Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

100 Day Picture Challenge: Day 3

100 Day Picture Challenge
Day 3:  
 A picture of the cast from your favorite show

This is the cast to my favorite television show. I’m sure a lot of people won’t be familiar with it but it’s called Mistresses and is straight out of the UK. I remember exactly when I discovered this show and started watching. Toodie was only a couple of months old and I was downstairs late one night surfing through channels. I never watch BBC which is a British channel because none of their programs ever interested me. Then that night I saw a preview advertising Mistresses. It looked really interesting so i decided to watch the first episode. Well that’s all it took, I was hooked! Mistresses follows four best friends through their escapades, affairs, tragedies, marital and extramarital relationships. Judging by the title you can probably tell it’s got a lot of juicy situations within it. There were only a few seasons of this show created but I still find myself going back and re-watching the episodes online!

The Luxury Of Sleep

Do you ever try and take a nap but no matter what you do something interrupts it? Almost like it wasn’t meant to be.  Since Toodie has been going to school Tuesdays and Thursdays our schedule has changed drastically. We have been getting up early everyday between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning. Of course this is probably a normal time for the average person to wake up but for me it’s awful! I have been a stay at home mom for three years now so the whole “wake up early for work” thing has flown right past me. I remember not even having to set my alarm because my internal clock would wake me up each day. I guess that’s what happens when we are in a routine and have the same work schedule day after day. That and a fear of being late. I have always been a night owl and when Toodie goes to bed at night I stay up to get things done. I work on my blog, finish up laundry, catch my favorite show on the DVR, or watch YouTube videos. These are all things I used to take for granted. I mean, I don’t even watch TV anymore! Nick Jr, Sprout, and the Disney Channel are what I find myself watching each day. Even when my shows come on I decide to record them so I can watch them later in peace and quiet. I know i’m not the only one who does that! 

Last night I couldn’t even fall asleep until 2. All I kept thinking about was, “I am SO taking a nap after I drop her off at school tomorrow.”  I woke up at 7 this morning, got everything prepared, and headed out. As soon as I got home I went to my room and attempted to get some rest. I felt dead tired but laid there thinking of the million other things I could be doing. Should i do more laundry, watch a movie, clean the bathroom, go pick up my books for school, enjoy the day, etc. Just couldn’t shut my mind off. Can you tell that I am not used to having much free time? I don’t know what to do with myself when i have it. I don’t know why in the world I thought that I was actually going to be able to get some rest in. After 30 minutes the phone was ringing, the lawn man was mowing the grass, dogs were barking, and my wacky alarm on my phone was going off. Everything happens all at once! Perfect Timing. NOT. Needless to say, i gave up! Does this ever happen to you? I feel like sleep is a luxury now a days.

100 Day Picture Challenge: Day 2

100 Day Picture Challenge
Day 2:  
 A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

The person that I have been closest to the longest is also the most important to me. Let me introduce you to the wonderful woman above, my mom. For obvious reasons my mom has known me the longest out of anyone in my life. She is not only but my mother but my best friend. We are one in the same and I wouldn’t have it any other way.There is no way in the world I could be the person I am today without her by my side. She has supported me through rough times, encouraged me, and always loved me unconditionally. I admire her strength, courage, and confidence. I can only hope that Toodie and I have the same wonderful relationship when she is older.

Spring Clothing Trends For The Kiddos

Pretty floral patterns, patchwork, bright colors, stripes, fluttery tops, and lots of yellow!  Spring is here and Summer is not far behind. Along with the sunshine comes fresh fun trends for the tots. Popular stores such as Children’s Place and Gymboree have a full line of fun colorful clothing choices for the little person in your life. 

 The Children’s Place has always been one of my favorite stores to shop at. They have adorable pieces and at a great price. You can really stretch your dollar there. Their Spring line for girls is colorful, cool, and flirty. Butterfly dresses, striped skirts, and jeweled sandals are just some of my favorites. They even have a huge section of mix & match pieces that you can create your own look from. 



The boy’s section has just as many choices. Tons of plaid button down tops, boat shoes, denim shorts, and camo sunglasses. There are a lot of casual looks to choose from and several pieces can be used to layer.You will be able to find the perfect outfit for a family outing or a walk on the beach!


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Gymboree has quite a selection of fun pieces this year. For the little girls flower dresses, mermaids,  and tropical two pieces are available. The one thing I have always loved about Gymboree is their variety of matching accessories. You can pick out the outfit and there are always cute sandals and hair pins to tie the outfit together. 


For the little guys sea creatures, patchwork shorts, and palm trees are found in their new Spring/Summer collection. Girls aren’t the only ones with extra accessories. Gymboree even has adorable matching hats, shoes, and even cool sunglasses!



You can find all of these Spring items in store or online. Gymboree is currently having a 60% off sale while Children’s Place just started their “Buy More, Save More” sale. The “Buy More, Get More” sale offers 15% off your purchase, 20% off $30 or more, and %25 off $40 or more. Stop in or shop online to stock up on your favorites!

Six Tips To Kick The Pacifier

Is that Toodie or the Terminator?
That Bobo WON’T be Back!

Positive Encouragement: Whether you are an adult or child, everyone can benefit from positive reinforcement. Make sure to show your child that you notice their lack of pacifier use and you are proud. You can even make a pacifier chart just like you would do with potty training. You can reward them with stickers or even extra play time outside. The positive comments will encourage them and it’s no mystery that children loved to be praised.

No More Cute Nicknames: Instead of using the cute little nicknames for the pacifier call it exactly what it is. When we give nicknames to objects children often use that to associate with comfort and safety. No more bobo, binky, te-te, paci, or whatever other nickname you have created for it. You want your child to slowly transition away from the pacifier being their security blanket. You can even replace it with another object like a stuffed animal or blankie. Take the focus off of the bobo.

Cut The Tips Off: This was recommended to me by Toodie’s pediatrician and I wasn’t sure it would actually work at first. I thought, yeah I could cut all the tips off but she is just going to scream her little head off until I give her a new one. Well surprisingly it did. I cut off all the tips to each “bobo” we had lying around the house. Then I just sat back and observed. Toodie would notice right away that the pacifier had been altered but instead of screaming she would just toss it to the side. Eventually she didn’t find them appealing and slowly stopped grabbing for them.

What’s A Bobo?: This is self explanatory and I started to do it ALL the time when the pacifier was asked for. I simply replied, “Bobo? What’s that? I don’t know what that it is.” I would go along pretending that I had no idea what she was asking for and it worked! She stopped asking less and less each day. 

No Replacements: As moms it is very hard for us to say “NO” or see our little one upset. That’s just in our nature. I used to always give in to the whimpers and pouty faces. For a while I even had a secret stash of bobos in my closet in case I couldn’t take it any longer. I finally realized that I needed to stop buying the replacement pacifiers so I would not be tempted to give them to her. “Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind.” If it isn’t available then you have no choice but to grin and bare it! 

Stay Strong:  Getting rid of the pacifier is no easy task. It takes time and a heck of a lot of patience. Your child will cry, scream, throw fits, and probably make you want to pull your hair out. Once you start you have to stick with it. Just remember that it will all be worth it in the end!

The 100 Day Picture Challenge: Day 1

100 Day Picture Challenge
Day 1: 
15 Facts About Me

1. I’m a Sagittarius and my birthday is on November 29 – right after Turkey Day!

2. I have two dogs. One American Eskimo named Sam and a Pug named Chloe.
3.  I love shopping! What girl doesn’t? My favorite stores include Express, Forever 21, & Macys.

4.  I gave birth to my beautiful Toodie girl February 14, 2009 – Valentine’s Day!  She was one sweet surprise.

5.  Before having my daughter I was obsessed with playing World Of Warcraft. I played for about four years. No one would ever guess this by just looking at me but i think i have a little nerdy gamer chick locked deep down inside me.

6.  I participated in Girl Scouts for 13 years and received the highest recognition possible : The Gold Award. Although when I was younger I resented my mom for putting me through it for that long, it sure is helpful on my resumes! 

7.  I love to eat sushi but hate fish. Puzzling isn’t it? Let me re-phrase that:  i love vegetable sushi. I’m addicted. Addicted as in i could eat it everyday if I had to.

8.  I absolutely love makeup and skincare. Since I was 15 I have had a passion for beauty. One of my dream jobs is to be a free-lance makeup artist. 

9.  I was born and raised in South Florida but lived in Denver, Colorado for three years. Even though I love being close to family & friends I would do anything to go back. I think I have already picked out my retirement location!

10. I have a problem with Orange Juice.  If it’s in my house it wont last the day. I drink Orange Juice like it’s water. I have even had to take a break from drinking it due to daily heartburn.  Add a little sprite in there and you have homemade orange soda- tada! 

11.  Myself, my mother, and my daughter all have crooked pinkies. When I was born that was the first thing my mom checked for. For years my mom and I shared this and never imagined my own daughter having it. Even though Toodie’s is slight, it is a quirk that all three of us share and ties us together in a special way.

12. I LOVE horror movies! I could sit and watch them all day. Enough said. 

13.  Even at 26 years old my favorite movie still remains – The Neverending Story.

14.  In my free time I enjoy scrapbooking. I have been keeping a scrapbook of photos and keepsakes since Toodie was born. I know one day she will appreciate being able to look back on the memories. 

15.  I am highly allergic to cats. Within minutes of getting near one my eyes are watering and i get itchy. 

Love Coffee? Apply To Join The Coffee Mate Brew Crew


If you love coffee and don’t mind creating a buzz about a product you believe in then this community is for you. I have been a member of Coffee Mate’s Brew Crew for a few months now and am really enjoying it. You not only get the opportunity to interact with the brand but also earn gift cards for completing fu activities on their site. Each activity earns you a certain amount of points and once you reach 1500 you can redeem them. Some of the popular vendors include Old Navy, Target, Walmart, Sur La Table, Fandango and even Home Depot. By being an active member you will gain more opportunities including the chance to receive complimentary products. Below is a bit more information from their site.

About The Brew Crew

The COFFEE-MATE Brew Crew is a group of influential adults who use COFFEE-MATE to enhance and personalize their coffee experience. Brew Crew members participate in fun online activities, get the freshest info on exciting new COFFEE-MATE flavors and products, and share their love for COFFEE-MATE with family, friends, and co-workers. As a member of the Brew Crew community, you are an advocate of the COFFEE-MATE brand and have the opportunity to share your opinions on COFFEE-MATE products, promotions and marketing programs. 

If this sounds like something you would be interested in then apply here :
 https://team.coffee-mate.com/screener/

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