Today marks a very important day: the unofficial start to summer.  I know, I know.  Summer doesn’t technically start until the summer solstice on June 21st, which is why I was very careful to label today as the unofficial start.  Everybody knows that June ushers in a new season, and with it, a new mindset.  Our minds wander to casual things, like cookouts and lemonade.  We daydream of lying on a white sand beach, tropical drink in one hand and a great summer read in the other.

Do you have a beach vacation planned?  If so, I think I can help out with the great summer read.  The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen releases today.  It’s the perfect book to toss into your beach bag along with that tube of sunscreen.

The Mailbox is set in the charming North Carolina coastal town of Sunset Beach.  In a story that spans nineteen years, we meet Lindsey Adams, and her summer love, Campbell.  Campbell introduces Lindsey to a real-life symbol of folklore that has long been a part of the Sunset Beach community: the Kindred Spirit mailbox.  It’s a place where residents and tourists alike flock to, leaving behind heartfelt letters about their lives, love, and sometimes loss.  The identity of the Kindred Spirit is a mystery, but somehow visitors to the mailbox take comfort in knowing that someone–somewhere–not only reads the letters, but also lifts the letter writer up in prayer.

As summer loves often do, Lindsey and Cambpell’s fizzles and fades.  Both move on with their lives, eventually marrying and having children.  And when–some twenty years later–Lindsey returns to Sunset Beach as a soon-to-be divorcee, she sees firsthand the beauty of second chances.

The Mailbox is an uplifting, refreshing novel that explores the emotions of lost love and the desire–the hesitation–to trust again.  What I loved most about the book was that though it is Christian fiction, it sheds light on the struggles of divorce, without a pretentious air.  It’s honest and real–very relevant to today’s Christian woman.

Marybeth Whalen is a mother (of six!) and writer from Charlotte, North Carolina.  I had the pleasure of meeting her in the spring of 2008 during a blogging event at Walt Disney World.  I fell into easy conversation with Marybeth and immediately took a liking to her down-to-earth demeanor and subtle confidence.  She’s good peeps.  And her book, The Mailbox, is a reflection of that.

I’m giving away a copy of The Mailbox.  To win, leave a comment telling me what you would most like the postman to deliver to your mailbox today.  I will close entries on Monday, June 7 around 8 pm, Pacific time and will randomly choose a winner from all eligible entries received.

***UPDATE: Mandi #19 is the winner!***

If you’re a long time reader of my blog, then you may have previously seen one of my reviews of Eleven Collection shoes.

If you’re a long time reader of my blog then it will come as no surprise that I’m all googly-eyed in love with Eleven shoes.

Googly. eyed. love.  For real.

I love them because they are so well made.  With real leather.  And flexible soles.  Oh, and don’t even get me started on the soft, cushion-y instep.

These are the only shoes I’ve ever bought for my kids that make me feel like we have a village cobbler.  Minus the Renassaince-ness of it, but you know what I mean: every pair of Eleven shoes we’ve ever owned has that custom feel about them.

Did I mention I love them?

You might be thinking, “yeah, I get it.  Well made shoes.  Yada, yada, yada.  But what about style?”  {crazy how I can read minds like that isn’t it?}

Worry not friends.  Eleven shoes represent the pinnacle of cuteness.  Both Cassidy and Jayce own multiple pairs of Eleven shoes and both of them are frequently complimented on the unique style and colors of their footwear.

And believe me when I tell you that those compliments are warranted.

Or don’t.  See for yourself.

See.  Hate to say I told you so.  But…

And these little gems are only one of the styles Eleven shoes is offering this season {ranging in price from $25-$56}.  They offer great play and dress styles for both girls and boys {in whole sizes 9-3}.  You’ll have to click your way through to see what else they have in stock.

I suggest you do just that.  Once you do, come on back over here and leave me a comment telling me which style makes you all googly eyed in love.

No really.  Do it.  Because then you’ll be entered to win a pair.

For an additional entry: blog, tweet, or facebook this contest and then come back and leave me a separate comment telling me you did so.

I will accept entries through 8pm Pacific time on cyber Monday {Nov. 30th}.  A winner will be randomly chosen.

In the meantime, you may want to keep an eye on the Eleven shoes website; last year they had a great Black Friday offer.  Just sayin’.

***And now for the disclaimer: Eleven Collection shoes did indeed provide me with a complimentary pair of shoes to review.  And subsequently keep.  My googly eyed love feelings toward Eleven Shoes, however, have not been influenced by complimentary shoes.  As anyone who has ever experienced googly eyed love feelings well knows, googly eyed love feelings cannot be influenced or coerced in any way and are, instead, the result of a natural affinity toward well-made, stylish shoes.  Or handbags.  Or jeans, as the case may be.  Further, I have spent my own money on many a pair of Eleven shoes because I truly think they are totally top-notch.  That is all.  Carry on.***

*****Lucky comment number #75 was randomly chosen as the winner of the Eleven Collection shoes.  Congratulations to Lori from Building Our Nest!*****

My 2.5 year-old son has the most disgusting habit.  It’s almost embarrassing to admit, even though it’s his habit, not mine.

He picks his nose.

That’s not the worst part though.  The picking of the nose is probably something I could live with.

What he does with his, uh, finds?  That’s the worst part.

He inspects whatever comes out on the end of his finger.  And then he eats it.

Gross.  I know.

His daddy has taken to telling him, “Don’t eat your boogers Jayce.  Chicks don’t dig that.”

Well?  They don’t.

Jayce’s disgusting habit has yet to deter the chicks from digging him though.  He’s honestly a virtual chick magnet.  Seriously.  I’d start to worry if Jeff began finding excuses to take Jayce on solo ventures all the time because I know the ladies would be flocking to them in droves.

I’d like to think that his curly blond locks and gorgeous blue eyes are the draw.  But if I’m being honest, I know there is more to it than that.

The kid has style.  Style that comes, in no small part, from his footwear.  And his footwear?  It comes from Eleven Collection shoes.

Every single time he wears those shoes in public someone, somewhere compliments them.  Every. time.

Not that I blame them; I am head over heels for Eleven shoes myself.  But really?  Looking at these?  How could anyone not be?

Adorable, yes?

But the beauty of these shoes is far more than skin deep.  I can totally vouch for their durability.  Jayce started wearing his first pair of Eleven shoes last year in September.  He still wears them–that same pair–today.  They’re leather so they give a bit and stretch to accommodate his foot.  Even his big ‘ol honkin’ feet.  He normally has to wear a shoe designated as wide, but the Eleven shoes fit him comfortably.  And we all know how boys play.  But in spite of the wear (and plenty of tear) Jayce has put on his shoes, they’ve held up amazingly well!

The Spring line (available in sizes 9-3) includes a stylin’ array of sandals, tennies, and dress shoes for boys and girls.  Personally, I’m partial to the Caper and the Joaquin for boys; Jayce owns a pair of each style.  Cassidy also has two pairs in her closet and I’m thinking of ordering her a pair of the Maya’s to wear with her Easter dress.

How about your little ones?  Could they use an update to their spring footwear?  You’re in luck then because I’m giving a pair away.  To enter, just click your way over to Eleven Collection’s website and take a look at what they’ve got available.  Then come back here and leave me a comment (by midnight on Thurs., April 2nd) telling me which pair sets your heart ablaze.  I will randomly select one winner on Friday, April 3rd.  Any entries that don’t comply with these directions will be disqualified.

For those of you who don’t win…right now Eleven Collection shoes has a free shipping offer if you order two or more pairs.  And they really have some great deals going on.  Click on the “Sale” button in the lower left hand corner of the page to snag a hot deal!

***Updated to announce that Lindsay K. (#17) is the lucky winner of the cash card!  Spend it wisely!***

Guess who has been named a finalist in the Mabel’s Labels BlogHer ’09 Contest?!  Yep, you guessed it: me!  And in an effort to get a few votes cast my way I thought I’d sponsor a little giveaway.  Or a big giveaway…

Everybody loves cash right?  Unfortunately sending cash through the mail can be a bit tricky.  Credit cards are the next best thing though, yes?  I hope you’ll agree because that’s what I’m giving away.  Fifty smackaroos.  FIFTY!  If you’re the lucky winner I will send a fifty dollar cash card, or a fifty dollar gift card to the retailer of your choice, (as long as I can purchase said gift card online) right to your door.

To enter:

1. Click HERE to vote for my essay. Simple as that.  Vote only one time and make sure that it’s for Darcie @ Such The Spot.

2.  Once you’ve voted for me come back here and let me know you did so by leaving me a comment.

3.  If you’d like to gain an extra entry, Twitter or post about this giveaway on your blog.  And then let me know in the comments that you did so.  You’ll get one extra entry for each method you use to spread the word.  Just leave another comment telling me you tweeted, or posted a shout out on your blog.

4.  I will randomly choose a winner on Tuesday, Feb. 24th.  You have until Friday, Feb. 20th at noon EST to vote/enter.

Good luck (to you and me!).

Like most every other blogger in the blogdom I’m taking part in this quarter’s bloggy giveaway carnival.  Oy.  Do you think I could have fit the word ‘blog’ into that sentence one more time?  Probably not.

Since I’m the kinda gal who gives gifts that I’d enjoy receiving I’m giving away one of my favorite gifts to get: a gift card.

Starbucks.  Ten smackaroos.  Yours for the winning.

Unfortunately for you I’m also the kind of girl who appreciates a contest more than a sweepstakes.  So a simple “pick me, I heart Starbucks” left haphazardly in my comments won’t win you this prize.

What will? Give me an idea for a creative hostess gift.  It’s random – I know.  We’ve been invited to a party though and seeing as how we’re sort of hurtin’ in the friends department I want to make a good impression.  Ya know, so we’ll get invited back and all.  Heck, if it’s a good enough gift maybe some of the other guests will be envious and invite us over just to score a hostess gift of their own.  I’m not above bribery.

Have a look around while you’re here.  Thoughtful comments on one or two other posts will definitely improve your chances of winning.  I’m partial to the “My Faves” posts over there in the right hand column…

Thanks for stopping by my spot!

*****Edited to add that I will choose a winner Thursday, Jan. 29th at 7:00 Central time.*****

If I had posted this in the “Things I Have Learned” category I would tell you first and foremost that it is not advisable to travel to New York City in what is likely to be the still freezing month of March.  If you must though, I have to warn against taking four young children with you.  If you must though, have plenty of cash on hand so that you can remain on the good side of the doormen at the ridiculously expensive Times Square Doubletree Hotel.  Please take my advice on these things.  I offer it to you in hopes that your family is never stranded on the corner of 47th and Broadway in Manhattan looking like this

I really shouldn’t complain.  We did, after all, make it home without having left any of our precious children belongings on the streets of New York.  That is, of course, unless you count Torri’s cell phone and Kennedy’s purse with her prepaid spending card tucked neatly inside.

The streets of New York were tumultuous enough, but that chore paled in comparison to our jaunts through the airports we traveled through.  Maneuvering through the tight spaces and inpatient crowds with that much stuff was, ahem, interesting to say the least.  That Washington DC/NYC trip alone taught Jeff and I the importance of carrying at least some cash at all times.  Not just for the doormen, but also for those handy luggage cart things they have at the airport.  It’s truly a miracle that we didn’t both end up with broken backs after lugging all that stuff through not one, but two airports, three east coast cities, and multiple hotel rooms.

There is an easier way though.  One that we plan on putting to practice during our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World.

First of all, we’ve invested in larger suitcases.  All with wheels.  Plus it will be much (much much much) warmer in Florida in September than it was in New York in March so we’ll need far fewer scarves and fur coats and space heaters.  Okay, we didn’t really travel with space heaters but we gosh darn should have.  Portable ones preferably that I could have tucked nicely into my socks and pockets. 

But I digress.

Possibly the most ingenious thing we’ll be bringing along on this trip though is the CARES for kids aviation safety device.  It will be replacing the awkward 20 pound carseat we use for Jayce every time he flies.  Instead of that hunk’o'heavy plastic we’ll scoop this little diddy up and put it to good use.

If you’ve never seen one, it’s basically a portable car seat for the plane.  It may be hard to tell in this picture but there is no seat involved, only straps.  It’s the only FAA approved device of its kind and I, for one, think it’s simply brilliant.  It takes about a minute to install on the plane and it works in combination with the lap belt to provide a level of safety equivalent to that of a car seat.  It weighs about one pound.  And, as if all that weren’t cool enough, it comes in its own handy dandy little transport bag.  I know.  They thought of everything right?

Betcha want one huh?  Well today just might be your lucky day then because I am giving one away to a Mama (or Papa) who wants to lug one less thing through the airport.  To be entered to win, all you need to do is click your way over and read the CARES story and then come on back and leave me a comment here telling me what you found most interesting about Louise’s letter.  I’ll announce a winner on Thursday, September 4th.  If you don’t win though, and you want to be a lighter traveler like me, you can order CARES right on the website. 

And…

I’ll be sure to post a picture of our much lighter trek through the airport come next month.  Good luck and happy travels!

*****Updated to announce that Kari from Karis Ramblings is the winner of the Table Topics cube*****

We used to go to family reunions when I was a kid.  I don’t remember too terribly much about them other than hugs from perfect strangers and cheek pinching from old ladies who wore entirely too much rose-scented perfume.  There was lots of singing around the campfire too.  To this day I can still deliver a perfect rendition of a song my Uncle Clare introduced me to many moons ago.  He called it Ticky Tocky and back then I drove my older cousins crazy insisting that we do it again and again.  It was one of those action songs that, by the last verse, left everybody standing pigeon-toed, elbows back, knees together, chin down and tongues out with their boo-tays pithced out as far as they’d go.  We’d sway those pitched out boo-tays back and forth while attempting to sing the words in spite of protruding tongues. 

As a child I thought there was nothing better than seeing all the adults do that little number.

Of course now I realize that there was a reason Ticky Tocky was saved for the end of the night.  I’m sure it had a little something to do with alcohol consumption and inhibitions and all that.

And while I certainly wouldn’t pass up a good rendition of Ticky Tocky if the mood struck, I’ve come across another form of clean family entertainment that involves nary a pitched butt.

Table Topics.

Table Topics are cubes that contain everything you need to inspire a thought-provoking, lighthearted, or downright hilarious conversation right at your own dinner table.  Or around a campfire as the case may be. 

Each cube is stocked with tons of conversation starters printed on cute little cards.

I first came across this product two years ago when we bought my in-laws a cube for Christmas.  They had just moved to a new neighborhood (well, state really) and had talked about hosting dinners and game nights with their new neighbors.  I thought that a cube full of ice breaker topics would be perfect for them.

Then, as often happens, I started wanting a cube of my own.  As luck would have it, the folks at Table Topics sent me one to try out.

And wouldn’t you know I LOVE it.

We have the family cube and we have been using it at dinner.  It’s a great way to get the kids to open up about things that I never even considered asking.  Not because I didn’t want to know, but because it’s more common than not for dinner conversation to center around school and work and weekend plans.  And there isn’t anything wrong with that, but it’s nice sometimes to learn more about the people we love most.  Things we might not even have thought to ask.

I suppose you know what’s coming next right?

Uh-huh.  I’m giving one away.

One lucky winner will receive the Family Gathering Edition of Table Topics.  And hey, I’ll even throw in the lyrics to Ticky Tocky for your next reunion.  Want to win?  Just leave me a comment here (by Tuesday night at 9:00 Arizona time) telling me why your dinner time conversation could use a kick start.  Oh, and be sure to click your way over to Table Topics to have a look around.  Even if you don’t buy one for yourself, do keep your Christmas shopping list in mind.  Table Topics has a cube for just about every occasion; I’m sure there is someone you know who’d love one!

*****Updated to announce that Jen at Our Daily Big Top is the winner in the Fliggity giveaway!*****

A certain someone is having a birthday next week.  I won’t mention any names but I will give you a hint.

And yes, I am heinously biased, but how gosh darn cute is that?!

Last year I found the cutest felt birthday boy hat for him and I honestly didn’t think I would be able to top it for this year’s batch of birthday photos.  But then, I discovered this little number (number, get it?!).

Are you loving the shirt as much as I am?  Because, really, I’m diggin’ the shirt.  How perfect is it for a birthday boy (or girl)?

I got it from Fliggity.  

Fliggity is a mom-owned small business out of North Carolina.  Lisa (the mom) makes some of the cutest custom kids clothing I’ve come across.  In addition to the “How Old Am I Shirt” that Jayce is sporting, she has three other product categories as well: Tiggity Tie Die, Stylish Superheroes, and Shirts That Fliggity Fly.  Could the names be any catchier?  I think not.

Wanna win one?

I thought you might.  Here’s your chance!  Just click your way over to Fliggity and have a look around.  Choose which shirt you’ll get if you’re the lucky winner.  Then head back over here and leave me a comment telling me which of Lisa’s fabulous fliggitys you’d most love to dress your little one up in.  I’ll announce a winner on Wednesday, August 13th.

And…Lisa has offered my readers 15% off a purchase through the end of August.  Just use code 15fliggity for the discount. 

***Here’s a hint for you – Jayce’s shirt is a tad too tight.  Lisa recommends that if you’re ordering for a boy, order one size larger than you would normally.  Girls sizes are standard though***

*****Updated to announce that Michelle at Life With Three is the lucky winner of the cute shoes!*****

About three years ago my mom gave Cassidy a gift that proved to be priceless.  It was a pair of shoes that I instantly fell head over heels for because they were the one and only pair she could both put on and remove all by herself.  They were a Godsend, my friends, not so much for their appearance, but more in spite of it.  These were the imitation Crocs that, at the time, weren’t as widely available as they are now.  Plastic, fire engine red clogs with holes in them were really not my idea of a fashion statement, but purely for the convenience factor, I learned to love them.

Here we are three years (and a blue, black, pink camo, and white pair) later and those tiny little feet on that girl have finally begun to stretch out.  Yes, Cassidy has worn the same size shoe for about three years.  Many of you probably find that your kids grow out of their shoes before they wear them out, but we’ve never had that problem with Cass.  She’s a teeny little thing and only now has she begun to really sprout up.  The poor girl was walking through the mall and just plopped her little tush down in the middle of the aisle and refused to go a step further because her “toes hurt.”  When I took off the aforementioned red shoes I found blisters on the second toe of each of her feet.  I hadn’t even realized they were getting snug and I felt so bad.

Luckily, earlier in that same week I had received an adorable replacement in the mail.  Take a look at these little babies.

Can you help but love them?  It’s like those cute little green flowers are taunting you to do the love me not game.  And love them I do. 

They’re from the Eleven Collection (a sister company to See Kai Run) Spring/Summer line and they are as cute on Cassidy’s suddenly sprouting feet as they are in this picture.  And they’re made to last with high quality leather and really durable soles.  Take it from a mom of four who has done her fair share of shopping at Payless; these shoes are the real deal.  I love the classic designs and rainbow of colors to choose from.  I venture to guess that you will too.

And if so, you’re in luck because Eleven Collection has graciously offered to give away one pair to a lucky mom.  These would be perfect to help send the little ones back to school in style don’t you think?  To enter, just click your way over to Eleven Collection and have a look at the Spring/Summer line and then pop back over here and leave a comment letting me know (by name) which pair would put a skip in your step.  I’ll announce a winner on Wednesday, July 30th.

 And if you’re in the mood for more giveaways, be sure to visit the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival!

*****Updated to announce that Susan is the winner of the Lemonsquare CD.  Thanks for entering! *****

When Jayce was born, before we even left the hospital, Jeff made one demand as to our son’s upbringing: there would be no Barney.  At first I wondered if it had anything to do with the questionable sexuality of the young males who “star” in that show alongside the big purple dinosaur.  That wasn’t it though.  It was the music that drove him crazy.  As I’ve told you before he came into my life when I had already been blessed with three lovely little ladies of my own.  And, he happened upon the scene at a time when Cassidy was engulfed in a long lived Barney infatuation.  The phase in which she would gladly sit in awe in front of the tv for hours on end, had I allowed it.  And admittedly, there were times when I did.  Tsk.  Tsk.  I know.  But sometimes a mom’s got to do what a moms got to do, know what I mean?

Anyway, having had his fill of Barney’s grating candiedness, Jeff set what he considered to be a reasonable limit on the raising of our newest little one.  No point in starting something he wasn’t willing to endure.  But a big part of Cassidy’s fascination with that prehistoric pansy – oops, did I really just type that – was the tunes he so obnoxiously endearingly delivered.  And, as a mom, I certainly don’t want to deprive Jayce of some fun kid songs to rock out to while he chills out with his sippy cup.

Our differences in opinion here required that Jeff and I make compromises on this issue.  We haven’t really allowed TV for Jayce just yet, but we do make exceptions for long car trips.  We happen to have a plethora of Barney DVD’s on hand and we’ve found them to be mighty convenient to pop into the overhead DVD player in the Honda.  But for the house, we have a variety of kid’s music CD’s to listen to.  The newest one, Lemonsquare’s Music For Fun, has an interesting slogan: Children’s music that won’t drive parents insane.  Considering my husband’s intolerance for kiddie tunes, I figured we could really put that to the test.

After having listened to these songs for a few weeks, I gotta give it to the Lemonsquare peeps: they can come up with some sticky tunes.  You know what I’m talking about here right, those songs with lyrics that play over and over again in your head as you do the dishes, walk the dog, or make dinner.  Unfortunately for me though, not only do they run through my head, but they also come out vocally.  And because I care about you all, I’m going to pass along this little hint: proclaiming yourself (in song) to be “very very veggie” won’t exactly make a “cool” impression on your teenager daughter’s friends.  Whatever.

Anyway, in spite of it’s cliche lyrics aimed to get kids to brush their teeth and eat their greens, this CD gives those old Barney tunes a run for their money.  Jayce bops around the living room to it, his favorite (I’d venture to guess) being the 4th track, Bear Knows Best.  The kid is big on animal sounds and this song incorporates lots of those in an upbeat way.  I don’t expect that you’ll want to throw out your John Mayer CD’s just yet, but if you’re looking for something catchy and fun for the kids to groove to, you might want to give this one a try. 

And…

I’m giving one away to one lucky mom who is ready to chuck Barney out the window.  To win it, just leave a comment here telling me which of the Lemonsquare songs is music to your ears.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday, July 22nd and must supply a US address for the CD to be shipped to.