Mommy FTW http://mommyftw.com Celebrating the little victories in mommy and baby's life Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:53:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 MommyFTWhttp://feedburner.google.com What’s Violet (and Mommy) Eating? Quiche! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/kTAOZ3YES38/ http://mommyftw.com/2012/02/02/whats-violet-and-mommy-eating-quiche/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:37:42 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3367 If you happen to know that your little one has no egg allergies, then quiche is a great (and easy) way to get them to eat lots of different things (hello, hidden vegetables!) as well as clean out your fridge.  Here’s my simple recipe – but feel free to add anything you like to your quiche!

6 large eggs, beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
A dash of nutmeg (optional)
A dash of hot sauce (optional)
1 cup shredded cheese (swiss, cheddar, whatever you have on hand)
Options for fillings – choose as many as you want, or get creative!:
1/2 cup cut up ham
1/2 cup broccoli florets (steam first to soften)
1/2 cup cut up asparagus (steam first to soften)
1/2 cup defrosted frozen chopped spinach (squeeze as much water out of it as you can first)
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 (9-inch) frozen pie crust

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine the eggs, cream, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and hot sauce in a food processor or blender. (FYI if you only have milk on hand, just use that). Layer the fillings and cheese in the bottom of the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture on top. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the egg mixture is set. You can really put anything you like in a quiche – get creative! You really can’t go wrong with all that cheesy goodness. The one I made had cheddar and emmentaler cheese, ham, green onions, and broccoli.Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2012/02/02/whats-violet-and-mommy-eating-quiche/feed/ 0 http://mommyftw.com/2012/02/02/whats-violet-and-mommy-eating-quiche/ The End of Nap Time – Not the Tragedy I Thought it Would Be! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/_xLO-sGkww8/ http://mommyftw.com/2012/01/20/the-end-of-nap-time-not-the-tragedy-i-thought-it-would-be/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:01:00 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3352 I am a full time stay at home mom with a 9 month old girl, and a 3 year old boy.  My son was always an epic napper.  I was spoiled, and nap time was my favorite time of day – I could get things done around the house, and even have the chance to relax for a few minutes of my ‘work day.’  I was worried about juggling it all when my daughter was born, but I knew I would have my son’s nap time as the glue that would hold my day together.

When my son started to drop his nap time (first he would skip one day a week.. then it was three…) it really started to stress me out.  We would have fights about it every day.  I would give him toys I got at yard sales when he napped, and take toys or privileges away when he didn’t.  We were all pretty miserable!  I decided to bring up the topic at my son’s 3 year check up with his pediatrician.

During our discussion of Cameron’s sleep I mentioned that sometimes Cam wakes up with what I called ‘night terrors’ – he is sort of awake, but a bit delirious, and usually inconsolable and screaming.  The pediatrician asked me when Cam went to bed, to which I answered, on days he naps around 10pm, and on days he doesn’t around 7:30.  She noted that those 10 days must be “long days” – you got that right!  And then she made what was to me, an earth shattering suggestion: drop nap time.  She said that night terrors are often linked to over tired children, and with Cam going to bed so late, he wasn’t getting the solid chunk of night sleep he needed.  She said, still give him “rest time” (quiet time in his room for an hour or so) – if he falls asleep, fine, but take the pressure off and don’t stress over it.

Cam's easy to read clock lets him know when rest time is over Spying on Cameron as he patiently endures his rest time I used these door knob covers to keep him contained

Here’s how I made it happen – For Cameron, rest time is from 2 – 3:15.  2 is also when his sister goes down for his nap – so for my sanity I like to have them be in their rooms at the same time.  The reason I picked 3:15 as the end time is because it is very easy for Cameron to see on his clock – both hands point to the same spot.  We have a great clock from IKEA that is perfect for this.  Cameron’s door knob used to have a ’safety cover’ which we got from Amazon that keeps him from being able to let himself out – we don’t need this any more as he is with the program and knows that he has to stay in his room for the designated time period – but you might want to try something like that initially.  Finally, we have a video monitor in Cam’s room (honestly we bought it for Violet but we get a lot more use out of it with Cameron!)  I use it to make sure he isn’t getting into too much trouble up there.  It has a PA system so I can talk to him if I need to.

Cameron is allowed to play with toys (nothing electronic) and read books.  For now, the system is working great – Cam generally doesn’t give too much of a fight about staying up there the whole time.  In the evening, my husband has an alarm on his iPhone that signals that it’s time to get in the bath and then go to bed.  Cameron is usually quite happy to start his relaxing routine!  I think if you are getting to the point of stressing over and fighting with your child about nap time, it might be time to try switching to a ‘rest time’ or quiet time in the room.  It revolutionized the evening routine at my house and I couldn’t be happier!Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2012/01/20/the-end-of-nap-time-not-the-tragedy-i-thought-it-would-be/feed/ 0 http://mommyftw.com/2012/01/20/the-end-of-nap-time-not-the-tragedy-i-thought-it-would-be/ How to Detect and Deal With an Ear Infection http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/i05m64ID2OE/ http://mommyftw.com/2012/01/04/how-to-detect-and-deal-with-an-ear-infection/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:46:23 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3342 Over the holiday break Violet came down with her first ear infection.  It’s been a long time since anyone in the family has had one of these (thankfully) and I had to rely on my seemingly ancient experience to figure out what was going on!  I remember with Cameron’s first ear infection I asked his pediatrician how I could tell (or at least get a good idea) that his cold had taken a turn for the worse and become an infection.  Below is her advice, along with a few new tidbits that I pick up from Violet’s pediatrician.

My poor sick baby snuggles up to dad.

A cold virus usually runs its course over 7-10 days.  Try to note when your little one gets ill (I happened to call Violet’s pediatrician when she first got ill so I could see in my phone history when I made the call).  If your child has been sick longer than that, and maybe even seemed to be getting better but then takes a turn for the worse, you might be looking at an ear infection.

If your child has a fever, and they have had that long lingering cold then it’s not looking so good!  I know with Cameron I was nervous about taking his temperature rectally… it just seemed like it would be uncomfortable for him.  But I’ve gotten over my squeamishness with Violet and honestly, it doesn’t seem to bother her at all.  This will give you the most accurate temperature reading.

At this point I’d call your pediatrician and tell them what signs you’ve seen – they will ask you about the fever, so be sure you get that reading!  It’s pretty likely they will have you come in for a sick visit.

Your little one might be in a lot of pain from the possible infection, and is certainly uncomfortable from the fever.  I tend to give my little ones Advil (ibuprofen) rather than Tylenol (acetaminophen) because it lasts longer (6-8 hours vs 4 hours).  This is especially key in the night because it will hopefully help everyone get more rest.

Feeling much better and eating again!

Violet had a pretty rough time with this infection – her fever was up to 104 for a few evenings.  It took about 4 days on the antibiotics to get her back to herself – eating, drinking, and smiling again.  There was a time that we had to force feed her pedialyte because she wasn’t having any wet diapers.  The pediatrician suggested buying pedialyte frozen pops (in the baby isle) and cutting them into small chunks so Violet could feed herself the pieces, or just try sucking on the pop.  This didn’t really work for her – but maybe it will for you.  In theory it would be a lot more pleasant than squirting pedialyte into her mouth every 10 minutes!

Finally she recovered – we’ve got 2 days left on her 10 day antibiotic course (always be sure to complete the antibiotic course even if your child seems all better) and then we will head back to the pediatrician for an all-clear on her ears.

If your little one comes down with an ear infection – just get them to the doctor quickly, and give them as much TLC as you can while they are recovering.  It seems like a long road, but they will get there!  Good luck!Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2012/01/04/how-to-detect-and-deal-with-an-ear-infection/feed/ 2 http://mommyftw.com/2012/01/04/how-to-detect-and-deal-with-an-ear-infection/ The Perfect Gifts for Your Little Artist http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/ZF-vAO--jZY/ http://mommyftw.com/2011/12/07/the-perfect-gifts-for-your-little-artist/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:11:10 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3337 Since Cameron started preschool he has been really into art.  For his 3rd Birthday a few weeks ago he got a lot of gifts to encourage his new creative streak.  Here are some of my favorites (and his too!)

Check out the MALA Easel from IKEA.  It’s only $14.99 – a great bargain!  On one side is a chalkboard, the other is a whiteboard.  There is a tray for supplies, and a spot for a roll of paper which fits nicely over the blackboard side.  Also check out the other MALA items (markers, chalk, rolls of paper) which are all VERY affordable.

Cameron has the Melissa and Doug spill proof paint cups.  Yesterday all four of these actually fell on the ground completely upside down and not a drop of paint spilled out.  I kid you not!  It was amazing.

Cameron also has Crayola Washable Paints which are indeed, very washable, and things you can add to the paint (“Mixing Medium“) which make the paints glittery, pearly, or give them texture.  I got that idea from his preschool and it makes the paint extra special.   Be sure to get lots of paint brushes, and a mister clean magic eraser which is great at removing marker or crayon that might happen to get somewhere it’s not supposed to.Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2011/12/07/the-perfect-gifts-for-your-little-artist/feed/ 0 http://mommyftw.com/2011/12/07/the-perfect-gifts-for-your-little-artist/ DC Public Library Fine Forgiveness Campaign! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/5TLClzH-HRM/ http://mommyftw.com/2011/12/06/dc-public-library-fine-forgiveness-campaign/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:46:45 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3334 I have a new found love for the library now that I have kids.  We go all the time to pick up books I’ve requested (see my post on putting books on hold) as well as to browse the shelves for something new and excited.  So I was happy to hear about the Check it In Fine Forgiveness Campaign that the DC Public Libraries have in effect.  Here are the details:

Don't worry, the library still loves you. Bring it back!

The “Check It In” campaign is an effort to encourage DC Public Library cardholders who haven’t used the library in a while because of overdue, lost or damaged books or other library materials to return to the library.  The DC Public Library will forgive all fines and fees on any overdue, lost and damaged item.

The DC Public Library wants to get back as many overdue books as possible to benefit more District residents. The Library wants to also ensure we have your most up-to-date information so this is an opportunity for you to update your customer record with your new email address, phone number or mailing address.

How long is the campaign?
The 60-day campaign will run from Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 – Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.

How does it work?
No matter how long you’ve had the book. No matter the condition of the CD. You can return them to any DC Public Library. No questions asked. And best of all NO FINES OR FEES charged. You lost it? No problem. Stop by your local library and we’ll forgive that too.  When returning your book, you must see a library staff person in order to clear your record of fines and fees.

What are you waiting for? Check it in and discover the joy of using your library again.

I remember as a child I lost a book and was so scared of paying the fines (my allowance was non-existent) that I never went to the library again.  It wasn’t until I came back to DC as and adult (with a new last name from my marriage – ha!) that I started using the library again.  Don’t let this happen to you!  The DC Public Libraries want to give you a clean slate.  Start your love affair with the library again!

For more information on where to find your local DC Public Library branch, check out their website.  Also be sure to read my post on placing books on hold (my favorite way to get the most out of the library) and check out what Cameron is reading if you need some inspiration!Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2011/12/06/dc-public-library-fine-forgiveness-campaign/feed/ 0 http://mommyftw.com/2011/12/06/dc-public-library-fine-forgiveness-campaign/ Looking for Something Special for Holiday? Think Tea Collection! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/kFfMci0rlHI/ http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/29/looking-for-something-special-for-holiday-think-tea-collection/#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:07:00 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3310 Holiday photo cards, parties, family dinners – there’s a lot of reasons to have your little ones at optimal cuteness this time of year (not to mention looking your best too). So, I was excited when Tea Collection approached me and asked me to do a little post about their Children’s Clothes collection.  (And by the way, keep reading there’s a coupon code for you at the end of the post!)

I’m no stranger to Tea Collection – Cameron has been wearing their super soft cotton pajamas for a few years now, and some of his favorite (and most complimented) outfits are Tea.  I love the quality of their clothes, and the vibrant colorful prints and designs.  And I have to say I can’t wait to dress Violet up – their girls styles are a-dorable.  And I learned something new – they have women’s clothes!  Tea Collection gave me a gift certificate as thanks for highlighting them in this post, and I snapped up a few items for Violet and myself. Here are my picks:

This one's for me - a flattering, stylish, and comfy top I can't resist a new pair of jeans.... Violet is going to look adorable in this! Leggins for girls, so versatile (and cute) You know Violet is destined to wear purple. Festive without being cheezy. Christmas card, here we come.

I asked Tea Collection for something to give to you guys too – and they were kind enough to issue a special coupon code – MOMFORWIN10.  This code can only be used on a purchase over $50 and it cannot be combined with other coupon codes.  It expires 12/31/2011.  So go check out the Tea Collection website and shop Boys Clothes, Girls Clothes, Baby Boy Clothes, Baby Girl Clothes, and most importantly, don’t forget about yourself and check out the Womens Collection!

Please share a picture of your little one or yourself rocking their Tea Collection on the Mommy FTW facebook fan page.  And while you are on facebook, check out the Tea Collection page as well.  Happy shopping!Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/29/looking-for-something-special-for-holiday-think-tea-collection/feed/ 0 http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/29/looking-for-something-special-for-holiday-think-tea-collection/ Cyber Monday 2011! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/uy61P0T3pTI/ http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/28/cyber-monday-2011/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:41:20 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3308 The Holiday weekend is over, and weather you are working hard… or just working hard at shopping on line, I hope these coupons help you save some cash!

Boden coupon – 30% off + free shipping
Coupon Code: WCM1
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

OshKosh coupon – 25% off + free shipping on $50+
Coupon Code: CYBERSAVE
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Carter’s coupon – 25% off + free shipping on $50+
Coupon Code: CYBERSAVE
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Bebe coupon – Cyber Monday Event: 20% off entire regular priced purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: REDHAUTE
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

LeapFrog coupon – Additional 15% off already marked down bundles + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: LFCYBERDEAL
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Barnes & Noble coupon – 50% off one gift
Coupon Code: D7E4M3E
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Art.com coupon – 30% off your order
Coupon Code: FALLX2
Expiration Date: 11/29/2011

ESPRIT coupon – 40% off purchases
Coupon Code: CYBERMON11
Expiration Date: 11/29/2011

Crate & Barrel coupon – 15% off + free shipping
Coupon Code: SAVE15
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Mattel Shop coupon – 20% off, plus free shipping, for Cyber Monday
Coupon Code: CYBER20
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Reebok coupon – 40% off an entire purchase + free shipping
Coupon Code: CM40
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/28/cyber-monday-2011/feed/ 0 http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/28/cyber-monday-2011/ Black Friday Rolls into Cyber Monday 2011 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/mSJY_3IwsyE/ http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/27/black-friday-rolls-into-cyber-monday-2011/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:05:07 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3304 Some of these codes expire today (Sunday) and some are good for tomorrow which seems to now be “Cyber Monday” (the day you go back to work but instead of working you surf the net and shop online. :)

7 for All Mankind coupon – 30% off regular priced items
Coupon Code: BLKFRIDAY3011
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Solutions coupon – 21% off
Coupon Code: CYBER21
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Piperlime coupon – 20% off purchase + free shipping
Coupon Code: HUGECYBER
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta coupon – 30% off entire purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: HUGECYBER
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Snapfish coupon – 50% off your order
Coupon Code: CYBER50
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Express coupon – $15 off $30 or $30 off $75
Coupon Code: 1999
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

The Limited coupon – 40% off total purchases
Coupon Code: WISHMORE
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Hollister coupon – Black Friday Sale: 40% off storewide + free shipping
Coupon Code: 35440
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Steve Madden coupon – 30% off + free shipping on all orders
Coupon Code: STUFFING
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Max Studio coupon – 25% off every purchase
Coupon Code: MAXGIFT11
Expiration Date: 11/27/11Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/27/black-friday-rolls-into-cyber-monday-2011/feed/ 0 http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/27/black-friday-rolls-into-cyber-monday-2011/ Coupon Codes – Black Friday 2011 Edition http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/9XXfHH1IBoA/ http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/25/coupon-codes-black-friday-2011-edition/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:04:24 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3302 I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! Today is Black Friday, and you could go out shopping and wait in some long crazy line, or you could shop online with these great coupon codes!

Levi’s coupon – 30% off + free shipping on orders over $50
Coupon Code: BLACKFRI
Expiration Date: 11/25/2011

Timberland coupon – 30% off any order + free shipping on $100+
Coupon Code: TBLGIFT
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Art.com coupon – 20% off your order
Coupon Code: NICEDEAL
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Ann Taylor coupon – 40% off sitewide
Coupon Code: THANKS
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Splendid coupon – 30% off sitewide
Coupon Code: BESTGIFT
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Gap coupon – Additional 20% off purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: GAPSHOP
Expiration Date: 11/25/11

Piperlime coupon – 20% off purchases
Coupon Code: TWENTY
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Banana Republic coupon – 35% off purchases
Coupon Code: BRFRIDAY
Expiration Date: 11/25/2011

Lane Bryant coupon – Black Friday Sale: Save 50% off storewide
Coupon Code: BESTDEALLB
Expiration Date: 11/25/2011

The Children’s Place coupon – 30% off everything
Coupon Code: TURKEY
Expiration Date: 11/25/11

The Home Depot coupon – $5 off your $50 or more purchase
Coupon Code: HDTHANKS
Expiration Date: 11/25/2011

Disney Store coupon – 20% off purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: THANKS
Expiration Date: 11/25/11

Elizabeth Arden coupon – 25% off and free shipping on any order for Black Friday
Coupon Code: BF2
Expiration Date: 11/30/2011

LeapFrog coupon – 20% off games and books + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: HOLIDAY20
Expiration Date: 11/27/11

American Eagle coupon – 40% off purchases + free shipping
Coupon Code: 72429831
Expiration Date: 11/26/2011

Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/25/coupon-codes-black-friday-2011-edition/feed/ 0 http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/25/coupon-codes-black-friday-2011-edition/ Yummy Cranberry Sauce (and what to do with the leftovers…) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MommyFTW/~3/yiZkZafXJr8/ http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/23/yummy-cranberry-sauce-and-what-to-do-with-the-leftovers/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:07:47 +0000 betsy http://mommyftw.com/?p=3299 My family has always made a fresh cranberry sauce with oranges and cranberries and a bit of sugar, but it’s not really a ‘traditional’ type of sauce. This year I wanted to make something more traditional so I googled for “quick and easy cranberry sauce” and I found this recipe.

Simple and Amazing Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

12 oz bag fresh cranberries
3/4 cup orange juice
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar

Instructions

Place all the ingredients in a sauce pan and cook on medium-high for 15-20 minutes or until most of the liquid has reduced – stirring occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries popping – don’t worry, that’s what you want them to do. Remove from heat and serve. Cranberry sauce can be made days ahead and brought to room temperature or slightly heated before serving.

I made mine today and it was really yummy – not too sweet and the most beautiful red color.  It also reminded of of my favorite holiday cocktail to make – cranberry vodka (with tonic).  So if you have leftovers of this sauce, just buy yourself a bottle of vodka (don’t bother with the Grey Goose on this one) pour it into a tupperware pitcher with the cranberry sauce, and put it in your fridge for a week to marinate.  Then, strain out the cranberries and you’ll be left with a garnet red vodka that is so festive and yummy.  Mix with tonic and a squeeze of lime for a perfect holiday cocktail.Related Posts:

]]> http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/23/yummy-cranberry-sauce-and-what-to-do-with-the-leftovers/feed/ 0 http://mommyftw.com/2011/11/23/yummy-cranberry-sauce-and-what-to-do-with-the-leftovers/