A Little About Me
*To contact, scroll to the bottom of this page.*
Some call me Kristina, some call me Tina, and too many call me “TINA THE FAT LARD.” (Thanks a lot Napolion Dynamite).
I’m SIX-FOOT-ZERO. And so is my husband. We also share the same shoe size. We used to have the same waist size…but one of us gained weight (I’ll let you guess).
I like Peanut Butter sandwiches (peanut butter anything really) , driving with my shoes off, and swimming is my favorite form of exercise (although I’m currently becoming obsessed with yoga).
We have two girls, and 1 cute little boy.
I am one of 15 siblings. Crazy, I know. We aren’t even polygamists. Get to know more about me by reading my post Unanswered Prayer
I am one of the most directionally-challenged individuals you might ever meet. Smart phones and GPS are one of the greatest things ever invented and have saved me hours of being lost.
Pet Peeves
Over-achieving toilets. You know what I’m talking about…the ones that flush on their own…and a little too powerfully so. Nothing like ending your bathroom trip with some fresh toilet water splashed right up on your buttox. Whenever I am using a toilet with a self-flush sensor on it I get all kinds of anxiety. It’s like I’m on a timer to try and finish my business before the dang thing thinks I’m done and flushes too early.
Wedgies. Finding the right kind of underwear is a big deal for me. Whoever invented the thong should be shot. Okay, not really…but seriously?! WHY? Having a wedgie for longer than 10 minutes puts me in a really bad mood. I haven’t quite figured out why, but it’s innevitable. Some of my worst memories involve grocery shopping (which I’m also not fond of) and having a wedgie at the same time. Ugh.
Tree Sap. The day you place your hand on some tree sap is a bad day. Okay, maybe just a bad moment. The darn stuff sticks to everything and is ridiculous to get out of clothing. And usually the moments that I get tree sap on myself are also the moments that I am far far away from any type of soap and water. Which means dealing with it for hours. Which almost drives me to insanity.
Toddler Nap-Time Poo. My toddler goes through these cycles of pooping during her nap time and it seems to happen for days in a row at the same exact time. If it’s nap time and she has a poop, then her chances of actually taking a nap are 100% negative. Even if it happens at the beginning of her nap and I lay her back down…absolute refusal. Anytime that she has a poop in the morning time I almost break into a victory dance because I know it’s going to be a good day. Nap time is my sacred time. Don’t mess!
Why I started a Blog.
Being a mom can be more challenging that I imagined, but is it more rewarding and fulfilling than ever thought possible.
Something that I have thought a lot about (and which has been the inspiration for this blog) is my observation of other moms. Being a mom seems to be a very time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming task. Too many moms are hard on themselves. Too many feel that they are not measuring up. Some moms yell too much at their children and wish that they didn’t. Some are working hard and doing their best every single day but still feel that they aren’t giving their children enough attention. I have these days myself, but my quest is to have many more that are filled with laughter, learning and joy. I want this blog to be a gathering place for other moms to come share their delights, successes and learning moments. I want this to be a place where we inspire and uplift each other.
Mother’s Niche is my little “nook” or “getaway” to reflect on the things that I learn as a mom, the magical moments, and the positive aspects of parenting. This blog is to focus on having Joy in the Journey.
My Main Goals For Blogging Include:
1. Spreading goodness in the world. We live in a world that is full of crime, sadness and hatred. But we also live in a wonderful world full of really good people, and great things. My hope is to find as much good as I can and to spread it to as many people as I can. If a post that I write uplifts just one person today, I am grateful.
2. Share ideas with other moms. I also started blogging as an accountability tool: as a way of journaling and also as a way of keeping creativity in motherhood. I want to be a fun mom and I want to have fun ideas and activities on hand for my children. Hopefully the more I blog, the more I will learn and the more I will experiement with different ideas and projects.
3. Eventually contribute financially to my family’s income. I don’t ever intend to become rich from blogging, but I do hope that it can help provide for some of our needs. My husband is a teacher and I love that he is doing what he loves, but I know that things will continue to be more tight as we raise our family. I hope you are not bothered by the occasional affiliate link or sponsor. I only ever share things that I truly would share with my closest friends and I want you to know that I will never be dishonest with my readers in return for any free item or compensation in any way. If I review a product it is because I truly would recommend it to other moms. Besides, isn’t that the best way to find out about the best products out there? I’d take another mom’s advice over some random commercial any day!
My top priority is my family, but I also care a great deal for my readers. Please feel free to make comments or email at any time and I will do my best to respond promptly.
Dallan says
I like it!!!
Heather says
Hi Kristina. I found your blog thru the All Things Thursday Blog Hop. I am a new follower thru Bloglovin’ and look forward to seeing more from you!
Have a blessed day!
Heather
My-Sweet-Mission.com
Kirtley says
I am obsessed with you! You are so cool!
susankocsis says
Stumbled upon your blog and love it! I invented a product called the Prepster Food Storage and Serving System and would appreciate your feedback and endorsement if you like the idea. It is patent-pending and I am looking to license it to a company that will manufacture and distribute it. My hope is that it helpb families eat better and prepare and eat together. My website is LuckyStarLLC.com but is currently being redone. Thanks for any feedback or ideas! Susan Kocsis
Tina M says
Hi Susan. Just saw your comment! Feel free to email me!
Dagmar says
Hilarious…you crack me up!
jewelscool says
You are super amazing and I love your blog! You are such an awesome mom and best wishes to you and your little girls!
Tina M says
I just love you! Thanks. You are pretty incredible to be starting a blog at such a young age. You go girl!
lorrielou says
Tina, how can I access AMAZON through your blog? I read your add on the fb prep page and would love to support you. 🙂
Emily says
How long does the DIY shave scrub last for?
Katie Clark says
I can’t stand the overachieving toilets – especially when I was pregnant and throwing up anywhere we went. The worst!!
Toni says
Hey Tina,
I came across your post on the coconut oil scrub. I just started using coconut oil as a moisturizing and I’m not sure if it’s contributing to my breakouts- it could just be a coincidence. I got Trader Joe’s organic virgin (cold pressed and unrefined) coconut oil. Not really sure what all that means- but I think it’s good? Do you think adding tea tree oil to the scrub is a good idea? Thanks!
Hannah says
Hi, I know you’ve spoken of religious matters and I just wanted to extend an invitation to you to join a Bible study group I have on facebook!
Melanie says
Hi Tina,
I love your ideas on how to make gifting gift certificates more fun! I wish I was as creative as you! Any ideas on how to gift a voucher for a 7 night resort? It’s for my in laws. Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Melanie
Brandi says
I came across your “5 tips for labor & delivery” on pinterest, which had me laughing and then that led me to your blog which not only had me laughing, but I literally had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. You are seriously my kind of funny and I look forward to reading more. Thanks for the laugh…I needed it.
Rachel says
Hi! I came across your blog from
Pinterest and I saw you have a link for your own hospital gowns when u had your baby. But the link doesn’t work anymore. Could u tell me what website they are from? Thank you!
Della Miller says
Do u have a way I can get your newsletter updates by email I really enjoy your blog
Jessica Carlson says
I stumbled upon your blog through Pinterest. I really liked your article about your husbands cleaning 1-touch rule. It seems brilliant! I was saddened to see you recommend others to purchase e-cloths from Amazon vs. a Norwex rep. I do not sell Norwex, however am in another direct selling company. Others DS reps may be just like you, trying to make a little extra money for their families. I hope that you and others will consider supporting small businesses first vs. Amazon. Also, many items on Amazon may be cheaper, the quality is not the same and for certain items may be expired or old and will not work on the proper manner.
Julie says
Hello, I used your first day of school printable signs for my girls. I was wondering if you also have last day of school signs to match?
Lindsay says
I just asked the same thing!!! 🙂
Lindsay says
Do you have any Last Day Of School Printables to match you cute colored with arrow? I used them for 1st day of school and I loved them!!! :)))) I hope you have them!
Thank you! I love your site!
Lindsay
Lindsay says
Hi! Do you have last day of school signs to match your cute first day of school sign? I love them!!!
Thanks!
Natalie says
Hi Tina!
I can’t tell you how much I LOvE your busy bags!!!! I just found them the other day and family is about to leave on vacation so I’ve been printing and laminating to keep my toddler busy. I really want to print the build a burger but every time I click on the link it takes me to the playdough mats. Was wondering if u still have the printables for the build a burger. I’d love to print them and laminate before I leave. Don’t know if ur able to fix link or if u can email me the printables. Thanks so much! Your stuff is amazing and sooooo cute!!!
Tina M says
https://mothersniche.com/build-burger-busy-bag-printables/
Jill Taylor says
Hello! I just found this blog from a link to your playdough mats on Pinterest and OMG, I literally want to leave work right now to go home and laminate these!!! These are so adorable and will be so awesome for my 2 1/2 year old as he isn’t exactly sure “how” to play with playdough yet. These will be sooo much fun for us! I subscribe to exactly ZERO blogs because seriously I barely have time to read my email these days (4 month old and 2 1/2 year old) but I am subscribing to this one because I definitely want and need more ideas on how to keep my 2 little crazy men busy!! THANK YOU for sharing such wonderful ideas and your creativity for those of us that are good at copying but not good at creating on our own!! xoxo!!
Tina M says
Jill, you are adorable! And so kind! Thanks for making my day!
Shonda N. says
Hi love your post …and used the 1st day of school signs for my daughter’s first day of kindergarten but now she’s going to first and I wanted to keep the same sign. Is there any chance you may update the dates on the signs (2017-2018) Or if you’d share details like font and color so that I may keep the tradition going that would be great too
Zainab says
Hi I really liked your idea of images on felt pls can you help to teach how u are ironing on felt step by step thanks
Lucy says
Dear Kristina,
We would like to work with you.
I would love to hear more details on what the process would be to advertise with you.
Best regards.
Lucy
miri says
Hi,
I dont know other way to contact you. i just want to grab those largr scrabble tiles you show in your busy bag as the link does not work for me. May you help me plz?
Thanks in advance
Robyn Wyllie says
Hi Tina/Kristina,
Is the busy bag and play dough mat package still available to purchase? Thanks!
Robyn
kathieskitchen says
I WAS JUST LOOKING AT THE IRON ON TRANSFERS FOR ONESIES. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE PEARLS. SO, IF I UNDERSTAND IT CORRECTLY, WE PRINT OUT YOUR APPLIQUÉ DESIGN, AND THEN RUN THE IRON ON TRANSFER PAPER THROUGH OUR COMPUTER AND CUT OUT THE APPLIQUÉ DESIGN AND IRON ON IT OUR ONESIE. I’D LOVE TO KNOW IF I UNDERSTAND THIS CORRECTLY. ALSO, IS THERE AN APPLIQUÉ DESIGN OF THE PEARLS FOR SIZE 18 MONTHS ONESIES?
Andrea G Peterson says
I need help, please! Somehow, I didn’t successfully download my purchased products and need to find them — how do I do that?
M Smith says
I need the same help ordered and paid for all the quiet books, busy bags and play dough mats and didn’t get to down load them.
Skye Fowler says
Mine are no longer pulling up either! Please help. I ordered the whole set but only printed a few that we needed at the time. Ready to print more now but don’t know where to find the files. When I click on the download button in original email, I am not directed to the books.
Jenna Karren says
Mine are also not pulling up. It says they never expire. Help please!