Know How Moms

Why I've been so busy

2011-04-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

More mommyhood! =)

I would like to introduce the newest member of the Rosado Family =)

The foam retracts above the legible symphony.

Wordless Wednesday....

2010-04-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

You know the feeling?

2010-04-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

I have decided I need a new look. I've let my hair grow out for two years now and I need some style now. So I can't decide. I know I want some bangs but i'm not sure which style to go with.... Any Suggestions??? Please!!!

Potatoes --- I was born in Idaho y'all!

2010-04-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

So I love me some potatoes! Especially MASHED POTATOES! Yummers! So I thought I'd post this great recipe I found on Woman's Day.com

Mashed Potatoes and More Recipe

Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

INGREDIENTS

8 oz carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 lb Yukon Gold or all-purposepotatoes, peeled and cut in 2-in. chunks
1 small rutabaga (1 lb), peeled and cut in 1-in. chunks
1 small celery root (12 oz), peeled and cut in 1 1/2-in. chunks, or 3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut in 1-in. chunks
1/4 cup milk
3 Tbsp butter or margarine
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Garnish: chopped chives

PREPARATION

1. Bring 6 cups water to boil in a 4-qt pot. Add carrots; cook 5 minutes or until barely tender. Add potatoes, rutabaga and celery root; cook 20 minutes or until all vegetables are tender. Drain and return to pot.2. Mash with potato masher or beat with mixer, adding milk, butter, salt and pepper. Spoon into serving bowl; sprinkle with chives.

Hope you like it! I can smell them already!!!! YUM!!!! I'm hungry---gotta go....eat.

7 DRUGS THAT CAN KILL in a Single Pill!

2010-03-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to repost an article I read that I thought would be very very important for all us mommies to read!!! I almost cried reading this because my kids' grandma has diabetes and takes a lot of these medications......please please read!!!

7 Drugs That Can Kill Kids in a Single Pill

Jennifer Brandt Herschko

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers in 2002 there were 2.4 million toxic ingestions, and more than half of these occurred in children younger than 6. Children aged 18 to 36 months seemed to be at the highest risk, and in these little bodies, just one pill can be deadly.

Even more worrisome is the fact that, after taking some of these pills, a child can appear perfectly fine until it is too late.

-Recognize the high risk of accidental ingestions and be prepared to act.
-Call 911 immediately, experts say, or call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
-Parents should also be prepared to take their child to the hospital immediately, and they should bring the bottle of whatever the child took in the ambulance and to the ER.
-Note: New guidelines from the American Association of Pediatrics urge against the use of Ipecac or any other mechanism to induce vomiting.

Here are the 7 Pills that pose life threatening risks to youngsters:

1. HEART PILLS
Category: Calcium channel blockers
Scientific names: Diltiazem, Verapamil, Amlodipine, Nifedipine
Brand names: Cardizem, Cartia, Norvasc
Indications: High blood pressure (hypertension), angina, atrial fibrillation
Symptoms in children: Dangerously low blood pressure and heart rate, seizures

2. MUSCLE RUBS
Category: Camphor-containing rubs
Scientific name: Camphor
Brand names: Vicks VapoRub, Ben-Gay, Tiger Balm, Save the Baby
Indications: Relieves muscle aches, itching, coughing, and fever blisters
Symptoms in children: Rapid development of seizures, delirium, coma, and death

3. PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS
Category: Narcotic pain medications
Scientific names: Oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone
Brand names: Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin and others
Indications: Alleviates pain
Symptoms in children: Sleepiness, which proceeds to lethargy. Can eventually stop breathing, which leads to death
4. ASPIRIN and OIL OF WINTERGREEN
Category: Salicylates
Scientific names: Acetylsalicylic acid, methyl salicylate
Brand names: Bayer, Ecotrin and others
Indications: Alleviates muscle pain, prevents heart attacks, Oil of Wintergreen used for flavoring
Symptoms in children: Nausea, vomiting, agitation, seizures, lethargy, coma and death
5. DEPRESSION DRUGS
Category: Antidepressants
Scientific names: Amitriptyline, imipramine, buproprion
Brand names: Elavil, Tofranil, Wellbutrin, Zyban
Indications: Treats depression, chronic pain and migraines, smoking cessation
Symptoms in children: Seizures, unresponsiveness and heart arrhythmias

6. TOPICAL BLOOD PRESSURE PATCHES, EYE DROPS and NASAL SPRAYS
Category: Topical Eye Drops, Nasal Sprays, and Blood Pressure Patches
Scientific names: Clonidine, oxymetazoline
Brand name: Afrin, Clear Eyes, Clonidine patch
Uses: Eye redness/itchiness, nasal congestion, glaucoma
Symptoms in children: Lethargy, low blood pressure, coma
7. DIABETES DRUGS
Category: Diabetes Medications
Scientific Name: Sulfonylureas
Brand name: Glyburide, Glipizide
Uses: Diabetes management (non-insulin dependent, or Type 2)
Symptoms in children: Dangerously low blood sugar, coma, seizures......

Full Story Here

ONline Preschool?

2010-03-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

Hey All u mamas out there..I've been looking for some online curriculum or online preschool. My son is really loving the computer and I tried out the Nickjrboost.com but it doesn't seem to keep

his attention all too well. It has lots of in between time...loading and all. If any of you have had any success with some online preschool please please let me know! =D Thanks!

noodle love

2010-03-13T23:55:00.001-08:00

Noodles!

Too funny is that this is how the noodles landed after I drained them out...I had to take a picture!

K guys...

2010-03-13T23:43:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry I've gotten so wrapped up in all of this sewing...it's really become a favorite past time for me and I'm afraid this blog has turned into a sewing blog of sorts and I don't really want it to be so what I am going to do is start a new sewing blog so that I don't get all mixed up here. I still want to keep this one for helpful tips and mama stuff! So no more sewing posts on here! LOL!!! Sorry, I got carried away....hee hee ~ IF ur still interested in seeing my sewing projects I will post a link to the new blog soon!

new purses

2010-03-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

I have been so happy on this new journey of sewing...although my back has been killing me because i don't have the right setup yet....i have been delighted with my new creations---here are a few of them...

From this......

to this.....

and this...

I'm Sew Happy

2010-03-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

So here's one of the patterns i found and guess how much I paid.....50 cents! Yep I went to the thrift shop on the corner to see if by any chance they sold fabric and sure enough they do sell scraps by the bags...AND they had a box full of vintage sewing patterns. I bought 4 (ONLY) because i was just browsing not buying that day ~~low on cash~~ lol---but still I'm going back on friday (Payday)~~wooooohooo!

here's where I am so far...

granted I made a few changes to it since i'm only a beginner...

Here's some more stuff I've been working on:

Had To Share...

2010-02-27T17:47:00.001-08:00

This is By Far my favorite picture!

Oh my gosh!

2010-02-25T01:09:00.000-08:00

K so I drank a VENTI white chocolate mocha frappuccino today at 7PM!! Yeah Yeah I know...what were u thinking. Bleck! Ok ok so now I'm up late w/ heartburn and too much on my mind. Just thought I'd share this AMAZING pattern (idea) that I thought might save you mommies some mula $$ CHACHING! $$ Especially if you are a mommy of a toddler who goes to the potty at the very last minute and has accidents if his pants are too difficult to take off right before he goes potty....well that's me and I found this awesome awesome site that shows you how to make some little drawstring pants out of old t-shirts or sweaters! WOW! I am so trying this tomorrow and my son is SO wearing them. They work great too as a back-up pair to throw in your bag or to sew up if you are lost in a jungle with no extra clothes for your child (I don't know why you would be in the jungle with your child...it's late and there is too much caffeine in this body...) Anywho.... yeah these just caught my attention tonight because my son had an accident in our toddler class tonight at church...poor guy. But he's ok and I found a backup pair of pants in my car. Phew! I am making a load of these for my cutie...
Here's the site if you are interested!!!! Tell me what you think? Will anyone one else be giving this kiddo pants a try?

Rookie Moms.com <----that's me and that's why i made this blog site so i can LEARN---so if you have any tips out there ---- =D

Thank you Thank you Rookiemoms.com For helping me in my learning process!!!!

Some New Creations

2010-02-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

So Here's another little thing I've learned to sew. Wow! Who knew sewing could be so addicting!? I love it! And I am so excited about what I've made. It just feels so much more personal giving someone a gift that you made as opposed to buying one last minute, stuffing it in a bag and rushing on over to the party...well what I am talking about is that I went to a baby shower yesterday (despite the scary road conditions)

On the way home there were 2 cars in the ditch...I'm so glad it wasn't me~~I woulda freaked out!

Anyway, so I crocheted a hat and sewed up a little skirt. The pics I am posting aren't the exact gift but very similar...I later sewed the shirt to go w/ the skirt because the outfit felt so incomplete. I am so excited about all this crafting! I am having so much fun...Here is the pictures of what I made~ Also I am now selling this crocheted hat on Etsy.com ...Check it out if you'd like! I'm so happy that i have finally found something to do with my artistic skills to good use. I am also glad to have found so many other bloggers out there to help me start this wonderful journey...

If you are interested in buying this little newborn beanie head on over to My Etsy Shop =D
Now I'm off to some more free pattern websites for more ideas!

In these pictures above I found this really neat idea for ribbon flowers. You should really try it...I bet u can't make just one...lol
So I put it together with the crocheted baby beanie and I also used to add a little something to the shirt for the baby outfit...
here are a few links for where I got these Ideas from =D Enjoy and let me know what u think I'm just a beginner so i can use a lot of help!!!

The top part of the shirt I got the idea from the Itty bitty baby dress pattern on the Made By Rae blog and I found the crochet pattern here at Crochet N More. And for the ribbon flowers here's your link at the Little Birdie Secrets Blog. Have fun =D Thanks for stopping by!

Ok I know it's a little late for a Valentines Post....

2010-02-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

I've been messing around a bit with Photoshop and here are a couple of pictures I did...I'm new to this program so i just know the basics...but I wanted to post a link on here for some free Photoshop brushes...for all you artsy mommas out there =D

Brusheezy

&

Brush King

AND THE WINNERS ARE>>>>>>

2010-02-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

Ok guys it's the 15th and I will now announce the winners!! All comments posted after 7am this morning are no longer valid sorry. I wanted to give some more people a chance to enter while I was sleeping =D But now it's time to draw a name... I have used a random number generator....

...and the winner for the Vanessa Ring is.....Faerie Moon Creations!!!! Congratulations!!!!

Now for the second prize...my Cd. The winner is...... Samsakara!

Congratulations to you both! I will be emailing you so u can send me your mailing information!

More Beginner sewing Projects & links =D

2010-02-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

My latest creations...Ok i know I'm just a novice but I'd like to post these up somewhere so that later on when I get better at sewing i can see how far I have come...you know what I mean? Hopefully some of you will enjoy this journey with me. =D Thank you so much!
Here is a purse and a peasant shirt I just recently sewed up...and also I am including the links where I found the patterns...

This purse I took the pattern from is on this site:

Creative Little Daisy

Of course it's not exactly the same b/c I did it my own way...but i didn't know how to sew a bag at all. So I just took the basic idea and ran with it...=D

Here is the link for the peasant style blouse....Awesome tutorial by the way thank you to Tess from

Things of Cloth

Stop by her site for this downloadable .pdf file of the tutorial...

.Pdf

I am actually very excited because each of these cost way under $2 to make! If I knew clothes and purses could be so cheap, I would have bought this sewing maching A LONG TIME AGO.

I'm so happy w/ it. I now have to find my signature piece that I can sell. I love art and that's what i want to do!

Sewing Mama

2010-02-07T00:44:00.000-08:00

Yay! I'm So excited. I finally got a sewing machine...Yay!!! And right away I gave it a try. Mind u I am a complete novice at this but here is one of my first projects.

Hee hee....this is Mr. Gato....My son loved it but ok on to what I did next... =D

Ok here it is....I found this pattern for a critter you can make out of a glove. It was the cutest thing. Ok ok so the first one I made came out kinda funky so I'm not gonna post a picture....I'll post my second one. =D Oh yeah and the link for the tutorial is at the bottom of this blog post! Enjoy!

And here he is....my little critter made from a glove. What do you think?? =D

Next...I made a bunny...or tried to make one haha. The legs were a bit skinny and long but my son loved it...and for now...that's all that matters....my next project a PURSE. =D

K So here's where I found it... on Etsy's very own blog! here's a link to the tutorial... HERE =D Enjoy!

To Write Love on Her Arms....

2010-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Well a little bit of backstory here:

My husband was working as a youth pastor in Arizona for a few years before the church was unable to keep us on salary after buying new land and after people started freaking out about the financial crisis and gave less and less...anyway. We ended up moving to Colorado for the job opportunity and possible ministry opportunity. Well we have been here almost 2 years now and haven't really been involved much...

But ministry is still in our hearts....

So this week my husband has been talking to me about one of the students in his class. (Let's just call her Jane)...Jane has a problem with cutting. Her home life is messed up. Her mother is gone and dating all kinds of the wrong people. And her father isn't any help to her self-esteem, makes her feel less of person w/ his words--constantly cutting her down.

So at first my husband told me about her...telling me she has really opened up to him and she gives him really big hugs and he hopes she can find a girl/woman to talk to b/c it's not really appropriate for her to be hugging a guy like that...it would be different if she was closer to our family or something but he just felt kind of like it should be a female in his place. I don't know if this is him trying to tell ME that maybe I could be that person....

So I met her on Sunday. Sweet Beautiful "Jane" --- When my husband was telling me about her on saturday i told him to point her out to me.... My heart went out.

Just last night he gave me the rest of the story...there is a group of about 3-4 girls in his class that all hang out together... One other girl who attempted suicide and Jane who self-mutilates. As my husband told me their story and what he sees in school everyday.... My eyes filled with tears...but I feel so unable---- I never experienced anything like this as a teen. I only heard of it and it was far from me. I don't know how to reach out to these girls. It is SO prevalent today... So here's what I'm asking. I need information. I need YOU to help me---enable me, even if it's just for this small group of girls.

My husband asked me why I named this blog "know how mom"...he said "Isn't that a bit presumptious?" And i answered him by saying that the title wasn't just for me it's for all of those out there who KNOW...have knowledge and want to share. This blog isn't mine alone but urs as well. I know everyone of you have a bit or a lot of knowledge to share with the world. So for now the knowledge I need from you is HOW to help these girls.....

PLEASE PLEASE SHARE!

to write love on her arms ....

2010-02-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

So i am so excited about this giveaway...not only b/c I get the opportunity to go and see what everyone else has to offer and (cross my fingers) maybe win something. But because I get to meet so many talented people around the world! It's so cool. For all of you participating in One World One Heart's Magic Carpet Ride!! HELLO! From Colorado! =D SO SO SO nice to meet you! I can't wait to find out who wins this beautiful ring. Which by the way (I didn't make---yea i wish!) But I did make the CD =D

I am definetely going to add a second place prize. I am going to give away one of my CDs...I just need to get in that post and edit it. It will be up soon. YAY!

a quaff swims like a trash can

2010-01-31T20:57:00.000-08:00

FREE PATTERN: at MMMCRAFTS

Ok maybe I should get off this computer because I just keep finding cute stuff everywhere...=D

I am going to be buying a sewing machine here pretty soon (as soon as I find a good one on craigslist =) I can't wait!!!!) I'm so excited. My TWO sister-in-laws are both pregnant and having their babies close together...so I really really want to buy a sewing machine, since the one I inherited from my grandma got left at my parents house and they accidentally sold it! ='( I'm so sad! So I am on the search for another one....

Well I just wanted to share this blog with you. There is a free pattern for the monkey doll pictured above. SO CUTE!!

Broken/ Toma Mi Mano ~Jennifer

2010-01-31T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hey there! I am selling my CD. I made it before I went to college... hope you guys like it.
--Here's a funny story:
When I was in college my dad sent me a box of my CD's to sell as I sang in the surrounding churches. Well when I went to pick it up the lady at the mail center told me that she was concerned about what the box said. It said 200 out of 200 CD's Broken. She told me I should probably ask my dad if he had placed insurance on the package. I though to myself; aw man! they are all broken, how am I going to sell these??? So I told the lady bye and I would figure something out. HAHAHA...well as I walked away it finally clicked: HELLO!!! THE NAME OF THE CD IS "BROKEN"...I laughed all the way back to my dorm room after I told the lady about it. WoW---I'm such a dork!

So, Part of this cd is in Spanish and some songs are in English. And there are a couple that are bilingual. There are different styles of music on this CD. I am currently trying to figure out how to get it up on iTunes as well. Look back later because I will be posting a few of the songs so you can preview it. Thank you for buying! It would make a great gift! Thank you guys for supporting me! I only have a boxful of cd's left. So if you are purchasing this CD please leave me a comment!

My First Giveaway : Vanessa Ring

2010-01-30T12:01:00.000-08:00

HI, I am participating in the One World One Heart's Magic Carpet Ride and Giving Away this beautiful Vanessa Ring...
Ok So here are the rules: ( of course u must leave me a way to contact you, otherwise how will I let u know you won?)

(1 entry) for leaving a comment about who u are and what's your favorite icecream =D

Make sure I have a way of contacting you. You will have 48 hours to respond or I will move on to the next name...

This giveaway will end 2/15/10 =D

PS--sorry i had originally posted that it was USA only before I found the OWOH carpet ride event. This IS available worldwide...sorry about the confusion!!! =(

I am adding a Second place Prize---Woohoo. I got so excited about giving one thing away, I'm gonna give away a second gift.

SECOND PLACE PRIZE:

Music CD "Broken/Toma mi Mano"

For more info on this CD see the blog above this one =) Can't wait to see who wins!

2010-01-29T21:58:00.000-08:00

Aww such cute stuff ladies....check out this site---

Baby Blvd

They are giving away a $20 gift certificate toward their REALLY REALLY cute products!

As a mommy who loves to craft herself, but hasn't quite gotten her work out in the world yet...I'd like to say go check it out!!! RIGHT now... 1/31 is the last day!

Thanks gals!

Holes in my conversations

2010-01-26T08:14:00.000-08:00

Ok so the other night my family and I were sitting at the table and my husband and I were having a conversation. It went something like this.

Me: "So babe, how was your day at work?"

Babe: "It was good...I need to ---"

Micah: "MOM MOM MOM!!!!"

Babe: "---go to the library---

Micah: "MMMOOOOOMM!!!

Me: "Micah, you see mommy & daddy talking? Wait!"

Micah: "But MOM I can eat 3 bites of my food? and I can have a brownie?"

Me: "No sweetie you need to eat all of it. Now, finish your food."......."ok babe, you need to go to the library?"

Babe: "yeah where's the nearest library at?"

Me: "Oh there's one on 23rd past the highway...."

Micah: "MOM, MOM MOM MOM!!!"

Babe: Trying to talk over our 3 year old " I need to check out like 20 books"

Me: "YEAH? We have a fine to pay first though...."

Micah: " MOMMMMM!!!!! MOM I CAN EAT 3 BItes AND HAVE A BROWNIE?!!?? I ATE 3 BITES!!! I WANT A BROWNIE!!"

ME: "Eat all your rice at least micah, mommy and daddy are talking, finish your food....all of it"

Babe: "Micah eat all your food---"

----What were we talking about???

Later on that evening on my way to a friends house to pick up something...I sat in my car thinking...'Where did he say he needed to go?' ---I thought and thought for like 5 minutes straight until finally I was like OH YEAH the library! 20 books? Why would he need 20 books? Wow...what a conversation. I don't even remember if he told me why he needed 20 books or not....later when I get home we finish our conversation while the kids are asleep.

Tell me tell me. Does this ever happen to you? The period where your little one is learning that it's not nice to interrupt? Tell me your story. =D

Eating Healthy

2010-01-20T19:57:00.000-08:00

So we are on a 21 day Daniel Fast...the first time I did it It was Hard!! I was pregnant at the time so I was craving sweets left and right the first week. But you know what, after I was done with the fast and went back to my old eating habits---I was seriously craving all those healthy foods!

So here we are again. Eating healthy and I am loving it. I mean you feel so much more energetic. Sure sure it's hard the first week or so but after a while. WOW! So we might not be following the Daniel fast exactly but we've decided to not only do this for 21 days but to make it our new lifestyle.

And there's nothing better than your children asking for blueberries or oranges or wheat crackers...instead of all that junk out there. Chips, cookies, sweets...etc etc. We have switched our ground beef to ground turkey. Whole wheats instead of enriched flours. Less cheese, milk, and starches... Lots of fruits and veggies and more natural whole foods.

I encourage you. Eat healthy. Eat breakfast, exercise more. Feel Great! Do something for yourself moms...and help your children live right!

Here's more info on the Daniel fast: ( just some of the recipes and there are links in there about what the Daniel Fast is....It doesn't have to be a on going spiritual thing but I personally think God likes us to be healthy =D)
http://www.christ-web.com/missions/farho/daniel-fast-recipes

And the Award Goes to......

2010-01-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Daphne Brogden @

Coolmom.com

Her Vlog is so funny. (and sometimes serious)

I love to watch her vlogs and her new baby Rex is Ador-a-ble!!! Go check her out right now! Congratulations DAPHNE BROGDEN for your Funniest Mom Blog Award. You Rock!

Little Things Make a Big Difference --- Maria Gracia (Get Organized Now)

2010-01-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

Are you always looking for some time to sit down and read that latest book from the library, or watch a special program on TV? If so, here are a few hints to help you arrange that time.

1. When preparing your meals, clean up as you go, washing by hand or putting appropriate items right into the dishwasher. Put away ingredients that need to be stored in the refrigerator or pantry immediately after you use them.

2. Take out your clothes the night before work or school. This way you don't waste valuable time in the morning looking for the right thing to wear. If you can, choose the entire week's worth of clothes for the little ones who can dress themselves or have them choose. No more morning arguments over what to wear.

3. Fill up your gas tank when it hits the quarter of a tank level. In case of a delay in traffic, you won't have to worry about running out of gasoline.

4. Have a routine each week for the days you do errands and shopping. It will save you gasoline since you won't have to keep running out for forgotten items. A shopping list is a MUST, and bring coupons if you use them.

5. Put the perishable groceries in the refrigerator right away directly out of the grocery bags, rather than placing them on the counter first. Wash and cut fruits and veggies before putting them away. Enlist the kids to put away the canned goods.

6. Cook some meats ahead of time and store in the freezer. For those nights you are too busy to start from scratch, this will help you get dinner on the table in a jiffy.

7. Pick a regular day each week to do your bills or any desk-related items. If you don't have bills that week, work on your budget or bank statement. With debit cards , and a few people in the family using them, just a bit of disorganization can lead to overdrafts. Avoid this at all costs.

8. If you are comfortable having bills paid online, sign up for this service. Mark your calendar on what particular day the bills will be paid so you can keep track of what's happening.

9. When making appointments, mark your calendar right away--along with any necessary contact information. If something changes or you have questions, you'll have the information you need to call right there with the date and time of the appointment.

10. Have the family work on planning the weekly agenda, so that there is no one left in the rain waiting for a ride. Try and arrange car pools with other family members and friends whenever possible.

11. Have colors for each family member for towels, toothbrushes, hair care items and more. It can save a lot of time and prevent confusion. Even match the hampers and baskets if possible.

12. Have a place for tote bags and items that are needed every day for various classes and activities, and fill these bags with needed items so you can just 'grab and go.' For example:

Library Bag: When books are read, everyone places the books back into this bag and you can just grab it and take it with you to return.

Dancing school/and or Music lessons Bag: Include all the costumes, shoes, tights, socks, books, instruments, music and other necessities.

Overnight Bag: Inside, store an extra toothbrush and underwear, pjs, small toiletries, a travel hair dryer, an extra hair brush, slippers, a wrinkle-free outfit for the next day and socks. Do this for the kids too, so if grandma or grandpa are missing your little ones they can be ready in no time.

If you do some or all of these items you will be finding that extra time to do the things you enjoy. You will also feel like you are more in control.

21 Websites that save you Time and Money

2009-10-04T17:44:00.001-07:00

Ok so I've been a little bit busy lately. We've been moving. Finally we are all moved in to our rental home. We've expanded!!! Well, more space---more money, that is why I eat up articles like this one I again took from Woman's Day... Can you blame me? They are awesome!!! Well here you Go---I'm going to just list the actual Sites, since the article isn't on the online website. =(

"21 Websites that save you Time and Money"
Solutions-your money by Mary Hunt

1. Shop Local -Weekly ads for lots of stores in your community

2. Mommy Savers -Not just coupon codes, printable coupons, freebies and bargains, but also a comprehensive site that provides support for moms' need to live the frugal life.

3. The Bargainist -Simple reliable listing of the hottest online bargains, sales, coupons and freebies.

4. The Coupon Clippers - One of the nation's largest online grocery coupon clipping services.

5. The Freecycle Network - The nations biggest swap meet---where no money every exchanges hands

6. Paperbackswap- Join the club for free, gain credits by giving someone else a book, use credits to get a book for yourself. All you have to pay is postage to send your book to someone else. There's also sister sites on there to swap DVD's and CD's.

7. Zilok- Rent just about anything...Guitar Hero for a weekend party, a power tool, pickup truck. Or maybe you have something you'd like to rent out to make a few bucks.

8. USA- Book mark it! An exhuastive index of government agencies, services and activities. (How to get grants, health insurance, updates on flu outbreak, and more.)

9. Findhow- Learn how to do things, like cut your own hair, change your oil, everything but the kitchen sink...no wait scratch that, they have that too.

10. Starfall- A nifty reading program for kids designed to be fun, exciting and confidence building for young children as they learn to read.

11. The Consumerist- blogs bringing you up to date with the latest scams, ripoffs, and hot deals, (even a few freebies now and then). A place to complain about anything consumer related.

12. Lynda- Software training!!! (photoshop, dreamweaver, illustrator?)

13. Big Huge Labs- Custom Photo Lab to make photo calendars, jigsaw puzzles, mosaics, trading cards and more, all from your digital photos.

14. Dafont- Free FONTS!!! you can even preview them before downloading. Over 9,000 fonts.

15. Fix it Club- Shows you how to do ordinary household and other kinds of repairs. Hey, If we're not making a hole, we're fixin' it!!!

16. Budget Simple- a free site with no ads and no need to enter personal information. Designed to help people get out of debt and start saving.

17. Annual Credit Report- Truly free copy of your credit report...once a year from each of the 3 big credit reporting agencies.

18. Dinkytown- More than 350 financial Calculators...ALL FREE.

19. Bloomberg- Budget Calculators that give you amazingly easy to read charts that categorize your expenses and break down your spending so you can see what's up w/ your finances.

20. Discover America- Linked to tourism in all 50 states, list more than 4,000 experiences, attractions and events such as museums, parks and festivals.

21. Mouse Savers- As in Mickey Mouse!!! It's not associated with the Disney Organization but it really is an exhaustive collection of trips, tricks and secrets for how to get discounts on every aspect of a trip to Disney Word, Disneyland, Disney Resorts....well, all things Disney.

5 things to do instead of yelling

2009-08-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

I took this little article off of my Woman's Day magazine from like 2006, i couldn't find it online so I decided to retype it:

-Besides not being very effective, constant yelling can damage the trust between you and your child, as well as your child's self-esteem, says Hal Runkel, author of ScreamFree Parenting; Raising Your Kids By Keeping Your Cool. Try these quieter alternatives instead:

Calm yourself. If you're seeing red, step away and think about what you'll say before addressing your child, recommends Runkel. Remind yourself to speak calmly and slowly.

Let the consequences do the talking. Give kids a choice, suggests Runkel. Say, "Either bring in the bike now or I'll put it away for a week." Then follow through.

Use the glare. Develop a look that your child knows is a signal that she needs to stop what she's doing. But for this to be effective, says Anne Brazil Creator of Timeout Tot, a DVD on calmer parenting, you need to be loving and communicative with your child most of the time. Only use the look when you're angry, so as not to confuse her.

Lower your voice. "Rather than raising your voice, make it barely audible," suggests Peter Favaro, Ph.D., author of Anger Management: 6 Critical Steps to a Calmer Life. Your child will be distracted from what she's doing as she strains to hear you.

Vacate the premises. If you you repeatedly ask your young child to stop doing something and she won't, you may need to carry her from the room, says Brazil. If she's older, say firmly, "We're leaving now," then lead the way out. Andrea Atkins

Peanut Butter PC

2009-07-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Ok this is NOT a post about how my kids got food on my computer...LOL
No actually it is to let you all know that there is software out there to make your computer more kid-user friendly and it is pretty neat. It is for kids 3+ and it is so COOL!
If any of you Try it or buy it...let me know what you think!

http://www.peanutbuttersoftware.com/

I'd really like to know if this is something worth buying for my kids. Thanks!

At your request....

2009-05-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

So today I was standing in the kitchen about to make lunch for my two little boys and a little one I care for in my home. I was standing there with the fridge open, trying to think up something creative, when my two year old (getting the cue from the open fridge) sits at the table and says, "Mom, i want grilled cheese!" WELL OK! Good choice. Thank you sweetie for the good idea. So there I am grillin' some cheese...when my son then says..."Mom, I want dinosaur grilled cheese!" Wow, how inventive, it didn't even cross my mind to cut it into the dinosaur shapes I usually use for PB&J sandwiches...and at his request that's what the boys had today and they gobbled them all up! I really recommend cookie cutters and sandwich cutters for your food...they help to get your kids to eat and have fun at the same time...."Mom, I bit the dinosaurs head" (giggles) So fun!

Here's a site, I bought my dinosaur sandwich cutter @ Walmart. Thnx for reading.

http://www.evriholder.com/Crust-Cutter.asp

2009-04-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

"Online stores send out discount codes to SELECT groups of customers, leaving the rest of us to pay full price!" Wouldn't you like to get a hold of some of those discounts when you shop online? Well, as a mommy of 2, I know that coupons sure do help. Here is a website where you can find a lot of coupons for online stores such as; 1-800-Flowers, Art.com, and hundreds more! There is so much on this site...i recommend it! Here's the link:

http://www.naughtycodes.com/

This is a site for coupon codes or secret discount links! WOoh

Easter: A chance of cavities or a carcinogenic hazard?

2009-04-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, so yes, this is the day My Jesus resurrected from the dead...thank you Lord, and I'm not trying to bypass that with this topic, but since this blog is about my children and about being a mommy, I'd really like to address this issue.

Does it seem like this is another holiday, that just as much as halloween, revolves around everything sweet? I was so excited this year about being able to buy some "peeps" for my little ones b/c they are so cute and so yummy. So I went out and bought them and to my surprise it said "Sugar-Free" I bought them and didn't think anything about it, I was actually excited that they wouldn't give my boys a sugar high. I was excited when I handed them to my boys, and when they gobbled them up with a huge smile on their faces. Well, that was, until their mouths were a bright yellow. My husband just says, "After these candies, they're all yours!" Ha ha, I just said, "It's ok, look they are sugar-free!" I pointed to the box and it read MADE WITH SPLENDA....hmmmm. Then a thought flashed in my brain. What the heck is splenda made of if it isn't sugar?

So I got online and checked it out. Come to find out, it's pretty scary what is in this stuff. I mean I think I would rather have my kids eat regular sugar then brush with some anti-cavity stuff, than to risk being hurt by the chemicals that enter their bodies. I mean, sugar is natural, Splenda is NOT. Here's a quote from Dr. Janet Starr Hull of Alternative Health and Nutrition:

"Splenda (made from sucralose) is created in the lab using a complex process involving dozens of chemicals you and I can barely pronounce - let alone consume. Basically, the chemists force chlorine into an unnatural chemical bond with a sugar molecule, resulting in a sweeter product, but at a price: a huge amount of artificial chemicals must be added to keep sucralose from digesting in our bodies. These toxic substances also prevent (hopefully) the dangerous chlorine molecules from detaching from the sugar molecule inside the digestive system, which would be a carcinogenic hazard."

http://www.janethull.com/askdrhull/article.php?id=046

Hmmmm. What is the price for dental sealants for our children...something I definetly need to look into. More on sweets later, that chocolate bunny is staring at me and saying, "Eat me, Eat me!"

The Boys

2009-04-04T10:22:00.001-07:00

Planning your Meals. A real money-saver!

2009-04-04T09:05:00.001-07:00

So ever since I've been married, I have tried to keep to a somewhat strict meal planner. I know it may seem a bit cheesy, "hey family, it's taco tuesday!"...lol, but believe me when I tell you I have seen the difference in our wallet. Those weeks where we just wing it, we end up buying only what we are craving and end up w/ no real meals. So before I shop I look at our 2 week meal plan and shop accordingly. I make a grocery list w/ our budgeted amount and write down my estimated price next to each item. This way I can see how much I'll be spending ahead of time. Here is an example of our menu. We tend to change it up a bit every once in a while, this is just the basics.

Monday
Breakfast: Pancakes, eggs and juice
Lunch: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Dinner: Pot Roast (can be used for 2 days....I love my crockpot)

Tuesday

Breakfast: Oatmeal and bananas
Lunch: Beef Stir Fry and white Rice
Dinner: Tacos and Rice

Wednesday
Breakfast: Omelette w/ cheese
Lunch: Chicken Quesadilla
Dinner: Chicken and Rice

Thursday
Breakfast: French Toast
Lunch: Fish and Rice
Dinner: Pizza

Friday
Breakfast: Pancakes and Eggs
Lunch: Sandwiches and Chips
Dinner: Pot Roast and Potatoes

Saturday
Breakfast: Oatmeal and fruit
Lunch: Beef stir fry
Dinner: Tacos and rice

Sunday
Breakfast: On-the go stuff
Lunch: Spaghetti w/ italian sausage
Dinner: Sandwiches and Chips

And then of course I buy snacks w/ whatever money I have extra. I usually limit it to about $5-$10 and they are usually snacks for the boys. Well this is just my little thing that helps keep me sane and a little richer...lol. Riiiight. I challenge you if you don't already to try this and see what a difference it makes in your life.

Kids and Family

2009-03-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

It's such a wonderful thing to see your children being loved by your family. They get to feel loved from all of their aunts and uncles and grandparents. I mean I know I love them with all my heart but it is an awesome thing for them to be able to sit in auntie's lap while she reads them a book or throw a ball around with uncle. It's just extra lovin'. Not only that but it's beneficial for me. I don't know if all of you mom's can relate, but it can be a very stressful thing to constantly be worrying about your children and the burden be solely on you. I mean don't get me wrong, daddy helps, but even then you get these horrible images in your head of things that could possibly go wrong. You see your child with a pencil and you're mind goes straight to what would happen if they were to fall down with that pencil in their hand. Grrr it's so nervewrecking, it helps to have other people around and lend an extra eye and an extra hand.

Don't ever take family for granted, whether they are related by birth or by law, cherish them because they are a very important part of your child's life.

Looking forward to A week with the In-laws

2009-03-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ha ha, you never thought you'd hear someone say that huh? Well, yup I said it. I love my in-laws...they are so fun. I am looking forward to going and spending a whole week with them. Although I think a week is not enough. I need FAMILY. It's been about 7 months since I moved away from family and I hate it. I hate not being close to the people who love my kids SO much. I truly believe that that is something so important in my boys' life. They need that love, that constant love. Not only that, but I need them in my life too. I need adults in my life who can actually stimulate my MIND. I have found that after spending a week, sick in my apartment, STUCK in my apartment, with two children under 3...it's not very good for stimulating the mind and can leave one cranky and on-edge. Well, that is why I SO VERY MUCH look forward to spending the week with my sister-in-law. She has become a very close friend and I only wished I lived closer, but well that is another topic: "Getting out of this Cow-Town" written by Jennifer Rosado. Well, I have to go now I am missing this episode of Blue's Clues! (Not really.)

Yummy Homemade Pancakes

2009-03-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Wow. I love homemade food. Eating out is great and fast food is so convenient, but there's nothing like making your own tortillas or bread. It leaves you feeling so accomplished. I like to make my kids homemade pancakes. They love them. Here's my recipe for all you mommies out there. Kids love helping too!

Preheat Griddle or pan to Med-Med High

-1 cup Flour
-2 tbs Sugar
-2 tbs Baking Powder
-1/3 tsp salt
-1 tsp oil
-2 Eggs
-1 cup Milk
-1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Mix all dry ingredients first, and in seperate bowl mix the wet ingredients. Combine them and mix well. Pour over hot griddle to make several dollar sized pancakes or regular sized. It's totally up to you. Hope you enjoy~!

Still Sick-eroo

2009-03-13T23:58:00.001-07:00

Geez, I hate being sick. It's really not fun! Duh. I want to spend so much more time with my kids and now mine and their schedule is all out of whack. I need to regain my energy, and sanity. I have sever cabin fever and I am looking forward to a week with my in-laws. They are so FUN. All I could daydream of today was "if I were rich, I'd create jobs for people and hire me a nanny and a personal chef." I also would start a daycare so I can take in a couple more kids under my wing and they could join us in our craft time, playtime, songtime, dancetime, you name it. I would hire people there too and make it a really quality facility. I have so many plans and little or no resource, I guess all I can do for now is keep on daydreaming that publisher's clearing house will come a-knockin' at my door. :-)

The World Doesn't Stop Just 'Cause Momma's Sick

2009-03-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Times like this I wish I were back living near my mom. She would always come to the rescue in these times of great need. Well, I guess it's time to grow up and learn that sometimes we gotta do it on our own. But boy, I'd give anything for a nanny right now or well just my mother will do fine, cause she loves me. I would be in bed right now, resting off this ugly sore throat (Which by the way, the doctor said all I can do is manage my pain with tylenol and Motrin). GRRR. I'd be eating some warm soup my mom makes, mmm chicken stew...and the kids would be in the next room (I love them w/ all my heart, but when I'm feeling sick I need some space) so they don't get sick too. So far they haven't gotten sick. I've taken all the precautions. I've cooked food after scrubbing my hands, like a surgeon would before surgery, after every cough. I have not shared any food or utensils with them and I have not kissed them (much). Well not enough for the germs to spread. Anyway, life is horrible when you are sick and for now, even though I wish MY world would stop it hasn't. My kid's world has stopped for now though and I feel so bad, poor babies. What would you do in an event like this one?

What are you talking about?

2009-03-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

So ok, all you mommy bloggers out there. I just read this article about how blogging is so "2004" and the new thing we should all do is just stick with our 'twitter'-ing or whatever you would call it, and facebook. Wow. How ridiculous. Obviously this was written by some guy who doesn't care much about anyone else's full opinion, but only what can fit into the whole 140 character limit. Well, all I have to say is that if you have come by this article, in Wired magazine by the way, do not be discouraged bloggers! Do not stop blogging because I know there are many more like me out there who sometimes like to hear another person's story and connect someway with them through their blog.

I am new to blogging and I am not on here to make money but to use this site as a resource to all my fellow mommies, to share things I have come across in my free time and to post all those resources here for everyone to share. Thank you.

I tell you...the things they come up with nowaday!

2009-03-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, how amazing. Well my baby is kinda past this whole baby foods stage, but wow. So you fill this thing up with baby food and when you squeeze it out comes the baby food! Isn't it neat? You don't have to do the whole wipe-the-spoon-on-the-jar routine anymore, how awesome is that. I think it is like $8.00 or so US.

Here's a link to their website:

Boon Inc.

2009-03-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

So I found this article at babycenter because my little one is just not eating the way I'd like him to. He only likes certain foods and refuses anything new. I hope you find this article as helpful as I have. ~Jen

"Why is my toddler such a picky eater?
Eating solid food is still a new experience for your toddler. He may need time to get used to the various textures, colors, and tastes of new food. And because young children crave consistency and familiarity (from bedtime routines to afternoon snacks), most of them won't try new foods until you've served them numerous times.That said, this is a great time to teach your child to try new things, before he gets too set in his ways and before he begins to reject new foods as a way of asserting his independence (a distinct possibility as he nears his second birthday!). Offer a variety of healthy foods often, so he has the opportunity to dig in when he's ready — if not at lunch, then maybe during an afternoon snack.

Tips for introducing new foods to a picky eater
Your child has an innate sense of how much food his body needs to grow and be healthy, and it's up to him to decide what he's going to eat. The best thing you can do is to provide a wide variety of healthful foods in a positive, relaxed environment so that mealtimes will be enjoyable for everyone.

Here are some specific tips on how to handle a picky eater:

• Serve a variety of good foods for your toddler to eat at each meal. When you do offer a new food, simply place it on your child's highchair tray without making a a big deal about it. Make sure the food you choose is age-appropriate.

• Introduce new foods one at a time and in small amounts. Instead of offering an entire meal of unfamiliar foods, for example, offer standard fare or favorites along with something new. Always offer a meal that includes at least one thing you know your toddler likes. And try to schedule a new food when you know your child is hungry — a snack of mango slices when he has the afternoon munchies, for example.

• Use toddler-size portions. A serving of bread for a 1-year-old is only 1/4 slice, and a serving of rice, potatoes, or pasta is only about 2 tablespoons — much smaller than an adult serving size.

• Understand that some children's palates are more sensitive than others' and they simply won't like the texture, color, or taste of some foods. That's why a child might claim to dislike a food he has never even tried. Likewise, some children may reject a food because it reminds them of a time when they were sick, or because they have some other negative association with it.

• Look for ways to boost the nutritional value of the dishes your toddler enjoys. Add some wheat germ or tuna to his macaroni casserole and little chunks of fruit to his favorite cereal, for example.

• Resist the urge to offer sugary foods in an effort to get your toddler to eat more. You want to develop his sense of culinary adventure, not his sweet tooth!

• Minimize distractions at the table. If a sibling is running around nearby, or a cartoon beckons from across the room, your toddler may have trouble maintaining interest in the food being served. Try to make meals relaxed and quiet.

How can I get my toddler to eat a wider variety of foods?
It's not realistic to expect a toddler to embrace a wide range of foods. In the long run, the example you set by serving and enjoying all sorts of healthy foods — at home and on the go — is one of the best ways to help your child learn to eat well. But for now, your toddler's decision to eat only a few things is his choice, and it's important to let him learn to make his own decisions about food from the get-go."A child needs to be in control of what he eats," says Nancy Hudson, a registered dietitian at the University of California, Berkeley. That's because forcing a toddler to eat a food he doesn't like or a quantity he can't handle may set him up for problems later on: Children who are never allowed to make food decisions themselves (such as deciding when they're full) are at a greater risk for developing eating disorders or becoming obese later in life. What's more, your strategy will almost always backfire because forcing your toddler to try new foods will only make him more stubborn and less open to trying new things in the future.If your toddler seems to be eating nothing but cheese and crackers for days on end, don't worry. Start keeping a record of what your toddler eats and you'll probably find that he's hitting all the major food groups and getting the necessary nutrients over the course of a week. Studies from the American Dietetic Association show that children — even those whose parents consider them "picky eaters" — generally consume a wide enough variety of foods to meet their nutritional requirements. If you really don't think your toddler is eating well, ask your doctor whether it makes sense to give him a daily multivitamin.

How can I tell whether my child is really getting enough to eat if he's not growing?
Don't panic if it seems like your toddler isn't growing fast enough. Children don't always grow at a steady pace and there will be times when your child doesn't seem to be growing at all. Your toddler won't grow at nearly the same rate as he did in his first year of life. Keep in touch with your doctor if you're concerned about your child's weight gain, but don't convey your concerns to your child. If you're constantly hovering at mealtime, or wheedling, cajoling, and counting calories, he's likely to become even more resistant to eating."

~BabyCenter LLC

First Post on My New Blog

2009-03-08T13:47:00.001-07:00

Well, here I am starting on my new blog. I wanted to make this site because I have had so many people tell me that I should write all my tips down for other parents. You learn so much about kids, and life as a mommy. I would like to use this blog to compile a place for mom's to come for advice or just get tips, or find other sites, through me. I may not have every answer but I am really good at researching! So if you have a question...leave me a comment. I know some mommy's don't have time for research or don't even know the right words to look up. I am here to help! Check out all the links and if you have time to read a little bit, check out my personal blog listed at the right! Have fun browsing! Mommy to two little boys... ~Jen