Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Him

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Him by quiana-duckett featuring wine bottles

Autumn Crafts: Fist Print Pumpkins

Looking for a quick Autumn craft project to do with the little ones? Then try these fist print pumpkins. They're absolutely adorable!

Materials needed:
Orange paint
Green paint
White card stock paper

Directions:

1.  Pour orange paint onto a plate and have your child make a fist and dip his/her fists (knuckles) into the orange paint.

2. Press your child's knuckles firmly on the paper to make the pumpkins.

3. Repeat as many times as you like.

4. Have your child dip their finger in the green paint to make the stem of the pumpkin.

If you desire: With a green marker, draw vines connecting the pumpkins.  The green paint on the finger can be used for the leaves on the vines.

Now tell me that this wasn't super easy and cute!!!

Elf On The Shelf

One thing I love about Christmas are the holiday traditions. This year I'm so excited to add the Elf on the Shelf as a tradition.

What is the Elf on the Shelf you may ask. The EOTS is Santa's little helper who is sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus with his Naughty or Nice list. When you purchase your EOTS, you are officially adopting your elf. You will register and name him. Once your elf is named, he will receive his magic powers. The elf flys to the North Pole at night to report to Santa Claus. Each morning, the elf returns back to the family to a different spot in the house to "watch you." This is where the fun and creativity starts.

Elves are known for being mischevious and getting themselves into trouble. Here are some fun ideas for your elves below.
 
 



There are 2 rules when it comes to the EOTS.
1. The EOTS  can't be touched. If it's touched, it'll lose it's magic powers and won't be able to fly to the North Pole.
2. An elf can't move or speak while anyone is awake in the house.

Your EOTS can arrive whenever you wish, however usually the EOTS arrives the morning of December 1st or the day after Thanksgiving.

The elf comes back for the last time on the morning of Christmas Eve. That night he flys back to the North Pole and returns the following year.

Stay tuned for my EOTS photo journal coming next month.

Will the EOTS be apart of your family's tradition this year?

Mommy Tag 2.0

1. How many children do you have and how old are they?

I have 1 child and he's 3.5 years old.

2. What is your proudest moment as a mom of your child/children?

I have many proud moments as Landon makes me a very proud mom. I love it when people tell me how smart Landon is. We spend a lot of time working with him on his speech, colors, numbers, etc. so it's rewarding to see the work that we all put in pay off. I'm also proud of how maturely he handles his condition with diabetes. When he was first diagnosed, we had to straddle him down to give him a shot now a shot doesn't even phase him.

3. What is your most frustrating moment as a mom?

It will have to be Landon not understanding the word no or later, he's at an age where the world is all about him and if you don't do what he says when he says it he has a fit. So I've been explaining to him that his behavior is not acceptable and he's not being grateful but that's a work in progress...

4. How do you discipline your child/children?

When it comes to discipline I can't say that I never spank my child and I only use the time out method. I believe you have to discipline according to the behavior and the child. Typically with Landon I first talk to him, if he continues the unacceptable behavior he gets put on time out. Lastly, I will pop him. I really don't like to say spank or whooping because it sounds like a big volatile production of putting him over my knee and hitting him with a belt. When I "pop" him its typically just a couple of hits to the butt and after that he typically shapes up. Discipline methods should also be individualized to the child as all children respond differently.
5. Cursing, do you do it in front of your child/children?

Its crazy because I do curse when I'm around my friends but it seems like it automatically goes off when I'm around Landon. I don't even have to think about not cursing. Now my husband on the other hand, I'm always having to tell him to watch his mouth :)

6. Do you think your relationship has changed since you had your child/children?

It has changed, having a child really strengthens your relationship because when it was you 2, you had the freedom to do what you want to do, go where you want to, you were able to have impromptu dinner dates, and spontaneous sex. With a child all that changes and your relationship is tested. Its up to the couple to keep the connection despite of the little one and through that process the relationship should grow stronger. I ahve also found out that having a child also forces you and your significant other to speak to each other when you're mad at each other.
7. Since becoming a mom do you find yourself acting like your mom?

As of yet not too much.

8. How are your relationships with your girlfriends?

They're pretty good, unfortunately we aren't able to talk too frequently however we do stay in contact via text, email, and our annual girls trip

9. Your favorite place to take your child/ children?

I love taking Landon to Barnes and Noble, there I get to do some reading and he gets some of his favorite books as well. He also enjoys playing with the Thomas train table and with the Lego's there. We can spend hours upon hours there.

10. Your lease favorite place to take your child/ children?

Chuck E Cheese, It's way too many damn kids!!! and unsupervised might I add!! The parents are stuffing their faces eating pizza while their child is climbing on the games.
11. Piercing babies ears, do or don't?

I have a son so absolutely not but if I had a girl I probably would probably get her ears pierced as an infant.

13. Must have mommy makeup item?

Bio-Oil, it has really cleared the blemishes that I had on my face. Landon wears an insulin pump and when we change his infusion set it leaves a dark spot on his body. Since I started using the Bio-Oil on his dark spots I have definitely seem improvement.

14. Bath or shower for you and your child?

Landon always takes a bath, me on the other hand I'm not so lucky. I actually haven't taken a bath any this year. I just hop in the shower and I hop out.

15. Are you back to your pre-baby weight?

I've never paid much attention to my weight however I do focus on my size and I'm back to my pre baby size.

16. College dreams, do you expect them to go or are you going to let them decide for themselves?

I do have a utopic vision that Landon will go to University of Tennessee- Knoxville, where he'll be a starting quarter back, with a 3.7 GPA in Political Science however I do know that college isn't for everyone so as long as he has a productive plan and it makes sense, I'm down for it.

17. What is one show your child love but you secretly hate?

I hate Calliou, he is such a cry baby and is always upset about something. When Landon starts acting like a baby I can always tell when he's been watching Calliou.
18. Cloth diapers, yay or nay?

I never put too much thought into cloth diapers but I do know they are least expensive than diapers. But I remember how I didn't like changing a poopy diaper so I don't think I would want to wash one either.

19. Finish this sentence- you know you're a mom when ......

you find yourself alone singing cartoon jingles or when you wonder if your baby pooped and instead of checking the diaper you put your nose to their butt and check. Only a mom would sniff her child's butt.

20. Have you done the first mommy tag?

No I haven't.

Why Do Celebrities Name Their Children Such Crazy Names?

So unless you've been living under a rock then you have heard the strange name that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West has named their daughter....North West! I don't know why celebrities feel the need to name their children such crazy ass names. Celebrities such as Busy Philipps has named her daughters Birdie and Cricket and there is Gwyneth Paltrow who has named her daughter Apple.

Busy Philipps actually took to Twitter defending the names of her children, saying that "her children won't be going to therapy because of their names."  

As true as that might be, they will definitely be made fun of on the playground but then again probably not because their friends will be other celebrity kids that have crazy ass names as well.

As a mom, I know you want to name your child something unique and meaningful but as you're doing so, you typically also take in consideration the difficulty to spell or pronounce the name or even the possibility will they be stereotyped based on their name.  

I'm not judging but perhaps I am but it seems like celebrities purposely say what wacky name can I name my child. What happened to naming your kids Brandon and Sarah? I was surprised that Tamar Braxton and Vincent Herbert named their child Logan. I just knew the dot com queen was going to have an over the top name for their child. 

It seems that these celebrities are intentionally naming their children such crazy names for the publicity but then again maybe not because I don't want to think that a mom is so shallow to name her child a name for the publicity. But maybe in the "celebrity world" the rules don't apply to them. They have money to travel the world and buy whatever they want. So why shouldn't they name their child some crazy ass name!! 

Don't forget to check the video out below and make sure you follow me on Instagram: Quiana_D

Sweet Doodabug.....Coming Soon

Sweet Doodabug will be releasing an exclusive collection of diabetes art. The personalized paintings are perfect to decorate a room, to educate about diabetes, or just simply look at in enjoyment. More details coming soon!!!

Sweet Tea for Diabetics

Since moving to Memphis from Chicago 5 years ago there are two things that I learned about Memphisians. One, they love Elvis and two, they love sweet tea. My son is no exception as he absolutely loves sweet tea! Every now and again we let him have a sip but that's very far in between because sweet tea is like the plague for us....we stay away at all cost!!

I'm so happy that I've discovered sugar free sweet tea. For some, you're probably thinking what's the big deal but for me personally I feel like I've invented the wheel :)

 We came across the brand Gold Peak. They make a delicious diet sweet tea but we've only been able to find them in 18.5oz bottles at either the gas station or Target but however my local grocery store carries the 59oz bottle of unsweetened tea. When I purchase that, I pour the unsweetened tea into Landon's cup and add (3) Splenda packets (each packet is less than 1 carb). We also do this when we go to a restaurant.



Told you Landon loves his sweet tea


So there you have it folks...sweet tea for diabetics!

Designer Looks for Less

I don't know about you but I must say that I love to get a designer look and not have to pay the designer price. I recently did some shopping on Shoedazzle and I was highly impressed with my purchases. The prices and quality were absolutely superb.

I purchased the Maresa for $54. This shoe is very reminiscent of the Giuseppe Zanotti Bow Detail Platform Sandal. I love this this shoe as its so girly and fun. I would've preferred a brighter color but hey the black still gets the job done.



Shoedazzle, Maresa $54





Giuseppe Zanotti Bow Detail Platform Sandal $895



Another designer look at like is the Christian Louboutin Pigalle Spiked Pump, this shoe is absolutely bad ass but at a whomping $1,295 it will not be joining my shoe collection anytime soon. However the Kali from Shoedazzle has and she is as equally beautiful.



Shoedazzle, Kali $39.95





Christian Louboutin Pigalle Spiked Pump $1,295



DIY: At Home Face Mask

Wouldn't you love to go to a spa and have a nice relaxing facial? I'm sure we all would but due to the fact of not having the time or money that facial isn't hapening no time soon. So why not save some money and have fun making your  very own face mask with ingredients found around the house?

 If you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there is a facial recipe out there for you. I’ve been feeling that my face has been dryer than usual so I was looking for a face mask that will hydrate and deeply moisturize my skin. I decided to try an avocado/honey/olive oil mask. Overall I was very pleased with the outcome as it left my face feeling as soft as a baby’s bum.

Ingredients needed:

1/2 Avocado

1 tbsp Honey

1 tbsp Olive Oil

Mash the avocado in a bowl, try to get most of the lumps out.

I did think the avocado smelt strange but once you add the honey the smell gets better.

Add 1 tbsp of honey and olive oil, mix them all until you get a smooth consistency, it should pretty much look like guacamole.

Apply 2 layers on your face and leave on for ten minutes.

Rinse face with warm water and you have completed a very simple moisturizing face mask.

Hope you guys enjoyed!!

Diabetes Art- DBlog Week Day #6

I went to a painting class last week and I absolutely loved it!!! So when I saw this blog topic it was the perfect excuse to head to Hobby Lobby and buy some paint, brushes, and canvases.

Not too shabby if I may say so myself

Freaky Friday- DBlog Week Day #5

Just like in the movie, today we’re doing a swap. If you could switch chronic diseases, which one would you choose to deal with instead of diabetes?

This is will be a relatively short post as there isn't another disease I would rather have my son deal other than diabetes because whoever said the grass is always greener on other side is crazy. I don't know about you but I know for a fact that that isn't true.

To the general public when they see Landon, they see your typical 3 year old boy. He doesn’t look sickly, he rides his four wheeler, he can even eat a candy bar. But what most people don’t know is how much “planning” goes into him eating that candy bar. They don’t know of his daily pricks and pokes. People don’t know that under Landon’s shirt is an insulin pump that is constantly giving him medicine. So I say all that to say is that I don’t know the true day to day struggles that people with other chronic illnesses experience. But I have to believe whether you have diabetes, sickle cell, or lupus, the struggles and pains are all the same.

Accomplishments- DBlog Week Day #4

We don’t always realize it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn’t matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you’ve done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you've made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small - think about self-acceptance, something you’ve mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.)

My son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year at the age of 1. Since that day he has truly amazed me with his acceptance of his condition. In the beginning he was scared and pretty resistant but to see where he is a year later is absolutely remarkable. He hasn’t let diabetes define him at all. He’s not ashamed to tell you that that’s not a cell phone on his hip but an insulin pump. He’s not ashamed to test his sugar in public for everyone to see. Diabetes is just one facet of who Landon is. He’s still a 3 year old boy that jumps off the couch and rolls on the floor…. insulin pump and all ( I cringe at these moments).

Here are just  a few moments of many where I look at him and say to myself this boy must’ve been diabetic in another lifetime J

·         When we first began pricking his fingers to take his blood sugar be was quite hesitant but now he’s a finger pricking pro. He now can check his own sugar, with assistance of course.

·         There was a time when I was about to take his sugar and he said “Don’t do my fingers, do my toes. You and daddy said my fingers need a break.”

·         One day he was eating a pickle for a snack and he told me with much concern that I didn’t give him any medicine for his food. I explained to him that he didn’t need any medicine because pickles don’t have carbs.

·         When it’s time to eat lunch, he’ll grab the potato chip bag and look on the back of the bag and say “ I’m counting the carbs.”

These moments make be extremely happy and keep me motivated on the days I feel like giving up.



First day at pumping. Woo hoo!!



Memories- DBlog Week Day #3

Today we’re going to share our most memorable diabetes day. You can take this anywhere.... your or your loved one's diagnosis, a bad low, a bad high, a big success, any day that you’d like to share.

Isn’t it funny how some things you can’t ever forget? I mean even if you wanted to you just can’t. It seems just like yesterday I was anxiously and nervously waiting in a sky blue room at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. My husband and I were just told that our son’s blood sugar was so high that the hospitals glucometer couldn’t read it and it reads up to 600!!!

Sitting in silence, rapidly bouncing my leg, fearful of the unknown. The door opened and two male nurses walked into the room. They made some small talk but nothing could ease the fact that my heart was in my stomach. They instructed for us to put Landon on the table as they were about to start an IV on him. My eyes bulged as I couldn’t believe that those needles were about to be put in my son’s little arm. They told my husband to come by Landon’s side and hold him down and told me that I can leave the room because most moms do. I told him I’m not most moms, I’m not going anywhere!!!

Trust me, I wanted to leave. Of course I didn't want to see my baby like that. But I just couldn’t imagine my son looking to me for comfort or to save him and I’m nowhere around. I look at staying in that room symbolically. For me it symbolized that no matter what my son goes through in his journey with diabetes, no matter how much he’s hurt, I have to stay strong for him and assure him that I am always by his side at any cost!!! As the nurse inserted the needle into Landon’s arm he began to scream, kick, and cry. I held him down forcefully, I held back my tears and began singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Once it was all over, I calmed Landon down and handed him over to my husband. I casually walked out the room, walked down the hallway, found myself a corner and cried like a little baby.

That moment was the beginning to the emotional roller coaster of this thing called diabetes.

DIY: Flower Pen Pots

 These flower pen pots were a hit for Mother's Day!! They will also make a perfect gitft for any occassion. They're so simple to make and the kiddos can help too. So let's get started!!!

Materials Needed:

Artificial Flowers
Wire Cutters
Clay Pot
Pens
Floral Tape
Sponge Brushes
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic Paint Marker
Glue Gun/ Glue Sticks
Decorative Rocks/Stones


Step 1: With a knife, carefully remove the cap off the end of the pen.

Step 2: With wire cutters cut the stem off the flower to approx. half the size of the pen...maybe even a little shorter.

Step 3: Add some glue around the pen chamber and place the end of the flower into the pen chanber. Press firmly until the flower is securely attached.

Step 4: Starting at the top of the pen, begin wrapping the pen with floral tape. Don't wrap the tape all the way to the bottom of the pen as if you do the cap wont close on the pen. Tape until you get to the pen top.

Step 5: Clip the floral tape and tack the end down. It should stick pretty well without using any hot glue.

Step 6: Paint your pots however you desire.

Step 7: Once it dries, use an acrylic paint pen to write a message on the pot.

Step 8: Once the pot is completely dry, fill each of the pots with beans or decorative stones and add your beautiful flower pens.

 See, easy as 1,2,3 :)

We, The Undersigned- DBlog Week Day#2

 Recently various petitions have been circulating the Diabetes Online Community, so today let’s pretend to write our own. Tell us who you would write the petition to – a person, an organization, even an object (animate or inanimate) - get creative!! What are you trying to change and what have you experienced that makes you want this change?

Dear School Superintendent:

As a parent of a Type 1 Diabetic child it is very important that my child receives around the clock care and that includes during school hours. All schools need to have a group of non medical staff trained to provide routine and emergency care for diabetic students. I understand that you might not have a nurse, or she’s part time, or the nurse you have just can’t be everywhere at the same time. And for that reason it needs to be priority to ensure that staff are trained to help diabetic students in need. There will be times that assistance will be needed on field trips, sporting activities, lunchtime, etc.

I also understand that a school doesn’t have time to tend to every child's medical needs however unlike many other conditions Type 1 diabetes is a condition that requires 24/7 monitoring and management. Unfortunately diabetes can’t be turned off during school hours just for your convenience. Our children deserve to have a normal life as much as possible and that includes while at school.

Caring for a child’s condition shouldn’t be optional, it should be mandatory.

Sincerely,

A concerned parent

I haven’t experienced this issue personally as of yet. But I do know this a problem for many and possibly me later down the road. But for the moment I have to say that my son’s school rocks!!! They have been with my family from the beginning. Transitioning from insulin injections to insulin pen to insulin pump. They have experienced his lows and his highs. They are just so great and I have so much comfort when my son is at school. I honestly don't know what I'll do without them.

Share and Don't Share- #DBlog Week Day 1

Often our health care team only sees us for about 15 minutes several times a year, and they might not have a sense of what our lives are really like. Today, let’s pretend our medical team is reading our blogs. What do you wish they could see about your and/or your loved one's daily life with diabetes? On the other hand, what do you hope they don't see? 

I love my son’s endocrinologist and I truly believe his best interest is always at heart but as of lately I have been wanting to say “Shut up and listen to me!!!  My husband and I live with my son’s diabetes 24/7 so I understand it’s difficult for a doctor to see us every 3 months and make an adequate assessment on what’s going on as the numbers don't always accuratey depict what our family experiences. So with that being said, less talking needs to be done and more listening.

 Listen to me when I tell you he had pizza at school everyday for lunch. Listen to me when I tell you that that could’ve been a poor absorption site. Listen to me when I tell you I’m scared. LISTEN!!!!!!!!  Doctors may see diabetes on a daily basis but there’s an emotional side to diabetes that doctors don’t seem to understand. They're not sleep deprived due to checking blood sugar at 2am. They don’t deal with the frustration of working so hard on your child’s numbers to only see little or no improvement. So even though I’m forever grateful for the abundance of my knowledge I have around me, I just need them to stop and LISTEN!!!!

Tips on Shopping at Children's Consignment Sales

Yesterday I was able to indulge in one of my favorite past times....shopping!!!  I went shopping for my son at a seasonal (Febuary and August) children's consignment sale here in Memphis. This sale is huge, you name it, they have it. I absolutely love it as I always snag great deals!!

Shopping at consignment sales can be a tad bit intimidating and overwhelming and require patience as there is just so much stuff but hopefully with the tips below you will have a successful shopping experience.

1. Make sure you are going to a reputable consignment sale. Somewhere you know that inspects and are selective on the items they accept.

2. Go shopping with an idea of what you want to buy. Consignment sales are typically crowded and can be overwhelming.

3. Know your prices and brands. Be cautious of not overpaying for a item. If a shirt from Target is priced at $6 compared to a shirt from Baby Gap priced at $6, the better deal is the shirt from Baby Gap. To be honest you can buy a brand new shirt from Target for $6.

4. Leave the kids at home. It's an overall easier and more pleasant shopping experience.

5. Bring a laundry basket or big tote bag. You can definitely rack up quick and you want your hands free to do more shopping!!

6. Shop for bigger sizes. There can be some great deals that your little one can wear in a season or two.

7. Thoroughly inspect the items. Look for stains and holes. Check seams, underarms, zippers and snaps. When buying toys make sure they're in working condition and it has all it's pieces.

Happy consignment shopping!!!

Here are just a few items that I bought at my children's consignment sale.



Osh Kosh windbreaker $4




Old Navy shirt $3




Brand new SpongeBob swimming trunks $6.50



Baby Gap shirt $3



Calvin Klein shorts $3



tattoos $3, childrens bible $4, book $1