I think I might have actually squealed when I came across this site. What a very handy service. FillAnyPDF lets you upload a PDF to the site and then type all your information into the form … no more having to print the PDF, fill it all out and then scan it so you can send it back … how awesome is that … plus if you need to collect information from several people you can send them a link to your PDF and the site collects all the info for you …

This past weekend I had a 9 page application to fill out that was in PDF format and the whole time I was writing I kept saying, “If I could just type this in that would be great. It would go so much faster and look so much neater.” Ahhh if only I had come across this 48 hours sooner … but now I am prepared for the future …

As stated on their site: “FillAnyPDF.com is a website where you upload your PDF form and link to it so other people can fill it out and sign it online. No software is needed. Any PDF form can be used, even if it’s not “interactive”, so you can get started right away. You can even invite a group to fill out your forms and track the results. Anyone that collects signatures or filled out forms will find FillAnyPDF.com to be a valuable time-saving resource.”

What a great site … for some reason I do get a lot of PDF files that I would love to just type into … the practice one I did came out so awesome … even signed my name using my mouse …

I couldn’t have bookmarked this site any faster.

This is my new favorite service website … UseTrackThis.com

As it says on their front page, “No more refreshing pages. No more wondering if packages have arrived yet. With TrackThis, we’ll send you near instant updates via Email, SMS messaging, RSS feeds, Facebook, or Twitter. We track UPS, Fedex, USPS, DHL and several other carriers.”

My brother told me about this the other day and I actually had a couple of packages I was keeping an eye on with the blizzard and all everything was getting delayed and since we weren’t at home I wanted to know when I needed to stop by the house to pick up the packages. I was using a notepad on my desktop to keep track of all the different tracking numbers.

I logged into Track This with my existing google account (awesome not to have to make a new user name and password) and put in my tracking numbers from UPS, USPS and FedEx … and because I am addicted to my google reader I set up RSS notifications … and there it was on my reader page giving me updates as packages made their way from across the country to our home … and it was quite helpful … I got notification that the boots I had ordered arrived Monday before part 3 of the storm hit – and boy did I need them.

I may have only been using the site a short time now but I am absolutely in love with it … fantastic idea … so helpful … and just makes it so much easier than logging into multiple sites with multiple tracking numbers at random times of the day to see what is going on … I will for sure be using this constantly because I do so love to order things online!!

Now this is one of the products I am not sure if we discovered while doing Rock-n-Tot or if we loved them so much we asked them to be a part of Rock-n-Tot … either way Little Capers are just absolutely fantastic.

They are superhero t-shirts (complete with an insignia and what looks like a belt) that have a cape that Velcros onto the back … absolutely fantastic idea!!!

Many kids love to tie a blanket or towel around their neck to play superhero but with Little Capers they are all set without you having to worry about something tied or pinned around their neck. And there are so many cute designs for both boys and girls.

Schuyler has had the short sleeve pink star one for some time now with a fabulous shinny pink cape. For the holiday’s both kids got long sleeve ones. A wonderful red shirt with a silver lightening bolt and silver cape on it for Skye and a black one with a red and yellow start for Linc with a bright red cape. (Mommy thought ahead and made sure Skye’s would be good for a girl or a boy so Linc could have it eventually)

Skye decided today was the day to wear it to school and boy did she make quite an impression. I must say we were probably a bit disruptive coming into day care because she flew in like a super hero but she really did love all the attention her shirt was getting. Suddenly it was an entire room of 3 year old kids who were flying around saving the world. As soon as I got to work I had to email some of the mother’s to let them know where we got the shirt because I was pretty sure their children would be talking about it at pick-up and I wanted them to know where to find it.

I love anything for my children that foster adventure and imagination and this shirt does that for sure. We were ready to leave earlier this morning because she could “fly” to get everything done. She helped carry all her stuff to the car because she was a superhero that could do anything.  And she went into her classroom with the biggest smile on her face … proud of how powerful she is and ready to open up and explore endless possibilities with her friends.

It had me leaving with a grin almost as big as hers and I can hardly wait to hear the stories of her superhero day!!

The shirts can be found at http://www.littlecapers.com The site also lists stores around the country that carry the shirts.

We are big juice lovers in this house … probably too much … but with Honest Kids juice I am much happier about doling out the juice … and the way my daughter can polish it off in moments she would never know it is better for her than sugary juices …

There is only 40 calories per pouch … no fat … only 5mg of sodium … 10g of sugar … and 100% vitamin C … that is something I feel good about … but what makes me feel even better … is how much my daughter loves it … so far she hasn’t had a flavor she doesn’t absolutely love … and we are very excited to try their new Appley Ever After and their Super Fruit Punch …

And for us here in Maryland … they are a local company … right in the same city as us which means we are supporting local business … which I really like … but no matter where you are it is a great business to support …

And they aren’t just for the kiddies … they are the makers of Honest Tea … Honest Ade … Honest Mate and Honest Kombucha … there is something for everyone in the family!!

I am a lip balm junkie … have been for as long as I can remember … even spent time making my own looking for that perfect lip balm …

I found it in Lypsyl… oh my goodness did I find it … my friend gave me one that she got to pass along as a Bzz Agent … I couldn’t believe how perfect it was right off the bat … I was so excited …

The shape of the tube is perfect for great coverage … the easy slide bee makes it very convenient to expose the balm (even easy for my 3 year old) … no more problems of the tube getting twisted too far and not able to go back down (seems to be a constant problem in my house with twist lip balms or what she thinks is lipstick) … and the actual balm is amazing … goes on light … no wax-y feel … no glop … just perfect coverage that has made my lips softer …

Well I was in love from that first weekend … I have one stashed everywhere in my house because I never want to be without it … nightstand, purse, diaper bag, computer, bathroom and at my desk at work … and I pick more up at the store constantly to make sure I always have it on hand …

Here is the information from the company’s website:

LypSyl is a family of premium lip care products. The secret behind the LypSyl is pure Swedish beeswax, ultra light to spread evenly and penetrate deeply, for unsurpassed moisturizing and protection. And the innovative packaging is uniquely designed for quick and easy application — at home, on the go, anywhere! Available in five formulations, each LypSyl formula was created for a specific lip care need.

LypSyl has been the first choice of European lip care users for generations. The brand originated in Sweden over 100 years ago, with a name derived from Swedish to communicate the soothing and natural benefits of beeswax. For the American market, the product has been reformulated with pure Swedish beeswax and an advanced blend of natural and therapeutic ingredients.

This baby food dispenser is awesome … we got it as a Christmas gift this year and I was so excited about it … I had seen it in Target a bunch of times but just didn’t know if it was really worth the $7.39 price … let me say … it is!!

So here is how it works … screw the spoon cap off …

Then fill the base up with pureed food …squeeze and food funnels into the spoon …

You can totally feed with one hand … we love it so much I went out and bought a second one … I’m trying to get Skye to use it with yogurt in the car in the morning …

I mostly only use it when we are out somewhere … that seems to be when it is hardest to feed Lincoln … because we are usually at a restaurant or some sort of activity so I am already doing 3 things at once … being able to feed a very hungry little boy as well makes for a great day …

David and my mom both use it at home as well … they both love it and it makes the whole process of feeding him much easier …

If he doesn’t finish all his food (which to be honest doesn’t happen too often) David just sticks it in the fridge for later … and it is easy to clean … food just rinses out and it all goes in the dishwasher … can’t get easier than that …

The only downside I have seen is the little plastic cap that fits over the spoon is so hard to get on … but I always carry it in a Ziploc so it isn’t too big of a deal …

I saw it in a new color yesterday at Target and had to resist from buying a 3rd … I can’t say I’ll be able to resist the next time … I just love love love this product!!

I am just absolutely in love with the hats from Born To Love Clothing. This was a product we came across while doing Rock-n-Tot and it was love at first sight.

My daughter as an infant was not big on hats – she just had a thing about something on her head – so nothing we tried worked. When I saw these I had to order one for her; so we got the pink argyle. She too was instantly in love and 2 years later it is still her favorite hat. If she could wear it every moment of every day she would.

When we thought she lost it we ordered another one immediately, along with the pink camo one as well … by the end of that week we had our new hats in hand and had found her original … she thought she had hit the jackpot.

As my belly got bigger with my second pregnancy my daughter kept telling me that we had to order the baby a hat … that he would want one too … and she was absolutely right … he loves his argyle and his black one and wears them all the time.

Where ever we go people stop to comment on how adorable the kids hats are and where did we get them … I am quick to let everyone know they are from Born To Love Clothing and that they are the greatest hats ever.

They are so well made … Skye’s are in perfect shape after two years of wear by a toddler – that is saying something. And the adorable heart with wings is just precious (Both kids wear theirs with the heart in front – Skye by choice and Linc because Skye insists he wear it like that).

Felicia is the awesome mommy who started Born to Love Clothing and runs the business. You can see she just absolutely loves what she is doing and takes such pride in her products that it makes everything that much better. And myself as a busy mommy absolutely love supporting a mom business. She even has new products coming out this year before Christmas – I know we are very excited to see them.

I am just so happy Born To Love Clothing participated with the original Rock-n-Tot … because this is a product I am so happy had been a part of our life … I know you might think that sounds a bit silly to write about a hat but as I sit here at my desk and look around at all the photos of my children – the very best photos of them they are wearing their Born To Love Clothing hats – in fact my two absolute favorite photos of Skye she is donning a huge smile and a pink argyle hat. The hats will be part of her happy childhood memories forever … it will be something I one day tuck away for her to give to her daughter.

When I first heard about Vulli Sophie The Giraffe Teether I was a bit skeptical … I mean was what my child chewed on that big of a deal? My daughter wasn’t a big gnaw-er … she had a binky and that was all she needed … she chewed on that when needed …

On the other hand though my son hates the binky and wants to chew on everything he can get his hands on … but most things just didn’t seem to do it for him … things were thrown down in frustration and he appeared to be unsatisfied …

We tried teething rings and toys … he took it upon himself to try the remote control and telephone … his hand … side of his high chair … seriously anything and everything …

I have heard people rave about Sophie The Giraffe but in all honesty I thought, “Why would this be any different than any other teething toy out there. And it seems a bit expensive for something my child is going to chew on – maybe.” …

Well I will be the first to say it was worth every penny I spent on it ($17.90). My son is absolutely in love with his Giraffe … and it is the first teething toy that leaves him looking very satisfied and happy. It is very light weight and has all sorts of different sizes and places for him to chew … he loves the little squeak she makes and his little 7 month old hands have no problem picking her up and holding onto her …

We have had Sophie The Giraffe for a week now and it is with him always and although he hasn’t quite cut the teeth he is working on currently he has become much calmer about it and is quite content when he is gnawing away.

The company talks about the unique smell – the rubber from the Hevea Tree – the cause and effect of squeezing the toy and hearing the squeak – the food grade paint … these are all wonderful things of course but when it comes down to it I want to provide my child with something that makes his life a bit better … that leaves him satisfied and happy … because when that happens then mommy is also satisfied and happy … Sophie The Giraffe totally has done that for our family. And if you have a gnaw-er in your family – I say give Sophie a try – she just may do the same for you.

Jott.com is my assistant – I couldn’t live without her … well I could but I sure would forget many things.

With Jott you set up an account … dial a phone number … when you leave a “message” it is transcribed into text and can be used for many things …

See it is when I am in the car that I think of all these things I need to do or while I am waiting in line somewhere … and I needed a solution to keep track of those – because in all honesty 5 minutes after I think about something if it isn’t written down or recorded in some fashion I have totally forgotten about it …

That is where Jott comes in … I call the number on my phone and say I want to Jott myself … after the beep I say, “Pick up milk on the way home.” … if I don’t do anything else it sends me an email that says, “Pick up milk on the way home.” … I am always in my email so I have the reminder there … if it is something really important you can set a reminder and poof at that time it reminds you to pick up milk on the way home …

I also have my key contacts set up in my Jott account and when I hear the beep and the wonderful lady says, “Who do you want to Jott?” … rather than say myself to get my own reminder I can say, “David” … after the beep I say, “Pick up milk on the way home please.” … and it sends David an email with my transcribed message in it … better yet it sends me an email as well letting me know I asked David to pick up the milk …

You can also set up lists in Jott … like my grocery list and my Target list … then when I think of something at some random point in the day I call Jott and when I hear, “Who do you want to Jott?” I just say, “Target List” … and when I say, “Baby Formula” it will add it to my Target list …

With Facebook you can update your status by calling into Jott … sure, not a necessity … no one is really sitting around wondering what I am doing and hoping my Facebook status changes minute by minute … but there have a been a few times where something struck me as funny or interesting at that moment and I called in to update my status …

The transcription is amazingly accurate … there have only been a couple of times it didn’t understand me but I am sure that was my fault … driving with the windows down like a teenager on spring break or something … but during those Jotts it sends me an audio file of my message …

I signed up for the service when it was brand new and free to use and used it constantly … when it changed to a pay service I abandoned it and went back to trying to keep mental lists and constantly sitting around going, “Man what was it I was thinking about this morning that I need to do … shoot what was it?” … after several months of what felt like a constant brain fart I kicked myself and said, “For $3.95 it is more than worth it … and you know that … go sign up again.” … which is what I did … and I couldn’t be happier …

I use it several times a day for all sorts of things … they offer even more services but if I went into everything this post would be pages and pages and it is easy to go and check it out for yourself … the link I have included all over this post will get you a free month of service on top of your free trial … and for my friends in Canada they have local Canada numbers to call as well …

So give it a try … test it out for a month … I am sure you will be just as happy as I am to have Jott as your assistant!!

Try Jott Today

The first thing I wanted to write about saved us countless hours of screaming uncomfortable and unhappy children … I’ve had 2 terrible teethers (even if my 2nd is only 6 months old and has cut only 2 teeth). A friend of mine recommended HurriCaine Gel after we tried Baby Orajel, Nighttime Baby Orajel, Hylands Teething Tablets, wet washcloths, frozen washcloths, teething rings, cold spoons, Popsicles … seriously with our daughter you name it we tried it … and we were worn out from the effort … she couldn’t have been more uncomfortable while teething and it started right before she turned 4 months old and we didn’t see any teeth for months …

She was basically an easy baby except when her mouth hurt and then there was nothing that could calm or sooth her until the HurriCaine Gel … the best way to describe it is magic!!

My husband and I tried it on ourselves first so we could see its effects … it definitely numbs the area quickly and doesn’t last too long … turns out it last long enough for a screaming baby to calm down and fall asleep. Each time we applied it the drooling would pick up for a bit … and within two minutes she would have a smile on her face and drift off to sleep.

With child number two we have had the same results. And once again it feels like magic.

It has been such a life changer in our home that it is now the first item I buy for friends who are expecting … because when teething hits there is nothing better to have in your house.

You can’t purchase it off the shelf … it is something you have to order from your pharmacy and will usually come in within a day or there are many website online that carry it, but you do not need a prescription.

It has even come in handy for some of the adults in my life with a toothache who couldn’t see a dentist right away.

I can not sing the praises of HurriCaine Gel enough when it comes to teething and will be forever grateful a friend passed the information along to me – without it I just don’t know how we would have gotten through the teething in this house.

And by the way … Watermelon has been the family favorite for us … neither child cared for the Wild Cherry