24/7 in the Kitchen with a Sprinkle of Daily Advice!

My new home has become my kitchen. As my son has gotten older the bottomless pit which is his stomach is always hungry and looking for me to replenish it! I'm always in the kitchen getting a snack, milk juice, meals etc. His first word was cookie, i should have known then that there was an evil worm lurking in his belly always wanting more!

Lately i have realized even though he is asking for food all the time when he does sit down to eat it he never finishes.

The light bulb went off (BING!)

Maybe more verity in each meal is key for him in keeping his interest in what he is eating. I purchased plates that had separators so that i could add three different things to the plate instead of one. I also decided do get Tupperware just for his food which i can then cut up fresh fruit, roll up cold cuts or make individual servings of different healthy snacks. It ended up being the best thing ever, once he had gone to sleep for the night i prepared his snacks and lunch for the next day so that i was ready and all i had to do was give it to him, no more rummaging through the fridge and trying to through things together before he had a melt down because he was hungry.

Us moms usually have to do are errands with our kids which can be a hassle. One thing i now do that can make it a bit easier and save you some money is bring your lunch ,water and snacks with you. I purchased a great Rachael Ray lunch bag which keeps everything nice and cold or hot. By doing this i not only save money, I'm also able to feed my son healthier choices as a pose to fast food.

From a person who has invested in just about every brand of tupperware the beast in my opinion is Lock & Lock which can be purchased on Amazon.com, or Qvc.com

P.S. Please post any tips tricks or stories!

Daily Advice- Getting through the Holidays without breaking the Bank!

Us moms always end up doing the bulk of Christmas shopping and end up being stressed with the long lines, crazy people, and the empty wallet at the end of the day.

The holidays can be done stress free while keeping your budget down and still producing a out of this world holiday!

I believe in only giving the most important people gifts and anyone else can receive a card. I think that way because if you ended up buying every person you knew a gift you would be broke! Big families can always do a grab bag for the adults so that everyone has one person to buy for which will save on having to buy every adult in your family a gift.

Always begin with a realistic budget of how much you really can afford to spend on gifts decor and any extras you may need (by chopping your tree down at a tree farm instead of purchasing one at one of those side lots can save you a few dollars) . Don't go over board Christmas isn't only about gifts, many people go in to debt around the holidays buy trying to get every little thing.

Once you have made out your budget start shopping no later then November 1st, this will insure you wont be crunching by Christmas.

I suggest you browse the Internet and get some ideas of  what you are going to get for each person and make a list this will help you stay on track. Always browse the clearance aisle which usually has some great stocking suffers if not some bigger gifts,(Target and Walmart always keep clearance items on the inside ends of the aisle).

If your up to it shopping on black Friday it can be a plus. ( I usually do not !)

Try buying Christmas gift bags for everything that way you eliminate the wrapping paper mess and you can keep reusing the bags for years to come ( I do this every year, i save a lot on recycling Xmas gift bags, I purchased a huge set from QVC.com with different size bags, wrapping paper, bows and a organizer and after all the toys are opened i fold up the bags and save them for next year!)

Homemade gifts are always a money saver and are very thoughtful.(a great homemade idea is my snowman hot coco cup, directions are below, you can also make a pie, bake cookies and put in a nice tin from the dollar store, or make Christmas chocolate lollipops and all the ingredients for that can be found at Micheals and is SUPER EASY!)

Remember the holidays are about family and you don't have to shower your family with gifts for the holiday to be amazing. You can bake cookies together, watch a Christmas themed movie with popcorn, play some board games, or decorate stockings to hang.

Enjoy the Holidays with family!

Directions for Snowman Hot Coco

I start off by buying a great Christmas mug from the dollar store, i then go to a grocery store and purchase Land O Lakes individual packets of hot chocolate which come in different flavors, I then grab a bag of real store brand mini marshmallows, a candy cane, bow, snack size zip lock baggies and cellophane.

You place the packet of hot coco in the mug, add mini marshmallows in a zip lock add in mug, place a candy cane in mug wrap in cellophane, tie with string and add bow. Wallah! you have a great gift  for about
$5.

Please post any tips, tricks, advice or story. Thanks!

Attention Attention: Christmas is Coming!!!

 I have officially kicked off my Christmas shopping today. I'm tired and over whelmed trying to figure out what gifts to get  for everyone. I have to start early because i don't like to rush or shop on black friday.

I feel Christmas has become less about the tradition and family gatherings but more about getting gifts. I don't want my children growing up spoiled so i have decided this Christmas i want it to be more about being together as a family rather then focusing on only gifts.

We defiantly will be cutting our own tree down this year which will serve as a great family outing and be decorating it together (instead of me just doing it ) while listening to Christmas carols. I want my kids to be in the spirit and enjoy the time we share together.(while sipping hot coca w/ mini marshmallows, of coarse)

It's so important as parents to bring your family together and enjoy each others laughs and smiles because we can all tend to get lost in the monotony of everyday life which can consume us to the point we don't even realize you really haven't spent any time together!

Please comment with any Christmas ideas, tips, advice, or stories!

Good Luck Moms on your holiday shopping, I know it can be stressful !

Daily Advice- Places to Take your Little ones for fun!

It can be hard to find great places to take your toddler on a day-cation. Below is a list of places i have been to and have found that are great and not expensive to take your little one. Have Fun!

*Jumpin Jakes (Fun)

*Sesame Place

*Park

*Adventure Aquarium: Camden, NJ (Amazing Place)

*Children's Garden: Camden, NJ

*Max Brenners Restaurant: NYC (Amazing, Like the real Willy Wonka)

*Maritime Aquarium: Norwalk, CT (Good)

*Children's Museum: NYC (So Fun)

*Please Touch Museum: Philadelphia, PA (So fun)

*Great Wolf Lodge: Poconos, PA (AMAZING, We go once a year)

*Bronx Zoo: Bronx NY

*Turtle Back Zoo: West Orange, NJ

***If you do go to any of these places please leave feed back on your adventure, or if you need any info or feedback on any of these places feel free to comment with questions and i will give you my review. Thanks!

***Please comment with any tips, advice or stories,

Busy Bee!

Sorry Moms no post today! I'm off with many things to do. Catch up with me tomorrow for another dose of  daily topics and a new recipe i have just for you!

Enjoy your TGIF and have fun with the little ones, there only little for so long!

*Please comment with advise, fun stories, or just a tip.

 Thanks for following!

Daily Advice- Rainy day blues!

As you look out the window and see the rain pouring down I'm sure your screaming quietly NO! (as i did this morning when i saw it was pouring) You have now come to the realization you will be inside all day with your energetic toddler!

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With a little planing you could have an amazing day and you wont find your self going crazy. Below are a few fun ideas you could try if you ever find yourself stuck inside.

1. Throw a sheet over the kitchen table it will be a magical castle to them. This will keep them busy for a while. (I just did this and he is still amazed)

2. Give them a bath with tons of toys.

3. Art projects, weather its just gluing, coloring, or even finger painting with paint or pudding they will have loads of fun.

4. Reading story books

5. Good old fashion pots and pans, they will love to drum and bang on them.

4. Flash light, i give my son the flashlight turn off the light in his room and he loves to see the light on the walls.

5. Indoor Picnic for lunch

6. Enjoy popcorn a snuggle and a cartoon/disney movie

Hope you have a great rainy day!

*Please post any comments, tips or advice. Thanks!

SUPER MOM!

In today's times a mother is expected not only to carry the child, bare the child and take care of the child but keep a home maintained, organized, clean, and a husband happy and full. I feel like mothers have to be in a million places at once and making sure everyone is happy and healthy. Us super moms ones who stay home or not deserve an award for all that we do. Most bread wining husbands who work all day and come home to a warm meal and a semi tidy house (we all know that with kids your home will never be spotless!) don't always give us the praise we deserve and need.

How many times have you been waken up at 5am. How many times have you spent a whole day in your pj's. How many times have you changed a diaper How many times have you had to watch dora and not your show. How many is two MANY!
Remember that things can wait, don't kill yourself trying to get that last toy picked up or the towels folded, tomorrow will be a new day and a fresh start


We as mothers need to throw in the towel once and a while and let those dads take the rains. We need to start taking care of our selves and our sanity. Below are some things that you can do to keep yourself from going crazy!

1. Ladies Night (once a month at least)

2. Play dates (you get adult convo and kids can play)

3. Take a walk or Jog (by yourself)

4. Grocery Shopping (should ALWAYS be done by yourself)

5. Call a friend (my favorite)

6. Get a babysitter and go on a date w/ hubby

A friend recently told me you cant feel guilty for being a stay at home mom because we work just as hard and need to take care of ourselves to (Thanks Linda)! She was so right, just because we have become moms that dose not mean we have to give up our life, it means we just have to make the time to do something fun for ourselves.

 *I'm sure there are plenty more but that's what i could think of at 11pm! Please leave tips, comments, advise, or stories. Thanks

Daily Advice- Toxic Cleanging Products

As moms one of our many daily jobs is clean our home. As i strolled down the cleaning products isle i realized even the "ALL NATURAL" products have chemicals i cant even pronounce. These chemicals are inhaled and get on your skin when you are cleaning.They are harsh and harmful to your body and your child's body.

You may think that just because it is on a shelf in a grocery isle and labeled antibacterial bleach cleaner that that's the best way to disinfect your kitchen/home but research today is proving that these cleaners have become more and more harmful. I have noticed when i have cleaned with cleaning sprays once i have sprayed on to a surface, i cant breath well and the fumes over whelm the area that i then  must open a window. Is that the only way to clean!

I have researched to find a truly natural way to clean my house that disinfects everything, leaves a fresh fragrance and does not cause me to open a window every single time. Below you will find a link for cleaning with vinegar and natural products found in your home. As mothers we should be protecting our home from germs but not in a way that would harm us probably more then the germs. Do the research, and educate yourself on the products under the sink!


*Please check this link out its 1001 tips for cleaning with Vinegar
http://www.vinegartips.com/scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=7
(Thanks to http://www.vinigertips.com/ for the helpful tips)

*Please comment with tips and advice!

Good Cooking is in your Mood!

I have recently realized that cooking is in your mood. There have been  many days when i have felt sad and down which then reflected in my cooking, things came out burned and unappetising. On the other hand when I'm happy and joyful my cooking comes out great! Like tonight, I'm feeling great right and happy with myself. As a mother you will find yourself on a never ending roller coaster of emotions. After cooking an amazing dish that i am proud of and enjoyed cooking i get the most amazing reaction. In those cases were i had  a bad day i get silence. I truly believe that your emotions flavor your food and translate into the minds of others which then feel what you did as you cooked it. Cooking is truly an emotional act and can be very therapeutic. I cook on a daily basis and i found that it is a time where i can be creative and add flare to different recipes. Below is a quick and delicious recipe for fish. It will make your mouth water and any child will be more than happy to gobble it up.

Baked Tilapia
w/ lemon garlic herb sauce.

4 pieces of fresh tilapia
1/2 Onion
Cilantro
Salt
Pepper
Fresh Garlic
1 Lemon
a couple of shakes of grated cheese
Flour
Olive Oil

>Begin by rinsing the fish and patting it dry, seasoning to taste and season flour to taste. Dredge fish in flour on both sides well, then dust off excess flour.

>Preheat pan to a high setting add olive oil (about 2 times around pan). Once you see it to slightly smoke add fish and let it crisp and flip to crisp other side. (approx.3min each side) Remove fish and finish cooking in oven at 350 for approx. 10min or until cooked through.

>In the mean time grab a pan on a medium to low temp saute finely chopped onion and garlic. Once the onions become translucent add the juice of  one lemon, chopped cilantro and grated cheese.

> Remove from oven pour sauce over fish and serve hot with whatever sides you like.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Daily Advice- Becoming a Stay at Home MOM!

Becoming a stay at home mom is not so difficult as people think, even in these times. However it does require to give up some luxuries that are not necessities to life. For example that cup of Starbucks in the morning or the lunch trip to the deli. Friends and family may look at you like you have lost your mind when you tell them you are leaving your job in order to be a stay at home mom


A budget will become your best friend fast. Budgeting is key in making it work. Living on one income can be hard but with the right budget and life style changes it can work. Look at me, i am a prime example that it can be done. My family is not rich but we planned and budgeted right so that it is possible for me to be raising our children and not be at daycare. Realistically if you really wanted to stay home but wanted to go back to work at some point, you could always start back once the kids start school. This does not have to be a permanent thing but being there for there most important years will be so rewarding for you and baby.

1.Create a budget and decide what expenses are unnecessary. Start cutting back immediately. Pay off as much debt as possible, and start saving if you have not been already.

2.Research ways to save money on groceries, gifts, transportation, and utilities. This can include growing your own garden, making gifts, giving up a car, and taking efforts to conserve energy,

3.Calculate the money you would save by staying @ home. ex: lunch, gas, work clothes, dry cleaner, toll, daycare costs, and eating out (you should be able to cook now that your home,which saves tons)

4. Write a complete log of where all your money is going each month, this will help to find those missing dollars. Most people know how much they get paid and that there is not much left at the end of the month but as for where the money is being spent there clueless. Start reducing impulse shopping and always ask yourself is this something i need or just want to have.

*With these tools i am sure you will figure out if being a stay at home is possible for your family.

Example: Once i became a stay at home mom i cut out unnecessary shopping and bills. I cut down on TV (no HBO) Cut down on groceries by using coupons and looking for sales at different stores as well as making a weekly menu.

It is possible moms, Good Luck!

Cooking with AJ

Cooking with children can be really regrettable and messy but i gave it a try anyway since AJ showed interest in what i was doing. I had him stand in a chair and help me with the little things like putting bread in toaster and stirring pancake batter. I fully enjoyed watching his eyes light up as he did the most simplest things. As he helped i named things which he then repeated and learned. Not only was it helpful but he really was happy to help. Remember NEVER to leave kids unattended in a kitchen not only is it dangerous but you will end up with food on the wall and floor.(Trust me i learned this lesson the hard way!)

*If your a mommy to a younger child try putting them in a swing or a bouncer in the kitchen while you cook and interact with them it will be a special time for you and the baby!

*Breakfast is usually the easiest to prepare so start there. A little goes a long way when it comes to children so include them in little tasks around the house weather it be wiping a table of putting something away they will enjoy it because they have your attention.

Daily Advice- Children are like sponges!

I wanted to talk about something today that is so important and can and will leave your child affected for the rest of there lives. Children are like sponges they soak up everything that is around them. They like to mimic what they see people doing. Believe it or not when us parents, there most treasured hero's, get involved in an argument or bickering , or a fight (whatever you want to call it) in front of your child /children it does have an affect on them. They are soaking and gathering all that behavior and storing it in there little minds for later use. Be aware of your surrounding because when in the heat of the moment you don't realize the kids are there watching and listening to everything.

My best advice, as hard as it can be when your filled with emotions just  leave the room and talk in private, or distract your child by watching TV or a quick project. Make sure to keep your voices as normal as possible, children can feel mood shifts. Just keep in mind that these little children our are first priority and there health and well being are in or hands.

*As someone who is married and well aware of those times when husband and wife are just not seeing eye to eye remember those fights are not the problem of your child/children and there for should not be involved or exposed to them.

* Any questions, comments, advice, or experience's please post! Thanks Moms