Out Of The Closet - 90s Special Occasion Dresses Edition

I guess it's a part of growing up-your parents get tired of being your free storage unit. My mom has been giving back or throwing out things left and right. My childhood books, papers from school and odds and ends made at summer camp have made their way back to my house or into the trash.
My mom called me a few weeks ago and said she was going to donate my old dresses to Goodwill unless I wanted them. The crafter in me couldn't stand the thought of all of those fabulous dresses going away. Maybe I could make them into something? The next time I saw my mom I walked away with a giant bag of dresses and had a serious walk down memory lane.

Eat Your Veggies!

Do your children eat their veggies? I know it's something many parents struggle with on a daily basis. I also know the chicken nugget industry is thriving!
Sarah Matheny, author of “Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole Family Will Love,” has the following tips to help your little one learn to love their veggies:

• Take your kids shopping.  Familiarize your kiddos with the produce section and let them choose a veggie themselves based solely on what they think looks fun, but only if they promise to eat some.  You may be surprised when they load asparagus or parsnips in the cart, but knowing that they got to pick it will make them excited to have some on their plate.
• Warm ‘em up or cool ‘em down.  While your children may not like raw broccoli, they may enjoy it lightly steamed.  Roasted carrots may be too squishy, but they may love crunching into a raw baby carrot.  Try new ways of preparation before writing off a veggie completely.
• Keep their favorites on the side.  At our house, we keep the fruit and yogurt off the table until we’ve eaten a fair amount of our veggies.  This way they have a little incentive to graduate to their next course without feeling like we are bribing them with dessert.
• Let them Build-Their-Own.  We find a way to get the kids involved in making almost every meal, and give them a variety of veggies to add to their creation.  I arrange small bowls of veggies all over the counter so the kids can make their own salad bowls, pasta bowls, rice bowls and wraps.  It’s amazing what they’ll try when they get to add it themselves!
• Get them sauced.  Find a healthy sauce you approve of and that your kids enjoy and let them use it liberally.  Dip, drizzle and mix it in and your kids will be eating veggies you never dreamed of.

Wordless Wednesday

In the spirit of Christmas in July-and while trying to think cool thoughts in this heat wave-I decided to share one of my favorite pictures of the tree from last year.

Back To School Shopping With #BagItForward

I loved going back to school shopping as a child. I still have fond memories of picking out just the right Trapper Keeper for the coming school year with my mother. Perhaps that's why I've always kept up the habit, even when there's no one going back to school!
This is absolutely how I feel shopping for school supplies:

My sister is an elementary school teacher and I try to buy school supplies each year for her students. This year it was even more important to help out as several of the children at her school lost their homes during the tornadoes that hit North Carolina in April.
I called my sister before I went to Walmart to get some ideas about what I should buy. She was really excited about the donations, but perhaps a little upset that she was being forced to think about school with just three short weeks left before her summer vacation ended!

Glue sticks were at the top of her list. She said every classroom would have Elmer's Glue Sticks on their requested supply list. At only $.40 for two I picked up several packs. (We needed glue sticks, too!) I just love that these sticks go on purple and dry clear. It makes them so easy to use.

Feelin' Hot Hot Hot!

I actually feel kind of bad for anyone following me on Twitter. They've had to put up with over a month of tweets about my air conditioning woes...
It all started last month when I woke up thinking it was really hot. I went to check the thermostat and something was definitely wrong. I had it set for 72 and it was 75 degrees. I called my dad who asked me to check a few things. Nothing I tried worked so he promised to come check it out the next day. I should say now my dad is pretty awesome when it comes to fixing things. He's an engineer, a contractor and also has his plumbing, mechanical and electric licenses. He can pretty much take care of anything around the house that goes wrong. There is one catch-he's super busy. So getting him to fix things means it's going to take a while. I'm ok with that-his rates (free) are just the right price!
Dad checks out the system and realizes he needs his diagnostic tools to trace the problem and promises to come back. A week later he is able to come back and he figures out the problem-I need a new capacitor. It's actually too late to pick one up-you have to go to a mechanical supply house, so he teaches me how to change one and sets it up so that I can pick one up the next day. I pick up the part and put it in myself-super easy. The air is working, it only cost me $13 for the part and all is well! (I should say my downstairs air was working the entire time so it wasn't quite as bad as it could have been that week. If I had no air at all my dad would have had it fixed within 24 hours. With one working floor I was more than happy to be patient and wait until he could easily get to me.)

Wordless Wednesday



Winnie The Pooh toast, anyone?

Getting Ready For Back To School

Where has the summer gone? It seems like it started just yesterday and it's already time to start thinking about going back to school. August will be here before you know it so plan ahead to make the transition easier.
1. Adjust schedules early. Everyone loves staying up late and sleeping in, but when school is just a few weeks away it's time to start adjusting everyone's sleep schedules so that it's not such a jolt to the body.
2. Shop for supplies early. I know school supply lists aren't availble until a week or two before school in most cases, but that doesn't mean you can't start picking up things now when you find a great deal. You should have a good idea based on the ages of your children what things they will need like folders, pencils, etc. that can be purchased ahead of time. (I will actually buy school supplies for the following year once schools are back in session and everything is on clearance. That allows me to stock up for donations!)
3. Start everything with a positive attitude. I always thought of each year back to school as a clean slate, a time to do my best and have a great year. Encourage your children to look forward to school as a new adventure and not as something to dread. That will help set the tone for a successful new school year!

Blogging for Dummies

My blog, for better or for worse, is 100% me. I dream of one day having a professional design everything for me, make it pretty, make it...professional. That's the dream, in reality I've done all of the designing of my blog myself.
It's been a lot of trial and error, with a copious amount of Googling, to add the elements I wanted and make things work the way the way I needed for them to work. It's time for me to do a little paying it back to those who've helped me along the way.

One of my earliest challenges was figuring out how to make a button for my blog.  Oikology 101 came to my rescue with an easy tutorial on making your own button with a "grab box" below it. I've edited my button about 10 times since I made the first one, and it's super easy to just go to to the html widget and change my old picture links to the new one.

Fun With Flavors

You might remember my love of my SodaStream in the June Edition of Things I Love. I'm still in love my my machine and I have had a blast making liter after litter of soda using it. As a matter of fact, I've used my machine so many times I have already had to get my first refill for the CO cartridge.
Getting a refill cartridge couldn't be easier-I just took my empty cartridge into my local Bed, Bath & Beyond and picked up a new one. The regular price was only $14.99 and with my $5 off $15 coupon it was just a little over $10 with tax. Each cartridge should last for about 60 liters.  I also love the fact that when you do this the cartridges get recycled.

I bought every single flavor of SodaStream syrup that I thought sounded good when I was purchasing my supplies. I was happy with all but one-Diet Pink Grapefruit. I hate waste and was bummed that I didn't like it. Then inspiration took-would I like it better if it was mixed with something else? I mixed the pink grapefruit with lemon-lime. Success! Half and half pink grapefruit and lemon-lime is delicious. Maybe even my favorite flavor of all I have tried.

Getting It Together When You're Always On The Go

I think almost everyone I know wishes there were more hours in the day. We're always running around with our minds racing, a million or more things to do. How can you make your life a little easier while you're on the go?
1. Plan ahead. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow before you go to bed. If you have your bags packed and lunch ready you'll save time in the morning instead of rushing at the last minute.
2. Don't procrastinate. I confess, I'm pretty guilty of this one. I will put things off and make myself rush at the last minute to get what I need done. Things are always easier to do when the clock isn't ticking loudly over your shoulder!
3. Go against the flow. Things always take longer when you do them in crowds. I try to travel in the off season, shop when the stores are empty. It takes so much less time and doesn't cause nearly as much stress as shopping at peak times or going to crowded locations!
4. Expect the unexpected. I love keeping my house full of things I might need later like cold medicine, toiletries, a stocked pantry, etc. Then I don't have to rush out at the last minute to pick things up as I need them.
5. Make lists. I swear by them. I make a list when I'm packing for a trip, I make a list when I'm working on a project, I make a list before I go to the store. Lists are the ultimate time saver. (And nothing is quite as satisfying as marking something off your list once it's done!)
6. Use technology to your advantage. I have saved tons of time and energy looking up directions on my phone or searching the web for an answer instead of running around on a wild goose chase. Search before you go!
7. Don't forget to be flexible. They say the only thing constant is change. And it's really so true. I have seen so many people waste both time and energy worrying when things go wrong instead of just rolling with the punches. Be prepared to adapt and things will be so much less stressful!
8. Take good care of yourself. I see so many people take such good care of others that they forget to take care of themselves. If you're running around all day with errands and car pools you're neglecting yourself. So don't feel guilty taking a little time out for a coffee or a pedicure. You'll be better for it.
9. Don't rush. All this talk about running around and I forgot to mention the speed limit. Don't go to fast of you're likely to miss something. Take your time, prioritize and don't forget to stop and smell the roses. You'll be more productive if you actually slow down and do it right the first time.
10. Don't forget to ask for help. You have someone there that is going to be happy to help you out if you would only ask. So when things seem a little too crazy, don't forget to ask for help. The worst they can do is say no!

Click to save $1.50 on a 4 pack today!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seattle’s Best Coffee blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Wordless Wednesday

My first attempt at felted wool dryer balls. These are about halfway done...

Let's Visit Virginia Beach!

Have you ever been to Virginia Beach? I was lucky enough to go with my family many years ago. (My Stepmom lived there with my Stepbrother and Stepsister before she married my Dad.) It's an awesome place and I'm sure you'll have blast when you visit. I enjoyed our family trip to Virginia Beach several years ago and hop to go back soon.  If you are planning a trip to Virginia Beach, here are some things to check out while you're there:

1. Visit the parks: Virginia Beach has over 4,000 acres of parks and open spaces for you and the family to explore and enjoy.
2. Go on an adventure: While  at Virginia Beach you can parasail, visit pirates, or search for dolphins-all while in the great outdoors.
3. Have a great dinner: In Virginia Beach you'll have access to seafood caught just that morning and served up to you fresh that night. Take some time and figure out which restaurant if your favorite.
4. Listen to some tunes: Virginia Beach is home to multiple concert series Symphony By The Sea and FunkFest.
5. Indulge in some retail therapy: While in Virginia Beach you'll find multiple malls and shopping districts to fulfill your every shopping desire.
6. Brush up on your history: You can visit the Cape Henry Lighthouses, the Atlantic Wildlife Heritage Museum and more during your trip to Virginia Beach.
7. Tee up: There are over 198 holes of golf in Virginia Beach. Take the time to find out which course is your favorite.
8. Go fishing: You can catch your own dinner with multiple fishing tours and areas in Virginia Beach. Fishing guides are available online so you can find out and book more information before your trip.
9. Learn about fish: Instead of catching fish you can also learn all about them at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.  A must stop place to visit on any ocean vacation, the Virginia Aquarium will give you a chance to visit some amazing sea life up close and personal. Don't forget to enjoy the touch tank-always a favorite with children of all ages.
10. Go to the BEACH: After all, you are in Virginia Beach. You don't want to miss their number one attraction-the beautiful coastline. Build a sandcastle, splash in the saves, soak up some sun. It's all waiting for you on beautiful Virginia Beach.

If you're ready to plan your next vacation, head over to the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau to start planning.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Things I Love-July Edition

At the risk of falling into a rut, this month I'm going to include the Babycakes Whoopie Pie Maker on my Things I Love list. I featured the Cake Pops Maker in last month's list, and when I saw the Whoopie Pie Maker in Kohls I decided to jump on it. Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies have already made their way to a family party. (And despite a table full of desserts they all disappeared!)

I've always loved popcorn, but microwave popcorn has never done it for me. That's why I love my Kalorik Popcorn Maker. It's the perfect size for making a small amount of popcorn. Best of all you can use real butter. Real butter is the only way to go when you're making popcorn at home. Since you're making it yourself and adding your own butter and salt it's so much healthier than anything you're going to find pre-packaged. I was sad to see the machine has been discontinued, but luckily it's still available on Amazon.

I love my Nintendo Wii and I'm always looking for fun new games. Wii Play Motion is the newest addition to my game library and it's a total blast. It's actually a collection of twelve mini games that you can play by yourself or with up to four people. Several of the games you can play in a cooperative mode, which is lots of fun with small groups. (You can also play some games in competitive mode  if you have a  mile-wide competitive streak like me!) My favorite mini game is Spooky Search, where you get to use your Wii-mote to help capture ghosts. Ask me again tomorrow and I could have a totally different answer. I will say it's more fun to play in groups, so invite some friends over for game night or jump in and play with the kids. (As a bonus, Will Play Motion comes packaged with a Wii Remote Plus. This is the same as your old Will Motion Plus but this time it's actually built into the Wii-mote!)

Wordless Wednesday

Virus in the middle of my end of year report...just the way to kick off hump day! Ah, technology...

And The Winner Is...

Congrats on your new tutu, Kari! I hope your daughter loves it!