Whiteboards - style and function!

Hello again....

So I have been absent for a long time.  The reason?  My husband and I decided to move across the country after living in the same place for 12 years and completely change our careers.  You could either say that we've made a brave choice or are just experiencing a major mid life crisis!  Either way, I'm now getting settled into our new life and the first step is organizing our home.  That makes the chaos of this change feel a little more under control.....

Our house has a small desk with a large white wall above it.  Of course, I immediately thought of putting a white board there.  You can probably guess - I just love whiteboards!  I headed to the store today to buy the normal whiteboard, like the one I had at work.  I had measured the space and was planning to buy the largest whiteboard that would fit.  Function over style is usually my motto.

Today was different.  I found these functional and stylish magnetic whiteboards.  Well, to be accurate, three are whiteboards and one is cork.  Even better.  How cool are they?  I've put my new schedule into the calendar whiteboard - toddler music on Monday, toddler gym on Tuesday, library storytime on Wednesday....still working on Thursday and Friday.  On the other two, green and purple, I have captured ideas for activities and exploring our new surroundings. 

I'll use the cork board as soon as our belonging arrive.  I know I have push pins in the moving van that I've been saving since college for just the right moment (that relates back to my love of office supplies).  This is definitely the right moment to use those little guys.

Anyway, if you are in the mood to organize your office or kitchen area, this might be an idea for you.  (Notice the fun eraser on the bottom right that looks like a squeegee.  It probably doesn't fit into the style category but it does work like a charm.)  I bought all of this at Target.  The brand is Board Dudes if you want to look for it on line.  They have a few other colors as well - red, turquoise, silver, blue.

Looking forward to getting back into the blogging groove and sharing ideas as this mid-life crisis unfolds. 

Easy way to get in your veggie servings for the day

I find myself going days without eating green vegetables.  I'm either intimidated by some greens (kale, collard greens) and don't buy them or I just don't seem to be in the mood to eat another spinach salad.  However, I do know it's really important to eat dark green, leafy vegetables and I've really been trying to figure out how to add them to my diet and also make sure my son eats them.

I want to share the yummy solution I uncovered.  It's an easy and tasty way to make sure I get my veggie servings for the day.  My 17 month old even loves it!

Dr Oz's Green Drink

I started making 'green smoothies' for breakfast in the morning.  I make a batch on Sunday and they last the whole week in the refrigerator.  I pour myself a glass in the morning and spoon feed about a cup of it to my son with his breakfast.  I think he'd even eat more if I gave it to him, it's so good!

Here is the base recipe I've been using (I modify based on my mood and ingredients in the house).

Dr Oz's Green Drink

Ingredients2 cups spinach
2 cups cucumber (I just use one cucumber, no need to measure)
1 head of celery
1/2 inch or teaspoon ginger root
1 bunch parsley
2 apples
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 cup of water (I've added this to the recipe)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender. This makes approximately 28-30 ounces, or 3-4 servings



http://healthygreendrink.com/green-lightening/



I've also started following the Healthy Green Drink blog.  They have a lot of interesting recipes and variations.  I've added it to my Google Reader list and consult it occasionally for ideas.

The recipes on this blog include variations with fruit, and juices (e.g. coconut).  It might be a good starting place if you're afraid of starting with the Oz recipe that is mostly veggie.

Saving money by using amazon.com (Control Finances)

A great option for saving money on essentials is amazon.com/subscribe.  This is a free option within amazon.com that allows you to subscribe to items you need frequently.  Then, those items arrive on your doorstep (via free shipping) at a regular frequency.  Here are some examples of items they sell:

• 15% Off Household Supplies (detergent, paper towels, batteries, cleaners)
• 15% Off Grocery (wide variety ranging from cereals and coffee to organic and gluten-free items)
• 15% Off Beauty (make-up, lotions, skincare)

Additionally, if you sign-up for an www.amazon.com/mom account, you will save a total of 20% off diapers and wipes.  Don't let the name fool you.  They allow anyone to sign up, you don't need to be a mom.  With the amazon.com/mom membership, you receive an additional benefit beyond the great prices ---

You get a free membership to Amazon's Prime Shipping

• There is no minimum amount to purchase to get free shipping.  This is a great feature compared to other websites like diapers.com.  Note: you will be eligible for the Amazon Prime Membership, which includes free shipping, for 3 -12 months through the amazon.com/mom membership.  Otherwise, the cost is $79 per year.
• You can cancel the subscription at anytime so you don't need to buy anything more than once if you don't need it

Resources for planning a memorable 2012 vacation (Create Balance)

As you're planning 2012, consider booking a great vacation.  When we were first married, we never made it a point to plan out our travel.  We took time off work but didn't really maximize the potential of that time.  Then, in 2004, before my husband was deployed to Afghanistan, we decided to take our first big trip.  We went to Hawaii and it started an annual tradition that we continued until just recently.  We have amazing photo albums filled with pictures from Europe, Russia, Tahiti and the Caribbean.

I think half the battle on committing to a memorable vacation is the planning.  It's easy to let time slip away like we did if you don't plan ahead.  Here are a few thoughts on planning a memorable 2012 vacation...one to an exotic locale or one that's just a drive away from home.


1)  Pick a timeframe
2)  Pick a region of the state/country/world
3)  Watch for deals on websites that offer packages.  I've signed up for emails from the following websites and constantly monitor good deals to locations on my bucket list and to hotspots for a weekend away.  Check them out and maybe you'll find yourself on the beach in Tahiti or on a European getaway this year!

(1) LuxuryLink* - auction site or buy now option.  I've used this website for a hotel in Czech Republic.  The prices were great for a really nice hotel in the heart of the city
(2) SniqueAway* - weekly sales on US and international destinations.  Website is a member of the TripAdvisor family and only offers premiere properties boasting the highest ratings in TripAdvisor reviews.  Invitation required so click on this link to join:  www.sniqueaway.com
(3) LivingSocial Escapes* - similar to Groupon, this site offers travel deals to popular locations, both exotic and local.  $5 credit if you use this link - $5 credit on LivingSocial

(4) Family Getaway* suites and condos for family travel 

(5) Groupon Getaways* - international and US, packages.  Be sure to update your Groupon 'follow list' to receive emails from the 'getaway' type offers.

(6) TripAlertz* - variety of package deals ranging from Mexico to a space journey

(7) Vacation Rental websites:  airbnb, vrbo

(8) Other package websites:  Totsy Travel*, Vacationist*, Eversave, Bloomspot, Jetsetter

(9) Traditional resources:  bookit, hotels.com, kayak

(10) Resources for ideas and reviews: tripadvisor, iexplore, ehow

Do you believe in New Years resolutions?

Happy New Year! As 2012 quickly approaches, it brings the unavoidable topic of New Years resolutions to mind.  Over the years, I've set many resolutions, some which were successful but most which failed within the first few weeks.  Mostly, I think I failed because the resolutions were very lofty and I was quickly disappointed when I didn't achieve perfection 100% of the time.

Last year, I decided to switch gears and choose a theme instead of a resolution.  My theme was: 'reduce procrastination'.  Overall, while I still have room to improve in this area, I did change my way of thinking to accomplish action items incrementally vs. waiting until the last minute to do something all at once.  For example, I added entries into my son's baby book every few weeks instead of waiting until the week after his birthday, panicking that I hadn't done the book and spending 4 straight weekends focused on recreating every memory for the last year....

I think a theme is a great way to describe a goal for the New Year. 

• A theme could lead to a longer term change in behavior vs. a resolution that has a defined start and finish. (e.g. become healthy with a better diet and consistent exercise vs. lose 50 lbs)
• While the theme should be measurable like any goal, it is also less rigid than a strict resolution.  As a result, it's easier to feel success and avoid frustration.

Hopefully, you'll join me in picking a theme for 2012.  In support of this, I am planning to dedicate my posts in the month of January (and perhaps into February), to themes.  I'll focus on topics such as:

1. Get organized (always my favorite!)
2. Control finances
3. Improve health
4. Create balance (I probably need to sign up for this one!)

Hope this 'teaser' gets you excited about the entries I've planned.  Also, if you have any topics you'd like me to cover, please leave a comment on this blog entry or send me an email.

Happy New Year!  Hope you'll find a lot of benefit in my posts this year.

5 Days til Christmas - Homemade Gifts

Here are a few last-minute, homemade gift ideas

Homemade Rosemary Mint Sugar Scrub - http://www.goodlifeeats.com/

Homemade Gift Bags - http://www.stumbleupon.com/

Moisturizing Kitchen Hand Scrub - http://www.goodlifeeats.com/

Homemade Body Scrubs - http://moneysavingmom.com

6 Days til Christmas- Gift Card and Gift Boxes

If you're stumped on what to buy and want a gift card or gift box, you might find something unique in this list.

Also, if you have a good idea to share related to this theme, please add it to the comments under this posting.  Your fellow readers will appreciate it!

Gift cards (free shipping) - http://plasticjungle.com (start from www.ebates.com for additional savings).  Plastic Jungle is the web's largest secured gift card exchange. You can buy, sell, exchange, and even donate gift cards all in a safe and trusted environment.  They offer a great selection of discounted gift card inventory (you save up to 35%!) and top dollar for gift cards you can't use (we pay out up to 92%!).

Monthly Organic Food & Beauty Products ($19 per month) - http://www.blissmobox.com/

Monthly gift box delivery for new parents ($75 - $250) - the gift that keeps on giving.  https://www.citruslane.com/

8 Days til Christmas - For Someone Who Has Everything

If you have someone on your list who has everything, you might find something unique in this list.

Also, if you have a good idea to share related to this theme, please add it to the comments under this posting.  Your fellow readers will appreciate it!

Piggy Back Rider ($80) - www.thepiggybackrider.com

Custom Bobble Head - immortalize your friend or family member with a custom bobble head.  Or, the company will customize a usb key, bottle opener or key chain.  http://www.1minime.com/

Callet ($20) - phone case and wallet in one.  http://www.thecallet.com

Eco-friendly, stainless lunch box (40-$50) - http://www.planetbox.com/index.html

9 Days til Christmas - Pet Lovers

If you have someone on your list who has pets, you might find something unique in this list.

Also, if you have a good idea to share related to this theme, please add it to the comments under this posting.  Your fellow readers will appreciate it!

Portable drinking top for pets ($8) - This is a fun top to put on a water bottle, to make it easy for your pets to drink on the go.  They also sell a cool bottle and key clip for the top.  Maybe this item should be in the posting for 'people who have everything'! http://www.pettop.com/

RapidBath Pet Bathing System ($39) -  "All-in-one" wet, wash and rinse dog bathing wand.  I have one of these and it's a fantastic way to quickly clean off the dog after a messy weekend.  Search on www.ebates.com.

10 Days til Christmas - Jewelry

If you have someone on your list who enjoys jewelry (who doesn't), you might find something unique in this list.

Also, if you have a good idea to share related to this theme, please add it to the comments under this posting.  Your fellow readers will appreciate it!

3 bangles ($40)  www.towneandreese.com

Sake Bottle Jewelry ($68) -  http://www.uncommongoods.com.  Handmade from remnants of sake and Coca-Cola® bottles, modern tints from the bottles' previous forms lend colorful charm to each ethereal piece.

Louisa necklace ($145) - http://www.momastore.org/

11 Days til Christmas - Technology

If you have someone on your list who's a techie, you might find something helpful here.

Also, if you have a good idea to share related to this theme, please add it to the comments under this posting.  Your fellow readers will appreciate it!

iFlash ($25) - iPhone Camera Flash and LED Flashlight.  Also works on iPad.  http://www.gadgetsandgear.com/

Freehands Gloves ($18 - $80) - Make it easy to use technology in the cold weather with these gloves.  http://www.freehands.com

Memory card reader ($20) - Easily transfer data, music, and pictures from flash memory cards to your computer with this USB 2.0 Memory Card Reader/Writer.  http://www.momastore.org/

Solar Rechargeable iPhone Case ($80) - Unique solution for those people who are constantly running low on their cell phone battery.  http://www.amazon.com/

12 Days til Christmas - Food (don't worry, no fruitcakes in this list)

If you have someone on your list and you're unsure what to buy them, a unique food item is always a safe bet.

Also, if you have a good idea to share related to this theme, please add it to the comments under this posting.  Your fellow readers will appreciate it!

Local Meal Delivery Service ($25-$30 per day) - Search for local gourmet food delivery services and then buy a gift card for a family member who is really busy or may be looking to make a healthy resolution for the New Year.  A few examples: http://www.theorganicdish.com/ or http://www.healthychefexpress.com

Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake ($45) - so right after a healthy meal delivery service, I'll show you this singul cake.  http://www.godiva.com/

Foodzie Tasting Boxes ($60 - $300) - Each month your recipient will receive a themed selection of the best artisan food products, hand-packed in a gift box.  http://foodzie.com 

Tea Lovers' Root Basket ($119) - http://www.vivaterra.com/

Napastyle Super Salts Gift Set ($59) - http://www.napastyle.com/

Round Pond Olive Oil & Vinegar Gift Sets ($29-$69) - http://www.napastyle.com

Italian Balsamic Jelly ($19.95) - http://www.napastyle.com.  It’s two items seldom seen together—in three flavors you’ll never forget. Enjoy white grape Prelibato,strawberry Fragolina and savory Saporina jelly spread on cheese, crackers, bread, fruit and meats. Made in Italy. 4.06 oz

The Popcorn Factory box ($24 - $45) - Link to The Popcorn Factory from http://www.ebates.com for additional savings.

Chicken Soup Gift Basket ($34) - http://www.spoonfulofcomfort.com/

Gourmet caramel apples ($23 - $200) - http://www.mrsprindables.com/

Gourmet chicken pot pie ($22) - http://www.deandeluca.com/

13 Days til Christmas - Clothes

If you have someone on your list who loves clothes (who doesn't), you might find something unique in this list.

Also, if you have a good idea to share related to this theme, please add it to the comments under this posting.  Your fellow readers will appreciate it!

Cashmere Scarf ($98) - http://www.vivaterra.com/

Kids outwear ($29 - $59) - Even though kids would much rather have toys or electronics, sometimes clothes are a necessary evil.  The Lands End 'Grow-A-Long' feature allows you to extend their pants and jackets, and therefore helps you avoid buying multiple items over the season.  Start on http://www.ebates.com and go to the Lands End store.  Then, search on 'Grow-A-Long' to see all the coats and pants that have this feature.

Sweaters and cardigans ($60-$140) - search on the 'Soft Surroundings' store from http://www.ebates.com for additional savings.

www.garnethill.com - Garnet Hill has quite a few unique sweaters

14 Days til Christmas - Health and Fitness Buffs

If you have someone on your list who enjoys cooking or grilling, you might find something helpful here.

Also, if you have a good idea to share related to this theme, please add it to the comments under this posting.  Your fellow readers will appreciate it!

UP Health Tracking Bracelet ($99) - Electronic bracelet that uses sensors to track movement and sleeping patterns.  Data is relayed from the bracelet to an app, accessible on phones, tablets and computers, in which users can type in the nutritional data of their diet. Serving as a diary of your daily activity, the app becomes a life coach of sorts, providing helpful suggestions tailored to your diet, exercise and sleeping patterns.  The website also offers 'challenges' where people can join a group of people with the same goals.  http://www.jawbone.com

Adjustable kettle bell set ($134) - One Stamina Adjustable Versa-Bell Kettlebell replaces an entire set of conventional kettlebells at a fraction of the cost, and takes up very little storage space.  Link to www.newegg.com from http://www.ebates.com.

Bobble ($9 - $30) - Healthy water products.  bobble is a stylish, reusable bottle that filters water as you drink.

Bottle Lock ($34) - Bicycle lock that looks like a water bottle.  http://www.shopatron.com