Keshia, you asked that I share the articles I write, so here are the ones that have been published since my original blog post. I am now a regular contributor to these three sites: Skirt Collective, a liberal feminist site (though that one unfortunately has stopped paying); Well Cultured, a men's online magazine; and Baby Gaga, a pregnancy and baby site. Enjoy reading them and thank you for caring!
5 Myths About Female Modesty (this one got a TON of exposure!)
How Not to Teach Modesty to Young Women (my LDS version of the previous article)
How Lammily and Others Are Breaking the Period Taboo
When You Should Act Like a Gentleman
Belts: The One Accessory Every Guy Should Have and How to Wear It
Words You Don't Want to Get Wrong at Work
Messenger Bag or Briefcase?
7 Bodily Fluids You Deal With During Pregnancy
Showing posts with label Life in general. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life in general. Show all posts
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Goodbye, Play Kitchen
Almost four years ago, I wrote this post about finding a Step 2 play kitchen in excellent condition at the thrift store for only $12.99.
Caden loved it. Soon I moved it out of his room and next to our kitchen so he could play with it while I cooked (the kitchen was gated off). I expected to keep it for a long, long time. But it eventually stopped getting played with. By the time Caden was 3, he wasn't interested anymore. He loved playing with the food he got that year for his birthday, however.
I was determined to keep the kitchen because we had a new baby and I still couldn't get over the price I paid for it. Replacing it in the future would most likely be very costly. And whenever we had other children over, they enjoyed playing with it.
Gabe ended up not really interested in it either. He preffered dumping out the food to use the bucket as a step stool and sucking on the food. I got tired of cleaning it up several times a day, so I got rid of the felt food first. I put away the wooden food and dishes a couple weeks ago to keep for periodic use. (The boys like to play with the dishes in water.)
Then I made Caden take down all the things he had stashed on top of the kitchen and cleaned it to get it ready for selling. I taped up the hole so the kids couldn't stuff toys into it. It took me half an hour of shaking the kitchen back and forth and trying to stick my hand inside in order to get everything out! I even found the original utensils I had completely forgotten about.
I changed my mind about selling it at first, until one day I noticed the bucket inside the washer with a load of laundry! Somehow I missed Gabe putting it in there. I put the bucket away too, making the kitchen completely useless to my boys. As much as I still wanted to keep it, I decided it had to go. I'm really trying to weed out stuff we don't use, and unfortunately it fit the bill.
I sold it, including all the food and dishes, yesterday. I was kind of sad, but I know I'll get over it. Generally speaking, I don't let myself get attached to material things anymore for this very reason. So, goodbye, play kitchen. You served us well. May your new owner enjoy you longer than my boys did.
Caden loved it. Soon I moved it out of his room and next to our kitchen so he could play with it while I cooked (the kitchen was gated off). I expected to keep it for a long, long time. But it eventually stopped getting played with. By the time Caden was 3, he wasn't interested anymore. He loved playing with the food he got that year for his birthday, however.
I was determined to keep the kitchen because we had a new baby and I still couldn't get over the price I paid for it. Replacing it in the future would most likely be very costly. And whenever we had other children over, they enjoyed playing with it.
Gabe ended up not really interested in it either. He preffered dumping out the food to use the bucket as a step stool and sucking on the food. I got tired of cleaning it up several times a day, so I got rid of the felt food first. I put away the wooden food and dishes a couple weeks ago to keep for periodic use. (The boys like to play with the dishes in water.)
Then I made Caden take down all the things he had stashed on top of the kitchen and cleaned it to get it ready for selling. I taped up the hole so the kids couldn't stuff toys into it. It took me half an hour of shaking the kitchen back and forth and trying to stick my hand inside in order to get everything out! I even found the original utensils I had completely forgotten about.
I changed my mind about selling it at first, until one day I noticed the bucket inside the washer with a load of laundry! Somehow I missed Gabe putting it in there. I put the bucket away too, making the kitchen completely useless to my boys. As much as I still wanted to keep it, I decided it had to go. I'm really trying to weed out stuff we don't use, and unfortunately it fit the bill.
I sold it, including all the food and dishes, yesterday. I was kind of sad, but I know I'll get over it. Generally speaking, I don't let myself get attached to material things anymore for this very reason. So, goodbye, play kitchen. You served us well. May your new owner enjoy you longer than my boys did.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
My Cousin's Wedding
The first weekend in July I flew out to Maryland for a day to attend my cousin's wedding. I arrived early with my brother and spent time with my grandma and her dear friend whom I have adopted. We also saw the bride and her family, half of whom didn't even recognize me. Apparently my new haircut threw them off. Lol. Really, I just think I look more my age now and they're used to viewing me as young and cute.
The ceremony was outdoors at a beautiful historical mansion.
The bride looked absolutely stunning, and her bridesmaids had lovely dresses.
Hors d'oeuvres followed the ceremony. I met up with my sister Chrissy and we spent almost the entire time together. My brother asked her husband, "Since when did they become best friends?" Sisters just have a way of doing that, even if they rarely see or talk to each other.
We moved inside to the dining hall for the toasts from the best man and maid of honor and dinner.
The bride's sister sang for the first dance. She has such a flawless voice! It was the first time I had ever heard her sing live. Once the dance floor opened, Chrissy and I were the first ones there of course.We had so much fun dancing. We also did the photo booth before she left and were total blondes not looking at the camera and laughing instead of posing. I can't wait to see how the pictures came out!
I flew home the next morning. My family drove from Maryland to come visit us for a couple days. Monday evening we played Catch Phrase for Family Home Evening. Tuesday was rainy and I was sick so we watched Muppets: Most Wanted (I love that one, especially the music!), went out for ice cream, and played Imaginiff. Wednesday we ordered Chinese takeout (the Caruso/Lyles family loves their Chinese food!) and played Uno. Yeah, we love board games. Thursday morning my family left for NYC. The kids miss them tremendously.
The ceremony was outdoors at a beautiful historical mansion.
The bride looked absolutely stunning, and her bridesmaids had lovely dresses.
Hors d'oeuvres followed the ceremony. I met up with my sister Chrissy and we spent almost the entire time together. My brother asked her husband, "Since when did they become best friends?" Sisters just have a way of doing that, even if they rarely see or talk to each other.
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| all 3 sisters |
We moved inside to the dining hall for the toasts from the best man and maid of honor and dinner.
The bride's sister sang for the first dance. She has such a flawless voice! It was the first time I had ever heard her sing live. Once the dance floor opened, Chrissy and I were the first ones there of course.We had so much fun dancing. We also did the photo booth before she left and were total blondes not looking at the camera and laughing instead of posing. I can't wait to see how the pictures came out!
I flew home the next morning. My family drove from Maryland to come visit us for a couple days. Monday evening we played Catch Phrase for Family Home Evening. Tuesday was rainy and I was sick so we watched Muppets: Most Wanted (I love that one, especially the music!), went out for ice cream, and played Imaginiff. Wednesday we ordered Chinese takeout (the Caruso/Lyles family loves their Chinese food!) and played Uno. Yeah, we love board games. Thursday morning my family left for NYC. The kids miss them tremendously.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Hello, Freelance Writing Career!
If you've been wondering why my blog has been neglected recently, it's because my freelance writing career is taking off. I've had a few pieces bought and published in previous years. But over the last few months, I've had 6 articles bought and published online (I didn't get to choose the titles of the first 4, though I do think the first title is better than my original):
Move Over, Barbie: How "Lammily" Is Changing the Doll Game
Mommy Dating: Why It's Hard to Make Mom Friends
Women Poop. Let's Talk About It.
Is Breast Empowerment Really About Personal Choice?
How to Emotionally Connect with a Woman During Sex
Things You're Doing Wrong in a Hospital Labor
I have more coming soon once I find the time. I also write numerous SEO articles for a content company on a weekly basis. It's hard work because of the strict requirements and short deadlines, but it's expanding my general knowledge and writing skills. It's exciting finally to be making consistent money doing what I love most!
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Racecar Birthday Party
Last week we attended a friend's racecar birthday party. It was so cute and creative! The walkway was decorated like a road.
The plates at the food table were lined up by color to resemble a stoplight. My boys were obsessed with the balloons, as usual.
There was a monster truck bouncy house. I even jumped in it at the end! I haven't done that in who knows how long.
My friends built a ramp for racing toy cars. I thought this idea was fabulous, and it was my kids' favorite activity.
There was a lawn game as well. I was terrible at it! They also had a car photo booth.
I volunteered my Raggedy Fran services. The facepainting was particularly a hit with the teenage girls. They all got puppy faces.
The boys got to take home a a racecar helmet and a handmade, car play mat complete with matchbox cars. It was such a well planned and fun birthday party!
The plates at the food table were lined up by color to resemble a stoplight. My boys were obsessed with the balloons, as usual.
There was a monster truck bouncy house. I even jumped in it at the end! I haven't done that in who knows how long.
My friends built a ramp for racing toy cars. I thought this idea was fabulous, and it was my kids' favorite activity.
There was a lawn game as well. I was terrible at it! They also had a car photo booth.
I volunteered my Raggedy Fran services. The facepainting was particularly a hit with the teenage girls. They all got puppy faces.
The boys got to take home a a racecar helmet and a handmade, car play mat complete with matchbox cars. It was such a well planned and fun birthday party!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Easter Visit
My husband's family came into town Easter weekend. The boys and I started it off with a chalk Easter egg hunt at our friend's house and a trip to the playground.
We spent the weekend watching General Conference. Easter morning, the boys colored eggs, and Gabe kept trying to eat his! The eggs didn't last long once they dried, lol.
The ladies knitted, and Caden loved watching and requesting custom orders for himself, Gabe, and his stuffed animals.
For our Easter meal, we had Indian tacos, courtesy of Justin's grandma. Monday I actually got some organizing done while the family entertained the boys.
Tuesday we went to Palmyra. Justin, his mom, his grandma, and I went to the temple. It was small but very beautiful. (We forgot to get a photo.) The rest of the family met us there afterward, and we took the tour of Joseph Smith's home and the sacred grove. It was very cold, and I would like to revisit when there are leaves on the trees, but it was still a very inspiring experience.
Wednesday we lounged around and watched Big Hero 6. It was very cute and made me teary eyed. That night, Justin and I went to see Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical, a Christmas present from my parents. Our seats were double booked so we had to move to a closer but farthest-left spot. The production was entertaining but very cheesy and sometimes amateurish. The best part was Gaston.
Thursday we went shopping, ate ice cream at Nicky Doodles, and ordered Chinese from our favorite takeout restaurant.
The next morning, the family left. The boys had such a wonderful time, they were sad to see them go.
We spent the weekend watching General Conference. Easter morning, the boys colored eggs, and Gabe kept trying to eat his! The eggs didn't last long once they dried, lol.
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| Trying to eat the egg! |
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| Gabe's cheese face. We played a lot of Skip Bo and Phase 10 that week! |
The ladies knitted, and Caden loved watching and requesting custom orders for himself, Gabe, and his stuffed animals.
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| Caught some snoozers! |
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| Caden wanted a ball of yarn for his kitty |
For our Easter meal, we had Indian tacos, courtesy of Justin's grandma. Monday I actually got some organizing done while the family entertained the boys.
Tuesday we went to Palmyra. Justin, his mom, his grandma, and I went to the temple. It was small but very beautiful. (We forgot to get a photo.) The rest of the family met us there afterward, and we took the tour of Joseph Smith's home and the sacred grove. It was very cold, and I would like to revisit when there are leaves on the trees, but it was still a very inspiring experience.
Wednesday we lounged around and watched Big Hero 6. It was very cute and made me teary eyed. That night, Justin and I went to see Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical, a Christmas present from my parents. Our seats were double booked so we had to move to a closer but farthest-left spot. The production was entertaining but very cheesy and sometimes amateurish. The best part was Gaston.
Thursday we went shopping, ate ice cream at Nicky Doodles, and ordered Chinese from our favorite takeout restaurant.
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| petting his new kitty |
The next morning, the family left. The boys had such a wonderful time, they were sad to see them go.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
First Christmas in New York
My blogging has been despicable lately. Valentine's Day is over and I'm just now posting about Christmas. *Shameful blush*
Christmas Eve we spent with a thoughtful family from church who invited us to join them and their posterity for dinner. We ended the night singing Christmas hymns while the kids put together the nativity. They are one very musically talented family! It was a joy and a pleasure singing with them.
Although Caden was excited for Christmas, he thankfully was not at the wake-up-at-the-crack-of-dawn-in-anticipation stage yet. Christmas morning Justin's family woke us up, and we Skyped with them all while the boys opened their gifts. Santa brought Caden his long-asked-for umbrella and two kiwis, his favorite fruit. Santa brought Gabe his own crayon roll and an orange. The boys were thoroughly spoiled by our families, and every gift was well thought out. We were all happy with what we received.
After finally getting dressed and cleaning up, we Skyped with my family and then Caden had a friend visit. She and her family moved an hour away, so it was nice getting to see them again.
I made our traditional Christmas lasagna (from Love to Be in the Kitchen), and we had the missionaries and another brother from our branch over for dinner and a fun game of Imaginiff afterward. A former missionary who served here called too, which was a very nice surprise.
Once everyone left and the boys were ready for bed, we watched some of How to Train Your Dragon 2, one of the movies the boys got. Justin and I ended the night playing Upwords. He just barely beat me (but I always count his wins as mine because I always help him, and he cheats anyway by finding words in the dictionary lol). It was a very wonderful Christmas full of family and friends! The funny thing is, although we had a white Thanksgiving, we did not have a white Christmas.
Christmas Eve we spent with a thoughtful family from church who invited us to join them and their posterity for dinner. We ended the night singing Christmas hymns while the kids put together the nativity. They are one very musically talented family! It was a joy and a pleasure singing with them.
Although Caden was excited for Christmas, he thankfully was not at the wake-up-at-the-crack-of-dawn-in-anticipation stage yet. Christmas morning Justin's family woke us up, and we Skyped with them all while the boys opened their gifts. Santa brought Caden his long-asked-for umbrella and two kiwis, his favorite fruit. Santa brought Gabe his own crayon roll and an orange. The boys were thoroughly spoiled by our families, and every gift was well thought out. We were all happy with what we received.
After finally getting dressed and cleaning up, we Skyped with my family and then Caden had a friend visit. She and her family moved an hour away, so it was nice getting to see them again.
I made our traditional Christmas lasagna (from Love to Be in the Kitchen), and we had the missionaries and another brother from our branch over for dinner and a fun game of Imaginiff afterward. A former missionary who served here called too, which was a very nice surprise.
Once everyone left and the boys were ready for bed, we watched some of How to Train Your Dragon 2, one of the movies the boys got. Justin and I ended the night playing Upwords. He just barely beat me (but I always count his wins as mine because I always help him, and he cheats anyway by finding words in the dictionary lol). It was a very wonderful Christmas full of family and friends! The funny thing is, although we had a white Thanksgiving, we did not have a white Christmas.
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