odor.

This shampoo really could be the answer to your problem. My Mother in Law’s dog (who is now deceased) was a stinky dog. I know if she were around today this shampoo could actually be the thing she needed. I hate when useful products come around after the fact. At leats now we all know about Dogosuds ®.

Meet The Sharpie Squad

2009-07-15T02:25:00.001-07:00

Meet the Sharpie Squad as Sharpie debuts their squad!! Made of up men and women from all over this is one creative bunch!

Being a mom and student I know how it feels to unleash my creativity. I’ve got all kinds of crazy ideas and creations, and you already know I love sharing what I think. Plus by being a member of the squad I’ll have amazing chances to share the Sharpie love with my fellow bloggers. Check out sharpieuncapped.com today!

Also follow them now on Twitter. And check out the Sharpie Blog.

Wordless Wednesday: What Up?

2009-07-15T01:50:00.001-07:00

Find more WW at Extraordinary Mothers, 5M4M and the HUB.

The Breast Debate, What You Should Know

2009-07-15T01:42:00.001-07:00

By now I think it’s pretty clear I am proud to be a breastfeeding mom. I comfortably feed my daughter anywhere I like, even in..dun dunnn dun public. I’d rather slip away into a quiet room, but if it must be done. Anywhere is good.

I started thinking about BlogHer and Brooklin, and of course breastfeeding. We’ve been having a bit of trouble with pumping. I try to pump one hour after her feeding when I know I have milk. But this, all came as trial and error. See just three days ago I was trying to comfort Brooklin, it was 3 am and Del and I were both more than tired. It seemed I had been on and off feeding her for three hours.

This is where in the manual it should read… Do NOT pump at night. Never, ever in your life do this with a newborn.

Only after trying for hours did I piece it all together. Del quickly ran and grabbed the frozen milk, and as it thawed I felt a sense of loss. Like this was “my BlogHer milk” and somehow I’m a dumbass because I should have known better. I thought I had read everything about breastfeeding and just was starting to feel like a real pro. It proves you never quite know everything. Hopefully I can supply enough for my trip away.

After all, I am a human. I make human milk.

Great Product Alert!

2009-07-15T00:21:00.001-07:00

Moms!! I have found a truly useful product! We all come across so much with our blogs, so it’s great when I believe in something I get to try. The Toy Wrangler is one of those things you just need to have around. Brooklin is almost a month old and already we’ve found our first use. She’s starting to really focus on things so we’ve been attaching different toys. (because even babies get bored okay) I can see us using the Toy Wrangler as she continues to grow.

Attach toys, a bottle, or sippy , you could even do a pacifier to just about anything. It’s perfect for a car seat, shopping cart, stroller, you name it you can attach it to! So what if your bottle or sippy is big? just attach the elastic band and use your other Toy Wrangler to attach it anywhere you like. We’ve got the mini’s and they work perfectly.

Buy It!

You can find the Toy Wrangler now for only $9.99 for the mini and $15.99 for the original.

BookEnd

2009-07-14T18:56:00.001-07:00

Kai: “Mommy I Love BookEnd”

Mommy: “Kai you’re so sweet to her. Thanks for always helping Mommy.”

Kai Squeeled: “You waaaenddd!” (that’s “you’re welcome” Kaila style)

BookEnd

Funfilled Summer-Great Summer Treats

2009-07-14T00:29:00.001-07:00

With summer being upon us our family has been craving sweet treats. I’ve been trying to loose the baby weight, and with breastfeeding I’m eating healthy. This is why we love the sweet summer time toppings from Smuckers.

They’ve created the Smucker’s Simple Steps program with Denise Austin. Denise is currently travelling across the country to offer consumers simple tips for improving their daily fitness and nutritional routines. She is also sharing smart snacking options that include Smucker’s® Low Sugar™ and Sugar Free fruit spreads and Laura Scudder’s® Natural Peanut Butter.

You can also enter to win personal training and more on their website.

From April through the end of August, the Simple Steps to a Better You Tour will travel to 28 cities throughout the country to educate consumers on the importance of regular exercise and a balanced diet by offering samples of their Sugar Free, Low Sugar and Natural Peanut Butter varieties. Consumers will receive a goodie bag containing a brochure with health and fitness tips and coupons. In select cities, consumers will see live demonstrations and learn healthy food and fitness tips from Denise Austin.

As part of the Simple Steps To A Better You Tour, The J.M. Smucker Company and Denise Austin will visit RUNSFM Expo to provide simple diet and fitness tips to fit every lifestyle!

You can check them out at:

San Francisco Marathon Expo

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Smucker’s Booth

12:00-2:00 p.m.

Win It!

I have one basket to give away. It’s filled with great goodies and even a copy of Denise Austin’s Get Fit Daily Dozen DVD. Leave me a healthy summer tip on this post to be entered to win. I’ll pick a winner July 27th. Please see the Extra Entry Rules.

Also please visit Mommas Review since our Funfilled Summer posts aren’t over yet!

Summer Style- Layers

2009-07-14T00:16:00.001-07:00

No guide, or set of clothing posts would be complete without an addition from Layers Clothing. Now a bloggy fav. Layers Clothing is one of my top picks.

I am a huge fan of layering my clothing. I love the look and the comfort, and Layers Clothing has some adorable styles. Their soft cotton will keep you nice and comfortable all summer long. Plus the light and breezy tops are comfortable and stylish. I picked this adorable top because it helps me hide my “mom fat” plus the bright color is just my style.

I also love Layers because they are affordable. Stylish clothing that looks great, what a concept! I don’t shop all that often, being a mom and college student has its drawbacks. Over the past year I’ve grown to love Layers Clothing and I think you will too!

Win It!

Visit Layers Clothing and tell me one other item you’d like to won and you can win a $25.00 gift card. I’ll pick a winner July 27th. Please see the Extra Entry Rules.

Pepsi Goes All Natural

2009-07-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

If you have yet to hear Pepsi is going all natural with Pepsi Natural, personally I can’t wait to try the new formula. This premium cola is made with all-natural ingredients, including natural sugar, natural caramel, kola nut extract, natural apple extract, and lightly sparking water. It also comes in a glass bottle like in the good ole days.

Check out the website for more info, they’ve also got some wonderful recipes. Check them out, and give the new Pepsi Natural a try. Tell me what you think!

You know there’s a giveaway! So what’s included?

·Pepsi Natural re-usable canvas bag -100% organic cotton
Yoga mat
Yoga mat tote
Pepsi Natural canvas hat made from 100% organic cotton
4-pack of Pepsi Natural premium cola drinks

Leave a comment here on this post and one of you will win this bag. Winner will be picked July 30th.

Funny Shirts for a Funny Mom

2009-07-13T21:32:00.001-07:00

Before hormones kicked in, and before I snapped at every little thing I used to be somewhat funny. At least have a sense of humor. These days I’m a little more relaxed, and easy going (not so dun or funny) but LTDChix came to my rescue.

It’s just another daily reminder that life is still funny, and even with a new baby in the house and doing housework, spit up, and laundry there’s always a humorous moment in everything we do. Even the most mundane of our daily tasks. What I love is there is an LTDChix for every mom, even you soccer moms.

Win It!

What LTDChix are you? Tell me and you can win a shirt of your own!

Giveaway Ends July 27th and go asey’s post Summer Style Guide presents... LTDChix!

Chubby Cheeks..What About BlogHer?

2009-07-11T00:33:00.001-07:00

With all of us frantically trying to get ready for BlogHer does anyone else worry about their children? I know! I’m crazy to even go, leave my newborn at home. SOB SOB! I’m going to miss my chubby cheeks, I’m going to miss breastfeeding. I’m going to miss her. Am I crazy to go away too soon? Or brave for doing something for myself, for once. However in all my sadness, and anxiousness about leaving her at home…I am excited.

Who feels ready? What is everyone wearing? Have you seen all the talk on Twitter we’re finally getting down to the wire.

Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs

2009-07-11T00:12:00.001-07:00

We all know those adorable characters are back. Won’t he ever get that nut? To celebrate the new movie an all new game just came out! It;s fun for the whole family!!

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs the Video Game is a multiplayer platforming adventure in which players are reunited with Scrat and Sid as they explore new lands and make new friends in this age of dinosaurs. The unlikely herd stumbles upon a whole new world teeming with jungles, mysterious plants, wild new adventures, and of course, fierce dinosaurs. Players must master the unique abilities and combat skills of each character through a wide variety of gameplay, including combat and action-platforming challenges.

Key Features

For the first time ever in an Ice Age video game, play as Manny, Sid, Diego, Scrat, and all new jungle adventurer Buck.
Use each character's unique abilities to brave the new dangers they’ll discover.
Mimic character moves with the Wii motion controls to balance, lasso, jump attack and more.
Play your way through the rich habitats of the third Ice Age movie, including the perilous new Dinosaur World.
Go tusk-to-tusk with family and friends in local competitive multiplayer mini-games, a first for the Ice Age game franchise.
Experience thrilling gameplay in an immersive, new jungle environment.
More than 15 levels of varied gameplay.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs will be available in stores Tuesday, June 30. Games systems include Nintendo Ds, PS3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii.

Since we got a copy of our own and Del enjoys playing his PS3 our family had fun helping him, and playing along. It’s a game I will let my children watch and participate in and I know if Kai had more eye hand coordination she would be trying to play. Def. fun for kiddos of any age!

Win IT!

Win one of three copies! (One for every system Nintendo Ds, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii. )

To enter: Leave me a comment on this post.
As always: You can gain extra entries by blogging about this giveaway, adding my banner to your sidebar, tweeting about this giveaway on twitter, and following my blog through blogger.
Earn an extra entry by Tweeting: Win $200 Cash for #BlogHer http://www.ourordinarylife.com/2009/06/i-am-ageless-because-win-200-cash-for.html from @aordinarylife

Giveaway Ends July 30th

Carl’s Jr.Tasty Teriyaki Summer Giveaway

2009-07-10T14:04:00.001-07:00

I know you’ve all seen the hot new commercial. Since I like Audrina and the new video I gladly agreed to offer you all this summer treat.

I’ve got one prize pack shown in the picture on the left to give away.

To enter: Leave me a comment telling me on of your favorite summer treats.

As always: You can gain extra entries by blogging about this giveaway, adding my banner to your sidebar, tweeting about this giveaway on twitter, and following my blog through blogger.

The gift pack features the following items:

Carl’s Jr. Teriyaki Burger Coupons
A SIGNED Rilo Kiley “Under The Blacklight” CD (Their song “The Moneymaker” was featured in the new Teriyaki Burger commercial)
Archipelago Botanicals Pineapple Ginger Candle
Pineapple Diffuser
Pineapple Cosmetic Bag
Miso Pretty Pineapple Lip Balm
Carl’s Jr. Hula Doll

Earn an extra entry by Tweeting: Win $200 Cash for #BlogHer http://www.ourordinarylife.com/2009/06/i-am-ageless-because-win-200-cash-for.html from @aordinarylife

Giveaway Ends July 30th

Rules for Extra Entries

2009-07-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

You can gain extra entries by blogging about any one of my giveaways, adding my banner to your sidebar, tweeting about this giveaway on twitter, and following my blog through blogger.

You can find me on twitter at twitter.com/aordinarylife

I'm always willing to exchange banners, please email delandkristin@hotmail.com to exchange.

Celebrate The New Harry Potter Movie

2009-07-09T23:30:00.001-07:00

Next week the newest movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is set to release. In honor of this newest epic release (you know it’s going to be good) we’re going to celebrate in our own way.

Discover the secrets of Hogwarts in this version of the classic Mystery game. Enjoy new game play features and a moving Hogwarts game board. Dark magic has been performed at Hogwarts. A fellow student has vanished from the famous School of Witchcraft and Wizardry--and it is up to you to solve the mysterious disappearance. Play as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna or Neville and try to discover who did it, what spell or item they used, and where the student was attacked. Was it Draco Malfoy with a Sleeping Draught in the Owlery? Move around Hogwarts making suggestions--but watch out. Wheels on the board actually move to reveal secret passages, hidden staircases, and even the Dark Mark. Think you've gathered all the facts you need? Go to Dumbledore's office to make your final accusation to win the game.

Share with me here one thing you like about the harry Potter movie and you can be entered to win one of two Clue: Harry Potter games. I will pick a winner July 22nd.

Eco Friendly Kids Shoes

2009-07-09T19:49:00.001-07:00

Del and I were able to test out shoes earlier this year from Simple, and we love them. The soles on my sandals are made form recycled tires. I love that they’ve just come out with Simple Kids Shoes, and when they asked if Kai would try them out. We quickly said yes.

Her purple kids Noodle shoes are perfect for her inner hippie. Ok, or mine! They are simple, not bulky and she can easily run and play.

What we love about Simple is that they are committed to making their product 100% sustainable. Finding materials and processes that make their products sustainable is a method they call “Green Toe”. Progress in Green Toe is measured with a scale called "good, better, best." The best category represents their most sustainable shoes and bags and sets the bar for the rest of the line.

What you crunchy moms will love about these shoes

Eco-friendly washable suede and certified organic cotton toddler shoe. The suede is from an eco-certified tannery and organic cotton comes from non-genetically modified seeds and is grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides.
Soft and fuzzy certified organic cotton fleece lining.
Recycled PET and natural latex elastic laces with user friendly pull toggle. PET is made of recycled soda bottles
Environmentally friendly packaging – made of post-consumer recycled paper, soy based printing ink, natural latex and starch based glue
The soles are made of natural, non marking rubber.
The foot form inserts are made of post consumer recycled paper.

Truly 100% fabulous!

The Poodle, the Noodle, and the Doodle come in a variety of colors for both boys and girls and are priced between $36-$40. To purchase, please visit SimpleShoes.com. SPECIAL OFFER! Enter SimpleMommy at check out and get 10% off your first purchase! Expires 7/31.

Taking It For a Test Drive

2009-07-09T13:55:00.001-07:00

Since I was picked as one of Frigidaire's Test Drive Moms I have the chance to test out two appliances from their latest line.

MICROWAVE
·       Thanks to Effortless Reheat™ you can revive almost any leftover at the touch of a button.
·       Our SpaceWise™ Rack creates more room so you can cook multiple dishes at once.
·       Easy-to-use One-Touch Options let you cook chicken nuggets, baked potatoes or popcorn at the touch of a button.

The specific time-saving features on the range.

·       A handy Fits-More™ Oven offers a unique rack configuration to give you more cooking space. (Based on single rack cooking performance, not set temperature, using Quick Preheat. )
·       Thanks to Quick Preheat you’re ready to go in less than 6 minutes! (Does not include preheat time)
·       With True Convection, you can easily and evenly bake 200 kid-approved chicken nuggets in 10 minutes flat.

Now that they’re in. What’s for dinner?

Brooklin’s Birth- The Story

2009-07-09T00:10:00.001-07:00

I felt it necessary to finally talk about Brooklin's birth. I also finally found a few moments to write about it.

As you know I was well overdue. I was scheduled to call into labor and delivery on Tuesday June 16th at 6 am. I did wake up for that call, except I was contracting. At first I didn’t know they were as bad as they were. As I woke up and started eating breakfast they started coming on. I quickly jumped on Skype to get much needed advice from my friends. I let Del sleep while I counted contractions and chatted through my pain.

When I decided to wake up Del I was already in tears, my contractions were coming and I knew it was time! I was scheduled to be induced that day anyway, but somehow I knew it would be her day. We got through morning downtown Portland traffic and reached the hospital. I remember the nurse who took me up to labor and delivery asked if there was anything she could do for me. “don’t annoy me and can we just walk” was my snappy reply. At this point I was in pain…and believe it when I reached the check in counter in labor and delivery. I sure asked when I could get an epidural..little did I know was already 7 cms.

They checked me in as I hunted and grunted through contractions. Del finally got into the room (he parked the car) and my male resident was a;ready annoying me. I said it hurt! They were all surprised when they saw how fast I was progressing. The call was put in for my pain management but I was told she was in the OR. I got IV meds which helped while there weren’t contractions. Almost an hour and a half later I finally got my drugs. I was at 8 cm’s and they quickly broke my water. The meds finally kicked in although I could still feel. I got a special mix that still allowed me to feel, and even stand.

45 mins. later I had to pee. Or so I thought..I was one of those women who shits during labor. In fact I had just cleaned my ass when the doc checked me and I was already 10 cm’s. I had to poo again, or so I thought! One more look and I was pushing.

Kai was still in the room at this point. Her and Del’s Mom had arrived shortly before and Brenda ran to grab coffee. Del in a panic called her cell and she rushed back in the room. Kai was being escorted out as I began to push.

20 minutes later she was born. Bruised head form how fast she came out, and a healthy 9 lbs 9 ozs. They placed her on my body and I could feel her warmth, I had thought it would be different. I felt her warm body and just held her, she was slimy or dirty like I had feared. She sat with me in my bed right after they cleaned her off and weighed her. Kai came into the room shortly after she was born. It was all so sudden, so exciting.

She was here, finally! My whole pregnancy blogged…and the thing is. To be honest. I’d do it all again. I’d relive this day over and over again, I’d even do pregnancy all over again.

Why We Love Great Wolf pt.2

2009-07-08T22:26:00.001-07:00

Slaying a dragon? Helping the Pixie restore her magic? It's all part of MagiQuest, a one-of-a-kind, live-action adventure game. Armed with high-tech wands, your family must solve magical challenges throughout the resort to gain powers (and points) and move to higher levels of the game.

Of course as soon as we walked into the lodge we noticed these wands. So we were excited to see what the commotion was all about. The game itself costs $9.99 and the wand is $14.99. You can’t play without the wand, so expect to buy one. You can add items to your wand and all toppers cost $14.99. In total our wand and game cost us about $50, but trust me it was money well spent.

We literally clocked in miles as we scampered up stairs to find clues, since the whole first five floors of the hotel are about this game you do a lot of stairs. But don’t think the game will ruin the time spent in your room, they keep it all near the elevators making sure not to disturb guests.

MagiQuest for our family was about bonding. You could see fathers with their daughters or sons trying to figure out the guest. Everywhere we looked families were spending time with one another. Here I’ll tell you a story. When we got home from Great Wolf Del and I were unpacking the car. He pulls out the wand and looks at me, hands it over and says “I can’t believe I’m going to get teary eyed over a wand", that was a wonderful two days.” He was right, and I told him so.

We loved the time we spent together and honestly when we say we love Great Wolf. We really do. Kai still talks about it, in fact 5 mins ago she was singing “Great Woollff Loggee” And for those of you in Florida I hear Great Wolf there has a whole building just for MagiQuest.

Summer Style- Great Bags

2009-07-08T22:05:00.001-07:00

I don’t own many bags, well besides actual handbags. Everyone needs a good beach bag, or in my case I made it Kai’s bag for Grandma’s house. Since Simply-Bags has just about any bag you will need these beach bags are perfect for being on the go.

Throw in some sand toys, towels, and sunscreen and hit the beach. I used ours for our beachfront lunch. And what I love about the bag is you can get it engraved with anything you like. Kai’s has her name on it, but you could even put the words “beach bag” on it. Totally a cute idea!

Simply bags carries so much more then just beach bags, check out the ladies notebook com puter bag for all you ladies going to BlogHer!

What bag is your fav at Simply-Bags?

My Girlies

2009-07-07T22:52:00.001-07:00

At least now we know who lemon is.

jhmg84qzpk

Wordless Wednesday: Life is Beachy

2009-07-07T21:02:00.001-07:00

Find more Wordless Wednesday fun at 5 Minutes For Mom, the HUB, and of course here with the Extraordinary Mothers.

She Is Mine..

2009-07-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

I once told myself “I will never nurse in public” I think back to those words almost every day. We plan our family outings around her schedule, but from time to time I’ve been caught in ~~somewhat~~ public nursing.

I still have yet to master the “whipping it out” method, so I try to sneak into dark corners. I will wholeheartedly admit, I am proud to nourish my daughter. I love looking into her eyes. I know every part of her face, and know she knows mine. It’s our bond, like the sacred bond the Lord gave me for nine months.

I cherish these moments, because in these moments. She is mine..