Author: Laurie

Blogger

What’s My Story – Project MomCasting Submission

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Did you know that there is Project MomCasting, an in progess?  It’s a TV series based on Online Moms and several of my fabulous blogging friends have entered.  It got me thinking, why not?

Hi, I am Laurie and here’s my story…

I’m a crafty girly-girl with three boys.  My oldest has high functioning autism, my middle has ADHD, and my youngest is well, 4.  {{enough said}}  We’re a loud but loving bunch. There’s nothing I won’t do for these precious souls. I’m honored to have them.

I love to decorate my home and almost every room as a theme.  I love a theme!  Yes I painted that shoe canvas myself to match the hand towels in my pink bathroom.  Cuz’ they’ve got to match.  Duh.

I grew up in a financially unstable home with the most creative mother on the planet.  She was not comfortable selling the things she made.  Since we struggled to keep the lights on growing up, I gained a passion to help to promote creative women with Tip Junkie. I love to feature, promote, teach, and market Mom-preneurs.  Tip Junkie has an entire directory and many programs to do just that – promote women in small business.  This is a huge motivating factor of why I do what I do every day.

I also believe that we can use what we do best to create Moments that Matter for ourselves and our family.  I’m so passionate about it that I wrote an eBook on the subject. {{wink}}

I’m a bit OCD in the organizing department and I hate to re-invent the wheel.  Therefore I created Executive Homemaker which has over 300 free printables for busy moms.  It’s my way of helping us stay on top of things, bring in the OTT {{over the top}}, with efficiency and grace.  {{love it!}}

I’m silly, love to laugh, driven, serious about my blogs, and adore my family and friends.  I love to host a party, attend girls night out with friends, love Sci-Fi movies and action flicks!

That’s just a quick blurb about moi.  {{hugs from Texas}}

Blogger

Chic Click Carnival

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This week I’m participating in the Chic Click Carnival. I’m Laurie {from Tip Junkie} and this is my personal blog where I share my life as a wife to a techy husband, mom to three boys, and full time blogger.

My most exciting post on my blog right now is where I finally announced my new eBook: Memories that Endure are Moments that Matter.  It’s about turning the little things into something that you and your family will cherish.  It took over 6 months to write and edit and I’m really stoked about it.

My favorite peep of the week is Mama’s Losin’ It. I’ve met her in real life a couple times and she’s fantastic!

Mama's Losin' It

She hosts a writer’s workshop each week wehere you’ll receive prompts on what to blog about.

Mama Kat is crazy funny and has a quick wit.  I’m going to miss her Bachelorette recaps each week now that the show is ending.

P.S. Christmas in July starts on Tip Junkie this week!
Girly Girl

Happy 40th Birthday Anessa!

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I still have our Utah vacation pictures to upload, but since that’s going to take quite a while, I’m skipping a head a bit to officially tell Anessa Happy Birthday!

We were invited to celebrate with her on a river boat and even though it was drizzling we had the best time!

Talk about a wet & wild party!

Anessa has the coolest job, a wonderful man, and generous spirit.
40 is most definitely fabulous!

There was great food, fabulous company, and a lot of showing off.

We had mens synchronized jumping,

swan diving,

and even some over exposures.

Billy was on fire and was the most entertaining jumper! 
Dudes, gotta be hurting today.  {{just sayin’}}

I just love hanging out with these women.  I consider it an honor.

The night ended with an impressive fireworks display and I was sorry to see the party end.  These people are the real deal – fun, easy going, non-judgmental, with no drama. 
I heart them!

Blogger

Chic Click Carnival

Laurie2 Comments

This week I’m participating in the Chic Click Carnival. I’m Laurie and this is my personal blog where I share my life as a wife to a techy husband, mom to three boys, and full time blogger.

Right now I think my favorite post is about Fabric Care University where I won a challenge with Tim Gunn and finally learned how to do my laundry correctly. 

My favorite peep of the week is Cut & create!  Jana is a fabulous graphics designer with mad skills here are some of my favorite posts of hers:

Family Cruise Director

SeaWorld San Antonio

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One of the {few} perks of blogging every day is that you occasionally get invited to a “Tweet Up” where companies want to use your social media skills to promote their business.  I was contacted by the San Antonio visitors bureau to attend a VIP event at SeaWorld San Antonio. #swsa

Since we already had season passes it was a no-brainer that we would attend.  We were watching Wendy’s kids that weekend because she was celebrating her anniversary in NYC.  {{Aunt Laurie knows how to show kids a good time!}}

The day was so much fun as we were able to meet fabulous bloggers, received free meal passes, and Quick Queue passes.  Did you know that you can buy both at Customer Service?!?

I swear the Quick Queue passes are worth every penny!  You get to walk IN the OUT and get on the ride without a wait.  My kids thought I was a rock-star that day!  Needless to say, they got a lesson on humility and how chanting “we’re VIP” is straight up rude.  {{giggle}}

I also learned so much about SeaWorld in our behind the scenes tour. Our guide was so enthusiastic about her job.  I’m quite sure teared up at one point when she was explaining the plight of the Hawaiian Monk Seal. It was touching.

Everyone got a chance to touch a small shark.  It was completely cool with all the roaming fingers.

All of those gray cylinders are for the Shamu tank filtration system!  Holy Hannah it’s huge.  I can’t remember how many gallons it was – but it was a lot of water.

The dolphins were showing off a little when we showed up to gawk at them. It was adorable to see how much they love an audience. However, when their trainers came to feed them – it was ON! They started talking loudly and doing flips. They know who they really need to impress.

I think feeding the sting rays was the highlight for me.  We learned all about how they eat, their tail, and teeth.  Everyone got to hold one of each which was fascinating!  


You can tell that SeaWorld takes pride in the quality of food they feed their animals as well as the quality of care each species receives.  I felt honored to be given such a fabulous behind the scenes look.  These lucky animals are cared for and given such love and devotion.

This trip we actually spent the majority of the time at the rides and in the water park.  It was a hot day and the wave pool, water rides, and lazy river was calling our name.  


We also wanted to take advantage of the Quick Queue passes since we could ride the rides back to back with out any wait.

A huge thank you to the San Antonio visitors bureau for hosting the VIP event at SeaWorld San Antonio.  It was a huge bonding day for our family and one we’ll never forget.


The kids were so well behaved, I treated them to my favorite carnival food – cotton candy!

Here’s a quick video of us feeding the sting rays. You put the food in between your fingers and then touch your hand flat onto the bottom of the pool. They’ll swim over your hand and grab it. It feels like a little vacuum.  {{squeal in delight}}

Family Cruise Director

SeaWorld San Antonio

LaurieLeave a comment

One of the {few} perks of blogging every day is that you occasionally get invited to a “Tweet Up” where companies want to use your social media skills to promote their business.  I was contacted by the San Antonio visitors bureau to attend a VIP event at SeaWorld San Antonio. #swsa

Since we already had season passes it was a no-brainer that we would attend.  We were watching Wendy’s kids that weekend because she was celebrating her anniversary in NYC.  {{Aunt Laurie knows how to show kids a good time!}}

The day was so much fun as we were able to meet fabulous bloggers, received free meal passes, and Quick Queue passes.  Did you know that you can buy both at Customer Service?!?

I swear the Quick Queue passes are worth every penny!  You get to walk IN the OUT and get on the ride without a wait.  My kids thought I was a rock-star that day!  Needless to say, they got a lesson on humility and how chanting “we’re VIP” is straight up rude.  {{giggle}}

I also learned so much about SeaWorld in our behind the scenes tour. Our guide was so enthusiastic about her job.  I’m quite sure teared up at one point when she was explaining the plight of the Hawaiian Monk Seal. It was touching.

Everyone got a chance to touch a small shark.  It was completely cool with all the roaming fingers.

All of those gray cylinders are for the Shamu tank filtration system!  Holy Hannah it’s huge.  I can’t remember how many gallons it was – but it was a lot of water.

The dolphins were showing off a little when we showed up to gawk at them. It was adorable to see how much they love an audience. However, when their trainers came to feed them – it was ON! They started talking loudly and doing flips. They know who they really need to impress.

I think feeding the sting rays was the highlight for me.  We learned all about how they eat, their tail, and teeth.  Everyone got to hold one of each which was fascinating!  


You can tell that SeaWorld takes pride in the quality of food they feed their animals as well as the quality of care each species receives.  I felt honored to be given such a fabulous behind the scenes look.  These lucky animals are cared for and given such love and devotion.

This trip we actually spent the majority of the time at the rides and in the water park.  It was a hot day and the wave pool, water rides, and lazy river was calling our name.  


We also wanted to take advantage of the Quick Queue passes since we could ride the rides back to back with out any wait.

A huge thank you to the San Antonio visitors bureau for hosting the VIP event at SeaWorld San Antonio.  It was a huge bonding day for our family and one we’ll never forget.


The kids were so well behaved, I treated them to my favorite carnival food – cotton candy!

Here’s a quick video of us feeding the sting rays. You put the food in between your fingers and then touch your hand flat onto the bottom of the pool. They’ll swim over your hand and grab it. It feels like a little vacuum.  {{squeal in delight}}

Family Cruise Director

SeaWorld San Antonio

Laurie1 Comment

One of the {few} perks of blogging every day is that you occasionally get invited to a “Tweet Up” where companies want to use your social media skills to promote their business.  I was contacted by the San Antonio visitors bureau to attend a VIP event at SeaWorld San Antonio. #swsa

Since we already had season passes it was a no-brainer that we would attend.  We were watching Wendy’s kids that weekend because she was celebrating her anniversary in NYC.  {{Aunt Laurie knows how to show kids a good time!}}

The day was so much fun as we were able to meet fabulous bloggers, received free meal passes, and Quick Queue passes.  Did you know that you can buy both at Customer Service?!?

I swear the Quick Queue passes are worth every penny!  You get to walk IN the OUT and get on the ride without a wait.  My kids thought I was a rock-star that day!  Needless to say, they got a lesson on humility and how chanting “we’re VIP” is straight up rude.  {{giggle}}

I also learned so much about SeaWorld in our behind the scenes tour. Our guide was so enthusiastic about her job.  I’m quite sure teared up at one point when she was explaining the plight of the Hawaiian Monk Seal. It was touching.

Everyone got a chance to touch a small shark.  It was completely cool with all the roaming fingers.

All of those gray cylinders are for the Shamu tank filtration system!  Holy Hannah it’s huge.  I can’t remember how many gallons it was – but it was a lot of water.

The dolphins were showing off a little when we showed up to gawk at them. It was adorable to see how much they love an audience. However, when their trainers came to feed them – it was ON! They started talking loudly and doing flips. They know who they really need to impress.

I think feeding the sting rays was the highlight for me.  We learned all about how they eat, their tail, and teeth.  Everyone got to hold one of each which was fascinating!  


You can tell that SeaWorld takes pride in the quality of food they feed their animals as well as the quality of care each species receives.  I felt honored to be given such a fabulous behind the scenes look.  These lucky animals are cared for and given such love and devotion.

This trip we actually spent the majority of the time at the rides and in the water park.  It was a hot day and the wave pool, water rides, and lazy river was calling our name.  


We also wanted to take advantage of the Quick Queue passes since we could ride the rides back to back with out any wait.

A huge thank you to the San Antonio visitors bureau for hosting the VIP event at SeaWorld San Antonio.  It was a huge bonding day for our family and one we’ll never forget.


The kids were so well behaved, I treated them to my favorite carnival food – cotton candy!

Here’s a quick video of us feeding the sting rays. You put the food in between your fingers and then touch your hand flat onto the bottom of the pool. They’ll swim over your hand and grab it. It feels like a little vacuum.  {{squeal in delight}}

Girly Girl

Girls Weekend in Austin

Laurie3 Comments

For Melissa’s 40th Birthday we decided to meet in Austin and have some crazy girl time.  Watch out Austin, here we come!

Lisa and I have this tradition of dressing up to meet up with Melissa.  We’ve dressed up as Neo & Trinity from the Matrix as well as Nacho Libre and Nun.

We couldn’t mess with such a fun tradition, so this time we dressed up as one of Melissa’s favorite TV personalities; Beth & Dog the Bounty Hunter.


We completely lucked out as it was the Big Ass Biker Parade in Austin that weekend and so we were surrounded by motorcycles.  We couldn’t have planned a better photo op!  {{bwaahaa!}}

Needless to say Melissa was completely taken by surprise!

We decided to start our weekend off right with some food and shopping!  We ate at the Cheesecake Factory and then headed over to Ross and TJ Max since we never have time to brows these stores at home.

I finally spent my $50 gift card I won from Tim Gunn at Fabric Care University. I got several new shirts to wear at EVO.

After discount shopping we decided to check out makeup and they had a “world renowned” make up artist from NARS doing make overs.  Um, duh count us in!


Melissa originally just wanted a semi-smokey eye but she got the entire NARS make over!  That dude was hysterical and livened up our evening.  He told us to make sure to “cab it” after going out that night.  With his accent it took us a minute to figure out what he was saying to us Mormon girls.  {{teehee}}

The next day we got pedi’s, watched a movie, shopped some more, ate, and ended the night at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar.  It was a crazy fun time.


Especially with these two crazy ladies.  Although I think our waitress was seriously annoyed that we weren’t drinking.  We left her a big tip to try and compensate. {{poor thing}}

The next day was also full of adventure as we rode Segways!


Yep, that’s right!  We took a tour of Austin on Segways.  Dude, we ROCKED those bad boys.



It took me a while to get my Segway legs, because the thing doesn’t have any brakes!!  As clumsy as I am, I knew that was a recipe for disaster.   Luckily, I picked it up rather quickly and couldn’t let Lisa show me up.  

We ended the weekend with new inside jokes and memories that we’ll never forget.  I just adore these two women and feel so blessed to have them in my life.

Mother of Boys

Scout Camp

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I had the opportunity of chaperoning Dylan’s Scout Camp this year.


I have to say, that it was a lot of fun.  Yes it was hot and sticky and I wish I had brought more Diet Coke. {{two was not enough}} But Dylan and I had some quality bonding time and it was nice to get to know his friends better.


They put up with my mandatory photo ops. {{mostly}}


Fished.

Played cowboy horseshoes.  Which got a little too competitive at one point.  Who ever thought that giving 9 year old boys toilet seats to chunk around a field was a good idea – obviously doesn’t have a 9 year old boy.  {{just sayin’}}


Shot BB guns.

Panned for gold.

  Herding a cow.  Yes the boys were the cow.


I’m really proud of Dylan and what a good friend he is to the boys.  He’s been working on letting other people stick up for themselves and not being such a right fighter.  Which is really hard for him due to his tender heart.  

Dylan is growing up to be such a responsible and caring  young man.  I couldn’t be prouder of him for overcoming his trials and finding the bright side in life.

Family Cruise Director

Family Dinner Out

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Now that the boys are older, eating out is a completely different experience. {{It’s actually enjoyable – HA!}}



Although the boys still find things to keep them entertained.

This time it was the quarters we gave them for the little candy machines.  They had to eat their food before they could get a treat.  Little did we know they would be used for more menacing forms of entertainment in the meantime.


{{swooning}}



Yep, life is always entertaining with this crowd.  Thank goodness they’re so cute!