I’m not a big fan of resolutions. When I have made them, I have typically broken them right away. It’s just not the way I enact change in my life. That said, I do like to reflect on the past and think about areas of my life that I’d like to change or keep moving forward. This year I think I’m in a much better place than I was last year (I thought I was in a good place last year, but it turns out that it wasn’t so positive after all). I’m happy with what I’m doing and the seeds that were planted over the past 12 or so…

I haven’t written here much lately because I’ve been busy with this and that and far too many product reviews and kids and hives and Christmas and… bunches of other stuff. The kids are playing nicely together and I have a moment so let’s see what I can do. I was just reading a blog of someone who has gone through an experience more challenging than I can begin to imagine. I ended up there by accident, but simply couldn’t leave. I think, when I’m in a difficult situation, it’s good for me to keep things in perspective. I’ll admit it. I’ve been dealing with some depression over the past…

So, I’ve been coping with a mysterious case of hives for more than 6 months. They started small and I didn’t realize what they were. Over the past two months, the hives have gotten increasingly worse until the point where I wasn’t sleeping, barely working and stumbling through my job as a parent. Not good. Hives lasting more than 6 months are called chronic hives and, apparently, usually go undiagnosed. What? Yeah. Roughly 85% of people with chronic lives just have to suck it up. My allergist ran a bunch of tests to rule out other underlying conditions. Contrary to popular belief, hives do not equal allergic reaction. At least,…

TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you. I don’t usually do things like this, but they’re giving away goodies from Provo Craft and I might just walk on broken glass to get freebies from Provo Craft. 1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year? 5 items? I don’t have many things on my wish list this year, honestly. I guess luggage, a gift card to buy some clothes, books, anything crafty, anything crafty (part 2) 2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received? My mom made me a…

I recently canceled my trip to the Type-A Mom conference in Asheville, NC. I was really looking forward to it as a way to re-connect with some of the fabulous ladies I met a BlogHer. I booked it while still on a BlogHer high, but over the next few weeks I was asked to speak at another conference and to do some workshops out of town and my fall schedule started to look a bit overwhelming. I started trying to justify my trip to Type-A as a networking opportunity, but in the back of my mind a little guilty voice was telling me that I really didn’t NEED to go.…

Yeah, yeah. I’m overdue for a post here. Then again, this is my spot to do whatever I want, right? I’m here in good spirits. First of all, an overdue link to an article I recently wrote for the 360PR Trendletter on Dad Bloggers: http://www.360publicrelations.com/trendletter_0709_web.htm#daddy. It was fun writing about something a little different and the dad bloggers I interviewed were fantastic. Make sure you take a moment to visit their sites (after reading my article, of course). Then, I was asked to speak on a panel at Blogalicious this fall. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend the conference, since I didn’t think I’d be able to. Overall,…

I am a firm believer that you have to remove all of the negative forces in your life to make room for the really good stuff. It’s not some weird metaphysical thing, either. It’s simple. If you’re wasting energy on negative things, you don’t have it to reach for the positive things. And, if you’re wasting energy on negative people and feelings, you don’t have room for the wonderful people and friendships. For the past way-too-many months, I have been dealing with negative energy in my life. In the meantime, I was chasing a dream that wasn’t really what I wanted. I got caught up in the hype or what-have-you…