A 4 year old who loves to wear costumes.
Every time he sees a new show or is introduced to a new super hero he immediately wants to be that person.
Thank goodness we snatched up a lot of clearance Halloween costumes last fall at a local retailer!
Since his birthday a few weeks ago, Alexander has become obsessed with Transformers once again.
His new obsession has led to him asking to be Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime once again.
Again, I am thankful for my stash of kids Halloween costumes, because we just so happen to have a brand new, never worn Optimus Prime costume for him to break out and continue his little game of dress-up!
Do your children like to play dress up?
Who do they like to pretend to be?
All posts by Anne Younger
Give a “Feel-good” Gift to Remind People Every Day that You Care
We all have those moments when we need a little pick me up, some reassurance that someone is there to comfort us when we need it and give us that hug that makes the day brighter.
Noellas Gifts has come up the the “Iva GotYa”, to help warm that special persons heart.
The “Iva GotYa” is this adorable creation that looks like a person attached to a clip. The idea behind the “Iva GotYa’ is this:
When I can’t be there…
Just give Iva a squeeze,
It’s a hug from me;
Hear me say, “You’re okday”
And always know…
Iva GotYa!
Julie Hollinger, the owner of Noellas and the creator of Iva Gotya shares her story of how her creation came to life on the Noellas website.
I gave an Iva Gotya to each of my older children to hold on to and ‘use’ when they are having a hard day at school or when they feel that they just need that little pick me up.
The Iva Gotya one of those meaningful gifts that you can give to someone you love.
You can help Iva Gotya get on the shelf at WalMart by voting for them now through April 3rd.
For more information on Iva Gotya be sure to Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Disclaimer: I received an item in exchange for my complete and honest review.
The Hunger Games Movie: My Thoughts
We arrived at the theater 45 minutes before the movie start time and already had our tickets in hand (and of course my awesome Hunger Games bag I found on Etsy last month was stocked with snacks and drinks because the movies are way overpriced!).
As we stood in line we listened to everyone talk about how excited they were to see the movie along with some giggling from some teenage girls who couldn’t wait to see Peeta and Gale on the big screen.
Once we got into the theater, we got the best seats and then sat and waited patiently for the movie to begin. Things started a few minutes late and then we had previews that seemed to go on forever.
And then…..
The Hunger Games began.
Overall, I LOVED this movie.
Seriously, if we wouldn’t have had to pick up Alexander and Ellie from my parents house and if the next viewing of the movie wasn’t sold out, we would have sat through it again.
Yes, there were things left out of the movie that happened in the book.
Was it a game changer?
No.
Things in the movie were almost exactly as I pictured them in my head except I see President Snow with a pony tail oiled and slicked back with thin blood red lips.
The gore of the book was presented tastefully on screen.
Rue’s death was handled very well and I cried during the movie as I did when I read it in the book.
We ALL loved this movie and have already planned to see it again and soon.
Did you see it? What are your thoughts?
A Gift Basket for My Mom
by Anne DelBalzo
The first few years I was a single mom on a tight budget, I found planning for the holidays was a very stressful experience. Between the big ones like Christmas and Easter, plus the kids’ birthdays, Mother’s Day (for my mom) and Father’s Day (for their dad), it felt like I was constantly facing expenses that my budget just couldn’t handle. I found myself paying for things with a credit card and going deeper and deeper into debt. Finally, a friend gave me a tip: buy things throughout the year and save them for special occasions.
I took her idea and ran with it. I started buying small items for my kids and my mom whenever I could get a good deal on something they would like. I took over one closet in the house and used it to store my gifts until they were needed. Of course, most of the things I bought were small items since I couldn’t afford big expenditures, but that was okay. The first year, Mother’s Day rolled around, and I realized that I had six different presents in the closet that my mom would enjoy. Instead of wrapping them separately, I bought an inexpensive basket and filled it for her. She was impressed by my creativity – she even thought I had a professional create her gift basket.
Since then, I’ve made it a habit to look for gently used gift baskets and other containers at yard sales during the summer months. With the addition of some ribbon and cellophane, they help me turn the small gifts I buy during the year into attractive presents for my friends and family. Having all the supplies on hand means I don’t get stressed if I need to come up with something on short notice, and my wallet sure does appreciate my more balanced approach to spending. I am truly grateful to the friend who suggested I shop all year, and I am happy to pass on her tip to all of you!
Rekindling the Romance
**Warning**
It is possible that this post may reveal things about my romantic life that you would rather not read about….mom, dad, and my sister.
Consider yourself warned.
**Warning**
As you are aware, I recently endured 36 weeks of pregnancy.
This was by far, the worst pregnancy I experienced.
First I was told that I had a miscarriage after some unexplained bleeding by the worlds worst ER doctor only to discover less than 24 hours that my baby was just fine.
Shortly after that I began experiencing horrendous pain in my pelvis and the surrounding areas making it difficult for me to do things I was used to doing on a regular occasion.
It was because of my uncomfortable pregnancy and the bumps along the way that my romantic relationship with the Alex began to fizzle.
Unfortunately…..the fire…..it is still kind of out.
Not only do I still find certain things to be uncomfortable, I am also having some self-esteem issues as well.
Following the birth of Ellie, I began to lose weight at a very fast rate. Normally, losing weight would make you feel good about yourself, for me, it has not.
And I am not sure why.
It probably doesn’t help that we are both sleep deprived, he works 3rd shift and sleeps during the day and we have a newborn bunking in our room……
Now I am still, very, VERY attracted to my husband and am hoping we can rekindle the romance….and soon!
I’m hoping that with the help of some candles and a massage kit from Eden Fantasys I can wake up this body of mine.
Right now, I just want my romantic relationship with my husband back!!