Share it

With school here we all have ways to manage the home, family, school, and work. Some need some advice or new tricks. Here is your opportunity to share your tips and tricks.

Throughout September we will have tips and tricks for Home, Family, School, and Work

Home  Sept 1 - Sept 7
May include but not limited to: Organizing, cleaning, recipes

Family  Sept 8 - Sept 14
May include but not limited to: Crafts, family outing ideas, game night

School  Sept 15 - Sept 21
May include but not limited to: Homework, staying focused, staying organized

Work  Sept 22 - Sept 28
May include but not limited to: Schedule, time management, staying organized

Submit your tips to disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com with "LOAWAHM Share It [TOPIC]" in subject line.

This will also be shared on http://livswahmblog.blogspot.com

Include your name, tips, topic (home, family, school, work) and short bio to include your business info. Keep bio to 2-3 sentences.

I can't help it!

I am not typically a jealous person but when I feel cheated I am. I don't care if it is petty to others or even being selfish. It is how I feel and nothing will change that.

In April I was to accompany both brothers, their wives, and their children for a trip to Disneyland. Life happens and things kept getting pushed back leaving us without the time so trip was canceled. It sucked but it happens. So we decide December is a must do for us all and right around our birthdays. The trip will be special on so many levels -

* Elizabeth's and Chase's first Disneyland trip
* Mine and Dan's first trip with Emma to Disneyland
* Our first trip all together (all 3 of us kids and our families)
* The first time in many years I have celebrated my birthday (the last day of the trip will be my birthday)
* Captain EO reopened after Michael Jacksons death so this will be the first time we will all see it since it closed but we get to take out families to enjoy it
* The first Christmas we have ever spent at Disneyland despite living an hour away for 17yrs

Why I no longer feel it is special

* Elizabeth went this week instead on a last minute trip. No matter how someone candy coats it you will never relive a first time so don't try to make it better
* They are all going to see Captain EO
* It has become a week long birthday celebration for everyone going which is absolutely ridiculous
* Chase will have his first time at Disneyland nearly a week before we arrive in CA
* Anthony and Nikki will not be there for my birthday but I will celebrate Anthony's (this is due to work scheduling)
* They are having a special belated birthday celebration for the girls

Things would have been different if things were planned out this way instead of a last minute trip. To go I would have had to have my own car and my own hotel room. Whether intended or not I would have become the nanny and spent a lot of time waiting for everyone else to get off the big rides. Plus I would have missed Phillips first day of school. May be the 11th grade but still the first day of the 11th grade. Not a lot of fun.

It doesn't help that not long before this was Elizabeth's first birthday. I did all I could to spend a little time with her at the zoo (where her birthday party was held) and all I got was 2 minutes to hold her while she got cleaned up. I even tried to kiss her bye and she was pulled away from me while doing so. Every time I got close to her someone was pulling her or preventing her from seeing me. It starts to feel personal after awhile.

I just feel like I am getting sloppy seconds and nobody cares how I feel. If they are so determined that I do not get those firsts them maybe they should come right out and say it. At least I know where I stood and can learn to accept it.

These special moments are very special to me and I just want to be part of them. I don't need to take them over. Just be part of it. Is it really too much to ask? Apparently so.

Ramen Noodle Pouch

I am always looking for quick ways to make dinner and keep things interesting. I found this recipe a couple years ago. It is easy to change up to fit your family or taste. Trade shrimp for fish. I think Tilapia works best since it cooks quickly but many fishes work well. I took out the sake but left it here for the recipe. Also I changed the vegetable broth for chicken broth. Try chopped cabbage or bean sprouts. The possibilities are endless with this recipe.


Ingredients

* 2 packages Ramen noodles
* 1/2 cup dried mushrooms, chopped
* 20 large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
* 1/2 cup sliced scallions (green onions)
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 quart vegetable broth
* 1/2 cup mirin or sake
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 4 teaspoons sesame oil
* 4 (18-inch) squares aluminum foil

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Divide ramen noodles evenly in center of each of the 4 pieces of aluminum foil. Stack the following ingredients on top of noodles, in this order: mushrooms, shrimp, onions, scallions, red pepper flakes, and salt. Pull sides and corners of pouch up to form a small basket shape leaving an opening at the top to pour in liquid.

In small bowl, combine vegetable broth, mirin, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Distribute liquid evenly among packs. Press foil together, leaving a small opening to allow steam to escape. Place on cookie sheet and bake in oven for 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

2010 Tax Free Weekend

With school just around the corner, many are hoping to take advantage of the tax free weekends available in select states. The list is as correct as I have been able to find. There are links to your states tax and revenue to verify or stay up to date on any changes. If your state is not listed check with your states tax and revenue. It is possible there was a change that offers a tax free weekend and I missed it.

 States That Offer A Tax Free Week or Tax Free Weekend

Alabama

Alabama's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-8, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing under $100
• School supplies under $50
• Books under $30
• Computers/computer equipment under $750

Connecticut

Connecticut's Tax Free Week: Aug. 15-21, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing under $300
• Shoes under $300

Note: Connecticut is also offering a sales tax and use tax exemption on purchases and leases of fuel-efficient passenger vehicles between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010. For more information, visit the State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

Florida

Florida's Tax Free Weekend: August 13-15, 2010
Applies to:

• Books, clothing, and footwear ($50 or less)
• School supplies ($10 or less)

Iowa

Iowa's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-7, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing under $100
• Shoes under $100

Maryland
Maryland's Tax Free Week:
The State of Maryland will reintroduce its annual tax free shopping event in 2010, beginning on Aug. 8, 2010, and ending on Aug. 14, 2010.

Mississippi
Mississippi's Tax Free Weekend: Jul 30-31, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing under $100
• Shoes under $100

Note: Individual municipalities can choose to opt-out of the sales tax holiday, so you will need to check with your town hall or municipality office to ensure that the tax holiday is indeed taking place in your area.

Missouri
Missouri's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-8, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing under $100
• School supplies under $50
• Computer software under $350
• Computers/computer equipment under $3,500
• Note: Some cities and counties in Missouri elect not to participate.

New Mexico
New Mexico's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-8, 2010
Applies to:

• All clothing and shoes under $100
• School supplies under $15
• Computers under $1,000
• Computer equipment under $500

North Carolina
North Carolina's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-8, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing, footwear, and school supplies under $100
• Sports and recreation equipment under $50
• Computers under $3,500
• Computer equipment under $250

North Carolina is also offering a sales tax holiday on qualifying energy star certified appliances from Nov. 5-7, 2010.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma's Tax Free Weekend: August 6-8, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing and shoes
• Priced under $100

South Carolina
South Carolina's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-8, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing
• Accessories
• Footwear
• School supplies
• Computers
• Computer equipment

Tennessee
Tennessee's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-8, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing under $100
• School supplies under $100
• Computers under $1500

Texas
Texas' Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 20-22, 2010
Applies to:

• Clothing and footwear under $100
• Includes backpacks under $100 for elementary and secondary students
• Includes layaway items

West Virginia
West Virginia's 2010 Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday: September 1-November 30, 2010
Apples to:

• Energy Star products
• Limited to items that cost $5,000 or less
• Must be purchased for noncommercial, home use only

Happy 4th of July

Mom, Tia, Nina

The last 3 years I have added 2 more names to the list of what I am called on a day to day basis - Tia (aunt) and Nina (godmother).

I can't say its the easiest of jobs because its not. It is however very rewarding and gives all those warm fuzzy feelings inside. I spend at least 2 days a week with this bunch and upwards of 5 including an overnight stay. The 2 youngest are 5 months apart so that is a challenge. Add a 3yr old who moves faster than a speeding bullet and can destroy a room in 2.2 seconds and it gets pretty chaotic. Then for a little fun you throw in a hormonal teenage boy who has seemed to become one with his new cell phone and only hears keywords like money, food, and yes, well you have just welcomed natural disasters into your home.

As a WAHM having these 4 on any given day, whether together or separate, that allows presents challenges. These may not be my children but I live a life as though I was a mother of 4 (3 of which are 3 and under). Just when I get a moment to answer an email, pop a binky on the floor. Time to wash! Pop it back in a crying baby and a toddler wants juice and attempting to water the kitchen attempting to make her own concoction. Of course that means stop everything you are doing and hurry before the house floods. After the last drops all soaked up into the dripping towel, someone just set off a stink bomb so they all join in. Start an assembly line of one off to the potty, and 2 on changing pads to ruin my appetite. Then heaven calls (que music here) - NAP TIME! HOORAY! I can answer a email, make a call, and check on inventory shipments. 20seconds later (at least that is how it feels) babies awake, toddler destroying, and its back to pamper patrol. When its time to go home and take care of the understanding man that sometimes forgets what I look like since I can scarce at home, people wonder why am I tired and why can I not get any work done expect late at night? Its simple. I am lazy and do absolutely NOTHING all day long.

Thanks to the makes of 5 hour energy I am happy that I managed to get deliver 3 kids unharmed even if the hair is not exactly brushed to perfection, or the clothes have a drip left over from lunch, or I forget that I didn't wash the last bottle and get ready for the next round of feedings. The balancing act changes from day to day but the tactics and skills do not. They only improve.

This is the life of a work at home mother and I wouldn't change it one bit!

If You're Happy and You Know It!

Well I did it!

I started my diaper cake business called Baby Bottom Bakes.

I've been doing these for years and after the baby shower for my nephew/godson it was time to begin. I created a few more diaper cakes aka Diaper Bakes™ since the baby shower and just solidified the demand for these in my area.

I have also created what I call Lolly Pots™ that are filled with Lolly Pops™. This has been a fun adventure and its not over. I still have a lot to do on the new site as more photos to upload as new creations are made.

I am going to start a few more shower gift items that will debut on the site soon.

Come on by and see the new website at http://BabyBottomBakes.com

Mia Bella Candle Sale

ATTENTION MIA BELLA CANDLE REPS and CUSTOMERS:

I have 2 mixed dozens of Mia Bella votive candles. Great candles. Just have too many and I keep storing these. I hate seeing a great product put away and never used.

Dozen #1 Includes:
Apricot Freesia
Caramel Apple
Victorian Rose
Chili Vanilli
Tahitian Spiced Vanilla
Lemon Verbena
Sicilian Lemon & Rosemary
Forbidden Fruit
French Vanilla
Georgia Peach
Sugar Cookie
Cucumber Cantaloupe

Dozen #2
Black Cherry
Ginger & Cedarwood
Caramel Apple
Lemon Verbena
Christmas Essence
Peach Papaya
Apricot Freesia
French Vanilla
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cactus & White Peach
Forbidden Fruit
Blueberry Cobbler

All yours for $18 a dozen (plus shipping) or $45 for both (including shipping).

A dozen votive, single scent, retails for $36 plus shipping.

I accept Paypal (paypal balance, echeck, credit card) and ship USPS

Email Olivia at disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com

*I am not a Mia Bella representative nor do I represent Mia Bella and its company. Just a great customer who got a little over zealous buying candles and don't want to see them wasted in storage.

Shrimp, Tortellini & Spinach

What You Need!

1 pkg. (9 oz.) refrigerated cheese tortellini

1/4 cup KRAFT Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained

3/4 lb. cooked cleaned medium shrimp

1 bag (6 oz.) baby spinach leaves

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Make It!

COOK pasta in large saucepan as directed on package. Drain in colander; set aside. Heat dressing in same pan on medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook 1 min. Add tomatoes and shrimp; mix well. Bring just to boil. Stir in spinach; cover. Simmer 1 to 2 min. or until spinach is wilted, stirring occasionally.

STIR in pasta and basil; simmer, uncovered, 3 to 4 min. or until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

SERVE topped with cheese.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Chicken, Tortellini & Spinach

Prepare as directed, substituting 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces, for the 3/4 lb. shrimp.

Substitute

Prepare using 5 cups packed torn fresh spinach.

shrimp, tortellini & spinach recipe at kraftfoods.com



Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com