Season's Greetings and Growing Imagination

I apologize for my recent absence in the last few weeks. I have been really trying to focus on getting back in to school, and getting financial aid for that. That however doesn't mean that I have forgotten about you, my dear readers. I have missed you, and missed telling you about my toddler's antics. Her imagination seems to be growing by the second. It's hard to keep up with. Sometimes I think she is being serious when she is pretending, and sometimes I think she is pretending when she is really being serious. This is has gotten me in trouble with her several times already. And then there are the times when she is purposefully trying to trick me up, and make me look silly. At which point she starts laughing and at me and calls me silly mommy. She's a regular comedian. I swear. Haha. 

I can't wait until she pulls this on her father, who by the way says he will be here for Christmas. I guess we will just have to wait and see. I still don't trust him. But my little girl is excited about seeing him, so like I said, we'll just have to see how things go. 

Speaking of Christmas: I just finished making our Christmas greeting card. It is so much cheaper to design them myself, and then just have them printed for the regular price of any other 4x6 photo. A friend is picking them up for me later on today, I can't wait for them to get here. For those of you who read this and are personal friends of mine, email me with your address so I can send one to your family!! 

I hope everyone's fall/winter/holiday season is going well! Also I'm curious what my next topic should be more geared towards? My usual of parenting, or should it be about the holidays? What would you like to have a discussion about? Leave me a comment, twitter me, facebook me and let me know!!

Going back to school? #nervous

Yes, it's been awhile since I have updated my blog regularly. I have to admit that I have been super busy and distracted with my plans to head back to school. Yup that's right single working mommy turned single working college student mommy. Haha... I think I may be in for a rough journey but this is sometihing that I've ALWAYS wanted to do. I am so super duper excited. And the best part?? I will be majoring in Marketing so I'm sure the more experience I get, the better my blog will be!!! I hope at least. This is not one of those things that I start and then decide after awhile that I just don't feel like doing it anymore. Because finishing a degree will ensure a better job, and ensure a better life for my daughter. But I also promise that I will continue to update my blog with fun topics about my crazy toddler, parenting, and surviving. Speaking of, my daughter as with all children, is growing up way too fast. I wish she wouldn't learn and grow so fast. I miss the little baby girl she used to be when she was still crawling and babbling. But now she is a toddler. Talking full sentences, and she won't stop asking questions, Haha. And she now runs faster than I do, she chases circles around her aging mother. I think my favorite part right now is that she doesn't always pronounce things right, so they sound funny. And she makes up her own words sometimes. Spaghetti is sketti. Popcicle is posikle. She's hilarious.
So my curious question to you is what is your favorite time? Crawling? Walking? Talking? etc. 

Potty training, Halloween, and Simple Pleasures Giveaway Winner!

So I realise that I haven't been on much in the last few days. I have a lot on my plate right now. Not to mention the technical difficulties with my internet.  Anyway, starting this morning I have been really pushing my toddler for potty training. We've tried in the past, but it was just kinda if she wanted to. Now I'm really focused on it. I know she's ready. She tells me everytime she goes potty in her diaper, and she seems really interested in her potty chair. So last night I got a bag of treats for her. The bag is full of candy, and other treats. My friend who potty trained her 4 children suggested that I find something to encourage my daughter. Anyway, so I sat her down this morning and we had a little chat about her potty chair, her potty pants (pull-ups), and the bag of treats she gets to pick from if she does go potty. She seemed to understand. Which made me super excited. About 20 minutes later, she said "Mommy, I gotta potty". So I showed her how to take her "potty pants off" and sit on the "potty chair". And SHAZAAM! I was so happy, we both were jumping up and down in excitement. She picked a green sucker from the "treat bag", and there you go! So far she has only had an accident once, but that's because we were outside and she was a little too distracted by toys. AWESOME!! So far, so good. Day 1 down.

I suppose you all want to know who won the Simple Pleasures Giveaway that ended yesterday. Well... (drumroll please)...

Its Bridget Gilligan!

Congratulations, Bridget! I hope you enjoy your prize pack!!!
Next on the agenda, I have been trying to come up with costume ideas for my daughter for Halloween. The only one I could come up with is pebbles from the flinstones. She has the red hair, and she's the right age for it. But in my area, bambam and pebbles have been done a lot. So any of you have any suggestions? Send me a twitter @MoreSmoresMama or just leave a comment! That would be really awesome! Thanks!

Well, I hope everyone is having a lovely day, and I hope you all are having fun!
Until next time,

Our Day in The Park: Havin some fun!

Our Day in The Park!

My absolute passion (other than blogging and twitter ofcourse) is photography. I've been neglecting my camera lately, which is a shame. This morning my daughter went for a doctor checkup and got her flu shots. So I decided to treat both of us. She got to go play at the park for more than an hour, and I got to take some great shots of my favorite subject! I had SOOOO much fun that I thought I would share some of them you! So I hope you enjoy! My daughter is so much fun to photograph! 

HOPE YOU ALL HAD AS GOOD OF A DAY AS WE DID!!!

"Must Love Shoes" Review!!!

Yesterday I received an amazing book. "Must Love Shoes" by Julie Gaver. 

It's a collection of stories about life in a woman's shoes. But I couldn't start reading it right away, I had to wait until I put my daughter down for the night. As soon as she was asleep though, I sat down to read it. And only a few pages in I was already laughing my butt off! Julie talks about her life experiences in a way that makes us feel like we are one of her girlfriend's who she hasn't seen in awhile, sitting on the couch sharing stories,  drinking coffee, and eating muffins. I laughed so hard, I nearly choked and thought I would wake up my daughter when she talked about her clothing misshap at staples. She makes fun of herself a lot in the book, which gives the rest of us the confidence to do the same. My absolute favorite part of the book is when she talks about crossing the finish line in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Washington, DC. It is such a heartfelt moment, I could feel the emotions she felt and I almost started crying. 


At the end of the book, I felt as if she were that old friend sitting on the couch, and giving me a big bear hug. Telling me "You've got brains, heart, and courage. Embrace them. Celebrate the woman you are!"


"Must Love Shoes" was an amazing book, and a book I will reccommend to all women, now and in the future. And when my daughter is older, I will pass it on to her. It's a book that will last through time, because of Julie's comedic antics, stories that we can relate to as women, and it's heartfelt message. I absolutely LOVED "Must Love Shoes", and can't wait to see more of Julie's work!!


You can get a copy of "Must Love Shoes", read Julie's blog and contact her at www.mustloveshoesthebook.com

disclaimer: The only thing I recieved in compensation for this review was a free copy of "Must Love Shoes". My review has not been influenced in any way, and my opinions are my own.

Wild Card Weekend Blog Hop is here!!

Wild Card Weekend Blog Hop is here!

Happy Saturday and welcome to the Wild Card Weekend Hop hosted by Crunchy Frugalista and Money Savvy Michelle. What’s the Wild Card Weekend hop about? Even though we host daily hops, we realize we don’t offer a hop for every network and that we constantly have new bloggers linking up. Plus, it’s Saturday, we all want to take it easy! So, with this hop all we ask is that you link up to your blog’s homepage and then follow as many other blogger’s as you can on at least one network.

Please welcome this week’s guest host: Esther of Frugal Living and More! Go show her some Wild Card Weekend love. =)

To participate click on the button below!

Rock n Learn DVD/CD Giveaway!!

A fellow blogger is giving away a Rock n Learn DVD or CD of choice. If you have seen any of their dvds or listen to any of their cds, You know how great they are for kids! I really want to win the Colors, Shapes, and Counting DVD for my little one. This is an awesome Giveaway, and I'm excited to participate. If you want to enter this giveaway go to Ann Crabs blog HERE. 

Here is a sample of her post:

"My youngest is beginning to read, so I was excited to review Rock n Learn's Sight Words DVD.  I have watched (and loved) many of their videos, but this is definitely one of my favorites!  The video reviews over 60 sight words, including all pre-primer Dolch words and the Top 20 from Fry's first 100 and more.  The songs combined with the words are taught in context for meaning.  The characters are fun and my girls were laughing and singing along right away!  If you have a little one starting to read, don't miss out on this video!

Rock n Learn offer a variety of education video and CD topics, including reading, phonics, science, foreign languages, presidents, states and capitals and the solar system.  Visit www.RockNLearn.com for more information and to hear samples."


I urge you to go check it out, and if you have a little one who is starting to read, or learn shapes, colors, or numbers I urge you to enter her giveaway!

10 Day Challenge:Day 10/ Wordless Wednesday

I've been a little distracted by my giveaway to blog the last couple of days, but I still need to finish My 10 Day Challenge series with the last challenge, which is a picture of myself. Funny coincidence that it is also Wordless Wednesday, so I thought I could do a Two for One type of deal. Lol. So here it is! Enjoy!

Simple Pleasures Pamper Yourself Giftpack Review + Giveaway from Devi Handcrafted!

September is Pamper Yourself on More Smores, as part of that I am reviewing and doing a giveaway for a giftpack from Devi Handcrafted!!!! Gotta love the simple pleasures in life!

So unbelievably excited! I recieved my giftpack from Devi Handcrafted today!! Even before now, I have absolutely loved this shop, and it's products! Handmade Jewelry, Accessories, and Soaps! So when I finally got the giftpack, I was beside myself! I couldn't wait to open it up, and see the goodies inside! 

The first thing I pulled out was the headband. I love headbands, but my head must be oddly shaped because I can never get the stretchy ones to fit and stay on. So it was love at first sight with this Flower Cabochon & Brass Filigree headband! Gorgeous! 

The second thing I pulled out was the earrings. Blue Glass Faceted Upcycled Dangle Earrings. I don't know about you, but I am in LOVE with any earrings that dangle. And these are no exception! They are soo much fun, I felt like going out dancing when I put them on. And I could wear them just about any where, from going to the grocery store, to work, to dinner or where ever! Fun, and SASSY!

The last (but definitely not least), was the Rasberry Lime Goat's Milk Soap. And who doesn't love soap? But this stuff is awesome, Rasberry scent on one side, and Lime on the other. Mixed together it smells DEVIne (haha... had to throw that in there)!!!

All in all, I was expecting some great stuff from Devi Handcrafted, and they DEVInitly (hahaha did it again) delivered!!! 

So here's your chance to win a giftpack like mine! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below! Giveaway begins today (9/19/11), and closes on October 1st at 12:01 am, so hurry up and enter!!!

****I recieved a gift pack from Devi Handcrafted to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received , and this post's content was not influenced. All opinions are my own. If you have a questions, or concerns regarding this product, please refer to the company website for more info.***

NEW! More Smores Monday Madness!

Hello there, Ladies (and gentlemen)!!!
I'm starting something new here on More Smores. It's called More Smores Monday Madness! You're probably wondering what the heck it is. Well I'll tell you...

Every Monday we start the week out, and (at least for me) Monday seems to be the most frustrating day of the week. A lot of traffic on the road, people cranky cause they have to go back to work, kids annoyed cause they have to go back to school, etc. That truck that cuts you off, the old lady driving 5 miles an hour, those slow college students j-walking, etc. Well, I'm here for you whatever the case may be. So take a deep breath, and let this be your room to vent! I wanna hear ALL about it (keep the language/subject clean though please)!!!! It doesn't even have to be from today, anything frustrating you this week that you want to share! So take another deep breath, count to ten... and tell me what makes you mad!!!!

(SOMEONE GOT A CASE OF THE "MONDAYS"!!!)

10 Day Challenge: Day 9

Today's Challenge is Two Songs:

1. In My Daughter's Eyes, Martina McBride

 I have to admit as I was thinking of my favorite songs this one jumped right to the top of the list. It makes me cry every time I hear it. This is the love I feel for my darling little girl. Hope you enjoy it, and make sure you have a tissue box handy!

2. Joy to the World, Three Dog Night

I know this song completely by heart. It has been passed down, generation to generation, as a lullaby. My mom sang it to me when I was a baby, and I've sung it to my daughter every night since before she was born. She won't go to sleep without mommy or grammy signing her "bullfrog song". :)

10 Day Challenge: Day 8

Today's Challenge is 3 films

1. Pride and Prejudice

2. Eat Pray Love

3. Wall-E

-Sicily

10 Day Challenge: Day 6

Today's Challenge is Five Foods

1. Pasta (just about any kind but my favorite is pasta salad)

2. My mom's recipe for Thanksgiving Stuffing

3. String Cheese (My daughter got me hooked on it.)

4. Pizza (Hawaiian is my fave)

5. Mountain Dew (Yes, it counts!)

-Sicily

A few Blog Hops...

Here's a few Blog Hops I'm participating in today and this weekend! Why don't you come join!! :)

10 Day Challenge: Day 5

Today's challenge is 6 places, not sure if that's places you want to see, or already love so I mixed it up.



1. Number one for a reason: Palouse Falls, Idaho
My family has a lot of memories here, camping together. I loved this place as a child, and still do to this day. I haven't had the opportunity to take my daughter yet, but I want to. It's gorgeous there. I've actually stood up at the top of the falls, we climbed up there with my parents when I was younger. :)




2. Gig Harbor, Wa
Gig Harbor is where I lived with my ex. Despite the tourist-y atmosphere, It is gorgeous there. Mt. Rainier is not far away, and usually is the backdrop for this beautiful place.

Katy's paternal grandparents still live in the area, so we still see it every now and again. And every time I go, I love it.









3. Sicily
My namesake and heritage. I am half sicilian, and I've always wanted to go so I can learn more about the customs, and my own heritage. One day I will go there. And I'll probably confuse the locals when I say "Il mio nome e Sicily!"( My name is Sicily- I do know a little italian) :D







4. Cesme Peninsula, Turkey
Not necessarily un-heard of, but definitely not as main stream a destination like Hawaii. This place is GORGEOUS!!

I love these beutiful pictures of the Aegean Sea hitting the beaches of Cesame.









5. As much as I'd love to see other far away places, I am very proud of Idaho. We actually have four seasons unlike a lot of places in the world.

We are a mixture of beautiful farm land, gorgeous rivers, campgrounds, with some pretty cool attractions.

One of my favorites being McCall, Idaho for all the winter activities they have. I love the Pancake and Christmas House. I went there and after eating a delicious breakfast, I shopped for christmas items! So much fun!!

6. Hawaii
For obvious reasons I have always wanted to go to Hawaii. It is so beautiful there. It's always been a favorite of mine, and also my mom's. I hope to take her there one day. :)

-Sicily