Simply Modern Mom

Archive for the ‘Random’ Category

Back Into the Swing of Things

In Random on March 8, 2010 at 9:00 am

Back to our regular programming… It’s been a while hasn’t it? Thanks for being so patient with me and going along with my around the world Education Week where we spent two weeks learning about what it’s like to live in other countries. It was also interesting to read what motherhood was like around the world, too.

Education Week was quickly followed by the Over-Used Recipe Swap. Although we didn’t reach my goal of 365 recipes in one week, we still collected 169 recipes from all of you and other bloggers who I featured throughout the week. I think that was a pretty amazing feat. Thanks to all who participated and helped spread the word. I am excited to have new recipes to try.

During the time of the Education Week and recipe swap event, I suffered through some technical difficulties… I dropped my iPhone in the toilet. The following week, the hard drive in my computer died. And this last weekend I came down with a head cold that I am still overcoming. The latter affected my mental abilities which in turn affected my technical abilities. Thanks to my technically inclined husband and the Apple Geniuses, my phone and computer were fixed rather quickly. And the Apple Geniuses even threw in one of these as a fix to my previous one with an inoperative scroll ball…

On a happier note. Sarah of Better Way Moms interviewed me last week about Simply Modern Mom. If you want to learn a little bit about the background of SMM, hop over and read.

Anyway, enough about me. How about we get back to some lists and tutorials? I have a tutorial for you Wednesday. A sewing project. Just in time for the picnic season. I also have some traveling tips for you since travel season is quickly approaching. And I won’t forget about spring cleaning and Easter that will be here before we know it.

» Tell me… Are you ready for spring? Is it defrosting where you live? I don’t think I can hold back my spring fever any longer.

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Coming & Going

In Random on February 24, 2010 at 3:10 pm

Don’t give up on me just yet. I know I haven’t had a tutorial in a few weeks. They are coming. I promise. I am currently working on two tutorials with another one in mind. Hopefully I will get them done.

Some of you have been enjoying the around the world posts for Education Week. I’m glad you are learning about what life is like elsewhere.

I also know that some of you think this around the world stuff it quite boring and frankly, too much reading material. Don’t worry. I’m not getting all editorial on you. I will still give you lists. Bullet points. That’s the way to go, right?

It seems that my time has been occupied with watching some Winter Olympic events and going stir crazy with this winter weather. And mostly, cleaning parts of my neglected house. Do you know what that’s like, neglected house?

Last Sunday we had a beautiful day warm enough to go out for a walk. Elle was more than happy to go off on her own. I’m holding myself back from pulling out all our spring and summer clothes. I am begging for spring to come.

» Tell me… Are you tired of winter too?

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» Tell Me…

In Random on February 17, 2010 at 7:00 am

Have you noticed I’ve been asking you questions? At the end of most posts, I’ve been asking you to tell me what you think about the post topic. It’s a way for me to encourage you to comment. Why would I want you to comment? Because I honestly enjoy reading what you have to say.

And all of you who are reading Simply Modern Mom through your email or RSS reader, please click through to the actual post to comment. I have been receiving some of your comments in my email. Which I don’t mind reading your comments in email, but I think other readers would like to read what you have to say too.

Lastly, I try to reply to comments, especially ones where you ask me questions. Let’s have conversations.

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A Valentine to Me

In Random on February 15, 2010 at 12:12 pm

You know you are married to a techie when…

Your husband emails you your Valentine and it says…

You may think it’s tacky. But I got a good laugh out of it. Thanks, Nathan!

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Hello Readers, Where Are You From?

In Random on February 8, 2010 at 10:42 pm

Hello Simply Modern Mom Readers,

I am looking for international readers to do a Q&A on Simply Modern Mom. This is only for those currently living outside of the United States. Leave a comment below or email me at tiffany{at}simplymodernmom{dot}com if you are interested or if you would like more info.

Thanks,

Tiffany Bird

P.S. If you are not an international reader, but would like to tell me where you are from, that’s great too! Leave a comment below. I love learning more about my readers.

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Elle’s 1st Birthday

In Random on February 8, 2010 at 8:00 am

It really turned out well. After all the back and forth on whether or not I should do a party, I’m glad we did one but kept it small. Her birthday was actually on Thursday. But since Nathan had school that evening, we took her out to McDonalds (or Kaye calls it Ol’ McDonalds) for lunch. Elle is like her mommy. We love French fries.

We saved her Chinese birthday party for Friday evening. Thanks to all those who paid her birthday wishes. Here’s my big girl at her birthday party…

standoff between Elle and gifts.

Elle eating frosting.

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Autism Speaks Benefit at Allora Handmade

In Random on January 13, 2010 at 9:00 am

Today is a great day for Autism Speaks. Jessica of Allora Handmade contacted me a while ago telling me of a generous benefit she put together for her nephew Jonathan’s 10th birthday. I will let Jessica take it from here…

“[Jonathan] was diagnosed 8 years ago with Autism, and that diagnosis has drastically changed the life of my sister and all the rest of our family – in so many ways. Every Christmas and birthday I struggle with what to get him that he will really enjoy. Since buying gifts for Jonathan is so difficult, this year for his birthday I plan on having an Autism Awareness benefit sale in my shop. I will load up my shop and from January 13 – 15, I will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to Autism Speaks. I figure the best gift I can give him (and his family) is a chunk of change to help solve the puzzle that is autism.”

Please help support Autism Speaks and Allora Handmade by making purchases at Jessica’s Etsy shop beginning today and ending on Friday. And for every $10 you spend you will be entered to win a $40 gift certificate towards a future purchase at Allora Handmade.

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Snow Day

In Random on January 11, 2010 at 8:59 am

I live in the South. On purpose. I am not a snowy winter type. Give me 70 degrees with sunshine and I’ll be happy. However, my 3-year-old Kaye had been hoping and praying for snow. She desperately wanted to build a snowman this winter. I finally gave in. I also hoped and prayed that Kaye’s snow wish would come true. I guess with the power of both of our wishes, it came true.

Last Thursday around 1 p.m. the snow started coming down. Oh, the face on that little girl’s face. It was priceless. I took the girls out for a little catch-the-snow fun. And by the evening, there were enough snow to make a mini snowman. A dream come true.

The next morning, the snowman looked like he got mugged by a bigger snowman. But the morning view with snow was breath taking.

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2009 Year in Review

In Random on December 30, 2009 at 11:00 am

Considering Simply Modern Mom only began July of 2009, we will begin from there. I just can’t thank YOU enough for reading Simply Modern Mom and telling your friends about it. Yes, I read all your emails to me. Yes, I read all your comments. Yes, I absolutely LOVE my readers. You are one of a kind. I hope SMM is worthy of your loyalty. I have met some of the most amazing and talented people in the blogosphere. I hope to meet more of you in 2010.

Earlier today, I announced the redefinition of Simply Modern Mom: Simple. For the modern mom. And with that announcement, I said 2010 will be the year I make SMM more interactive for the readers. I want to make SMM a place for you to simplify your life and meeting people who have the same passion. It’s going to be a GREAT year!

OK, let’s see SMM in 2009…

  • First project I posted about was my dresses made from men’s dress shirts inspired by Dana at MADE.
  • First Friday’s 5 at 5 was the set of sewing patterns I purchase. Still haven’t made any of them. Maybe that should be a New Year resolution.
  • First draft of the SMM logo came July 6. A before and after of the logo…

bunnies mice elephants

bouquet

passion patrol 2

castle cake

camera strap cover

Wow, that was a lot in one year. For more, check the archives in the bar on the right. Or you can see tutorials, tips, lists and more at the menu above. Thanks for being a part of Simply Modern Mom and we’ll see more of you in 2010!

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Redefining Simply Modern Mom

In Random on December 30, 2009 at 9:00 am

Someone: You have a blog?

Me: Yes, it’s called Simply Modern Mom.

Someone: Cool. What is it about?

Me: Well…

If I have a hard time defining my blog. I’m sure you have a harder time telling people about my blog, that’s if you tell people about my blog. Simply Modern Mom launched 5 months ago and it started out as a place for me to share some of the projects I do for myself and others. You know, crafty stuff. And I still love that. But having met other great blogger and online friends, I found a greater need for Simply Modern Mom. I’m redefining Simply Modern Mom.

Simple. For the modern mom.

That’s right. Simply Modern Mom is a place for modern moms to collaborate and discover ways to simplify their lives. It’s for moms with any kind of lifestyle, whether you are working full-time, working part-time, working from home, a homemaker, a crafty mom, a PTA mom, a single mom, a military mom, mom with older kids, mom with younger kids, a first time mom or one-of-a-kind mom.

Nothing is going to change about the current content of this site. I will still post tutorials and other craft projects I am constantly doing. You may all ready notice that I try to simplify all my projects. Easy enough that anyone can do them. I will still make tons of lists giving tips and ideas of how to simplify motherhood, organize the home and entertain the children. I hope to be better at posting back to basics tips.

So what will be changing about Simply Modern Mom? I will be adding new things to the site. First off, there is a project I want EVERYONE (that means YOU) to participate with me. I will announce that tomorrow. Yes, you’ll have to wait.

Second, I am doing another segment on SMM where I want to get to know my readers and make some more blogging friends. In the 5 months of blogging on Simply Modern Mom, I have made some amazing blogging friends. I will be featuring some of them, some friends I haven’t met yet and some of you! I have a degree in journalism and one of the reasons why I studied journalism in college was because I believe everyone has a story to tell. I love hearing people’s stories and learn from their experiences. This segment will be called Simply Said. More on this later. Just be excited.

I do hope you like the changes. Remember, tomorrow there will be a fun announcement. Comment and let me know if you have ideas or suggestions. I love feedbacks and I do take the time to read every one of your comments. You can also email me at tiffany{at}simplymodernmom{dot}com.

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Wanted: Advertisers & Sponsors

In Random on December 3, 2009 at 8:59 am

I am finally opening Simply Modern Mom to advertisers and those wanting to sponsor this site. If you are interested, please visit Simply Modern Mom’s advertise page and contact advertise{at}simplymodernmom{dot}com. You may be seeing ads in the column at your right soon.

It is incredible how much support I have received from readers and other fellow bloggers. Each month the site increases readership by at least 200-300 percent. Thanks to all my readers and if any of you have a site, business or product you would like to advertise on SMM, please contact me.

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Coming Up…

In Random on November 29, 2009 at 9:05 am

Winter Days Giveaways logo 2009

Tomorrow begins the Winter Days Giveaways! I have 10 sponsors signed up for the event and there will be a surprise! I also have part 2 of my snowflake tutorials coming tomorrow. So come back to win and learn how to make more snowflakes. Happy Sunday!

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Keep Improving

In Random on November 16, 2009 at 9:01 am

SMM Logo

I just keep making little changes here and there to improve the site. You might have noticed some of the changed over the last month or so. But let me point out some main ones to you.

  1. My logo has changed from a gray box into a red round seal.
  2. My button has changed to the image above. You can add my button to your site by copying and pasting the code in the right column on my home page.
  3. I added a MADE page to my menu above. It is a pictured list of things made by Simply Modern Mom.
  4. I jumped on the bandwagon of ‘You Might Also Like’ showing past articles you may enjoy reading.
  5. I moved all of my Follow SMM info to the column on the right. Don’t forget to add SMM to your RSS reader.
  6. I registered for a license with Creative Commons allowing you to reuse things on SMM as long as you give me credit and link back to my site. Go here for details.
  7. Finally, a new watermark for my photos. You’ll see it soon.

Although these may be little changes, I hope it makes your visit to SMM an enjoyable one where you will want to keep coming back. And please comment or contact me with feedbacks, suggestions, or ideas for SMM. I just have to say, I absolutely adore my readers!

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Mobile Friendly

In Random on November 3, 2009 at 9:00 am

That’s right. Simply Modern Mom is now easy to navigate on your smartphone or iPod Touch. It is one of the many perks of being married to a tech savvy guy. I have noticed a number of you accessing SMM using your phone. I thought I would make it easier for you to read SMM anywhere your computer or phone may be.

How to access this new feature? Simple.

Navigate to www.simplymodernmom.com (or www.smmom.com for short) on your mobile device or iPod Touch and that is it. The site automatically shows you a customized version (faster and easier to navigate) right on your mobile device. If you’re not a big fan of the new layout, you can change it back to the old version by switching the on/off toggle at the bottom of the screen.

What if you want to put SMM right on your iPhone/iPod Touch home screen? Four steps.

  1. Navigate to www.simplymodernmom.com (or www.smmom.com for short) on your iPhone or iPod Touch.
  2. Click the + button on the bottom of the screen.
  3. Touch the “Add to Home Screen” button.
  4. Check out the sweet icon and click save. Done.

If you have any problems with the mobile layout please email me at simplymodernmom{at}gmail{dot}com.

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Show and Tell

In Random on October 30, 2009 at 3:16 pm

I am showing and telling (well, there’s not much to tell) all about my apron from earlier this week. It’s over at Amy Lou Who. Thought you might wanna know.

And yours truly was featured on V and Co. this week for my bandana skirts that I made eons ago. You know, the one that Kaye wouldn’t take off because she said it looked like Belle’s dress from Beauty and the Beast. I had to hide that thing now that it’s too cold and much too short for her to wear.

shoe pile

It’s a fabulous Friday all right. I also scored 11 pairs of shoes for myself and my girls today over at Payless. I know, I went overboard. But you’re talking to a shoe girl here. I warned Nathan that he shouldn’t let me go into ANY shoe store alone, even if it is Payless. He didn’t listen. So I bought one of everything. Only because I had a 50 percent off everything in the store coupon. I tried to remember the last time I bought shoes from Payless… it was middle school.

Happy Halloween!

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Sick Day & The Great Debate

In Random on October 29, 2009 at 9:00 am

me and the girls

I was sick all day yesterday. It actually began Tuesday night. After feeling all the stress and pressure of my numerous projects and things going on in my life, it finally caught up to me. A little break down. A few tears. A slight fever. And aching of the body. Luckily, I married one of the most wonderful man in the world. He listened to all my concerns, complaints, and whining. He pampered me while laid in bed sick. He forced me to do nothing but rest. He even brought breakfast in bed. And took time off work to take care of the kids. Amazing.

The Tylenol kicked in long enough for us to take a few Christmas family photos (me and my girls above). Then it was back to the chills and fever and aching body for me.

I did have time to read this article from the New York Times, “Guardians of Their Smiles.” It’s an article about the great debate of whether parents should post pictures of their children on the web and on social networking sites such as Facebook. In the article, some moms shared their experience of discovering other people reusing their children’s photos as their own or creating fake accounts.

Some parents are opposed to posting any pictures of their children on the web. Others don’t mind at all. From the article, “Some parents want to protect their children from what is unlikely but still tragically possible. Others say children will do best when learning to live with the realities of the Web.” Other parents come up with their own rules for posting. Making their blogs private. No bath photos of the kiddos. Changing the names of their children. So on and so forth.

This has always been a concern of mine. I am protective of my children and images of my children. I would like people to respect the privacy of my family. I like to feel like I am in control of what I post about my family and my photos. My biggest thing is people reusing my photos from my sites without my knowledge. But I am not totally against posting pictures of my family. It is similar to if a picture of my family came up in the newspaper or magazines. Or if I put my kids in modeling and they were in ads or something.

What do you think? What’s your opinion and view on this great debate?

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Project Spasms and an Announcement

In Random on October 28, 2009 at 9:00 am

yarn projects

I am experiencing project spasms. I am being attacked by too many projects. Doing a little bit here and a little bit there is not helping because I’m not actually accomplishing any particular project. Leading to an even worst feeling of incompletion at the end of the day. Maybe it is also because I am working on Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and baby shower gifts for people left and right.

On top of that I am trying to open an online shop. Yup, you heard it right. I’m making the leap to sell some of my items online. That’s the big announcement for the day. It seems that there are people out there who actually like some of the things I make. I have never sold any of it before. So I’m not sure if anyone is interested enough to want to purchase anything from me. But hey, you gotta try, right?

Don’t worry, I will let you know when the shop opens. There are a lot to be done before that happens. However, I did set a deadline for myself to get the shop up and running in November, you know before the holidays. So I would love it if you had some advice for me about selling handmade crafts online. I’m a newbie and could use all the advice.

Thanks for supporting Simply Modern Mom and telling your friends about me. Now back to work.

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Swamped

In Random on October 12, 2009 at 9:00 am

Aren’t we all with the holidays coming up? This week, I’m…

  1. Co-hosting a party at church for a bunch of teenage girls Thursday.
  2. Teaching a crocheting class Friday.
  3. Attending a sewing aprons class Saturday.
  4. Finishing up some glass pendants (tutorial coming soon).
  5. Getting ready for Halloween (procrastinator’s Halloweek coming next week).
  6. Got my HomeGoods gift card in the mail and ready to shop.
  7. Contemplating opening an Etsy shop.

Can you believe that we are only 11 weeks away from Christmas? I am thinking of making Christmas gifts this year… with supplies I already have. Hum… that will be a challenge. Ideas anyone?

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It Took All Day

In Random on October 1, 2009 at 4:38 pm

It took me all day to iron all of this. Now that I’m done with it, I can get to work on some sewing. But before the sewing, I have a few other projects in the works that I need to get done.

ironed fabric

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Dry Ice Season

In Random on September 22, 2009 at 9:00 am

UPS delivered a surprise package to our front door last Thursday. The box had this label on it…

pie and ice

What? A frozen pie? Oh yeah, I forgot I was signed up to do a survey on a new pie product. What a pleasant surprise, a free apple pie. Yum. To keep it frozen there was a brown paper sack inside filled with dry ice. Fun. An early Halloween.

dry ice

dry ice experiement

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Her Morning Elegance

In Random on September 16, 2009 at 9:00 am

Love, love, love this video and song. I can’t imagine the amount of time it took to make the video. It’s amazing.

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Know Me

In Random on September 15, 2009 at 9:00 am

Saw this over at luvinthemommyhood and just couldn’t resist…

Making : due without my computer, extra time to clean the house
Cooking : stir fry
Drinking : water, my preferred beverage anytime
Reading : magazines… love, love, love them
Wanting : a vacation, not visiting family or friends, just go somewhere fun with Nathan and the kids
Looking : forward to do another yard sale to get rid of my junk
Playing : princess with kaye, it’s the only thing she’ll play
Wasting : my cell minutes
Sewing : ribbons on towels for my mom
Wishing : my little brother luck as he heads off to college
Enjoying : the fall weather
Waiting : for the holidays, I love that time of the year
Liking : Banana Republic’s new fall line… I have loved BR since high school, classy and elegant
Wondering : what to get my parents and Nathan’s parents for Christmas, yes, it’s already on my mind
Loving : my life
Hoping : for Elle to break her 6 a.m. routine wake
Marveling : at how quickly Elle learned to crawl and pull up on furniture. She’s 7 months! Stop trying to grow up so quickly, please?
Needing : a piece of cheese
Smelling : burnt toaster strudel… thanks, Nathan
Wearing : a pair of pants I had from college, haven’t worn them in over three years
Following : college football diligently
Noticing : my to do list is self multiplying
Learning : how to take better photos
Thinking : of how I can get more readers to my site
Bookmarking : crazy amount of tutorials that I have to try
Opening : bins of baby clothes
Giggling : at Kaye making Elle laugh by rambling nonsense
Feeling : positive

Now it’s your turn. Leave me a comment with a link to your site if you do this so I can get to know you.

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Tumbling

In Random on August 19, 2009 at 9:00 am

I have a Tumblr blog also where I use to keep my online bookmarks. When I see something fun, exciting, and/or a great idea, I post a link there. Check it to see what I am inspired by.

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Coincidence

In Random on August 10, 2009 at 9:00 am

gift

Julia just happened to be wearing the shirt that inspired the onesie when we gave them the gift.

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Home Sweet Home

In Random on August 4, 2009 at 9:13 am

We had such a fun and wonderful time with our friends. But it’s also nice to be back and catch up on life at home. Lots of cleaning and organizing to do before the birthday party on Friday and visitors next week. It’s a busy summer around here.

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Working

In Random on July 28, 2009 at 9:00 am

My amazing hubby is working on my site while I’m working on putting together a tutorial for you. It’s a work in progress around here. Plus we’re getting ready to pack it up and head North for the weekend. Exciting times with some college buddies. Yay!

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A New Beginning

In Random on June 29, 2009 at 10:08 am

Lately, I have been inspired by everything around me. The current economic crisis led me to become thrifty and resourceful. The craft and sewing blogging community inspired me to be more creative. My daughter Kaye asking to do something special caused me to invent kid-friendly activities off the top of my head. The mommy community inspired me to be a fun loving mom.

I decided I needed a place to jot down my inspirations and ideas. I desperately needed a place to keep track of my projects. I wanted to jump into the crafting, sewing community I so admire. I am bringing out a part of me that needed to be unleashed. I just hope my husband and children don’t mind the mess as I add on one more thing to my overflowing plate.

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