Getting Crafty

I have this innate desire to be crafty. I have purchased a TON of crafting materials, and have a million crafting blogs bookmarked as well as all these awesome ideas in my head of what I want to do. The problem? NO TIME! No time, and the simple fact that I am super crafty minded but not good at the physical act of crafting. I saw a listing on Etsy for this flower headband for babies and thought it was A-dorable. And also thought.. Hmm.. why pay $14.00 plus shipping when I can make this myself. So off to Hobby Lobby, and $50.00 later, I picked up some fake flowers and headed home. Being a hairstylist I already own a quarter of a zillion hair clips so I was set there. I also picked up some glue sticks which I later learned were too big for my glue gun that took me three weeks to locate. SO another trip to Hobby Lobby, a bigger glue gun (Yes I realize I could have gotten smaller sticks but that would be logical and go against every fiber of my shopping problem) and another $60.00 later, I had all the supplies needed. Then when Laney was napping and Ben was playing I decided to give the flower headband project a-go. Let me start by saying this flower headband that I saw had this big beautiful kinda over-sized flower that looked really cute on the model babies head. I am not a baby headband kinda girl either. So seriously, after an hour of pulling the flower apart to get that stump thing off and re-gluing it back together, I had finally finished. Only to find that the flower was huge, and floppy, and looked stupid. Which didn't make sense! In my head it was gorgeous, and the envy of all the moms. Sigh. I had also heard about needle felting and thought.. I can do that! So I purchased a ton of cookie cutters (to use as sort of a shape stencil) and all the needles and wool, and books and all the junk that goes with it. After attempting to felt a flower, I quickly realized that it doesn't have the "finished" look that I had hoped it would. I've since lost interest. And don't get me started on all the fabric I own but have never touched!
So I've decided to stick to the crafts I'm good at. The craft of getting my son to do things he doesn't want to do. My son is an incredibly picky eater. Which makes grocery shopping a breeze but its frustrating as a person who grew up eating all sorts of things with different flavors, and colors and textures. The other day I was trying to get Ben to eat a slice of ham that I fixed for him. Okay, I didn't "fix" him ham. I unzipped the ziplock bag and pulled it out. But its expensive organic ham! So I didn't want to waste it. One of the downsides to organic is that they don't have all the crap in them to preserve them for a hundred years like the other foods, so I really needed him to eat this ham! He proceeded to ask for foods that I didn't want him to have. Like the giant 5 gallon tub of cheese puffs my mother insists of bringing over every time the other one she left looks remotely low. Seriously mom. We don't need a lifetime supply of cheese puffs!
I know I hear you! Get to the point Angela! Okay- well to get Ben to eat stuff, sometimes you have to make it super fun for him. So finding the fun in random things like sliced meat isn't always easy. But, I'm crafty I tell you. So I told Ben that I wanted to make a Spider Man mask and needed him to eat holes for the eyes.. then the nose.. then the mouth. And soon, he wanted to nibble little holes through out the ham until it was gone. I do this for other things as well. Not the nibble holes thing but add creativity to his meals. My husband and I got him to eat these uber healthy waffles by buying a waffle maker that does them in the shape of animals. The kid loves it. I don't like to force Ben to eat things. Or force him to finish his food either. But I do try to insist he tries things a couple of times before he rules them out. I'll let you know when I come up with a crafty way for him to eat his veggies!

This and That

I'm not sure where I want to go with this blog. Do I want it to just be a review blog? Do I want it to be about my kids? What?! And why not both? You know why? Because of the pressure. There is a lot of pressure with blogging. Pressure to be entertaining. Even though I'm pretty sure I only have one or two readers. Thanks Shana, Thanks Alisha! I think I even lost a follower. I
could have sworn there was 20. Sure 18 of those were people following me from a "Follow Me Friday". Sure most of them probably have a blog following list of a zillion. But Man, it still hurts not being able to make the cut. I feel like the fat kid who was picked last. Or even worse.. The one who didn't make the team. A team that allows everyone one on. The kind of team that doesn't even have try outs. Okay, so I'm getting performance anxiety. Moving on... I posted on FB the other day about getting an email from a local theater telling me that Margaret Cho was coming to town. First of all, I should say. I've NEVER been to this theater. I've also never before gotten emails from them. So how do they know how to racially profile me? Does "big brother" really exist? Anyway- Allow me to explain. I hate Margaret Cho. Not because all of her jokes are the same every year. Not because she talks about her lady part (the down there one) waaay too much. And not because she used to have a ridiculously stupid "reality" show. But because EVERYONE.. seriously, EVERY-SINGLE-PERSON I know, has some how mentioned my similarity to her. Is it because you people think all Asians look alike? Or because she's an Asian comedian? I'm not gonna pull the racial card here, but COME ON! I can't even do the Asian accent. And thats pretty much all she does! There is a lot of capitalizations going on. Lots of exclamation marks. Now I'm starting to feel like Gilbert Gottfried. Dangit.. another Asian. My real point was that people always say how funny I am. The people who think I'm really funny and think I should be in a comedy show, are typically the people I am constantly making fun of. People love to be made fun of. I mean. Not in the ugly way. I don't walk around calling people Muffin Top, and.. Four Eyes.. I know- lame. But I'm trying to keep this g-rated. So then I realized.. MOST comedians make fun of other people. And I think, that it could be my dream job. Do you hear that? I just heard the music of a harp and saw the sun breaking through the clouds.

I don't even know what my point was. Maybe this blog is going to be a hodgpodge of my random, loony thoughts. A little of this and that.

Clocking Out

I cashed in on my birthday/anniversary/Mothers Day gift and had a "Me" day yesterday. I planned on spending the day shopping while not spending all my money on the kids. They have more than enough clothes, more than enough toys, and lots and lots of food. I had been looking forward to this day for soo long. Thought about it every single day. Planned it in my head. SAVED MONEY for it. Thats right folks. I Momma Parker saved money! And please note- it is not getting chilly outside. Hell has not remotely frozen over. I'm looked forward to doing what I do best. Shopping. I'm looked forward to listening to the radio and not one of Bens movies for the zillionth time. I'm looked forward to getting out of the car and not having to fully disinfect a cart, fit the car cover on, and strap on Laney. I'm looked forward to shopping and not hearing my lovely and adorable toddler tell me "No, this way mommy, this way", as he directs me towards the toy isle. My kid has built in toy isle sonar. Every now and then I like to go to the same store but at a different location, where they have a different layout, just to make it interesting. Never fails.. After about a minute of gathering his barrings. HE hones in on the mass produced-landfill filling plasticy toy isle.

And while it was fun, I spent waay to much money on crap. Seriously, I spent a lot of money and can't really say I have a lot to show for it. But I had fun. And really- you can't put a price on that. I spent the day with my sister and one of my favorite 14 year olds. Guys- I use to change this kids diaper. Now she's changing mine. No. Wait. Not my diaper. But my kids diapers. Okay, back on track. So we did a lot of shopping, and got our nails done at maybe the most awful place ever.. This place shook every one of my germaphobe nerves. And yet, I still sat there and allowed the mean lady to hack at my nails. I even tipped her. My sister even donated her eyebrows to the over zealous wax lady. Why do we do things we don't want to avoid being rude? Eh, I'll get into that on another post.

So, the day had been going exactly as planned. What I didn't plan on was the mom guilt.

Seriously, people warn you left and right about the lack of sleep you'll get. They warn you about the poop, the pee, the vomit, the tantrums- they'll even warn you about your post baby sex life. Or lack there of But NO ONE, not a single soul- not even in Jenny McCarthy warns about it in her books. THE WOMAN TALKS ABOUT SNAIL TRAILS FOR THE LOVE OF PETE!

So here I am folks. I am not warning you about the "Mom Guilt" now known as the MG (serious things always get abbreviations) I am TELLING you- there will be MG. There is no way around it. Unless your soul is dead to the world- you will experience mom guilt, every single day, multiple times a day.

Leading up to my moms day, I went back and fourth on whether or not I should take Delaney. I knew Ben would have a blast with his grandparents. He always does. So I wasn't as worried about him. (And of course I then felt guilty about not feeling guilty about leaving him with the inlaws.) But Laney is so little. And I'm breastfeeding so its a pain to have to pump and then I worried about being engorged all day. I started to rationalize bringing her. I would just put her in my wrap and she would sleep there happy all day. I had myself convinced. But I knew I should try to have a day to myself. But geez did that feel uber selfish. I hated/hate myself for even thinking I need a day to myself. Realistically- it would be a pain getting Laney in and out of the car, and stuffing her back in my wrap. It was hot outside and the girl hates being in her carseat and with all the driving there would be a lot of carseat time. So there would be a lot of in an out and not to mention all the dirty bathrooms I'd have to change her in. The germ argument won me over. My point being though- why is it I STILL feel guilty about wanting a little time to myself? Why do constantly feel like I need to be Donna Reed?

I feel like a failure daily because I can't get all the laundry done, I can't get all the dishes done. I can't get the floors mopped, the furniture dusted, and perfect well balanced food made every single day?! Who the hell put theses standards on me? I'm raising my hand right now guys. Because its me. I do this to myself. There is nothing out there that says I have to be a martyr. I don't have to be a slave for my family. I need to be a mom. And to be a good mom, I don't need to wait on everyone hand and foot. I don't need to have the house immaculate. I don't have to always say and do the right things. What I do need, is to love my family. Be there for them when they need me. Have fun with them. And most importantly- and by far the easiest. I just need to love them. Wholeheartedly.

But really, look at these two. How can one NOT feel guilty for not wanting to spend every waking, and for that matter, sleeping moment with them?!

Quick Post

Its 1:30 AM and I have to get up at 6am tomorrow for an early morning wedding.. But I wanted to share this awesome giveaway my friend Shana at Blaze N Crochet is doing.
One day I will do more giveaways. I really love talking about stuff I love.. Obviously!

My Baby is My Bling!

I wanted to share something that I am completely obsessed with. Baby wearing. I know I am one hairy armpit from living on my own farm and dancing around a fire naked and chanting at night. But bare with me.. You may find yourself inspired!

There are a million forms of baby wearing. There are slings, ring slings, structured carriers, and wraps. I'm sure there are more but those are all I can think of. Or at least own!

I've always been a little interested in baby-wearing, and tried to do it with Ben when he was little but I never got into it. He was born in August and Texas summers are so hot you can actually fry an egg on the sidewalk. I'm not kidding. Maybe I'll blog about it when it gets warmer. Anyway, before Ben was born I bought a really expensive sling. The fabric was really pretty and I could just imagine myself being the perfect stay at home mom. Wearing my peacefully sleeping baby while I cleaned and made dinner. So when Ben was born I tried putting him in the sling and immediately felt uncomfortable. I felt like he was all squished up. The pouch didn't have any give and I felt like it was going to cut off his circulation with his legs all crossed. This is not a review on pouch slings because a lot people really like them and when worn properly, they are great. Just not for me. *There has been a recent recall with pouch slings, those are the deeper ones made by Infanto and other various companies, and not listed on here. Below is a picture of a Hotslings sling.. which is not involved in a recall (that I know of). I am by no means anti-sling. I think they can be great when used properly. Except for the ones on the recall list. Those would be the slings from cooperate hell!

After the pouch was a fail for us, I eventually bought a Moby Wrap . These were a bit intimidating at first. I mean you get this package with nicely folded material. Looong material. And you have to figure out how to wrap it around your body and stick your little bundle of preciousness in there. And.. I'm lazy. Really lazy. Well, not as much now as I was then. I ended up using the Moby maybe a handful of times with Ben.

I dusted it off with Laney and have put many miles on it. The Moby does have a slight learning curve, but once you figure it out. It's actually pretty wonderful. With Laney I was able to hold her securely while she slept and make Ben breakfast and do things around the house. The Moby is a really stretchy jersey (I think) fabric. So I knew it would be super comfy for Delaney. The downside to the Moby is that it is super stretchy. I know- sounds like a contradiction. But once your baby gets heavy enough the Moby will stretch and need to be readjusted often. Which can be a major pain. And you also lose your sense of security as well. When you bend, your little one bends with you. The Moby also doesn't breath well, so its not great for summer. Okay. I'm going to stop typing The Moby now, before one of you starts some sort of drinking game with this post!

My next purchase was a Ring Sling. After watching a zillion instructional videos on ring slings I was sold. I had to have one. So I ordered one of of Etsy.com. My favorite site ever. And my arch nemesis all in one. Damn you Etsy, and Damn you crafty people selling great stuff on Etsy! Okay, I'm back. So the ring sling I ordered on Etsy wasn't so great. It was kinda stiff and definitely confusing. I watched another video and just couldn't get it. I felt the same way about the pouch sling as I did the ring sling. So why did I order yet another ring sling? Because.. I have a problem. I'm starting to wonder if that should be the name of my blog. Anyway- I am glad I did though because the second one was great. After a while I realized that holding Laney in the side laying position just wasn't for me. I just didn't like it. So then I learned how to hold her a hold called "tummy to tummy". Like the picture listed below. This worked great! Laney wasn't old enough to hold her head up on her own for long periods so I was concerned at first but when you wear this correctly you can adjust the "rails" and fit them nice and snug next to you. Although I do prefer the wrap, the sling is fast, and easy and really comfortable. And Laney loves it too. She falls asleep shortly after popping her in.

Structured carrier: There are a quarter of a million structured carriers out there. Really. There are a ton! I'm not a fan of the Bjorn or Snugli or any of those "cooperate" carriers. They have bad reviews as far as extended wear comfort goes, and I've done some reading on how they're not great for the hips. But not all structured carriers are created equally. There are soft structured carriers like Maya Tie's which are an Asian style carrier as well as the BabyHawk. There are some called Ergos which are a bit more structured and similar to what I have. I have the Lillebaby EveryWhere carrier. The reason I chose the LilleBaby over the Ergo was because the Lillebaby allowed for forward facing. Even though the Ergo has excellent reviews among the baby wearing community, and looking at side by side pictures, there isn't much difference between the Ergo and Lillebaby. So the LilleBaby it is. So far its been a fun carrier. Its super easy to get on and really comfy to wear. This carrier is preferred by my husband. Its tan, its got straps and buckles.. its MANLY. I really like this carrier and think it would be cooler for the summer, but I still prefer my ring sling and wraps over this.

Okay, now for the final shebang. My favorite babywearing tool. The wrap. I currently own a slightly stretchy gauze wrap that I bought off of Etsy as well. Its really pretty and really lightweight. I keep this one in my car for when I need to run errands. Love this wrap. I also have an Ellaroo which is super pretty and just lovely. It's a not as thick as most woven wraps and has very little give. But enough to keep things comfy. I bought this wrap new so I'm still working on softening it up. And it's softening up nicely. The beauty part of woven wraps is that they are more secure because they don't have much if any stretch so you can do a ton of holds even for toddlers. One hold that I haven't tried yet, but will soon is the High Back Carry. That's where the baby is worn up high on the back so their little head can peek over. I am waiting on my new baby pictured below (but in red) the Kiora Vatanai Woven Wrap. These are one of the lightest wraps out there. Its great for summer and is super breathable. I cannot wait until this little puppy gets here. I have been waiting for months for it to come back in stock. When it comes in I promise to take a picture of me wearing my littlest in it.

I know a lot of you may have tried babywearing and found your little one just didn't like it. I encourage you to find a local babywearing resource near you and try on different carriers. I kick myself for not giving it a proper go with Ben. But am SUPER thankful that I did with Laney. I can honestly say that when I go and shop and run errands which I do several times a week just to get out of the house, I have never used the super heavy and bulky infant seat. I simply wrap up my little one and let Ben sit in the basket and do my thing. It has been a huge blessing and definitely kept me from becoming a recluse in my house. One of my biggest concerns when I was pregnant with my daughter was getting out of the house with two kids. Would Ben have to walk beside me? A two year old? Or if I had him in the basket would I have to put the car seat in the larger part of the basket? Oye the turmoil! I am sooo Thankful for finding out about this awesome way to bond with my child.

Blow outs aren't just for tires!

Anyone whose had a baby knows what I'm talking about. Right guys?! When I first had Ben we had so many blow outs I can't even count them. I do remember one time it was super cold out side and my husband and I were running errands with Ben and I was in the parking lot nursing him (Ben, not my husband) and he started pooping. And kept pooping. So much so that I felt my hand get wet as I held his back. We weren't prepared for such a disaster. We ended up having to lay him on the passenger seat because the poo was all over me, all over the nursing pillow, and especially all over him, and my husband stood outside the open door changing him as I tried to warm him up with the heater full blast blowing down on him. It was so bad we even ran out of wipes and had to use unpooped on sections of his outfit. Anyone who knows me.. and even if you don't if you've read the entry on the cart covers you'd know that I am a HUGE germ-a-phobe so when I tell you that being a new mom and not having any spare clothes you'll forgive me when I say I had to go into Old Navy and buy the kid a new unwashed outfit. I still cringe at the thought. So anyway- that day will stay with me forever. I'm sure of it. Along with many other blow out disasters. Especially the ones where my husband was at work while I navigated parenthood on my own.

So this brings me to my new best friend. Cloth diapers. I'd like to say that I got into cloth diapering because I wanted to be more eco-friendly. While that did play a roll in the decision, its not why I chose to do it. I can't remember exactly why- I think it had something to do with my shopping problem, and I read that cloth diapered babies potty train faster (although I don't know how true that is with cloth diapers these days keeping the babies bottoms dry) and I had also heard that you don't have blow outs. Que angelic music and bright sun rays from heaven. I didn't start cloth diapering until Ben was two. Or almost two. But I was pregnant and the thought of no blow outs really hooked me. Please keep in mind that I am super lazy and cut corners when I can. So the thought of doing diaper laundry really daunted me. Especially poopy laundry. If your like me, the thought of having poop tumble around in my washer really grossed me out. But I can assure you- thats not how it works and its much much easier than you think.
There are a zillion cloth diaper options out there. And I won't go into all of them. If you want to knwo about them let me know and I can do another post about them or you can just send me a message and ask. I'm no expert but I've tried them all! I started with bumGenius one size diapers. They're pocket diapers. Meaning you have an outer "shell" which is the part you see and fasten onto the baby. But there is an opening that you put "soakers" in and you can add as many as you need for the absorbency that you need. So to wash you just take out the soakers and wash them with the shells. These are also One Size diapers meaning they grow with the baby, so you don't have to buy a multitude of sizes.
I also bought Gro Baby diapers. Those are considered AI2 or All In Two. These diapers have a "shell" as well but they have a snap in liner so that you can reuse the shell. You just snap out the soaker/liner and replace with a new one. Assuming the shell isn't soiled.
I liked the both of the diapers with Ben. I liked the material and the fit better on the Gro Baby diapers, buy I did have leaks with those. Never poop leaks though. Which would be scary considering he was on solids at the time!
He maybe had one or two leaks with the bumGenius ones but that was only overnight. And after figuring out what we needed to for over nights, we were set!
Delaney is now in them. And I LOVE them! Although they are One size, they aren't suited for newborns (unless you have a 9+lbs newborn). So we did disposable diapers the first few days, and then I went to prefolds, which I failed miserably at. And then the Kissaluvs size 0 which were really nice. They do need waterproof covers though.
We then received a couple of cases of disposables. They were the new Fisher Price ones and I wanted to give it a go. With a newborn- your changing diapers often so your diaper bag can get bulky with extra diapers, so I wasn't completely set again disposables. I actually really liked these diapers. They have ribbing in the back that helped prevent blow outs. Please note, I said helped. They didn't completely. But other diapers for some reason don't have any sort of ribbing or gussets or whatever you want to call it in the back. This has always been strange to me. Anyway- we did still have quite a few blow outs and close calls. Not nearly the amount that we had with Ben though. So I credit that to the FP diapers.
With the cloth diapers though, Laney has had some SERIOUS poops. I don't know what formula poops look like. But breastfed baby poops are runny and messy! And not once have I had a blow out with the cloth diapers. I have had poop right up to the edge but none of them dare to escape. Love this! And I love that I don't have stained clothes! Man does baby poop stain!
I think if any of you are tired of wasting money on diapers that just go in the trash (by the way, did you know most states have a law against throwing human waste into the trash? Your suppose to dump the poop into the toilet prior to throwing out the diaper. Now I'm not sure if anyone is on poop patrol but for those of you who think your law biding citizens.. think again!) you might be interested in cloth diapers. It's expensive to start. I won't lie. But saves you a ton in the long run. Its kinda fun to do. They have great color options out there and who doesn't like a fluffy baby butt? So I'm saving my blow outs for my tires. Wait. No.

Wanted: Toddler Interpreter

So today my almost 3 year old Ben kept saying something that sounded like- well, the "F" bomb! He kept saying "Fawk" Like hawk. I'm not going to lie and say it never happens but Paul and I don't drop the "F" bomb often especially not around the kids so I for the life of me cannot figure out what the kid was saying. Usually when he says something and you don't know what it is and you go through a whole list of words that sound similar to what he's saying he will either keep repeating until you get it right, or if you say something he likes better he'll get a big smile and say "uh huh". That's when you know you didn't get it right but he'd like what your pretty much offering up! I can't think of what rhymes with what he was saying and how he was using it, what he would be wanting. But he said it like 10 times! So if any of you are professional toddler interpreters I'd appreciate an interpretation.

I can't believe my little man has grown so much though that I actually have to wonder if the kid is dropping the "f" bomb! Oye. My heart hurts already.

Friday Follow and A MAC Giveaway

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:
--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
--Grab the Friday Follow button and include on your Friday Follow blog post.
--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
--Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.
--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.
--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow

You guys may have seen my other blog.. my "work" blog.. On said blog I talk about my new favorite lipstick. Its bright red. Very bold! I also talk about tips on how to get your lipstick to stay and not feather out or spread to your eyebrows. Well not really that far. If you lipstick is spreading that far.. maybe we should talk. One on one. But supervised.. Okay- that got awkward didn't it?

So onto the giveaway. I LOVE MAC.. so secret there. They have great products, annd they don't test on animals. That's a big one for me. So instead of giving away the new red lipstick I found, I'd like you guys to be able to decide what color it is that you want. So enter the giveaway and the winner gets to pick which color they want. The only thing is that it can't be a Viva Glam product.. So go onto the MAC site and pick something pretty!

To win, you must first be a follower of my blog, and secondly you've gotta check out my friend Shana's Blog. She's got tons of give aways on her blog as well.

Once you become a follower leave a comment in the comment section and tell me if you won what color you would chose.

For an extra entry- tell me what you like about Shana's blog

So simple it feels like I'm forgetting something!

Contest ends May 13, 2010 at . The winner will be announced on May 14th. The winner has 48 hours to contact me with their info otherwise, another winner will be picked

Ew! Cover that thing up!

If you know me, you know I'm kinda a germaphobe. If you don't know me, Hi- I'm Angela. I'm a germaphobe. Not like a "What about Bob" germaphobe. Just don't like touching public things. Like bathroom door knobs, the little pull down tab for the paper towel dispenser. Bathroom sinks. Shopping Carts. I'm not too bad though, except when it comes to my kids. I have antibacterial wipes, and foam in every purse I own. And if you know me, you know I own a lot! When I go shopping I wipe down the entire upper rim of the shopping cart. I'd do the whole thing if I had time. And if I could afford all the wipes I'd use to wipe it down. I think I've seen one too many specials on the unimaginable grossness that they find on those things. Unfathomable grossness. Okay, you get the idea.

So here's what I love about shopping cart covers. Not only do they help protect against germs, but they keep those stiff metal baskets cozy. When my son was a wee thing, probably about 6 months he use to fall asleep while I was shopping and he outgrew the infant car-seat really early on so I would just get a comfy blanket and prop him up in the shopping card with the padded cover. He would eventually get sleepy and all I would have to do is lay him down and he'd fall right asleep as I shopped. It was truly God-sent. I can't imagine him being comfy enough on the naked cold metal basket.

For some reason, when I like something, I can't just have one. I have three shopping cart covers. One I spent a lot of money on. (it was before I even had my son, and I felt like he needed the best of the best!) I have one that I made with my lovely mother in law, and another I bought off of etsy.com. <--Another one of my favs but we'll go there at another time. I have purchased two different types of patterns and tons of fabric, all in the hopes of making another one one day. I really am a crafy person on the inside. It's the lazy-can't ever finish a product person on the outside that reins dominant. And that chick just won't let me get started. I am a begginer sewer. Patterns confuse the heck out of me and I fair much better figuring things out on my own. But since I don't have room in my teeny house for any sewing projects, starting a sewing project is super time consuming and I just don't have the time.

There are a ton of different brands out there of shopping cart covers, and different types. Some cover the whole child basket, some cover just the back rest and handles, and some just cover the handles. For me, the kind that covers the whole child basket is for me. The ones I have are great in the fact that they have fit all sorts of baskets, from the teeny ones to the jumbo ones from Sams Club.

Mine is similar to this one but different patterns.

(found this picture on handmade4baby.com I have never shopped with this person before, I just did a quick google search looking for a similar cover to mine) This type also fits nicely on those super gross, never washed restaurant high chairs.This one is made by Jackaboo Great idea and great patterns, just not enough coverage for me.

This one is by Munchkin. Neat little play thing but I think it would get irritating having that bar in your face.

This one has the padding in the back, and looks easy to put on. But the thing that concerns me is that they can still grab the side of the cart. Listen people, I don't like a single inch of these things exposed! This cute cover is by Infantino.

So there you have it. A handly little lists of only a few different types of shopping cart covers out there. I know it sometimes sounds extreme to avoid germs. And germs help build a strong immune system. But I challenge you to google the kind of stuff they find on these things and tell me how exactly one builds an immune system agains some of the things on there. Once you do- embrace the info... and welcome to the dark side!

Hey! Who am I?

Okay, so I forgot to tell you who I am!
I'm a 28 (that hurt.. I just turned 28, and it pains me to admit it!) year old mother of two. I have a 2 1/2 year old son and a 3 month old daughter. I use to be a veterinary technician, dog trainer, and now I own my own business as a hair stylist and makeup artist! I am also diamond certified so I know my stones y'all! Hey, what can I say? I like to dabble!

So anyway- I try to be as eco friendly as possible. I use cloth diapers, reusable shopping bags, eco friendly cleaning products and laundry detergent and we're building our own garden. I also try to shop as organically as possible.
I work closely with local animal shelters and rescue groups and have fostered tons of animals from snakes, sugar gliders, cats, dogs, and birds. I personally have three dogs and three cats, all rescued of course, but not all of them are so greatful... ahem.. the cats..

I also have a serious shopping problem which includes tons of pet gadgets, baby supplies, and beauty supplies. So if your wondering about something out there, feel free to ask me. I'll probably have it!

With this blog I'd like to use it to give tips about things I know about as well and do some giveaways. So bare with me as I try to grow this thing and be an accomplished blogger!

Maybe I'll be better

I have blog envy. I have seen a ton of pretty blogs with fabulous photos an fun things to write about, and I have no idea where to begin! I want to blog. But do I blog about the kids? Do I blog about my pets.. my life? Do I blog about how I am hopelessly addicted to Dark Chocolate Almond Butter? Seriously, that stuff is SOOOO good. I eat it every day. Every.... stinkin'... day. I go through a jar a week. Seriously, I just got done brushing bread crumbs off my bed because its the only thing I'm not too lazy to get up and fix.

MaraNatha Dark Chocolate Almond Butter.. I love you.