Chuck E. Cheese's New Menu Items - Parents, Prepare to be Wowed

(I recently had the opportunity to visit Chuck E. Cheese's as their guest. The nice folks who operate on behalf of this friendly mouse were kind enough to provide me with some free tokens and food.The opinions contained in this post are my own and are simply a reflection of my experience.)

We all know Chuck E. Cheese. Tall mouse, purple shirt, red sneakers? Growing up, I remember many a birthday party spent here. In the '90s, it was usually either here or at a roller skating rink. One advantage this rascally rodent had back then was the absence of songs like "Macarena" played on repeat. I appreciated it then and I appreciate it now.

Now that I'm a parent of toddlers, I've had the opportunity to take my own tots to this childhood staple. I was prepared for excited kids and wall-to-wall games; I wasn't prepared for the food.

Let me tell you a little secret; Chuck E. Cheese's has reinvented its menu - and it's good. While the games, atmosphere, and characters are naturally catered to little ones, their new selection of food now also speaks to parents. What does that mean for you? When Junior begs for Friday night dinner at Chuck E. Cheese's, you won't be so quick to say, "No". And when Susie gets a birthday party invitation, you might just rock it up with your husband to see who gets to take her.

Forget being limited to cheese or pepperoni, they now offer Cali Alfredo and BBQ Chicken pizzas. And the new thin & crispy crust? Let's just say I've always been partial to thicker bread, but this was a game changer. It was light and tasty and I genuinely enjoyed it. The BBQ Chicken pizza was in line with some of the specialty pies I've had from sit-down restaurants and the cheese was extra, well, cheesy. It was delicious.

Their new menu also includes sandwiches (like an oven roasted BBQ chicken on ciabatta) and wraps (think Caesar and club). Looking for breadsticks? How does soft Parmesan sound? You can also try the buffalo chicken cheesy bread. If chicken wings are more your style, they have BBQ and sweet chili (boneless or bone-in). Plus, their wings are baked, not fried.

When you're done chasing the kids and retrieving lost tickets, you can now catch your breath with desserts like churros (served with salted caramel and white chocolate icing) or their revamped cinnamon sticks.

Naturally, my kids had a blast. We had to sneak in to a party zone for a closer look (shh - don't tell anyone) because Bailey wanted to see what color shoes the 6' mouse was wearing.

From bumper cars to a small slide to the arcade games and whack-a-moles you would expect, Chuck E. Cheese's had everything you could need for a fun day out with the kids - including a delicious meal.

For more information on their new menu, visit www.chuckecheese.com/newmenu. You can also check them out on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Have your own experiences you'd like to share? Don't forget to use #CECTampa!

How to Make a Cheap and Easy Homemade Gift From Toddlers

With Father's Day approaching, many busy moms are scrounging for last-minute gift ideas. When you have toddlers, it can be even harder to come up with something they can give to dad. I ran into this problem last Christmas and found the perfect solution: homemade picture frames!

I'll preface this by saying I'm not a big Pinterest person. Any attempts made at recreating the adorable projects found on that site are more likely to resemble what are commonly known as Pinterest fails. I'm creative, sure, but not necessarily "crafty" when left to my own devices.

So, for all those not-so-crafty parents who want to create a heartfelt gift that the kids can give to dad (or mom on another occasion), follow these simple steps and you'll love the result.

Step 1: Materials

A quick trip to Walmart will provide everything you need for this project (and most items only cost a few dollars). Head over to the wooden crafts area and grab: a wooden picture frame ($1); a bag of wooden letters ($3); some painted wooden animals ($0.57 each); tempera paint; a hot glue gun; a roll of wax paper; a paint brush; and a photograph.

Step 2: Layout

Let your toddler choose the colors, the wooden animal, and where they want to attach the animal. I spelled each child's name, but you can write whatever you like. Set everything up the way you want it so you have a blueprint to use.

Step 3: Paint

Place the letters and the picture frame on separate pieces of wax paper (I found them easier to move this way). Be sure to completely coat the top and all sides of the letters - once the paint dries, you'll really notice any missed spots. After you've painted your frame and letters, set them aside to dry. (Just to be safe, I let them dry overnight.)

Step 4: Glue

Once the paint is completely dried, use the hot glue gun to attach the letters and the wooden animal to your frame. (If you're like me, you may want to read some tips on how to use a hot glue gun before you get started. If you're more visual, this video is helpful, too.) Make sure the glue is completely dried before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Handprints

Once the glue is completely dried, recruit your toddler for handprints (or footprints or fingerprints - whatever you want). Let them choose the paint color and where they want to smear their little mitts. Set the frame aside to dry. (You don't get a photo of this step because, if you have toddlers, you'll understand that once I finished this part, I sat in the corner rocking myself back and forth trying to regain my sanity. Just kidding. Kinda.)

Step 6: Photo

Cut your photo to fit the shape of your frame (I found a 5x7 print worked best as the 4x6 was too small and left a gap in the heart-shaped cut-out). I created a cardboard template to trace the shape onto the picture before cutting. For added protection, you can then secure that cardboard piece behind the photo.

That's it! Now you have a cute, heartfelt, and inexpensive gift for dad from the kids. This also works well for Mother's Day, Christmas, and birthdays. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Bailey

True, this post is a little late, but I did say and sing "Happy Birthday" to my daughter multiple times on the actual day. That's got to count for something, right?

I remember looking back on Bailey's first year in awe of how much had happened and how much she had grown in 12 short months. Now, I'm stunned at just how much can change from one toddler birthday to the next.

From a tiny little bobble-headed newborn to a beautiful, funny little girl, this kid amazes and impresses me daily. At newly 2, she was just learning to connect her words and expand her vocabulary. As a 3 year old, she can not only string together a sentence like nobody's business, but she also creates stories, makes up songs, and tells jokes. She's even been known to play a trick or two on unsuspecting parents.

She's a great big sister (when she doesn't have her little bro in a chokehold) and she's smart. Her sense of direction is better than mine - I don't mean better than mine was at her age; I mean it's better than mine is now.

This year will be filled with laughter, accomplishments, frustrations, and fun alike. I'm excited to watch my sweet daughter continue to learn and explore her personality. I love you, Bailey. Happy birthday!

Parker's First Birthday - Already?

My baby just turned 1. I'm stuck in an odd feeling of past and present. While it no doubt feels he just made his entrance into this world, it also feels like he's always been a part of it. Of course, I can remember what life was like before Parker was born. But now, looking back, it feels like he was always there, waiting for his turn to come.

Parker has been a smiley little guy since he was born. Always happy, always laughing, and always ready to play. As the youngest, he's learned early on that he has to fight for what he wants. Sippy cups and toy trucks don't come easy in this world; you have to stand up for yourself (and, soon after, plop back down on your butt).

He understands this well and uses every opportunity to pester his sister in accrued retaliation. He has also mastered the age-old art of I'm-just-going-to-cry-and-pretend-someone-hit-me-so-I'll-get-that-toy-back. In his defense, it's usually 50/50 on whether he's implementing this technique or whether his ninja-like sister really did hit him while no one was looking.

Either way, he's Parker and he's a truly special little guy. He always has his tongue sticking out these days - less like a hot terrier and more like a mischievous leprechaun. His little giggle when he gets that sought-after toy or Veggie Straw cracks me up every time.

Watching him grow and learn and develop into a tiny person is just amazing. Seeing the way he interacts with and mimics his older sister is heartwarming. You wouldn't think listening to two toddlers screaming back and forth at each other would be so much fun.

So now, one year after the birth of my son, I just want to say that while I've always been blessed, my cup runneth over. Parker, you are a funny, intelligent, and crafty little boy. 

You're a delight to be around and that tiny grin warms my heart. I'm sorry you still don't have a completed baby book (if it makes you feel any better, neither does Bailey), but I'll get to it one of these days. For now, I'd rather spend my time chasing, tickling, and swinging you. I love you, buddy. Happy Birthday!

Potty Training: To Pee or Not to Pee?

Potty training. Depending where you are in your phase of parenthood, you either read those two little words and: a) wistfully smiled in your naivety; b) shuddered; or c) sighed in remembered relief that those days are now behind you.

If you answered A, I feel your current struggle. You’re worried the cost of diapers will put you in the poor house. Well, you’re in luck; those monetarily-challenged residents probably don’t want your bare-bottomed babe snuggling up to them – not while she’s as likely to inflict a deluge of poop as the peskiest of pigeons. Right, then. Now you’re worried the cost, and subsequent lack, of diapers will move you to the outhouse. Super.

If you answered B, I empathize with your struggle. You’ve dived into the world of teaching a tiny person how to pee into a large pot. Not only that, but you’ve also resigned yourself to sidling up beside said tot on an uncomfortable bathtub or a too-small step stool. You’ve accepted the fact that sometimes you’ll need to read five stories before she will rid herself of the poop that just last week took seconds to push into a diaper. Oh, and don’t forget the never-ending supply of candy it takes to positively reinforce the idea that using the potty is amazing. (By the way, I feel it necessary to mention that my own 2 year old matter-of-factly told me that grown-ups don’t get candy for going on the potty. That’s just what we do.)

If you answered C, I applaud you for making it to the other side. I also smile in my own wistful naivety at the idea that it will get easier by the time I stand where you are. (I’ll continue when you’re finished laughing.)

While potty training is certainly not without its challenges (keep the Lysol handy for those living room floor accidents), it can also be pretty great in the end. Yes, saving money on diapers is awesome, but it’s more than that. It’s the first time that tiny person tugs at your arm and says, “Mommy, I gotta go potty!” (Which is also the time when you realize what a fast sprinter you are.) It’s the way she beams at having done it all by herself. It’s the truly special sense of pride you feel knowing that your child is becoming an independent person, capable of anything.

Ok, so maybe potty training isn’t so bad, after all.

New Quarter Means New Fundraiser for Local Bay Area Family

First off, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated in my online fundraiser benefiting I Matter Too! It was amazing to see people spreading the word about such a great organization!

Now that we're on to the final quarter of the year, it's the perfect opportunity for ANOTHER online fundraiser!

Emil and Angie Baltic are a local Tampa Bay area family with two biological kids - Owen, 4, and Emma, 2. They feel that God has now called them to adopt a little boy in Haiti and I want to help. Sometimes it can be difficult to listen when God calls us to do something and when it comes to something like adoption - which has its own obstacles, expenses, and challenges - completing that task only becomes harder.

From 10/1/14 - 12/31/14, in an effort to help them raise the money they need to bring their new son home and care for him, I will donate 100% of my author profits from all online sales of my children's books to their adoption fund.

Please help me to raise money and awareness to benefit this wonderful family by purchasing a book. Be an adoption advocate - share this campaign with your friends and family! Remember, Christmas is coming and these books will make wonderful gifts or stocking stuffers!

Both books can be purchased at www.kdbrown.tateauthor.com. They can also be purchased through other online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.





For more information on the Baltic Family's adoption and to learn about other ways you can help, please visit www.balticadoption.com.

Thank you and God bless!

The Florida Aquarium Launches Impressive New Learning Center

I was recently invited to a special media preview of the new Carol J. and Barney Barnett Learning Center at the Florida Aquarium. The opinions expressed are my own.

Last week, I took off work on a Wednesday and played hooky with my kids. (Does it count as "playing hooky" if your boss knows about it?) I was invited to preview the new Carol J. and Barney Barnett Learning Center at the Florida Aquarium before it officially opened. I wasn't sure how well I would be able to wrangle 2 kids under 3 in such a setting, but I was pleasantly surprised at just how focused they are on kids there. It makes sense, of course, but it's still always a nice surprise.

The writer in me would love to come up with a clever way to describe it, but the simple truth is that this new Learning Center is just plain cool. It covers more than 5,000 square feet and is dedicated to educating kids in a fun and creative way. Among other things, it will be used for school field trips, preschool classes, summer camps, sleepovers, birthday parties, scout workshops, and teacher professional development programs.

It is comprised of five learning spaces (four classrooms and one lab), each designed in a unique and interesting way to engage kids and keep them focused. Each room also has an impressive 70" Mondo Pad (a fully networked touch screen computer).

In My Backyard is specially designed for younger kids (pre-K through first grade). The walls are adorned with an outdoor mural of grass and trees and a large oak, positioned near the door, welcomes kids into an exciting learning space that feels more like their backyard than a classroom. The small tables also exhibited some animals likely to be found while playing out back, such as a hermit crab and a tarantula. Aside from the oak, my favorite aspect of this room was the tiny camping tent (reading nook, anyone?) nestled beneath. Bailey enjoyed hopping around this room and inspecting the critters.

Bailey checking out some animals in the In My Backyard room.

Even Parker had a great time hanging out.

The Open Ocean room was hands-down my daughter's favorite. Bailey absolutely loved the blue lighting and underwater mural. The overall atmosphere of the room takes kids deeper into the ocean from one end to the other. Once they reach the far side of the classroom, they feel as though they've dived into the far depths of the blue unknown.

    

Digging through sargassum in the Open Ocean room.

Impressive lighting and paint even make the room glow to showcase the bioluminescent coolness that some of these creatures boast. Even if the younger kids don't appreciate the scuba diver suspended from the ceiling (whose face, I'm told, actually bears a certain likeness to Jacques Cousteau), they'll certainly enjoy digging through the buckets of sargassum to find small (toy) fish, crabs, and seahorses. True to life, they even included bits of plastic and trash to get kids thinking about the consequences of polluting our oceans. Bailey, only 2, understood that idea so well that she picked out the bits of garbage and handed them to a kind staff member. This room, as you may have guessed, is all about sensory experience

The Coastal Florida room features a boardwalk jetting out from the wall and even the tile flooring, a beautiful blue that leads into a soft yellow, represents the transition from sea to sand. There's no doubt about it - kids know where they stand while in this room. Its focus is to teach kids about the early stages of turtles, including nesting behavior and life as a hatchling.

The Green Room, designed to resemble an actual field station where an overworked sea turtle might get a little R&R (&R) - that is, rescue, research, and rehabilitation - focuses on conservation and teaching kids how they can help to protect our sea life.

The Green Room

The Lab was also a great addition and crafted with children in mind. The table heights are adjustable and made with anti-spill ledges. Additionally, each one is set up so that the instructor is no more than eight feet from any table. Also equipped with a Mondo pad, its presence can act as a virtual learning assistant for those who aren't quite ready to dissect an animal, but still want to follow along and absorb the experience.

The Lab

Overall, the new Carol J. and Barney Barnett Learning Center was impressive and downright awesome. Through considerable care and attention to detail, the Florida Aquarium did an excellent job of crafting each space into so much more than your typical classroom. Each area is an engaging and creative world conducive to teaching children through hands-on exploration.

And, as if that wasn't enough, our wonderful hosts were so gracious as to let my kids explore the rest of the Florida Aquarium after the event! (Another perk was being able to make a pit-stop in the lobby-based "Mother's Nursing Room" to feed Parker before embarking on our next adventure. Talk about family-friendly!) I have to say a big thank you to them for allowing me to share an unforgettable day with my little ones. (And, if you're not sure whether your kids are old enough to truly enjoy their exhibits, check out my experience visiting with a one year old.)

Note: Bailey and Parker made it into the Tampa Tribune for this event! Check out the story and the awesome photo of us.

GIVEAWAY: 2 Tropicana Summer Fun Kids Kits!

The folks over at Tropicana recently sent me a Summer Fun Kids Kit in order for me (and, of course, the little ones) to safely enjoy the remainder of the season. 

Even though summer is fading and fall is quickly gaining on us, living in Florida means year-round opportunities to play outside - and to experience the red-hot misery of sunburn. So, in an attempt to thwart those nasty UV rays from singeing the unblemished skin of our tots, Tropicana has graciously provided two additional Summer Fun Kids Kits for giveaway!

Each kit includes sunglasses, sunscreen, coupons, and other goodies for your kids to have fun outside!

Enter below for your chance to win! Complete each task to earn additional entries! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carol Hiscano: A Tribute to My Grandmother

Carol Hiscano was an incredible woman. Strong, funny, smart, and feisty - she was my grandmother and I was proud to know her. She recently passed away unexpectedly. True to form, though, she was ready and it was just tough luck if the rest of us weren't. I sure did love that about her.

My grandfather, Augie Hiscano, had already gone to the Lord and she was ready to see her sweetheart again. It wasn't lost on me that her passing occurred shortly after the ninth anniversary of his death. Now, there was a couple you could look to for hope and assurance in everlasting love. Augie and Carol Hiscano were high school sweethearts who stood by each other's side through everything. They were friends, equals, and completely in love to their last breaths.

My grandparents, Augie and Carol Hiscano, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

I'm torn between so many emotions as I grieve this enormous loss. I'm sad because I miss her terribly. She hadn't yet gotten to meet my youngest child, Parker, but she had seen plenty of pictures in the short time their lives overlapped. 

I can't help but wonder whether his arrival had something to do with the timing, as well. You see, my son, Parker Augustine, born at the end of March, was named after my grandfather. I wonder whether his birth - keeping the memory of her beloved husband alive - helped her to leave this world behind knowing he would live on in his youngest great-grandchild (and, of course, in all of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids). I also believe it helped that, since my sister-in-law had given birth to her beautiful baby boy a few months before, the birth of Parker marked the end of those great-grandchildren currently in utero.

Did she decide she was sick of waiting for her grandkids to make the trip to Miami so she could see all of those great-grandbabies? Knowing her, she may have just decided a bird's eye view would be more efficient. In any case, I know she's watching over all of them now (and laughing often).

Aside from the sadness, though, I also find myself filled with a great deal of peace. Knowing that she's back with her husband after all these years makes me smile. I doubt she needed to be told to head into the light; she probably skipped through the pearly gates eager to meet him again.

Augie and Carol in their younger days.

Coming from a small family, the loss of someone, especially someone so strong and vibrant, makes a huge impact on all of us. She, like her sweetie, was larger than this life. It's no wonder I often forget she isn't with us in this life anymore. Only when I stop to think about it - or catch myself about to call to tell her some funny story - does it fully hit me.

While it's human nature to dwell on our regrets (I should've made the trip to visit more often and I wish she had been able to meet Parker), it's important to focus on the positives. While it had been too long since we'd seen her (almost a year and a half), she had gotten to watch Bailey grow. And while she didn't get the chance to meet Parker, she had already seen a multitude of pictures in his short lifetime.

September 7th is National Grandparents Day and while my kids are still fortunate enough to have all of their grammas and grampas around, I will love, miss, and remember mine. Let's all take a moment to hug those still with us and to cherish the memories of those who have passed. Rest in peace, Gramma.

Review: Dragonfyre Apothecary - Natural & Organic Skin Care

I recently received Dragonfyre Apothecary's entire line of DragonBaby and DragonMama products for review. I was not compensated for this review, but I did receive the products free of charge. The opinions expressed are my own.

When I received Dragonfyre Apothecary's DragonBaby and DragonMama line of skin care for review, I was pretty excited to see what they were all about. Their products are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients and I felt comfortable using them on my kids. Overall, I was genuinely impressed with each product and would highly recommend them to moms everywhere.

Here is a detailed breakdown of each product and why they get two enthusiastic thumbs up (or at least as enthusiastic as the thumbs of a mom with two kids under 3 can be).

Blazin' Bottoms Fanny Creme

As the mom of a toddler who loves fruit, I have a lot of experience with diaper rash creams. (If you haven't experienced the fiery red butt that accompanies eating a lot of acidic fruit, you've been warned.) I really like the Blazin' Bottoms Fanny Creme because you only need to use a little bit. It comes in a pump bottle which is great for one-handed use - especially since you're probably using your other hand to wrangle a screaming, struggling tot. What I really like about this creme is that it pumps like a lotion, but goes on more like an oil. It absorbs quickly so it's not still glopped on at the next diaper change. It's fast-acting, too. The rash usually clears up after a few applications (rather than days with some other creams).

Head-to-Tail Baby Wash

This wash also comes in a pump bottle which is always a plus in my book. It has a light scent and works well for cleaning your little one's hair and body. Since you don't need to use a lot, you'll find it really goes a long way toward lasting. I use this baby wash on both my toddler and my newborn and I still have plenty left.

DragonBaby Body Creme

Baby lotions are really hit or miss. I've found some that have made me sorely regret slathering my child in what turned out to be a stinky second layer. This body creme is great because it has a pleasant scent that won't overwhelm you or your baby. It's also light and non-greasy and absorbs into the skin quickly.

DragonScales Tea Tree Salve

This salve is recommended to help baby's dry, itchy skin. I actually just used it for the first time on my two month old son and it's really helping. It rubs on smoothly and while there is a scent (I couldn't quite place it, but I imagine it was a combination of the shea butter, chamomile, and other natural ingredients contained in it), it wasn't unpleasant. Since he's so young, I'm hesitant to put creams or lotions on his face. However, since all Dragonfyre Apothecary products are made using only natural and organic ingredients, I felt more comfortable applying this salve to his forehead.

In addition to these great products for baby, they even threw in some pick-me-ups for mom! It was definitely a treat getting to try out some wonderful moisturizers and balms myself.

DragonMama Belly Bump Balm

Since I was already pregnant with my second child (and sporting a full-on mid-section zebra print) by the time I tried this Belly Bump Balm, I don't know whether it helps to reduce stretch marks. What I do know is that it's wonderful for moisturizing and alleviating the annoying itchy belly that accompanies pregnancy. Plus, the scent of lemongrass was relaxing and left me wanting an Italian ice! The great thing about this balm is that it's not just for the belly; it can be used anywhere that needs some extra moisture. To be honest, I used it on my feet (their residual dryness a lingering gift from my days as a waitress) and on my knees (which have been severely dry ever since my daughter started crawling). I've tried plenty of other lotions, creams, and balms for those areas and none have worked as well (or as quickly) as the Belly Bump Balm. I'm a big fan!

Moiste Facial Moisturizer

The Moiste Facial Moisturizer and Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum (see below) are the epitome of a great power couple. Try them separately and try them together. They're amazing! The moisturizer is a light and airy lotion that doesn't feel at all greasy when applied. One of the main reasons I've never been a big fan of facial lotions is because they tend to leave me feeling greasy, dirty, and weighed down. Not this one. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling clean. There is a noticeable difference in the dryness of my skin on days when I don't use this moisturizer. Combined with the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum your skin will feel soft, smooth, and hydrated. Don't have the serum? It also works great on its own.

Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum

Like the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum is a light and non-greasy anti-aging serum which promotes collagen synthesis and cell regeneration. It has a faint, but pleasant, scent, and it absorbs quickly. While I'm still a ways from worrying about lines and wrinkles (I just turned 30, after all), I love this serum and use it daily for the benefits of its hydrating and cleansing effects. When combined with the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, it's a real treat for your skin!

For more information or to purchase these great items for yourself, visit their website at www.dragonfyreapothecary.com. You can also like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!

I'm Back!

Before you judge me for, well, disappearing from the blogging world, you should know I had my second child recently. Hooray for babies! So long sleep! Here I am now trying to catch you up.

Parker Augustine was born a healthy 8 lbs 7 oz and 20" long.

First off, I just want to say how much I love nap time. It's a magical time filled with possibilities, hopes, dreams, and promises. Finally, the little ones are tucked in for an afternoon siesta and the world is suddenly your oyster. You can do anything! Pee alone! Indulge in the snacks you can only eat in secret (unless you want to share half with an adorable tot saying, "Please? A bite?"). Do the laundry! Clean the dishes! Or, in my case, open your laptop for the first time in over a month and catch up on some much needed writing.

It's hard to believe, but my newest addition, Parker, is already 7 weeks old and I'm back at my second full-time job (the first being mommyhood). How did that happen so quickly? And for that matter, how in the world is my oldest about to turn 2?

I thought I had learned a lot about being a parent from my first child, but I'm learning all sorts of new things as a second-time mom. For one thing, your ninja-like reflexes really step it up a notch when you're changing a boy's diaper. The score is still in his favor when it comes to direct hits, but I'm holding my own in the dodging department.

Another thing I'm finding is that I'm much more relaxed this time. With my first, I would leap (literally) over furniture to get to my crying baby when she was hungry. Poor Parker has become known as my "just a second" baby since the patient little guy has to wait at least that long for everything. It's not that I love him any less, but I'm usually tied up pinning his sister to the floor for diaper changes or chasing after her when she sprints off down the sidewalk. I'll get into all of that another day, though.

Today is about jumping back in and doing the only thing you really want me to do - posting pictures of adorable babies. So stay tuned for more posts in the coming weeks!

Don't forget to come out to Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the Brandon mall this Saturday, May 17th from noon to 2:00 p.m. for an author book signing event. I'll be there along with several other local authors so come in and say hi (and maybe buy a book or two!).

Review: Maddy Bleu Handmade Baby Blanket/Quilt

A few months back, I won a handmade baby blanket/quilt in an online auction benefiting a local family. Shawna, the hands behind Maddy Bleu's handiwork, was kind enough to wait until we had learned the sex of our newest baby (it's a boy!) in order to personalize it for us. It arrived this week and I couldn't have been more blown away.

I had simply told Shawna we were decorating the nursery with a Disney Pinocchio theme and if she had a way to incorporate that into the blanket, it would be great. If not, it was no biggie. Well, in my opinion, she went above and beyond (which was particularly amazing since the items listed in the auction had been donated). Here's what arrived in the mail.

My husband and I were so impressed that we just couldn't stop talking about it. On one side is a vibrant red blanket soft enough to generate sweet dreams. On the other is a beautifully crafted quilt with a fun patchwork design and a large, centered print of the wooden boy himself taken from Thomas Kinkade's painting "Pinocchio Wishes Upon a Star". I was especially excited about this because we have a large print of that painting we plan to hang in the nursery (which I hadn't even mentioned). The blanket is 36" x 36" which is perfect since he'll be able to grow with it.

But wait; that's not all! Also included in our package was an adorable and unexpected lovie (a smaller Taggie-style blanket) perfect for any tot. Shawna, again, went above and beyond on this! As if this weren't already more than enough (with its attached teether and tags), both sides also had screen prints taken from the same painting. On one side is Jiminy Cricket standing on a tree branch and on the other is a view of Geppetto's workshop.

While I was already impressed by her courteousness, dedication, and level of professionalism, it was truly Shawna's craftsmanship that left me (nearly) speechless. (I say "nearly" because I'm too much of a chatterbox to ever stay quiet for long.)

I've already ordered a second Winnie the Pooh themed baby blanket for my daughter as a gift from the new baby. I would purchase handmade crafts from Shawna again without hesitation and I would definitely recommend her business to anyone willing to listen.

Some of her handmade items (see pictures here) include lovies, quilts, game quilts (these are so cool!), boo boo bags (hot and cold packs), purses, diaper bags, tutus, and other specialty items. Check out her Facebook page for information on sizes and prices.

Product Review: ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY

*From time to time I may review a product, service or business on this blog. With the exception of occasionally receiving a product free of charge, I do not receive any form of compensation for these reviews. The opinions expressed are my own.

ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY 

I recently received the ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY set for review. I was not compensated for this review, but I did receive the game free of charge. The opinions expressed are my own.

If you've ever indulged in a game of Angry Birds on your smartphone or tablet, you've probably found yourself hooked. There's also a good chance you've secretly wished you could actually get your hands on those snickering pigs when you've blown up the dynamite and watched enormous towers crumble around them leaving nothing more than a few black eyes and an obnoxious smirk. With ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY, you can finally do more than just imagine flicking those little oinkers.

Photo Courtesy of Hasbro

The set includes a racetrack, two karts (one exclusive to this set), a telepod, obstacles, piggies, and stickers. Assembly is required, but it didn't take very long to put together.

Each kart has a starting position and players push a button to send their characters racing down the track toward a treasure chest and its guard - a particularly fat-headed pirate pig. As racers zoom past the first set of pigs, they blast those floating heads with TNT (and possibly get a little too much enjoyment out of it).

Avoid the pendulum or it'll slow you down and give your opponent a wing up on the competition. Be the first player to blast through the finish and send that booty-hogging (get it?) buccaneer back where he came from.

The fun doesn't have to stop there. Download the free Angry Birds GO! app and teleport your kart into your mobile device. Once in the app, place your kart on the clear telepod base over your camera and press the app's teleport button to send it into the game. The trick (which I only learned after several failed attempts) is to first make sure your camera is set to forward-facing; otherwise it won't work. I would've liked the instructions to include this little tidbit since I wasted a good bit of time trying to figure it out.

Since my daughter (a year and a half) was more interested in making the pigs bite her finger than watching them race, I borrowed my buddies, Gavin and Anthony, to play. (Note: this game is not recommended for children under 3 as it contains choking hazards. I let Bailey play under supervision because she's clearly more of a hazard to the pigs.)

Gavin gearing up for another round.

Gavin enjoyed the raceway set and had fun knocking the pigs down, but he wasn't as interested in the app. He had no trouble resetting the pieces each time and had fun racing the karts over and over. Anthony, on the other hand, played both ways, but preferred the app portion of the game.

While Gavin was ready to play again the next day, he needed an adult's help rebuilding the platform. If your kids are younger, you may need to build it for them each time they play - just something to consider.

The game is recommended for ages 5 and up and retails for $29.99. It can be found at major stores like Toys R Us, Walmart, and Amazon.

LifeChoices Women's Care - Pregnancy Support

As an expectant mom, there are few things about pregnancy that are more exciting than getting to peek inside and see what your little acrobat is up to. Since many doctors only perform a couple of ultrasounds during a healthy incubation, I jumped at the opportunity to get a free sonogram from a local women's care clinic.

LifeChoices Women's Care, part of the Florida Pregnancy Support Services program, is an amazing resource for pregnant women who need help, support or just someone to listen. Located in Lutz, Florida, they provide free services such as pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins, and counseling and they understand that for some women, pregnancy is both exciting and difficult.

"Offering free limited OB ultrasounds gives women in unplanned pregnancies the opportunity of bonding with their babies at a very early start of their pregnancy," said Ana Hidalgo Stooks, Executive Director at LifeChoices Women's Care.

Through counseling, they provide the support many don't have when it comes to an unplanned pregnancy. Others may be struggling financially and LifeChoices offers a helping hand throughout their journey.

They have a Mommy Boutique filled with baby and maternity clothes, diapers, wipes, and more. With their Earn and Learn program, women can watch informational and instructional videos to prepare for pregnancy and motherhood. Moms-to-be earn "Mommy Bucks" each time they complete one and can then spend them in the boutique to purchase necessities that can otherwise be expensive.

When I heard they were looking for ultrasound models during the training of new RNs, I scheduled my appointment right away. The staff members (mostly volunteers admirably donating their time and expertise) were friendly and professional and I was blessed with almost an hour of viewing time as my little one waved and rolled. It was wonderful.

They're still looking for pregnant women to serve as ultrasound models, so if you're in the Tampa Bay area and want a free ticket to the best show this side of the womb, call Brenda at (813) 948-7734.

If you're not in need of their services, but want to assist in their cause, they're always accepting donations. Give them a call today to find out how you can help.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.lifechoiceswc.org, call (813) 948-7734 or text (813) 438-3183. Hours: Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. You can also like them on Facebook.