April In The Burbs

One of the things I love about being a blogger is collaborating with not only brands, but other sites. That's why, when an opportunity to write for Texas Hill Country came up, I jumped at the chance. I'm excited to say that I'm now a contributor to THC, and I've got my first article up on the site. Of course my first article is about something near and dear to my heart, Nettie Pearl's Closet and Austin Fairy Godmother . It's amazing to do what I love, and have what I write out there for the world to see. Of course I will still be blogging here at The Tattooed Type, and hopefully from all of this writing my skills will grow and grow! In the mean time, I'd love it if you'd do me the honor of reading my first article over at Texas Hill Country and let me know what you think. Thank you so much to all of my followers and collaborators, supporters who believe in me - it really means so much.

I know it's a day late, but I was busy spending quality time with the family yesterday to post. I certainly do hope that everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving, however that looks for you.  For myself, I spent the morning with Dottie on my back in the Ergo carrier, in the kitchen helping my mom cook and prep for Thanksgiving. And because it is tradition at our house, we also watched the Macy's day parade and then the dog show afterwards on TV. We all ate way too much turkey and stuffing, rolls and mashed potatoes, but I can tell you that no one laid down for a nap that afternoon with an empty tummy!  So on to sharing what I'm thankful for. I am so thankful for this handsome little fella. I just think he's a beautiful child inside and out and I'm so excited to see what the future holds for him. Christmas this year will be a really big deal because now he's 2 1/2, and he certainly has his preferences as far as the things that he likes. Darth Vader seems to be this

Cheeky Simmons (I just love her name) is the owner of a fabulous shop called Minted Lane . Minted Lane sells baby-safe, BPA free, PVC-free, functional and absolutely stunning silicone teething necklaces and bangles. Not only are these goods awesome to look at and teethe on, they're also made out of non-toxic, food grade silicone, and are FDA complaint. I've had the pleasure of trying out the " Jane " teething necklace which features mint, cream, and gray silicone beads. I was also sent the mint bangle , which is kind of the perfect arm candy for any outfit. I especially love the colors in the Jane necklace, but really any necklace or bangle at the Minted Lane would receive dozens of compliments when worn out and about. The best thing is that these teething necklaces can be work with or without kiddos, they're just that chic and versatile. I've worn them dressed down with jeans and a black tee, as well as dressed up for a blogger event recently. My fellow blogg

When Dottie was born and transferred the night she was born to Dell Children's Medical Center due to Pulmonary Hypertension, Johnny was at the hospital with the whole family. I remember vividly, the first time Johnny saw Dottie at DCMC. She was hooked up to numerous tubes. Feeding tubes, breathing tubes, lines going into her belly button to monitor her blood pressure closely, to give her life sustaining medicine. Upon seeing his two day old sister in this state, Johnny didn't seem scared, rather his face read of concern. He was only 17 months old, and unable to comprehend anything happening around him. I had Dottie on a Thursday via c-section.  Friday I signed myself out of the hospital I gave birth at, my mom picked me up, and we drove to Dell Children's where I spent the next week by Dottie's side 24/7.  As time wore on and the days at DCMC ticked by, I learned that life with Dottie would be vastly different than it was our first time around with Johnny. The clearer t

Soap-A-Licious launched in 2011 selling their handcrafted, rugged, textured, cut by hand Spa Soaps .  Not only do they offer amazing soaps, made with love and high quality ingredients like Coconut and Palm oils, they also have a complete Body Care line.  Serving up realness in Lip Balm , Deodorants , and Balms & Oils is only another part of what they excel at.  Need something for mom and baby ? They got you ! With Lotion Bars, Butt Balm and Baby Soap just to name a few - you can't go wrong in the mommy & me department with these folks!  And who can forget that special man in your life? Be it your husband, dad, or even a coworker who you're looking for a cool and unique gift for, check out Soap-A-Licious' Beard Shampoo!  Hubs had the pleasure of trying out (and loving, thanks guys!) their Beard Shampoo in Coal .  Ladies, we want them clean and they want to smell manly - Soap-A-Licious to the rescue !  For all of your good

I suppose the name of my blog could throw people off, because it really is a blog about family first and foremost.  True Blue - Austin, Texas My favorite tattoo parlor.    It's also about who I am as a person. I'm a tattooed mom. Part of the reason I named this blog what I did, is to help people understand that although I'm tattooed, I'm still a great mom. To some of you this may sound like a silly and outdated concept - people think that tattooed parents are less adept at raising children ?  Jose Palacios - Giving me my newest tattoo.   Some people actually still think that. To be honest, it's sad. I know many tattooed parents who are well educated, have great jobs, who love their kids and take excellent care of them. Unfortunately, there is still somewhat of a stigma attached to being a heavily tattooed parent. Yes, in 2015, some of us are judged for how we look, or what color our skin is - by choice or not.  And while I can certainly understa

Congratulation to Sandra M. !  Please look for an email and respond with your info!  Thank you to everyone who entered this contest, and please be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more coming soon! Exciting news! I've teamed up with Nettie Pearl's Closet to bring our friends and followers a $100 Target Gift Card ! Giveaway ends 11/21/15, open to US residents only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

I jiggle her. I rock her. I stand up and sway her. Beg her, and talk to her. Shush her in hopes that she'll sleep. She brings me nearly to tears and to the brink of losing my mind.  I almost give up and put her in her crib to cry for exactly 5 minutes, before I get back up and do it all again.  Just when I think I'll pass out, holding her reclined in my lap, giving up all illusion of any modicum of control I think I may have had - she gives in and finally drifts off to sleep.  I'm able to lower my left cheek and caress it with her chubby, thick little hand, and relax. She's sleeping and I'm about to be. She challenges everything I know about cooing and persuading a baby to give in to sleep.  She's nothing like her brother, and I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, who needs two easily pleased children ?