The Mommy Chronicles

The Great Breakfast Debate

2010-01-08T09:41:00.000-06:00

Mornings with a toddler are never easy, but the breakfast debate is what I dread the most.

Whether it just runs in her genes, or is just part of being a preemie, my 3 1/2 year old daughter has never been good at gaining weight. When she was about 12 months old, and switched to cow's milk, our pediatrician recommended that we start giving her a Pediasure drink each day. The Pediasure wasn't meant to be a meal replacement, but an additional caloric factor.

What started as a bedtime snack became a routine in the morning,too. That's right, two Pediasure drinks per day. If you're unfamiliar with Pediasure, it's a thick milk-like drink with added vitamins & minerals, comes in a 6-pack, and typically runs about $9-14 in price. It averages out to be $1.90 per 8-ounce drink, and my daughter consumes two 8-ounce drinks per day. No, insurance doesn't cover it.

These Pediasures have become a breakfast norm, sometimes with food, sometimes alone. Mornings in our house are chaotic for a number of reasons. I work part-time, so only 2-3 mornings a week do we get up against nature (that means with an alarm clock) and rush to leave the house. The other mornings, we wake lazily and take our time facing the day. Breakfast ranges from "here's a breakfast bar with your Pediasure" to "you're eating at daycare but here's your Pediasure" to "Daddy made pancakes and eggs, after you drink your Pediasure!" We never know what the little one will be craving, but sometimes her cravings make me want to run into the street screaming.

How can we make breakfast enticing, healthy, and fast? Well, if M&Ms and marshmallows were good for us, my problem would be solved. Since they're not, I'm going to borrow my dad's dehydrator and attempt a good trail mix. My daughter loves dried bananas, apples, and blueberries. I'm going to try mixing those with roasted, sliced almonds rolled in cinnamon sugar and a handful of Kashi O's (like cheerios, but minus the high fructose corn syrup). On days that I need to bribe her, perhaps throwing in a few chocolate chips will work... but even with milk I think this will be yummy.

Or at least I hope, because one more morning of "Honey, we're out of waffles, what else do you want?" leading to 6 open packages, mom's late for work, and a tantrum isn't good for my sanity!

First round with DIY Laundry Detergent

2010-01-03T01:32:00.000-06:00

I posted earlier about making my own laundry detergent, and I spent 2 weeks searching for ingredients and recipes. Unfortunately, 99% of the recipes I found called for Washing Soda. I have looked in every store I've been into in the last few weeks (and some I just happen to drive by) but with no luck. So, I decided to play around with my own recipe. This is what worked for me, keeping in mind that I have naturally VERY hard water, thus a water softener.

For a small test batch, I mixed:

2 Tablespoons Borax (20 Mule Team)
2 Tablespoons Baking SODA
1/4 bar of Fels-Naptha Laundry Sopa (Measured soap to be 4 inches across, cut 1 inch off and shredded)

I mixed all the finely ground particles together and added 2 tablespoons of the mixture to the washer, medium load. I did 3 medium-large loads, all came out great! I don't yet have enough for a whites load, which will be the real test, but so far so good. I have a 10-year old top-loading machine with agitator, and I use about 1/4 cup vinegar + 1/4 cup water as fabric softener. If you have an HE washing machine, I would suggest starting out with less detergent - maybe 1 Tablespoon per load.

Based on what I paid for my materials, cost is $0.09-$0.14 per load. Is this cheaper than commercial detergent? Not by much, depending on which brand you buy. Is it safer for the environment? I don't know. Does it contain fewer chemicals all around? Yup. It would be even better if an organic castile soap were used in place of the Fels-Naptha, but the FN was much cheaper for me to experiment with.

Being a child of the 80's, I was excited about this recipe and my feat. My best friend - just as excited. My mom, grandma, and aunt - they laughed at me and said "Why bother?" I'm guessing its a generational thing, but this is just something I've always wanted to try! Is it completely about being frugal, or the environment, or fragrance-free? Not really.... But life continues. Happy washing!

Looking for an indoor workout that's cheap and fast?

2009-12-29T00:23:00.000-06:00

I live in Wisconsin, so taking a walk after dinner (between November and March) isn't an option in my quest to be more physically active. We have a Wii that we enjoy, but no room in the living room to utilize it. I have a wonderful elliptical downstairs, but then when I take the stairs at work I feel like a schlepp - I need a better all-over fitness regime.

Meaghan, meet Jillan Michaels.

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A relative raved about Jillian's 30 Day Shred DVD, but I'm not that in to workout videos. But then I heard 2 girls at work talking about it (I work with exercise physiologists) so I figured - for $10, what can it hurt?

Oh, it will hurt alright!

Thirty Day Shred is a program that offers 3 stages. Each stage is 20 minutes, with a warm-up, several circuits (2 minutes of cardio, 2 minutes of strength training, 1 minute of abs), and cool down. In the beginning, you do stage 1 only, then stage 2 when you feel ready, up to stage 3. Some people choose to do all 3 stages for a 60 minute workout. The only equipment needed, besides TV and DVD player, are 5-lb hand weights and a mat (if you're working out on a hard floor).

Intended to be done every day for 30 days, there is a guarantee from Jillian that you will be pounds lighter or more firm at month's end. I'm not as physically fit as I wish, so I vowed to meet her twice a week for a month at stage 1. The EP's I work with agree that everyday for 30 days is not ideal, ESPECIALLY if you do not work out on a regular basis. For me, 2 days per week plus 2 days of elliptical is a pretty decent goal. I'm hoping within 6 months to be doing level 3... at least once per week - LOL.

There are two things I dislike about the video: crappy music and lots of jumping jacks. I have been blessedly endowed for a long time, and these girls don't handle jumping jacks well at all. Ladies, a good sports bra is crucial for this workout!

Jillian, between your 30 Day Shred and Master Your Metabolism... you're the force behind "No pain, no gain." But I like it!

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

2009-12-24T12:13:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading Fast Food Nation, an intense piece of non-fiction by Eric Schlosser. Several chapters seem to be an updated version of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, but still an excellent read.

I don't think that Schlosser has supremely great skills as an author, but as a researcher he really examined every aspect of the fast food industry. In fact, there are aspects to Fast Food Nation that were completely unexpected. I thought I would pick this book up to read about all the horrible fats, calories, and other hidden dangers available at the drive-through window. I had no idea that Schlosser would take us behind the fast food store into the meat packing industry. He looks at bioengineered food, unions, slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, government, and so much more.

I wasn't riveted to the point of completing the book in a day or two, but I did stay up late several nights in a row fascinated by the "secrets" uncovered here. Fast Food Nation would be a great piece to read in high school, if not for the fact that most high school students wouldn't understand much of the book. The other caveat is that the book was published in 2001, and the version I read updated with an "afterward" in 2002 or 2003. I'd like to know how things have changed since then, it being the dawn of 2010. Overall, great book - a must read even if you love your Happy Meal (yes, I do... well, I did).

Do Not Mail Registry - Sign the Petition!!

2009-12-23T15:58:00.002-06:00

Use the link below to suport a petition for a Do Not Mail registry, similar to the Do Not Call registry!

Do Not Mail : ForestEthics

Reusable bags on a keychain

2009-12-21T23:23:00.001-06:00

I LOVE these bags because they fold into themselves and have a carabiner - clip on to your key chain and never be stuck without a bag again!

Chicobag changed their logo, so old-logo bags are on sale for $1.50 apiece. Shipping is very reasonable. If you are interested in wrapping green-ly, and newspaper is not working for you (priceless art once the kids attach stickers!!), Chicobag has a great idea for using reusable bags as gifting bags - L O V E it!!

Now I can go to bed :)

A first - Making my own cleaner

2009-12-21T23:00:00.002-06:00

In an attempt to be frugal (i.e. cheap, penny-pincher, save money) AND green (i.e. eco-friendly, save the planet, non-toxic for my child) I have been searching for recipes to make my own laundry detergent, dishwasher soap, and dish soap. Part of my search is that I want items I can pick up at my local big-box store, instead of leaving a carbon footprint by driving 30 miles into "town" where the organic-friendly market is.

I found a 4-pound box of Borax (20 Mule Team brand, made by Dial Corp) at my local Pick n Save grocery store on sale for $2, so here goes. The recipe I picked from many comes from The Naturalisa's Blog - she has several recipes for cleaning that I like, and she actually updates on what works and what doesn't (Thanks Noelle!!).

One thing I want to note here: Essential Oils are not just used as a scent, but rather serve a purpose. EO explanations can be found at Aura Cacia, on of my favorites. I have heard of "therapeutic" essential oils, primarily from friends who independently represent Young Living. I own several oils from YL, Aura Cacia, and a local scent shop. I intend to use what I have around the house for the purpose of cleaning supplies.

I'll update as I use!

Has it been that long, really?

2009-12-21T15:52:00.000-06:00

Lately, I've been thinking about blogging. Not that I have a lot of important things to say, but I'm on the Internet all the time searching for "things" relevant to my role as a mom, wife, home-owner, employee, job-seeker, eco-savvy individual. And if I'm looking for these things, who's to say others aren't?

So I've decided to up the ante on my blogging and just do it :).

Garage Sale Time!!

2008-06-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

AS my neighborhood gears up for the annual Neighborhood Garage/Yard/Rummage Sale... I drag out my beloved tips. My last garage sale made around $1,000, of which a little over $400 was mine (after permit and paper ad). My goal this year is to have no more than 4 tubs leftover and make $400. Hope some of my tips help you!

When planning your garage sale, try to see your space through the eyes of the "shopper." Close your eyes and visualize yourself in the grocery store. You need oranges, rice, cereal, and cheese. You probably know where it all is. Imagine a grocery store where all of the items are on a table or shelf with no rhyme or reason, no prices, amidst utter chaos of people. Yikes! Do you want people to feel that way at your garage sale? Probably not...

Start preparing weeks in advance by gathering all your stuff. As ridiculous as it sounds, dump all your sale-worthy clothes into the washer/dryer so they smell fresh and aren't wrinkled. Whether you hang clothes on wire or palastic hangers is irregardless, but DO hang the nicer items (winter jackets, nice dresses, etc).

The week before (at least) begin prepping your area by clearing it out of all non-sale items. If you have lots of things attached to the walls, such as sports equipment and yard tools, try to place them elsewhere for the day of OR hang solid sheets over the walls (neatly) with a piece of paper attached reading: Not For Sale.

Borrow as many tables as you can so you have a place to display all of your items. Whether you borrow from friends or the church, or rent them from the town hall, make sure you have enough. If the tables are all different, or are scarred and dirty, consider getting some plain white tablecloths at the dollar store -- real merchandising tricks! Make all the display units uniform.

Arrange product by like product. Have all kitchen items on one table, tools on another, then jewelry, books, etc. If you have kids items, have it all separate. Having baby items at a yard sale brings out an entirely different crowd of people. Stuffed animals and/or pillows can go in tubs or boxes as long as the boxes are not flimsy, they are not overflowing, and consider putting the box in the middle of one of those tablecloths mentioned above so that when people dig things don't fall into the mud or dirt. Also, put a large (8.5 x 11) piece of paper on the front of the box (front - facing the street) advertising in bold letters what is in the box: PILLOWS or STUFFED ANIMALS.

Baby items should be arranged by size and gender. The most successful sales I have been to (and run) had tubs of the same size and color arranged with baby clothes by size. Each tub had a sign taped to the front and back, on a table in a middle aisle so people could dig from both sides. The were arranged into categories like: ONESIES newborn - 3months; SLEEPERS 6-9 months; PANTS/SHORTS 6-9 months and so on. Outfits, dresses, coats, and exceptionally nice items were all hung up.

To display the hanging items, place a tube (PVC, metal,whatever you have access to) on the step of two ladders, separated just far enough that the ends of the tube lay over each step. Duct tape the tube in place to the step so that no hazards occur, and repeat the process a little lower, so that 2 bars hang between the ladders. Arrange the clothes on hangers, facing the same direction, by gender and size. Use construction paper or card stock taped to clothespins or binder clips between the sizes to indicate sections.

Another big issue is cleanliness. We all know that this is your junk, but did you take care of it? Can customers see the treasure beneath the thick layer of grime? Wipe everything down as you are pricing. Always price items in black marker (Sharpie preferrably) on bright colored stickers, placed on TOP of each item. Please, don't do a table or basket of "Everything $1 on this table." Really? Do YOU remember everything on that table? If something needs to be scrubbed, you decide if its worth the time/energy to scrub. If it doesn't sell what will you do with it? Donate it...?

Leave plenty of room between tables for larger people (we do exist) to pass each other in the aisles. You don't want the space big enough for one, but TWO. Try to have lots of light, and consider hanging/placing a mirror by jewelry and clothes.

Play soft background music away from your $$ station so people can discuss your junk in privacy. Also consider putting in a plug-in or a hidden candle warmer. If you cleaned prior to set-up, it shouldn't smell, thought, right?

Make sure to have lots and lots of change-- generally $100 worth of $1, $5, $10 and a $20 or 2 plus quarters. If you are selling items for less than $0.25 than have that denomination on hand too. Keep your money close such as in an apron or fanny pack.

Have a friend to help so the day goes happier, smoother, and without stress (you're already sleep deprived). Sell sodas/water.

If you don't have a discount club membership (Sam's, BJs, Costco) ask a friend who does to pick up a case of water for you and a variety of soda or juice. You don't have to get fancy, but buy a few items at roughly $0.40 each or less, put them on ice in a cooler and sell them for $0.50 a piece. It's not a huge profit, but its not so overpriced that people won't be glad for it! I advise against coffee because of condiments and the possibilities for burns.

Make sure to take out an ad in the paper, and be specific. Pay the extra $10 to put the ad in bold, or add 3 extra lines. You need to grab attention with it! Also, utilize free resources like community bulletin boards in the grocery store, library, post office, and on craigslist.com.Make signs and put them out the night before/morning of. Get generic arrow signs made of corrugated plasic to put on corners leading up to your house, with your address blocked inside the arrow. One recommendation was to write the address/arrows on paper bags, fill with rock, sand, or gravel, staple shut and place out. Good idea, lots of work. If your town has ordinances against all signs, park your cars on the corner with a sign in the front window!Be prepared for early birds.

If you are concerned about them being underfoot while you set up, consider posting a sign that reads "Those present before 8am are tresspassing. Homeowners not responsible for injuries to trespassers. BEWARE of dogs and toddlers." It brings a laugh but a serious warning.

Count your money!

You will do well if you stay organized. Good luck :) and have fun!

That garage sale was our "Moving across the country, must sell everything" adventure that included 3 other households. We were very organized, and I sold 80% of what I put out, plus made almost $1000 all by myself! What a great way to clear out some "junk!"

2008-06-18T22:34:00.002-05:00

Check out my articles and blogs....

2008-06-18T22:26:00.000-05:00

I've always wanted to write, so now I'm fulfilling my fantasy. Even if no one ever reads my articles... I feel like I've accomplished something from my "To-Do Before I Die" List (don't laugh, I know you all have one). So check it out @ www.printnpost.com. If you search by author, I'm listed by name!

Choosing to Pump

2008-06-18T00:53:00.000-05:00

After a year being pump-free, my dear friend had a beautiful baby boy(BB). BB pulled a stunt not unlike my own daughter and refused to latch to mama's breast. She, like I, wanted nothing more then to be the angelic vision of a child suckling at mama's breast. Alas, simplicity is not the case!

Day 1 home from the hospital, she calls me frantic about her broken pump... and I am suddenly shot back to June 20th, 2006: my first day home from the hospital with a broken pump. I sensed the hysteria underlying her questions and immediately went to hook her up with God's gift to lactating women everywhere: the Symphony Medela.

It's refreshing to see her go through this. Don't get me wrong, I hate seeing her in this emotional turmoil. But I truly know how to make things better for her, as I have walked this mile already! If she'll just try to land in my footsteps part of the way... she won't get completely soaked or stuck in the journey!

And it leads me to this question: With all the info available in the world for moms who nurse, why are there no sites or books for moms who choose to exclusively pump long-term? I never found one, and believe me-- I looked!

So this is my tribute to those brave women who choose (or not) to exclusively pump the priceless leche for their babies.