We have a lot of dishes at home, mostly a mix and match assortment of things we’ve inherited from family or picked up on the cheap at clearance racks. What I’ve been wanting, hoping for, is a set of classic dinnerware – something with a little heft and a little class to use when having a nice dinner. Enter Oneida’s Chef’s Table collection – available in round, hard square and soft square – whatever style speaks to you, they’ve got the perfect set of classic white dishes that you can integrate with your other dishes easily. I love that I can mix and match these with any of my current dishes without worrying about a clashing pattern.

I was a little bit concerned when I received my collection to review from Oneida – two of the dishes arrived broken inside of their bubble wrap. Despite the many FRAGILE warnings written on the box, it looked like Fed Ex may have played field hockey with it on the way to my apartment. The box was in rough shape and I’m glad only two of the dishes had broken. After emailing Oneida, I found out they’ve been having this problem with FedEx a lot despite their warning labels on the boxes. They shipped me out replacements for my two broken dishes which arrived within a day, in perfect condition.

Still, having gotten two broken dishes right out of the box worried me a little bit. I have a young, clumsy family and most of our dishes are of the impossible to break variety. How long will these dishes last me? A little bit of quick research tells me that the Chef’s Table collection was actually designed to be “chip resistant and tough enough for every family’s active lifestyle” – and while I won’t be handing one to my four year old any time soon – I have to agree that the dishes feel fairly tough in my hands. Having already survived a couple of sessions in the dishwasher and our daughter’s first birthday party, I’m slowly gaining confidence in these classically gorgeous dishes. A friend and I both commented at the party that the dishes felt “just right” in our hands as we sat at the living room couch eating our dinner of spaghetti and fresh salad (photographed above). Oneida comments on their website that “each dinner and salad plate has a special “restaurant rolled edge” to protect it from chipping. [They] also designed a special “finger-touch grip” on the underside of each plate, so you can pick it up even when your hands are wet.”

I definitely appreciate the effort put into that “finger-touch grip” – and I can say that having washed these dishes a few times, I never felt like I might lose my grip on the dish, no matter how wet and soapy they got. Everything about these dishes feel sturdy and comfortable from cleaning, to drying, to eating off of. They definitely fall on the heavier side of  dishware but holding just one or two bowls or plates feels perfectly natural. They are sturdy enough to hold a lot of food but light enough that you can comfortably eat off of them while sitting in the living room, talking to a friend. Dishwasher and microwave safe, I’m fairly confident these dishes will stand the test of time in our family and I look forward to many more dinners with them.

BUY IT! The Chef’s Table collection at Oneida is actually on sale right now. Pick up a 16 piece service for four for just $84.99. Check out Oneida’s website for even more great products for your home – with dishes in dozens of colors and designs as well as flatware and even products for kids and babies – I could easily spend the afternoon drooling over all their great things.

Tips for Easy At-Home Entertaining from NY event stylist and owner of SC3 Group, Angela Giannopoulos:

• Versatility is key. Make considerations when stocking your kitchen cabinets— consider cookware and serving dishes that can be used both for smaller and larger occasions, as well as casual and formal ones.
• Accessorize your home. I often hang on to things that I shouldn’t, but have learned that any little knick knack can come into play when decorating for events. I’ve made candle holders out of mason jars, a menu with a chalkboard and centerpieces using old pitchers.
• Use nature to your advantage. When decorating, use sprigs and blooms grown near your home to add life to your table settings. Various shades of colors found in wildflowers often create an organic energy making a table setting more inviting for guests. Also, arranging flowers in different sized vases can be visually appealing on a long table while single, tall flowers work well with a table for two.
• My last bit of advice is to choose dinnerware that is versatile. Consider something that is durable enough for daily use and chic enough for evening occasions, such as Oneida’s Chef’s Table Collection.  This mix and match collection was designed with a modern look to complement any table setting.

Thanks to Oneida for providing these fabulous dishes for review. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own and I did not receive any other sort of compensation.

If you are still looking for the perfect gift for mom this Sunday, we’ve got a fantastic giveaway opportunity to share with you! We’re giving away a $50 gift certificate to NOVICA, one of the leading fair trade artisan websites. They work with National Geographic to offer talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents online and provide access to the world market.

Whether you are looking for a beautiful necklace, a cool African Mask or unique sculpture, you are sure to find something great at NOVICA’s website. They also sell furniture, beautiful dishes and tableware, chess sets, musical instruments and more. Besides their fantastic and unique selection, another great thing about shopping from NOVICA is knowing you are helping artisans around the world who will truly benefit from your purchase.

Aside from connecting artists to a market around the world through their website, they’ve also just launched a microfinance website which allows NOVICA to cut out the middle men and lets customers buy products and lend money directly to artisans (click here for a list of current Artisan Loans).

The Prize!

I’ll be reviewing NOVICA in greater detail soon but don’t miss this great opportunity to win a $50 gift card for the special mom in your life! Here’s how you can enter to win…

How to Enter:

1. Take a look at NOVICA’s collection of recommended gifts for moms and tell us: What product would you most like to get for yourself or the mom in your life? This is mandatory and if not done, all other entries will be null and void.
2. Become a fan of NOVICA on Facebook and leave a comment here telling us you’ve done so.
3. Follow NOVICA on twitter and leave us a comment with your user name telling us you’ve done so.

For additional entry options and giveaway rules visit our Extra Giveaway Options page!

This giveaway will close at 12pm EST on Sunday May 9, 2010.

We’re taking our first airplane trip next month with our two young kids and one of the things we knew we’d need was some good quality luggage, preferably with wheels to get through the airport. I also wanted to get luggage that would fit in the overhead compartments of the airplane since checking luggage costs money, the more we can bring with us on the plane, the better.

The High Sierra Sport Freewheel day pack I received to review here fits those requirements perfectly. Designed with all the same detailing you’d find in a larger suitcase but small enough that you could use it as a school bag or for an overnight business trip – it’s well built, versatile and perfect for our needs.

Designed in a digital age, it also has media pockets, a key fob and a headphone port for your MP3 player – it also has a cushioned compartment that can hold most 17″ (screen size) laptops. This will be great on the plane – we’ll be able to quickly access my husband’s laptop and any of other other electronics.

I love the rolling, corner-mounted wheels and the telescoping handle which can be stored inside a zippered compartment so that it’s there when you need it and gone when you don’t. It also has backpack handles which, again, can be stored in a padded back panel when you don’t need them so they aren’t in your way. And an added plus for this nursing mom is a side pocket for my water bottle – which I never leave home without! Those are pretty standard on backpacks these days but not having one would have been a disappointment.

I was really impressed with this day pack and the plaid style I got is simple, sophisticated and looks great with our other luggage. They sell this day pack in several colors and they have an enormous selection of different styles whether you are looking for a day pack, duffel bag, suit case, tote bag or any other kind of pack you can think of – they are bound to have a style and size that works great for you – with a level of quality that is sure to impress. I definitely recommend High Sierra Sport Company for anyone looking for some new luggage of any kind.

The Prize

One (1) Lucky winner will win a randomly selected day pack from High Sierra Sport Company.

How to Enter

Giveaway will close on April 17th at 12:00PM EST.

1. Tell us: Which of High Sierra Sport’s day packs do you like the best? This is mandatory – if not done, all other entries will be null and void.

2. For a second entry become a fan of High Sierra Sport on facebook. They give away a pack once a week to their fans!

3. For a third entry, tweet about this giveaway. Need some tweet-spiration? “Win a day pack for your next getaway from @highsierrasport at @mommasreview http://www.mommasreview.com”

4. For a fourth entry follow @highsierrasport on Twitter for the latest updates on their products and more chances to win a free pack!

For additional entry options and giveaway rules visit our Extra Giveaway Options page!

Disclaimer: I received the day pack above for review purpose but was not monetarily compensated in any way. Thanks to the High Sierra Sport Company for this review and giveaway opportunity.

Alphabet Photography® is a company that’s been in the press a lot – you might have noticed it mentioned in “O” Magazine or On Air with Ryan Seacrest. Inspired by a children’s book called “Alphabet City” by Stephen T. Johnson, Alphabet Photography® was created by Jennifer Blakeley. She and her husband Sam run the business together in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

So what exactly is Alphabet Photography? It’s the process of photographing images that look like letters of the alphabet and taking those letters to create really amazing art.

I recently had the opportunity to receive the FAMILY Inspirational Series photographed above to review here and I immediately fell in love with it. Beautifully framed in a high quality black wood and printed on Professional Grade Crystal Archive Photographic Paper, it looks and feels sturdy and well built. I loved the whimsical quote on the bottom of the picture:

“A family is like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts” – Unknown

It looks great amongst our family photographs in our dining room and I think it adds a touch of class to the room.

Their inspirational series is huge with lots of different words to choose from. And you can buy these pre-framed prints at stores like Sears Canada Online, Green Earth, Meijer Department Stores, Home Sense, Crackerbarrel, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and more.

You can also create your own unique wall art using the word of your choice. Or buy the letter prints individually to create your own masterpiece. They also sell calendars, posters and frames. I’d definitely recommend them for anyone looking for a unique gift idea or cool piece of art for their home.

The Prize

One (1) Lucky winner will win the same FAMILY Inspirational Series framed art reviewed here.

How to Enter

Giveaway will close on April 16th at 12:00PM EST.

1. Tell us: If you could buy anything from Alphabet Photography, what would you most like to buy? This is mandatory – if not done, all other entries will be null and void.

2. For a second entry become a fan of Alphabet Photography on Facebook and write on their wall that Mommas Review sent you.

3. For a third entry, tweet about this giveaway. Need some tweet-spiration? “Win a gorgeous piece of inspirational art from @AlphabetPhoto at @mommasreview http://www.mommasreview.com!”

4. For a fourth entry follow AlphabetPhoto on Twitter for the latest updates on their amazing products!

For additional entry options and giveaway rules visit our Extra Giveaway Options page!

Disclaimer: I received the Family – Inspirational Series Framed Art above for review purpose but was not monetarily compensated in any way. Thanks to the Alphabet Photography for this review and giveaway opportunity.

The thing that sets this road trip apart in my mind from others is the fact that it was a one way trip. We were really moving to Wisconsin, setting off on a voyage to a new land, far from the comfort of our family and friends. An adventure to be sure – and since the economy was tough, we figured we’d better make the most of our 1,500 mile drive and call it a vacation, too. Lord only knew when we’d get to take another one.

I am incredibly grateful that my father was able to take this trip with us – it’s a time in our life that I know I will remember forever and it meant so much to us to have his help and support on such a big chapter in our lives.

Given the circumstances, I think that trip will always go down in the books as one of our best / most memorable family road trips. It will be a hard milestone to beat! So when I think about road trips, family vacations and travel – it’s one of the first that comes to mind. How about you?

What was your favorite / most memorable family vacation / road trip?

If you are looking for some fun, fresh stationary to spice up your school or office supplies this spring, I’ve got a great giveaway opportunity for you. Carolina Pad is rolling out the first collection from their new Studio C brand – Road Trip. I think you will love the fun, hip colors and design – and the quality of the stationary will definitely not disappoint you!

I immediately fell in love with the set of stationary that Carolina Pad generously sent me for review – the colors were rich and vibrant, and the quality of each piece was excellent. You know that not all stationary sets are created equal and I’ve met my share of less than satisfactory products. I was pleased to see that Carolina Pad’s stationary offered me everything I wanted. Sturdy two-pocket folders with optional three hole layout if you want to put your folders in a binder.

Both the smaller and larger notebooks had the option to easily remove the pages but they maintain that sort of “permanent” look if you don’t want to rip pages. The non-spiral bound larger notebooks still open very easily, making them comfortable to write in – where other similar style notebooks would be stiff and difficult to open all the way and stay open to your page – these will just work like they are supposed to. Basically, it’s the perfect stationary set so I’m thrilled to provide the following giveaway opportunity to all of you:

The Prize

One (1) lucky reader will win the following product from Carolina Pad:

• 2 Road Trip spiral-less notebooks
• 2 Road Trip personal notebooks
• 2 Road Trip two-pocket folders

How to Enter

Giveaway will close on April 13th at 12:00PM EST.

1. Tell us: So, what was your favorite / most memorable family vacation or road trip? This is mandatory – if not done, all other entries will be null and void.

2. For a second entry become a fan of Carolina Pad on Facebook and write on their wall that Mommas Review sent you.

3. For a third entry, tweet about this giveaway. Need some tweet-spiration? “Tell us about your favorite road trip @MommasReview http://www.mommasreview.com to win the @carolinapad Road Trip stationary collection!”

4. For a fourth entry follow Carolina Pad on Twitter for the latest updates on their great collections and more.

5. For a fifth entry, check out Carolina Pad’s website and tell us what item (not from the Road Trip collection) is your favorite.

For additional entry options and giveaway rules visit our Extra Giveaway Options page!

Disclaimer: I received the Carolina Pad collection above for review purpose but was not monetarily compensated in any way. Thanks to Carolina Pad for this review and giveaway opportunity.

Potty training. Those two little words bring about a lot of emotions in our household, few of them good. It’s been a long road for our son and we’ve tried a lot of gizmos, bargaining, yelling, stalling, methods, books and patience. I’ve tried a couple different potty chairs – some more difficult than others – and I have to be honest, when BabyBjorn offered us a Smart Potty to review and giveaway here for MMM2, I wasn’t exactly holding my breath that this would be the potty of my dreams – simply put, I was willing to try anything now that my son’s fourth birthday is on the horizon and I’m running out of ideas.

I’ll give them one thing – BabyBjorn’s brightly colored potty had my son pulling down his pull up before I had it completely out of the box – he was in love at first sight with this smart little compact potty chair! It’s size makes it ideal for our small apartment and the little removable bowl comes out very easily when you need to clean it after a successful potty session.

Having spent a couple weeks with this cute little portable potty, I’d like to offer a couple of “learn from my mistakes” suggestions for you:

• If you have another child, say a small infant who crawls quickly and likes to touch everything – you need to watch this potty like a hawk if you have it out in say, the living room. We started keeping ours in the bathroom for now, since our daughter can not be trusted to simply not touch it.
• On that note, if you decide to keep your potty in your carpeted living room (which seemed so smart at the time – this way he doesn’t HAVE to stop watching tv whenever he wants to go!) make sure you inform your little training one that they should not try to move the potty by themselves – and also should probably not try to lift the bowl for you and empty it themselves. Because nobody likes cleaning that out of their carpet.
• Kids are much, much faster than you expect – no matter how many times you think you’ve learned this lesson sufficiently.
• I do think that my son might be a little on the large size for this potty – he could easily just use the toilet already in the bathroom – and usually does – but you know, my little girl will be potty training in no time and this potty will be perfect when she’s still a little too small to try out that very big potty.
• I recommend it for kids just starting to train as opposed to the kids at the other end of the spectrum who have been dawdling through potty training for a couple of unsuccessful years now.

All that aside, my son loves his BabyBjorn Smart Potty and frequently asks if he can use his “fmall potty instead.” And if he likes it – and uses it – then it’s okay in my book!

And he’s not the only one! It seems everyone at our house wants to try this potty!

The Prize

One (1) lucky reader will win a BabyBjorn Smart Potty in the color of their choice!

How to Enter

Giveaway will close on April 12th at 12:00PM EST.

1. Tell us: What is your favorite product from BabyBjorn (other than the Smart Potty)? This is mandatory – if not done, all other entries will be null and void.

2. For a second entry become a fan Baby Bjorn on Facebook and write on their wall that Mommas Review sent you.

3. For a third entry, tweet about this giveaway. Need some tweet-spiration? “Kick Potty Training into high gear! Win a Smart Potty from @BabyBjorn at @MommasReview http://www.mommasreview.com”

4. For a fourth entry follow BabyBjorn on Twitter for great parenting information and the latest news on their many products!

For additional entry options and giveaway rules visit our Extra Giveaway Options page!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers only.

Disclaimer: I received the Baby Bjorn Smart Potty above for review purpose but was not monetarily compensated in any way. Thanks to BabyBjorn for this review and giveaway opportunity.

One of the downsides to apartment living is the limited decorating options I have – I can’t really paint walls or put up borders or wallpaper. So to create a decor in our home, I largely have to rely on wall hangings and textiles. I struck gold decorating my daughter’s half of the kids’ room (she and my four year old share a room) with Kenneth Brown’s new Sweet Stitches collection which is available at Babies ‘r Us stores nationwide.

I am in love with this gorgeous collection of nursery bedding and decor – the small details and the overall effect are just perfect and make her little corner of the apartment seem more homey and oh so beautiful. I think my favorite piece of the collection would have to be the beautiful wall art (pictured at the top of this post) but a look through the rest of the collection continues to make me swoon.

Since blankets and stuffed animals, etc. are taboo in a baby’s crib, I’ve been using the beautiful comforter included in the bedding set as a floor blanket for my daughter to play on – it also makes a nice backdrop for photo shoots. I love that the reverse side of the blanket is a beautiful plaid design – giving you the ability to change the look by just laying it on the opposite side.

I loved this crib bumper but wasn’t sure if I should use it initially – there seems to be a lot of debate about whether or not crib bumpers are safe and since I have crib netting in my daughter’s crib, I wasn’t sure if it would even work, but by simply sliding it through the slats I was able to attach the bumper and feel my daughter is safer since she can’t get stuck underneath the bumper since it’s blocked by said netting. And it’s much prettier than just the netting, too!

And then there’s the crib skirt – which I described to my husband as “like a tutu for her bed!” The gauzy tulle really does resemble a tutu which I personally love. It only encourages my day dreams about her future as a famous ballet dancer!

And then inside the crib, this is what my  daughter sees before and after her many naps and nighttime slumbers. I love the bright, cheery prints and the inside pattern on her crib bumper.

A step back shows you what the whole thing looks like put together (although you can’t see the adorable crib skirt in this picture, I can assure you it is there and lovely). For more tips on decorating with his collections, you can look at his website for step-by-step video instructions for completing several different looks per each collection. You can also download his Designer Workbook for specific instructions on how to get that final look using a simplified process any mom or dad can do at home!

The Prize

One (1) lucky reader will win a 5-piece set from Kenneth Brown’s Sweet Stitches Collection which includes:

• a comforter
• bumper
• crib ruffle
• crib sheet
• storage box
• and as a bonus - the exclusive designer workbook.

How to Enter

Giveaway will close on April 8th at 12:00PM EST.

1. Tell us: What is your favorite item in the Sweet Stitches collection? This is mandatory – if not done, all other entries will be null and void.

2. For a second entry fan Kenneth Brown on Facebook and write on their wall that Mommas Review sent you.

3. For a third entry, tweet about this giveaway. Need some tweet-spiration? “Looking for great nursery bedding? Win the Sweet Stitches nursery collection from @Kbrowndesign at @MommasReview http://www.mommasreview.com”

4. For a fourth entry follow Kenneth Brown on Twitter for design inspiration and the latest news on his collections.

For additional entry options and giveaway rules visit our Extra Giveaway Options page!

Disclaimer: I received the pieces photographed above for review purpose but was not monetarily compensated in any way. Thanks to Kenneth Brown and Summer Infant for this review and giveaway opportunity.

I recently had the opportunity to review their booster seat model and I was very impressed with the array of options it affords you. The HandySitt can accomodate children from 6 months to 5 years old and they sell additional accessories to help tailor to your needs. While I think it’s fairly expensive compared to many booster seats and high chairs on the market (the booster seat sells for $129.95 and the chair is $169.95), I am impressed with it’s compact design and durability – and I like the fact that you can choose to pay less if you don’t need the bells and whistles offered in the accessories (like a baby cushion or the three or five point harnesses). It’s available in a variety of colors so you can match it to the rest of your decor and get exactly the look you want.

I should mention that there is no tray to attach to the seat so if you don’t want baby eating directly at the table with you this might not be the best chair for you. Also your six month old will need to be able to sit fairly stable on her own with just the three point harness there was not much to keep my daughter from tipping forward when we first tried the chair out with her. The booster seat can attach to most chairs on the market (click here for their fitting guide) and now you can buy the “chair” portion as well to transform it into a full high chair.

Minui is also marketing these chairs to restaurants which I think is genius given their compact design – I would love to see these in the restaurants I frequent as opposed to the chunky booster seats and wooden high chairs you typically see. I think this chair would also make an excellent travel booster seat – it would take up very little room in your vehicle since it folds flat and you can even purchase a travel bag with handles to help you carry it and everything else from place to place. So if you’ve got the money to spend on the sleek compact high chair of your dreams, check out the minui HandySitt – it might be just the chair for you!

Thanks to Chic Execs for coordinating this review opportunity.

We used our first scented oil candle on the night of my husband’s birthday. We used the limited-edition Bayberry Spice scented oil candle that Glade sent me. It comes in a round tin and you’ll find that the candle attached to the tin firmly because of a built in magnetic center bump on the tin (and the metal bottom of the candle). I loved that the candle held firm and placed in the wide tin, it wasn’t going anywhere. Once you light the candle it eventually melts into an oil liquid and then evaporates. When the oil is gone, the flame goes out on its own. It will burn for about two to three hours.

I enjoyed the Bayberry Spice’s scent a lot. My husband and I both noticed that we could “tune the scent out” as it wasn’t over powering like some scents can be. But the second we thought about it, we could clearly smell the candle and found the fragrance light and sweet.

That weekend I picked up a package of refills in the vanilla scent, one of my favorite scents for most candles, soaps and fragrances. We used it during our Thanksgiving dinner and the vanilla smelled just as good as the Bayberry although I found it even more mild than the Bayberry. The refills sell for about $3.49 for a pack of four refills. You can also buy decorative glass jars for the scented oil candles for $3.49.

My only complaint with these candles is that they appear to be a single use only candle and once you light it, you really have to just let it finish burning – so don’t plan to leave the house an hour after lighting it! You’ll want to make sure you’ve got a good three hours to enjoy the scent before you need to leave. But all in all, the whole process of using the candles is so easy that even me, a typically anti-candle person, enjoyed using them. I thought the magnetic base was genius and with two small children in the home a safety feature I immediately appreciated. And I’m looking forward to my next scented oil candle experience immensely. Maybe I’ll become a candle person after all.

I highly recommend the Glade Scented Oil Candles for your next holiday party or even your next “Must block the scent of that diaper pail!” emergency.

WIN IT!

Here’s how you can enter to win a Glade Scented Oil Candle of your own, courtesy of SC Johnson and the Family Review Network.

1. Share your best tip for holiday parties – whether it’s a must have recipe or decorating trick, a favorite centerpiece or a holiday soundtrack; Leave one great tip in the comments section below for your chance to win. This is mandatory – if not done, all other entries will be null and void.
2. For a second entry you can follow @mommasreview on Twitter, then come back here and leave a comment telling us you’ve done so.
3. For a third entry, tweet about this giveaway. Need some tweet-spiration? “Make your home a holiday haven of good scents. Enter to win a Glade Scented Oil Candle @mommasreview http://www.mommasreview.com”
4. For a final entry, subscribe to our RSS feed, leaving a comment here to tell us you’ve done so. We’ll be posting more giveaways on Momma’s Review soon so subscribing will be a great way for you to stay informed about all the great things you can win in the days and weeks to come.

This giveaway is open to US readers only and will end at 12:00 p.m. EST on Friday, December 4th 2009.

This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and SC Johnson, who provided the product for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Instead of being a seat on top of a chair, the KABOOST lifts the chair from the bottom. Using its adjustable spring system, KABOOST easily adjusts to fit 4-legged chairs and snaps-on to the chair in seconds. The instructions look like something you’d find from IKEA, but it’s hassle free.

There is a choice of 2 elevating height positions (4.5” and 3.75”), so your child can use KABOOST for years to come. Just flip KABOOST over to its other side in order to use the other height position.

KABOOST can easily hold up to 300 lbs. A certain momma author uses the one KABOOST sent her because she’s too short to type comfortably at her counter island. This is a great option for the whole family.

The rubberized grips to keep the chair attached stay in place even when picking up and shaking the chair. Unfortunately, the grips also work to keep the chair from sliding around on the floor, which poses a problem for kids that can’t pick up the chair to move it.

Another issue arises upon frequent removal and replacement, as the plastic piece that keep the spring covered is a bit flimsy and breaks easily. This doesn’t pose too great a safety hazard as long as you keep an eye on your kids.  Overall, a good replacement for booster seat and a product that’ll be useful for years to come.

Weighing just 3.5 lbs., KABOOST is compact and lightweight, easy to fold and carry to grandparents’ and friends’ homes or to restaurants and events, if you can convince Mom to shut off the computer and get off of the chair.

About the Momma:

Amanda @ funkEpunkEmonkE.com

Amanda is a homemaker, roller derby vixen, freelance web architect, indie crafter, writer, wife, and mother of two girls. She is a supermom and loves it.