Since I had something to say about Mother’s Day gifts, I feel I should make the same effort discussing Father’s Day. Here it goes:
As a stay-at-home mom, I don’t make an income. When it comes to those occasions when a gift is required I need to get creative. Since I have this desire to be perfect in my own way, this can take some time. Fortunately, time is one thing I do have and so does my son.
So here is my list of creative Father’s Day gift ideas that I spent quality time thinking about and perfecting. Here it goes:
1. Time
I know it is a short list but…
Could anything be more perfect? Fathers only get to spend a few hours each week with their children. So this year (and maybe every year because I am a big fan of tradition and not fixing what is not broken) I am going to plan a day of activities for my son and his father.
I am going to wake them with a yummy breakfast. After church, I will then send them off to the local children’s science center and zoo with a packed lunch. When they come home I will have some surprise gifts at the ready – Legos that I have been getting at sale prices and hiding until the perfect time. My husband likes to grill so I will have some kabobs ready for the guys to assemble and grill together. My son can handle putting the veggies on the skewers but he will probably be in the sandbox when it actually comes time to grill. I will have all the outside activity equipment ready to go after dinner including some glider airplanes they can assemble and throw around the yard. (Thanks dad for the gliders!) My gift of time is worth every penny!
Quality time for the guys means a fair amount of peace and quiet for me. Priceless!
Happy Father’s Day to all my mommy friends!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Mall Attack
I have been desperately needing to get a new cover-up to wear over my bathing suit. After checking online, I decided JCPenney's had the style and price to make me happy. When momma is happy, everyone is happy!
However, this means going to the mall for a 'fitting' and the mall in my town makes me a little nervous. Even though it is a beautiful mall with nice variety, it has a reputation as being not safe. This is something that is known in my mommy circle of friends. We've discussed it and decided that the earlier in the day you go the better and at all cost to avoid weekends.
I chose to go around lunch time on a Wednesday. But still I was nervous. My son and I found a safe parking spot and proceeded straight to Penney's, where I purchased 2 cute cover-ups.
So far so good but the worse is yet to come. From inside of Penney's you can see right down the mall to one of my favorite places to visit - Pretzel Time! My son and I just love those pretzel bites!
Unfortunately, standing in the way between our pretzel-loving, growling bellies and relief was the most horrific and scariest thing at the mall! The dreaded, pushy kiosk salesgirl! Horror!! (insert scream)
Up to this point in my life I didn't even know what she was selling. I just had a feeling that she needed to be avoided. Like most women, I don't want to be talked into anything. It has to be my idea if I am going to do or purchase something. I used typical avoidance tactics like not allowing her to get a word in and saying things like: 'on a mission', 'no money', 'no time', 'all my money goes to the kid.' All true and somewhat sad. The worst part is the look she gives you as you walk away - it is that look that makes me nervous. All the mean thoughts she is having toward me make me nervous. I cannot stand her mean looks trying to ruin my day! How dare she!
But this was a particularly slow day at the mall and she caught my eye from 15 yards away. Holding out her little tray of lotions and beckoning me to try. Right at this point my mind flashed to the classified ad I read recently looking for kiosk workers that paid $7/hour. So I felt kind of sorry and I decided to give her a chance.
I tried the lotion. It was just ok. I really do not have much memory of it cause she started to talk and talk while my head started to spin and spin. She had my hand and she was filing away with a buffer on my nail. She said the sweetest things to me - maybe this isn't so bad! We started a count down together ...
3 - 2 - 1
WOW, I HAVE NEVER SEEN MY NAIL SHINE LIKE THAT EVER!
She keeps talking and doing things to my nail. (Yes, I do love the nail salon and I go often but she is getting my nails to do things with little effort and her majic buffer never before achieved by the nail 'tech' who makes fun of me in another language to her friends!)
'So how much is this buffer?'
'Only $200.00'
'That is way too much for me.'
But she kept talking and I soon realize she probably makes a lot more than $7.oo/hr with her skill set. Finally she talked herself down to selling me 2 kits, including the buffers for ONLY $49.95.
Did I buy them?
Heck no!
I got my pretzel bites and headed to Sally Beauty Supply. I found 2 wonderful nail buffers that produced the exact same results for uder $3.00 each! Picked up some cuticle oil and cuticle remover and did the happy momma dance to the car for less than $13.00 total!
I cannot believe I have been missing out on how easy and cheap it is to have such shiny, beautiful nails. This shine has lasted more than a week so far. I am so thankful to the kiosk girl for showing me what I was missing out on!
From now on I will have to find another route entirely to get to Pretzel Time.
Or maybe not... I can see how some of her skills could come in handy as a mom of a 3yo. I might just have to go back to study her craft again!
However, this means going to the mall for a 'fitting' and the mall in my town makes me a little nervous. Even though it is a beautiful mall with nice variety, it has a reputation as being not safe. This is something that is known in my mommy circle of friends. We've discussed it and decided that the earlier in the day you go the better and at all cost to avoid weekends.
I chose to go around lunch time on a Wednesday. But still I was nervous. My son and I found a safe parking spot and proceeded straight to Penney's, where I purchased 2 cute cover-ups.
So far so good but the worse is yet to come. From inside of Penney's you can see right down the mall to one of my favorite places to visit - Pretzel Time! My son and I just love those pretzel bites!
Unfortunately, standing in the way between our pretzel-loving, growling bellies and relief was the most horrific and scariest thing at the mall! The dreaded, pushy kiosk salesgirl! Horror!! (insert scream)
Up to this point in my life I didn't even know what she was selling. I just had a feeling that she needed to be avoided. Like most women, I don't want to be talked into anything. It has to be my idea if I am going to do or purchase something. I used typical avoidance tactics like not allowing her to get a word in and saying things like: 'on a mission', 'no money', 'no time', 'all my money goes to the kid.' All true and somewhat sad. The worst part is the look she gives you as you walk away - it is that look that makes me nervous. All the mean thoughts she is having toward me make me nervous. I cannot stand her mean looks trying to ruin my day! How dare she!
But this was a particularly slow day at the mall and she caught my eye from 15 yards away. Holding out her little tray of lotions and beckoning me to try. Right at this point my mind flashed to the classified ad I read recently looking for kiosk workers that paid $7/hour. So I felt kind of sorry and I decided to give her a chance.
I tried the lotion. It was just ok. I really do not have much memory of it cause she started to talk and talk while my head started to spin and spin. She had my hand and she was filing away with a buffer on my nail. She said the sweetest things to me - maybe this isn't so bad! We started a count down together ...
3 - 2 - 1
WOW, I HAVE NEVER SEEN MY NAIL SHINE LIKE THAT EVER!
She keeps talking and doing things to my nail. (Yes, I do love the nail salon and I go often but she is getting my nails to do things with little effort and her majic buffer never before achieved by the nail 'tech' who makes fun of me in another language to her friends!)
'So how much is this buffer?'
'Only $200.00'
'That is way too much for me.'
But she kept talking and I soon realize she probably makes a lot more than $7.oo/hr with her skill set. Finally she talked herself down to selling me 2 kits, including the buffers for ONLY $49.95.
Did I buy them?
Heck no!
I got my pretzel bites and headed to Sally Beauty Supply. I found 2 wonderful nail buffers that produced the exact same results for uder $3.00 each! Picked up some cuticle oil and cuticle remover and did the happy momma dance to the car for less than $13.00 total!
I cannot believe I have been missing out on how easy and cheap it is to have such shiny, beautiful nails. This shine has lasted more than a week so far. I am so thankful to the kiosk girl for showing me what I was missing out on!
From now on I will have to find another route entirely to get to Pretzel Time.
Or maybe not... I can see how some of her skills could come in handy as a mom of a 3yo. I might just have to go back to study her craft again!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
When I got married, it didn't take long for me to realize that there were differences between my husbands and my views of bathroom etiquette. At the forefront of annoyances was his lack of regard in keeping the toilet clean. Why? Even after much pleading, his disregard remained intact. Why? Was this done to annoy me? Was this pay back for something?
After too much time spent on trying to understand his manly mind and wondering what this meant in the entire scheme of our relationship, I chalked it up to bad manners. I blamed those bad manners on his upbringing. We can choose who we allow ourselves to fall in love with but we cannot choose their families. And we cannot choose how they were raised. Sad but true!
Let the retraining begin!
In those early years of my marriage, my husband handled all things yucky. I didn't do yucky. He, however, had a sort of pride in handling these things. Perhaps it was a ego boost to know he had no problem doing things that I could not do without gagging. Whatever the reason is really of no concern to me. I felt extremely lucky to have him around.
Back to the toilet. Yes, he cleaned the toilet. Just not often enough for me. A toilet should be cleaned based on how often it gets used. For most homes, that should be a couple of times a week. I suggest scheduling it for particular days of the week. Like Mondays and Thursdays. Keep the cleaning supplies handy so the entire process takes less than a couple of minutes.
Fast forward 13 years: Now I am a mom of a 3 year old boy. Now I am the one who cleans the toilet and handles all things yucky. It is my job to raise him and teach him everything he needs to know. You can bet that bathroom etiquette is on the list. You can bet he will be taught to show regard for others. You can bet that this is not optional but absolutely, 100% mandatory. For some moms, these lessons will be easy. But no matter how difficult, you never give up on lessons as important as bathroom etiquette and respect for others.
My 3 yo has provided some insight into those early days of my marriage. Boys (including grown up boys) do not want to touch anything in the bathroom, including the toilet paper. They think if they do not touch anything then they do not have to wash their hands and they can get back to their activities that much faster. So how do we get them to do it all the correct way? Threats? That really isn't my style. Turn the entire thing into a game. Make it fun to wash their hands. Drill in the steps. Make it a routine and give each step a number. Repeat the steps each and every time. Make up a silly song. Just do it the same every time for as long as it takes. I plan on doing this until he can do it himself for a full week without missing a step. It may be hard work but the rewards are for a lifetime.
A lifetime of clean toilets. Priceless!!
After too much time spent on trying to understand his manly mind and wondering what this meant in the entire scheme of our relationship, I chalked it up to bad manners. I blamed those bad manners on his upbringing. We can choose who we allow ourselves to fall in love with but we cannot choose their families. And we cannot choose how they were raised. Sad but true!
Let the retraining begin!
In those early years of my marriage, my husband handled all things yucky. I didn't do yucky. He, however, had a sort of pride in handling these things. Perhaps it was a ego boost to know he had no problem doing things that I could not do without gagging. Whatever the reason is really of no concern to me. I felt extremely lucky to have him around.
Back to the toilet. Yes, he cleaned the toilet. Just not often enough for me. A toilet should be cleaned based on how often it gets used. For most homes, that should be a couple of times a week. I suggest scheduling it for particular days of the week. Like Mondays and Thursdays. Keep the cleaning supplies handy so the entire process takes less than a couple of minutes.
Fast forward 13 years: Now I am a mom of a 3 year old boy. Now I am the one who cleans the toilet and handles all things yucky. It is my job to raise him and teach him everything he needs to know. You can bet that bathroom etiquette is on the list. You can bet he will be taught to show regard for others. You can bet that this is not optional but absolutely, 100% mandatory. For some moms, these lessons will be easy. But no matter how difficult, you never give up on lessons as important as bathroom etiquette and respect for others.
My 3 yo has provided some insight into those early days of my marriage. Boys (including grown up boys) do not want to touch anything in the bathroom, including the toilet paper. They think if they do not touch anything then they do not have to wash their hands and they can get back to their activities that much faster. So how do we get them to do it all the correct way? Threats? That really isn't my style. Turn the entire thing into a game. Make it fun to wash their hands. Drill in the steps. Make it a routine and give each step a number. Repeat the steps each and every time. Make up a silly song. Just do it the same every time for as long as it takes. I plan on doing this until he can do it himself for a full week without missing a step. It may be hard work but the rewards are for a lifetime.
A lifetime of clean toilets. Priceless!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Container Gardening
Hello!!
So, I showed you pics of my first attempt at Raised-bed gardening. Now, I want to show you my Container Garden!
Right now I have just one container dedicated to veggies and it sits right outside my back door. I am starting from seeds. I am growing lettuce and zucchini. I cannot wait until that first salad of the season!
My 3 year old has a couple of container gardens going, too. We picked up two little starter container gardens for him at the hardware store. (they are actually little paper cups with clear lids.) We picked watermelon and pumpkin. Right now we are waiting for the sprouts. Not sure where we will be planting these once they grow large enough for transplant. We sure do enjoy checking them everyday for sprouts to begin!
Happy Gardening Everyone! Cheers, Susan
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Free Meal!
Oprah and KFC is giving away a free chicken meal.
Go here: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090430-tows-kfc-coupon-download and get your coupon.
Deal is time sensitive! Get your coupon before it is too late!
Go here: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090430-tows-kfc-coupon-download and get your coupon.
Deal is time sensitive! Get your coupon before it is too late!
Raised-bed Gardening
Hello Friends!
Rain, Rain! Last week the garden was planted and this week, right on cue, RAIN!
Raised-bed gardening:
Yippee, I am now officially a gardener. I have grown up around many great gardeners but never wanted to break ground myself. Well, I wanted to but not enough to do it. Then I learned about raised-bed gardening. This sounded a little more like what I wanted rather than the traditional, low-to-the-ground garden. Something small and manageable for my first time. I discussed with my husband about using something recycled for the sides/walls of the raised beds. Something we already owned. He came up with the idea of using an old ACE Hardware trashcan. He cut it in half and (voila) made 2 separate beds.
I dug down into the ground about 1.5 feet. After positioning the recycled trash can, I back-filled the hole with 3 things. 1) dirt from the hole, 2) compost mix from hardware store, and 3) Miracle-Gro planting mix for vegetables. I let the dirt sit for a few days before planting my vegetables. I chose tomato plants (2 Big Boys and 1 Sweet 100) and zucchini from seeds. I also added a marigold to help with pests. Tomato cages added will help to hold the plants up as they grow.
Check back to see how my gardening adventure grows. I hope fruitfully well!!
Next blog: Container Gardening
Cheers, Susan
Monday, May 4, 2009
Gifts for the mom in your life
I wonder what makes one person a better gift giver than another. Who am I kidding? We know what makes one person a better gift giver - a little thought and research.
Those that give bad gifts are basically last minute shoppers and their gifts are 'surprise' gifts.
"Surprise, a cookbook to help you loose weight!"
"Surprise, a new techy gadget just like the one you already have!" Or
"Surprise, something to help you clean the house!"
What do moms really want for Mother's Day? It definitely varies fr
om mom to mom. But we all definitely expect to get something from our children and spouse.
I think one of the best things children can give their mothers is a gift that keeps on giving. My personal favorite would be flowers to plant in the garden. How about a rose bush? And if you want to start a tradition, because moms LOVE traditions, give her a new rose bush each year.
Spouses should give their wives something that says 'You are the best mom I have ever met, our children are the luckiest children ever!' However, we really do not want a plaque that says that. We want something a little more romantic and girlie. Think perfume, a feminine (but not too sexy) nightgown, decadent deserts (cheesecake or ganache from the best desert maker in town), and I am sure if you put some thought in to it you could really knock her socks off. Think about that thing she has always wished she could do or have but keeps putting it off. There may be a picture (or if you are like me, college diplomas) that never got that really special frame it deserves.
Now lets talk about how to do all this and not break the bank. Have you ever checked the newspaper for coupons and sales? Do a little research and you can really make Mother's Day special for little money out of pocket. Also, skip the store bought cards, gift wrap and bows. A hand written note is so much more cherished than a card from the store.
I wish all moms a Happy Mother's Day!!
Cheers, Susan
Those that give bad gifts are basically last minute shoppers and their gifts are 'surprise' gifts.
"Surprise, a cookbook to help you loose weight!"
"Surprise, a new techy gadget just like the one you already have!" Or
"Surprise, something to help you clean the house!"
What do moms really want for Mother's Day? It definitely varies fr
om mom to mom. But we all definitely expect to get something from our children and spouse.I think one of the best things children can give their mothers is a gift that keeps on giving. My personal favorite would be flowers to plant in the garden. How about a rose bush? And if you want to start a tradition, because moms LOVE traditions, give her a new rose bush each year.
Spouses should give their wives something that says 'You are the best mom I have ever met, our children are the luckiest children ever!' However, we really do not want a plaque that says that. We want something a little more romantic and girlie. Think perfume, a feminine (but not too sexy) nightgown, decadent deserts (cheesecake or ganache from the best desert maker in town), and I am sure if you put some thought in to it you could really knock her socks off. Think about that thing she has always wished she could do or have but keeps putting it off. There may be a picture (or if you are like me, college diplomas) that never got that really special frame it deserves.
Now lets talk about how to do all this and not break the bank. Have you ever checked the newspaper for coupons and sales? Do a little research and you can really make Mother's Day special for little money out of pocket. Also, skip the store bought cards, gift wrap and bows. A hand written note is so much more cherished than a card from the store.
I wish all moms a Happy Mother's Day!!
Cheers, Susan
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