Category: personal

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personal

Back to school supply list

In the midst of a day trip to the beach in the back of my mind is the back to school supply list. We discussed this exact topic today on WCAP 980 am and were reminiscing about the days when you went to school without any pens, crayons or glue sticks and just showed up! The list seems to get longer and longer and with budget cuts at so many schools we know why. Our school suggests we buy on Amazon as a portion of the proceeds will be given to the parent teacher organization, which is a nice thing to do. We discussed how challenging it could be if you have 5 kids in school and 5 lists!  I have not purchased the items yet on my kids list but remembered that last year it was in the $50-100 range! Multiply that by 5 and yikes!

I remember one of the national parenting magazines listing out school supplies last year and which national retailers had the best prices on such items as crayons, pencils, pens and there was a substantial difference.  I am procrastinating purchasing as I would like to enjoy summer a bit longer. Plus I know that once I get out the supply list then we are into buying backpacks, clothes, coats etc.  I have a few more weeks left!

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personal Uncategorized

Back to school supply list

In the midst of a day trip to the beach in the back of my mind is the back to school supply list. We discussed this exact topic today on WCAP 980 am and were reminiscing about the days when you went to school without any pens, crayons or glue sticks and just showed up! The list seems to get longer and longer and with budget cuts at so many schools we know why. Our school suggests we buy on Amazon as a portion of the proceeds will be given to the parent teacher organization, which is a nice thing to do. We discussed how challenging it could be if you have 5 kids in school and 5 lists!  I have not purchased the items yet on my kids list but remembered that last year it was in the $50-100 range! Multiply that by 5 and yikes!

I remember one of the national parenting magazines listing out school supplies last year and which national retailers had the best prices on such items as crayons, pencils, pens and there was a substantial difference.  I am procrastinating purchasing as I would like to enjoy summer a bit longer. Plus I know that once I get out the supply list then we are into buying backpacks, clothes, coats etc.  I have a few more weeks left!

Categories
personal

Back to school supply list

In the midst of a day trip to the beach in the back of my mind is the back to school supply list. We discussed this exact topic today on WCAP 980 am and were reminiscing about the days when you went to school without any pens, crayons or glue sticks and just showed up! The list seems to get longer and longer and with budget cuts at so many schools we know why. Our school suggests we buy on Amazon as a portion of the proceeds will be given to the parent teacher organization, which is a nice thing to do. We discussed how challenging it could be if you have 5 kids in school and 5 lists!  I have not purchased the items yet on my kids list but remembered that last year it was in the $50-100 range! Multiply that by 5 and yikes!

I remember one of the national parenting magazines listing out school supplies last year and which national retailers had the best prices on such items as crayons, pencils, pens and there was a substantial difference.  I am procrastinating purchasing as I would like to enjoy summer a bit longer. Plus I know that once I get out the supply list then we are into buying backpacks, clothes, coats etc.  I have a few more weeks left!

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opinion personal

5 Tips for a Happy Mother’s Day

Mother’s around the world rejoice – it’s your day!

Here is a suggested way to enjoy this day or get ready for requests for next year!

1.  Tell the hubby what you want – you can interpret this anyway you want! If you want to relax in bed for a few hours (alone!) , go to the salon for a few hours of you time or spend it outdoors with the kids and hubby, plan it, say it and let them know that this is what you want to do on your day!

2. Think of what you did for your mom on  this day. Although my mom is not with me I think back to what we did for her and it makes me smile. Traditions are always the best gift.

3. This is the best day to have people do stuff for you so be creative! “Kids, Please pick up and put all your clothes away, it is after all Mother’s Day” “Honey, can you clean the garage? That is what I want most!”

4. A favorite meal cooked or a hot fudge sundae delivered to you – whatever your favorite treat is enjoy it. Although my idea of a new recipe backfired this morning, it was the thought that counts right? If you look closely at the picture my kids tried to hide the fact that the pancake was charred as they added some sprinkles and a little cheerio to the top of the pancake (how cute are they?) The pretzel crumbs were a nice touch.  YES, I did eat it and believe it or not it was not that bad! (at least that is what I told them)

5. Relax, relax and relax and enjoy your day!

5 Tips-Happy Mother's Day


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personal

A mommy tactic backfired!

I have done it several times very successfully but this time I was caught!  That’s right, on an occasional night out I have put both my children to bed a bit early then had the babysitter arrive after they are “sleeping” (this time they really weren’t sleeping). It just seems easier as sometimes they get all excited and can be a challenge getting to bed. Made sense to me!

I admit at times I have “turned” the clock back a half-hour just to get them to sleep a bit early.  This time both my 6 and 9 year old knew something was up – mom and dad sneaking into the other room, whispering, texting, etc.  Both girls went to sleep very nicely and then I knew something was up! They were so cute though as I heard them, preparing to catch me asking me why I had earrings on when I was going to bed and “is that make up you are wearing”?

When the sitter arrived I left for just a couple hours up the street to a neighborhood party to meet my husband.  When I came home I heard from the sitter that they did come down to greet her to say Hi, told them they were spying on me, chatted for a few minutes and then went to bed!

The next day morning they told me all about how they knew and how funny it was.  I know…I know…. some of you might say that is just not right! Others who have really young infants say great idea as really that is the only time you may get out to have a few hours to yourself!

Now that my kids are older I’ve decided I can’t really do this anymore as few thoughts have came to my mind like it might come back to haunt me (i.e. sneaking out of the house, and really it’s not truthful!) But I thought it was a good mommy tactic when they are young! I am sure there are other mommies out there who have some ideas up their sleeves to achieve balance in their lives and to get things done whether it be a night out, a TV show for your kids to watch while you cook dinner or taking a quick shower (flashbacks come to mind as I put my daughter in her bouncy seat right by the bathroom door where I could see her!)  As long as the kids are safe and having a good time our mommy tactics can be smart, sassy and can help us achieve balance!

Categories
personal Uncategorized

A mommy tactic backfired!

I have done it several times very successfully but this time I was caught!  That’s right, on an occasional night out I have put both my children to bed a bit early then had the babysitter arrive after they are “sleeping” (this time they really weren’t sleeping). It just seems easier as sometimes they get all excited and can be a challenge getting to bed. Made sense to me!

I admit at times I have “turned” the clock back a half-hour just to get them to sleep a bit early.  This time both my 6 and 9 year old knew something was up – mom and dad sneaking into the other room, whispering, texting, etc.  Both girls went to sleep very nicely and then I knew something was up! They were so cute though as I heard them, preparing to catch me asking me why I had earrings on when I was going to bed and “is that make up you are wearing”?

When the sitter arrived I left for just a couple hours up the street to a neighborhood party to meet my husband.  When I came home I heard from the sitter that they did come down to greet her to say Hi, told them they were spying on me, chatted for a few minutes and then went to bed!

The next day morning they told me all about how they knew and how funny it was.  I know…I know…. some of you might say that is just not right! Others who have really young infants say great idea as really that is the only time you may get out to have a few hours to yourself!

Now that my kids are older I’ve decided I can’t really do this anymore as few thoughts have came to my mind like it might come back to haunt me (i.e. sneaking out of the house, and really it’s not truthful!) But I thought it was a good mommy tactic when they are young! I am sure there are other mommies out there who have some ideas up their sleeves to achieve balance in their lives and to get things done whether it be a night out, a TV show for your kids to watch while you cook dinner or taking a quick shower (flashbacks come to mind as I put my daughter in her bouncy seat right by the bathroom door where I could see her!)  As long as the kids are safe and having a good time our mommy tactics can be smart, sassy and can help us achieve balance!

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personal Products

Itchy, Itchy, Scratchy, Scratchy. Ugh Dry Skin

It’s that time of the year and the cycle continues - Itchy, scratchy dry winter skin.  Some moisturizers are too perfumy, too oily, or contain ingredients you cannot pronounce. Who wants that? In my never ending quest to use more natural products I am glad I got to test out the Kiss my Face moisturizer and their new sudz line shower gel. 

C’s the day moisturizer is made with certified organic oils and herbs and Ester-C and does not contain parabens, phthalates or synthetic colors or fragrances. The Honeysuckle Tangerine has natural oils of tangerine, honeysuckle, almond  and clove oil for a yummy spring like fragrance. The grapefruit and lemongrass sudz shower gel is refreshing, lathers nicely and again has no parabens or phthalates, no animal ingredients and is not tested on animals. They have everything from lip balm to hair care and a great kids line too.  You can find Kiss my Face at your local whole foods or https://www.kissmyface.com

How do you handle dry winter skin? Comment below on the post and subscribe to our newsletter or send an email to [email protected] and we’ll choose a winner and post by Monday Jan. 31st! Good luck!

 

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personal

No car = less spending

It’s already January 5 and so far I am in the midst of reading my second book (goal was to do more reading and writing!) But have not hit the gym as hard  (ok at all) as my car is in the shop due to an accident with a deer. No, I did not hit a deer but the deer ran into me!

The hubby and I thought it would be a good experiment to see how we did without a car for a week. He is doing fine as he has his car but I am glued to my home office!  Yes I am getting more work done but every once in a while as I step away from my work and think I’ll just run to Starbucks or CVS (for that product I just need right now…I stop….Oh yeah I have no way of getting there. 

Yes, yes, I could walk but I do live in the suburbs so it’s not just a quick jaunt. (Yes, that could help with my new year’s requirement of hitting the gym) It’s nice that I live in a small community so when I posted on Facebook that I was without a car people offered rides, switching of carpools and even offers of Starbucks being brought to me! I really do love my community. But it did get me thinking of how long I could last without transportation. I am a working mother of two very active kids!  My guess is one week and that’s my limit. Luckily my car will be ready at the end of the week! This week was a good test to say I can survive without a car – plus I think I saved some $ as I was not running to Starbucks and CVS and…….