Menu Planning and Organization

Busy mothers all around the globe get doubly stressed at dinner time (and other meal times) because its hard to know what to make...unless, that is, you have a plan.

That's where Menus4Moms.com comes in. It's a F*R*E*E* resource! Once a week you are emailed a five-day meal plan for your most rushed meal - supper. The weekly email even comes with its very own shopping list. Another plus is, the recipes and meals are not fancy-schmancy! They're straight and to the point, which on a weekday, whether you're a working mom or a stay-at-home-mom, is welcome.

The website is also loaded with helpful articles regarding organization and frugal living, as well as homeschooling AND there is a relatively active Discussion Board.

Check them out!

Thanks for reading!
PS: It has been a long time since I have posted anything on my blogs, and I do apologize!

The Secret

I just received, watched and read The Secret!

The basis is what you think is what you get. So stop thinking about bad stuff! Think about all the great amazing things you want. Don't think, 'Oh but how?' Think 'It's great to have all this!'

Think as though you already have whatever it is you want, and it will manifest itself.

Interesting...

I absolutely recommend The Secret, especially for those who are just beginning on this 'path'.

The movie is well put together, it's not all FX and movie stars, but it has some great points in it. The book is just a rehashing of the movie - but if you're like me, you like ALL mediums!

I also recommend Think and Grow Rich ', which is along the same principle of asking, believing and receiving.You can either buy your very own copy from Amazon or you can download it here for F*R*E*E!

Thanks for reading.

International Women's Day

Today, Thursday, March 8th, 2007 is International Women's Day. So to all the lady-lous out there - Happy YOU Day!

Daylight Saving Time in Alberta

Did you know that Alberta is Springing Ahead on March 11th and Falling Back a week later this year?

I had no idea! I didn't believe Troy when he told me. ;-)

I needed proof: http://www.justice.gov.ab.ca/law/default.aspx?id=4318.

Thanks for reading!

Do You Need A Hug?

I always need hugs. I hug the people I love and care about as much as I can! Hugs just make you feel better. Why? Who knows. But imagine trying to BAN hugging? Why?

A hug brightens someones day. So go ahead...hug someone today! :-)

Thanks for reading.

Spring Cleaning

Ahhh, spring! The just perfect warm weather, the budding trees, the sprouting bulbs, the birds chirping, the thawing ground just begging to be turned...and spring cleaning. Blah! What a way to ruin a perfect picture.

Spring cleaning in my house starts at the beginning of March. That being said, it wasn't done last year because I was pregnant with Gavin and I really could have cared less. (I'm not a happy pregnant woman. ;-D)

Spring cleaning is a big job at the best of times, but this year, for me, its even bigger. Oh well, better get started.

I like to tackle little sections every week. For example, this week is the kitchen area - the pantry, the cupboards, under the oven and fridge, the dreaded junk drawer, etc. And next week it'll be another section, perhaps the mud room or the laundry room.

By tackling little sections at a time I find it more manageable and a bit more enjoyable (as enjoyable as cleaning can be). I feel a sense of accomplishment instead of feeling completely bogged down by the sheer size of the chore ahead.

It works for me - it may or may not for you. Try it and see, and let me know your tips for spring cleaning too! Just click comments at the bottom of this post.

Another thing that works for me is hiring someone to do it! ;-)

Thanks for reading!

Emma Accessorized Gavin!

Friends of ours went on a cruise and then spent two days in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

They brought back beads for Em!

Em decided Gavin looked good in beads and high heals...for some reason Troy didn't concur. ;-)

I think he looks smashing!

Cellular Phones

Being on the hunt for a new cell phone (we have one from, GOSH, 2000!), I have been researching then and came across Cingular, who at this moment, having a SALE (which ends on Thursday at midnight)!

I have to say I'm not overly technologically inclined, but I am very interested in the Blackberries. Not only can you use them as a cell, but you can send emails as well, not to mention being able to view documents and the like and play games as well. I really feel it’s the all around perfect business tool.

But being a lowly stay at home mom, what do I need with an all around perfect business tool? Who cares! I just want one. Honey, Easter is coming up as is my birthday and Christmas! ;-)

There are all kinds of other cells phones out there, not to mention wireless providers and carriers, so who to choose? I stumbled upon Cell Phones Etc. and really found the information there rather helpful. The reviews aren't all 10/10, which I like to see, because lets face it, some are bound to be no good-ola. As a plus this site also has reviews on cell plans and cell gadgets, not to mention a forum where you can discuss and get solid thoughts on all things cellular, phones that is.

So if you, like me, are completely out of your element (I mean lets be honest, I only just became an owner of an MP3 player) when it comes to technological gobbly-goop (why can't they speak English?), check out the site above. Do yourself a favour though; get informed by people who have used the product, who know how it works in the 'real world'.

It makes more sense to do your research first, and then purchase; instead of purchasing and then being disappointed. That being said though, I don’t think it really has to be that difficult either – pick a phone you like and can have fun with too!

Thanks for reading - the new AT&T

Enchanted Learning

Just a quick post today to recommend a website for the kidlets: Enchanted Learning!

Its a great place with lots of great learning activities from crafts to colouring pages, from activities on music to activities regarding the languages and the alphabet.

You can either pay for a subscription ($24 CND) or you can use the free banner-ed pages.

Today Em and I printed out the Paper Bag Puppets craft. Fun, fun!

Thanks for reading!

The Aladdin Factor

I am in the process of reading The Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen and I must say I'm impressed.

You probably recognize their names from Chicken Soup for the Soul fame. I must admit that I am not a fan of those books, I have read a couple - namely Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul - I find the stories nice but not uplifting per say, simply stories.

However, The Aladdin Factor, while mostly a compilation of stories, has exercises to practice, suggestions and tips, clear techniques on how to get what you want.

One passage is from Jim Cathcart. He tells of how one night while working in a deadend, boring job he was listening to Earl Nightingale speak on the radio. Mr. Nightingale said "If you will spend an extra hour every day and study, in five years or less you will be a national expert."

Think about that for a second. Now decide what it is you want to do and start studying!

Its true, we think 'I can't do that', 'I wouldn't succeed', 'I don't have time'. Why can't you do that? Why can't you succeed? Why can't you find the time? An hour within your day...you can't find an hour?

Go for it, whatever it is, go for it!

Thanks for reading!

Blogsvertise!

Now here's an interesting concept! Advertisers and Bloggers helping each other out.

Bloggers write about Advertisers' products and services. Bloggers can write honestly, positively or negatively. This creates publicity, exposure, 'buzz' about the Advertisers' products and services - which is GREAT for the Advertisers! After all, any publicity is good publicity.

So how does this benefit the Bloggers? Well, they get paid via paypal for each blog entry an Advertiser is mentioned.

Considering you don't have to speak positively to get paid, that is, you can be honest, I think that's pretty darn nifty!

If you're interested in this concept as either a Blogger or an Advertiser, head over to Blogsvertise to learn more.

Thanks for reading!

Valentine's Day

Just a quick post to say 'Happy LOVE day' to everyone!

Thanks For Reading!

Turkey Leftovers - What To Do With Them?

This holiday season we were given a HUGE turkey! Eighteen and a half pounds of gobble-gobble for four of us. Well, actually, two of us because Gavin is still 'on the boob' exclusively and Emma might have eaten a tablespoonful. It was a big turkey - lots 'o leftovers!

So after the next day's turkey sandwiches and pot of turkey soup was made, we still had lots of turkey, and still do.

One quick, easy and yummy way to use up some of those leftovers follows.

***
Quick, Easy, Yummy Turkey Casserole

1 pkg Stove Top Stuffing for Turkey
2 cups Leftover Turkey Meat, cubed
1 Tbsp Summer Savoury
Salt and Pepper To Taste
3 cups Frozen Broccoli Florets, thawed
1 Tbsp Margarine
3 Tbsp Flour
1 1/2 cups Milk
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare stuffing as per package. Set aside.

In a prepared 8"x8" baking pan, or like sized casserole dish, spread out meat. Sprinkle with seasonings. Then layer thawed broccoli over top.

In a sauce pan, over medium-low heat, melt margarine. Whisk in flour and milk. Whisk until smooth and thick. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese. Pour sauce over meat and broccoli.

Evenly top with prepared stuffing and bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.

***

Thanks for reading and Enjoy!

[Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due: This recipe was adapted from a recipe on the side of a Stove Top Stuffing box.]

Everyone Is Sick - AgAiN!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Emma has been sick since late Saturday night. She awoke vomiting! Poor kid. She got better...or so I thought...and by Sunday evening I thought she was on the mend. Nope! Tuesday brought more vomiting, a rather high fever and horrible diarrhea.

[In the midst of this I was hit by 'a brick wall' (with an episode of passing out! GACK!) on Monday. I had to call Troy at work and ask him to come home. But by Monday evening, I was fine.]

And today is more of the same. Poor kid! (Not to mention, poor carpets! ;-D) And Troy came home early from work because he is ill as well.

All are asleep now, the first really quiet time in five days, so I've sat down with a cup of tea, a Nature Valley granola bar and my pen for a bit of quiet time myself.

On the upside, I must say Troy and Em being sick and caring for a 3 1/2 month old is a great workout, not to mention a crash diet! I'm getting a constant workout, walking the floors with an extra 15 or 22 pounds, depending on what kidlet is in my arms, and I've been surviving on granola bars and tea, with the occasional almond or piece of cheese. ;-)

Seriously thought, where Emma is concerned, I'm worried about dehydration and the thought of this being something more than just a nasty stomach bug. She's two, so the communication just isn't there. I ask her where it hurts, she says 'evweeware'; I say 'I know, but where does it hurt the most?' to which her response has been 'Whaaaaaa!' So I'm waiting until Saturday morn, that'll make it a week, and if she's still not on the mend, to the clinic we go.

Wish us luck and the carpets too!

***

Thursday, February 1, 2007
Emma awoke with a DRY diaper. So we went to the clinic this morning instead of waiting. But the fabulous Dr. Heeg assured me she is not dehydrated and unfortunately, 'these bugs are going to have to run their course'.

***

Today, Friday, February 2, 2007
Emma has a terrible cough and a VERY runny nose (but she's better as far as the nasty vomiting bug goes. Whew!) and now Gavin has a very red right eye. My goodness!

Enough is enough!!! We are usually such healthy people and for the last two months we have been incredible sick. Its no fun, in fact, we SUCK! ;-)

Emma attends a day-home once per week, but I'm not sending her back until we're all better and her immune system has had a chance to 'reboot'.

And poor Gav-Gav! Since he's been born three and a half months ago, he's been sick three times and now he has a red eye and I'm hoping against hope its not Pink Eye. But the way things are going it probably is.

Mon Dieu!

Thanks for reading and send us good, healing vibes please! ;-)

Do You Need A Makeover?

Gavin is almost three and a half months old! Wow, where did the time go?! It's funny because with Emma I was just hoping against hope to make it to three months! I have been really lucky this time around - it's been a lot easier. Maybe it's because I'm 'experienced', maybe it's not, who know - it's just easier. Thank goodness! ;-)

But with more sleep, comes my not so blurry reflection in the mirror...Oh Boy! Do I need a makeover! Or at least a massage... ;-)

Enter in the Hot Mama Makeover Guide - a 35 page *FREE* ebook all on the topic of how to make you look better. Hallelujah!



From how to embrace your imperfections and wax your own eyebrows to how to choose the right sized bra - its all the little things that you never really knew how to do, but were doing anyway.

The Hot Mama Makerover is one of the best little kept *FREE* secrets on the internet!

Enjoy and Thanks for ready!

Blankets For Canada

Just a quick UPDATE on my 'Request For Squares' campaign. I've received 68 (UPDATED: Feb. 2/07) squares so far and promises for many others. Keep them coming!

(If you have no idea what I'm rambling on about, please see the post under Giving Back or Personal Development entitled Blankets For Canada Society Inc., “Warming Canadians” dated Sunday, November 12, 2006.)

Thanks again to all for your kindness and generosity!

The Daffodil Principle

I recently received the following story as an email from a friend of mine. It struck a cord with me, so I forwarded it on to other friends and family members. I had a huge response! People emailed me to thank me for emailing it to them...that usually doesn't happen with forwards! ;-)

Since so many people enjoyed it, I thought I would post it here, so that others who aren't on my mailing list can enjoy it too!

***
The Daffodil Principle

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come to see the daffodils before they are over."

I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday", I promised a little reluctantly on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house I was welcomed by the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my grandchildren.

"Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!"

My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother."

“Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her. "But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks," Carolyn said. “I'll drive. I'm used to this."

"Carolyn," I said sternly, "Please turn around."

"It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience."

After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with an arrow that read, "Daffodil Garden." We got out of the car, each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path Then, as we turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious sight. It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it over the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, creamy white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, and saffron and butter yellow. Each different colored variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.

"Who did this?" I asked Carolyn. "Just one woman," Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home." Carolyn pointed to a well-kept A-frame house, small and modestly sitting in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house. On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking", was the headline. The first answer was a simple one. "50,000 bulbs," it read. The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and one brain." The third answer was, "Began in 1958." For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop. Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence, beauty, and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration.

That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time--often just one baby-step at time--and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world. "It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had though t of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. "Start tomorrow," she said. She was right. It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?" Use the Daffodil Principle. Stop waiting....Until your car or home is paid offUntil you get a new car or homeUntil your kids leave the houseUntil you go back to schoolUntil you finish schoolUntil you clean the houseUntil you organize the garageUntil you clean off your deskUntil you lose 10 lbs.Until you gain 10 lbs.Until you get marriedUntil you get a divorceUntil you have kidsUntil the kids go to schoolUntil you retireUntil summerUntil springUntil winterUntil fallUntil you die...

There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So work like you don't need money. Love like you've never been hurt, and, Dance like no one's watching. If you want to brighten someone's day, pass this on to someone special. I just did! Wishing you a beautiful, daffodil day!

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

***

Thanks for reading!

Time Management - Household Duties

This is a problem of mine. My mother always had a well kept house - how did she do it?! While searching the Internet for time management tips (while I should have admittedly been doing my household duties) I found this great article at LadyPens.com, a site I regularly submit articles to.

It rings true, and of course its all common sense. I guess I was really searching for a magical fairly cleaning lady! ;-)

***

Housework with Toddlers - Here Comes Trouble! by Carrie Lauth

It's so interesting that once our babies start toddling around, creating a lot more mess in their insatiably curious and neverending activity, we expect ourselves to have a perfectly tidy home. When your baby was younger you probably imagined that once she started sleeping through the night and playing independently you would get a handle on the chores. Surprise!

Mothering a toddler is fun but constant vigilance. Not only are you concerned with her physical safety but you are rightly concerned with her emotional health as well. You want to have fun and play with your little one but as an adult, you have a need for some order. What to do? Here are some tips that have worked for many other Moms.

Rethink Housework & Define Your Minimums
Try to lower your standards a bit. If your house could pass the white glove test before you had kids and you try to keep up that standard now, you could drive yourself nuts.

If you have a lot of trouble doing this, then think for a moment about why. Are you trying to live up to someone else's idea of what your house should look like? Are you worried about what your mother, mother in law or neighbors might think? In any case, if you're feeling judged, take a look at that and decide what's more important to you. Do you want a perfect home or do you want to have a happy toddler whose Mommy has time to play?

Decide what is important to you and figure out how to do those tasks as quickly and easily as possible. For instance, you may hate to feel dirt under your feet when you walk across the floors but a little dust doesn't bother you. Keeping that chore done consistently will make the house feel clean to you.

Make Some Lists
Grab a sheet of paper and decide which chores can be skipped, which chores can be simplified, and which chores you can get help with. Is it really essential to fold underwear or can they be placed neatly in a drawer? Can socks be tossed into a drawer and the wearer match them himself? It is really necessary to separate all the kid's laundry or can most things be washed together?

Clear out clutter as much as possible. Clutter makes housework more difficult, time consuming and downright dangerous (like when you are tripping over things in the basement or having items fall on your head in closets). Go through your house with a large trash bag on a regular basis and throw things out if they don't make you smile when you look at them. Donate it to charity and feel good about yourself!

I Helped!
Your toddler can do a surprising number of household chores and will probably be delighted to imitate you. When you dust, hand her a microfiber dusting cloth and let her "help". Toddlers love to splash their hands in water. Maybe she could "wash dishes" in the sink next to you. She may not be so great at folding laundry, but can she dig out all the socks and put them in a pile for you? Perhaps she can help unload the dishwasher by handing you the spoons and forks. At this stage, the point is not to have her doing chores but rather to keep her happy and close while you get some work done.

Can you hire out some of the household chores? Don't dismiss this right away. If your budget is slim, you might know a teenager who is in need of some extra cash who could come over and help you out. Or maybe you would be willing to forego a dinner out here and there to pay for an occasional housekeeper.

Make Cleaning Convenient
Keep non toxic cleaning products and tools handy so that when you have a moment or two, you can go a quick task.

When your toddler is in the bathtub you have to be in the bathroom to supervise her anyway. Why not clean the floor, sink and toilet while you're in there? Baking soda sprinkled in the sink and toilet will scrub effectively and sweeten the air too. For an inexpensive multi purpose cleaner that you can use around little ones: fill a 32 ounce spray bottle with water, and add a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.

Keep It Fun
Make picking up a game by asking your child to "find all the red things and put them into the toy bin". Or have them pick up 5 things then come find you for a great big bear hug or tickle. You can also plan something fun after cleaning to create a natural incentive to get things done. "As soon as we pick up all the toys, it will be time to go to the playground!" Kids respond well to quick cleaning sessions. The "10 second tidy" where everyone picks up and puts away as quickly as possible work well. And the effect is lost on me, but a lot of kids love to sing the Barney clean up song when they're tidying.

Life with little ones around is a bit like using spaghetti for bookends: fun but certainly messy. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Somehow, Carrie Lauth of http://www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com found the time to write this article in the midst of picking up after 4 little ones.

Article Source: http://www.ladypens.com/

***

Thanks for reading!

Internet Wealth

Is it possible? Yes. But not the way you think.

You can't get something for nothing. You need to do some work, or a lot of work, depending on how much 'wealth' you want.

It certainly is an interesting concept and the possibilities are endless...

Click here for your free report!

Grey Hair

I found my first grey hair on Saturday, December 30, 2006. My first grey hair! GACK!

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I always aid ‘Oh no. I’ll grow old gracefully’. But come on, I’ve only just turned 30. Who knew I was ‘old’? I mean, what the f*$k?!

I saved it. I’m serious! It’s in a plastic bag under my jewelry box. I’m thinking of sending it away for analysis…

To dye or not to dye, that is the question. But no, I think not. At least not yet…

My first grey hair!

I’m rambling. I know. I must be in shock. ;-)

So tell me, when did you find your first grey hair? Click the comment button and let me know. I’m curious – were you under 19; between 20 and 29; between 30 and 39; or over 40?

So, what is grey hair?
Every strand of hair is surrounded by a hair follicle that contains pigment cells, which produce melanin that gives the hair its colour.

As we get older the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die, hair no longer contains melanin and becomes more transparent – grey, silver, white.

Why does this happen?
Heredity. Yes, grey hair is yet another thing you can blame on your parents! However, before you start sending your ever-increasing therapy bills to Mom and Dad, there are also a few medical conditions to consider.

A deficiency in B-12, an imbalanced thyroid and anemia can all cause premature grey hair. And if you’re a smoker, you are four times more likely to go grey earlier than your non-smoking counterpart. Yet another reason to ‘butt-out’!

Can I reverse grey hair?
Not really. All of us at some point, if we live long enough, will go grey. But you can prolong the inevitable.

Diet and health play a huge part in grey hair. Start eating ‘superfoods! Superfoods include such things as broccoli sprouts, fresh veggies and berries. Garlic, ginger and other culinary/medicinal herbs and spices have been proven to enhance health and delay ageing. Also be sure your diet includes healthy oils like omega-3 and fish oils; be sure to get plenty of sunshine (but be sure to slather on the sunscreen); breathe fresh air everyday; drink plenty of fresh, clean water; and exercise.

The biggest reason why people age prematurely is because they don’t look after themselves. So for goodness sake, take care of yourself! (Obviously, considering I found my first grey hair, I should take my own advice. ;-D)

If taking care of yourself doesn’t seem to make the grey stay away, you can always dye your hair or a more extreme measure would be to take Melancor – a tablet that triggers melanocytes ‘increasing your body’s ability to produce melanin pigments thereby increasing the number and size of the hair strands and pigments in your natural hair [colour]’.

Since I’ve only just found one grey hair I don’t think I’ll be popping Melancor or dyeing my hair (except for a highlight here or there) anytime soon. My best course of action is to take better care of myself by exercising and taking a look-see at my diet.

As I am anemic (a common condition after having a baboonsky) perhaps my one lone grey hair is a fluke…? If not, I’ll be sending my beauty salon bills to my mom! ;-)

Thanks for reading!