About Liza

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Social Moms and Tai Pei. All words and thoughts are my own.

Up until I was a sophomore in high school, I would have told you that I didn’t like Chinese food. I know, right? For most of my tween and early teen years I was what you might call a picky eater. At that point I hadn’t even tried anything from a Chinese menu – other than French fries – but I was sure I wouldn’t like it.

Then my friends and I participated in a scavenger hunt contest and won a gift certificate to a local Chinese restaurant. I went planning to eat some fries and instead was talked into trying a few things from the buffet. To my surprise, there were a number of things that I enjoyed: fried rice, sweet & sour chicken, beef & broccoli.

Tai Pei and Tai Pei Asian Garden Chinese Food Frozen Meals #TaiPeiFood

This post on gift giving is sponsored by Those Media Girls and pick UR gift. All words and opinions are my own.

For me, gift giving is a lot of fun. I really enjoy going down my list, considering the likes and hobbies of each recipient, and then finding an item that’s really going to make them smile. It doesn’t even have to be the “perfect” gift – just something I know they’ll love or enjoy.

When I shop, I have a tendency to do so in order of ease of gift selection. So by the time I get to the bottom of the list the gift giving process becomes a little less fun and a little more stressful. Fortunately I’ve just discovered a gift giving site that might just add the joy back.

Gift Giving Made Easier

Make Gift Giving Easier with the pick UR gift Website #pickURgift

There are a lot of new PBS KIDS shows and specials to tell you about. They kick off today with the Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest and other PBS KIDS Halloween programming, and continue through the end of the year. Read on to find out what your favorite PBS KIDS shows have in store for you this fall.

ARTHUR

New Episodes PBS KIDS Shows Include Arthur - The "Show Off" Episode - On November 11th

I’m a long-time Arthur fan from when my brothers (and I) watched it as kids. So I was excited to learn that all-new episodes will begin on November 11th. The first new show in the lineup is titled “Show Off” and Alan Cummings will make a special guest-voice appearance. Continue reading »

This sponsored post on self esteem is sponsored by Global Influence. All words and opinions are my own.

One of the things I started to think about when I found out that I was having a baby girl was how to make sure she developed a good sense of self esteem. Girls are notoriously hard on themselves for how the look, what they weigh, if they’re as pretty as the person sitting next to them. It doesn’t help that as women, we are often each other’s worst enemy when it comes to self esteem and self-confidence.

Teaching Bubbles Self Esteem #GirlsUnstoppable

I work every day to give her the confidence she’ll need to navigate through those tween and teen years of who is wearing what and playing down your strengths to fit in. We encourage her to try new things and praise her efforts, all while giving her the space to problem solve and learn from mistakes. Most of all I try to be a good role model; negative self-talk is a learned behavior, so I work to ensure she doesn’t pick it up from me. Continue reading »

Thank you to Cuddle Barn for providing a Grandma Cookie Bear to add some Christmas cheer to our table. All words and opinions are 100% my own.

Decorating for Christmas has been kind of a big deal my whole life. For as long as I can remember, my parents went out of their way to make the season special for us. The excitement would start when my father headed upstairs to drag the huge boxes of Christmas decorations and ornaments down from the attic. We’d then usually bundle up and head out to the woods on our property to cut our trees, including a mini one for each of the kids’ bedrooms.

I’m thankful that I married someone that not only indulges me but also enjoys decorating for the season, as well. We usually put the tree and other decorations up the week of Thanksgiving. Putting things up just a bit early allows Ashley to participate. After the short Thanksgiving break they have, she doesn’t usually get home again until the semester ends just before Christmas.

The Talking Grandma Cookie Bear from Cuddle Barn is a Sweet #Christmas Decoration

This year we have an adorable new addition to our Christmas decorations. The Grandma Cookie Bear from Cuddle Barn recently came to live with us and will likely be claiming a spot in our dining room. It seems like an appropriate place for a bear that likes to bake! Continue reading »

Views From the Ville

Liza

Good Food and Good Fortune in Every Box of Tai Pei

Gift Giving Made Easier with pick UR gift’s Reverse Wishlist

Gift Giving Made Easier

Lots of New PBS KIDS Shows and Specials

ARTHUR

Teaching Our Daughter Self Esteem – Let’s Make Girls Unstoppable!