When I arrived, I didn’t know what to expect. My dad and my two sisters met me at the airport and told me she looked good for what they had expected. What the heck does THAT mean? Well, I soon found out as we headed straight to the hospital. She looked weak, thinning short hair but hey, she still had color in those cheeks of hers and as I walked in the room her face lit up with tears filling her eyes. It was GREAT to see her! We all just sat and visited as if there were no cancer. Catching up on life with her, my Dad and sisters. I wondered what it would be like to know you were dying. I wondered what she would want to talk about and hear as she drifted in out from all the medication that was keeping her comfortable. The truth is, it didn’t matter, she was just plain and simple happy as all heck that we were there!!

The next day, on Mother’s Day, as my Dad went to bring her home, my sisters and I went mad trying to find a Party City to decorate the house. We eventually found one and I have to say, we did a rockin job! She was transported in a stretcher to her new hospital bed at home. She squealed in delight as she saw the decorations and ALL of the family waiting for her, her two kids and the 5 of us on my dads side. That afternoon and evening was spent having such a great time visiting ordering food singing (my sister did a funny rap) laughing our butts off and after I did her make-up we all did a big photo shoot.  She told us she had the best Mother’s Day of her entire life!  Yes, success!

Time to say good bye. My sister and I had to fly home the next day. We spent the day dealing with hospice and organizing as best we could for Dad.  In all the chaos, my sister lost it. GREAT, I was trying to stay strong until I left, but whenever she looses it, I do too.  Fortunately, one of the friends visiting was a grief counselor  and my sister got the opportunity to spend time crying with Rita (my step mom).  Then it was my turn, tears yes hugs yes saying I love you… abundant! But what struck me the most was how much SHE was comforting US!  She got to say everything you would ever want to say to someone that they will always carry with them throughout their life. I will always be grateful for that.

I am home now and have checked in daily. I know she doesn’t have much time, but I have to say, this is one Mother’s Day I will never forget. I will ALWAYS think of her on my own Mother’s Day and remember what it means to really say goodbye.  We should all be so lucky to have that opportunity and now I say “I love you”, give hugs and give thanks for my health every day as often as I can!!!  I feel so blessed and I know Rita does too!

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There has yet to be a time I visit Mexico, that I don’t appreciate the amazing service.  This time was no exception.

We were greeted so warmly, and were treated like royalty the entire visit.  We became regulars at the hotel beach cafe, where we could watch the kids go between pools, while my husband and I enjoyed veggies  con lime y chile; yummy fajitas; and an occasional fruity drink.  The music was what you hear in the movies taking place in Mexican resort cities, and EVERYONE was just happy! Why wouldn’t you be?

GORGEOUS property; an accommodating staff; fresh local food; fine sands; clear, warm water; and fun activities guaranteed the perfect time. We even took the kids jet skiing, a luxury that we can’t enjoy as a family in San Diego, as my kids are still too young.  Daniella, my 7 year old, kept saying, “that was the most fun thing I have ever done.” My 6 year old, Gabriel, didn’t appreciate the waves, as much! HAHA! But, it was so convenient that we didn’t have to leave the property to enjoy this.  The only thing I wish I would have taken advantage of what I heard were such FUN children’s activities on the other side of our hotel! I had read about them in the welcome packet, but not until we met another family from California the day before we left, did we get to hear about how much fun the kids had playing and creating cool bracelets/crafts during these hotel sponsored kids’ sessions.

Although we did choose to stay on property most of the time, we did venture out a couple of times….

Photo Courtesy of Amy Graves for PAM

Pregnancy Awareness Month® PAM 2012 Kick-off Event May 6th Celebrating PAM’s 5th Anniversary. Hosted by Anna Getty, Alisa Donner, Catherine McCord, Lisa Loeb and Josie Maran.

Photos Courtesy of Amy Graves for PAM

An organization dedicated to inspiring women during pregnancy with educational initiatives spotlighting nutrition, wellness, and all around nurturing. Click her to to find out more about PAM .

Photos Courtesy of Amy Graves for PAM

Ali Landry made it our for the special day with her daughter Estella. Ali tells us that “Born Free invited me to the event and when I found out about what it was all about I was absolutely thrilled. Pregnancy is such a beautiful time for a woman and it definitely is a time when you should not feel guilty about taking the best care of yourself. I love that they promote education, exercise, nutrition and Wellness and Nurturing. They encourage women to come together to support each other, form communities, and start a conversation about how we can show up for each other on all fronts during this precious time”.

THE ULTIMATE PAM GIFT BAG GIVEAWAY OVER $2,000 worth of top of the Maternity and Baby Products. ENTER BELOW!
Bob Stroller Strides Stroller $469:

• Includes Stroller Strides Fitness Kit: Handlebar Console, Stroller Strides exercise manual and exercise tubing.
• Swiveling front wheel allows for superior maneuverability. Locks forward for increased stability when jogging or if the terrain turns tough.
• Easy, two-step folding, lightweight frame for convenient transport and storage.
• State-of-the-art, adjustable suspension system provides an exceptionally smooth ride.
• Accessory Adapter allows for quick and easy attachment of BOB Infant Car Seat Adapter or Snack Tray.

Britax Advocate $379.99: This car seat comes complete with tons of features to keep baby comfy and give you peace of mind. From the Britax SafeSell Technology, integrated steel bars to comfortablecover that you can remove without uninstalling the car seat, baby can sit back and enjoy the ride!

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Starter Pack compliments of The Pump Station & Medela Retail Value $528.79

Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump On the Go Tote $299.99 Medela Calma Bottle value $19.95

Pump Station Burp Cloths $17.95 Luna Lullabye Bosom Baby Nursing Pillow $59.95

Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover $34.95 Mother Love Herbal Nipple Cream $10.00

Lansinoh Ultra-Soft Disposable Nursing Pads $5.95 Bravado Nursing Bras/Tops $100 voucher @The Pump Station & Nurtury

Seventh Generation $55.00: WeeGeneration Baby Care products, which includes Baby Shampoo/Body Wash Gel, Baby Shampoo/Body Wash Foam, Baby Lotion, Bubble Bath, Diaper Cream, and Baby Sunscreen.

Born Free Gift Pack $150: One Classic Bottle Gift Set – One Bottle Brush with Replaceable Sponge – Four Calm ‘N Soothe Teethers – Two Training Cups – Two Drinking Cups – Two Straw Cups

Citrus Lane Pampered Pregnancy Box $65: Co-curated with Amy Tara Koch, author of BUMP IT UP, the Pampered Pregnancy box is all about pampering your favorite mom-to-be. From luxurious skin products to delicious chocolate, the products in this box will get her through pregnancy in comfort — and style!

DaddySwag Gift Set $79.95: Treat the new dad in your life like the celebrity he is with a DaddySwag Gift Set from DaddyScrubs. Each item is personally selected by Daddy Nickell himself – including a set of our signature scrubs, designed for labor and delivery day! Other Daddy Gear includes I’m the Daddy™ t-shirt, hat, mug and more. Celeb dads like Antonio Sabato Jr., Kevin James, Ian Ziering, John Roberts, Ty Murray, Cash Warren, and Donald Trump Jr. are just a few of the proud parents sporting their DaddyScrubs!

3 gDiapers little gPants $75: Three colorful little gPants, plus gDiapers 100% biodegradable diaper inserts. (40 count). gDiapers are ecodoarable* diapers. *Cute and biodegradable. Wrap your baby in our adorable soft, breathable diaper covers. Reduce their footprint from day one with 100% biodegradable inserts. It’s fashion and eco-function on one cute bum.

LUNA $175: Stainless steel LUNA lunch box and water bottle, and a supply of 100 LUNA bars.

Ingrid and Isabel $88.00: Waterfall Dress in Black Retail (As seen Above on Lisa Loeb:)

AVEENO^® BABY ORGANIC HARVEST^™ Gift Pack $72: AVEENO^® BABY ORGANIC HARVEST^™Lotion is the first and only USDA Certified organic baby lotion by a pediatrician recommended brand, containing 95% certified organic ingredients. All products in the AVEENO^® BABY ORGANIC HARVEST^™ collection are formulated to contain at least 70% organic ingredients and are allergy tested and fragrance-free. The collection includes Lotion, Foaming Wash & Shampoo and Diaper Rash Cream.

My Best Birth ( Priceless): Signed book and DVD by Ricki Lake

Plum Organics Baby Food Over $100 value of Plum Organics products – includes yummy gear for baby: Developing an adventurous eater begins with the first bite. Plum Organics’ believes every baby is a little foodie and deserves only the purest, yummiest nutrition right from the start. All Plum products are made with the best tasting organic ingredients. ·BPA-free packaging ·USDA certified-organic · Child safe cap · Convenient portable pouch · No added sugar, colors or flavors

• Yum 1 Just single fruit ingredient pouches
• Yum 2 Fruit & Veggie blend pouches
• A set of Plum Dispensing Spoon by Boon for one-handed feeding. Comes with carrying case and 2 reusable & dishwasher safe spoons. PVC, BPA and phthalate-free materials.
• A Plumsie

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An organization dedicated to inspiring women during pregnancy with educational initiatives spotlighting nutrition, wellness, and all around nurturing. Click her to to find out more about PAM .

Ali Landry made it our for the special day with her daughter Estella. Ali tells us that “Born Free invited me to the event and when I found out about what it was all about I was absolutely thrilled.  Pregnancy is such a beautiful time for a woman and it definitely is a time when you should not feel guilty about taking the best care of yourself.  I love that they promote education, exercise, nutrition and Wellness and Nurturing.  They encourage women to come together to support each other, form communities, and start a conversation about how we can show up for each other on all fronts during this precious time”.

THE ULTIMATE PAM GIFT BAG GIVEAWAY OVER $2,000 worth of top of the Maternity and Baby Products. ENTER BELOW!

 
Bob Stroller Strides Stroller $469:

• Includes Stroller Strides Fitness Kit: Handlebar Console, Stroller Strides exercise manual and exercise tubing.
• Swiveling front wheel allows for superior maneuverability.  Locks forward for increased stability when jogging or if the terrain turns tough.
• Easy, two-step folding, lightweight frame for convenient transport and storage.
• State-of-the-art, adjustable suspension system provides an exceptionally smooth ride.
• Accessory Adapter allows for quick and easy attachment of BOB Infant Car Seat Adapter or Snack Tray.

Britax  Advocate $399.99:  This  car seat comes complete with tons of features to keep baby comfy and give you peace of mind. From a tangle-free harness and high density comfort foam to rear and forward-facing recline, baby can sit back and enjoy the ride!

Seventh Generation $55.00:   WeeGeneration Baby Care products, which includes Baby Shampoo/Body Wash Gel, Baby Shampoo/Body Wash Foam, Baby Lotion, Bubble Bath, Diaper Cream, and Baby Sunscreen.

Bornfree Gift Pack  $150: One Classic Bottle Gift Set  - One Bottle Brush with Replaceable Sponge - Four Calm ‘N Soothe Pacifiers - Two Training Cups - Two Drinking Cups - Two Straw Cups

Citrus lane Gift Box $120: Co-curated with Amy Tara Koch, author of BUMP IT UP, the Pampered Pregnancy box is all about pampering your favorite mom-to-be. From luxurious skin products to delicious chocolate, the products in this box will get her through pregnancy in comfort — and style!

DaddySwag Gift Set $79.95:  Celeb dads like Antonio Sabato Jr., Kevin James, Ian Ziering, John Roberts, Ty Murray, Cash Warren, and Donald Trump Jr. are just a few of the proud parents sporting their DaddyScrubs!  Treat the new dad in your life like the celebrity he is with a DaddySwag Gift Set. Each item is personally selected by Daddy Nickell himself – including a set of our signature DaddyScrubs, designed for labor and delivery day! Other Daddy Gear includes I’m the Daddy™ t-shirt, hat, mug and more.  • DaddyScrubs – Edgy, Navy  • I’m the Daddy Tee – White Edgy  • I’m the Daddy Hat – Navy  • I’m the Daddy coffee mug • 3 pens • Stickers

3 gDiapers little gPants  $60.00:  gDiapers 100% biodegradable gRefills. (40 count.)

LUNA $175: Eco lunch boxes a LUNA Klean Kanteen and a supply of 100 LUNA bars.

Ingrid and Isabella $88.00:  Waterfall Dress in Black Retail (As seen Above on Lisa Loeb:)

Aveeno  Gift Pack $72:  The AVEENO^® BABY ORGANIC HARVEST^™ Lotion is the first and only USDA Certified organic baby lotion by a pediatrician recommended brand, containing 95% certified organic ingredients.  All products in the AVEENO^® BABY ORGANIC HARVEST^™ collection are formulated to contain at least 70% organic ingredients and are allergy tested and fragrance-free. The collection includes Lotion, Foaming Wash & Shampoo and Diaper Rash Cream.

My Best Birth ( Priceless): Signed book and DVD by Ricki Lake can’t give

Plum Organics Baby Food Over $100 Value:  Plum Organic pouches plus $25 value of Plum baby gear : Developing an adventurous eater begins with the first bite.  Plum Organics’ believes every baby is a little foodie and deserves only the purest, yummiest nutrition right from the start.  All Plum products are made with best tasting organic ingredients. ·BPA-free packaging  ·USDA certified-organic · Child safe cap · Convenient portable pouch · No added sugar, colors or flavors

• Yum 1 Just single fruit ingredient pouches
• Yum 2 Fruit & Veggie blend pouches
• A set of Plum Dispensing Spoon by Boon for one-handed feeding.  Comes with carrying case and 2 reusable & dishwasher safe spoons.  PVC, BPA and phthalate-free materials.
• A Plumsie

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Starter Pack compliments of The Pump Station & Medela Retail Value $528.79

Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump On the Go Tote  $299.99   Pump Station Burp Cloths  $17.95

Luna Lullabye Bosom Baby Nursing Pillow $59.95   Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover  $34.95    

Mother Love Herbal Nipple Cream  $10.00  Lansinoh Ultra-Soft Disposable Nursing Pads  $5.95

Bravado Nursing Bras/Tops $100 voucher @The Pump Station & Nurtury

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How hard is it to find the perfect place for a party?  “The carousel is one of Kate’s favorite weekend activities, and she wanted to share the fun with her friends. Kate’s buddies from preschool, church, our neighborhood, and play dates, were all there to help her celebrate!  All the children got wristbands so they could ride the carousel endlessly. I think the sounds of laughter and joy could be heard all the way down the pier!”

Where did you get her adorable birthday cake?  ”I first tasted a Hansen’s cake at a neighbor’s birthday party for her son, and I was hooked! I have bought one for Kate’s birthday each year. It is decadent and such a treat for the adults too!”

Good Bags are always the HIT of the Party how did you come up with yours?  ”I made the goodie buckets an arts & crafts project, so Kate and I enjoyed shopping for toys and then assembling them together! We painted each child’s name on the front of a bucket, filled with surprises, wrapped it in cellophane and tied with ribbon. When I did a final check to make sure all the kids had adequate goodies, I found one of Kate’s kid flossers inside, so I warned all the guests not to be surprised if they found a half eaten snack or even flossers in their buckets!”

– The Goodie buckets included Mabel’s labels, Itzy Ritzy snack bags, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, toy animals, balls, stickers, play dough, and bracelets and nail polish for the girls.

Why did you pick MABEL’S LABELS AND ITZY RITZY ”I am a big fan of Mabel’s labels… almost everything Kate owns has one of those cute labels on it somewhere! They added a special, personalized touch to each of the kids’ buckets. The Itzy Ritzy snack bags are adorable, and very handy to have for your toddler when you’re on the go. My girlfriends wanted to know where they could buy more! I am grateful to both Mabel’s Labels and Itzy Ritzy for providing such fun items for the party!”

You can create your own bday party bags, using Mabel’s Labels New Loot Bag Combo, that was inspired by the many celebs that use them:

Itzy Ritzy’s reusable snack bags, they are perfect for school and camp, as they are washable and have fun prints!

Click here to keep up with Brooke on Twitter

Of course it had to be asked how she researched the sex scenes and the dominant/submissive lifestyle, she said she chatted with many people online and talked to someone who experimented with that.  She said at one point she wanted to see what it would sound like to smack a ruler on her palm or leg, and couldn’t find one and she went to her son and asked him if she could borrow his, and he said, “you aren’t going to do anything naughty with it are you???” she said she was taken back and said oh no, just want to draw a straight line.   She also said gave each chapter to her husband and he corrected her spelling grammar etc… but she joked he read them all but he still didn’t get the hint!

When asked if she saw and what she thought about the SNL Mother’s Day spoof, she said she laughed her ‘socks’ off.

E.L said that he dream was to see her books go to print to have them on the shelves in a book store, she never imagined that it would be such a hit.  She is enjoying the success and is living proof that dreams do come true.

Did you read the series? Would you like to win an autographed copy of books 2 and 3?

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There’s been a baby boom in Hollywood lately, and just like the rest of us, Hollywood moms need babysitters!

If you’ll need a sitter this summer, Sittercity has an extra 20% off memberships with coupon code TULIP20 through May 31st.

Why choose Sittercity? You’ll find caregivers who have been background-checked, reference checked, and you can check out their reviews.

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