Laundry

Ok, who else hates laundry as much as me? I have considered sending mine out, honestly, however then I couldn't have my really neat-o front load whirlpools...sigh, being trendy outweighs convenience once again...I digress.
I am always trying to find better options for laundry completion. I added a folding counter on top of my washer/dryer so I can conveniently fold fresh out of the dryer. I added a shower rod with hangers so I could hang up freshly washed dress clothes that can't get wrinkled. I even got each child their own laundry basket so as soon as I fold their clothes they go right into an organized bin. My laundry room is even on the second floor right across from all the bedrooms! So tell me, again, why I can't stay on top of it? I know, three kids under the age of five makes it almost impossible to stay on top of anything, but seriously, what am I missing here? What else could I possibly do to make this easier? Does anyone have any great organizing ideas? Or even mediocre ideas? Honestly, I'll take anything at this point!
Thanks ahead!

Tips for Rainy Days

Rain Rain Rain. We sometimes long for it when our hand starts cramping from trying to keep those pretty spring flowers alive, but for the most part, it's a burden when you have kids. SO what's a mom to do? Have FUN on reserve!
Here's some tips for rainy days, and feel free to add your own in the comments!

1. Play-doh! It may be messy, but in my home, play-doh ONLY gets to come out on rainy days! That way it's always a cool treat and the kids don't get bored easily!

2. Marching Band. Providing it's not nap-time for one of the kiddos, grab all your musical instruments and tell them to have a parade! You sit in the chair and be the MC or videographer! ;)

3. Build a Fort. It's amazing what impresses kids, but with a few blankets and some heavy pillows, a fort is only moments away! Get the flashlights out too! Chances are it's overcast anyway so it'll be nice and dark in their "cave"!

4. Movie (day) Night! Pop some popcorn, throw in a movie and cuddle up with them! Hey, even you deserve to relax when it's dreary out!

5. Computer education. Ok, unless you're super ambitious and trying to finish your masters while all the kids are still under 5 ( I know you're out there and I hate you), let the older ones get on the computer! There are so many great websites for preschoolers, PBSkids.org, discoverykids.com, nickjr.com...Plus it's a great way to fold laundry while they're occupied!

6. Pictures! Don't forget, rainy days are a great time to get those awesome water pictures! Throw on the rain coats and break out the galoshes and umbrellas! Splash away!!


Hope this helps. Don't forget your local library and children's science centers!
Have fun! The sun will come out...soon!

Baby Food Recipes

Apparently I thought baby food was some intricate recipe that no one could duplicate and "real" stuff wasn't good for your new-to-food baby. Can you say, "sigh, first time mom..." ??
I ran out of jarred food the other day and after my mini heart attack, I took and deep breath and thought, "ok, this can't be that hard." I had a friend tell once that she got spinach in her kids diet by pureeing it with bananas, since it masks the taste. Something about sweet smelling green stuff never sounded appetizing though. But I was at a loss for options to feed my 7month old. I had to try it. Well, not me, he had to try it, I certainly wasn't eating it! ;) So it was a totally hit and he gobbled it up!!! (I have a Magic Bullet which is great for smaller portions such as these. I rinse after each use so I can make everything fresh.) No more costly jarred baby food and I have the added pleasure of knowing exactly what my son is eating. No chemicals. No preservatives. It's so great.

Here's the 2 recipes I made yesterday.

Bananas with Spinach- (Makes 2 servings)
1 ripened banana
handful spinach
Blend to puree
I added some oatmeal to thicken it a little

Applesauce- Made 1 serving
Cut a few pieces off an apple (keep skin)
add some water and steam in microwave for 20 seconds
Add some cinnamon and puree.

Here's some other sites that have great ideas!
Parents Magazine
Homemade-Baby-Food-Recipes.com
Wholesome Baby Food

Grandma's Apron

I mean Seriously?! Am I way too young to totally want one of these!?!? I love it! How adorable!

Grandma's Apron!!!

Guest Poster Frakers Acres gave a tutorial over at Ruffles and Stuff! Check it out!!

Camera Strap Cover

of sickness. Everyone is finally recovered, after a full two rounds of it cycling through the fam. UGH.
Anywho, down to business!

Here's a latest project I've completed! I've been meaning to do this, what with the summer coming and that camera strap always getting really sticky around my neck...
I got the tutorial from Make It and Love It.  The only thing I did differently was finish the ends before sewing it together so I wouldn't need to permanently sew it to my camera strap. Because I am a change-a-holic, and will probably make another one soon!

PS. When you turn and iron (if you're using minky) reduce your heat setting so the minky doesn't get all flattened. Ok! Happy Sewing!