http://www.mommyq.com MommyQ

I just finished writing 14 thank you notes from my kids’ birthday parties. As I sealed the last one, I had to ask myself, “Are fill-in-the-blank notes a cop out?”

In this fast-paced age of iPhones, Twitter, microblogs and microbrews, our lives are instant this and instant that. It seems the old-fashioned manners we learned as a child are slightly barbaric. I grew up writing thank you notes until my hands fell off. I didn’t even get lined paper so many times I would rewrite one several times because it began to slant off the page.

I do believe in the value of thank you notes and try hard to keep up with them. I did take a two-year break when my first child was born. But after I figured out how to brush my teeth and shower, I started writing them again. (Yes, that’s a bad joke about time.)

Anyway, I started buying the ultra-cute Fill-In Thank You Notes last year due to time constraints. They’re cute and fun, but does that measure up as a hand written sentiment? I think they do. It’s the thought that counts, right? Isn’t a fill-in thank you still a thank you? I mean, ink is still being used. What do you think? Counts or cop out?

If you know me, you can count on getting fill-in thank you notes ’til the cows come home. And by the way, Thank you so much for the _____. I really love the ____ and ______. Yours truly, MommyQ

When it comes to holiday outfits, I’m all about anything minus red, green or blue. That being said, take a look at this adorable dress in black & white. And it’s under $100 – even sweeter!

It’s the Isobella & Chloe Tiered Dot Dress and I just love it. It features cap-sleeves, a dotted mesh overlay  and a tiered skirt with plenty of volume. It comes in toddler and youth sizes, so you can dress your girls alike if they aren’t in infant sizes. Shop away at Nordstrom for $74 – $80.

I happily ragged on all forms of the peep toe ankle boot not too long ago. You can read my rantings in this post here. My friends and I shared a few good laughs about the Gucci-loving, Versace-wearing, Kardashian-embracing divas strutting around Lake Austin in those freaky flops.

Fall has brought with it some gorgeous boots and I’ve had time to adjust to this open-toe trend and … I’m liking it. The Deva by Louboutin, the Bootie by Weitzman, the Slouch from Anya. And me being the irony-loving weirdo I am, now own a pair of Peep Toe Mesh Ankle Boots. Yes, that’s right folks – I’m a liar and a fraud. I don’t love every style and I still think some of them look atrocious, but they’ve grown on me over time. (Kinda like bad wine or your husband.)

I was thumbing through Parents Magazine and spotted some cute cupcake toppers. When I went to the site, Cupcake Swirl, I was immediately in love. From adorable tea towels to retro-inspired aprons, Michelle serves up some yummy fun. In fact, those awesome aprons even make me want to cook or bake. Well, maybe a little bit.

There are lots of cute, tiny decorations to choose from, as well as cupcake liners and wrappers. It’s certainly worth a click or two! Hop on over to CupcakeSwirl.com.

Before I had children, I imagined the products I couldn’t live without. A magnificent pram with gorgeous white fluffy linens, a Baby Bjorn that would be glued to my chest, a designer diaper bag with perfectly sized pockets and so on. Fast forward to five years later and the reality of that list is laughable. (Aside from A-list celebs living in New York, who buys prams anyway?)

My list is nothing shocking or brand new that will blow you away. It’s not an “ah-ha” moment. “My goodness, how did I ever live without that?” But it’s real and it’s mine. (Now there are a few exceptions. I did not list my Blackberry because a cell phone is too obvious, nor did I list my iPod or digital camera for the same reason.) I welcome other moms to chime in and let me know what you can’t live without.

#1 – CHI Flat Iron
If my CHI breaks, I buy a new one that day. I don’t shop price or go without it. It MUST be replaced instantly. That is how much I love my CHI. This is the definition of brand loyalty. As I’ve said before, I have no idea how I ever looked decent without this thing. Maybe I didn’t have kids and I could spend time primping and properly applying makeup with brushes. Well, those days are long gone.

#2 – Clorox Wipes
I love to clean with bleach that doesn’t smell like bleach. That being said, I’m addicted to Clorox Wipes. I could use one canister in a week if the mood strikes. I am actually sad when I reach the last wipe. Yes, it’s highly toxic and that’s what makes it work. Duh…

#3 – Starbucks VIA
For instant coffee fans like myself, Starbucks VIA is a definite must-have. I am so in love with these tiny packets of joy, it’s quite pathetic. Who has time for a pot of coffee to brew? I want my steaming hot caffeine as fast as scientifically possible. I rank this item right up there with toilet paper and mascara.

#4 – Pampers Cruisers
People say all diapers are the same. Those people are smoking crack. All diapers are NOT the same and I think Pampers Cruisers are the best EVER. I will not allow any other diaper brand near my child. Both of my children have used these and we have experienced no leaks, no mess, no falling off, no droopy butt, etc. If a teacher accidentally puts the wrong diaper on my child, I’m totally upset. How. Dare. You.

#5 – Lip Venom
Nothing says you look pretty like painful lip gloss. I’ve been using this stuff for years and I’ve tried a zillion other lip glosses too. Lip Venom by DuWop is the best plumping lip gloss by a landslide. You have to get used to the stinging, hot sensation and when you do, it’s incredible. Warning: Don’t apply Lip Venom and drink a hot cup of tea or coffee. Your face may explode. Now that’s plump!

P.S. MommyQ does not get paid by the companies I blog about. I am not trying to sell the products I mention, nor am I officially endorsing them. These are just my opinions and I like to give them away for FREE. Awe, I’m so sweet.

The one thing that makes you great happens to be the one thing that stands in your way of greatness. Make sense? Absofreakinlutely!

I’ve always been enamored with writing ever since I can remember. When I was little, I wrote stories about my Barbies and movie scripts for my Barbies. Yep, I’ve always enjoyed it. Writing was never a bad thing to me. In high school, my friends would moan & groan about writing papers and I loved writing papers. I’m an English major – sue me.

Throughout the years my biggest issue has been what do I write about. I’ve been minimally interested in so many different hobbies that none stood out. Then I became a mom about five years ago and everything changed. Blogging was the wave of the social media moment and motherhood was ruling my life. Writing and motherhood. Writing and motherhood. Computer keys and baby bottles. Sleepless nights and too many ideas. Of course! I will be a mom blogger. In 2008, MommyQ was born and it has been a blast!

And what stands in the way of blogging daily and turning a simple WordPress site into a magical fantasy world of revenue and recognition? Your children! I have lots of ideas for blog posts that never get written. Why? Being a mom takes priority. I, like most mom bloggers, have discovered irony is a funny little beast. So you see, my first comment is totally accurate. What makes you great can easily stand in the way of your greatness. I gotta run now…my baby is climbing the bookcase…again…