TT~Meet Marianne

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This is a great way for me to learn more about my bloggy friends and to help promote their blog.  So, once you're read their fantastic post, stop by their blog and leave them a note.  Tell 'em you stopped by from Dawn's Disaster :)  If you'd like to be a part of my Traveling Tuesdays, give me a holler or stop by my contact page.

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I am SO excited to be here!!!


My name is Marianne Sandling, I'm an early-30 something with a WONDERFUL husband (and no, he's not reading this...he really is wonderful!!) of 11 years, and 2 amazing boys, 7 and 14 (both going on 20!)

Sorry there aren't any pictures of me...  While I've recently lost 60lbs over the last year, I still don't do pictures!!!  (there is one on my blog's header if you MUST see me!)

My blog is Sandling All Day.  It's a blog dedicated to everything... really, everything!!  I provide information and resources for parents of children with special needs.  My 7yr old is special needs, and I know how difficult it can be to find resources...  I even have a whole pinterest board dedicated to apps for special needs kids.

I LOVE doing product reviews!  It still excites me when a company uses my contact me page to ask ME for a review.  It amazes me!!  I review pretty much anything that's not 'adult', since my blog is family friendly.  I love showing how products can be used by/or help with someone with a disability.  I myself am disabled, as is my husband.

I also blog DIY, gardening, home, recipes.. pretty much everything, like I said!
During the week, I usually spend 2-3 days working with my mom, who owns a gardening business.  Helping mow 13-17 lawns is definitely hard, but I LOVE being out in the gardens.  I love the smell of fresh cut grass (hermione anyone?)  and the smell of fragrant flowers.

I volunteer on several committes at my younger son's school, and am on the PTA's of both kid's school.  (The older one does NOT, absolutely NOT want me volunteering at his school!! lol)

I am ALL about family. I learned one IMPORTANT thing when I was young...  that is to talk to your family's elders.  Get their stories (on tape, if you can) and learn as much as you can... because when they pass, so does all their stories, all the information... everything!

I recently tried to do a family tree, and asked everyone in my family, but no one seemed to know anything past my grandma.  Thank goodness that I'd asked her before she passed about our family, or I wouldn't have known anything.  If it weren't for the ancestry website, and someone else in the family  tree (whom I don't know!) having done research, I wouldn't have anything!!!

It stemmed from a book I co-authored with some other kids as part of a Seattle Summer Youth Employment Program, KaRaNaSan- A Filipino Anthology.  We went down to the local Filipino "hang out" and were paired with an elder, whom we asked a bunch of questions to.  I learned then, how important it is to get this information now.

So when my mother in law was released from the hospital into hospice care 2 years ago, I immediately started asking her questions.  I will be going to my father in law's house soon to do the same.  (My husband is almost 60, so you can imagine, my FIL is up there.) :)

If I could impart any wisdom onto you today, it would be the following:

1.  let your kids be KIDS!! Honestly, it's so hard for me today, to see parents who expect their children to be little adults... one mom literally YELLING at her child in my son's class, because she was dancing... during the class "dancing time"... and then openly complaining about how SILLY the dancing was.... It's first grade!!

2.  give in..sometimes... Especially when they're young. While it's important for safety and all, it's OK if they get a little extra... they learn to be giving, loving children. If you're always uptight, so they will be.

3.  MAKE THEM WEAR SEATBELTS. PERIOD. need I say more?

4.  GET YOUR CARSEAT PROFESSIONALLY CHECKED. (Sorry for yelling...this one's SUPER important to me!!!) Your local Children's hospital has seatbelt assistance. They do. Trust me. Just call them and ask. Usually they have special days you can go and get your carseat put in professionally. I can't tell you how many times I've seen infants buckled in improperly. NO BLANKETS!!!!!!!!!! I don't care if your child is uncomfortable...you can't buckle them in loose. My mom used to joke that my kid was so tight in there, that he wouldn't ever give me grandchildren. Well, when my husband was rear-ended with my son in the car by someone going 45mph (they were at a red-light) you better believe my mom was HAPPY that he was in there tight. It breaks my heart to see children who've been in hurt in accidents...where the injury could have been prevented with proper buckling!!!

5.  Finally, SECURE YOUR FURNITURE. This blog post WILL make you cry, but if it saves just one life... Meghan would be 11 right now.

Thank you for listening, reading & learning. I really enjoy talking!!! If you'd like to listen in, join me!!!

I want to thank Dawn for this amazing opportunity!!  It's not often that you find a blogger with THIS big of a heart...  I'm grateful for being able to be a part of a great 'tradition' on her blog!!


Marianne

~dawn
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a mom a minute

Hey guys!  I'm over at Not In Jersey today for Dara's A Mom A Minute series.  Check it out by clicking on the button above.  I hope to see you over there!

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super sunday sync #33

Welcome to Super Sunday Sync #33!  We are so glad that you decided to join us.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have previously Guest-Hosted with us.  We are so pleased that you were able to post our lovely hop on your blog.  We still have openings coming up for May and June {and beyond}, so if you would like to Guest-Host, please use the button below and email us.

Rules for the "Super-est" hop ever:

1)  Link up a family-friendly post (or your homepage if it will always be decent, please not to another hop) that you think is SUPER!

2) Follow your hosts {Dawn and Kera} and guest host {Amy}, the first four links, via RSS and/or Bloglovin'.  We also appreciate (and return) any Facebook Likes, NetworkedBlog, and Twitter Followers.  Be sure to leave a comment telling us how you follow, we'll follow you back!

3)  Visit and follow the blog before you, and a few others {the more, the merrier}.  We're all looking to have more followers, that's why we're hopping, right?  Remember to leave a comment and we'll follow you back.

4)  Grab a button and put it somewhere people will see.  We'd love for this hop to really take off!  We believe it can, with your help!

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If you are interested in Guest-hosting the SSS, please 

Don't forget to Tweet!  Tweet


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#FTSF~I am very passionate about...

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Do you remember the rules?

I am very passionate about...

...baseball.  Yep.  Baseball.  It is my favorite sport.  Baseball and volleyball, but baseball is easier to follow (as it is on tv more).  I know most of you people out there don't get why the "American Past-Time" is so great, that many of you find it boring, but it's not.  Yes, there are some slow games along the way, but heck, there are 162 games for YOUR team to play.  Not to mention the games that you have to watch because they may have some bearing on the outcome of your team.

Now, to make my baseball matters even worse, I LOVE the Minnesota Twins.  Do you know who Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Bert Blyleven, AJ Pierzynski, Johan Santana, Torri Hunter, Joe Mauer, and (it pains me to say) Delmon Young are?  Well, they all played with the Twins.  All of them in the beginning of their careers.  For most, we were their first shot at the "BIGS".Here's why it's hard to be a Twins fan: we get some young players with talent.  They grow on us.  We go through growing pains with them.  We support them, cheer for them, buy their jerseys, get their autographs...then, when they're just about great, we trade them for OPTIONS or some stupid prank-like move because certain powers that be won't pay the big bucks to keep them around...unless they're Joe Mauer, and I could write a whole post about him, but half of Minnesota would want to kill me then, so I withhold.

So, have you paid attention to me so far?  How can I be passionate about the ever changing face of the Minnesota Twins?  Honestly, I don't know, but I'm faithful.  There was a time when the Chicago White Sox were in my heart, but that's only because their colors went better with my choice or wardrobe and to "rebel" against my dad (that part didn't really work, because he didn't really care, he just liked that I would get excited to go to games with him).  Now that I'm back to me senses, I've married a man who loves the Yankees...MISTAKE!  His team wins a lot.  My team...well, so far this year, we're doing well, but we're not even a month in.  I'm not holding my breath, because I don't want to die.  I am hoping and rooting for a good year, but it wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't.

When I look at the field and see #5 and it's not Cuddy, #2 and it's not Span, #8 and it's not Punto, #33 and it's not...WAIT, WHAT?  We're still paying that walking concussion HOW MUCH MONEY TO RIDE THE PINE?  I regress.  The face of the Twins changes every year, so part of being passionate about them is to adapt to their ever changing players.  I can hardly keep score anymore, but I do (only at games I actually GO to)!

We haven't taken the Beanie Babies to a Twins game yet (the older two went to a Saints - minor leage - game), but when we do, I plan on buying a score book and keeping score in it for all of the games that we taken them to.  I will (obviously) keep track of who is playing and the action, but I will also keep track of who goes and what they eat.  A sort of Baseball Diary.  I'm so excited!!!!!!!  I'm a dork, I know it.  It's ok to think that.  You'll get over it.

So, now you may (or may not) know why I'm passionate about the Minnesota Twins and this post is WAY better than last weeks #FTSF.  Which team do you like?  Leave it below in the comments and if it's one I can be ok with you liking, I'll hook you up with some Ms. Middle ad space.  The amount will depend on how much I like the team :)  And you don't get brownie points for choosing the Twins...sorry, that would be too easy!

Now, link up your post about what you're passionate about and come back next week!  Our sentence is:
If I were stuck on an island, I would like to have:


Also, please Tweet!  Use #FTSF so I can find you easier and if you want me to comment at your place faster, mention me @dawns_disaster
Tweet #FTSF



With Mother's Day coming up soon, I want to do something special for mine! Which is why I am using the Blurb Designer Instant book template to make a professional quality photo book filled with memories for mom. Instant Books are easy to create, take about an hour, and start at just $12.99. This is definitely a present she will leave on the coffee table for everyone to see each and every day! Start creating your Blurb Designer Instant Book today and save 20% with promo code LOVEYOUMOM valid through 5/10/13! 

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twitter 2.6 and a bit from layla grayce

Mother's Day is quickly approaching and now is the time to find that stylish and unique gift that shows how much your mom means to you! This year, Layla Grayce has posted a Mother's Day blog post suggesting the top ten gift ideas and essentials for mom and is offering 15% off these gifts with code 4URMOM valid through 5/1. Below are a few of my favorite gift ideas. 

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The only "rule" here is to follow as many people on the hop as possible!  So, put your TWITTER on the first link up (http://twitter.com/YOUR USER NAME) and your BLOGLOVIN blog on the second link up, then gain some new followers.
Follow @dawns_disaster







Don't forget to share and Tweet about this link up!

Tweet

Starting May 1st, I will be having co-hosts each month.  If you are interested, please email me: dawnsdisaster {at} gmail {dot} com  to get signed up!

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one kings lane kitchen sale

The One Kings Lane Day of Kitchen sale is here just in time for Spring! This is one of the best sales of the year because of the variety of high quality kitchen items One Kings Lane offers! Below are some of my favorite sales they are hosting. Remember, One Kings Lane sales only last 72 hours so when you see an item you love you should definitely buy it! This Day Of Kitchen sale is live from today-4/26. Let me know what you wind up getting to make your space ready for spring time!

The Spring Table Sale at One Kings Lane
Set a table that blooms with these light, bright entertaining necessities. Full of floral dishes, playfully printed linens, and vibrant flatware, we’ve got something to freshen up every spring soiree.

The Composed Counter Sale at One Kings Lane
From cookware inherited for your first apartment to the bone white china on your wedding registry, a fully-equipped kitchen is a highly-personal thing of beauty. For those missing a few key pieces, we've created a collection of kitchen essentials, perfect for function, family, and entertaining.

Entertaining Essentials Sale at One Kings Lane
Warm days and balmy nights -- this season is just made for entertaining. Whether you're planning a casual alfresco brunch or an elaborate outdoor party, these colorful wine glasses, tumblers, coasters and cake stands make every occasion stylish and chic.

The Eat-In Kitchen Sale at One Kings Lane
The eat-in kitchen is the heart and soul of the home. It’s where friends and family gather, meals are prepped and served, and memories are made. We selected our favorite kitchen and dining finds, from furniture to table linens, so you can create your own freshly-styled, functional eat-in kitchen.

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TT~Meet Erin

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This is a great way for me to learn more about my bloggy friends and to help promote their blog.  So, once you're read their fantastic post, stop by their blog and leave them a note.  Tell 'em you stopped by from Dawn's Disaster :)  If you'd like to be a part of my Traveling Tuesdays, give me a holler or stop by my contact page.

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Thank you Dawn for including me in your Traveling Tuesday series. I am so
excited to share a little bit about myself with your wonderful readers!

My name is Erin and I blog over at Erin the Irish Mama. I recently fell in love with blogging and have been on a roll ever since.  I enjoy my family, friends, an ice cold beer and a good football game! 

Here’s a little bit about myself prior to blogging.  I grew up in Delaware and got engaged to my husband after only 6 short months of dating.  We married a year later on October 4, 2003 {wow almost 10 years}.  It hasn't always been easy but we are always there for one another! 

Shortly after our wedding we moved to New York City where we both lived and worked.  After three years, I discovered that I was pregnant with my first son. Shortly after I had Benjamin,  I left my job at Ralph Lauren so I could stay home and raise my boys in the suburbs of New Jersey.  19 Months after having Ben, we welcomed our second son, Sean.  We still live in New Jersey and my husband continues to commute to New York City every day for work so I can stay at home and raise our boys!  

I always wonder if I am doing a good job at raising the boys.  I try my best but sometimes I feel like I am failing.  I guess all mothers feel that way every now and then, right?   It is a very hard job but worth it when you hear a giggle fit from your kids.  I mean 4 hours of fighting and screaming somehow gets erased when you hear them getting along and playing together {even if it is just for 20 seconds}. 

I started my blog about 5 years ago when I got pregnant with Benjamin. My father was dying of cancer and I wanted to document some of my pregnancy so he could see it.  I kept it up for quite a while after Benjamin was born and my father passed away.  But I stopped blogging regularly because life got way too busy with two boys under the age of two.   

About 8 months ago I decided that I wanted to do something when the boys were in school, so I started posting once again.  I haven't stopped since.  I wanted to document some of the crazy that happens in my house and it just sort of went from there.  

I hope that you guys enjoy reading my page, make sure that you stop on by and visit me at any of my links below! 

     

I am always doing giveaways, reviews,
sharing pictures of my two crazy boys. Plus, you will want to stay tuned with Erin the Irish Mama because I will be revealing a new site design real soon.  Thanks to my friend Andrea over at A Kay Web Designs, I am so excited to launch the new page and move everything over to
Wordpress! 

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inspired tuesday

Welcome back to another Inspired Tuesday. I hope you are all having a good week.

This weeks featured blog is You'll Shoot Your Eye Out by Kathy. Last week she shared some really beautiful pictures with us. Be sure to stop by if you didn't last week and say hi to her.

As promised, this week I have two free printables for you:

You can download this one from HERE.

You can download this one from HERE.

What is Inspired Tuesday?

Each Tuesday Not So Ugly Ducklings hosts Inspired Tuesday along with two awesome co-hosts Dawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly, where we offer up a free printable with some encouraging words.

Me and my co-hosts believe that any post written can inspired someone else, whether it is a personal story, a photography, a recipe.. whatever, so I invite everyone to link up their posts no matter the topic.

The rules are simple:

1) Follow Not So Ugly Ducklings, Dawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly  in any way of your choosing.
2) Follow this weeks featured blog(s).

3) It would be nice if you added the Inspired Tuesday button to your post, or even just a link back to the link-up.
4) Try to visit others and be inspired!

That's it.

Here is the button if you would like it:

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shop now open!

Hi guys!  I know you were highly anticipating the opening on our online store for Sensory-Scents.  I sure was.  Well, it's here.  We have all of the lip balms in stock, as well as most of the soaps (only two aren't here yet).  I would love for you to stop by!  Drop me a line after you stop by and let me know what you think of the beginning of our store.

AND, don't forget to sign up to be part of our Sampler's Club!  We have a sample open today and tomorrow.

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where am i?

Hey peeps!  I'm over at MBH today!  Check out my Listicles today :)


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super sunday sync #32

Welcome to Super Sunday Sync #32!  We are so glad that you decided to join us.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have previously Guest-Hosted with us.  We are so pleased that you were able to post our lovely hop on your blog.  We still have openings coming up for June {and beyond}, so if you would like to Guest-Host, please use the button below and email us.

Rules for the "Super-est" hop ever:

1)  Link up a family-friendly post (or your homepage if it will always be decent, please not to another hop) that you think is SUPER!

2) Follow your hosts {Dawn and Kera} and guest host {the Mommies}, the first four links, via RSS and/or Bloglovin'.  We also appreciate (and return) any Facebook Likes, NetworkedBlog, and Twitter Followers.  Be sure to leave a comment telling us how you follow, we'll follow you back!

3)  Visit and follow the blog before you, and a few others {the more, the merrier}.  We're all looking to have more followers, that's why we're hopping, right?  Remember to leave a comment and we'll follow you back.

4)  Grab a button and put it somewhere people will see.  We'd love for this hop to really take off!  We believe it can, with your help!

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If you are interested in Guest-hosting the SSS, please 

Don't forget to Tweet!   Tweet


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#FTSF: I was cool...

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Do you remember the rules?

I thought I was so cool when I...

...was about 16.  Not so much now.  When I was in high school, I was part of the "in crowd" until I was over being in high school and had moved onto college (which was sort of hard, because I was still a Junior).

I feel like I USED to be cool, and now I'm just a mom.  Here's a list of so many reasons why I am NO LONGER cool:
* I haven't had a hair cut in two years, so my hair style is a little outdated.
* I no longer wear make up.  I find I have no reason for trend.
* I have mom jeans and I'm proud of them.  The reason I like them is because they cover my mom belly.
* I am looking forward to buying a minivan.
* I have no clue as to where to even find the "in crown" these days.

Sorry my post was so horrible today, I was having serious writers block mixed with a really busy week on my family's venture.  I hope that next week is better!

Don't forget to come back next week and link up your post with the sentence:
I am very passionate about...



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