Cammie's Corner

Warning: Optical Illusions Bring on the Giggles!

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:38:08 GMT

Although my daughter was sad, she didn’t let on. She knew her friend was upset about moving away and my daughter was devastated. I still remember the first time we met Emily. It was in August, just before school started. We had been anxiously waiting for the arrival of the new family. We heard they had several kids and my daughter was hoping they had a girl her age.

Our street was already filled with boys my daughter’s age. To make matters worse, they play with her little brother every day. He certainly didn’t need more playmates.

We drove by several times hoping for an opportunity to meet the new family. We got lucky, the car was in the driveway and the doors were open. It looked as though they had just come back from the grocery store. I pulled the car in front of the house as the mom came out, followed by a girl that looked close to Taylor’s age. So far, so good!

The girls hit it off and Taylor threw a “Come Meet Emily Party!” A few days later, we found out they were in the same class. And for the next two years, we met Emily and her family at the stop sign and walked to school together. (see post ”What Does a Stop Sign Mean to You?”)

Taylor and I both cried when we got the news that Emily’s family was moving. Instead of being upset, Taylor decided to be happy about her friends new adventure. Emails, phone calls and visits have now replaced our walks to school.

Several weeks ago, Emily came in for a visit. As we walked to the school, I thought about how much they have changed. Bratz have been replaced with music and talk about boys. Luckily, they still have moments in which they revert back to a little girl.

This is one of those times…

What was meant to be a picture of the girls together ended up being an Optical Illusion! The fit of giggles that came and went over the next few hours brought tears to our eyes. Every time we look at the picture, the giggles came back.

How do you keep up with your long distance friendships?

Cammie Moise

Girl World Tour 2010 Comes to Houston

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:18:32 GMT

Rosalind Wiseman, an internationally-recognized author, mom and expert on teens and parenting will be speaking at the Girl World Tour 2010. She will be speaking in several cities over the next few months.

Rosalind Wiseman is celebrating her first young adult novel “Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials” while on the tour. In addition, the tour will feature an interactive discussion covering topics like confidence, friendship, growth and development. Attendees will receive a gift bag including her new book.

On March 11th, she will be in Houston! I have already purchased my tickets and am encouraging my friends with daughters (ages 8-14) to join us. To find out more information on tour dates and cities, or to purchase tickets, please check Girl World Tour.

This same week, my daughter’s school is having their “Growth & Development” talk. This will be perfect timing.

I will follow up with a post after the event.

About the Author

Rosalind Wiseman is cofounder of the Empower Program, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth to stop violence and reaches more than ten thousand youth and educators each year. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Queen Bees & Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence (Crown, May 2002), which was the inspiration for the hit movie Mean Girls. Wiseman speaks to children, teens, parents, and educational professionals throughout the world. She has been profiled in the New York Times, People, USA Today, Oprah, Nightline, Today Show, CNN, Good Morning America, and many other outlets. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband and two sons.

If you have been or are planning on going, let me know about it below.

Cammie Moise

Why Blogging Matters and How It Makes a Difference

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:27:37 GMT

The Mom 2.0 Summit is over and it was phenomenal! Wondering what the Mom 2.0 Summit is all about? I asked that same question last year, as I began my journey in the blogging world.

Mom2Summit gave me a chance to meet and learn from some amazing people. Since this was my first conference related to blogging, I was overwhelmed and found myself learning a lot just by watching others. I found myself looking back on the experience and wishing that I had been a little bolder, introduced myself to more people and had more confidence than I felt like I did. Then I realized the experience and the knowledge I gained from this event made me more confident. As I listened to the speakers, I thought about the difference they were making in the lives of others.

Heloise talked about her mother, the original Heloise began her career and was blogging back then (just in a different format). I thought about the risk her mother took and how it opened the door to women.

Gretchen Rubin talked about The Happiness Project and how it became a best-selling book. She talked about giving up her career as a lawyer to write. Gretchen was clerking for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized that she really wanted to write. She had to take a chance and we are thankful she did. Her journey in finding happiness has led to a happiness movement. And who can’t use more happiness?

Papa’s Trio – Holly, Jenny (JennyontheSpot) and Cammie

Picture is from JuneCleaverNirvana post Where I get all mushy and hug the internet

Throughout the conference I met women who inspire others to succeed, by sharing their success like @TexasHolly (on Twitter). I found Holly’s blog, JuneCleaverNirvana and fell in love with it. She actually reached out to me after some online interactions and I am so glad she did. I feel like she took me under her wing and gave me some advice. She recently joined up with some of her friends and started Business2Blogger. This site allows businesses and marketers to reach out to bloggers and gives bloggers some amazing opportunities. So, if you have a business, are a marketer or a blogger, you should check it out. (Note in the picture that great minds think alike – we ended up wearing the same vest one day)

I met @Sarann from MommaFindings, who lives in the same city and is also a Lifetime Mom Affiliate. My first introduction to her was a Twitter party she was hosting and I won some Nintendo Games. She knew it was my first conference and her momma instincts came out. She called me prior to the conference, she met me as I walked in and began introducing me to others. I am looking forward to our new friendship, on and offline!

I finally met my mentor @rockandrollmama and she is incredible. She introduced me to Flight of the Conchords, great music and LifetimeMoms. She encourages moms not to forget yourself in the journey of motherhood. RockandRollMama reminds us to take time for ourselves so we can be the best (and the most fun) mom we can be. Lindsay has taken me under her wing, encouraged me and is an amazing friend. She and I are both night owls and we often find ourselves on the phone in the middle of the night brainstorming. She has an amazing work ethic and is a wonderful role model. I love this RockandRollMama!

Back to the theme of the conference, what you’re doing matters. This applies in every area of our life. Whether we are in the role of a mom, a writer, a speaker, an advocate, a friend or a mentor, you have the ability to make a difference. Be passionate about the things you love, whether it is family, a friend, a project, a book or company. And along the way, reach out to others.

Thanks to Mom2Summit, their sponsors and speakers for encouraging us to make a difference.

What you are doing matters…

If you went to the conference, please share what you learned. If you have a post about the conference, please add it below.

Cammie Moise

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas You Will Want

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:01:36 GMT

This article is really meant for my hubby, but I thought others might be interested in some great gift ideas for a wife or mom.

Valentine’s Day is pretty unpredictable at our house. I have received anything from the typical flowers, cards and candy to a trip to Vegas (including diamond hoop earrings). I always enjoy it when someone takes the time to express how they feel, whether it is through a letter or a special gift you have been “eyeing” for awhile. What matters to me more than anything is the thought behind the gift.

Did they run out and buy something at the last minute? Or did they take the time to think about what you may want. Gifts and expressions don’t have to be costly, it is not about what you spend.

To tell you the truth, I find myself struggling to write this article. How can I think of monetary gifts when I know the struggle that is going on in Haiti? So, my first idea, that expresses love would have to include a donation (in your Valentine’s name) to an organization that will help the Haiti crises. I think I will suggest that either my hubby or the kids think about this one.

Here are a few more ideas:

Secret Ring Necklace

by Erica Weiner
$40.00

Tell us your secret, up to 40 characters, and we'll engrave it on the inside of a brass ring in a scrawl-y script. Whether you wear this ring on the necklace or on your finger, it's not immediately obvious that there's a message there at all unless you let someone look very closely.

'metro' small hoops (these are the small version, check out the larger size too)

Nashelle

$41.00

Another version of our best-selling hoops, these are a little smaller in size, measuring about 1.75" across, but are equally perfect with just about… everything!

Available in your choice of 14k gold fill or sterling silver.

'identity' lucky bars necklace

Nashelle

$70.00 + (in gold & silver)

Includes 1 to 5 hand-shaped, distressed, and stamped bars for a cool, organic quality on an 18" chain, available in 14k gold fill or sterling silver. Stamping is included in the price!

Because we make these by hand, the length of each bar may vary depending on your inscription.
(Specify up to 5 names, dates, words)

Get Lucky Dice™

Exclusively from RedEnvelope

$34.95

Feeling lucky tonight? Prepare to roll the dice on your relationship. Our set of four pewter dice is inscribed with action words, body parts and parts of speech. Take turns rolling the dice and acting out various commands such as "Brush lips against back." Includes one wild-card body part best left to the imagination.

Don’t forget about perfume, music, books or a favorite magazine subscription to let her know each month how special she is.

By the way, feel free to send your Valentine a copy of this article if you think they need some ideas. Plus, if you have any good ideas, please comment below.

Need Some Ideas for a Mothers Day Gift

Cammie Moise

*This post is based on my own opinion, I did not receive any compensation and I do not have an affiliation with any of these recommended products.

MomsMaterial.com Has Been Nominated For Babble’s Add A Favorite Mommy Blogger

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:14:20 GMT

Babble recently announced their Top 50 Mommy Bloggers of 2009, and no, I didn’t make it on that list. But, they did add another category, Add a Favorite Mommy Blogger. “We listed 50, but we’d love to hear which other mommy bloggers are your must-reads. Nominate or vote for your favorite unmentioned mommy bloggers here and help to spread their word!” And I am happy to say that one of my followers nominated MomsMaterial!

I have to admit, I was thrilled when I saw MomsMaterial on the list, especially since I had a few votes! Apparently, the voting to Add a Favorite Mommy Blogger is still going on and I think you can vote once a day. So, if you feel like supporting me, head on over, look for Moms Material and give me the thumbs up! It is a great way to spread the word! I know some of you have already been voting and I appreciate it.

This is the perfect time to spread the word about MomsMaterial because I am launching my second website that will help educate parents on internet safety, CyberSafeFamily.com. This site will be ready for launch in a couple of weeks (end of January 2010). If you want, you can stop by and take a peek, just remember that we are in the midst of planning. I will follow up shortly with a press release.

In the meantime, head over to Babble and vote by clicking here. If we can get the word out about MomsMaterial, we will be able to introduce them to CyberSafeFamily.com and help kids stay safe online.

While you are there check out some of the other great mommy bloggers! Some of these bloggers have inspired me to be a better parent, to enjoy the moment or become a better writer.

Cammie Moise

Birthday’s ROCK When They Begin With LEGO Rock Band

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:18:53 GMT

This morning rocked! It was my son’s birthday, can you guess what he got? It involves two of his top five favorite things – LEGOS and Rock-N-Roll! When you mix them together, you get LEGO Rock Band. See the picture to the left? That is him shortly after opening his gifts. I have a feeling the family will be rocking out tonight.

Of course, in order to play LEGO Rock Band, we had to purchase ROCK BAND 2. It can be quite difficult to play without the instruments. Besides, the instruments are what makes it fun! We now have a drum set, a microphone and a guitar. Hmmm, wait a minute, if their are 4 of us, what do I get to do?

I am not very musical or so I have been told. I know I don’t sing well. I remember the first time I realized my voice didn’t actually sound anything like I thought it did. Remember those days when you sang along with the radio and then you decided to record yourself? Well, after I was sure something was wrong with my recorder, I recorded myself again. When I realized that was actually my voice, I suddenly became aware of what “tone deaf” meant. I actually thought my voice was making more than just one note!

Then I made the mistake of thinking my kids might enjoy me singing to them. When they were babies, I sang every once in awhile but not very loud, more like a whisper. They didn’t seem to mind, or so I thought. As soon as my daughter could coordinate the movement of her hand and arm, she grabbed my lips and held them shut every time I tried to sing. So, experience has shown me that I should stay away from the microphone!

I thought about the drums, that would be fun! So, after I set up the drums I decided to give it a try. How hard can it be to drum to We Will Rock You? Don’t ask! I thought a basic stomp, stomp, clap would be pretty easy. It was a little more difficult than I thought. So, maybe I’m not cut out for the drums. I took one look at the guitar and knew if I had trouble with the drums, this would be more difficult.

Then it occurred to me, I could be a dancer! Then I thought, who am I fooling? I can’t even clap along to a song unless I am watching someone else. Once I take my eyes off someone else clapping, I end up off beat. I started getting down, because I knew it would be difficult for me. Plus, it would bring up musical memories I am still trying to forget.

Wait just a minute! What does every band need? A groupie! I can certainly appreciate music. I have finally found my calling in the ROCK BAND world!

Plus, want to know the BEST thing about my family…

we love to have fun!

It doesn’t really matter how good I sound or how well I play, as long as we are having fun! In addition, I can make everyone else laugh or make them feel better (because they know they can’t be that bad).

Cammie Moise

Top 5 Things To Remember in 2010 and Next Holiday

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:15:02 GMT

This holiday was a rollercoaster of emotions as we visited with family, exchanged presents and attended a family funeral. As I look back over the holiday and the past year, there are several things I want to remember. Don’t pass this post up, thinking that it is another New Year’s Resolution post. It isn’t. Although, some of these are sentimental or typical, at least one of these will be unexpected and can bring some laughs the next time you give a gift.

Make a Difference

Everyone should be involved in something that makes a difference and makes the world a better place. Most of us can give to others through our time or finances this next year. I encourage you to find something that you are passionate about that allows you to give back to your community. I have found that most people that receive help or encouragement from others, pass it on. It doesn’t have to be a huge amount of money or time, you can encourage others with a smile, a kind word, a letter/email or a call. The important thing is to make a difference, every day, if you can.

Have Fun

As parents, many times we get overwhelmed with our responsibilities and find ourselves lacking in the patience and fun department. This past year has gone by quickly for me. I remember my mom telling me how time flies by and as a child I didn’t quite understand this statement. I remember thinking I always wanted to be older and time went by so s…l…o…w…l…y. Maybe part of it was the fact I had an older sister, and I secretly wanted to be more like her. (Even now, I occasionally find this to be true.)

As a parent with kids at an age in which I wish time would slow down, I finally understand what my mom meant. Before I know it, my kids will be grown. I want my kids to have fun family memories and I try to make the most of my time with my kids. Luckily, hubby is very good at planning fun and sometimes outrageous events for the kids. This year, enjoy the moments with your kids and have fun!

Use Decoy Gift Boxes

This Christmas we had a good laugh, thanks to my sister and her “Decoy Gift Boxes”. If you don’t know about these, you are missing out. My sister found these at The Onion and used the boxes to place her “real” gift inside. Her first victim was her father-in-law. I don’t recall what the real gift inside was, but the “decoy gift box” she used was the Kleen Stride. A personal debris removal system - because debris is always in season! I can only imagine his reaction when he read “you can clean your way to sculpted calves” and they are “great for back pain sufferers”! My sister said he looked at the box and told her it looked interesting, but he didn’t open the box. The poor victim didn’t realize the “real gift” was inside! She finally coaxed him into opening the box, since everyone wanted to see how the Kleen Stride worked. Then, they all got a good laugh!

Victim #2 was my hubby and she picked out the perfect “decoy gift box” for him – a USB Toaster! The perfect gift for an IT person that is always on the computer. When you need fuel but don’t want to waste time getting something to eat, just pop a piece of bread in your USB Toaster. It only takes 30 minutes for 4 pieces of toast! Hubby fell for it and even told us one of his co-workers had one. We finally convinced him to show us the toaster and we all had a good laugh! My sister shared her discovery of the decoy gift boxes and showed us the flyer with the different gift box options.

I am about to place my order for the gift box set (shown above) and a few of the newest decoy boxes… the Coffee-Talkies! I can assure you that I will use this at the next White Elephant Gift Exchange. I may even decide to use one when a friends birthday comes around. The thought of one particular friend receiving this for her birthday, is making me laugh out loud now!

Decorate right after Thanksgiving

This year, our holiday decorations barely made it in time for Christmas Eve. We have a family birthday in early December and usually decorate after the birthday party. This meant we planned on decorating in mid-December. Unfortunately, time flew by and we were very unmotivated to get our Christmas decorations out of our storage area in the backyard, or the attic.

I soon realized when you don't have decorations up, it just doesn’t seem like Christmas. This also kept me from stressing out, at least until a few days before Christmas! Unfortunately, the roof leaked in our storage area and ruined some of our decorations, including our Christmas Tree. We ended up decorating with our collections of snowmen and nutcrackers. Soon it began to feel like Christmas.

I learned the importance of decorating early. Holiday decorations, including lights and music really put me in the spirit of Christmas! Next year, I will begin decorating after Thanksgiving!

Have a Happy New Year!

Last, but not least, Have a Happy New Year! I am looking forward to this new year and I am hoping to make a big difference with my next project! Are you curious? Stay tuned for an announcement about my new project!

Are you planning on getting any of these decoy gift boxes and already have a victim in mind? If so, let us know!

And…

What Parenting articles would you like to see MomsMaterial focus on in 2010? Your input is greatly appreciated and helps me focus on what my readers want!

Cammie Moise

Can You Make A Difference? With This Video, You Bet

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:17:45 GMT

My daughter can make a difference and she knows it! Do your kids know they can make a difference?

My daughter had a science project in which they had several topics and several options on how to present it. They could do a Power Point Presentation, use Visuals Aids including objects and/or a poster board or they could create a Video. Being the actress that she is, she chose to do a video and present it as a public service announcement. The topic she choose was recycling.

She went to work and began creating a script, gathered some props together and asked her family to help out. Her little brother was not too happy about being in the video. But after negotiating use on her iTouch, he decided he would at least think about it. As he was considering it, his friends came over and he was out the door to play. Not to worry, we filmed around his part and were ready and waiting when he returned. He now has a new nickname around our house… “prop”.

She and her Dad worked on some funny ideas and the end result was hilarious! Her teacher emailed me about it when she was finished. It was even suggested that we enter it into a contest. It has been downloaded on YouTube and we hope you enjoy watching it as much as she did making it. Don’t forget to share this with others and please rate it on YouTube.

So, what did you think?

Cammie Moise

Giveaway: Cupcake Party Packs (3 Chances to Win)! Little Debbie Share-A-Thon Visits Houston and Hands Out Chocolate Cupcakes

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:29:16 GMT

Little Debbie Share-A-Thon stopped by Houston over the weekend and asked me if I would join them in passing out cupcakes. Since this would involve cupcakes, fun and making other people happy, I said “YES!” I was happy to help them get the word out about their new cupcakes. Plus a chance to win that cute car below! (Does anyone know if the frosting washes off in the rain?

The Little Debbie Share-A-Thon Tour is stopping at several cities across the US. They are passing out cupcakes and showing off 4 Smart Cars that look like Cupcakes. These cars are tiny, cute, get amazing gas mileage and look yummy! To celebrate their new cupcakes, they are giving one of these cars away. Head on over to Little Debbie Cupcakes and register to win one of the Cupcake Cars. Plus a chance to win many other prizes, including a years supply of cupcakes.

We had so much fun passing out cupcakes! I loved to watch people’s reactions when we handed them cupcakes. A few tried to deny themselves on the way into the store but I noticed some of those same people grabbing one on their way out. One of my favorite stories is the the Dad with his sons. They took one and I asked if they wanted to take one home. The Dad immediately said, “No, thanks!” Then I heard him tell his kids not to tell their mom! I replied, “Be sure to eat ALL the evidence!” As a mom, I actually love this story because I look at it as a fun bonding moment between the kids and their dad.

Check out this very short video of me, my daughter and the Smile Squad passing out cupcakes.

After we passed out about 1,500 cupcakes, they filled up a box for me to take home! My daughter and I were thrilled and guess what we did once we got home? Yes, you’re right we did eat a few, but then we continued the Share-A-Thon in our neighborhood. Everyone loved them!

Now Little Debbie is giving away 3 Cupcake Party Packs. Each Party Pack includes 4 boxes of 8 cupcakes each, that is a total of 32 cupcakes!

Enter the Giveaway below for your chance to win one of the 3 Cupcake Party Packs.

Enter to win by:

Leaving a comment. - Let me know what your favorite Little Debbie treat is… the new cupcakes, brownies, Swiss Cake Rolls, Nutty Bars, Oatmeal Creme Pies, Star Crunch, Christmas Tree Cakes, etc.

Get extra Entries if you…
1. Tweet about it. Tell your friends on Twitter about this giveaway. (Come back and leave a separate comment saying you did this.) You may tweet once per day. (Leave a comment for each day you tweet)

Example Tweet: Enter to win @LittleDebbie cupcakes, from @MomsMaterial #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/yzzuznm

2. Subscribe to MomsMaterial’s email updates or RSS feed. (Leave a comment letting me know you did this, if you already subscribe then let me know so you’ll get that extra entry.)

3. Become a Fan of MomsMaterial on Facebook by clicking here. (Leave a comment letting me know you did this, if you are already a fan, then let me know so you’ll get that extra entry.)

Important: You must leave a comment for each extra item you do above… otherwise your extra entries won’t count. Each comment counts as one entry. Good Luck!!

Contest closes at 7 PM (central) on Friday, December 11th. Winner announced on Saturday, December 12th. Winners will be chosen by random at random.org. Party Packs will be delivered by Little Debbie.

Here are a few pictures from there Houston visit…

Check out the new commercial

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway to win the Party Pack of Cupcakes by commenting below. Then head over to Little Debbie and register on their site to win the car!

Cammie Moise

Little Debbie Share-A-Thon Means Free Cupcakes, A Giveaway and A Chance To Win a Cupcake Car

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:55:39 GMT

Little Debbie brings back wonderful memories of special treats that my mom packed in my school lunchbox. Memories of Nutty Bars and Swiss Cake Rolls. MMMM!!! Every time I have either one of those, I am brought back to my elementary school lunch table. Good times!

Now that I am a mom, I want to make memories like that with my kids. Thank goodness Little Debbie has a new product… cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes (with a crème filling) are one of the few things that both my kids like! Thanks Little Debbie!

Little Debbie is taking to the streets on a coast to coast Share-A-Thon to share Little Debbie Cupcakes with America. Because when you share the chocolaty goodness of a Little Debbie Cupcake, you share a smile!

I am happy to announce that when the Little Debbie Share-A-Thon comes to Houston, I get to join the Smile Squad! I am looking forward to handing out their new chocolate cupcakes to unsuspecting people. I bet we can get them to smile! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get to actually ride in one of the Cupcake Cars! I think that would be FUN!

Imagine me riding around in this…

or passing out cupcakes and smiles! How fun is that?

UPDATE: Click here to read the post about my experience and a chance to win a party pack of cupcakes (3 chances)!

If you are in Houston, meet me at the Houston Pavilions tomorrow, Friday, December 4th from 11-3. Tell them MomsMaterial sent you (or just look for me) and I bet they will be happy to give you a free cupcake.

If you work downtown, take a break, get some lunch, do some shopping and reward yourself with a cupcake.

If you’re a mom with kids at home, bring them to the Pavilion, do a little holiday shopping and reward your wonderfully behaved kids to a cupcake. If they aren’t well behaved, promises of a cupcake and a chance to see the cupcake car have been know to promote good behavior! Plus, I just found out that there is SNOW IN THE CITY AT HOUSTON PAVILIONS. It’s made for kids (and adults that act like kids) because it’s not wet or messy! It’s tiny bubbles that look like real snow. What a great picture day with kids… free cupcakes, checking out the cupcake car and snow!

I will following up with a post on my FUN DAY with the SMILE SQUAD! Plus, I will have three chances to win a prize package from Little Debbie (with 4 boxes in each package). Stay tuned – details coming soon.

In the meantime, head over to Little Debbie and register for a chance to win a cupcake car of your own. While you are there, don’t forget to print out a coupon and save 75¢ off your next purchase of chocolate cupcakes.

*MomsMaterial will be working with Little Debbie on Friday!

Don’t miss the chance to win a prize package of Little Debbie Chocolate Cupcakes in my follow up article. All you have to do is make sure you receive our latest updates by clicking here and adding your email.

Cammie Moise