Archive for the ‘Other’ Category

More than ever, American parents are looking for unique baby names. Every year, the release of the most popular baby names list from Social Security reveals a growing trend in the U.S. toward more creative baby naming. While some of the new baby names are a result of parents recycling old classics (Emma, Sophia, Noah, etc.), many of the latest names are spinoffs from existing names.

On playgrounds across America, you can hear extreme examples of baby names.  Names like Brayden, Marleigh, Karley, Jaydan, Taniyah, and Charlee, far from being unusual, are becoming part of the norm. These are not just examples of a few “way-out” names. They can all be found on the newest list of the top 1000 hottest names in the U.S.

Why are parents picking names like this, which are likely to saddle a child with a lifetime of explaining how to spell a name? Most experts, including Laura Wattenberg, author of “The Baby Name Wizard,” believe the trend has its roots in society’s obsession with individualism, which took root somewhere in the 1960s. Parents seem to think that giving their offspring an unusual name will bestow individuality on the child. But what is the reality?

Most adults with highly unusual names seem to wish they had not been given something so strange to carry around. Based on comments in blogs and forums, people with names like Kash and Paityn frequently complain about having to spell their name every time they give it out. There are even instances where extremely unusual names, such as Jagger or Unique (both names on the top 1000 list for 2009) are said to create negative impressions with prospective employers.

As a parent, where do you turn if you want a distinctive, individual name for your child, but you don’t want to give them something like Mickenzee (another real one) to deal with?

The fact is, there are thousands of beautiful names, many that have existed for centuries that are available to parents who do a little digging. A good baby names website or baby names book is a great place to start. You will find lists covering every type of name imaginable: biblical names; traditional names; Victorian names; movie star names; floral names; baby names inspired by nature. The sources of inspiration are almost endless.

Another great source of baby names, often overlooked in this age of individuality, is family history. There was a time when names were usually chosen to honor an older family member. Sadly, that practice is largely gone. It is a shame, because there are many beautiful old names in our family trees, just waiting to be recycled. Classic names such as Rose, Louise, Eleanor, Kenneth, Dennis, and many others would sound classy and unusual today. And best of all, everyone knows how to spell them.

Guest post by Neil Street, co-publisher of  Baby Names Garden

I am finally learning to use my camera. I snagged this awesome shot while hiking today and I am so in love with it!

Let me tell ya ’bout the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
And the moon up above
And a thing called “Love”

Let me tell ya ’bout the stars in the sky
And a girl and a guy
And the way they could kiss
On a night like this

When I look into your big brown eyes
It’s so very plain to see
That it’s time you learned about the facts of life
Starting from A to Z

Let me tell ya ’bout the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
And the moon up above
And a thing called “Love” (Yeah!)

When I look into your big brown eyes
It’s so very plain to see
That it’s time you learned about the facts of life
Starting from A to Z

Let me tell ya ’bout the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
And the moon up above
And a thing called “Love”

My sons and I are taking our first vacation together soon and I am looking for some guest bloggers who have something to say during that time! If you would like to be a guest poster for me, please read the few simple requirements below and fill out the form! Thanks!

• Must be Original Content
• You may include a link to your blog or site in the post
• No Referral or affiliate linking
• Must be relevant to the site (Parenting, Shopping, Frugal Stuff, Home projects w/ pics etc)

Once upon a time there was a woman who could sleep,
She would go to bed with her dear little sheep

One day he broke the fence down,
And she was left with only a frown.

As time would go bye,
She did nothing but try

To not think of where the little sheep had gone,
But it was so hard to go and move on.

One day she asked the farmer, “Will my sheep ever come back?”
The farmer replied, “Only if he can find the right track.”

As cold nights set in that warm little sheep,
Was helping another woman fall fast asleep. Read the rest of this entry »

I am currently in Cleveland, OH and was chauffered around in an Expedition Limo.

I was out with 20 friends last night at a place called Howl at The Moon. It is a Piano Bar with 3 fantastic players that take your requests all night long. I am normally not a fan of music when it is not sung by the original artist. These guys were amazing! It is definitely adult entertainment though. Now granted it IS a bar but they use some very colorful language in some of THEIR songs. It has been awhile since I had so much fun. It definitely showed me that there is more to life than I have been letting myself enjoy. I had one drink the entire night and had a blast. I personally don’t believe I need to kill my liver to have a good time. Because I don’t drink anyway and my Jeep holds 7, I stood up to be the designated driver for my friends. There were a few others not drinking so I wasn’t the only one. Because I was the DD there was no charge for my non-alcoholic beverages. I was happy to hear that because at $2 each (I believe) I would have not bought much.

The rate normally to get in is $5 I believe. Because we were on a VIP list we didn’t have to pay. It would have been well worth the $5 though.

The only downfall is they do not serve food in the bar. They have an outside restaurant that will deliver to you. They are located across the street. It took a good 45 mins to get our food. We tried to call them for a good 30 minutes. When the guy arrived to bring someone elses food, he was very sweet about taking my order back with him.

My phone died early so until I get home I can’t post to many pics but I will add more later. All in all a great place to check out if you are visiting Cleveland!