Tuesday, June 30, 2009

July 2009


My fellow mommies!

In light of the recent economy, and the fact that work vacation days are quickly dwindling; our little family is embracing the staycation. First step is to pick the destination. In our case we have chosen more of a theme. The month of July will be spent at the sea. Above are a few inspiration photos from our last real vacation to the Caribbean. This month I will be posting on our staycation, as well as products, and pretty things that evoke the sea.

Where is your vacation or staycation taking you this summer? I would love to hear all about your fantastic destinations and ideas. Bon voyage!

All best,

April

Monday, June 29, 2009

Mommy Monday: money saving tip

I came across a site called $5 dollar dinners. This caught my attention as I am always looking for money saving tips these days. Erin Chase offers her take on clipping coupons, and I must say, it is a great idea. Check out her coupon binder here.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Soulful Sunday: Let go

I have learned a lot from our sweet baby in the past 19 months, but it is what I have been slowly reminded of that stands out in recent days; learning to let go.

While changing E’s clothes, she got her arm stuck in her shirt. I was pushing her arm down to guide her free and she was pushing it up. As we struggled I found myself saying, “If you would only let go and let me guide your arm out of this shirt, we will get through this a lot faster.” In that moment I realized that I am guilty of the same. Letting go has never been a strong quality of mine. I started thinking about all the times I have fought and fought to do things my way only to find a little help made things a lot easier. This is true in our walk with Christ. Like a parent he loves us and guides us. When we learn to let go and follow his lead, we find our way.

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”


Fairy tale Garden


These would make a dreamy addition to a fairy tale garden.
Chasing Fireflies- toadstool table & chair set
Judith Needham Willow Design- playhouse

Family Fun: Lazy Day


Taking it slow this morning, the Maduzia's are enjoying a lazy day. With the temperatures in the 100's, it makes it difficult to enjoy time outside, but we may try the pool. For now we are relaxing to some jazz and cooking breakfast. How are you enjoying the weekend?

Friday, June 26, 2009

minusbags



"you can buy a dozen Krispy Cremes all
for yourself and no one will be able to

see them in your minusbag!"

minusbags: minus plastic. minus waste. These bags are stylish, made is the USA, and reusable. Prefect for toting around groceries, and other lovely finds.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Monday, June 22, 2009

Mommy Monday: Pretty Things



Ambling Coil Chemise

So lovely for lounging, found at Anthropologie

Avril Loreti Cocktail Napkins- Birkin Bag

So cute for the next girls-night-in cocktail party! I found these cotton/poly blend cocktail napkins at Jac.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Soulful Sunday: Happy Fathers Day!

J & E 2008


J & E 2009

A big thank you to all the daddies who make such a positive impact in the lives of their children. Your love, support and integrity is the best gift you could possibly give.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth. —1 John 3:18"

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Family Fun: Hubbell & Hudson

We spent some time with J's family today and made a trip to Hubbell & Hudson - Market & Bistro.
Brimming with urban appeal, this market, bistro & Viking cooking school has something for everyone. We purchased a pound of fresh handmade pesto & ricotta cheese ravioli, it made for a tasty meal!

Family Fun: ArtsHound

Looking for fun things to do this father's day weekend? ArtsHound.com offers listings of events, and fun things to do, in and around Houston.

This weekend the Children's Museum of Houston grants free admission to Dads during their Father’s Day Celebration.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Tea

Tea children's clothing is simply lovely! "celebrating the beauty found in cultures around the world." Tea's new Viva Brasilia line embraces the beautiful art, architecture, and culture of Brazil. Also check out the Tea blog.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

What did you do in the dark?

For all my fellow Texas mommies, it is not easy to forget Hurricane Ike. Tonight I ran across a promotion from Ikea, What did you do in the dark? If Hurricane Ike brought you a new bundle of joy, Ikea Houston is offering a coupon for 15% off your entire purchase. Click here for details.

On a more serious note, let's talk Hurricane Preparedness. I don't know about you, but our little family was NOT prepared for the intensity of the storm, and the week that followed without power. With hurricane season upon us, we have taken action to be more prepared if this should happen again. The American Red Cross has put together a preparedness guide for hurricane season. Also check your local weather station for more great tips.

My best advice:
  • Have a good solid plan
  • List of important phone numbers, yes including work numbers...I know that is a bummer!
  • evacuate if necessary (Have your bags and important documents packed and ready to go)
  • Invest in a good generator for the time after the storm and the power is STILL not on!
  • Stock up on nutritious food, as best you can, and of course plenty of water.
  • Make sure all the laundry is done before the storm hits, the bath tub is not a fun place to wash your clothes by hand!
  • Stash away some cash to have on hand if needed.
  • Analogue phone ("Old fashion", plug directly into the wall), cordless phones will not work with the power off.
  • BUG Replant
  • Flashlights
  • Matches
  • Fans and even a window air unit (if you have a generator)
  • Charge all cell batteries, etc. before the storm
  • MOST IMPORTANT! Take care of the little ones. A hurricane is scary, unfamiliar, and extremely uncomfortable with the HEAT (if without power). Our sweet baby was 10 months when Ike hit. This was an added stress for sure, but with some innovation and help from our family and very generous neighbors, we made it through. Prepare an activity kit, and try to make the time as normal as possible. Remember to stock up on baby supplies.

Scandeez




"Children's items with a Scandinavian flair" Check out these adorable reversable jumpers by Scandeez.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Soulful Sunday: Celebrating Your Family Identity

Author:
Jim Burns, Ph.D.

for the full article click here. below is a small portion

Talk about faith :
Spiritual topics don’t always come naturally for families. Discussions about God, however, can help build family identity. They also help kids have strong convictions as they get older.
Maybe you have some anxiety about starting a faith conversation with your children. Remember, your talk doesn’t have to be forced or lengthy; it can be simple, short and spontaneous. Let the discussion be as natural as possible. Getting preachy with your children can be just as unhelpful as avoiding the topic of faith.
One way to create opportunities to share your faith with your kids is to pray with them every day and do a weekly family devotional, even if only for five minutes. When your children are exposed to God’s truth in small amounts, it can, as a friend of mine says, “help them develop a sweet tooth for Jesus.”
Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).
This truth applies to families. At some point, storms will come to every family. But when you proactively build a strong family identity on the rock of Christ, your family can withstand whatever winds and rains come your way. A strong family identity will give your kids a solid foundation to cling to during those difficult times.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

My virtual lemonade stand

Join me and get cool for a cause with your very own virtual lemonade stand! This is supporting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). For every virtual stand opened, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF. Click here to visit my stand, and here for more information and to open one of your own.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Keep your cool


The summer heat can put a damper on the great outdoors, especially in Texas! This umbrella may provide some relief from the heat. Coolibar Titanium Beach Umbrella ($70)

Mommy Monday: Belly Bandit


I did not know about this product when I had my baby, but if I had, it would have made the "to buy" list. Check out the Belly Bandit post pregnancy abdominal binder here.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

How to Cut a Mango


Of all the fruit, the mango has to be one of the most difficult to cut, at least it is for me. For years I have settled with a mushy mess of mango, but no more. Thanks to the recent spring 2009 issue of Weight Watchers 20 minutes recipes, I now know how to cut a mango!

"Begin by holding the fruit, stem end up, on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, slice the fruit lengthwise down each side of the flat pit. Holding a mango half in the palm of your hand, score the pulp in square cross-sections. Be sure that you slice to, but not through, the skin. Finally turn the mango inside out, and cut the chunks from the skin."

Our little girl E will be so happy, because this seems to be her favorite fruit these days.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Breakfast on the Go!


Weekday mornings can be rough, especially when it comes to getting a healthy breakfast in, before running off to work. Quick and easy is a must! So, in the spirit of saving time and money, I found this Strawberry-Banana Smoothie to be a yummy solution.

(From the Spring 2009 Weight Watchers, 20 minute recipes magazine)

Prep time: 2 minutes

1 cup sliced strawberries

1 cup ice cubes

1 (6-ounce) carton strawberry fat-free yogurt

1 small banana


Place all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Serve immediately.

Yield: 2 servings (serving size: about one cup)


Per Serving: Cal 122 (3% from fat); Fat 0.4g (sat 0.1g); Pro 5.1g; Carb 26.9%; Fib 3g; Chol 3 mg; Iron 0.5g; Sod 56mg; Calc 141mg
(Above blender found at Williams Sonoma)
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