Amazing 8

Friday, May 29, 2009

A Sneak Peek Inside Wifey's House

My son, Miles, is turning 8 years old tomorrow and that amazes me.

He’s not a baby anymore. He’s moved out of the land of Tonka Trucks and Spider-man underwear into 3-on-3 basketball games with his “boys” and wears size six sneakers (yikes – no more inexpensive “kicks” for him). I almost fell out when his baseball coach told me I had to buy him a jockstrap and cup to play this year – gasp!

Wow. My baby is growing up. I could bore you all with the typical mom birthday rant – "he’s the best kid ever!" – and even though he is (the best kid ever) I won’t go there. Instead I’ll share some pictures.

I’ve watched him grow from this …


to this ...



to this ...


into this ...


… and I’m not sure which part amazes me more: his age, how wonderful he is, or that I actually have a little something to do with it.

Happy Birthday, Miles! Mommy loves you big …

Winks & Smiles,

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Tempted to Tell

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wifey's Weekly Q and A

Dear Wifey:

My husband and some of the guys went out over the weekend. He told me that one of his friends, who is dating one of my friends, was flirting with a girl at the bar. I feel like she should know. I don’t want my husband to be mad at me, but we girls have to stick together right? Should I tell?

- Mrs. Tempted to Tell


Dear Mrs. Tempted to Tell:

No, you shouldn’t tell unless you never want your husband to tell you anything again. I’m all for female camaraderie, but “pillow talk” between you and your husband should stay private between you and your husband. Clearly he gave you a “wife pass” and shared some of the guys’ happenings with you believing that whatever he says to you stays with you. You should be the one person that he doesn’t have to worry about breaking his confidence and vice versa.

And, why does she need to know that? Human beings flirt – even married ones. Gasp! It’s when people take it too far that it’s a problem, ahem, but that’s another post. Unless you are told something that you’re certain puts your friend in danger – at which point you should talk openly with your husband about diffusing the situation – then you should keep his secrets, no matter how tempting, to yourself.

Winks & Smiles,

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How about you? Do you keep your husband’s secrets or are you quick to gab to the girls? Wives – and husbands – want to know …

The advice on this site is intended to be helpful, but is not meant to take the place of marital counseling, legal advice, financial advice or any other professional service. If you feel you need professional help, it is encouraged for you to get some.

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Don't Call Me Corny

Monday, May 25, 2009

A Sneak Peek Inside Wifey’s House

See what happens when I let Husband loose in the grocery store …


I end up with a crate full of corn in my refrigerator.

48 ears to be exact. That’s just two shy of 50. What am I going to do with 50 ears of corn? And, why did he buy all that?

“It was on sale for $12.”

Duh.

I love corn and Husband knows this so I truly appreciate his thoughtfulness … and the 48 ears of corn.

Anyone have any good recipes? Fritters? Cornbread? Cornmeal?

Winks & Smiles,

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Third Time's a Charm

Friday, May 22, 2009

For those of you who missed it, or just have nothing to do on Sunday night, The Travel Channel is airing, “Great Cruises: Why Not the Mediterranean?” on Sunday, May 24 at 8 p.m. EST for the third (and last scheduled) time.


The show features me and two of my best girlfriends – my sister Nicole (My Inner Dialogue) and Wanda (Ms. Wanda) – as we spent two fabulous weeks on a Royal Caribbean Cruisetour (click the link to see a sneak peek of the show).

Contest Reminder - Would you like a ride, hotel accommodations and a FREE one-day registration to BlogHer ’09? That’s exactly what The BlogRollers are giving away in our Fourth Wheel Contest. The deadline for entries is this Sunday, May 24 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Visit TheBlogRollers.com for more information.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend …

Winks & Smiles,

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Leave Your Kid at Home

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Wifey's Weekly Q and A

Dear Wifey:

I have a friend....a very good friend. I mean, she's a homegirl. I love her. Our sons are close in age and have played together since they were infants. And since they were infants her son has been out of control. He hits her, stomps his foot and says, "No!" when she asks him to do something. He's rude and blatantly disobedient. He doesn't listen to anybody. He was kicked out of preschool! He is five years old and the last time I saw them, she had to carry him to the car, kicking and screaming and strap him into his car seat. He scratched her face and neck in the process. Huh?

He's like this about 75% of the time. The other 25% he is just your run of the mill out of control meaning he will do what she says after she asks him three times and with just a few disrespectful words as opposed to flat out refusing to do it and daring her to try and make him.

Ok, herein lies the problem. I don't like it when my son plays with her son. She knows that her son is difficult and admits it, but seems to think that it is still within the confines of normal. In my opinion, this behavior warrants an intervention but that's beside the point. She is always asking me when the boys can get together. Her son is always asking to come to my house and if my son can come there. My husband has all but forbidden them from playing together and has offered to “tell her myself.” How can I get out of these playdates and keep my friendship intact? I'm beginning to think there is no way. Can you imagine someone telling you, "I like you but not your kid?"

- Leave Your Kid at Home

Dear Leave Your Kid at Home:

No, I cannot imagine anyone telling me, “I like you but not your kid,” and I don’t suggest that you say that to anyone either – even if it’s true. You definitely have a sticky situation on your hands. While some moms welcome guidance with their children many get offended and downright defensive when other people tell them how to handle their child. If your friend opens the door for your input take the opportunity to tell her tactfully some strategies that have worked for you and other moms you know. Letting her know she’s not the only one struggling to discipline her child might help her feel less defensive and more receptive to hearing your advice.

If she’s just not getting it, you can still get out of the playdates and keep your friendship intact by telling her to "leave her kid at home" but blame it on you, NOT her kid. Tell her that you need some “girlfriend” time - a break away from the kids - and meet her for a movie, lunch or whatever you two like to do. This way both of you benefit and your friendship can continue to thrive.

Winks & Smiles,

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OK, Ladies, this is a touchy one, I’m calling in the troops. What would you do? How do you handle your friends’ unruly kids? Frustrated Moms want to know …

The advice on this site is intended to be helpful, but is not meant to take the place of marital counseling, legal advice, financial advice or any other professional service. If you feel you need professional help, it is encouraged for you to get some.

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Laundry Simplified

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

A Sneak Peek Inside Wifey’s House



When the cleaning fairy, ahem, the Fed-ex man dropped off my package announcing that I am one of 200 Purex Insiders chosen to try their new product, Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets, I was nearly moved to tears. See, laundry and I have a love/hate relationship so anything that can simplify it is a welcome relief.

Here’s a sneak peek inside Wifey’s House – literally – my vlog of the first time I tried Purex Complete 3-in-1.



Want to try it yourself? Go to Purex.com to get a downloadable coupon.

Now, if someone would only invent something to FOLD the clothes …

Winks & Smiles,

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I'm Back ...

Monday, May 18, 2009

… in more ways than one.

First, I’m back from my wonderful week in Sandestin, Florida with Husband. We snuck away to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and had an awesome time. No work, no kids and no alarm clocks – who could ask for more? There was also no blogging or tweeting – yikes! Now that was a hard one, but Husband got me through it – wink, wink.

Secondly, I’m back on track with eating right and exercising. Can I just say a birthday, Mother’s Day and an anniversary trip can mess up even the most dedicated – ahem – health nut. Let’s just say I’ve enjoyed my fair share of fried, smothered and covered foods; we won’t talk about the sweets; and did I hear someone say beer?

Coincidentally, I have this to motivate me…



No, not Beyonce, although she does motivate me, but I’m referring to the article I wrote, “Food for Thought: When it Comes to Organic Choices, Experts Reveal Whether ‘Green’ Really Means ‘Go,’” on page 32 of the current issue of Upscale magazine.

Revisiting this article and everything I learned about the benefits of organic and healthy eating has inspired me – and Husband – to get our eating and exercising back on track. We’re starting this week off with a fruit and vegetable cleanse then will add back in other healthy carbs and proteins. Did I hear someone say beer, too?

Teaming up with Husband to get back on track is so helpful. We motivate each other to stick with it while we have a little friendly competition at the same time – Go Wifey!

How about you? Any organic eaters out there? Are you and your husband in sync when it comes to being healthy? Motivated mamas want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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Still Celebrating

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

No, I didn't hop in the Chevy - yet - but I did hop in my own ride with Husband to sneak away and celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.

I'll be back in action - writing my Q and A and visiting all of your wonderful blogs - in a few days. And, I'll ... shh ... wait a second...

"No dear, of course I'm not on the computer. I wouldn't dream of blogging or tweeting on our vacation."


Um. Right. Gotta go folks.

Winks & Smiles,

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What Would You Do for a Ticket to BlogHer ’09?

Monday, May 11, 2009


Remember when I told you The BlogRollers (me and my BlogRollin’ partner Christie from My Life … A Work in Progress) and our special guest roller the fabulous Denene Millner from My Brown Baby, are packing our bags and planning the best BlogHer or Bust Road Trip imaginable; and that General Motors is providing a brand new Chevrolet for us to drive via their BlogHer ’09 Carpool? We’ll, we’ve decided that the trip wouldn’t be complete without a fourth roller so we put our heads together and cooked up The Fourth Wheel Contest.

For the fifth consecutive year the highly anticipated BlogHer conference is sold out! But don’t despair, The BlogRollers have one extra registration for Saturday, July 25, 2009. We will choose one lucky winner to hop in the Chevy, roll with us to Chicago, and will provide hotel accommodations during the trip, too.

Want to roll? Head over to The BlogRollers for details how to win.

Winks & Smiles,

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Ten Long, Ten Strong

Friday, May 8, 2009

In the famous words of Tony, Toni, Tone, “Do you know what today is? … It’s our Anniversary.”

That’s right, Husband and I are celebrating ten years of marital bliss today. While I could go on and on about how wonderful he is, how I love him just as much if not more than the day I married him, how proud I am to be his wife and how much I love the life we’ve built together … I won’t.

Instead I’ve posted a clip from our “A Wedding Story” that aired on The Learning Channel ten – gasp – years ago.



Happy Anniversary, Husband! I wouldn't change a thing ...

Winks & Smiles,

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Wives' Words - Mrs. Nazworth

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

It’s time for the second installment of Wives’ Words. As much as I’d like to think that my opinion is the only one people want to read, I realize that’s not the case, ahem, so every two weeks I highlight other wives and share their words of wisdom with you.

This week’s wife is Mrs. Angela Nazworth from Becoming Me. I met Angela through The Ultimate Blog Party last year and have been a faithful reader ever since. She writes honest, heartwarming, inspiring posts that leave you spiritually filled and comforted.

Here’s Mrs. Naz’s Wives’ Words:



Name: Angela
Husband’s Name: Napp
Years married: 9 going on 10 in August
Children (ages): Two children, a 5 year old daughter and a 2 year old son
Occupation: Freelance copy editor and writer
Blog/website: Becoming Me (husband’s learningaboutpolitics.blogspot.com)

What was your biggest fear about getting married? Did it come true?
My biggest fear was that my husband would one day abandon me. No, this did not come true. And now, I no longer have this fear. It was a fear never warranted by Napp's behavior, rather from my own personal baggage that I brought into the marriage. I learned that everyone comes with baggage. Some may carry it in a small carry-on bag and others in a massive trunk ... but we all have it.

What’s the best thing about having a husband?
This may seem overly simplistic, but for me the best part of being married is having a partner through life. Through each trial, challenge, and joyous occasion, I have someone sharing those experiences with me … helping me, needing me, loving me, laughing with me, praying with me. I love not having to go it alone.

What’s the most challenging thing about being married?
Ironically, as much as I love the partnership aspect, I don't always enjoy having to compromise. I have a stubborn streak and tend to think I know best.

What words of wisdom would you like to share with other wives?
First off, love is more than a feeling, it is a choice. Romance is wonderful and it can be kept in a marriage but not 100% of the time, and that is OK. Love, true love, is choosing to be kind even when you are tired, and hurting. Love means choosing forgiveness over bitterness. Love means sacrifice. Love is not easy ... but nothing is more beautiful. I'd also like to advise that you not share the irritating traits of your husband with family members. Keep your arguments between you and your husband. You'll find that these things will be harder for your family to forget than it will be for you.



Thanks, Mrs. Naz.

You can read more of Mrs. Naz’s thoughts about marriage on an anniversary post from her site here.

How about you? Got some Wives’ Words? Wives everywhere want to know…

Winks & Smiles,

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Mother’s Day Money

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

A Sneak Peek Inside Wifey’s House

This is a conversation I had with my 5 year-old daughter, Milan, about Mother’s Day:

Milan: I know what I’m getting you for Mother’s Day.

Me: Really?

Milan: Yes, but I can’t tell you. It’s a SURPRISE!

Me: OK.

Milan: It starts with a “D.”

So much for surprises.

Me: Really?

Milan: DIAMONDS!

Me: Nice. Love them.

Milan: Oh, but I don’t have any money. Can YOU give me some?

How about you? What do you want to buy yourself for Mother’s Day? ATM Mama’s want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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Party Girl

Monday, May 4, 2009

Yesterday I took my 5 year-old daughter to a birthday party here ...



I’m still in desperate need of this ...



and these ...



to recover.

How about you? What’s your favorite, ahem, children’s party place? And, how do you survive the soiree? Partying mom’s want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions, products, event tickets, travel and other forms of compensation. The owner of this blog may be compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner of this blog may receive compensation for a post or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest.

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