Super Mommies

SuperMommy of the Month: March 2010

2010-03-01T05:00:00-08:00

SuperMommy of the Month: Stephanie B.

If you have one boy you know how active, intense, and WILD they can be, heck most of them never sit still. Well meet Stephanie, the mother of FOUR boys (all under SIX)! What makes Stephanie a SuperMommy (in my opinion) is that no matter where or when you see her she is always calm. When I watch her interact with her brood it's as if the job couldn't be easier, nothing seems to rattle her. She is incredibly patient, engaged and easy-going while juggling her four rambunctious bambinos. It always astounds me how well she handles the intensity of raising four young boys.

In her own words, this is our SuperMommy of the Month.

My name is Stephanie and I am the very blessed mother of four boys. I am also the happy wife of a wonderful man, Jeff. Our boys are Weston, 6, Brody, 4, Dane, 2, and Travis, 7 months of age. I always knew I wanted a big family. I am the middle of five, four of whom are girls. I had a very happy and fun childhood in a home full of love. I never expected to have all boys, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

I believe it was God’s plan to make me a mother of all boys.

After the birth of our first son, Jeff and I were on cloud nine. We had no idea just how strong you could love a child. We showered him with affection and attention. We jumped at his every sound! I think I even videotaped his entire first year of life! When we got pregnant with our second, although I was happy, I was secretly worried that I could never love another the way I love my first. Boy, was I wrong! Instead of sharing my heart I feel as though I grew a second, then a third and now a fourth.

I discovered early on that one of the ‘perks’ of motherhood is you worry all of the time! We worry about the food they eat, getting sick, vaccines, are they at the same level as other kids their age, do they have good manners, friends, will they be potty trained by high school!, and so on. It gets to be quite overwhelming so I try to keep this in mind…My hope and goal is to raise four gentlemen.

I want for them to be good, compassionate, and faithful men. I want them to be close brothers that can count on one another long after Jeff and I are gone. I want to be a patient mother, not get upset over the little things and focus on having a happy family.

My favorite part of motherhood is listening to my children talk. They say such interesting things and have unclouded views and innocent ideas. It makes children feel so good when you don’t rush them and you just let them speak. I am often asked how I spend my days with four very energetic boys. Everyday is an adventure! Boys need to be busy or things can get out of hand and physical very fast! The best advice my mother gave me was to put the housework aside and play with your children. Nothing makes my boys happier, and I know this will not always be the case! We play Star Wars and Indiana Jones all day. They insist I be Darth Vader and the ongoing argument among them is who gets to be Luke Skywalker!

Of course, I do stress over the housework, the endless piles of laundry and fingerprints on every window in the house drive me crazy... But, at the end of the day (as I unwind with a glass of wine), I think how lucky I am to have been blessed with four amazing boys, a wonderful husband, and a house full of love!

Snow Days

2010-02-16T08:53:08-08:00

Although I've not been all that excited that due to the 3 ft of snow outside we have been unable to drive for days, have not had school for over a week and have essentially been homebound, there are some silver linings. Probably the best thing that has come from this 9 day snowpocalypse is that it forced us all to pause. As Kokobean said, "Mama we're hibernazing" (hibernating), and we sure are.

True quality time together is something that many people take for granted, but when you can't leave the house it's not like you have a choice in the matter! Over the past week we have played board games that Mommy is usually too busy to play (you know, like Chutes and Ladders, the game that never seems to end), we've organized closets and bins that are normally forgotten about (but usually hold treasures we've not seen in awhile) and we've been to Cinderella's castle and the moon. We've also read those "too long" for bedtime books, taken extra long baths since we've nowhere to go and crafted more crafts than a whole years worth of Martha Stewart magazine ideas. It's so nice to push the pause button of life sometimes.

If you are like me and you've also been caught up in this never ending blizzard I hope you've also enjoyed some time on pause. It can be stressful, annoying and darn right boring, don't get me wrong, but I think it's healthy to take a minute to just be.

Here's to spring! :)

Extreme Green

2010-02-16T08:12:07-08:00

I am all for recycling, conservation and raising eco-conscious children-- but this??? Have you seen the Belkiz Feedaway ? This cardboard high chair is designed to hold children up to 18 months old. With a three-point-harness system, the Feedaway can fold down for storage between uses and has a non-toxic food grade coating on it to protect it from food and spillage. I don't know about you, but I think I'll pass on this one. Nobody puts my baby in a corner...I mean cardboard box.

A lesson in portion control - mmmmm, pork!

2010-01-09T10:44:00-08:00

The following is written by contributing writer: SassyMommy

Here is how a normal meal goes with me. Load up your plate like you are starving and haven't eaten in weeks (hence the ridiculous portion sizes seen above). Proceed to have a glass of red wine. Eat all of the vegetables. Then move onto the roasted potatoes/onions. Eat those alternating with whatever meat has been prepared (in this case, pork). Get about 35% of the way through the starch and protein (thank you, Top Chef) and then declare you are full and walk away. Leave the potatoes and pork on a plate in the fridge, so that you can pick at it for the next 2 hours.

Oh, and by the way, here are the recipes for the really easy lunch above. Please note the prep time for marinading the pork! (Not reading the directions close enough turned Friday night dinner into Saturday lunch.)

These Mustard Roasted Potatoes from the Barefoot Contessa were wonderful (and btw, totally gluten free, as I have now learned after having a dinner guest with multiple food allergies) and I am definitely making these again soon. Actually I sorta have to make them, since I got the 10-lb bag at Costco. Lucky for me, they are reeeeaaaallllly good!

Mustard-Roasted Potatoes
2.5 pounds small red potatoes
2 yellow onions (I only use half of one)
3 tablespoons good olive oil
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Cut potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size, and place them on a sheet pan. Cut onions into half-rounds and toss with potatoes on sheet pan. Add olive oil, mustard, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and pepper, and toss everything together. Bake 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until potatoes are lightly browned. Toss from time to time during baking so they brown evenly. Sprinkle hot potatoes with parsley and more salt to taste, and serve.

Herb Marinated Loin of Pork

Grated zest of 1 lemon (I used orange zest)

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4-6 lemons) - I used orange juice

1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoon minced garlic (6 cloves)
1 1/2 Tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt
2-3 pork tenderloins, 1 lb each
Freshly ground black pepper

Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, mustard, and 2 teaspoon of salt in a 1 gallon resealable plastic bag. Add the pork tenderloins and turn to coat with the marinade. Squeeze the air out of the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight, or at least 3 hours.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat the grill. Remove the tenderloins from the marinade and discard the marinade. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then grill, turning a few times to brown on all sides, for 20 minutes–until the meat registers about 140 degrees at the thickest part. (We cooked these in a 425 F oven for 20 minutes, since it was cold and rainy outside.)

Transfer the tenderloins to a platter and cover tightly with aluminum foil. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, LET REST FOR AT LEAST 10 MINUTES. Carve in 1/2 inch thick diagonal slices. The thickest part will be pink; this is just fine. The end parts will be well done–something for everyone. Serve with the juices that collect on the platter.

Removeez

2010-01-07T09:54:00-08:00

This holiday season my darling daughter received what appeared to be a harmless stamp from a friend at school. Little did we know, possession of this little green tree stamp made her armed and dangerous. Everything and everyone she came in contact with had to be stamped (including some very kind strangers we met while running errands).

All was fine, until we realized that these bright green trees she'd placed on everyone… well…they would not come off! We bathed her, we used baby oil, we loofahed her arms…nothing. This ink was staying put! My initial reaction was, “What in the world is in this ink that we’ve allowed our child to cover herself in?” My second thought was, “This was not how I envisioned myself looking at Christmas Eve mass!”

I scoured the internet searching for something that would rid us of these bright green trees and I finally found it: Removeez.

This product promised to remove tattoos, stickers, glue, band-aid residue, and permanent marker in one swoop. Even better it contained no harmful toxins, required no tears and would not leave behind a putrid scent. Sold in tiny vials, this kid-friendly solution is made of aloe, calendula, and bee pollen-- and can now be credited with restoring the once perfect skin of my little Kokobean. Thank God!

A sincere apology to all we accosted with said stamp!

Social Collateral?

2010-01-06T08:44:38-08:00

I recently read an article where Peggy O'Mara, publisher of Mothering magazine and a keen observer of American parents for the past two decades, says she believes the commercialization of parenting masks our insecurities.

"I think people think they need a lot of baby gear because so many people use their children as social collateral, and judge one another by what they have for them," says O'Mara.

What an interesting idea. I know I personally have received many emails from confused, overwhelmed expecting friends asking me for advice on what they need to purchase before the baby arrvives. It’s as if we have been brainwashed to believe we really NEED that wipe warmer, when in fact, 9 times out of 10, we’re wiping their stinky butts in the back of the car with a freezing cold wipe anyway.

I’d love to hear what you think about this notion that mother’s today use their children as social collateral. Have you found yourself or others buying to have rather than buying for need?

Favorite Christmas Stories

2009-12-14T12:12:06-08:00

I absolutely LOVE the Christmas season, there is something so delightful about the month of December, don't you think? Of course, there is nothing like having young kids at this time of year to sweep you into the magic either. Singing about Frosty, Rudolph, and Santa Clause puts a huge smile on my face --while rocking my son to sleep singing Silent Night leaves me feeling incredibly peaceful and filled with joy. Oh how I love this season!

My mother was a SuperMommy, no doubt about it. She always made sure we not only anticipated Santa’s arrival with great fervor, but also emphasized it was the birth of Jesus that remained most important Christmas morning. As my Grandmother, her mother, always reminded us, “Keep Christ in Christmas.”

SassyMommy came up with a list of her favorite Christmas books so I thought I would add some of mine too. ALL OF WHICH CAN BE FOUND HERE--if you're looking to add to your library.

ArtsyMommy's Top Five:

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

This book is so timeless isn’t it? I think Dr. Seuss was a genius, really. How could he know that the message--Christmas isn’t about all the stuff --still needs to be told 52 years later? Nothing beats the Grinch carving the “roast-beast.”

2. The Sweet Smell of Christmas

I can vividly remember sitting in my mother’s lap as a child scratching and sniffing this book until the pages were worn thin. When I found that this book had been put back into print I had to buy it—the smell of the hot cocoa still etched in my mind, I couldn’t wait to read this to my children. I remember wishing we could cover our Christmas tree in candy canes and delighting in the sweet smells of Christmas in my house.

3. Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale

I bought this book when my daughter was born and it has become a holiday favorite. It’s very straight-forward and simply written, but it is a great way to explain that there is always room for Jesus in your life. (The illustrations are incredible too!)

4. The Night Before Christmas (Little Golden Book)

This was and is my favorite book. Clement C. Moore’s simple, charming poem is one that transcends time and still makes me giddy. Something about the way this poem reads makes you truly believe with your heart what you can’t see with your eyes -- the magic of Christmas. I can remember lying in bed at night listening for Santa’s reindeer like the man in the story, hoping I too would get a glimpse of the jolly old elf. Even today, as I read this to my kids, I excitedly call out the reindeer names…Now Dasher! now Dancer! And oh, what a happy ending...(picture me shouting this) Happy Christmas to alllll and to alllll a good-night! (As a child, I was chosen to recite this poem at many holiday school functions—so much so, that at 32 I can still recite it word for word—now that’s a good poem!

5. Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

This is a newer book, as Fancy Nancy wasn’t around when I was a child (although I am sure I would have LOVED her), but still a terrific Christmas story if you have a “fancy” girl like I do. What I love most about these books is the way the author introduces “big” words to children accompanied by simple definitions--yet, always in a way that enhances the story somehow. In this particular story Nancy learns to “improvise” (that's a fancy word for using whatever's around to make something) when things don’t go her way…sheesh…who doesn’t need to learn how to do that—which is why I think this book if totally Splendiferous!

SassyMommy's Top Five:

There are certain books that I could read over and over again during this time of the year. I think now there is so much overly PC supervision of Christmas in schools (probably rightfully so), but I fondly remember library time and reading classes when we used to read stories about Christmas. I'm sharing my top five books from when I was little that resonate with the spirit of Christmas.

1. Silver Spurs

This is the story of an elf that was Santa's helper and helped get presents into the homes of those who didn't have chimneys or fireplaces. Since we lived in a two bedroom apartment in Georgia when I was in elementary school, we definitely didn't have a fireplace and I loved knowing that this elf was helping Santa get me my presents on time.

2. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Loved this book and how rude and misbehaved the children were in the book (I secretly probably wanted to act out, but was too polite to do so). I am pretty sure that I still have a copy of this book that we ordered from Weekly Reader somewhere in our house.

3. The Birds' Christmas Carol

A bittersweet story of Christmas and what it means to give selflessly. Despite the sad ending, I still very fondly remember this book and liked how the heroine was so young but altruistic beyond her years. My fourth grade class performed a play based on this story and I still remember being the narrator (I was a darned good narrator, for a nine year old!).

4. The Little House on the Prairie Books

I adore the old-fashioned descriptions of Christmas of days gone by in two of the books in this series, Little House in the Big Woods and On the Banks of Plum Creek. In the first book, there is something quaint and heartwarming about the simple preparations for Christmas (like sewing clothes for a rag doll) and kids being excited to get a stick of candy, a penny and tin cup. In the latter book, I always wanted to be like Laura and get a fur muff for Christmas. Never mind that we lived in Georgia and it snows about once every eight years. Fashion transcends weather.

5. The Gift of the Magi

This is that classic O. Henry short story that everyone reads in 7th grade to teach you about irony. It's funny how you read something completely differently as an adult compared to as a teenager. Now I appreciate so much more sacrificial giving from a spouse. Great, classic story.

Share your favorites with us!

What a Party Pooper

2009-11-23T12:58:19-08:00

This weekend I had an experience I felt I had to blog about, something I would love to hear your take on.

I took Kokobean to a friend’s birthday party this Sunday afternoon where most of the kids were 3 and 4 yrs old . Following the party the kids began to play with a bunch of toys that had been strewn around the room. I, in conversation looked up to see my daughter holding an Elmo doll while another child (we’ll call her Kid B) was pulling it from Kokobean’s arms. As I began to move toward the altercation, I watched as Kid B pushed, kicked and slammed my daughter up against the wall, all the while trying to yank Elmo away from my daughter. Kokobean, holding on to Elmo with all of her might, (with a look of both confusion and bewilderment on her face), was in tears saying over and over, “No, I’m playing with it.”

My immediate reaction was to yell, “Kokobean give the girl the toy” –which of course made her more confused and cry harder.

Honestly, I think she was in shock that this child was attacking her the way she was--as she’d never seen a kid act like this before. Once Kokobean dropped the toy, Kid B sat down and clutched Elmo to her chest grinning from ear to ear. After a few minutes (all the while Kokobean crying her eyes out), I said to Kid B, “Ok, it’s Kokobean’s turn now.” Without a moment of hesitation she yelled NO, got up and walked away with Elmo in tow (I'd also like to think that my child would not disrespect or ignore an adult in a similar situation either).

Now, I must admit that I did not see how the whole scene began, but I am guessing that by the position of the toy in my child’s arms she was in fact “playing with it” prior to the altercation.

Two things came to mind immediately as I processed what I was seeing:

1. My daughter would never behave in that manner-- and no, I am not saying I am mother of the year or anything-- but I can say with 100% certainty that she would never physically harm another child to get what she wants (not even her own brother). We have taught her from the start that such behavior is not acceptable and that there are other ways to work through frustration. She just plain knows better.

2. Where was this child’s mother and why was she not immediately reprimanded for this behavior?

I was blown away at how physical this child was toward my daughter, even more surprised that she did not get in trouble for it (interestingly, Kid B was the same child that spent the entire party attached to her mother’s leg and would not participate in any of the party games or activities).
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What really got me thinking as I lay in bed last night was the way I handled the situation afterwards. In the car on the way home Kokobean asked me why Kid B was pushing and kicking her and wouldn’t take turns with Elmo. I explained that she must not know that that behavior is unacceptable –but then I gave this advice: If someone is pushing you like that just drop the thing they want and walk away.

Now thinking about it, I’m not sure I gave her the best advice. Why? Well, because she was in the right, Kid B was not. Kid B was breaking rules, being rude and not acting in an appropriate manner and Kokobean knew it. What’s worse, Kid B was rewarded for that poor behavior by getting to play with Elmo. I felt like I did my daughter a disservice by telling her to walk away and give up the toy when she was not the one behaving badly.

I know that this is a situation which will arise again as she gets older and meets bullies at school and I don’t know that I want her to feel like she can’t stick up for herself in the face of someone who is behaving inappropriately.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Would you have handled the situation differently?

I should also mention that I know some kids are more physical/aggressive. My son (not yet 2) is a kid who, when all riled up, will run toward his sister and go to push her. But, I don’t believe that this behavior cannot be changed—especially by age 4. This may offend some people, but I don’t buy the excuse that “some kids just hit.”

My son, at 23 months old, after being told “no pushing your sister” will run toward her, stop in his tracks right in front of her (arms outstretched as if he were going to push her) and look back at me (with a mischievous little grin of course) waiting for me to say "no pushing your sister". It is obvious that he knows this behavior is not acceptable. He will not follow through with the behavior because he knows he will be in trouble and that Mommy will not be happy. I firmly believe you have to stop this kind of behavior RIGHT when it starts, not allow it to occur simply because they're "too young to understand"--they're much smarter than you think!!!

Best. Banana Bread. Ever.

2009-11-20T12:01:00-08:00

Seriously, this is the best banana bread you will ever eat. No dairy, no eggs, but to DIE for. Don't believe me? Let me tell you that a 6ft 200pd meat eating man almost cried... real tears... when I didn't leave him a loaf after a visit to his home. (After posting I was informed he is a dairy loving, meat eating 6ft 250 pd man!)

Whip this up, your family and friends will beg for more!

Ingredients

2 whole Ripe Bananas
1-¾ cup Organic Raw White Sugar
½ cups Earth Balance buttery spread, Melted (or regular butter if you must)
3 whole Eggs (or Ener-G if you want to be bold and try for no eggs)
1-½ cup Whole Wheat Flour *I only use WW when cooking ;-)
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 dash(es) Salt
3 Tablespoons Tofutti Sour Supreme Sour Cream, Heaping
1 teaspoon Vanilla
½ cups Pecans, Chopped (optional)

Preparation Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Grease & lightly flour 2 loaf pans. (I use canola oil)

3. Cream bananas, sugar & melted butter together.

4. Add eggs, one at a time.

5. Add dry ingredients & mix.

6. Add sour cream, vanilla and nuts.

7. Pour mixture evenly between 2 loaf pans.

8. Bake at 325 for 55 minutes.

ENJOY!

No Spend Week Recap: Weeks 3 & 4

2009-11-20T11:27:13-08:00

Week Three and Four: I made it!

Well, I have to say I am glad I made it to the end because this was a much more difficult challenge after week two. My dishwasher went on the fritz and I had to hand wash all of the dishes instead of paying for a repair man which stunk. I’ve never in my life despised sippy cups more (or realized how many we have) until I had to hand wash every single one…even the ones that have been hiding under car seats and furniture with God knows what growing inside them.

In trying to lessen the grocery bill I bought the bare minimum over the past two weeks and made meals that only consisted of the cheapest ingredients (and I’m really sick of jarred tomato sauce because of it). I did run out of paper towels mid-week, which I knew I would, but I improvised and used old tee shirts to clean up spills and messes until we shopped again. Rachel Ray’s $40 a day had nothing on me these past two weeks because I created some very unusual lunches trying to use up what we have, without having to buy more.

There were a few Oprah “ah ha” moments in the last two weeks as well. One of those moments occurred at the grocery store when I saw a display of the cutest (and I mean cutest) holiday dishes selling 5 for $5. Without thinking I picked out 10, put them in my cart and began to walk away then, HOLD UP…I realized what I was doing –mindless spending! It may only be $10 but it’s $10! I did not need these plates, and although it was a great deal, it’s just more STUFF. I turned around and put them back, walked away and was proud of myself.

Another “ah ha” occurred over the weekend. My hubby had to work both Saturday and Sunday so I knew I would be on my own with the kids both days all day. After working all week the last thing I wanted to do was be stuck in the house. It wasn’t nice outside, so I racked my brain to find something special to do that wouldn’t involve spending money or land my kids in the Dr.’s office with good ol’ swine flu after playing at some of type of free mall play area?

I seemed to remember reading somewhere long ago that the Natural History Museum offered a one time free family pass to families of employees where my husband works. I then spent the next hour scouring our filing cabinet looking for that information. After finding it I was set—one free day checking out dinosaurs and rock formations to our hearts content. Snacks and drinks in hand we spent two fun filled hours of thriftiness together and steered clear of the gift shop. My former self would have given up after 5 minutes of looking for the paperwork and said, “Oh heck it’s only $____ to get in –let’s just go!”

Another big change thanks to this experience is that for the first time in the eight years I have been with my husband I actually have a list for Santa. In the past I buy as I see or want. If I want to read a book, I buy it. If I need a new jacket, it’s mine. If I decide I want a new lens for my camera, I order it. Over the past month I have halted all spending and bought nothing I’ve “wanted”—which means I might actually have a gift to open under the tree this year!

Something else I did as a result of my thrifty new behavior was post my kids old holiday clothes and costumes on Ebay and Craigslist. Normally I wouldn’t take the time to do this before I shopped for a new one, but I told myself that I would not buy a Christmas outfit for either child until I sold the one they wore last year. So far one down, one to go!

It’s amazing how spending is so easy, it’s the norm. You don’t realize it until you actually say I will not spend today how many times you do spend money. I think I have come away from this having learned a lot about my spending habits and what I need to work on. I also learned that I can live without certain things that I really enjoy having, but don’t really need (poop guy, weekly cleaning lady, dog groomer). As for all of those things I was fixated on during week one, those things I had to get, well I’d say more than half of them I’m not that interested in anymore.

Biggest lesson: Simplify, simplify, simplify!

and now... I'M GETTING A HAIR CUT!!!!

Tea Party

2009-11-05T04:56:42-08:00

Not that type of tea party. This type of tea party. The best and only kind of tea party that brings a smile to the face of a two year old.

We are working on table manners and learning how to set the table, etc. so I thought a more fun way to do it is to have a tea party when the Kid after I am done with work for the day and she gets home from preschool. I even bought special mini teacups and plates at our local HomeGoods store and we set up our mini IKEA table and chairs in the living room and have a snack.

Here is what we usually sometimes have on our menu:

strawberries
mini muffins or cupcakes
cheese
sandwiches, cut up into bite size pieces
Drinks: vanilla milk, chai tea, tea punch or lemonade

Side note: This party is not for the faint of heart. I am usually vacuuming a zillion muffin crumbs and pieces of cheese off the carpet afterward. Worth it.

No Spend Month: Week Two

2009-11-05T04:47:39-08:00

Recap on week two: I’m hurting.

I started off the week feeling really good, I’d been able to control myself in the face of things I normally buy without a second thought: An ice tea on Saturday morning, new books for my kids off the Scholastic sheets that come home from school and Friday night Netflix movies.

Something interesting happened to me this week, I realized I spend a lot of money without even realizing it. I would catch myself about to purchase something and say, "wait a minute, this is spending!" Things like a new spatula at the grocery store, a bottle of water at the gym, batteries for toys that need new ones. True, none of these things cost millions...but they sure add up!

I only had one major cheat this week—an upgraded cell phone. It was time to upgrade my phone and I wanted to get with 2009 before it is 2o10 so I was looking at touch screen phones. If I went with the one I wanted there was going to be an additional fee because it was more than the $150 they allowed for the upgrade. I broke down. I guess in some ways I could justify the spending based on the fact that a cell phone is a life or death thing for me because I run a business and have two kids. I need to be reachable at all times (I told myself repeatedly). My upgrade was about to expire, so I went for it…but I still feel like I cheated. (As I type this I’m flashing back to my freshman year of high school when my friend and I were caught sharing answers on a Math test and I blurted out “we’re cheating” because I felt so guilty).

Other than that though, I am holding steady. I desperately need a new compact and a hair cut….badly…but I am holding off until next week. In the past week I’ve been to work, birthday parties and out with friends and have not worn a stitch of make-up. I’d say that’s some serious effort on my part. *pat on the back*

I did feel like a drug addict at one point this week though. I got a Save 25% coupon at Gymboree (which is in walking distance to my house) and one afternoon when I went to return a gift at the toy store I popped into Gymboree on my way out. That coupon was burning a whole in my pocket let me tell you…my leg was on fire…but I made it out without a purchase. There’s always another deal I kept telling myself.

The hardest part for me has been grocery shopping. We spend on average $200 a week on groceries, so roughly $800 a month. Some weeks are more if we need the big ticket items like diapers, dog food, cat food and litter. I am trying so hard to find a balance between buying healthy and buying cheaper. It’s really hard. During this no spend month I have been trying to spend less than $200 in an attempt at reducing this area of consumption in our lives too. I started to come up with simpler meals that require less ingredients, but at the same time I don’t want to compromise taste or freshness. This is something I am still trying to figure out—Sweet mercy, if you have tips send them to me! The bill was $140 this week but I know I’m going to run out of something before next weekend---paper towels being on of those things I know for sure.

This week I saved money by:

Using Kokobean’s artwork as wrapping paper and handmade cards for birthday parties we attended.
Inviting a friend over to drink wine I already had instead of going out.
Canceling the cleaning lady and doing it myself—although I didn’t get the whole house done. (don't get me wrong I know this is a luxury most people don't have)
Bathing the puppies myself again. (Now this is something I normally do myself in the summer with the hose-no problem- but in cooler weather I'd much rather drop them off at the doggie spa than have to clean my whole bathroom afterwards!)
Trimming my daughters hair myself.
Watching DVR’d shows instead of renting movies on Friday night.
Picking up the dog poo—this really sucks, but I’m on board to stop spending.

On to week three…Lord help me!

Stupid Human Tricks

2009-11-02T10:15:19-08:00

Here’s what I don’t get: In a world where we are teaching our kids to say no to drugs, freaking out about administering flu vaccinations and worrying about how “organic” something is... we have companies creating this:

The Electric Cigarette

Now I don’t smoke, never have, but to me this seems like something Carrot Top would be pulling out of his trunk at a comedy club. Why in the world would someone actually use this product? Not to mention that according to the FDAelectronic cigarette samples have been found to contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze. Again, I have to ask, WHY?

I'd never seen anything like this, although it seems to have been around for some time now, until I went to the mall to upgrade my cellphone. There in the middle of the mall I watched a man pitching this product to one young person after another. I could not believe how many people actually bought into this ridiculous concept. It reminded me of people who buy fake designer handbags just so that they can “say” they have a Louis Vuitton –is it that important to you that people “think” you are smoking?

Is it just me or are our priorities really messed up around here?

I’d love to hear your opinion.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T04:55:00-07:00

For those days when you really want to shove your foot up someone's ...

Party People in the House

2009-10-20T04:41:00-07:00

The following is written by contributing writer: SassyMommy

I have expressed my love for the HostessBlog in the past, right? As I mentally plan an all out extravaganza for my child's next birthday, etc (stop snickering) I have run across some AWESOME websites for party planning which would come in handy if you are planning a kids party, baby shower, bridal shower or just entertaining friends in your home. I love some good eye candy.

First up is Amy Atlas. She is a former lawyer turned event planner who is famous for her over-the-top candy displays. I love everything that she does. The only thing that I would include at the end of one her displays is a glass pedestal with brand new toothbrushes. These are some examples of her work.

Next I love TomKat studios. No, Tom "Couch Jumper" Cruise and Katie "I used to be in love with Pacey" Holmes are not in the event planning business (at least I hope not). This is a company that does really cute invitations and cupcake decorations like the one below.

There are so many good places to go for ideas and here are a list of some others that I like.

Project Party (a subdivision of Project Nursery)
The Party Dress. Love the name of this site, plus it has some unbelievable photgraphy
Creative Party Place
Lollipop Events and Designs
Peppers and Pollywogs

Ahhh, to have an unlimited budget and year round southern California weather. With my luck, we would be stuck inside the house during a tornado for the party. Tornado drills are fun, right?



Falling for Fall

2009-10-19T05:46:55-07:00

I love fall. The changing leaves, the crisp air, pumpkins, apple cider, mums...I'm humming along with Moose A. Moose right now.

The best part of fall (aside from the chunky sweaters, leggings, boots, creamy soups and pumpkin candles) is that the world is your playground. Seriously, every weekend there are different festivals to attend, an apple orchard or pumpkin patch to visit and piles of leaves to jump in. I love to walk through the woods with my children identifying the different trees and colors we see, while collecting acorns for the "sqerrles" of course.

It's days like this that I am glad I live in a place where the seasons change (in a few more months I will loath that same place when I can't feel my face while shoveling snow off my car).

So, in the meantime...Let's enjoy autumn and all it brings!

The simple joys of life...

These juicy beauties

and these succulent peaches...

are going home with me to become...

yum, yum yum...

I've seen many sites post their top 20 things to treasure in autumn.

Here are my 20:

1. Family

2. Cool mornings snuggling under the covers with my babies

3. Watching with my kids as the colors of the trees begin to change

4. Warm hot cocoa before bed

5. The smell of chili wafting through my house

6. Crunchy leaves beneath my feet

7. Pumpkin, apple and cinnamon scented candles

8. Halloween fun

9. Pumpkin picking

10. The birth of my children

11. Thanksgiving with family, a great reminder to be grateful

12. Back to school excitement

13. Reading good books by the fire

14. Sweet potatoes, stew and the return of the crockpot

15. Football Season (because it is a great bargaining tool for a foot-rub)

16. An extra hour of sleep

17. Cozy socks and scarves

18. A return of TV shows worth watching

19. Apple pie, apple cider, apple crisp, apple butter, apple anything

20. The realization that I've been blessed with another beautiful year of life

(my birthday is the fall~yeah!!)

What is your favorite thing about fall? Feel free to create your own 20 and trackback to here. I'd love to read them!



No Spend Month: Week 1 Recap

2009-10-18T16:36:02-07:00

Whew, made it. One week down.

Let's take a look:

Things I wanted to spend money on, but didn't:

Ipod songs.
Christmas gifts (for various people) that I saw everywhere I went, or so it seemed anyway.
Light bulb for my daughter's night light (because it's irking me that it's burned out, she could care less).
Cleaning lady (now there is a debate here about whether this is a life or death expense). As I sit here typing this (after working a 30+hr week) I say "OMG YES!", my hubby on the other-hand would dispute that statement.
Haircut ( I need one, badly, but I'm sticking to this and figure I will go as Cousin It for Halloween this year).
New bedding for my soon to be 2 year old's big boy bed (which he's not even in yet).
Christmas outfits for my kids--these darn emails from Gymboree, Old Navy, BabyGap, Bloomingdales, Target, Janie and Jack and The Children's Place are killing me. I need to unsubscribe already!
A new lens for my camera. It is my birthday this week...Happy Birthday to me? No. :(
Alicia Silverstone's new book The Kind Diet (going to search the library this weekend instead).

Things I have learned I can live without even after just one week-- Actually, I am making some serious progress. *pat on the back*

My favorite southwest salad which I do occasionally buy when working so I don't have to pack a lunch. Switched to bringing soup with me instead and low and behold I've survived--imagine that!
The poop guy (so in case you think I have someone who comes and wipes my behind...no, this is a man who comes and picks up our dog poop once a week. It's a really nice luxury considering we have two dogs who make a lot of poop, but let's face it, not necessary in the slightest--although it does save me so much time--this was a hard one to let go-- fo sho!)

Overall, for week one I would say I am surviving. I am having a hard time putting things off that I know I need to buy soon--I just want to get it done and check it off the list. (Halloween candy, party what-have-yous for my son's birthday party in November and various Christmas gifts are screaming my name).
There is one thing that I pray lasts until this challenge is up: My hair dryer (which sounds like a 747 coming in for a landing at the moment which can't be good).

Things I did to save me from spending:

Hand delivered thank you letters instead of mailing them.
Picked flowers from our yard to bring in to school when Kokobean was assigned fresh flowers on her classroom's snack chart.
Cashed in a gift-card at the grocery store to buy a $1.00 movie from Redbox on Friday night.
Instead of meeting for a drink with a friend I suggested we go for a walk which cost me nada!
Pulled out old tennis balls that were no longer good to play with and gave them to the dogs to save me from buying new chew toys.
Gave the dogs a bath in the tub rather than taking them to the doggie spa...it was way more work (had to clean the whole room after the bath), but I saved $40!

One week down...will I make it?

SuperMommy of the Month: October 2009

2009-10-12T18:35:03-07:00

I have not met this nominee, but someday I hope to.

Stephanie Nielson SuperMommy of the Month

It’s not often that something touches you in a way that you cannot shake. That something happened to me this weekend. I rarely watch TV these days because “free” time is something that vanishes after you give birth—but I continue to DVR shows that “someday” I might watch. This Saturday night I sat down and randomly chose a show from the list. Oprah.

I had no idea what was in store for me, although I think God did.

In that half hour I “met” Stephanie and I don’t think I will ever be the same.

Even as I write this I find it impossible to even explain how profoundly her story has touched me. Maybe it’s because our youngest child is the same age, we are both vegetarians or because we both dance in the kitchen while we cook. Maybe it is the fact that she loves Halloween and fall as I do or because we both adore our husbands, whatever it is, I am drawn to her. We share a positive outlook on life.

If you don’t know her story, you should.

photo from nieniedialogues


Many people who read about Stephanie come away with the lesson that one should live life to the fullest, to appreciate the little things. That is not the part that strikes me to the core. Losing my mother at a young age I’ve never taken life for granted and I have always enjoyed even the most mundane moments of motherhood. I learned early on that life is precious-- but self acceptance--that’s another story.

My parent’s nicknamed me Farrah Facet as a child (I had a dramatic streak) and in middle school I dreamed of looking just like her one day. She was, in my opinion, the picture of perfection: tall, thin, and tan with blonde feathered hair and the most gorgeous teeth you’ve ever seen. When high school arrived it became clear that tall, thin and perfect I was not. At 5’3” I was a far cry from being “tall” and an "hourglass figure" with C cup boobs and hips to match disqualified me from being “thin”. Even as I lathered my Irish skin with gallons of baby oil and basked in the sun for hours I never achieved that whole “tan” thing either. Sadly, it was never meant to be.

Still, after failing to look like Farrah, I never really ended my quest to be “beautiful.” In college I carried a brush with me at all times, refused to show my “fat” arms and obsessed about my weight by stepping on the scale every morning. Now in my 30s, I really struggle to accept the imperfections of my post baby body and cry several times a week over it.

The thing about this quest for beauty is that it’s a lose-lose battle. The truth is it’s not about how much you weigh, how tall you are or what the shape of your nose looks like. It’s about really truly accepting what God gave you. Being comfortable in your own body and liking who you are. Of course even knowing this, I still routinely fail to accept myself—the good the bad or the ugly.

Well, what an extraordinary wake up call I’ve now had. Stephanie’s story has just given me a giant fistful of perspective. How much time have I wasted worrying about my appearance? How many things have I missed because I don’t want to be seen? Here is a woman who has learned to accept who she is, and she is beautiful. She is beautiful because she is brave, because she is passionate about her family, because she is smart, creative and filled with spirituality. I am ashamed at myself.

Honestly if you have not read Stephanie’s blog please do--especially this one. She may have returned for her children, but she is here to teach the rest of us—I really believe that.

She has beauty that surpasses all beauty and I only hope that I can glow one tenth of the way she does one day. Every day is a struggle for her, yet she fights on.

Thank you Stephanie, you have deeply touched me and for that I will always be grateful. I will keep you in my prayers for the rest of my life.

photo from nieniedialogues

My New Favorite Internet Site

2009-10-06T11:42:35-07:00

The following is written by contributing writer: SassyMommy

I think the recession definitely made people much more open about talking about finances. I think that money was probably the last taboo subject to talk about. Sex and the City got us talking about all kinds of new things (wiggling my eyebrows) in the bedroom. The recession brought the hush-hush world of money and how you get it to the forefront.

Now that friends were losing jobs left and right, companies were downsizing or going belly-up, people were unable to sell their homes (raising my hand) and people were living even more hand to mouth than ever before, Americans were forced to truly examine their spending habits and figure out if how to actually save and live within their means (shocking concept, I know).

I am not the best at living with a budget, but I have fallen in love with Mint.com. It is a FREE online tool that pulls information from your checking, credit card, student loans, assets, mortgage, etc. and helps you track spending, savings, investments and even vacation expenses and see how you do month to month with spending. It sends you alerts when things are seeming a little higher than expected and lets you know how much to save monthly for things like college funds *shudder* and retirement. It even does pie charts (LOVE). Since I am such a visual learner, pie charts and bar graphs are my friends (hi, my name is SassyMommy and I am a big dork).

With the help of Mint and a lot of discipline (and better-paying jobs, of course) we have gotten rid of all of our unsecured debt in just 7 months. WOOT! So I probably shouldn't go to J. Crew today, hmmmm....

No Spend Month: Day ONE

2009-10-06T11:22:54-07:00

Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!

I'm not going to lie, I am not an expert when it comes to money (which is why I married a financial WHIZ). I hate budgeting, am terrible at math, am an impulse buyer, spend WAY too much at places like Rite Aid and don't have a clue what a gallon of milk costs (because I just buy it without looking).

Which is why I thought who better to do this challenge!? Plus, I'm into torture...just kidding.

Today is day one and I am struggling already! I plan to workout this afternoon and REALLY want to upload some new tunes to the ipod (the same 6 songs are getting a little less motivational on the elliptical)...but alas, that is $1.29 a song and does not fall into the "life necessity" category.

I know I didn't invent this idea, many bloggers have gone before me, but I knew this would be a real challenge for me (and after dropping a lot of money in the last week on a certain little lady who turned four on Sunday I figured NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT). I know I am a major consumer and I've been trying to end my addiction to consumption for awhile now (and I am getting much better I swear).

I saw finance extraordinaire Suze Orman (who I don't watch, but probably should) had a three step challenge for 2009, and... since we only have a few months left, I figured maybe I would take a look at it.

For just one day, do not spend any money on anything.
For just one week, do not use a credit card.
For just one month, do not eat out at a restaurant.

Number three is a cinch for me because we never eat out and I don't drink coffee (I've probably only stepped foot in a Starbucks like twice in my life, seriously). Also, I am fanatic about what the week's menu looks like when I grocery shop on Sunday so we never run out of food mid-week either. Number three, psh...done.

Of course I figure why make her challenge easy right? Let's combine 1 and 2 and stretch it out for a whole month, let's really make this a test of financial responsibilty...like they say, go big or don't go at all.

So far I am fighting the urge already....it's only $1.29...

I hope you'll try this with me--or at least enjoy reading about the agony experience!

Here are the rules: ZERO money to be spent except for medical emergencies and automatic payments of bills that come straight from the bank account. Groceries may only be purchased on Sunday and may only include items necessary to plan meals for one week at a time. Any money spent must be a life or death necessity.