School Bus

School Bus... My 5 yr. old daughter started school this week, (kindergarten) she loves school, and she's driving me crazy about riding the "school buses" as she calls it.. BUT I'm not to thrilled about her riding the bus just yet.. plus I keep hearing these horror stories everyday on the news of kids getting ran over, bullied, etc. Am I being paranoid or is she just too "young" to ride the bus?

Wordless Wednesday

This is so cute!

Neat Solutions for Children Table Topper

If you have little ones, then you know that eating out with them can be a messy "adventure" My baby just turned one, and she wants to eat everything and anything! I have tried these amazing Table Topper place mats for children. It comes in different designs like: Dora the Explorer, Winnie the Pooh, Cars, Sesame Street, Disney Princess, Baby Einstein.

Every time I am out in a restaurant, a parent asks me where I got those great place mats, I let them know that they can find them at Walmart, Babies R Us, Target. Every time I use these Table Toppers I can rest assured that my child is germ-free! The greatest thing about these place mats is that they are disposable, they stick-in-place, and kids have fun with their designs.

This is one item that I always carry in my diaper-bag.

Neat Solutions has other great products like, potty topper, floor topper, multi-use pads, changing pads, and disposable bibs. I highly recommend Neat Solutions products!

~ Giveaway ~

Neat Solutions, is offering one lucky reader a pack of Table Topper!

Thank you Neat Solutions for offering this review and giveaway!

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

~ Go to Neat Solutions website, and tell me which item you like the most (mandatory entry)

~ Extra Entries ~ Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also add your email address to each entry!

~ 1 entry for following SAHMommy blog ~

~ 1 entry for subscribing by email to SAHMommy blog ~

~ 1 entry for following me on twitter

~ 1 entry for tweeting this giveaway ~

~ 3 entries for adding my button to your blog ~ (leave 3 separate comments)

~ This giveaway will end on August 19th at 11pm. The winner will be chosen by random.org.

~ The winner will have 48hrs. to respond to my email.

Wordless Wednesday

No Comments!!

Uniforms for School

Well, I'm so glad school starts on Monday 8/10! woo-hoo!!

What I like is that this year they will be wearing uniforms!! I can't even say how glad I am with this! Last year my daughter was in pre-k and it was just too much, I was washing clothes about 4 times a week, she would go through a pair of jeans so fast! So, let's see how this uniform business works out!

Thomas Nielson Book Review

The I Believe Bunny

by Tish Rabe

Illustrated by Frank Endersby

I had the opportunity to review this great children's book. It has beautiful illustrations, this book helps children in learning to put their faith into actions. I like how it starts with the verse from Phillipians 4:13, as a base for the story, "I can do everything through him, who gives me strength" The story is about a bunny who stumbles upon some trouble, a mouse was going to drown, he needed to call someone for help...I read this book to my 5 year old daughter, she just loved it. I recommend this book to any parent, this is also the first book to this collection, this is a great story to show any child to call to God when you need help!

Wordless Wednesday

1. My Husband was my 1st boyfriend..

2. I Love Disney! When I go to Disney, I become

a kid again..

3. I LOVE Cruises!! We've been on 5 so far..

Lionsgate Children's Lunchbox DVD Set

School Lunchtime Fun is in the Bag!

DVD Lunch Box Gift Sets includes:

3 DVD's from Preschool favorites Bob The Builder, Barney, Thomas & Friends and Care Bears, arriving at stores on July 14, 2009 for a price of $19.98.

No more "brown -bagging" your lunch to school! Just in time for the new school season, your pre-schooler's favorite friends from HIT Entertainment - Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob The Builder, and Care Bears can travel with early learners from home to school with one of these DVD Lunch Box Gift Sets from Lionsgate. Each insulated, soft-sided lunch box is both easy-to-clean and ready-to-use!

~Barney Lunch Box~

DVD's ~ Adventure Bus ~ Hop aboard and get ready for the ride of your life as bus driver Barney takes you to some of the gang's favorite imaginary destinations, including a castle, a pizzeria, a circus and the Old West!

Imagination Island ~ A storybook adventure comes to life when Tosha and Min discover that their wish to sail to a magical island is possible with help from Barney and his friends.

Everyone is Special ~ Join Barney and his friends for a dino-mite day in the park as they celebrate all the things that make them-and-you-special!

~Thomas & Friends Lunch Box~

Tales from the Tracks ~ Ride the rails to adventure as Thomas and his engine friends attend a birthday picnic, discover a ghost engine and learn the legend of a very special lamp.

Best of Percy ~ Learn more about the junior member of the railway, a faithful friend of Thomas' from the beginning, and celebrate all of the special traits and qualities that make Percy a fan favorite.

Races, Rescues & Runaways~ You'll find that life on the island of Sodor is never boring, especially when the engines get into trouble. But no worries...as friends they're always there to lend a helping hand for each other.

~Bob the Builder Lunch Box~

The Big Game ~ Bob and his machine team are ready to play! Prepping for the big soccer match, a line-marking machine suddenly runs amok. Can the Can-Do-Crew fix it in time for the opening whistle? Yes, they can! Then it's off to the tennis courts to serve up more fun!

Celebrate With Bob ~ Looks like Bob is in for a busy, busy day! There's a dance contest, a surprise birthday party, a really messy office and a broken computer, but it's all in a day's work for our favorite Can-Do builder.

Can We Fix It? ~ It's harvest time and there's plenty to do: Farmer Pickle's barn is about to collapse and needs repair before the impending rainstorm, Travis gets stuck in the mud, a golf course needs constructing and Bob builds himself right into a windmill!

~Care Bears Lunch Box ~

Journey to Joke-a-Lot ~ Follow Funshine Bear, who, frustrated by too many jokes gone wrong, travels to faraway Joke-a-lot where the community of kooky, colorful characters quickly crowns him King. Missing their beloved prankster, his fellow Care Bears leave the comforts of Care-a-lot behind and embark on a quest to coax their friend to return home.

The Gift of Caring ~ Join the Care Bears as they use fun, magic, and the most extravagant gift of all - caring. In seven heartwarming episodes, the Care Bears tumble through birthday parties, reunite with long-lost friends and even search for a valley of gold! They're wrapping up some fun they can't wait to share with you!

Fitness Fun ~ On your Mark..Get Set...Go Have Fun! Join the lovable Care Bears in active adventures that teach everyone how to be a good sport - and everyone is a winner! In five fun-filled episodes, the Care Bears and their cousins share lessons in friendship, fair play and fitness. The whole family will love getting into the game!

LIONSGATE sent me the Bob the Builder Lunch Box DVD set, even though I have two girls and no boys, my 5 year old likes to watch Bob the Builder just as much as she likes Thomas & Friends. The lunchbox is great! it's insulated and so easy to clean, she keeps some of her small toys in there. The DVD's are really great! They are not only funny and cute, but also educational, which is what I, as a parent want my kids to learn from these videos.

You can purchase these sets at any store where DVD's are sold.

~ GIVEAWAY~

LIONSGATE is offering a Thomas & Friends Lunchbox DVD Set to one of our readers!

~WIN IT~

~ Comment on which Luchbox DVD set you like most. (mandatory entry)

~ Extra Entries ~ Please leave a separate comment for each entry, and your email.

~ 1 Entry for following SAHMommy blog ~

~ 1 Entry for subscribing by email to SAHMommy blog ~

~ 1 Entry for following me on twitter.com/jesscardona

~ 1 Entry for tweeting this giveaway ~

~ 3 Entries for adding my button to your blog (please leave 3 separate comments)

~ 4 Entries for adding this giveaway to your blog with a link back to this post ~

~ This giveaway will end on July 27, 2009 at 11pm. The winner will be chosen by using Random.org The winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email, I will choose another winner if I don't get a response. ~

This GIVEAWAY is now CLOSED

We have a WINNER!

CONGRATULATIONS to #8 Twincere

Twincere said...

8

I am following you on twitter, user name @Twincere

Twincere(at)gmail(dot)com

JULY 15, 2009 3:35 PM

Wordless Wednesday

Munchie Mug Giveaway

NEW! Spill-Resistant Snack Cup for Infants and Toddlers!

This is an amazing product for mom's and kids! For mom's, because we don't have to clean up anymore snacks off the floor! And kids well, they just love it.

My daughter loves snacks, but can make a mess! it's more of what she spills then what she's eating. So, with Munchie Mug all that is over!

Munchie Mug is a cup that eliminates snack-time messes for children 10 months and older. It's ideal for use at home, in the car or anyplace when you're on the go! It's BPA free and dishwasher safe. I really like how kids can easily put their hand through the soft fabric closure and get their little snacks. It also includes a stay-fresh-lid to keep snacks fresh when not using the cup.

I have tried this snack cup, and I recommend it!

Munchie Mug are available in 3 diffrent colors: Pink, Blue, and Yellow and you can order online for $12.95 each.

~GIVEAWAY~

Munchie Mug is offering SAHMommy blog readers a free munchie mug!

~Win It!~

Please visit Munchie Mug website, come back here and comment on which color you would choose if you win. (please add your email in each comment)

~Extra Entries~ To be completed only after initial entry! (please leave a separate comment for each entry)

~ 1 Entry for following SAHMommy blog~

~ 1 Entry for subscribing to my blog~

~ 1 Entry for following me on twitter.com/jesscardona

~ 1 Entry for tweeting this giveaway~

~ 3 Entries for adding my button to your blog~

~This giveaway will end on July 20th, 2009 at 11pm. I will choose the winner by random.org and will notify the winner by email. The winner will have 48hrs. to respond by email. I will choose another winner if I don't get a response.~

Thanks Munchie Mug for offering this Review and Giveaway!

This Giveaway is now CLOSED!

We have a WINNER!!

#11

Tricia @ 5 Little Monkeys said...

I have your button #2

July 7, 2009 3:42 PM

Books I'm Reading

I love reading, now that I have an 11 month old it's a bit harder to just read when I want. It's easier with my 5 year old, since she's older.

Anyways, I'm reading "The Shack" by: William P. Young

What a book! I am almost finished, this is one of those books you just can't put down, unless you have kids!

I really recommend this book, it's difficult story to read at first, I had to put it down several times, but I had to keep on reading! This book focuses on how to have a relationship and/or work on that relationship with God.

If you're interested in purchasing this book, here's a link from amazon.

Wordless Wednesday

Skin Free Review/Giveaway

Skin Free products are designed and formulated by pharmacist Julie Hilton, who has over 30 years experience in compounding and natural skin care. Julie, was working in a typical pharmacy setting, and was constantly frustrated when asked to recommend products for patients with difficult skin problems. She recognized a void in the market and knew that she could offer effective and affordable products to fill it.

Skin Free Skin Care Products are recommended for individuals with:

~ Extreme Dry Skin

~ Skin or Fragrance Allergies

~ Psoriasis

~ Dermatitis

~ Eczema

~ Pregnant Moms

~ Babies

~ The Elderly

~ Diabetics

~ Renal Patients

~ After Radiation or Chemotherapy

Pharmacist formulated and doctor recommended patented formulas, for delicate, sensitive and very dry or damaged skin.

~ All Natural Vegan Ingredients

~ No Perfumes

~ No Petroleum Products

~ No Harmful Chemicals

~ No Steroids

~ No Colorants

~ No Greasy feeling

~ No Animal Testing, Cruelty Free

I have tried Super Moisture Butter Creme and I have to say I am impressed with this product. I like how it doesn't leave my hands greasy, where with other lotions I have to wipe my hands with a paper towel because it's so greasy! I also like that it has no odor to it. I've been having some eczema problems, and a lot of itching on my back, I've been using this creme and the itching and redness is gone.

I have also tried the Naiouli Butter Stick and again, another wonderful product! I use this more on the G0, on my elbows, knees and on my lips! I have a problem with chapped lips, I've used different chapsticks and balms, but this butter stick has really helped my lips in feeling softer.

What I like the most about this is it's ingredients: Olive Oil, Sweet Almond oil, Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Soy, Niaouli, Vanilla and Vitamin E. All natural ingredients!

I've tried the Extra Moisturizing Soap it leaves my skin feeling so clean and light, my skin doesn't feel heavy, after taking a shower my skin begins to itch, after using this soap, the itching has stopped.

You can now buy these products at any CVS store, Walgreens or at www.skinfree.net plus get Free Shipping when you spend $25 or more!

~Win It ~ Skin Free is offering sahmommy blog readers, a $30 Gift Certificate to use for any of their products!

~ Browse through their website and come back here and in a comment tell me which product you would buy if you win. (please add your email with each comment)

Extra Entries ~ To be completed only after initial entry!

(please leave a separate comment for each entry)

~ 1 Entry for following sahmommy blog~

~ 1 Entry for subscribing by email to sahmommy blog~

~ 1 Entry for following me on twitter.com/jesscardona

~ 1 Entry for tweeting this giveaway~

~ 3 Entries for adding my button to your blog~

This giveaway will end on July 13, 2009 at 11pm. I will choose the winner by using random.org and will notify the winner by email. The winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email. I will choose another winner if I don't get a response.

Giveaway is CLOSED

We have a WINNER!!

CONGRATULATIONS to #13

Secret Life of a WAHM

Piggy Paint Review

Piggy Paint was founded by a stay-at-home-mom, Melanie Hurley, after she saw the harsh chemicals that were in regular nail polish. She worried about her girls putting their hands in their mouths after she painted them with traditional kid polishes. Not only did the ingestion of the chemicals worried her, but the smell nearly left her light-headed. One day, while they were painting their nails, over a foam plate, her daughter dropped a glob of nail polish onto the plate. Shortly after, the paint began to bubble and ate through the plate. After seeing the hole in the plate, she tested the other kid polishes on the foam, which they all began to bubble and eventually left holes in the plate. And that's when Piggy Paint was born.

Piggy Paint is not flammable, it's a water based polish that is specially formulated of natural ingredients, it's "Natural as Mud." There are no toxic chemicals, it's free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate, and acetone.

I tried the "Tea Party for Two" on my daughter's nails, and I have to say that I absolutely loved it! It is odorless, regular nail polish smell gives me a headache. My daughter like any other 5 yr. old, loves to have her nails painted, I honestly wouldn't let her because of the smell, the mess, and once I would take it off it wouldn't come all off, her nails would be stained from the color she had. I also tried Piggy Paints nail polish remover and loved it! it's odorless, no acetone and hypoallergenic. And there were no nail polish stains on my daughter's nails. I really love this nail polish and polish remover and I would highly recommend it.

They also have cute gift packages available.

Buy it ~ Piggy Paint is offering sahmommy blog readers a 15% discount off anything on their website, including sale items! Enter the code SAHM15L. This discount expires on August 15, 2009.

Get Free domestic shipping when you spend $25.

Thank you Piggy Paint for the review and for the discount!

Wordless Wednesday

Note: These are not my kids.. ;-)

My daughter at Kindercamp

My oldest daughter started "Kindercamp" today. It's just for this week so that they can get to know the school, teachers, etc. She's not to happy about this big, new school, I had to drop her off today, of course her teacher was waiting for her. When I picked her pick up she told me she was crying because I left her, and I didn't go in with her. So, that just did it for me. I'm very emotional when it comes to these things.. I cried on her first day of pre-school, I was the only parent crying.

I just want to keep them safe from everything, I don't want them to suffer, cry. I know well that I can't do that to them, but I think that as parents we want to protect them from everything.

Anyways, this will be just for this week. I guess it will be a whole other game when school starts.

Muffin Tin Monday

Well I saw this wonderful idea on Her Cup Overfloweth and just loved it! I want to do this everyweek.. here's mine..

Peas, Ham and Cheese sandwich, Corn, banana and cookies.

Wordless Wednesday

Hello!

I'm back home after a week at the beach! I'm a little under the weather..with headache, congestion..not a good way to end a nice vacation. Anyways, here a few pictures.

Raising Kids

I have to say that I enjoy being a mom and being at home with my children, but it's hard sometimes. It's frustrating when your children won't listen to you, won't do what you tell them to do, when they talk back to you, when they try to get their way. It's not easy being a parent and it's not easy to raise kids, the only way that I have found to get through and not lose my sanity is through God. I need to pray everyday and just talk to God, my father to help me and to guide me through this parenting journey, so that I make the right decisions when it comes in raising my girls.

Well... I am finally on vacation! and it's gorgeous! We are in a resort in the 19th floor, with a beautiful view of the beach.. I can just open the balcony and hear the ocean's waves..

Vacations

Vacations!!


I am, well we are going on vacation this Saturday to Panama City Beach, Fl. for a whole week, to a beautiful resort, we're going with our family. I can't wait!! We didn't go on vacation last year, I was pregnant and due in July, so we are this year.
I will take my laptop, eventhough I will be on vacation, I can't stay away from the internet!
So, I will write and let you all know how great the beach is! and I might post pictures.

Wordless Wednesday

How do you spend your Saturday Nights?

How do you spend your Saturday Nights?


Well, I've gotta say that before we had any kids, we would go to the movies every weekend, unless there was something else going on. After we had kids...well..let's just say that "going to the movies" is a big thing now!
So, I actually spent this past Saturday shopping at Walmart! Amazing how your life changes once you have kids! As I was waiting in line to checkout, I thought to myself: "I love shopping at walmart by myself (no kids)" Don't get me wrong, I like going out with my family and my girls, but sometimes you just need to go out shopping alone!
I was so into in what I was doing that I lost track of time! and heard over the speaker when the guy said "Good evening shoppers, the time is 10pm and the fitting rooms are now closed" I got there around 7:30pm and just lost track of time!
So, things change, life changes, we also change! for the better.

My baby is crawling!

My 10 month old baby Amanda, finally started to crawl today!
She has been moving here and there trying to crawl, but today she just crawled!
It's amazing to me how one day babies just start crawling, sitting, walking. God made it so perfect!


Does your baby fall asleep on her/his own?


I'm having a lot of problems with this. I remember saying when I was pregnant that I was not going to be holding her so that she could fall asleep..well I was wrong!! I just couldn't put her down when she was born, she would just lay there and you can tell she loved it (lying on my chest) So, now that's the only way she will go to sleep, if you carry her or if you lie with her in bed (my bed) she doesn't like to be alone, she wants to feel that someone is there.
We had this issue with our 1st daughter too, different but she wanted to be rocked to sleep, until one day we just got tired of it and began to put her in her crib and let her cry. (I know it doesn't sound good..trust me this was really hard for me!) but she was about a yr. old when we did this.
And it took about a week to get her use to this routine. I tried doing this with my little one, but it's so hard for me I can't do it, I'm WEAK!!


So, have any of you had this problem/issue? How did you deal with it?

Wordless Wednesday

25 Things About Me:

1. I'm a Christian, a wife and a mom of 2 girls.
2. I'm about to turn 33 in June.
3. I love cruises! I'm addicted to cruises.
4. I love Disney and everything Disney!
5. I love LOST!
6. I love watching movies.
7. I don't eat fish or anything from the sea.
8. I dated my husband for 8 years.
9. My father-in-law is a pastor.
10. I love dogs.
11. I've always wanted to learn to play the piano.
12. I like the smell of hospitals.
13. I enjoy reading.
14. I enjoy coloring, especially with my daughter.
15. I love chocolate and cake.
16. I think of myself as an organized person.
17. I like making crafts.
18. I also love coke and sweet tea.
19. My favorite fast-food restaurant is Chick-Fil-A
20. My favorite holiday is Christmas.
21. My favorite vacation other then Disney and a cruise is the beach.
22. I have 2 girls a 5 year old and a 10 month old.
23. I'm trained to be a birth doula.
24. I like everything that has to do with pregnancy and birth.
25. I've always want to persue a carrer in healthcare.

Oh WOW my 1st follower!! I didn't think I would be this happy!
Thank you for following me :-)

Cartoons/Kids Shows

Good Morning!
I don't know which cartoons or kids show your children like.. but my 10 month old daughter Amanda loves The Sprout Channel.. she loves Chica and she loves "Star" from The Good Night Show. She also loves "Mickey Mouse Club House" (Disney Channel) Well, I like all those shows too! I still watch my favorite ones from when I was little... Pink Panther, Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, The Flinstones... oh and my all time favorites..The Muppets!


What shows or cartoons do your little ones like?

Hello!

Hello! and  to my Blog! I'm new at blogging and trying to get everything on here!

Thanks for taking a look! 

Everyday...

Coming Soon!

Mommy-Reviews

Coming Soon!

Contact Me

You can email me at - jesscardona@yahoo.com

From Pre-School to Kindergarten

My daughter Emely is about to finish Pre-School on Friday, which I can't believe! She will be starting kindergarten in August. And she can't wait to start in the "big school" and ride the school bus.. which I am not at all comfortable!!

Anyways, I was given a Transition Activity Calendar which seems to be really good to help kids during the summer. I wanted to share this with you, for those who have kids that are going to kindergarten. Hope this is helpful!

Here is a Pre-K Summer Book List that they recommend:

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Bear in a Square by Debbie Harter

Boomer Goes to School by Constance W. McGeorge

Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee

Eating the Alphabet: Fruits and Vegetables from A to Z by L. Ehlert

Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper

Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne F. Rockwell

Tips and Additional Activities

When Shopping with your child...

• Have your child find a letter from their name on a product label.
• Try simple activities such as reading logos of favorite foods and stores.
• Before you go to the store, involve your child in making a shopping list. You can ask your child to check the cereal boxes to see if any are almost empty. A four or five year old can check on the supply of milk, extra rolls of toilet tissue, and other items. You can consult this list together as you shop. Let your child mark off the items on the list.
• Ask your child to make comparisons (smallest, shortest, heaviest, same as, etc.) of cans and bottles.
• Let your child pick out one vegetable of fruit and identify the begining sound of its name. What other foods begin with that sound?
• Cut out coupons, and help your child match the coupon to the food item. Let her/him give them to the cashier.
• Estimate how many radishes (carrots, etc.) are in a bunch and then count the number.

Tips for Reading Aloud

• Be enthusiastic.
• Change your voice and facial expressions.
• Make sure children are comfortable.
• Read aloud to children frequently.
• Establish regular reading times.
• Help children notice new information.
• Point out pictures as they relate to the story.
• Explain words they may not know to help increase vocabulary.
• Ask children questions before and after reading.
• Encourage children to talk about the book.
• Read many kinds of books including ones with pictures of people of different cultures, ages, and with disabilities.
• Choose books that help you teach.
• Reread favorite books.

When riding in the car with your child...

• Play "I spy" using words found on billboards and signs.
• Have your child draw a pictorial journal of trip events. You can add dictation about each picture if necessary.
• Keep sing-along or storybook tapes in an activity bag or backpack. Drawing materials, card games, puzzles and books also make a great addition.
• Look at a clock, have your child tell what time the trip begins and when they think they will arrive at their destination. Check the time when you arrive.
• Games like "I Spy" searching for animals, letters and numbers; counting colored cars, matching sign shapes, finding silly-named streets, inventing rhymes amuse away the miles.
• My personal favorite one is when my daughter sees a car that looks like mine, her dad's, grandparents, she would yell that its just like so and so...

Here is a calendar to help your child in some learning activities.

5/27 ~ Have your child practice saying his/her full name, address, and phone number.
5/28 ~ Play catch, and count the number of balls caught. Can you come up with other games?
5/29 ~ Explore this-How many body parts can you move while standing in one place?
5/30 ~ Let your child pick out a new toothbrush and teach correct tooth brushing.
5/31 ~ Make a family calendar. What will you be doing for the rest of the summer? (camp, vacation)

6/1 ~ Let your child count the number of coins in your wallet. Let them separate the coins and count each type.

6/2 ~ Look at pictures in a book and then predict what will happen next. Read the story together.

6/3 ~ Choose some old toys to donate to charity.

6/4 ~ Make a simple instrument with kitchen items. (utensils, pots, bowls) Now play them.

6/5 ~ Talk about jobs, discuss where you work, how your work helps the family.

6/6 ~ Listen to a new radio station today. Discuss how the music is different.

6/7 ~ Plant seeds for flowers or vegetables.

6/8 ~ Draw a picture of dad or grandfather, include hair, eye color, etc.

6/9 ~ Have your child create a story about dad or grandgather, write it and read it together.

6/10 ~ Discuss with dad what his favorite food was when he was a child.

6/11 ~ Discuss with dad what he liked to play with as a child.