{ a place for parents }

Saturday, May 2, 2009

It's GARDEN Time!

Well, it's that time of year again. GARDEN TIME! I love seeing Ayden out in the Garden helping out in anyway he can possible. This year we are able to have a much bigger garden. I'm pretty excited about it! However, I just hope I have the time to get out there as often as I would like. It takes a lot of time and dedication to have a garden! Here is a pretty neat link to get your kids in the right direction as far as Gardening goes.
Kids Gardening

It's a site worth Bookmarking!

Here are some cute Gardening items to purchase!

This kid-friendly gardening kit is made from Made From Recycled Milk Jugs

Recycled Plastic Indoor Gardening Kit
The Did You Know Store





Make your own stepping stones! Perfect Time for Mother's Day as well!


Get your stepping stones fromWrapables.com


And of course Target always as the cutest Gardening Sets for Kids!



Friday, April 17, 2009

Spring Cleaning:

Spring Cleaning:

Spring cleaning is a time of year that is near and dear to my heart. (I actually participate in a Spring and Fall cleaning.) It is a time of renewal, purging, new beginnings, and organization. Ahh a well organized linen closet makes my heart skip a beat. Back to reality…. I am including a few simple tips and strategies for tackling your home this season.

1. The easiest approach is to address one room at a time. You can clean a few rooms a day or one room per day.

2. For each room I start at the top. Cleaning light fixtures/fans, sweeping ceilings for dust and cob webs.

3. Work your way down wiping walls, taking items off the wall and cleaning.

4. Any item used for storage needs to be completely gutted and gone through. Example: Dresser – take out all items, vacuum drawers, dust, etc… Review all items removed from the drawer to make sure you need, need to replace, or get rid of. Neatly fold and replace remaining items in dresser. Repeat throughout home.

5. Last, but not least, baseboards and floors. I choose to vacuum baseboard for dust. I then follow up with a good scrubbing. Anything that doesn’t come clean gets touch up paint. That task is then moved to my “Home To Do List” …. Another post …..

6. Remember to open every drawer, cabinet, closet, container in your home. Make sure you really need to keep the current items stored there. Analyze, organize, and replace neatly.

7. Do not forget to move couches, beds, large appliances to clean behind and under.

8. Oh! And you can’t move to the next room until you have completed all tasks in one room.

Available/organized space is so freeing. Many times I try to play a game and see how many bags I can compile to take to Goodwill. If I have not used an item in a year then I do not need it.

I will be doing a “Summer cleaning” this year because I am nearly nine months pregnant. Good luck and happy cleaning!


Writer: Torie Thomas Sharpe

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

I had a friend ask many many other of her friends for suggestions for her boy's room. She wanted an indoor playhouse for their playroom.

I then remembered of my LONG list of websites and blogs and had to share this super cool site.

kidtropolis


Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Good Coffee & More

I had the pleasure of having some REALLY good local coffee yesterday and had to share with everyone (thx to my Sister)
I even bought me some!

www.krankiescoffee.com


Easter Eggs!

First off... It's April's Fools Day!!! I never come up with any good jokes to play on anyone, but I will be paying attention to others today to make sure I don't get pranked!

Here are some really cute ideas for Egg Decorating with Household Items around the house from FamilyFun.com (I love that Magazine!)

Thumbprints Technique



Bubble Packaging Technique



Rubber Bands Technique



Aluminum Foil Technique



Leaf Print Eggs

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

SPRING CLEANING TIME!!!

Open the windows and doors (If you have nice weather!) and let the cleaning begin!

These Items below can be found online at Organize.com
(link button on the left)


Casacolor™ Cleaning Tools Collection



The Pure Grass Laundry Fragrance™ Collection by The Good Home Company® (I Love this Scent!)



Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Collection



and if you need Gloves.... You can clean in style!

Gloveables® Fashion Gloves in Pink with Green Polka Dots





www.drugstore.com (link button on the right)

Always great deals!


How do you Spring Clean???

Grip-n-Gulp Toddler Cup by Nalgene®

I thought these were perfect! 12 oz, No straw attachments, only one rubber piece attachment, easy screw on/off lid, attractive looking, and no Character/Branding to grow out of. Perfect for the upcoming months as well!




The new Nalgene Grip'n Gulp Bottle is tough enough to survive being thrown form a moving minivan, spill proof enough to compel parents to blame the rug stains on the dog, and odor proof enough to allow leftover milk to go undetected under the couch for months.

This sippy cup contains a spill proof valve and easy to grip indentations. There's also a line for measuring 5 or 10 ounces of liquid. The handy loop on the cap allows you to attach the bottle to strollers, backpacks or diaper bags.

With Nalgene®'s reusable bottles you can help the environment and cut down on disposable plastic bottle waste. Nalgene® bottles were originally used in scientific labs because of their durability. These eco-friendly bottles are made of a strong polycarbonate polymer which can withstand extreme temperatures from -211ºF to 275ºF. It is also resistant to odor-retention, stains and impact.

Features:
• Extremely durable polycarbonate polymer construction
• Spill-proof sippy cup valve is removable for thorough cleaning
• Indentations on bottle make it easier for toddlers' tiny hands to grip
• Line for measuring 5 or 10 ounces of liquid
• Loop on cap allows you to attach sippy cup to strollers, backpacks or diaper bags
• Can withstand extreme cold or heat
• Resistant to impact
• Resistant to odor-retention
• Resistant to stains
• Durable caps create a leak-proof bottle
• Large opening easily accommodates ice cubes
• Cap screws on and off easily
• Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
• Color: Pink

Size: 7 3/8"tall x 2 1/2"diameter
Capacity: 12 ounces.


I actually picked up a Blue one for my 3 year old at Target for his Easter basket.

You can find them online:

Grip-n-Gulp-Organize.com


Grip-n-Gulp-REI.com

Grip-n-Gulp Toddler Cup - Pink by Nalgene®

Monday, March 30, 2009

The Dining Out Travel Bib™

I recently purchased this as gifts. I know how it can be when you're in the middle of a restaurant and your fumbling to find a spoon, fork or wipes! Or embarrassed to pull out the tacky zip lock bag out of your diaper bag that is carrying your spoon and fork.

I thought that these were a brilliant idea and wanted to share!

The Dining Out Travel Bib™








Toddler/Baby bib complete with travel wipes and utensil set

Never forget them again!
Bib is made of cotton washable fabrics. Cotton novelty front and cotton over polyester fill quilted back pocket area. Very absorbent!

Wrapped dimensions =
7" x 4" x 2"

Opened up and ready to eat dimensions =
8-1/2" wide x 12-1/2" tall
Neck opening is 12" around

This is for the set!
Bib
Travel Wipes
Plastic spoon & fork (reusable)

Fabric pattern placement on bib will vary from bib to bib

All designs, images and content inclusive of products are Copyright © 2008 Odannysgirl. All Rights Reserved. The purchase of products in no way transfers the copyright/patent rights to the purchaser.

New Mommy Gifts

A thoughtful gift for a new mommy is a gift bag of assorted products that she will need after the birth of her baby. You can choose to make this gift as simple or extravagant as you see fit. Begin with purchasing a nice bag something like a make-up bag or a large bag that could double as a diaper bag later. Fill it with some of the following suggestions:


1. Lotion – Hospital air is so dry.

2. Shampoo/conditioner – travel size

3. Large maxi pads – You know why.

4. A nice pair of pajamas – If you know the mom is going to have a c-section maybe opt for a chemise rather than something with a waist band.

5. Robe – This is helpful if the mother is breastfeeding. It is act as a cover up

6. Comfy slippers

7. Preparation H – Just for giggles.

8. Water bottle – Breastfeeding moms need to drink water.

9. Gift card – To a local restaurant. The hubby can pick up some take-out for them.

10. Snacks

11. Magazines or puzzles – To work on while laboring.

12. Breast pads

13. Hand sanitizer

14. Cozy socks

15. Hair accessories – i.e. scrunchies, headband, etc

16. Notepad and pen

17. Lip balm

18. Breastfeeding bracelet – A pretty one to help the new mom remember what breast was used

last.

19. Stain stick – Stuff happens with babies.

20. Toothbrush/toothpaste/soap – All travel sizes.


Hair Shampoo

Cozy Socks
(scroll down)

Lotion


Toothbrush


The suggestions above were compilations from experienced moms. Have fun and make a thoughtful gift for a expecting mom you know.


Writer: Torie Sharpe

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Dinner on a Budget

I know with today's crazy, busy everyday life... When it comes to trying to figure out what to fix for dinner, If you are anything like me on the days I don't have a clue... You find yourself standing with the cabinet or pantry doors wide open.

Here is a very easy and free site to join.

www.kraftfoods.com



You also receive quarterly magazine catalogs that share ideas, recipes and featured products. The recipes are so easy, step-by-step and most offer pictures for viewing!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Easter Baskets


Since Easter is literally just around the corner... I had to share these unique baskets.










These precious easter baskets are padded so the eggys won't break! Various designer cottons, these would make great ! Gift baskets, and don't forget the "Easter Egg Hunt". Could be used for lots of other good stuff once easter is over...




You can find these www.bluemorpho.etsy.com

Welcoming The New Blog

Well, I am starting a new journey into the World of Blogging again. However this blog is different than my others. A Turn In The Middle will be a blog that will offer parents (Mom & Dad) and soon to be parents resources and advice that I and other writers personally have experienced or just simply enjoy and want to share information with,products or have stumbled across other great websites or blogs.

I hope to encourage all types of moms & dads to follow along and to also help with advertising and/or getting the word out of moms or dads that run their own online business or hand make unique products. The more resources, the better... everyone can be a mom or dad but not every mom or dad are the same. Here we will try to reach a happy medium with all updated, modern, unique and eco-friendly products.

Enjoy!

(Please be patient as we are still placing information)
Get what you're looking for at Wrapables.com

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aturninthemiddle@gmail.com


© 2009 A Turn In The Middle. All Rights Reserved