- Part 2

All I Want for Mother’s Day is Yoooooooouuuu! (J/K Get out of here and nobody speak to me.)

May 12, 2017 by Robin

This post is sponsored by Luvs. Which means there’s a prize for one of you.

Most moms will tell you they just want a clean house and quiet for Mother’s Day. Can I get an Amen and a Hell Yeah?!

But at the top of my list this year I have a very specific request. I’d like to ask that plans for my breakfast in bed start at noon on Saturday. Followed by a grocery store run. Possibly followed by a practice breakfast that evening.

Last year I sat in the bed for over an hour pretending to be asleep while my husband went to the grocery store because we had nothing resembling breakfast food and apparently my daughters refused to serve me leftover burritos or a ham sandwich. Or a hot dog that had been hiding in the fridge a questionable length of time.

It was not a picture perfect celebration. I had to text my husband and threaten his life and our marriage if he didn’t send coffee while I was being held hostage.

I finally got my breakfast in bed and it was just as delicious as you would expect. **clears throat**

Truthfully and without sarcasm (I’ll try. No promises) parenting kids at 12, 10 and 8 years of age has major perks. They can actually accomplish chores: unloading and loading the dishwasher, doing laundry, putting away their clothes and (GASP) actually cleaning up around the house! They’ve become more independent and it’s crazy fun to watch them grow into young ladies. They’ve even started making their own lunches and getting their breakfasts on their own!

Growing up is bittersweet– I miss the babies they were but love the little people they are becoming. And that’s Mother’s Day present enough. (Unless you are my husband and I want a massage, a facial and a week at the beach by myself.)

Luvs has graciously given me a $50 AmEx cash card to give away. #ShareTheLuv by telling me what you want for Mother’s Day in the comments (on this blog post!) for a chance to win.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Luvs, the official diaper of experienced moms (and dads, too) is sharing the luv and offering a great money-saving opportunity with a $1 print-at-home coupon. Visit http://www.coupons.com/brands/luvs-coupons/ to access a Luvs coupon of $1 off any one diaper pack.Print-at-Home coupons expire 30 days from the date the coupon is printed by the consumer.

In addition, to continue sharing the savings, you can look out for the paper on Sunday, May 28th, for a high-value BrandSaver coupon offering for $2 off any one pack or box of Luvs diapers. The expiration date is 6/10/17.

You can use these coupons at any mass, discount or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are sold. All Luvs Diapers are included in this particular offer, except trial/travel sized diaper packs.

The official diaper of experienced parents, Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™ are softer and more absorbent than before*, with large stretch tabs for easy fastening, ultra-leakage protection and a money-back guarantee. Luvs provides features babies and parents need for less cost than premium brands.

CONTEST ENDS MAY14th at 12am EST.

Share the Luv! Spoil a mom!

February 10, 2017 by Robin

This week I got to participate in the best campaign ever with Luv’s– “Share the Luv.” Luv’s provided a generous donation and gave me one instruction– spoil a mom.

I didn’t even have to think about who I was going to spoil!

Three months ago, my family moved from Mississippi to South Carolina and one of my Facebook friends, Sara, someone I’d never met– reached out to me to let me know she lived in Beaufort and was happy to answer questions about the city. I bombarded her with questions and she helped me TREMENDOUSLY! From getting my kids into a great public school, to finding the best Chinese food in town, I turned to Sara for all of my questions.

Sara, her three children and her Marine Corps husband, have lived in Beaufort for several years. As the wife of a Marine, she’s been a single mom during her husband’s deployments and endured what many of us couldn’t imagine– waiting for her husband to come home from the battlefield.

If anybody deserves to be spoiled, it’s Sara! She received 2 packages of Luv’s for her little one. A gift certificate to The Beaufort Day Spa for a massage, another gift certificate to her favorite restaurant, Wren. I threw in a couple of face masks and a bar of dark chocolate for those days when you can’t get a sitter but you CAN lock yourself in the bathroom for a good half hour!

To make sure everyone gets to share in the Luv – Luvs is offering a great money-saving opportunity with a $1 print-at-home coupon.

Visit http://www.coupons.com/brands/luvs-coupons/ to access a Luvs coupon of $1 off any one diaper pack.
Print the coupon at home and use it at any mass, discount or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are sold.
All Luvs Diapers are included in this particular offer, except trial/travel sized diaper packs.
Print-at-Home coupons expire 30 days from the date the coupon is printed by the consumer.

This is a sponsored post.

Thankful for the Little Things (and Little People) in My Life

November 26, 2016 by Robin

My peeps at Luvs have asked me to write about what I truly value and am thankful for as a parent as part of their #WhatULuv campaign. Judging by the current state of my Facebook feed, we could all stand a chance to concentrate on the little things! As a parent, that list grows everyday.

I’m thankful for healthy children who no longer do log rolls on the floor at the pediatrician’s office. Parents of littles– picture a magical world where your kids sit– YES!- SIT on actual chairs at the doctor, acting like tiny little humans.

I’m thankful my girls have each other. Granted, most days that means they have a partner to reenact Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage’s greatest moments– but some days that means I hear them giggling from across the house, pulling out board games, playing pretend or giving each other makeovers– making memories that don’t include hair pulling, choke holds OR body slams.

I’m thankful for kids who have learned how to make sandwiches and snacks. For kids whose legs are long enough to reach the counter without climbing cabinets.

I’m thankful for pajama days full of snuggles, hugs and kisses.

I’m thankful for growing kids, learning how to be independent but for hands that still reach for mine when we cross the street.

I’m thankful for memories made and memories still waiting to be made!

Raising kids isn’t always easy, but Luvs wants to help you focus on what you value as a parent and have a little fun in the process! Join a bunch of experienced moms for a #WhatULuv Twitter party hosted by @iConnect and @Luvs, on November 29th, 9-10pm EST to share what you value as a parent. There are sure to be prizes and plenty of laughs!

COUPON!! Luvs is offering a great money-saving opportunity with a $1 print-at-home coupon. Visit http://www.coupons.com/brands/luvs-coupons/ to access a Luvs coupon of $1 off any one diaper pack. Print the coupon at home and use it at any mass, discount or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are sold. All Luvs Diapers are included in this particular offer, except trial/travel sized diaper packs. Print-at-Home coupons expire 30 days from the date the coupon is printed by the consumer.

This post is sponsored by Luvs.

Canvas Factory: Canvas Print Giveaway!

September 15, 2016 by Robin

Hey y’all! Just popping in for a fun giveaway from my friends at Canvas Factory! They’ve got all kinds of ideas for getting your pictures off your computer and on your walls!

All you have to do to win a 16×20” / 40x50cm canvas is to leave a comment and tell me which pic you’d like to get on your wall!

Entries will be closed Friday, September 16th at 12pm CST. Winner announced Saturday September, 17th… whenever I wake up.

Giveaway offer is open only for USA and Canada residents. This is a sponsored post, I received financial compensation in exchange for this post.

Luvs’ Summer Giveaway!

June 29, 2016 by Robin

Summer is in full swing and my friends at Luvs are making it easy for moms to save big on diapers this summer! In addition to online coupons, they have furnished an amazing Summer Giveaway!

(Info to enter is at the bottom of this post.)

Rachael Ray Jumbo Chill Out Thermal Tote, Green (for grocery shopping, the beach, picnics, etc.)

Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Lunch Ice Packs (to go with the thermal) – Set of 4

Coupon Binder – (to store your Luvs and other money-saving coupons!)

Picnic & Outdoor Blanket Mat (for picnics, games, beach this summer)

(2) Nalgene On The Fly BPA-free Reuseable Water Bottles (for mom and dad to stay hydrated)

(2) NALGENE Grip-N- Gulp BPA-Free Reuseable Water Bottle (we know kids LOVE having their own water

bottles)

Pack of Luvs Diapers

$50 AMEX Gift Card

Luvs has only provided me with the product that I am using as the prizes for this giveaway. By entering the following giveaway you are accepting that, if you win, your contact information will be shared with a Luvs PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize.

Luvs is offering opportunities to save on diapers this month with a $2 print-at- home coupon offer. Additionally, in partnership with Ibotta, Luvs is also offering a limited-time $3 rebate on any boxed variety of Luvs Diapers, 54ct. box or larger.

There’s no way around it, parenting is expensive! Here are some ways to save on Luvs diapers!

1. Visit http://www.coupons.com/brands/luvs-coupons/ to access a Luvs coupon of $2 off any one diaper pack. Print the coupon at home and use it at any mass, discount or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are sold.

2. Download the free Ibotta app, available on iPhone and Android, and search “Luvs” to unlock an exclusive $3 rebate.

Go shopping for your Luvs Diapers at any participating store.

-Verify your purchases by scanning product barcodes and submitting a photo of your receipt.

-Save money and earn cash back! Your $3 cash back rebate will be deposited into your Ibotta

account within 48 hours.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

Simply leave a comment on this post and tell me how you’d use the prize! A day at the beach, picnic in the park, a day on the lake? It’s that easy.

Giveaway ends July 3rd at 8pm CST! Winner announced on July 3rd!

Mental Illness Awareness Month: How You Can Help Your Loved Ones

May 11, 2016 by Robin

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I wanted to do SOMETHING. Like storm into Congress and tell them we need more funding, more accessible health care, psychiatrists and therapists that file their own insurance claims. I want to ring the Mental Health COWBELL and tell the world how difficult it is for those suffering to get help.

But, I don’t want to go to jail and I don’t have a cowbell. So I do what I can. I try to be transparent about my own struggles. I’m not ashamed. Not anymore. It took me awhile to get here but I made it. Because the more open we are, the more the stigma begins to loosen it’s grasp on society.

So I went to my readers and asked what has helped/hurt them in their own mental health struggles. They had a lot to say. And I’m going to lean HEAVY on how people have helped. I get a bad taste in my mouth reading the 8000 lists shared on FaceBook about everything you are doing wrong with your friends with anxiety, things you should stop doing. Because, let’s be real– anybody who is reading those articles are people who WANT to help.

I heard from one reader who said all those lists have made him gun shy about saying ANYTHING to people he knew were suffering for fear of saying the wrong thing. I get it. I know I’ve snapped at my family for saying the “wrong” thing. But I’ve learned to give them the benefit of the doubt– because I don’t doubt their love and commitment to me. I can’t kick their legs out from under them for TRYING to help and encourage me.

WORDS THAT HURT

I could post a lengthy list of quotes I received from almost 100 readers. But I’m not gonna, Imma summarize.

Don’t minimize.

I worry, too.

Just relax.

Don’t worry about things you can’t control.

The Bible says, ‘Be anxious for nothing.’

These phrases and ones similar to it imply that the person has a choice. And they don’t. You wouldn’t tell someone with a broken arm, “I have an arm too!” You wouldn’t tell someone with diabetes, “Hey, relax. Just let this whole blood sugar thing go.”

The Bible/God/Church thing is an ATOMIC BOMB to drop on someone suffering with mental illness, because it implies their struggle is a moral issue. And it is NOT. If faith and prayer could fix mental illness, it wouldn’t exist. NO ONE wants to be able to ‘let things go’ more than the sufferer. Implying that they are somehow being disobedient, lacking in faith, or sinning is heaping coals of shame on their head.

Don’t try to “fix” it.

You need to exercise/go for a walk/work out more.

SHUT IT.

Would you say that to someone suffering from mono? No, because they are sick, exhausted and need rest. The physical toll of depression and mental illness is real. Offer to take their kids so they can nap. I spent months sleeping over 12 hours a day. I couldn’t stay awake, I felt like I was swimming through wet cement. The idea of exercising was totally out of reach.

HOW TO HELP

I am so, so, so fortunate to have the best support system ever. I have an ARMY of women friends who treat my kids like they are their own. A husband and family that will, and have, bent over backwards to help me. They have let me nap and sleep in, they have cooked me meals and driven me to the doctor. They have prayed and encouraged me and there is SO MUCH you can do to help your loved ones.

ASK QUESTIONS & BE HONEST

If you can’t relate, then don’t try to– saying, ‘I worry too” doesn’t help. That’s being human. But saying, ‘I know you’re hurting how can I help?’ shows them you see their pain and are willing to help.

Instead of quoting Scripture to them, ask, “How can I be praying for you?” My friends were so good at doing this and it always took my breath away. I honestly couldn’t pray. I was numb and could barely focus on anything, but it meant so much that they were. And the specificity of it– not just saying ‘I’m praying for you’– was so meaningful.

‘HOW can I help you?’ is so much more meaningful than, ‘Let me know if I can help.’

It takes the pressure off of them of having to call you randomly and ask you for help. Because we already feel like a burden.

Ask questions:

Can I run to the store for you?

Let me get your kids after school.

I’m cooking dinner for you tonight.

These are tangible things you can do to help without your loved one feeling like they’ve inconvenienced you.

One of the most powerful conversations I’ve had with a friend was only a few months ago, I was changing one of my meds and not handling it well. I was weepy, exhausted and overwhelmed. It was time for carpool and I had no idea how I was going to get my kids home and to after school activities.

I called my friend and asked for help…

Her: You don’t sound good, are you sick?

It always feels like a trick question, because I always feel guilty for not being able to do what everybody else is doing. I feel like the biggest failure on the planet when I am too overwhelmed to take care of my kids.

Me: *bursts into tears* Yeah, I guess. We’re changing my meds and I can’t get it together. I’m in the bed…

She cut me off.

Her: You don’t EVER have to explain to me why you need my help. You ARE sick. Just like any other kind of being sick. You’re not putting me out. The only thing I’d be mad about is if I found out you were in the bed sobbing and DIDN’T ask me for help. You don’t have to explain yourself.

I’m crying just typing this. No explanation required. I’m sick, I’m not feeling well. I need help.

Best friend ever.

There is so much you can do to help, and for those of us suffering– we have to be willing to accept it. We have to show grace to those who are trying to love us without truly understanding where we are.

We have to be there. For each other.

The Best Poppy Seed Chicken in the History of the World

April 29, 2016 by Robin

I know what you’re thinking because I rolled my eyes when my friend Forrest talked about his “signature” Poppyseed Chicken.

Like, FOR REAL.

Basic. There are no frills.

Then I made his recipe and my life was revolutionized.

Here’s what you do:

Shred 1 rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. You need around 2 cups of chicken.

2 cans of cream of chicken soup. (Don’t gag.)

1 cup of sour cream

1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, grated

2 teaspoons GRATED onion

1 large garlic clove GRATED (this matters SO MUCH.)

Mix it all up. I will say that the whole FaceBook video of somebody shredding chicken with a HAND MIXER is all lies. HOOVER (me and my seester say hoover instead of however because it makes us happy) you CAN use a Kitchen-Aid mixer with the dough hook to shred chicken and it is magic. Make sure your chicken is tender before you throw it in there, but it takes 2 minutes and your hands don’t get all carpal tunnelly from using two forks and half of your life to shred that mess.

1 sleeve *coughs TWO* of EVERYTHING Ritz Crackers. AGAIN, this matters so much.

**Edited for all you freaks THE POPPYSEEDS ARE IN THE “EVERYTHING RITZ”. Dang. Y’all make it hard on a chick.

Crush the crackers and toast them up in a skillet with a couple of tablespoons of butter. We are not on a diet when we do this.

Spread the chicken mix in a big ole casserole dish, top with crackers. Cook covered in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbly then uncover and cook for a few more minutes until the cracker cups are toasty brown.

I serve this over egg noodles with a green vegetable.

TRUST- you will never make Poppyseed Chicken any other way. If you are cooking dinner for someone else- THIS IS WHAT THEY WANT TO EAT.

Forrest– the internet thanks you.