I am a reader. I love the written word.
You would never have known, right?
Since before she was born, I have been reading to Grace. There was a time, early on, when I was seriously concerned that Grace might never develop the love affair with books that I have. I was distraught.
It turns out that Grace loves to read. At 2, Grace’s favorite toys are her books. She wants to be read to all the time, and she loves pretending to read to others.
When V.Tech contacted me to review their new …

I’m a stationery hound. I have all kinds of papers and cards and stationery, and I love to write letters with real pens on real papers.
A few weeks ago, I received a sample pack from Paper Culture.
The cards are all sturdy and expensive-looking. They aren’t cheap, starting at $1.49 per card, but the quality and the company’s business practices justify the expense.
Paper Culture’s designs are cute, and they are all exclusive. For the most part, they are simple, modern, and elegant.
Paper Culture makes eco-friendly stationery; their paper is 100% post …

Remember when I posted about my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad trip to the fabric store?
I asked for advice. I got some advice, but mostly I found commiseration: on Facebook, in the post’s comments, on Twitter, and even by email. 
I was grateful for the suggestions. I was touched that so many of you wanted to help me, and that you went out on a limb by talking to me about what you do with your kids.
I was overwhelmed by the people who said, “We’ve all been there. Let me …

I like bread.
More specifically, I like bread when it’s topped with butter and a generous amount of apple butter.
I prefer my bread to have some weight to it, like a twelve grain. It is hefty and full of crunchy bits. I love it.
Toasted, with butter and apple butter.
My husband, however, likes his bread white and smooth. It’s a dilemma.
Sara Lee sent us a few samples from the Soft & Smooth line, and I set up a taste test to see if we could agree on one of the breads.
I put …

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii
One month ago, I started the EA Sports Active 30 day Challenge.
I wish I’d taken measurements like some of my fellow BlogHer reviewers, because I think there would be an appreciable difference between then and now.
Alas, hindsight is 20/20. I can tell you that I’ve lost 13 pounds, despite the fact that I’m working out every other day and I had to take a few extra days off. And that I haven’t changed my eating …

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii
Yesterday, I had a discussion with two friends who are at different points in the EA Sports Active 30 day challenge. One of them complained that she felt slovenly taking every third day off. “It’s just too much rest,” she said.
Too much rest? Is there such a thing?
I don’t want to portray my friend in a negative light. She was simply stating that she prefers to do a workout each day, and she appreciates that …

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii
Every time someone who’s overweight says they’re going to exercise and get healthy, I say a little prayer for them. I so hope it goes well for them.
Statistics say that it doesn’t usually go well, so I know they need all the help they can get.
I fell off the wagon after only a few days of using my EA Sports Active.
It wasn’t entirely my fault.
It never is, right?
I pushed my injured body too hard. …

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii
I want to be active and healthy.
It’s not going to be easy. On May 1, I was injured in a car crash. I was sitting at a red light when another car hit me from behind. I was pushed into the car ahead of me, my car was demolished, and I suffered neck and back injuries. I haven’t be able to work or even move around much since it happened.
I go to physical therapy …

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii
Why am I participating in the EA Sports Active 30 day Challenge?
In one month and two days, I’ll turn 30. I want to be 30 and healthy. I want to be 30 and active. I want to be 30 and attractive and sexy. I’m committed to being a better role model for my daughter.
I am spending the next 30 days working on those goals with the EA Sports Active. I’ve struggled with my weight for …

When I was pregnant, I decided to sew Grace a quilt. It was spring time, and my belly had become too big for me to comfortably sit on the floor and scrapbook. I was devastated.
But then, I re-channeled my creative energy into sewing. I have been sewing for more than seventeen years, so I thought quilting would be a logical jump.
I’ve always thought that baby quilts were gorgeous, and I knew a hand sewn quilt would be perfect for my baby’s crib or bed or wall.
Excited, I decided on a …