There once was a time when I would diligently post several times a week. Now that I'm teaching again, it leaves very little time to get online as much as I would like to.

I have to be online for a bit when Little One is in bed, because that's when I get my freelance work done. I never imagined how difficult it would be to work, take care of a toddler, cook, clean, do all the household chores, and help my husband with his work. I have a deep respect for moms all over the world. Being a mom is a full time job. Being a mom and working is just insane! I'm starting to get into the swing of things and Little One loves hanging out with her grandparents during the day.

I just feel that when I get home, I'm exhausted. The house seems to suffer more now. The toddler seems to crave attention more too. Preparing lunches and suppers the night before and remembering everything else seems to be a huge task for me.

Little One is cutting her molars and is still having the occasional night when she's plagued by her night terrors. I find I need more sleep and every day, by 3PM I am exhausted.

I'm excited to be teaching ESL again. I really love the feeling when my students suddenly "get" superlatives, comparatives, gerunds, infinitives, and conditional clauses. Love it!

Oh! Before I forget...Check this out! Guess whose article is posted on The Canadian-Mom-Bloggers Daily?

I was so shocked and excited to see this in my Twitter feed! Check out the Canadian-Mom-Bloggers Daily! My latest post on the BornFreeMoms.Ca site is on there!

You might also want to check out this site! I've been thinking of trying Little One on Ddrops for Kids.

Have you given Ddrops to your kids? If so, let me know what you think :)

Two book reviews and more giveaways coming soon! In the meantime, here's something I wrote for BornFreeMom.ca. Leave a comment over there and you can win something from BornFree!

Bonus Prizes

If you bring a friend who is new to the BornFreeMom.ca community and she posts as well, both of you will win and receive bonus prize. Be sure to tell us who shared this post with you in the comments!

A friend of mine recently told me that I am obsessed with taking photos. You know what? She's absolutely right!

I am obsessed with taking photos.

I take photos of Little One. In fact, I've got a zillion photos of her!

I take photos of food. I keep telling people "It's for the blog!" :)

I take photos of the places we've been to. I take photos of our visits with family and friends.

I take photos of everything.

In some ways, I feel the need to commit to memory every moment that I share with my husband and Little One. I don't want to forget a single event. I need to capture these moments. Even the everyday, boring, and seemingly trivial moments are important to me.Pic of our bed. Hubby asks, "What on earth does one need with SEVEN pillows?!?!"
Little One is such a clown! She's always trying to make people laugh with all the silly things she does. I was writing an article and she came up to me, looked at me, and waited for my reaction when I saw her with her sweater on her head! What a character!
The kid insisted on wearing her Halloween costume all day. She had a play date that day. Can you guess what she wore to her friend's house? Ummm hmmmm. Her chicken costume.
I just think the Boon Bug is the most awesome thing ever. Never again will Little One have her toys all over the place in the bathtub...and they drip dry!
Supper at My Thai Palace. Kids these days! They're texting at such a young age! When I was her age, we had rotary phones! Cell phones? What? Maybe a decade or two later, and they were still huge, honkin' things that only a few people had the privilege to carry around. They looked hideous!
Caught in Sudz, sporting her My Dandelion Wishes owl hat.

That's how Little One pronounces the word "chocolate"! It's really funny how she puts the emphasis on the first syllable of most of her words. Kind of like when she says "Ahhhhh-Pull" for "apple".

Anyway, the winner for the Island Gift Pack contest has been chosen via Random.Org.
Chantal, you are the winner of a basket of local Island goodies! Please contact us with your mailing info! Thanks to all who entered. More contests coming up!

Scene: Our living room. Hubby was about to give Little One a bath when I had to step out for a meeting after supper.

Me: Ummm...I don't want to sound bossy or tell you what to do, but diaper shirts/onesies are necessary. It is imperative that you put one on Little One. You can't just let her run around without one on.

Hubby: Um hmm. (obviously not listening)

Me: Okay. Fine.

A few hours later, I returned from my library board meeting and Little One was in nothing but a diaper.

Me: Oh. She's just wearing a diaper? You really should put a onesie on her. You know she'll take her diaper off, right?

Hubby: (no answer)

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Little One climb onto the couch, remove her diaper, and proceed to PEE on the couch!

Me: (trying not to sound like a nag) I told you so.

There was a time when I actually thought I'd marry Jani Lane! Luuuuuuuuuv! I miss my high school days.

I'm sure when Little One gets older she will think her Mama had poor taste in men. C'mon...You don't think the big hair and the tight pants were hawwwwt?

Unlike my lovely friend, Jeanna at Wisconsin Candy Dish, I've never been to a sock hop! ;) However, I begrudgingly admit that I also liked the Carpenters. I blame my Mom that. :)

I've raved about Krafty Creations on this reviews blog before. You know how much I love Krafty Creations' no-slip clips, crocheted beanies, cotton beanies, headbands, mini clips, and flower clips. Love them!
The no-slip clips are a Mom's best friend. The clips do not slip out of baby's hair! There's nothing I hate more than missing clips!

The headbands are among my fave items. Why? They're so soft and they don't dig into baby's head! You know what I mean?I think the little cupcake clips are adorable. Don't you think so too?

BUY Krafty Creations goodies at the Krafty Creations Etsy Shop.


Krafty Creations is giving one Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS reader this super cute beanie!

To Win:
Simply go to the Krafty Creations Etsy Shop and browse through all her amazing items. Come back here and let me know which item you would like to have!

For additional entries:
* "Like" Krafty Creations on Facebook! Let me know in the comment section here.
* If you've purchased anything at the Krafty Creations Etsy Shop, let me know!
* "Like" Random Thoughts and Musings on the Island REVIEWS on Facebook.
* Follow us on Google Friend Connect.
* Follow us on Twitter @chancesmommy and Tweet this contest.
* Grab our button (on the sidebar) and post it on your site or blog. Leave us the link where you posted it :)
* Follow us on Networked Blogs.

That's EIGHT ways to win this awesome prize!
Contest open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. Contest ends on October 8, 2010!

Mo'Lovely Designs are known for their wire wrapped necklaces. Each piece is handcrafted by the lovely and talented Sophie Pheasant Jones herself.

Excerpt from the Mo'Lovely Designs website:
About Mo’Lovely Jewellery: I am attached to working with shells, particularily Mother of Pearl, different types of shells have been used historically to adorn our traditional clothing, influencing my design. Quality materials are used to create the jewellery, each piece is hand made, using silver-plated wire, surgical steel ear hooks and a variety of crystal, glass, acrylic and metal beads.

Each piece is stunning and unique. If you've ever had a chance to see Sophie and her creations at any of the Farmers' Markets, pow wows, or other events, you no doubt already appreciate her work.

Each piece reminds me of Sophie. The beautiful blue wire wrapped necklace I wear brings me the same relaxed, soothing, peaceful feeling I get whenever I see Sophie at one of those venues mentioned above. Though we have never spoken at great length, you just know that the artist has a lovely, calm, peaceful way about her.

Check out her creations here: Mo'Lovely Designs Facebook Page.

Buy her jewelry here: Mo'Lovely Designs website.

Win it here:

Luckily for you, Mo'Lovely Designs is giving away this beautiful set to one Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS reader!TO WIN:
Just visit the Mo'Lovely Facebook page and browse through all of Sophie's fabulous creations. Come back here and leave me a message with which necklace, earrings, or set you like best!

Additional entries:
- "Like" Mo'Lovely Designs on Facebook. Don't forget to let me know in a new comment.
-"Like" Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS on Facebook.
- Follow me @chancesmommy on Twitter.
-Tweet this contest and let me know using: "RT @chancesmommy Enter the Mo'Lovely Giveaway! http://fb.me/H7bZqvsm"
- Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.
-Grab my button and post it on your site. Leave me the link so I know where to find it.

Good luck, everyone!

Open to Canadian and U.S. residents only. Contest ends Friday, October 1, 2010.

Read this post on the BornFree Canada site and leave a comment. You can win a Twin Pack of BornFree Eco-Friendly Bottles...AND if you're a BornFree Canada fan on Facebook, you can win a BornFree Breast Pump Adapter!

How awesome is that?!

Becoming a parent can do strange things to you. Okay, maybe it's just me?

I was never really a girlie girl and I always HATED pink! I swore that if I ever had a little girl that I would steer clear of all things pink, frilly, frou-frou, and princess-like.

Well, I did have a baby girl and now pink isn't all that bad.

In fact, I LOVE pink. On her.
When my bestie introduced me to Krafty Creations Boutique, I was hooked. Hooked, I tell ya! I mean, check out that awesome loot bag from Krafty Creations! It's got tons of adorable hair clips, headbands, no-slip clips (which are what Little One NEEDS!), and cute flower clip beanie. So cool!

I have to tell you about these amazing clips! The no slip clips are a MUST HAVE if you have a toddler like mine. You know, the kind that doesn't like wearing things in her hair!!! I cannot tell you how many clips I've lost. I've got so many missing clips, it's ridiculous.

I know. You're thinking, "Well, why bother putting anything in her hair then?"
Oh, I'll tell you why! It's because EVERYONE thinks Little One is a boy...even when she's all decked out in PINK and has earrings AND pink ribbons in her hair!!! Come on, people! Seriously?

Now I have to resort to putting girlie things in my daughter's hair. Fine by me! These Krafty Creations are A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!!!

Check out the Krafty Creations Etsy shop and make sure to "like" Krafty Creations on Facebook!


Cute little headbands! Each headband is made with soft stretchy material. Nothing like the crazy ones I've bought for Little One before. I swear, some of the headbands on the market are like head restraints! They go on so tightly and leave imprints on my kid's head! No wonder she hates wearing them! These ones from Krafty Creations are great. Little One didn't even realize that she was wearing them! Love them!


"Okay. Seriously, Mom? Do we have to keep taking photos of me trying on ALL these goodies? Seriously."

By the looks of this last pic, I'd say Little One's just about had it with her Mama.

Stay tuned though, because I have something very exciting coming for you soon!!!

Some friends and I decided to have International Cuisine Nights every month. It's a great chance to get together and socialize, catch up, and enjoy some fabulous food!

Since I'm teaching ESL again (after being home with the baby...who isn't a baby anymore), we decided to kick start International Cuisine Night with dishes from South Korea. I also incorporated the evening into our curriculum. My ESL students have monthly presentations, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for my student to talk about Korean food and Korean culture in front of an audience who just happen to be educators as well.

The poor guy was so nervous that A) he had to speak English in front of anyone other than me, and B) the audience consisted of 1 high school principal, 2 high school teachers, 1 public school teacher, 1 kindergarten teacher, and 1 ESL teacher.

Regardless, he did a fantastic job.

Looking forward to the rest of our International Cuisine Nights. On the list: Mongolia, Switzerland, Mexico, Hungary, and the rest to be announced.

Thank you to everyone who has supported "the blog". This reviews blog is still in its infancy. It's only a few months old. It's an extension of my personal blog and dedicated to reviews, contests and giveaways. The original blog is just me rambling and talking about everything and nothing...and all things baby. Okay, she's a toddler now and I need to stop calling her "the baby".

With this new reviews blog, we've had lots of success and the opportunity to work with so many great companies and so many wonderful bloggers and readers.

To thank you all for following and liking Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS. As a thank you, I will be giving one lucky reader a package containing some amazing local Manitoulin Island products! The prize pack will include chocolate, jam, chili sauce, and a few other local goodies.

To win, all you have to do is spread the word! Tell your family and friends to follow us on Google Friend Connect, Networked Blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Don't forget to tell them to mention that you sent them! That way you can earn extra entries for every person you send!

A winner will be chosen at random via Random.Org.






Contest open to Canadian and U.S. residents only. Contest ends Friday, September 24, 2010.

Many people are unaware of this, but the Island is home to a wealth of very talented artists. Be it in the form of textile art, painting, jewelry making, photography, wood carving, pottery, singing, or acting, the Island is rich in art.

In my many trips to various community events like the Pow Wow in Wiky or the Farmers' Markets, I've long lusted over the creations of Sophie Pheasant Jones. In the past, I've bought earrings from her. My eldest niece is now a teenager and loves jewelry. I love Sophie's craftsmanship, the love she puts into each piece, and the fact that her creations are original. I also love that by buying Mo'Lovely Designs, we're supporting a local business.

The other day, a really good friend of mine and I were taking my ESL student a day trip. On our way to the city, my friend pulled out this amazing Sophie Pheasant necklace.
Me: Wow! Is that a Sophie Pheasant original!?!?!?
V: Why, yes it is!
Me: You bought something for yourself from Sophie?
V: No. I bought it for YOU!
Me: (shocked) What!? No way!!! Really?! What did you do that for?!
V: Well, you always do so much for everyone. You are an amazing woman who does it all and I don't know how you do it. I just wanted to get you something because you are so amazing.

Okay, me writing down that conversation sounds really narcissistic! Her words just meant so much to me. I was so touched, I almost cried! Anyway, my friend got me one of Sophie's necklaces and it's in my favourite colour!

Here's another necklace I've been eyeing! I'm in luuuuuuuv!Ahem! Honey, if you're reading this...Someone's got a birthday coming up a week before Christmas! :) I'd like it in blue.


You can find Sophie's fabulous creations on Facebook or at the Mo'Lovely webpage.