Can't I Just Get A Nice Quiet Weekend?

I love a nice quiet weekend. One with no plans, no rushing, and nowhere to be. How about you?

Is that too much to ask?

I can easily make do with a two-day weekend, but a three or four day weekend is a special treat indeed if you can swing one.  The odds of this working out are few in a typical year, so I've found it's better to 'prosper where you're planted' and make due with what I'm given.

photo by ikeephouse

One of the best ways I find to ease into a two day weekend is to start with Friday night. Done correctly, it will feel as if you gained a third day.

Do you do any of these Friday Night hacks?

I have a few personal rules about these special Friday nights:

First of all, there will be no eating out and no running to the store. Once we're all home, we are home. The exception to this is the children's answer to the doorbell to go run around the neighborhood and play. This is entirely acceptable because fresh air, bikes and ballgames and the perfect antidote to rushing, screen-time, being over-scheduled. We might order a pizza to be delivered or we'll make up leftovers or grill if the weather is nice. Whatever it is, I want it to be simple and quick so I'm not hanging out in the kitchen all night.

Next, change clothes. Even if what I was wearing for the day is appropriate and not dirty, there is something about changing clothes into something clean and fresh. Most of the time I'm not changing into lounge-wear or pajamas unless it's a cold, snowy night. Then, I might choose to curl up and read for the evening. But most often, I'm still putting on clothing that I can work around the house and be comfortable.

Also, no TV. This is a tough one though. I find that we can usually get past the news hours with the TV off if I didn't turn it on in the first place. This is because supper will be more casual and we might not necessarily sit together at the table like a normal evening. However, as much as possible, I try to be the guardian of the TV and keep it off or turn it off as soon as it appears the attention has strayed.

This one thing is great for relaxation and peace because you are not filling your mind with bad news.

photo by ikeephouse

One thing I have noticed about quiet weekends is that they don't seem to be very satisfying to most other people. It is definitely a conversation killer to the normal chit-chat question of 'What are your plans for the weekend?'

When you state that you have no plans and you are just staying home...it's often just crickets and blank stares in return.

I wonder about that. Why do people react that way? Is it because they prefer their badge of being busy? Is busy the highest honor you can bestow on your family? Most small talk, at least what I get wrapped up in, is always about all the activities and the lack of time a family has.

And if a family doesn't prefer to be busy, is it that they don't know how to stay home because they have been trained to go and go and go?

photo by ikeephouse

A quiet weekend isn't a boring weekend. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. Allowing you and your family to have days unplanned brings margin to your life. It brings opportunity for creativity, laughter, bonding. It brings opportunity to tackle things that have been left undone around your home.

How to Keep More Peace in Your Home

It can be challenging to manage your home and keep it in peace and harmony, especially if you have kids. There are some things that you can do to help maintain a level of calm.

To begin with, your home needs to be organized.

There should be a place for everything. That way, if someone uses an item, they know exactly where to put it back. Make it a rule that items used must be returned. If you see that your child has not done this, do not yell. Simply state that they used the item and need to return it now.

You also need to have schedules for chores and activities.

A large dry erase board can be used to show the chores and when they must be done. Once your kids know exactly when they must take out the garbage or clean up their room, you can all relax a little. Stick to it. If they only have to pick up their room on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, do not mention it on other days. Eventually, it will become a routine for everyone.

You also need to be organized in your meal planning and trips to the store.

Work out a week or two weeks worth of meals before you go shopping. Go through the cupboards and see what items you have and what you will need to get. Keep a list on the refrigerator where people can write down items that are almost empty.

You should also have a calender to record appointments on that is available for everyone to see and add to. This should keep you from booking two different events at the same time.

To keep peace and harmony within the family, you also need to have some fun time planned together each week. You can have a game night, where everyone gathers and plays cards or board games. Some families enjoy movie night together will a big thing of popcorn. As long as everyone is having a good time together, laughing and enjoying each others company, it will go a long way to keeping everything running smoothly the rest of the week.

Having peace and harmony in your home is essential to keep the family close and everyone happy. If you use these suggestions, you will discover that it is much more simple with a good routine that everyone can follow.

Color Code Your Kids to Keep the Peace and Organize Your Family
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Having been an only child, I didn't know how quickly sibling rivalry began. But when my kids were toddlers, they seemed to argue and fight over every little thing. The absolute best parenting hack that I have relied on is color ...

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Since we've had kids, maintaining a peaceful home has been high on my priority list. We live in a small house, and as our family grows we'll be living on top of each other more and more. While my girls are small, I'm trying my ...

The Power of a Peaceful Home - Marriage Right
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Most of us have been to someone's home and upon walking in the door immediately felt the presence of peace. It's like it hits you in the face right as you walk in and you feel enveloped by it while you're there. Why do some ...

7 Ways to Bring Peace to Your {not so peaceful} Home - The Better ...
http://www.thebettermom.com Tue, 25 Jun 2013 05:00:54 GMT
As a mother I am an instrument of peace in my home. God uses ME to bring peace to my household and to my children's lives. When I am prepared for the day by spending time with God, studying His word, and praying, I am ...

Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne

Changing Up Routines As The Seasons Start To Shift

I love changing up things when the seasons change. As it gets colder and the holidays roll around, we tend to feel more stressed. But a few mindful changes in your habits can be rejuvenating. Here are some tips to allow you to prepare for the end of fall and the beginning of winter.

Do a Clothing Check

Make it a point to check that you and your family have the right kind of clothes for whatever season it is. Sometimes there will be many days where it's cold in the morning, but warm in the afternoon. That's probably the only time you'll need to worry about wearing different clothes depending on the time of day. Start getting out some winter clothes to be able to layer appropriately.

Make sure to get your winter shopping done when it's fall, and then get your summer shopping done when spring starts to come around. It pays to be prepared so you're not stuck in clothing that doesn't work for you. If you are super prepared, you may have shopped at the end of last season. Be sure to pull out all that winter stuff and evaluate it.

I always like to know if I should put items on the Christmas lists for the kids like jammies, mittens, or extra socks. The grandmas always like to pick out a new shirt for the kids so I like to know what color or size they will need around January or February.

Update Your Skin Care

You should consider things like how dry your skin is going to be in the winter. You may want to get a new special lotion to help you avoid dry skin. Also remember, just like in the summer you have to protect your skin with sunscreen. Be sure to buy a new bottle of your favorite. The stock of sunscreen tends to not be as good during the winter.

I also like to buy a new foundation in the fall. Sometimes I get a new Burt Bees lip gloss. It doesn't have to be expensive to update your makeup.

I don't like to wear moisturizer on my face during the summer. The fall is the perfect time to see if you'll need something new. I like to use coconut oil as a lotion too. Usually, I feel better throwing out the jar that sat all summer long without being used. (I just forget to use it...don't know why.)

Update Your Routines

I like to make sure the kids get out earlier in the afternoon to get some playtime in. Although it isn't too cold yet, I don't really like to let them run around the neighborhood after dark.

Sunshine is important to me. I like to start scheduling a walk over lunch to make sure I can see the sun everyday. If I don't...then the time just slips by and I'm a crabby mom in the dark evening.

I hope that jump-started you thinking about what routines you can change up this fall. You'll feel great when you're done with this and everything will fall into place for you!

Here are more ideas for changing your fall/winter routine.

Menu Plans: Early Autumn Inspired Dishes :: Southern Savers
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early autumn inspired dishes. Just a few more days and it will officially be the start of the Fall season! The weather is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to change and that means Fall produce is making it's way into the ...

Late harvest:an autumn-inspired beauty treatment | The City Planter
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Late harvest:an autumn-inspired beauty treatment. October 17th, 2013 ... This mask will cleanse, refine and rejuvenate the skin, and is ideal for all skin types if you adjust some of the ingredients (see note at end*). This mask is ...

My Top Five Tips for Successful Cleaning Routines for Kids - The ...
http://theinspiredroom.net Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:00:36 GMT
Cleaning tips for kids! ... hardly looked cleaner. I didn't blame the kids, I just realized I needed to make my expectations more clear. To a child, asking them to “clean a room” is an overwhelming and confusing concept they often have trouble mastering. Asking them to put away their clean laundry away or to clear off a desktop are likely more manageable expectations and will eventually lead to better skill with keeping a cleaning routine. ..... paint colors. Fall Inspiration ...

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If you need inspiration for what jobs there are to do, consult this Cleaning Checklist to see what you want to do in your home. This is what my tentative schedule looks like for the Fall. I've tried to plan tasks for when they ...
 
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The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel is the perfect Fall board game. Plus, find some more fall crafting here. And, stop by Inner Child Giving for some Nature Inspired Family Fun as well! Fall family fun ideas. Off to do some selfish ...
 
Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne

Create a Place to Relax in Your Own Home

In the modern world, modern moms and families are very busy and often feel as though they have to be connected to the media at all times. Cell phones and laptop computers mean that many people are attached to them all day, in case they miss something important.

Unfortunately, what many families (including mom especially) need is to get a break from all of that. A quiet and peaceful sanctuary to be alone and unwind. If you want to do this, you can, right in your own home. It doesn't take many minutes each week to help you feel more relaxed. Often, it's harder to convince yourself you have the time than it is to actually find a spare 15 minutes.

The first thing you need to do is decide where you want it to be. You may prefer the bathroom, where you can take a long lingering bath. If you have extra room elsewhere, that may be preferable for you.
  
Once you know where, decide what you want to do. Do you enjoy scented candles or incense? What type of music do you find relaxing? You want all of your senses engaged. So, you may choose to have a glass of wine or a mug of hot chocolate. What about your skin, think about a gentle massage oil or a warm snugly blanket.

When you begin to see the sanctuary in your mind, start to create it. Gather the items you need and set aside a special time. You will need to let others know that you will not be available.

When the time comes, turn off your phones and computers. Put a sign on the door if you live in a home with others. Take all of the things you need into your special place. Then, gently unwind and relax.

Do not stress about what is going on with your family or work. Just think about how beautiful the music is. Or, how the hot chocolate warms your belly. For the special time you have set aside, allow yourself to let go of everything else. It will all be waiting for you when you are done.

Setting aside time to relax is a rejuvenating experience. Once you have done it, you will be able to feel the difference in your level of stress and tension. Work an hour of quiet time into your routine at least once per week.

If at all possible, try to have some peaceful time there several times per week. Even if it  You will find that you are better able to focus your attention to other things once you are relaxed.

Here are some more inspiring insights to help you relax.

10 Ways to Relax this Fall | Valuable Junk from an Urban Cowgirl
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5 Relaxing, Stress-Free Activities for New Moms. Oct 19th, 2013 · 0 Comment. DSC_0043. Being a new mom is a position fraught with sleepless nights and a boatload of stress. Of course your baby is a miracle and a bundle of joy and all that.

Relax At Home With A DIY Honey Vanilla Spa Bath! - How 2 Girl by ...
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Have you had a long stressful day? Do you need a little R and R but don't have the time or cash to head to the spa to relax? Then this is a great, cost effective and uber relaxing tip for you. Next time you need a mini vacation ...

DIY Home Decor: Create a Sleep Sanctuary in Your Bedroom
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How to create a master bedroom that acts as a sanctuary. This DIY home decor idea just might make that house into your dream home.
 
Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne

A Home Cooked Meal Is A Great Treat For Your Family

Home cooked meals made from scratch are so much more nutritious than meals prepared from packaged foods. There is nothing better than fresh organic vegetables, freshly picked and fresh meat and potatoes to make a meal a memorable occasion.

A home cooked meal relates to a safe meal for your family, as you know that it is not necessarily full of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics. Much of the meat produced today is fattened at feedlots where the goal is to fatten up the livestock for market where the price is based on the weight of the animal. Enormous amounts of hormones and antibiotics go into these animals, and we end up consuming some portion of them along with the meat. If you buy your meat from a local farmer, and you know how he raises his livestock, you are better off.

The same with the vegetables. The beets, carrots, lettuce, broccoli and such that we have imported from Mexico and South America may have pesticides all over them and even if you scrub them thoroughly you can’t always get all of them off of the plant before you cook it. Once again, if the vegetables are purchased locally, you are better off.

If you can purchase your produce, dairy products and meats from a local, organic farmer, you will be getting food that will be really nourishing to your family with out all of the extra additives. Plus processed food in cans and that which is frozen have many chemicals and additives that cannot be good for us. Try looking up the names of the additives on the labels and you will be shocked.

When meals are prepared from scratch and cooked and seasoned properly, you will have your family waiting for dinner to get on the table, rather than wandering off to other things like so many families do today. They will be salivating to get to the meal, and it will be a great family time.

Home cooked meals mean a warmth and a love for family that cannot be duplicated. There is just something about sitting down together at the dinner table for a family to know that they belong together and it just seems right. The food is good and everyone knows what to expect, and that it is safe from all of the bad stuff that is in a lot of the processed and commercial food nowadays.

A good rule of thumb is to say that if we don’t cook it, we don’t eat it. That certainly rules out a lot of food that, even though it might not take as long to prepare, you can know that it will not be harmful to you or your family.

Of course, most rules are going to broken sometimes. We don't always eat the best that we possibly can, but the idea is to strive for better alternatives.

If everyone in the family works, including mom or mom is very busy on a given day, meals can be put in the slow cooker and allowed to simmer all day, so when everyone gets home, dinner is ready. If everybody pitches in and helps with the dishes, all of the cleanup work gets done in a jiffy.

Striving to have more home cooked meals in a month rather than convenience foods is a great goal. The meals made with love are what your children will remember and feel nostalgic about when they grow older.

Here are some more great things to read about home cooked meals.

Fresh & Healthy Home Cooked Meals For Your Family - Kids Stuff ...
http://kidsstuffworld.com Mon, 12 Aug 2013 22:36:46 GMT
13 Shares Twitter 4 Facebook 6 Google+ 3 Pin It Share 0 StumbleUpon 0 Email -- 13 Shares × After a week of eating on the road, my family is craving some fresh, healthy home cooked meals. So that's what.

Let Me Ask You Something: Why don't you cook more? | The Current ...
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In an editorial for the New York Times last may, Kristin Wartman examines the deterioration of the home-cooked meal in modern society. She notes that a self-prepared meal is praised as the solution to an array of issues ...

Millennials prefer home cooked dinners over dining out | Publix News
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A study by the research firm NPD Group indicates millennials, the second largest generation group, consume two-thirds of their dinners at home. Their motivators for choosing recipes are based on satisfaction and taste, but ...

Show Us Your Favorite Home-Cooked Meal - Lifehacker
http://lifehacker.com Thu, 30 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT
Cooking at home offers financial savings, family time, healthier and tastier options, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you're a seasoned cook or not, most people have at least one home-cooked dish they're proud of.

Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne

1000 Days Like This

Today is the type of day that makes me wish for 1000 more days just like this.

A cool in the morning, but hot enough to go swimming in the afternoon type of day.

An intermittent, fluffy cloud with a slight breeze sort of day.

A throw all your windows open and listen to sounds around you peaceful day.

Indeed, there is Gladness enough in the world for us all; or, to speak more exactly, there is a fountain of Gladness in everybody's heart only waiting to be unstopped. --Charlotte Mason

It's a day like this that makes me smile ever so slightly to myself. I stop and sit a moment unknowingly allowing the gladness to well up and turn to tears in my eyes.

It's a moment where I always get caught by a questioning "what's wrong mom?"

And the answer is that there is nothing wrong. But rather everything is right.

I so often forget.

My to do list today is long like any other day.

• check the pool and ready the things for the children to swim
• hang the laundry out to dry
• remove the spent plants from the front walk
• neaten the rooms
• sweep the step

Exciting stuff like that. Today, I'm glad that I have the opportunity to do these things. Thankful that we have clothing that needed laundered. Thankful that we have children, that they have friends that live close by, that they can play under my own watchful eye. Thankful that there are belongs and treasures that need straightened and cleaned. Thankful that we're in our own home.

Tomorrow, I'll try to unstop the gladness again. 

It's so easy to become overwhelmed. It's so easy to loose joy when contemplating the tasks undone.

The tasks crushing down like a dried flower pressed in the palm of your hand.

There is no gladness in that. Who wants to live the life of wilted flower? Not I.

There is gladness in the world. There is gladness in my world.

And, for a 1000 days like this I will endeavor to let it flow free.

Garage Sale Pricing

We need to clear out some stuff. It's been (and is going to be so dang hot) that I just can't get excited about planning a garage sale. It can be a bit difficult to figure out how to price the items. This can be especially true for the items with sentimental value to me, or were very expensive when we bought it. I have a hard time getting rid of cute matching children's clothes. I mean come on, it's cute and it matches and somebody better appreciate that.

photo credit: Bob n Renee

However, it's a good life lesson to remember as you buy things that you probably won't be keeping all these things. It's just stuff. Spend the money on select things you know will be the heirlooms and keepsakes (like the first baby outfit or a nice piece of furniture). The rest of the time it's better to be frugal and not attached to your stuff just because you spent money on it. It's easier said than done for us for sure.


Be sure to price things

I know, it's a hassle but worth it if you have someone helping you or have your kids keep watch while  you run to the bathroom.

People want to browse and compare and budget, and can't do that very well if you have to ask about every item. And people who are uncomfortable asking might just leave your sale, even if there was something they would have bought if it had been priced.

In addition, clearly priced items help prevent some haggling and bargaining, which can get tiring pretty fast.

Consider skipping the collectibles

If you have an enormous set of baseball cards (or figurines or barbies or antique glass), and you know they must be worth something but you don't know how much, sources suggest that you do not sell them or similar collectibles at your garage sale. Instead, research the item(s) to determine the real worth, and try selling online or to an antique store.

Pricing Items in Groups

Experienced garage sale folks claim that some visitors will ask how much something is no matter how clearly you have it marked. So choose a method that works for you and your stuff.

Price each item. This can get tedious, but at least it's pretty obvious how much each thing is. You can use masking tape and a permanent marker, or those little round stickers.

Or just group the like items together and put one price good for everything in the box, bin, or basket.

What Should Items Cost?

Here is a rough guideline on what to ask for which items and I find around here most of the time.

Books: $0.50 to $1 each for hardback, $0.10 to $0.25 for paperback

Clothing: $1 to $2 each for pants, jeans, sweaters, and skirts; $2 to $4 for dresses and pairs of shoes; kids' clothes should be about half of what the adult clothing is priced as

Kitchen items: $.25 to $0.50 for glasses and mugs; $1 to $2 for pots and pans; plates $0.50 to $1 each. A rough guide for appliances is to ask 15% to 30% of the original cost of the appliance (you could sell a $60 microwave for $9 to $18, for example).

Furniture: $5 for small chairs; $10 for small tables; $25-$75 for large dressers, dining tables, and bureaus; $5 to $10 for simple shelves

I found this to be interesting

Garage Sale Statistics | Statistic Brain
www.statisticbrain.com

Average number of items sold at garage sales each week, 4967500. Total US weekly revenue from garage sales, $4222375. Best time to start a garage sale, 7:00 am. Best day to hold a garage sale, Saturday. Average profit ...

And here's a few more good reminders about holding your sale

SELLING: How To Hold A Successful Garage Sale - Talking About ...
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A garage sale is a great way to get to make some spare cash while purging your home. Follow these easy, seven steps for your most successful jumble sale yet.

What items do you have a hard time parting with?

Starting New Traditions

Each year as my children's birthdays approach I wonder about our family traditions. Did we start any traditions by accident last year? Are any of the traditions getting tired and worn out? Maybe they need a  fresh new start. I haven't come to any grand conclusions yet.

 

photo credit: thisreidwrites

As much as we grumble about the routine stuff...get tired of doing the same thing over and over...why do we do this...and so on, it really is the simple things that we do which make warm memories.  And besides, children like routine and they thrive in it.

I believe it's because of routine we can devote the energy to new pursuits, learnings and undertakings.  Bedlam doesn't provide a supportive environment. If you are too busy worrying about what comes next, when will we eat, and why can't I find anything...well, there isn't much brain power left over to enjoy the task of tackling something new.

Routine often stems around daily living. Traditions often branch out of holiday celebrations or special situations. Why is that?

Think about your own childhood memories. How many start with 'We always...'? Here are two of my own.

We always took a summer road trip vacation. My mom always had what we named 'the kitchenette' on the floor of the front seat. It contained drinks and snacks and sandwhiches. There were no gas station snack stops and very few fast food stops (if there even were drive-thrus, I'm not even sure.)

We always went to my grandparents on Christmas Day. I don't remember missing, ever.

photo credit: normanack

Traditions don't always have to be about family fun, although often they are. Maybe you have a tradition of working together. My mom and I have a tradition of freezing sweet corn together in the summer.

Husbands sometimes don't get on board with the tradition idea, but often they just go along with it. That's ok. You don't have to announce that every first day of spring you're going to have a tulip themed decorated dinner. Just do it and the kids will love it and eventually he'll catch on.

 

photo credit: thecocoacakery

However, you may encounter that your husband has something that he feels very strongly about. In that case, get enthusiastic and go for it. Even if you have to do some blending from both your family and your husbands family.

Join Marty's Musings as she talks about her blessing jar tradition.

I hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse into my love of mason jars and our family tradition of the Blessing Jar. I hope you'll try this in your own family and be blessed.

Also today, I read Mama Gab and she made me sad that I didn't have any new baby traditions.

We have just a few baby traditions that we've created in our family over the past few years.

As for my kids, we have some summer traditions. We always have water balloons. We go back to the pool for the last hour of swimming on nice nights. We go to the local amusement park on the 4th of July. I always to go parents day of swimming lessons. We always join the summer reading program at the library.

What summer traditions do you have or want to start?

What to Pack in a Picnic Basket

Planning a picnic can be a nice diversion for your family from the normal routine. It's an opportunity to spend some time in nature. The children will probably burn a lot of energy and you have your choice, mom, if you want to join in or relax.

The best thing about picnics is that you don't have to go far. Even a trip out into the yard with a blanket under the tree will delight your young ones. You could picnic in a friend's yard or even at grandma's house. If you aren't too scared of the mess, a picnic in the car is a fun rainy day activity.

Packing food for a picnic is an art. It needs to be portable, not too messy, durable (it can't be something that melts, for instance), and, perhaps most important - delicious. Ideally, picnic food should be healthy, too, especially if you are going to be expending energy playing games or hiking. Here are some recipes and tips on what to pack for your next picnic outing with the family.

 

photo credit: uberculture

1. Pita Bread Sandwiches

Pita bread is ideal for a picnic. It's easy to pick up and tends to be less messy than bread. You can stuff pitas with all kinds of fillings. Some ideas are:

* Hummus, lettuce, cheese, and alfalfa sprouts
* Deli meats such as salami, turkey, roast beef, or pepperoni
* Raw or sauteed vegetables tossed in the dressing of your choice

2. Finger Foods

Bring along several dips, like hummus, salsa, peanut butter, cream cheese, bleu cheese and/or ranch, and take along foods to dip, such as:

* Vegetable crudites (bell peppers, carrots, celery, cauliflower, etc.)
* Pita wedges
* Sesame sticks
* Corn chips
* Crackers
* French bread

Bring along sweet or dill pickles and olives for the side.

photo credit: jspatchwork

3. Tomato Salad

This is a good recipe for taking along - the flavor improves as the salad sits. You can also stuff pita pockets with this mixture. Keep it cool en route.

Ingredients:

* 2 large tomatoes, chopped
* 4 ounces diced mozzarella cheese (half of an 8-ounce package)
* 2 tablespoons minced, fresh basil
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and stir well to combine. Serves 4.

4. Whole Fruit, Nuts, and Cheese

Take along a loaf of crusty bread, and this is all you need. Pack fruits that are not easily damaged, such as:

* Apples
* Pears
* Bananas
* Melons
* Oranges/Tangerines

Choose a variety of cheeses, such as sliced cheddar, Brie, Swiss, Colby, spicy Monterey Jack, and so forth. Bring along mixed nuts of your choice, raw or roasted.  


Small Kitchen College » How To: Pack a Picnic
college.biggirlssmallkitchen.com

"These days, parks are my go-to locales for picnics, but think beyond the grass to rooftops and beaches as the temperature steadily increases. Wherever you lay your blanket, here are some tips for how to pack a picnic from ..."

In a lunchbox: Quick picnic lunch. With spouted bread.
www.inalunchbox.com

"What to pack for picnic with kids? Sandwiches are easy and quick alternative for picnic. They are easy to plan, to make and to eat. To make a tasty and healthy sandwich, be sure to select best quality ingredients. Choose nitrates free meats ..."

Pack It Up, Pass It Out: 10 Best Summer Desserts for Picnics and ...
www.thekitchn.com

"I love entertaining in the summer summer better than any other time of the year. The days are long and lazy, dinner can be a motley potluck of dishes added to the picnic table as guests arrive, and dessert...oh, dessert!"

5. Other Picnic Tips

* Keep things simple for ease of packing and preparation.

* Try a theme to help you decide what foods to bring. Some possible picnic themes are: Fruit and Cheese, Sandwiches and Salad, Finger Foods, Dips and Spreads, and Pasta Salads.

* Use containers with secure lids, and use insulated containers whenever you can.

* Pack crumpled newspaper around food and containers to keep them from sliding around. The newspaper also helps insulate the food to keep it cold or warm.

* Bring plenty of chilled drinks - you'll almost always need more drinks more than you think. Try bringing a big cooler with a spout.

* Cut meat, fruits, cheese, vegetables and bread before arriving at your destination so you won't have to pack cutting boards and knives.

* If sandwich fillings are juicy, pack them in a separate container and assemble the sandwiches at the picnic site.

What are your picnic plans this summer?

Easy Dinner Ideas for Families on the Go

We've purchased our family pool passes for the season and are planning on spending a lot of evenings at the pool. This means that our dinner on those nights needs to be quick and entail little clean up. I've been giving some thought about how I will compensate for our nights out. Here are the ideas I've rounded up.

 

photo credit: qmnonic

Double the amount I make for dinner - This one I'll do for sure.


When I make dinner,  I'll double the portion when I can. It doesn't take any more time to boil three cups of pasta as it does six, for example. This allows freezing the extra and have a healthy dinner available for busy nights.

Use slow cookers and pressure cookers - I may occasionally do this.

These special pieces of kitchen equipment can be invaluable for the hurried cook. Ironically, the slow cooker can help those who need dinner to be ready quickly. You throw the ingredients in, and the food cooks itself during the day or overnight.

Pressure cookers can also be a life-saver. If you get held up and can't get home in time to start a roast or assemble a soup or stew, a pressure cooker can cook even frozen foods in less than half the time of conventional cooking. Even beef or chicken stock can be made in less than 45 minutes. Pressure cookers are also helpful for those who want to incorporate whole grains and beans into their diets. These foods take a long time on the stove top, but are ready quickly in a pressure cooker.

Plan ahead - I do this as much as possible, but I can see falling off the wagon right in the middle of our busy season.

Take some time each week to plan your meals. Check your grocery store's flyer for specials or look online, and make up a shopping list and meal plan for the week. This can help prevent you getting caught off guard.

Frozen meats - We do this one a lot already.

Keeping a bag of fish fillets in the freezer can be a life-saver on busy nights. Fish cooks quickly whether it's been thawed or not, and it's a versatile food that goes well with many flavors. Frozen chicken tenders are helpful, too - they cook up a lot faster than full chicken breasts.

Eat raw and cold foods - I've already warned the family about this. And, as a bonus, I've stocked up on paper plates and paper cups so that we can dine and dash.

One way to cut down on cooking time is not to cook! Break out the dips (which you can keep on hand) like hummus, salsa, or even just ranch dressing, and put out a plate of raw vegetables, cheeses, pita wedges, corn tortillas, and fruits. Roll up deli meats with cheese and apples, or set out crackers, cream cheese, and sliced veggies.

How do you change up your summer dinner time plans?

Stress Management Tips for Moms

It's been one of those weeks around here. Nothing feels like it is going right. I feel like I'm part of a commercial...


The kids are screaming.  The lunch is boiling over on the stove top.  The telephone is ringing.  The dog is barking and the TV is on with no one watching.  On top of all of this, you have to run errands yet today and pay the bills.
  
Ever happen to you?  I bet most moms have had things like this going on at the same time. 

 

photo credit: lululemon athletica

Stress gets out of control when we respond in an unfavorable way to the situations in our lives.  Ignoring stressful situations doesn’t help anything.  The stressful situations continue to pile up until we run out of the house screaming or the kids do.

• The first tip is to start the day with a plan of action.  No one can account for all unforeseen situations.  But if you have a plan, your day will at least have a fighting chance. 

Schedules are a mom’s best friend.  People scoff at lists, but they do help to organize thoughts and keep mom from adding too much to her plate.  If you have school age kids, they will need to be seen off in the morning.  Getting up an hour earlier than them leaves time to prepare lunches, fix breakfast, sign permission slips, lay out clothes, and whatever else needs to be done. Though you will be busy, you will be uninterrupted.

For moms with infants, getting up an hour earlier allows for preparation for baby’s awakening too.  Bottles can be fixed and the baby bag prepared if you plan on going out during the day.  Baby’s that wake for feedings on regular schedule also help mom.  Knowing when they will be likely to wake up gives you an idea of when to rise.

• The next tip is to spend some time in peace and quiet.  Fifteen minutes in the morning will put the day into perspective.  You can meditate, pray, or perform yoga.  Any of these activities and more will give the mind time not to think. 

This time can also be used to count your blessings.  Recount to yourself all of the things in your life that you are thankful for.  A positive attitude is a good way to start each morning.

Another tip to manage stress is to let it all out.  Most moms practice composure in all situations, but sometimes emotion is warranted.  Jamming your finger in the door or pinching it in the stroller when you are packing it in the car is painful.  Let out a yell.  Not only does that yell help to ease the pain, it stops negative feelings from welling up inside of you.  A good yell or scream is a way of releasing potential stress before it has a chance to sabotage your day.

Stress management tips are designed to equip moms to deal with the rigors of their day.  This includes working moms, stay at home moms, and moms that work from home.  Whatever your occupation, stress can creep in when you least expect it.  Get ahead of it and nip it in the bud.

photo credit: lululemon athletica

Here are more ideas moms can take to help reduce the stress they are feeling in their lives.

Stress Management for New Mothers: Making the Adjustment to ...
suite101.com

"Transitioning to motherhood is never easy, and new moms often feel overwhelmed. Here are ways to handle crying jags, reduce stress, and battle loneliness and boredom."

Stress Management for Moms at Dr. Michele Borba's Reality Check
www.micheleborba.com

"6 proven stress busters I shared on TODAY for the sake of our health and our kids' well-being. Let's face it, “Mommying” has always been stressful, so it should be no surprise that 70 percent of U.S. moms admit mothering is ..."

Top Time Management Tips For Moms - Stress Management - About ...
stress.about.com

"Being a busy mom myself, I understand and sympathize with the plight of busy moms everywhere. I've found that 'busy mom' is almost a redundant term, in that."

Stress Management Tips to Better Handle Your Stress | Mom Writes ...
momswritestuff.info

"Until you find that proverbial genie in a bottle, you feel you may never manage to successfully get rid of stress in."

What is your favorite stress reliever?

Heartily and Lovingly Take Care of Your Home

Do you want to succeed in your work? Of course you do -and yet somehow or other you don't, and the reason why is not far to seek. It is simply that you don't love it.

"My work is to wash plates and dust rooms, when I would far rather be doing something more suitable to my mental powers. How can I love such work ?" I hear someone object.

Well, washing plates and dusting are in themselves not particularly delightful occupations, I must admit, but even such tasks may be done gladly and willingly for love's sake.

Perhaps you would rather be doing many other more intellectual sort of things, but just these homely little offices are what fall to your share, and if you do them well, you will have your reward. Do not you feel rewarded when your husband or your children tell you that there is no other house that they like as well as their dear, bright little home?

Of course you do, and when you are busy at what people call household drudgery, you will be happy and quite enjoy your work, because it is all an opportunity of serving those you love.

There is no work, however homely, that is not honourable if done well. Instead of fretting that it is not in our power to do some great thing, how much better it would be for us in our home-life to "do the thing that's nearest, though 'tis hard the whiles," and not only to do it, but to do it heartily and lovingly.

By-and-bye, perhaps we may be promoted to doing better work than we are fit for now, but as we are responsible for the present, let us do our best now, even if the work asked of us is seems menial.

Things to do with your kids for free (or almost free!)

Boredom can set in right before the change of seasons. Here are a few ideas to spark some family fun.

* Have a picnic ~ of course requires food out of the fridge and stuff from around the house, use paper plates for easy clean up, spread a blanket out right outside your house and have a picnic.  Raining?  No problem, move the furniture out of the way and have a picnic on the living room floor.

* Take a walk …. Anywhere!  Around the yard, around the block, just walk chit chat and spend some time together without the bustling noise of video games, televisions, or phones

* Go to the local park, playground, garden path, or whatever you have for gathering of children in your area with no admission fees!  Even if you go to the local school during “off time” usually weekends and after 6:00 pm on weekdays get some play time in and have a ride on the swings

* Take pictures ~ what better way to see the world through your child’s eyes than to hand the camera and let them snap a few shots

* Draw a picture.

* Make up a song about them…or you…or the dog…or anything!  Then sing it of course.

* Play a board game

* Teach them to play cards

* Read a book

* Write a story about something crazy and fun!

* Make a scavenger hunt around the house

* Make and fly a kite

* Go to the movies.  At home!  Make a big bowl of popcorn and snuggle up to watch a favorite movie together, remember to turn out the lights for super theater effect.

* You know that video game they like to play?  Play it with them, trust me there will be laughing, a lot of it.

* Play hide and seek.  Classic, and still fun.

Understanding Domestic Economy

The following is a concisely stated summary of how wonderful it is to be a homemaker. Enjoy!

1. First let us understand what Domestic Economy means. "Domestic" comes from domus, a home or family. "Economy" comes from oikos, a house; and nomos, law, or management. These words together mean, "the management of the family house or home."

Domestic Economy is the science which teaches the right management of the family home.

2. The rightful home manager is a woman. On her the family depend for the food, clothing, cleanliness, and comfort necessary to health; and for the good nursing necessary in sickness. This science, which belongs specially to the education of girls, is of more importance than all the other arts and sciences put together. From well-managed homes go forth happy, healthy, wise, and good men and women, to fill every position in the world.

3. If a country were made up of such homes, it would be a nation healthy and happy, noble and good, wise and prosperous. The influence and power of girls are, therefore, enormous. They have more to do with success or failure, happiness or misery, than statesmen, philanthropists, and clergymen.

4. The object of this book is to help them in the acquirement of this their own most important science. Every girl who wishes to do her part towards making the world healthier, happier, wiser, and better, must study this science with a thankful sense of her own high mission.

5. The wisest man thus speaks of a good home manager: "She bringeth food from afar; she giveth meat to her household: she seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands; she is not afraid of snow, for her household they are clothed: she looketh well to their ways: her children rise up and call her blessed: her husband praiseth her: she will do him good, and not evil, all the days of his life."

Adapted from a 19th century women's book.