Feb 16

Suite Dreams: Reclaiming Your Adult Space

Tidy Up Tuesdays 1 Comment »


I remember reviewing the plans for our house during the building phase and seeing a room marked, “Master Suite.” At the time we were living in a small, two-bedroom A-frame house in which two of our kids were smashed into one room and our almost three-month-old daughter slept so close to me in her bassinet that I could hear every movement of her chubby legs and arms. We loved our cozy, beach bungalow but we had clearly outgrown it.

In our new home, I’d imagined the master bedroom having a really great chaise lounge in a soft micro-suede to lounge on while I read a book. Or I thought maybe I’d indulge in a furry throw rug that I could admire at the foot of my California King-sized bed. Or better yet, I’d buy rich, 1,200-count, all-white bedding I could pull up over me while I sat and ate bon-bons and watched reality TV while my kids were at school.

So, of course, none of that happened. In fact, I ended up moving my office into my bedroom and nearly had a meltdown over mixing my relaxing retreat space with my hectic-work-from-home-life. Not to mention the fact that nearly every day of my adult life (as a parent) I’ve turned down my bed to find a Happy Meal toy, Webkinz, or a half-eaten piece of smuggled dessert under my pillow (I’m sure this was left behind by one of the kids and forgotten. I stash my junk food in much better spots. C’mon people…you know I’m smarter than that.).

In our dreams our bedrooms are a sanctuary, a place of peace, and a quiet place to call our own. Here’s how I recommend you begin today to reclaim your adult territory.

1. Remove all items that belong to children – i.e. their clothes, toys, shoes (or at my house –shoe. They are always solo. How on earth do we ever leave the house?)

2. Set some ground rules. I figure my kids stake their claim on my house, marking their terrain with every sticky finger print, so I can shut them out (or at least die trying) of my bedroom.

3. Listen to your mother. Make your bed – every day. I know it seems simple, but it has a big impact, because your bed is the focal point of the room and it has to look amazing.

4. Invest in yourself. I’ve heard parents say that their kids have nicer bedrooms than they do. I’m all for sacrificing for kids, but if your kids are anything like mine, they don’t appreciate their Pottery Barn accessories and don’t take care of them. Sacrifice for them in areas they actually care about and indulge in yourself in areas you can enjoy.

Buy the extra-thread-count sheets and the luxurious duvet cover. It does make a difference and you can tell a difference. I promise. It’s worth it. It’s a daily indulgence at the end of a long day. Can’t afford to splurge? Put it on your birthday, anniversary or Christmas wish list.

5. Kill the clutter. Nothing’s a better mood killer than junk everywhere. Why is it that mom’s room becomes a dumping ground for random stuff? Don’t fall into this temptation because clutter grows – exponentially.

Need help keeping surfaces clean? Put a few framed photos on your dresser, or a plant or clock on your nightstand to remind yourself and your family that a clean surface means it’s not a junk loading zone. If there’s something there already then they’re less likely to unload their pockets there.

6. Make it special. I think a master suite deserves a few other special accessories you wouldn’t find in your kids room or spare bedroom. An adult space deserves a few romantic details. Personalize the room to your tastes and comforts.

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Feb 15

Loves All Year Round

Mommy Monday 2 Comments »


Like most moms I think bedtime is my favorite time of the day. I really enjoy those last few snuggles and sweet well wishes before my girls head off to bed for the night. I also enjoy it because I know that it means I’ll have a few quiet moments to myself once the girls are sawing logs.

Also, like most moms, I know that the end of the day can mean endless tears and loads of drama before all of those pearly whites have been brushed and precious heads hit their pillows. We try to end the night on a good note by sharing “loves” with one another.

It’s kind of our own “Good Night John Boy,” wanna-be-Waltons-tradition that we do. Each person is assigned a different bedtime task, and we rotate a wheel on the fridge (made out of two paper plates – super high-tech, I know) and one lucky soul each night gets to “do loves.” The chosen one for the night starts with the youngest and goes to the oldest (including Aggie – our pug) and tells that person why they love him or her that day. This ritual even includes sharing a reason why you love yourself that day.

Honestly, I started this on a wish and prayer that we could build unity, self-esteem, and positive feelings for one another, but I had no idea all of the other miracles that would come from such a small nightly act. Some nights we’ve really had to stretch to find nice things to say about one another. (Shocker, I know! I’m sure this never is a problem in any other homes.)

For example, after some phenomenally bad behavior amongst siblings it has been a test to see how the girls would respond. I’m proud to say that they were able to see beyond broken objects and hurt feelings to see the good in one another. Even after a terrible taunting or bossy breakdowns I’ve seen heartfelt compliments given and received with wondrous humility.

I’ve also had to dig deep on days when I feel like I’ve done less than my best to find reasons I love myself. We’ve all been there and had our self-doubts, but when you know your three young and very impressionable daughters are looking to you as an example, you feel even more compelled than ever to search within yourself and find something loveable at your core. It’s not really about whipping up a great meal or finding something one of the kids had thought they’d lost that make you hold your head up high at the end of the day. While yes, those things are commendable, I realize that my answers are creating an image in my girls’ minds as to who I feel I am, how I view myself, what I value and what I’m striving to do with my life.

While Valentine’s Day is celebrated just one day out of the year, and it’s mostly about oversized teddy bears, balloons and cards, I try to give a part of myself and my character to my girls several times a week as I share my love with them – directly, opening, honestly and with great admiration.

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Feb 12

Chocolate is Love

Foodie Fridays No Comments »


photo by Sydney Springer

Valentine’s Day isn’t complete unless there’s chocolate.

You can serve this as a breakfast with the kids or as a great dessert. It’s so easy they can even roll up their sleeves and help make it.

Happy Valentine’s Day (almost).

Chocolate French Toast
From Melissa D’Arabian, Food Network’s $10 Dinners host

Ingredients
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch kosher salt
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 2 eggs
• 6 slices white bread, crusts removed and cut into triangles

Directions

Special equipment: 9 by 5-inch baking dish

In a small pot over low heat, add 1/4 cup cream, milk, sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, vanilla, and salt and bring to a simmer. Put the chocolate into a medium bowl and pour in the cream mixture. Let sit until the chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs and mix until well combined. Grease the baking dish with the remaining tablespoon of butter, and it line with the bread slices, overlapping slightly. Pour the chocolate mixture over the bread, making sure to cover the tips. Push the bread down with your fingers to coat the bread completely. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 2 hours. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Bake until the custard sets and the bread turns golden at the edges, about 30 minutes.
Add the remaining cream to a chilled bowl and whisk until soft peaks form. Serve the French toast on individual plates with a dollop of cream.

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Feb 11

Tornado of Love

Tried and True Thursdays 4 Comments »

One Valentine’s Day many years ago my husband and I were caught in a tornado.

Luckily the only major damage we experienced was to our plans for the night. The entire area lost power and every restaurant and grocery store was closed. When we got home from work and pondered our “romantic” night ahead, I was optimistic we could salvage our night. My optimism quickly faded, however, when I realized the power outage would mean we would be eating cold food out of a can and freezing our behinds off in our small two-bedroom apartment since our heater was electrically powered.

Because we were powerless in every way to turn our pathetic Valentine’s Day into anything more than a very long, very cold night, we vowed to never have a bad Valentine’s Day again in the years to come. So, here are three tried-and-true ways to celebrate Feb. 14 so you don’t end up huddled around a candy cane-scented candle leftover from Christmas pondering its ability to heat a room.

1. Go out on Feb. 13.
Once we started shelling out the big bucks for a babysitter my husband and I decided that crowded restaurants and long lines only added up to an expensive night. We discovered that going out a day early meant empty theatres and no need for reservations.

2. Celebrate with the kids, too.
I usually make a “red” and “pink” meal and we eat from festive plates with our young romantics. Start with a shrimp appetizer, dive into spaghetti and meatballs (Lady and the Tramp-style) and then wash it all down with cherry 7-Up.

3. Nothing beats a great movie.
After dinner gather everyone on the couch and watch a kid-friendly romance like “Enchanted” or “Little Manhattan.” After the kids are tucked away, flip on the classic chick-flick “The Notebook” or the guy-friendly “First Knight.”

Question: What’s your favorite romantic movie?

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Feb 10

Buy A Chick-Flick, Get A Chick-Flick

Deal of the Week No Comments »

If you’re planning on seeing Dear John over the long Valentine’s Day weekend, then here’s an amazing deal you can’t resist. Amazon is currently running an offer for a code for a FREE movie ticket when you buy one of the 10 movies listed on this link –http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&ref_=amb%5Flink%5F33029822%5F3&docId=1000474191

Give the gift as a Valentine’s present now or stash it for later. Thanks for the great tip Coupongeek.net and Moms By Heart!

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Feb 09

Ending the Clutter Nightmare

Tidy Up Tuesdays No Comments »


I consider myself to be an organized person. In fact, it gives me a rush to take a big ‘ol mess and make it look amazing.

Even the most organized people, including myself, have moments where they can’t find things or have paid a late fee on a bill that got tucked away accidentally. I believe most people want help getting it together, but just don’t know where to begin. No one is immune from disorganization –whether it’s a junk drawer or a hidden closet – and everyone has an area that could use some TLC. And if you have children, your chance of having these areas triples.

Most people make goals to become more organized but few people know where to begin. It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming if you tackle your clutter in stages. Today is the first in a series of posts related to home organization.

Here are some tips for getting organized and staying that way.

Step No. 1 – Don’t touch a thing.

It may seem crazy but the first step to getting a grasp on your organizational problem has nothing to do with sorting, alphabetizing, labeling or tossing items. Clutter is as much an emotional issue as it is a physical problem.

You have to figure out why it is that you’re holding on to all of the stuff. For example, many people hold on to items out of fear or loss. Piles of paperwork can symbolize fear of dealing with problems or finances. While an overabundance of toys for children who have outgrown them can really be a sign of a parent’s unwillingness to accept the end of innocence with her children.

Step No. 2 – Imagine for fantasy world.

Picture in your mind how you’d like that area of the house to look in an ideal world. Close your eyes and really try to see it how’d you like it. Whether it’s a toy corner in your living room or the master suite, you need to have a great mental picture to motivate you. Now that you’ve set your goal (that great fantasy image in your mind) you have to take all of the actions necessary to get to it.
In most cases that means letting go of what you’re holding on to now in order to reach the place you really want to be. When you start to feel yourself resisting change or trying to justify holding on to an item remember your goal and stick to it. You can’t continue to carry the past around with you if you want what’s in the future.

Step No. 3 – Sort it Out

Each item in a given space must receive an assignment: fix it, donate it, toss it or relocate it to another area of the house. Whatever items are left should be those items you want to remain in the space. I recommend using big plastic bins or laundry baskets to help you with the sorting process.

Not enough time to dedicate to a whole room? Skip your evening sitcom and allocate 30 minutes to organize one drawer, sort through one stack of papers, or sift through a mystery box in the garage. You’d be surprised how much you can do in such a short amount of time.

Grappling over those last few items? Ask yourself questions these important questions as you evaluate the items.

Is it something I’ve used in the last 12 months? Do I really need it? Do I love it? Can I live without it? Is this item in my mental picture of my fantasy room?

If you answer “no” to one or more of these questions you should seriously consider pitching the item.

Feb 08

Baby Mama: 15 And a Half Weeks

Guest Blogger, Mommy Monday No Comments »

By Tara Ross (Guest Blogger)

Even though I don’t look it yet, our new baby is 15 and a half weeks.

So I found ten interesting facts online about the fifteenth week of pregnancy. I also found out the stuffy nose I have could be a side effect of pregnancy, though I doubt it since Tyler and Gem both have stuffy noses and I am pretty sure they aren’t pregnant.

By the way, if any of this list is untrue, I apologize; I just copied and pasted off of various baby websites.

1. The baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple).

2. The baby can move all joints and limbs. The baby’s legs have grown longer than the arms and the body is now longer than the head.

3. Although the eyelids are still fused shut, the baby can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, it will likely move away from the beam. (Who finds out this stuff? How many ultrasounds do they do while pointing a flashlight at the baby?)

4. There’s not much for your baby to taste at this point, but taste buds are forming. And the baby can develop hiccups from time to time.

5. The baby might start sucking his thumb this week. (How could you possibly know that? Are there ultrasounds of thumb sucking babies?)

6. This week, the baby will start producing lanugo, which is fine hair that will cover the baby’s body up until a few weeks before birth.

7. The baby is spending most of its spare time practicing breathing, by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. Believe it or not, the very act of doing so will help the baby’s air sacs develop during pregnancy. (I guess if you’ve got nothing else to do, you might as well practice breathing.)

8. Baby’s major organs are now fully ready.

9. The baby can hear you and other sounds.

10. The skin is very thin and blood vessels are visible.

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Feb 06

Need Help Getting Ready for Tax Season?

Uncategorized No Comments »


Trying to get your taxes done? Paperwork ready for the accountant?

I’ve listed below a few items that you can deduct on your taxes that you may not be aware of and few that you likely need before you file that 1020. Be sure to consult tax professional about any of the items listed below.

Surprise Deductions:

• Zoo memberships. (Who knew? But our zo is considered a donation to a non-profit organization and is therefore a membership is tax deductable. Be sure to ask your local zoo and/or your accountant.)

• Donations made to your child’s school and/or PTA. (We all write checks out of guilt to help out our kid’s schools and now you can deduct it on your taxes, too.)

• Magazine subscriptions. (If you order these publications as a work-related expense then you can deduct these from your annual tax bill.)

• Your accountant. (Make sure you keep your receipt from your accountant for preparing last year’s taxes or for any software you purchase if you prefer to DIY. It’s also a deduction.)

My Annual Checklist:
• 1099s and W2s
• Interest loans statements
• Mileage (You can also include any mileage that you do for charity/volunteer work)
• Property tax
• HOA fees
• Homeowners/renters insurance
• Mortgage interest
• Student loan interest
• Charitable donations – monetary or supplies

If you own your own home business or work from home you may be able to deduct these items:
• Business supplies (business cards, paper, equipment, tables, desks, etc.)
• Gifts (Items you buy for clients)
• Business trips
• Business meals (You’re allowed a certain amount for each meal while you are on a trip, and you can also count meals you have with clients and potential clients)
• Mileage (You can also include any mileage that you do for charity/volunteer work)
• Postage (stamps, shipping packages, etc.)
• Membership fees
• Tax preparation fees and bookkeeping fees
• Vehicle registration fees
• Union dues
• Home office space expenses (that percentage of your home that is dedicated to your office)
• Home phone
• Cell phone (that percentage of your calls that are business related)
• Internet
• Cable
• Water/sewer/trash bills to the city

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Feb 05

Super Bowl Snackin’

Foodie Fridays No Comments »

Whether you’re watching the big game this weekend or not, chances are you’ve got a great, easy recipe for finger foods or dips.

Here’s my easy, crowd pleasing dip. I served it on New Year’s Day, but it works year-round. It’s so easy even my husband could make it.

1. Open can of chili.
2. Open package of cream cheese.
3. Mix.
4. Heat.
5. Serve with corn chips.

Question: What’s recipe do you whip up when you’re on your A Game?

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Feb 04

The Secret Is Out: An Expert Shares Tips on Bra Shopping

Guest Blogger, Tried and True Thursdays 1 Comment »


By Amanda Farmer (guest blogger)

I people watch. I see you at the mall. I see you with your friends. And honey what I see isn’t always pretty.

For example, this week as I was sitting at lunch – Subway to be exact – a co-worker of mine and I were people watching. A woman walked in wearing a too-tight blouse exposing four lumps. Four lumps don’t look good. It’s not attractive and it’s not sexy.

I can’t help myself. As a manager at Victoria’s Secret, I’ve been dishing out advice for years and I love to turn my people-watching into one-on-one bra consultations. But since that might not go over so well, I’ve agreed to be a guest blogger.

So here’s my advice just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Problem Area No. 1: Your bra is too small.

Diagnosis: If you’ve got four lumps then your bra is too small. If the cup comes up half way or if it doesn’t completely cover the lump then your bra is too small.

Solution: You probably need to buy a larger cup size. How do you know? The underwire of your bra should cup the breast tissue. Need a way to test it? If you push the outside of the underwire what do you feel? If it fits properly you should touch your ribcage. If you find breast tissue instead, then you’ll know that the cup is too small.

Problem Area No. 2: Your bra is too big or the elastic band is too stretched out.

Diagnosis: If the band comes up in between your shoulder blades then you’re in the wrong size. You either weren’t buying the right-sized bra or you’ve stretched out the band over time.

Solution: Buy a new bra that fits properly. This one is dead. Gone. Put in the grave. Cover it with dirt. It’s a done.

Problem Area No. 3: Your straps are creating gouges in your shoulders the size of the Grand Canyon then your straps are too tight. Ladies tightening the straps won’t help lift them up. Bra support comes from the elastic band being fitted properly.

Diagnosis: If you can’t get two fingers underneath the shoulder straps, then they’re too tight. This pulling will only wear out your bra faster and your bra will be dead.

Solution: Loosen the straps until you can fit two fingers underneath the straps and make sure your bra is fitting appropriately in other areas.

Problem Area No. 4: Buying a bra that doesn’t fit right. Many ladies spend $10 on a bra and then they get $10 of support from it.

Diagnosis: Having any discomfort when you wear your bra or having any of the previous three problems.

Solution: First, you should get measured every six months. Forget what size you’ve been for the last 10 years because it’s probably not the size you are today. Once you’ve been sized you need to be fitted, too. Let the associate come in and show you how it should fit.

Solution No. 2 (if dealing with an associate one-on-one is too uncomfortable): Make sure the center of the bra in the front is directly in front of the center of the bra in the back. You should imagine an arrow shooting directly through you. Also the hook should be on the center hook for proper support.

Other Tips:
Straps falling off your shoulders? Pick a wider strapped bra.

Don’t be afraid of lined bras. A lined bra will give you coverage so you won’t show throw. It will also give you more cupping shape. Besides, no one wants to see that you’re cold.

A padded bra will give you cleavage enhancement. But be careful to not buy textured bras that will show through the fabric on your shirt. Like some texture close to your skin? Flat lace can be worn with everything.

What color is best? Nude can be worn with everything and should be worn with white tops. White on white makes it see-through. Black should never be worn with white. It’s just tacky.

How many bras should I own? At least three: one to wear, one to wash, and one to rest. Bras need a rest from all of their hard work. If you wear the same bras multiple days in a row you will stretch it out faster.

How do I wash my bras? If you choose washing machine expect your bras to last two months. Instead wash them by hand and then lay them flat to dry. This will add an extra six months of life to each of your bras. Buying additional bras will lengthen the life of the bras you already own if you rotate and wash them correctly. Also, lingerie bags don’t count as hand-washing. In between hand-washing your personals you can take them in the shower with you and freshen them up with body wash and then lay them flat to dry.

Can you offer special advice for the super-sized or super-small? There’s a bra for everyone. Try specialty stores like Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant or Torrid if you’re a living large. More petite ladies should try European sizes at specialty shops.

How much should I spend? Bra shopping is an investment so you get what you pay for. Don’t be afraid to spend $20 or more per bra. If you care for them properly they’ll last longer and offer more support along the journey.

Question: More questions? Ask Amanda by sending me an email at ann@3girlsandapug.com. Don’t worry. It’s anonymous.

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