A Hostage Situation

I don't typically write about politics on my blog, but it doesn't mean I don't feel strongly about them.  One characteristic I pride myself in, is my ability to at least attempt to see situations from all perspectives on an issue.  The recent government shutdown has me struggling with this ability though, simply not being able to understand how anyone can justify our current situation.

And I don't usually stir the pot, and I'm sure there are many who might disagree with me, but today - I'm saying it like I see it.

We have a hostage situation right now in America.  Those who control our House of Representatives are holding hostage those, who in my perspective, we should be helping the most - like veterans, single families, and our youngest children.

How you ask?  Military veterans and their families, who are reliant on disability compensation and pension payments, may have to go without during the shutdown depending on it's length.  Many civilian workers of our armed forces (often veterans or national guard members) are also furloughed during this period.  These families, sitting at home today worrying how their bills will be paid this month must be wondering how the government can deem them "non-essential."  That title doesn't make their financial obligations hang any lighter above their heads.  Claims to the VA for benefits will be delayed due to a shutdown of resources needed for processing - making those desperately waiting for help wait even longer.  What a way to say "thanks" for their service.

Across the country, the shutdown has already affected 19,000 children who participate in the Head Start program.  Families who are already struggling (which we know by the financial requirements of Head Start) may no longer have child care available.  What exactly are these families expected to do?  Cross their fingers that family or friends are able to help out?  With many likely working hourly wages without paid time off available, staying home with their children will have a serious impact on this month's earnings and could be financial disaster for families trying to stay afloat.

Some of our most vulnerable, infants and pregnant moms, may feel the impact with force as our federal funding for WIC has ended with the shutdown.  While states may be able to sustain the program for some interim period using excess funds, it's unlikely that they will be able to support the program longer than a few weeks in many states.  Imagine this mother, barely filling her refrigerator with her SNAP benefits, will now have to find the resources for formula - almost $100 a month for a typical infant.  For many of us this may not seem like a lot, but when it forces the choice between feeding your newborn, paying your rent, or fulfilling a car payment, this consequence is brutal.

I'm not shouting "doomsday" mind you, our active military forces are still funded, as are many critical departments like the USDA, FAA and our border patrol.

I'm not sure everyone realizes though, that our global reputation could be permanently damaged as the the rest of the world peers over at us and says "WTF?"  It puts our national intelligence (and consequently our citizens) at risk.  Our "nonessential" FDA is limited in monitoring dangerous outbreaks opening our nation up for potentials of terrible epidemics.

This is scary stuff...  It SURELY must be something critical they're fighting about right?  It's life or death stuff happening there in Congress - right?

I would be more sympathetic if this shutdown was truly caused by a fundamental difference in opinion in how we need to be protecting our financial asset as a nation.  I might not agree that this discussion is worth these repercussions - but I'd at least understand.

Instead, these hardships are coming from an attempt to block the Affordable Care Act - something that only 37% of those surveyed opposed.  Mind you, 46% opposed "Obamacare."  But wait - aren't they the EXACT SAME THING?  It's like calling a tissue a Kleenex or a copier a Xerox machine.  No matter what you call it, it is not something that the majority of Americans oppose. In fact, the truth is, too many Americans admit they're not really sure what the hoopla is all about and support the individual elements of the act, even when they claim that they don't support the act itself.

When it all boils down, what remains, in my perspective, is a desperate attempt to block something that has public favor and has passed legally -while throwing our nation's most vulnerable under the shutdown bus.  But I guess why should Congress care when they'll still be getting their pay checks despite the shutdown?

Maybe the veterans and WIC families should call our representatives for a loan to pay their mortgage or buy their formula this month.  Sorry Head Start families, you might be out of luck, as I surely wouldn't trust these idiots to babysit my children.

Shockdrop Case from Hard Candy Review

As you may know, we love our tablet which we've had for just about six months.  We did a lot of research before purchase, and finally selected the  Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi) - a great android based tablet with lots of possibilities!   We use it for internet browsing, for kids apps, quick video playing and even for my hair bow business to scan and tally products at craft shows.

With all of this activity, our tablet really needs a good case to keep it protected so I was excited to be offered the opportunity to review the Shockdrop from Hard Candy Cases.

While we've used other cases before, this one has a few special features that I loved!

The textured grip makes the case less slippery - perfect for big or little hands.  It even feels great in your hands, with a really nice texture to the case.

The lightweight material keeps the tablet from being overly heavy, while multiple layers and reinforced corners protect from drops and falls.

The screen is fully covered, keeping messy fingers from smudging the screen and protecting it from scratches.

With protected cutouts for the speakers, the music escapes freely without allowing gunk and grime to get caught in the speaker mesh.

I loved the strong port covers which look like they'll last long into the future and resist ripping despite our attempts to wear and tear.

We are big fans of the Shockdrop case and would definitely recommend it to anyone seeking a solution for their Samsung tablet!

Disclaimer: I was given a free product in exchange for my review.  I was not paid for this post and all opinions remain my own.  I have provided an amazon affiliate link for the tablet through which I could receive compensation when a purchase is made.

Matilda Jane Paint by Numbers Review and $50 Gift Card Giveaway

The fall is my absolute favorite time of year - the leaves are changing, the candles are burning, and wardrobes shift to all things soft and cozy and warm.  I love nothing more than cuddling up in some lovely fall clothes to get that feeling of warmth and comfort.

So it was with absolute pleasure that we accepted when Matilda Jane recently offered us the opportunity to review outfits from their newest line - Paint by Numbers.  

Have you heard of Matilda Jane?  If not, I'm thrilled to make the introduction.  This beautiful clothing line was created by Denise DeMarchis, a mom and successful decorative artist, who wanted to create "an unpredictable clothing company."  The result was a collection of whimsical prints, colors and textures perfect for lovely girls, tweens and adults.  Denise says "It's all about keeping a little girl...a little girl. Keeping her youthful. Keeping her spinning and twirling and carefree. And most importantly, bringing her happiness." Truly, this sense of happiness defines the brand, who even have Mom in mind with their unique approach to kids clothing.

Matilda Jane Clothing is made to mix and match within the line.  Moms will love the convenience of no longer hunting through laundry for that perfect match - everything is interchangeable.  "You are not wearing that out of this house!" may disappear from a Matilda Jane mom's vocabulary.  Paired with a reputation for the highest quality, Matilda Jane clothing truly makes it easy to build the perfect wardrobe.

Even the unique shopping experience with Matilda Jane is convenient.  Trunk Keepers, experts in the Matilda Jane Clothing line, work with a hostess (known as a Jane) to offer a Trunk Show to guests who get to see the product first hand.  Nothing is more important than touching and feeling the fabrics, seeing the colors and prints first hand, and getting advice for the perfect fit - and Matilda Jane has found a great solution to give you all of these things in a fun environment with friends.

When our box arrived from Matilda Jane I could barely contain the excitement.  Opening the package like it was Christmas morning, I was delighted to find our outfits beautifully packaged in tissue and mesh bags - keeping every little ruffle in perfect place.  

Julie's outfit is simply adorable.  The Limelight Peasant Top in a sunny cream color, subtly printed with butterflies and hot air balloons (which we love by the way).  Julie loved the adorable wrist ruffles, touching them with her fingertips and showing us proudly. 

 Paired with the plum, polka-dot Pointillism Big Ruffle Pants, this outfit takes "cute" to a whole new level.  I loved the personality and sass that just poured out of this outfit.  The fabrics were so soft and perfect for an active kid as our Julie just doesn't sit still for long.

      

I love the opportunity for a "mom and me" connection with Matilda Jane!  My outfit was made with the same rich tones and complimentary colors to the children's wear.  Consistent with the ruffles and whimsy Matilda Jane is known for, my outfit was fun and flirty.  I loved the deep purple of the Grape Leaf Cardigan with it's beautifully patterned weave and detailed buttons.  The Fragrant Lilac Tee covers with great stretch and pretty lace edging.  My Midnight Big Ruffles pants were  super soft and comfortable, and I even I was tempted to twirl in all the flouncy fabric!  I will say that personally, my body type may not have been the perfect one for these pants as my midsection (still a bit ample from twins) felt a little bare.  The great thing about Matilda Jane though, is that I could easily pair the pieces with others from the collection - like the Liberty Button Up top or the Hazel Circle Skirt for additional coverage.  I love this convenience and versatility!   

I even had the pleasure of trying the Nancy in Chocolate Headband since Julie still has little patience wearing hair accessories - even fabulous ones!  I loved that this headband could fit both mom and daughter with it's hand tied closure.  The print is so reminiscent of fall and matches everything beautifully.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to connect with Matilda Jane and try out these beautiful outfits.  We're looking forward to wearing them together again very soon - perhaps on a special Mom and Me outing to the museum or fall festival!  

Matilda Jane has generously offered our readers the chance to win a $50 Matilda Jane Gift Card so you can shop for all of your favorite pieces for your special girl - or even a little something for yourself!  

Enter to win using the rafflecopter below, and be sure to stay connected with Matilda Jane via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Disclosure:  I was provided complimentary product in exchange for my review and giveaway.  I was not paid for this promotion.  All opinions remain my own.


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Bubble Guppies Bring Ballet for All

In our house, the Bubble Guppies are the babes absolute favorite when it comes to television shows.  We have them set to DVR automatically, and have built up a collection of about 40 episodes to access them whenever we need a quick distraction.

And while I do acknowledge that the APA recommends no screen time for those under two, in a house of twin chaos, Mama needs every tool in the tool box to keep it all together.

They sing, they dance, they "line up," have lunch play pretend and all along the way, teach some lesson about every day life.  Emergency workers, trucks, dinosaurs, hair cuts, Egypt, bugs, recycling, and circuses have all been the featured topic of Bubble Guppies episodes.  And I do love these little guys - but for more than the few moments of peace they offer me each day.

Today's episode was titled Super Ballet Bowl and I have to say, I was totally impressed.

Let me back up a bit.  For me, gender equality is a huge deal.  In school I was blessed to have incredible professors who challenged me to consider what I'd been taught by our society about what it is to be a woman, and what I expect of our male counterparts.  This social programming begins within moments of our birth, girls dressed in pink and boys in blue.  Toys and clothes are categorized into those for "girls" and "boys."  And as the children grow to adults, studies show that many are funneled into classes and careers that our society deems to be appropriate for their gender.

As a mom of "girl/boy twins" this label can be particularly sticky, becoming an intrinsic part of their identities and how I relate to them as my children.  Julie is my girl - Brayden is my boy.  It defines them despite my best efforts.

So when I saw the title of today's episode, Super Ballet Bowl, it sparked my curiosity. With a classroom of three boys and three girls, how would the guppies handle this potential gender pitfall?  Would they fall into the current trend - where it's okay for girls to participate in activities culturally and traditionally reserved for boys (like sports and science), but deny boys the opportunity to step into the realm of the creative arts - traditionally held by females?

I am so glad to share that they handled it with ease:

I have to give my deepest commendations to Nickelodeon and to the writers of the Bubble Guppies for going there.  They gave little boys the freedom to do whatever they want - including dance.

It got me to thinking what a fabulous job this show is doing in supporting non-traditional roles - we have a male teacher (Mr. Grouper), a female Mayor of Big Bubble City, female construction workers and police.

In our house, it's Brayden we see moving his feet and bopping his head to the music.  And when the time comes for Julie to start toddler ballet classes, he'll be there right beside her - just as she will be beside him when T-Ball begins.  The world will put it's own shadows of cultural gender identity on my children soon enough, but I'm glad that today, they were offered equality.

The Birthday Triplets: Granny Rosie's Amazing, Magical Day - Review and Giveaway

We love finding fabulous new children's books to fall in love with - and ones about families with multiples are especially exciting!  We were thrilled then, when we had the opportunity to check out the new children's book, The Birthday Triplets: Granny Rosie's Amazing, Magical Day.

This sweet book begins with lonely Granny Rosie, saddened that she'd yet again spend her birthday alone.  She begins looking for a distraction - maybe something in her recipe book?  But none of those adventures seemed quite right - until, that is, a special invitation arrived!  With a little hope and a few special ingredients, Granny was in for a birthday surprise hosted by the magical Birthday Triplets!

Three special girls - Candi, Cookie and Coco (and their pooch Chocolate Pudding) bring excitement and joy to brighten Granny's special day.  Singing and dancing along, the triplets bring celebration wherever they go.

This beautifully whimsical book creates such a delightful world for it's readers.  With a consistent end rhyme, it's a great book to read aloud - such an important thing for our family story time!  The story shares values like compassion and joy and is filled to the brim with fun.  The images are simply gorgeous and full of detail.

While my toddlers surely enjoyed our time reading this book together, especially pointing to all of the pictures along the way.  I think an ideal age for readers might be between 4 and 7.  It's perfect to share together for family reading time, or reading independently for a beginning reader.

The Birthday Triplets: Granny Rosie's Amazing, Magical Day would be the perfect gift for any special birthday as it would bring the magic of celebration into story time.  For families with multiples, this exciting adventure adds an element of familiarity, and illustrates the love and partnership sisters share with one another.  Finally, little ballerinas would be big fans of these dancing triplets with their adorable ballet shoes and tutus.

We loved The Birthday Triplets and I know you will too - even if you're a family of one, two, or three special girls!

 

We are so excited to share this special book, signed by both the author and illustrators, to one of our readers!  Enter using the Rafflecopter below, and good luck!

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While we did receive a copy of this book to review and give away to our readers, we were not compensated for this post.  All opinions are our own. Amazon Affiliate links are provided for your convenience.  If a book is purchased through these links, I may receive small compensation.