Wordless Wednesday!!

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.

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!

How parents cope: Toddler Tantrums

Today I’m going to talk about a topic that is near and dear to me. No it’s not charity. No it’s not some sort of illness (unless you consider tantrums an illness). The infamous and dreaded temper tantrum!

A lot of people over the ages have written about temper tantrums. But my take is a little different.  See, temper tantrums are a part of life. I guarantee just about every toddler has had them.  So it’s normal behavior for toddlers, am I right? Most of the posts/articles/books that I have seen focus on how to get your child to stop, or atleast minimize them. Which I don’t disagree with. But what about us? How do we get through it? How do we as parents, cope with these dreaded temper tantrums?


 It is human nature to be uncomfortable with something we don’t understand. So the first step is understanding a temper tantrum. At this age, a toddler (no matter how grown up they may seem at times), just doesn’t have the capacity to understand an adult’s logic and reasoning. They don’t get just how embarrassing, frustrating, annoying, and distressing temper tantrums are to us. To them it’s just a way of expressing their emotions. Don’t try to get them to understand why tantrums are bad, they just don’t get it. Instead, try showing them more positive ways of dealing with emotion. Getting frustrated during your child’s tantrum is not only pointless, but can actually make it worse. Much worse, I’m afraid. Not only are you stressed out, but your child picks up on your heightened level of stress, and frustration.


I am by no means an expert in this department, but I do know that the louder, more frustrated you are… the more frustrated they are. Like you are feeding off of each other’s emotions. I have definitely had a hard time with this, and it’s a hard lesson learned. So back to how to deal with them. Walk away if you have to. If you feel like you just can’t calm down, and the situation is escalating, just walk into the other room. Take a minute to calm down. Take a few deep breaths. Turn on some soothing music. Whatever it takes. Children at this age have a low attention span. I’ve done this several times with my daughter, and by the time I walked back in the room, she had stopped and was focused on something completely different.


If that doesn’t work, distraction almost always does (atleast for me). And I don’t just mean for your little one. This technique can be used for both you and your toddler. Have a favorite movie that you love watching with your little one? Put it on, sit down, and relax. Guaranteed to not only distract the little attention span your child has, but it will also distract from the negative frustration and turn it into a good moment. Distraction can be used anywhere. In the car, in the grocery store, at home, anywhere. Creating a less stressed home, and a less stressed parent can create a less stressed, happy, calmer child. Remember that you are their example. If you stay calm, they will start to follow you. Hope this helps! And if you have any questions, either leave a comment, or if you would rather, you can email me at S(dot)moreland27(at)gmail(dot)com.

Curbing the dreaded "MINE!" phase for toddlers

Hello there Bloggyland!

Today is gunna be awesome! No work. No previous engagements, No appointments, No worries! I literally don't have anything planned for the day except to take my daughter to park after nap time. It's days like this that make everything else possible! Speaking of... just thought I'd let you know, I have a lot planned for the next few weeks. A few reviews, more giveaways, plus more fun stuff. OOooo I almost forgot. I submitted an essay to The Parent Du Jour, which is an online book of parent from ALL around the world. And... (insert drum roll here)... I am proud to say that in a few weeks time, my essay will be published on their website!! So excited, and honored to be a part of their project. As soon as my essay is published, I will post a link for you guys to go check out. :)

The last couple of weeks I have been teaching my daughter about money, and paying for things. Granted, she only has a piggy bank. But I'm one of those people that absolutely hates change. Especially when you get a collection going in your pocket and people can hear coming from a long way off and small children scream "I hear jingle bells! I hear Santa coming!". Haha. Anyway, so if I ever get change, no matter the amount, it automatically goes into her piggy bank (which means that she has more in there, than I have in my wallet, Lol). Now she knows that she can't just take things, and that she has to pay for them with her piggy. A totally awesome side-effect, that I wasn't really going for but is awesome nontheless, is that she has stopped claiming everything to be "Mine!" That drove me nuts. I think every toddler goes through that phase. Glad I finally figured out a magic cure for it. And also started teaching my daughter about the value of money early! One small step for toddlers, One giant leap for Super Moms everywhere! Love it. :)

Well, I hope you are all having a fantastic (and not so busy) day!
Until next time!

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". :)

Taking some "Me" time

The blog I posted yesterday gave you some ideas of how to Pamper Yourself. So what have you done today to pamper yourself? I have to admit that Wednesday's are my favorites because it's the one day a week that I don't have my daughter (she spends the night at grammy's house).

 So with the house all to myself, I took some of my own advice and watched one of my favorite movie's (A league of their own). I'm eating my snicker's bar.  I'm relaxing. A little much needed 'me' time. I know that we all need to have time to ourselves every once in awhile. Raising a family can be hard work. And it is my opinion that it is definitely a full time job. But even work-aholics get break time. So should we. Don't lose sight of that. 

The dictionary's definition of "pamper" is this: to treat or gratify with extreme or excessive indulgence, kindness, or care. We have to remember to take care of ourselves. Don't feel bad or feel like you are being a selfish parent. It is a basic human need. And think about it this way, if you do pamper yourself it will be a stress reliever. And we all know that the less we are stressed as parents, the better for our kids, and our families. A happy mom, is a happy family. ;)

-Sicily

September: Pamper Yourself!

Here on my I have a theme for the month of September! And it is (drum roll please)... Pamper Yourself!!

All summer long we have been driven crazy by our kids being at home. Now that (most of) the kids are back in school, it’s time to take back our quiet time. Our time to pamper ourselves with a long bath, or be able to read a book (without them interrupting every five minutes), etc.  I’m starting to plan a Giveaway with this theme in mind, with a few items for us moms to pamper ourselves with. (Spoiler alert: maybe some special bath soaps, jewelry, etc.) Check back in the next week for the Giveaway posting, but for now I will be starting off a few simple, and easy ideas for us moms to pamper ourselves, because we definitely DESERVE it!!!

Girly Dish Session

Have a friend that you haven’t talked to in awhile? Want to do some catching up? While your kids are at school, call a good friend over for some chit-chat time! (Cookies or other baked goods can be a good addition, but not necessary.)

Treat Yourself

Every time I go to the grocery store with my little girl, she always wants every candy in the store. I know how frustrating it can be to just get out of the store without a bunch of junk food. Next time you go to the store, buy one treat that is JUST FOR YOU. That’s right, I said it. JUST FOR YOU. Personally I prefer Snickers, but whatever your taste may be just treat yourself. (I don’t think your yoga/fitness instructor will deny you this one pleasure, and if she does… buy her a candy bar too. She’ll thank you.)

Movie Night

Put the kids to bed early, and (with or without your significant other) grab one of your favorite movies. Dim the lights, pop some popcorn, cuddle up on your couch, and enjoy! (I know it’s cliché but I’m totally gunna watch The Notebook)

So here’s my question: What have you done lately to pamper yourself?

(Remember to keep reading, and come back for the upcoming GIVEAWAY!)

-Sicily

15 Tips for Single Parents

I have been a single parent for over two years, and it has definitely been a rocky road. But I have kept going, even when it seemed impossible. I know without Katy in my life, things would be very different. I love her with every breath in my body even though most times she is the cause of my frustrations. I know I'm not the only one out there. So if you are a newly single parent, or even a veteran who is going through a rough time, (some of these tips work for any parent, not just single parents): Take a deep breath. Stay calm. Here are a few tips I have learned that may help:

1. It's ok to be emotional:

I know that as single parents we want to be the backbone for our families. We need to achieve a balance though. It is okay for us to be emotional, and still be strong. I know I've broke down and cried many times after my daughter has gone to bed. A good cry can actually be a healthy release of emotions that we have been hiding from our children all day. But if you don't let it out once in awhile, the emotions you are holding in can backfire on you.

2. Be Creative:

How many times have you gotten un-wanted parenting advice from others, and you kept thinking "but you don't know my child, you don't live with him/her, you just DONT KNOW"? I used to do this all the time, completely dismissing any advice from others. But sometimes if we swallow our pride, and take a moment to listen, it just might help. If the advice doesn't quite work for your child, tweak it. Take someone's advice, and change it to fit you and your child. Be creative, and you just might come up with a solution!

3. Teach them your values:

Make a point of telling your children, what is okay, and what's not. And stand firm with what you believe in, even if it isn't what others think you should be doing. You are the parent of your child. No one else is.

4. Quit worrying about not having the other parent around:

This is something I still struggle with every day. But here's the deal: Single moms and dads having been raising children for a VERY long time. If they can do it, so can you. Just because the other parent isn't there, doesn't mean your child can't live a happy and healthy life.

5. Don't be scared to ask for help:

We can't always be Supermoms/Superdads. Sometimes we need help, but we are too afraid to ask. Keep in mind that just because you are asking for help, that doesn't mean you have failed as a parent. The old saying "It takes a village to raise a child" couldn't be more accurate. Make a support system for yourself of reliable family members and friends that you can trust to be there when you need them most.

6. Make them self-sufficient:

This is my favorite tip to give any other parent out there, because I have such a strong testimony of it. There is nothing wrong with getting a head start on teaching them a few things that will help them feel more grown up, while giving you more time to focus on other things. My daughter loves helping mommy with the dishes. She is so proud of herself when she gets her own snack out of the designated drawer in the kitchen. Instead of stopping in the middle of doing the mounds of laundry I have to go restart her movie, she knows how to press play when it gets to the menu. She opens the fridge, gets her own juicebox, and the only thing I have to do is help her put the straw in. Her favorite pair of shoes are a pair of clogs that she can just slip on, instead of me having to tie her tennis shoes. I know these seem like simple things, but they add up. A minute here, a minute there. Which means more time for me to get things done that I need to.

7. Make a plan/schedule/organize

Being a single parent can get pretty crazy and hectic sometimes. To avoid that feeling of "chicken with my head cut off", make a plan/schedule for each day. Try to organize your home to make things easier for when you only have a few moments to spend on it.

8. Keep your schedule:

Kids whine less about bed time, if they already know it's coming. So once you come up with a schedule, do your best to stick to it.

9. Stay healthy:

Healthy parents, means healthy kids. Make sure to take time to yourself, to keep yourself healthy. You can avoid frantically searching for a last minute babysitter because you are sick, if you just take a few moments to yourself each day to focus on yourself, and your own health.

10. Have a backup plan:

Ever had a babysitter back out at the last minute, and had to cancel that important meeting? When it comes to babysitters/childcare, school schedules, plans for the day, etc it's really important that you come up with a back up plan in case something falls through. You can avoid an un-necessary stress out session if you already have a plan when things go wrong.

11. Budget:

Living on a single income can be very difficult, especially in this economy. Take some time to come up with a budget for food, clothing, and other needs that allows you live comfortably. Putting a little of your paycheck in a savings account each month can also help for emergencies.

12. Schedule Alone time:

Make some time for yourself. Schedule a manicure. Watch a movie by yourself. Just a small amount of "Alone" time each day can do wonders for your own sanity. Don't Forget to pamper yourself! 

13. Focus on the positive:

There are going to be times when bad things happen, that you just can't change no matter how hard you try. Don't dwell on them, it's counter-productive and it will only stress you out. Focus on more positive things, or things that you can still change. 

14. Pray:

Prayer is a wonderful thing. Take time to thank God for the good things you have in life, and ask him to bless you with  courage, strength, compassion, and love. God always answers our prayers.

15. Sometimes you just have to let go:

If all else fails, just let it go. If you can't change the situation, just let it go. If something your child is doing frustrates you, but there's nothing you can do, just let it go. And remember that your child loves you, you love your child, and no matter what you will get through it together. Be strong.

I am not perfect, nor a perfect parent. Just doing my best. Sometimes that's all you can do.

Sending my love out to all you single parents.

-Sicily

Gray Hair and Spongebob

The last couple of years have been really hard on my hair. Ive dyed it numerous times in order to get rid of all the little gray hairs that seem to pop up with every tantrum my toddler has. Well, today wasn't any better.

The morning started out as any other morning in our house. Katy wakes me up, she eats her cereal, and then she asks me to start her favorite video on the tv in her room. All of this goes just as every other day. But then I walk out of her room for about a minute and a half, and I hear a blood curdling scream. And I have to admit as I was rushing in to her room, I was thinking "Oh goodness, what now?!" I meet her at the bedroom door and she is already bleeding heavily. At first I wasn't sure where the blood was coming from because it seemed to be everywhere. In her hair, hands, face, and clothes. I finally found the source. Her left pointer finger looked like something out of a horror movie. Mangled, bloody, and black and blue.

My mom was a nurse for most of her adult life, and she taught me a few tricks. So, I cleaned up the blood as best as I could, and we headed to my moms to get her opinion. We sterelized it with hydrogen peroxide, and bandaged it. My mom couldn't tell what it looked like until it stopped bleeding. So Katy sat and watched tv with us, and then fell asleep for a little bit. When she woke up, and my mom took a second look at it, she told me that I may want to take her to the hospital. So we went. I'm amazed at how brave, and calm Katy was all day. Even when the doctor put 5 stitches in the end of her finger.

So while my own nerves where shot, imagining the worst scenario ( a child with 9 fingers instead of 10), Katy was calm. Barely any tears. She watched Spongebob as the doc stitched her up, and then sat up and said "Tank you, you did good job Doctor man." At that point the doctor and nurse started laughing. I think I added a good ten new gray hairs today, and I also learned just how tough my little girl is. Now that it's the end of the day, and I'm thinking it over, things could have been much worse, and my daughter took it in stride and became my little warrior. Scars and all. *sigh* She's growing up too fast.

Blogging Buddies

Loving Click. Check. Mom. !!!
In her own words:
"I was born and raise in the city of Mexicali, which is in the border with California. Living as a single working mom in my hometown , I met this wonderful guy and we fall in love, got marry, after that we had two more children Hallie and Cole, that makes three with Cassie.
Now I spend my days trying to figure out how to go back to school, been a mom and wife, between that time I enjoy posting in my blog, I know I am not a great writer, but what I write comes from the heart, did I mention that I try to have peace from my family life with guilty pleasures like coffee and cola? I hope hop on our life Journey.
Where the blog name came from? This is an inside joke between me and my 4 yr old boy, we start mocking the Cheez-It commercial and bugging each other saying, click-check-click every time we saw it, we always had a laugh. So when it came to got a name for the blog, it make sense and fitting for me say Click: when you come to the blog, Check: no need to explain, Mom: because is what a write. I know, is silly, but is the things I share with my kids."
I love the heartfelt blogs from this inspired momma!! Please take a moment to check her site out!!
Click.Check.Mom
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