This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Living the Dream…
Our days aren’t glamorous – actually, more often than not, they are roll-up-your-sleeves dirty! But we moms are “living the dream!”
After leaving the corporate world, Nina Frye and Cindi Schmitzer discovered first hand that motherhood, with all its joys and thrills, also brings a lot of work and chaos too. But not willing to surrender to the hard moments, Nina and Cindi look at motherhood and smile, realizing that even on the bad days they are truly living the dream!
I love the story behind Nina and Cindi’s company LTDchix, so I asked them a few questions about it all…
Janice: You give a great background story on your site about how LTDchix was born – but could you tell us briefly here how you got the idea to start your company and why you decided to add “mom-entrepreneurs” to your already busy lives?
LTDchix: We were at the shore together, and as we were trying to wrangle all of our kids to go home, they were screaming and fighting, we couldn’t find things, it was just chaos.
Cindi and I looked at each other and asked, “Did you ever dream life would be like this? When we were younger and dreaming how motherhood would be, all this screaming and mass hysteria wasn’t exactly part of it, was it?” We laughed because that’s all you really can do in those situations, but then later, we were talking and said, hey, other mothers must feel the same way we do at times, but you never really hear a lot of talk about the not-so-glamorous aspects of motherhood. So why don’t we take these emotions and try to market them? And that’s how our slightly sarcastic tagline was created — “Living the Dream” — and LTDchix was born.
Janice: What is the most challenging part of being working-moms? How do you balance running your company with being moms?
LTDchix: The most challenging part of being working-moms is trying to balance work and the kids’ schedules. The kids come first, and LTDchix gets worked in where it can. Cindi has 3 kids in school full time and one in preschool, half day — so her schedule is tight. She still manages to do a great job with all the accounting and inventory aspects of LTDchix. With all three of my kids in school full time, I’m able to handle our sales and marketing during the day. We try to work during school hours because as soon as the kids get home, we’re off and running to all their activities. It’s definitely a challenge for us, but we believe in our company and believe it’s worth the effort. And when we hear our kids talking about our business with so much pride — who could ask for more?
Janice: Can you tell us a bit about your “Living the Dream” t-shirts. The designs are so fabulous and fun – who designed them? Where can moms buy them?
LTDchix: From the very beginning, Cindi and I knew exactly what we wanted our signature “Living the Dream” Mom to look like — completely frazzled but with a huge smile on her face. To create the t-shirt designs, we brainstorm about scenarios we and all moms find ourselves in every day — grocery shopping, carpooling, doing laundry, refereeing the siblings. We work with an illustrator, Steven Anderson, who is a stay-at-home dad, ironically. Our goal is to make sure the “Living the Dream” Mom is able to find humor amidst the chaos of everyday life. Like Cindi always says, you either have to laugh at life or bang your head into the wall, and laughing is much less painful. We try to introduce at least two new designs twice a year — each spring and fall. You can check out all our t-shirt designs at www.ltdchix.com and shop online or at the stores listed on our site.
Janice: Thanks so much for chatting with us today – and for being a part of our July 4th Giveaway!
LTDchix: Thanks so much for the opportunity! LTDchix is here to make moms giggle a little and realize that while we love being moms, sometimes our days can be crazy. Laughter is the only option! And we love to hear from other moms — so we invite everyone to share your thoughts with us throughout the ltdchix.com website. Thanks again!
Two of you moms are going to get a “Living the Dream” t-shirt of your choice – so make sure you leave your comment here at this post to enter…
We will be drawing the winner on July 4th. All the instructions are in our July 4th Giveaway sticky post (including the code to put our July 4th Giveaway button on your site.)
Here is the quick version:
- Leave a comment on this post to be entered.
- Post a link to this contest and/or link and post a button to our July 4th Giveaway post. (If you post the button and link to the July 4th Giveaway, you are qualified to enter in all the upcoming July 4th Giveaway contests. And we have many more contests to come!) Non-bloggers are welcome too – we understand you can’t link – but feel free to pass the word on to your friends.
Canadians are welcome to enter too!!! 🙂
Good luck! (And remember we still have more contests coming…)
lori says
Blessed to be living the dream!
Daisy Brammer says
I am SO living the SAHM dream! Been there, done that, NEED the shirt!
April says
I just watched the latest episode of J&K+8 & had to google the shirt she was wearing! LOVE IT!
Diana says
Cute shirts! I could use one.
Nancy the Romancechick says
These shirts are so cute! I’d love some!
Pamela Hansen says
i need tshirts
Chas Childress says
You never have enough chic t-shirts.
JONI CHADWELL says
Too Cute!
Cherie J says
Please enter me. Thank you!
Krisha Goodney says
I love them!
Angel Mama ( Pearls of Wisdom) says
Wonderful prize.
Smiles and Blessings,
Angel Mama ():)
sandalwoodhill says
I’ll take a green ,”cleaning one,”thank you!
Shelly says
Cool shirts!
Myrna says
Please enter me!
Caryn says
What a fun shirt. Count me in!
Julie Hedden says
How hilarious! Cute shirts.
Michelle says
These shirts are cute!
Jeanine Joyner says
I LOVE these shirts! What a perfect answer to those who see me with my 4 kids and scowl…”You sure have your hands full.”
Laura Emerson says
These shirts say it all! I feel like I am living my dream with having a wonderful husband, two daughters I adore, a military career and my own business!
Kristin says
I’m living the dream and would love a shirt that proclaims it!
Carla says
count me in on this one 🙂 I LOVE those designs!
Stephanie says
I’m lovin’ these shirts!
doverdi says
Great designs. Thanks for a chance to win.
aggiejenn says
Cute shirts!!
Heather says
enter me to win~! these shirts rock! the beach one would be perfect for this cali mom.
erynne says
yes, please! count me in 🙂
Michelle W. says
Cute! Count me in!
Lisa J says
I can SO relate to the shirts! I must have one and if I don’t win, I might head over and buy one.
Mommy Dearest says
How fun – thanks for the contests!
Heather says
What unique shirts!
tracy says
Great shirts!
michelle b says
Please enter me in this contest.
Michelle says
These look so cute! Please enter me! 😀
Heidi Jo says
win or not, i might just have to order one of these!
CoachJ says
I love their idea of how the mom looks frazzled, but she still has a smile. So true!! Enter me!
Holly says
very cool!
jacobr says
i’m LIVING THE DREAM!
Kristine says
Cute! Please include me in the contest!
Chrissy says
Count me in!!!
Haley says
These are awesome! Count me in!
Lucy says
Count me in as well!
Dana says
Count me in!
April says
Cute! Except I would need one that shows a bunch of kids hanging off of all limbs and shirt tails of the mom. Then I will really be living my dream when I have all those kids. I was the one kid in Kindergarten that when asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I said, “A mommy, a stay at home mommy!” Now I’ve started that dream with my one child. Time for many, many more!
Michelle says
Too cute!!
Moving Mama says
Some days I have so little sleep, I feel like I’m living in a dream 🙂
Julie says
Those are hilarious. Those are my life. Yes, my life is hilarious.
ann says
what a great shirt!!!
chasity mckenzie says
i did not dream motherhood would be so chaotic either especially having 4 kids in the home but i would not trade a minute of it !!! your shirts are so creative please sign me up thanks
MomOf3 says
These are very neat!
Brittany says
Great designs! Very mommalicious!
PEA says
Love those tshirts!! Please add my name to the draw:-)
Cindy B says
I love the design you choose for the t-shirts.
COUNT ME IN!!!
KS says
Great shirts. Thanks for a chance.
KS
http://www.findcooltoys.com/
Dayngr says
WOW, sounds like my life. Count me in.
Jill says
love the shirt!
Chyrll says
Please enter me as well.
Elizabeth says
I just saw these for the first time the other day…sign me up please! 😀
Heather says
Cute, cute, cute! Count me in!
Carol says
Enter me.
Carol
Tanya M. says
Too funny! Count me in!
kindredheart says
Enter me, please! Thanks!
Chrissie says
LOVING ‘EM!!
Amy W says
Cute!
Andi says
I love these! Exactly how I feel!
onemotherslove says
How fun!
Becky says
So cute!
Michelle in MX says
the shirts are awsome! Please enter me in the drawing!
Tina Smith says
Please enter me. These T-shirts are really cute! Thank you.
Rennagayle says
Ooh, I want that shirt! 🙂
Fuzzy says
So cute. Please enter me.
sandra says
LOVE IT!!
SingForHim94 says
Cute! Cute! Enter me!
Blur Mommy says
Please enter me! : )
Tammy says
Love t-shirts! Count me in!
Christine M Bierma says
I want one!
Elizabeth says
Love the T-shirts! Enter me please.
Crafty says
These T-Shirts are great. Who can’t use a new T-shirt and get a bonus one to share with a close friend.
Great contest.
Amanda says
These shirts are too cool!
Michele says
Oh these are neat! Count me in!
Sally says
I love it…that is totally me!!
Mamalee says
Please enter me! Thanks!
Beth says
I love shirts with sayings !!
Nikki says
Please enter me.
Nikki
kailani says
That is so me! hee hee
NAdine says
I would love the wear these t-shirts they are super!!! count me in please, good weekend!!
katy says
Great shirts….hope i win. 😉
Adrienne says
These t’shirts are so cute. Enter me please.
Heather says
Cute, cute, cute!! Count me in!
Amy Grant says
Please enter my name!
Marsha says
Thanks for the opportunity to win one of these neat T shirts!
callie says
It truly is a dream. Every Mother that ever was or is needs one of these. Please enter me in the contest.
Peggy says
Count me in!! My web site is http://www.homesteadblogger.com/americandream ! How weird is that! It would be so cool to have the T shirt!
Kim J says
The T-shirt logos look great and my children will help them blend in with the rest of my wardrobe as they rub their tiny little fingers that are smeared with the latest food or grub they have decided to explore onto them. 🙂 Sign me up please.
Mylinda says
Could always use new shirts, esp. of the mom variety!
DT says
Count me in!
Nancy King says
Love the t-shirts….hope they come in plus sizes too~
TK says
Yes!
LoriB says
Cool. They look like cute t-shirts. I could always use a new tshirt. Sign me up.
Susan says
These are great..count me in!
InsaneMom2Four says
What an awesome business!! Love it.
April says
These are adorable. Please count me in!
Cheri says
These Tshirts are just a hoot and a half! I’d love to have one!
EmilyRoper says
THESE ARE SO CUTE!!!
Julie says
This would be perfect for me. Count me in too!
Artpuppy says
Cute!
Count me in! 😀
Val says
neat!
Amy says
Please sign me up! Way too cute!
Christa says
Too Cute!!! These shirts are so fun!!
Teresa says
Love these t-shirts! Not only are they funny, they are cute too! Count me in! Thanks!
Rebecca says
How cute! Count me in!
Sheri says
What cute shirts!
Vicky says
So cool! Would love to have one!
Sandra says
I’m in!
Amy says
These shirts are so funny… and so true! Please enter me to win one!
Marianna Ballard says
Living the “mom” dream! Love it!
chickadee says
cute shirts!
Jaxim says
count me in
Linsey Knerl says
I love the shopping t! Thanks so much!
Karla Meachem (Empowering Christian Women) says
Love these shirts!
Best thing that ever happened to me has been having my kids! 🙂 Two wonderful miracles in my life!
Please enter me!
charmed says
These are so cute! I would love to be entered!
Lisa says
Count me in. These are so cute!
Sandi says
Hilarious. I’d love one.
Mommy Brain says
Thanks for bringing these cute shirts to my attention. I would love to win one.
Patricia says
Love these. Please enter my name.
Amanda says
wow, I love these. they are cute
Brystal says
Funny and true! I love these!
Deborah says
Really great – catches your eye! Count me in!!!
Vicki Chrzanowski says
What great colors and cute t-shirts please enter me!!
Jessica Tan says
Pick me!
Bethany says
Fun! Please enter me!
Jessica Saunders says
Yes, I am living the dream of being a mom!
ginny says
What fun shirts!
Trish says
Sign me up!
Kari says
YEAH, love these shirts…please add me in!! 😀
Karen says
Sign me up! These are tooo cute!
Heather says
Sign me up for the contest!
Amy K says
Love these cute shirts!
Monica Salinas says
I love the idea of the shirts they are so cute!!!
Melonie (Momma n More) says
Too perfect! Please enter me for the t-shirt drawing!
Dee says
I’m definitely living my dream. Count me in.
Sharon says
These are cute. 🙂
PLease count me in.
Kris says
Cool! So if I’m a grandma raising her grands, does that mean I’m reliving the dream? LOL
NDFosterMom says
I’m livin’ the dream!
NDFosterMom says
Wow! I’m In!
Stacey says
Thanks for a fun contest!
michelle says
Gotta love them! Count me in!
Steph in TX says
The drawings crack me up, please enter me!
stephanie says
love the laundry shirt…
Tina says
Love em. count me in.
Beth says
cute t’s! I want one too!!!
feener says
i WANT one !!
Candace Jeancake says
i want in!
Kathy Hills says
Cute shirt…add me in the contest.
Beverly Smith says
Love. Them. Please sign me up!
Susan S. says
Wonderful! Count me in!
Crissi says
i want one too!!! 🙂 count me in
Jeannie says
Cute shirts!!! – MY LIFE
Mimomma says
That fuschia is great – count me in!
LivingforGod says
Please enter me in this contest. Thanks!
Jenn in AZ says
Hi, my email isn’t showing on my previous entry, so consider this “the one”. hometeachinatcox.net (replace “at” with @)
Thanks! Jenn
Terri says
Thanks
YoungMommy says
Fun stuff… I’m in!
Michelle says
These are cute T’s! I like the colors and the pics are fun, too.
bebemiqui says
count me in!
jessica says
These are so cute! I am definitely a referee these days! Sign me up!
Jackie says
sign me up please!
Jackie F says
I so feel like this everyday. What a great idea!
blondeblogger says
Sign me up, please. Thank you! 🙂
Kris says
I would love to wear one of these – please enter me!
VAIL says
So cute! Enter me please!
angel says
Count me in 🙂
Krissy says
Those are fantastic. I would be PROUD to wear one!!
qtpies7 says
I love those! Very funky!
I’d like to be entered.
linsey says
OMG I soooooooooo want one of these!!!!!!!!! 🙂
JennaG says
Love these.
devildogwife says
How fun! Sign me up!
Amanda says
O wow what really true t- shirts
Jill H. says
adorable!
Angela says
What creative ladies! Very cute shirts. Please sign me up!
Janne says
Cute!
Susan says
luv it! count me in!
Holly says
Ah, yes, I think they’ve hit the nail on the head. Count me in!
Linda says
I would love to win!
Laura says
Awesome idea ladies!! I love the T-shirts!
Briana says
Those are really cute. I am one more of the “Hold it where am I going in this minivan!?! … and who are all those screaming midgets in the back?!?” moms. 🙂
Hounie's Haven says
These shirts are too cute!
Cammie says
Cute! Enter me please.
stacy says
Enter me!
who would have thought 3 years ago that I would be a minivan mom!
Tamara says
I think the laundry one is my favorite.
Ashley-Closely Spaced Pregnancies says
Those look great. I’m in!
Ashley Nichole Navarre says
T-shirt junkie here! Maybe wearing one of these would help me remember to smile like the mom on front during those moments when my “dream” becomes a little blurry.
Cath says
Too many of the shirts look my life! Please include me in the drawing.
Just Little ole me says
Thats the way I roll….living the dream!
Karen (mommy of three) says
Very cute!!! Count me in!!!
Debbie in NNY says
Very cute shirts! Count me in!
Thanks!
Angela at mommy bytes says
I love the shrits! Thanks for sponsoring this contest.
Gretchen says
How cute are those? Humor is an essential medication in life. Throw me in for one of those, please!
Thanks!
Nicole/wksocmom says
Ooh, sign me up, I love those shirts.
Stacey says
I love then! I hope that I am one of the lucky winners
Carmen says
So cute! Sign me up!
Perky says
They’re adorable! I’d love one!
oh amanda says
So hilarious! I love it!
Montserrat says
Motherhood is definitely my dream come true. What Cindi says about laughing is so true. In fact the tagline I have after all my e-mails is this quote (one of my favorites): “When you go through life you either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” ~Marjorie Pay Hinckley~
April says
How cute! I would love one!!
Girl Gone Wild says
Those are great! I hadn’t heard of these ladies until this post…what a great way of turning humorous reality into some extra cash!
Faerylandmom says
These are adorable! I definately need one…
Kristen says
I’m sure I’m living someone’s dream, I just don’t know whose! Sign me up for a shirt.
Candace Escobar says
The shopping one is so me! I have an infant, toddler and a pre-schooler :). That’s about what I look like when I take them all out.
Sarah S. says
I’m livin’ the dream! and would love the t-shirt to prove it! 🙂
Wendy says
Great shirts! I would def. love one of those!
Natalie says
Love them!
Erin says
I always need shirts and these send a message! Too Cute!
Katie - bimw says
Cute Shirts! Sign me up please!
Heather says
I always need new t-shirts. These are just the ones I want!
Michele says
I’m a t-shirt and jeans girl…these are so cute!
MorningSong says
So love this!!! Definitely living the dream over here! :}
Kim says
Oops.. forgot to type the last of my URL… well, that would make a good t-shirt… a blogging mom banging her head on the computer desk, and laughing!
Kim says
It is living a dream to be able to stay home with my kids. What a great t-shirt line… funny AND true…
Blessings…
Dori says
I AM living the dream and desperately need the shirt to prove it! 🙂
Jill says
These are great shirts. I may have to get some even if I don’t win.
Lindsay says
Can you really ever have enough t-shirts? Count me in!
Laura says
Super cute shirts!
Sarah says
How fun! Count me in!
bree says
Very cute shirts! clever!
ELLIE says
FABULOUS shirt……love it…..would love to win it!!!
Mikki says
What a great idea!! I’m in. Love the shirts!
April says
count me in!
tnchick says
Cute shirt! I’m in here, too.
Jodi says
I’m in!
mama k says
Oh my. I need that beach cart one. Too funny!
Andrea says
Sure! They are such fun t-shirts!
Jill says
Those are too cute!
Vicki says
Fantastic shirts! Off to check out their website!
Mom Tu-Tu says
Sign me up! These are great shirts!
Lauren says
I love the shirts- especially the laundry and vacuum designs! Except the vacuum one needs a toddler hanging off of it to make it a true representation of my life.
Heidi says
What cute shirts!
We all need one~ too bad only two can win!
Andie says
I love these T-shirts…living the dream, how appropriate! Life is crazy, but wonderful!
Blessings-Andie
Karmyn R says
These are fun! – I don’t know if they are really about my “dream” but they are too true! Enter me please!
Cole's Mama says
These are great! I think for most of us moms this is our dream, even if it’s messy and exhausting and we don’t get out of our pajamas all day. Sign me up!
Kansas A says
Gee sometimes it feels like a nightmare 🙂 But I have three of the best kids!
Amy Pytlik says
How cute!
Tessa says
Very cute, I would definately wear these. I just LOVE contests.
Kim says
That is my life… Kim
Raising Daughters says
How fun!
Jennifer Carter says
How adorable!
Dawn says
I love these shirts!
Jenn K says
Awesome.. these shirts are great! pick me…lol
Jana (sidetrack'd) says
These shirts are great! Add me to the drawing, please.
Trista says
PICK ME!!!!!! Those are DARLING!!!!!
utmommy says
I’d take one!
Michelle says
It is hard to pick which one is my favourite, they are just all so cute. I would love to be entered to win one of these.
stacey says
how perfect!!
Ginny says
Love these, too cute! Enter me in that is for sure!
Kimberly Moeller says
Count me in….those are so cute!
Donna says
I sure am living the dream! Enter me please.
Mrs. H says
too cute!
Jennifer says
oh, I HAVE to get one of those!!
Sara says
What great T’s! Count me in!
(the other) Dawn says
Woohoo – another contest! love me some contests!
Anna says
too cute! Count me in!
Tonya Purdy says
Too cute! Count me in!!
Tonya
Renee says
Cute shirts! Enter me
leah belle says
Fun shirt. Enter me.
Beth/Mom2TwoVikings says
Count me in – I’m all for humor in dealing with the day-to-day chaos! LOL
dawn says
Love t-shirts! Count me in.
Overwhelmed! says
Yep, livin’ the dream here too. I love the story behind this company. Thanks for sharing that. Please enter me in this drawing and I’ll go check out their website. 🙂
I’ve posted about your July 4th giveaway right here.
Laura says
Yes please!!
bee says
Love ’em!
Anne says
I love it! Count me in!
Amy says
I would love to add to my t-shirt collection! I’m in.
Crissybug says
Those are the coolest designs. Too many of those scenerios are my life! Love it!
emily says
Those are adorable. I’d love to win one. 🙂
T with Honey says
Laundry Mom… yeah, that was me last night.
Adventures In Babywearing says
Oh HOW fun!!!! I’d love it!
Steph
Lara says
i would love this shirt. and I have no clothes that fit! 😉
Lynn says
I’m Living The Dream!
Kara says
Those are fun t-shirts 😀
Meagan says
Oh my goodness these are so great! I love them all! I hope I win! I’ll wear my shirt with pride! lol
Heather (Heather's reality show) says
very cute
Elizabeth Silence says
Count me in please!
Lauren says
Count me in!
Mama Zen says
What cute shirts!
Maureen says
I love that there is a hockey stick on the shirt. Looks like my life.
Hilary says
I would love to win this shirt!! They are great!!
Wendy says
Very cute! Please count me in.
Liz says
How cute! I already linked to your contest and included the button as well. Please enter me in this contest, the vacuuming shirt is hysterical. Growing up we always said my Mom would have the following on her tombstone: “She lived, she breathed, she vacuumed.” She’d get such a kick out of this shirt.
Chrissy says
This is awesome! I’m almost living the dream… if only my hubby were home with us, then it would be THE DREAM! 🙂
Monkey Giggles says
I have never seen these t-shirts before. Very cute. COunt me in
The Wooden Porch says
I’m totally living the dream, even though I haven’t showered in two days, I had to clean up puke at midnight last night (it was red from her eating red velvet cake–but I didn’t remember that until after I freaked out thinking she was throwing up blood), and the one year old woke up two hours early this morning. Right now I can’t decide if I should shower or go back to bed. So I’m blogging. Sometimes my dream isn’t too glamorous, but it can be fun. 🙂
Kristi says
definately livin the dream! would love this!
Ruth :) says
ABSOLUTELY living the dream here!!!! What a incredibly fun idea!!!! Sign us up!!
Fiddledeedee (It Coulda' Been Worse) says
Enter me! Enter me! I love the idea behind those t-shirts. And what about an illustration for us homeschool moms????
Sarah says
How cute! Enter me!
Sarah, TN
Pam says
Too cute for words. Count me in.
CPA Mom and Soccer Mom Angela says
Perfect! I’m a t-shirt o’holic.
Zukppr says
Cute shirts 🙂
Kari says
Love these shirts!
Jeanine Baechtold says
Oh love these shirts!! Thanks for the contest!! 🙂
Diane says
Cool shirts, count me in!
Gretchen says
count me in!!
Lex says
What cute shirts. 🙂
stephanie says
Yes!
ChupieandJsmama says
Very cute! Count me in 🙂
Lisa says
Great shirts — would love to have one!
TCC says
They are very cute – and real. Amidst the certain ups and downs of mommyhood, at the end of the day I cannot help but smile.
Amberly says
Too cute!
Lu says
Cool beans! Count me in! Do they have maternity shirts?!
Shelly says
What cool t-shirts!
Vicki says
Oooooh….count me in!
PEA says
Please add my name to your drawing…those t-shirts are just too cool!!!
Melanie says
I love ’em! Count me in.
Quinn says
they are so true to my life! Count me in.
tanyetta says
YES! THANK YOU 🙂
Beth says
Need new shirts-enter me in!
Jenn in AZ says
Bwaahhh ha ha ha ha!!! I LOVE these shirts and designs!!! Please, enter me into this drawing. I could get these for so many of my friends.
Thanks!
Valerie says
I’m living the dream! Would love this shirt! And we get to choose the color! Wonderful! I’d wear the grocery cart one to the store everytime!
God Bless,
Valerie