September IT Mom Spotlight: Jasmine of So You Think You Can Mom?

One of my favorite parts of blogging is meeting amazing bloggers. One of my favorite Mom bloggers is Jasmine of So You Think You Can Mom? She is extremely dedicated to her family and her three children definitely come first. Our daughters are the same age and they both entered Kindergarten this year. What a wonderful but scary milestone for us!! She’s been caring, supportive and I’m thrilled that we’re getting to know each other online and IRL! Her blog is a fun resource for moms looking for birthday party tips or the perfect hotels for Southern California families!

Meet Jasmine: Hi there! I am a devoted wife and dedicated mother to 3 insanely active children. After a decade in the Mortgage Industry, I have focused all of my efforts to providing a happy home for my family. I am always on the go and looking for new and exciting ways to entertain and educate my kids.

I run on coffee & chocolate, I travel, I love gadgets, I live in a gamer’s wonderland, I’m a Toys R Us kid and my second home is in Disneyland!

Any free time I get around here is spent planning something…anything! I am ALWAYS planning! Give me a theme and I will throw a party!!!

Q&A: How did your blog www.soyouthinkyoucanmom.com begin? When did you start blogging?

I started blogging just after my 3rd child was born. My friends and other Moms would always ask me “where I found all the different places we would visit with our kids”, they asked about party info and family friendly hotels so I decided to start the blog for the sole purpose of putting all of my findings in one general place. I never imagined it would be the site it is today.

What tips do you have for other Moms who are starting a blog?

Take baby steps and keep it fun! try not to stress over it or seek perfection. be yourself and let your personality come out through your words. remember that you’re doing it for you and enjoy every post. don’t make it a chore or take on more than you have time for.

How do you balance blogging with family/life/challenges?

That’s a great question! I have always said that I am a Mom first and a Blogger second. I don’t attend every event or accept every writing assignment because my home life comes first. I am an active member of the PTA at my Elementary School so that means spending a lot of time with Kindergarteners and 2nd graders. I love that. I enjoy being a part of my children’s education and being available for them at home and at school. It’s my priority. I also have a 3 year old at home so I have to make sure he doesn’t feel left out. I write when I make time for it. When it doesn’t conflict with my daily routine.)

Do you have a favorite budget travel destination?

Yes! We love San Diego! There are so many different activities for children of all ages in the San Diego area that don’t cost an arm and a leg. San Diego is great any time of the year because it offers both indoor and outdoor activities. There are numerous museums, parks, aquariums, water activities, tours and so much more. I can think of at least a dozen hotels that are family friendly and accommodate any budget.)

What tips do you have for throwing a terrific kids party?

Parties are my specialty! I love a good theme! When we only had our oldest son, we spent a lot more on his parties, but with 3 young children, I have learned how to get the most bang for my buck. You have to let your creative juices flow. Even if you think you are not crafty or creative, if you just give it a try you will surprise yourself. I love DIY projects especially for parties. I make a lot of the decor myself. I make all of the snacks myself. Keep the food simple. I usually order sandwich and appetizer platters, make hot dogs, a condiment tray, veggie tray, fruit tray, etc. I design my own cakes and have my local bakery make it. I always buy my own cake toppers because that makes the cake a lot less expensive then when the bakery provides the toppers. Don’t forget about your local grocery store! I have been getting my cakes from Albertson’s for over 8 years now and I always get exactly what I ask for. They can do 2 tier cakes, 3 tier cakes, square cakes, circle cakes and cupcake cakes!

What do you do for some “me” time?

“Me” time? what is that? lol! I don’t have any “me” time. This may shock some folks, but I do my own pedicures and dye my gray hairs at home. Gasp! I know! I just don’t have that kind of free time. When the kids are asleep, I take care of me. I love to browse through magazines for home improvement ideas. If I do get a moment of peace all I want to do is sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee and find new projects to take on. I love painting, crafting, organizing, rearranging, etc. Yes, I am insane!