WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! Summer is over for me! Can you believe it's back to school time? I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!








<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week, our guest hostess is A Creative Princess.  Her crafts are AMAZING and easy to follow. You will find the hautest accessories on there and if you are creatively challenged, she also has an Etsy shop! Be sure to check it out!



Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess A Creative Princess.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Haute Mom Dilemma #52 ~ Surrounded By Sass

Having taught middle school for so long, I knew that all kids get to an age where they want to do their own thing. They get an attitude, think they know more than you, don't follow instructions, and give you looks that make you want to wring their little necks (lovingly, of course). Little did I know that time would arrive at 15 months.

I have written posts in the past about sassy Stella but I knew nothing back then. I have been introduced to the full fledged sassiness of what I am assuming is meant by "the terrible twos". Seeing other kids like this have only provoked sympathy and a quick prayer that my sweet little girl would never be like that. The time has come; someone has taken my Stella and replaced her with a new, hard headed little diva. I've got a temper tantrum, shreiking, head shaking little girl running around the house like she owns the place. How long will this phase last? One of my fellow haute moms replied the other night of her 18 month old, "It's still lasting". I better stalk up on the vino.

I think this is her "talk to the hand" move.

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Sidelined witih Sickness

Yesterday I was layed out in bed with a case of food poisoning from some bad sushi.  I know, I always hear about it but it has never happened to me...until now.  Something that is always in the back of my head when I am down for the count is my workouts, specifically my runs.  The fact that I am too sick to run is honestly one of the first things that pops into my head, especially since I have gained about 5 pounds over the course of the move (unfortunately I am a stress eater, not the opposite).  I also know that with flu season coming up, many of you haute moms (and your families) may come down with the sniffles and wonder if you can still stay on those workouts, whatever they may be.  Check out this article I wrote for Disneyland Runers that will sort it all out for you!
Should Flu Season Slow You Down?

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! Summer is almost over! Can you believe Labor Day is just around the corner? With all the moving boxes finally unpacked, I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!





<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week, our guest hostess is Eat Chic! This blog is mouth watering...literally! If you love to cook, eat, and think about food - this blog is for you. Be sure to check it out!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess Eat Chic.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Don't Judge Me - I'm at the Park

In attempt to enjoy one of my last days home with Stella before returning to work, I decided to take her for a nice walk down to a local park.  Because the walk is a good 20 minutes, I tucked my hair under a baseball cap, skipped the makeup, pulled on my yoga pants, and threw on a tank top.  By the time I reached the park, I was hot and sweaty ( apparently hot coffee while attempting to speed walk does wonders for the body temperature).  I got Stella out of the stroller and we headed for one part of the playground (this one has three parts, for various aged children).  Stella and I were minding our own business, when I had a feeling that someone was staring at me.  I turned around to find not only one mom staring at me, but a group of four moms staring my way.  At first I thought maybe they were checking out Stella (because she was looking incredibly darling), but no, they were looking at me.  I did a quick pat down to be sure that nothing inappropriate was hanging out and was assured that I was good to go.  I turned back around to see them all turn into a huddle and whisper.

So what's the deal ladies?  It was obvious that they were friends who were having a play date with their children at the park which was wonderful.  I don't know how often they go there but I do know that they decided to have a conversation at my expense.  I must admit, I probably look like I had just come back from the gym and had nothing on these well dressed, polished manicured, young moms, but really?  I am at the stinkin' park with my daughter on a Monday.  If this was park fashion week then I guess I didn't get the memo.  It really irritates me when people are petty and judgemental.  I have walked away from many friendships in the past year or so because of that.  I personally would rather spend my energy on Stella than on some stranger that I don't know.  Has anyone else noticed that sometimes "mommy groups" are harder to break through than college sorority sisters?  Note to caddy moms - you are at the park to be with your CHILDREN, not to harass other mommies.  Play nice please, we are at the park.

The REAL reason we go to the park.

Haute Mom Dilemma #51 ~ The Case of the Red Bottom

Stella has always been a relatively easy child with little to no problems (knock on wood).  Any issue she had turned up to be a common one that was simply one of the many marks of whatever age she was at.  This is good for me since, by nature, I am a hypochondriac, and worry about every little thing that ails me.  Now that I am a mommy and Stella is too young to be a hypochondriac, I have taken on this burden for her as well.

One strange thing has started to pop up over the last month or so.  Although her potty habits have been consistent and beans seem to be the only thing that changes that (good ol' fiber), we have had some issues with diaper rash.  I think I am speaking very midly by saying "some issues".  I think I need to go ahead and change that to "horrendous problems".  Stella has broken into the WORST diaper rashes I have ever seen just in the last month or so. The poor little girl will be in a diaper for no longer than five or ten minutes (and I know because they stink - thank you adult food) and her bum will be bright red, often accompanied by raised marks and blisters.  To make things worse, I can tell how painful they are.  The other day she had one so bad that she screamed as she peed (her diaper was off so I watched the whole thing), cringed in the bathtub, and cried while moaning "all done" (the signal for no more) when I was trying to wipe her dry and put some cream on her.

The only good news is that they clear up within 24-36 hours.  For the life of me, I cannot figure out what is triggering these rashes.  She will have big dirty diapers that she sits in for longer than 10 minutes with no problem and then out of nowhere - she will have one!  Is it something she is eating?  We haven't changed diaper brands, detergent, creams, soaps or anything else.  She is trying new foods but for the most part, we are creatures of habit and she definitely doesn't eat anything extreme.  So, for now I am trying to work on the best relief for when they do come around and lathering her behind with Desitin on a regular basis to try to prevent one from happening again.  Until then, I will pull out my Sherlock Holmes home detective kit and try to stay on the case!

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! Summer is almost over! Can you believe Labor Day is just around the corner? With all the moving boxes finally unpacked, I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!







<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week, our guest hostess is Kate from Her Little Mister! She is the blogger behind the blog, a wife, mother, Christian, aspiring photographer, foodie, huge supporter of the handmade community and so much more. Kate initially started Her Little Mister as a way to stay connected with family and friends who are not close by but blogging also serves as an outlet for creative expression, all the while documenting her journey into motherhood. She looks forward to sharing her personal stories, reviews, and finds and will everyone out there following along.




Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:


1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess Her Little Mister.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

WonderDads Book Winner

And the award, well book, goes to...Tami!  Entry #6 for the WonderDads book giveaway!  Tami will receive any WonderDads book of her choice.  She says that her hubby is a WonderDad because of the time her spends with their son!  Way to go and congratulations!  A special thanks to WonderDads for hosting our giveaway!

If you haven't checked out WonderDads yet, be sure to do so.  They offer some great ideas for places dads can take their kids in a city near you! And it's free!

Moving Plus Five Pounds

As Moving Watch 2011 comes to a close a realization crept over me last night as I was getting dressed for a night out on the town with some girlfriends. All those jeans and cute tops that I spent days unpacking over the last couple of weeks were not looking as flattering on me as they used to.  It wasn't because of the post-baby weight because I had lost that months ago.  Could it be?  As I sucked in my stomach to button up my jeans, I realized yes, it had happened. In all this craziness, both my diet and my workout routine had slipped and I had gained weight.  Not a lot, but just enough to bring that pudgy, muffin top back to my waistline. 

So my newest issue aside from still spending all of my spare time trying to turn this house into a "home" is trying to find the time and the energy to get back to my running routine.  Yesterday I literally had to FORCE myself to go out for a quick run before Stella's morning swim lessons.  I feel tired and unmotivated.  On top of that, I haven't gotten one single thing done outside of cleaning and unpacking because the move has totally consumed by life, and most of my three week vacation.  Ugh...where can a haute mom find some motivation?  You would think those extra inches of blubber creeping over my pants right now would be enough.  Perhaps I should go think about it over an ice cream sandwich.

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! Summer is in full swing and I know all you haute moms have some great stuff on your blogs. With all the moving nonsence, I am in serious need for some fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!









<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week, our guest hostess is Francine from Princess Mom of 3! Check out the great stuff she had to offer! Be sure to check in on her and follow!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess Princess Mom of 3.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.


So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Moving Watch 2011

One week after moving and we are still in the process of, well, moving.  The past week has been right out of a horror movie. You know when you hear all of those horror stories that people tell about their moves?  I am pretty sure that ALL of those things have happened to us. Laundry hasn't been done in over a week (because the washer and dryer aren't hooked up yet), I still can't find my hair straightener, there are a large number of boxes still to be unpacked, and the most recent development, we found a gas leak.  In the meantime, all I want to to do is decorate. 

Ready for some kayaking!

To avoid being a "bad mommy", I have been trying to get everything as normal as possible for Stella.  Her room was top priority as was getting all of her books and toys put away.  It never fails to amaze me how resilient our little ones are.  She hasn't skipped a beat, is sleeping and eating as normal.  Running around her new house, exploring all the rooms and dodging the leftover boxes has kept her quite busy as well as all the new things she has found during the move.  One of her favorites was one of our kayaks that we brought over, and were planning on selling.  We just couldn't get her out of it - I am not sure she even knew it was supposed to be in the water.  Looks like I have some kayaking in my future.  Her next favorite thing to play with (even though she has TONS of toys) has been the Swiffer Sweeper...this could come in handy! :)

It May Be a New Look For Me

We moved? I hadn't noticed...

Tired, wrinkled, and dirty describes my look this past week.  After moving on Monday, and all the craziness, the cleaning and the unpacking is finally well underway...and I've gone curly all week because I still can't find my hair straightener. A lot of headway was made Wednesday and Thursday when Stella was at daycare. She has been such a trooper through the whole process; she hasn't missed a beat. However, it sure is tough to unpack when you got a little "helper" packing it all into another box at the same time. The good news is, Stella's room is all ready! Our new place is slowly coming together. 

I notice how I didn't use the word "home". I am still catching myself referring to our old house as "home" and haven't quite gotten the feeling that I am at home in our new place.  It's funny how there is so little connection when you move and all your memories are left behind in your old home.  I am sure it will take some time before we can call this house our home. I have been trying to put our own touch on the place.  I am convinced that our old decorating style doesn't quite fit this new house so I have been looking for decorating ideas and inspiration.  A haute mom has gotta have a haute home to go with her but I am having a hard time with ideas.  I have had some input on websites to browse but haven't found any that I love yet.  Perhaps I should just focus on unpacking the boxes for now...

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a great week! Summer is in full swing and I know all you haute moms have some great stuff on your blogs. I am in serious need for some summer fun so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!





<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>

This week, our guest hostess is Confessions of a Frugal Mind. Check out the great stuff she had to offer!



Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow the guest hostess Confessions of a Frugal Mind.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.


So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Moving...Never As Easy As It Looks

Yesterday was moving day.  After much time and consideration, hubby and I decided to leave our happy home and venture out into the world of renting and moving.  The home we own and lived in is much loved and in a fantastic neighborhood but it is 900 square feet.  Total.  No, you did not read that wrong.  We had five rooms.  Total.  I always liked to think of it as "easy to clean" but throw a baby into the mix and nothing is easy about living in a 900 square foot home.  Therefore, we decided to rent out our home and rent a larger one for our new family.

I like to think that a haute mom never lets anyone see her sweat but this was far from true yesterday. Moving with a little one is tough enough but imagine getting to your new home to find it filthy. Dirt on the floors, cobwebs in the windows, screens with holes...you name it. I couldn't even let Stella down for fear that she was going to touch something. The house was supposed to be "move in ready" and it was far from it. So, in addition to all us, Stella, my mom (a saint for flying down to help us), the movers, and utility workers, we also had a painter, maintenance crews, and a cleaning crew here. All things that were supposed to be done BEFORE we got there. We rented the place a month ago! At 11 pm last night, not one box had been unpacked and not one piece of furniture had been put together.

As I sit in my new home and look around me all I can say "Yikes!". It's always more complicated than it should be but it's a new day and I have to hope that it will feel like home. Hopefully sooner than later!

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