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First World Issues

Today’s post is probably the most random of random posts I’ve ever shared…and I’ve shared some super random stuff. So, if you’re in a “train of consciousness” mood, follow along. Otherwise, see ya Wednesday! 😉

(No, really. You can stay. Just keep the eye rolls to a minimum.)

I’m perplexed. On my slow-but-constant quest to better this here blog, I’ve stumbled over a technological conundrum.

See, my less-than-a-year-old HP laptop suhuuucks. I had a Dell before that for numerous years and I knew I didn’t want another. Well, now I know I definitely don’t want an HP. The issue here is that I’ve had it so long that it’s not returnable (I assume; I suck at calling customer service #nopleasedontmakeme). Plus, the issues I’m having with it seem to be everyone’s issues with the thing (the touch pad decides to stop working every so often, in addition to other system crashing annoyances), so I clearly don’t want a replacement. After numerous Google searches, it seems to simply be what it is.

I’m not sure how to dispose of (or possibly sell? Who’d want it?) this one in order to purchase a new one. Wop-wop.

And that’s where my question turns into a two-parter.

photo source / photo source

I’ve also been saving my pennies here and there (namely from my work for Green Child Magazine which, honestly, isn’t like work at all) to buy a low-end DSLR camera. I’ve been pining about it for about 2-3 years, and I’m reaching the point where I’ll be able to make that investment shortly. Er. Maybe.

Since I’m an overthinkerus maximus, I’ve been weighing which option to get (Canon Rebel or Nikon 3100 refurbished or 3200…or something else). But, now that I’m close, I look at the literally hours that I’ve added to working on my writing on my HP Crapfest 2000 and find myself thinking, “Uuuummmm, maybe I should get a replacement laptop instead.”

Damn.

So, here we are. My first world issues. We eat mostly organic food. We have warmth and comfort (not just in the form of cat heat). We don’t get snowed/rained/hailed on. We. Are. Majorly. Lucky. I’m a brat that I’m even concerned about this, in all honesty.

Yet, I need your help. If you’d like to enable my brattiness (j/k…kinda), please vote on what YOU would do in my situation. Plus, feel free to hit up the comments to weigh in about it, and be sure to add your two cents as to what brands you prefer (either camera- or laptop-wise). Oh, and while I’d love to have an Apple product, it just ain’t in the cards so don’t bother suggesting it. 😉

Please and thanks!!

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Real Food Challenge – Week #10

For 14 weeks, the family and I are undertaking a Real Food Challenge (put forth by the awesome 100 Days of Real Food blog). I’m hoping to check in about any struggles and successes along the way each week. Our ultimate goal is to cut down on our dependence on processed foods and start using some cleaner fuels to energize our bodies. And stuff.

So, here’s how it works. I’ll get an email every Thursday for the next 14 weeks (the actual eating challenge will start on Sunday or Monday for 7 days, so there are a couple of days of grocery prep built in). Each email outlines the “rules” for that particular week. It’s up to each participant as to whether or not they’d like to try each week independently or build on top of the prior week. In other words, continuing doing the prior weeks while attempting the new weeks, if that makes sense. There’s also a very active Facebook group (I’ve actually joined an offshoot that’s super supportive and far more focused) that’s there to share, answer and support.

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Review of Week #9: This week has been the week of “no refined sugars, only maple syrup and honey.” (Some people on our message board were getting scared about the lactose in milk, but as I see it, it’s naturally occurring…just like the fructose in fruit. We’ll let those rest.) For the most part, we’ve done well. But, I won’t lie: We inadvertently cheated a couple of times. Hadley baked some goodies with his grandma the other day, which were loaded with traditional sugar (she sent some home, but I put it in the freezer to enjoy at a later date). Dave ate some crackers that had some sneaky sugar in them. Our croutons had hidden sugar…dang it. But, mine was probably the worst. I had a kid bring me a cupcake after a very long, stressful day, and I gulped it down without even thinking about the challenge. Oops!!!

Plus, I’ve got plans this weekend that pretty much demand that I eat “out”. Pretty sure even a wrap or sandwich of some sort will include some hidden sugar (wrap your head around THAT one!); and dessert will be a must, so there goes that. I suck.

Otherwise, our meals and snacks have been either devoid of any sweeteners or made with maple syrup. I baked some of Lisa’s carrot applesauce muffins with maple syrup and learned FAST to freeze a majority and store the ones I hoped to eat within a day in the fridge. Seriously. I felt awful when I had baked them, tossed them in bags, and sat down to enjoy mine Monday afternoon for a snack…only to find bits of green forming all over the top. INSANE. So, there’s my tip of the day: all-natural = refrigerate the darn things. That said, they were super moist and I might have packaged them too soon before cooling, so it’s probably part user error.

My other trick of the week involved my coffee. I’m trying to cut back, but my energy has been low (trying to kickstart my at-home yoga sessions again!). So, when I do drink the stuff, I found that the syrup was too heavy tasting and had a definite depth from the maple. So, I tried raw honey, which I usually loathe, but it gave the perfect light sweetened taste without that “bee puke” aftertaste. Plus, it’s FULL of antioxidants (the coffee was far from boiling, so they were left intact). Win-win!!

Week #10 Challenge: Next week seems suspiciously easy, so I know it’ll be a greater challenge than I expect: No refined oils. So, the only oils we’re allowed for the week are: butter, olive oil, and coconut oil. (To be specific, the butter should be at the very least organic from pastured cows, the olive oil should be extra virgin, cold-pressed and unfiltered, and the coconut oil should be organic, unrefined and centrifuged if possible.)

Now, this isn’t very different from our norm, except that I have been buying just plain ol’ store-brand (or Cabot; VT, woot!) butter. Our CO & EVOO are fine, though. The Dorky Daddy has been teasing me for awhile about the “GMO butter” I’ve been buying, but the other stuff that our store offers is a) super expensive, b) salted and c) from an organic brand that we don’t support. I’ve swallowed my pride, looked away at the checkout line, and hooked the family up with some Horizon (ugh) butter as well as a package of Kerrygold, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. 😉

There are sneaky issues here, though. Firstly, we won’t be able to eat out AT ALL. (We haven’t in awhile, but still. Knowing that you can’t sucks.) Secondly, much like with the sugar last week, things are hidden. Our favorite organic cereal bars undoubtedly have some sort of organic vegetable oil in them. Crackers? The same. Pretty much anything we might like to munch one, it’s there.

So, my strategy for the week is to once again be proactive. I hope to make some more muffins or a homemade granola bar of some sort, maybe a french toast bake that can stretch a couple of breakfasts, and hopefully some tortillas if I have the time. Plus, even though he’s busy with rehearsals (which tosses an extra challenge into dinners), the hubby will probably be called into his stellar popcorn-making service a couple times (he’ll make a HUGE batch during the weekend that lasts us about half the week). He usually douses it with a scant amount of butter and a teensy bit of salt, which will suffice. (Side note: Totally impossible to walk by that bowl and not grab a handful here and there. I dare you. Impossible.)

It’s looking like a lot of cooking for me this week, though. Eep!

Here are my meal ideas for the week…fingers crossed!

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Cheap (or Free!) Ways to Embrace Trends

Be they fashion, decor, technology, or anything else, “trends” can be kind of negative. And, to some extent, I agree. When a few years fly by, we find ourselves laughing or rolling our eyes at what we once thought was “cool.” However, I’ve realized that it’s up to us to decide which trends are worth our time (and money) or not. As with all things in life, we have to be true to ourselves and always go with our own individual interests and tastes in the end. I wholly believe that.

But, it doesn’t mean that we have to completely ignore the world outside our own minds. Some trends help to light a spark inside you that can help freshen up your life, fill you with inspiration, or put a spring in your step. I’ve discovered some of my favorite colors and prints after seeing them used in a really fun, creative way on a blog or store display. As long as it’s not ethically immoral (say, fur or a demeaning message), I’ll always give something new a little consideration. Sometimes I immediately know it’s not for me. Other times, I fall in love.

Says the girl who once adamantly brushed aside the latest fads for Punky Brewster mismatched clothes, a Peter Tork haircut and tie-dyed tees, and a short-lived ’50s James Dean (like, guy clothes) wardrobe. Take what I say with a grain of salt. I’m clearly not a fashionista. (Even that term is outdated.)

Anyway, even as a girl who considers herself to be pretty eco-friendly and minimalist, I feel greatly that while we purge, we still need to surround ourselves with joy…simply.

So, today I’m sharing a few simple ways to embrace trends without totally breaking the bank and completely overhauling your own uniqueness. (After all, that’s what’s most important in the end.) Some of these ideas are to spruce up your surroundings and others are wardrobe-related. All are just a little inspiration to try to mix up the old with some new-ish styles.

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Cheap Accessories Help Layer in the Fun – This chevron print infinity scarf is a great example of one of my favorite things about trends: they clearly failed history class because they keep repeating it. For only $15 (or on sale if you’re lucky), you can brighten up your bland wardrobe. This is honestly the only chevron print I’ve seen that isn’t overdone (it almost looks like diagonal stripes), so my attention is less on the print and more on the vintage-inspired colors. Oh, and a great pair of sunglasses (I grab mine at TJ Maxx for the cheapest options) helps bring it all together.

Put Some Spring in Your Step with a New Shoe – It may seem subtle, but switching out your usual flip flops for a cute sandal with fringe detail can bring you happily into the warmer seasons. The rest of your outfit may be a slouchy old t-shirt and capris or skinny jeans (yes, I’ve jumped on that bandwagon, too; don’t tell my 15-year-old self), but an inexpensive (this one’s about $20) shoe can help wake it up.

Try a New Style of Pant with Subtle Details – Trying a new style can be downright frightening. (Almost as scary as bathing suit shopping. Eep.) So, if you’re a little shy, try to keep to a solid color. If you’re a touch more daring, try for a very subtle pattern, like this gorgeous colored (they say it’s red but it sways towards my favorite “new” color, coral) with dots. The fact that these pixie ankle pants remind me of Laura on the Dick Van Dyke Show makes me want to run, not walk, to my closest Old Navy. No, seriously. Oh, and I tend not to pay $35 for pants, so I’d suggest waiting for a sale (they’re currently on sale for $30…still iffy, but better).

Pillows, Pillows, Pillows – One of my favorite ways to include some new trends around the house is with the use of throw pillows. I usually buy mine at TJ Maxx (yes, again), but Target and World Market are great alternatives for inexpensive pillows. I usually pay between $10 – $15, but even upwards of $20 is worth it for a pillow if you fall in love with it. This World Market pillow uses the southwestern/tribal motif while the Target pillows follows more of a geometric, ’80s color vibe. (Okay, who am I kidding? The ’80s are back. Cue clapping and cheering from my husband.)

Do It Yourself – This is one of my favorite ways to get a trend you love without breaking the bank. While I haven’t done any projects lately, I always keep an eye out for super inexpensive (but good quality) pieces to transform. I actually have a couple of super old, super inexpensive (like $20 for both) wooden chairs that need to be stripped, and I’m giving serious consideration into doing the paint-dipped look like Remodelista shows here.

Bonus:
#1 – Buy Vintage – What’s old is new again! Hit up your local thrift shops and antique stores to see what once-scary item might serve a new purpose.

#2 – Free Printables – Depending in your style, there are free printables available from a ton of blogs and sites. Just Google your taste or check by your favorite blog and see what comes up. I’m loving this calendar from Vintage Revivals that uses the geometric trend wonderfully but in a fun, easy (and free!) way:

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So, what are your favorite trends lately? Do you skew “classic”, “trendy”, or somewhere else? (I’m definitely all over the place, myself!)

(There are actually no affiliate links in today’s post, despite the links. Just wanted to share some thoughts and inspiration. No kick-backs. :-))

Essential Oils – How We Do

After using essential oils for {counts on fingers} awhile now, I figured it was time to post an update on how it’s going. My original post (and information on the oils I purchased and why) can be found here.

Long story short, essential oils are highly concentrated oils that are derived from their original plants/herbs that contain incredible healing powers and benefits. If you start researching them, I guarantee that you will fall down the rabbit hole of information (and misinformation). Still, I do urge that you do as much research as you can before deciding to buy.

That said, I do love our oils! I decided to go a different, purchase-as-needed route (rather than signing up to sell the stuff, even though you don’t technically have to sell in order to reap the benefits) for a few reasons. For whatever reason, I’m skittish about becoming a seller. The only suggestion I have regarding purchasing is to buy a high-quality, well-reviewed brand. That’s it. Sell or don’t. Totally up to you!

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Today I’m just chatting about the kinds we’ve tried and how we’ve used them. Overall, I’ve decided not to go the “taken in capsule/digested in water” route. I’m sure there are tons of benefits that I’m probably missing out on, but I’ve read too many horror stories and quality control is still very new for this industry. So, the methods we’ve been using regard cleaning and health (in a topical way).

Cleaning with Oils

Tee tree oil is insanely effective as a cleaner and disinfectant. If you ever use the stuff, don’t overdo it — it’s strong. Also, be sure to keep it away from animals (and I’m sure to keep it away from H just in case) since I’ve read of fatal consequences. However, awhile back I used it to make homemade non-Clorox wipes and I’m glad to report we’re still using the same method (and same container!) to wipe down the toddler potty (and any other “ewwww, that needs disinfecting!” moments). I’d still like to switch out the dark cloth for some old white cloth napkins I don’t use anymore since they do leave some dark residue, but for the most part it works like a charm.

I also LOVE using lemon while doing laundry. Like tee tree, it has disinfectant properties as well as stain removal boosting properties. Plus, the smell is insanely delicious. I received a BIG bottle of the NOW lemon for Christmas and nearly fell over with joy. No kidding!

I’m still discovering other ways to use it, but look forward to adding more methods to the cleaning arsenal.

Oils for Health

I find myself turning to oils any time an ache or pain starts acting up or I’m emotionally overwhelmed by something. I prefer organic coconut oil (a tub lasts you FOREVER) as a carrier oil. If it’s a headache or shoulder/neck pain (which, strangely, Dave and I have both encountered lately), I just grab a bit of coconut oil and put several drops of oil in, then mix with my fingers and massage in. Peppermint is uplifting and lavender or Tranquility (depending on the brand you buy, the blend will have a different name) is soothing.

I’ve also been known to put a few drops of lavender (or Tranquility) on each pillow to help us sleep. Seriously, it’s that simple and we all sleep like babies! Dave has raved about it.

I also received a diffuser as a Christmas gift. Dave was shocked at how excited I was for that thing, LOL. We haven’t had the opportunity to use it (at least, we haven’t gotten sick so I don’t seem to see a need yet — I’m sure there are other reasons to use it past illness, though).

So, I think that’s all for now! I’ll be sure to share more as my experiences grow. If you have any favorite oils or uses, please feel free to share in the comments! I’d love to have more ideas to try out, and I’m sure others would love hearing your thoughts.

{Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. You are not obligated to purchase anything, but if you should follow a link and make a purchase, it would help to support this blog.}

Real Food Challenge – Week #9

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Review of Week #8 – This past week was all about listening to internal cues to stop eating when we were full. I took this also to mean no mindless snacking (at least, not on crap ;-)). So, while it sounds simple and we did great with it, we needed a few reminders. I tend to eat a smaller lunch with some mid-morning yogurt and a healthy snack in the afternoon (depending on my schedule) from my pregnancy days, so it actually makes it easier to make it to the next meal. But, yeah, it was fine. Definitely not an issue.

We’ll see about this upcoming week, though…

Week #9 – This week will involve eating no refined or artificial sweeteners. In other words, foods and beverages can only be sweetened with a moderate amount of honey or maple syrup…which I’m not that great with. I normally use raw organic sugar in my tea or coffee (a little less than a teaspoon, which is an improvement but still significant). The consequences also mean no baking (unless using maple syrup or honey), none of my usual granola bars, etc. I’m not pleased. (And, spoiler alert, in a few weeks I won’t be allowed ANY added sugars. No syrup on pancakes, aaaarrrrgggghhhh!!! #firstworldproblems)

So, my solutions are as follows: Yes, I’m going to bake. We already have pancakes for H’s breakfasts for the week (and ours, if we like), but for that granola bar craving I tend to get, I’m trying out the 100 Days of Real Food Whole-Wheat Carrot Applesauce Muffins. Gotta say, I may need to make another dozen mid-week since Dave has already proclaimed his admiration for them. (He’s right; they’re really good.)

I JUST happened to buy a new organic ketchup which, of course, contains sugar. SO, since I’m jonesin’ for some meatloaf (in the guise of meat muffins…something about muffins), I plan on making some sugar-free ketchup. The recipe I found is a non-cook one, which is VERY different from what I’ve read in my great grandmother’s recipe notebook, so we’ll see how it comes out. Oh, and I happened to find a pasta sauce that doesn’t have sugar, although I could’ve made my own…but, yeah. I’m not my mother, and that’s okay.

I also discovered two breads that meet my personal guidelines for this challenge. Our usual “white” bread is actually a peasant bread from a local bakery. It’s not organic, but it has very few ingredients and is completely natural. I’m also super excited to see that the Barowsky’s Organic 100% Whole Wheat Bread I buy on occasion is a honey wheat — no other sugars. Score!

Here’s my “guide” for the week:

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Generously Minted – Giveaway

Raise your hand if you’re ready to leave this frosty season behind! While I do my best not to obsess over winter’s chilly bite, it’s definitely easier to appreciate when you can find some springtime inspiration. Kind of like the gorgeously refreshing light to look forward to at the end of the icy tunnel.

So, when Minted contacted me to talk about their products, I hopped over to their website and found immediate inspiration, all with a gleam of springtime freshness and warmth. In case you don’t know, Minted is a fun company that offers beautiful invitations, cards, party products, home decor and art, all from independent artists’ designs. The fact that they have a Tree Planting Program that works with Plant-It 2020 to plant trees in order to supplant the paper that they use (some of which is actually made of 100% recycled paper) makes it a no-brainer to work with them.

And talk about gorgeous stuff!

Here are just some of my favorite art prints that I’m having serious mental back-and-forths about choosing:

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Don’t they just pull you out of the winter doldrums?? They’re all beautiful, but I’m leaning towards Float with its bright retro watercolor vibe and Indigold with its fun, floral 1960’s mood…although I’ve always had a soft spot for Forsythia.

Speaking of springtime, Minted’s Wedding Invitation Collection is sure to fit the mood of any theme you might be planning. Designs range from simply elegant to modern, graphic and colorful. No matter the design, all are of the highest quality. Seriously, if Dave and I were planning our wedding today, I’d use these guys.

That said, aside from pretty spring art and wedding invites, I’m loving the kiddo stuff. I find myself falling for the birthday invitations (I’m mentally planning Had’s third birthday already!) as well as the adorably quirky nursery artwork since both my sister and sister-in-law are expecting babies.

As always, I’m having a hard time deciding.

And, guess what. One of you will get to experience the same wonderful “I can’t pick just one!” feeling. Yup! Minted.com has generously offered a $50 credit to one of my lucky readers! How excited am I?

Just click on the Rafflecopter options below for methods to throw your hat in the running. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway //widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Today’s post is written in partnership with Minted.com. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as usual.

Today’s Tip – Actively Fun

This is part of a new series that I’m calling “Today’s Tip.” I hope to share little tips and tricks (or “life hacks” as the kids these days are saying) to make your life just a wee bit simpler. The topics will range from parenting to cleaning to green living to just general time savers…and anything else that pops into my brain that might be helpful.

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Hey, guys! Raise your hand if you’re feeling a bit sluggish lately. I know I am! Thanks, ~~Obama~~ winter weather. It’s to the point where we have so much snow piled up, it’s not at a “let’s have fun in it” stage. It’s more at the “sink down, can’t move” phase. It’s fine, we’ll deal.

But, I feel like the little guy needs to get some more physical activity. He’s a bundle of energy, and between sleeping better and acting better, getting physical only helps him enjoy his fun little life. So, I recently decided to try some “let’s get moving” games with him.

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Here are a few things that I tried, which not only got me active as well, but made me realize that he’s reached a new level of “little boy, not little toddler.” His hand-eye coordination and ability to follow directions is way better than I expected! Call me proud (and a touch sad).

– Mama Says – H isn’t quite ready for “Simon Says” since the “Simon didn’t say” rule evades him. But, he had been having issues with following directions, so this is my far the best activity for a 2 1/2-year-old. Just say, “Mama says…” and fill in the rest with whatever you think your little one can do. Touch your head/nose/knees/toes; act like a monkey; stand on one foot (he couldn’t do it for long, but boy was he proud that he could do it at all!); turn around three times; hop like a frog. This goes as long as your imagination can hold out.

– Let’s Stretch! – You can start your “exercises” off or end them this way. There are lots of stretches that you can do, so keep them as simple as “touch your toes” or as complicated as downward dog. It’s also a fun way to practice counting. “Bend over and touch your toes for five seconds, count with me – one, two, three, four, five!” Simple, fun…and totally made me realize how inflexible I’d gotten!

– Dance With Me! – Dance party time! Turn on Pandora or your favorite workout mix and get a-movin’! You’ll see your little one start on day one using one swaying dance motion, then building up an arsenal of hilarious self expression. Our guy has been saying “oh, yeaaaah! Oh, yeaaaah!” while he does some helicoptering arm motions lately. Very Kool-Aid Man. Very awesome.

– Tumble Together – One of my favorite memories as a kid was doing somersaults, rolls, leg lifts, and tumbles in our living room with my sister. Sure, it’s not always safe, but when Mom gets into it with you, you’ll at least have a spotter. Pile the pillows and jump or use the ottoman to roll on your stomach (used to do that at my grandparents’ and adored it). Just get silly and remember: horse play isn’t always a bad thing.

What indoor activities do you do to get the blood flowing and energy out? I’d love to hear!

Real Food Challenge – Week #8

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Review of Week #7: This past week, our challenge was to eat only 100% whole grain foods (breads, pastas, etc.). Let’s just say I’m terribly happy that this one was during my week off! Our normal grain intake has generally been either on the organic or “5 ingredients or less” realm, so after a week of terribly dry or gritty foods, I’m looking forward to getting back to our usual way of doing things.

That said, I did a LOT of baking and planning this week. The 100% whole grain bread I had purchased went bad almost immediately (plus, it sucked), so I finally tried a hand-me-down bread machine. While it was also quite dense, I would definitely try a mix of organic all-purpose flour with whole grain in the future. Could be fun to make more! I also had success with these cheesy biscuits — yes, they tasted “wheaty”, but the cheese and garlic powder made them too delicious to care. 😉 So, I’ll be taking some of this week along with me and try to have more homemade options available…but I won’t be doing it “100%.”

Week #8 Challenge: This week will entail listening to our internal cues in order to stop eating when we’re full. It’s definitely a great thing to be mindful when we eat, so I look forward to this one! It doesn’t take more planning than any other challenge and it’s a good lesson to teach the little guy. (He will eat an entire HUGE lunch and insist that he’s still hungry…when I’m positive he probably isn’t.)

Here are some ideas I have for this week’s meals:

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Impatient Parenting

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Patience is not a virtue that I come by naturally…or sometimes at all. Aside from being innately stubborn, I also tend to have a hot temper. It usually takes a lot of pushing for me to explode, but lately that nudging is coming in an adorable, just-as-pig-headed package: our 2 1/2-year-old son.

I know it’s “just the age.” I know he’s “all boy.” I know I have incredibly high standards sometimes, which I have upheld my students to and now find myself upholding my son to. Plus, given that he definitely inherited my stubbornness, a battle can brew in no time. It just sucks, and it’s even harder to admit it here to the whole world. But, sometimes we can’t learn until we talk it out. Thanks for listening.

More often than not, I have been surprisingly calm and have been able to transition into the next activity with relative smoothness. But, yes, explosions happen. I feel absolutely awful when they do. It often takes so much to get into his head as to why something is wrong and he screams out of simple opposition (for the sake of disagreement, with no other real reason) so much that I find myself yelling just to get him to HEAR what I’m saying. I’m ashamed of it, and the last thing I ever want is to hurt him, but the fact that it only works one time out of ten means that I have to find another way. And, at times, my husband even succumbs to the temptation of yelling, as well; I feel myself and my disciplinary ways being transferred onto an otherwise incredibly gentle, quiet-hearted man. It hurts in so many ways.

See, I’m a proud part of a community of parents who believe in attachment parenting and gentle discipline. I agree wholeheartedly with most of the ideals behind these types of parenting. It’s probably what has helped me to learn how to deal thus far without CONSTANT yelling. But, I’ve decided that, for all our good, I should delve further into ways to lessen the stress, disagreements, and ultimate shouting matches that are, at times, more the norm than the exception at our otherwise joy-filled house.

We don’t hit our son, including spanking. Admittedly, I’ve thought about it, but we resolved long ago that this wasn’t in our parenting arsenal (at least when he doesn’t understand the reason and it’s out of utter embarrassment and shame). One of the issues we’ve had bubble up is that he hits us (not hard) when he can’t verbalize his anger, sometimes frequently. The last thing we want is to continue the trend — “If Mommy spanks me, it’s okay to hit.” It’s not. There are better ways.

The parenting articles at Green Child Magazine (which I’m proud to write for, by the way!) help get my mind in the right place. There is one particularly about the issues that come with parenting a younger child that it striking SO many chords with me right now. The fact that our guy is currently dealing with the ones/twos/threes&fours issues all at once? Glorious. At least, it’s awesome to have this article right now to tell me that a) it’s completely normal, b) there are developmental reasons for it, and c) there are ways to cope. *deep breath*

Another talks about natural consequences, which I thought I was doing well – but now realize that there are times that the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. Also, Making Time-Outs Positive? Genius. I have always wanted to do time-outs this way, but unfortunately the threat of a time-out has become a negative thing (yet, at times, has worked quite well…crap). I’m hoping that we can adapt this and turn things around with H, although I’m not sure if the damage has already been done. I try to say, “Do you need a time-out to help you calm down?” but…yeah…still negative. Fingers crossed on this one!

Most of these changes affect our little guy a lot, but are more so changes that Dave and I need to make for ourselves as parents. Ways that we handle things, choices that we make. A few of the changes involve positivity (like the time-out situation). This article on creating mindful parenting moments helps me to remember that diversity in experiences and getting out of the “what toy do you want to play with now?” rut and into the “let’s do something creative/different” mindset is good for all of us. Oh, and that “breathing awareness” thing? We do use that. We often sing Daniel Tiger’s “When you feel so mad that you wanna roar, take a deep breath…and count to four.” He even does the hand motions for counting that they do on the show. But, we’ve made it “our own” and when he’s bursting into tears (which is kind of rare; his tantrums are usually rage-motivated), we hug it out and breathe together. Definitely helps for everyone involved.

A final thing that I know we’re dealing with is the glut of toys and stuff. We may not have as much as other kids (since we try to keep that to a minimum…doesn’t always work at his birthday and holidays), we still have MORE than plenty. I haven’t done a great job at keeping up with simply going through all of his things and storing (or donating) ones not used regularly. He is a big “dump toys, move on to another dumping of toys without playing with a single one, then move to the next” offender. I’m working with him to pick up before moving onto the next thing (which works a little bit), but it definitely shows that he probably has too many things for his own good. This simplification article definitely reminds me that it’s time to purge.

Another website that I love for just this particular issue is The Orange Rhino. Funny name, I know, but it is completely about parenting without yelling at your children. Appropriate, right? While I’m not sure if I want to take the challenge (I’m already “challenging” myself with the real food thing right now; I’d rather have some methods to adjust my thinking than anything else), there are some good tips on the site and great take-aways. They particularly have a trigger tracking worksheet that makes me consider doing that for a day or two. 😉

Okay. So, now that that’s all out there, I’d like to publicly admit that we’re going to work to alleviate this issue as much as we can. We’re trying out “green/yellow/red light” method and I’ll be sure to check back on how it goes.

I realize that, while a lot of it is the sheer nature of the toddler right now, much more has to do with how I/we react. While patience is something that most people are born with (or not), I’m hoping to be much more active in the moment in order to find that touchstone of patience within, then transfer it to the situation…and, ultimately, to our son.

What parenting issues have had you tearing your hair out? Do you consider yourself a patient parent? Am I the only one that can reach the end of their rope from time to time?

Today’s Tip – Keep It Movin’

This is part of a new series that I’m lamely calling “Today’s Tip.” I’m hoping to share little tips and tricks (or “life hacks” as the kids these days are saying) to make your life just a wee bit simpler. The topics will range from parenting to cleaning to green living to just general time savers…and anything else that pops into my brain that might be helpful.

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Happy Monday (and a happy birthday to our very own Dorky Daddy)! As my mom always asks, “Did you get much done over the weekend?” If you didn’t, don’t worry. Today’s tip is my new motto for weekends (which I’m still struggling a little bit to uphold).

On weekends, it’s easy to give yourself carte blanche to put your feet up and relax or go out and fill the time with fun. I mean, that IS why weekends were invented, right? Then, come Monday, it’s tough to get back into the swing of things, motivated enough to get anything done. And, honestly, this tip is as much for me as it is for anyone else out there. I struggle with it.

My tip today might not be a popular one (heck, I don’t like it sometimes) but it’s effective. Here it is –

First World Issues - image 1a709-weekend2bmotivation on https://megactsout.com

This tip isn’t about health, but we all know how hard it is to start exercising when you’ve let it fall off your radar for awhile. That’s what happens on a Monday after a weekend (or vacation) of inactivity of any sort.

I’m not advising you to give up all of your precious free time to complete housework and projects. However, by giving yourself a small list of things to do and then allowing yourself a well-deserved movie or time to chill (or whatever!), you tend to feel like you earned your downtime and were simultaneously productive with your spare time.

I know this may suck since you work your tail off all week. I understand; really! But, come Monday morning, it’s a lot easier to transition into your duties for the day and you still feel like the weekend was well-used.