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  • How to Balance the Work at Home Mom Life

    How to Balance the Work at Home Mom Life

    I never thought I’d be a working mom. Let alone a work at home mom. I knew I’d always find ways to make a little money to add to our finances on the side, but this life I’m living. I never imagined it. Here I am, though, trying to figure out how to balance it all.

    How to Balance the Work At Home Mom Life

    I get up at 5 AM these days just so I can get work done. Only usually, sometime between 5:30 and 6:30 I’ll find a small body tucking their toes under my legs, trying to share the space with my laptop. It’s like they have a 6th sense to when Mom gets up. No matter how softly I tiptoe or attempt gliding my stockinged feet across the cold hardwood floors they know I’m up. 

    I try to focus. Maybe if I cover them in a blanket they’ll go back to sleep for a little longer. 

    7AM rolls along, and I know I’m pushing it letting everyone else sleep more. We have 55 minutes to get up, get dressed, eat, make lunches, and double check backpacks before waiting for the bus. Thankfully the bus stops right in front of our house, so on cold mornings we hang out just inside the door. 

    There are days I feel bad for not walking them to school. After all, the bus ride around the corner takes longer than it does to walk. I remind myself the kids find joy riding the bus with their friends. So I resign myself to making sure I’m always at the door when they leave and when they get home. Because I’m Mom and that’s where I’m needed twice a day. 

    How to Balance the Work At Home Mom Life

    Do you know how incredibly hard it is to be “at work” with a 3-year-old stuffing RescueBots in your face begging you to play? For the rest of the day I feel torn. I need to work. I HAVE to work because I actually have clients and timelines. I also have schoolwork. It was a choice that to some may be something I could let go of, but it’s something for me I have to do. I also need to spend time with little prince. It’s a need for both of us. He’s my baby. In a few months he may be at school, making friends. I can’t waste this time we have together. 

    So I’m left wondering – usually around midnight – how do I do it all, and still find balance? I decide I can’t. So I let it go from my mind. I kiss my sweet babies and husband goodnight and head to bed for a little more sleep before doing it all again.

    Are you a working mom?

    Please share how you’ve found balance in your life!

    To find more inspiration on balancing parenting and work, check out these awesome blogs:

    Daily Momtivity
    The Buccio Clan
    Peaches and Pickles
    Simple at Home
    Sara B Nash
    Craft Create Calm
    Multitasking Mom
    LedyLiz
    Sweet Discord
    Smart Mom, Smart Ideas
    Misty Shaheen 
    Suzi Whitford
    Angela Coleman Sherman

  • Strawberry Jam and Strawberry Curd

    Strawberry Jam and Strawberry Curd

    Strawberry Curd or Strawberry Jam. Why choose?! Make both and enjoy strawberries all year long
     
    When someone posts on facebook that Walmart has Strawberries for 88cents I don’t waste any time in heading out and grabbing some. Our store is notorious for running out of things fast, especially when it’s on such a great sale. 

    Once I had the kids out the door to school, I headed over to grab some Strawberries, more canning lids, and sugar – because we were out of sugar. I knew before I even picked up my families favorite fruit what we’d be using them for. 2 lbs for jam, 2 lbs for curd and 2lbs for the kids to snack on.  
     
    Whenever I start canning things I feel like I channel my mom. I can’t remember not having some sort of canned goods in our pantry, and the last couple of years we spent a lot of time doing our canning together. It’s one of the many skills I’m glad my mom taught me how to do. 
     
    Strawberry Jam
    Strawberry Jam
    You’ll never buy store bought again, when you make this Strawberry Jam
    Write a review
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    Ingredients
    1. 2lbs Strawberries, hulled and halved
    2. 2tsp lemon zest
    3. 3 TBS Lemon Juice
    4. 4 cups Sugar
    5. 6 jelly jars, lids and rings – cleaned and sterilized
    Instructions
    1. Combine the Sugar, zest and Juice in a medium sauce pan.
    2. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved.
    3. Add strawberries, and continue to cook over low for about 20 minutes or until they start to release juice.
    4. Stir.
    5. Boil slowly until you get a gel state. Fill 6 jelly jars (or 1/2 pint).
    6. To seal the jars –
    7. After filling your sterilized jars, wipe down the rims.
    8. Dip the lids in boiling water, and then place on jar.
    9. Twist ring to finger tight.
    10. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
    11. Set on a towel on your counter, and listen for the lids to pop. S
    12. tore in pantry for up to 2 years (but you’ll use it up sooner!)
    Notes
    1. You can tell it’s thick enough by putting a plate in the freezer for a couple minutes, and then putting some jam on it. If it gels up, you’re good! If it’s still runny, keep boiling.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
     
    Strawberry Curd
     
    Strawberry Curd
    Layer in cake, top over vanilla ice cream, or eat Strawberry Curd by the spoonful.
    Write a review
    Save Recipe
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    Ingredients
    1. Strawberry Curd
    2. 2lbs Strawberries, hulled and halved
    3. 1 cup sugar
    4. 1 stick unsalted butter
    5. 4 large eggs, beaten
    6. 4 jelly jars, lids and rings – cleaned and sterilized
    Instructions
    1. Place strawberries and 4 TBS water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
    2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes, until strawberries are soft.
    3. Place a mesh sieve over the top half of a double boiler.
    4. Using a slotted spoon, move the strawberries to the sieve.
    5. Push the pulp through the sieve the best you can.
    6. Once it’s through, add the remaining pulp to the pan as well.
    7. Place over bottom boiler filled with water.
    8. Simmer over medium heat.
    9. Add sugar, eggs and butter. Stir constantly until the butter melts, about 10 minutes.
    10. Turn the heat up, and continue stirring for another 10 minutes.
    11. Turn off the heat, stir once more, then pour into your jars.
    12. To seal – follow the same steps for jam. Process for 10 minutes in a water bath.
    13. Store in the fridge for up to 2 months.
    Notes
    1. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can improvise with 2 pans stacked on top of each other.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/

     

  • Mom’s Break Tin

    Mom’s Break Tin

    This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WhenImHungry #CollectiveBias
    Give Mom a Break! Combine SNICKERS® and her favorite things in a tin for days she needs a break. ##WhenImHungry #Ad

    These are a few of my favorite things. When the kids scream. When I sleep late. When I forget to eat. I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad. 

    I was walking around our local thrift store when I spotted this really awesome SNICKERS® tin. It was perfect for this Mom’s Break Tin I’ve been wanting to put together. I grabbed some of my favorite things, including of course some SNICKERS! 

    These are a few of my favorite things. Mom's Break tin with SNICKERS® #WhenImHungry #Ad
    See I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I wish I was more like my mom. She was always so patient, and happy, and only once do I ever remember her raising her voice at us. I found myself raising my voice much more at the kids, and being less patient than I’d like to be, and use to be (see what I mean here) 
    No longer do I get 8 hours of sleep, and my eating habits have gone a bit awry. Mom’s Break Tin is my place to reconnect. I’ve got some chocolate to refuel, my favorite music Cd’s, and some pampering products like nail polish and lotion. I also whipped up a cooling eye mask.
    Homemade Cooling Eye Pack #WhenImHungry #Ad
    This was so easy to make! A scrap of soft fabric, a plastic baggie, some rice, and ribbon is all you need. My mom in law sent me these cute clothespin girls, but the clothespins broke off with the kids playing with them, so a little bit of super glue, and now I can relax in style. 
    Take a break with SNICKERS® #WhenImHungry #Ad
    Did you know there are quite a few varieties of SNICKERS? I actually didn’t until I was walking through Walmart last week, and saw the SNICKERS Peanut Butter Squares. As I hung out in the candy aisle checking out the Peanut Butter Squares, I also noticed the SNICKERS Almonds – in the cart they went! I’ve heard there is also a SNICKERS Extreme.

    See more great SNICKERS® recipes and fun stories on the SNICKERS® social hub
    SNICKERS® at Walmart #WhenImHungry #Ad
    Contest

    Enter the SNICKERS® “Who are you when you’re hungry?” contest by uploading a personal photo or video from your Computer, Facebook, Instagram or use the SNICKERS® Meme Generator to create something new! Voting begins at Noon on 5/11/15 and ends at 11:59:59AM ET on 7/15/15.

    What would be in your Mom’s Break Tin? Leave me a comment! Then share this tin with your Mom friends who may be needing a break as well. 
  • Origami Owl Giveaway

    Origami Owl Giveaway

    With Mothers Day coming up, I thought now would be the perfect time to join in a giveaway! I’m in love with the little Kitchen Aid gem and family heart inside. 

    We’re excited to promote this giveaway tailored to mom and the many roles she plays in caring for her family. This giveaway is sponsored by Origami Owl Custom Jewelry. One winner is going to win the mom necklace set featured above. The prize includes a heart-shaped silver locket, silver chain as shown, and 7 charms (mom heart, family heart, butterfly, nail polish, star, football, and mixer). Retail value is $95 total. To see the selections in more detail you can visit OrigamiOwl.com.

    Terms of service: One person may enter per household, Open to the 48 Contiguous States age 18+. Void where prohibited. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries. Winner has 48hrs from time of contact email to reply or another winner must be chosen. Practical Parenting Ideas will need your full name, address, and phone number for shipping purposes. This information is never sold or given to anyone else. We respect your privacy. Enter below and good luck! 

    Disclosure: This website was not compensated for this post. My website/blog is not responsible for fulfillment of this prize. Prize will be shipped by Practical Parenting Ideas. This giveaway and post are not affiliated, endorsed, or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media platforms. If you have any questions, or would like to see your product featured on Practical Parenting Ideas, please email Debi at Practical Parenting Ideas.

  • Memories of Mom Link Party

    Memories of Mom Link Party

    I’m so excited to be sharing Memories of Mothers with some of my favorite bloggers this week! We’d love for you to join in and link up your Mothers Day posts below. 

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    I came across this post on facebook and just love it. I do believe God can actually be everywhere, but there is a special kind of comfort and direction I have always received from my mom. When I feel sad, question things, or have something exciting to share I find myself turning to my Mom.

    One thing I remember about my mom is she was always around. Even though there were almost always extra kids underfoot she babysat, and she gave piano lessons to many kids after school – I still remember my mom being present in my childhood. Here are some of the many things I recall my mom did
    • She taught us – There was a time she’d put quotes up on a whiteboard and have us memorize them. As we started coming home with more homework, she made it fun. We’d have timed math lessons that included running laps around the table as we finished a certain amount. 
    • She made our birthday cakes. They weren’t by any means fabulously professional looking cakes, but they were baked with love and care. I recall a ballet themed cake one year when I was really small. 
    • We had tickle fights. With both my parents, but they were a riot with my mom since she is terribly ticklish on her feet. 
    • She values hard work. My mom taught us how to clean, and to value the work that came along with it. I remember every spring break we “spring cleaned” the house. I have memories of us all in the kitchen in various states of cleaning – on top of the counters, inside cupboards, and scooting around a mopped floor on towels to dry it. 
    • I had many friend troubles as a preteen and teen (who doesn’t). My mom was there for every one of them. Encouraging me, letting me cry on her shoulder, listening, and giving sound advice as it was needed. 
    • My mom taught me to play the piano. Although it was never very formal lessons, she took the time to teach me so I could play hymns in church if the need ever arose. 
    This Mothers Day I hope you’ll take the time to tell mom how much she means to you. Remember the gifts she’s given you and don’t forget to say “I love you”.

    Rules!

    You knew that there was going to have to be some, but I promise we are totally keeping it tame.
    1) You don’t have to stick to the theme of “memories of Mother’s Day” if you don’t want to, just as long as you have linked up Mother’s Day themed posts we are happy as clams!
    2) Nothing that is controversial, I have no idea how you would manage that with this theme but just throwing that out there.
    3) Though you don’t have to run around and comment on everyone’s post we would LOVE you so much if you would hope around to a couple that POP out to you.  If you love it share it, give some love.  NO PRESSURE!
    4) HAVE FUN!!!  I can’t wait to start reading all your Mothers Day posts!

  • Super Moms – Help my friend!

    Super Moms – Help my friend!

    It’s almost Mothers Day, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to help another Mom out. Together we can all be Super Moms!

    Let me tell you about my friend Sheri. She’s a wonderful mom to two cute little girls. She has an eye for design and the way things work together beautifully. Last year she took our family photos, and truly captured moments with my kids and husband that I want to hang on to.

    Sheri also has poor eyesight. When it comes to her photography business Sheri needs her eyesight working top notch. Last year she selflessly let her husband get Lasik for his eyes, but now she’s ready to be a superhero not just to her kids but to herself.

    Will you help Sheri win Lasik?  It’s going to take all of 10 seconds to vote when you follow this link – just look in the bottom right corner for the picture above.

    This Mothers Day be a Hero to yourself and give yourself a little pampering.

  • Every Day Dress for Mom from eShakti

    Every Day Dress for Mom from eShakti

    *I received a dress in exchange for my review. All opinions and photo’s are my own*


    Mark had the last 2 days off of work, so I fully took over his time. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if no one had to work to live, and we could all enjoy life a little more? Oh well, I’ll enjoy the moments we get. 
    I was sent the beautiful dress from eShakti to review, so we thought it would be fun to get some pictures around the beautiful City Creek Center in Salt Lake City. With 2 kids at school, one strapped in a stroller, and one with tons of energy, we had a lot of fun walking around the shops, and watching the fish in the stream while looking for the perfect shot. 
    How fitting that my word of the year is Joy, and the name of this dress is Joy!
    The first thing I noticed about my new dress was that I felt covered in it. I love that the short length isn’t so short I’m constantly trying to pull it down to feel covered. Plus, if you want it longer you can easily change the length with eShakti’s custom sizing!! Seriously with my body type I’ve never been so in love with a company before. 
    Not only did I feel like I was dressed fashionably for a stroll through the shops, but I could also do everything a mom of active kids can do without feeling indecent. We ran around the fountain, sat on the ground to watch the fish, and even took some leisure time on a rock to look at a book – yes I do carry a book in my purse.

    We were feeling mighty Belle like here – book with no pictures, water, middle of the shopping scene. 
    Did you know City Creek actually has a removable roof? I knew the bridge did, but I learned that all the walkways are covered – thank goodness because it has been a stormy week, and we chose the stormiest day to go on this little outing. I brought my cute new jean jacket (bought at Ross Dress for Less) just for any chilly areas. I loved that the dress still looked plenty cute with a light jacket on, because it was definitely needed. 
    Now it wasn’t all about me, we made sure Princess R had some fun too – Disney Store style!
    I really can’t help myself, I keep heading back to eShakti to look at all their other dresses. For once in my life I feel I have a dress that fits my awkwardly sized hips and heavy top, but still looks flattering without any form fitting gut suckers underneath.  The extent to which they will customize your dress and for the prices I have just been blown away.  On top of it, I was just over there browsing again, and they’ve got a 30% OFF Spring Sale going on until March 31st. 
    Missed the sale? It’s OK, eShakti wants my readers to take an extra 10% OFF their purchase with code
    hmses
    valid through April 18th

    Connect with eShakti
    I’m seriously crushing on all their dresses, that I ended up making a pinboard dedicated to my favorites! Check them out!
  • Taking Care of Our Car with MOM

    Taking Care of Our Car with MOM

    *This is a sponsored post on behalf of Motor Oil Matters. All thoughts and experiences are 100% my own.*

    On top of all the craziness that comes with moving, our van decided to start over heating on us as well. We knew it was time for an oil change, but the over heating issue caused us to rush that sooner than we were planning.
    Thanks to MOM – Motor Oil Matters – I felt well equipped to get my oil changed, and feel like it was done right without being scammed because I’m a woman.

    You can print out your own checklist, and search for a MOM approved store near you on the Motor Oil Matters Website.

    So I took the van in one morning, when I had originally planned some school shopping. No worries, I thought, this will be done quick. After we realized it would be taking at least an hour thanks to our coolant problem, I walked the kids across the street to the city park. We were there for about an hour when a manager called to let me know they found the problem, but they didn’t have the part. It was going to be another couple hours before they could get it from another store and put it in.
    No problem I thought. Of course, school shopping was going to be postponed a day, but we live nearby, so we just walked home.
    What was originally going to be at most a 1 hour oil change, turned into a 6 hour job of replacing our whole transmission. I am really grateful to Firestone though and their employees for keeping me up to date on our car situation. They made sure I knew what needed to be fixed to avoid future problems, and then took care of me and the kids. They even picked us up and brought us back to the store so we could avoid another walk during the hottest part of the day.
    As for the oil change, although I wasn’t there during the process, they did tell me about their computer program that looks up the cars make, model and year so they will put in the right viscosity for each vehicle.
    I was pleasantly surprised at how well our van drives now that the oil’s been changed and our radiator’s been replaced.

    Keep up to date with MOM and take care of your vehicle by following MOM on Facebook and Twitter

    *This post was sponsored by MOM. I was compensated with a gift card. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
  • Today I was Mom

    Today I was Mom

    As I sat in church this past Sunday, and listened to talks about Mothers, my 3 year old Princess used my in much need of a shave, legs as a racetrack for the car we brought. As I watched her happily run the car up to my knee, and back down to my foot, these thoughts ran through my head. I came home, and put them to paper, but spent a little time tweaking it. 
    These are my thoughts on motherhood.  Enjoy.

    Today I was Mom

    Today I was a Racetrack
    and my lap your favorite cushion
     
    Yesterday I made 3 meals
    And Cleaned 3 dirty rooms
     
    Tomorrow I will play chauffeur
    And nurse, and Biggest Fan
     
    There was a time I was just me
    But then you came along
     
    Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
    I’ll always be Your Mom.
     

     

  • Deo Perfume Candy – Perfect Neighbor Gift (Free Printable) ! #MompactLNO

    Deo Perfume Candy – Perfect Neighbor Gift (Free Printable) ! #MompactLNO

    Have you seen this new Perfume Candy?  I was a bit skeptic when I first heard about it. It’s pretty good though. Supposedly after eating it, you’ll sweat the smell of roses. Although I haven’t noticed smelling any different, I do enjoy the taste of this candy.  It’s got a bit of a fruity flavor. Which after reading the ingredients, I’m assuming comes from the Tangerine flavor added.

    Deo candy is a product of Scientific Research in Japan. I tell you what, those Japanese come up with some of the craziest, and yummiest candies I’ve had. My in laws live over there right now, and are always sending us cute little candies. You can learn more about it by visiting the FAQ page.

    Whoa, little digression there. Anyways, this candy comes in regular and sugar free options. I personally preferred the regular. It has more flavor than the sugar free ones, and I’m personally all about taste. My 2 year old girl enjoys them as well….must be why I haven’t smelled her dirty diapers for a bit….though my 4 and 6 year old have claimed they don’t want to eat roses. Ah well, more for me and the neighbors then!

    You can “Like” Deo on Facebook
    Buy Deo Perfume Candy on Amazon
    (currently sold out, after being on the Kelly and Michael show this morning)
     
    

    I’m definitely going to be giving these to my mom friends and neighbors as holiday gifts this year! I even have this really cute way to package them –

    http://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_2
    I mean really? How fun would it be to fill these take out boxes with Deo perfume candy to give to your friends!
    You can download these boxes for FREE! from MyMemories Suite.
    You do have to have an account (free to sign up) to get this, but you don’t have to have the My Memories Suite Software. These printables download straight to your computer.
     
     
    Would you like to try some Perfume Candy?
     
    *I received Deo Perfume Candy in exchange for this post. Opinions are 100% my own. I received this as a member of Mompact.