tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76958592074279524882024-03-14T06:05:00.898-07:00The Better Half BlogsI am the better half, and this is my blog. Duh.Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-53429959375804506912012-03-20T11:12:00.000-07:002012-03-20T11:12:30.618-07:00HEY YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!...Okay that was rude but it's true! The party has OFFICIALLY moved to a new location.<br />
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Somewhere better, somewhere not so...orange.<br />
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I have made the hop, skip and jump over to Wordpress and a new address.<br />
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Check out the new digs at <a href="http://www.thebetterhalfblogs.com/">http://www.thebetterhalfblogs.com/</a><br />
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It's so fancy schmancy.<br />
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If you have a subscription through Feedburner (if you signed up for my emails) you will have to REsign up at the new site. I know bummer. But I'm worth it...<i>right?</i><br />
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I have also sent out personal emails to those with Feedburner subscriptions.<br />
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I hope you make the jump with me. Trust me, change is good...Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-75551716870969734732012-01-31T15:50:00.004-07:002012-01-31T15:53:55.513-07:00The 10 Commandments of Mommy BloggingThere are certain laws one must abide by when blogging. I am here to hold your hand and help you navigate the seedy underworld of mommy blogging....starting now with...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>The 10 Commandments of Mommy Blogging</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You shall have one and only one format. Be it Wordpress or Blogger. Choose wisely, because it's a pain in the ass to change it later.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>II</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thou shall learn proper social media etiquette. Your recent stroll down memory lane which resulted in my Facebook time line being hijacked by Mili Vanilli and Criss Cross videos got you hidden (and lucky for you not unfriended) and now I will never see anything you post of substance. This goes for the time you had to RT every #FF you got on that one day when you got <i>a lot </i>(people still do #FF?). I could keep going but you get the gist of what I'm saying here. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>III</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You shall remember that becoming a good writer and garnering a large following takes time. I'm sure even <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">The Pioneer Woman</a> and <a href="http://dooce.com/">Dooce</a> have written crap they aren't all too proud of. But keep plugging away, one day you'll find your voice.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>IV</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You shall remember that being a "mom blogger" means being a "mom" first. Yes, you said something funny on Facebook that you later Tweeted but don't worry, you can check how many Likes and RT's you got after bath time.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>V</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Honor and respect the hard work of the bloggers that came before you and blog along side you. There is enough room on the Internet for all of us. Pulling that bitchy mom-on-mom shit will do the opposite of what you want it to. This isn't high school.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>VI</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thou shall stand for something. This isn't a competition to see who can have the most GFC followers. Be about something even if that something is really nothing, to anyone but you. Write what you know and the like-minded will come to you. Not everyone needs to be the "giveaway" or "snark" queen. Just be you and that will be enough.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>VII</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thou shall not steal anothers content. Do I really need to expand on this one? I haven't experienced this first hand because I write drivel that nobody <i>wants </i>to steal, but I know people that have and it sucks. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>VIII</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thou shall not be a bitch. Yes you. It takes all types of moms to make this world go round. I had a c-section, didn't cloth diaper, hardly breastfed and rarely buy organic, what of it? You don't have to keep your opinions to your self, that's what your blog is for, I just don't need you getting all pious from your safe spot behind your @ symbol on Twitter. Whatever floats your family boat, as long as you're not raising the next person to break into my car.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>IX</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thou shall not bear false witness against the free crap you were given and asked to write a post about. If it sucks, say it sucks. Fluffing up the sippy cup the spilled all over your car in hopes of getting more crappy sippy cups will definitely get you more sippy cups (at first)...but it will also get you less respect, which will get you less readers, which will get you less (you guess it) free crappy sippy cups.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>X</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You shall not covet thy fellow bloggers layout, buttons, headers, banners, logo, Twitter name, or anything else that doesn't belong to you. This goes for stealing too. People pay good money for that shit. You want it, pay for it too. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have something to add? I'm all ears.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-21359166999218780092012-01-07T20:26:00.000-07:002012-01-07T20:26:51.693-07:00It's Mommalogue time again and this time it's a doozy...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JE0u-YKst9dJoOlWN3RSBuoXJSG9V1wagvaVhZ3XH9pMIef25GwpyElw2tIkcACip-V5WFOdWoXZ7jIEiHT9lNI2QrTv9SUohX0HeboYZnMjlgi9zvuCaLoiEtvdx-rhDmMuPZmToZ68/s1600/photo%252835%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JE0u-YKst9dJoOlWN3RSBuoXJSG9V1wagvaVhZ3XH9pMIef25GwpyElw2tIkcACip-V5WFOdWoXZ7jIEiHT9lNI2QrTv9SUohX0HeboYZnMjlgi9zvuCaLoiEtvdx-rhDmMuPZmToZ68/s320/photo%252835%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what happens when you take you kid to work at SheKnows.com. They decorate her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Am I the only one who has a Holiday Hangover? I'm tired, my family is gone so i'm lonely and I took all my decorations down so my house is so 'uncheery'.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4uBNilr6FHQ7WXnw8qQ_3vL3TReAwR97L9A-IuK4OGDr71SAbl066VJY15lHQYbryWuvb9OVUmD0adrXYGQWTnrwI4SX_UGpPk2TbPlaIUT6Fxk-bzGbKTzvW9uhlTTIhR2VzoWVE9_a/s1600/photo%252836%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4uBNilr6FHQ7WXnw8qQ_3vL3TReAwR97L9A-IuK4OGDr71SAbl066VJY15lHQYbryWuvb9OVUmD0adrXYGQWTnrwI4SX_UGpPk2TbPlaIUT6Fxk-bzGbKTzvW9uhlTTIhR2VzoWVE9_a/s320/photo%252836%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Day 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hate January. On top of the HH, all I can think about is doing my taxes. I'm a lot of fun, can you tell?<br />
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December came and went with a flash, especially since we have a toddler running around. Just keeping the tree intact was a feat in of itself. Presents, wrapping papers...it was all a red and green blur.<br />
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I learned something of myself, and please tell me if you are like this too, but I am ANNOYING when I have guests. I can fully admit this, I am big enough of a woman.<br />
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I can't tell you how many times I shusshed people for talking too loud (I come from the worlds LOUDEST family AND I have all wood floors in a house that loves to echo) when the baby was napping and graned every time people ate (I also come from the worlds MESSIEST family).<br />
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I'm surprised people keep something back to visit us. I need to drink more and relax. It's just crumbs and the kid can sleep through an air raid drill. What exactly is my major malfunction?<br />
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Well, like I said, the holidays are over and on to prepare for 2012.<br />
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Apparently it's the end of the world. Let's all start hoarding ammo and bottled water.<br />
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There are some bat shit crazy people out there who believe this crap. Am I afraid? Yes. But I am afraid of them. I told Rutherford that we are not leaving our house that entire week.<br />
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He told me that he doesn't think that anyone is going to come into our little lake community with perfectly manicured lawns and SUV's in the driveway.<br />
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Hey you never know, right? The ducks could go nuts or the soccer mom down the road could sudden fall off her nut.<br />
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It could happen you know.<br />
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If you need ammo or bottled water, you know where to look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5zW0ny7-dUFPlVidT4t2u9yf6-pBj-bZkVa4n8rNiVR_xorL5u32qtEzpUoOObdw9qyaG_PONmWuAD0pBBV8CJ5QWPYXC4wHqJ8eqGbct5MLVsuKbSNJM23P9NmSe78NOOxPthCbrn86/s1600/www.google.com+2012-1-7+19%253A40%253A35.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5zW0ny7-dUFPlVidT4t2u9yf6-pBj-bZkVa4n8rNiVR_xorL5u32qtEzpUoOObdw9qyaG_PONmWuAD0pBBV8CJ5QWPYXC4wHqJ8eqGbct5MLVsuKbSNJM23P9NmSe78NOOxPthCbrn86/s400/www.google.com+2012-1-7+19%253A40%253A35.png" width="337" /></a></div><br />
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The other big news here in the Yontz house is that Audrey is deep in the throws of the terrible twos. Fun. The other day I had my first major public meltdown and I started drinking again. (Okay, well I never stopped drinking but you know what I mean.)<br />
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Audrey took out an entire display of shoes at Sketchers while screaming NO NO NO.<br />
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All I could think is that if I can't handle this kid at 2 I am royally effed in 10 years.<br />
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And I cried.<br />
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Like really cried and my lovely husband told me not to freak out becasue if I freak out, he's going to freak out and that doesn't help anyone involved. He also told me that i'm a great mom and reassured me that we're not going to end up on Dr.Phil one day.<br />
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I was finally able to breath again and regroup. I bought a back yard climber on Craigslist and now I toss her outside to run around to her little hearts content and now so too tired to terrorize me.<br />
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Problem solved...so far.<br />
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We've also had a big week on the Mommalogues. We got ourselves a real live celebrity ya'll.<br />
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Miss DJ Tanner herself, <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/author/Candace/">Candace Cameron Bure</a> is now on the Mommalogue panel. She will be posting 3 times a week on all the things we chat about.<br />
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And am I the only one who still thinks her brother is dreamy? I want to ask if I can go over to play at her house after school so I can bump into him in the kitchen.<br />
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And now our weekly wrap-up:<br />
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On Monday we talked about what we are looking forward to the most in 2012. Well, besides baracading myself into my house while harding ammo and bottled water, I am looking forward to an addition to my family. Watch my video and see exactly what I'm talking about <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/what-are-you-most-looking-forward-to-this-year/planning-a-family-addition/">HERE.</a><br />
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Tuesday we talked education for our kids. Audrey is almost 2 and already I am getting asked about what school she’s wait listed at and all that goes along with that. Really? She’s 2 people. But since people are asking, of course I start panicing. So now it’s schools, tuition, private vs. public, uniforms, 2 days a week, 3 days a week… my head is spinning. Was it always this difficult? Remember when the school closest to your house was where you were going? What happened to that? I need a drink. Watch this video <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-do-you-feel-about-your-childs-education/already-stressing-us-out/">HERE.</a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Wednesday we talked about every woman's passion. Shoes. I love shoes, I really do. I mean, come on, I’m a girl right? It’s part of the job requirement. However, you wouldn’t know that I am such a shoe freak if you actually saw my feet at any given time. I’m either barefooted, in old Havayana flip flops or in running shoes. Apparently I just like to buy nice shoes to look at them, not to actually put on my feet. The problem is that I own tons of heels. Heels that I no longer wear because they A) make me taller than my husband and B) my current boss (aka Audrey) doesn’t require them to go with my uniform. So until he either grows or she changes the workplace dress code, the heels will stay in the closet. See this <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-many-shoes-do-you-own/shoes-shoes-everywhere/">HERE.</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thursday, we're talking hot topic alert. Breast feeding. For some reason the interwebs go balistic when you talk about this. I was actually a little nervous before this topic when life on the site. Was I going to be getting hate mail and death threats from "those moms"? So far, so good. Watch my video <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/did-you-breastfeed-and-how-do-you-feel-about-breastfeeding-in-public/hoping-to-nurse-much-longer-next-time/">HERE</a> and tell me what you think. Am I wrong? I can take it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On Friday we were asked what we thought the hardest part about being a mom was. Um, have a seat, this might take awhile. The hardest part about being a mom, for me, isn’t the day-to-day parenting. It was figuring out <em>how</em> to be a parent. The how, when, where, and why of being a mom is the part that still exhausts me. You would think it would be the day-to-day actual “doing” in parenting that would be the hard part. But in reality it was learning how to “do” to begin with that drained me the most. Maybe that’s why the 2nd child is supposed to be easier than the first. Or at lease that’s what I hear. I’ll let you know when I get there. Watch <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/whats-the-hardest-part-of-being-a-mom/figuring-out-how-to-be-a-parent/">HERE.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>So there you have it. What do you think of this weeks topics and answers? How are you planning on dealing with all the crazy asses in the world this year? Do we bother paying our taxes since the world is going to end. Do you think the IRS will take that as an answer? </b></div><!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-64220074029011120532011-12-27T10:16:00.000-07:002011-12-27T10:16:18.461-07:00Mommalogues Weekly Round-up!Ahh another week has past and that leaves us with another week of the Mommalogues! So let's get to it...<br />
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On Monday we tackled the idea of gift giving. Specifically, gift giving to me and how important it is for me to get the perfect gift. As you will see, I am all heart, I just want my family to be happy blah blah blah at Christmas time. But Mother's Day... Now that's where I get my jollies. Don't you screw up my Mother's Day.<br />
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Watch you warning <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-important-is-it-for-you-to-receive-the-perfect-gift/i%E2%80%99m-way-too-practical/">HERE.</a><br />
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Tuesday was all about the cookie. Now my mother-in-law is like a cookie sensi, cookie master or cookie ninja, if you will. Find out why I am so fat <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/what-are-your-favorite-holiday-cookies/my-mother-in-law%E2%80%99s-oatmeal-cookies/">HERE.</a><br />
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Wednesday we strolled down memory lane and talked about what was the best thing that happened to us in 2011. For me it was finally making an honest man out of Rutherford. I am no longer getting the milk for free, living in sin, or shacking up. On top of that I will always remember 2011 as the year my baby went for a baby to a toddler. ::mommy tear:: See it <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/whats-your-fondest-memory-of-2011/my-new-husband/">HERE.</a><br />
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On Thursday, ugh, we talked about the worst thing that has happened to us in 2011. Now, we are very blessed and can't really complain about anything this year (unlike a lot of people, thank you God). But if I have to pick out one thing I could have lived without, it would be wrecking Rutherfords car. And a friends brand new Lexus. In my driveway. At the same time.<br />
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Feel my humiliation <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/whats-the-worst-thing-that-happened-in-2011/wrecking-the-car-while-in-our-driveway/">HERE</a> with me.<br />
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And on Friday we were asked what our kids wanted for Christmas. I answered for Audrey, I hope she doesn't mind. Watch her video <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/what-did-your-kids-ask-http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/what-did-your-kids-ask-santa-to-bring/anything-with-cool-packaging/santa-to-bring/anything-with-cool-packaging/">HERE.</a><br />
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I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. I know we did here. Love you all!Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-23809444897862705082011-12-16T16:58:00.000-07:002011-12-16T16:58:58.501-07:00Let's catch-up with the Mommalogues!!Okay so I'm a little behind on my posts. Between showing you how awesome <a href="http://iamthebetterhalf.blogspot.com/2011/12/pimple-free-in-2012-with-beauty-society.html">Beauty Society</a> is and picking a winner for my <a href="http://iamthebetterhalf.blogspot.com/2011/11/erincondrencom-review-giveaway.html">ErinCondren.co</a>m contest (Congrats Bobbie!), it's been kinda crazy.<br />
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But worry not, dear soul, for I am here to spread my particular brand of joy and drivel.<br />
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On Tuesday we talked about TV and kids. In my video I go from one extreme to the other and come to the realization at the end that my husband will kill me when he sees how much TV our child actually watches.<br />
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But I swear, it's really not that much, right? Watch <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-much-tv-is-too-much-tv-for-kids/its-a-work-aid/">HERE.</a><br />
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On Wednesday we gave our birth stories. Mine was glorious and fabulous, mostly because they give you some kick ass drugs in the hospital. I don't know why more people don't give birth more often.<br />
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Watch me recount the story of my brief foray into the world of Michael Jackson <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/when-i-gave-birth-to-my-baby-%E2%80%A6/a-glorious-and-fabulous-experience/">HERE.</a><br />
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On Thursday we discussed pregnancy cravings, of which mine were notorious in the Yontz family. I still can't look at a box of Lucky Charms the same again. Find out why <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/what-did-you-crave-when-you-were-pregnant/pb-j-and-lucky-charms/">HERE.</a><br />
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And last, but certainly not least, we have Friday where we discussed our favorite Christmas gift we ever received. Awww....Watch <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/what-was-your-favorite-christmasholiday-gift-ever/my-engagement-ring/">HERE.</a><br />
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Yeah! Now you're all caught up. Now don't we all feel better?Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-16936430685621878542011-12-13T19:54:00.000-07:002011-12-13T19:54:40.631-07:00Pimple free in 2012 with Beauty Society? Yes please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZwggMRkqKoYFqL4U1PxV6C-J6cNBo_kszOWiKO2UuRrtYBAI4KszoWdWeZxgCuTxAmsChRavYKzqw6ttwolSDphgdjZEQ2FrKyTbvF-x8M_VuPceJ9Re0li6rwfw3aC7zacUZGbSDBij/s1600/www.mybeautysociety.com+2011-12-12+19%253A26%253A44.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZwggMRkqKoYFqL4U1PxV6C-J6cNBo_kszOWiKO2UuRrtYBAI4KszoWdWeZxgCuTxAmsChRavYKzqw6ttwolSDphgdjZEQ2FrKyTbvF-x8M_VuPceJ9Re0li6rwfw3aC7zacUZGbSDBij/s400/www.mybeautysociety.com+2011-12-12+19%253A26%253A44.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I would like to preface this whole deal by saying one thing: I love my baby. Like a lot a lot. She's cute and super cool and smells good (sometimes) and makes me a better person all around.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">However...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">She ruined my body. Like a lot a lot.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have saggy swingy boobs now. My belly is "interesting" (but discovering a little gem called <a href="http://www.yummielife.com/">Yummie Tummie</a> has been helping with that). And my skin. Ugh, don't get me started on my skin. It's ruined. It's terrible. Like embarrassingly terrible.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Like fifteen year old boy who's voice is cracking, eats pizza 5 times a day and works the fryer at McDonalds terrible.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23OIVok6N7WlIbH7VFAyL7gTJ8NSR_fuJvw6Pn5uwjOn7VMElYIYP_RScjG2DrOLLZCY-9slWpqD4Z4MEoE0ICnLYvxtmqGQWXdauRatP1LbJ-HGER6_SiD3lSXcQqlqjGfduMBMfJdwf/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23OIVok6N7WlIbH7VFAyL7gTJ8NSR_fuJvw6Pn5uwjOn7VMElYIYP_RScjG2DrOLLZCY-9slWpqD4Z4MEoE0ICnLYvxtmqGQWXdauRatP1LbJ-HGER6_SiD3lSXcQqlqjGfduMBMfJdwf/s320/IMG_1744.JPG" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I know, right? And this was on a GOOD day!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was one of those lucky girls in high school who didn't have to deal with teenage acne. And I told anyone that would listen that I never took my makeup off at night and used bar soap every day on my life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It was awesome.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And then I gave birth to Audrey.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">*facepalm*</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So I have this amazing friend named Silvia who has been telling me about this beauty line called <a href="https://www.mybeautysociety.com/silvia">Beauty Society</a> where she is a "Diva".</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Beauty Society is a company founded by a woman named <a href="http://www.beautysociety.com/CheckUs_Founder.html">Jeannie Lorin</a> who says, in her own words, that she is "<em class="Black12" style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-left;">obsessed with helping women obtain their<span class="Pink11" style="line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong> Full Potential In Beauty, Financial Dreams </strong></span>and <span class="Pink11" style="line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong>Giving Back</strong></span> to the world!" </em><span class="Black12" style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Not a bad goal to have, if I do say so myself. </span></span><br />
<span class="Black12" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Black12" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-left;">What she has created is a beauty empire with a conscience, where women can run and control their own businesses in an 'everyone wins' business model while giving back to women throughout the world. </span><br />
<span class="Black12" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;">Getting back to me...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Now I'm more of a complainer, not so much a doer. I mean she's been telling me about her line for EVER and I pretty much just preferred to sit and whine about how crappy my skin was. Doing something, well, that would be way too proactive for me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And then this beautiful little care package came in the mail...(by the way, it's probably the best smelling package I've ever received too. Like how you would imagine a love letter from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legally_Blonde_(musical)">Elle Woods</a> would be.)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirv6gwV85pxIUoWyX5IKbACYBitYSO5GQbCqP1b8WgYe7o5_kTA8PELV_xtcB70X8GNOdUqAaC5_pnlCbQsidk8TenuVWzWqrlT_p3Unac3kG1BAzC7PPMjJBiy8emm-P_H1l6ZIX-9KN/s1600/photo%252832%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirv6gwV85pxIUoWyX5IKbACYBitYSO5GQbCqP1b8WgYe7o5_kTA8PELV_xtcB70X8GNOdUqAaC5_pnlCbQsidk8TenuVWzWqrlT_p3Unac3kG1BAzC7PPMjJBiy8emm-P_H1l6ZIX-9KN/s400/photo%252832%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Now mind you when you look at how much of the cleanser I've used...I got this back in SEPTEMBER, it is now mid DECEMBER!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">First off, we have Set Me Free pore clearing cleanser. Um, LOVE. This is the description on the site:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Break free from the shackles of excess oil, impurities, congested pores and those horrible nuisances called 'breakouts'. Made entirely of fresh natural cleansing agents derived entirely from tea tree, sage, thyme and eucalyptus, this amazingly powerful, oil free cleanser was created for those with normal-to-oily blemish-prone skin types to purify pores deep down where the issues start. Set your best face forward from this day on with beautifully clearer, healthier skin.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #464646; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My description is that it's a bottle of awesomeness that smells all minty and fresh. Easily removes eye makeup and doesn't make my face feel all dried out. I use it every time I wash and even with a face scrub brush for extra exfoliation. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Next we have Drama Free (don't you just love the name?) repair serum. This is what the site says about it:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Your life has enough drama. Make your skin one less thing to worry about. Let this ultra-powerful, cutting edge serum take the 'drama' away from multiple skin issues related to sun-damage, fine lines, rosacea, scarring, acne, laser or chemically treated skin. Ingredients like soluble betaglucans, superoxide dismutase and sodium hyaluronate will work overtime to bring back the youthful glow and continue to teach the skin to repair itself. Now the drama in your life won't show on your face.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #464646; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have to say, this stuff works. I have been so worried about the long term damage to my skin (marks and scars) due to the break outs and this stuff has been working hard to clear it all away. I am positive my skin wouldn't look as great as it does now without it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Now my FAVORITE MUST NEED YOU HAVE TO BUY NOW item is Blemish 911. Observe...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stop picking and let this wonder gel soothe, fight bacteria, and fix that pesky blemish. Salicylic acid cleans the pores while hydrating algae, betaglucans, green tea and cornflower go to work so that irritation, redness and inflammation don't take over your face. Then, an invisible seal covers and protects the blemish from pollutants and makeup. Those blemishes don't stand a chance against the hop-to-the-rescue super gel. </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, my description? This little blue bottle is full of acne voodoo and kickassedness (is that a word? It is now.) No seriously, it is. I put it on a jerkface pimple at night and like magic, all gone by morning. If you're going to by one troubleshooting product, this would be it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And last but not least we have Anytime Anywhere time-released moisturizer.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Smooth it on baby! Anytime. Anywhere. This time-released, age-fighting moisturizer isn't called the 'smart moisturizer' for nothin'. Working with the skin's own natural moisturizing lipids, Anytime, Anywhere perfectly balances any skin type -- normal, oily or dry. Worn day and night, this silky soft lotion delivers deep down hydration, while also fighting back the hands of time with Vitamins A, C and E.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will admit one thing about myself here, I am a moisturizer snob. I have been know to shell out some serious coin on stuff like La Mer, Shiseido and Dr.Perricone. I know good moisturizer when I see it. And ladies, let me tell you...I saw it! This is my new go-to for my face. No heavy perfume, creamy texture and non-greasy. What's not to love. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So now for the end result...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8SWtSl7peTgM610CZcW81UoB4JUbkNBndnziY4YCobB1fsyL53nbrT7TmBzJnBH9o_SutKpruBxR-YAovybmZKpBSLCRJLhqP45NbKKE307dCCpwIb5lzrEkGoW7H1dY3XTprnZ6MdO9/s1600/photo%252833%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8SWtSl7peTgM610CZcW81UoB4JUbkNBndnziY4YCobB1fsyL53nbrT7TmBzJnBH9o_SutKpruBxR-YAovybmZKpBSLCRJLhqP45NbKKE307dCCpwIb5lzrEkGoW7H1dY3XTprnZ6MdO9/s320/photo%252833%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sexy beast. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, now other than having had 1 problem with the packaging of my moisturizer, I'm a Beauty Society convert and you can be too. (My issue was quickly address, corrected and replaced. How's that for great customer service?) Silva is offering 10% off your order from now until January 13th, 2012 with the code SILVIA10. You can get this deal ONLY if you order from <a href="https://www.mybeautysociety.com/silvia">her own page.</a> So be aware of that when you place you order. Just so you know, they aren't JUST a skincare line! Check out the skin care (anti-aging/daily/acne), make-up, perfume AND even that super amazing awesome Enormous Lash that makes your lashes and even eyebrows grow and fill in. I'm asking Santa for that this year, I HATE my lashes!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Afraid to try it out? Don't be! All Beauty Society products are 100% money back guaranteed for 1 year on skin care (30 days on makeup) so it's completely RISK FREE! </b>You can't even get that kind of deal at the department stores. (Trust me, I've tried to return products, it doesn't go over so well with the perfume jockeys.) If that's not kickass enough, certain products are recyclable and REFILLABLE. Yes, you read that right. You get a discount when you buy refills as opposed to buying a whole new bottle. Genius.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Try it out, you won't be sorry. Get to know Silvia, she's super nice. I've known her half my life so she's pretty legit. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Are you looking to find a new product? Whats your trouble area? Have you tried Beauty Society before? </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Now for the legal sounding crap. Other than having been given product for review, I was not compensated in any way for my glowing review and was not swayed in any other way. I just really think they are awesomesauce. Now go order from Silvia. You're welcome.</i></span></div>Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-29290313485876962502011-12-13T11:10:00.001-07:002011-12-13T11:11:11.622-07:00Today we turn 1!!Today is a big day for my piddly little blog. Today is my 1 year blogaversary.<br />
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Woohoo!<br />
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We made it a whole year! Can you believe it? With all the drivel and crap I spew, people are still reading. And it's not just me and my mother-in-law anymore!<br />
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What started out as a place for me to gripe, bitch and moan has turned into a career.<br />
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From my <a href="http://iamthebetterhalf.blogspot.com/2010/12/watch-me-have-no-idea-what-im-doing-or.html">first post</a> detailing in how I have no idea what the hell I'm doing, to today's <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-much-tv-is-too-much-tv-for-kids/its-a-work-aid/">Mommalogues.</a><br />
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It's been an amazing ride and I have YOU, yes YOU, to thank for it.<br />
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I am so humbled but your support, comments and kind words. They keep me going, keep me posting and keep me motivated to continue to spew my BS for many more years to come.<br />
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You may have just shot yourself in the foot with that one.<br />
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So Thank You. From the bottom of my heart.<br />
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Every misspelled word, poorly phrased run-on sentence, and recounted humorous story about my husband, is all for you.<br />
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Thank you.Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-76461776685640901482011-12-12T11:11:00.000-07:002011-12-12T11:11:38.492-07:00We're talking about giving back on today's MommaloguesTeaching your kids that the holidays are about giving AND receiving is a tough thing to do but oh so important.<br />
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As a family we have tried so hard to give back to our community, our church and where ever else we can.<br />
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I truly believe that Audrey will grow to be a charitable person because she sees it in us.<br />
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Watch today's video and find out how we give back and why...and watch my kid get on my last nerve.<br />
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Watch <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-do-you-teach-your-children-that-the-holidays-are-about-giving-as-much-as-receiving/brightening-someone%E2%80%99s-day/">HERE.</a>Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-83463543476083169892011-12-02T10:37:00.000-07:002011-12-02T10:37:33.008-07:00Today's Mommalogue is about unanswered prayers...Today we get a little personal on the Mommalogues. The question was about how we told our spouses that we were pregnant.<br />
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I get real here and I didn't sugar coat the truth. It's actually one of my favorite stories to tell.<br />
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Things don't always happen <i>how </i>and <i>when </i>you think they should. But if i've learned anything over the past few years it's that God had a plan for my life and I wouldn't change a thing.<br />
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Watch my video <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-did-you-tell-your-husband-you-were-pregnant/together-we-became-a-family/">HERE</a> and find out why I love my husband as much as I do.Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-40384719916519863712011-12-01T12:03:00.000-07:002011-12-01T12:03:05.911-07:00Today's Embarrassing Mommalogue...Today we are talking about our most embarrassing mom moments...<br />
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Well, considering Audrey is just starting to talk, I know this is just the beginning.<br />
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Sigh...<br />
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Check out my video <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/whats-your-most-embarrassing-mom-moment/she-has-impeccable-timing%E2%80%A6/">HERE</a> and watch the other ladies, as well.<br />
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Might make you feel better about your kids. But just so we won't feel so bad, comment and let me know what your most embarrassing mom moment was!Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-39794227293917111812011-11-30T13:07:00.003-07:002011-11-30T13:16:52.101-07:00ErinCondren.com Review & GIVEAWAY!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KWaU0dRFl3jf6Ip89xnlJYCxHhV-OLKbzsdGkjByH-mlO8vojXqnd9ox7hpkJGTMyf_F3_MYHU3ZmuM0c76qwg_waM-KJM-4zGzldb4U6eSHSJr_-azQL9DC7kuI1qBdaWXJ1o85sFNS/s1600/www.erincondren.com+2011-11-29+13%253A0%253A49.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KWaU0dRFl3jf6Ip89xnlJYCxHhV-OLKbzsdGkjByH-mlO8vojXqnd9ox7hpkJGTMyf_F3_MYHU3ZmuM0c76qwg_waM-KJM-4zGzldb4U6eSHSJr_-azQL9DC7kuI1qBdaWXJ1o85sFNS/s1600/www.erincondren.com+2011-11-29+13%253A0%253A49.png" /></a></div><br />
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Anyone that knows me knows that I am, to put it mildly, severely overly and psychotically organized.<br />
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I loves me some Container Store.<br />
<br />
I am also one of those people who's brain does not work very well all the time so I've learned to write things down. Pretty much everything down. Like everything.<br />
<br />
I have written down what I am writing down right now. Scary.<br />
<br />
So it goes without saying that I love stationary. The prettier the better. So when I came across the magnificent site ErinCondren.com I just about fell off my chair.<br />
<br />
LOVING.<br />
<br />
And then this came in the mail....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt5CZI6-nwBOfBYgZ9NC1Ph5ZFOUmKgthiRUxDWtlCuCM0j021XBI9Ne_MC4ebhceXwMiFB6FKKmdBHEyZD9dy05_OlgbjAdweRk08EzD_YtZfMv5qG5oCFYzNgUPeah7E30oKkS3mQBI/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt5CZI6-nwBOfBYgZ9NC1Ph5ZFOUmKgthiRUxDWtlCuCM0j021XBI9Ne_MC4ebhceXwMiFB6FKKmdBHEyZD9dy05_OlgbjAdweRk08EzD_YtZfMv5qG5oCFYzNgUPeah7E30oKkS3mQBI/s640/IMG_1242.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the frickin shipping box is super cute!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This bad boy is the 2011-2012 Life Planner...and that's exactly what it does...plan you life. In a super cute and chic way, of course.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZrr3tvICHabnscFNwxa-SanTy7ft8V5VI7Bzyjt_bg9whOdO63ICaxyvKuneRSObSfSDF5bkDQ6MAhEo5QqgYNaO0f1g7nslaU7nMkR-WMMeNJZtb5i3zhkDB7QavrMq1ksYYjHi3g2W/s1600/photo%252831%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZrr3tvICHabnscFNwxa-SanTy7ft8V5VI7Bzyjt_bg9whOdO63ICaxyvKuneRSObSfSDF5bkDQ6MAhEo5QqgYNaO0f1g7nslaU7nMkR-WMMeNJZtb5i3zhkDB7QavrMq1ksYYjHi3g2W/s400/photo%252831%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy ya'll</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Even their site is the cutest ever with it's little chimes and colors. But the beauty of their stuff is that it is all totally customizable on top of being super useful. It's the paper equivalent to the holy grail of purses. (By this I mean the bag that is super cute and awesome looking, not too big but big enough to fit all that baby crap you have to lug around, is cleanable with a baby wipe and somehow makes you look slimmer. You know what I mean right? And if you happen to have this bag, please email me immediately. Like now.)<br />
<br />
I just love having a place for everything and everything in it's place. Don't you?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaKVD6nlSJhrHm02KUqFOeGr5aHjyORiKJ6nqfzzoaxIf6curpLNnZbQSIzpxfNooqOTNtLPU2c0WheRFpuYb3-7WkY9WxWuJU09xG5Cj4riya_liPSzIx33PhiEITa8jSZ1co9Xw_w9C/s1600/photo%252830%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaKVD6nlSJhrHm02KUqFOeGr5aHjyORiKJ6nqfzzoaxIf6curpLNnZbQSIzpxfNooqOTNtLPU2c0WheRFpuYb3-7WkY9WxWuJU09xG5Cj4riya_liPSzIx33PhiEITa8jSZ1co9Xw_w9C/s400/photo%252830%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I obviously need a vacation...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
On top of having the worlds best organizers and planners this site has basically everything else. From iPad/iPhone cases to calling cards and address labels to invitations. I'm warning you, you will want to buy everything.<br />
<br />
BUT WAIT!! There's more!!<br />
<br />
What's better than finding your new favorite website? Finding a GIVEAWAY <i>featuring</i> your new favorite website!!<br />
<br />
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard that right. My piddly little blog is hosting it's very first giveaway and who better to giveaway than the amazing stuff at ErinCondren.com.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>WIN IT!!!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><br />
<script id="rafl-script" type="text/javascript">
RafflecopterSettings = {
raffleID: 'MjYyMzZhMmI4NDczM2EzYjg2MGJiNzAwNzVkZjI1OjI='
};</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://rafflecopter.ssl.dotcloud.com/static/js/widget/rafl-widget.js"></script><br />
<noscript><a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js">You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.</noscript><br />
<br />
I want to give an extra special thanks to ErinCondren.com and all the awesome people who make up that company, as well as, Kate Franklin at Bollare PR for providing me with an On-The-Go Life Planner to review and with the $25 gift code for one lucky winner. My opinions are my own and were not swayed in any way. I just really think you guys rock. Woohoo!Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-8651581746022077112011-11-30T11:20:00.000-07:002011-11-30T11:20:43.255-07:00Today's Mommalogue!So today we're talking about reading.<br />
<br />
We read a lot in our house. It's not always what I would choose but hey, I want to know where the damn fish is too, so I go with it.<br />
<br />
Watch my video and let me know what you think.<br />
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We have a special guest in this one. Audrey makes an appearance...then a disappearance...then an appearance again.<br />
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This must be why they say not to work with kids or animals. Will I ever learn?<br />
<br />
Watch today's video <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-often-do-your-kids-read-books-and-do-they-read-ebooks/she-is-so-into-books/">HERE.</a>Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-69508211023276552352011-11-29T16:15:00.000-07:002011-11-29T16:15:38.585-07:00Today's Mommalogue!So I love my kid, like REALLY love my kid.<br />
<br />
However....<br />
<br />
When I think awesome kick-ass vacation, my thoughts go more towards colorful drinks with fruit sticking out and, ahem, having my handsome husband to myself.<br />
<br />
Does that make me a bad mom?<br />
<br />
But....<br />
<br />
If we are taking Audrey, we plan on geeking out. I hope she likes museums.<br />
<br />
Check out today's Mommalogue on SheKnows.com and find out why I will never be voted Mother of the Year.<br />
<br />
Watch my video <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/which-would-you-pick-for-a-1-week-vacation-with-the-kids-mountains-beach-city/washington-dc-here-we-come/">HERE.</a>Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-52069163112881698592011-11-08T13:16:00.000-07:002011-11-08T13:16:42.046-07:00Thanksgiving and in-laws...It's Tuesday? Holy crap, when did that happen?<br />
<br />
So I missed yesterday, and here is what you missed on the Mommalogues. Yesterday we talked about Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
More accurately, what I will and won't be eating this Thanksgiving. Check it out....no seriously. You will get a clear definition of TMI. Yeah, I know. But watch it <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-healthy-is-your-thanksgiving-meal/definitely-not-this-year%e2%80%a6/">HERE</a> anyway.<br />
<br />
And today we are talking about grandparents. What would we do without them?<br />
<br />
My kid has 2 sets of loving, devoted and doting grandparents.<br />
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In today's video, I introduce you to Momo, Grandma Extraordinaire.<br />
<br />
Watch my video with a special cameo by Momo <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/how-often-do-your-kids-see-their-grandparents/family-day-is-sunday/">HERE.</a>Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-39737565787937344522011-11-04T11:32:00.000-07:002011-11-04T11:32:38.917-07:00Mommalogues and tattoos!Today's Mommalogue is about tattoos.<br />
<br />
Ugh.<br />
<br />
Yes, I have them..4 to be exact.<br />
<br />
Watch my vlog <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/do-you-have-tattoos-or-piercings-and-will-you-let-your-kids-get-them/its-not-a-tramp-stamp/">HERE</a> and see exactly what I think of them and what I'm hoping Audrey will do in the future. Hint: NO TATTOOS!<br />
<br />
Do you have tattoos? Will you let your kid get one? Do we even have a choice?Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-75844001172967969352011-11-03T12:41:00.000-07:002011-11-03T12:41:59.899-07:00Today's Mommalogue!Hey friends..<br />
<br />
So day's mommalogue is about working out.<br />
<br />
Ugh.<br />
<br />
Nobody <i>likes </i>to work out, right? Right??<br />
<br />
Check out my video and find out what my top tips for getting your pre-baby body back. Now, mind you, it's been awhile since I've done any of this. This is more of a 'do as I say not as I do' kinda thing.<br />
<br />
But when I DID do it, I was smokin' hot. Trust me.<br />
<br />
<i>Smokin!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Watch my #Mommalogue video on SheKnows.com <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/video/whats-your-fitness-regime-and-whos-celeb-body-would-you-rather-have/post-baby-boot-camp/">HERE!!!</a>Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-31006789022486590432011-11-01T13:58:00.000-07:002011-11-01T13:58:11.485-07:00Yup, I'm still here...Hey all.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I'm still here.<br />
<br />
Married now though, so there's that.<br />
<br />
I have so much to share with you all. The wedding, the awesome honeymoon, coming home, getting sick, halloween, the new videos from Mommalogues and 2 reviews AND a giveaway!<br />
<br />
I have a lot to do, I realize that. But right now, I have a sore throat.<br />
<br />
Oh boohoo.<br />
<br />
So, I will get on it. I promise I will.<br />
<br />
I'll start tomorrow...after I take a nap.Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-2186120694485480962011-10-12T15:07:00.000-07:002011-10-12T15:07:38.670-07:00That's mandoline...with an E.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yb_1Yp3uREupjUtC2XUCTv-5n0n5g0DvHmBEntlkUz4VMxSHDTmNkot2_m2c1qjnG0O5knThbsp_njith6hhRdUpbFpXuCD1ww7kJAYE-9SiFwYU-eUNUrUFXKL4x-XbcDa5seKEgBXF/s1600/somethingbluebook.com+2011-10-12+14%253A51%253A32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yb_1Yp3uREupjUtC2XUCTv-5n0n5g0DvHmBEntlkUz4VMxSHDTmNkot2_m2c1qjnG0O5knThbsp_njith6hhRdUpbFpXuCD1ww7kJAYE-9SiFwYU-eUNUrUFXKL4x-XbcDa5seKEgBXF/s400/somethingbluebook.com+2011-10-12+14%253A51%253A32.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from SomethingBlueBook.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Registering for your wedding is a daunting task in itself. Registering for your wedding when your groom is Rutherford, is a whole different deal...entirely.<br />
<br />
Now, since we live in sin we already have a house full of stuff and weren't really interested in registering to begin win. But since my future mother-in-law told us we needed to, we did. Also, people want to get you gifts, there's no getting around that and as a bonus, whatever you register for that is not purchased, you get a huge discount on after your wedding date. Score!<br />
<br />
My handsome groom and I are no strangers to registering since we do have the Boogie. I won't even go into what an experience that trip was. Just picture Rutherford with this scanner gun and interesting sense of humor and me fat and hormonal. After we went to Bass Pro Shops because he said he needed a testosterone influence.<br />
<br />
This time was quite a bit different with the baby in tow. I will never do that again. Armed with snacks, juice, and an iPhone full of Yo Gabba Gabba we were off to Bed, Bath & Beyond.<br />
<br />
Am I the only one who gets giddy upon walking in those doors? It's like they pipe in motivation and inspiration through the air ducts. Like Vegas only less skeezy.<br />
<br />
Now Rutherford takes on the job of being Captain Scanner while I just point and tell him how much. This is the fun part. I want this and this and this and three of these in red.<br />
<br />
Bliss.<br />
<br />
We finished up by the candy and I actually had to stop him from registering for Skittles. Seriously.<br />
<br />
"Wouldn't it be funny if someone was looking at our registry and they saw we had all kinds of candy on there?"<br />
<br />
"Don't be funny on my registry."<br />
<br />
By this point I was done, the baby had been done for awhile and I needed to get Rutherford out of there before he started registering for all the As Seen On TV crap.<br />
<br />
A few days later I mentioned to him that I had gone back on our registry and added a mandoline. That's M-A-N-D-O-L-I-N-E...with an E. The E being very important and the difference between sweet folksy sound and dinner.<br />
<br />
He looked at me like I was nuts and says, "Why in the hell would you want to register for a tiny guitar?"<br />
<br />
I can't make this up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOH3h3IkWlZrDnVUhyWg9tSeXZa0mTULgl81X02B35UdFAm14fa4qXy24Lg4Znlcmeo5rHfFhzgyC8moOjY77Ez8RueFRv53EOABjgzWJaDDq1di-L-6wwnNlBGz8rH2JK3n2Amc-dvGmp/s1600/MandolinE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOH3h3IkWlZrDnVUhyWg9tSeXZa0mTULgl81X02B35UdFAm14fa4qXy24Lg4Znlcmeo5rHfFhzgyC8moOjY77Ez8RueFRv53EOABjgzWJaDDq1di-L-6wwnNlBGz8rH2JK3n2Amc-dvGmp/s400/MandolinE.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSTUeiO2RLgbS6hj2hHDF-81aeyK1U0CQPYc_ivVOCZVfb47hkrSnQJa2gbYhGJWZoSV7GwxixH3vtmrqWOfoZpMF54UvRcE0HJcWzzoEOnNO1OtPZIvpHatLxgmQwxjLitl3XsgD6xQ4/s1600/Mandolin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSTUeiO2RLgbS6hj2hHDF-81aeyK1U0CQPYc_ivVOCZVfb47hkrSnQJa2gbYhGJWZoSV7GwxixH3vtmrqWOfoZpMF54UvRcE0HJcWzzoEOnNO1OtPZIvpHatLxgmQwxjLitl3XsgD6xQ4/s400/Mandolin.png" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I'm not even sure what use I would have for a tiny guitar, which would explain the crazy look he gave me.<br />
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That night, over a well deserved glass of wine, Rutherford says to me, "You know, registering is like Fantasy Football. You make your picks and then sit back and hope for the best."<br />
<br />
Yes dear.Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-84795916677573966952011-09-28T10:45:00.002-07:002011-09-28T11:27:33.529-07:00Welcome to the Mommalougues!So BIG ANNOUNCEMENT time!<br />
<br />
I've been hinting around at it for awhile but it's finally time to tell you all what has been going on around here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkI-Sx5e1HQ4PmndmdySNgBA8yz9S2s32MuVHQKEhAT6lwSa7tS5SOrzpOTWlxkDPlwUvOi1Jj6vgLIv1bXcfhkZdNdTi464guM0jOrCmkIyvOP1YBFSdHUlQLVesbfQBrfTnnAdL4Auy/s1600/SheKNowsLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkI-Sx5e1HQ4PmndmdySNgBA8yz9S2s32MuVHQKEhAT6lwSa7tS5SOrzpOTWlxkDPlwUvOi1Jj6vgLIv1bXcfhkZdNdTi464guM0jOrCmkIyvOP1YBFSdHUlQLVesbfQBrfTnnAdL4Auy/s320/SheKNowsLogo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I have been picked to be apart of a new site by SheKnows.com called the Mommalogues! Not only and I part of the panel of moms but these <strike>obviously insane</strike> awesomely smart people have decided to make little 'ol me THE HOST!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BiRsNmat-gaiogkiHjqZjnbr9O64zLJUmjNiu3w55eR5gMQDjjx8QLOH4qANyAL6q_HmFKc1pNIFA8942-8DrpIYyxjEDEk_NsNgy-vHyJdTw_3vBJc5iP6HIjBpjeM1h_lEwWLCv8A0/s1600/MommaloguesLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BiRsNmat-gaiogkiHjqZjnbr9O64zLJUmjNiu3w55eR5gMQDjjx8QLOH4qANyAL6q_HmFKc1pNIFA8942-8DrpIYyxjEDEk_NsNgy-vHyJdTw_3vBJc5iP6HIjBpjeM1h_lEwWLCv8A0/s320/MommaloguesLogo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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What they've done is gotten together a group of totally awesome mom bloggers together to dish about everyday life. Everyday, I will be asking the moms a question, as well as chiming in with my own answer, having to do with our home life, beauty, kids, marriage, you name it. Then we do a vlog with our opinions, ideas, tips and tricks! I've learned so much from the other moms already! <br />
<br />
Meet the moms!<br />
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<a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/author/summer/">Summer</a> from <a href="http://www.lemusingsofmoi.com/">Le Musings of Moi</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/author/margo/">Margo</a> from <a href="http://www.nachomamasblog.com/">Nacho Mamas Blog.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/author/kat/">Kat</a> from <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/">Mama Kats Losin It.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/author/justice/">Stacey (aka Justice Fergie)</a> from <a href="http://www.justicefergie.com/">JusticeFergie.com.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/author/danielle/">Danielle</a> from <a href="http://www.extraordinarymommy.com/">Extraordinary Mommy.</a><br />
<br />
And of course....<a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/author/Nicole/">Me!</a><br />
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Please, check out the Mommalouges, and the other moms. The site is still rough and the kinks are being worked out. We launch officially within the next few weeks to be on the look out for that. In the mean time, watch the videos, let us know how were doing and keep checking back every day!<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for all your support and awesome words of encouragement. I am scared, nervous and totally excited. Wish us luck!Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-32971712772879147282011-09-17T08:31:00.000-07:002011-09-17T08:31:22.084-07:00The dress.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5k_ONitknFhzlTaS4GiptWd0e6HxUndpo-ZQr5Hc50QVTcd5WgxjmTnnyWXp0qD66fONLsDx55Q9HsgNJchGMt-PBq0Iubq8q7sin5XBlRXr9QU1t7yxwNpQ2koNrhsrIQK4N44auTPZ/s1600/photo%252827%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5k_ONitknFhzlTaS4GiptWd0e6HxUndpo-ZQr5Hc50QVTcd5WgxjmTnnyWXp0qD66fONLsDx55Q9HsgNJchGMt-PBq0Iubq8q7sin5XBlRXr9QU1t7yxwNpQ2koNrhsrIQK4N44auTPZ/s400/photo%252827%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
As some of you may, or may not know....<br />
<br />
Rutherford and I have been living in sin. Shacking up. Getting the milk for free.<br />
<br />
Oh no, not anymore.<br />
<br />
On October 14th I will be making an honest man out of him...I'm finally buying the cow and I can't wait.Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-56796538743065468172011-09-15T14:54:00.001-07:002011-09-15T16:55:23.640-07:00That's it, you're going in time out...The "baby" is now over a year and half. Can I still call her a baby? And since I'm asking, can I still call it baby fat? What about maternity pants? Why do Pajama Jeans still look so appealing? Where's my credit card...<br />
<br />
Anyway, now that we are screaming (literally) toward our terrible two's it's time to set some tough limits.<br />
<br />
Audrey didn't appreciate it.<br />
<br />
The other day was a changing point in the parent-child-dog relationship when my beautiful sweet child crawled her little fat self onto the couch to pet her dog, instead grabbing the sleeping wiener dog by the <i>EARS </i>and throwing her to the floor.<br />
<br />
Oh no she did not just do that...<br />
<br />
For the first time in her life, I picker her up by her arms and sat this kid down in time out.<br />
<br />
Cue hysterics.<br />
<br />
Hers, not mine.<br />
<br />
She cried and cried and cried and I stood there telling her NO and that she hurt the dog and that was a Bad Bad Bad thing.<br />
<br />
Worst part is that my kid is hilarious. Like really hilarious.<br />
<br />
In the midst of my lecture (that I'm sure was more for show for the dog than for her), she looks up at me, red teary eyes, drool from the mouth and says, "Hi Mama"...waving and all.<br />
<br />
The fact that I wasn't able to keep a straight face probably just ruined any shot I had at discipline in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh yeah and then there's her father...<br />
<br />
She doesn't like to be in trouble and at the slightest hint of discord, will throw her arms around your neck giving you the warmest sweetest little hug and smile in the world. How do you say 'manipulative little bugger' in kid speak?<br />
<br />
The last time she did this in front of us both, I just looked at Rutherford with that 'see how she is?' look I have come accustomed to showing him.<br />
<br />
All he says is "I'm buying everything she's selling".<br />
<br />
I am <i>so screwed.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbNUoIEO0xqujBVgQV1A5f9mFKuTKAq_F2NrzFjVkIduajVqSqEFj4pH1GXMKRffOA9GRAeJ0OZbIO4jLfXAeRbpQjGyGHpNAJkPW9hsMwJyt4iOD4oQl3yi3ryRMl0aMLol-kawd54fX/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbNUoIEO0xqujBVgQV1A5f9mFKuTKAq_F2NrzFjVkIduajVqSqEFj4pH1GXMKRffOA9GRAeJ0OZbIO4jLfXAeRbpQjGyGHpNAJkPW9hsMwJyt4iOD4oQl3yi3ryRMl0aMLol-kawd54fX/s400/IMG_0539.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah so cute, 2 seconds later she flipped the dog water bowl all over the kitchen floor. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
What do you guys do when you're supposed to be serious and you just...can't. Is it like my brother used to tell me he would think of them he, ahem, needed to calm down..."Margret Thatcher naked in the snow...Margret Thatcher naked in the snow...dead puppies..dead puppies.."Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-62876469235993358532011-08-22T13:02:00.001-07:002011-08-22T13:08:16.555-07:00Review: Having A Ball Alphabet Pop Top by Bright StartsEvery parent knows the sign of a great new toy: You look down to see a naked leg.<br />
<br />
Meaning, the screaming whining demanding sticky mess that you birthed is no longer attached to it and is instead playing and giggling happily with said toy.<br />
<br />
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Having A Ball Alphabet Pop Top by Bright Starts!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen9_K_BwP4N8dNRiZMW4vAHXWoOT3Me1Js_l0fUnAhcYCj4nYpwYvuw4_t2nYopmNFvs1e7XbnXTxrHd5fo66EjZY5wNr8_BZk56k9dkM6BKxG_Cfs20dEWswZyq_WBLCvVX3PJCgfV96/s1600/9102_hr%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen9_K_BwP4N8dNRiZMW4vAHXWoOT3Me1Js_l0fUnAhcYCj4nYpwYvuw4_t2nYopmNFvs1e7XbnXTxrHd5fo66EjZY5wNr8_BZk56k9dkM6BKxG_Cfs20dEWswZyq_WBLCvVX3PJCgfV96/s320/9102_hr%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">PRODUCT INFO:</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">Having a Ball™ Alphabet Pop Top™</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">Toddlers will have a ball with the Alphabet Pop Top™! Just push the plunger and watch the top spin with dancing lights, sounds, and melodies. For an extra surprise, after the third push, the cute character balls pop out to delight toddlers! The light-up buttons teach ABC’s, colors, and objects. <br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">Features: </span></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Push the plunger to spin the top and hear silly sounds, lights, and melodies </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Melodies play while character balls spin around and then pop out for laugh out loud fun </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Light up buttons teach ABC’s, colors, and objects </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Each character ball is removable making them great for on-the-go fun </span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">Additional Features: </span></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Includes 2 AA batteries </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Includes 4 character balls </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">Age: <b>6 Months & Up</b><br />
<br />
<b>Sold at Toys R’ Us</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">As soon as this baby came out of the shipping box, Boogie was all over it and unlike a few other toys, it was easy for her to figure it out so she was into it immediately. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvaHGvluq6XMTWDM-2jtH_HbNUyXDSlbXIi-FBiEK9Dt49CdPCDjp9KZi36RP2Mbx3FTjhtsh7AguuTN2HgEwvmjG18K8VI856RgWm7Jq8gIhlPxhX0X-FO9yINRxjAT6yEW6lyReO-6l/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvaHGvluq6XMTWDM-2jtH_HbNUyXDSlbXIi-FBiEK9Dt49CdPCDjp9KZi36RP2Mbx3FTjhtsh7AguuTN2HgEwvmjG18K8VI856RgWm7Jq8gIhlPxhX0X-FO9yINRxjAT6yEW6lyReO-6l/s400/IMG_0993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is seriously a cute toy. Upon pushing the button at the top, the entire toy spins around ejecting 1 or all of the 4 animal balls. Kid gets up, puts them back and starts over. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's EXERCISE! Brilliant. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seriously though, this toy lights up, has cute songs and keeps the kid engaged for far longer than other toys I've seen. Boogie is going through a "ball" phase so it ties together many of her favorite things.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a parent you will also appreciate that it has LOTS of different songs (instead of one annoying that will seer into your brain causing <strike>you to remove the batteries </strike>the batteries to die. Awe sad.). In related great news: it's not too loud. We have a few toys that Boogie LOVES that will startle everyone in the house when turned on.</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAvjnn3c4StlgExXcWl_uUWzQLa0MQUYgdLNDOskLyhA3w6Bh4Q8aC48Eu3KlHwPHDu4LzH5gaC1U4LTtF0W7SEcQor_tP752DPdkv2FQbjtF7DucYDAK2CYyQ5do6ydBwqxOPAVBhLCl/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAvjnn3c4StlgExXcWl_uUWzQLa0MQUYgdLNDOskLyhA3w6Bh4Q8aC48Eu3KlHwPHDu4LzH5gaC1U4LTtF0W7SEcQor_tP752DPdkv2FQbjtF7DucYDAK2CYyQ5do6ydBwqxOPAVBhLCl/s400/IMG_0992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE2PhhQ_6JqPs_kgj1phxVgMvNJyDHrzCyB5qQwKPr_NIjYthKZyBYhZQ6RZTBTjMflqASCnojRF9xM7VmJ-EZmnsL_W87CucFFlkrwG9rs1bvmV0IVH9d-7nHLNxkboX5qNgZ7b93nRX/s1600/IMG_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE2PhhQ_6JqPs_kgj1phxVgMvNJyDHrzCyB5qQwKPr_NIjYthKZyBYhZQ6RZTBTjMflqASCnojRF9xM7VmJ-EZmnsL_W87CucFFlkrwG9rs1bvmV0IVH9d-7nHLNxkboX5qNgZ7b93nRX/s400/IMG_1000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the end, I would HIGHLY recommend this toy as a gift or for your own child. Or you could just come by and play with ours, if you can pry it out of Boogie's chubby little hands.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Great news everyone!</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">To celebrate the launch of the Having a Ball toddler toy line, <a href="http://www.brightstarts.com/p-372-having-a-ball-alphabet-pop-top.aspx">Bright Starts</a> is holding a contest to give away 5 <a href="http://www.brightstarts.com/p-376-having-a-ball-get-rollin-activity-table.aspx">Get Rollin' Activity Tables</a> on their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BrightStarts">Facebook</a> page! Just go visit them on Facebook to enter for your chance to win this awesome new toy. Easy peasy! Contest runs from August 25 to September 9. </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good luck!</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span>Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-69428218495069219262011-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:002011-08-18T13:00:50.583-07:00San Diego or bust.Lots of big and exciting things going on around here.<br />
<br />
First off, I will be making the big move to Wordpress soon, I'll keep you all updated. Also getting a big 'ol fancy domain name. I feel so grown up!<br />
<br />
I am also working on a review for you guys for a new toy from <a href="http://www.brightstarts.com/">Bright Starts</a> and once I can get it out of Boogie's tight grasp I'll be sure to tell you all about it.<br />
<br />
And lastly I have some BIG BIG BIG news....but I'm not going to tell you about it now. You're just going to have to wait.<br />
<br />
Now on to the latest in the life of the better half...<br />
<br />
We took out show on the road this past weekend. Rutherford has family in San Diego and since those burning in hell look to us Arizonans with sympathy, we felt it was time to get out of dodge. <br />
<br />
Just in case you don't know...San Diego is exactly <i>6 hours </i>from Phoenix. Yup, <i>six freaking hours!! </i>As in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...6 hours in a car with a child that has now learned to walk so staying in one place for too long is completely unheard of.<br />
<br />
I was beginning to think I had lost my damn mind.<br />
<br />
If you have been keeping up with me here you know that I am an over preparer. If I am only going to need 2 diapers, I bring 4. Quick trip to the grocery store I bring snack cup, juice cup, woobie and a sweater just in case it's chilly in the frozen food section. Over night stay? Forgetaboutit, we're now talking 2 to 3 bags of crap. So a 6 hour car trip to the beach....I started prepping 2 weeks prior.<br />
<br />
1 suit case.<br />
<br />
1 diaper bag.<br />
<br />
1 stroller.<br />
<br />
1 pack and play.<br />
<br />
1 bag of food and snacks (with cooler bag for juice and soy milk bottles).<br />
<br />
1 bag or toys for the car.<br />
<br />
1 iPad fully charged with 3 season of Yo Gabba Gabba.<br />
<br />
2 woobies....<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, and a suit case for Rutherford and I.<br />
<br />
Check, check, check...<br />
<br />
Hang on, I'm tired just thinking about it again. I think I need to lie down.<br />
<br />
Okay, I'm good now.<br />
<br />
In the end I was pretty impressed with myself, and more so with how well Boogie did.<br />
<br />
We decided to leave at 6pm on Thursday, hoping the kid would sleep on the way there. Yeah, not so much. She fell asleep about 45 minutes before we got there so we got a good 5 hours of non-stop Yo Gabba Gabba. Do you want to know any song? Cuz I can sing it to you...I know it... It's burned into my brain...<br />
<br />
We were so happy to be in San Diego with family and all we needed was a good nights sleep and we were good as new.<br />
<br />
Check out the pics...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43DI3zbDbcqzatDjBYsnNSufOnNRK6vR3iEw0hAyyWTXSop1M5_IzpZoWRo27GwY7YdJ8zrZq1TeC6CLM6ty1c58Zs-_kWw3ydjzA46UhOVl-H44S5lm-20vfk_Quh3tTaodS1QQoWHzn/s1600/IMG_0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43DI3zbDbcqzatDjBYsnNSufOnNRK6vR3iEw0hAyyWTXSop1M5_IzpZoWRo27GwY7YdJ8zrZq1TeC6CLM6ty1c58Zs-_kWw3ydjzA46UhOVl-H44S5lm-20vfk_Quh3tTaodS1QQoWHzn/s400/IMG_0823.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our amazing hosts, the Fracassi Family!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3svfB2Goa0hh1Tl92rpc_FbyA_OTC14d4UaWoLeBEByRxjsXx7exEPzmBC101xZnq-qHOrO4GWjNe2lP6dehqxZANMmsZsEWyAYintIuxiPlKulf48O_I1B65IPPRHwcAeaLZ5blEZW_W/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3svfB2Goa0hh1Tl92rpc_FbyA_OTC14d4UaWoLeBEByRxjsXx7exEPzmBC101xZnq-qHOrO4GWjNe2lP6dehqxZANMmsZsEWyAYintIuxiPlKulf48O_I1B65IPPRHwcAeaLZ5blEZW_W/s400/IMG_0794.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boogie's first beach trip.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla6t92L0TEIRjQ7WW_gx5hEbWSET2iTJdn65iwdqiy4KiBsuan1jIBMngQTcA_W17j_I-k7j_rh0MI_zgJ3v3Rpb6sZQXb1I3-h-wSasjeQf90_dNSkdQGwyAsDSrRqi072k2cLBCbYCU/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla6t92L0TEIRjQ7WW_gx5hEbWSET2iTJdn65iwdqiy4KiBsuan1jIBMngQTcA_W17j_I-k7j_rh0MI_zgJ3v3Rpb6sZQXb1I3-h-wSasjeQf90_dNSkdQGwyAsDSrRqi072k2cLBCbYCU/s400/IMG_0801.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She wasn't too sure about the sand.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs4bWVQPwEkyQY8SvNEEnutmU4DZrKRlhgsWP2oQn-MsY5PkF0n02WtmFSb55s2FToRAFosJiGUZd9ZmYU0_4bJjArkmwsNjenmLTniaBVGzWa4G9rZRrCIB_cdfZfHWRVleWi9yG9iUQ/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs4bWVQPwEkyQY8SvNEEnutmU4DZrKRlhgsWP2oQn-MsY5PkF0n02WtmFSb55s2FToRAFosJiGUZd9ZmYU0_4bJjArkmwsNjenmLTniaBVGzWa4G9rZRrCIB_cdfZfHWRVleWi9yG9iUQ/s400/IMG_0845.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's girl.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6WU4MssgSL25gdVqEY-VnazMJ9pQy0gsGNf20s62ajEToxSsXn1WHu5fpgsUO4zDu_dnv5Ur-VJ8qcx2vCeS5FEEN_GSHSZbmImggDw2VmjdFp4d9-T1Lh7xHO6DgdW9L8F2bOI_Zl6X/s1600/IMG_0908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6WU4MssgSL25gdVqEY-VnazMJ9pQy0gsGNf20s62ajEToxSsXn1WHu5fpgsUO4zDu_dnv5Ur-VJ8qcx2vCeS5FEEN_GSHSZbmImggDw2VmjdFp4d9-T1Lh7xHO6DgdW9L8F2bOI_Zl6X/s400/IMG_0908.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little cousin Mateo. I tried to steal him.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialWHZLFFPKWekkT3b4FnhVhDjCtYuEQHQcfqGoBE3_erPfasoA_p6HxQeTX7A-c5caOz0DIBPAMlw4jyJdQI4rnQhMWwdj6P0dMDeOuiE8hrnzQJSUKnM0Q_av5EnK_0c-0BScf0kPG-8/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialWHZLFFPKWekkT3b4FnhVhDjCtYuEQHQcfqGoBE3_erPfasoA_p6HxQeTX7A-c5caOz0DIBPAMlw4jyJdQI4rnQhMWwdj6P0dMDeOuiE8hrnzQJSUKnM0Q_av5EnK_0c-0BScf0kPG-8/s400/IMG_0777.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Dominic. How freakin' cute is this kid?!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzhxchs9Kd4uhV0-Gll_ALPCWHhyphenhyphennr31ufosc_jHJvfs1AHeY_R9QJHYZ3M3toEN14waNmyq95W0eK-cyUinI5Qxbsd044HyhCxcjZTBhz9pUV6-_uKIxSZ3M-CV2dqYZGPAI0ycr21FT/s1600/IMG_0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzhxchs9Kd4uhV0-Gll_ALPCWHhyphenhyphennr31ufosc_jHJvfs1AHeY_R9QJHYZ3M3toEN14waNmyq95W0eK-cyUinI5Qxbsd044HyhCxcjZTBhz9pUV6-_uKIxSZ3M-CV2dqYZGPAI0ycr21FT/s400/IMG_0892.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boogie discovered swings on this trip, now we need to buy her one.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUhklfzqEDBPPtNAFd_Pv7uPFrUDphzYIYAkSfY3bwV137aR2gvnQR0F6X8e5QxqJTlvhnoIzxeRQzBOcZDJl06lq-M0NPpPSdnHrFZgA7Ec-HGZb_2vZXNzlx-MdDmSKXl-8hkdfrY8C/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUhklfzqEDBPPtNAFd_Pv7uPFrUDphzYIYAkSfY3bwV137aR2gvnQR0F6X8e5QxqJTlvhnoIzxeRQzBOcZDJl06lq-M0NPpPSdnHrFZgA7Ec-HGZb_2vZXNzlx-MdDmSKXl-8hkdfrY8C/s400/IMG_0981.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cool.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had the most wonderful trip and are happy to be home now after another 6 hours in the car listening to Yo Gabba Gabba.<br />
<br />
Arizona managed to get a smidge closer to the sun while we were gone. Not sure how that happens. <br />
<br />
We want to thank the Fracassi family for being so wonderful and welcoming to us. We love you guys and had the best time. We will be back soon, we promise! Give those boys hugs and kisses for us.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVB5z_xWf-MHvugsrmXm_jxuCAo0hueoErWYGbHUZ703918z3bC0gqY2DxstuLM5mfmB18puhNLHMpzLnhteRIgKsPqOk_7EnTK4ZTtYxjW26UzVzMJpnKa39hM6BSOBfX5Sx6X2t4Z5B/s1600/IMG_0811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVB5z_xWf-MHvugsrmXm_jxuCAo0hueoErWYGbHUZ703918z3bC0gqY2DxstuLM5mfmB18puhNLHMpzLnhteRIgKsPqOk_7EnTK4ZTtYxjW26UzVzMJpnKa39hM6BSOBfX5Sx6X2t4Z5B/s400/IMG_0811.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-66691463128276405282011-08-10T14:10:00.000-07:002011-08-10T14:10:57.933-07:00We need to talk....I have a confession... I've been cheating on you. I KNOW! I'm terrible...but it's not what you think.<br />
<br />
I haven't been here because I have, <i>GASP....</i> been writing for someone else! And it was <i>gooooood.</i> <br />
<br />
What can I say, I get around... the internet. I am easy... to read. <br />
<br />
I was approached by the <strike>apparently misinformed </strike>awesome ladies of <a href="http://www.sheknows.com/">SheKnows.com</a> to do some articles for moms by moms about all that is trendy, fashionable and beautiful. Right up my alley, right? Cuz I am totally <strike>not</strike> the person who comes to mind when you think of fashion and beauty. (Thank God, ya'll can't see what I look like right now. However, I do make mismatched dirty PJ's, unwashed hair and a face that hasn't seen a drop of makeup in days look <i>hawt. </i>I am almost exactly like Victoria Beckham, only not at all.)<br />
<br />
I will continue to bore you with my piddly little blog, it's not going anywhere. In fact, it's GROWING everyday!<br />
<br />
I appreciate your support in this new endeavor and hope you will check it out! And I hope all of you are following me on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/BetterHalfMommy">Twitter</a>. You wouldn't want to miss out on important things like what I had for lunch or my reiterating of conversations had with Rutherford about my "raging Sangria habit" or the fact that he now refers to me as "Sangria Lohan". <br />
<br />
I have to go now...my glass is empty.<br />
<br />
And you have to go read this ---> <a href="http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/836973/trendy-activewear-for-moms">The most awesome SheKnows article ever!</a><br />
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Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695859207427952488.post-78812828657722880452011-08-05T12:37:00.005-07:002011-08-05T15:49:38.369-07:00I look like a WINNER!I am bitter bitter bitter party of one. Seat by the window please so that I can see all the fun being had while I sit at my table alone...weeping in my water WITH NO lemon. That's how pathetic and bitter I am, I won't even allow myself a stiff cocktail at my own imaginary pity party. <br />
<br />
Why so cranky you ask? Well all my bloggy BFF's and blog idols are partying it up at #BlogHer2011, sharing witty repartee, clanking wine glasses and getting more free swag than these 2 scrawny arms can hold.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
I am swearing off Twitter till the madness ends...<br />
<br />
Alas, on a higher note, I had an awesome day today and am much prettier because of it.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I was having one of those days. You wake up, you look like hell warmed over with sheet marks on your across your face, babies already crying, you make the mistake of weighing yourself with your nighty on (it adds 3 pounds, don't argue with me), the husbands already gone for work, the dogs are barking and then you do it....<br />
<br />
You look in the mirror....<br />
<br />
You look <i>exactly </i>how you <i>didn't </i>want to look when you grew up and had kids.<br />
<br />
Commence weeping.<br />
<br />
A few days later I was doing my usual perusing of Google reader and I came across one of my favorite local websites <a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/">The Tom Kat Studio.</a> If you guys have not seen the awesomeness that is this woman, you are missing out. Go check it...I'll wait....<br />
<br />
....<br />
<br />
See, I told you.<br />
<br />
Anyway, she was giving away a beauty re-do at the <a href="http://www.tagliosalon.com/awards-press/">award winning</a> and super posh <a href="http://tagliosalon1.reachlocal.com/coupon/?scid=2229059&cid=829118&tc=11080423064367827&rl_key=dbca3994c61be63877485baba6544110&kw=7174237:17422&dynamic_proxy=1&primary_serv=tagliosalon1.reachlocal.net&pub_cr_id=11106328299">Taglio Salon</a> in Scottsdale, AZ.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/local-loves-my-day-at-taglio-salon-seriously-fab-giveaway/">This was right up my alley.</a>. Exactly what I need...trust me... So, I wrote in why I thought I needed to win this awesomeness...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"<i>Oh please God, pick me. I am a former hairdresser now stay at home mom…and I look every bit the part. I was so used to the years of being in the salon and having perfect hair that now I can hardly look in the mirror. I look exactly how I DIDN’T want to look when I became a mom. The other day I was so frustrated by my terrible hair i screamed and chucked my brush across the room breaking it..and I cried. I need a change, I need something…I need to feel good about myself again. I am crossing my fingers and toes as I put my poorly home colored hair in a pony tail..again. Thanks guys!"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I WON FIRST PRIZE!!!! Not only did I win, but the cutie patootie girl who emailed me to let me know I won told me I made her cry. THAT is how pathetic I am. A totally true story about my everyday life brought someone to tears. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><sigh></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Still, I won, so whatev...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I excitedly made my appointment for Thursday, confirmed my awesome sister-in-law <a href="http://theflawlesslyimperfectmommy.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> to watch my little monkey and counted the hours...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to say, even making my appointment made me feel uber special. The owner, <a href="http://www.tagliosalon.com/staff-bios/dino-coppi/">Dino</a>, called me personally to congratulate me and make me feel all warm fuzzy and welcome. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Upon walking in I was greeted with a smile, a glass of ice water with a fancy lemon wedge (tres chic), beautiful product displays, WiFi, and get this, A WINE BAR! If I could move in, I would. (But I'm a package deal with the kid and the dude and I only saw 1 couch. Oh well...)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Being a former hairdresser (hairdressers are the WORST kind of client, BTW), I was really nervous about what was going to happen. At Taglio, the stylists specialize meaning they either only do cutting or coloring, not both. This makes for a very knowledgeable and talented stylist. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was starting to feel better...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I met <a href="http://www.tagliosalon.com/staff-bios/erin-hall/">Erin</a>, my cutter and stylist. Man does she know her stuff. She took the time to get to know me and my hair, she listened to my issues and made me feel like I was in good hands. And boy, can she cut a mean bang. Seriously, go see her. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next was Bradly, my colorist. <i>Love. </i>He's one of those people you just want to cart around in your shirt pocket because he says awesome stuff like "you're so cute", "you're so funny"and, "your husband is hot". It doesn't hurt that he is an <b>amazing colorist. </b>Oh yeah, and hands down, THE BEST shampoo and scalp massage I've ever gotten. I would pay just to go there and have him wash my hair and if I lived closer he'd be in trouble. He's lucky I don't because I would be there so much his little fingers would get all pruney and I'm sure he wouldn't like that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't put any before shots because you've all seen the awefulness that is me, you don't need that ruining your day. Check out these foils though. As a hairdresser, I know that clean, neat and orderly foils is a sign of good color and a good colorist. Check these babies out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Nsua5yhkh__vLmQl1OsQsoY0dKK8Wj_IEcrLC3ZYUnw4w2AFDK6bfZU1PTy4XvIkjD2EaZSG0d539wBc1ianjdlP9_a9qyzlhm5hFH6wfXVAsoHCLlUC3DYXZnWh89tAZlQeLehUMUtG/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Nsua5yhkh__vLmQl1OsQsoY0dKK8Wj_IEcrLC3ZYUnw4w2AFDK6bfZU1PTy4XvIkjD2EaZSG0d539wBc1ianjdlP9_a9qyzlhm5hFH6wfXVAsoHCLlUC3DYXZnWh89tAZlQeLehUMUtG/s320/photo-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Everyone in this salon was lovely, nice and welcoming. The salon itself is <i><b>absolutely gorgeous.</b></i><b><i> </i></b>It was a 45 minute drive from my house...but I'll be back. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZRkwG5UGUL0y85D5wfQtvDQ_Ombk_Pybc-u7mWKYpOBlyEzlU5pbFAbebjCUfI2qxjxUfbCSZdCqr0Yow9yi7L_yfgnZ-s2IXUmDA7fD4E3xfr1G3MZkhM72quCofTZPD4DUbD1LitxD/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZRkwG5UGUL0y85D5wfQtvDQ_Ombk_Pybc-u7mWKYpOBlyEzlU5pbFAbebjCUfI2qxjxUfbCSZdCqr0Yow9yi7L_yfgnZ-s2IXUmDA7fD4E3xfr1G3MZkhM72quCofTZPD4DUbD1LitxD/s320/photo-4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new BFF's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As a mom and a wife, I spend all day doing things for my family, happily and lovingly. Sometimes we need to do things for ourselves too. This was a day I needed so bad. When I got home I was happy, relaxed and, for once in a long time, feeling pretty. Thank you <a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/">Tom Kat Studio</a> for giving me this wonderful gift. Thank you <a href="http://www.tagliosalon.com/staff-bios/dino-coppi/">Dino</a> & <a href="http://www.tagliosalon.com/staff-bios/tom-rough/">Tom</a> for welcoming me so warmly in your beautiful space. Thank you<a href="http://www.tagliosalon.com/staff-bios/erin-hall/"> Erin</a> & Bradly for making a masterpiece out of a mess. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">See you all in 6-8 weeks! </div>Nicole Yontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09133280118441749016noreply@blogger.com4