Moms Tips and Giveaways

It's official!!

2011-09-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

As of tomorrow I will officially be the mom of a kindergartner. Can you believe it? I can't. How fast does the time fly by? It seems like just a few months ago I was getting her ready for her first day of preschool. (Actually 3 years ago!) It is going to be such a differnt experience moving to the "big kid" side of school. She is going to have real homework, and real resposibilites, other than "Please don't eat glue!" I don't know if that is an actual preschool rule, but if it's not it probably should be.

p.s. Still not 100% potty trained, but we are creeping up on 75% so hopefully it will click soon, or I fear my kid will be a social outcast, if not someschooled because they give her the boot.

Wish me luck!

Jenn

This blog has moved!

2011-03-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

OK, everyone! Because I had 5 blogs going at he same time, and all being neglected in some form, moms tips is moving, a technically because its been exported and imported, has ALREADY MOVED!
Here, please follow me over HERE!

Jenn's got a new thing!

2011-02-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

Yep, Another one! I can't sit still, I can't be content with not only have a million things to do, I need a million and one. So I present to you....http://mamamoffat.scentsy.us/
I couldnt resist signing up to seel these products. I love them!
Go support a friend!

Happy Shopping.

Must get back to blogging.

2010-09-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hello to all,
It's been a wild ride this past year. I feel like I should have been here the entire time. As if I left my home to do something good, and as I titled a prior blog post, I worked for 7 months and all I got was this crappy pen!
It's so hard to work while being a good wife and mom. I know that people talk the subject to death about balance, but honestly you can't do it! It's impossible! Something has to give. What gave over here?? My home. Which was the lesser of all evils, since the other options were marriage or child. I'm so glad to be back home, doing what I do and enjoying every moment. I have learned that I know what my priorities are, and I feel fantastic for that. NOTHING is going to get in the way of my family, even a job that I loved.
I am working on some great new giveaways and have made some new connections for freebies, so keep reading!

Halloween contest...coming soon!

2010-09-20T14:13:00.001-07:00

Miss you ladies! COming in the next few days is a contest! A super awesome one at that!

Twilex -- Alex and Twitch hip hop

2010-08-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

I was gone for 6 months and all I got was this crappy pen!

2010-07-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies! Oh how I have missed you. So in 6 months of working this is what I've learned.

1. Working for little pay is emotionally satisfying, yet becomes drudgery when you are reminded that you are working for very little pay.

2. Being away from your babies for very little pay is not satisfying at all and really feels like crap!

3. I'm not doing that ever again!

More info to come!

Detox Day 9

2010-02-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry everyone! I totally meant to post everyday but i'm a working girl now so sometimes it's hard to find 20 minutes to sit down and focus (I know everyone understands!)

So today is day 9, I'm down 10 pounds, and the hubby is down 22. (Men suck!)

I'm not hungry, I feel great still. I do miss the act of chewing more than anything. I would probably kill somone for a handful of cherry tomatoes.

On the plus side I haven't had a migraine in days, I am really hoping that this will be the cure all for them.

I'll write more this weekend, I promise.

Tomorrow is shadow day at Bella's school so i'll be there all day, and it's my first day off of work all week. There is so much to do around this house its enough to make you crazy. While I love my job and love being there it's going to take some time getting everyone to pitch in around here to get things done, I know that last thing I want to do after a long day is vacuum or mop.

Anyone have any suggestions on he balancing act that is being a part time working mom?

Detox - Day 5

2010-01-31T09:12:00.000-08:00

OK. I have so much to do today,but I forgot to share yesterday so here I am!

Today I feel great. I'm not hungry, I have a new found appreciation for the food I am not eating however.

I can see how this woul change your minset about food, the thought of putting something back in me that is processed or shelf stable makes me want to gag.

I am down 6 pounds. The hubby is down 18!! That's mens bodies for you.

My skin is amazing, no clogged pores, no nothing.

I am feeling pretty confident that I can go another 16 days!

Detox - Day Two

2010-01-29T15:06:00.000-08:00

Actually today is day 3, but yesterday I felt like crap! I was exhausted and I had a killer migraine. I dont know if the headache was from not eating or just because I get a lot of migraines. Either way I woke up today and feel great. Not hungry, not tired, just pretty great. On the upside I have also lost 4 pounds! My hubby who I am also forcing to detox has lost 8.

I will also admit I cheated a little bit. Had a cup of coffee both yesterday and today. It's organic and I drank it black so I am going to act like that is ok. Also had a bowl of brown rice.

Yay! Only 18 more days!

Detox - Day One

2010-01-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

While not fully satified I'm not really hungry either. I suppose that it didnt help that I threw up my first two beverages, a cup of tea and a glass of water. Apparently the herbal cleansing pill/vitamin wasn't really designed to go in an empty stomach. Which is sort of backwards, since it is for detoxing. On a positive note the soup and broth saved my life. I don't know if they really tasted that great, but after not eating all day it sure satisfied. I will weigh myself in the morning and hopefully I will have somethin exciting to report. God forbid I starve myself for nothing.

The green drink tastes not so great, I am sort of dissapointed since I got the chocolate kind to make it go down easier, it was very grainy no matter how well I mixed it. Perhaps a blender would do it some good.

Day one down, 20 more to go!

p.s. The hubby made it too!

Jenn is going on a detox diet.

2010-01-26T17:59:00.000-08:00

That's right! You read it here first. I'm going to give the Martha's Vineyard Detox Diet a whirl. Anyone want to get really bitchy and hungry with me??

21 Days! No solid food.

What am I? Crazy!

Here is the schedule. Im sure the first few days wont be so bad as I barely eat anything now, but I am going to miss my coffee like a crazy person! Maybe I can substitute coffee for tea?

This is the schedule:
8AM

Herbal Cleanse (Tablet)
1 oz of liquid Berry or 1 oz of liquid Berry with 6oz of water
One cup [1] of hot/iced Herbal Tea—(add stevia optional)
1 8oz glass of water [2]

9AM
1 8oz glass of water

10AM
1 8oz glass of water mixed or blended with 1 scoop of Essential Greens

11AM
1 8oz glass of water and or hot/iced herbal tea

12PM
1 8oz glass of “live” fresh juiced vegetables
If you’re not juicing -mix or blend 8oz of water with 1 scoop of VegeSplash

1PM
1 8oz glass of water and or hot/iced herbal tea

2PM
1 8oz glass of water mixed or blended with 1 scoop of VegeSplash

3PM
1 8oz glass of water and or hot/iced herbal tea

4PM
1 8oz glass of water mixed or blended with 1 scoop of Essential Greens

5-6PM
1 cup of homemade [3] puree soup
One cup of broth from soup mix
1 8oz glass of water
1 cup hot herbal tea

7PM
1 8oz glass of water and/or hot herbal tea.
Herbal Cleanse

Wish me luck! I'll write more tomorrow when I am starving to death.

A Review: Heidi Klum's In An Instant Skin Care Line

2010-01-17T12:41:00.000-08:00

In a word: Terrible!

I was actually given these products by a friend, that had recieved two sets. Now mind you I don't have wrinkles, but I am almost 30 so maybe I have "aging" skin.

First Product: The cleanser.
The only good thing about this cleanser was that it smelled clean. No overwhelming perfume smell.
Overall it made my skin feel like it still had soap on it.

Second Product: The warming scrub.
It seriously feels like you are rubbing broken glass on our face. As if any longer than 5 seconds worth of light scrubbing and your face will bleed. Now I enjoy scrubs, a lot. I love the feeling of brand new baby soft skin after a great peel or an amazing exfoliation, but this was not it, this was TORTURE!

Third Product: Eye cream.
Yet another painful product. For a product designed to go so close to your eyes it irritated and burned them .

SAVE YOUR MONEY. STAY AWAY FROM THESE PRODUCTS.

Jenn

Who wants to go to Disneyland????

2010-01-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Here it is. The long waited for Give a day, get a Disney day program.

Click Here!

Enjoy,
Jenn

Happy New Years

2010-01-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hello to all!
Hope everyone survived the holidays!

Now... About New Years, I usually dont make resolutions, because you end up breaking them and you just end up feeling badly. Going to exercise more, eat better, etc.

This year is different.

Here they are.
1. Going to blog a lot! (Or at least more than I do!)
2. Going to exercise more! (More than I do now, which is never so it's perfect.)
3. Be a better wife and mother, by focusing a little more on myself. Sometimes I resent the lack of "me" time I don't have so this year I am going to take a little time everyday for me.

On an extremely positive note. I GOT THE JOB!!!!

I am so nervous as I haven't been a real working mom before, but it's pretty much my dream job so I know we can make it work. This will probably help a lot with #3.

I will be forced to wake up in the morning, actually get dressed in something other than yoga pants, flip flops and a sweater, and put some make up on. It's going to be great.

Anybody else make any resolutions?

And so it begins!

2009-12-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

THE DREADED FIRST BARBIE! BRING IT ON MATTEL!

Izabella's Field Trip

2009-12-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

Ready to learn.

Class Picture

Learning about Chainsaws

Learning the difference between fire trucks and fire engines (This is a truck!)

Jakob, a.k.a. Bella's boyfriend, as fireman

Which way to the gun show?

Dont be scared of firemen!

The Lounge!

Great news! Maybe!

2009-12-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

I have a secend interview tomorrow. Which of course can mean a couple of things....

1.) I'm in the running with another person, and while unlikely she forgot how great I am since Monday!

2.) She wants to meet to tel me I got the job.

Either way I'm excited. My only problem is... I have no idea how to be a working mom. The what ifs are filling my head.

What if she gets sick?
What if she has a half day?
What if it's a school holiday?

See? I'm making myself crazy!

Kids!!!

2009-12-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

Alright ladies. I just finished cleaning Bella's room.

It took me 4 hours!!!

I was trying to decide what toys she has outgrown to make room for her new Christmas presents. Probably the hardest thing I have ever done.

She has soooo much stuff!

She told us all she wants for Christmas is...get this...A PINK BALLOON.

Do I listen? Nope.

So we bought her some Barbies, and of course she has about 100 accessories in the box too.

Tell me.. How does everyone else keep their kids stuff in check?

Monday

2009-12-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

So I had an interview today.

I didn't even intend on working anymore (see below), but if I get this job I will be a very, very happy girl.

Its for a wild animal rescue and sanctuary.

There is a baby porcupine in what will hopefully be my office.

It's part time so it's perfect for my schedule and with my extra income from my book sales I may just earn a half respectable amount of money!

Wish me luck, I should hear something by Monday.

In a nutshell.

2009-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

Why are the holidays such a busy time? I have the house decorated, but it pales in comparison to our Halloween stuff. Our decor pretty much consists of a 4 foot fake tree and some tinsel. I think if we spend a few years perusing the day ofter Christmas sales we are bound to end up with some great finds, at a great price (Which I love!)

Meanwhile, my amazon bookstore is up and running. It's actually doing way better than I expected. I'm not making a ton of money but $100.00 in a week isn't half bad either.
If you want to check it out click here.

We are planning a trip to Vegas to see my step dad as well sometime during Izabella's vacation. It is all dependant on whether or not Dave can stop the job he is currently running. It's termite repair and it's been raining off and on for two weeks so it's a little slow going.

I hope everyone is having a great December.

Jenn

Jenn's New Endeavour

2009-12-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

After trying to find a job for a few weeks I give up. I don't want to work for 40 hours anywhere but here.
I am going to join the ranks of the work at home moms.

I am going to open an online bookstore!

So go support a mom.

Click HERE!

Mama Moffat Bookshop.

Izabella School Photo

2009-11-24T16:38:00.000-08:00

I think the face just about sums up the three year old mindset.

A meteor!

2009-11-24T13:57:00.000-08:00

At least that what I think it was!

Right above the second tree. It looks like a spot! (Trust me it was way more exciting in person)

There were about 10 of them falling and then they get to certain spot and POOF!

So great!

Another great find for our readers.

2009-11-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

The great folks over at 1bagatatime.com sent me over this new product. A jute bag!

So cute right?

It's the perfect shopping size and could be used for so much more than just groceries!
I took it out shopping and even got a few compliments.

They are having a special right now on them. If you order 10 regular bags they will throw in a jute bag for FREE! This offer is good through Christmas day.

A five pack is just $19.99! Its higher than the other bags but trust me its worth it. It's so fantastically great!

Just in case you needed more reasons here are 10 more!

1. Jute is a natural fiber
extracted from tropical plants related to hemp.

2. Jute absorbs more CO2 than trees,
so it is a natural defense against global warming.

3. One acre of Jute can absorb 6 tons of CO2
and release 4.5 tons of oxygen in one growing season.

4. It’s highly efficient and renewable,
ready for harvest in just 4-6 months.

5. It is non-toxic
and used to package grains, coffee, and other foods.

6. It naturally improves soil
when used in crop rotation.

7. Less fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides
are needed for jute than cotton.

8. It has been used since ancient times
for rope, twine, burlap, rugs, and textiles.

9. It’s called the golden fiber.
Its naturally attractive color does not need dyes.

10. It’s 100% biodegradable.

So go get some ladies! They would make great Christmas presents if I do say so myself, or even a great gift bag!

Haunted House walk through

2009-11-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

Time to play slacker catch up.

2009-11-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

Book Review

2009-11-02T14:09:00.000-08:00

The well-behaved child, Discipline that really works, By John Rosemond

This book provides a great (new, but old fashioned) viewpoint on parenting. This book is full of the parenting information your grandmother would have given you. Long gone are the days of letting our children fail. The new norm is coddling our kids and then wondering why we are dealing with screaming out of control children with no boundaries. This book illustrated techniques that the average parent may never have considered or even thought of.
Some of the techniques I found a bit harsh for my personal use on a three year old. But I am definitely saving some of them for later. I was able to adapt some of the basic techniques for my daughter and can say that so far so good. I really liked that the author talked about specific case studies and gave instructions on how best to make the techniques work He also provided ways to adapt the discipline methods for kids of different ages. I would recommend this book for parents that are having a hard time getting their children under control and are looking for something more. It kind of makes me look forward to the days when I have a mouthy teenager that I can “kick out of the garden”.

Happy November!?

2009-11-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

Hello all. OK, Here are a few things that I have realized.
I can't write on a theme.
I tried! I failed.
End of story!

I need to get back into blogging but not about anything in particular.

Just the way I like it.

I hope everyone had a great Halloween.

We built a haunted house with Dave's cousins. It was GREAT!
Pictures coming soon, I promise. (This time I mean it)

We did however receive some terrible news.

An old roommate that we had many years ago, before Bella was born, was killed in Iraq on Friday.
It is pending investigation (whatever that means)
All we know is that it was non-combat related.
I can't even believe it.
We hear about the "troops" when something happens and we never think about the "people". Especially when it is somebody that you know.

Jenn

Pasta With Pumpkin Sauce

2009-10-20T17:55:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

1 lb Radiatore Pasta

1 1/2 Cups Broccoli Florets

8 oz Turkey Breakfast Sausage (Removed from Casing)

1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 1/4 Cups Half and Half

1 Cup Canned Pumpkin

2 tbsp Brown Sugar

1/4 tsp Salt

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta as package directs, adding broccoli 3 minutes before pasta will be done.

2. Meanwhile, cook sausage on a large nonstick skillet on medium high heat, breaking up with spoon, until cooked through, about 6 minutes, drain fat.

3. Stir in pumpkin pie spice, cook one minute. Stir on half and half, pumpkin, sugar and salt. Heat mixture to boiling and cook 1 minute longer.

4. Drain pasta and broccoli. Return to pot. Add sauce and toss to mix.

5. EAT!

Giveaway winner!!!!

2009-10-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Slacker. I am posting this a few days late. WINNER IS:

A Mom After God's Own Heart

Congrats Shirley!!

Just let me know what color bags you would like!!

10 days off!

2009-10-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am so sorry. I have been such a blogging slacker! I will catch up on the easy pleasy's later today, I promise. But I just feel a great need to play catch up with things going on around here.

A back story: I used to have an extremely part-time job (like 10 hours a month) that I just lost due to bad economic times.

So I lost my job which is actually a good thing, because I have been struggling with working and not having any time alone at home.

So I basically spent all of last week cleaning and just playing catch up on everything that I felt I couldn't get around to because I was working. Like BIG cleaning jobs, like washing curtains and things like that.

I forgot how easy it is to just be home. Doing the housewife thing.

How has everyone else been?

Such a busy week

2009-10-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

I will blog all about it tomorrow with photos and everything. Right now I am just going to watch Bolt with Bella and drink a glass (or four) of wine!

Easy Pleasy - October 9

2009-10-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

Use both sides of the paper.
While you are at it, recycle above referenced paper afte usingboth sides!

Easy Pleasy - October 8 - LATE

2009-10-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

Save power.
Have family time, turn off the computer.
Do not check E-Mail.

(Hence why I wasn't posting)

Getting it together.

2009-10-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

I really used to have a plan. I have a home management binder and I know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done, but lately I haven't even been opening it.

What does everyone else use to keep everything straight?

Easy Pleasy - October 7

2009-10-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Take your kids outside.

Let's keep our kids connected to nature. Go on a picnic, a bike ride, check out the stars, or watch the clouds go by.

We can also save energy by doing this as we have to turn off the TV!

Don't Forget.

2009-10-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Giveaway!

Tell all of your friends.

Easy Pleasy - October 6

2009-10-06T07:37:00.001-07:00

Shop at a farmers' market. Get to know where your food comes from.

It's official

2009-10-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

I am a yes mom!

You want me to join your committee?

Join the PTA?

Be the Room Parent?

I'm your girl!

I do this to myself, every year (by the way, this is only my second year)

They send out the list of available positions and I take one of each, yes please, thank you very much.

I think it's time for wine!

Cheers!

Easy Pleasy - October 5

2009-10-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Turn off the lights when you leave the room.

Do it? Tell me!

Free Laptop Notepad

2009-10-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

Click Here

Free I heart Bacteria T-Shirt

2009-10-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

I heart Bacteria Shirt

Click Here

Easy Pleasy - October 4

2009-10-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

Have "stuff" laying around, waiting to be thrown away?

Please check out the easy ways to make one man's trash another man's treasure.

I really love Craigslist.

The free postings are the easiest I have found to navigate, and you can always take an extra step and check out the wanted ad's. (I have been able to really help people by providing them with items that I was never going to use again.)

You can also subscribe to your local Freecycle.

This tip can really help people as well as well as the planet. With so many people in need these days something you were just going to toss away can really make a difference in another person's life.

Tell me, what do you have just laying around?

A question?

2009-10-03T19:15:00.001-07:00

Why didn't anyone tell me parenting was going to be like this?
Oh!
I know!
No one would do it!
It's been one of those nights!
Sorry for the rant!

Go win some stuff girls!

2009-10-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Free Subscription - Parenting Early Years (Digital)

2009-10-03T07:49:00.001-07:00

Click Here

So much fun!

2009-10-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

Bella's school every October has a raffle. (By the way, it's today!)

It's called the Horse Drop raffle.

Get it? Horse drop!

There are 1000 tickets for sale and the the horse spends the day in a 500 square foot pen. The pen has flags to make a grid, and the grid squares are numbered on a map. When the horse "drops" the grid square is identified and whoever has the wining square wins $1,000.00.

I sure hope I get pooped on!!

Will it ever be quiet again???

2009-10-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

I have gotten no "quiet time" in days!

Now don't get me wrong, I love being around my daughter a lot, and can even tolerate sitting down with her and watching the same movie three times in a row.

Which last night happened to be this one.

I have had so much going on this week that I am almost tempted to set my alarm for 5:00 am just so that I can catch up on TIVO.
Usually the 6:00 wake up gets my morning blog fix done and at least a cup of coffee.

Unfortunately this morning, Bella woke up with me at 6:30 and is now yelling at me from the couch. (Something about the strong need for chocolate milk. and a louder need to watch the "Potty Trained" movie!)

Tell me when do you find quiet, alone time?

Easy Pleasy - October 3

2009-10-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Reduce

That's the first R. (Reduce, Re-use, Recycle)

I think this is the easiest one of all for most people.

When you avoid making garbage in the first place, you don't have to worry about disposing of waste or recycling it later.

Changing your habits is the key — think about ways you can reduce your waste when you shop, work and play.

There's a ton of ways for you to reduce waste, save yourself some time and money, and be good to the Earth at the same time.

Tell me what you have reduced today!!

DUN DUN DUN

2009-10-02T23:53:00.000-07:00

Stressed to the max....? ME TOO!

It is 11:47 on Friday evening. 1 full day away from my daughters 1st birthday and 1st birthday party. I have 110 guests coming.

Here is my check list:

decorations - almost there

food- umm still in progress

drinks - moms supposed to get them 

110 cupcakes - not made

activities for kids - it's at a park. there is a play ground with tons of stuff. and grass...all I got was bubbles

they can figure it out

house guests coming tomorrow - check

keg - check (thanks to FJ&Z)

Oh and did I mention the latest events taking place on top of the birthday madness...?

We got our daughter her 1st birthday present. 

------------------------------>

We like to add fuel to the fire. So on that note:

Meet Saemus

(pronounced Shaymus)

her first puppy for her first birthday.

I know, ridiculous. But she loves dogs. Besides now we will have a yard since on top of the bday madness, the new puppy....and just everyday craziness.....we are moving. 

Countdown 14 days, lots to do and not much is packed up.

AWESOME? I know!

Thank God Seamus is an amazing dog. Super low key and he and Galilee (my daughter) just follow each other around. She shares her toys and food with him. Which we are in the process of teaching her not to do, but it is extremely adorable. He is an Australian shepherd mix with freckles, one brown eye and one bright blue eye. He's also a ~~little~~ big fluff ball. We got him from a local shelter and he had 6 siblings. I wanted all of them, I can't go into a shelter without wanting to adopt everything. UGH I need 100,000 acres and a ton of animal food.

Off to bed, hopefully I will get some sleep!
night night

Friday Participation Time - Subject: Beds

2009-10-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. This is not about the children. But it effects them if they cuddle with you in bed!

So the question I wanted to ask is...does anyone have a Tempur-pedic mattress? Or a Nova Foam based one?

My husband and I are looking into a new bed and our Simmons Beauty Rest Ultra Pillow Top blah blah blah totally stinks!
It is only 2 years old, over $1800.00 and already leaving body impressions....and we are just normal sized people.
I mean it is completely dipped down in the middle and since it is a pillow top we can't flip it.
I am so over it. I want a refund, and a mattress without springs that can not have this result again.
I am comparing the Nova Foam vs Tempur-pedic since the tempur p. one we chose was $4500.00 without tax and delivery.
I don't like firm beds but they need to be supportive.
Costco has the Nova for $949 but I have heard that they can make you all hot and....that's gross.
I was just curious as to who had what and what people thought was a wise investment.

Comments are welcomed!

Easy Pleasy Giveaway

2009-10-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

Were you going to tell me that you can't use re-usable grocery bags because you don't have any?
Well now you have no excuse.

The super nice folks over at 1 bag at a time are particiating in a giveaway.

Two re-usable grocery bags in the color of your choice.

You know the rules.

Participate!!!

Grab our button

Tell your friends

And because the theme of the month is Good for you-Good for the planet, I'll throw in some extra entries for you if you do my easy-pleasy's!

Giveaway ends October 16th!

Good Luck!

Easy Pleasy - October 2

2009-10-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

RE-USE

Remember the second R in the 3 R's (Reduce, Re-use and Recycle)?

(Don't worry I will get to the others later!)

Re-using things is as simple as refilling a water bottle.

Need one? (Please see blog post here for a free one!)

Or using re-usable grocery bags.

Almost anything can be used again, let me know what you are re-using today!

It's Fall

2009-10-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here on Moms Tips too! Do you like it? I don't know how I feel about it, I kind of miss my darling bluebird! Let me now what you think?

Easy Pleasy - October 1

2009-10-01T07:51:00.001-07:00

USE LESS WATER!

Easy right!?

Today, try to think about the water that is just running down the sink or the driveway.

Please tell me if you did this, can't do this or won't do this.

How many gallons did you save or waste?

Baby Kaed Winner

2009-10-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

The winner is..........

chrissyb

We will give you until Sunday evening to reply to us with the color of bag that you want.

If you don't respond we will pick a new winner.

If you didn't win you can always use our awesome coupon code - tips20 - to save 20% on any order!

Jenn and Rachel

October - Good for you, Good for the planet

2009-10-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Good for you - Good for the planet

That's our October theme!

We have quite a few giveaways, tons of coupon codes, and a whole lot of information to share with all of you.

What we want to accomplish this month is:

To get to know where everyone stands on the environmental topic.

To try offer great and easy alternatives to products and services we may already be using.

To help each other

I have been completely "green-washed" as I have spoken about previously, but I want to share some of the knowledge I have obtained. Not in a creepy "you are killing your family" way, but in an honest and open discussion. I know many people are on an extremely tight budget and really can't think of affordable "green" options.

I want to help!

I want to everyone to help!

I am going to start my mornings by sharing what I am going to call my "Easy Pleasy"-a small easy change that I feel everyone could make in their life, to help the planet, your home and maybe mankind.

If you can't do the "Easy Pleasy", let me know, I want to know what works for real people.

I personally feel that we all make a difference, even if we can't tell what that difference is. Our children watch our actions, we are teaching them by example the kind of people we expect them to be.

Recipe

2009-09-30T17:45:00.001-07:00

Three Bean Enchilada Chili - I couldn't even wait - This is THAT good.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can pinto beans, drained, rinsed
1 can dark red kidney beans, drained, rinsed
1 can black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (1 1/4 Cups)
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
Tortilla Chips, broken, if desired
Shredded Cheddar Cheese, if desired

In 2 quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 5 minutes,stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.

Stir in remaining ingredients except tortilla chips. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle individual servings with chips and cheese if desired.

7 Hours - 40 Minutes - WIN THE BAG

2009-09-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Free 14oz Refillable Bottle from Juicy Juice

2009-09-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Click Here

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

Because everyone else does. How else am I going to be a world famous mommy blogger???

Oops! Words!

Shared Recipes

2009-09-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

We have had quite a few this week.

Special thanks to Erica for including Pumpkin! (I think she is trying to bribe me for a certain bag????)

Enchilada Recipe:
1lb. of beef
15 oz. of enchilada Rosarita Sauce
8 oz. of Tomato Sauce
1 small jar of mild salsa
pack of tortillas
cheddar cheese

Brown beef. Warm up in saucepan: enchilada sauce, tomato sauce and salsa. Put small amount of sauce on bottom of 9 X13 pan. Start adding beef, sauce and cheese in tortilla and rolling up one by one. Add remaining sauce mixture on top of tortillas and cover with cheese. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min. Enjoy!

Ants on a log:

They are really easy spread celery sticks with peanut butter and top with raisins in a row (the 'ants').
Ingredients:
3" celery sticks
peanut butter
raisins
peanuts
granola

Preparation:
Spread the peanut butter inside the hollow of the celery sticks and top with raisins. For variety, try using fruit flavored whipped cream cheese or a combination of peanut butter and honey instead of the plain peanut butter. Top the stuffed celery with peanuts, dried fruit pieces, granola, or different types of nuts.

p.s. Try with M&M's!

Apple Pecan Waffles

3 T brown sugar
1 1/3 cup flour
1/4 cup wheat flour
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ (works ok without, just add a little more flour)
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1/2 t. vanilla
1 cup shredded apple
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Combine dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients and add to dry. Stir in apples and pecans. Let batter rest 5 minutes before cooking in Belgian waffle iron.
Makes about 10. Left-overs can be frozen and then toasted in toaster like an eggo.

Buttermilk Syrup
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cube butter
1cup sugar
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 T. white karo
1 t. vanilla

Use a large pot, as it will expand. Combine all ingredients except vanilla over heat until boils.
Boil 1 minute. Take off heat and add vanilla.

Sweet Potato Fries

1 – 1 1/2 lb sweet potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (preferably the easy release kind).
Peal the sweet potatoes. Cut into strips that are about 1/2 inch wide on each side.
Place the sweet potatoes into a resealable plastic bag. Add oil, salt, paprika and cinnamon. Seal the bag and shake well to thoroughly coat the fries. Spread the potatoes out onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
Cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes, until slightly browned. Transfer immediately to a paper towel lined plate and serve warm.

Strawberry Smoothies

Ingredients:
2 ice cubes
1 c. milk
1/3 c. cottage cheese or yogurt
2/3 c. frozen strawberries
1½ tsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:Pour all of the ingredients into the blender and blend for 45 to 60 seconds until smooth. Pour your smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Frozen Yogurt Pops

Ingredients:
1 8-oz. container of your favorite flavor of yogurt

Directions:Pour yogurt into paper cups. Fill them almost to the top. Stretch a small piece of plastic wrap across the top of each cup. Using a popsicle stick, poke a hole in the plastic wrap. Stand the stick straight up in the center of the cup. Put the cups in the freezer until the yogurt is frozen solid. Remove the plastic wrap and enjoy!

Easiest Pumpkin Muffin Recipe Ever:

INGREDIENTS
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line with paper liners.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves until smooth. Spoon equal amounts of batter into the prepared muffin cups.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out clean.

And that's it. I didn't forget any ingredients. This recipe is so fast and so easy to make variations to. Use whatever cake mix you have in the pantry (spice cake is extra yummy). Add nuts or raisins, or chocolate chips. Top with a powdered sugar glaze or serve with whipped cream. Or just take them out of the oven and pop them in your mouth. You can't lose with these puppies!

Frozen Bananas

INGREDIENTS: 3 bananas
6 ice-cream sticks
Two 1-1/2 oz. chocolate bars
1 tbsp. chopped nuts, crispy rice cereal, granola, or shredded coconut (or chopped candy bits!)

Peel the bananas and remove any stringy fibers. Cut the bananas in half, widthwise, and push an ice-cream stick through the cut end of each half. Cover them in plastic wrap and freeze for about three hours. Place the chocolate bars in a microwave bowl and cook on high for about 2 minutes, or until the chocolate melts. Check after one minute. Stir in the nuts, cereal, or coconut. Using a butter knife, spread the chocolate mixture over the frozen bananas to coat them completely. Rest the pops on a plate covered with waxed paper and freeze until ready to serve.

Yummy Beef Stew!

1/4 c. All-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 TBS. oil
3 garlic cloves
3/4 tsp. dried tyhme leaves (I do way less then that. i just do a pinch or a little more)
1 can beef broth
1 can stewed or diced tomatoes, undrained
1 med. onion
2 lrg. unpeeled potatoes (I peel mine and I also do more, just preference on how many you want)2 cups carrots
1/2 cup thawed frozen peas (I don't do peas...I don't like them :):)
1 can V8 Juice

In a batter bowl comine flour, salt and pepper. Add beef. Cover bowl with lid, shake to coat all the beef. In a skillet, heat oil over med. heat until hot. Press garlic into the oil. Add beef to skillet, reserving any remaining flour mixture. Cook until beef is evenly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove beef and garlic to baking bowl. Add beef broth, tomatoes and onion. Put in crock pot, bake for 1 1/4 hours. Meanwhile slice potatoes into 1/2 inch thick slices and then cut slices crosswise in half. Slice carrtos. Stir in potatoes and carrots and cover. Bake an hour or until beef and vegtables are tender. Enjoy!

Yummy Coconut Milk Ice Cream:
Ingredients
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 (13.5- ounce) can light coconut milk
1 (13.5- ounce) can regular coconut milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a large bowl, whisk yolks and sugar together until pale yellow, 1 to 2 minutes. Add light and regular coconut milk and whisk again until well combined. Transfer coconut mixture to a medium pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until just thickened and mixture coats the back of a spoon, 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure not to let the mixture boil. Remove pot from the heat and stir in vanilla. Transfer contents of pot to a bowl and chill until cold. Process mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions then transfer to a container with a lid and freeze until firm, about 2 hours more.**To this recipe I added 2/3 cup cocoa powder to the sugar and egg mixture to make it coconut chocolate ice cream. YUM.... I think roasted almonds added to it would be good as well. If you like coconut, and you can't eat dairy, this is the ice cream for you.

Energy Bars (minus all the crap)

1/2 cup brown rice syrup ****
1/4 cup of cane sugar ***
3/4 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. vanilla

Combine all of these ingredients in a sauce pan and heat over medium high heat until the ingredients are well incorporated and it comes to a boil.Meanwhile add the dry ingredients to a bowl----
2 cups oats
1 cup puffed rice cereal
1 cup puffed wheat cereal
1/4 cup flax seed
1 cup of anything you would like ( I have added roasted peanuts, raisins, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, candied ginger, chocolate chips, golden raisins, dates, dried papaya......really just add a mix of anything you have on hand.)
1/4 cup coconut (optional)

Combine the wet and dry mixture and press into a 9 x13 baking pan. Let it sit and it will get gooey and oh so good.
Note: I have also made this with peanut butter and honey instead of the brown rice syrup, and cane sugar**you can get brown rice syrup at a health food store and use it as a replacer for sugar, it is just brown rice boiled down, it kind of tastes carmaley.** try to find sugar that hasn't been stripped down of all of it's minerals, they sell a good organic sugar at Costco for a good deal.

Free Sample of Huggies Pure and Natural

2009-09-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Click Here

Baby Kaed giveaway ends tonight

2009-09-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

We will announce the winner tomorrow morning. Good luck.

Recipe

2009-09-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

Mac and Cheese - Was/Is so good.

Ingredients:
1 box (1 pound) penne rigate
1/4 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Asiago or Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. Heat over to 350. Coat a 2 quart broiler safe oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

3. Once water boils, add penne. Cook 6 minutes then drain.

4. In a large bowl toss together the cheddar, Gruyere and Asiago. Set Aside.

5. Meanwhile, melt butter in medium size saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and slightly bubbly. In a thin stream, whisk in milk. Stir in onion powder, salt and cayenne. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in 2 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture.

6. In pasta pot, stir together the cooked penne and the cheese sauce. Pour half into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a generous cup of the cheese. Spoon remaining penne into dish and top with remaining cheese.

7. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Increase over temperature to broil and cook 3 minutes, until top is lightly browned. Cool slightly before serving.

8. EAT!

save the button.

2009-09-28T23:51:00.000-07:00

So I was talking on the phone to a friend and she randomly said...

"your button is ghetto"

You know what - I know, it is not as classy as Jenn and I would like it to be.
A little embarrassing? YES
Pretty good since Jenn figured it out in a jif? YES again
Is a revamp on a week old button? YES

So I ask all of the 38ish followers...
"How do we get a classy fashionable button?"

Your replies and resources are requested.
Much thanks and apprecitation.

An AWWARD!...this is so sudden.

2009-09-28T23:33:00.001-07:00

Thank you SO much to Shirley! Visit her! Ok so now I have to tell my 15 blogs :

1 Life in the Faithlane
2 Confessions of a teenage librarian
3 f you penguin...it's sounds bad but it is hilarious!
4 nie nie. love her
5 pray for Keith Beasly
6 bakerella -love this -it will make you hungry!
7 Friday playdate - love this
8 secret-agent-josephine.com - love this
9 cake wrecks he he
10 notes from the trenches
11 bethany actually
12 woulda shoulda
13 a little pregnant
14 keeping up with the moffats! -duh!
15 rachels world (i'm plugging my own blog - so classy)

TA DA ! Enjoy!

Three Things Every Parent Should Teach Their Kids

2009-09-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

1. Respect. (For all people, places and things, including themselves.)
2. To do their own laundry.
3. Enough about life that after they have left home they never come back!

Special thanks to Purell Hand Sanitizer for sponsoring this blog hop.

Jenn and Rachel are winners.

2009-09-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

I feel honored that someone decided to give us this award. It really means a lot. We have put a lot of work into this blog and it is so great to know that there are women out there that really appreciate the hard work.

Thanks to Shirley over at A Mom after God's Own Heart! (Go check it out!)

As our acceptance speech we shall share with you the rules.

The rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award"Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Since it it I, Jenn, who is writing this it will be my choices. If Rachel logs on later tonight she can post her choices as well.

1. JenGlamGirl - I love her blog. It's beautiful, as is her family.

2. Mom-101 - Funny

3. Nienie - Just amazing!

4. I am Bossy - The funniest

5. Home Ec - 101 - How to's

6. The Housewife Diaries

7. 4 Little Men and Girly Twins

8. The Confused Homemaker

9. The Absent Minded Housewife

10. Kelly's Korner

11. Diary of a mad, mad housewife

12. The Meanest Mom

13. Ma's Kitchen

14.Rachel's World - Who Else?

15. Keeping Up with the Moffat's - I am biased but I still love to look at all of us! (It's ok to lurk!)

I can't wait to check out all of your blogs too. I love the easy layout of google reader, so please post your blogs and I WILL read them. And I will make my own award. The best readers blogs int the world award.

Thanks ladies!

Menu Monday

2009-09-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Monday - Taco Casserole

Tuesday - Homemade Mac and Cheese.
Update: This recipe called for Gruyere cheese. I think that Switzerland is having a tough economic time right now because a half pound costs $24.00. So I am using Swiss instead!

Wednesday - Fend for yourself day.

Thursday - Three Bean Enchilada Chili

Friday - Smoky Chipotle Soft Tacos

Saturday - Leftover Day

Sunday - Tomato Vegetable Stew with Cheddar Cheese Dumplings

The days are interchangeable.

Yes, I have a fend for yourself day. It's the day I let my daughter choose what she wants to eat. Which usually is this...

Not to be confused with the homemade mac and cheese on Tuesday which looks so good. It has three kinds of cheese. Sharp cheddar, Gruyere and Asiago. Ummm, yum! (Please see cheese crisis above!)

Thanks

2009-09-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

To Chrissy. For submitting the recipe for this....

Ants on a log...Such a good quick snack.

She forgot to mention, serve with wine, so I took care of it!

Free Suze Orman Will and Trust Kit

2009-09-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

I found this code in Oprah magazine and I really wanted to share it with you.

Usually I don't really like Suze Orman, I am more of a Dave Ramsey girl myself, but these documents are so important.

The kit includes:

Will
Revocable Trust
Financial Power of Attorney
Durable Power of Attoney for Health Care

Please take the time to get this freebie.

Click Here.
Enter code 898989.

Menu Planning

2009-09-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

I know many of you including myself plan meals. It's a great way to save both time and money. If you are new to planning your menus there are so many resources available.

When I first started learning to cook a few years ago
I swore by Saving Dinner. They email you a week's menu and a grocery list, you go buy everything and prepare on the planned night. They charge you for the service. $29.95 a year, but it is absolutely worth it. On their website they also have freezer menus, something I have tried, but never quite "got". I think it was the remembering to thaw it out!

(If anyone has any interest in the freezer menu let me know, I still have them all. Even a Thanksgiving one!)

I still subscribe to one menu planning service. You've got Supper. I haven't ever tried their menu's but they look delicious. They have themes for the days. Like, family friendly Friday, and the bird is the word (chicken), etc. Their service is free.

My dinner planning right now includes looking at every recipe in a cookbook that I just bought. Easy everyday vegetarian. I don't know if anyone noticed my posted recipes don't include any meat.

We aren't full time vegetarians, we are just giving it a chance for a few weeks. I read a book about a pain condition that my husband has and it mentions several times cutting meat. So I did.

The truly funny thing is when he eats away from home he has been eating meat, so we may never find out if it helps or not!
MEN!

Free Uncrustables

2009-09-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

Click Here.

Beginning September 28th. The Smuckers company will be giving away 20,000 coupons for a free box of Uncrustables.

Recipe

2009-09-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s

Mediterranean Minestrone Casserole

Ingredients:

3 medium carrots - sliced (1 - 1/2 Cups)
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 Cup)
1 cup water
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 Can (28oz) diced tomatoes
1 Can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Italian style tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1.2 cups frozen cut green beans, thawed
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

To Make:

1. In slow cooker, mix all ingredients except green beans, macaroni and cheese.

2. Cook on low 6-8 hours

3. Stir in green beans and macaroni.

4. Increase heat to high. Cook for about 20 minutes or until beans and macaroni and tender.

5. Sprinkle with cheese.

6. EAT!

First Birthday Planning

2009-09-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

Okay,
So it is 11:36 on a Friday night. I am home, baby sleeping, diapers washing, my little brother is here staying the night and we just made pudding and cleaned up an ant infestation. All on top of planning a first birthday party.

I can't believe my little girl will already be a year (next Sunday)! Like you have heard a million times before..where has the time gone?
What a change that is from what seems like just yesterday.
Our Friday nights used to consist of going to a concert, bar, or just hanging out with friends until I wanted to go home. Not until babies bed time. Being a young mother (23) has sure changed tons of stuff. But, while most people think I am crazy , "missing out on so much" and/or "should have waited until I was older" (to have a little one)
I think as I look at my daughter - or even just think about her "look what I would be missing out on if she wasn't here! I see the meaning of life when I look into her eyes. I feel sometimes that I missed her even before she was born." My husband and I are so blessed and thankful to have her. I'd rather make small changes to my daily routine and include her in the social scene then "have waited" to have her. I just get to have all of this joy at a younger age than the norm.
And think of this... when she is all grown up my husband and I will still be young enough to paint the town red. Well at least I will, he may need a assistance. Just kidding he's only 28!

Anyways, back to planning. 8 days to go. This has turned into a small wedding. We already had to move locations to accommodate the 77 people (and not everyone has RSVP'd). I am so last minute and still have to order the decorations. We are getting it catered, so I need to call them and place the final order....and I have to make 100 cupcakes, and her giant cup cake cake. So I have to get that stuff too. Okay, I don't have to but it will be super cute. The theme is cupcakes. And I can't wait for her birthday outfit. It is a tutu/onsie with purple and hot pink theme and embroidered pearls and broach. And I am going to get hot pink converse and put crystals of purple and white on the toe and a 1 on the back. So sassy classy. Now all she needs is hair so I could style it! Wish me luck! The countdown begins!

-Rachel

The toilet is my worst enemy!

2009-09-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

If someone had told me about this........

OK, So the Friday talk time is about potty training and the completion, duration and story of.

Is your child potty trained? No

When did I start training? Over two years ago.

When did I finish? Oh my! There is an end to this??????!?!?!??!?!

Now don't get me wrong, if you are one of those moms that says to me "Oh, we just took off little Johnny's/Jenny's diaper and they walked miraculously to the toilet" I am so proud of you.

But I also hate you! In a nice way!

Kind of.

My daughter decided once about two years ago that she would like to use the toilet. She sat on it all day and read books and played with toys. She may have even taken a nap there. That was the day. I just knew it, she was going to get in the rhythm of things. Get used to peeing and pooping, right now! What a lucky mom I am.

Then.....

I had to leave my house, so I asked my sister in law if she would be ever so kind to sit in the bathroom and hang out with her as she "figures it out". "Sure, no problem!"

Great.

In the short time I had gone, my sister in law decides that Grandma wants to visit with my daughter too. So she packs her up and takes her to her grandmothers house!

I think my daughter has used the toilet, on her own, approximately 5 times since that date!

I still, to this day, swear that had she spent an entire 12 hour period on the toilet, all of this, would have been done.

I could be wrong, but I guess we'll never know!

Fast Forward 6 months.

My daughter starts at a Montessori preschool. They also have a Montessori Primary program for ages 2.5 to 5. Perfect, this is just what I want for her.

Oh by the way, she needs to be potty trained in order to attend the class.

So I, my husband, the school and just about anybody who cared, loaded ourselves with knowledge. I must have bought 15 books on the subject. Which was great because we have 3 months to get this down. EASY!

She even manages to go by herself at the school a handful of times.

Then.........

I get a call........

Wow, this sounds very dramatic.......OK, back to the story.

Phone call.

It's the school that we have been on the waiting list for. Practically since she was born. (Sorry, I am "THAT" mom!)

They have one opening for their primary program (Also Montessori pre-school, if you aren't familiar)

Now, you must understand that this school has always been full. We were on the wait list for the Transition program (Kindergarten) and knew that the chances of getting in were pretty slim.

Requirement - Be 2.5 and potty trained.

No problem, we are almost there anyway. Yeah! I'll take the spot!!

Fast Forward another year: Present Day

My kid goes to school in Pull-Ups. Still.

The teachers nicely turn their heads and everyone is super understanding.
I have been to the Dr. multiple times and the word on the street is this.......

She will get it when she's ready and not a moment before!

Uggggghh, I can't wait!!!!!!

At least I have taken a new "whatever, she will get it when she gets it" attitude, but it kind of feels like a lie.

I want my kid to use the toilet like every one else!

Friday Participation Time - Subject: Potty Training

2009-09-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Are your kids potty trained?

When did you start training?

When did you finish?

Share your stories and or your nightmares!

p.s. Did anyone try elimiation communication?

Jenn's Story - Please see new blog post - The toilet is my worst enemy. This should be a clue as to my situation!

What I really like..

2009-09-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

Crystal Light Cherry Pomegranate Powdery stuff!

Notice, I didn't say love.

Currently I have a "thing" for pomegranates. If it comes in pomegranate, I'll take two. I have never in my life tried a powdered drink mix but it's pomegranate flavor so here goes nothing.

It's pretty delicious. I however can't "love" it because I have no idea what is in it. The flavor is pomegranate-cherry and it includes not a drop of either pomegranate or cherry.

More ways to win

2009-09-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

Just six more days until we announce the winner of the Baby Kaed Noinoy diaper bag.

Do you want to win?

Let me tell you how you can...

Go to the Baby Kaed website and buy something using our fantastic coupon code for 20% off. tips20
Make a comment on what we are talking about
Follow us on Twitter.
Become a fan on Facebook.
Grab our button and put it on your site
Refer friends to our blog

Good luck.

Moms, Dads and Apple Pie

2009-09-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

My daughter at school today baked an apple pie. I was supposed to be the volunteer parent for the morning to help the kids make the pies, but I was nice and let another mom who is new to the school take my slot.

So my daughter comes home and has this delicious smelling, warm apple pie.

IT TASTES TERRIBLE! Like salty apples in a crust.

No lie, first thing in my head is "If I had been the volunteer mom, her pie would have been better"

Is that mean?

So as I am telling this story to my husband and asking him his opinion and he says to me "Yes, that's mean, if you were in charge you would have done it for her, the taste means that she definitely did it herself"

There is a vast difference in the way men and women view the world. Have you noticed?

What I'm Loving

2009-09-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

Monthly Subscription Programs. The more I see, the more I think that they (almost) all make perfect sense. In 30 day increments.

Blockbuster Online

Netflix

Bag Borrow or Steal

This last one "Shoe Dazzle" I came across in my Self magazine this month. For $39.00, Kim Kardashian (or someone in a warehouse acting on her namesake) will pick you out a pair of shoes and mail them to you. In season, whatever style you prefer; flats, heels, boots, etc.

Awesome!

Menu Monday - Two days late!

2009-09-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry all, Menu Monday was supposed to be on Monday (obviously), however; today is Wednesday and it still seems like a pretty good idea to share.

Here's what I'm eating all week:

MONDAY - I didn't eat at home, family was in town.

TUESDAY - I got to eat at Rachel's. It's great that she is learning to cook. It was delicious.

WEDNESDAY - Home-style Vegetable Chili (Now that I am writing this it doesn't sound so great. We are having a heat wave and I don't want to cook)

THURSDAY - Mediterranean Minestrone Casserole

FRIDAY - Homemade Mac and Cheese (This is very last minute, I just saw the recipe in Family Circle Magazine this morning)

Usually I am a great planner of meals, I have found that nothing saves time and money like a little bit of planning.
This week is a different story, must be the weather!

What are all of you eating this week?

These are a few of my favorite things..

2009-09-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

Reusable Starbucks cup (Filled with Pumpkin Spice Latte)

Pomegranate Jelly Belly's (Yum)

My review bag BABY KAED NOINOY

Remember my reader discount - 20% off the whole site.

http://www.babykaed.com/

Coupon Code - tips20

Celebrities love Baby Kaed

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Isla Fisher, Matt Damon and Alessandra Ambrosio are pictured. They join the ranks of previous Baby Kaed owners such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Tori Spelling.

You can own one too!

The giveaway is going on until the 30th.

Baby Kaed Review and Giveaway

2009-09-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

What is it?

Baby Kaed Noinoy diaper bag, it retails for $136.00

Right out of the box.

Comes with all of these great accessories.

Changing Mat
Makeup Bag
Dirty Clothes Bag
Wipes Case
Pacifier Pouch
Dust Bag

Lots of space to hold all of our stuff. (Even my new Dan Brown book!)

It even makes a great pillow at the beach!

If you want one right now, go to the Baby Kaed website. They are offering a great deal to our readers. 20% off. Use coupon code tips20. They have clothing too. If you buy something from their site I'll give you some extra chances to win!

If you want to wait until the 30th and win one let me tell you how:

PARTICIPATION

Refer friends to our site, follow us on Blogger, tweet about our site, facebook it, make comments, share a recipe, etc.

Good Luck.

FINALLY

2009-09-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

So, hello.
Nice to meet you, my name is Rachel. And I finally got the log in for this blog to work. Everything you have read so far has been posted by Jenn. Isn't she awesome?
Well right now it is 10:11 and my husband, neighbor and I are watching the Emmy's while my little darling sleeps soundly in her new jammies.
This Sunday evening was great, and I made the best dinner ever. Which is a great accomplishment, not that because it was great but because I never cook. I know, horrible. Bad, bad house wife. It's not entirely my fault. You see my husband is an awesome cook and loves doing it - and I love eating. So it works out well. But from now on I am going to start actually making dinner (well at least like twice a week haha). I will post this recipe because it is amazing. Comfort food that is so easy. It was ground beef stroganoff with lemon-garlic broccoli and I could eat it every day. A great recipe that Jen found and the first time I had it I ate 3 plates. When I find something I like I indulge. Thats what Stroller Strides is for.

Jen and I have big plans for this little blog. It may not be much right this second - but you check back in as little as a week and there will be some great stuff going on. We will be offering free stuff from some awesome vendors, (who doesn't love that), reviews - HONEST, BRUTAL reviews(so you don't have to do all the research), recipes of the week, themes each month, and what would this be without a window into our daily lives. Since we don't have cameras following us we will write it all down for you!

So....stay tuned, I can't wait for you to be a part of it all!

ENJOY

What I'm Not Loving

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Right Now -

Method's O Mop

Maybe half love/half not love, please let me explain.

I am officially irritated. I have been through three O-Mops. Unfortunately as great as the design is and as user friendly as the product is. I suppose its just not meant to be used as much as I use it. I mop my floors daily and this product has not been able to hold up its side of our arrangement.

Now I say I half love because Method's customer service has been amazing. They have replaced at no cost my first two O-Mops. This mop also cleans amazingly well, and the scents of the floor cleaning products are spectacular, specifically the almond wood floor cleaner. However, I will not be going back for a fourth.

Unless Method completely solves the problem of breaking plastic pieces I'm going to take my $30.00 that it would cost me to get another one, take $17.00 of it and buy a Swiffer Wet Jet, which I have never had a problem with, thank you very much.

My O-Mop in it's sad, extremely broken state. Please take notice how my loving husband has tried to fix it over and over again. He knows how much I really did love it.

What I'm Loving

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Right now.

Downy's new scent. Alluring Orchid. It is pretty amazing.

Get a coupon here!

Free Snikiddy Snacks

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I have bought the grilled cheese puffs for my daughter multiple times. I tried a few and they really are quite delicious, in a cheese puff kind of way. They are all natural and now you can save a few dollars and try them for free.

My only problem is I can't always find them. I have included that little bit of information in my request for the coupon.

Click Here for a free coupon.

Baby Kaed - Review and Giveaway

2009-09-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Starts tomorrow. Monday, September 21st and will run until Wednesday, Sepember 30th.

Tell your friends!

Recipe - Chipotle Peanut Noodle Bowls

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We had this for dinner last night! So delicious!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup apple juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce (from 7-oz can) seeded, chopped (I didn't seed them!)
1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from can of chilies)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 cups water
2 medium carrots, cut into julienne strips (I just used the bagged ones)
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into julienne strips (I used green)
1 package (8-10 oz) Chinese curly noodles. (I used chuka soba noodles)
2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (I completely forgot, oops!!)

1. In medium bowl, mix peanut butter, apple juice, soy sauce, chilies and adobo sauce until smooth. Stir in cilantro.

2. In 2-quart saucepan, heat water to boiling. Add carrots and bell pepper; cook one minute. With slotted spoon, remove carrots and bell pepper from water. Add noodles to water; cook and drain as directed on package.

3. Toss noodles with peanut butter mixture; divide noodles into 4 individual bowls. Top with carrots and bell pepper. Sprinkle with peanuts.

4. EAT!

American Baby Magazine Subscription - FREE

2009-09-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Click Here

Juicy Couture 40% off

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Click here to go to the website. Not exactly cheap, but it's a great deal if you were going to buy it anyway!

Friday - Participation Time - Subject: Money

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I want to open a discussion. I want to talk to all of my readers about money. No matter what your financial situation we all have a viewpoint and I want to hear about it. What products do you splurge on? What do you save on?

Here's mine;

Spending:
I am crazy for "organic". I quote it because if it says "organic" on the label I will buy that product vs. whatever else there is. Everything from chicken to kitty litter. Talk about green washed! I am willing to pay what is sometimes 4 times the cost for something because of some clever wording.

Saving:
I am a crazy bill picker. I look at every bill I get every month and call all utility companies including cell phones to make sure I am getting the very best deal they could give me. I also am a coupon clipper, assuming of course that the coupon is for something either organic or environmentally friendly (More on that little bit of neurosis later!)

So please tell me, what's your deal?

Jenn and Rachel Welcome you.

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Welcome to our new blog. After many blogs I am most excited about this one. As two stay at home moms we try our hardest to stretch our dollars and rub our pennies together. Unfortunately neither of us wanted to give up "The Good Things". So we are taking you all on our journey. A journey of exploration into saving until it hurts on one side but getting the best we can for the money. We will be featuring product reviews, of real products that we use, as well as giveaways (what could be cheaper than free?).

Also the idea is to have more than just a freebie/giveaway site but also an element of the voyeuristic blog that we all love so much. A look into our lives. As Rachel, mom to an almost one year old and Jennifer, mom to an almost four year old show you the real side of parenting, marriage and friendship.

Welcome.

Now lets get saving girls!

Free Diapers!

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Free Huggies Little Movers!

COMING SOON - A GIVEAWAY

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As parents we know and understand the value of a dollar. As a stay at home mom I have to make the money last. I try it all, from using coupons to comparison shopping, and I want to share my finds with you.

So coming soon...One amazing giveaway. From this amazing company.

BABY KAED!!!!!!

A great line of diaper bags, with a fashionable flair. Not to be confused with the Winnie the pooh totes we all know and despise. (Sorry if you are a pooh fan!)

And the best part, the company was started by a mom that "wanted a diaper bag that was multi-functional, practical yet at the same time also chic and perennially stylish; something that didn't scream "diaper bag!" Something that could be used long after baby was out of diapers."

That's exactly what she has done, and I am honored to be able to both review a bag and allow one of my readers to win one.

So let's get saving girls!