Adventures of a Twenty Something Mother

Work...Home...Career...Blah

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 02:47:00 +0000

I've been in quite the work situation lately. Mostly, trying to find that balance of when my job doesn't become my life. And you read stories and articles and the consensus is simple: Leave your job at the door when you leave for the day and pick it back up when you return. But I have found that it isn't as simple as that all the time...

I find myself going into work early, staying late and collecting overtime because work has been tough this year, going home, checking my work email, and trying to find some 'alone' time to decompress and get ready for the work day. Again. And I find that it is taking a real toll on my relationship with my kids. And work has turned into this stamina test - it's all about how long you can go at the top speed to be the most productive and get the most done in a normal work day. Even on the days that I don't work overtime and I don't check emails from home, I find myself agonizing over my work and my work load.

Perhaps most would say, time for a career change?

I do like my job. And I am lucky to have a job in these hard times. There was a point where I didn't have a job and it was the hardest time of my life. I don't like uncertainty. I can deal with up's and down's like the best of them, and I prefer not to have the same days, over and over again, that become monotonous. However, I find that my job is filled with so much uncertainty most days and I think that is what is causing my stress. I have no idea what kind of mess I will walk into tomorrow and I have no idea how I am going to get my killer workload completed in a timely fashion. I am not one of those who likes having projects sitting around, waiting to be completed. I like a project to be on my desk and I finish it and off onto the next one as soon as possible because I have a line out the frickin' door for me to finish.

Perhaps it's because I have a lot of political drama at my work...and so much of my day is wearing different hats to weave around the politics that once I get home, I am spent. I am done weaving and all I want to do is just relax and go to bed. I don't even want to go to bed - I want to lay in my bed and try to think of something, anything, that is not work related. I don't want to envision tomorrow, I don't want to think of my impossible work load or my to-do list that has dates going back way too far...I just want quiet. But then my kids, rightfully so, want some Mommy time and I just don't have the energy or patience to deal with them. And saying 'deal with them' is probably harsh and an unfair way of saying it but its true! Its how I feel and that i just horrible.

So, how do you balance career and home? I used to think I had it down pat but with my new job and the changes that have happened with it, I just don't think I have it down anymore.

My Potty Training Nightmare

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:26:00 +0000

That is my 3 year old (almost 4 year old) Parker. I've been trying to potty train this child for almost two years and honestly, I am at my wits end. I always heard that potty training boys is harder than girls, even though I've never found a concrete answer as to why. Kai, my 7 year old, was almost 4 by the time he was potty trained. One day, while pregnant with Parker, I got fed up. Blame it on the hormones or my Irish/German blend of impatience, but I was done. I made him go naked around the house for three days. We didn't go anywhere, canceled all plans, this was going to get done! He knew if he made on the floor, he would get a spanking to the behind. And let me tell you, it was all it took. Mind you, Kai liked being naked.

Parker, on the other hand, will just go and pee in the corner if that is what it takes to do his business. He doesn't care - and he will tell you as much. At school, he pees in the potty about 85% of the time. But when it comes to home, he acts like its my duty to clean his behind and that's the end of the story. Sigh.

I have taken a page out of my friends' book who has a child that turns three today. She is almost fully potty trained. She has a 'reward box' and when the goals get higher and she meets them, she gets a reward. I've had a reward box for almost 3 months and not one thing has been taken out of them.

As you can tell, I am at that breaking point of giving in to the idea of having a 10 year old still in pull ups.

Any advice?

Wow...It's Been Awhile

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 03:23:00 +0000

Where to even begin...well, first with an apology. When I first started this blog, it was a way to communicate with the outside world when I was stuck in Washington, D.C. in a brand new world and I didn't quite know where to go. All I had all day was a newborn and a 4 year old - I decided that that only way I was going to make the whole SAHM transition work was by creating something that would not only keep me occupied, but also enjoy. These past couple years have been long ones, that's for sure.

It's been almost a year since I did my last post. Why post now? Because I miss it, I really do. And probably for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have finally found my groove. No more 4 hours of sleep nights, no more wondering where I am going to go next in my career. Things have settled down nicely for me. Parker is 3, Kai is 7; I've been at my job for almost 2 years now and even though that has been a crazy rollercoaster (nothing like advancing 3 positions in one year), it took me this long to get my feet back on the ground. And maybe the once coupon blog will go into something a little more down-to-earth - a mother's diary of sorts. Just to help keep my feet grounded.

Sure, you say, how many of those are out there right now? Plenty, I know. And there are also plenty of coupon blogs and store blogs and blogs about art, science and health. But why does anybody start a blog these days? With thousands of blogs to choose from on any given subject, who would want to put themselves through all of that hell just to come up with only a couple of regular readers? Because it really doesn't matter. Right now, what matters to me, is getting words on paper, getting my thoughts out there, to connect with other mothers because after all this time, majority of my girlfriends are child-less. And even that can be so daunting, with no one to talk to about potty training and tight budgets. Oh, the carefree set of ladies I roam life with...

So, here's to hoping that I might gain one reader back. What is this blog going to be about now? I have no idea. And to be honest, I only have a couple years left of my twenties, so I better make them good ones :) Maybe I will post some deals, maybe I will just pointedly talk about subjects that are pressing at the moment. Like, how the heck do I get my almost 4 year old boy to potty train without wanting to stab my eyes out or throw him out a window when he thinks its oh-so cute to go and pee in the corner of the bedroom for the fifth time today?!

Yeah, I guess we'll see. I just hope you will follow me along for the journey...

Photo Gift Recommendation: Shutterfly.com

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:45:00 +0000

I personally feel that one of the best gifts that I can give the parents and the grandparents are personalized gifts of the boys. We’ve always lived quite a distance from both sets of parents and grandparents and I want to give them something from the boys that they can enjoy all year round. I’ve done photo coffee mugs, calendars, posters, mouse pads, etc through various sites out there. I’ve tried at least 5 different printing sites and can say without a doubt that I like Shutterfly.com the best. The quality and finish of my photos and photo gifts have always consistently been amazing; with some other sites, my photos have come out distorted and uneven. I’ve never had a single problem with the ordering, shipping or quality of my photo gifts from Shutterfly.

In fact, I just ordered (2) photo calendars last night from them for my in-laws and the grandparents on my husband’s side of the family, getting the second one 50% off automatically (through December 2nd on various gifts). I received in my email a couple of different codes that might help you out:

Free shipping over $25 with code FREE25
Get $10 off your order of $30 or more with code JOLLY10

Have you used Shutterfly? What do you think of their services and do you recommend them or another service?

Recipe of the Week: White Chicken Chili

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:48:00 +0000

Here is a very hearty, simple one-pot wonder...

White Chicken Chili
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 can Rotel
1 can Cannellini beans (white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
1 packet White Chicken Chili seasoning

Mix all ingredients in a pot, simmer for 15-20 minutes.

*Note - I usually do not need to add any additional liquid, but if you like a less thick chili, feel free to add chicken stock or water to your liking.

25% off entire Gap purchase!

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:28:00 +0000

Get 25% off your entire purchase at Gap.com through November 22. Use code GIFT123 at checkout.

Menu Plan Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:21:00 +0000

Brought to you a day late, here is this week's menu plan:

Monday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans
Tuesday - White Chicken Chili, side salad
Wednesday - Steak, scalloped potato gratin, Steamed broccoli
Thursday - Braised pork chops, brown rice
Friday - Dinner out

Recipe of the Week: CrockPot Indian Butter Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Have you heard about A Year of Slow Cooking? This awesome woman, Stephanie, used her Crock-Pot every day for a year and chronicled it on a blog. She now has a wonderful cookbook available. Anyway, I've just started trying out some of the recipes and I've already made this one twice. It is delicious! I did make a few changes: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts because we prefer white meat. For the cardamom, I substituted about 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg. And I did not use the garam masala at all.

Crock-Pot Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (mine were frozen solid)
1 onion, sliced
6 garlic cloves, chopped
4 T butter
15 cardamom pods (sewn together!)
2 tsp curry
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 can coconut milk (I used light)
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
2 T lemon juice
1 cup plain yogurt (to add at the end, I used fat free)

Use a 5 quart or larger crockpot. Carefully sew together the cardamom pods using a needle and thread. You can put them in a little cheese cloth bundle, instead, if you have that in the house. Put chicken in crockpot, and add onion, garlic, and all of the dry spices. Plop in the butter and tomato paste. Add lemon juice and coconut milk. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4. The chicken should shred easily with 2 forks when fully cooked.

Stir in plain yogurt 15 minutes before serving. Discard cardamom pods. Salt to taste, serve with white or brown basmati rice.

*Recipe courtesy of A Year of Slow Cooking

Friends & Family Sale @ Crazy 8 - 25% off everything!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:05:00 +0000

If you have yet to discover the greatness that is Crazy 8, Gymboree's little (cheaper) sibling, then this weekend will be the time for you to check it out. Crazy 8's Friends and Family 25% off everything will start Thursday, November 12 and run through Sunday, the 15th. Enter code CZYEMAIL for the discount. Free shipping for orders over $75, otherwise it's a $5 flat rate charge.

Cookie Recipe Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:56:00 +0000

Do you have an awesome cookie recipe that is your go-to staple for the holiday season? Are you in search of a great new cookie recipe to dazzle your holiday guests or to hand out to your co-workers or neighbors? Would you like to win a new cookie recipe book for your collection? Well, here's how!

This is how it's going to go down: you submit a cookie recipe (with or without a picture) to adventuresofa20somethingmother@hotmail.com by November 21st at noon. Starting Monday, November 23 through November 30, I will post the recipes one by one for all readers to review. I will then open up the voting to all of you to vote on who has the best holiday cookie recipe! The winner will get to choose one of the following cookie recipe books:

Have thoughts? Sound off below!

Menu Plan Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Monday: Lasagna, salad, bread
Tuesday: Crock-Pot Indian Butter Chicken, brown rice
Wednesday: Tilapia, spinach salad with gorgonzola
Thursday: Baked chicken, sweet potato fries
Friday: Pizza out

Care.com Free This Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:12:00 +0000

Sabrina over at Care.com wanted me to let all my readers know that you can join for FREE this weekend! Care.com is a great tool to search for trusted caregivers in your area! You can read and post reviews for babysitters, nannies and daycares in your area, as well as post a job of your own! Sometimes, it can be scary when you are trying to find a babysitter or a daycare-you search online, but it's hard to find trusted reviews and dedicated professionals to care for your child. There are even specified services, such as Special Needs Care, Tutoring and Private Lessons listings, Pet Sitter listing, Housekeeper listings, you name!

But you have to hurry! This offer is only good through Sunday, November 8th!

Holiday Shopping Advice, From Me to You

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:21:00 +0000

I am a sucker for the holiday season. In the past, I've literally gone nuts around the holidays, buying this or that for everyone in the family and spoiling everyone, including my sister in law, rotten. And what do I have to show for that, years and years of cheer? Mounting credit card debt that forced us to go into a DMP (debt management plan). Now, it wasn't the holidays fault that I couldn't keep my spending habits under control, but seeing the flashing lights of 'Sale!' and 'Buy Me! Your Kids Will Love It!' sure seemed enticing. And now that I am all grown up, I have to live within my limits. And with that, here is my holiday shopping advice, from me to you.

1. The best thing you can do for yourself, right now, is make a budget. If you don't have that budget, every spare dollar you have, you will spend on that French Press you think your mother in law would love for her study. But with the recession pushing fears inside the heads of every American, creating a budget that you can stick to will help in the long run. Promise.

2. Now that you have a budget, put together a list of people you'd like to buy presents for; now look at your budget again, and distribute a dollar amount fairly and appropriately. Also include those people you are just going to send a holiday card to, and make sure you factor that into your budget as well. We have so many family members that we barely see and live out of state that a photo card of the kids that they can hang on their fridge is just as lovely as sending them a candle basket.

3. I like to then get an idea of what I plan on buying these people, just so I can keep an eye out in ads and online sales, instead of randomly buying things. Like this year, I plan on buying Parker the Wonder Pets Fly Boat. I know, right now, Target is selling it for $36. So, my goal is to find it at a lower price. We won't be spending Christmas at my in-laws this year, so we want to get something that will be cheap to ship--we are going to order a personalized photo calendar through Shutterfly, which is about $20 (probably get some for the grand parents as well). Now the goal is to research and wait until the best price comes up (about mid November, according to Baby Cheapskate).

4. Now you are looking around, searching for the presents off your list, and you see a sale sign, full of glitter and sparkles and your instinct says to grab that item on November 6th, in fear you won't find it at a lower price. STOP! Drop the Zhu, Zhu pet, and walk away. Black Friday and beyond is where you are going to find the best sales on 98% of items. Yes, some places are doing pre-Black Friday sales early, but that doesn't mean that you should complete your entire shopping list already. If you are seriously doubting yourself, see if the item is available for a raincheck and if not, just keep the receipt to return or price adjust later (make sure to get the stores price adjustment policy). Keep an eye out for Black Friday sales here.

5. Don't forget to check online. The past two years, Black Friday sales have quickly crept online to the point where I don't need to get in line in -20 degree weather to nab that digital camera. I can get it online now. Target.com, Bestbuy.com, Amazon.com, all of these places have started putting their sales online and it isn't just reserved for that Black Friday through Cyber Monday-you will start seeing almost fire sale, daily prices, on hot items from about November 15th through two days before Christmas.

6. And one last tip: remember to check sites like A Full Cup to keep an eye out for hot sales. And not only for hot sales, but also places where you might be able to find a little extra change behind your ear for that extra special present-by using coupons. For instance, you can get Glade scented candles for a steal right now and be able to use the gift card you get to help buy your presents this year! And you going to start seeing a lot of that not only with stuff like candles, but also with food.

I also plan on doing a Holiday Gifting Advice post, as well as a Holiday Baking Advice post. If you have any suggestions (such as a Holiday In-Laws Advice post!) or have anything you want to see touched on, please leave a comment and I'll work on it!

Do you have any holiday shopping advice for me?

Walmart Pre-Black Friday Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Get ready for the non-stop, almost daily awesome 'deals' now that the holiday season is upon us! But be careful: a good deal isn't always the 'best' deal (I'll post more about that in a little bit). But, that doesn't mean retailers aren't going to try to entice you into their stores every week with new sales, and that also doesn't mean you should pass up a great deal.

Walmart, this Saturday, will be doing a Pre-Black Friday Sale. The best deal? Buy a Xbox Arcade system for $199, get a $100 gift card! Now, you could do a lot of damage with that $100 gift card, right? Right! Here's the catch-there is only going to be 10 per store. So, if you really want it, be prepared to camp out! Find more information about what else Walmart is offering this Saturday here.

Menu Plan Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Monday: Pasta with roasted grape tomatoes, salad
Tuesday: Shrimp and crab bake, sauteed asparagus, homemade bread
Wednesday: Grilled beef tenderloin steaks, sweet potato fries, salad
Thursday: Baked chicken, couscous
Friday: Pizza out

Sorry!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Hi guys! Sorry for the lack of posts this week. The family and I the past 2 weeks have been battling this illness or that illness...and now it's apparently my turn! but, i do have some awesome things planned for the holidays, so stay tuned! Hint: get your best cookie recipe ready :)

Hot Deal! 50% off at Payless!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:48:00 +0000

50% off at Payless, thanks to the Oprah show, between now and the end of the day tomorrow (10/31)! Go here to get your coupon!

Thanks to all the wonderful ladies at AFC!

Recipe of the Week: Cornmeal Crusted Tilapia

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Cornmeal Crusted Tilapia

4 Tilapia fillets
1/3 cup flour (if using all-purpose, add 1 teaspoon salt to flour)
1/2 cup cornmeal
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

Combine all ingredients. Dredge fish fillets in mixture and shake excess off. Saute in vegetable oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side.

The cayenne in this is just a hint of heat and not very spicy, but feel free to omit if you do not care for spice.

Menu Plan Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Monday: Cornmeal Crusted Tilapia, Sweet Potato fries
Tuesday: Chicken burritos with salsa, Spanish rice
Wednesday: Pot roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions
Thursday: Breakfast for dinner
Friday: Dinner out

Baby Einstein Refund

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:37:00 +0000

If you haven't heard by now, Disney will refund your money on any Baby Einstein DVD purchased between June 5, 2004 and September 4, 2009, no receipt needed. Turns out, the guarantee to make your baby smarter was an over exaggeration. Go here to find out how!

Old Navy Mystery Offer

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:36:00 +0000

Check your email! Just received an email from Old Navy with a code to use online-enter the code at checkout and you could get up to 50% off your entire purchase! Code is valid for one-time use only and is available only through Oct. 27th!

Let me know what values you get!

Recipe of the Week: Stuffed Burgers

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:40:00 +0000

We love cooking burgers, but the same 'ol, same 'ol can get a little boring sometimes. I really like to spice up my burgers by stuffing them with all sorts of things. Here are some of my favorite ideas...

-cooked crumbled bacon mixed with a couple tablespoons of ranch dressing and American cheese
-blue cheese and sauteed mushrooms
-jalapeno peppers and any kind of cheese
-diced onions, sauteed

Use your imagination and be really creative, stuffing your burgers with your family's favorites.

Tips:
-Make thin patties (8 for 4 burgers)
-Stuff with a conservative amount of mixture (overstuffing creates a major mess, don't ask me how I know!)
-Press two patties together tightly

Menu Plan Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Jodi) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Monday: Poppyseed chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes
Tuesday: Burgers with roasted sweet potato wedges
Wednesday: Chicken tacos, salsa and chips
Thursday: Braised pork chops, brown rice, salad
Friday: Dinner out

Glade Candle Deal is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Remember the past couple years at Target, where you would buy (2) Glade candles and you would get a $5 gift card? Well, the gift card deal appears to be back, but not as sweet as before. According to some folks here, buy (5) Glade holiday scents, get a $5 GC. Now, depending on your coupons and your Target, you might be able to make this a pretty good deal. I know there are BOGO catalina, $1.50/1 Q's, and $2/1 Q's out there. Now, according to some, not all Targets are doing this yet. So, either check it out while you are at Target next time, or go ahead and call your local Target. Report back your findings and your deals!

You can check out the Glade Holiday scents here!

$1.99 Pyrex Bakeware!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Need some cheap Pyrex for the upcoming holiday season? Go here to find out how you can get $1.99 per piece Pyrex!