Thrivingmom's Lensography

Squidoo Tips and Resources 

Lenses to Help New Lensmasters Get Going

Types of Squidoo Lenses

SquidWho and SquidLit and MonkeyBrain, oh my! There are many different lens templates you can use when creating your lens. Some of the different lens types can conveniently be found at the very bottom of your dashboard screen. Others are well hidden...

Thrivingmom's Critique Service

Have you ever posted on the "Critique" section of the SquidU forums asking for a critique of one of your lenses only to find your post gets tons of views and no replies? Or maybe you just get a couple replies and all they say is "looks good." It can...

You Can Use My Photos

Welcome to my lens! I enjoy taking photos, so I decided to share them all with you instead of just letting them take up memory in my PC for no reason. All of the photos were taken by me or my husband. Feel free to use them on your lens, website, bl...

Squidiquette

Ok, so you're most likely already a lensmaster if you've found this lens. So, the big question is have you been practicing good squidiquette...that is good etiquette here on Squidoo? Squidiquette is a vital part of being a good Squidizen. Squidiquet...

How to Make Money with Squidoo

Sound to good to be true? It really isn't. I signed up with Squidoo in mid June. I received my first payment in August. It was simple and fun to do. My very first payment was enough to go to the movies, bring a date, and buy a bag of popcorn. So, I'm...

Halloween Fun 

Halloween Products and Fun

Maternity Halloween Costumes

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to miss out on all of the Halloween fun. There are maternity Halloween costumes! A couple of years ago one of my closest friends had a Halloween party and invited my husband and I, but I was so disa...

Toddler Halloween Costumes

It can be so exciting buying a Halloween costume for your adorable toddler. They're now old enough to walk and hold your hand and even enjoy some of the Halloween treats they collect. Here you will find a variety of costumes for your little tot.

Baby Halloween Costumes

Whether you are wanting your little one to be warm and comfortable for Halloween, unique, or positively adorable you will find it here! I have a great assortment of infant Halloween costumes. If you would like tips on choosing the right costume for...

Halloween Costumes for Couples

Are you and your significant other going to a Halloween party and have no idea what or who to dress up as? Here you will find some great ideas for Halloween Costumes for couples.

Finding the Right Halloween Costume for Your Infant or Toddler

Halloween can be such a fun time for your little ones. I bet you remember more than a few Halloweens from your own childhood. But, if you put your baby in an uncomfortable costume, or your toddler in one he or she doesn't like, then what could have b...

Baby Product Reviews 

Mom Tested and Approved

Disposable Diaper Review

All diapers and baby wipes are not created equal. As a stay at home mom of two in diapers, I've tried just about every brand available in my town. Some are great, some are adequate, and some just aren't worth the money at all. Below you will find re...

Baby Gear and Nursery Decor Advice 

Thrivingmom Recommends...

Nursery Themes for Boys

Lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! Nursery themes for boys sure have come a long way. There are so many choices for decorating a boy's nursery. You could have an adorable nursery for your baby boy or a sophisticated nursery for your little man. The op...

Decorating a Jungle Themed Nursery

Jungle Decor Bedding, Accessories, Tips, and Advice Jungle themed nurseries are adorable and are a great option for a little boy when the family isn't into sports and a cute choice for a little girl if the idea of a room full of Pepto Bismol pink do...

Diaper Bags Under 50 Dollars

When I had my first baby, I was shocked to see that the diaper bags I liked were around $160! Today's diaper bag is a cross between a diaper tote and a fashionable purse, and they can be quite pricey. Here you will only find diaper bags that are pri...

Fleurville Diaper Bags

Fleurville was founded by a mom and dad that were disappointed with all of the diaper bags that were available for purchase. Before the Fleurville company, all diaper bags seemed to be designed for the baby instead of the parents who use and carry th...

Diaper Bags that Look Like Purses

There isn't a single piece of baby gear that a mother uses as much as a diaper bag. If you only have one child, you will most likely use the bad for three years. If you have multiple kids, a good diaper bag will last you for years. It's well worth i...

Baby and Toddler Products and Shows 

Looking for Baby Items?

Baby's First Birthday

Baby's first birthday party is a very special occasion. There is so much to consider. What will your baby's first birthday party theme be? How will you decorate? What will you serve? Here you will find ideas, tips, and advice for throwing your baby'...

Baby and Toddler Water Toys

With rising costs, and increased safety risks of public swimming pools and water parks, entertaining you little ones at home is a great option. Back when I was a kid, our only options were those hard plastic wading pools. If you were really cool, yo...

Oswald on Noggin

Oswald is a sweet, soft spoken Octopus that is the star of Nick Jr's lovable cartoon by the same name. Oswald lives in a happy town with a bunch of interesting and thoughtful characters. My two year old loves Oswald. Out of the many choices of carto...

Baby and Toddler Toys that Encourage a Love of Music

It's never too early to teach children to appreciate music. Today there are many baby and toddler toys that encourage young kids to love music and introduce them to musical instruments. I play piano and my husband plays guitar. Shortly after we had...

Breastfeeding Information and Products 

Learn How to Breastfeed, Tips on Breastfeeding, and Find Breastfeeding Products

Nursing Privacy Wraps, Covers, Drapes, and Shawls

Breastfeed Discretely With One of These Fashionable Covers Breastfeeding in public can be an awkward and sometimes even stressful event. Who will notice? Will someone complain? It seems a bit unfair to the breastfeeding mom and her hungry baby, but...

Is Breastfeeding Right for Me?

Breastfeeding, as every mom and mom-to-be knows, is the best thing we can do for our babies. Yet, modern society makes it difficult. First, we have to deal with the formula and bottle companies trying to sell us their products. Then we have to deal t...

Family 

Family Advice, Information, and Interests

Family Disaster Plan

If you live in an area that is frequented by hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, or ice storms then you really need to have a family disaster plan in place. This lens is a practical guide to help ensure that you and your family are...

Closely Spaced Children

If you have children spaced less than three years apart, then I don't have to tell you about any of the many challenges you face. I have two children that are just 20 months apart. I'm currently conducting research for a book that I'm writing for mo...

Mommy Brain

"Mommy Brain." You might not be able to find the phrase in a dictionary, but all of us moms know what it is. Mommy brain is that altered state of being, that scatter brained, forgetful, sleep deprived stupor that we all muddle through during the bab...

I Love to Cook 

And I'm Pretty Darn Good at it Too

Thrivingmom's Secret Brownie Recipe

Any time my friends or family have a get together I am asked to make my famous brownies. People can't get enough of them. Everyone raves about my brownies. I decided to share my secret recipe. Now you can make the brownies that melt hearts and cause...

Strawberry Shortcake 

My Little Girl Loves Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake Dolls and Toys

Strawberry Shortcake is a berry cute and wholesome character for little girls. Since Strawberry Shortcake teaches children good values, you can feel good about your little girl playing with the entire Strawberry Shortcake toy line. My two and a half...

Strawberry Shortcake Movies and Books

Strawberry Shortcake is a berry cute and wholesome character for little girls. She teaches little ones about friendship, manners, and kindness. My two and a half year old little girl absolutely loves Strawberry Shortcake and her adorable friends. He...

I Love Coffee 

I Mean, I REALLY Love Coffee

Ode to Java

I admit it. I can't start my day without a cup of coffee. My husband would be the first to tell you that I'm unbearable to deal with until I've had my first cup. I'm totally hooked on caffeine. Without it, I even have caffeine withdrawal headaches....

The Tastiest Looking Cup of Joe

When it comes to yummy coffee, what really floats your boat? Latte, cappucino, frappucino, just plain black or something in between? Mmmm, I just love coffee. The taste, the look, the aroma...oh, and don't forget the lovely caffeine buzz! Coffee is...

Animals 

Animal Information and Products

My husband and I are animal lovers. We have a 6 year old dog and an 11 year old cat. Both we rescued from local shelters. I'm sure I'll have many more animal related lenses in the future.

Frogs and Toads

When you think about frogs and toads, you may first picture a mischievous little boy chasing a screaming little girl around with a helpless amphibian in his hands. It may surprise you to learn that most of the frogs you see around your house are act...

Litter Box Houses and Cabinets

Are you looking to hide your cat's unsightly litter box? A litter box house or cabinet is a great solution. Not only does it hide your cat's box from visitors, it also makes the box less tempting for small children, indoor dogs, and it provides your...

Money Making Info 

I Share Everything that I've Learned About Making Money Online

How To Be Successful With GPT Sites

You can make money online for free with GPT, or Get Paid To sites. These sites allow you to make money for completing surveys, signing up of email newsletters, participating in trial offers, trying out new products, and more. GPT sites are an easy wa...

Get Paid to Take Surveys

So, you want to learn how to make money online for free? Then you have found the right lens. I am a stay at home mom that wanted to find a way to earn a little extra money while still making my children my number one priority. It is completely possi...

Put Your Site to Work

Want to make money while you just sit back and watch the dollars roll in? Well, maybe it's not that easy But it can sure feel like it when you have a successful site that is monetized well. This is a great money making strategy for anyone who hates...

Simplest Online Money Making Info Ever

The internet has opened up the door to a whole new way of making money. I am a stay at home mom that wanted to find a way to earn a little extra money while still making my children my number one priority, and surprisingly found that it is completely...

What is a GPT Site?

GPT sites are an easy and free way to make money online. GPT stands for Get Paid To. I created this page to help explain what Get Paid To sites are, how they work, how to make the most money possible with them, and which ones pay. I have received a...

Reviews of Free Money Making Sites I Work With 

I Earn Money for Free wtih these Sites

The FusionCash Experiment

GPT (Get Paid To) sites really do work. I have a Bachelor's Degree and used to teach high school. I first discovered GPT sites when I became a stay at home mom, had a little extra time on my hands, and a brand new laptop my husband bought me. I kept...

The CashCrate Experiment

CashCrate is a legitimate GPT (get paid to) site that really pays. If you're skeptical, you can scroll down to see proof of payment. I have received a paycheck from CashCrate every month for the past year. Cash Crate is a free GPT site that lets you...

Self Improvement 

Looking for Self Help Ideas, Inspirational Images, and Motivational Quotes

Since watching "The Secret" DVD and reading the book, I've really started working harder on thinking positive. It's amazing how I see the world differently now. It's like the sun shines a bit brighter and my kids' smiles are a bit bigger.

Feel Great, Today!

I've created this lens as a tool to be used along side "The Secret" and its teachings to help you take charge of your life. This lens is full of positive images and inspirational songs and quotes. Browse this lens when you need a pick-me-up. Use it...

The Secret is Out

It was a very typical day. I was at home doing laundry and preparing dinner when I happened to catch a very special episode of Oprah. On this particular episode she had Rhonda Byrne, an Australian filmmaker, on to discuss her new book "The Secret."...

Health and Beauty 

Look Younger, Feel Younger, and Live Better

Look and Feel Younger

Looking young and feeling young really go hand in hand. It is very difficult to have a youthful appearance when you feel old, tired, at let's face it, just plain worn out. It is completely possible to look and feel younger than your chronological ag...

I'm Taking the Special K Challenge

If you're looking for an affordable way to slim down without having to measure food or know a lot about calorie counting and fat grams, then the Special K Challenge is a great diet plan to try. I took the Special K Challenge after having my second b...

Reverse the Signs of Aging with Facial Exercises

As we age our skin loses some of its elasticity and our muscles also lose some of its tone. We are all familiar with theses unpleasant signs of aging in our bodies, but many people don't realize that it's this same loss of elasticity and tone in our...

Monkey Brain Debates 

Come Voice Your Opinion

Should the HPV Vaccine be Mandatory for School Age Girls?

Should the HPV Vaccine be Mandatory for School Age Girls? I strongly feel that this vaccine is way too new to be forcing girls to get it. We do not know what the long term effects are yet of the HPV Vaccine. Since it protects against a sexually trans...

Are teachers underpaid?

I used to be a high school teacher before becoming a stay at home mom, so I'm a bit biased on this debate. I have yet to find another job in the area in which I live that requires a bachelor's degree and pays less than a teacher. One day while paying...

Do You Like Your Foods Spicy or Mild?

I have to admit, spicy sounds more interesting and like a lot more fun than mild, but my poor little mouth just can't handle spicy foods. When I eat hot foods my lips go numb and my tongue feels like it's on fire. It just isn't a pleasant experience...

Old Spice vs Hai Karate

I'm a huge fan of the Old Spice commercials. I even made a lens with all of my favorite Old Spice commercials on it. One of the visitors to that lens asked me to do a Hai Karate lens. I had never heard of Hai Karate before, so I had to do a little re...

Law of Attraction: Fact or Fiction?

The law of attraction is at work all around you whether you believe in it or not. It's much deeper than just thinking your way to success or riches. It's about more than your thoughts. If you're skeptical about the law of attraction, it's due largely...

Technology and Gadgets 

More Coming Soon

My husband is a software engineer and a huge gaming, gadgets, and PC geek. So, I get bombarded by new technology and gadgets by him all the time. I'll be sharing more soon!

Review of the Amazon Kindle Reading Device

This Kindle review is written by a busy stay at home mom that has let fashion and technology pass her by. So if you're interested in the Kindle, but aren't sure if it'll be too high tech for you or not, then this is the Kindle review for you. I'm a...

Just for Fun 

Lenses Over My Various Interests and Passing Fancies

Best Movie Quotes

I am a huge movie fan. Once in a blue moon, I catch a great line in a movie that is one of those once in a lifetime lines than an actor lives for, like Jerry Maguire's "You complete me." This lens is dedicated to all of those great movie quotes. Som...

America's Next Top Model Fan Page

I haven't missed an episode of America's Next Top Model since the very first one (thanks largely due to my DVR). I created this Top Model fan lens for all of the other America's Next Top Model junkies out there. It's loaded with ANTM video clips, ph...

The Old Spice Commercials

We have two small children, so my husband and I DVR all of the shows we want to watch. The great part about DVRing our shows is we get to fast forward through all of the commercials. The only commercials we don't fast forward through are the Old Spic...

Hai Karate

Hai Karate was a men's fragrance line that was popular from the 1960's to the 1980's. Hai Karate products were in the same price range as Old Spice and Brut, which made it very affordable for the average Joe.

Mixed Martial Arts 

I'm a Huge MMA Fan

I'm a super huge MMA fan. I never got into football, basketball, or any other professional sport. I've always hated boxing and wrestling.I never even played sports in high school. So, it's absolutely amazing that my husband got me hooked on MMA.

MMA Fan Apparel

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a competitive sport that is growing in popularity. MMA allows grappling, striking, and a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions. MMA fighters must be disciplined in many different fi...

UFC Fan Gear

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has taken the world of combat sports by storm. Dana White has done an excellent job of marketing the mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. It's slowly but surely becoming accepted as a mainstream sport, acqui...

TapouT Apparel

Looking for TapouT shirts, TapouT caps, TapouT shorts, TapouT ladies apparel and more? Then this is the TapouT online shopping spot for you!

Mixed Martial Arts Will Become a Mainstream Sport

The MMA organization, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has taken the world of combat sports by storm. Dana White is a savvy business man that has done an excellent job of marketing the UFC. Mixed Martial Arts is slowly but surely becoming accep...

Places of Interest 

My Travel and Local Lenses

SeaWorld San Antonio, Texas

The SeaWorld Adventure Park in San Antonio is the largest marine adventure park and family entertainment showplace in the world! It boasts 250 acres of spectacular shows, animal attractions, thrill rides, educational experiences, and water park. Sea...

Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine, TX

The Great Wolf Lodge is a family resort that boasts the largest indoor waterpark in Texas. Inside the lodge you'll find an exciting fantasy lodge themed hotel that is super clean and tidy. The lodge has enough eating options inside that you'll never...

Yahooz Coffee: The Tastiest Coffee Ever

Yahooz is a double drive through gourmet coffee hat that is local to the Tyler, Texas area. Yahooz's quality, flavor, and value far surpasses that of Starbucks. Though our town has 3 Starbucks Coffee shops, every morning the line of cars at Yahooz is...

More About Me 

How this Stay at Home Mom Works from Home

Since quitting my job as a high school English teacher to become a stay at home mom, I've discovered numerous legitimate ways to earn money online without spending a dime. There are plenty of free online money making opportunities out there, you jus...

My Road to Self Improvement

I have decided to construct myself a road to self improvement one small stone at a time. I invite you to join me on my journey! My adult life has been a whirlwind of colleges, marriages, career changes, and children and I'm only 32. All of these ext...

Valentine's Day 

Ideas for Making the Most Out of Valentines

Valentine's Day Isn't Just for Couples

Every Valentine's Day my sister and I would wake up to candy in a heart shaped box, a cuddly bear, and other special goodies. My dad treated Valentine's Day in our household just as he did Christmas and Easter. On Christmas Santa Claus would leave us...

Lenses I Must Thank 

This Lens Wouldn't Be Half the Lens it is Without These Lenses to Guide Me

Who Is Poddys?

I was born in England and spent most of my life there, until 1987 when I spent a year on the other side of the world in New Zealand. I returned to London, and then in 1994 I moved to the USA. I spent 12 years in Indiana, and then relocated to South F...

Basic HTML for Squidoo

Before you start reading all this, you may want to open Advanced HTML in a new tab, because you'll be wanting to check it out as soon as you've finished this! You can use basic HTML in a few of the lens modules. Mostly used to create hyperlinks (the...

Jaguar Julie -- Lensography of a WAHWW

Yes, you may think of Jaguar Julie as a WAHW -- a work at home workaholic and a WAHWW -- a work at home wonder woman! In my lensography, I hope to answer the question of who Jaguar Julie is as inquiring minds want to know! First of all, what is a len...