tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57952780926075362322023-06-20T07:41:35.865-06:00Crazy Life of a Stay at Home MomEvery stay at home mom faces the same problems. Trying to balance everything can be a task in itself. Join me in my ride through being a stay at home mom. I will cover everything from mom time, cooking, frugal finances, and more.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-77503290338394067352011-02-09T09:02:00.004-07:002011-02-09T09:08:12.960-07:00Quality time ChallengeEach member of our families deserve some quality time with us. One on one time that is focused on them. My challenge to you (and myself) is for this month make time for one another. This is the month of love after all! So forget that the floors may be a little dirty, or dishes need to be done and take 10 minutes to spend time with a family member. Then tomorrow do the same with another family member, and so on. Today is my time with my son, tomorrow my daughter, and every night is my time to snuggle up to my husband.<br /><br />Let me know what changes. I have heard it can help lower sibling rivalry. I am willing to give it a shot. Worst case is they will still fight and we will gain a few memories to cherish later.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-48617139999897878482011-02-07T08:41:00.003-07:002011-02-07T08:49:09.320-07:00Toy Box CleanoutToday is the day. My kids are not going to be happy. I am going to do a full clean out of their rooms. I know they still play with some of those broken toys (do not work as intended), but it is time to get rid of some stuff. So while my son is at school I will attack his room, and start on my daughter's.<br /><br />I need to stop by the store and pick out some new totes to organize some of the toys, but for the most part it will be trash, donation, and craigslist. Want to join me? It gets on my nerves to clean their rooms and have overflowing toy boxes.<br /><br />I also hope to find that missing Mario Party DS game that did not get put up and has not been seen in about a week. (I'm guessing it is at the bottom of the toy box or under the bed.)<br /><br />So wish me well. Hopefully the kids will be excited to have organized rooms, and not miss any toys that disappear.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-71575295965417999032011-02-05T15:53:00.002-07:002011-02-05T16:01:50.900-07:00Kids and SchoolOk moms (and stay at home dads). It is time to admit it. As much as we love our kids there is nothing better than when you can send the last one off to their first day of school. We love that quiet that hits the house for the first time in years. But there is one thing I am guilty of and that is not giving that time up occasionally for the school.<br /><br />Our schools are fighting to try to make ends meet. You want your kids to be in the best school? The time you give to your school will help them be better. It gives the teachers a little help they need, but the school cannot afford.<br /><br />I volunteered my time to help my son's class with celebrating their 100th day of school yesterday. It felt great and my son was in heaven. I realized that one of my fondest memories was when my mom came into my school as a kid and I could show off how smart and cool she was. Yes this has to be done before they are preteens. My son was so excited, the teacher grateful, and I had a blast!<br /><br />So talk to your kids teachers and ask if you can go help out a few days a month. I promise you will feel better for doing so.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-46459411338333356042011-02-04T08:12:00.003-07:002011-02-04T08:26:57.939-07:00Trying to be healthyWow! I cannot believe it has been a year since I posted last. It has been another crazy year. We have started to remodel the house, and now both of my children are in school. I apologize for not posting. I am getting on track and plan to post daily.<br /><br />So for today's post lets focus on a new recipe. My family and I are trying to make all healthy choices and make this new year a slimmer one. So I am on the search for new recipes to try and come up with a few of my own that are cheap yet healthy. So here is two of my new experiences to share with you. First I tried the Banana Soft Serve, and I did not like it. It needs something to off set the texture, so I will play with it and let you know if I find something I like.<br /><br />Second, I found this recipe that made my whole family eat in silence. Trust me, if my 6 year old son is too busy eating to talk that means it is a huge hit! Two cups each were enough to fill both my husband and I. I served them with salad and steamed broccoli. So I will post the recipe and also include the link on the bottom of the page. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheesy Chicken Cups<br /><br /></span><h2>Ingredients</h2> <div id="ingredients"> <ul> 1 can Buttermilk Biscuits (10 biscuits)<br />1 cooked chicken breast, cut into small pieces<br />1 can Healthy Request Cream of Chicken Soup<br />2/3 c. FF Shredded Cheddar Cheese<br />1 TBS dried parsley flakes<br />1/2 tsp. black pepper </ul> </div> <br /><br /> <h2>Directions</h2> Preheat oven to 400 degrees.<br /><br />Place each biscuit into a muffin pan. Press the biscuits into the holes (and up the sides) to form <span class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static; font-family: inherit ! important; font-weight: inherit ! important; font-size: inherit ! important;"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: inherit ! important; font-weight: inherit ! important; font-size: inherit ! important; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: inherit ! important; font-weight: inherit ! important; font-size: inherit ! important; position: relative;">cups</span></span></span> In a bowl, combine chicken, soup, cheese, parsley, and pepper. Mix well. Spoon evenly into cups.<br /><br />Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.<br /><br />Weight Watchers Points:<br />2 chicken cups: 5 points<br />3 chicken cups: 7 points<br /><br />Number of Servings: 10<br /><br />Link: <a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=83185">http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=83185</a>Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-45912626292812269582010-02-05T16:49:00.002-07:002010-02-05T17:10:20.938-07:00Dryer SheetsYes it has been too long. The good news is I have stumbled upon the best cleaning tip I have found in a long time. Thanks to a friend I have found other uses for dryer sheets. It started with her facebook post that they clean up hard water like a dream, and then my sister tried it for her entire bathroom. It even gets up that pesky hairspray residue! So I just tried it on the sink that was long ago (before I moved in) gunked up with soap scum and who knows what. I tried everything to clean that and nothing worked. . . until dryer sheets. So the secret is to wet them down, wipe the surface with them, and then wipe them again with a paper towel or dry washcloth. Use it for the whole bathroom. I would test it on a spot where you cannot see first, and I woould not use it on marble or granite.<br /><br />So after this wonderful find I decided to look into it more and found many more uses other than keeping your closets smelling good, in the clothes dryer, and reducing static. So try a few of these:<br /><br />1.) Put a sheet on your patio to repel some insects like mosquitoes.<br />2.) Great to clean soap scum and hard water stains.<br />3.) When sewing run the needle through a dryer sheet to keep the thread from tangling.<br />4.) Put in in a dish that has baked food on it overnight. It will loosen the food that is stuck on.<br />5.) Wipe up sawdust. (You can even reuse one that has already been put into the dryer.)<br />6.) Put one inside a shoe overnight to remove the oder.<br />7.) Soak paintbrushed in warm water with a dryer sheet to remove latex paint easier.<br />8.) Boil in water in an old pan that you won't use to cook with later to freshen your house.<br /><br />There are so many uses that it would take an entire page just to list them. These are some of my favorite. I haven't tried them all yet, but I will be using them everywhere!Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-60751706379754301942009-10-08T13:10:00.003-06:002009-10-08T13:29:57.026-06:00What's For DinnerIt is a question asked in every household. So what are you going to make for dinner? If this question is not easily answered then you need to look at making a meal plan ahead of time. Don't have time? No problem. Tired of the same thing over and over? No problem. Now for the hard part. . .you live on a budget and want to buy according to the ads? No problem. Even if you want to eat a certain way it is really not a problem.<br /><br />Take a few minutes and go to <a href="http://e-mealz.com/">e-Mealz.com</a>. Talk about making shopping easy! After you choose the plan of how you want to eat they make a meal plan, give you the recipes, and then you can print out your shopping list. They even separate it by sections of the grocery store. Now for the best part, they use the sales ads for the week to make up the meal plans. It is a great website that I have been using for a while now. So far we have enjoyed every meal I have tried off of it, and amazing enough so have my kids! Try it out. It will save you time, energy, and stress.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-22431662878914674482009-10-02T10:15:00.002-06:002009-10-02T10:23:11.771-06:00No More!I have neglected myself for too long. I have allowed myself to get fat, out of shape, and have dedicated myself 1100% to my family. The problem with giving them 100% is that I feel run down, neglected, and taken for granted. So when my wonderful husband signed us up for the gym I jumped on it. Today is day 2 of working out, and I already feel better. There is nothing like getting away from the kids for an hour a day and putting that time into improving myself. I so want to look nice at that elegant Christmas party for his work. I want to be the trophy wife that he is proud to show off. I know it won't be perfect this year, but it can be better than last year.<br /><br />So ladies do not let yourself go. It is too easy to forget that if we do not take care of ourselves we do not have the energy or good emotional place to take care of others. Take an hour, or even just hlf an hour and do something for yourself. I read at night, but I am too tired to enjoy it. Now I work out in the morning and I carry that energy through the day. As Nike would say, 'Just Do It'!<br /><br />The cleaning chore for the week is the closets. Clean them out completely, Shelves, Droors, walls, and every nook and cranny.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-71535163946560466972009-09-29T09:58:00.002-06:002009-09-29T10:15:09.886-06:00Turning Clutter Into MoneyOne challenge I am faced with is that I am a packrat. I hate getting rid of stuff, because I find I usually need it after I get rid of it. So I go through periods that the clutter becomes too much and I have to get rid of it. I do a focused cleanup in the spring, but some of my fall cleanup requires me to get rid of stuff as I do my big cleanups. After cleaning out the garage this weekend and waiting for the stuff to sell I am reminded that some people may not be educated on ways to get rid of clutter. So as you do your cleanup in a room make 4 piles, keep, donate, sell, and trash. Now lets go through those piles.<br /><br />The keep pile should be stuff that you use, will make or save you money, or that you love. If it does not fit into those catagories then get rid of it. Donate is stuff that is in good shape, but is not worth the trouble of trying to sell. The stuff you sell you can do in a garage sale, Ebay, or my favorite <a href="http://www.craigslist.com">craigslist.com</a>. I prefer craigslist because I rarely have a day to just sit there waiting to sell stuff, and in the weather never fits my schedule. Don't forget to seperate the trash into recycle and landfil. <br /><br />This sounds a lot easier than it is, but you will feel much better after it is over, and hopefully you can turn some clutter into cash.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-72767976389772345822009-09-27T06:18:00.003-06:002009-09-27T06:41:50.217-06:00Cheap and Fun Mom TimeEvery mom needs to take care if herself just as much as she takes care of her family. Yes it is the easiest thing to blow off, but it will also hurt you the most to do so. This is the one area I really struggle in. So here are a few ideas to get you started.<br /><br />1.) <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.meetup.com">www.meetup.com</a> is a great place to find a group to belong to. It is also a good way to find playgroups. If something does not fit you, make your own group!<br /><br />2.) Have you husband baby sit and go read somewhere (park, coffee shop, etc) all by yourself.<br /><br />3.) Arrange with a friend to meetup for coffee.<br /><br />4.) Shopping by yourself. I love grocery shopping as long as I can leave the kids and husband at home.<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><br />5.) Work out. Most fitness centers have child care on site for cheap.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">FALL CLEANUP CHALLENGE:</span> Garage. We have a ton of stuff up for sale on craigslist, and just waiting for that to sell before we can put the finishing touches on the garage. My wonderful husband did most of the work while I kept the kids busy.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-45357615157975730232009-09-25T16:15:00.000-06:002009-09-25T16:16:04.381-06:00Winter and Fall Cleaning?Yes I know, it is supposed to be "spring" cleaning. Not in my house. I have a fall and winter cleaning. Why should I deep clean my house in the spring when I will not be inside to enjoy it! My spring cleaning is all about getting rid of stuff, but my fall and winter cleaning is about getting the house ready for us to be inside it all the time. My tip is find 1 task to complete extra per week. Spread that work out all winter while you are trapped inside. Scrub those walls, clean out the cupboards, and any other thing you think may need to be done. I will tell you each week what I accomplish and if you dare you can keep up with me. This week was a big fat zero. Just maintaining the house with everyone being sick is my accomplishment! But that is my cleaning tip of the week, do the inside jobs when it is cold out and spread them out.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-90908344322150415762009-09-25T15:52:00.002-06:002009-09-25T15:56:45.353-06:00Flu has hit!Sorry ladies but the flu has hit my family. It has been crazy. So I am back and coming back strong. But I have a family strong recipe to help you get into the winter mood! My mother's chili recipe that has been passed down her family. This is my comfort food during those cold months. It is cheap to make, and it works great to make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later. You can also freeze it in small containers for fast lunches.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mom’s Chili</span><br />2 cans pinto beans<br />½ large onion chopped<br />½ green pepper chopped<br />1 lb ground beef or venison or ground turkey<br /> 14.5 oz can tomatoes (I use diced)<br />8 oz tomato sauce<br />1 ½ tsp salt<br />Dash: Paprika<br />Dash cayenne pepper<br />3 whole cloves<br />1 bay leaf<br />1 - 2 tsp chili powder<br /><br />Brown onion, green pepper, and meat in a pan. Throw in crock pot and add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer 2 hours adding water if needed. Add beans, heat completely and serve.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-49795602385712929792009-09-04T08:52:00.002-06:002009-09-04T09:00:03.764-06:00Cleaning Tip: vinegarVinegar is a great, cheap cleaner.Don't worry if you don't like the smell because it disappears soon after you use it. The only place I know of where you do not want to use it is on Granite or marble counter tops. So here is a list I found at <a href="http://thewomanhood.com">thewomanhood.com</a> .<br /><br />"Heinz company spokesperson Michael Mullen has cited numerous studies to show that a straight 5 percent solution of vinegar such as you can buy in the supermarket kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses). He noted that Heinz can't claim on their packaging that vinegar is a disinfectant since the company has not registered it as a pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, it seems to be common knowledge in the industry that vinegar is powerfully antibacterial.<br /><br />Here are twenty-seven uses for vinegar:<br /><br />* <b>Deodorize your sink drains</b>: Pour a cup down your drain, let stand about thirty minutes, then run cold water.<br /><br />* <b>Unclog a drain</b>: Dump 1 cup of baking soda down your drain and follow it with 1 cup of vinegar. When they mix, they foam and expand, cleaning your drain. Allow a few minutes for the mixture to do it's job, then flush with hot water for several minutes.<br /><br />* <b>Disinfect and clean wood cutting boards</b>: Rub with vinegar to disinfect and clean. If your cutting board has deep grooves, you can also soak the board in vinegar for 5-10 minutes.<br /><br />* <b>Cut grease</b>: When washing greasy pans or dishes, add a few tablespoons of vinegar to your soapy dishwater.<br /><br />* <b>Clean the dishwasher</b>: Vinegar reduces soap build up, so throw a cup of vinegar in your dishwasher and let it run a full (empty) cycle once a month or so.<br /><br />* <b>Clean the coffeepot</b>: Hard water can clog a coffeepot and cause yucky buildup inside it. To remedy this, pour 1 cup vinegar in your coffeepot, fill the rest of the way with water, then run it through a cycle as usual (without coffee grounds in the filter). Rinse the coffeepot out. Fill it with fresh water and run another cycle without coffee to rinse the inside of the coffee maker.<br /><br />* <b>Loosen food grime and clean the microwave</b>: Place a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups water, 1/2 cup vinegar inside the microwave and microwave on full power for 3-4 minutes (it needs to boil). Keep your microwave closed for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grime, then open your microwave, carefully remove the bowl, and wipe clean!<br /><br />* <b>Clean windows</b>: Mix 1 cup vinegar with 5 cups water, and you've got a great window cleaner. If you must have blue window cleaner, just a few drops of blue food coloring!<br /><br />* <b>Remove grease from kitchen walls</b>: Put straight vinegar on a dishcloth to wipe grease off kitchen walls, or the stovetop.<br /><br />* <b>Remove pet urine stains (and smells) from carpet</b>: Mix about 1/4 cup of vinegar to a quart of water. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and blot the area several times.<br /><br />* <b>Clean kitchen and bathroom faucets</b>: Soak a paper towel in vinegar then wrap it around your faucet to remove mineral deposits.<br /><br />* <b>Clean and shine no-wax vinyl or linoleum floors</b>: Mix 1 gallon of water with 1/2 cup vinegar in a bucket, then mop or scrub your floor with the solution.<br /><br />* <b>Inexpensive scouring powder</b>: Combine two tablespoons each of vinegar and baking soda for an effective scouring powder.<br /><br />* <b>Clean the toilet rim</b>: Put straight 5% vinegar in a squirt bottle and use it to clean the rim of the toilet. It disinfects, too!<br /><br />* <b>Prevent mold and mildew in the shower</b>: Wipe down tile or Formica shower walls with a sponge or cloth dampened with water and vinegar. The vinegar will clean the walls and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.<br /><br />* <b>Unclog the showerhead</b>: Mineral deposits from hard water can cause a sputtering, clogged shower head. Place the showerhead in a pot, add enough vinegar to completely cover it. Heat the vinegar to just below boiling, then remove from heat. Allow to sit for at least 6 hours. The acid in the vinegar will eat away the deposits. Rinse the showerhead well, and it's ready to go again.<br /><br />* <b>Get rid of the funky smell in that lunchbox</b>: Soak a piece of plain bread in vinegar, then place it in the lunchbox overnight and the smell will disappear!<br /><br />* <b>Remove rust</b>: To get rid of rust, soak items in vinegar (do not dilute). This will work on any metals.<br /><br />* <b>Remove residue and styling product build up from hair</b>: After shampooing, rinse your hair with a mixture of 1/2 vinegar, 1/2 warm water to remove all the build up and get rid of that dullness.<br /><br />* <b>Eliminate smells</b>: Run a hot tub of water and pour in one or two cups of vinegar. Hang smelly clothes on hangers along your shower curtain rod. This will remove smoke and other tough smells.<br /><br />* <b>Get rid of stickers, decals and sticky residues</b>: Rub a few coats of vinegar on the area and allow to soak. Then wash off with a wet washcloth and the sticky will rub right off.<br /><br />* <b>Polish patent leather purses and shoes</b>: Place vinegar on a clean cloth, then rub over patent leather. Wipe dry with another clean cloth.<br /><br />* <b>Remove stains</b>: Rub a small amount of vinegar gently on fruit, jelly, mustard or coffee type stains and wash as usual. No more stain!<br /><br />* <b>Clean your glasses</b>: Place a drop of vinegar on the lens, then rub with a cotton cloth.<br /><br />* <b>Get the smell out of your cloth diapers</b>! Next time those cloth diapers start to smell, add a 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar in your last rinse.<br /><br />* <b>Polish your car</b>: Rub vinegar on chrome to clean and shine it.<br /><br />* <b>Remove bumper stickers</b>: Soak a cloth in vinegar and lay it over the bumper sticker. Allow to soak a few minutes. The bumper sticker should peel right off. Rub vinegar over the area to remove the sticky residue, if necessary.<br /><br />* Next time you have a sore throat, try gargling with cider vinegar! "<br /><br />And a tip for vinegar of my own is to run it through your coffee maker once in a while to keep coffee buildup from changing the taste of your coffee. Just make sure to run a few pots of water through it afterwards.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-81647329921999572612009-08-19T11:48:00.002-06:002009-08-19T11:58:58.819-06:00Jodi PicoultEvery mom needs to take time for herself. You cannot be 100% for your children and remain positive toward your life. We all love our children, but we cannot lose ourself in raising them. Remember that when they have moves out of the house you will be left to continue with your life and they will not want you involved every day. Give yourself some time to get back to you, enjoy some recoup time, and be refreshed and ready to be there for your family. It doesn't matter when you do it, or what you do. Pick something you love and do it, even if it is only when they are in bed.<br /><br />I love to curl up in a good book and get lost in a good story. I have many favorite authors, but today I will introduce you to one. Jodi Picoult is an amazing author that most women love. She educates herself on her subjects and writes a story that you will more than likely cry, laugh, hope, and dream along with. A good example is 'My Sister's Keeper' and that book has been made into a movie that was released into theaters in June. I haven't seen the movie yet, but the book was an experience in itself. After reading 'Change of Heart' I was compelled to read every one of her books. If you are not afraid of a book that will bring out a wide variety of emotion I highly suggest Jodi Picoult. Just pick any one of her books and be ready for an amazing story as she shows the woman's outlook on religion, relationships, illnesses, and more.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-29347128912470327532009-08-18T11:27:00.003-06:002009-08-18T13:32:57.265-06:00Child CareThere are so many experts on how to raise your kids, and things change on a regular basis. To be honest I have one set of ideas that I find help make the household a nicer place to be and the kids really respond to. I will not get into too much detail today, but I will give you a basic outline of Love and Logic. <br /><br />Love and Logic teaches kids through empathy not anger. It also teaches kids with real world consequences while the prices are still small. Give them lots of choices, use empathy instead of anger, and let the consequences teach them. Love and Logic is hard to break down into a quick overview, but do a little research and you will love the rewards. It is amazing how my kids respond when I am empathetic (even when I have to fake it) rather than angry. The Love and Logic Institute can give you the tools to deal with any age, and almost any circumstance. You can visit them at <a href="http://www.loveandlogic.com/">www.loveandlogic.com</a>. If you do not want to buy the books right away look into your local papers. In my area there are seminars and events taking place almost every week for free or for small fees. Also talk to your schools since most have implemented Love and Logic into their daily discipline.<br /><br />Now if you will please excuse me I feel an 'energy drain' coming on strong . . .Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-75668697235550864692009-08-17T19:41:00.003-06:002009-08-17T20:47:37.081-06:00Finances start with a budgetAll finances should start with a budget, so I will tell you the basics of making a realistic budget you can stick to. It takes time, but you will be amazed at how much of your money is being thrown away. The hard part comes first. FOr one full month you need to only buy what you NEED. If it is not necessary to buy for survival, recurring bills, or necessary for a job then you do not get it. Keep track of your money during this month by getting a receipt for every transaction and that means even if it is just a few cents. By the end of the month you have accomplished two important things; 1. You know how much money you need to survive. 2. You know where to budget your money.<br /><br />After the first month you can sit down and write down a realistic budget. Remember to add in a form of entertainment, but keep it within reason. A few things you should really budget for is savings and college for your children. If all goes well you will have expenses paid, savings set, and have some extra money. If not then check back for my posts on working from home.<br /><br />The most important part of a budget is following it. Be strong ladies, and make sure your husband sticks to it. Just having a budget on the table will help you control the expenses. Give it a try ladies, and enjoy the reward of spending your money in the places that actually mean something to you.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-57562044684443383722009-08-14T12:33:00.001-06:002009-08-14T12:35:26.268-06:00Cleanin tip - crayon cleanup“Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow<br />For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow<br />So quiet down, cobwebs<br />Dust, go to sleep<br />I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.”<br />Anon.<br /><br />As a mom, one of the hardest things I try to do is balance my priorities. I want a happy family, clean home, and still manage to make money. It has taken me a long time to realize that I can not do it all. I have also found that the key is to do things the best you can in the time that you have. So here it is ladies, the cleaning tip of the week. Something that will help you save time cleaning and give you more time to spend with those who need you the most.<br /><br />Crayons can be easily cleaned off most surfaces with Scott's Liquid Gold. Yes ladies, I am serious. Stop spending the money on the Magic Erasers! I found out this gem from cleaning the crayon off my son’s dresser. Now it just takes minutes to get that crayon off the wall, baby gate, windows, and whatever furniture caught my little artist’s eye while I got distracted cooking. The only downside of using this method is you may have to wipe it down again with a rag wet with water afterwards since Scott's Liquid Gold is oily, but my walls have never looked cleaner.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795278092607536232.post-7649547861365101092009-08-13T19:07:00.004-06:002009-08-13T19:21:48.664-06:00Pudding DelightEvery woman should have a recipe that everyone wants. This is a recipe that is great for company, family, or potlucks. It is easy to make, and leaves them wanting more.<br /><br />1 1/2 cubes butter<br />1/4 c flour<br />1 1/2c chopped walnuts<br />8 oz softened cream cheese<br />16 oz Cool Whip<br />1 c powdered sugar<br />2 boxes Chocolate or lemon instant pudding<br />3c cold milk<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First Layer:</span> mix together butter, flour, and walnuts. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before adding second layer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Second Layer:</span> Mix together cream cheese, 8 oz Cool Whip, and powdered sugar. Spread on top of the first layer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Third Layer: </span>Mix together pudding and milk as directed. Spread on top os the second layer. Let sit for 30 minutes.<br /><br />Top with the remaining 8 oz Cool Whip. Decorate if desired.Crazy life of a momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458244334130293485noreply@blogger.com0