As parents we always want to inspire our children to follow their dreams, but what if their dream isn’t what we want for them?  Should we curate our children’s life or should we allow them to follow what is in their heart… right now?  As parents we think we know best. We want to protect our children from everything so, naturally if the child’s dream isn’t what we think is safe or not the lifestyle we want….what do we do?

Many years ago I was picked in a model search, I didn’t think I would get picked I was truly there to support a friend.  When my name was called I was in shock…. me?  I was wearing baggy pants a t-shirt with a boring ponytail.  The agency thought I would be good for print ads and commercials {let’s be honest I’d never make runaway I’m a whole 5ft maybe an inch or two}.  I was picked… they choose me from a sea of hopefuls and nothing came of it.  I would have to travel back and fourth from my home to the agency (that was 2 hours away), my dad was stationed in Korea (U.S.Army) and my mom didn’t want to do it alone every weekend.  It didn’t bother me immensely I was just there for support anyway, but somewhere deep down inside I guess it did.

When I was 18 years old a co-worker said, “Why are you here in Texas?  You need to be New York or Hollywood.” it hit me I may have been there already if I had modeled.  Now I’m not saying she thought I was model material— I was a comedian at work I loved to make people laugh.  I would make survey calls using my arsenal of voices to make the time pass, people wanted to set next to me so they could laugh.

Now, I have my own little girl who has shared great interest in acting.  She has done little modeling gigs nothing too big, but she wants to go big.  I’m not sure if Mama is ready for all that.  I want to let my baby follow her dreams, but I want her to enjoy childhood and still do wonderful in school.  I’m starting to look into agencies for her—I don’t want her to reflect and say we held her back.

I realized there could be more dangerous dreams she could have, like driving monster trucks. Kaid Jaret Olson-Weston {K.J.} is an 8 year-old member of pro mini-monster team.  He drives real life monster trucks and his parents are in full support of him.  When K.J’s mom was interviewed she said, “I do not want to stand in between K.J and his dreams.”  I thought to myself I just don’t know if I could stomach my baby in a heavy duty Monster Truck.  I’m all about chasing dreams and wishing on a star but I’m full of worry already.  What are your thoughts?  Is there a difference in the pursuit of dream catching or should we allow our children to chase every dream?

They are sold in a package of two for $6.99, which IMO will be one of the best summer product investments you could make!  Check them out at icehuggy.com

S’more Popcorn

Here is what you will need:

* Graham Cracker cereal

* Marshmallows

* Popcorn

* Chocolate Chips or Almond Bark  for melting {I prefer the almond bark}

* Packaging we used Chinese Take-out boxes available at World Market and goodie       bags

* Sticker labels

Mix everything except the chocolate in a large bowl or in our case a pot.

Once mixed well spread the mix on a baking sheet and drizzle melted chocolate on top

Let the chocolate harden, and then pack in cute containers or leftover goodie bags from your last party.

We found these cute containers at World Market

Add a message…

Thank you to all the Teachers out there making a difference!

If you are in the market or know someone in the market for a new diaper bag that makes sense and is cute—Here ya go!

The BFF bag keeps you organized and isn’t pastel green or pepto pink.  There are so many beautiful patterns to choose from.

I remember once upon a time I was a 2 bagger—yes I carried two bags to carry everything, I then began carrying a hobo bag and just put everything in there… thing about that is there was no rhyme to my reason.  The organization of the BFF is what totally did it for me.  I love that everything has its own spot—no bottles rolling around in your hobo bag.

I checked and yes this diaper bag can double as a computer bag SCORE! Officially my BFF you can hold snacks, my computer, and keep me organized #WIN.  Besides organization and durability I appreciate that Ju Ju Be gives you options the BFF can be worn as a backpack or a messenger bag.

If you’re not looking for a diaper bag, but need a good pool, or beach bag, or everything bag the Mighty Be is perfect!

The Mighty Be is not just a tote it’s a carry all! You can get all the kiddos’ beach towels and their extra set of clothes in this trendy bag.  The Mighty Be has pockets to keep you organized there is a spot for your phone, keys, drink, sunscreen, and of course the much needed snacks.  The Mighty Be would be great to take to the farmers market too… trust that you’ll see me with my Mighty Be at my local farmers market.

Ju Ju Be offers an array of bags, wallets, and gifts.  Dad isn’t left out at Ju Ju Be’s they have something for him too.

Do you have a Ju Ju Be bag?  What makes a bag great for you?

In the video called “It Could Happen To You,” 26-year-old Shane Bitney Crone shares his story of finding love, only to lose it when his partner Tom died in a senseless accident last year shortly after his 29th birthday.

As horrible as his loss was, Shane says he wasn’t prepared for what would happen next. In only one day after posting the video, it’s spreading like wildfire on the web, and has already racked up tens of thousands of views, and if you have 10 minutes to watch it, you’ll see why.

Shane has also set up a Facebook page called EqualLoveEqualRights and invites you to join him in his quest for marriage equality.

Source: RadarOnline.com

I find it strange that people can marry their pets, or other strange things, but when two individuals of the same sex wish to marry…they can’t. Please share your thoughts.

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I may be the only reality-tv junkie who finally watched the 3 part reunion of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. While watching the reunion NeNe Leakes and Sheree Whitfield argued about their children, their arguement made me think who is right Sheree, NeNe, or both?   Apparently NeNe’s son Bryson was arrested for shoplifting.  Sheree shared this bit of information because she didn’t believe NeNe is as rich as she was carrying on.. if she is rich why did her son resort to stealing, this is what I think Sheree was going for.

NeNe was angered of course that Sheree was airing out her dirty laundry, she went off on Sheree for mentioning her son.  NeNe protested that her son was grown he makes his own decisions and those decisions had nothing to do with her.  Sheree fired back “children are a reflection of who you are.”

In which NeNe responded that you can raise a child right and they can still make mistakes. “Whatever mistake my child makes is not a reflection of me”

What are your thoughts, are your children a reflection of who you are good or bad?

It’s also been 9 years since a book in the Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff series has been published.  Kristine Carlson, Richard Carlson’s wife, and author of some of the series’ books as well as her own bestselling An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love: The True Story of the Best Gift Ever Given has released Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff For Moms ($13.99).  Kristine’s message is quite clear, find joy amidst the chaos.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff For Moms is broken down into 100 short and sweet chapters.  Chapters provide you with a little story using real life situations and great solutions to boot!  For instance, my favorite chapter is #46, When Teens Want To Party.  Why is that my favorite chapter?  My daughter will be entering high school in the fall and we know that with high school comes parties.  They are not preventable.  I absolutely love what Kristine does with her daughters 18th birthday and many of her suggestions to a happy, fun and yes, safe party would be something I wouldn’t have a problem doing myself.  It actually does put me at ease knowing that there are times when you can be more of a friend to your child, but when times call for it, they don’t need any more friends…they need their parent to keep them safe and guide them into make good choices.

Another chapter that hit a bit closer to home is chapter 1. , There’s No Such Thing As A Perfect Mom.  I learned this early on too after the birth of my first child.  I can clearly remember sitting on my stairs crying to my mom on the phone telling her I didn’t think I do this…this meaning…everything!  I had a new baby, I was working, I was in a new home, I was far away from my family and friends, and I felt all alone.  My mom gave me “permission” not to be perfect and she made me realize that I couldn’t do it all.  I wasn’t superwoman… I was mom, a mom who has made her fair share of mistakes and has been able to show my children that it’s ok to make mistakes as it is all a part of learning and without mistakes we never advance.

There are so many other chapters that I just love because it makes me see that I was not the only one experiencing situations that at the time may have been a bit stressful, but Kristine shares with you that it doesn’t have to be stressful at all…it’s all a part of being mom…and owning the title and being proud of the title!

*If you know of an expecting mom, Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff For Moms is a light-hearted, easy to read book that would make the perfect Mothers Day gift for her.

I thought it would be fun to share the Star Wars love you can find via Pinterest and believe me their is plenty

 Love!

Now, I’ll stop blabbing and introduce you to 1/2 of the creative genius of Oilo and mother of two adorable babies…

Annalisa Thomas

You and your mother are both co- founders of Oilo.  How do you make things work considering you and your mother both have a history in design, do you ever differ in design opinion? 

Definitely. But I feel like it pushes us both in directions we probably wouldn’t have explored had we done it alone. And when we both finally love the same design, we know it’s a winner.

Would you attribute the contemporary style of Oilo to your graphic design background?

I think it definitely has influenced me. I studied graphic design in Switzerland for a semester and fell in love with their simple graphics. My mom was also born in Denmark, so I’m not sure if it’s already in my blood, but I love Scandinavian design. Its sleek clean lines have always appealed to me.

Many celebrities love the modern sleek style of Oilo for their baby’s room; Oilo is perfectly priced for everyone to enjoy quality bedding for their children’s nursery.  Do you have a favorite collection that would work for parents who are a bit more traditional but want a little more of a modern edge?

I’ve seen a designer use the cobblestone for a more traditional room. The designer used an iron ornate crib and heavy drapes and the crib set looked amazing. You see many designers doing this right now—adding a modern product with a more eclectic or traditional piece to give it a new vibe. I love it!

One of the first things parents are asked is “What is the theme of your baby’s nursery?” is it necessary to have a theme?  If Grandma just needs you to have a theme how can you work in a theme with a little Oilo style?

When most people hear the word “theme” they immediately think of their great aunts scrapbook pictures of rooms decorated with bunny rabbits or elephants bordered along the ceiling, but a theme does not have to be full of characters. Many people don’t realize that picking a color palette derived from white sand beaches or nautical sailboats can also be a theme. You’re just doing it without throwing cartoons in everyone’s face.

Safety is key when planning a nursery for your baby do you have any tips on making sure baby’s nursery is free of danger and how does Oilo ensure safety?

We have a safety page on our site that informs mothers of crib bedding safety. Although we offer blankets, we made sure to call them “play” blankets so moms know they are only for “play time” not for the crib, where there is a higher risk of suffocation in young babies.

For parent’s who cannot paint their baby’s nursery what suggestions do you have to bring in color and life to plain walls?

I’m not a crafty person, nor do I like to spend the money on hiring someone to come paint, so I rarely paint rooms from the original colors I picked—which is usually a neutral color so I can easily swap a room from an office, to girl’s room, to a boy’s room if I choose. That being said I use art, bedding, contrasting furniture, accessories, drapes and multiple textures to spice up a room. I never let a boring wall color get me down. If anything I feel like it’s an opportunity to do more with everything else.

Oilo has some of the most gorgeous glider chairs I have ever seen, why is it important to have a glider chair for those new parents who don’t know…. yet?

Getting a good glider has been my best purchase yet. When you are a first time mom you don’t realize how much time you will be spending in a glider. My friends and I were just laughing about how 10 hours of each day with a newborn is spent feeding the baby, so it’s no wonder you don’t get anything done! So you may as well come to terms with it and get comfy. Get a comfy, easy-to-clean glider, like Oilo’s and load yourself with books, magazines, lots of water (I never knew nursing could make you so thirsty), a snuggly blanket, and a good nursing pillow, because when that newborn arrives you will quickly realize this spot is your new home! {agreed!}

Then before you know it that newborn is not so tiny anymore, but a busy, busy toddler who won’t sit still for more than two seconds, except at night when they are so exhausted from their toddler exploring day, which then you can squeeze in a few more cuddles while rocking them to sleep.

If you had to give a new parent one tip when planning baby’s nursery what would it be?

Pick three things you absolutely love then slowly build around those items, making sure everything coordinates along the way. It sounds too simple, but it works every time.

What a pleasure to have Annalisa share these wonderful tips!  I encourage you all to please go check out

www.oilostudio.com and connect with Oilo on Facebook and Twitter.

What does your baby's room look like? Theme or no theme?