The Sprinting Mommy

Fashion Friday ~ Origami Owl style

2013-03-08T15:28:00.003-05:00

Fashion Friday Girls! This look makes me think of spring and also makes me wonder about hot pink pants. Maybe going outside your comfort zone isn't that bad... Either way, this makes me think summer nights next to the fire with friends. AND one of my "friends" would be a big glass of white wine!! DON'T JUDGE ;)

!! Fashion Friday ~ Origami Owl Style !!

2013-03-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new venture !

2013-02-27T11:02:00.001-05:00

Origami Owl is a fun and unique way to tell your personalized story through charms, lockets and dangles. It's called a Living Locket and is sweeping the country!

I first heard of Origami Owl a couple months ago and have been obsessed since. Anyone can purchase a piece of jewelry but these "living lockets" represent you. You can switch these out as often as you like - super easy!

And the gift potential is crazy. Mothers Day, Bridesmaid gifts, flower girl gifts, birthday, graduation, new baby, thank you, and any other special moments.

This is a truly customizeable piece of "you" that you'll never get bored with. Visit my page for the complete line.

Snacking Monsters

2012-06-11T14:12:00.000-04:00

My boys will ask for snacks ALL day. This happens every day during their waking hours. Soooo annoying!! My oldest will even ask for a snack immediately after lunch. I am pretty sure this is not an isolated case of annoying little boys. So, today I decided to create a self serve snack basket for our pantry closet. I portioned out 1/2 cup amounts of snacks in small sandwich bags. You could just buy the already packaged snacks, but I find these to be more costly. Self bagging only took 5 minutes of my time.

My Snack Rules:

1 Snack Basket Snack a day

1 fresh fruit or veggie snack

Seems pretty fair and gives them some much wanted independence. The fruit and veggies can be an unlimited qty. But those little buggers will saw through a whole box of Teddy Grams if they could.

Give it a try for your little Snack Monsters......

Queen of The Kiddy Pool

2012-06-01T09:46:00.001-04:00

Queen of The Kiddy Pool by amartenis featuring flower hair accessories

Monsoon tummy control swimwear, $65
Kaliko swimwear, £50
Tkees flip flops, $48
Melissa Odabash sun hat, £16
Flower hair accessory, $8
H&M retro shades, £4.99
John Lewis Stripe Crush Cotton Sarong, Natural, £25
Sarong Candy C, £20
Intex Sunset Glow Pool, $17

Memorial Day Weekend Style

2012-05-25T09:50:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend Style by amartenis featuring steve madden shoes

Paprika tribal dress, £30
Steve madden shoes, $70
Orange tote, $20
GUESS hoop earrings, $25
H&M retro shades, £4.99
Alba Gren Tea SPF 45 Sunscreen, 4-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 2), $20

Beach Getaway

2012-05-04T10:01:00.000-04:00

Beach Getaway by amartenis featuring t strap shoes

Wallis white top, $21
Monki skirt, €30
Wet Seal t strap shoes, $17
Juicy Couture oversized beach tote, $148
Wet Seal bangle jewelry, $8.50
Mango tahitian pearl jewelry, £15
Wide brim hat

Curtains on the Cheap

2012-05-02T12:16:00.000-04:00

After years of discontent with the home office that I work from; I decided to make some changes.

We went from a ho-hum tan to a color called Relaxed Navy. This was our first decorating attempt with blue in our home. I was a little worried. Either way, it came out fantastic. Along with the freshly painted room I wanted to add a some pattern with curtains. I searched and searched for curtains that were economical and exactly what I envisioned.

Well, that didn't go so well. I had my mind set of a pattern from Pottery Barn that would have been $139 a panel x 4 panels would be $556 !!! Yikes!
So, I set-forth and expanded my own vision and found something at Target. Then as I was standing in the curtain aisle at Target; it came to me. I should cut these buggers in half vertically!! I was only looking for more or a decorative accent versus covering the whole window for privacy.

I bought two panels and proceeded home to cut them down the center. Here is the final product that cost me a whole $39.98 vs the $556 or even $278 for just two.

Tips

*Measure twice and cut once

*Insert original hemmed edge on the insides of the window where it would be the most visible

*Use iron-on hem tape to create a hem on the cut edge if necessary

Fifty Shades of ....Enjoyment

2012-04-18T14:01:00.001-04:00

I'm baaaack! Things have been crazy with my life and family life. But what else is new!!?? So, let's get down to business ;)

I want to talk about Fifty Shades of Grey. Gasp! This book has spanked women in North America with pleasure...... Sorry, I couldn't resist. Seriously, this book has been very spellbinding to many of the ladies in my circle. Its full of passion, pleasure, and believe it or not; a great storyline. In the past I have found myself not finishing novels or any form of fiction. My attention span to free time ratio is way off. But this book had me begging for more after each page. It has sparked a fire in my soul and my relationship. This book captured me to the fullest extent.

The Fifty Shades trilogy have been on the NY Times bestseller list for multiple weeks in a row and fills the 1, 2, and 3 spot on the list. Amazing! There really is something to this trilogy that pulls us into the characters of Christian and Anastasia. E L James' writing is easy to breeze through. And in my experience left me with a messy house because my "duties" sat untouched for days while reading. Strangely, I didn't care. Even so, I enjoyed every second of my "life" with this couple. I highly doubt that these book will win any great literary awards, but I think the sales and word of mouth promotion speaks for itself. There is even a compilation of the noted songs from each of the books on Spotify. Here's one song below.

I know many of you may be thinking "Well, its porn". I suppose you can argue this detail forever. Yes, there is lots and lots of sex in this book. And, yes, it happens to be in very well explained detail. It's really for the reader to decide. However, these books probably wouldn't be as "gripping" without many of the rendezvous captured. Say or think what you will but this book is a great escape for anything that may be plaguing you in your "real" life. Many of my friends have enjoyed this book so much that I decided to host a book party to chat about the ways of the two loved charters. Almost a going away party now that I think of it. Enjoy these books! As its been said " Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever".

Fashion Friday

2012-03-02T09:10:00.001-05:00

Ladies Night ~ Date Night by amartenis featuring a pleated dress

"In A Pikle"

2012-02-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to write this post and to share this awesome product with you! I just ordered my first "Pikle" this morning and can't wait to get it. As I was checking out other blogs that I follow; I found this awesome product. Basically, it's the "swiss army knife" of preparedness kits. And what's even better is that the product was invented by two moms.

So what is it?

"The "In A Pikle" bag is small enough to fit in your purse, backpack, or briefcase. It organizes all the "little" essential items that are needed on the go. The In A Pikle bag comes with over 20 items that fit conveniently in 4 double sided clear bags for easy retrieval. The bags can be removed for cleaning or for a different cover. Fill it with your favorite gum, lozenges, or cough drops. Don’t forget to add your essential medicine or antacid. There is plenty of room in the In A Pikle bag to always have the things you need!"

What in it?

· 4 double sided clear bags

· 1 hand sanitizer pen

· 1 spot remover pen

· 3 individually wrapped antibacterial wipes

· 1 credit card size mirror and floss combo

· 1 pair of tweezers

· 1 pair of fingernail clippers

· 2 emery boards

· 1 travel size sewing kit

· 1 retractable mini scissors

· 1 24" tailor tape

· 3 hair bands

· 5 rubber bands

· 5 bobby pins

· 5 safety pins

· 5 paper clips

· 1 phillips head mini screw driver

· 1 straight head mini screw driver

· 1 mini pen

· 1 "In A Pikle" sticky notepad

· 10 adhesive bandages

· 1 package travel tissues

· 1 pill box

As a mother, this is a nifty little kit for the car, purse, or diaper bag. Oh, and they are TSA compliant for all my traveling ladies. And don't despair if you run out of the kit contents!
You can order them online.

Check out In A Pikle now!

Fashion Friday

2012-02-22T17:04:00.001-05:00

Spring Style - Mommy Fresh by amartenis featuring a boyfriend cardigan

Hollister Co boyfriend cardigan
$30 - hollisterco.com

Dorothy Perkins tall pants
$49 - dorothyperkins.com

TOMS ballerina flat
$79 - toms.com

Jessica simpson handbag
$88 - zappos.com

Drop earrings
$8.40 - kohls.com

NARS Lip Gloss
$24 - bloomingdales.com

Clinique New Limited Edition Happy in Bloom Eau de Parfum, 30ml
£25 - johnlewis.com

Essie Sheer Nail Polish Shades
$8 - zappos.com

Homemade Fabric Softener

2012-02-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

One of my newest muses is making my own "stuff" like the laundry detergent here in mt blog. Well, fabric softener seems to be the next best item for you DIY-ers.

Why should you make this when you can just buy it off the shelf?? The nasty ingredients in most conventional products is number one. These include carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and Tallow. What the hell is Tallow? Brace yourself : Its a derivative of rendered fat from cattle, sheep and horses. Enough said for me!

Homemade Fabric Softener

Ingredients:
6 cups water
3 cups white vinegar
2 cups Suave Rosemary Mint Conditioner or another more natural brand such as Jason.

Mix all ingredients together gently and store in a clean empty gallon jug. You only need to use the same amount you would usually use in your rinse cycle. For in the dryer; spray some on a washcloth or dishtowel.

Now, this isn't a 100% chemical free option but it sure does cut back on those toxic chemicals.

Cook Once - Eat Twice : Pork Edition

2012-02-21T13:46:00.000-05:00

Looking for an easy dinner or two? A pork shoulder is the way to go. They are inexpensive per pound and are very versatile.The below instructions are just a base to get your other meals going. See below for ideas/recipes for the cooked meat. But experiment with some of your own ideas too.

Crockpot Version

1 (3 pound) pork shoulder

1 tbs of Adobo seasoning - Goya sells this. I use the one with the green cap.

1 bottle or can of light beer or lager

Directions

1. Please the pork shoulder in the ceramic bowl of the Crockpot.

2. Season the pork with the adobo seasoning and pour in the beer.

3. Place the bowl into the base of the slow cooker and cook on High until the pork is tender and falls apart easily, 8 to 10 hours.

4. Carefully remove the pork to a cutting board; shred the meat into strands using a pair of forks. Remove and discard any excess fat and bone.

Divide the pork for 2 meals.

Meal Ideas

Basic BBQ Pulled Pork

This recipe is very easy. Simmer the pork in a pot with a half cup of your favorite bbq sauce and half a cup of beer. I am partial to Wegmans brand Brown Sugar sauce. Cook for about 20 minutes or until your desired consistency. Or to keep it extra simple: heat the pork and add to roll with some bbq sauce on top. This is a great summer-like dinner.

Shredded pork tacos

Another easy recipe. Grab your favorite taco seasoning packet and follow the directions on the back. The preparation for this will be ever faster because your starting with cooked meat.

Organization Monday - Linen Closet

2012-02-20T10:11:00.000-05:00

Ladies....this one is going to blow you away! And if you do this already - cheers to you! Ok, here is a question for you. How does your linen closet look right now? Neat and organized??? Hardly? Here is a great tip that I found in the O magazine.

Fold your a matching sheet set neatly into a square. Stack each piece of the set and slide them all into one of the matching pillow cases from that set. So simple and such a great idea! Now why didn't I think of that.....

Cook Once - Eat Twice : Chicken Edition

2012-02-16T15:05:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of cutting corners with dinner but still have a great and healthy meal. If you want to do the same....read on!

We eat a lot of chicken in our house. So, I like to cook a large chicken and make multiple meals from that same chicken. Sunday night works great for this. You get a fabulous Sunday night chicken dinner and unlimited options for the next meal. Not a chicken family? Stay with me. I've got some pork for you!

Sunday Night Chicken Dinner

· 5 to 6 lb roasting chicken

· Kosher salt

· Freshly ground black pepper

· Small bunch fresh thyme (dry will work fine too)

· 2 lemons

· 3 heads garlic, cut in 1/2 crosswise (or 1 tablespoon minced in jar)

· 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Remove the chicken giblets. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the thyme, reserving enough thyme to garnish the chicken dish, 1 lemon, halved, and 2 halves of the garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with the olive oil and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Squeeze half a lemon over the chicken. Sprinkle some thyme of the chicken.

Cook the chicken for 1 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 180 for thighs (taking the reading in the thickest part).

Monday Night Chicken Enchilada Dinner

· 1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup or Campbell's® Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup

· 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream

· 1 cup Pace® Picante Sauce

· 2 teaspoons chili powder

· 2 cups chopped cooked chicken

· 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

· 10 Fajita Size Flour Tortillas, warmed

· 1 medium tomato, chopped

· 1 green onion, sliced

Directions

Mix soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder. Mix 1 cup picante sauce mixture, chicken and cheese. Spread about 1/4 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam-side down in 3-quart shallow baking dish. Pour remaining picante sauce mixture over enchiladas. Cover. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until hot. Top with tomato and onion.

Aruba Mommy - Bon Bini !

2012-02-08T13:47:00.004-05:00

Ahhhh....I am back from Aruba and very relaxed. Well, maybe a little less than I was a day or two ago. My boys welcomed me back to reality with arguing/fighting during a restocking trip to Wegmans this morning. Besides that it was lovely!

It took a lot of emotional pep-talk between me and mostly me to go away and actually enjoy myself. I was feeling extremely guilty about going away without my kids. But we enjoyed 5 amazing nights at the Marriott Resort and did basically NOTHING. That included sitting at the beach and reading without disturbances. I honestly can't tell you the last time that has happened. My husband and I enjoyed dinners and adult time without anything to get in our way. During my time away I had a lot of time to think and come to terms with "child free" time.

We all need a chance to reconnect with our husband and mostly ourselves. Many of us can't remember what it was like not to have kids mostly because our children hold a very important piece to our own puzzle. Each one of us should not feel guilty to enjoy that small moment of "free" time. It was very hard for me.

Honestly, by the last day, I was quite excited to go home and see my boys and ready to take on my "real" life again. My boys greeted me at our door with a huge smile and hugs. I was recharged and feeling blessed! And you know what? I probably will do it all again next year!!

Organization Monday ~ Pencil me in!

2012-01-30T09:25:00.002-05:00

If you know me well, you know that I am scatterbrained. I wasn't always...really, I wasn't. But from the day of conception of my first son; it's all been downhill in the mental organization department for me. I was blissfully walking through life missing appointments, birthdays, and forgetting lists. This was all until I stumbled upon this awesome little web application. The Cozi online organizer. www.cozi.com

This is an easy to use application that can be shared within family members. For example: I can add an appointment via my cool phone app and my husband can see it via the website. The program works seamlessly with iphone and Android. It's much more of a chore with some Blackberry models.

You can also create shopping lists, task lists, and meal plans with this lifesaver. Its been voted #1 mobile apps for moms and its FREE!

I hope that you find this to be as helpful as our family does!

Free Valentines Day Printables

2012-01-28T20:37:00.000-05:00

Valentines Days is right around the corner! I searched the web for some great Valentine pintables that I could share.

My boys will be making the dino valentines below. Super easy and super free! Visit the http://pizzazzerie.com/tag/valentines-day/ blog and check out their wonderful ideas.

Happy printing!

Mommy Taboo

2012-01-25T14:30:00.000-05:00

Why is it such a taboo to say that being a mother is hard? Actually, it's hard as hell! There, I said those words that mothers all across America think but do not dare to say out loud. Why?

A good friend of mine posted on Facebook that being a mother was the hardest job. She also noted the shame involved with stating such a thing. I found it greatly refreshing and something that needed to be said to clear her soul. And let me tell you, she is one tough cookie! So, why then do we as mothers need to present a fairytale life? Well, it looks like our society has created such an unmentionable. In the book "The Mask of Motherhood" by Susan Maushart, she explains the "mask of motherhood" to be "a repertoire of socially constructed representations that have crossed the line". She goes on to say that "the mask of motherhood is in fact an assemblage of fronts-mostly brave, serene, and all-knowing-that we use to disguise the chaos and complexity of our lived experience."

We can thank images of a supermom and other falsities out there for our shame. But the praise should go to mothers like my friend who are not ashamed to share their tribulations and trials of motherhood. Another woman out there who so boldly shares her life is Kristin van Ogtrop. She is the managing editor of Real Simple and the author of "Just Let Me Lie Down: Necessary Terms for a Half-Insane Working Mom". She also has a blog named "Adventures in Chaos". In her book "Mom, Interrupted: In a nutshell, your existence. From the moment children enter your life, you will never again have a lengthy adult conversation, finish a home improvement project, or complete a work assignment to your satisfaction before its time to rush out of the office to relive the babysitter."

Some of us have been breaking free of the "fairytale" and have been telling it like it is. We all love our children so much that we would jump in front of a train to save them. But let's be honest ladies and more importantly with ourselves.

Its hard work. We are all a force, amazing, and nurturing.

When I returned back to Facebook, I realized that my friends' status drew multiple comments. They were all positive, supportive and endearing words of wisdom from other mothers. How magnificent is that! Hang in there mommies. We are all on the ride of our life.......

Cord Jungle

2012-01-21T16:42:00.000-05:00

"Where the heck is the (insert missing electronic cord here) cord?" This was said in my house at least 3 times a week. My husband and I had enough of our evil cluttered ways and decide to tame our cord jungle.

Think, think, think....... "I have a great idea!" I said to my husband. He was judgmental at first, but when he saw my final vision, it was organization at its greatest. Not to mention a great use for a Uni-tasker!

We hung a mesh over the door shoe organizer on our office wall and secured it with nails at the grommets. I like the mesh version of this because it isn't shiny and doesn't show fingerprints like the PEVA versions. Ours came from The Container Store for $19.99. This can also be hung on the back of a door or side of a tall filing cabinet. And they can be cut to customize the location or hanging.

After hanging securely, place cords in their designated pocket. Voilà !

Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere...

2012-01-18T14:45:00.000-05:00

After much research and read Pinterest posts, I've decided to try my hand at making my own laundry detergent. Call my crazy...my sister-in-law already did, but I like to know what is in my cleaning products. And since most companies don't disclose this information (Seventh Generation does) I am giving it a try. Here are the ingredients:

1 Bar of Fels Naptha soap (or Ivory) - grated fine

1cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

1cup of Borax

optional -15-20 drops of essential oil such as lavender

Stir all ingredients together and you're done! Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. Crazy right? You're initial cost will be around $11 and 5 cents per load. I found to have a lot of Borax and Washing Soda left for other batches.

After 3 loads today; it works great.

Welcome to my blog!

2012-01-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

I've decide to finally create a blog that shares my journey to simplify my life and save some money. Oh yeah, and raise two incredible (but wild) little boys with my husband. I'm a work-at-home mom who is a little OCD, anxiety-prone, and ALWAYS stressed. You will find that I am always looking for great deals, tips, and share some stories along the way. Enjoy the ride!