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Profile Pictures

I have been debating on updating my profile picture since the one that I am using (on ALL of my online profiles) is quite dated. Though I probably should change it, I'm just not quite ready to yet. How many of you have a special story behind your profile picture?  I'm sure we all do.  After all we selected a particular photo to represent who we are.  Today, I'd like to share my profile picture story.  I'll hope that you will share your story too! First off, I'll share the bigger picture since all that you would normally see is a thumbnail version. This photo was taken on September 18, 2010 at the San Diego Zoo.  At the time, my husband & I were 3 month old parents.  We were a brand spanking new mommy & daddy duo to an angel of a child.  He never cried much and the times that he did - he was very easily soothed.  We were lucky and we knew it. I like the "calm" that I feel when I see this picture and remember this day.  Though I was very tir

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Past

Christmas 2010

Christmas Traditions

Our Christmas Tree concern this year was making sure that it would be Toddler Friendly. We didn't want to worry about our son being injured by breakables or the mess of fallen pine needles (even though we normally love the look, smell, and holiday feel of a real tree).  My idea of using toys in the tree was a success! Our son loved it, we loved it, and we are thinking of adding it to our family holiday traditions. Last year we introduced our son to his very own Nativity Set and brought it out again this year.  Even prior to the birth or our son last year, we attend the Children's Christmas Mass which is such a beautiful service. The angelic voices of the Children's Choir moves me to tears.  As our son (and our family) grows, so does our photos/video collection, our traditions, and our cherished memories! Christmas 2011 Please share your family traditions - perhaps we can incorporate them into ours as well!  For us the Christmas Season is far from over - It's

Favorite Thing Friday: Holiday Edition 2011

Thank you to host Jenny of Sippy Cup Chronicles & co-host Mel from Never a Dull Moment ! I love participating in Favorite Thing Friday.  I wish I had time to post more often, but I wanted to make sure to share today! Even though it is a Holiday Edition, my favorite thing this Friday goes well beyond the Holiday.  My Favorite Thing:  Time with my two guys!  I could not ask for anything more than that.  The three of us together.  It's MY FAVORITE THING. Over the weekend, right after Church, our family went out on a sushi date (something hubby & I did VERY often prior to marriage & parenthood).  Sushi is one of my faves!  Even though he didn't have any sushi:  our son is much like I am when it comes to really taking delight in delicious food! Here's proof: After a great lunch we did some grocery shopping at our local Trader Joe's.  We had the cutest little guy helping us!  Our cashier thought so too! NEW!  Comment via Facebook:

Slim-Fast 3•2•1 Plan: Going From Now to Wow!

This post brought to you by Slim-Fast . All opinions are 100% mine. If you have been following my blog, you know that I have sneaked in a few posts regarding weight. More specifically, the weight that I have gained (and lost) as a result of pregnancy.  Factor into that my age:  I JUST reached the ripe old (young) age of 40!  I always joke that I feel more like two 20's!  On a good day!  Though I feel young, my metabolism isn't what it once was! I have lost 54 pounds in the past 18 months.  I still have the lingering 5 to go.  The toughest in my book!  I am sure that I am not alone there! I have never tried any diet meal plans or programs.  But will consider it in the coming year.  I know that most believe in starting N-O-W. Now? No way, it's the holiday's and there are so many delicacies to enjoy!  I'm a realist.  I am proud of my losses and will work on the remaining 5 little pounds in the coming year. I'd LOVE to hear about your experiences.  

My Blog Life: One Year Later

I guess it's an anniversary of sorts.  I've officially had my Blogger account for 1 year now.  I started blogging here on December 2010.  My son had just turned 6 months old and I thought it was time for me to revisit an old hobby of mine: Blogging.  I first started blogging in 2004 (well BEFORE marriage & motherhood).  My first blog was on Xanga.  I fell in love with blogging INSTANTLY. Some of you may already know my little secret:  that I do TRY to maintain more that one blog. Reason:  I never did find my "niche" with blogging.  I may seem scatter-brained in blog life, but as I see it:  I am organized in my own chaotic way.  I don't find a need for a formula or to follow any guidelines. I blog for the enjoyment of blogging.  Pure & simple.  I am hoping that 2012 will present more time for me to invest in blogging.  We shall see! My BLOGGER Blogs: Mommied Life by Cynthia | My Life as Mom Married Life by Cynthia | Happy Wife, Happy Life Life by Cy

Wordless Wednesday 12/21/11

Helping Mom & Dad @TraderJoes

Holiday Themed Zenni Optical Frames are Coming to Town!

This post brought to you by Zenni Optical . All opinions are 100% mine.   I've been cursed with bad eyesight.  I never liked carrots until I became an adult. My vision problems are primarily hereditary so I'm pretty sure that carrots wouldn't have made much of a difference.  I have worn prescription eyeglasses since middle school.  I once broke a pair in high school and had to tape up a pair!  They broke and I had a volleyball game that day = no choice.  I was mortified of course but now I find it funny that I had a real life "nerd" look with glasses!  We won that game.  Soon after I begged my parents for contact lenses!  Now I wear both.  I do prefer glasses though.  They can be used to accessorize and come in so many different styles!   My husband just bought a brand new pair of glasses for himself.  I was instantly envious since I'd love a new pair for myself!  I am thinking RED, in honor of the holidays! I foun

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas 2010: Our Son's 1st Link Up! Fisher Price Little People Nativity PlaySet

Influenster Holiday VoxBox Shipping December 7

Photo credit: Influenster on Facebook It will just be a matter of DAYS now until I get my Holiday VoxBox full of goodies.  A shipment will be made TOMORROW!  Many of my Influenster "sisters" and I have been EAGERLY awaiting some fun products to try out.  Some may be receiving theirs sooner than others. My travel distance may be a little further than some. So being the first one on the block is not likely.  Which is OK with me. The items are being shipped from New York, NY to Chicago, IL, then to my destination - San Diego, CA.  Since this is my 2nd VoxBox, I know that they usually are sent via USPS.  I'll be on the lookout in the next couple of days.  I am hoping for a sneak peak from those Influensters that reside closer to Illinois & will get their packages first!

Influenster Holiday VoxBox - It's OFFICIAL! I'm IN!

It's official.  I got the confirmation email today.  My VoxBox will be shipped out on December 7th.  I am excited to participate as a product tester for Influenster's Holiday VoxBox.  I hope that you all get your confirmation letters soon as well!  Keep in mind, they usually send them out in batches so don't be discouraged if you haven't received yours as of yet! As soon as I get more details on the products I will share the info.  Please see my prior Influenster Holiday VoxBox post for the poduct categories. Here are some of the details that I've received: In celebration of our official national launch, Influenster is arming our most influential members with some personal fun this season in the form of a special Holiday VoxBox.  And we are so excited to pass along the good news that you have been officially selected to test, evaluate and recommend this batch of featured products! VoxBoxes are shipping from Chicago via USPS on December 7th, so be on the loo

Baby's First Haircut

We've reached another milestone. Baby's First Haircut!  I've decided to share our family video of our experience!  I'd love to hear about your baby's first haircut too! Please leave a comment & maybe a link to your post! We (mostly MY decision) waited a while before cutting our guy's hair.  He had a bad case of cradle cap early on, so for the first few months of his life our little guy had a bald head. Once his hair grew in - I was thrilled and just let it keep on growing! Both of his grandmothers offered to cut his hair.  I didn't want to have to choose between the two on who would get to do the honors - SO... we turned to the professionals! Our guy did very well considering the following: 1) No nap 2) It was nearing closing time at the salon - you could tell the staff had their fill of kiddie cuts! 3) He usually flinches when the nurse measures his noggin during check-ups. Will he cry? Throw a tantrum?  You'll have to watch to see!

Wordless Wednesday : OH Christmas Tree

This was a few years ago... Toddler with killer throwing arm = no more glass ornaments. I'd love to hear about your holiday decorating tips with child safety in mind!  Either that, or any holiday experiences (both good & bad) that you've had with your toddler.

Klout Perks: The Adventures of Tintin

I just received a Klout Perk for 2 FREE tickets to see the upcoming movie from Steven Spielberg & Peter Jackson: The Adventures of Tintin  Which will be in theaters starting December 21, 2011. You can earn free perks too! If you're not registered for @klout, check it out! Sign up today and let's see how we compare! Klout Invite . Note: This perk includes two tickets (up to $30) to see the new movie “The Adventures of Tintin,” as well as other gifts from Purina® Dog Chow® Brand Dog Food. Check out the trailer:

Influenster Holiday VoxBox

Photo Credit: Influenster I've been Pre-Selected!  I was THRILLED to receive the following message: Congratulations! You have been pre-selected for our upcoming ‘Holiday VoxBox' program! In order to confirm your interest in this program, please read the below and agree by Tuesday, November 29th. HOLIDAY VOXBOX The 'Holiday VoxBox' will include products from the following categories: ALL  Influensters will receive: Scented Bar Soap Press-on Nail Product (fun colors & prints!) Lip Gloss Face Mask Minty Breath Freshener Snack Bar Natural Sweetener Select  Influensters (who meet specific demographic requirements) will also receive: Acne Face Wash Lash Product Perfume sample I have completed all necessary tasks for Holiday VoxBox 2011 Pre-Qualification. All final recipients will be officially notified via email on November 30th. I LOVE trying out new things and hope to share my thoughts with you on the products listed above! Please wish me luc

Wordless Wednesday: Thanksgiving

2010

Wordless Wednesday: Halloween 2011

BEFORE:   Getting pointers from his cousin. AFTER:   His haul. Not bad for a 1st timer!

The Liebster Award!

I'd been feeling a little bummed that I haven't been able to find a block of time to get a blog post completed in some time.  I've been burning candles at both ends.  I'm sure that this isn't unusual for moms.  It's been tough as a working mom, a mom to a very active toddler, and a mom trying to care for her sick mom.  My mom is a stubborn one who doesn't know how to take a break or admit that she is ill.  Enough about this for now. I did get a ray of sunshine recently from a fellow blogger.  It truly brightened my day!   I received my first Liebster Award from Smart Cents Review .  THANK YOU for picking my humble little blog! Please visit her blog!  She's an awesome lady!  Somewhat of a Super Hero. Get this: She is a wife with 20+ years under her belt, has SIX kids ranging from less than 1 year to 20 years old. HOW does she do this?  In comparison, I am a wife with 3 years of experience with ONE child just over 1 year old. We are vastly differe

TIME

I've noticed that lately all I've been posting is "Wordless Wednesday" posts! My excuse has been lack of time. It IS the truth. However, I cannot call myself a blogger if I haven't been blogging! I truly WANT to but I just can find a moment to sit down & get my thoughts together. I am tired of being silenced by time (lack of time that is).  I am putting this in writing so HOPEFULLY I can hold myself to this: I will BLOG more often! THERE, I've said it. Please pray for me that I can do it! How do YOU find time to keep up with your blogging?  P L E A S E share your tips. I need help. Photo Credit: Google Images Note: I have a 16 month old, I work 40 hrs/week outside of the home, and I'm 40 years old! Some (MOST) days I'm just too dang tired! Thankfully I have a supportive husband that helps me with the day to day things around our home.

Wordless Wednesday

Cold & Flu Season?

The Champ Here is our tough little guy getting through his first cough/cold like a champ. He is smiling through it all. We are so lucky.  He is just over a year old and hasn't really ever been sick. Until now.  The first night he coughed so hard that he threw up. He HATED that and wanted to be held all night.  He is quickly on the mend and aside from a runny nose & a little coughing at night, he is the same cheerful little boy!  In this picture that his daddy took of him bundled up to go out to get some fresh air you can't tell he is sick boy.  As a child when I was sick, I was a fussy mess. NOT our boy.  I just hope & pray that I don't get sick.  I  am NOT a champ when I get sick.  I'm glad that our boy doesn't take after me in that sense! It's odd because I was a champ during labor & delivery - but with colds & flu, forget it. I am hoping that you all escape cold & flu season this year!

Solve your frozen food problems with T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One!

This post brought to you by T.G.I. FRiDAY'S . All opinions are 100% mine. I hate to admit it, but my hubby doesn't  ALWAYS get home cooked meals as often as he would like.  Luckily for me, he is the understanding sort!  I work full time, as does he - so he knows that after a tough day at the office sometimes dinner consists of a frozen meal.  Now don't feel sorry for us because not all frozen meals taste like "frozen meals".   Luckily for him (OK, luckily for ME) the new line of T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One”  solves frozen food boredom. Choices are key when trying to feed my guy! There are nine new entrées inspired by the T.G.I. FRiDAY’S restaurants. They include items like Sizzling Steak Fajitas to Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo.  Since they are individual portions we can each have what we want!  We tried the Prime Rib Stroganoff. Hubby enjoyed it.  Whew. Next up we'll probably try the Fajitas! Visit T.G.I. FRiDAY'S on facebook for their  Fun Freeze

Wordless Wednesday

100 Club

I had to write a quick post to thank the 99 wonderful individuals who made a choice to follow my blog!  I am ONE reader away from 100.  I'm happy and surprised to have reached this milestone. If I have 1 or 100, my happiness is in sharing a post and making a connection.  It truly makes my day when you take the time to leave your thoughts via comments - as a mommy, I know how precious your time is. I need to end this post now, before I get overly sentimental!  I honestly do appreciate your friendship & support! Before I go: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU to my 99 friends! Will a celebration be in order?

Working Mom: 1 Year Anniversary

Today is my one year anniversary for returning back to work after having our first baby.  I had three wonderful months as a stay at home mom.  Naturally, it was a transition coming back.  Pumping during my breaks left me longing to hold our baby.  I do not have regrets for reentering the workforce.  I like the feeling that I am contributing to our family's household finances.  Hubby & I both share the responsibilities of work and home life.  Trust me, my husband has changed just as many diapers as I have! He has definitely picked more BOOGERS and sucked up more SNOT (with an aspirator) than I have!  Hubby as Daddy is really cute! I can honestly say that as far as raising our baby, we have been equals (or as equal as we CAN be).  With the exception of breastfeeding, my husband has done as much as I have in relation to child rearing.  I am still one up on him though as far as incubating, body morphing, labor, and delivery!  As our family's needs change so may my work situa

Power Outage September 8, 2011

Here is the notification email that we received from our energy provider regarding a recent power outage. Initial television reports (as relayed to me by my husband) stated that the outage could extend 2 to 3 days. We did have emergency items on hand including non-perishable food and water.  Are you prepared should you need to activate your personal family emergency plan? Thankfully power was restored before daybreak! Dear Customer: At this time, San Diego and southern Orange counties are without power. For now, we don’t know the exact cause of the outage and our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power. The outage could last into tomorrow as we bring the system up gradually to full power. The outage started at 3:38 p.m. today and caused a widespread transmission issue on the grid that serves Western Arizona and Southern California. You should activate your personal family emergency plan. Some safety tips to keep in mind during this time:

More Mommy Moments

Another kiddo moment...Our son is talking a bit now and today at Church whenever it grew quiet (after music would stop, etc) he found it necessary to announce "No More" in his biggest little voice.  When daddy would sit he would grab daddy by the neck and while trying to lift his dad would demand "UP".  Well...at least he doesn't cry or throw a fit during Mass... We sit with the general congregation NOT in the "cry" room.  We are always mindful to walk him out if he becomes fussy. Luckily - that rarely happens. I think it helps that he is familiar  as we have been taking him since he was only a few days old and consistently over the past 14 months.  I have a feeling though that it might become more difficult as he gets a bit older.  I hope that we don't exiled into the cry room...

Happy Chaos by Soleil Moon Frye AKA Punky Brewster

Not long ago I blogged about my Twitter Wins on my post :  Thank You Twitter .  On the same day I got lucky and won Soleil's new book.  I wanted to share my news & wish you all luck with Twitter too!  Maybe you can score some cool winnings as well. While you're there look me up! @lifebycynthia .  Happy Tweeting. I grew up watching Punky Brewster on Television. I can hardly believe that the spunky little girl played by Soleil Moon Frye is now a mommy of two!  Thanks to Twitter and @TargetBaby, I am happy to announce that I just won a copy of her new book Happy Chaos!  I'll be sure to share my review of the book.  I am a new mommy, so we shall see how long it takes me to find time to read!

Weekend Recap

Goodie Bag Party Favor I have a tiny window to put together a post and decided to use that time for a very quick (and haphazard) recap. Forgive the mind-spew.  Once I have more time I PROMISE to share a more organized post! K.O.'d We helped friends celebrate two birthday parties in one weekend. Fun, but exhausting .  At least they were on separate days!  Trust me, we have pulled double events on one weekend day. That can take quite a toll. ESPECIALLY with a toddler in tow!  Luckily,  our guy is mellow - so even if overstimulated and lacking a nap, he is still pleasant.   POOPED by the end of the day, but in no way a terror.  Well... not that we have experienced yet. Knock on wood. Not YET .  Thank goodness for that.  Thank goodness for NOW.  We are smart enough to know that this can change at the drop of a hat!  Will we be prepared?  Probably not. But at least we are open minded and willing to adapt. Note: If you look closely, you could see our son rolling his ey

Thank You Twitter

I have to admit that it was a slow go for me to fall in love with Twitter. At one point I HATED it.  I now think that I am starting to fall in love. And the feeling just might be mutual. Please read my post from March where I talk about hating Twitter: The Ex Factor .  It will provide a bit of a back story for you. I want to apologize now for that comment.  I was wrong.  I am still in the courting phase with my Twitter relationship. Twitter is certainly wooing me in ways only topped by my dear husband.  Twitter IS paying attention.  Just like my attentive hubby.  No, I'm not all about gifts but Twitter is certainly bringing gifts my way (not candy & flowers).   Tell me what lady doesn't like a thoughtful gift?  OK, I could say that Twitter has given me the gift of new friendships -  because it certainly has given me some wonderful connections.  I actually mean GIFT-gifts (BTW, I would gladly take candy & flowers if you're listening Twitter). Two of the biggies:

Wordless Wednesday: Just About A Year Ago

BlogHer '11: My 15 Minutes of Fame

Today I read a tweet entitled: BlogHer Conference Update -- August 12, 2011 | BlogHer .  Cool.  Since I attended the conference, I wanted to read the write up.  I open up the attachment and lo and behold!  I see my face!  Admittedly, it is not the most flattering of photos since I am clearly in mid-speech!  I was telling my new blog buddies what I blog about.  I am thrilled all the same.  What a great souvenir of my BlogHer moment! Asher-Sears Photography I am now able to cross "Have my photo on front page of BlogHer website" off of the bucket list! It's already quickly being bumped lower and lower on the page as more posts are put up. But at least it was up there at ONE point. I'm giddy! Also pictured is Nicole Aro of  The Sunlight Foundation which is a non-profit.  I met a few ladies that are involved with non-profit organizations.  She was kind enough to ask if I wanted company at breakfast since I was eating alone.  It touched me even more that she came up

BlogHer '11: Day 1

Too tired to blog about my BlogHer experience as there is SO MUCH to say! I will post a few photos though. I didn't bring a camera since I didn't have a buddy to snap photos for me/of me/with me. I will bring one tomorrow. I apologize in advance for the poor quality photos taken with my DumbPhone.  I think I was the only one in the entire Convention Center without a SmartPhone or a Tablet! OH - and the only one without business cards. Well...I ordered some but not in time. Boo.  Oh Well. Note: No pictures of me with fellow Bloggers = I was feeling shy!  No shyness though with the Sponsors.  Weird, I know.  One of the Welcome Banners & Attendees Registering  Meeting Room for session that I am in charge of the Mic. I scoped it out early for Saturday's Session, just planning ahead!  EXPO Floor: Awesome sponsors!  Met really sweet people.  Diane Amos & Me: That's the power of Pine Sol, baby...   Cookie Monster, Elmo, and

Smile!

I am a former brace-face. A two-time brace face at that. Once as a teenager and then again as an adult. Guess what? I lagged and didn't wear my retainers (again) and YES, I need straightening AGAIN.  This time as a 40 year old I am not going to do the "brace-face" look.  No metal mouth momma for me!  SO...I'm looking into Invisalign and hoping that those of you who have experience with the process can share your knowledge with me.  I am still looking into our dental plan to see if it is even covered.  I looked through their directories and have found a few providers in my area.  It's a start.  I wanted to document my journey starting here with the researching phase. I am excited to get the ball rolling.  I've contacted the company and attached the information that they have provided me in hopes to share with those of you who may be interested as well. If you haven't learned by now, I'm a " sharer ". I enjoy sharing. It's probably a big