Tuesday: How to Make Your Own Paint Brush

This may not be your solution to every painting project- especially very complex ones- but when you are running low on supplies or are just in a hurry to touch something up (I fell into this situation the other day)- use a cheap cleaning sponge as a paint brush. Ingenious? Maybe not. But a nice tip when in a tight situation? Yes.

Monday: Mommy Giveaways!

It's no secret. Well, it SHOULD be no secret- I am a mommy who just happens to love baby EVERYTHING (especially baby girl things). Know what ELSE is not a secret? I am CHEAP. I love good deals, steals, and, of course, freebies! Which is why I want to share this giveaway with you all, my beloved followers.



Think- you could get this for FREE!!

Pink Taffy Designs is an online baby boutique with lots of things any and every mommy needs for their little one. Especially their baby girl items! To give you a chance to see what fun stuff they have, they are going to be giving away their Wall Letters! You can use them to spell you baby's first or last  name, 'family', 'love' or whatever you want. A lot better than my homemade wall hanging, if we're going to be honest.....
 

This giveaway will last for two weeks starting September 3rd and running until midnight, September 16th. Enter by using the Rafflecopter link below to enter.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

(ps- it takes a moment to load the link)

Wednesday: The Truth about Mean Girls

Now, I do wonder if there is any kind of meaning in this.... after all, these 'mean girls' (Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, Amanda Seyfried) sure seem to be some pretty hot heartthrob actresses.....and Lindsay Lohan isn't really doing so hot, so.....

(PS to my followers- I am sorry I have not posted for a few weeks- I am in the early throes of some pretty intense morning sickness these days.... but I hope to be back up and running soon!)

Thursday: PIMP "Perfectly Incredible Mashed Potatoes"

Why be a pimp when you can make PIMP instead? Perfectly Incredible Mashed Potatoes, that is. You can also call these the best mashed potatoes ever- or the most creamy mashed potatoes ever... Basically these mashed potatoes are

*incredibly delicious
*practically negative nutritional value

You can use this as a reward for yourself- or to impress cranky old relatives at family parties.

Ingredients
*4 peeled, diced raw potatoes
*4 tb butter
*4 tb cream cheese
*6 tb sour cream
*dash garlic powder
*salt/pepper to taste


Once you have the ingredients, the how-to is pretty easy.

-Boil diced potatoes in salt water

-While potatoes are boiling, put the butter, cream cheese, and sour cream into a separate bowl

-Once potatoes are ccompletely mashable and soft, drain the water and put the potatoes into your bowl with the butter, cream cheese, and sour cream, then mash, mash, mash

-Season with garlic powder and salt/pepper to taste

Add cheese or gravy to finish them and then enjoy! You won't be able to go back to normal mashed potatoes every again!

Mmm... Chicken Gravy....

Tuesday: How to Store Fruits/Veggies: Which Need Refrigeration and Which DON'T

Be prepared to be shocked. And AWED. At the fruits and veggies that actually DON'T need to be refrigerated! Ok, you won't be shocked and awed. Probably. But still, this is a handy list for anyone that buys or eats fruits and veggies.

*As a general rule, once any fruit/veggie has been cut open, you'll need to refrigerate it. Until then, however, MANY can be left out.




**Until ripe. Once ripe, refrigerate to slow aging.

Fruits Requiring Refrigeration	Fruits that Do NOT Require Refrigeration
Strawberries	Avocados**
Blackberries	Melons
Raspberries	Peaches**
Grapes	Apricots**
Blueberries	Nectarines**
Cherries	Apples
Huckleberries	Plums**
	Persimmons
	Pears
	Bananas
	Tomatoes**
	Mangoes
	Pineapples
	Clementines**
	Kiwis**
	Lemons
	Limes
	Pomegranates

**Until ripe. Once ripe, refrigerate to slow aging.

Vegetables Requiring Refrigeration	Vegetables that Do NOT Require Refrigeration
Leafy vegetables (arugula, lettuce, spinach, etc.)	Tomatoes**
Broccoli	Onions
Peas	Garlic
Beans (black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans, etc.)	Potatoes
Green beans	Winter squashes (butternut and acorn)
Asparagus (best stored in a plastic bag filled with water)	Chilies
Leeks	Corn**
Radish	Cabbage
	Celery
	Carrots
	Ginger
	Jicama
	Sweet potatoes
	Yams

BONUS!!

Need to ripen a fruit or vegetable? Put it in a paper bag with a banana. Bananas give off a gas that causes fruits and veggies to ripen more quickly. Knowing that, keep them way from your ripe fruits and veggies!

DOUBLE BONUS!!

To slow down the ripening of avocados, honeydews, or cantaloupes, put them in the refrigerator until 24 hours before you want to use them.

Monday: Don't be a Frumpy Mom!

Sometimes I see women without children -makeup perfectly applied, hair expertly styled, manicured toes, dressed stylishly with coordinating accessories- and I envy them. I remember when I was once stylish and well put together, but being a 'well put together mom' feels like an oxymoron now. If I can get out the door with my baby wearing something clean and my own teeth brushed, I feel like I've accomplished something.

Much as I want to spend an hour (perhaps two?) getting ready each morning and look impeccable when I leave my home, with a baby, it's really not possible (not to mention a bout of morning sickness to add to my woes).

BUT.

That DOES NOT mean that I, NOR YOU, need to be a frumpy mom.

Frumpy Momˈfrəm-pē ˈməm: Someone who uses the excuse of being a busy mother to justify lazy and poorly put together outfits. Some examples include 'mom jeans', sweats with flip flops, and the eternal ponytail.

Fortunately, keeping yourself away from being a frumpy mom doesn't have to take hours to do! In fact, while you may never be quite as stylish and fashionable as you were as a single 20's something, you CAN maintain style without compromising your limited time.

Frumpy Mom

Chic Mom

Flip Flops You throw on any old pair because they are comfortable and easy

Flats As easy and comfortable to wear as flip flops, a pair of flats can make your outfit look more thought out (even if it wasn’t!)

Pony Tails Yes, they are easy to do- but don’t show any real style (though it is better than not doing anything with your hair…)

Buns Use a few bobby pins or an extra pony tail holder to transform your pony tail into a bun. Only a few seconds longer to get ready, but it will make a world of difference in how you feel looking into the mirror. Hats A bolo or wide floppy brimmed hat are easy ways to cover your ridiculous hair and, rather than take away from your style, ADD to your suave-ness.

T-shirt and Jeans It’s a classic- and can look amazing- but too often, we moms (I’m guilty, too!) wear any old shirt and jeans KNOWING it does nothing for your figure

Hanging Necklace and Sweater Add a light sweater and a long necklace to your t-shirt and jeans and suddenly, you have an adorable coordinated outfit. With minimal effort!

Sweats/Pajamas Eeek! You’ll only feel comfortable as Wal Mart past midnight in something like this….

Maxi Skirt/Dress So, play it up in a maxi skirt or dress instead! Just as comfortable (if not MORE comfy) than your jammies, you can do all of your mom duties in a maxi dress but look perfectly stylish the whole time.



The options!

Shapeless Dresses The lack of shape makes them comfy to wear and easy to pull on, but trust me: Doing you NO favors. Instead?

Long Necklace and Mini Belt Throw on the shapeless dress- but add a long necklace to draw the eye up and a mini belt around your natural waist to break up the dress and give you’re a more slender figure.

No Makeup? We’ve all done it. Perhaps more than we’d like to admit.

The Basics The basic-basics take less than 30 seconds but absolutely changes the way you look and feel. *apply blush lightly to cheekbones and then brush over eyelids *one light, swift coating of mascara on the top lashes only *lip gloss Will it look as amazing as a fully done face of makeup? No. But is it a vast improvement over nothing? Hands down.

NOTHING to Wear! This is my biggest challenge personally. I wake up, have a crazy morning, need to run out the door, and have just no idea of what to wear.

Treat Yourself Like a Kid How often have you set out clothing for your child for the next day? Or set together outfits for vacation all read to go? Maybe even in a Ziploc bag? Make your OWN life easier- the night before, put together an outfit on your dresser, so that the next morning, all you have to do is put it on. You can even do a week’s worth of outfits and lay them out so everyday, it’s as easy to wear a stylish outfit as it would be to just roll out in your scrubs. Just pretend you're your own Pinterest and actually SET OUT those outfits you're always pinning...

In the end, it just takes a few moments of preparation before you walk out the door- and I feel like it is totally worth it. I never want my husband to even THINK that I've "let myself go" since getting married... Plus, you don't want to run into an ex looking like a frumpy mom, am I right?

Any other ideas? Reply to this post and share them! I'd love more thoughts on it!

Wednesday: Dachshund Puppy Nibbles

I always have to put baby puppy pics... cause my hubby loves puppies. They are all for him

Wednesday: SO Punny

Did you make that pun on porpoise? The punnier the better.....

Tuesday: How to Use Herbs/Spices for Home Remedies

I think it is fascinating how the spices and seasonings we typically only think of for cooking can be used as natural home remedies for various illnesses. Next time your aren't feeling up to par, raid your cupboards and see if there isn't a natural home remedy in your spices!

Here is an alphabetized list. Be sure to reply to this post with your success (and un-success) stories! What REALLY works for you? (And, of course, discuss health issues with your physician to know what is best to help you with any health issues/problems you may have.)

Allspice pimenta officinalis Although not recommended for those with low blood sugar problems, a tea made from allspice is said to help revive the body when suffering from frostbite and intense cold. Also useful in cold water as an oral rinse for bad breath.

Anise pimpinella anisum Used in tea for gas problems, cough, hiccups, and asthma.

Sweet Basil ocimum basilicum Apply fresh basil or basil made into a poultice and apply it to bee, wasp, or hornet stings. In a tea, it can be helpful for nausea and stomach cramps.

Bay laurus nobilis Use dried bay leaves in the top and bottom of wheat to keep weevils out. As a tea, it can be useful for whooping cough and can  help to clear lung congestion.

Caraway carum carvi When used in a hot tea, it can be helpful for uterine cramping and intestinal gas problems.

Cardamom elettaria cardamomum Used in a tea, it can relieve gas and heartburn; chewing a few seeds will temporarily clear up bad breath.

Chili Powder Used for pneumonia, fever, and extreme cold/frostbite.

Cinnamon cinnamomum zeylanicum Can help with indigestion and can help nausea due to seasickness/high altitudes.

Cloves  eugenia caryophyllata In a tea, it can help bronchitis symptoms and can prevent vomiting.

Coriander coriandrum sativum Oil of coriander can help relieve swelling and pain in arthritic limbs.

Cumin cuminum cyminum When used in a tea, cumin can be helpful for intestinal issues, the common cold, and abdominal cramps.

Dill  anethum graveolus Chewing on dill seeds can help fix bad breath and a tea made of dill can help increase breastmilk production.

Fennel foeniculum vulgare Use fennel in warm water for an eye rinse for sore eyes.

Ginger zingiber officinale Ginger used in tea can be a fantastic remedy for morning sickness and general nausea.

White Mustard brassica alba When used as a warm gargle, it can help relieve sore throats.

Oregano origanum vulgare Use oregano in a tea to prevent sea/air sickness and vertigo.

Nutmeg myristica fragrans When added to baked beans, it can reduce intestinal gas. As a tea, it can also improve appetite.

Paprika capsicum annuum Use in a warm salt gargle to help you recover from mild canker sores.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Used in a tea, it can help mild insomnia, nervousness, and upset stomach. It can make a refreshing mouth rinse for bad breath.

Rosemary rosemarinus officinalis By boiling rosemary leaves in hot water and then applying the cooled solution to hair after washing, rosemary can help alleviate dandruff symptoms.

Saffron crocus sativus In a very small amount, it can expel gas. Be cautious, though, and only use in small amounts.

Sage salvia officinalis Gargling a strong solution of boiled sage can help sore and strep throats.

Tarragon artemisia dracunculus  Using tarragon in a tea can help promote urination and a better appetite. Furthermore, it can help reduce insomnia.

Thyme  thymus vulgaris Use a warm gargle of thyme for canker sores. A poultice of thyme leaves can be used on poison ivy, rash, and burns for pain and discomfort relief.

Turmeric curcuma longa Can be used in an eyewash for crusty discharge from the corners of the eye.

Monday: Diaper Rash Relief

Diaper rash is, in some ways, inevitable with small babies since they always have their diapers on their precious little bums. Usually, a little bit of diaper rash cream will go a long way, but sometimes, even Desitin seems insufficient. If you've seen a bad diaper rash, you'll know what I mean. Bleeding, red, sore skin that hurts your baby to even touch it. I guess diaper rash is on my mind, as my daughter just recovered from a bad one and these are some of my few tried-and-true tips and remedies.

*When changing your baby's diaper, it can be helpful to rinse their bum off in the skin or shower, using a sprayer with warm water, rather than a wet wipe or sponge, which can further irritate their skin.
RATING: 6: SOMEWHAT HELPFUL

*Baking Soda Bath. In a small bath, dump 1/4- 1/2 box of baking soda into warm water and allow your baby to sit/lie in the water for as long as possible.
RATING: 9.5: HUGELY HELPFUL

*Naked Bum Time. For as long as possible during the day, remove your baby's diaper and allow them to play naked on a few towels on the ground, so as to give their poor bum a break from the constant friction of having a diaper against their bum.
RATING: 9: HUGELY HELPFUL

*Petroleum Jelly. This isn't something you'll want to use every time, but in maybe 1 out of every 3-4 diaper changes in a day, you can use petroleum jelly to coat their bum, as it will soften the rough, dried, red skin, and create a barrier between your baby's bum and their diaper/urine/feces.
RATING: 7: HELPFUL

*Bordeaux's Butt Cream. This costs a pretty penny, but when your poor baby is bleeding on their bum from a diaper rash, this product is well worth it. Use a cotton swab to apply the cream to their rash to get the most out of each use.
RATING: 8.5 QUITE HELPFUL

*Lecithin. For extreme rashes, you can apply lecithin to your baby's caboose; it will aid in a quicker healing time.
RATING: 8.5 QUITE HELPFUL

*Change Diaper Often. One of the most important things to do once your child has a rash is to change their diaper as often as possible, because every time you change their diaper, the affected area is
*cleansed
*dried out
*given a break from their diaper
RATING: 7: HELPFUL

A mixture of any and all of the above should help aid recovery from a bad diaper rash. I wish you all the best, as a sore bum is the saddest thing ever.