Mama Maven: In Training

Cockapoops-A-Lot

2010-04-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

Here at Scully's Ark, we have introduced another furry friend to our family tree. As if two cats, three chickens, two goldfish and three tutti-frutti frogs weren't enough. Bailey, our hypoallergenic, shed-free Cockapoo is as cute as can be; loves to cuddle, give kisses and has learned to sit, give paw and lay down on command. If only she would learn to stop pooping in the house! Hubby is not very excited about that.

Let me explain how we came about getting Ms. Bailey...

It was a no-school Friday for my three girls and they had just received their progress reports which were stellar. Yeah! They could have cared less about the yellow slip of paper that came home in the yellow envelope; sealed and taped. All they cared about was that their hermit crab, Bobby The Explorer, had passed away while we were on vacation for 10 days. Whoops, my bad (I forgot to ask my father-in-law to give the little guy water).

Back to no-school Friday... what is a Mama to do with three little girls on a rainy day off? Go to the mall you say? Yup, but not for clothes shopping. We are on a mission for three tutti-frutti frogs to replace Bobby The Explorer and McDonald's.

On top of all of the frog excitement, I had to go to the mall's Sprint store to get my cell phone fixed, which they happily told me would take an hour. Ugh. I should have gone there first, bought the frogs and then snagged some lunch for the little monkeys. Now what are we going to do? Happily, my oldest daughter told me there was a pet store in the mall. Really? Where? Uh-oh... now I'd done it.

You can finish the story from there. Don't forget to get an image of me walking out of the mall with three frogs, a puppy and no new clothes. Oh yeah, and the word "sucker" on my forehead.

Bed Wetting 101

2010-03-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

We lucked out with our eldest daughter when it came to potty training and bed wetting. She effortlessly sat on the potty and went. Never an accident. Never a pull up. Never a nighttime pee.

Our six year old daughter has been a different experience. She still wets the bed three to four nights a week. I was not a bed wetter, so I am usure how this whole thing works. My mother-in-law claims it is hereditary (supposedly my sister-in-law wet the bed until she was eight).

We follow a rigorous routine every night for our six and four year old; no drinks after 7pm and they need to use the potty immediately before going to bed. What a great feeling it is when I hear the trickle of pee hit the toilet water. What a cruel reality it is when I find out the pee also hit the sheets.

The idea of regressing back to the diaper aisle after months of not having to is terrifying. I thought I had finally hit that point of parenthood where you can say good ridden to diapers, sippy cups and pacifiers. Could I have been wrong?

Oh, what's a Mommy to do? Accept defeat and invest in over-priced nighttime diapers? Prohibit fluids after lunch? Buy waterproof sheets? Attach a Bed Wetting Alarm?

The laundry is getting to me folks. Please send me know your words of wisdom.

Copy Cat: How to Make the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich Every Time

2010-02-15T11:50:00.000-08:00

I have been sick in bed since Saturday night. All I need is a trash can, the occasional popsicle and a cozy blanket. This is the first time I have been able to sit in front of my laptop without feeling nauseous, so all I can muster up is a post I saw on OhDeeDoh for the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Although it doesn't sound yummy to me at this very moment, I know in a few days I will be back to my food-loving self and cook one of these up.

The Perfect Grilled Cheese

(from OhDeeDoh.com)

Ingredients
Bread (sliced)
Cheese (sliced)
Butter (melted)
Other sandwich fillings (optional)

Equipment
pastry brush
small pan with lid
spatula
stovetop

Instructions

1. Start warming your pan on medium low.

2. With a pastry brush start paint one side of a slice of bread with melted butter

3. Put this slice into your pan butter side down

4. Quickly assemble your sliced cheese pieces (and any other fillings) onto the bread

5. Top with other piece of bread and paint it with melted butter

6. Cover (doesn't have to be air tight) to generate more heat to melt cheese

7. Cook for about 2 minutes (if you're worried you can check the bottom to make sure it's not burning) until golden brown and cheese is melted. A medium low heat should prevent burning

8. Flip and cook on the other side for no more than a minute until bread is golden brown

9. Remove from pan and serve

Additional Notes: This will produce a soft sandwich (still with some crunch on the bread) like that you might get in a diner and what I've found many kids like. For an even crunchier texture don't use the cover. We kept it simple this time but suggested fillings include prosciutto or ham, apple slices or chutney. Note that we used a semi-hard extra sharp New York cheese here. American cheese will melt more quickly and, hence, need less time in the pan.

Las Olas Surf Safaris for Women

2010-02-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite catalogs and shopping websites for clothing is Athleta. I am a subscriber to their blog, Athleta Chi, which comes to my inbox once a week offering new ways to stay fit.

Today's "Chi" gave me a sneak peek into surfing for women of all ages and lifestyles. It is not just for the 20-something, triathlete anymore. Bev Sanders surfed her first wave at the age of 44, after 18 years in the snowboarding industry. Instantly, she was hooked and in 1997 founded Las Olas Surf Safaris for Women. Their motto? We make girls out of women. Rock on! I found myself on Las Olas' website clicking away to see what these safaris are all about. After twenty minutes, and as assumed, I found out they are truly a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

The world premier surf safari resort (praised by Fitness, O, Conde Nast and Shape magazines) is located on the coast of Mexico providing a tropical atmosphere for surf and play. In addition to surf lessons taught by world class surf instructors, the resort also features a yoga and massage specialist on site for those sore muscles. They have a passion to reduce their environmental footprint, which starts with a strict "buy local" program.

Dates and pricing is available here. Who's game?

Braniston: Round 2

2010-02-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

There was a glimmer of hope for Team Aniston last week when the media reported Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may be on the verge of separating.

I am a believer in the probability that Brad and Jen will renew their love for one another. Angie simply stimulated Brad’s libido. She doesn’t hoodwink me into believing she is pure and virtuous. Sure, her buxom lips and tribal tattoos are eye-catching, but I could achieve that in a day by visiting my local plastic surgeon and tattoo parlor. She resembles a malnourished Judas who needs her stylist to venture out beyond the black color palette.

The media claims Angelina and Brad argue incessantly and that she is a control freak threatening to take the kids away from him. I can envision Angie walking around their French estate donning a black, silk robe with a glass of vodka in hand. She eerily screams, “no... wire.... HANGEEEERRRS!” at the children making her the ideal candidate for a Mommy Dearest remake.

There are claims the break up is not true based on the fact that Brad and Angie were seen kissing recently at the Super Bowl. All I have to say to that is hogwash. Mommy and Daddy have to make out; for the sake of their 99 kids.

As far as Jen is concerned, her recent birthday vacation with Mr. Gerard Butler was simply based on friendship. Besides, she can’t possibly be attracted to his Scottish accent or bulging biceps.

If I could schedule a private meeting with Brad, it would be similar to one he recently devised so he could introduce Jen to his identical offspring; Shiloh. I would arrive at Central Park in a black Denali, as to confuse paparazzi. We would watch his children frolic in the grass as I give him a praiseful pat on the back congratulating him for not marrying Skeletor. He would then cry on my shoulder as he recalled the happy days of being marred to Jen, whom he tells me I remind him of. We would then return to his penthouse suite as we joyfully watch reruns of Friends and sip cappuccino.

Sadly, the night would come to an end. Brad would walk me to the door where, in exchange for my kindness, he would gift me with a customary vial of his blood that I can wear around my neck.

I'm Back!

2010-02-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

Back from San Diego that is, and ohhhh how I love thee.

Warm air, coastal breezes, palm trees and S-U-N.

Even though the locals said it was their true-winter, this New England local thought it was simply marvelous.

Anything beats -1 degrees with wind.

Anything.

La Jolla, CA

Boots No. 7- Miracle Worker?

2010-01-27T06:05:00.000-08:00

I am magazine obsessed. There is nothing better than opening my mailbox and seeing a clean, never-been-touched copy of Real Simple or Every Day With Rachael Ray or Better Homes & Gardens.

Yes, this is a perfect day for me.

While thumbing through BH&G while Reagan soaked in the bath tub, I came across a cult-favorite miracle serum that I can buy at... are you ready? Target. The price? $23.

Boots No. 7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum is comparable to prescription-needed Retin A (according to the British Journal of Dermatology).

Target sells one bottle of it every 8 seconds.

Oprah loves it, too. Nuff said.

The Boots line isn't new to me (I love their self tanning lotion), but the serum is. I may only be 29, but I am all about protecting my skin from the elements and aging before it happens.

I may as well right "sucker" on my forehead when I walk in to Tar-jay today, because yes BH&G and you Brit dermatologists; I am going to give it a whirl.

Love Me Some Amy Butler

2010-01-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

The woman is genius. Pure genius. I love her bedding, but I may need to convince hubby that a pink and green room is not feminine; it is soothing. Not sure if when that is going to happen.

In the meantime, he could care less what he dries his behind with, so I want to get Ms. Butler's gorgeous and oh-so-chic organic bath towels. Good for the earth. Good for me. Good for my style. Enough said.

I'm Baaack!

2010-01-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

And ready to blog my little heart away! I officially sold NEST on Friday. As you can imagine, it was a long week last week packing up personal possessions, throwing out personal junk and helping the new owner transition comfortably.

Hubby has been in San Diego, so the three kiddos and I have been camping out at my parents house. It has been a nice little vaca, but now back to reality.

I found this whimsical window design last night when happily scrolling through one of my favorite blogs, Black*Eiffel. It was designed my Rob Ryan; a new artist to me, but soon to be a favorite!
I immediately thought... 'if I still owned NEST, I would most-definitely try and incorporate this design on the front window'. It has an Anthropologie look and feel to it (which happens to be my favorite store in the world). What do you think?

Treat Coupons for Kids (a.k.a. Bribery)

2010-01-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

I came across some great ways to get your kiddos to stop whining, arguing and screaming.

It may get them to eat their broccoli, too.

May the force be with you.

by babalisme

download here

available at target

by ambrosia girl

download here

when all else fails, bring in the big guns

1-2-3 Magic

The Discipline Book

Every Mom Needs This Calendar.

2010-01-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

Click here for a printable version. You know you want to.

Oh.Em.Gee. ~ Liftopia.com Ski Deals!

2010-01-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

As you may have gathered from my previous posts, our family likes to ski. It is the first season that the girls are able to go up and down the mountain by themselves, which makes the whole experience even better. Living in New Hampshire allows us to ski not only our state, but Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts as well. We currently love Gunstock because it is such a family mountain, only one hour away and affordable.

I came across Liftopia.com while searching for discount lift tickets a few months back. The site offers amazing deals on mountains all over the USA, sometimes with savings up to 90% off! Today I found a deal for Friday, February 26th at Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch, NH (voted #1 Scenery by Ski Magazine). $9 for an adult all-day ski pass. $9. That is a savings of 86%. And it happens to be during school vacation week! We are so there.
If you are a skier, you must visit this site! Enjoy.

Thank U Berry Munch

2010-01-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

My 8 year old is a Brownie this year, and she came home yesterday after her troop meeting grinning from ear-to-ear. I didn't think Brownies sold the Girl Scout Cookies, but apparently I was wrong, and Adi was really eager to let me know that.

The newest member of the Girl Scout Cookie bunch is the Thank U Berry Munch™ cookie. Made with real premium cranberries and sweetened with creamy, white fudge chips. Yum! These remind me of cookies my Mom used to make, but she would drizzle the tops of the cookies with lemon icing. To die for.
My personal faves are Samoas and Trefoils (Shortbread). My husband likes Tagalongs. The kids want Thin Mints, too. Looks like we will be eating cookies though Spring. There are worse things in life...

Barnes & Noble 10% Off Coupon

2010-01-14T05:33:00.000-08:00

Click here for the in-store printable coupon

Use code M3X9B8L online at BN.com

Enjoy!

When You Have Mayo...

2010-01-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

Make homemade, delish ranch dressing and serve it over a wedge of crunchy iceberg lettuce. Joy!

Homemade Ranch Dressing

adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks

1 cup of mayo (preferably the homemade version)
3/4 cup of sour cream
1/4 buttermilk (or just under 1/4 milk with 1 Tbsp. vinegar)
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
1 finely chopped garlic clove
1/2 tsp. distilled white vinegar
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp. Cayenne pepper
1/4 smoked paprika
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all of the ingredients together and chill for at least 2 hours.

When You're Out of Mayo...

2010-01-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

Make your own. Yup. I never have, but I was forced to try when I forgot a very important ingredient to my ranch dressing recipe. So here you have a pic-by-pic tutorial using 2 egg yolks, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice and 1 cup olive oil. Then you whip it. Whip it good.

MAYO!

Sledding New Hampshire Style

2010-01-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

We were able to bring the kids to a night-time bonfire and sledding over at friend's of ours last weekend. They had a blast sledding and getting tractor rides while we enjoyed the massive bonfire, beer and laughs. Leslie mad Glögg which is mulled wine and spices. She snuck a little brandy in there as well. I am not a wine drinker, so I only had a small cup full and let me say; it was wonderful. Warmed me up body and soul. Thanks Leslie!

Maria Buzina Recycled "Briage" Diaper Bag Tote

2010-01-09T06:16:00.000-08:00

I came across this totally cute diaper bag after reading my daily Inhabitots e-news. This creative bag is hand painted in Brazil by eco-artist Gabi Goncalves. Ms. Goncalves creates her line of bags from recycled large truck tarps- awesome. Each tarp is purchased rather than thrown away, cleaned, hand painted, and embellished with scrap cottons and fabrics for a one-of-a-kind resuly. Each bag is signed with the Maria Buzina signature, and some include a special message from the artist in her native Portugese language for that international flair.

Stinkin' Cute

2010-01-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

My new color trend is olive-moss-lime green. A few weeks back I bought Cynthia Rowley wool-felt pillows for our couch at my favorite bargain store TJ Maxx. They happen to be that same green color I adore. They also have nice, big (but not tacky) flower appliques on them to bring out my vintage-modern decorating style. Not sure if that is actually a style, but it fits me so I will go with it.

Then I came across a storage ottoman at Target in a great lime green color. Not only was it perfect to put all of our blankets in and matches the pillows on our couch, but it was on clearance for $15, down from $60. Insert Christmas Tree Shop's jingle "don't you just loooove a bargain?"here.

You can imagine my excitement when I visited one of my favorite Etsy shops today, Old Crow Farm, and saw this adorable moss green retro file tote. It would be perfect for my recipes or my contacts or my... ah- who the heck cares. It is just cute on it's own!

Never Thought I Would, But I Did.

2010-01-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

Did what you ask? Okay, here's the truth. I ordered a product after watching 30+ minutes of an infomercial. Yup. I am a sucker. A sucker who got the amazing product Sheer Cover (made by Gunthy Renker- the ladies behind Proactiv and promoted by Leeza Gibbons).

I was born with oily skin. Even at 29 years old, I still break out like a teenager. It stinks. Really, really stinks. After I purchased Sheer Cover I was very happy. The product does just what it says making my skin look and feel amazing. I know I am doing something right instead of adding more gunk and goo to my face just to cover up my imperfections.

PS- yes, I have tried Bare Escentuals as well. I love their mascara, lip gloss and eye shadow but prefer Sheer Cover's foundation over theirs. Bare Escentuals' doesn't seem to cover as well.

Oh.Em.Gee.

2010-01-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

Did I really just come upon this awesome DIY Marionette Kit? Yup. I did and I am so gosh darn excited. To think I could have my own little Pinnochio, except I don't think it will turn into a real live boy.

Available at Imagine Childhood for $79.99

Love Me Some Anthro!

2010-01-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

at Anthropologie

at Anthropologie

at Anthropologie

at Anthropologie

Wisp-of-Silk Underpinnings

at Anthropologie

Fun Daddy!

2010-01-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

The kids love the snow for skiing, sledding, ~~whitewashing~~ snowball throwing, snowman building and snow blowing. Yes, snow blowing. Of course we don't let them actually use the snow blower; that would be dangerous. Rather, we allow them to be plummeted with the snow that the snow blower blows, err- throws.

Not the best pictures as I need to work on my nighttime shots, but you get the idea of the fun they had.

And Miss Reagan watching through a crack in the door. She's no dummy!

Ode to Logan

2010-01-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Logan got her hands on the camera and it looks like we have an abstract artist on our hands. Here is her "latest" work:

Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?

2010-01-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

Nah, just kidding. But I do have some egg science for you.

As I mentioned in earlier posts, we have 3 chickens that just started laying eggs. Needless to say, we have been doing a lot of baking, a lot of eggs for breakfast and a lot of eggs for dinner.

The other night, while prepping to make my homemade hash browns and yummy scrambled eggs, I had to use one store bought egg. Tragedy. It was perfect and pretty on the outside unlike our chicken's eggs, which are spotty and sometimes have a piece of straw stuck to them.

I cracked our four eggs and the one perfect egg into a bowl. Can you tell which one of these eggs doesn't belong here?

Okay, not the best photographic work, and no; it is not the one with the white yucky on it. Does this help?

If you care to really look, the egg in the middle is not as golden yellow nor round and fat as the others. That would be the store bought bad boy. I am not sure if anyone will necessarily care about this post, but I found it satisfying. Here is the process of making our scrambled eggs and hash browns...

*Key cooking move: cook the potatoes and onions first so that your pan has a nice flavor to it before you make you scrambled eggs. Mmmm...