Pink Fig

These patterns are adorable!

Greener Eating

My friend started a blog with lots of yummy and VERY healthy recipes: http://www.greenereating.com/

Chick-fil-A

Thanks for the tip, Kelly:


On Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day), Chick-fil-A stores nationwide will be giving away a free chicken sandwich to any customer wearing any sports-related apparel. The promotion is tied in with the Chick-fil-A Kickoff football game, in which the University of Alabama and Virginia Tech will face off. The game will be broadcast on ABC.

Rice & Beans

Made for dinner and we loved it!

Gallo pinto
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 yellow, white or red onion, diced
1 red pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice (you get better results with day old or defrosted frozen rice than freshly cooked rice)
1 cup of canned black beans, with some liquid
5 tablespoons Lizano salsa or Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
cilantro, roughly chopped

Directions
Pour the oil into a large skillet or wok set on medium heat. Add the
onion and cook until the onion starts to turn translucent. Add the red pepper and cook until the red pepper is soft. Add the
garlic and cook for about a minute.

Add the can of beans to the pan, but only add a little of the liquid in the can (reserve the rest of the liquid just in case). Add the Lizano or Worcestershire sauce, stir and let everything cook for about 3 minutes. If the pan starts to dry out, add more of the reserved bean liquid. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the rice, and stir until well coated, and cook until the rice is heated through. Top with chopped cilantro, and add additional salt, pepper, or Lizano sauce if necessary.

Splash Park

This tip comes from Rhiannon and I can't wait to go: There is a really cool new Splash Park in Highland at the Town Center Plaza. They have a man-made river with big rocks in it and an area with shooting fountains and then tons of grassy area. These places are free too.

Family Vacation

We just got back from a FABULOUS time together of hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. People thought we were crazy hiking with a toddler and 3 month old, but it was great. Here is my tip from the trip:

Invest in a Bjorn when it comes to baby carriers. I know you can buy much cheaper ones, but the back support and comfort you get from a Bjorn is priceless. The one pictured is the one I recommend most-it comes with the lumbar support for your back.

Bruschetta

DELICIOUS!!! Most people have "their song", Marc and I have "our dish". This is what we ordered on our first date and we've loved it (and been in love) ever since.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil Recipe

* 6 or 7 ripe plum tomatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
* 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
* 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped.
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

* 1 baguette French bread or similar Italian bread

Sippy cups

My tip: once you transition to a sippy cup, just go straight to the ones with a hard plastic nipple. I thought it was so nice how well Lucy "transitioned" to a sippy with a rubber nipple and I have paid the price ever since. Bottom line, they leak!

How to swaddle a baby

My babies loves this and it helps them to stay asleep longer. There are a lot of ways to do it, but this one seems to do the job.

Basic Salt Dough Recipe

Lindsay reminded me of this classic (and took the great picture too):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fine salt
• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of water (may add more)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the salt and the flour
• Make a well in the salt/flour mixture and add the water
• Knead until smooth and shape into a ball
• When not in use, wrap in plastic or store in an airtight container
• You may want to add a teaspoon or two of vedg. oil this will help it not stick to things.
  
• The batch I made was 4 times this. That seemed to be a good amount.

Photo Blocks

This idea comes from Christine. So clever! I think I'd like to do it with pictures of our family or of Lucy's favorite things like ducks or yellow flowers. Click here to learn how:

Kids and Chores=Independence!

This tip comes from Lindsay: The book teaches you how to raise independent kids....I LOVE independence. Some of you asked for the list. We taught the kids yesterday how to pump gas and Jonah cleaned out the linen trap on the dryer today with out me asking..wow!!!

Three years
Dress self
Use toilet independent
beginning to brush teeth
pick up toys
say prayers
clean glass windows

Four years
Brush teeth
Make bed and own breakfast
Make sandwiches
Beginning to clean room

Five years
Straighten room
Vacuum
Empty garbage
Set table
Clear table
make own lunch
Warm up canned food
get allowance

Six years
Take shower
Dust
Can load dishwasher
Clean sinks
Run microwave
Water plants
Make and answer phone calls


Seven years
Wash dishes
Floss teeth
Clean toilets
pull weeds
Read with comprehension
memorize phone and address
do own hair
begin piano lessons

Eight Years
Groom hair and nails
get up by self
participate in team sports or clubs
Develop personal talents
clean mirrors
get baptized
read scriptures daily
care for pet

Nine years
Mop floor
Clean pictures
bake cakes and cookies
understand emergency preparedness
learn basic first aid
fill car with gas
wash car
vacuum interior of car
hammer nails/saw
cook vegetables
write letters
understand puberty/sex
use e-mail
understand basic science
wrap presents
sew on button

Ten Years
Set personal goals
Play musical instrument
participate in exercise program
rent videos
clean stove and oven
make several kinds of salads
understand basic nutrition
wood use lead blower
plant plants
Do own laundry
write creatively
know articles of faith
place a long distance call
use a pay phone
make a collect call

Eleven years
arrange own haircut
clean refrigerator
Clean cupboards
straighten drawers/closet
sew hems
Bake pies and bread
make several main dishes
iron own clothes
plan own meal
mow lawn
use weed whacker
maintain garden
place credit card call
start basic mission prep
have good basic math skills
Use camera
learn to crochet or knit
clean windows
use internet (filtered)

Twelve years
Plan wardrobe/have basic fashion sence
Develop reading program
read newspaper
Speak in public
understand weight control
make and keep doc/dentist appt
keep personal calender
use common computer programs
order something by phone,mail and internet
read Book of Mormon through
Attend priesthood and young women activities
check fluids in car
Shop for clothing
mend clothing
baby-sit
paint interior or exterior of house
understand basic filing

Thirteen years
Sew simple items
Shop for clothing and other items
find bargains
Plan parties
Have own recipe file
Shop for groceries
Care for e plants
keep a simple budget
pay house hold bills
certify for CPR
type with out looking
go to movies with out parents
understand prescriptions
learn meat-handling rules
learn etiquette rules
clean garage
sell items on internet

Fourteen years
do basic interior design
understand basic food storage
memorize SS#
Understand and use debit card
Learn interest,debt, securities
learn about makeup
Identify business skill to get experience with sales
learn basic civics and politics
accompany parent to vote
perform thorough car detailing
change flat tire
understand basics of car operation
memorize seminary scriptures
put up wallpaper
do simple household repairs

Sixteen years
Get driver's license
understand credit cards
learn retirement plan
resume mission prep
understand interviewing
understand advertising
start career planning
File insurance claim
arrange for car insurance
perform household repairs
assist in purchase of car
open checking account
file tax return
deal with auto mechanics
plan landscaping
pay for and use cell phone
get a job!!!!!

No time to exercise?

Some days even getting those 20 minute workout videos in is hard to do. Something I have found that works well for me is to watch and do a video multiple times, then write down key phrases from it. Then I can grab the paper and do the workout in much less time than the video with all that talking takes to do.
I've got the Windsor Pilates Videos on VHS if any of you want to borrow them to apply this tip to ;)

Homemade Laundry Detergent

If you're trying to pinch your pennies (Thanks Cheryl):

The basic recipe is:
1 Quart boiling water
1 1/2 bars of grated soap (He used Fels-Naptha. You can also use Ivory or other varities.)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda

Add the grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. Pour soap water into a large clean pail and add Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until it is all dissolved. Add 2 gallons of water and stir well again. Then we used empty laundry containers to store the detergent in.

We tried it on a few loads and it does the job. It's not super great, and I think we need to add a little extra washing soda and borax cause we have hard water. But, it calculates to only a penny a load! We'll see, it may be worth it. I think I still prefer my Tide, but at least it was fun to try it out!

Organizing the Pantry

I must confess this is not my idea, I saw it in a magazine, but it is a great idea to help organize your pantry with a simple shoe rack. This is especially nice with all those jars and containers that get lost amidst the cans and boxes!

Crockpot Recipes

Oooh, this blog is full of yummy crockpot recipes. What a great resource. (Thanks Jennifer-such a great sister-in-law)

Taking Charge . . .

of your fertility! by Toni Weschler

I can't believe I have not posted about this book sooner. I am borderline obsessed with empowering women with the knowledge of how their bodies work and how they can take charge of their fertility in all ways. This book really taught me a lot and it has allowed us the chance to feel much more aware in this very important area of our lives. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is: if you are trying to get pregnant (and want to somewhat plan it) or if you are looking for alternative methods to birth control pills, this book is a must have. If you live near me and want to borrow it, just let me know.

Tide Pen

I fully endorse the Tide with Bleach Pen. It saved my wedding dress just minutes before my reception. Thanks Tiffany.

Cute as a bug

These adorable bug barrettes come from Jackie. Here's the link with the directions. http://www.theribbonretreat.com/custom/modules/FreeProjects/PDFLittleBugBows.pdf
Oh, and you can buy those little silver alligator clips at Sally's.

Keep Whites White

My Grandma always adds a lid full of vinegar to her wash of whites. And I am telling you, this lady has got the whitest whites I've ever seen!

The Perfect Place

If you're ever near Salt Lake City and looking for a great place to enjoy the evening, I would highly recommend Log Haven. It is in Millcreek Canyon away from everything. We went there for our anniversary last night and it was perfect. The setting was serene, the food was amazing and the staff was very pleasant. It is a great place to go for a special occasion

Nice tan minus the cancer

Being a redhead I long ago abandoned the idea of having a great tan and just assumed glowing white legs were my destiny. Well this little magic in a bottle makes my dreams of tan legs a reality. The trick is to start with the 3-day boost and then maintain it with the Jergen's natural glow lotion. (Heidi's blog)

Good Friend Contributors

Kelly had another great idea, that I allow my good friends to be authors on my mygoodfriends blog. And we can all add tips on the blog together. Let me know if you're interested. If not, I can just keep borrowing your ideas and posting them myself. ;)

Onesie Dilemna

Wow, this is amazing: And here is my latest trick I learned. If you have a onesie that you just can't get the poop out of, You can just lay it outside and the sun will bleach out the stain. Seriously. I couldn't believe it but I just tried it today and it worked! Even Oxiclean couldn't get it out. (Thanks Kelly)

2 kids = 2 brands of diapers

At first I bought Huggies for both of my children and I was constantly grabbing the wrong size out of the diaper bag. Even worse, I would peek in the diaper bag and think we had plenty of diapers only to discover that we had plenty of diapers ONLY in one size! Oooops! Now I buy Lucy Pampers and David Huggies, problem solved. (personal experience)

Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do or Do without!

If you've got a great shirt that is still in good condition but it has lost it's nice new look, you can use Rit Dye and dye it back to it's original color. You will be surprised how new the shirt (pants etc) will look. And a package of Rit Dye is about $2.00 (just follow the simple directions on the box). You can also use this tip if you need to match a specific color (like for family pictures etc) that you may be having a hard time finding. Just get a white shirt and dye it any color you need! (found this tip blog stalking)

Getting oily stuff out of hair

My friend Danica used Dawn dish soap when her daughter put Vicks Vapor Rub in her hair and it came right out! She said she figured if it could get oil off of birds it could get oil out of her daughter's hair! Great tip!

Advice for the expecting . . .

Good Tips:

-Keep asking them when you can get up and walk and do so ASAP after your delivery
-Get Newman's Cream for your nipples-it is an Rx, but sooooo worth it! Don’t leave the hospital w/o it!
-Buy an electric breast pump and plan to spend at least $150 or more or it won’t be worth your time. Medella is the best! Have this before the baby comes.
-Have “labor projects” both to help the time pass before the baby comes and while you are in labor but not ready to go to the hospital yet. Some of mine were: updating photo albums, printing journal pages from electronic journaling, making Christmas stockings, making soups, making bread, etc
-The week before your due-date up until s/he comes allow yourself 1 pampering a day (this was Marc’s wonderful idea). For example, 1 day I went to lunch with friends, another day I got a pedicure, another a massage, another day I got to buy myself something etc
-Use ice anywhere you are are hurting (I liked to put it on my incision from the c-section)

Have on Hand:
-Prune juice
-Stool softeners
-Ibuprofen
-Sanitary napkins
-Some of your favorite meals/snacks
-Desitin
-Nursing bras and garments

And here are a few things I had no idea about:
-The babies poop for the first day or so looks like liquid tar
-You may only weigh a pound or so less the first few days after the baby comes because you retain a lot of water. I was more swollen the first few days after Lucy was born than I ever was pregnant. But at my 2 week Doctor’s appointment I had lost 16 pounds-so don’t be alarmed.
-The first 6 weeks is hard! (personal experience)

Teaching children to sleep through the night

We met with our Pediatrician for a well baby visit and discussed with him if Lucy was ready to sleep through the night. He said once a baby weighs at least 12 pounds and is 6 months or older (Lucy was 6 1/2 months old at the time) they are physically and neurologically ready to sleep for 10-12 hours a night.

He said to pick a bed time, establish a routine (read books, sing songs, prayers, etc.), put her to bed (let her cry it out) and get her in the morning. He said most babies figure it out in a night or two.

We did just what he said and she cried for 40 minutes when we laid her down at 9pm, then slept until 2:10am -cried until 3:30am (not one of the more enjoyable moments of my life), slept until 5am (cried until 6am) slept until 7am and then happily woke up and we went in and got her (it had been 10 hours).

The REAL MAGIC happened nights 2 and 3: we followed the same routine, put her to bed she cried for about 30 minutes and then went to sleep AND slept until 7:30 am without a peep!!! The Doc said it should only take a night or two and he was right. WOW!!! (personal experience)

Barkeepers Friend

This cleaner (Barkeepers Friend) really works! I just cleaned some stains from my bathroom that I thought would never come up! Best part: it costs $1.78 at WalMart! (tip from Megan's blog)

Welcome

I have caught myself several times sharing a great story, a fabulous tip or telling my husband a new place I want to try. He will usually inquire to me with something along the lines of, "Where did you hear that?" To which my response is often, "My good friend's blog".

Thus came the birth of this blog. I plan to share great cleaning tips, fabulous sales, yummy recipes, helps for Mommies, must have items for the home and outdoors along with any other great stories I hear along the way. I hope it is enjoyable and useful. (Oh, and most of my ideas will be from "my good friend's blog(s))".