tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23361032385935973122024-03-05T21:17:45.175-08:00Working SupermomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-72589932075133736062021-01-04T18:47:00.001-08:002021-01-23T18:56:18.238-08:00Time to plan for... Martin Luther King Jr. Day<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This year Gwen was finally old enough to have some of the more in depth conversations about Martin Luther King Jr and some of the struggles that he and others like him faced both during his time and even still today. While I knew I could tell her stories that I had heard, and stories of things I had witnessed, one movie that showed what it was like in a very kid friendly way is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/American-Girl-Story-Melody-Season/dp/B01LWMYJK4" target="_blank">An American Girl Story - Melody 1963 Love Has to Win</a> (free to watch on Amazon Prime). It is rated for 7+, but <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/an-american-girl-story-melody-1963-love-has-to-win/user-reviews/adult?gate=1" target="_blank">Common Sense Media</a> parents say 9+ and I agree with them, some of it can get a bit intense for littles. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We also did this set of <a href="https://www.reallifeathome.com/mlk-printable-book/" target="_blank">coloring pages and reader</a> from Real Life at Home. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Finally, to honor his memory we made dinner of his favorite foods that this <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/martin-luther-king-jr-s-favorite-foods/" target="_blank">Taste of Home article </a>listed, fried chicken, macaroni & cheese and peach cobbler for dessert. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneSiHBaoVvMLNSIwuGCo2rtkMB2YVQY5Mbt2LgUZPUB5Sg_g9gbM774EgiM2rEogLEgI9FqZtdGpdWrsgQe-81qHQ8lYoJ72A9A7UKswiLSUPJ5mG0Z_OE-Z6J2wxOyn_0IjINoBt7Qo/s480/martinlutherkingjrquote2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneSiHBaoVvMLNSIwuGCo2rtkMB2YVQY5Mbt2LgUZPUB5Sg_g9gbM774EgiM2rEogLEgI9FqZtdGpdWrsgQe-81qHQ8lYoJ72A9A7UKswiLSUPJ5mG0Z_OE-Z6J2wxOyn_0IjINoBt7Qo/s320/martinlutherkingjrquote2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p>HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-40533513760552479762020-05-16T08:47:00.001-07:002020-05-16T08:48:18.266-07:00Peach Belini Jam<div><u><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></b></i></u></div><u><i><b><div><u><i><b><br></b></i></u></div>Ingredients</b></i></u> <div><ul><li class="ingredient">4 pounds frozen peaches, defrosted</li><li class="ingredient">1 cup champagne </li><li class="ingredient">1 pound white sugar</li><li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredient">3 tablespoons lemon juice</li><li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon butter</li></ul><div><u><i><b>Directions</b></i></u></div><div><ol class="recipe-procedures-list instructions"><li class="recipe-procedure"><div class="recipe-procedure-number checked">In a food processor, pulse the peaches until they are chopped well, about five or six 1-second pulses. </div></li><li class="recipe-procedure"><div class="recipe-procedure-text"><p>Pour the fruit into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Toss with champagne and 1/4 cup of white sugar. Cover and allow to sit for 1 hour.</p></div></li><li class="recipe-procedure"><div class="recipe-procedure-text"><p>Add remaining sugar, salt, lemon juice, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit begins to bubble and spit. Use a skimmer to skim off any foam that forms. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently to keep the fruit from sticking to the bottom of the pot.</p></div></li><li class="recipe-procedure"><div class="recipe-procedure-number ">Remove pot from heat and use a spoon to skim any foam from the surface of the fruit. Ladle jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch of headroom, and process them in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. Unopened jars will keep at room temperature for up to 6 months. Opened jam should be refrigerated.</div></li></ol><div class="relish-save-button-container"><a aria-hidden="true" class="relish-save-button" title="Save Recipe" data-event="relish" data-location="entry-below-procedures"><div class="icon-wrapper icon-inline"><span class="icon icon-nav-relish-save-white"></span></div></a></div></div></div><div><div class="relish-save-button-container"><a aria-hidden="true" class="relish-save-button" title="Save Recipe" data-event="relish" data-location="entry-below-procedures"><div class="icon-wrapper icon-inline"><span class="icon icon-nav-relish-save-white"></span></div></a></div></div>HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-58408803955652239632019-11-01T10:00:00.000-07:002019-11-01T10:00:01.581-07:00Thanksgiving Keepsake Activity<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/jrx98o9smxvjii4/WS%20Thanksgiving%20Activity.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Keepsake Activity</a> for kids of all ages, all you need is a printer, some construction paper, a file folder and tape to have this all ready for your young Thanksgiving guests this Thursday. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Super quick to put together but lots of fun and a great keepsake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/jrx98o9smxvjii4/WS%20Thanksgiving%20Activity.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">Download Thanksgiving Keepsake Activity</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-37098726794061924312019-03-10T06:00:00.000-07:002019-03-10T08:15:52.061-07:00Working Supermom Secret... My Nightly Cleaning Routine<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My house isn't always spotless, in reality whose is? However I do my best to keep it clean and tidy and I've found my new nightly routine is helping wonders. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After my daughter is off in bed (8:30 PM) I begin my "Power Hour" rather than hitting the couch. This also helps me get in my steps each day, because working a desk job, doing college work and blogging, I spend a lot of time sitting on my butt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With my routine I have found that I clean minimally on the weekends which means more time to enjoy my family. I only do what I can get done in 1 hour, and now that I've been doing this consistently it barely takes me 30 minutes to complete it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">M/W/F - 1st floor</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">T/R - 2nd floor</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">F - Basement</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Every night - Dishes & vacuum hard floors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My first floor consists of 5 rooms:</span><br />
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<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamvIQsujCbNbWbRxexhMh_f_IAEirTCvDtEq6YsqY69rD7Kn6CRyx76mYJJsEb445umOUYgWOWHduIF3ucdbaMkIdBKwtxxwV9Apgw0yJKA4dbXv8K-6uk1kObSPzWTWyEGWTBSK3-RU/s1600/funny-cleaning-clipart-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamvIQsujCbNbWbRxexhMh_f_IAEirTCvDtEq6YsqY69rD7Kn6CRyx76mYJJsEb445umOUYgWOWHduIF3ucdbaMkIdBKwtxxwV9Apgw0yJKA4dbXv8K-6uk1kObSPzWTWyEGWTBSK3-RU/s400/funny-cleaning-clipart-1.jpg" width="328" /></span></a>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kitchen</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Living room</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dining room</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bonus room (and hallway)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Half bathroom</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My second floor has 7 rooms</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Master Bedroom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Master Bathroom/Closet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Adam's Office</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gwen's Playroom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gwen's Bedroom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gwen's Bathroom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Laundry room/closet</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My basement has 5 rooms</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Living room</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My craft room/office</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bathroom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bulk Storage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Holiday Storage</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">M/W/F Plan</u> - #1, 2 & 14 are done every night</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Load the dishwasher (should have been unloaded in your <a href="https://thepopelife.blogspot.com/2019/03/working-supermom-secret-my-morning.html" target="_blank">Morning Routine</a>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wash by hand anything that doesn't fit in the dishwasher and set aside to dry while you finish the rest of your routine</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wipe down the stove, including the bottom of the inside if you baked anything tonight</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wipe down all counters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wipe down the outside of the refrigerator and dishwasher</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do a quick scan of the cabinets and wipe down any visible mess</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Go through the living room and pick up any dishes/clothes/things that don't belong</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If it goes upstairs drop it in the transportation basket on your stairs (if you don't have one you need one, check out my post on it here)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Clean off & wipe down the dining room table putting everything back where it goes (this is quick for me because we don't eat in our dining room)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bonus room is just yard sale storage right now so I just ignore it</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check the half bath for any needs (i.e. toilet paper) and do a quick wipe down of the toilet, sink and mirror. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Off to grab my <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Stick-Vacuum-Cleaner-P718K/302681787" target="_blank">Ryobi cordless vacuum</a>, this thing is amazing and so much better than a Dyson or Shark (in my opinion) because we have all Ryobi cordless tools so there is always a battery fully charged waiting for me (we have 8 total batteries)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Also grab the small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth... you'll see why in a minute</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vacuum the entire downstairs which is all hardwood floors. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'll usually do a quick sweep of the couch as well for any crumbs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Use the rubbing alcohol and microfiber cloth to clean any spots on the couch, just spray it on and scrub softly with the cloth and your couch is like new (test in a small inconspicuous spot before doing in an obvious location to ensure you have true microfiber)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Using my wonderful <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WSWGVZQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00WSWGVZQ&linkCode=as2&tag=workingsupe09-20&linkId=3b9601fa803ae99cb7c887393b975a78" target="_blank">O-Cedar Spin Mop</a> I add super hot water and just a small cap full of Spic & Span and quickly mop my entire first floor. With the spin mop the mop becomes just barely damp so I don't have to worry about it ruining my hardwood floors. </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>T/R Plan</u></b> - this routine is done half while my daughter takes a bath and half after she's in bed, and during my </span><a href="https://thepopelife.blogspot.com/2019/03/working-supermom-secret-my-morning.html" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">Morning Routine</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I start laundry on a delay so it's ready to go in the dryer as soon as I get home from work so that it's ready to put away during my Power Hour.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Quickly go around picking everything up off the floors that would be in the way of vacuuming, since I do this regularly there is very little to pick up. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vacuum the entire upstairs (which is all carpet)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gwen is responsible for keeping her room & playroom clean but I still do a quick walk thru just to ensure that things are picked up and nothing is in there that she forgot about. After she is in bed I will continue on with step 4.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wipe down her tub, counters and toilet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Use my <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Stick-Vacuum-Cleaner-P718K/302681787" target="_blank">Ryobi cordless vacuum</a> on her floors (it's so quiet it can't be heard in her bedroom)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the master bathroom wipe down the tub, counters and toilet. I clean the inside of the shower every other time I shower with a handled scrub sponge filled with half vinegar and half blue dawn, keeps the soap scum at bay.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vacuum the master bath floors. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Quick pick-up in the master closet and put away any of my make-up or other items I've left out on my make-up table</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Put away any laundry that needs put away</span></li>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">F Plan</span></u></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Clean the living room, gathering dishes, folding blankets, fluffing pillows. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check the mini-fridge to see what needs restocked or what has gone bad</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check the snack drawer for what needs restocked</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Clean off my desk including scanning in all papers that need processed from the week</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vacuum the living room & craft room floors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wipe down the bathroom sink & toilet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vacuum bathroom floors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The shower only gets cleaned once a month, no one uses it, but cleaning it keeps the spiders out</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vacuum the storage room</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take inventory of what needs to be purchased on my next shopping trip</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Put back anything that wasn't properly put away throughout the week</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vacuum the holiday storage room</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some weeks I'll also prep for the next holiday decor change out by pulling out the proper totes and setting them aside. </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hope this helps you get a quick simple nightly routine down to help keep your house as clean as can be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What is your favorite cleaning tip that has ever been shared with you or that you figured out on your own? </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</span></b></div>
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HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-1531512148709327662019-03-07T17:05:00.002-08:002019-03-07T17:06:59.416-08:00Time to plan for ... April Fool's Day<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My daughter loves pulling pranks and she's now old enough to understand and enjoy April Fool's Day so this year I have a few fun pranks planned out for her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzfGr8KsaAFZZckEkJ_SzcsiKm_sKV4_qbZTVNSdu75WwX7KhIZ-AGeZ2lCJC4lix-Mb25c2NjvnnMKlYi6xa6S0ipwmchYzNX9_xoJvYDkKrQzJa4zvcb21WFVVVhHvBsJZs8Z0HmGI/s1600/kisspng-april-fool-s-day-practical-joke-clip-art-april-5b1822e13d7362.1945011315283084492517.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="728" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzfGr8KsaAFZZckEkJ_SzcsiKm_sKV4_qbZTVNSdu75WwX7KhIZ-AGeZ2lCJC4lix-Mb25c2NjvnnMKlYi6xa6S0ipwmchYzNX9_xoJvYDkKrQzJa4zvcb21WFVVVhHvBsJZs8Z0HmGI/s320/kisspng-april-fool-s-day-practical-joke-clip-art-april-5b1822e13d7362.1945011315283084492517.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Toilet Paper in her shoes, and since I'm not sure which ones she will wear I'll have to stuff them all. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Frozen cereal, the night before I'm going to pour a bowl of cereal and freeze it with the spoon in it to serve it to her for breakfast the next morning. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A little food coloring on her faucet spout so when she turns on the water it will come out bright purple.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Taping a plastic spider (from Halloween, remember the multi-purpose items we talked about) to the toilet paper roll in her bathroom.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also picked up a couple old fashioned funny prank items from Five Below for use throughout the day, i.e. whoopie cushion and fake poop</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I tried to plan for harmless pranks that in no way could cause her injury as she is a bit clumsy as is (she has SPD) so the slightest chance she could get hurt makes it an almost certainty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I will add pics to this post once April Fool's has come and gone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Stay Tuned!</span></div>
HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-42317858850622221822019-03-03T10:00:00.000-08:002019-03-03T10:00:01.644-08:00Working Supermom Secret... My Morning Routine<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're anything like I was, mornings feel insane, no matter how much I planned or how early I tried to get up, I felt like I never had enough time in the mornings, or at least I didn't until I put together a solid morning routine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hopefully seeing mine will help you to plan your morning and make your day a productive one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Alarm goes off at 5:15 AM</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Review my to-do list - </b>before even getting out of bed, I review my to-do list for the day, <a href="https://thepopelife.blogspot.com/2019/01/google-keep-googles-best-kept-non-secret.html" target="_blank">Google Keep for the win</a>, just to get in the mindset of productivity. After that I feel as though I have a good handle on what the day ahead holds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Make the bed -</b> I get out of bed and make it, including all my pretty pillows. My room just feel so clean having the bed made. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Get dressed</b> - clothes are always picked out for the week on Sunday's so it's quick. No matter how productive you think you can be in your PJ's, I can guarantee you're more productive in clothes. Even if it's yoga pants and a t-shirt, changing clothes will get your blood flowing and wake you up. If you don't wear outside shoes in your house, get yourself a pair of inside only sneakers, feeling like you're going somewhere will keep you going. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Aesthetics </b>- If you like to do your make-up and hair, go for it, personally I don't wear make-up except a little mascara (blonde lashes get me) and my hair is perpetually in a messy bun. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Start laundry (on a delay) </b>- I delay it for 7 hours, because then it finishes up about 20 minutes before I get home from work. Then, I will switch as soon as I get home and put away before bed. (We'll go over that more in my night time cleaning routine) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Wake up the tiny human -</b> if she's not already up and then she's off to get ready on her own. Her clothes are also set out for the week on Sunday's and she has her checklist of morning tasks to complete. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Drink some water</b> - I will grab my water bottle from the refrigerator and drink about half of it, I prefer very cold water and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MFEHD2C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MFEHD2C&linkCode=as2&tag=workingsupe09-20&linkId=25d16a9cbbdfb0bceb029342f9628b05" target="_blank">these bottles</a> keep things VERY cold. I've had ice still solid after 2 days. And for only $9.99 they're a steal.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Make her lunch</b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>- she takes a hot lunch nearly every day, if I'm sending a cold one I will make it the night before and store it in her lunch box in the refrigerator, but that is rare. For hot lunches I love <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LC2YXCP/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07LC2YXCP&linkCode=as2&tag=workingsupe09-20&linkId=bd92833f2b20df4dc9ffac95577841c4" target="_blank">these insulated bowls</a> because they keep things hot and are comfortable to eat out of and are leak proof. Her favorite lunchbox was a Target find, it's an <a href="https://www.target.com/p/cheeky-kids-insulated-lunch-bag-space/-/A-52957342?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=1&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2B0060H00000moPR4QAM-SG-Q1-AlwaysOn-Ext-Search-Feb-2019-Flight&adgroup=PLA_SG-Q1&LID=700000001393753pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9022395&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5NPjBRDDARIsAM9X1GJSVuVJL9pSnSNRsPP1iYuWSG-yemH49cirjBmX8kcN-39yE_uAYXsaAvL5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Outerspace insulated one</a>. One of our favorite things about the Cheeky® Kids brand is that for every <a href="http://cheekyhome.com/cause" target="_blank">Cheeky® Kids</a> item you buy, a child in need will get a meal right here in the U.S. with No Kid Hungry. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Make breakfast</b><b> </b>-<b> </b>I prefer she eat a hot breakfast and have many things prepped, but some days she wants mac-n-cheese or spaghetti and if that's what I'm making for her lunch I'm fine with that, because really, how is mac-n-cheese any less healthy than pancakes covered in syrup? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Empty the dishwasher</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Practice this weeks spelling words</b><b> </b>-<b> </b>while I'm emptying the dishwasher we'll practice the spelling words on her list this week, I keep them on the white board on our command station and pull them down while we're practicing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Reload any breakfast dishes </b>-<b> </b>as soon as it's emptied I'll add any breakfast dishes, or lunch making dishes, or midnight snack dishes that are in the sink</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Double check backpacks</b><b> </b>-<b> </b>I pre-pack all backpacks the night before but I will go thru both again just to double check. In her backpack I look to make sure her homework is done, all papers are signed and her lunchbox is in it. I'll also look thru mine quickly to ensure my laptop, work phone and any other items I need are in it.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hugs & Kisses </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-</span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Always hug & kiss your family good-bye every morning, no matter what, even if they're sleeping give them a little kiss, be a minute late if it means still getting those hugs & kisses, but with a good morning routine you'll be 20 minutes early with zero stress</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And I'm off to work by 6:25 AM. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now, surprisingly, even if it's a weekend my morning routine varies very little. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On the weekends:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Dressed to the shoes </b>- most weekends it's just blue jeans & a t-shirt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Aesthetics - </b>for me it's no different than a weekday, a little mascara and a messy bun and I'm off</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Laundry</b> - this time no delay</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Breakfast</b> - I make a hot breakfast every Saturday, and make double the amount of pancakes, waffles or french toast to freeze, if there's still a lot left over from the previous weekend I'll make eggs & toast or cinnamon rolls instead</span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dishwasher emptied & refilled</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Send a message</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> - send a message to someone you haven't talked to in awhile. Just a quick "Hey! Was thinking about you and hoping all is well." It will mean a lot to the person and takes less than 30 seconds of your time. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then I begin my Google Keep to-do list for the weekend.<b> </b>If you don't use Google Keep you're missing out. Check out my <a href="https://thepopelife.blogspot.com/2019/01/google-keep-googles-best-kept-non-secret.html" target="_blank">post all about this "secret" weapon</a> offered by Google.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What does your morning look like? Is there some part of it that stresses you out? Anything you could pre-plan? </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
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HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-32571021157212110742019-02-26T10:00:00.000-08:002019-02-26T15:55:07.114-08:00Time to plan for... Johnny Appleseed Day<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's no secret that we LOVE apples in our house, and getting to 'celebrate' one of our favorite fruits twice every year is super exciting. We do huge things in the fall when we go apple picking, but we also have lots of fun on March 11th for Johnny Appleseed day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Every year we read the story of Johnny Appleseed and how he brought apple trees to areas of our country which otherwise wouldn't have had them. This is a great kids book and as they get older they can read it to you. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDafy72zaJxshxeUhR-n2PLxz8UVSAn-r35B5xO7hDzzM03KwL2aSlg3Ld9sRjMcY4WUVg01LTy57LW1ACKnYscjZMFjwamOU_lffemHuAaypZ4qkiBRYk-3R9swFWreKoO__XmjM3Dg/s1600/20190223_161948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDafy72zaJxshxeUhR-n2PLxz8UVSAn-r35B5xO7hDzzM03KwL2aSlg3Ld9sRjMcY4WUVg01LTy57LW1ACKnYscjZMFjwamOU_lffemHuAaypZ4qkiBRYk-3R9swFWreKoO__XmjM3Dg/s320/20190223_161948.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FCVEK0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003FCVEK0&linkCode=as2&tag=workingsupe09-20&linkId=e64e1eb4b189edd614f5248e459070d8" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We got our copy here on Amazon</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also found this <a href="https://teachingwithchildrensbooks.com/johnny-appleseed/" target="_blank">super fun activity pack</a> over on Teaching with Children's Books, that I think you will all love. </span><br />
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<a href="https://teachingwithchildrensbooks.com/johnny-appleseed/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsaQkxHk7qacRTNW9iVVuc6aogqp30gUi5MPDdXJqPUkUeoNwqF0AcYoIZYYYHVFhhaLNIgetAz6Fx4lUWysbtUWjkfljSSZHARtQq01IVBFTrZpomTBJPuJP6ukA4xmrJTTCdk3h-P8/s400/Johnny-Appleseed-Square.jpg" title="" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Every year I make apple pancakes for breakfast, just use your favorite pancake mix and as soon as you pour the batter on the griddle add a very very thin slices of granny smith apples, they're super yummy. <a href="https://thepopelife.blogspot.com/2013/08/ditch-box-bisquick.html" target="_blank">Here is my favorite pancake recipe.</a> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For pancakes, use 2 cups of the above mix and add 1 cup of milk and 2 eggs, they're delicious and quick to make. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In her lunch every year I send apples and caramel sauce or apples and peanut butter, depending on the apples we have on hand. I pre-slice them in the morning and soak for 5 minutes in water with a tablespoon of lemon juice, it doesn't take on any of the lemon flavor, but keeps them from browning, you can also use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N01ZKUM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N01ZKUM&linkCode=as2&tag=workingsupe09-20&linkId=6aa92d3c5de9ea0e3238c872d29bec5d" target="_blank">citric acid</a> if you have some on hand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For dessert I usually make my apple bread with cinnamon butter which makes for a great breakfast the next morning too. Last year I made apple cookies with cinnamon cream cheese icing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A fun tradition is at dinner, wear a pot on your head like Johnny Appleseed. The kids will love it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For Gwen's class I usually make <a href="https://thepopelife.blogspot.com/2011/12/apple-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">"apple" cupcakes</a> as a treat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">What is your favorite apple recipe? Share in the comments below.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-67438982475946433382019-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:002019-02-24T20:13:04.953-08:00Working Supermom Secret ... Stair Basket<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you have a two story home, you know how often things find their way from the 2nd floor to the 1st and no one wants to make a hundred trips up and down the stairs, and it cab become a hazard just leaving it on the stairs and <i>hoping </i>someone will take it up when they're headed that way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got <a href="https://www.target.com/p/4-75-x6-5-wicker-media-bin-dark-brown-threshold-153/-/A-14105077" target="_blank">this cute basket from Target</a> and keep it on the stairs to keep everything corralled and to make it easier to carry it all up when I go up, because let's face it, who else is going to carry it up since it's all invisible. It's 8"x10" so it doesn't hold a lot, but it's perfect for the socks, Lego's, hair brushes, hair ties, etc. that make their wait to the living room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Amazon does have some great options as well, but they were a little pricier than I wanted to pay, and a little bigger than I wanted for the stairs. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0147CB6W2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0147CB6W2&linkCode=as2&tag=workingsupe09-20&linkId=58c5eb6238624027770fddff6e1d6e8e" target="_blank">This basket</a> is specifically made for stair storage and was the cheapest I found. With the below one, I was also concerned with how much more would I allow to pile up before taking it up, because even I have my lazy moments. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oVtxn4mSQrjSbdfiWcngGtOMcTvG8XxiMllNwcFHSdbXgWoNMMpK4ArIw_JKr41vMnxqubh4eN3HODTgG-xS322FjCYEIoq2KPHbL7xhKSUrG2Ei0oWWhHfwJUSTyktGq9nqyBQKA9Q/s1600/Stair+basket2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="625" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oVtxn4mSQrjSbdfiWcngGtOMcTvG8XxiMllNwcFHSdbXgWoNMMpK4ArIw_JKr41vMnxqubh4eN3HODTgG-xS322FjCYEIoq2KPHbL7xhKSUrG2Ei0oWWhHfwJUSTyktGq9nqyBQKA9Q/s400/Stair+basket2.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you have a two story home, what is your normal handling of things that need to go up? Do you run things up every time you find them? Stack on the stairs without a bin? Some other method? Share in the comments below, I'd love to hear your ideas. </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-38336541017444007332019-02-23T12:13:00.002-08:002019-02-23T12:14:15.536-08:00Time to plan for… Dr. Seuss’ Birthday<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dr. Seuss' Birthday is March 2nd, but we did our projects a week early for two reasons, one so I could share with you all, and 2 because we have soccer open house next weekend and weren't sure if we'd have enough time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We love Dr. Seuss in our house, so much so we read probably
2-3 books a week. This year Gwen chose 3 books for our Dr Seuss celebration,
Cat in the Hat, The Lorax & Fox in Sox. So, we are doing some fun Thing 1
& Thing 2 hand-prints, making Truffula Tree cupcakes and a Popsicle stick
fox. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also started making some treats I was going to send to
school with Gwen to her class before I realized that March 2<sup>nd</sup> was a
Saturday. In my prep for this year I had all the items cut and ready to go, I
just needed to buy the packages of goldfish crackers. So in anticipation, I
will share that here, for your preparation for next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Classroom present</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For this you can use either small bags of Goldfish or small bags
of Swedish fish depending on if you want to go sweet or savory. I printed 27 of these (in 3.5x5" and cut them out to staple to the bag of treats)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQS65zefns5ReyM05dhaOSVAsp7crntk9wgy9bzmvRPVh3hyphenhyphenIhJhovF0LTxytuf00t-JpSERUayeqmYg5WRhGQPwx_1-XnDcAPu38IN_uP70HaPNBV4DGjfjTdPmxyY7YbHRufq7Ep8e4/s1600/Class+treat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="742" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQS65zefns5ReyM05dhaOSVAsp7crntk9wgy9bzmvRPVh3hyphenhyphenIhJhovF0LTxytuf00t-JpSERUayeqmYg5WRhGQPwx_1-XnDcAPu38IN_uP70HaPNBV4DGjfjTdPmxyY7YbHRufq7Ep8e4/s400/Class+treat.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWtK_rSGuYr1-Q01DLp7gHBompx7B6qoy8jD0PxQNsdGBDcXRdDLAXWlFLcycu2cvlt5WF6MJcI5sdz1qJGdDkETEE139ca7HaLOcymE8I8BJ2GucjO7YDocWTLpW3f2wm4OIpkEvBms/s1600/big-fish-bowl-clipart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="1600" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWtK_rSGuYr1-Q01DLp7gHBompx7B6qoy8jD0PxQNsdGBDcXRdDLAXWlFLcycu2cvlt5WF6MJcI5sdz1qJGdDkETEE139ca7HaLOcymE8I8BJ2GucjO7YDocWTLpW3f2wm4OIpkEvBms/s320/big-fish-bowl-clipart.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Fox in Sox Fox</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 popsicle sticks, orange marker, orange paper, googly eyes and a black puff ball. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We used hot glue to glue everything together so that we could quickly play with them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFwv9LSi3gd_WEluq_0xXKCFUjEqZwTYksrH0aLTfgBjVqKAx9yekxHHN8imK2awlIlImgZst4aO4IO43BBCd9ghD846pojdHkAawcPgCvCo3EWD00mK6-lhBoRT1Ds96AxnaPyUocbY/s1600/20190223_095844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFwv9LSi3gd_WEluq_0xXKCFUjEqZwTYksrH0aLTfgBjVqKAx9yekxHHN8imK2awlIlImgZst4aO4IO43BBCd9ghD846pojdHkAawcPgCvCo3EWD00mK6-lhBoRT1Ds96AxnaPyUocbY/s640/20190223_095844.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">*I had to print out a copy of the book title for the picture because she ran off to read the book (it's one of her favorites)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Thing 1 & Thing 2 paint handprints</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This one is super easy, all you need is red, white and blue
acrylic paint (or finger paint) a piece of paper and a black marker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzWk6VHL0tHi92FZvHvPI_hQpgh6PlW5T6ikamIOuSux63JJ6UjZQtLullKOhWpdp6_axrqnyC_AHYAPSy1QFZ9sQUFD8yTeXdWbTxV3xXuDTdMi6wkcY3L_TJ4j7wIc8tuHrU0US47c/s1600/20190223_095114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzWk6VHL0tHi92FZvHvPI_hQpgh6PlW5T6ikamIOuSux63JJ6UjZQtLullKOhWpdp6_axrqnyC_AHYAPSy1QFZ9sQUFD8yTeXdWbTxV3xXuDTdMi6wkcY3L_TJ4j7wIc8tuHrU0US47c/s640/20190223_095114.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Voila! Gwen drew on my face and I drew on hers so that we were both helping each other out. She really enjoyed getting to paint my hands so I could do hand-prints too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Lorax Cupcakes</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While we made our batter & icing from scratch, you can
make this much easier by just grabbing a box mix and container of frosting. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPP2BU4JmW4WMnITWY9WglceRE2oX6b7jjKBNobSNzsou59qzasCcE-FT8u-FA_poOaFONqdtAUYbPhNOzVeqNf_PK7fCDz6CyfE4Es2_tQ5xRuOlKXjf2Xh82imtd-WPcVNtnxc3AkFw/s1600/20190223_122306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPP2BU4JmW4WMnITWY9WglceRE2oX6b7jjKBNobSNzsou59qzasCcE-FT8u-FA_poOaFONqdtAUYbPhNOzVeqNf_PK7fCDz6CyfE4Es2_tQ5xRuOlKXjf2Xh82imtd-WPcVNtnxc3AkFw/s640/20190223_122306.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gwen added a couple little teddy grahams to hers because she said they looked like little Lorax men.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9o1o0PCUbvsAUw3zhuCxRns4hUWW0Kw3ZrfuXiAptpQTyGxzb9mMwd-p6sxQNEASuFEBEz7jU1zTzcdLRcShqPNF12S8Nvhk0_SZyz5Us1zfbaR99yXypZgfF1jP_uhnh2NpJKz6cqI/s1600/20190223_124548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9o1o0PCUbvsAUw3zhuCxRns4hUWW0Kw3ZrfuXiAptpQTyGxzb9mMwd-p6sxQNEASuFEBEz7jU1zTzcdLRcShqPNF12S8Nvhk0_SZyz5Us1zfbaR99yXypZgfF1jP_uhnh2NpJKz6cqI/s400/20190223_124548.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the truffula trees there are 2 options, tulle & a straw or cotton
candy & cookies, we went with cotton candy & Pirouinne cookies because it’s just too yummy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hope you enjoyed these super easy ideas and can incorporate some of them into your plans for next weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
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HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-17755936916170037242019-02-15T07:58:00.001-08:002019-02-18T11:57:28.003-08:00Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7VeRTyku3ePzX09sBj7JG8QfTsTG9OIZ_5RUyZhbg7_CtTbL2hVrRKNFrtHNVJcnO_nEIJvjWTjRGGOcQs4xLzbHps5L9uxWRAmCJXNWsaLFm97Z3SctYrhILxNmSd-dxVnr6Qy7TpY/s1600/20190218_131700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7VeRTyku3ePzX09sBj7JG8QfTsTG9OIZ_5RUyZhbg7_CtTbL2hVrRKNFrtHNVJcnO_nEIJvjWTjRGGOcQs4xLzbHps5L9uxWRAmCJXNWsaLFm97Z3SctYrhILxNmSd-dxVnr6Qy7TpY/s320/20190218_131700.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everyone loves my chocolate chip cookies and they're super simple and easy to make ahead of time. The biggest secret (not-so secret anymore) is my Butter Mix. I take 1 lb of salted (do not use unsalted) butter, 1 lb of butter Crisco & 1 lb of Imperial Margarine (other brands don't taste as good) and mix it together. I keep this in my refrigerator for all my cookie needs, It helps your cookies stay soft for almost any recipe. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For a printable recipe click <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/theworkingsupermom/chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. </span>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">INGREDIENTS</span></u></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 and 1/4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour (tapped & leveled)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup butter mix </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips </span></li>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">STEPS</span></u></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whisk 2 1/4 c flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until no brown sugar lumps remain. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whisk in the egg, then the egg yolk. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Finally, whisk in the vanilla extract. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together with a large spoon or rubber spatula. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The dough will be very soft, yet thick, if it's sticky to the touch add the other 1/4c flour. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fold in the chocolate chunks. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Put dough in a gallon ziplock and get as much air out as possible. Chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours or up to 3-4 days. Chilling is mandatory or they will spread and have an awful texture. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take the dough out of the refrigerator and allow to slightly soften at room temperature for 10 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats. (Always recommended for cookies) Set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Using a cookie scoop, scoop 2 oz portions. Roll the dough into balls between your hands to smooth out.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes. The cookies will look very soft and under baked. They will continue to bake on the cookie sheet. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Make ahead tips: </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can make the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow to come to room temperature then continue with step 4.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unbaked cookie dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake cookie dough balls for an extra minute, no need to thaw. I almost always make double what I need and then freeze cookie dough balls and then place in a baggie so I can just bake what I need in between big batches, who doesn't prefer fresh out of the oven cookies on a week night. </span></li>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
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HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-86914901246174834232019-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:002019-03-02T09:47:57.614-08:00Welcome!!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you came here looking for inspiration - I hope I give you lots!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you came here looking for motivation - I hope I give you more than you're looking for!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You don't have to be rich, or a SAHM, or childless to have a clean, organized home and be so productive that everyone around you says "How does she do it all?" the answer, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all and not be stressed out while doing it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been blogging off and on since 2010 (mostly off), but recently I have really developed a passion for sharing my secrets, tips and recipes. I hope you can take some of the tips and tricks here and apply them to your own life to make even one moment simpler. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/workingsupermom/" target="_blank">Facebook Group</a> where I share lots of printables, reminders, and quick tips that I don't share here so be sure to check it out. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-24352424723978941862019-01-26T12:04:00.002-08:002019-01-26T12:04:29.225-08:00Managing Your Inbox Using Gmail Categories<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Does your email inbox look like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICqJYWcyJTE2sgymLC0ItPXspZU0517J_-M6jtbS5mCMcw1_wktoI1Wer4S1ovDe_v8CeoATc9PmpFJ0CzGeM8W2VYib6zggWlhLhqxF4laCXKp-Gqx6wrx_ObYxiXBrwCipt-UYq0_E/s1600/Inbox.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1543" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICqJYWcyJTE2sgymLC0ItPXspZU0517J_-M6jtbS5mCMcw1_wktoI1Wer4S1ovDe_v8CeoATc9PmpFJ0CzGeM8W2VYib6zggWlhLhqxF4laCXKp-Gqx6wrx_ObYxiXBrwCipt-UYq0_E/s400/Inbox.png" width="400" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If not, you may have a little work to do. Periodically I go through the preassigned categories that Gmail has and mark everything "Not Social/Updates/Forums/Promotion" so that I can handle the items myself and put them where I need them. Using Gmails Categories feature you can keep all the emails you need to, keep them easily filed in your email and still keep your inbox clean. You can even have subcategories to keep things bundled together and separate at the same time (I use this for my favorite bloggers). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7mAHOpjmTOLFfuryBh4991fUge7zfMYnq_12RzYnX3CYFjOQzoU6cuG4LTYGdwoK4W-Ojx16oSVebb9dtOsoRbwpTE9kOhe8Kdsoj2aFzNtWFVewNPov1bNy3rUG2QkFNKsu7TD7D8Y/s1600/Categories.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="228" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7mAHOpjmTOLFfuryBh4991fUge7zfMYnq_12RzYnX3CYFjOQzoU6cuG4LTYGdwoK4W-Ojx16oSVebb9dtOsoRbwpTE9kOhe8Kdsoj2aFzNtWFVewNPov1bNy3rUG2QkFNKsu7TD7D8Y/s320/Categories.png" width="124" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every time an email comes in I remove the inbox category and add my own to it, then my inbox stays clean and I'm able to manage the items. As items are no longer needed in my inbox (i.e. I've paid the bill, responded, etc) I either delete it if I'll never need it again, or I print it to OneNote (we'll get into my OneNote organization deeper in another post) and keep a copy there, deleting it out of my inbox. Things like blog post newsletters I rarely delete as I reference back to them regularly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Make sure you're regularly checking your spam folder too, because gmails spam filters are a little stingy. For a few weeks I went in and marked everything "Not Spam" so it would come into my inbox and I could process it properly (marking it spam if needed) and I still go in from time to time to ensure everything in my spam box is truly spam. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also, make sure you're emptying your spam folder and trash cans regularly, Gmail automatically does it, but it's nice to not see numbers down the side, almost as nice as laying on clean warm sheets when you go to bed. </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-33013490516687775332019-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:002019-02-25T05:51:28.978-08:00Taco Pasta Recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I let Gwen have input on dinner most nights and she wanted tacos last night, while this worked for her and my husband I wanted something a little different so I decided to try and make a taco pasta. It came out delish so I decided to share my recipe with all of you. This is a very loose recipe, adjust as you see fit and to your families tastes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Ingredients</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 lb shell pasta</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 lb 93% ground beef</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 c chunky salsa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1c shredded Mexican cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 c taco seasoning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 c water</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Cooking Directions</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cook pasta according to package directions (or however you normally cook pasta) until just barely done, drain and set aside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. In the same pot brown ground beef and then add taco seasoning and water and simmer until nearly all water has evaporated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. Add the pasta back to the pot and stir in salsa and cheese. If the heat from the meat and pasta doesn't melt the cheese completely you can turn the heat back on for a few moments but not too long so that you don't overcook the pasta.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was a great dish and even reheated well the next day, which is saying something since in my family we never eat leftovers since I'm not a fan of how things taste reheated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you give it a try leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</span></b></div>
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HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-66960827510757130612019-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:002019-01-08T09:00:05.028-08:00Reading TrackerMy daughters school has literacy nights where they ask us to bring in a list of all the books they have read over the last month. Well anyone who knows me knows I don't like boring when I can have cute, so I made this <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ug3ka35316ywgn1/Reading%20Tracker.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">reading tracker</a> for her and wanted to share with everyone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBiUCO3ZwnE16jL4GLIjPWln5aYNZ41QD2O05XobO8cV1soLhbx5CNMpuJByv2uwDxAI2hqaXBEI17h5n2o1XM647V1jiy8Yg3b7CkUcnguoSON4Qsu7IGt4y0v6qVWRP3iaIbxqVBDcF/s1600/2015-08-26+11.22.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBiUCO3ZwnE16jL4GLIjPWln5aYNZ41QD2O05XobO8cV1soLhbx5CNMpuJByv2uwDxAI2hqaXBEI17h5n2o1XM647V1jiy8Yg3b7CkUcnguoSON4Qsu7IGt4y0v6qVWRP3iaIbxqVBDcF/s320/2015-08-26+11.22.12.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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I printed the pages, punched them and placed them in a 3 ring binder. It's the perfect size to keep on the book shelf next to her books so we always remember to fill it in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YSrIGYFFkQnufsLlS6hRw35pOfGrOCCr6EX0RlSV3luIj-U5cWs1_icaECzcRO6nchI-o46BZUgDMy5k2AFcD1AnT5AG4XCuCf8HJfzHquZrcvuwFAHm7c17iGxWUxoIAvVOBoZ_AjjL/s1600/Sample+Month.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YSrIGYFFkQnufsLlS6hRw35pOfGrOCCr6EX0RlSV3luIj-U5cWs1_icaECzcRO6nchI-o46BZUgDMy5k2AFcD1AnT5AG4XCuCf8HJfzHquZrcvuwFAHm7c17iGxWUxoIAvVOBoZ_AjjL/s320/Sample+Month.png" width="244" /></a></div>
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Each month has a pretty header and room for 100 books (that's over THREE each day). On the last page each month is this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg849qBDQQ5zKjdJAc3AYPZPvyhPwYuJDu2NUpeyczkrFkv3JwL5_mBflHMe4VCfCxd70ERUSen72-B35gRVI9zTGPUktmMxnHJ2lPkdu6pjr-MSYjRh0ABPE6WylfL6wNDMkXUn7upJ8GX/s1600/100+Books+Page.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg849qBDQQ5zKjdJAc3AYPZPvyhPwYuJDu2NUpeyczkrFkv3JwL5_mBflHMe4VCfCxd70ERUSen72-B35gRVI9zTGPUktmMxnHJ2lPkdu6pjr-MSYjRh0ABPE6WylfL6wNDMkXUn7upJ8GX/s320/100+Books+Page.png" width="246" /></a></div>
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The special prize is up to you, for my daughter it's a full "Mommy/Daughter Day" where she gets to pick everything from the foods all 3 meals, to where we go and what we do.<br />
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ug3ka35316ywgn1/Reading%20Tracker.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">To download the Reading Tracker click here. </a><br />
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Enjoy and happy reading!!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-size: 15.4px;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-3224206879185165652019-01-07T06:45:00.000-08:002019-01-07T06:45:00.268-08:00Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cups<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was craving something sweet and really wanted cake but am out of powdered sugar so I had to think of a cake that didn't need icing, or an icing alternative and then remembered how amazing pineapple upside down cake is. I looked up my moms recipe and saw the cake took 45 minutes to cook and at 7:30 p.m. I did not want to wait that long plus cool time to indulge so I decided to make mini-cakes using my jumbo cupcake tin from Wilton.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloZRKeubcEyv8soERNxrCg93VRj2jiE7QNI7qD85IdX2d8HUUgfneek_OBT5tw6KxFNZCftMcUgcVvQaMSS1CZzT_N6d7458HYXtdlOktzeAJCVUf-uKwZmwiikEGQPW2ebQh0xE6Uns/s1600/2019-01-06+19.57.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloZRKeubcEyv8soERNxrCg93VRj2jiE7QNI7qD85IdX2d8HUUgfneek_OBT5tw6KxFNZCftMcUgcVvQaMSS1CZzT_N6d7458HYXtdlOktzeAJCVUf-uKwZmwiikEGQPW2ebQh0xE6Uns/s400/2019-01-06+19.57.50.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Ingredients</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>For the topping:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 stick of butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">9 TBL brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 can pineapple chunks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">9 maraschino cherries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>For the cake:</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 cups AP flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 1/2 tsp baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 c salted butter softened</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 1/3 c brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 large eggs at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp vanilla paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup whole milk</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Instructions</u></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpm4gBPudQS5aWIBJGgIa43lHYokrQJJ9Z4pxDPoTaPw98hZ52rRSrkLk0s288rl31tfYFZLLYZY_0juH6jQI4SQGyae4q5L_zEXFZJJxLfA52yrGOaKPjw30jopwRVG7_8tqVgp5Hnk/s1600/2019-01-06+20.06.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpm4gBPudQS5aWIBJGgIa43lHYokrQJJ9Z4pxDPoTaPw98hZ52rRSrkLk0s288rl31tfYFZLLYZY_0juH6jQI4SQGyae4q5L_zEXFZJJxLfA52yrGOaKPjw30jopwRVG7_8tqVgp5Hnk/s400/2019-01-06+20.06.39.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Preheat oven to 350° F.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Spray a jumbo muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Add the butter and sugar from the topping section to a small saucepan over medium heat and heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture is completely smooth. Remove from heat and distribute evenly between the 9 cavities of the jumbo tin (may also work in a standard 12 cupcake tin).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Take pineapple chunks and cut in half keeping the core intact, lay 6 pieces in a circle on top of the butter and sugar mixture. Place a maraschino cherry in the middle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. In the bowl of a stand mixer mix the butter and sugar from the cake ingredients until light and fluffy, the more air you get in now the lighter your cake will be (skipping this step will cause a dense bread like cake). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuniKtnOisbsqYIUvVsQnDPAzUzy2OaKX4bpLq1WyGctxA8y0YGT4TN_u4gOdhZbC8uWFZM9_Ao-wDCKPQb4GIDQVIlnA6stBXVCOZlNnB0IQuVF-STgke7PuqtMT1MCC4hChMJefJ5BI/s1600/2019-01-06+20.46.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuniKtnOisbsqYIUvVsQnDPAzUzy2OaKX4bpLq1WyGctxA8y0YGT4TN_u4gOdhZbC8uWFZM9_Ao-wDCKPQb4GIDQVIlnA6stBXVCOZlNnB0IQuVF-STgke7PuqtMT1MCC4hChMJefJ5BI/s400/2019-01-06+20.46.36.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6. Add in the eggs and vanilla paste (extract will work as well) and mix well after each ingredient. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7. Add the dry ingredients in thirds alternating which ingredient you're putting in, mixing each time just until combined. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8. Evenly distribute the batter among the 9 cavities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">9. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Then run a butter knife along the outer edges to loosen them from the pan, place an upside down wire rack on top and flip over onto a cookie sheet lined with a silicone baking mat (or parchment paper).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11. Allow to cool a little more and enjoy. Serve as is or with a little homemade whipped cream. </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-78928818536827463752019-01-03T10:00:00.000-08:002019-01-07T08:45:22.728-08:00Google Keep - Google's Best Kept "Non-Secret" Secret Weapon<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love checklists, but I hate paper checklists because I like to reorder things and add sub-items and just have more control than paper gives me. Recently while watching a YouTube tutorial for something completely unrelated, the YouTuber mentioned Google Keep. I hadn't heard of it so I Googled it (Google really is taking over the world). Google Keep is so much more than just a place to house your checklists, but it is a great place for them. </span><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CsI6smHbMFlvM-VqFLhJywNZUJi7IPGsWiH4WBeRDAeGt3hwP8pTUcYSUWw8NJx9_4T_F_eAPh3vVrwITo8W9ntgg57Z_m0kbjelG70ediM9NhMd1S06h1pXPr1vzMD6vCa-fU7MIdk/s1600/2018-12-31+18.38.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CsI6smHbMFlvM-VqFLhJywNZUJi7IPGsWiH4WBeRDAeGt3hwP8pTUcYSUWw8NJx9_4T_F_eAPh3vVrwITo8W9ntgg57Z_m0kbjelG70ediM9NhMd1S06h1pXPr1vzMD6vCa-fU7MIdk/s400/2018-12-31+18.38.11.jpg" width="193" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have my grocery list in Google Keep and I can share it with my husband so he can add items, see what is on there, check things off if he's shopping without me, etc. It's AMAZING! I also have a list of my daughters favorite items for her school lunches, because as you know I make her lunch every day and try to give her variety. There are some other check lists too, like Resolutions/Goals, a long term project list, a list of all the switches that still need changed to smart switches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It also has reminders in it that sync with your Google Calendar which is huge with how much I use my Google Calendars. *If you missed that post check it out here: </span><a href="https://thepopelife.blogspot.com/2018/12/my-12-google-calendars.html" target="_blank">My 12 Google Calendars</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* With Reminders, you can geotag them which is amazing. Put the address of a place you need to stop (i.e. picking up dry cleaning or a prescription) and if you're within half a mile of that location, the reminder will pop-up to complete the task. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can access Google Keep from your phone or your computer or any smart device. I only just learned about Google Keep three months ago, so I'm still learning about all the fun features available, but check it out, it will change your life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-49249439489939288242019-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:002019-01-02T10:00:04.375-08:00School Money Stickers (Free Printable)<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you're anything like me, you feel like you're sending money to school 3x a week and can't always remember to put all the information needed on the envelope with it. Usually the school will still take it, I mean who wouldn't accept money, but then they send the reminders home of "please include the following information when sending money". So what I did was create this cute little infographic that I printed out on sticker paper and attached to the front of a few envelopes to keep on hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course I can't create something without sharing it with you guys.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNwRGPBtYNJJn2VhMU10UqOsY1YX46j2cVbln_aY26l_ZGzUOrz_ogiD_Wy6dk6uiA46Se2NHftUBKMOhDU42z5TbRNcn9FoGlykjGoFfGy7oN4RnRPFdXQDZIg-Xvvb64eDmdYIkpVw/s1600/School+Money+Stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1479" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNwRGPBtYNJJn2VhMU10UqOsY1YX46j2cVbln_aY26l_ZGzUOrz_ogiD_Wy6dk6uiA46Se2NHftUBKMOhDU42z5TbRNcn9FoGlykjGoFfGy7oN4RnRPFdXQDZIg-Xvvb64eDmdYIkpVw/s400/School+Money+Stickers.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/1zicfc4b4uweews/School%20Money%20Stickers.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">Click here for a pdf file with 4 graphics per sheet.</a> You can print them on sticker paper, or just on regular paper and then tape them to the envelopes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-31199849002858256672019-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:002019-01-01T10:00:09.180-08:00Completely Using Google Contacts <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I feel like I'm giving away one of my biggest organizing/networking secrets, but it's so exciting I have to share. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Google Contacts is an amazing feature that is so often underutilized by Google users. You can store more than just the basic name and phone number which helps not only with keeping the information at your fingertips, but making your brain more efficient since you don't have to remember certain things when shopping for gifts or planning for topics in networking meetings. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Vy2eitDqXFNdZBfkxnnpFdo8Guwdn2YWKrn99sJ7UHV6oTrnA3HFGCSswB9rdbhP1_Oe1kdfnkh0hU7DBEFqksVAaKLQojit8eD8OwKvYsj4cUWAF_Mouuxz4K9ByiohzYtDu04fBQ/s1600/Fake+Contact.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="443" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Vy2eitDqXFNdZBfkxnnpFdo8Guwdn2YWKrn99sJ7UHV6oTrnA3HFGCSswB9rdbhP1_Oe1kdfnkh0hU7DBEFqksVAaKLQojit8eD8OwKvYsj4cUWAF_Mouuxz4K9ByiohzYtDu04fBQ/s400/Fake+Contact.png" width="275" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Vy2eitDqXFNdZBfkxnnpFdo8Guwdn2YWKrn99sJ7UHV6oTrnA3HFGCSswB9rdbhP1_Oe1kdfnkh0hU7DBEFqksVAaKLQojit8eD8OwKvYsj4cUWAF_Mouuxz4K9ByiohzYtDu04fBQ/s1600/Fake+Contact.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have created a fake contact to the left, but the information looks very similar to what I have for every contact in my phone. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Always include a picture, this helps you to put the name with the face, especially if a majority of your contact is over the phone/email you want to be able to easily recognize the person when you see them in person. Also, make sure it's just a picture of them, having other people in the picture can be confusing. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Include their company and job title. If you know their middle name, include that too. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Always label the phone numbers properly so you don't mistakenly call their personal number when you were trying to reach their office. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Make sure if you list an address, which is a great idea especially when it comes time to send Christmas cards, you have the full address including zip code. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is also a section to list relatives. There are 2 ways you can do this, you can link people in they're both in your phone, for example, my married neighbors are both in my phone under separate contacts, but are linked through the relatives option. If you don't have the information you can just list their names and relationship in the phone. I also add birth dates next to the names if I find them out in passing conversation. Even if you just have the month/year that's helpful to use as a conversation starter, or just the age and approximate year to help with relating topics to them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Always include any dates you have, birthday, anniversary, work anniversary, etc. Anything that is special to them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Finally, the most important section in my opinion, is the notes section, here I make notes about things the person likes, doesn't like, favorites, etc. If it's a close friend I'll do the same for their children in the notes section (clothing sizes, current likes, etc.). In the example above, John is a Ford fan, but hates Dodge, loves Star Trek and the Raiders and his favorite food is candied bacon. Anytime I have a conversation with someone and likes/dislikes or hobbies come up I try to make a mental note to add it to their contact note in google so I have it for later reference and don't have to try to remember it. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One great thing with the dates section is those will automatically transfer over to your Contacts Calendar that was discussed in my post on <a href="https://thepopelife.blogspot.com/2018/12/my-12-google-calendars.html" target="_blank">My 12 Google Calendars</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
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HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-10985775711551031942018-12-30T11:46:00.002-08:002018-12-31T16:53:43.308-08:00My 12 Google Calendars<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm a digital girl, all the way. We have been a paper-free house for nearly 3 years, no binders, no planners, no notebooks, etc. Today, let's talk calendars and planning. We'll touch on meal planning and such but I'll get more in depth in a couple weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Google Calendars are AMAZING! I have 12 of them. I know that sounds like a lot, and like it's hard to manage, but in reality it couldn't be easier. All 12 calendars are shared with my husband (including my personal one) with Edit access so we easily know what is going on with each other when trying to plan things. In order, they are:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKWMFu2rNv4J1RL4BKRn-0c-IKJWzwesVyiW4VcI8rz3yW9539mcJK9fFsM4XTY6hz7OwxK8Z5B0sDdIQ2X55muRkkOGs4tDG6sMCu0Onhyphenhyphenc-9soVfRwP20EqjaB1iSGQ4s7xeEn12Ls/s1600/Calendars.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="184" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKWMFu2rNv4J1RL4BKRn-0c-IKJWzwesVyiW4VcI8rz3yW9539mcJK9fFsM4XTY6hz7OwxK8Z5B0sDdIQ2X55muRkkOGs4tDG6sMCu0Onhyphenhyphenc-9soVfRwP20EqjaB1iSGQ4s7xeEn12Ls/s400/Calendars.png" width="160" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Heidi Pope - my personal calendar for my appointments (doctor, hair, paydays, time off etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Activities - this is for anything and everything I have found within a decent driving distance (usually 30 miles) that sounds remotely interesting. This calendar is shared with about 2 dozen people (read only) in my area to share ideas about what is going on.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Adam Pope - a calendar for my husbands appointments, work time off & paydays, this is actually his google calendar, but shared with me with edit permissions so I can add/edit things on his calendar as well as see what he has going on. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Budget - every bill we have due is on the calendar, this allows for a quick glance on when things need paid (even if it's on auto-pay) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Contacts - this auto-fills from my Google Contacts which I use for all the information about my friends/family to keep me on top of things. I'll share more about what all goes into my Google Contacts in a later post. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">xxx Elementary - this calendar is for everything related to my daughters school. Days off, half days, PTO meetings, fundraiser information, special days (hat day, sports day, etc.) etc. I keep this separate from her calendar because I share this one with a number of other parents in my daughters class/school. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Gwen - this is my daughters calendar for her appointments and after school activities.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Heidi School - I'm still a full time college student so I use this calendar to track projects due, mid-terms, finals, start/end of semester, submission dates for reimbursement from work, etc. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Holidays - ALL holidays, both major and fun holidays (i.e. Dr Seuss' birthday, National Watermelon Day, etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Household - filter changes, loofa changes, regular home maintenance, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Meal Planning - Here I keep our meal plan, the calendar event not only includes the name but the recipe as well. Each month I'll look at the previous and drag and drop the event if I want to reuse it, or I will create a new one for new recipes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Reminders - this is for reminders that are created through Google Keep (a lifeline for me)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Having all the calendars open at the same time can be a lot to look at, but the great thing is you can turn them on and off for viewing. I usually keep meal planning, household, budget, and activities turned "off" for viewing because the reminders/notifications will still pop up, but I don't have to see them when I open my calendar unless I want to. This is my calendar with all 12 turned on:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With only the "major" calendars on (those needed for new appointment decision making), it is much cleaner and less overwhelming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the best parts of this, aside from it being super organized and easy to see just what you need, is that you always have it on you. Whether your phone, tablet, computer, or any other device you can access your calendar to look and update immediately. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some tips:</span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When making an appointment (like a follow-up with the doctor) put it on the calendar immediately, don't even take a reminder card from them, just put it on the calendar so you can't forget to put it on there later and you're saving paper (double win). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While 12 calendars work for me, you may need more, or less, use what works for you. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you have multiple children, you'll want a calendar for each of them, as well as a calendar per school if you have kids at different schools. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you have animals, give each their own calendar or make 1 calendar for animals and before each activity put their name, i.e. "OSCAR - vet appointment" "LUCY - heart worm medicine" for quick understanding.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Changing the color of the calendar also allows you to see at quick glance who has activities planned for which day. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Make sure you share your calendars with people who need to know what is going on, it's so much cleaner and easier than "inviting" them to activities. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To create your additional Google Calendars, go to Google Calendars on a PC and click the elipses next to "Add Calendar" and select "New Calendar" </span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi0N6xl05JP-Ay146WYQP_4pSNaCPJPz5lBfTODnP8ZsqAylatXKhZPEHUQC0u7rSKIqxr5_O_HolDcw2DY4MxOyFxvuoo5wwMikHplPmKBM0LE1N53WEE4bsVvJSwl9s3epFBi8V2As/s1600/New+calendar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="448" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi0N6xl05JP-Ay146WYQP_4pSNaCPJPz5lBfTODnP8ZsqAylatXKhZPEHUQC0u7rSKIqxr5_O_HolDcw2DY4MxOyFxvuoo5wwMikHplPmKBM0LE1N53WEE4bsVvJSwl9s3epFBi8V2As/s320/New+calendar.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hope this was helpful for you! Check back soon for information on Google Contacts, Google Keep, Meal Planning, OneNote and other ways to be a "Working Supermom". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.</b></span></div>
HeidiPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842177465196452736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-63723348290412910102013-10-17T06:00:00.001-07:002023-05-24T17:37:47.715-07:00Body Part Flash Cards<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As another great way to learn body parts as well as get familiar with the way they are spelled and the writing for them looks I created some flash cards. Super simple and FREE for you to download.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b>Tools</b></u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/looiqsjnff24dn248dk3" target="_blank">Body Part Flashcards</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006VZAZS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Heat Laminating Sheets</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Laminator (I use my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/YourStory-Book-Binder-Laminator-375000/dp/B001P2VM0O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_blank">YourStory Binder</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Acco-Metal-Rings-Diameter-ACC72202/dp/B00008XPLC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380641691&sr=8-1&keywords=binding+ring" target="_blank">Binding Ring </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b>Instructions</b></u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Download the Body Part Flashcards <a href="https://app.box.com/s/looiqsjnff24dn248dk3" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Cut out along the lines.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Laminate for longevity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Punch a small hole for a ring in the upper corner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. Combine and play.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxu-XGJrAB0vjSPQZVcGUT2TJdooKUZVITZrmUMBj3D4OijCpX95TALmpov6KpPhFJUlOUGYHLVqHrHDd6iwybNCYA4vSzCIGjhmO4MacgHU54JrdQ_kuHKFj6__vlNzOq2ASdvAzRYCX/s1600/2013-10-10+09.45.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxu-XGJrAB0vjSPQZVcGUT2TJdooKUZVITZrmUMBj3D4OijCpX95TALmpov6KpPhFJUlOUGYHLVqHrHDd6iwybNCYA4vSzCIGjhmO4MacgHU54JrdQ_kuHKFj6__vlNzOq2ASdvAzRYCX/s640/2013-10-10+09.45.35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all. </b></span></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-72683312109221305282013-09-25T08:08:00.001-07:002018-12-30T08:26:38.438-08:00Scissor Practice (+bonus activity)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A fun activity for those beginning cutters to do. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Instructions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Print the <a href="https://app.box.com/s/ie0kuh60ea6hfqsl4byc" target="_blank">worksheet</a> on colored or white paper/cardstcok. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cut out the long rectangles to make each scissor activity</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You could also print an additional set and laminate to use for a tracing activity for the little ones.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Allow child to cut using child safety scissors, you may have to guide their hand the first couple of times but soon they'll be sipping along on their own.</span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53J1c0hx99Thtc7GgYO1NZZWX5bYdrzqIbk04EcYUrHeokX7TmcyW4cMnfgIWMXVdSsF-7_6bEq7h7RPgmCPIbMZwlvTSkM76oOdI6r0I2GcMSuXhCfXSXmYMn4kIgPm_QF1CrbRAoNga/s1600/2013-09-25+11.01.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53J1c0hx99Thtc7GgYO1NZZWX5bYdrzqIbk04EcYUrHeokX7TmcyW4cMnfgIWMXVdSsF-7_6bEq7h7RPgmCPIbMZwlvTSkM76oOdI6r0I2GcMSuXhCfXSXmYMn4kIgPm_QF1CrbRAoNga/s640/2013-09-25+11.01.52.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcWjvy-HeXWiSRu_enStaO5w8ALTKX32zc3i0jXY3yN3vXF-YTphwdif1OP9sVOQgkapMNmo8H8E-x_hR5E7Kq0xLwXolCPXVJHaTSJvRC9VJ_XsaOol4MyLxy10AHOxQhqNJJ6fdjVq4/s1600/2013-09-25+11.04.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcWjvy-HeXWiSRu_enStaO5w8ALTKX32zc3i0jXY3yN3vXF-YTphwdif1OP9sVOQgkapMNmo8H8E-x_hR5E7Kq0xLwXolCPXVJHaTSJvRC9VJ_XsaOol4MyLxy10AHOxQhqNJJ6fdjVq4/s640/2013-09-25+11.04.43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-90429092545922794492013-09-24T07:54:00.000-07:002018-12-30T08:26:38.645-08:00Counting Objects 1-5<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is for older toddlers (3-4 years old), but a fun activity none the less, and even one you can work on with your 2 year old to begin learning counting basics. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Instructions:</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Print the counting game out on a colored printer (you can do black and white but it's not as much fun). One page will be for your board the other for the cards. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> To download the worksheet, click the link below the picture</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Cut the sheet containing the numbers to create cards. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Laminate the cards and the "board" (heat laminating works best)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Use adhesive Velcro dots to attach the cards to the sheets. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. Allow to set for about an hour (full adhesiveness will not take effect for 24 hours)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6. 3-hole punch the sheet at the side (if you're going to put them in a 3 ring binder) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">7. Allow your little one to play. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjCrBMJscd-vh9FaZNcaV-NXC84bgIh5_ddUoPHBe2xDym2d-Xoj-0JP4bDGDUPON4hELUWDb2w6xRjYUuq8PGSI7Leo6Vf_eRBwd7Qa0o8SOicmX2Du8PXsCKrpMt-76J10_rXH1ZEdD/s1600/Counting+Objects.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjCrBMJscd-vh9FaZNcaV-NXC84bgIh5_ddUoPHBe2xDym2d-Xoj-0JP4bDGDUPON4hELUWDb2w6xRjYUuq8PGSI7Leo6Vf_eRBwd7Qa0o8SOicmX2Du8PXsCKrpMt-76J10_rXH1ZEdD/s640/Counting+Objects.png" width="502" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://app.box.com/s/zabnu9cdmhjoes3jhuft" target="_blank">Counting Objects 1-5</a> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-73406346894107414282013-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:002018-12-30T08:26:38.480-08:00Coloring Books are EXPENSIVE (this is how you can REUSE them hundreds of times)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My daughter may only be 23 months old but she LOVES to color, and can go through an entire coloring book in one afternoon, and she only likes to color "name brand" ones (Umizoomi, Bubble Guppies, Spongebob, etc) which can range from $2-$8 each (and even if you print coloring pages, once you take into account the cost of ink and paper it can get up there as well). Well I discovered a way to save A LOT of money by buying one of each of her favorites and reusing them hundreds of times and all you need is:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3-ring binder</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Page Protectors</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dry Erase Markers/Crayons</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's super simple. Break down the coloring book into individual pages or print off your favorite online coloring pages and place them in page protectors in a 3-ring binder. If you get one with the cover plastic you can place the cover of the coloring book in there and have a separate binder for each book (you can get 3-ring binders for $0.97 at Walmart, or $1 at Dollar Tree). VOILA!! You have a completely reusable coloring book. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This also works great for those activity books because the kids can do the activities over and over again. It also allows for erasing mistakes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If your child is super proud of a picture you can just take it out of the binder and display it on the fridge in the page protector, and even take a picture of it to keep longer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Doing it this way will allow one coloring book to last years and even through multiple children. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all. </b></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-71618653224625220742013-09-20T05:56:00.003-07:002018-12-30T08:26:38.397-08:00Toddler Learning Activity: Simple Sorting Activity (Busy Bag)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With how much my daughter loved her Animal Matching worksheet I wanted to make her something that would take her longer to complete. She also LOVES Umizoomi so I used a picture of each of the characters from a Google search to make some cards and sorting boxes Since the images are copyright protected I am not sharing the sheets I used, but if you pick your favorite pictures (from Google, clipart, or ever family pictures) and just Right Click-- Print -- then choose "Contact Sheet (35)" they come out the perfect size for both a fine motor activity and a sorting one. The sorting box was SUPER simple to make, I used 3 jewelry boxes I had lying around, stapled them together and glued a copy of each picture into the bottom. Then I put all the other cards into the baggie. She prefers to dump them out and sort, but it takes her about 20 minutes to get them all done. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all. </b></span></i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336103238593597312.post-45642569386563207952013-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:002018-12-30T08:26:38.127-08:00Toddler Learning Binder: Animal Matching<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm so excited to share these sheets I've made with you, and they are completely FREE to download. The instructions are SUPER simple, but will bring TONS of educational fun to your little one. </span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Instructions:</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Print 2 copies of each Matching game you want to create. One will be for your board the other for the cards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Cut one sheet to create cards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Laminate the cards and the "board" (heat laminating works best)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Use adhesive velcro dots to attach the cards to the sheets, try not to cover the pictures as this will make it difficult for your little one to match them up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. Allow to set for about an hour (full adhesiveness will not take effect for 24 hours)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6. 3-hole punch the sheet at the top (if you're going to put them in a 3 ring binder) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">7. Allow your little one to play. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While playing identify each animal, make the sound and try to get them to mimic it as well. Some of the sheets that will be coming out later will also have the words incorporated to help them begin to identify the word with the animal, and then later still we will have just the words to match the animal. The great thing is you will only need to create new cards as the board can be reused with each set. To download the worksheet, click the link below the picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**UPDATE: I have built the pages below to now include the picture, the pictures with the words, and then a final sheet with just the words. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all. </b></span></i></span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58_9_ri8HO9-O4AD8xA0L5VZ3kSLqDGIfjFBrgObc39Mwyjfd5s2rCOCGsJHVmvMyqac1Jv5DoGfVRG5nlekrdW4M0lHNSTJUdM9bZUlPfoz-qpmNeWMw_QskftIFrfKKVFbhCQVxarO3/s1600/animals+pg+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58_9_ri8HO9-O4AD8xA0L5VZ3kSLqDGIfjFBrgObc39Mwyjfd5s2rCOCGsJHVmvMyqac1Jv5DoGfVRG5nlekrdW4M0lHNSTJUdM9bZUlPfoz-qpmNeWMw_QskftIFrfKKVFbhCQVxarO3/s640/animals+pg+1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/d1h1fdsvecuitqo6bp13" target="_blank">Animal Matching Page 1</a> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Di3w-vyUNu2wqxOoUtCpjCEbsS7J1NXIxyqEQNZQlJWvcK1JfvG_ChLK0f3U-bwNUTnlGrdTvrk_iPTXy3ZhccF5xqGDXF2vVYpPzz4vfH7JCxSnf4lh1ae5g7B3KxKRSxVz-rtNzWuA/s1600/animals+pg+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Di3w-vyUNu2wqxOoUtCpjCEbsS7J1NXIxyqEQNZQlJWvcK1JfvG_ChLK0f3U-bwNUTnlGrdTvrk_iPTXy3ZhccF5xqGDXF2vVYpPzz4vfH7JCxSnf4lh1ae5g7B3KxKRSxVz-rtNzWuA/s640/animals+pg+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/20djd2410wqqoihtjme2" target="_blank">Animal Matching Page 2</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOQMwqY5RIn57QE3Lvd__z9Y9Ez_VVNCot_k0TOsbJEsrAJs90ORK_GH8Vw90AS0sPWl0snQ5_RDPabI8MfgKvhs1ZAy7UzPYGgmkMR9Zkd6kJ8B-ad-_oDpjbuL6vx70Qrk1IkNamRvZ/s1600/animals+pg+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOQMwqY5RIn57QE3Lvd__z9Y9Ez_VVNCot_k0TOsbJEsrAJs90ORK_GH8Vw90AS0sPWl0snQ5_RDPabI8MfgKvhs1ZAy7UzPYGgmkMR9Zkd6kJ8B-ad-_oDpjbuL6vx70Qrk1IkNamRvZ/s640/animals+pg+3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://app.box.com/s/iru1js0bc5qtlp7lh780" target="_blank">Animal Matching Page 3</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ46gwI2NjrBoM22r8RpAM2eTHn9Rx4LtnrP6-CxEwlPf0r8UPflbaNl24EGC2cpCaviXokGd5quAi3_EE_8jU9COoCETgVc60mrafjCgisW1sHrYpvIXAReYnIcGEIG-Fsc-Iy2EQ-U7/s1600/animals+pg+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ46gwI2NjrBoM22r8RpAM2eTHn9Rx4LtnrP6-CxEwlPf0r8UPflbaNl24EGC2cpCaviXokGd5quAi3_EE_8jU9COoCETgVc60mrafjCgisW1sHrYpvIXAReYnIcGEIG-Fsc-Iy2EQ-U7/s640/animals+pg+4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/nm8wkrh7zqnki2rrn05q" target="_blank">Animal Matching Page 4</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011182634122010227noreply@blogger.com0