What is this thing called Periscope?

General Hospital actors @EmmeRyan
and @DominicZampogna

Back at the end of April, Twitter purchased an app called Periscope.  It has been initially only available to iPhone users, however, rumor has it the Android version of the app is due to go live any day. 

 

WHAT IS PERISCOPE? Periscope is an interactive social media application.  It is live video stream of people from all walks of life and it is Worldwide.  You interact with the Periscope broadcaster by typing your comments and they answer live through their phone's video camera.  These broadcasters cover a wide range of topics for you to explore.  I am happily sharing with you my early favorites who have now become little rays of sunshine throughout my day (sounds melodramatic? Just wait). 

 

I tune in during my early morning coffee and at the end of my day before I go to bed. I get notifications that tell me someone I follow is now live and may pop-on throughout the day.  If I missed seeing someone and they saved their broadcast than I have 24 hours to watch in replay.  (Warning, there is no forward function on replay which makes viewing more difficult for the longer broadcasts-hoping to see that change in future updates).

I am more of a spectator in the Periscope world but I am beginning to broadcast and although I think I am boring as heck I have received positive feedback.  I will tell you this Broadcasting is not as easy as some make it look.  You try walking, eating, reading, all while talking. My eyes can't even read the screen without holding it 1 inch to my face.

So now I would like to share the reasons why I enjoy Periscope and some of the individuals responsible for my newest addiction.  If you want to follow me you can @heatco let me know that you read my blog!

HOW I DISCOVERED PERISCOPE-

@jennyhutt Target trip

I was driving one day listening to one of my favorite Sirius FM radio personalities, Jenny Hutt (@JennyHutt) who was discussing a new app called Periscope.  She described how it works and how addicting it is.  She also said she was broadcasting throughout her day and interacting with fans and I thought it sounded pretty interesting. Now I am being brought into her home.  We get to see that  those we deemed famous are really just like your average Joe...with perhaps more money?  I so enjoy keeping @jennyhutt company while she waits for her kids in school carpool line, or while she is on her treadmill, or in her backyard with her dog.  She helps me to be a better parent with her advice as she is years away with teenagers while I am with an early school age child.  She makes me laugh while walking through Target waiting for someone to notice her tiara. She makes me think when talking candidly about the Baltimore riots and the events that lead up to the riots.  If you get SIRIUS make sure to look for her and when you join Periscope follow her. I think you will enjoy her broadcasts. And to @jennyhutt I say thank you for introducing me to the what some say is the new future of social media.

HOW DO I LOVE THEE SO? Let me tell you why....
There is more to Periscope that just seeing your favorite celebrity "behind the scenes" so let me tell you the MANY reasons why I no longer sleep at night.

THE SIGHTS and SOUNDS-

This was my first attraction to Periscope...to experience things I would not normally experience and to visit places I dream to see in person one day was a very exciting concept.  The Sights & Sounds of my first morning on Perisope, while I sipped my coffee were of The Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall, Eifel Tower, Tel-Aviv-Israel, United Kingdom and a place near to my heart...New York City.   I was fascinated the many sights from all around the World and found myself enjoying my morning coffee in a very different way than before.



THE TALENTED PEOPLE- 

The second reason I find myself drawn to Periscope is the wonderfully talented people I have come across who truly enjoy sharing their talents and/or crafts. I have been amused, entertained, and inspired by them and I hope you will be too.  There are many other broadcasters who deserve mentioning so perhaps I can create another blog in the near future of other great broadcasters.
 

Artist @AmandaOleander

My first Periscope find was @AmandaOleander who is an artist in Los Angeles, CA. Amanda paints, illustrates, cooks, and takes her viewers to various spots in Los Angeles (and neighboring areas) all while making her viewers feel appreciated and inspired. On any given night you may find Amanda painting and listening to great music all the while interacting with her supportive community of viewers.  Amanda currently has her Grandma Bita visiting till July so lucky viewers are getting a rare treat with this spunky and endearing Grandma. She is creative, talented and charitable.  She uses Periscope in the best way possible which is why she is one of the most beloved broadcasters. 

 Musician @Kitten_Grenade

I recently discovered a quirky & adorable musician named Kate (@Kitten_Grenade), who plays Ukulele and has the voice of an angel that lulls me to sleep nearly nightly. She will make songs based on your comments and does improv jamming like no other. She has the kindest soul and is refreshing to watch. She just got married this past weekend and we miss her while she is on her honeymoon--Congrats to Kate!





Actor @ErikPalladino

Than there is the Hollywood actor we first fell in love with on a little television show called ER, Erik Palladino (@ErikPalladino).  Watching Erik we find ourselves often giggling--along with the jokester himself-- while he torments his wife with surprise scope broadcasts or simply amuses us with his crazy antics.  He has two beautiful boys and watching him and his family is hysterical and also quite beautiful.  He welcomes us into his home as friends, and makes you feel just like one of the family. 



 

@MoeInteractive in NYC

My next "scoper" is Moe Saleh (@MoeInteractive) who broadcasts out of my native home of New York and shows us the most beautiful sites of the city (and nearby boroughs as well). I grew up in New York and now live down south so I especially love seeing my city through Moe's eyes when I am so far away.  I have had so much fun with Moe in Times Square while he asks viewer questions to random people on the street.  We have seen some crazy antics in Times Square and memorable walks in Central Park.  We have gone on late night subway trips to Brooklyn and have seen Art and Architecture along the streets of Manhattan. You can find Moe walking around the city at all hours day and night. 




Photographer @Smaku

Another recent discovery was a Periscope 'friend' who I had met in another broadcast is Taku (@Smaku) who is based out of Toronto, Canada. Taku is a talented photographer who explores beautiful sites in Canada through his photographers eye. He teaches viewers great camera angles and different ways of taking beautiful photographs. He also shows us how he edits pictures digitally on his computer.  Be ready to take tons of screen captures of Taku's walks. I find my screen captures of Taku's views often come out the best thanks to his talented vision.

@euromaestro in Paris

If you love Paris than you will equally love the tours given by someone known by many as @EuroMaestro. Euro narrates history and interesting facts along the journey into the beautiful country of France.  Here is another case where you will want to be prepared to take lots of screen captures thru the Maestro's eyes of his beautiful country.  






@LisaAppleton67 in the UK

If England captures your fancy than you should make a point to stop in on Lisa Appleton (@lisaappleton76) who broadcasts daily in her home and around her beautiful country.  I have found myself sitting in a room by myself laughing out loud into my cup of coffee.  She is both so real and really funny.  Whether its cooking or creating blown eggs that resemble her community of followers you are sure to have a fun time while visiting with Lisa.  When she is not scoping you will find her interacting in other broadcasts as well.

TV Host @AlexButlertv

 Another fun 'Scoper' is Alex Butler (@AlexButlerTV) who hosts a television show "My Carolina Today" in North Carolina.  She is bubbily, funny and very talkative. She is a natural talent in front of a camera. Her kindness oozes out of every broadcast and she is the real deal. She periscopes daily and enjoys interacting with others.  She happily takes you along on her journey through art fairs or her studio. Her home footage with her boyfriend, Nate, is very funny as they make a sweet couple who like to enjoy life.



YES and even more CELEBRITIES....
The third reason I love Periscope is the true fan in

me....the Celebrities!  I love to be behind the scenes of my favorite soap opera @GeneralHospital or at the Red Carpet with actress @EmmeRylan or on a run at backlot of Universal Studios with childhood favorite Punky Brewster's, Soleil Moon Frye (@moonfrye).  Remember the TLC sensation, Trading Spaces, fun host Paige Davis (@realpaigedavis)? Well now we get to watch her enjoying her dream of being on Broadway.  Watch NYC through her eyes...its a treat.  Periscope is in its infancy and celebrities are joining literally everyday. You can see Ellen, Oprah, Bravo's Andy Cohen, MC Hammer, Kathy Griffin, Tom Green & Andy Dick in ways you have not seen them before.

 
My FINAL REASON...Community
My final reason I love Periscope is the people I have met. The best indicator of a genuine, positive broadcaster is their following.  Many scopers are very good at developing their own community in their broadcast world.  You interact daily with the broadcaster and you also interact with other viewers.  Each broadcaster has a different type of community. You get to know the 'regular' personalities that frequent their favorite broadcasts.  One night I found myself watching @AmandaOleander illustrate what became #worldhug to raise money for Nepal.  I watched an entire 6-hours talking with others viewers while she busily illustrated for us from beginning to end.  I have found another group with @MoeInterative who take that walk nearly daily with me on the streets of NYC.  There is a nutty group of eggheads over at @LisaAppleton67 that I cry laughing with while visiting in Lisa's kitchen. You know to expect a very humorous crew hanging with @ErikPalladino.

I hope I have enticed you to come on board and join in on the fun that Periscope.  Download the app now if you have IPhone and hang in there to Androids.  

Looking forward to see you on Periscope!
Heather
Twitter & Periscope: @heatco

Honey....I'm Home!

I cannot believe the last time I wrote a blog entry was something like 4-years ago. I had a 4 year old...and just post toddler little girl. Now I have an 8-year old who is in 2nd Grade brings joy to my life daily when she is not making me question my ability as a Mother.  Do you all do that too? Judge
yourself? I do daily....I wake up saying today I am going to be a perfect mom and go to bed wondering how many things I could have done better. We are our worst enemies.  Aren't our children going to grow up with "issue" no matter what we do? Don't we all have issues!?

Obviously there is a difference between a bad/horrible parent and the rest of us who try with all our might and just hope for the best.

So far, so good.  My daughter is a decent human being.  She has flourished from the shy girl to a often opinionated child. She has learned to read, do math, tell time, count money.  She has had her first childhood "crush" in Kindergarten and who has returned to our lives in 2nd Grade. She is innocent and I have tried my best to both keep her in a bubble yet expose her to as much of the world as possible. 

Well, that's a complex challenge. On one had I revert to the bubble and carefully monitor her tv and movie viewing . I was such a stickler about this as I wanted to keep her innocence as long as possible and some really great television shows are meant for tweens not for the young ones.  I kept her away from learning about sad things as long as I could, perhaps to her determent.  My shy child who was always described as a thinker has grown into a an even bigger thinker and sometimes gets herself stressed out.  This past year or two she discovered that people die who are younger. I know perhaps a smarter child would have figured this out sooner when they realized that none of the Disney Princesses have Mothers. But her initial experience with death was my Grandmother...her "Bubbie".  She was in her 90's and we were able to flourish  the reality of it with our first talk about Heaven and what we thought it might be like. So now she worries a bit about something happening to us or her. Normal childhood milestone I think. Lesson learned that no matter how much you shelter your child, her classmate, 'Jimmy' will tell her about his baby cousin who died.  Its most definitely best to teach things first yourself. Its always tricky figuring out when to start the lessons.

There is more to our story.  My husband (before we married) was hit by a drunk driver in 1995.  He was in a coma for 10 days and suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI).  It effected him differently over the years.  He suffers memory issues and seizures.  Not easy for a little one to experience her daddy having a seizure in front of her.  I am sure that lack of control of her environment weighs on her during her most anxious moments. But the good things is she is a happy child who enjoys so many things...basketball, art, reading, drawing and playing Mommy to her many dolls. She is very creative and has a lot of moxie.  She is kind and inquisitive and I could go on because I am very enamored by my child as we all should be.

Ok so one more thing you need to know about me.  I run my own business and care for my child and assist my husband who can't drive and on top of it I am dealing with thyroid issues. Having been overweight most of my life I finally grew comfortable in my own skin (or so I say) but than I gained more weight and started just feeling horrible.  It was a slow spiral down until my diagnosis and I am just recently starting treatment.  So on top of being exhausted by life, I am also exhausted from the inside out, my body hurts, my moods are a bit all over the place, I am most probably perimenapausal and I am anemic. Oh did I mention borderline diabetic.

Its time for some drastic change and I thought this blog could hold me accountable, let me write, which I love to do and let me interact with others and hopefully bring you along on a positive journey back to a healthier me. Please, don't mistake my rant as complaining. There is so much I love about my life, I just need to feel healthier so I can get more out of it. Make sense?

Boy, if you are still reading thanks for reading through this major rant!  I think I need a place to let it all out. 

I leave you with you a quote from one of our favorite movies, Cheaper by the Dozen 2,
"There is no one way to be a perfect parent, but there are many ways to be a great one.".  Lets strive for greatness but continue to love ourselves during the moments we fail.

Thanks for hanging in on this way-to-long blog!
MamaRorose
XOXO

Cha-Cha-Cha-CHANGES

Ok moms (and sentimental sappy dads)...how do you handle transition with your child?! Here is the situation.  Next week my daughter is just completing her 2nd year of preschool and now two years in a row I have anticipatory anxiety.  My stomach hurts and I am having difficulty sleeping.  The same exact thing happened last year at this time as I would secretly tear up at the thought of her amazing first year of preschool ending. I loved her teachers. The class had become an extended family.  It was magic. It was about a week before school ended that I saw changes in my little one. She became more clingy. She started having separation issues for the very first time. It's important to mention it was also the same very week of school ending that my father had triple bypass surgery and as much as I tried to hide my emotions, my little one had to have picked up my fear and sadness.

I learned an important lesson with my father's surgery.  The lesson learned is maybe I should not be working so hard at hiding my feelings from my daughter. I am not saying I should have dumped on a than 3 year old, but perhaps I should have explained more instead of brushing it under the rug in an effort not to upset her.  I didn't talk about 'pop-pops' surgery and his being in the hospital.  I didn't give her anything to process. So it is very possible the unknown spooked her more than had I been more honest but still keep it age appropriate.

So at the end of her school last year her beloved Grandpa had surgery, the walls in her classroom were now bare, and she knew that she would be in a different class next year. The next two and a half weeks (but whose counting) between school and camp were uneventful and fun when we were together but on the days I had to go work, she cried for my mom, cried for her babysitter. Something she never did before.  I never had to leave a crying kid. I was not well equipped to deal with this. I remember crying in the car outside my home after having had her clawing at me not to leave. It still breaks my heart a year later. 

Than came camp.  I thought it would be a no-brainer as she was attending camp at her very school.  So the room would be different but the surroundings and some of her friends would be the same. Well...it was a long 8 weeks. She would cry about going to camp the night before, she would cry and cling when I left her. Not the entire time but definitely in the beginning and some throughout the summer.

This is a kid who never once cried on her first day of preschool.  She never cried once throughout that first year. And she did not cry when school started for her second year. So even though I thought her first year was magical. Her second year in preschool was pretty darn good as well. We had great teachers. A great class. She was a little clingy the first day but no tears and came home smiling. The year was perfect.

It's important that I digress to my childhood for a minute as Freudian as that seems...I remember when I was teenager the feelings I felt as I transitioned from one semester to another. I never liked it. It would take a little time to adjust and I remember feeling a bit 'blue' about the newness of the classes and schedule I now had.  It was not debilitating by any means but I remember feeling uneasy. I have this reoccurring dream that I am in college with my new schedule in hand trying to remember what building my classes were in and that dream concludes with me missing an entire semester of a class that  I forgot was on my new schedule. Hmmm interesting. Could I be passing this 'transitional anxiety' on to my daughter? She is so much like me. Both a beautiful but terrifying feeling as of course I want even better for her.  I want her to leave any traces of my depression, anxiety, worrying, low self-esteem I may have had growing up.  I had a fairly happy childhood that I really wouldn't change other than to have the self-esteem I now have as a 41 year old.

So SUMMER is here. This year we go do a NEW camp.  I wanted to give her an opportunity to break the pattern and get used to different experiences. She has one of her current classmates in her new camp group and several not in her group but she will see them I am sure. She seems a little excited but at the same time I sense her apprehension as she has slowly started to get more clingy these past few weeks.  Kids know more than we give them credit for. She talks all about her class when she is "5".
The bottom line I want to give her strength even if I am shaking inside. This is only a preview of what's to come...KINDERGARTEN.

I realize change can be good. I transitioned beautifully at the various stages of her 4.5 year old life. Each stage I loved more and more. I would miss her as a baby but loved her so much as a toddler and than a preschooler.  So any advice for this nervous mommy? Am I normal or a basket case? You can be honest. Just remind me that if she cries at camp...she will survive. It will make her stronger.  Right?!

I guess all we can do is reassure our children, praise them for being the beautiful children they are and love them so that feel confident in knowing what she was taught her very first day of preschool "mommy comes back.....mommy always comes back".

NEW YEARS 2011 QUIZ

I want to thank a great blog called ALL & SUNDRY for the following thought provoking quiz.  
With the NEW Year comes something else very new for me...starting today my 4-year old is going to preschool EVERYDAY.  I fought this trying to hold on to my baby a little longer and had her going 3 days till 1:30pm. However, SHE asked for it and after not much thought I realized it was best for her. She was a big girl now and did not need to follow mommy around on errands or even another playdate. She needed a schedule, her classmates and her teachers. She was ready and it's time Mommy gets her act together too. So I dropped her off today (did I mention she is also going till 3pm instead of 1:30pm) and after some tears (by me) I realized it was not only best for her but for me too.

I needed to build my business (a total different life than my blogging) and tend to my blogging which nourishes me. I need to start taking care of me. With some more hours to myself I can accomplish this. So this is the first day of something new and with a cup of coffee nearby I am going to tackle this New Year's Quiz. Hoping by finding out more about you'll want to come back for more. All I can do is be honest...it's up to you whether you like what you see. So I hope you enjoy! Happy New Year!

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before? I am stumped on the very first question. Not good. Did I do anything new?! Ok let's add that to my resolutions.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? No I did not keep my resolutions from last year. and Yes I will re-make the same resolution, to take better care of me. I failed at this. I am trying again this year. My daughter needs me. My husband needs me. I want to be here. I need to start doing something to get healthier. I am hoping with more time, I can take care of me better. Go back to Weight Watchers, increase exercise, all the standard stuff we set goals for. But also to nourish my soul. I need to do that desperately.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? This was a slow year on the baby front. I did not have one single baby enter my life family or friend. Does that mean I am getting older?!

4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, my Great-Aunt Sarah passed away. And just a few weeks ago my 12 1/2 year old golden retriever, Cobey. He was such a good boy and we are feeling this loss in our home.

5. What countries did you visit? I did not travel at all. Finances. Fear of flying. Yadda Yadda.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? More fun time with hubby. Time to read more books that is not just from my daughter's bookshelf. . 

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? In May my dad had triple bypass. That is a day I will never forget. The fear of losing him was palpable. It was a nail biting day.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Building my business. Becoming my own boss. Slowly. I am in a better place than last year. Not by much but I am on the right path.

9. What was your biggest failure? Not tending to this blog and not losing weight.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Thankfully no but I am on the border of becoming diabetic so reality is if I don't get my act together I could have a different answer next year. (Let's hope not)

11. What was the best thing you bought? My Kindle.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My daughter. She is a good egg. Kind, funny, loving. She's an old soul and I love being with her.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My daughter. She is 4 and thinks she knows better than me. She has had moments that have made me see into the future to the teenage years and its scared me terribly. LOL (nervous laugh).

14. Where did most of your money go? Yep..you guessed it...my daughter and bills in general.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? A New Glee episode (how pathetic!?)

16. What song will always remind you of 2010? Poker Face..anything Lady Gaga.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier most days.
b) thinner or fatter? thinner (slightly).
c) richer or poorer? same (and it's not pretty).

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Zoo's, Museums, Aquariums, Exploring...

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying.

20. How did you spend New Years?  With hubby and little one. Made dinner. Played games. Laughed. 

21. Did you fall in love in 2010? Just about everyday with my daughter. (Wish I could say the same for hubby...LOL).

22. What was your favorite TV program? GLEE

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Ugh. I hate the word hate. I would say I have less intolerance for some craziness that was in my life.

24. What was the best book you read? I am

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? I did not discover anyone in particular. I did discover that I love the music that the dancers on "So You Think You Can Dance" dance to. I often downloaded songs to my ipod from that show. Interesting, different music.

26. What did you want and get? Another year of good health for my family. Knock wood. Pooh pooh (it's a Jewish thing the pooh pooh). 

27. What did you want and not get? For my dog to live longer.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? Oh this is sad. Did I even see a movie this year???...oh yeah...TANGLED.  I actually loved that movie.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 41. It sounds pathetic. I put my dog to sleep the day before my birthday. ON my birthday I worked all day and than had dinner at home with my little one and husband. I love my work and it was good to keep busy as the day before had been an horror. I was extremely content with my quiet family time when I came home.

30. What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying? My clients. I work with seniors and I have met some really great people with really interesting stories to tell.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? I have no fashion sense anymore. If it fits and is comfy, I wear it. Maybe that should be a resolution!?

32. What kept you sane? Not sure I am sane. But let's say I am sane...I think those who make me crazy also keep me sane. My family. My husband and my daughter. They keep me grounded.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I can't believe I cannot answer this. I am pretty into celebrity gossip but this year just found it all boring (Lindsay Lohan...who cares!!!).

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Healthcare. I had a hard time getting healthcare after my Cobra ran out because I have a pre-exsisting condition...I am overweight.  It was a horrible experience to not have healthcare for 8 months. Also, Don't Ask Don't Tell was a big one. I love my gays. All Men and Women should be created equal. Enough said.

35. Who did you miss? My sweet boy. My furry one. My Cobey.

36. Who was the best new person you met? My daughters teachers both last year and this year. I love them.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010. Worrying doesn't change anything.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Oh I am so bad at this...the only thing that comes to mind which is pretty lame..."Another One Bites". However, I have great regard for the year to come. I think 2011 is going to be a smashing year...tell me what song would reflect that?!

So I tried my best. My coffee is empty. My head is swirling. Need I say more?! Have a great day!

Happy New Year!

If anyone out there is reading my blog I just wanted to say I will be back. I enrolled little one in preschool 5 days (at her request and my need to work more) so I plan on dedicating myself more to my blogging because it's a love of mine but like many things we enjoy doing for ourselves seems to fall down the prority ladder. In the meantime, I wanted to take this time to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! May this year be filled with much peace, love and happiness. See you next year!

Whatever Happend to Pin the Tail on the Donkey?!

Happy 4th Birthday Little One!!
Ok folks, I won't even get into to what a bad blogger I am. Hanging head in shame at how long it took me to get to a blog entry. For a more experienced Blogger, you may want to look elsewhere. AND I am not going to even touch the fact that the past 4 years flew by as I am not in the mood to cry over how my baby is all grown up. However, I am just recovering from my daughter's 4th Birthday....Party. Let me preface this all by saying. IT WAS A BLAST! She had such a wonderful birthday weekend. Starting with a party for 35 friends and family at an indoor gym called Latte Fun, followed by the next day, her actual birthday, family brunch and celebrating with family.

This was the first 'Real' birthday party for her.  For her 1st I had a family blowout. For her 2nd & 3rd, family brunch followed by trip to Disney (We live in South Florida, its a 3 hour trek).  This year was her first real birthday party with her friends.

I enjoy making my daughter happy, but party planning may not be my strongest skill.  Perhaps if I was not working and trying to build my business, I would have more time and patience. Probably not. Personalized Invites. Check. Hello Kitty Cake. Check.  Food ordered. Check. Party bags for boys and girls for over 3 and under 3. Check check check.  Birthday outfit for birthday girl. Check. Balloons. Check.  Presents for birthday girl. Check. Did I forget anything?! Apparently not, however, I was too late to order that Pinata that apparently she likes but I didn't realize till 2 days before the party and the facility said no can do. Uncheck.

What I want to know is what happened to the simple times. The HOME parties? The homemade cakes or cupcakes? The dancing in the family room or basement? and Pin the Tail on the Donkey. The less expensive parties?! Ok I am sure the planning for these parties were probably more involved than what I did (the indoor gym took care of a lot but not everything) but the expense for this party was shocking.  I probably paid about $900 for the party and related items (not including her American Girl doll ;) ).  However, after speaking to a friend recently I hear that home parties are JUST as expensive.  I don't have a big enough home to house my little one's friends, hence this choice is not really an option anyways.

Is she worth it!? Of course! 10 Million times over!! Will I have that big of a party every year. Of course NOT. But to see my beautiful daughter beaming with joy while playing with her classmates, her camp friends, her friends since she was a baby, her cousins....PRICELESS.

So looking forward..Small Party? Just Girls? Well....I just attended this fabulous Princess Birthday in a the Princess room of this place, which had a castle and trees, and was simply gorgeous...See I can't help myself. It's starting already. Let me introduce myself, "Hi I am Heather and I am a Birthday Party Addict".  Someone throw me the rope and pull me in I may just be sinking!


NEXT SUBJECT: How to Raise a Non-Entitled Child.  Get your advice ready!

Boogie Wipes not just for kids!

I'll make this quick and easy.  Boogie Wipes - Gentle Saline Wipes for Stuffy Noses- Great Grape Scent is a gift from God. 

I had used these when my little one was a bit younger, but the non-grape scent. At the time I thought they were good but no different than using a wipe. Now the Grape Scented ones have me hooked and has made me revisit my earlier thoughts on this product.  The Grape scent is light and sweet and just enough to make that blowing or wiping a little more pleasant. The size of the wipe, when unfolded, is perfect for those bigger blows.

The package indicates use of this product is best for those dried up tough boogies.  Ok...stop here. I cannot believe I am dedicating an entire blog entry to boogers. This is the life of a mom who happens to blog I suppose. I shall proceed. I have found these wipes to be just as effective when my little one has a wetter cold and not just for dried boogies. I love these wipes because of the 3 "S"'s...Size, Softness, and Scent and the fact that I don't seem to have to beg my child to blow or wipe any longer.

The marketing of this product seems to be slanted towards babies.  Their logo has adorable boy and girl baby faces popping out of the O's in Boogie.  I assure you this product can be used for Toddlers, older kids and even Adults.

Another plus for this product it was created by MOMS.  I love products and companies founded by moms.  Girl Power. I love supporting our entrepreneurial moms.

This past week this mommy has been attacked by the bug that seems to be going around.  My cold is both stuffy and runny at times.  I reached for the Boogie Wipes and not only am I enjoying that breeze of grape yumminess everytime I blow but also my nose is soft and not that usual mess of a nose that is produced from a cold as this wipe truly is moisturizing as I wipe.  A big plus.

Not all children products are for kids alone.  Now if only the people at Little Busy Bodies, Inc. would read this and heed my only complaint...please put more than 30 wipes in a package.  This momma is going through them way too fast!!