Tag Archives: books

Celebrate Earth Day Everyday with a Lorax Nursery

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Kelley| 3 Comments

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -The Lorax

Did you plant a tree this past weekend in celebration of Earth Day? If so, The Lorax applauds you. After all, he does speak for the trees!  Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is one of my favorite family movies. At the risk of my mothering skills being judged, I’ll admit that my three kids practically have the whole movie memorized. The storyline, witty one-liners and voices by Taylor Swift, Zac Efron, Betty White and Danny Devito make The Lorax equally enjoyable for children and adults alike.

After watching The Lorax for the 20th time and seeing all the celebrations of Earth Day, I nostalgically wished I could’ve created an eco-friendly nursery theme featuring  The Lorax.   Who wouldn’t love all the vibrant colors, funny characters and beautiful Truffula trees?  Most importantly, the message from the movie is something I want to engrain in my children, because saving our environment is our future.  I know I had a hard time thinking of the perfect nursery theme for my kids, which is why I’d like to share my nursery design ideas for all the newbie parents out there.  From my thoughts to you…

Fantastic Design Ideas

Thanks to a combination of The Lorax branded products and DIY tricks, you can make baby’s room earth-friendly while reflecting your own personality at a reasonable price.  Here are some creative ideas to turn your nursery into a slice of paradise in the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss.

3 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Everyday with a Lorax Nursery:

1. Paint- Select your favorite solid color to use on your nursery’s accent walls. On the main wall, create your own DIY mural of The Lorax’s truffula trees by projecting them on the wall, tracing and painting with your own creative flair.

2. Wall Art and Accessories-

 

On the accent walls, you can showcase The Lorax branded products likethis Trend Lab Wall Clock with the movie quote, “Save the Trees for me” or this “I speak for the trees.” Trend Lab Frame Set.  You can also look for wall decals that are an easy way to spruce up your walls without taking a gamble of your artistic abilities.  Create a lively scene and watch your nursery walls come to life!

3.  Eco-friendly Baby Furniture :  There are many nursery furniture products that use resources that are from eco-friendly sustainable forests and use non-toxic paint and finishes.  That would be the ultimate tribute to The Lorax, right?  If the Onceler could of replanted the trees while others were harvested, it would be a sustainable environment and would not turn into an artificial jungle like Sneedville.  It’s great eco-friendly practice and a valuable lesson to teach the kiddies.

4.  Be resourceful- You don’t have to spend a fortune to decorate nursery shelves, bookcases and night stands.  Some great resources are often little to no expense. For example, you can frame this free Lorax themed printable…

…frame your own Truffula tree art with pom poms and twine

Babble.com

With a nursery theme like The Lorax, the options are limitless! The key is to get creative, have fun and be yourself. Not only will you be gifting your precious child a world of color to stimulate the mind from the very beginning, but you’ll also be instilling, at an early age, the importance of being a good steward of what’s been entrusted to you, including the earth. Happy decorating. Don’t forget- someone like you really can care a whole awful lot and things just might get better….

Author bio

Hey Yall!  My name is Hannah and I’m a Southern girl that loves sweet tea, flip flops, the ocean and road trips.  As a social maven and work-at-home mom of 3, including toddler multiples, I am living out my Faith while trying to balance babies, budget, beauty, blogging, bookoos of laundry, and Bible Study. I am truly blessed by a great support network of family and friends.

Posted in Baby & Kid Stuff

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Stormy Surrender by Nicole Andrews Moore #Giveaway

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Kelley| 12 Comments

When I first met Nicole Andrews Moore, I knew her as a mom. I knew her as a mom expecting her sweet bundle and then I knew her as a fighter; someone to admire. Now, I know her as an author and I have loved the opportunity to check out of her newest book, Stormy Surrender.

Sometimes the life you planned isn’t the one you get to live.  Sometimes the pain of the past overshadows the future.  And sometimes to start over you have to go back to where it all began.  That’s how it was for Joe Masters.  That’s how he ended up back in New Hope.  And that’s why he was in his thirties and had nothing to show for his life.  He needed a complete overhaul, just like his father’s old house.  Instead of a fast track, he had slowed down and was on a ten year plan.  These days that was more his speed.  And as much as he tried to fight the inevitable, he was learning to accept and surrender.

Martha had weathered her fair share of storms in Vermont, was accustomed to the cold, both the chill in the air and the cold shoulder in her marriage, but after the miscarriage she felt like she would never get warm again.  So she did the research from the laptop while sitting in front of the fireplace.  She knew what she needed when she Googled hope, she just never imagined that it would bring her to New Hope, South Carolina.  She never imagined that her husband would trick her into leaving and never follow.  She never imagined that a southern storm with all its force and fury could be so destructive.  But after the storm, the land is washed clean.  It’s perfect for a fresh start, a clean slate, and a new love.

I really love to read. Even though you can more normally find me behind a celebrity gossip magazine, I love a good book. When I first starting reading Stormy Surrender, I was sucked in. It was especially cool for me, because I knew the author and they talked about Charlotte and the South.
Martha craved a new beginning. She craved finding herself in a new area. This is something I can even personally relate to moving from New England to Charlotte to start my life with my now husband. It’s always fun to read something you can relate to and reading about Martha and her journey of disappointments, new beginnings, and new love was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Being a sucker for Nicholas Sparks and romance novels, I would put Nicole’s Stormy Surrender to that same category. I love a light, fun read with romance, chaos, and real life moments in between. Stormy Surrender has me eager to read more from the lovely and talented Nicole Andrews Moore!
What’s really awesome? You can enter the giveaway below to win one of FIVE prizes!
  • Custom Jewelry Set (similar to what is described in the book)
  • THREE signed copies of Stormy Surrender
  • $10 Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

A little bit about Nicole :

Nicki has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina with her children for the past eleven years and her husband for the past three years.  Her journey has barely begun and she loves every minute of it.  Every day of her life seems to bring new adventures, some bigger, better, shinier and prettier than others.  She’s still getting used to that new life smell she’s experiencing, a combination of hope, love, and happiness.  (The perfect scents to build a new life on…)

For fun, she spends time with those she cares about, cooks, reads, writes, and especially lives to travel.  The current travel goal: visit every Margaritaville.  Two down!  (Eleven to go?)

In addition to writing on Suddenly Single Journey, Nicki is a contributor for Project Underblog.  Her writing can also be found on Shine, where she is a Shine Parenting Guru and an award winning Yahoo! Contributor on YourWisdom as the relationship and dating expert.  And she has been published by McClatchy News in their syndicated papers.

Find Nicole on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and her website here.

Stormy Surrender can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

 

Posted in For Mom's, Giveaways

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The Clueless Chick {GIVEAWAY}

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Kelley| 2 Comments

Anyone who knows me knows a few well known facts about me and the way I operate. Those facts are:

  1. I’m a control freak. Yes, I’ll admit it. I like to be in control and with that being said, fact #2 is a necessity in my life.
  2. I must be organized. Because, I’m famous for taking on too much and trying to keep everything in control, organization is key in making my life stay sane.
  3. I like to plan a party.

Those three facts is the reason why I have fallen in love with The Clueless Chick. The name in itself is catching. Every woman who wants to have any sort of organization in her life whether it be while preparing for a new baby, traveling, or planning any sort of party or gathering needs The Clueless Chick in her life. Because, in all honesty… even someone like me who is an organized control freak planning parties and getting through day to day life, The Clueless Chick is helping me too!

The best part? Jennifer Durbin (aka : The Clueless Chick) takes a low key and casual approach to giving pregnancy tips, party planning tips, and travel tips with baby in tow.

Each of thee above, I have been through. Pregnancy… when I read all of those What to Expect books and every other book under the sun on sleeping, routine, & whatever else as a first time mom to be I felt was necessary. I have traveled alone with a baby, and planned several parties. The Clueless Chick gets it. She’s been through it. She gives you a fun approach on each of these topics all mom’s can always use some advice and hear stories on to prepare.

My favorite part? While I’m currently diving into Party Planning Tips for the Clueless Chick as my son’s fourth birthday is fast approaching (along with my husband’s 30th shortly after!) I found these cool little checklists you can take on the go with you so you’ll never truly be a “Clueless Chick” when it comes to party planning, travel, and pregnancy!

I just love all of the questions answered in these books – and I think you will too! And they are SUPER affordable! You can purchase an individual book for just $9.99 or all three for $24.99 – what a steal! Who doesn’t want a fun light read that can give you tips along the way!? The Clueless Chick approaches all of those questions we want answered.

During pregnancy, she talks morning sickness, maternity fashion, what to pack for your hospital stay and more. For travel, she discusses how to pack, planning for both local and international travel, and so much more! And party planning questions are answered regarding when to use a planner and when not, budgeting, and the whole party planning process from start to finish!

She has also been featured in Carolina Parent, Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine, ABC, NBC, FOX, & more!

So.. what are you waiting for!? Stop being such a “Clueless Chick” and check them out! You can even win all THREE books – just check out the Rafflecopter form below!

& stay tuned… because I’m putting these tips to the test as I start the planning process for TWO exciting parties coming in March & April! Maybe I’ll even chat some more with Jennifer and share my party planning technique and how I used her help with you too! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

Forever’s Like a Dream Sample Disclosure: The opinions expressed above are honest, accurate, and not encouraged anyway by monetary donations. A sample free of charge was received from said company, as stated within the editorial.

Posted in Giveaways, Reviews

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Celebrate This Holiday Season with Tiny Prints

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Kelley| 2 Comments

Thanks to Jennifer of MommyBKnowsBest, I was invited to a Tiny Prints event on Friday evening. I got to meet some other great local Charlotte area bloggers, have some yummy food at Fran’s Filling Station here in Charlotte, and take a peek at some of Tiny Prints new Holiday collection, along with some of their awesome photo books and more.

What’s New This Season?

I got to see these adorable Ornament Cards. And you know what’s really cool? Jennifer Aniston designed it! Anyone who knows me, knows I am celebrity obsessed, so this is even cooler!

This season, Tiny Prints is featuring an array of celebrity designed Christmas cards. Along with Jennifer Aniston, Eva Longoria, Zoe Saldana, Bridget Moynahan, and Catherine Bell have designed a stylish collection of cards to benefit the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation.

Photography Tips with Chris Garner of TPS Photography

Getting to chat with some awesome bloggers and look over Tiny Prints assortment of designs wasn’t all I got to experience on Friday night. Chris Garner of TPS Photography was present to give us bloggers some photography tips! I learned I will never consider myself a photographer (although not that I ever would anyway), but Chris taught me some tips to help with my lack of photography skills.

Check out TPS Photography at their website and Facebook  to check out some of his work!

Shopping For Gifts?

And aside from creatively designed Christmas cards, don’t forget Tiny Prints offers some pretty amazing photo books too! I got to see some of them in different themes with both professional and normal pictures we take with our own cameras, and they were beautiful! If you’re looking for unique and personal Christmas ideas, this Holiday season, Tiny Print’s photobooks will not disappoint! The options are limitless, so you have the opportunity to create something perfect for what you’re looking for and tailor them to fit exactly what you’re looking to create.

Make your Holiday season a little brighter with designs from Tiny Prints! I’m excited to spend time going through the large selection to create the perfect Christmas card for my family this season!

You can look through Tiny Prints selection of Holiday cards and choose the perfect design for your family this season HERE.

Tell me… which celebrity design is your favorite? Eva Longoria’s design most fits my personality, but what about yours?

 

Posted in For Mom's, The Crowe's Nest

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Real Life Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Kelley| 1 Comment

Spit up, Poop, snot – OH MY! This seems to be my life the last month (Yes – as of August 1, Lavery is ONE MONTH OLD….. When did THAT happen!?) Being a stay at home of two, I’ve had to completely re-adjust our routine and normalcy and replace it with chaos and insanity. Pregnant with LC, the entire pregnancy, I read about the importance of a routine, the EASY method (I seriously read “The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer” cover to cover…. more than once!,) and sleeping when the baby sleeps. All of which… I did, from day one with success.

With baby number two though, there wasn’t a book that told you how to stay sane NOT being able to do all of those  things with a two year old attached to your hip. It’s been a challenge adjusting to life with two and I am still figuring out how to make all of my own thing (like this website, The Charlotte Moms, The Mommies Network, and school too, work)… you know, all those things I do in ADDITION to staying home with two kids!

My “job” though is being a stay at home mom. Being a stay at home mom doesn’t mean not doing anything though or having a purpose. Honestly, I feel like my job has more of a purpose than any other job out there. Who can say what they do in the office is more important than raising babies? I’m not saying people’s job’s aren’t important, but raising babies is the most rewarding, challenging, and important job I could ever have for myself.

However (and this is where the comedy might come in,) just because, I stay home, go to school, write for two websites, and volunteer for a non-profit doesn’t mean I don’t indulge either. By indulging I mean….. yes.. SOAPS! I just have to say. The “real” life of a stay at home mom means looking forward to the moments of free time and sulk in the lives of the residents of Pine Valley and Llanview. This is only a small fraction of my day, but after changing 1o dirty diapers, cleaning up spit up, or the third shower of my morning, because I’m dripping in baby vomit… my real life confession is I like to watch soap operas!

These little angels are my life. BUT… being a stay at home mom sometimes means needing wine (to drown out the WHINING,) counting down the hours, minutes, and seconds until your husband comes home, so you can get the heck out! And wasting time imagining your life in the lavish town’s of Pine Valley, PA and Llanview, PA. If only I was on that red carpet of “Vicker Man” last week…….. sigh.

Posted in For Mom's

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WhatToExpect.com Partnership & Giveaway *CLOSED*

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Kelley| 7 Comments

When I was approached by WhatToExpect.com about partnering with their site, I was ecstatic! Of course I jumped to the opportunity! Having a toddler and being pregnant, I am on a constant quest for the best resources on giving me advice and guiding me through the journey of motherhood.

When I was pregnant with LC, I remember reading “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and kind of freaking out a little bit, feeling somewhat overwhelmed at everything I was reading. I eventually stopped reading to take a step back and evaluate things on my own rather than letting a book scare me, but I have found myself in the last two years of being a parent to a growing toddler and now an expectant mom once again going back to that book to seek out information or advice. I never would have expected to be contacted by their websiteabout a partnership and build my persona as a Blogger in a an even bigger way through their website!

I blog about being a mom. That’s who I am and that’s what I know. Being a mom. I live for LC and I live for this baby growing inside of me. I turn to every possible resource to help me the best mom that I can be. I strive to inspire other moms and I look up to my mom friends. My whole world revolves around being a mom. Yes, I am a person aside from being a mom, but being a mom is my job, my pride, and my joy and I want to share my pride and joy with the world.

WhatToExpect.com is the website version of the “What to Expect” books. You can go onto this website and join a community of other mom’s, track your baby’s growth throghout pregnancy, and get information on conceiving to the growing baby inside your belly up through the toddler years! One of my favorite things to do even being pregnant for the second time is to read the pregnancy calendar each week and see a little glimpse of what this baby girl is developing this week and get a better idea of what’s baking in my belly.

WhatToExpect.com offers a variety of books you can find here including a brand new book you can pre-order called “What To Expect the Second Year.” How cool is that!? One of my favorite things about these books is they are so personalized. It’s not just one book filled with some information on the growth of your baby. It’s a series of books tailored to each stage of their development and lives. You can read them as your child grows.

The Giveaway

I love this giveaway! I love it, because it’s totally personalized to mom’s like me! Mom’s who are expecting their second baby and already have a toddler to chase around. And the best part!? There will be THREE winners! That’s right… THREE winners! Three lucky mama’s will be the winner’s of TWO great books. “What To Expect When You’re Expecting: 4th Edition” and “What To Expect The Toddler Years!”

Even if you aren’t expecting, but have a toddler, have any pregnant friends? Give one as a gift! Or Vice versa! These are great books with an abundance of resources you won’t want to miss out on!

Here’s How You Win!

Leave me a comment on this blog post with either your due date or child’s age and why you want to win! It’s that easy!

Get Additional Entries

If you want an extra chance to win, here’s two chances!

1. “Like” Forever’s Like a Dream & What To Expecton Facebook and leave a comment on my wall tagging us both in the post.

2. Follow me (Kelchristina) on Twitter and What To Expect and tag us both in a tweet!

The Giveaway will end ONE WEEK from today at midnight on May 2nd!

Good luck!

Posted in Giveaways, Parenting, Pregnancy

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Being a crafty mama!

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Kelley| Leave a comment

So I loooove homemade gifts!! I love to be able to make something and personalize it to perfection! I am also obsessed with Blogs! My sister in law Miranda, sent me a link on how to make this really cool wall book hanging! I bought my first sewing machine (at a really great used price, thank you consigning mama’s!) and decided to try my first project!

I thought that this was SO EASY! I have never sewed before (other than sewing class in middle school) and I didn’t even know how to thread the needle or set the machine up! (Thankful to my wonderful husband who was able to read the directions, because Lord knows I am HORRIBLE with reading instructions!)

The first book hanging I made was for LC’s room! We are in the process of re designing his room and I’m using really fun, vibrant colors. I decided (due to the lack of fabric options at Wal-Mart) to go with a brown wall hanging and then I found this really cool and colorful ribbon with jungle animals on it. It came out AWESOME! (And by awesome I mean, as awesome as it could be for a first time sewer!)

I am so obsessed with this new, inexpensive, easy project, that I made another one today for our living room! This time, I went to Hobby Lobby (who has an incredible/cute fabric collection by the way!) and paid $4 for this gorgeous fabric and made it in 10 minutes! How cool!?

So.. my new obsession is sewing and these book hangings are seriously my new favorite thing! Anyone have any fun, easy craft project ideas? Comment on this post and maybe I will try it out and post about it!!

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Happy Sewing!

Posted in The Crowe's Nest

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