Reflections from a Mother's Soul

What's Cookin' - Muffin Donuts

2011-06-29T08:45:00.003-05:00

I was working out one day and was watching the Food Network. They were showcasing favorites restaurants and their dishes. They showed a muffin donut that looked so delicious that I knew there had to be a recipe out there. Sure enough, I found one and it is one of my new favorite treats to make my family. It's easy and so yummy!

Muffin Donuts
(This makes 24 mini-muffin donuts. Double this recipe for regular muffins)

1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or 1 Tbsp fresh ginger root
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
--------
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease muffin tins.

2. Mix sugar, butter and nutmeg (or ginger) together.

3. Stir in milk.

4. Stir in baking powder and flour.

5. Pour batter in muffin tins.

6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Mix sugar and cinnamon together, set aside in small bowl. In another bowl set aside melted butter.

8. When muffins are done, dip in melted butter, then cinnamon sugar mixture. Set on cooling rack.

**I accidentally made this with fresh ginger root and it was so good. Love those happy accidents!**

Neighborhood friends

2011-06-28T08:43:00.000-05:00

We are so lucky that our daughter has several friends her age in our neighborhood. It has been so much fun watching her play with other children. It's been great for her socially, too. Sharing is so hard when you are only 3!

Organizing-Calendar

2011-06-27T07:23:00.000-05:00

I have a planner that I write down all my appointments, meetings, days off of school, etc. My husband has his own planner (one I give him every Christmas that has our little girl's picture on it). So we are both pretty busy.

I while back I found a magnetic dry erase board with a calendar. I simply fill in the month and days for just one month. I then write all the appointments, classes, days off, etc on the calendar and at a glance we both know what's going on each day. It really helps keep us organized and both aware of what's going on. It's also helpful that it's a dry erase board as things have a way of being rearranged often.

What's Cookin' --Homemade BBQ Sauce

2011-06-22T07:09:00.001-05:00

We have an endless debate in our house about sauces -- pizza, spaghetti, barbeque, etc. Eventually we come to a compromise. I recently made this barbeque sauce and while it's not really my husband's tastes, it is mine. It's easy to make and can be used in many recipes.

Homemade BBQ Sauce
(Adapted from America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook)

2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp chili powder (I use less)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (I use less)
1 cup ketchup
5 Tbsp light or dark molassess
2 Tbsp cider vinegar
2 Tbsp Worcestershire
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard (I use French's Yellow)
1 tsp Tabasco (I use less)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in large saucepan.
2. Add onion and cook until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, chili powder and cayenne for about 15 seconds.
4. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer for 25 minutes. Sauce should thicken.
5. Cool to room temperature before serving.

**You can adjust how spicey/hot you want this by adding more or less chili powder and cayenne.**

I have used this for a dipping sauce with grilled meat and then used the remaining sauce with a pork roast in the crockpot for pulled pork sandwiches.

Saving Money--Dryer Sheets

2011-06-22T06:23:00.001-05:00

Here's a really simple tip to save a little money.

When using a dryer sheet, tear it in half. You really only need half to do the job and you end up saving twice as much money on dryer sheets each year.

Twinkle Try

2011-06-21T21:50:00.001-05:00

Our 3-year-old gets so upset when we ask her to "try" to use the bathroom before we leave the house. The tears flow and the voice gets loud. A couple months ago I tried a new techinque to make it a little less anxiety bound. I ask her to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star while she tries to go. If she has to go, she normal goes before the song is over. If not, then she probably doesn't have to go at all. So, when she gets louder when we ask her to try, I calmly say -- oh, just do a Twinkle try. It makes life a little easier.

Organizing Computer Time

2011-06-20T07:53:00.001-05:00

I do a lot on the computer every day from checking e-mails to reading blogs to racking up points from certain sites. Recently I realized there was a lot of things I delete and don't even look at and time was being wasted. Here are some ways I've maximized my computer time.

Google Reader; Subscribe to all the blogs you like to read in Google Reader. Then set the view to "List." Then all you have to do is read the title of the blog and decide if you want to read more. We don't have a Rite Aid or CVS by us, and scrolling through those posts (even on Google Reader) in "Expanded" view took time.

Delete/Unsubscribe: If you sign up for a online newsletter each time you request a coupon or promotion, you e-mail can get pretty saturated. I usually just delete majority of e-mails I get. I have been unsubscribing to all e-mails that I usually delete anyway. This should open up more time.

Set a time limit: Now that I'm home for the summer, it's easy to hop on the computer between things or waiting for our little one to get ready, etc. I've put time limits on how much time to use the computer. I guess do what works for you here.

Survey/Points Sites: I've taken a lot of surveys over the years. I've also been part of many sites that give pennies for reading e-mails. I now have just a handful of these I do every day. I like the ones I know pay out and actually accumulate to something. I greatly dislike sites that I do a lot of work for and then don't qualify. My favorites are Pinecone surveys ($3 per survey), My Points, Swagbucks, E-Rewards and Panda Research.

Decide if it's worth it. Just evaluate everything you do online and see if there is anyway of minimizing your time.

Thrifty Thursday--But the price is different

2011-06-16T07:01:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week I went to Walgreens to purchase allergy medicne for my daughter. It was a new medicine for us and they didn't carry a Walgreens version. It was $12.99. Yikes! A little pricey to say the least and not a coupon in sight. Either way I wanted to try with her to see if her sniffles went away or at least decreased. I put the medicine in the cart and quickly walked through the store and searched the end caps (a bad habit I have when shopping).

I was just about to leave when I noticed a display at one of the ends of the aisle. It said the medicine was $9.99. I compared the medicine on the display with the medicine in the cart and sure enought they were the same. Now being Walgreens, I was pretty certain the $12.99 price would ring up. So, I asked before I purchased it (note: our 3-year-old was not with me). As I predicted it was $12.99. We scanned the ads and then she called someone to check the prices in the aisle. Eventually I had to walk back and show the display. Within a second they adjusted the price. Ah, that was worth the hassle.

As I was leaving the store, I heard someone say they adjusted the price at the register. I walked away feeling good that I got the cheaper price and anyone else who purchases that medicine this week will get it, too.

What's Cookin' - Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

2011-06-15T07:38:00.003-05:00

One of my cooking goals for the summer is to try new ingredients. I've never cooked Rhubarb before and remember not really liking it as a child. Well, a few weeks ago I was at the Farmer's Market and thought I better give it try. This is the most amazing recipe. I normally don't like baked fruity-type desserts, but this is by far the exception. And it's so easy to make!

Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler
(Adapted from America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook)

Filling
10 oz Rhubarb, cut in 1/4 inch pieces
1 quart (16 oz) Strawberries, sliced (see slicing tip)
1 Tbsp Cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to sweetness of rhubarb and strawberries)
1 tsp vanilla

Biscuit Dough
1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup buttermilk
4 Tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees while making fruit filling.
2. Mix strawberries, rhubarb, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla in 9 inch pie plate or similar size casserole dish.
3. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, just as fruit juices begin to release.
4. While filling is baking make biscuit dough. Combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl.
5. Combine buttermilk, butter and vanilla in another bowl.
6. Combine 2 tsp sugar and cinnamon in third bowl.
7. Mix buttermilk mixture and flour mixture together with spatula.
8. Take fruit filling out of oven and place 8 pieces of dough on top of fruit filling. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture on top of biscuits.
9. Put back in oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Biscuits should be golden brown.
10. Let cool 15 minutes on wire rack.

A Box a Day

2011-06-14T07:34:00.000-05:00

This summer, I'm trying something new with our 3-year-old. Since she's started preschool in the mornings the afternoon is filled with napping and time for her to play by herself (which she loves and needs). But this summer I know the mornings that we don't go anywhere are going to be tough for her to figure out what to do.

I created craft boxes labeled Monday thru Friday for her. Each day will have a different craft or art material for her to work with. I think it will be exciting and help her focus a little. Plus this way we can also have purpose for all the art supplies.

Summer Binder

2011-06-13T06:44:00.001-05:00

I am taking most of the summer off from teaching -- only working a little here and there at the child care center I teach 4K. This means time off to do all those things I said I'll get to this summer. Yeah, there's a lot. So, in order to organize myself I created a Summer (organizational) Binder.

I have broken the sections of the binder into four sections (for now).

Schedules -- I'm really going to attempt to put together a daily, weekly and monthly schedule. Since workng part-time, I have come into a pretty good routine to get the daily stuff done. But our house seems a little cluttered all the time. I've got to focus on getting that organized. Hopefully, the schedules will help. Money Saving Mom has some great printable schedules!

Things we want to do -- I absolutely love the warm months and the abilitlty to do so much during the long days. We usually start our days pretty early, which gives us a lot we can do even in one day. To makes sure we do all the fun things we want this summer, I created a list. I need to go back to it now and enter dates for certain events, such as the fair. Our almost 4-year-old daughter has her own list, too. We have dry erase board on the fridge and she keeps scribbling on it -- library, swimming, strawberries, big trampoline, etc.

School/4K/Professional Development -- to continue my teaching I have to set professional development goals. They aren't due until fall. But the paperwork is long, lengthy and complicated. Might as well get that going this summer. Also, I have goals for teaching next year and want to make more games and interactive charts. At this time I don't have much planned for this. However, a couple weeks ago I made many games from this superhero theme. So I got a little head start.

Cooking -- I have decided that cooking/baking is my hobby. I love trying new ingredients and recipes. With the busy school year I didn't get to try as many new things. I have a three sections right now for cooking this summer -- recipes to try, ingredients to try, and bulk cooking (for the fall). Be forewarned you will get updates this summer on this blog.

So, we'll see if this makes me more productive, more organized and makes the summer more fun all around.

Thrifty Thursday -- Shop Target Sales Rack

2011-06-09T07:48:00.001-05:00

I really like to shop sales racks this time of year. For some reason the retail stores think summer is over. But here in the Midwest, we've barely had a few day without jackets. Good news is that they start their sale for summer clothes now, plus a few winter items are there, too.

Last week I had a $5/25 coupon for Target's brand Merona that I received in a free magazine. I shopped the sales racks and came home with three short sleeves shirts, one tank top, one quarter-sleeve sweater and one long-sleeve shirt. Total cost: $20.

I showed them to my husband, who didn't really seem to interested until I added up the retail total. It would have came to more than $65! I just could believe six tops for $20 -- it was a steal!

What's Cookin' - French Fries

2011-06-08T07:33:00.001-05:00

I absolutely love watching America's Test Kitchen -- we don't have cable so I don't get to watch the Food Network (unless I'm working out at our health club). A few months ago we watched an episode to make french fries that was so bizarre, we had to try it the next day. Stick with me -- it's going to sound a little strange.

French Fries
(you can adjust this recipe pretty easily to your needs)

3 to 6 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes (depending how much you plan on making) -- don't substitute here.
6 cups Blended Oil (original recipe calls for Peanut Oil -- not used in our household)
1/4 cup bacon fat, optional

1. Cut potatoes in 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch sticks. Leave skins on.
2. Combine cut potatoes, cold oil and fat, if using. DO NOT HEAT OIL until after combining all three.
3. Cook to a boil (takes about 5 minutes). Then let cook another 15 minutes without stirring or turning down heat.
4. After 15 minutes, stir and scrap from bottom. Let cook another 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Remove fries and let rest on paper bag or paper towel. Salt and serve.

Ice cream in a bag

2011-06-07T07:20:00.000-05:00

This is a very fun way to teach a little science when making a yummy treat.

I first did ice cream in a bag when I worked at summer camp. It's one of those projects you do and you are just amazed with how easy it is.

Ice cream in a bag
(excellent video here)

1 cup half and half
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup salt (Rock works best, but kosher or table work fine)
Ice cubes
1 gallon size ziplock baggie
1 pint size ziplock baggie

1. Pour half and half, sugar and vanilla into pint size baggie. Seal tight.
2. Put ice and salt in gallons size baggie.
3. Put small (sealed) baggie inside gallons size baggie.
4. Shake for 5 minutes.
5. Open up small baggie and enjoy ice cream!

Delay the wash

2011-06-06T07:05:00.003-05:00

Back in the fall we purchased a new washer and dryer. A new luxury item, for sure. We researched and purchased a Kenmore set from Sears. I really wasn't too concerned about what we bought -- I just wanted it to do a decent job on the spin cycle (without becoming imbalanced). Laundry was definitely a big challenge once I started working part-time. While my hours were consistent, I attended a lot of extra meetings and classes.

My favorite feature on my new washing machine is the delay wash button. When I first tried it, I was leery that it would work. I guess when you're used to an old machine, you just expect it not to work. So, one day set the timer on the washing machine to finish around the time we got home after school. It was amazing. All I had to to was put the wet clothes in the dryer and start another load. Now, I often start a delayed cycle for when we get home. I also set it before going to bed. Then I just wake up with a load already started. It really does save that time of waiting for the first cycle to be done. I also will do a load at night (not delayed) and leave the load in the dryer for morning or after school. Usually this is a load of towels or something else that doesn't need immediate folding.

If you have a delayed wash button on your washing machine and you aren't using it -- you should give it a try. Or if you are in the market looking for a new washing machine, I would highly suggest getting on with the delayed wash cycle. It really saves a time and a little stress.

I'm back -- I really hope

2011-06-05T07:04:00.000-05:00

While this last year has had a lot of adjustments to our family, I really do miss writing on my blogs. First and foremost we had a great year at school. I taught 4K, which if I could teach anything -- this would be it. I love the age and the children's curiosity to learn. Our daughter attended preschool and we have seen such growth in her. She has learned how to play with others and overall seems to have less anxiety about trying new things, even though she isn't shy at all.

Hopefully, I still have some readers out there. I have lots to share. Just a recap of my blogging schedule:

Organizing Mondays
About the Kids Tuesday
What's Cookin' Wednesdays
Thrifty Thursdays
Anything Goes Fridays

Chocolate Play Dough

2011-01-29T14:05:00.002-06:00

We are doing a theme on community helpers in my classroom this week. We are setting up a bakery in the Dramatic play. I decided to make some chocolate play dough to go with it. So simple and so yummy to smell. Here's the link to where I found the recipe along with many other play dough recipes.

Chocolate Play Dough
2 cups water
1/2 cup salt
1/3 cup cocoa
2 Tbsp cream of tartar
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups flour

1. Boil water and salt.
2. Add remaining ingredients.
3. Allow to cool. Then play with dough like any other play dough!

Chocolate Playdough

2011-01-29T14:05:00.000-06:00

2011-01-12T19:46:00.000-06:00

As a Bzz Agent I have received a very fun link to share. Check out Cover Girl's 50th Anniversary party! You might just win some free samples and learn a few things, too.

What's Cookin' -- Cut-out cookies

2010-12-19T13:59:00.000-06:00

I adapted my date cookies recipe to make the most amazing cutout cookies.

Cut-out cookies

3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 1/3 cup sugar

1. Mix flour, baking powder and baking soda through a sifter and set aside.
2. Blend shortening, vanilla, eggs, milk, and sugar until smooth.
3. Slowly add flour mixture to shortening mixture.
4. Chill for 2 hours.
5. Roll out dough 1/4 inch thick (use extra flour) and cut with cookie cutters.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

I don't know if it was the recipe or the new cookie sheets I recently received as a gift, but these cookies are just amazing.

What's Cookin' -- Date cookies

2010-12-12T20:05:00.000-06:00

Date Cookies

Cookie Dough
1 cup shortening (I use Crisco)
1 1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
4 Tbsp milk (more if needed)
1 tsp vanilla
2 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Filling
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp flour
1/2 cup water

1. Mix shortening, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla together.
2. Mix flour, baking soda and baking powder in bowl.
3. Add flour mixture to shortening mixture. Mix well.
4. Chill dough in refrigerator for 2 hours.
5. To making filling, mix dates, sugar, flour, and water in small saucepan. Heat on low until it reduces and is smooth.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
7. Roll out dough (use lots of flour) to 1/4 inch thick.. Cut into circles.
8. Fill each circle with 1 tsp date filling. Fold over and pinch with a fork to form a half circle. Sprinkle with sugar.
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Cookies with be golden brown when fully cooked.

Brush your Corn

2010-11-08T20:19:00.003-06:00

I know it's not corn on the cob season, but I was watching a cooking show last week and love this tip. To get the silk out of the corn on the cob, use a toothbrush. Genius! Now I just have to try to remember that next July...

Deal of the Week

2010-10-30T08:56:00.000-05:00

I had a couple days off from school and we went power shopping yesterday! I had to share the best deal I found yesterday at Bed Bath and Beyond.

I saw this roaster with V-rack advertised for $20 with a $10 mail in rebate. I also used a 20 percent off coupon and received $4 off. So, I was able to get the roaster for $6.87 after coupons, rebate and taxes. I can't wait to use it. I've been using an old broiling pan to make my turkeys that just wasn't too ideal.

Another awesome deal was this small Woody and Buzz Lightyear toy for just $3.98 (originally $12) at ShopKo. (We just watch Toy Story 2 and our daughter is slightly obsessed so we couldn't have found this at a better time).

Glade Winter Collection - coupon giveaway

2010-10-29T14:33:00.000-05:00

I know, I know... Can't think of Holiday scents just yet. I know.

But as a BzzAgent I was given a chance to try this great new candle from Glade. Wow! I just love the smell of apple cinnamon. These are really fun candles with great scents. There are candles, oil candle holders, scented oil candle refills and plug-ins refills. The scents include: Apple Cinnamon, Bayberry Spice and Everything Nice, French Vanilla, Peppermint Crush, Sugarplum Fantasies, Baked Magic and Chocolate Cherry Sparkle.

I am giving away a coupon for $2/2 Glade Winder Collection products to three winners. I'm guessing these will go on sale soon and be close to free after coupon. See that's why I'm doing this now -- thinking about the savings.

To enter leave a comment with e-mail contact information by November 5, 2010. Three winners will be drawn by random.org and will be e-mailed as a winner.

Crafty Fun -- Elmer's Products

2010-10-17T08:40:00.000-05:00

As a member of BzzAgent, I recently was giving several products to try from Elmer's CraftBond and X-Acto.

Items I received for Elmer's CraftBond include:

All-Purpose Glue Stick
Permanent Tape Runner
Clear Glue Pen
Sticky spots

These items range in price from $2 to $9. They are acid-free and archival safe. Check out elmers.com/crafters for more information.

Items I received for X-Acto Designer Series include:

Zig Zag Decorative Edge Scissors
Scalloped Decorative Edge Scissors
Corner Rounder Punch

These items range in price from $2 to $20. There are many other cutting tools available and more information can be found xacto.com.

Now onto the project I worked on. Now that I'm teaching pre-Kindergarten, I have lots of use for these tools. I created a class book showing our students making banana muffins. I used the tape runner and realized pretty quick you can't use it on construction paper. However it worked great on laminated pieces and photos. It saved so much time. I normally use double sided tape, but the tape runner was a much more efficient use of time. I also liked using the corner rounder. It made the project look really professional. I wish I could show the actual pictures but with privacy of children's photos I just can't.

The format of the book was very simple. I used repetitive text on each page. Sam added flour, Josie added sugar, Anna stirred the batter, etc. Then about each sentence I showed the child doing the action. For a class of 15 I only have five pages (back to back). I simply slide each page into a plastic in a binder. When I read the "story" to the class each child beamed as their name was read. Really fun to do!

I plan to use all these tools on future projects with the class and will be adding those zig zag scissors to our art center for the children to practice with.

Deal of the Week

2010-10-07T09:27:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I just like to "shop" and see what I can find. Some of my favorite places to do this are the clearance racks at Target, Walmart and Dollar General. I don't get to the Dollar General very often, but whenever I shop at the end of season or after a holiday I score some pretty great deals.

This week I bought a package of Huggies Little Swimmers (11 ct, size M) for $1.87 at the Dollar General. I've never seen that price for swim diapers that cheap. I also scored a staple remover for 15 cents and a pack of three small memo pads for 37 cents. Love those cheap deals!

What's Cookin'- Taco Salad

2010-10-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

I had this awesome taco salad at a function recently. I searched for a couple different recipes and adapted it to my own tastes (and what I had in my freezer). Turned out really tasty.

Taco Salad
(original recipe)

1 pound ground beef
1 package taco seasoning mix
2 cups black beans
1 (16 ounce) bottle French dressing (I used Kraft Catalina)
1 head iceberg lettuce (I used spinach)
1 (14.5 ounce) package Doritos
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped tomatoes
4 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
1/2 cup prepared salsa (optional)

Directions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and drain.
Stir in the taco seasoning, beans and French-style dressing.
Fill the dressing bottle 2/3 full of water and add to the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Crush the bag of chips, open the bag, and toss the broken chips into a large bowl with the lettuce, cheese and tomatoes. When the meat mixture is done, combine it with the lettuce, tomatoes, chips and mix well. Then, add salsa and sour cream.

**Note this needs to be mixed together right before eating otherwise the chips get soggy. I actually made this as a lunch/snack and just kept all ingredients separate until right before eating and just added how much I wanted to eat for that meal. The recipe can easily be halved.**

Sign up for tips

2010-10-05T08:55:00.001-05:00

If you haven't been to (or know about) Mailbox's website lately, I highly recommend checking it out. I recently signed up for daily tips and have gotten some wonderful ideas for teaching. I particularly like that their tips are sent by e-mail with a link to their website, and you can quickly read them. I personally can't stand long winded bits of information. I like to read it and move on.

Here's a song from Mailbox that I've been singing with my 4-year-old class and they just love it. (So does our 3-year-old daughter):

Catch a Bubble (to the tune of Clementine)

Catch a Bubble
Catch a Bubble
Put it right into your mouth
Catch a Bubble
Catch a Bubble
Put it right into your mouth

**I have the kids pretend to put bubble sticks in bubble solution and blow pretend bubbles before we sing. I vary it a little by blowing big bubbles slowly and little bubbles quickly. I also ask them to tell me what color their bubble is or what it tastes like. So many things you can do to activate that little imagination.**

I stepped on the scale last week

2010-10-04T07:42:00.001-05:00

I have blogged a little about my goals to become more fit and healthy. I began my journey last November (almost 1 year ago). I couldn't believe it when I stepped on the scale last week, and saw that I officially have lost 20 pounds since I began working out. I've posted about how much work I put into being more active and the commitment level. I am very proud of myself. I weigh what I weighed in college (and that was,ahem, more than 10 years ago). After having our daughter I thought I would get back to pre-baby weight, but never anticipated losing so much. I still have goals to stay active, but now it's more for staying active than losing weight. Changing what I was eating was the key component, especially the soda drinking. I'll admit in the last month I've been drinking more soda in a week, maybe three or four cans. But I was drinking two a day, which was a lot of empty calories a day.

My advice for anyone trying to lose weight is to start small, stay committed and change what you eat.

Trying hard

2010-10-03T13:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know it's been a long time since I posted and I sure hope many of my readers are still with me. The reason I've been behind in blogging is because I have had yet another change in our lives. The job that I took in August just didn't seem to fit me as well as I had hoped. I luckily found a teaching position (in the city we live in) to teach Pre-Kindergarten (4K). It's exactly what I want to be doing and I started last week. It's only part-time but our goal was to have me teach again and allow our daughter some social time with children. My job is in a child care center so my daughter is just down the hall in another classroom while I'm teaching. So I'm at a new job and she's at a new preschool but we are together more. I struggled with making the change since we just started in August. But the level of stress that both of us had was more than I had anticipated. Although at no point was it bad or disappointing. I reflected on the new position and knew that if I had found the job in July I wouldn't have hesitated. So, long story, short -- I should be back to blogging regularly again soon. Hopefully, I can share ideas from my teaching experiences, too.

Fun tip

2010-08-31T15:04:00.000-05:00

Now that our daughter is 3, it's really fun to let her have a little more independence. She has a CD player in her room and I just made a CD for her of her favorite songs. She has a very ecletic taste (like her daddy). In case you're wondering it ranges for Elton John to Michael Jackson to Hank Williams Jr. Let me tell you there's nothing more fun than listening to music in your room!

What I did so the housework gets done...

2010-08-30T20:21:00.000-05:00

Just a couple weeks ago I began working full time for the first time in three years (since our daughter was born). In an attempt to figure out how to get the hosuework done so it didn't get too cluttered or overwhelming I made a couple schedules. My husband is helping a little more than before when he can and it's working out pretty good.

Example of our schedule:

Monday

- Make dinner

- Clean Kitchen

- R lunch

Tuesday

- Laundry

- Make dinner

- Clean Kitchen

- R lunch

- R bath

Wednesday

- Make dinner

- Clean Kitchen

- R lunch

- Grocery shop

- Balance checkbook

- Pay bills

- Clean bathrooms

Thursday

- Make dinner

- Clean Kitchen

- R lunch

- Vacuum/Mop

- Dust

- R bath
- R laundry

Friday

- Make dinner

- Clean Kitchen

Saturday

- Shopping

- Family time

- Clean house

- Make dinner

- Clean Kitchen

Sunday

- Coupon matching
- Meal planning/prep
- R bath

- Laundry

- Make dinner

- Clean Kitchen

- R lunch

Does it all get done? Nope, it's just a guideline. I seem to be doing more laundry than planned, but it's not too hard to fit in. I will say that freezer cooking has been a blessing. We often spend more time cleaning up than preparing meals each night. And while not everything we do is on the list, these are the things that almost have to get done each week or I will go crazy if they go too long. It's really very simple when you look at it, but it took me a long time to figure it out. You just have to do what works for you.

Oh the artwork

2010-08-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

Now that our 3-year-old daughter has started preschool we are bombarded with artwork. Plus since she's doing so much art at school, she's doing more than ever at home. What to do, where to put it, what to save, what to toss.

For the most part we display her art around the house at her level. We've done that for years. I believe it's the only way to truly appreicate her artwork.

When we started doing arts and crafts when she was barely a year old, I saved almost everything she did. It was amazing to see her "create." I saved those pieces in a plastic scrapbook container. Some of my favoites or her "firsts"(first coloring, first painting, etc), I laminated before putting away. Now I try to take a good sampling of different type of art she has done. If it is different than something else she has made, I save it. I also make sure to date everything.

Because I just can't save it all, I do take a lot of pictures of her artwork. I haven't printed them, but plan to save them digitally with her other photos that will give to her someday. It's a nice way to show her progress.

Again Sorry -- freezer cooking tips

2010-08-23T20:09:00.000-05:00

I'm still trying to figure out how to blog now that I'm working full time. But as promised last week, I wanted to share that breading eggplant, baking and then freezing it works!

Another tip: I boiled some Farmer's Market potatoes (enough for two meals) on Sunday for about 20 minutes. Then put them in the refrigerator. Tonight I made my scalloped potatoes and ham and it save me tons of time. I pre-sliced the ones for the scalloped potatoes and boiled the rest in halves to mash later in the week with meatloaf (which is frozen).

Also, I bought a grocery bag full of corn on the cob for $5 at our local corn fest this weekend. I had a total of 29 ears. We ate five ears and I froze more than 18 cups for future use. To freeze corn on the cob I follow these steps:
1. Boil corn for 7 minutes in pot of water with 1 Tbsp sugar.
2. Let corn cool. Then use a sharp knife and stand corn on end in a bundt pan.
3. Take corn off cob with sharp knife
4. Freeze in freezer bags in portion sizes that work for you. I freeze mine with our Foodsaver and in 1-cup and 2-cup portion sizes. There's nothing like having that corn on the cob flavor in the dead of winter.

Update

2010-08-12T20:20:00.000-05:00

So sorry this blog has taken a backseat as of late. I am now working full time and just slowly getting into the routine. Our 3-year-old daughter is starting preschool as well and that's been an adjustment for all as well. My hope is to get back into the blogging swing of things soon. In the meantime, here's a couple things to share.

See the adorable doll cake I made for our daughter's birthday -- note it's dairy-free, egg-free and peanut-free.

In my quest for freezer cooking ahead for easy weeknight meals (it's working, too), I tried something new. You gotta keep trying new things or you just get bored. I was at our Farmer's Market last week stocking up on all sorts of goodies. I saw the going rate for eggplant was 75 cents. That's about half what it is in the stores around here. So, I breaded the eggplant per my eggplant parmesan recipe and froze it. Results of that next week when I unthaw and bake. I'm hopeful for good results. Then I can bread a bunch of eggplant and freeze for easy, yummy meals.

As far as organizing our life, I'll post a little on that next week. It's interesting how some things just aren't as important.

Freezer cooking this week

2010-07-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

This week was extra busy. We had a couple doctor's appointments and are planning a birthday party for the weekend. But I was still able to sneak these items into the freezer.

Vegetable Stock -- I've been saving all the little bits from my Farmer Market vegetables that are so flavorful. I had three large bags in the freezer that are now turned into veggie stock and chicken stock (see below). I froze in three 14 oz jars and used the rest later in the week as you will read.
Beef Vegetable soup -- I used a good portion of the vegetable stock to make this recipe. I used some leftover roast (sometimes I use steak) to make this recipe with meat. I saved this in two 32 oz containers and three 6 oz baby food jars for a quick dinner or lunch. I normally serve soup with grilled cheese or other sandwiches.
Crockpot Chicken-- I seasoned with salt and pepper. I added 3 cloves of fresh-from-the-Farmer's Market garlic and about 1 cup of vegetable stock. I cooked in the crockpot for 6 to 8 hours on low. Once cooled, I pulled the chicken off and froze in 2 cup portions for casseroles or salads.
Chicken Stock -- after cooking chicken in crockpot, I took the meat off the bones. I put the bones and juice from the crockpot into a large pot added 14 cups of water and vegetables pieces I've been freezing. I cooked it for a couple hours. Then put in 1 cup containers and froze. Once froze I put in ziplock bag. I will use these in many recipes, including boiling vegetables, potatoes, and rice.
Chicken puffs -- froze once rolled up. Still need to bake.
Ham - I pour a can of pineapple over top and cook in over for an hour. We ate some that night and I saved two freezer bags of extra meat. One for scalloped potatoes and ham, the other for a black bean soup. I also saved the ham bone for the soup.
Pancakes -- I made apple cinnamon and blueberry pancakes and cooled completely. I stored in two freezer bags. To reheat, just pop in toaster. Extra easy breakfast.

Overall, I feel good about what I've accomplished the last few weeks. It will definitely make dinner time a little easier now that I'll be working during the day.

To see my other freezer cooking weeks go here and here.

Amazon Filler

2010-07-29T08:31:00.000-05:00

I recently earned $30 in survey money for Amazon gift cards. I picked out two items I wanted, but still had $2.40 on the gift card. I really wanted to stretch my buck and use all the money up. I found Amazon Filler as a great resource. You simply type in the amount you want to spend a long list of items comes up. This works well if you are trying to obtain a order of $25 for free shipping or if you're like me trying to use up the last penny on a gift card. I bought some Sesame Street glitter stickers (for a stocking stuffer) as my filler. There was so much to choose from. Highly recommend if you a an Amazon shopper (pre-Internet that last sentence would have sounded very odd...)

$50 Gift Card Giveaway to CSN Stores-- Winner e-mailed! Closed

2010-07-25T08:55:00.002-05:00

Does your home need a little redecorating. You may want to check out the dining room sets at CSN Stores? Maybe you feel the need to treat yourself to some new kitchen tools. Or you are looking for that unique gift for the someone who has everything. You won't be disappointed when you shop at CSN stores with more than 200 online stores to meet all your home and lifestyle needs. You will find something for everybody from contemporary furniture, kitchen appliances, cookware, shoes, bags, toys, and even pet accessories. Be sure to explore the Ultimate Gift Finder to find that perfect gift.

I'm happy to announce that I am sponsoring a $50 gift card giveaway to one of the CSN stores.

To enter:

Go to CSN Stores and tell me what you would buy with $50. Leave a comment with e-mail.
Subscribe to my blog for bonus entry -- leave a second comment.

Winner will be selected by random.org and emailed on Thursday, June 29.

Good Luck!

This week's freezer cooking

2010-07-22T17:24:00.002-05:00

I've been busy trying to spend quality time with our little girl before we start preschool. And organizing the house has been consuming my time. Here's an update on my freezer cooking for the week. Doesn't look like much and it really wasn't much time, but I've had to fit it in between everything else creating a little bit of a challenge.

Browned 3 pounds of ground beef -- stored in 1/2 pounds and 1 pound freezer bags. I'll use these for soups and casseroles. It saves a lot of time. Often the meal prep turns into a dump together and heat up instead of a slow wait and messy clean up.
Froze lemon juice from two lemons -- stored in freezer bag for future use
Banana Oatmeal Cookies -- for quick allergy-free snack for preschool and home.
Tomato paste -- froze in ice cube tray and then put in freezer bag. I often use just 1 Tbsp of tomato paste as a thickener but hate opening a 6 oz can for just a little bit.
Pot Stickers -- just found this recipe and it's so good.
Homemade Tomato Sauce -- froze in old jar.

Curious what I did last week, go here!

This week's freezer cooking

2010-07-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

Browned 3 pounds of ground beef -- stored in 1/2 pounds and 1 pound freezer bags. I'll use these for soups and casseroles. It saves a lot of time. Often the meal prep turns into a dump together and heat up instead of a slow wait and messy clean up.
Froze lemon juice from two lemons -- stored in freezer bag for future use
Banana Oatmeal Cookies -- for quick allergy-free snack for preschool and home.
Tomato paste -- froze in ice cube tray and then put in freezer bag. I often use just 1 Tbsp of tomato paste as a thickener but hate opening a 6 oz can for just a little bit.
Pot Stickers -- just found this recipe and it's so good.
Homemade Tomato Sauce -- froze in old jar.

Curious what I did last week, go here!

Freezer Cooking -- going back to work!

2010-07-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week I posted my beginning phases of getting organized before I go back to work. I decided during the course of the next couple weeks I'm going to do something extra a day. By extra I mean, extra organizing of a room or cooking a freezer meal. I also have a birthday party to plan for our little girl with food allergies and I'm working hard to find a tasty cake and frosting (I've found the frosting!).

As far as my freezer cooking goes, I've taken giant steps this week. I have cleaned out our big freezer. I took inventory of what we had for meat leftover from our bulk buying we do each year. I also stock up on chicken when I see it on sale -- around here that's usually 89 cents per pound or less. My goal for the next few months is to eat up what we have and slow way down on stocking up. One thing I've learned since being a stay-at-home mom is that the sales are cyclical and will come around again and again. I now which stores offer what and often I can guess when.

After taking my inventory I realize I am getting low on ground beef, we have a ton of bacon and 14 roasts. Plus a few surprises. My menu planning will take all this into consideration. I usually will cut up my roasts into to 1 inch cubes and use in several stews or other crockpot meals.

I've read many blog posts about how different people attack freezer cooking. What I've learned is that you have to do what works for your family. There is no cookie cutter recipe or plan for freezer cooking. For freezer cooking I try to make food we really like. I use a Foodsaver to preseve the food. I recently got some bags from some windfall money.

What I found in the freezer already

2 packages of Salisbury Steak (sorry no recipe yet)
1 package of Pizza Burgers
Several soups for our daughter
Lots of chicken stock
2 packages of white beans
1 jar homemade spaghetti sauce
Half a package of Ravioli
several leftover meat (small portions for soups or fried rice)

Here is what I've done for freezer cooking this week

Many cups of black beans -- I cooked up two packages of black beans in a ham bone (I freeze these for future meals or for cooking black beans). I store these is 1 cup or 2 cup bags. I will use these in many recipes and work great as a filler with ground beef. This is cheaper and tastier than canned beans.
5 lbs of meatloaf -- stored in 1 lb freezer bags
Porcupine Meatballs -- I made this the day I made the meatloaf, so I only had to get my Kitchenaid mixer dirty once. I froze in 1 pound bag. I didn't form the meatballs, but I think you could make the meatballs, put them in the freezer for a couple hours on a cookie sheet and them freeze as meatballs in freezer bag. I just didn't have the patience for that. I figure it takes just a couple minutes to form meatballs, but mixing the meat and cleaning the bowl it's mixed in is the time consuming part.
Chicken Pot Pie -- I baked the crust for 8 minutes then added the warm filling. I let it cool completely before freezing.
Chicken gravy for Chicken and Biscuits -- this is the same recipe I use for pot pie, so I just doubled it as I made the pot pie and froze half separately. And there you have two similar meals, but still different.

So as of today, I have 11 full meals made. Beans and chicken stock for recipes. It's a good start. I'll keep updating as I go. Since our daughter will be taking a lunch to school, I have a plan to freeze two soups a month. This way she will have a variety of soup for lunches.

Going back to work -- Organization...

2010-07-12T07:56:00.000-05:00

Let the orderly organization begin! I feel like Max from Where the Wild Things are, except I want order not chaos. I will be returning to work in just a couple weeks and there are moments I feel so overwhelmed. Will our daughter transition well? How will everything get done? I can't get it all done now and I'm home all day (well not really, our daughter and I are out and about most days). Then there are moments I feel, hey we won't be here all day and there won't be as much "to do." And I find a sense of peace and calm in that. But I do think that having a little plan to transition the family to "Mommy working and little one at school" will do us a lot of good. With support from my husband, I know organizing what will be necessary to be most efficient.

Here's a list of some planning strategies I will be doing over the course of the next couple weeks (along with going to the fair, observing butterflies at the botanical gardens and sneaking in some other fun things).

Inventory Freezer and Pantry (it's mighty stocked already)
Menu Plan
Freezer cook meals for August (I'll try to blog about this)
Stock-up grocery trip
Checklist of morning routine
Schedule for getting laundry, vacuuming, shopping, etc done.
List of bills and when due
Plan lunch and snack menu for our daughter's preschool (with food allergies we are opting to bring her food)
Re-organize coupons
Whatever else can come up

Giveaway -- Pampers Coupons -- Closed winner e-mailed!

2010-07-08T08:34:00.001-05:00

Our little girl is just about completely potty trained. We are stocked and stocked with Pull-ups (out of habit) and she uses only one or two a day. I just gave away more than $20 in coupons for diapers and wipes to family who needs them. Then of course I got three more coupons yesterday. They expire pretty quick, so I want to make sure they get into the hands of someone who can and will use them. Sometimes I leave them at the store, but these are pretty high value and I would worry the store workers might take them before a consumer.

With all that said I am giving away three (3) Pampers coupons to one winner (1).

$3/1 Pampers Cruisers Diapers and 1 Pamper Wipes (exp. 9/30/10)
$3/1 Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers, Sensitive or Extra Protection (exp. 8/31/10)
$2/1 Target Coupon for Pampers Cruiser Diapers Big or Value Pack (exp. 9/01/10)

**Note you can stack the Target coupon with one of the other coupons for a $5 savings**

To enter: Please leave a comment stating why you want to win. Please leave link to blog or e-mail so I can contact you.

Bonus entries: Subscribe (leave separate comment)

Winner will be drawn through random.org and e-mailed on July 15. Good luck!

Note to Self

2010-07-08T08:16:00.002-05:00

Note to self: Don't wear sandals to story time at the library!

Fourth of July Marshmallows

2010-07-03T08:22:00.000-05:00

Go over to my other blog and see this tasty treat!!

Exciting news

2010-07-02T15:48:00.000-05:00

A while back a mentioned that we were going to make a transition in our family. I have been applying like crazy to every teaching position in the area, hoping to at least get an interview or two. Well, a week ago I interviewed with Head Start, a child care center for low-income families. My interview went great. I was so concerned that after three years out of the workforce that I would just be jumbled up with "uhs" and "ums." But something about talking about education and children put me at ease, and I was able to show my honesty and compassion for children. It was really nice to just be myself in the interview, and I think it translated to the people interviewing me. It must have. They offered me a job this week, and I accepted it yesterday!

The position is with Early Head Start and I will be teaching infants. A received one naive comment that you can't teach infants. As an educator I was hurt by that comment. It's that kind of attitude that limits children instead of enriching their growth. Child development and brain development begin the minute a child is born. Everything that is learned is a basis for what will be learned in the future. Many of these children will have a disadvantage based on their home environment so offering a safe and nurturing place to learn is extremely important. I am excited to share my creativity and have so many great ideas for teaching. What's really nice is that I have saved all our daughter's infant toys (for just in case I needed them) and I can use those for creating some fun lessons.

As for the adjustment our family will go through, I think it strangely will keep me more focused. Being a stay-at-home mom has had some challenges. I miss the social interactions. I miss having a greater "purpose" in this world. I miss helping parents and children. I sometimes feel I spend my day waiting to be interrupted.

I asked our daughter if she thinks Mom can teach babies. Wide-eyed she nodded her head and said yes. She is excited for preschool, and I believe our daughter is more than ready for preschool. She's a little bored right now. I've slowed down in "teaching" her because she's already so far ahead. Might have been something to do with all the work I put in while she was an infant. We think the structure will be good for her. The preschool is set up so that the children rotate rooms throughout the day and aren't in just one room all day. That will be great for our active little girl who is constantly needing something new to stimulate her little brain. She very outgoing, but at times slow-to-warm to new activities. This will help her practice trying new things all the time.

As far as getting the housework done, we figure we'll just put a schedule together and shoot for getting things done as we can. Fortunately I've taught myself a lot of cooking techniques during the last three years that will help us with dinners. Mostly I plan to continue to meal plan a month out and freeze extras of meals as we go. We'll probably prep most of the week's meals on Sunday, so it will be minimal work after school. Luckily, the hours are only until late afternoon with no real commute.

With all that said I'm excited to be getting back to work and look forward to a positive change in our lives.

What's cookin' - Potato Salad

2010-07-02T15:35:00.000-05:00

Our family has gone through a couple phases where we don't have cable. Right now is one of them. We put the money we would have used on cable toward our gym membership. I find we PBS for not only the children's educational TV but for the cooking shows as well. When my husband I first were married I started watching America's Test Kitchen. I've been catching it lately on the weekends (finally found what time it was on). Last week they made a potato salad with some intersting techniques. I made it today and all I can say is "wow."

I found the recipe here and tweaked it a little based on our tastes.

All American Potato Salad
2 lbs yukon gold potatoes
1 Tbsp yellow mustard (used French's)
3 Tbsp pickle juice -divided (used Gedney Kosher Baby Dill)
1/4 cup dill pickles (used Gedney Kosher Baby Dill)
1 small celery stalk, finely diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced (substituted yellow onion)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/2 cup mayonnaise (used Miracle Whip)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 hard boiled eggs, cut 1/4 inch (optional)

Directions

1. Peel and cut potatoes in 1" cubes. Place in saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring up to a gentle simmer and cook until tender, when a knife slides in and out of cubes without resistance, about 10-15 minutes. Drain potatoes and turn out onto a baking sheet.

2. Whisk mustard with 2 tbsp of juice from a jar of pickles. Pour over hot potatoes and toss with fingers to coat. Spread out potatoes and refrigerate for 30 minutes until cool.

3. Combine pickle, celery, red onion and remaining 1 tbsp pickle juice with salt and celery seed. Add mayonnaise and sour cream and whisk together.

4. Add potatoes and toss. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes longer. Add diced egg and fold to combine.

Thrift Thursday -- JCPenny Trip

2010-06-30T22:42:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love when JCPenny marks down their clearence items to 80 percent. I earned a $50 gift card from My Points and used a 15% off total purchase survey coupon. I was happy to stretch my "free" bucks.

Here's what I bought:
(2) 4T Pajamas -- 5.09 each
(2) 5T T-Shirts (for next year) -- one $3.05 and one $2.52
(2) Button Down Shirts for myself -- $4.39 each
(1) Pair of Jeans for myself -- $6.09

Grand total after discounts=$32.30 (a grand total of $124.36 saving off original price)

That also leaves me with $17.70 on the gift card.

Ditched the Drying Rack

2010-06-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

I was starting to hate our drying rack in the kitchen. We do a fair amount of dishes by hand. However, we (both my husband and myself) got into a bad habit of leaving the dishes in the drying rack. It would never get cleaned out until more dishes were washed and then I would get frustrated because I had to put the dishes away before (or while) I was washing the next batch. It drove me crazy. I also hated that the drying rack itself needed cleaning often. It all was just becoming a ball of frustration and extra cleaning. I decided to do without the drying rack. Now we just wash the dishes and dry them right away. It actually takes less time than you would think. I like how there isn't always something that needs to be put away in the kitchen.

What's cookin' - Sun-nana Poppers

2010-06-26T09:11:00.001-05:00

I've been a little pre-occupied lately with a few "real world" things lately. Here's a late What's Cookin'.

I found this recipe in Hungry Girl 200 Recipes for 200 Calories by Lisa Lillien. She has a whole chapter on using Cool Whip in recipes! I altered this recipe a little to meet our food allergies needs and changed the name. It's really easy to make (kids can help) and my toddler loves them.

Sun-nana Poppers

1 Medium Banana

2 Tbsp Cool Whip

1 Tbsp Sunbutter (original recipe calls for peanut butter)

1. Cut banana into slices about 1/4 inch thick. About 20 pieces.

2. Lay half the pieces flat on a plate lined with wax paper or parchment paper.

3. Mix Cool Whip and Sunbutter together until well blended.

4. Even distribute Cool Whip mixture on one banana slice. Top with another banana slice to make small sandwich. Repeat with rest of banana slices.

5. Put in freezer for about 1 hour. Then eat and enjoy!

**These are best to eat right away otherwise they will get mushy.**

For more great recipes go to the Grocery Cart Challenge!

TP -- Stock up price

2010-06-24T09:11:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder how to tell is if toilet paper is a good deal or not. Deal Seeking Mom has a great concept to figure this out!

Father's Day Memory

2010-06-22T08:11:00.000-05:00

The day before Father's Day, I was wrapping gifts with our daughter. I told her we needed to hide the presents from Daddy. I asked her where should we hide them. She eagerly answered her room. Okay, I told her. We "hid" them in her room in a JCPenny plastic bag. I gave her instrtuctions to bring the bag into our room Sunday morning after she woke up. (She's always up before us on weekends). I wasn't really sure if this almost 3-year-old would remember or completely understand. But sure enough at 7 a.m. I was woken up to the rustling of the JCPenny bag as she proudly carried it into our room as she said "Happy Father's Dad."

So much fun!

Father's Day Poem

2010-06-15T09:29:00.001-05:00

I saw this poem and am excited to use it this year on my husband's Father's Day card. I typed up the poem on white paper and glued it to the front of a piece of scrapbook paper. We put foot prints on the inside of the card.

Walk a Little Slower Daddy
Walk a little slower Daddy, said a little child so small
I'm following in your footsteps and I don't want to fall.
Sometimes your steps are very fast, sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower Daddy, for you are leading me.
Someday when I'm all grown up, You're what I want to be.
Then I will have a little child who'll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right, and know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy, for I must follow you!!
- Author Unknown

Here's what we did last year for Father's Day!

Fairy Dust and Glue

2010-06-15T09:09:00.000-05:00

At our house napping and bedtime are very challenging for our daughter. It's not that she won't sleep -- it's almost impossible for her to wind down without help. She has always been this way. She is just a very active little girl. We used the Supernanny Sleep technique to get over the initial hump of staying in bed at night, which still took months to work for us.

About six months ago I added something to our night time routine. I dig in my pocket for some (pretend) fairy dust and sprinkle it all over her body. I tell her it special fairy dust to help her sleep. She tells me what color it is, and we give a little to her toys she sleeps with, too. Lately the color of the fairy dust has had multiple colors. Well, fairy dust along wasn't really working, so I now give her some glue that I rub all over her. It's supposed to help her stick to her bed and pillow. She tells me what color the glue is, too. Does it work? Mostly. She still peeks out her bedroom window after we close the door (I know because the curtains are messed up when I check on her before I go to bed). But she doesn't come out of her room anymore after being put to bed. As an incentive I put a "surprise" book in her room for her to read in the morning.

Slicing Strawberries Tip

2010-06-14T15:05:00.000-05:00

If you need to chop strawberries into small slices, simply use an egg slicer. You will be so impressed how easy it is.

Check out this simple Strawberry Refrigerator Jam over on my other blog!

Giveaway -- Free All Natural Jamba Smoothie Kit -- Closed Winners E-mailed!

2010-06-10T08:33:00.006-05:00

Recently I was contacted by Jamba Juice to do a review and host a giveaway. They sent me three samples of Jamba Juice All Natural Smoothies that you can buy right in the freezer section of your grocery store. I was excited because the closest Jamba Juice to me is a good 25-minute drive away and the convenience of being able to buy from the store is very appealing. Following my review, I will give instructions on how you can win one of these smoothie kits!

The Facts

The All Natural Smoothies come frozen in three very different flavors-- Strawberries Wild (my favorite), Mango-a-go-go and Razzmatazz.
Each kit contains two 8 oz serving giving you 100 percent Vitamin C for the day and one whole serving of fruit.
To make simply blend apple juice with smoothie kit.
Each of the Smoothie kits are fat free and only 120 calories per serving.
No high fructose syrup, no trans fat, nopreservatives.

The Review

The smoothie kits were very easy to make and we all like easy, right. All I had to do was measure 1 cup of apple juice into my blender and add the contents of the smoothie kit. In about a minute, I had two smoothies ready to eat. My favorite is the Strawberry Wild -- I'm just partial to strawberries and bananas anyway. Normally, I don't drink smoothies at home that have yogurt, but I couldn't tell the difference with these smoothies. The flavors are clean and sweet. I really enjoyed having a little treat in the middle of the day that had some good-for-you stuff in it, too.

The Giveaway

The average cost for a Jamba All Natural Smoothies kit is between $2.99 and $3.29. However, if you want to try one for free, you can enter my giveaway. I am giving FIVE (5) lucky winners a coupon for a Free Jamba Juice All Natural Smoothie -- you pick the flavor!

To enter: Leave a comment below stating what flavor smoothie you would like to try! (please leave an e-mail or link to your blog so I can contact you if you win!)

Bonus entries
1) Subscribe to my blog. Leave an extra comment letting me know
2) Follow my blog. Leave an extra comment letting me know.
3) Promote on your blog or elsewhere. Leave extra comment letting me know

Five winners will be selected through random.org on Thursday, June 17 and will be notified through e-mail!

Blog slow down

2010-06-08T08:59:00.000-05:00

I'll probably be slowing down on blogging a little as the summer is upon us. Here are some of the fun things we are doing and plan on doing this summer.

Parks (there are so many in our city in that we have many favorites)
Zoo (free)
Library (story time, reading program, special events)
Biking (for Mother's Day my husband bought me the piece that attaches the bike trailer to my bike -- ah feels good to be biking again!)
Walks (just around the neighborhood)
Hiking (free country parks with nice trails)
Botanical Gardens (free)
Strawberry picking (free plus the cost of the strawberries)
Farmer's Market (our daughter is really interested in trying the fresh produce)
Sensory Table (I fill with water and bring the bath toys outside)
Picnics
Swimming (at the pool. I hope to try a couple beaches on the lakes this summer, too)

Windfall Money!

2010-06-03T13:26:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been getting lots of survey opportunities from the survey websites I belong to. I have actually been able to redeem some of those points that accumulate for gift cards. A couple weeks ago I was asked to do a survery that lasted for three days. It was pretty easy to do (about a half hour of time each day). I got $125 gift card to Amazon. I also had a $5 Amazon gift card from another survey I completed, so I put them together. I searched Amazon very hard to find something to buy that would be worth it. I bought a couple toys and some allergy-free snacks!

Here's what I bought so far:

I have a $37 balance available on my Amazon account and am cashing in another survey points for a $10 gift card. I plan to buy Foodsaver bags!

What would you do with $125 gift card to Amazon?

(sorry not a giveaway just a question today, but stay tuned for some great giveaways in the next couple weeks)

What's cookin' - Easy Sausage Pepper Pasta

2010-06-02T08:45:00.002-05:00

I made this last week trying to use up so deals I've been getting to stock my pantry and freezer. I had some homemade sauce and peppers in the freezer so the prep was pretty simple. The taste was exceptional.

Easy Sausage Pepper Pasta

1 jar spaghetti sauce or homemade sauce
1/2 cup red and yellow peppers, chopped
2 to 3 links Italian sausage
1 lb pasta, I used penne, but any kind works
1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese

1. Put 1/4 cup water in pan and cook sausage on medium low for 10 to 15 minutes or until browned. You may need to add extra water. Cut sausage into 1/4 inch slices.
2. Boil pasta for 8 minutes. Drain.
3. Mix cooked pasta, sausage, peppers, and tomato sauce together in casserole dish.
4. Top with Mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or when cheese is melted.

For more great recipes check out the Grocery Cart Challenge and Life as Mom!

Week long series on my other blog

2010-06-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

On my other blog Life with a Dairy-Free Toddler, I am detailing meals that my toddler eats. Even if you don't have special dietary needs, you may pick up an idea or two. Check it out!

Winners of Scrubbing Bubbles Coupons!

2010-05-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

All winners have been e-mailed.

jaslvg
amberlowmiddleton
qingkirsten
couponsandcakes
ropp.5

Winners be sure to e-mail me back!

Buyer Beware

2010-05-27T08:39:00.000-05:00

Last we our grocery store had strawberries on sale for 98 cents a pint. I was about to pick up two when I read the sign and it said "Limit 1. All other purchases 2/$3." As I finished my shopping I kept looking at other shoppers to see that many had two pints of strawberries in their cart. Yes, $1.50 each is a little cheaper than normal but I wonder how many people thought they were getting each for 98 cents. Remember to read the limits on really good deals.

Flour Recommendation -Gold Medal Better for Bread

2010-05-25T18:22:00.000-05:00

I don't have a recipe to post this week, but I did want to share a new product that I tried.

I've been struggling with bread and roll recipes lately. They seem to be too dense. I concluded that it was the flour I was using. So, I tried Gold Medal Better for Bread Flour and the results were outstanding. They flour has more gluten making the bread and rolls better. It's a little more expensive than regular flour, but not much. And you can use it exclusively for bread and rolls while using your regular flour for all other uses.

Highly recommend!

**The views here are my opinion and I did not receive any compensation for them. I just wanted to share my opinion**

Sticker Fun

2010-05-25T08:44:00.000-05:00

I've posted in the past about how I believe that coloring sheets are useful for children. I think the same about using stickers as "creative art." Lately, to pass the time our daughter has been requesting stickers and paper to stick them on. She will spend 20 minutes peeling the stickers off and creating stories about what she is sticking. I have overheard her talking about the animal stickers and how they were going to the "Lamb Look Class." I asked her what they do in the class and she told me they go swimming and go poopy (we are almost completely potty trained). So, I argue that yes maybe she isn't creating something from scratch, but she is definitely using her imagination (and fine motor skills).

Cheap ways to get stickers

Dollar Store
Junk Mail
Garage Sales (often people will sell partial sheets for next to nothing)
Dollar Spot at Target
Walmart
After the holidays (wait until they go 75% off and use for next year)
Teacher stores
Michaels (they have a lot of dollar bins)
Oriental Trading

Name Your Link

A cleaning tip

2010-05-24T08:39:00.000-05:00

Here's a tip I read a while back that can be really useful for cleaning. I buy scrubbing pads at the Dollar Store and cut them in half. Often when I use my scrubbing pads for doing dishes with sticky food, such as cheese I end up having to toss after cleaning. You can get 5 large pads for $1 at the dollar store. By cutting them in half, I actually get 10 scrubbing pads for $1.

Product Review and Coupon Giveaway-- Closed Winners E-Mailed

2010-05-20T01:46:00.002-05:00

I am a Bzz Agent and recently was given a sample of Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-a-Clean Power Sprayer to try. I also was given some coupons to give away for five winners.

Here are some highlights of the Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer

The spray trigger is battery operated and allows for one touch spray to be continuous.
The solution foams up and is easy to clean off with a cloth.
Great for the bathtub or sink.
Active cleaners work for up to four days
For additional information, go here

There will be five winners. Each winner will receive these coupons:

$5/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-a-Clean Power Sprayer, exp. 7-31-10
$1/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-a-Clean Power Sprayer Refill, exp. 7-31-10

Simply leave a comment below or e-mail why you want to win. The five winners will be chosen by random.org on May 27 and will e-mailed, so be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Good luck!

By the way, these sell for $7 to $9, but are going on sale in many stores. Also, you can use it with the SC Johnson Mail-in-Rebate that is buy 3 SC Johnson products and get $5 back.

What's cookin' - Balsamic Shrimp Spinach Salad

2010-05-19T09:23:00.001-05:00

This was a super delicious salad. Maybe it was extra good because I have been trouble eating salads since my daughter was born. My oral allergy syndrome symptoms make it hard for me to eat raw fruits and vegetables without some discomfort. I recently realized that raw spinach doesn't bother me that much, so I am eating salads with limited toppings again!

Balsamic Shrimp Spinach Salad
This is a small serving -- easily double or triple for larger serving.

2 cups spinach
1 cup cooled cooked shrimp, cut into small pieces
Grated Parmesan cheese, or crumbled feta cheese or both

Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

1. Mix salad ingredients together.
2. Mix all vinaigrette ingredients together. Whisk or shake in bottle.
3. Pour vinaigrette over salad.

Hint: Top with bacon or homemade croutons!

For more great recipes, go to the Grocery Cart Challenge!

Paint Like Van Gogh

2010-05-17T13:46:00.006-05:00

Our daughter really enjoys watching Blue's Room. It's a take off of Blue's Clues, but we like it a little better. She loves learning from the show and they do things a little more in depth with purpose. Our favorites right now are Little Blue Riding Hood and Masterpiece Museum. After we watched Masterpiece Museum we painted like Van Gogh. Pretty good for a 2 1/2-year-old!

Save those muffins or cookies

2010-05-17T07:22:00.003-05:00

Here's a great tip to save muffins or cookies. Use a 13x9 pan with a lid. It works great to store and keep food items fresh.

Garage Sale Find

2010-05-14T07:32:00.000-05:00

Ahh, we have been hitting the city-wide garage sales like crazy. I wanted to share with you my 50 cent find -- a clown costume. A sure winner of fun for a couple years to come. I always buy dress-up clothes a size or two too big so that our daughter can easily put it on and take it off.

What's Cookin' - Homemade Croutons

2010-05-12T09:12:00.001-05:00

I've been experimenting with salad that are safe for me to eat (I have allergies to raw fruits and vegetables). I have found spinach to be the best option for salads without too much discomfort. I wanted to add something else to the salad without spending a lot of money. I found this great homemade crouton recipe.

Homemade Croutons
5 slices of bread (you can use any kind or buns)
1/2 cup butter (I used dairy-free Earth's Balance)
1 clove minced garlic

1. Cut bread into 1 inch cubes or size you prefer. You can leave crust on or cut them off and do this.
2. Lay on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes just to get them hard. You can use day old bread and skip this step.
3. Melt butter and garlic in skillet.
4. Toss bread cubes with butter. Place back on cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until brown and crispy.
6. Stores well for one week in airtight container. Serve with salads.

For more great recipes, check out the Grocery Cart Challenge!

Cooking with Kids

2010-05-11T15:46:00.000-05:00

Quote of the Day: I tried a new apple muffin recipe today and as I took them out of the oven I told my daughter that I didn't think turned out the way they were supposed to. I said "They turned out like..."she finished my sentence by saying "Rice Krispies treats." I guess to a 2-year-old if they didn't turn out right they would turn out to be something better.

Onto my post for the day. So often I read or hear people say how they don't let their kids cook with them. I think that's a shame. It's such a fun activity and a great learning tool.

Some things to keep in mind:

Having kids help will result in a messy kitchen, but don't you make a "mess" when you cook or bake.
It probably will take more time, but remember you are making memories with your children.
If you prep a few thing or line up ingredients it goes a little smoother.
Don't get upset if the cup of flour ends up on the floor -- be prepared that this will happen.
Have a plan before you start.
Smile and laugh together.
Take pictures.
Enjoy it together and share with others. Kids love to take credit for their hard work.
Explain the importance of adult supervision for stove and oven cooking.
Role model proper cooking and baking techniques (ie no licking fingers while stirring batter or using sleeves as oven mitts).
Be sure to let children lick the spoon or bowl if no raw egg is used.
Be careful when cooking with raw meat and children.

What kid's learn:

Different measurements
How to work together
How to follow directions
To enjoy something they made
Different ingredients and how they work together
Nutrition information
How to clean up or do dishes (this is for older kids)

Fun Recipes

Less than 5 ingredients

More than 5 ingredients

See all my recipes here and here!

What's there to eat?

2010-05-10T03:49:00.000-05:00

We are really working on freezing meals ahead of time and freezing extra meat for fried rice, casseroles or salads. Sometimes we have so much we don't know what there is. My husband will look franticly for something for a quick lunch, but doesn't have time to sift through the freezer. We also have a tendency to have a serving or two in the refrigerator that doesn't get eaten.

So, I recently created a form to put on my fridge. It lists what I have for leftovers in the fridge and what frozen meals I have in the freezer. There also is a column for the date so that I can stay on top of cleaning out the fridge and plan meals from the freezer timely. I laminated the list it so it can be used and reused. Simple put it on the refrigerator for all to see. Feel free to use it if you like!

Freezer/Fridge List -- print as webpage for larger size.

Cute trailer

2010-05-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

What's Cookin' - Chicken and Biscuits

2010-05-04T20:04:00.000-05:00

I adapted this recipe from my Chicken Pot Pie recipe. It's an easy way to make the same base but serve it different ways.

Chicken and Biscuits

Biscuits
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup milk

1. Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and butter together until mixture resembles cornmeal.
2. Add milk to mixture. Stir until just combined.
3. Kneed on floured countertop for 15 to 20 times.
4. Roll out or press down dough to one inch thick
5. Cut out circles with biscuit cutter or a glass.
6. Place on cookie sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 13 to 15 minutes.

Chicken Filling

1/2 pound chicken (I used leftover precooked chicken and add at end)

1/2 cup sliced carrots

1/4 cup frozen peas

1/4 cup frozen corn

1 small potato, diced

1 celery stalk

2 Tbsp butter

1/3 cup onion, chopped

1/3 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

14 oz can chicken broth (or homemade chicken stock)

2/3 cup milk

1. Boil vegetables (except onions) and chicken for 15 minutes. Drain.

2. In saucepan, melt butter and add onions until translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder.

3. Slowly stir in milk and chicken broth. Bring to boil, then simmer until sauce thickens.

4. Mix vegetables and chicken with sauce. Let cook on low for 10 minutes.

5. Pour over biscuits and serve!

Parenting techniques that are working for us

2010-05-04T07:45:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted any parenting techniques or information lately. So I thought I would share some techniques that are working for us.

Super Nanny Sleep Technique: We struggled for weeks after "Elmo came and took the pacifiers for the new babies" to get our daughter to sleep at night. Basically, it includes a lot of patience on the parent to keep putting the child back to bed without any conversation. Also, the parent sits in the room with the child, while she falls asleep but does not look or talk at all. The Super Nanny Sleep technique worked really well for us, however it still took several weeks before it all clicked.

Poop Jail: We are currently using this one to help our little one poop on the potty. If there was a kid who is resistant, it's her. Crying, screaming and downright afraid to poop on the potty. We've spent hour sitting in there. Last week I tried the Poop Jail, which was very similar to what I was doing. It clearly states expectations of not you the parent but of the doctor. For our active little girl it seems to work because we take her clothes off until she poops so she's can completely focus just on pooping. Seems a little odd, but it's working for us.

Authoritative parenting; This is used in both the Super Nanny Sleep Technique and Poop Jail. Essentially, authoritative parenting is giving high demands of children and high response from the parents.

Love and Logic: Love and Logic is about showing children that you understand their feelings. It also explains how important it is to give choices that are favorable to both the parent and child. Choices should not be threats or punishments. Here are some free articles about Love and Logic.

Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, Benadryl Recall

2010-05-01T20:41:00.003-05:00

There is a big recall on children's Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. See press release here.

What's Cookin' - Chicken Quesadillas

2010-04-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

This was a really quick and tasty meal without a lot of prep.

Chicken Quesadillas
(1 to 2 servings)

1/4 cup cooked chicken
2 Tbsp salsa
1/4 cup shredded cheese
2 flour tortillas
2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1. Heat oil on medium-high. Add tortilla one at a time.
2. Fry tortilla until crisp and lightly browned. Repeat with second tortilla.
3. Chicken and salsa together.
4. Spread chicken/salsa mixture on one tortilla shell.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top of chicken/salsa mixture.
6. Top with remaining tortilla shell.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes or until cheese melts.
8. Cool, cut and serve with side of sour cream.

Soft and Loud Activity

2010-04-27T08:53:00.000-05:00

I made this file folder game years ago for a class.

The other day I thought I would enrich the activity since my 2 1/2-year-old mastered it weeks ago (actually she figured it out the first time playing -- smarty pants). I took one of the "free" magazines that shows up at our house. We cut out different scenes or items and decided what was soft or loud.

Then she just put them on the correct side. It was interesting to do. I let her decide if something was soft or loud unless it was obviously wrong, such as a train. Many things could fall into both. I asked her to explain why if she could. Still working on those skills.

Other categories for cutting apart a magazine:

Alive or not alive
big or small
colors
animals or people
Hard or soft
Wet or dry
Food -- healthy or unhealthy, fruits or vegetables
Fast or slow

Refilling the Swiffer

2010-04-26T08:40:00.000-05:00

I don't really like the waste that using the Swiffer Wet Jet for cleaning of the floors can produce. Not to mention the cost of refills. I usually wash the floors by hand a couple times a month and Swiffer the rest of the time (because it is easier). I bought my Swiffer at a garage sale for about $6 (unopened). I figured out a way to not have to buy expensive refills for the cleaning solution.

I asked my husband (who given a challenge always comes through) to unscrew the unscrewable cap on the solution container for the Swiffer Wet Jet. Then I just refill the solution with water and Mr. Clean Multisurfaces Liquid. You only need to use about a 1/4 cup or less depending on the size of your original container. I would imagine any cleaning solution will work. I bought Mr. Clean because it is made by Proctor and Gamble (who makes Swiffer as well) and believe it will work the closest to the original solution.

Cost for Mr Clean Multi-Surfaces Liquid -- less than $4 (coupons make it less) and you can use for lots and lots of times.
Cost for one Swiffer Wet Jet Solution refill -- about $4 and you get about 2 or 3 uses out of it.

As far as the refills for the pads, the only good alternative I've found are at the Dollar General. They are okay, but don't expect them to work as good as the original. They run about $4 for 12. I alternate these with the Swiffer pads.

It's official -- I've lost 10 pounds

2010-04-23T15:31:00.000-05:00

I first and foremost want to say that this was a lot of work and by no means an easy task. I recently read an article from a celebrity mom who lost all her baby weight in the first four months and is posing in a bikini with a flat stomach. Um, that's just not realistic. I want to share a little of my journey and give some real insight on what worked for me.

August 2006
I weighed 129 pounds at our wedding. I had gained some "love" weight during the year my husband and I met.

August 2007
I gave birth to my 8 pound 2 3/4 ounce daughter. I had gained about 42 pounds (that's what I weighed the week before I gave birth).

2007-2008
I was 100 percent focused on being mom, but did lose the bulk of the baby weight in about 4 months. But my shape was not back to normal, at all. I tried to exercise, but my husband's busy job didn't give much extra time.

2009
I had a couple of back injuries that laid me up. We moved for the fourth time since our daughter was born. I realized that as active as I was it was a slow active. A lot of my day was watching and overseeing my daughter's play or standing still pushing her on the swing. I was active but actually was gaining weight.

November - December 2009
We joined a health club that has drop-in child care. Best thing we ever did. We got rid of cable to pay for the monthly fee. I weighed over 135 pounds. I still didn't fall into the overweight category, but I wasn't too happy that I had lost so much stamina in the last couple years. My goal was to be active and feel better, not necessarily lose weight. During these first months of working out, I worked hard to do even 5 minutes on the elliptical machine. I worked hard to make it around the track enough times to actually feel my heart rate pick up. I worked hard to do one weight machine (at 20 pounds) to strengthen my still sore back. I didn't lose any weight these first two months and we worked out at least three nights a week for close to an hour. It didn't help that it was "eat lots of goodies" season, either. But I did gain back some stamina.

January 2010
I'm not normally one to use a new year to be the time to set weight loss goals, but that's just the way it worked out. I gave myself a goal of getting to 125 pounds. I figured it would probably take about six months to get there. I've never had to lose weight before so I didn't know how to do it. During the month of January, I was at the health club at least three times a week and often twice a day. I was up to 20 minutes on the elliptical mid-way through and was able to add some free weights to my routine. I also bumped up the weight on the machine I used for my back.

Feb-March 2010
I approached working out as a part-time job. I often worked out in the morning while my daughter did a class or just played in the child care center. I started to add new machines and bumping up weights. It was a very slow process because my body was so out of workout mode. I was able to do 30 minutes or more on the elliptical machine and even found myself running a mile here and there on the track. I still was working out at least three times a week for more than an hour. It seems as soon as I got to one level of ability that if I added something new that it helped keep my body to lose more. It was in March that I found out some interesting information about my health. I eliminated peanuts, which I found I was allergic to and along the way eliminate soda (I actually eliminate caffeine a couple years ago). Two foods that have changed my stamina, also.

April 2010
I'm still working out at least three times a week. I weighed myself this week and I officially lost 10 pounds. I don't feel like I lost that much because my shape isn't what it used to be (just yet). But I am happy because I am waiting until June to buy new clothes and I think by then (if I keep at this pace) that I might lose a little more.

Lessons learned

It takes time. These shows with people losing mass amounts of weight in weeks is just not realistic. We have lives and other priorities.
Make it a priority. You have to stick with it. It's hard to do. It's very hard to do. But if you want to lose weight or even just gain back some energy, you have to focus on it.
Adding something new helps. I slowly added weights to my routine. I change up my stretches, too.
You have to change your diet. That was really hard for me, but in hindsight it was no big deal.
Celebrate the milestones. If your goal is five pounds give yourself a reward.
BMI is bogus!

Successful Garage Sale Hunting

2010-04-21T20:36:00.000-05:00

Whether you call them yard sales, thrift sales, or garage sale, there's no doubt that the season is upon us. Here are some tips to find some great things at garage sales.

1. Watch for city-wide sales or neighborhood sales. Last summer was the first summer I live in an area where whole cities have garage sales. It was amazing. I just parked my car, put my daughter in the stroller and walked around a few blocks for a couple hours. I scored so many great treasures. It was like trick-or-treating for garage salers. If you don't have whole city-wide sales, you will see neighborhoods having a sale or a church or high school. This is the best use of your time.
2. Read the newspaper or craigslist. I personally read craigslist. Last week I was scanning it during lunch and saw a sale that had Barbies. We are just introducing Barbies to our daughter. So after lunch we went to the garage sale (there were two other one's in the neighborhood) and scored 2 Barbies and a ton of clothes for $3.50.
3. Make a list. I have a list of items I want to find this summer. For example, Legos, Barbie clothes, 5T clothes, Christmas dress, shoes (never have luck there), books, games, Leapfrog imagination desk books, desk chair, teacher materials, Pampered chef items are just a few on my list.
4. Don't take a lot of money with you. Last year when I went to a city-wide sale, I only took $25 with me. It made me really think about whether or not I really needed certain items. Knowing that another sale was a house a way that might have something I really need made me rethink purchases.
5. Bargain. I'm kinda weak on this one unless I'm short on cash for the day. But you can usually talk someone down at least 10 percent of what they are charging. Their main goal is to get rid of things, not just to make money. One less thing they have to haul to donation is going to help them out, too.
6. Leave the kids at home. I don't have this option available too often and my daughter is already excited about garage sales. But you can accomplish a lot more if you aren't managing children while hunting for treasures.
7. Look everything over carefully. Even though you may be only paying a dollar for a name-brand shirt, make sure there are no stains or holes on it before you buy it. Places to look carefully at are zippers, buttons, neckline, underarms, and cuffs.
8. Watch for Donation Sales: Often you will see sales for organization donating their money, such as Relay for Life. Sometimes these sales will have items for a little higher cost. Pay it. It's going to a good cause and it feels good to help out.
9. Things I don't buy. Most items I buy at garage sales are new or gently used. If i can wash it or clean it with bleach water, I'll buy it. But there are somethings I always overlook. Knick-knacks, very used clothes such as pajamas, kid plates, sliverware, utensils, puzzles, and anything that looks like pieces are missing.
10. Thank the kids. Often you will see kids helping and I try to thank them directly. It's gotta be hard to give up some of your own toys.

What's Cookin' - S'mores

2010-04-21T08:34:00.000-05:00

Check out how to make S'mores in the microwave on my other blog. Simply substitute dairy-free chocolate chips with milk-chocolate or semi-sweet!

Butterfly Craft

2010-04-20T10:49:00.000-05:00

Here's an easy craft. I can't remember the first time I did this one. It's a fun one!

Materials
Clothespins
Coffee filters
washable markers
pipe cleaner, cut about an inch

1. Color the coffee filters with many colors. Try to color in all the white, but as you can see my 2 1/2-year-old didn't get it all filled it and they turned out great.

2. Spray with water.

3. Allow to dry on paper towel or paper bag.
4. After it dries, put it into the clothespin.

5. Put a face on clothespin and add pipe cleaner as antenna.

New Direction

2010-04-18T16:18:00.002-05:00

I'm very excited about the next transition in our lives. I am going back to work come this fall. Our daughter will be 3 years old and we found a wonderful preschool for her. I was earning my second Bachelor's degree in teaching when I became pregnant with her and have been a full-time parent since. We've had lots of challenges since she's been born (medical issues, moving, etc). But all seems pretty sorted out right now. I just started applying for teaching jobs in our area and can't wait to see what comes from it. Boy oh boy you wouldn't have believed all the work I had to put into the application process. I spent more than an hour a day last week typing up answers and filling in the blanks. And Friday morning I spent more than three hours scanning in documents and uploading everything.

My initial hope was for part-time, but if a great full-time opportunity comes my way I might just snag it. I worry about the balance of it all, but I think we've discussed it clearly. My husband is so supportive and says it will all just work out. And I know it will. I gotta admit I think I'm looking forward to getting back into the real world. It's been a challenge at times to be isolated, even though my daughter and I go somewhere every day. We'll see what happens next.

I'll keep you posted!!

What's Cookin' -- Garlic Butter

2010-04-14T04:41:00.000-05:00

Garlic Butter

Original recipe found here.

1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground paprika

1. Mix all together.

2. Spread on warm rolls or on french bread

What I stockpile

2010-04-12T14:22:00.000-05:00

I thought it would be fun to see what items I stockpile. For me I only stockpile what I find really cheap or in rare cases know that I'm going to run out of quickly. Here are my strategies and items that I stockpile.

Items

Tomato Sauce (these are often on sale for about 33 cents at Walgreens and sometimes I have a manufacturer coupon which makes them close to free)
Ketchup (I request manufacturere coupons, double the coupon when this goes on sale. I pay usually less than a dollar for 40 oz)
Cereal (use coupons coupled with a sale. I usually pay around $1 a box for name-brand cereal)
Canned Fruit (stock up around holidays)
Canned Veggies (stock up around holidays)
Candy (buy after a holiday for the next holiday)
Mustard (I'll double a coupon and buy in summer time)
Hot Sauce (usually use a coupon and double up with a sale)
Soda (only when there's a dirt cheap sale. Last year we were buy 12 packs for under $2. Haven't seen that sale for a while)
Crackers (usually stack store and manufacturer coupon for about $1 to $1.50 a box)
Popcorn (we buy a huge bag for just a few bucks and it lasts us almost a year. And we eat a lot of popcorn)
Bulk Meat (we buy a quarter cow and half hog each year. I follow sales for chicken and stock up. I also find buying whole chickens on sale are much cheaper than cut-up chicken parts)
Pickles (I usually double a coupon and match it up with a sale)
Olives (I buy store brand)
Bread (I buy at a Sara Lee outlet store. I usually get a loaf of bread for 99 cents and buns for 89 cents each. I usually keep an extra of each in the freezer)
Butter (I buy when it's on sale for under $1. I will buy a couple extra and freeze them. Butter freezes really well.)
Mayo (I buy with double coupon and a sale)
Salad dressing (I buy with double coupon and a sale)
Pasta (I usually just buy it when it's on sale. My price point is less than $1 for 1 pound.)
Flour and Sugar (stock up around holidays and when it's on sale. I will buy store brand, too.)

Non-food items

Kleenex or tissues (I'll use a coupon or buy store brand)
TP (My price point is $5 for 12 pack double roll. I work really hard to watch sales and find coupons to go below my price point)
Deoderant (I recently found my husband's deoderant for $1 at the grocery store. It normally is close to $4. Keep an eye out when you least expect it.)
Toothpaste (We're pretty particular when it comes to toothpaste. Mine rarely goes on sale, but ocassionally Walgreens will have a BOGO and I usually can pair that with a coupon)
Diapers (Actually, we are using Pull-Ups now. Just watch for the sale and never buy without a coupons.)
Soap (I buy with coupons and match up with sales. I use a recipe to refill foam soap containers that saves us tons of money on soap)
Paper Towel (It's tough to find a good deal on this one. Watch for a sale and use a coupon. My goal is $1 for a double roll -hard to do)

Strategies
1. I like to use double coupons about once a month. Our store's policy is a minimum purchase of $25 (before coupons) and they will double any manufacturer coupon up to $1. So in a given trip I can get a maximum of $10 in coupons savings. But that grocery store is known for be a little higher than the locally owned store that I stock up at for most items. The local store is on average 10 cents to $1 cheaper on most items, but will only take one Internet coupon per purchase. Although they do have coupons available throughout the store.
2. Reading blogs. That's a given. I love Deal Seeking Mom and Money Saving Mom
3. E-mailing manufacturers. I've mentioned this before. Simply write to the manufacturers of you favorite brands letting them know you enjoy their products. Often they will send money-saving coupons in return.
4. Watching sales and know what items I buy normally go on sale. This is a given, too. Sometimes it can be a lot of work, but the sales do come around again. I tend to watch for patterns.
5. Having a price point I won't go over.
6. Join product testing sites such as Proctor and Gamble's Vocalpoint, General Mill's Psst and Kraft's First Taste. I get awesome products to try all the time. Plus they send out great coupons to share.
7. Stock up around and after holidays. Baking goods and canned vegetables can be found really cheap around the holidays. Usually my stock up will get me through to the next holiday.
8. Use manufacturer and store coupons. Stacking coupons is a great way to get items for next to nothing.
9. Once you have a nice stockpile, you can just pick up one of an item here and there when on sale instead of buying a large number. Plus you have what you need to plan a nice menu plan for the week or month.

Deal of the Week

2010-04-08T14:09:00.000-05:00

Have I told you that I live a stones-throw away from Target? It is a great blessing becuase I can watch deals and not spend any time driving. I love watching their endcaps -- health and beauty, toys and food are my favorites.

Yesterday I bought this Barbie for 86 cents at Target! Yep, 86 cents. That's the cheapest I've ever seen a Barbie go for! That's cheaper than the knock-off dollas at the Dollar Store. Ahh, feels good to get a good deal and an early start on birthday and Christmas gifts.

What's Cookin' -- Pull Apart Rolls

2010-04-07T16:43:00.001-05:00

These rolls are delicious. The orginal recipe is from Cooking from Stolen Moments, however I halved the recipe to make just one pan.

Pull Apart Rolls

1/4 cup and 2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup and 2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 Tbsp and 1/2 tsp dry active yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt (or less to taste)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 1/2 cups to 4 cups flour

1. Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add boiling water. Cool to room temperature.
2. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
3. Add yeast and egg to butter mixture. Mix well.
4. Add salt, baking powder, baking soda and 2 1/2 cup flour to mixture.
5. Add remaining flour and kneed for 8 minutes.
6. Roll dough into golf ball size balls. Place in greased round cake pan.
7. Cover and allow to rise for 1 to 2 hours.
8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Huge Pet Peeve

2010-04-06T16:32:00.000-05:00

I absolutely cannot stand when I read reviews about a recipe on a recipe website and it gets all (or close too) stars, but the reviews are misleading. It's rated high and has many reviews. Then I read the reviews and almost every review that gives it high marks has variations and suggestions to make the orginal recipe different. Um, then you aren't reviewing the orginal recipe. You are rating the recipe you are posting in the review. Ugh. Drives me crazy.

Promoting Independence in a toddler

2010-04-06T08:34:00.000-05:00

There's a lot to be said to teaching a child responsibility. But along with teaching them responsibility, they are also learning to be independent. A toddler, who has to be told a gazillion times to be told the same thing, will unknownly surprise you by following though on a self-initiated task. In other words, they will start to pick up toys on their own or put their clothes in the hamper without being asked. Thus evolving into independence.

Here is a list of thing we do to promote independence by giving our 2 1/2 year-old daughter certain "responsibilities:"

Putting her clothes in the hamper
Putting her hamper back in her room (after I do laundry)
Picking up toys and putting them in correct location (or close enough on some days)
Folding wash clothes
Matching socks when doing laundry
Handing me shirts to hang up when doing laundry
Putting books away in baskets
Throwing away garbage
Giving her choices for lunch or breakfast
Letting her pick out snack from the pantry and put it on her snack table
Having her get dressed by herself every day -- I let her pick out her socks, underwear and pants. I pick out the shirt. She puts on her night diaper and sleeper at night.
Getting undressed.
Having her put her shoes and jacket on by herself when leaving the house
We're in the middle of potty training. She won't do number 2 on the potty yet, so we let her put on a pull-up. She does this by herself. We change the dirty diaper.
Playing organized games (first lots of guided instructions, but eventually not as much guidance needed)
Using an art easel with Crayola color wonder paper and markers. It stays in the living room for a week or two at a time. Teaches to use markers on paper and put the caps back on.
Simple tasks: I often will ask her to get me a box of kleenex from the linen closet or turn off lights in a room if they were left on.
Asking her to come from across the room. Then giving her a hug and telling her something positive
Reinforcing good behavior with saying a "thank you" or saying "how quickly she followed directions." I will also take a positive action she did earlier in the day and tell Daddy at night in front of her. Then he can give her positive words about it, too.
Giving choices for which books to read, what games to play, which park to go to, which direction to go on a walk,
Holding the dog's leash on a walk
Picking out toys and books to rotate
When doing a craft, giving her the choice of colors for paint, paper color, markers or crayons.

These are just some of the techniques that work for us. We don't use a chore chart or rewards. The above listed are just what is expected. We make it a lot of fun and she doesn't mind being asked to help with anything. They love helping at this age. Adapt these ideas into what you do and your lifestyle. Think big picture. A child who picks up her toys at 2-years-old is more likely to pick them up when she's 6 without a battle.

Total Deal

2010-04-01T14:40:00.000-05:00

I just bought this jacket at Sears for 70 percent off. It was only $40 and it has a lining that can be worn as a spring/fall jacket. The lining is reversible, too. It was a great find for a great price. It was like getting four jackets for the price of one!

I found it online here for less than $40. If you need a jacket that is extra heavy and can be stripped down to a light jacket, this is the one for you.

What's Cookin' -- Porcupine Meatballs

2010-03-31T03:19:00.006-05:00

Check out my mother-in-law's recipe for Porcupine Meatballs over at my other blog Life with a Dairy-Free Toddler. Yummy!

Zen Music

2010-03-30T07:56:00.000-05:00

Here is a great cd for background sound or white noise. Reflections of Nature: Zen and the Art of Relaxation is what I used when our daughter was an infant. It is also was a cd we used at a child care center I worked at. The music is quiet and doesn't get loud or peppy like some classical music can. I highly recommend it!

Gotta question

2010-03-29T09:58:00.000-05:00

It happens to me all the time that I am halving a recipe and can't remember half of 1/3 cup or some other measurement. I found this website True Knowledge that allows you to type a question and it generates an answer. I like this site because it is much more helpful than Yahoo Answers or other message boards where people give answers that tend to confuse or even insult. You just get an answer and it's precise as well.

I have yet to use it for anything else, but it is sure nice to have answers at your fingertips.

Website Review -- Coupon Chief

2010-03-25T08:24:00.000-05:00

Recently, I was asked to do a review for the website Coupon Chief.

Coupon Chief has a very simple focus -- to give coupon codes for discounts to online retailers. You can search by store or common tags, such as jewelry, clothes, or health. For example, you can search codes at a store, such as Target or a tag, such as toys. This is helpful in finding exactly what you are looking for. It is easy to navigate and the coupon codes are in large font. You can simply copy and paste the code as you checkout at an online store. Codes include discount offers, percentage off and free shipping. The site doesn't seem to get distracted with other discounts or money saving tips, which keeps the website clean and focused.

Sign up free for Coupon Chief and you can receive even more benefits. In Coupon Chief's "Pays 2 Share" program users are allowed to submit a coupon code and earn 2 percent of the sales made from the coupon. Users can also comment on the coupon codes and click whether they worked or not. I especially like this feature because sometimes codes expire and no longer work. With other coupon code sites I've read, it can be very hard to find current deals. Coupon Chief appears to stay current and allows the users to relay pertitent information about each code to other users.

I like the video tutorial of how the site works. It is simple to understand, especially for visual learners. It's helpful to know exactly what the website is about without having to sift through pages and pages of small type. The video is informative and gets right to the point

Coupon Chief will be useful for anyone who shops online and wants to get a discount in the process. I've been to other coupon code sites that don't offer such ease or comphrensiveness. Coupon Chief is your one-stop shop for online coupon codes.

Note: “CouponChief.com invited me to peruse their vast supply of coupons in March 2010. I received compensation for this review, which reflects my opinion.

Thrifty Tip

2010-03-25T06:28:00.000-05:00

If you print online coupons then you a plagued with the proverbial almost half sheet of paper that gets wasted. Instead of tossing the bottom portion, I save them. I take several with us along with some crayons when we go out to restaurants. That way our little 2 1/2 year old can create a picture when we are waiting for our food. Yes, many restaurants have crayons and menus to color, but some don't. And even the ones that do, we find that after a couple minutes she's ready for a new piece of paper. Short attention span in a highly stimulated place, or something like that...

What's Cookin' -- Eggplant Parmesan

2010-03-24T14:26:00.001-05:00

Do you have one of those dishes you've always heard about, but have never tried? For me that was Eggplant Parmesan. I've seen in on cooking shows, seen it on restuarant menus, read about it in cookbooks, but until a few weeks never tried it. It was so good. I can see why many people call it a "comfort food."

When making something new, I always consult my favorite cookbook -- America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. In true Test Kitchen form, this has many, many steps. I tried to simplify the steps a little, but follow directions exactly. Don't let the length of time or steps deter you. It is worth all the effort!

Eggplant Parmesan

(time: 40 to allow eggplant to soak, 30 minutes to bake, 15 minutes to prep, 15 minutes for final bake)

1 eggplant, sliced in 1/4 inch pieces

Salt

1/2 cup flour

pepper

2 eggs

2 cups breadcrumbs

3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

2 cups tomato sauce (jar or homemade)

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

5 basil leaves (optional

1. Toss eggplant with salt and let drain in colander for 40 minutes.

2. Place rimmed baking sheet (or use foil to create a rim) in 425 degree oven.

3. Combine flour, 1/2 tsp pepper in large ziplock bag and shake.

4. Beat eggs in shallow dish.

5. Combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup parmesan, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in second shallow dish.

6. Press firmly on eggplants with paper towel to dry. Wipe away as much of salt as possible.

7. Place 8 eggplant slices in ziplock bag with flour and pepper. Shake to coat.

8. Shake off excess and dip eggplant in eggs.

9. Remove excess and coat evenly with breadcrumb mixture. Press to adhere.

10. Lay breaded eggplant on wire rack. Repeat with remaining eggplant slices.

11. Remove preheated sheet from oven. Pour 3 Tbsp of oil on sheet.

12. Spread eggplant on sheet in single layer.

13. Bake for about 20 minutes. Eggplant will be well browned and crisp.

14. Flip, rotate sheet and bake for about 10 minutes later.

15. Spread about 1/2 cup of sauce on bottom of 9 x 13 baking dish.

16. Scatter eggplant on top of sauce.

17. Place 1/2 cup or so on top of eggplant. (I spooned a little onto each eggplant).

18. Sprinkle on half of mozzarella.

19. Place remaining eggplant on top, scatter.

20. Add sauce on top of eggplant. Sprinkle on remaining mozzarella,

21. Sprinkle top with 1/4 cup of parmesan.

22. Bake until cheese bubbles and is well browned. About 15 minutes

23. Sprinkle with optional basil and cool for 10 minutes.

24. Serve with leftover sauce and extra parmesan.

For more great recipes go to the Grocery Cart Challenge!

Blog with fun crafts

2010-03-23T08:54:00.000-05:00

Go check out Rambling from a Crazy Woman to see some great Easter crafts!

Game for Toddler

2010-03-22T08:41:00.000-05:00

Since I've been behind on Tuesdays lately, here's an early post. I brought out Easter items yesterday. It's funny how a a couple of "new" soft toys can really excite a 2-year-old. I always put away a number of toys for the holidays only. She really liked these stuffed peeps that I bought when she wasn't even crawling yet. I found them at a thrift store in the packaging for next to nothing. Yesterday, we were playing together and created a really fun game with the peeps. You can easily use eggs, other stuffed animals or laminated pieces in replacement of peeps.

First we asked her to sort the peeps. First she did it by color and then by character (chick and bunny). I noticed when she sorted by chick and bunny she also lined them up by color -- so interesting to see that mind work.

Then Daddy hid the peeps while she and I were out of the room (counting to 20). She came back and "hunted" for her peeps. When she had found several, we asked to count how many she had missing. She lined them up and looked for the ones she hadn't found yet. What an great way to watch her think! We gave her clues to help find the ones missing. It was so much fun for her. I'm guessing it's going to be a regular game around here for a couple weeks.

Skills to focus on:

Counting
Sorting
Figuring out clues
Listening to directions
Figuring out what's missing
Fun

I also want to mention that this is math (shhh, don't tell). I think many times we focus so much on literacy with young kids that we forget to work on the math skills. And it's crucial to know that math is more than numbers. Maths with little ones include counting, sorting, number recognition, comparing, sizes, shapes, measuring, patterns, colors, opposities. For some really simple math ideas go here!