Burping at the Table? Unacceptable!

My son is 4 and he is at the age when burping is hilarious. He fake burps just to get people to laugh. Although I always roll my eyes and tell him not to do it, the one place I absolutely will not let up on this is at the dinner table. I know I cannot possibly be the only mom dealing with the issue of table manners and luckily, the latest episode of Mom's the Word on Dinner addresses this very thing.

Just visit the Facebook page, check out the video and join the conversation. Although I haven't said anything I'm proud to announce that I am a new amabassadors for Ragu and Momversation's What's Really Happening at Dinnertime and I will soon be featured in one of the videos!







Disclosure:This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador for Ragú and Momversation's What's Really Happening at Dinner Program. Visit facebook.com/ragusauce for more great conversation! 

Painting my home office - yes, me!

I'm not really the DIY type of girl. I've lived in my house for four years and the only room that is painted is my son's room. I did that four years ago! The nursery was a big project - of course I had to chose three different paints, add a chair rail and I had at least 3 people help.  It took months. So, of course, I've been soured to the whole idea of painting.

room before new paint

But when presented with an opportunity to try Glidden's new Brilliance paint line available at Walmart I just couldn't pass it by. So, I chose to paint my new office. Since purple is my favorite color I went with lilac bouquet.

I got all my supplies together and started. I painted around all of the electrical outlets and then did the dreaded taping.  I then painted one wall with the roller and realized I needed to do the edging first, so I edged each wall which made for easier painting.

To paint my new office I used one gallon of paint. The Glidden paint went on pretty easily, I did have to use some elbow grease because the paint missed some of the contours in my wall but I didn't need an additional coat to do it. Surprisingly, painting is exercise! I tell you I was sweating up a storm and using all kinds of muscles to get the paint on the wall. It took me about 4 hours to do everything including clean-up. I'm not sure how many calories I burned but I am counting this as my workout for the day!

One thing to keep in mind with this paint is it goes on a bit darker than it looks in the can so keep that in mind when choosing a paint color. Also, this paint if VOC free and I painted the room with all the windows closed (it is summer in Georgia after all) and I didn't smell a thing!
I am happy with the paint job I did on the room. I am sure that I won't be winning any awards for painting but I figure I will learn by doing. Next up, my bedroom which will certainly be at least a three day affair!

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and I have been compensated for writing this post and as usual all opinions are my own! 

Meet pretty Alouette, a new foster here at LBR. Her foster mom took her to the store today for a pretty new collar and happened to pick up a new toy for her. Well, Alouette just loved it! She took it around to show off to all the other dogs, nubbin wagging the whole time, then gave it a good bath and settled down for a nap with it. I love seeing foster dogs learn what the good life is all about!

Ladies, you might need to avert your eyes.

Look at that nekkid boy! Ha hah, poor Denmark. Denny had his surgery yesterday, so they shaved him nearly bald. That poor guy. He still is in a pretty good mood, though. I know he's going to feel a lot better now!

Lark and Pip also had their surgeries this week, so LBR is pounding down the vet bills. We still have two more surgeries to go, unfortunately. Poor Lark was supposed to have just a half-hour procedure, but it ended up taking more than two and a half hours to fix her hurt hip! I'll share a picture of her as soon as I get one that's safe to share. I'm not going to embarrass that sweet little lady like I did Denmark. ;)

First Book

Unless you've read my about page you probably don't know this about me. Before I became a professional blogger, I was the Georgia Director for the Reach Out and Read program. Reach Out and Read is a national early childhood literacy program that provided books to children at well-child visits. All of the books were new and many times was the foundation for the children's at home library. First Book is one of the organizations that provides books for Reach Out and Read. And I proud to be leader in the Random House and First Book Read & Play Summer Fun community on the Blog Frog. It be great if you could join the community, discuss favorite books and activities for your children during the summer. You can click HERE to join!



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All right, I want some cooler weather down here right now -- or the bear gets it!

I am on strike. It's 104 degrees today. Did you hear that? ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR!!! This is ridiculous. It's miserable. It's dog abuse! I demand a private air-conditioned pod for my daily walks and potty breaks. With something to protect my poor paws from that hot pavement!

At least LBR foster May has found a way to keep cool. AHEM, Mom, where is mine?!

Well, if your mom is as cruel as mine and refuses to buy you an air-conditioned pod or private pool, just try to stay cool. Remember, short-snouted dogs like boxers and bulldogs can't handle the heat very well! It starts to get really hard to breath when it's too hot. Be sure that your human only takes you on walks early in the morning or late in the evening when it's a little cooler (hah, around here that's still 85!), and don't stay out in the backyard for too long at a time. Even if you don't get an awesome pool like May's, remember to drink lots of water too!

Now everyone close your eyes and pretend it's winter. Ahhhhh....

What? Stop snowing! Man, a dog can never get a break around here.

Just an Old Bag

It's not just any old bag mind you, but a special gift from a dear friend. This old handbag has my name on it. And when Bethany found it at a local estate sale, she knew I just had to have it. The previous owner, another Marjorie, adorned the front with our name in various colors and lettering styles. It seems she was a bit of a frustrated artist too. Over the years she lovingly mended the plastic trim with black electrical tape, in an effort to replicate the faux black plastic trim. This funky old bag is a reminder of just who I am, and never fails to bring a smile to my face.

With a bag full of love and gratitude,
Marjorie

I"m Running the Savannah Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon (Giveaway)

It has been awhile since I've talked about fitness here but I have been keeping busy. I became a Zumba instructor in June and I attended the Zumba Instructors Convention in Orlando two weeks ago. A post is forthcoming about that. In the meantime, I wanted to tell you about my newest endeavor. I am geared up to run my first Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon and this time it is the inaugural one in Savannah, Georgia on November 5, 2011.


I have teamed up with my good friend Lorraine of Race & Relax and will be joining her and a team of women to give each other support, we will have a training plan developed by the fabulous Tonia and we will also have a pre-race dinner and lunch following the race. I am happy to say that I have attended every Race & Relax event - the first one a 5K in Atlanta - check out my trophy! We also had a lovely lunch and received a spa certificate! My massage was fabulous by the way.

And earlier this year a small group of us ran the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon as VIPs with Race & Relax and as you know, that was an AMAZING experience!

Now, the Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon in Savannah. What I love about Race & Relax is having a community of women who range from beginners to well experienced runners (sub 2 hour 1/2 marathon)!
We support each other via twitter, facebook and since I live here in Atlanta I do plan on meeting up with Lorraine again for a few training runs.


You know that I've shared my journey to healthy living with you and I encourage you to lean on me for support, try something new and now, I am inviting you to join the women of Race & Relax. This is what you get:

• A four month training plan created by RRCA certified running coach and blogger Tonia Blanchet from RacingWithBabes.blogspot.com (novice and experienced plans are available).
• Nutritional suggestions and on-going advice leading up to the race.
• A pre-race dinner in Savannah along with motivational running tips.
• The spectacular post-race Celebration Lunch.
• The Race & Relax Swag Bag filled with indulgent goodies.
• A host of other special surprises.
• The support of other fabulous women just like you!  (like  Lorraine, Heather and ME!!!)

Wait, did I mention we have awesome sponsors? The Wine Sisterhood is returning as a gold sponsor to help us all RELAX; the American Cancer Society DetermiNation Program is our official charity sponsor; and Attune Foods is a supporting sponsor.


Sign up for the Savannah Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon and then visit eventbrite to sign up for Race & Relax get in on the $50 early bird special!


You can do this! Trust me! 


GIVEAWAY!


Lorraine has been generous and offered a ticket for Race & Relax for one of my readers! NOW YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE!!!!!


To enter: 
Simply leave a comment about why you want to Race & Relax


Bonus Entries:
Tweet, facebook, blog, dailymile this giveaway.
Please leave a separate comment for each!
You can tweet, fb, daily mile once per day for additional entries!


I really hope that you join us, remember you MUST register for the Savannah Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon separately and do it fast, entries are going quickly!

Perfect Pairing Chips & Dip Party!

It is summertime and I can't think of anything better than getting together with friends and having a party! Well, thanks to The Motherhood and Frito-Lay I was able to have a Perfect Pairing party with five mom bloggers from Atlanta. We were all tasked with making a dip that paired with one of the Frito-Lay chips, our choices were - Lay's Classic chips, Tostitos Scoops or Frito-Lays Corn Chips. 

I choose to make clam dip paired with Lay's classic potato chips. Clam dip is a family tradition and it is served at every holiday gathering. It is a special treat because it is by no means low in calories or fat for that matter but I believe everything in moderation and this dip is perfect for parties. Here is the easy three ingredient recipe:


Clam Dip
1 can chopped clams
1 8oz bar of cream cheese (you can opt to use low-fat or no fat)
1 teaspoon chopped garlic (I used ready made chopped garlic to save time, you can find it in the produce section of the grocery store)


1. Remove cream  cheese from the refrigerator and let sit for an half-hour at room temperature. This softens the cheese and makes for easier stirring. Alternatively you can pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften it up.


2. Once cream cheese is softened, place in a bowl. Add chopped clams and about half of the clam juice. 


3. Add garlic and stir. 


4. Once all ingredients are mixed together, check the consistency of the dip, if you'd like it thinner simply add more of the reserved clam juice. That's it! 


That is it! So easy and trust me quite delicious! You can check out the blogs of Kia (Avocado Lime Blackbean dip), Heather (Cheesy Taco Dip), Amy (Garlic Curry Dip and Peach Salsa), Pierra (hummus) and Alicia (salsa) for their dip recipes. 


In addition to the food, it was so nice to see my blogging friends. You'd think we would see each other often but this city is so spread out it is difficult for us to get together. I suggest having a Perfect Pairing party with your friends, it is an easy potluck and all of the recipes were simple to make! I especially loved Kia's Avocado Lime Blackbean dip and Pierra's Hummus. All I can say is yum! 


You can find other recipes on the Frito-Lays website and and you can see webisodes from Frito-Lays kitchen Flavor kitchen on their facebook page. 


Disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in the Perfect Pairing event. All opinions are 100% my own. 

LBR alum Olivia would like to give a big kiss to Legacy for helping her find her furever home, and thanks to all the people who've supported our new fundraiser for the gimpy babies' surgeries! We've raised over $3,000 so far, which is fantastic! But since our goal is $9,000, that means we still have a long way to go. Please go to www.savetheboxers.com/donate.php to make a contribution. Even if you can only spare a couple of dollars, it all adds up!

Nestle Family Summer Giveaway

Congratulations to Danielle! The winner of this contest.


The kids are out of school and you’re trying to come up with ideas for fun and healthy summer activities so where can you go?  The  NESTLÉ Family Best Summer ever where I have a weekly tip for fun in the sun with your family!  

Be sure to check out NESTLÉ Family’s Best Summer Ever site, where there are lots of fun crafts and activities featured, as well as weekly prize giveaways!  Plus, the team of bloggers will each be featuring a giveaway on their individual blogs throughout the summer, so be sure to enter for some fabulous prizes!!!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader  will win a NESTLÉ Family Summer Prize Pack including: a $25 VISA gift card, ice cream (NESTLÉ DRUMSTICK, EDY’S/DREYER’S) coupons, NESTLÉ Pure Life coupons and summer activities (jump rope, chalk, beach ball, hard and soft flyers, a ball and a Lambada catch ball and mitt set)!

WIN IT!!! (MANDATORY ENTRY)

- Tell me in a comment one fun summer activity you like to do with your family that would make it the BEST SUMMER EVER!

Additional entries

Tweet about the contest- "Enter to win $25 gc, NESTLÉ ice cream and beach ball, jump rope, chalk and a Lambada catch ball and mitt set on http://cutiebootycakes.blogspot.com/2011/07/nestle-family-summer-giveaway.html @cutiebootycakes!" You can do this once daily. 

Follow me on twitter: @reneejross and @cutiebootycakes  1 entry each (please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Friend me on facebook 

Rules

Please be sure to leave a comment for each method of entry.


If you do not have a blogger profile that includes your email address, please include it in your entry.

Contest will close at 11:59 PM E.S.T July 30th, 2011
Contest is open to residents of the United States

Disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in the NESTLÉ Family Summer Promotion and for writing this post.  The giveaway was sponsored by NESTLÉ Family and sister brands. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.

LBR needs your help!

Ugh, I see why humans are always talking about those green papers. They're so hard to get, but you need them for everything!! Right now LBR is really in need of a lot of green papers to help not one, not two, but five of our dogs that need surgery. It's called or-tho-ped-ic surgery, which means it's to help their bones. Poor babies!

Denmark is ashamed that he's the first of our babies who needs help. He has a torn cruciate ligament, and his surgery will be $2,000 - 2,300.


Look at this cute face! Pippi (because she's got a long stocking, see?) fell a long way and broke both of the bones in her back leg. It was a really nasty break, with the bones actually poking through the skin. Owwww! We're not sure how much her surgery will be, but another dog with a similar issue cost us about $2,600.

Look at handsome Walker! He came to us with a nasty injury that basically took all the skin off his leg! We didn't know that he also broke his foot, and now he has some pieces of bone floating around that have to get chased down and taken out. His surgery will run around $2,500.

Lark is relieved that she isn't the most expensive of the group. At a mere $800-1,000, she's almost cheap! But she needs surgery to fix a dislocated hip. She was used as a breeding machine and then dumped, and her hip was out long enough that it can't just be popped back into place. Ow!

Finally there's handsome Beckham, who says he can be a soccer star if he can just get his old hip injury repaired. That's another $800-1,000.

All told, these babies mean Legacy is facing around $9,000 in surgery bills. That's a huuuuuge chunk of our budget, and we could really use some help. If you have even a few dollars to spare, please go to Legacy Boxer Rescue to donate. Every little bit helps! And if you don't have anything to spare, please at least send up some good thoughts and prayers for these 5 babies that their surgeries go well and they don't have any other problems! They really appreciate the support.

Mom Blogging for Dummies - I'm featured!

My friend Wendy Piersall has written a book called Mom Blogging For Dummies! It is the resource for you if you are interested in starting a blog, want to improve your current blog or are just interested in the whole Mom Blogging phenomena. I actually went to my favorite book seller the other day to pre-order my copy! Although I love to read on my iPad, I really want a hard copy of this book....because I'm featured as one of 10 blogging success stories! 

When Wendy asked me if I'd answer a questionnaire for inclusion in her book I had no idea that she was going to feature me in this way.  I honestly (honestly) never think of myself as a "successful" blogger. I simply feel that I've been blessed, have worked hard and as a result have had outstanding opportunities.  And this is nothing new for me, I am constantly thinking "I can do better, I must do better, I'm not doing enough" but a year or two ago Wendy pulled my coattail on this thinking.

We were on a panel together at a conference speaking about our individual blogging stories and self-promotion and Wendy called me the Queen of self-promotion! At the time I said "well, I don't really think so" but she helped me to understand that this is indeed a talent I have and it isn't negative.  When I reflected about it, I realized she was correct and I guess the difference between it being a negative vs. a positive is that since I've started blogging I analyzed the landscape and tried to figure out what I needed to do to make myself standout. Not in an obnoxious way but in a way that fits my personality and flows organically. 

I do believe that my desire to strive for more and continuously improve myself has been the driving force behind my "success" and I am honestly so grateful to Wendy for recognizing this quality in me and featuring me in her book. So, please - support Wendy and purchase Mom Blogging for Dummies! You can read all about my story and learn so many helpful tips about blogging. 

My copy comes in on Sunday and I will be displaying it proudly in my home! 

Random House Summer Reading Community

For as long as I can remember I have been an avid reader. When I was in kindergarten I begged my teacher to teach me to read and when that day arrived I was ecstatic! My love of reading has never waned and I am passing that love on to my son who will soon be reading too.  Literacy is so important to me and I am proud to announce that I am partnering with the BlogFrog  and Random House as community leader for the Read & Play Summer Fun Community!

This community is designed for moms to have an online space to share ideas and resources for keeping our children engaged in the literacy process during the summer months. There are new discussions posted daily by mom bloggers (including myself) and you can join in by commenting! Here is my question for the week:

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Also during the summer we will be hosting live chats and tonight I will be co-hosting a conversation about books that have become movies from 8pm - 9pm EST.  Some of my favorite books like the Twilight series and of course Harry Potter have come to life on the big screen, join me tonight and lets discuss these books and others! And of course, it wouldn't be a party without prizes so add to the discussion and be entered to win.

Be sure to follow Random House Kids on facebook and twitter too.

Godspeed, my friend

Mom's crying too much to type very well, so this will be a short post. My good friend Cubby, fellow contributor on this blog and blogger of Cubby Goes Digital, passed away yesterday. He taught me everything I know about being a boxer ambassador. He did so much wonderful work for LBR. We all have a very big hole in our hearts right now. Please stop by his blog and post a message of support for his moms and sissy Dakota. They miss him very much, as do we all at LBR!

From Diaper Cakes to Consulting!

Three years ago I was a brand new mom, working from home trying to balance motherhood, work, and a non-existent social life.  Little did I know that from a small idea a great business would be born. For my cousin's babyshower I made a "diaper cake" - diapers arranged to look like a cake. A beautiful presentation of a practical gift. When my friends and family saw my creation they immediately suggested I sell the cakes.

I took the idea and hit the ground running. I immediately created different types of cakes, researched the business online, developed my own website and added a blog. I started marketing myself online by joining various communities targeting moms, writing guest posts on blogs, and visiting and commenting on as many blogs as possible.

Soon, my small idea became a big one and not only was I selling diaper cakes but I was being hired to speak about social media, consult with companies about social media strategy and given wonderful opportunities as a result of my blogging. Three years later I am happy to say that my small online business has expanded from diaper cakes to consulting and I couldn't be happier.

Intuit is supporting local businesses like mine with their Love A Local Business Contest. They are helping small businesses realize big dreams by awarding $25,000 each month to a local business. If you have a local business you can nominate yourself and encourage your friends and family to vote for you!

It’s been very exciting starting my own business, so I’m curious to know: What dream business would you love to start? By replying you will be entered to win an iPad 2!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Intuit’s Love A Local Business competition. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs July 6 to August 9, 2011. A random winner will be announced by August 11, 2011. Official Contest Rules
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FrankenViv

My poor foster sister isn't feeling well right now. She had to go to the V-E-T yesterday and have some nasty lumps removed. (We boxers are really prone to that yucky cancer stuff, so we have to remove lumps quickly to check them out!) She was gone aaaaaall day, and when she came home she just wanted to lie on the couch. Mom thought she looked kind of pathetic.


You can kind of see the stitches on her side. She also has two more sets on the other side, on her back leg. Poor thing. :\ Mom isn't letting her go on walks with us for a few days either, and Vivian doesn't like that at all!

Um... she's breathing, right?

Get well soon, Vivian!

You've gotta love those lazy weekend days...

That would be LBR alum Stevie at the top and foster girls Cupcake and Miss Demeanor. Who wouldn't want those sweet girls for their own??

Le Garage Sale

Tis the season for garage sales. Every week the local newspaper arrives groaning with listings. And I ask myself: "Sale or No Sale?"

My adventures with garage sales began some years ago when I purchased the contents of an old house. That summer was spent cleaning the house out, and come fall I held a mega garage sale. I proudly sold antique white Victorian clothing for $1. a piece, and gave away box after box of old paper ephemera away. Since those days, I've become a bit more sale savy, and have hosted garage sales in just about every place I've ever lived.

I smile when I remember the garage sale in our apartment in Beijing (on the 18th floor of a highrise "foreigners" building). After hours, the doorbell rang, and in danced a bevy of the the building's maids who were looking for some great deals. Over the years, I've done my share of donating to local charities, and have left many goodies by the curb for fellow dumpster divers. Then there is the fond memory of our Aussie friends (who at my going away sale) chipped in to help, and to help themselves to our treasures. How nice it is to know that we left a little of ourselves downunder!

So it seems there is yet another garage sale in my future. Now that I am California based, I must empty out our East Coast storage unit, and ready the family cottage, (which is being passed to the next generation). Any tips from any other veterans of the garage sale wars out there would be greatly appreciated.

Wish me bonne chance,

Marjorie

Dog of the Day

We have an extra-extra-special dog of the day today. It's.... MY sister!! No, don't worry, Mom's not giving up Cinderella. ;) But we have a foster sister who's going to live with us while she looks for her perfect furever home. And what's the point of having a blog if you can't use it for some selfish reasons every now and then? So....

Meet VIVIAN!!

Vivian is a beautiful 5-year-old boxer gal who is an absolute snugglebug. Seriously, she likes nothing better than to snuggle all the time, whether it's with Mom or me and Cinderella or random visitors. She loves to cuddle.



She also loves to play! We were all fast friends within about five minutes of her showing up at the house. She's never met a dog she doesn't love, and she's been around lots of dogs of different personalities. We play and play and play, then collapse and all snuggle together until we're ready to play play play some more.


Vivian's also good with the kitties that live here. She completely ignores them, which made Mom really happy. Oh, and she's what we call a "pocket boxer" -- she's a tiny little thing (about 40 pounds!) that would fit in your pocket. Everyone who meets her starts cooing "oh aren't you so cuuuuuute!" Yeah, yeah, yeah, we're all cute, we get it. It's hard having such admiring fans.


Vivian loves hanging out with us, but she told me that what she wants more than anything is a furever home with a mom or dad of her very own. Other dogs or on her own, with cats or kids or whatever -- she just wants to be loved! Go fill out an application at Legacy Boxer Rescue today and let them know you want VIVIAN to be your very own love-bug.

Welcome, Alabama!

We have a new blogger joining us here at the Legacy Chronicles. LBR alum and foster sister extraordinaire Alabama, aka Bama Lama Ding Dong. :)

Alabama first came to our attention hear at LBR when she was a scared soon-to-be mama waiting in a shelter. She had a gorgeous litter of LBR puppies, the All-Stars!

Here's one of them all grown up, Borg. Doesn't Bama grow them handsome??

Nowadays Bama and her brother Zeke keep their paws busy by helping their dad run Chez Grandjean, a very busy LBR hotel! They have all sorts of foster dogs there, some long-term and some babysitting. Phew, I'm tired just looking after one!

We're very happy to have Alabama join us here with her own fun perspective on LBR events. So everyone give her a great big Blogville welcome!

Happy Fourth of July!

My sister Cinderella and I would like to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy Fourth of July. As you can see, we love getting into the spirit.

A special salute to all our brave soldiers, past and present, who've sacrificed so much to give us the freedom we celebrate today.

Now bring on the hot dogs, it's time to paw-ty!!