Nice Try.

In an effort to lose the spare baby tire around my waist, I am (slightly) altering what I eat.
Plus I'm trying out new dishes for dinner in an attempt to expand my family's taste buds.

Sometimes this is fun, other times this is sucky.

Take tonight for example, I picked up some turkey burger patties thinking that it would be something new to try and it would be healthy for us.

I grilled them up, slapped on the cheese (I'm sorry, I just can't eat a burger without cheese) and placed them on the table.

Sure, they were okay. Nothing too spectacular but when my husband started questioning how healthy turkey is for you I got out a package of ground beef to compare it to.

And that's when I realized I was duped.

The turkey had 600mg of sodium per serving compared to the 75mg of sodium the 93/7 ground beef had.

I felt like such an idiot.

Here I was trying to make my family a healthy alternative and I was shoving their weekly intact of salt down their throats.

Egh.

There's a lesson here.

Read the labels before you preach to your husband that what you're forcing him to eat is good for his heart.

Mom Jeans

I never thought I'd do it.

I thought I was too cool for it.

Boy, was I wrong.

I bought my first pair of Mom jeans.

I feel like I should hang my head in shame.

Egh.

I wasn't thinking when I was trying jeans on the other day. I was so excited about the fact that I found a pair of jeans that fit and fit well that I didn't notice the high waist.

The Mom jean high waist that cuts into your gut when you sit down.

And I wouldn't be wearing them if I had done laundry like I was supposed to, I wouldn't be forced to wear them.

For now, I will and I will hide my high waist band with a long shirt and pray that no one at the park can see my Mom jeans from a mile away.

:)

A New Hobby

Simply because I don't have nearly enough things to do in a days time... I've taken up sewing.

I bought these adorable pins because how could I not and the pin cushion was a birthday present from my Mom (Thanks Mom!).

Wish me luck.

Lucky.

We all have those day, those crazy days where you want to do nothing but pull your hair out and possibly run out of the house screaming.

It happens to the best of us.

But you know what, those other types of days happen to us too... the good ones.

The kind of days where you spend the entire day hugging your babies and thanking them for being who they are.

I love days like this.

Days like this kick those other days asses.

These happy days are spent full of fun, togetherness, goofiness and lots and lots of playtime.

And I love that I can stop everything going on around me and remember that I am so lucky to be who I am, to have what I have and to be able to live like I live.

I love it.

Love, love, love it.

NYTM Media Kit

Not Your Typical Mommy http://www.notyourtypicalmommy.com/

Blog Profile-
Not Your Typical Mommy is a daily updated blog that features stories and information specifically for moms. There is also a cooking and photography section that is expanding further in 2011 (sponsors are welcome!). It also covers local events in the Central Florida area, product reviews and product giveaways

When I started my blog, Not Your Typical Mommy, I wanted a place where I could ponder out
loud about the craziness that comes with birthing children. My two daughters are the highlight of my life and my blog. I use snarky humor to express myself and wanted a place where other Moms could come and find out that they are not alone.


Audience-
Not Your Typical Mommy readers are mostly women, mothers both married and single. They come from all over the world. These women have children, work in the home and out of the home, are internet and social media savvy and make most of the decisions in their household when it comes to products.


Blog Statistics-
As of February 2011 (three month average)
7477 unique visitors per month
5183 page views per month
and currently has 195 feed subscribers


Social Media-
Twitter Followers: 1677


Review Guidelines-
Not Your Typical Mommy does accept product reviews under the following conditions: A brand new, full size version of the product or service must be submitted for review purposes. The items must be mom, child, and/or family-friendly. Any images or links that are to be included in the post must be submitted along with the item so that they may be pre-screened. Once the item(s) has been received, please allow up to three weeks for written reviews to be posted.
All reviews are posted as written reviews.


Giveaways
Giveaway promotions are accepted as part of the review process. The prize for a review/giveaway must also be a brand new, full-size version of the product or service. We prefer that the sponsor handle prize fulfillment and ship the prize directly to the winner once the winner’s information has been submitted. Please allow at least four weeks for the completion of a giveaway. Not Your Typical Mommy reserves the right to conduct the giveaway according to what is appropriate and fair, and what will provide for the greatest response and product exposure.


Special Sections-
Florida Fridays: Florida Fridays are weekly posts on my blog where I visit local attractions and events around the Central Florida area and report back to my readers the good, the bad (and yes!) the ugly. Venues and events that I have reported on are: Sea World, the Central Florida Zoo, Disney World, the Orlando Science Center and more.

Miscellaneous-
Blog Affiliations
Momversation
Mom Central
Mom Select
Happy & Healthy Mom Reviews
My Blog Spark
The Momoir Project
MomImpact

Magazine Affiliations
BabyTalk Magazine
Playground Magazine


Contact Information
SuZ Besecker
http://www.notyourtypicalmommy.com/
nytmblog@gmail.com
Twitter: NYTMBlog

Not Your Typical Mommy is located in Central Florida.


Published Articles:

Sears Blog- December 2010
Peanut Butter Pie Made Simple with My Stand Mixer

Sea World- November 2010
Six Month Falls in Love With Fish

The Momoir Project- May 2010
Date Night

Forty Weeks- January 2010
Can You Spot a Mom?

Examiner.Com April 2009
Close to Home

Examiner.Com - February 2009
Getting the Best Shot

Playground Magazine- Summer 2009
Stay Cool this Summer

Hot Moms Club Magazine- February 2009
Sexing Up Your V Day

Playground Magazine- December 2008
Dear Boobs


Contact Information:

SuZ Besecker
nytmblog@gmail.com


Updated: 2/8/2011

Florida Friday: Kid Fest

The 10th Annual Central Florida Kid Fest & Family Expo is happening this Saturday (the 25th).

Starting at 9:00am at the Celebration of Praise Campus in Clermont, you can participate in hands on activities, watch safety demonstrations, shop the exhibits, see family friendly stage shows and more.

And most importantly, in my book, FUNNEL CAKES!

:)

Okay, maybe not most importantly but come on: Funnel Cakes are yum!

Admission to this fun event is completely free.

So if you want a place where you can get your face painted, see fire safety demonstrations, have your car seat inspected and eat funnel cakes, get to Clermont on Saturday!

The Celebration of Praise Campus is located at: 3700 S U.S. Highway 27.

See the Central Florida Kid Fest website for more details.

Review: Infantino Balance Baby Carrier

Baby wearing is important to me.

It's essential when I need my hands or, like most times, I forget my stroller.

Sure, I could just throw her up on my hip. But add in a three year old that darts around a store like a nomad, the cart I need to carry my diaper bag and all that baby stuff and a baby that wiggles like crazy on my hip, it's just easier on my life (and my sanity) if I can put the baby in a carrier and have one less problem to worry about.

I recently was able to test out another Infantino baby carrier, the Balance.

About the Balance, "The Balance Baby Carrier is tailored to lighten your load by evenly distributing baby's weight. With some seriously padded straps, lumbar support and an ergonomic design, you'll be cruising comfortably all day long. The natural seat provides a gentle ride and secure support for baby while the ergonomic waist, back and shoulder straps work together to lighten your load and provide a comfortable fit for you. The carrier perfectly distributes baby's weight with adjustable top straps, while the adjustable chest strap and lumber strap offer added support for your back. The shoulder straps are made from plush foam for added comfort. Store essentials in the built-in pocket and use the tidy loops to maintain a neat appearance with extra straps stashed away. Made from soft cotton fabric with an attractive pattern on the inside, this carrier is both practical and stylish. The carrier allows you the option of carrying baby face-in or in backpack mode with an attachable carrier bib to protect your clothes."

Once the Balance arrived, I read through the instructions, strapped it on and popped in the baby.

And she cried.

It's important to know that not all baby gear on the market is going to fit in well with your family.

And while it sucks when you finally stumble upon said product, it's my job to be 100% honest with you about all the products I review.

And I hate to say it, the Balance did not rub well with my baby.

After she cried the first time, I took her out and waited a few days to try it out again.

The next time I adjusted all the straps to make it more comfortable (and there are a few straps to deal with on the Balance).

I popped her in again and she started to cry.

I adjusted some more, wiggled her around... and she screamed.

I slipped her out, turned the carrier around to the backpack position and tried again and she wiggled and squirmed like an unhappy baby until I took her out.

In my opinion, Turtle was uncomfortable in both positions because we never really hold her like the Balance carrier did. I did like how, despite the crying, how close the Balance got her to me. It was snug, like a real good snuggle.

The Infantino Balance baby carrier is available to purchase in stores and online now.




I received the Infantino Balance baby carrier to review. All opinions in this post are 100% my own. Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.

Wordless Wednesday: My Hearts

Review: Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue

Tinker Bell has long been my all-time favorite Disney character.

She's spunky and sassy, complete with attitude.

And those traits all describe my oldest daughter.

So it's natural that Roo would adore Tinker Bell.

And every Tinker Bell movies that has come out.

The latest is Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue.

From the Disney website: "Years before meeting Wendy and the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell met Lizzy, a little girl with a steadfast belief in the power of pixie dust and the magic land of fairies. During the fairies' summer visit to the flowering meadows of England, two very different worlds unite for the first time and Tink develops a special bond with a curious child in need of a friend. As her fellow fairies launch a daring rescue, Tinker Bell takes a huge risk, putting her own safety and the future of all fairykind in jeopardy."

Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue is a sweet, magical full-length movie that is undeniably charming. It's the perfect girl movie and Roo adores it. She loves to sit down with her Tinker Bell doll and watch it. She especially loves how Tinker Bell makes Lizzy fly and spends lots of time looking for her very own pixie dust to fly around our house and leave footprints on the wall.

The Blu-Ray + DVD Combo is packed with great extras including: Deleted Scenes, a Fairy Field Guide Builder, Design A Fairy House and a music video.

Roo loved the Design A Fairy House feature and goes about looking for material to make her very own Fairy House. She hopes to capture her very own fairy any day now.

Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue is on store shelves and online today.

And here is a link to a $10 coupon to purchase your own copy.

Want to make it a party? Here's a link for great recipes and crafts to share with your little (and old ones) while you watch the movie

I received a copy of Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue to review. All opinions are 100% my own. Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.

Bliss, No More

A while back, we finally scored our very own, big kid room.

And it was glorious.

I could sit in bed and read once the girls were asleep. I could watch television at a decent volume, where I could actually hear what the actors were saying. I didn't need a nightlight, a sound machine or a fan.

It was bliss.

But it didn't last.

A tiny little baby that refused to sleep has invaded our bed.

And suddenly, we're co-sleeping.

I'm no stranger to co-sleeping. Roo slept in our bed for almost a year.

So it's not a real big deal, except that our oasis isn't our oasis anymore. It has a baby smack dab in the middle of it.

Oh well, what can I do? It's either she sleeps in our bed, or she spends the entire night crying.

I'm pretty sure you can see why we co-sleep.

:)

Re-Posted.

I'm reposting this blog post from 2008 because my beloved puppy passed away this morning... and I wanted to share with you just how much I love him.


It's all about the Puppy Love



The weekly email from Parents Bloggers Network showed up in my inbox asking me about my pets, I got all weepy thinking about my dog Geingy Khan.



Living on a farm brings lots of animals, lots. At our last tally, we have over 50 horses, 6 dogs, 3 turkeys, 2 pigs (we use to have more, but 5 went to the house to feed our guests at the Halloween party on Saturday), 1 white egret and a trillion cats.



But Mr. Geingy Khan, also known as Crack-a-lack Khan, Banana-Head, Mr. Stinky and so on, is my boy. My first, very own dog. My husband picked him out from a litter nine years ago this past August and ever since he peed on my knee at the tender age of two days old, he had my heart.



We raised him from that day on, since his own mama abandoned him for a life of hunting, and it has been both blissful and frustrating. Raising a puppy is hard work. There's potty training, house training, manner training to name a few. Of course, you can't forget the grooming and feeding of a large breed dog.



And you will never forget the things he chewed apart as a puppy (including Christmas ornaments, Styrofoam plates, magazines and even part of a wall). Or the whining he did on a two-month road trip. Then you have the sweet moments... the comfort he provided while the tears fell when the hubby was away at boot camp. The snuggles on (rare) cold mornings, the licks after a long day at work, Geingy Khan has been there for it all.



While I may complain about his howling or the amount of food it takes to keep him happy, he's my baby boy. The one constant in my life, guaranteed to always love me and lick my hand.



I give you, the Khan Man.


This post was written for the Parents Bloggers Network as part of a sweepstakes sponsored by the Burger King Corporation

Florida Friday: Orlando Children's Expo

This Saturday, September 18, 2010, Winn Dixie and the Winn Dixie Baby Club is putting on the Orlando Children's Expo.

Taking place at the Orange County Convention Center (West Concourse- Valencia Ballroom), the Orlando Children's Expo is packed full of fun events like:

- Exhibits with Products & Services for the Family, including information, demonstrations and seminars for Parents and fun activities for kids.
-FREE Child ID Cards
-Bicycle Helmet Fittings with FREE Bicycle Helmets (while supplies last)
-Car Seat Check Station
-Free Product Samples.

There will be treats for pregnant women, a $20 car seat sale and a chance for your kid's school to win a $5,000 gift card.

If you have a Winn Dixie Customer Reward Card, bring it along to receive a $5 off a $25
purchase coupon.

Admission is free to all and you can score 50% off of parking by pre-registering online.

For more information, please visit the Orlando Children's Expo website.

Review: Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale

When I was a little girl, it was all about Barbies.

I had tons of them scattered about my room, along with her townhouse and her ride, my all-time favorite car, the 57 Chevy Bel-Air in teal and pink.

I would play with Barbies 24/7.

If I went to visit my best friend, my Barbies would travel along with me.

And I'm so happy that I have daughters where I can share a childhood toy with them.

Roo recently checked out a new Barbie DVD, Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale.

And a love was born.

She sits down with her two Barbies and her hot pink convertible and watches a little bit of this movie every night before bed.

In Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale, Barbie visits her aunt who is a fashion designer in Paris. The only problem is that Barbie's aunt is about to go out of business.

Add in three magical fairies with magic powers and Barbie's brilliant idea and you have a dazzling fashion fairytale.

The Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale DVD comes with bonus extras including outtakes, a music video and much more.

You can purchase your own copy of Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale online or find it on your store shelves now.


I received a copy of Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale to review with my daughter. All opinions in this post are 100% my own. Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.

Inspiration

When I was in sixth grade, my best friend handed me a copy of her favorite book: Gone With The Wind.

And I was hooked.

I read through that book like the pages were on fire. I gobbled up every word Margaret Mitchell wrote and cried through the last one hundred pages.

I was never more moved by a book.

I can remember it clearly... me on my twin bed with the white headboard, tissues clenched in my hand, bawling my eyes out as Scarlett and those famous green eyes made mistake after mistake, losing so much and then realizing her love for handsome ole' Rhett Butler.

Oh.

It still makes my stomach clench when I think back to how emotionally involved I was in the characters.

I've read Gone With The Wind every year since then, watched the movie countless times and been inspired by Margaret Mitchell every time I write a single word of my own.

It was because of Gone With The Wind and Margaret Mitchell that I started writing.

As soon as I read those famous last words, I realized that I wanted to invoke emotion in people. I wanted to control a character and make him/her bend to my will.

It also was a way to control the world around me.

Because, honestly, when you're in the sixth grade no one listens to you, no one understands you and no one loves you.

As a writer, I could make my characters say and do everything I couldn't do.

And the rest is history.

I've been writing ever since.

Creating characters, plotting out love, disasters, friendships, motive...

And as I sit watching the movie, again... I feel the itch to write, to create...

You've gotta love the things that inspire us.

What inspires you?

Review: Bravado Exquisite Nursing Bra

Nursing isn't always pretty.

It's actually a leaky job with a few bumps along the road, some soreness and some confusion (of the nipple kind), but it's so worth it.

And not having to wear ugly nursing bras makes it a lot easier.

When you're wearing something pretty, you feel ten times prettier, even if your boobs are leaking.

The people over at Bravado! Designs knew this and have an entire line of nursing bras to make nursing Moms feel better.

Started by two Moms, Bravado! wanted to create comfortable, stylish and quality nursing bras.

I had the chance to test out Bravado's Exquisite nursing bra.

Its claim is that: it combines fashion and function.

And it does.

It's got cute lace along the cups and the fabric, the exclusive Bravado! CottonFlex, is super soft. It stretches to your shape just nicely and it doesn't have that pesky wire that can poke you, plus it's not scratchy.

And the most important thing, it's comfortable, which is necessary in any bra.

The Bravado! Exquisite nursing bra does have a flaw, it has these large gold, nickel free, clip to unbutton for nursing and they are not my taste, but I found it really hard to unbutton the buttons while my baby sat in my lap, screaming for food. And to button it back up takes two hands and when the baby is still in your lap, it's really frustrating to get your girls back in and where they are supposed to be.

But overall, the bra is really great. It's cute, comfy and if it had the clips to unhook for nursing, it would be the perfect bra.

You can purchase your own Bravado! Exquisite nursing bra on the Bravado! Design website.




I received a nursing bra of my own to test out for this review. All opinions in this post are 100% my own. Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.

Dear Turtle: 7 Months

I remembered being on the operating table when you were born and the doctors said to me that you, literally, tried to climb out of my belly when they cut me open.

And looking back at that moment, I should've known that you were extraordinary.

I mean, I knew it from the previous months while in my belly you had to endure me getting my appendix yanked out, but this cemented the idea that you were going to be my little fighter.

My little go-getter.

My amazing baby.

And now, while I watch you try to walk at 7 months, yes 7 months, I have to shake my head and ask you, "What's the hurry?"

You are growing so fast. You have teeth, you crawl, you pull yourself up, you eat baby food from the jar, you side step while holding on to everything.

The only thing you can't do, is sleep very well alone... but we are working on that.

You are going to do everything fast and all I know is that I need to hang on tight because you are going to give me the ride of my life.

Good thing I have no objection to seat belts.

I love you,

Mommy

Florida Friday: Disney On Ice

The Toys Are Back In Town.

Actually, they never left because they reside at the House of Mouse year round, but it sounds so good to say it.

Buzz, Woody and friends will be skating into the Amway Arena TODAY!

Disney On Ice Show Times are as follows:

Tonight, 7:30pm
Saturday, 11:30am, 3:30pm, & 7:30pm
Saturday, 1:00pm & 5:00pm

Tickets start at $15.00 per person and can be purchased online or at the Amway Arena box office.

Dear Roo: Too Fast

I see this photo and suddenly I'm swept into the future ten years.

In ten years I'll get this look from you all day long.

I'll get this look and be told, "Geez, Mom. Quit it!" or "You're embarrassing me!"

You may give me this look a thousand times a day and you may even dislike me a little bit when you're thirteen but remember this, that once upon a time I got you to agree that you would never leave me and that you would always love me the best.

:)

I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I am damn sure glad I did it... even if you look at me like I'm crazy.

You rock my world, love.

I love you,

Mommy

Wordless Wednesday

Just another day...

I Promise.

I think I've mentioned a time or two that my dear sweet Turtle isn't sleeping well.

Oddly, I think I mentioned that Roo couldn't sleep very well a ways back.

Seems neither one of my girls is the best sleeper at first.

Anyways.

With Turtle not sleeping well, I was quickly become one cranky Mommy. I was afraid I was going to have to change my blog name.

In the past three weeks, I have done everything I could think of to get this child of mine to sleep.

I tried changing the night light, I tried shutting it off. I tried putting her in different pajamas. I tried feeding her oatmeal right before bed. I tried the dream-sleep nurse. I tried letting her sleep in our bed. I tried white noise. I messed with her napping schedule, both more naps and less naps.

I. Tried. Everything.

And I seriously thought I was going to snap a while back.

I was dealing with Turtle all night, then getting up at 7am to take care of Roo, doing what I could to make sure both girls had plenty to do, that Turtle got her naps at the right times, getting Roo enough play dates, making sure the house was in order, dinner was on the table, etc.

Oh, did I happen to mention that Turtle doesn't even go to sleep until after 10pm (while Roo is out by 8pm)?

So it was a vicious cycle that was making me pull my hair out.

And last night was another bad night, but when I woke up this morning and I walked into the girls room was found both of them smiling and happy to see me... I felt something inside me change.

The exhaustion slipped away and I decided right then and there that I would not complain anymore. Before me I had two beautiful, healthy babies. What right did I really have to complain that I wasn't getting 8 hours of sleep?

Who was I to bitch and moan?

And while I doubt that this whole sleep issue is far from over and that we have many, many, many more sleepless nights ahead of us.

I'm happy.

I can deal with it.

I can cope.

And I can sleep when I'm dead.

For now, I'm going to play with my baby that refuses to sleep, cuddle her endlessly and when she's ready to sleep, she will... besides, look at her sister. She sleeps, Turtle is bound to.

Florida Friday: My Recommendations

I'm a Native Floridian.

Meaning I've been here a very long time.

Also it means I have my very own list of favorites.

Today I'll share it with you.

Favorite Kiddie Park: Greenwood Lakes Park.
Favorite Mall Playground: Seminole Towne Center.
Best Place to Feed the Ducks: Lake Lily, Maitland.
Best Beach for Kids (meaning no vehicles): Ponce Inlet

I'll post more next week.

Enjoy your long weekend!

Time Outs Suck

Time outs use to send my oldest into a sob-fest.

Snot nose, uncontrollable sobs, the complete waterworks.

Now, not so much.

When she gets a timeout now, and she's getting them regularly, she stands in the corner, shifts her weight, scratches at the wall, talks to herself and wiggles around some more.

Not one tear.

Not a single hiccup.

She doesn't seem fazed by it.

When time out is over, I explain to her what she did and why it's wrong and she says all the right things.

Then it's back to playing.

Now I get it: She's three.

She's growing up, she's learning what she can and can't get away with. She's learning to test my patience, push my buttons... basically, she's learning to become a teenager... at three.

Okay, maybe not.

Maybe this is how all three year old act.

Or maybe I need to switch up my punishments for throwing food at me.

Or maybe, just maybe, I need to learn to chill out some more, take deep breaths and distract her from being bad by throwing confetti at her.

It's worth a shot, right?

Review: Dinosaur Train Back to School

I've mentioned a time or two before that Roo loves Dinosaur Train.



Adores it.



Is crazy about it.


So when I was asked to review the Dinosaur Train "Get Ready for Kindergarten" backpack, I told them yes.... yes, yes, yes!



With homeschooling starting up really soon, the backpack came just in time.



And it was loaded.



The backpack came full of fun toys, games and books.





We received two DT books, one board game, one travel sized fishing game and one package of Dinosaur Train figurines.


Roo was in heaven.


Everywhere we go, she has the backpack.


Every time I sit down, she's asking me to play the fishing game.

Another great way to get ready for school is the PBS Kids Dinosaur Train website.

The website is packed with great back to school activities to prepare your kiddo for kindergarten. Our favorite is the Dinosaur Train A-Z game. You print up all the A-Z dinos and paste them onto index cards, print out the song lyrics (which show you how to pronounce those impossibly long dino names) and your kid is in heaven.


At least mine is.


There's also coloring pages and other games online to help build those little brains of theirs.


I received a Dinosaur Train backpack to review. All opinions in this post are 100% my own. Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.