Soap and water are not enough: The Seint skincare routine that changed everything.

As most of you have already read I have written previously about Saint and the products offered by this company however the skincare collection is something we’ve not yet covered. 

Makeup is an important tool for many people looking to enhance their natural beauty, cover blemishes, and improve overall confidence Seint does a wonderful job of all of the above with quality low impact ingredients and high-quality products of all types in cream & powder. 

Seint also offers makeup tools such as brushes apparel and storage solutions. 

But none of that does its job as well as it could without a strong well cared for foundation. The skin is your largest organ.

Just let that sink in. Think about all the things that we do in a day that could possibly be damaging to our skin.

Chemicals from cleaning, overuse of body products, The impact of laundry detergents, and of weather and sun exposure. 

These products have done my skin so much good and they’ve made the already amazing makeup application even smoother and simpler for me! As a busy mom with a demanding lifestyle I don’t have 2+ hours for self-care to get ready everyday and thanks to Seint I don’t need 2 hours, nor do I have to sacrifice myself for the sake of time. 

It takes me 30 minutes to do everything from skincare and clothing to makeup & hair CONSISTENTLY.  Yes, you read that right this ISN’T A FLUKE!

The Seint skincare collection consists of a three-step system and four items. 

•Cleanser (100 ml)

•Toner (100 ml)

•Creme (50 ml)

•Microfiber Cloths (Set of 3)

(The previously mentioned 50 count refresh wipes that I love so much are sold separately)

It really is as simple as 123. 

Wash your face with cleanser, wipe away makeup and any oils and residue with the buttery soft microfiber cloths,

Gently spray your clean, dry face with toner

And lastly, moisturize with milk cream to lock in all the healthy self-care effects!

DONE!

The microfiber cloths wash extremely well and the toner and cleanser can be refilled. 

You can use them all as a system or at separate times as needed for your schedule and for your skin the sky is the limit with Seint!

The packaging is classy and consistent always giftable and welcoming.

The microfiber cloths even come individually packaged and housed in a pull drawer box which is wonderful for storage!

If it works to breathe new life into my neglected tired-mom skin it can do wonders for anyone willing to pick it up and try it. 

I deserved the self-care and you do too. 

There’s no longer any guilt surrounding me taking care of myself because I’m giving my children and my husband the best of me not just what’s left of me and I’m not having to sacrifice tons of time with my family and doing the things they need me to do to take care of myself I can do them simultaneously things are still getting done and I feel better no one loses here! As cliché as it might sound it’s truly been a blessing to me so if you’re ready to jump on the Seint bandwagon, I’m genuinely glad I did shop with my favorite artist at the link below under the skincare tab. 

https://tamlynn.seintofficial.com/en

A very JCPenney Christmas

We ended 2021 in an eventful way stepping out of our comfort zone and doing something we hadn’t done before.

We visited JCPenney portraits not once but twice in the span of a month because Tator does what Tator wants. I’ve always been considered a “shutter bug” and it was no surprise to anyone around me that I wanted to book professional portraits. you could probably say I’ve done 20 sessions since my children came Earthside but these were my first with JCP. 

We weren’t quite sure what to expect and went into everything knowing that it may not work out, especially since I have two very active yet reserved children with their own set of issues not to mention my own unorthodox set of challenges. 

But to our pleasant surprise, they were extremely accommodating and welcoming even though we were anything but calm during the sessions. 

My relationship with my grandmother is bar none I don’t know anyone who has a relationship like we do but I will say that after all she has done for me it gave my heart such joy to be able to surprise her with a four-generation photo shoot at JCPenney portraits paid for by my husband and me. 

It was a dream of mine growing up to have good family photos including everyone that I love and unfortunately that didn’t become a reality until I became an adult myself so I made it a point to make sure that my children never had to long for what I desperately wanted. 

It was a joy to document for generations with the third and fourth being my children and me. 

More of a gift for me to be able to give something so special to the people that mean so much to me. My Grandmaw and my children, celebrating the importance of lineage, and the family connection so strong across 4 generations. 

I’m happy to report that I was concerned about the outcome of the pictures for nothing because this gift and the following Christmas card shoot with just our immediate family went off without a hitch. 

The purchasing process was very simple, the quality of the photos was impeccable, 

And we had plenty of opportunities to purchase after the session as well with each gallery lasting 90 days in the Lifetouch shop. 

We will definitely be long-term return customers, especially to our Mall of Georgia location JCPenney portraits. 

Their affiliation with Lifetouch and willingness to go above and beyond to get the pictures that every family deserves is one of their biggest selling points

As a parent, I understand the desire to pause time and sit in a moment. 

Savoring the little things before they quickly become a memory and JCP portraits does a fabulous job of making the impossible a reality. Capturing moments, freezing them- perfectly preserved in time because babies simply don’t keep. 

Every family regardless of their struggles and challenges deserves that level of care and representation. I’m so thankful that we weren’t seen as an obstacle or challenge but instead an adventure and an opportunity to candidly photograph big bright personalities and celebrate our individuality. 

This is definitely the start of a yearly Christmas tradition for us as we plan to make Christmas cards a yearly staple of our family festivities. 

Thanks JCP!

happy holidays from The Tatorthoughts family to yours! we’ll see you in 2022!

Momma Made Designs LLC Product Review Showcase: Mom makes magic within handmade clothing market!

You may think hand made clothing is a thing of the past. I’m here to tell you it’s not!

Tatorthoughts firmly believes in celebrating individuality, and all things unique in life. 

Of course mass produced clothing garments have their place in the market and can become meaningful, sentimental keepsakes for many but there’s something that stands alone among those things. 

Hand made, custom entrepreneurial dreams.

These things may seem to be just simple fabric and stitching but to me these items are so much more. 

They represent the meticulous, artistic passions of a mother. Taylor welsh of Momma Made Designs LLC pours love and compassion into every item she creates and does so with pride. 

As a mother and caregiver being able to showcase these personalized items is an honor and privilege her skills are impeccable and not even the best of photos give her craftsmanship and product quality justice. 

For this review we are featuring 

A size 3t custom “hidden Mickey” dress

 (I suppose you could call it anything you like, we’ve coined it the “hidden Mickey magic” dress because my daughter and I were absolutely blown away by the sight of it upon opening the box. And love that even the inside of the dress has Mickey fabric lovingly sewn into it!)

A size 2t “bipity bopity boo” dress

With incredible sleeves and tule skirt detail. 

2 SURPRISE matching headband bows that Taylor so kindly included without my prior knowledge to accompany both dresses. 

& last but not least A size 5t Boys Dino outfit shirt & pant set. 

As a mother of sons the fact that Taylor also  offers boys products through her shop rather than solely catering to girls clothing means the world to me. 

It is with pride that I’m able to say my sons aren’t always excluded from the finer things simply because they are males. 

It’s also incredible that many of her items including this Dino set could be gender neutral, this could be paired with a bow for a little girl or worn as is!

The saying often goes “you get, what you pay for” and in this case it absolutely rings true. Momma Made Designs LLC offers high quality, customizable children’s clothing and accessories made with quality materials, love and precious time meticulously spent. 

It is evident that Taylor is a mother as you can see her loving parental touch shine through with every item. 

Supporting small businesses helps families and dreams flourish. 

If you are looking for anything with a unique touch to adorn your children in whether it be for family photos, church, everyday wear, special occasions, dress up or your next Disney adventure I highly recommend you reaching out to www.mnmdesignz.com with your need! You will be met with top notch customer service, impeccable products and irreplaceable memories afterwards all with the satisfaction that you’ve also supported someone else’s dream. 

You can shop Momma Made Designs LLC products by visiting their website: www.mnmdesignz.com

Or via Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/mommyandmedesignz/

Back to School with Handcraft!

Buckle up y’all, this review is going to be a long one. as most of you know my partnership with handcraft has been long-running. we’re talking nearly since the creation of Tatorthoughts long!

And just when I thought it couldn’t possibly get any better they prove me wrong!

When you think handcraft by now you probably think potty training genius, children’s underwear and convenient on the go change kits. And if that’s what you think about you would be absolutely right! But they are so much more than that, of course potty training with confidence is a big priority but evidently so is generosity. This review is proof of that.

My good friends at handcraft have completely out done themselves, in honor of back to school they have generously sent me thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. (see detailed list below) but let’s discuss why. You’re probably thinking “what’s the big deal?, it’s just underwear.”

But it’s so much more than that many children have nervousness and anxiety over starting back to school, or starting school, or changing schools, or even just change in general. A change like this is huge! 

And even the best potty trained of us will experience an accident at some point regardless of age. So handcraft and I have partnered together to end the stigma around accidents of all kinds & For kids of any age regardless of the circumstance!

You might be thinking to yourself “my child is “too big” for that” you would be wrong.

en·u·re·sis

/ˌenyəˈrēsis/

noun

involuntary urination, especially by children at night.” See also nocturnal Enuresis.

Nocturnal Enuresis commonly referred to as bedwetting is most recognized in smaller children however it can affect people of any age, regardless of gender. However the inability to control your bladder especially in tense upsetting situations isn’t as commonly recognized and it’s nowhere near talked about enough! 

This can affect people of any age regardless of how long they have been or even how well they were potty trained.

27% of parents whose children presented a problem sought medical attention for it, it is seen in nearly 29% of all children. It is more common in males and you are more likely to have it if you have a prevailant family history of it, But with so few willing to talk about it how would we know?

I am a mother before I am anything but I take being an educator very seriously. It is my duty to not only advocate for my own children, but all children. 

I’m open enough to discuss that this is something that directly affects my family. I’ve also seen it heavily affect the children that I’ve taught. There is no shame. There is no stigma, not with me, within my family or in my teaching environment because THERE SHOULDN’T BE!

If it’s up to me to advocate and educate then I will, but clearly I won’t be doing it alone. The amazing folks at handcraft stand with me!

And we haven’t even scratched the surface this is only talking about diagnosed Enuresis, but what about the fear of a new place, being too afraid to ask for permission to go to the bathroom or even for directions to a bathroom, anxiety or any other chronic medical condition that could cause any type of incontinence whether it’s urinary or otherwise. 

If it’s not us who shows these children grace regardless of their age, my question to you is who will? No bodily function warrants scolding and it might be an unpopular opinion but I stand by it. Sheets and clothes can be changed, messes can be cleaned, but you cannot undo emotional damage from scolding a child for something that they have no control over. Parents and teachers please be mindful of this as your children are sent back into the world of education no matter what that looks like for your family. 

Advocacy is clearly very important to me as well as this amazing company. they were so kind to send me so many wonderful things and I can’t wait to share them all with you! 

I’m sure everyone is familiar with Champion brand authentic athletic wear but did you know that champion is handcraft?! Until our partnership I had no idea I knew I loved their products on the shelves but I had no idea whatsoever just how many things handcraft as a company has a hand in! 

(pun intended)

They were so kind as to send me not one not two.. but FORTY-ONE PAIRS of authentic champion athletic socks!!

Needless to say there will be no cold or Barefeet around me anytime soon!!

This in and of itself blew me away, but they didn’t stop there and the box that arrived at my door May as well have been the Mary Poppins bag of all shipping boxes!

They sent me 73 pairs of underwear! Ranging in size from 18 months to medium 10/12!

They also sent me 6 Handcraft change kit plus packs as well as 7 original handcraft change kits.

Guys they sent me the equivalent of an entire washing machine load! Needless to say when any accidents do occur on my watch and believe me they will. there will be no shortage of preparedness, we will not only be ready we will be proud! Accidents signify being human although they might be slightly embarrassing I can tell you one thing that definitely eases that sting..  The incredible print options they sent me! (Honestly I wish I could wear some of these.)

But.. THERE’S MORE! 

We all know we’ve been living in The COVID-19 pandemic, for quite some time.

Handcraft sent me 3 packs of kids facemasks! While my children may be too young for masks themselves, I know more than enough children who aren’t that actually need masks!They’re washable!, super cute and all kid friendly!

And just when you think we’re done.. we’re not!

Not only did they send me everything above they continued to show they care about their partners and the community by sending me several promotional products!

Handcraft sets the bar extremely high especially in the generosity department!

Potty training and crappy days in general can be quite stressful they sent me 14 custom branded poop emoji stress balls And 2 incredibly squishy handcraft underwear logo shaped stress balls.

My friends at handcraft had no way of knowing about my Neurodivergence or the Neurodivergence in my family but they hit the nail on the head with this one! Not only are these incredible for sensory purposes they make great additions to any classroom treasure box. 

They sent me three individual prize packets containing a very well-written congratulatory letter, A three pack of primary colored crayons, two potty training genius custom coloring pages, A company product informational slip, and a very unique punch out magnet photo frame for when your child becomes a potty trained genius!  I look forward to giving these to three special families!

Along with those they so kindly sent 30 additional potty training genius magnets and something that made my 90s kid heart flutter with complete unadulterated joy!..

They sent me a handcraft branded pin art board in the shape of their underwear logo! 

Needless to say everything is appreciated but I will proudly display the pin art board on any desk I have until the end of time!

To recap here’s an entire list of this seemingly endless cornucopia that I am extremely grateful for, it seems like Thanksgiving and Christmas came early this year!

-14 Poop emoji handcraft branded stress ball squishes

-2 underwear shaped handcraft branded stress balls squishes

-30 potty training genius Photo frame magnets

-3 Handcraft potty training genius care kits with coloring pages and crayons

-2 Handcraft potty training kits

-6 sets of 2 pair signature orange youth crew champion socks in size 3 years – 5 years

-4 sets of 2 pairs youth crew champion brand authentic athleticwear socks In white and champion symbol red. 

-One set of 2pairs 3-5 year sized youth crew socks in white and black with black champion brand logo

-3 sets of two pair packs 3-5 year youth crew champion authentic athletic wear socks

-Six pairs youth crew 3-5 year sized champion athletic wear black socks

-Two sets of champion youth crew 3-5 year gray and white socks with embroidered embossed logo

-1 three pair set of youth grippy no show champion socks in 6 to 12 months

-3 individual handcraft change kit plus packs in 3T-4T boys & 3 girls 3T-4T change kit plus packs

-7 individual boys original handcraft change kits 3t-4t 

-1 pack 4ct medium boys 10-12 tek gear dry tek  moisture-wicking boys boxer briefs

-3 packs 3ct boys briefs in size 6 Star Wars print

-2 packs  3ct girls panties size 6 in Disney’s frozen print

-1 pack 4ct girls briefs size 6 in LOL surprise print with bonus coloring page

-1 pack 3ct boys briefs in size 6 marvel Spiderman print with bonus coloring page

-2 packs 3ct girls panties size 4 in Disney’s frozen print

-1 pack toy story Disney Pixar print size 4  3ct boys briefs

-1 pack 3ct Disney’s frozen print girls panties in size 8

-1 pack 3ct girls training pants Disney princess  print size 3T with bonus potty training chart and stickers included

-1 pack 3ct girls training pants Disney jr Minnie Mouse print in size 3T with bonus potty training chart and stickers included

-1 pack Disney Junior Mickey and the roadster racers print toddler boys training pants size in 18 months with bonus potty training chart and stickers included

-1 pack Disney Junior Mickey and the roadster racers 3ct toddler boys training pants with bonus potty training chart and stickers

-2 packs 3ct marvel superhero adventures print toddler boys briefs 4t

-1pack three count toddler girls panties size 2T-3T Disney’s frozen print

-1 pack toddler girls panties size 4T Disney frozen print 3ct

-1 pack 3ct toddler girls training pants size 4t Disney Junior Minnie mouse print with bonus potty training chart and stickers

-1 hanger style pack size 6 Jurassic World print 4ct boys athletic boxer briefs

-1 hanger style pack size 8 super Mario print 4ct boys athletic boxer briefs

1 pack 3ct washable children’s facemask in nickelodeon JoJo Siwa print

1 pack 3ct Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants print washable children’s facemask

1 pack 3ct washable children’s facemask in DC Batman print

Now that we’ve gotten into the specifics of their overwhelming generosity, everything this review includes & why this review is as necessary as any other back-to-school feature you’ll see this season, let’s discuss quality. handcraft sets the bar sky high and not only do I think that’s a great example for our children I think we as parents and caregivers can take pride in knowing that our families use, support and value their products with ease and peace of mind. even from the tiniest of tush that’s ready to potty train they’ve got you covered! Their thick absorbent , Soft and nearly plush potty training underwear are exactly what any child needs to have the independence of big kid status with the protection that they may need as they learn.

their potty training change kits give grab-and-go simplicity to preparedness, giving parents peace of mind and one less thing to worry about so that no matter where your adventure takes you your family is always ready. 

The all-inclusive potty training Genius kit gives a child all the tools they need to succeed, in a fun interactive and easy to understand way. Just add praise and support from loved ones and watch them flourish!

Their underwear of all types accommodate all shapes and sizes. Giving kids regardless of age or gender comfort that comes adorned with their favorite characters!

Their socks regardless of style give comfort and confidence and parents can take heart knowing that their children are covered from head to toe in the Best. these high-quality socks are the right fit for all with varying thickness options and cuts you’re sure to find what works best for you.

The partnership with my friends at handcraft has been one of the most enriching and enjoyable experiences I can say that I’ve ever had. they’ve been so kind and shown so much support for not only me but for my dreams over the last two years and I could never repay that of course I will always be a proud supporter of any product they create because I know without a doubt it will be great.  They have been nothing short of an absolute joy to work with and a blessing in my life. I find myself short of the words to accurately describe the feeling so simply put it’s pride. Not only am I overflowing with gratitude I’m proud of the work that we’ve done together and the work that we could continue to do and my only hope is that they as a company are equally as proud of what we’ve managed to do together. The change we’ve been able to create,the awareness we’ve been able to give and the incredible products I’ve been able to display in front of all of you thanks to their generosity and Faith in my abilities. 

Thank you to both Julia and JoAnn from the bottom of my heart, from all of us at Tatorthoughts and every family who has benefited from your company’s existence. 

so I challenge you next time you visit your local preferred store look around I promise you’ll see handcraft products that you and your children love.

If you take away anything from this review please let it be that being prepared is simple, being kind is easy, and no matter your story, background ,or need handcraft has you covered. I hope all families regardless of the path that this year takes for them have an incredible school year, whether you’re starting school this year or you’re graduating for the final time here’s to the class of 2022!

Please visit their website embedded below for more information!

xx Tator

Back to School 2021-22 preschool at home for 2-year-old!

My almost 2.5-year-old Raiden is somewhat advanced for his age. Yet it still took me by complete surprise that he began to come to me daily and ask for “school”

Maybe it’s because nearly all his friends are school-aged, or maybe it’s that he knows mama is a teacher and sees me work or even a combination of the two. (or something else entirely?) but regardless the driving force my child has a hunger to learn and grow! Praise heavens for that!

So being the educator and above and beyond extra mom I am I had to make his dreams of an early school come true,

Even if I had to make it happen at home!

So that’s exactly what we’ve done!  

We turned out dining room into a designated & decorated learning space, 

Invested in trusted resources (reviews on curriculum coming soon!)

and we even bought him his own backpack with a lunch box!

-Melissa & Doug magnetic calendar and chore chart set

-Interactive learning posters

-conversation invoking child-friendly decor

And more to come!

Mind you this is only to get us through the 2021-22 school year. The goal for next year is to have a completely separate dedicated space for school but as parents you find a way or you make a way!

Can’t wait to share this journey with you all as we help prepare Raiden for his public pre-K & beyond journey that’s only 2 short years away!

So here is a sneak peek into where we’ll be learning incredible new things and making precious memories together over the next 10 months. 

We also ventured as a family to the southeast homeschool expo at the cobb galleria center this past weekend and had a wonderful time, I’m a better parent and educator for going and genuinely enjoyed the time we spent as a family learning and growing together! During this time Tatorthoughts met some interesting people and made some great new contacts also!

It was a very exciting and enriching experience. 

our mothers day…

Today is bereaved Mother’s Day this is something most people don’t think about unless they have a reason to unfortunately I have three reasons. Those three reasons are the children who made me a mom before the world recognized me as one. I am a mom in many ways biological, bonus, angel. 

But more often than not, only one of those is recognized.  Can you guess which? This is a very hard thing for me to talk about but it’s real, it’s raw, It’s part of my testimony and it’s something People deserve to see because my story might give another mama hope or peace. I am not ashamed. I am simply part of a club no parent ever wants to join. I am bereaved. I am blessed beyond measure but on days like today, I am broken, grieving for the lives I created but never got to know here on earth.  I grieve what would have been, what should have been but what simply isn’t. Today is my Mother’s Day too. My arms may not be empty but there are spaces in my heart that forever will be. 

I stand with every mom remembering their children today and speaking their names in a world that would still prefer we didn’t. 

To the children and babies of any age that made us moms, we haven’t forgotten you, we love you and wouldn’t trade the joy and honor of being your moms for anything. We are grateful for our surviving children but they don’t replace their siblings or lessen the grief we feel. which of your children could you stand to lose?

we know how fragile life is, we know how quickly things can change and if love could’ve saved you you would have lived forever. 

we always remember, today the world does too. 

International bereaved Mother’s Day

Hey guys! New things are in the works at Tatorthoughts!

We have several exciting things coming your way in the weeks and months ahead!

you can look forward to:

• An entire blog post about our recent family adventure to Disney On Ice – Dream big Complete with professional pictures provided to me by field Entertainment!

• More faithful product reviews on items and brands YOU guys asked for!

& The unveiling of NOT ONE but TWO brand new segments! One of which being…

  • Tator’s Top Picks!

the other is top secret so you gotta stay tuned to find out!

much love,

xx Tator.

Welcome 2021!

Welcome to 2021 everyone! Let’s start this year off right with something personal and perfect for you!

I’ve teamed up with Bella from Bell’s dream customs to bring you all that your dreams desire!

If your new year’s resolution was to drink more water hook yourself or a loved one up with a custom tumbler or water bottle! (Your organs will thank you!)

You name it Bella makes it!

Coasters, cups, lipgloss, shirts! You dream it she does it. 

RIGHT NOW THROUGH 1/26/21 you can BOGO 50% off custom tumblers!

This deal is a steal! 

Click this link to snatch it up before it’s gone!!

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Bellsdreamcustoms/photos/

Go get your new favorite cup y’all!

You’ll be seeing lots from Bell’s Dream Customs this year so stay in the loop! Subscribe for post updates and check back often to see what’s been added to the BDC product page right here on tatorthoughts.com!

work is going in behind the scenes!

You guys are probably wondering what I’ve been up to…

Well to answer that simply aside from being a wife, mom & boss keeping certifications current and becoming the magic in Christmas while maintaining my position as the glue of my family I’ve been working on custom decor, magic photo edits and lining up some great content for tatorthoughts coming in 2021! Featuring a fabulous segment partnership with custom cuddle blankets! [you don’t wanna miss this!] 

I also just wanna say thank you to all my followers and readers, you have all made this little dream a grand investment over the past few years and have all been along on my greatest journey yet. I’m extremely grateful for you all and have been blessed to chase my dreams and do what I love while partnering with incredible companies and owners along the way.

Cheers to a better year ahead! 

Remember to make the most of what you’re given, be thankful and have faith. We’re gonna make it through this life including this pandemic together, nothing lasts forever!

Please do what you can to stay safe & in good spirits. 

Xx Tator.