Category Archives: Kids

11.02.10

Sisters.

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there. ~Amy Li
I am in awe each day as I watch my girls interact with each other and their bond grow stronger. I just warms my heart.

10.31.10

Boo.


Everyone was running scared of the Salmon clan this weekend. Luckily E was able to recover in time to enjoy some of the festivities that we had planned. I, on the other hand, was benched. I was so bummed to miss out on Halloween with my girls. I have not eaten in two days, and there seems to be no end in sight.


Here are some pictures from the Halloween parade on Friday. I know that I have sung her praises before, but did I mention that my mother-in-law is also a talented seamstress? She made the girls’ costumes. While 99% of the population has no idea of who they are, these are some big characters in our house. E is Merliah Summers from Barbie and the Mermaid Tale and Anna is Toodee from Yo Gabba Gabba, of course.

10.30.10

A Fecal Matter.

WARNING.. Not advised to read unless you have a strong stomach, or are a Mom. The literature below is extremely…. well….gross.
Poor E- she had lice for 4th of July, strep for Labor Day, and we are really hoping that she is able to kick this stomach flu for Halloween. As most of you know, she started vomiting on Tuesday night. Well, yesterday we sent her to school for the first time because she seemed to be feeling much better. The girls’ school also had their annual Halloween parade, which is a big deal to these kiddos. So, off she went.
 
Mike and I showed up at 4:00 for the parade, and all seemed to be fine. She had a great day at school, and was so excited for the weekend to come. After the parade, we headed over to Chick-fil-A with friends. All of a sudden, I hear that E is in the bathroom crying… I knew it couldn’t be good. However, it couldn’t be much worse. Poor E had thought she just had to “toot”, but unfortunately, it was a lot more than a toot. The technical term for this is sharting. Whether or not they like to admit it, it happens to everyone at least once in their life. Back to E- let’s just say I had to throw away her panties, go to the car to get her new pants (Thank God I had some) and complete a rigorous clean up in that bathroom stall.
 
I thought the worst was behind us, oh what a fool I was. We got her home, put her in the tub, and all seemed to be okay. We headed down to the basement as a family to watch Scared Shrekless, which was awesome by the way. Throughout the movie there was a little toot here or there, and with each gastric explosion I would jump up and ask her if she was ok. All was good, or so I thought. Then it happened. The shart of all sharts. It all happened so fast, I am still perplexed by the whole thing. First, the shart, then E started screaming and flinging her arms in the air. I saw her trying to get her panties off. As I screamed “No, no, no!”, her soiled panties were flying through the air. Not my best motherly moment, but I lost it. I had been covered in vomit and feces for three days now, and finally broke. She got the couch, the dog, the rug, the pillows, there was even poop on her forehead. Mike heard the screaming and came running downstairs. We have a shower in our basement, so in it she went. And then the clean up began. I started the laundry and put E in clean clothes as Mike had to wash poor Bailey outside with a hose. After that, he left for a poker game that he had been looking forward to all week.
 
Now it was time for bed. I thought, this poor baby can’t have any more poop left in her body… I mean she hasn’t eaten in almost three days! I still had some Little Swimmers left in the linen closet, and surprisingly, she wanted to wear one. I read her two books and off she went. I crept into my bed, finished some e-mails and caught up on a few shows. I think I fell asleep around 12:30 or so. At 1:30 I heard the doors to my bedroom open and E was crying saying “it happened again!” I guided her to the bathroom, and put her in the tub. Her sheets were soiled beyond belief and she was crying hysterically. (Can we talk about how Little Swimmers don’t work AT ALL!) I could not have her wake up Lou, so I texted Mike and told him that I needed him to come home. He was here within 10 minutes. This time I stripped the bed, Mike got E dressed, and took her to bed.
 
This morning she has eaten toast, and drank some water (the menu of a prisoner) and so far so good. We are keeping our fingers crossed, as we have so many fun events and parties planned this weekend.

10.27.10

Nurturing Creativity.



When we finished our basement, I was sure to put dibs on a space to build a craft room. I think it is so crucial to foster creativity in our children. As art and music programs are being cut at record levels within our schools, it is up to parents to pick up where the school systems are failing our youth.

Since I entered the blogosphere I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. Through the the virtual universe I have been introduced to new things and ideas that I never would have had the pleasure of experiencing without the miracle of modern technology.


This brings me to Margaret Norcott, Principal designer for Milieu Design Group. Margaret sent along pictures of this gorgeous Kid’s Craft Suite that she designed for the Atlanta Symphony Show House and Gardens back in April.

This craft suite makes my little craft room look like a dump. Margaret has done an amazing job of mixing colors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults alike.



Can you believe this puppet show booth? What little one wouldn’t LOVE that?



I’m a big fan of a good window seat.


Here are Margaret’s resources:

1. Duralee Summer Fabric– Pricing to the trade.
2. Trina Turk Zebra Fabric– Pricing to the trade.
3. Kravet So Chic Sherbet Fabric–Pricing to the trade.
10. FLOR Carpet Tiles– $11.99

Thanks Margaret for sharing this special room!
Check out Margaret’s blog here.


10.21.10

Take Another Looksie: Old Navy.






I started shopping at Old Navy when I was pregnant with E. They always had some great maternity clothes for a fraction of the price of other stores. After my babies were born, I continued shopping there for inexpensive children’s items with a bit of flair. Occasionally, I would find some nice pieces for myself, that were so cheap that I wouldn’t care if they got ruined, spit up on, etc.

Well, this fall Old Navy has taken a page out of the ole’ J. Crew book… on the cheap! I just bought a bucket load of items to dress my family for fall. I also picked up a few key fall items for myself. Want the best part? Today Old Navy is offering 25% off of your entire purchase with promo code ONSTYLE25. And, as always you get free shipping if you use your Old Navy, Banana Republic or Gap card. While I couldn’t swing ALL of these, here are the items that made it onto Kiki’s list:
1. Ruffle Collar Wool Blend Jacket– $59.50 ON SALE ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
2. Embellished Tank– $16.50 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
3. Tipped Cardigan– $16 ON SALE
4. Ruffled Keyhole Top– $24.50
5. Tweed Mini Skirt– $22.99 ON SALE
6. Ruffled Leather Jacket– $199 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
9. Ruffle Wool Blend Coat– $79.50 ON SALE
10. Fashion Bracelets– $7.99 ON SALE
11. Studed Faux-Leather Flats– $16.00 ON SALE
12. Sliver-Wedge Boots– $44.50 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE

10.20.10

Mad For Plaid.


If you were smarter than I was and saved all of your plaid shirts, scarves and blankets- dig them out stat. Tartan is back in a big way. I love a good tartan plaid. It reminds me of being a little girl. Plaid taffeta skirts, wool kilts. a cozy cashmere blanket. I’ll take any of them. While plaid decor will certainly not work in most of my home, I can certainly find a way to add a sprinkle of plaid, especially during the holidays. It seems that world has gone mad for plaid… and I like it! This is a trend that the entire family can get behind. Here are the plaid items that made it onto Kiki’s List:


1. Royal Stewart Cashmere Scarf– $67.15 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
3. Mack & Co. Ruffle Front Coat– $19.90 ON SALE ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
4. Scottish Kilt– $32
5. Tartan Bowtie– $26 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
9. Tartan Dessert Plates– $48 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
10. Plaid Shirt– $19.90
11. Plaid Penelope Coat– $54.99 ON SALE
12. Plaid Crinkle Scarf– $12.99

10.19.10

Gotta Love Mother Earth.

Images M.A. Belle, Designzz.com, Google Images, Google Earth

Most of you know by now that I am a bit of a Nazi about recycling. I have two children who I hope will be on this earth for a long time, and I’d like to do everything in my powers to keep it beautiful, sustainable and enjoyable for them.


Most of us recycle, but how many of us are well versed on the do’s and don’ts of recycling? If we are not doing it correctly, then why even bother? Here are some facts about what you can and can’t recycle:

What is Recyclable?

Paper Products.
(Must be dry) including junk mail, magazines, catalogs, office paper, shredded paper (should bag shredded paper), newspaper, cardboard and paper board.


Metal Cans, Glass Containers and Plastic Bottles.

This includes metal food and beverage cans, glass jars and bottles.

Types of plastics that may now be recycled include, clean plastic grocery bags, newspaper sleeves, dry cleaning bags and milk bottle tops. Containers, bottles and cans should be rinsed out, and the lids removed. As many of you know, the lids to your water bottles are not recyclable and should be thrown away. Labels do not need to be removed.
Items that CANNOT be recycled:

  • Foam (Try not to use.)

  • Light Bulbs

  • Window Glass

  • Cardboard with a waxy coating (Frozen dinner boxes, paper milk cartons, etc.)

  • Wire Hangers (Check with your local dry cleaners, they would be happy to accept these.)

  • Styrofoam (Try not to use.)
  • Packing Peanuts (Check with your local FedEx Kinkos of Post Office to see if they will reuse these.)
Thanks for listening to my little PSA. I am officially jumping off of my soap box now.