Baking Soda Part II

I almost threw away a bunch of our mugs because they were so coffee and tea stained. I would soak them and washed them over and over. I was getting embarrassed if I would ever have to offer them to a guest... 

Then I thought about my magical cleaning product, "baking soda". I sprinkled about a teaspoonful in the mug and dampened a paper towel and it just rubbed right off like magic. I couldn't believe it.
Take a look at the before and after...  
Now I don't have to throw them away and buy new mugs. Yay!

Have a great day and remember to "say something nice to someone" today!

Mommy and Me Activities

I had mentioned in the previous post (A More Detailed SAHM Schedule)
that I would write about "Mommy and Me Time" and different activities you can do with young children. The ideas may seem pretty simple and obvious. But they have really helped me since I started to schedule specific times into my day to actually do it. I actually wrote down a list of fun activities to do which I refer to often . The one caveat is that it does require you (most of the time) to be actively present. No cell phones, laptops, tv, books etc... especially if this time is specifically designated for time together. And if you have more than 1 child, try to get everyone to play together or set up the older child with an independent activity (reading, crafts, board game etc.. depending on their age. I have learned quickly that most of these activities last 15min which seems so short. But children's attention spans are super quick. Some activities they may not be really into. My motto is redirect and try something new. Also sound really enthusiastic and give tons of praise. They really eat it up. The more you get into it the more they will...

You can not fear making a mess. Kids are messy! During this hour I probably try any 4-5 of these activities. Some are hits and some are misses depending on the day.  I feel since I've started this, my 22month is actually better at playing by herself because I've spent quality with her.

A lot of these are self explanatory. But I did write a few comments to certain ones on the list:
1. Painting
-This is one of this first activities I like to go to. I like setting them up at the kitchen table with water color paints. It's not too messy (I put the littlest amount of water in a plastic cup) and I can clean up breakfast dishes and put them in the dishwasher while she is painting away. I also love to paint with her and I try to teacher her colors.
 -For Christmas my girls got an easel, so to switch things up we paint on the easel.

2.Play-Doh
-another easy go to (and no I don't make my own... :( oh well)  We have lots of play doh shapes/cutters too. Ally (22 month old) likes to put the play doh in and out of the containers and close them again and again.

3.Coloring
-Stick to crayons (No markers for the young one-too crazy and messy)

4. Stickers
-My little loves putting stickers on a  piece of paper. We can spend a good 15min or so just putting all kinds of stickers on a poster board/blank paper whatever...

5.Puzzles
-Such as Alphabet, Shapes, Numbers, Animals etc.. (whatever your kid is into) I love to teach them animal sounds and sing abc song, Whenever I drop the puzzle I love to be very

6. Trains
-Setting up the tracks, making a village and having lots of crashes always makes them laugh.

7. Doll House/Little People

8. Play Kitchen

9.Balls

10. Babies/Dollys

11.Making Forts

                                                                       
12. Playing in Closet/Small Nook

13.Sleeping Game
-Ally loves to pretend go to sleep.

14.Peek a boo/Hide N Seek

15.Books

16.Dress up

17. Tent/Tunnel

18..Music/Dance Party

19. Grocery Shopping/Cash Register

20.Blocks

My 4year old has preschool till1 o'clock. We usually go out for an activity after I pick her up since we are already out. Some of these afternoon activities are weather dependent too.

Afternoon Activities:
1. YMCA-open gym, swimming lessons and kid nursery (while mommy works out) Go 1-2 x a week
2. Parks
3.Playdates
4. Errands
5. Library
6. Barnes and Noble
7. Mall Play area
8. Mall Tots (play area for young children $$$)
9.Play Outside and Backyard
10. Out to Eat (special occasions)

Hope this helps you! Have a wonderful day and remember be "silly" today!

A More Detailed SAHM Schedule

I promised I would go more in-detail with my schedule from the last post. An outline gives only part of the picture of your day. I also want to add that this is a flexible schedule. Kids get sick, Dr appts and life can get in the way. But by having a schedule you can always find your way back. So here are all the little details which is what I always want to know in others' schedules too.

5:30AM Wake and Shower
-First thing I do when I get up is make our bed. I feel it is the quickest way to clean up a room. It always makes me feel better to come into a clean bedroom after my shower.
-I put away any clean laundry from the day before.
-I write 5 things I am grateful for in my journal.
I shower and dress in my "Mommy Uniform" which I've mentioned is usually my black yoga pants and a tee shirt
-I wash my hair every other day.
-At this time Mike is up with Ally (our 22month old, rather Ally wakes Dad)- She has her milk and they have breakfast together; Watch TV and/ play in the playroom depending on everyone's' mood that day
-This is great daddy time because this is the only time of the day, daddy actually gets to see and spend time with our baby (she is asleep by the time he comes home at night)

6:30-7AM Breakfast
-I clean one section of our upstairs/bathroom (will discuss this in a post about Chores)
-I also gather all the dirty laundry and bring it down stairs.
-I typically put makeup on and style my hair which make me feel good.
-By now I am usually running late and try to make it downstairs by 6:45am. I eat oatmeal/cereal  and have a cup of coffee.

7AM Wake up Sammy (our 4yr old) Breakfast
-Mike Showers
-Sammy has a bowl of cereal and Ally usually joins her at the table 

7:30AM 1. Girls get dressed, 2..Brush Teeth, Potty, Wash Face, 3. Comb/style Hair 4. Prep Bookbag- lunch, assigmnets etc..
-During this time Ally (22month) is tagging right along with the routine. Ally especially loves brushing her teeth and getting very wet. Can be a little bit of a jungle!

8:15AM Mike and Sammy (4yr old) Leave for School and Work

8:15-9:30AM Clean up Breakfast and Have Mommy Me Time
-Load dish washer and straighten up kitchen (basically wipe counter down) Ally is usually buzzing around or watching TV.
-Once I finish, it is Mommy and Me time. I will write another post on activities during this time.

9:30AM Ally's Nap 
-I can do another post on our sleep routine (It is not long!)

9:30-11AM CHORE TIME/ME TIME 
-I will write another post on what I do during this time too.

11AM Ally wakes up. Snack time
-We snuggle on the couch for a little while(sometimes Ally doesn't wake up too happy and this is a nice transition)
-Snack on rice cakes and juice typically

11-12AM Play-Time
-I sometimes call this my Mommy School
-Like I mentioned I will write a post on some fun activities to do with young children

12PM Get Dressed and Ready for the day
-I get "dressed" for the day. I take off my mommy uniform and usually put on something nicer. Check out my wardrobe post. This use to be so hard for me but not anymore. I use to wear my dingy clothes out of the house. It made me feel so sloppy. Now, I have a simple workable wardrobe that I actually like.
-I also fix my hair and touch up my makeup. Gives me confidence and makes me feel good about myself!

12:20PM LUNCH
-Ally and I have lunch together.
-I prep diaper bag with snacks and drinks and diapers/wipes. And pack up my purse too.(Make sure I have phone, keys, money, planner, protein bar, bottle water)

12:45PM Pick Up Sammy from School

1-2:30 ACTIVITY
-Typical activities included: YMCA-Swimming, Open Gym, Play Room (while Mommy works out), Parks, Backyard, Library, Barnes and Noble (which has an awesome train set and lego area), errands (Grocery store, Target, CVS etc..) and/ play dates all depending on the day.
-I am trying to make a weekly activity schedule for us so I don't have to think of it on the fly. It has been working really good. I will discuss more in future posts...

2:30-3:30 Chill at home
-Watch TV and have a snack
-Girls are typically running around the house and playing together
-Around 3:30pm I start making dinner

4-4:30PM Dinner

5PM Tubby Time

5:30-6pm Dessert-Milk-TV
-We all snuggle on the couch together and relax

6-6:30PM Ally Bed

6:30-7PM 1. Finish Laundry 2. Clean up Kitchen and Family Room 3. Get Mike's Dinner Ready
-Fold Laundry to bring upstairs and put away
-Clean up dinner and run dishwasher
-Make Sammy's school lunch (Sammy typically likes to help me with this)
-Clean off counters
-Pick up family room and if I have extra energy I vaccuum
-Sammy will either play in the playroom or help with the chores

6:45Pm Mommy and Sammy Time
- I like to call it Mommy school and we practice writing numbers and letters ( Use the Smart Alec Series PK-definitely recommend it) Also helps to have rewards (ours include depending on the day- Cheezits, stickers, M&Ms,

7-7:30PM Sammy Bed

8-8:30PM Wash Face, Shower and Pray
-I like showering at the end of the day. It makes me wipe off the day and I fill so refreshed and clean.
-I also like to read a section of the bible at this time too. Our pastor has recently challenged us to memorize a scripture passage every week. My husband and I are doing this together. We just started last Sunday.

8:30-10:30PM Eat Orange, Watch Youtube video, Chill with Mike and or watch TV

10-10:30PM Bed
-Take out my contacts and brush my teeth.
-SLEEP

That is pretty much a typical day in our house. Of course like I said before, this schedule is flexible. Every morning I write down my schedule in my composition book. It keeps me focused and on point. I hope this helps you moms (or care givers) at home. I would also recommend you write a schedule for the weekends too.

Have a wonderful day and remember to "Listen to a good song"  today!

Our Family Schedule

I believe it is so important to have a family daily schedule. It keeps you from running around the house like a chicken with her head cut off. Spastically cleaning here and there and never getting anything completely done.  It can feel maddening.

One blog I absolutely love is "Want What You Have" She writes in-detail of how to write schedules,chores etc.. and basically how to run your home. I have gained so much from this blog. Though, I am not at her level yet. I am a little bit more basic and some might say an amateur but I do get it done. Most of the time anyway. I make it stupid simple. And I do a little at a time. But back to my daily family schedule which I also learned from the Supernanny! I am a big fan of the Supernanny. Every time she went to someones house she always implemented a house schedule. I believe her techniques really work.

So here is my schedule and yes it is very early...
Here is a Brief Outline. I go more into detail the next post.  I will try to write down all the little details which is what I always want to know in others' schedules too.

5:30AM Wake and Shower

6:30-7AM Breakfast

7AM Wake up Sammy (our 4yr old) Breakfast

7:30AM   Get Kids Ready
1. Girls get dressed, 2..Brush Teeth, Potty, Wash Face, 3. Comb/style Hair 4. Prep Bookbag- lunch, assigmnets etc..

8:15AM Mike and Sammy (4yr old) Leave for School and Work

8:15-9:30AM Clean up Breakfast & Mommy Me Time
I will write another post on activities during this time.

9:30AM Ally's Nap 

9:30-11AM CHORE TIME/"ME TIME"
I will write another post on what I do during this time

11AM Ally wakes up. Snack time (Rice cakes and juice typically)

11-12AM Play-Time

12PM Get "Really" Dressed & Ready For the Day
-I get "dressed" for the day. I take off my mommy uniform(Yoga pants/tee shirt) and usually put on a jeans and a nice top.
-I fix my hair and makeup too.
-This is a new thing I added to my day in last 2 months. Now I don't feel so sloppy and gross when I am out running errands with my kids.

12:20PM LUNCH

12:45PM Pick Up Sammy from School

1-2:30 ACTIVITY

2:30-3:30 Chill at home & Snack
-May play outside too


3:30PM-4Pm Prep Dinner

4-4:30PM Dinner

5PM Tubby Time

5:30-6pm Dessert-Milk-TV

6-6:30PM Ally Bed

6:30-7PM 1. Finish Laundry 2. Clean up Kitchen & Family Room 3. Get Mike's Dinner Ready

6:45Pm Mommy & Me Time with Sammy

7-7:30PM Sammy Bed

7:30-8PM Shower & Pray

8:30-10:30PM Chill with Hubby
Snack-eat an orange;watch Youtube videos, read &/ watch TV

10:30PM Bed


        

"Don't Take Yourself So Seriously"

Since I started rewriting my blog again I have had a new excitement and added joy in my life now.  As I continue to write new posts, more ideas and thoughts keep coming to me. During the holidays my husband and I wrote our life goals. We wrote it in the perspective of our life story. We each did this separately.  It was so eye opening and exciting to actually plan our life (what we really want-vacations, career, everything...) Maybe one day I'll share mine on this blog. Well, one night at dinner with my hubby I was complaining talking about how hard motherhood was and he asked me what would my 89 year self say to me right now.  I immediately said without thinking "don't take everything so seriously" It made me think. I want so badly for order and peace in my chaotic hectic unpredictable life as a mother. And since this has been my subconscious goal, at times I feel unfulfilled, frustrated and a failure. In this attempt for order and perfection which motherhood is none of these things (nor is life for that matter ) I need to accept that it is messy and unpredictable.And that is ok! Naps will be missed, crying and tantrums are the norm and cleaning up is a never ending cycle .... It is not being negative. It is being real. And once we let go of this concept we can breath a little and find fulfillment and enjoyment in the little things. I also thought to myself,  "I don't know if anyone will actually ever read this blog and I that is ok." I guess I am writing this blog to me. To a young mother of young children. To motivate her, to relate to her, to give her useful tips to make her life a little easier. And that mother is me. I need to remind myself of these things constantly. I also hope to one day share this blog with my girls and hope it will help them when they become mothers too.

So what I would tell that younger mother today is "Don't Take Yourself So Seriously" and "Just Laugh at It"

Here is one easy go-to recipe I cook all the time. For the novice cook (like me) I use frozen veggies (chopped onions/peppers, jar minced garlic or garlic powder) I don't have time or energy to chop fresh veggies. This has made cooking so much easier and quicker for me. I also love already cooked chicken (Just Chicken from Trader Joes $5.49 12 oz) I usually can get 2-3 meals out of 1 container.

Easy Chicken Tacos
1. 1/2-1 cup shredded (Rotisserie chicken works too) or cubed chicken
2. 1/2 cup of frozen chopped onions
3. 2 teaspoon minced garlice or I just sprinkle some garlic salt
4. 15 oz. diced tomatoes (I like the to buy the one with added spices/peppers)
5. Dash of Red Pepper Flakes (if you like more spice)
6. 1 cup frozen corn
7. 1 tsp dried oregano and thyme
8. Sprinke of Bay leaves
9. 1/2 cup of water

1. Saute onions with Pam cooking spray until brown and stir in garlic cook 1 min
2. Add tomato, corn, and all other ingredients plus water
3. Simmer on Medium-low for 15-20min or until juices have mostly evaporated
4. Add cooked chicken in to rewarm in the last 10 minutes
5. Season with salt to taste
6. Wrap in (Low Carb- which I prefer) Tortilla or put over salad.
7. Enjoy!

Another useful tip: My daughters like to drink apple juice. I like to make it with half water and half juice so that it has less sugar in it. I take an empty juice bottle 64 fl.oz and a new juice bottle. I pour the new juice into the empty container till both are half filled. Then I add water to each till they are completely filled. I put both bottles in the frig and I have easy already water down juice ready to go and be poured in their sippy cups. Pretty simple and easy!

Have a wonderful day and remember to "laugh at it all" today!

Thoughts on Being a Stay At Home Mom

Is there anyone else out there who is a SAHM and feels totally unprepared and pretty much rocked by the new life you have acquired. I am willing to bet that most women in their early 30s or late 20s who are at home with their children (full-time or part-time) were never were taught the basics of keeping a home or raising children. Or is it just me?

Up until I had children I lived a life focused mainly on my studies and career. Growing up I never learned to cook or clean and I rarely ever babysat. I think my parents felt as long as I was working hard at school or my athletics that was good enough. And maybe it was at the time. I think back and realize that I never did anything domestic growing up. Were my parents too good to me? I am very blessed and fortunate which I see more clearer each day (each moment) now that I am a mom. Can one ever really be prepared for motherhood without going through it?

I now have 2 beautiful daughters ages 4 and 1 yr old. What will I teach them as they grow up? I am continuing to question this and learn each day.  I do think it is important to know the the fundamentals of keeping a home(whether you are a homemaker or not). How to properly clean a home  (room by room, tips & techniques, good products to use etc...)  and how to cook a good healthy meal would make my life so much easier. I have pretty much failed forward fast for the last 4 yrs as I continue to learn each time. What works and what doesn't. This is important to me because. 1. I want a clean home 2. I don't have the money (yet) for a cleaning service 3. Knowing what to do, how to do it and what to use makes cleaning and cooking: faster, easier and better. I know there are tons of articles and blogs on cleaning and cooking but sometimes I get too overwhelmed with all their information.

And also to add to this mix is the ever so time consuming demands of actually being a mom and raising your  children: changing diapers, bathing, feeding, playing, napping, disciplining etc... The goal of cleaning is truly defeated in 2 min after your child wakes from a nap and eats and then the cycle begins again. How do you incorporate maintaining a home and raising your children and also having fun and enjoyment in your day? AHA!  If only there was an answer to this than motherhood would be easier... better...?
The old saying, it is the journey not the destination is so true in motherhood. But so hard to live out.

I do believe learning quick and easy steps will make your life easier and therefore you have more time for YOU (to read, to write, to workout) which in turn will bring you enjoyment and fulfillment to your day. For me scheduling and planning are so key to being a happy SAHM who is "present" with her kids (mind, body, spirit-you know the difference) or just being there and getting through the day. We all have those days we just want to get through but I want more days where I enjoy want I am doing- Jim Rohn, a successful motivation speaker once said, you don't want to say " I just want to get through the day" but rather you want to say "What can I get from the day."

I like to start a series on easy steps for everyday things like:
1.Typical schedule for the day
2.Cleaning scheduling & cooking tips for the novice
3.Activities for young children
4. Goals for 2013
5.Health and Fitness
6. Beauty and Style
7.What blogs, references I like and recommend
Let's start there and see how it goes.

Have a wonderful day and remember today to "breathe"!

Baking Soda

This is a short and sweet post about a great use for baking soda. Did you ever leave a sippy cup in the car still filled with juice. When you finally find it, the cup smells so bad you don't know what to do with it. You attempt to clean it but the smell lingers. You may even try to give it to your kid with new juice in it and then your kid complains that it taste sour. If you are anything like me you end up tossing it and buying another one. This use to drive me crazy until I found out about using baking soda. I now soak all our sippy cups with a teaspoonful of baking soda, warm water and a dab of dish detergent. The longer you soak the better. I soak them overnight and then rinse them in the morning. The smell is completely gone. So Awesome!

Have a wonderful day and remember to always Smile!