Living Locally: Cycle City at Portland Children's Museum

Last week we were invited to the preview for a new exhibit at the Portland Children's Museum called "Cycle City". I wrote a review for the PDX Kids Calendar that I contribute too. Check it out! : 

Review: Cycle City: A Spin on Bikes at the Portland Children’s Museum 

~Melissa 

Why Your Kids Need a Bedtime Routine

I've had a few emails with questions in the past asking me what I think is one of the most important things you can do for your children. I've thought a lot about this. Other than the obvious always encouraging them and loving them, one of the things that I am so glad we initiated early on was a bedtime routine.

There is many reasons for this, and it benefits my kids as well as myself. Why? It's teaching the kids routines, patterns, schedules...which ultimately will help minimize meltdowns and behaviors. It also is great knowing that unless a kid gets sick or something out of the ordinary happens, that by 9 pm every night things will be quiet in the house, and I can have time to breath and get prepared for the next day.

Of course the kids need reminded, a lot. But they are getting to the point where they just need to be redirected because they know what they need to do. Depending on how long it takes them will determine how long of a bed time story time they will get. We read to the kids every day, but the amount of time fluctuates, and occasionally they do run out of time and they don't get to pick out a bedtime story.

What does our routine look like? It's pretty simple really....but always seems to end up taking us an hour from start to finish when they are all tucked in.

1. PJ's on.

2. Pick out school clothes for the next day. (we set these out with their school bags so everything is together)

3. Nighttime medicine (vitamins)

4. Brush teeth and hair

5. Pick out stories!

6. Read. Normally we read two stories for the younger ones, and Anika reads by herself in bed for 15 minutes.

7. Hugs, Kisses, and Lights out!

Like I said, it looks pretty simple, but if we start at 7 or 7:15, they will squeak by and slip into bed by 8pm.

Kids are creatures of habit. Having a consistent routine before bedtime every night will reduce the ups and downs, fights at bedtime, and create a good sleeping pattern for them.

Do you have a bedtime routine for your children? What are some things you do that work well for your kids? Comment below and let us know!

~Melissa

5 Ways to Simplify Stress

We get busy. A lot. It seems like everyday is filled up with schedules and lists and chaos! We drop into bed every night (or morning!) and can't shut our minds off, so we lay there and think some more.

Having three kids of my own, a husband, mortgage, job, and all the other extra-curricular activities life brings, I get it. I'm there too.

Last winter though, things spiraled out of control for me. The normally I-can-handle-it-all-wonder-woman had a bit of a breakdown. There was too much outside craziness and distractions getting into our own home. And I was unconsciously letting this happen, and eventually it had to end. I had to learn to cut ties with some things, and some people that I just couldn't help. It was all causing me to loose way to much of my own precious sleep.

It wasn't pretty, but I freed myself (mostly) and I'm getting back to a simpler kind of normal everyday chaos. Along the way I've learned a few things that will help you simplify too.

1. Take a deep breath and figure out what is important and what's not worth the stress. Does the benefit of the added stress over weigh the negative for you and your family?

2. Make a top ten list everyday. Write down the most important things that need to be accomplished.

3. Cut back. Take a day or at least an afternoon every week that you just say no to everything and stay at home. Wear your pajamas if you want and tidy up the house, or tackle a project you've been threatening to for the last six months. You'll feel better having a cleaner home, and will have a block of time that you don't feel rushed.

4. Say no to negativity. This is a tough one. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in news, whether it be national or all the way to down-right gossip we get sucked into. Then that stressful, gloomy feeling begins to take over. So take a step backwards and cut yourself off for a while. Limit TV, phone conversations with Negative Nancy, and read something inspiring. A weight will begin to magically lift off of your shoulders.

5. When in doubt, talk it out - just not too much. My husband and I do this quite frequently about people or things that bother us. It's great to have someone else to converse with but you have to be careful not to continuously talk about it, because then it becomes counter-productive and can start to stress you out more. Make sure you have a limit to the topics that frustrate you or tie your stomach in knots, then change the subject.

These are just a few of the ways I've learned to simplify my stress. What are some of your ideas??

~Melissa

DIY nail polish holder

 

 

     Hello everyone! Today I want to share a little thing I've done to help simplify my life a little more! :) This is my new nail polish holder! I've had such a messy nail polish collection that I just couldn't keep organized. In fact, I had them all in the bathroom window seal which really didn't work that well because they kept getting bumped off, and the kids liked to snitch them sometimes (which is really not good).

     Here's what I did. While at the Jane Austen Craft Faire last week I found a couple adorable items that I had actually been in search of for a while; one of them being an old spice rack. I think I originally saw this idea on Pinterest (where else?) I snatched it up for $15 and took it home. Coincidentally it is like the exact same color as my bathroom walls! I actually attached it to the wall upside down and then went ahead and placed some wire across the bottom to hold my feather earrings and a hook on the side for some necklaces.

     All of my nail polishes are now up and out of the way, out of the kids reach, and it just looks so much cuter this way!

~Melissa

Easy Make Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches

  So, I know I, like many of you out there, have made it a goal to get my spending and finances under control in 2013. One of the ways I'm making little changes to save big bucks is by pre-planning my meals and preparing things in large batches for the month so that I don't have to take the time every day to make things.

One of the things I have been doing is making my own breakfast sandwiches and wraps. It is so simple to do, I can make a couple dozen at a time (they go pretty quick with 6 people in the house!) and the best part is: You can freeze them! Why waste money on a McMuffin when I can grab my own out of the fridge, ready made?

So its really this easy. Get some English muffins (I like to use whole wheat or added fiber one...the kids don't even notice!) grab you favorite cheese, eggs, and bacon, sausage, or lunch meat.

It's pretty explanatory, but I'll let you know how I cook my eggs....in the microwave! Why? Well I grab a coffee mug that has the diameter that I want to egg to be, so they fit on my English muffin just right. :) Just make sure you spray the coffee mug with some Pam or something first so the egg doesn't stick. Now every microwave is different, but mine cooks it in one minute.

Anyways, I assemble them up, wrap them up in saran wrap, label them, and pop some into the freezer and some in the refrigerator! I do the same thing with wraps, except I scramble the eggs in the frying pan.

What is a simple way you plan meals/ save money? I'd love to hear it!

~ Melissa

 

 

 

 

10 Ways to Find a Moment of Peace Amongst Chaos

Face it. Life is crazy. Period. Life as a wife, mother, employee...well that can just be downright chaotic.

If you're anything like me, you have a hard time saying no, difficult time delegating tasks/chores to others, and every great once in a while have a mini (okay maybe major) panic attack when you realize that you can't be Wonder Woman and magically make it all happen how you want it too.

Here are 10 ways I've found that help me breathe a little, de-stress for a few moments in the of this chaos called life.

#1. Take a hot bath. -Bubbles optional, but highly recommended. Add a few drops of lavender oil to help relax you more.

#2. Read a book. - Any topic - the idea is to let you mind wander from reality. Fiction is great, unless you want to read an inspirational self help book; those are good too.

#3. Go for a walk. - Anywhere. In fact, take a new route, go down a different street. Explore. Feel the fresh air.

#4. Pour a glass of wine. - Need I say more? You can do this alone, or along with any other of the 9 suggestions to enhance their effectiveness. :)

#5. Go sit at a coffee shop. Alone. - I love to order a Grande nonfat white mocha, sit in a plush chair, and listen to the soothing music overhead, and just people watch.

#6. Stretch. - I don't do this enough. Do you realize how tense your muscles are when you're stressed out? It's ridiculous. Force yourself to sit still for 15-30 minutes and just stretch. Don't forget to breathe.

#7. Engage in a hobby. - Like to draw? Bake? Sew? Swim? Make the time. Enjoy life a little more.

#8. Go stargazing. - Bundle up with some cocoa (peppermint schnapps is optional ;) ) on a clear night and glance at the glory of the constellations. It will make everything else seem minuscule in comparison.

#9. Go have a nice dinner. - Preferably in a fancy restaurant. There's something so relaxing in having a delicious leisurely meal prepared for you, with calm lighting and soothe music. I encourage to you save up the money for it. If you absolutely cannot afford it, try and re-create the experience in your home - after the kids are in bed.

#10. Breathe. - I mean it. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Feel your abdomen rise up and down. Enjoy the life you have. We tend to take each breath for granted. Make each one count.

~Melissa

Top 12 Posts of 2012

Thank you so much for supporting my blog in its first year. I'm heading into my 9th month of blogging and I'm loving every minute of it. Here's a little re-cap of my 12 most popular posts in 2012. I'm looking forward to 2013 as I strive to simplify my life more and more. Cheers!

                                                              #1 Girls Sleepover Craft Ideas

                                                                   #2  31 Fun Kid Activities

                                                         #3  31 Fall Must Dos/Fall Bucket List

                                                                   #4  Baked Zucchini Boats

                                                                   #5  How to Make Pickles

                                                           #6  Creating.Simplifying.Inspiring.

                                                           #7 30 Days to be Thankful

                                                         #8 Summer Strawberry Lemon Drop

                                                               #9 Easy Fall Branch Decor

 

                                                            #10 DIY Bean Bag Toss

 

                                                                  #11 Blueberry Tart

                                                         #12 Princess Polk-a-dot Banner

~Melissa

30 Days to be Thankful

November is just around the corner which means Thanksgiving and the beginning of the busy holiday season. I absolutely adore this time of the year because it brings out the joy and love between everyone. It also happens to bring out pretty decorations, good food, and comfy clothes. What more could I ask for? ;)

I've been thinking about this little challenge for myself...everyday in November I will think of something I am thankful for in the morning. We are often rushing around in a hurry and forget to think about all of the little things we take for granted. I challenge you to create your own "30 Day's" list and post it on your bathroom mirror, fridge, or where ever you look at every morning. Remember, the more positive we think, the more positive we become.

30 Days to be Thankful

1. Family. They will always be my number one. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today.

2. Health. We really take this one for granted until something goes wrong. Remember to take care of your body the best that you can...this is the only one we get!

3. Freedom. We are so lucky to live in a world, in a time, where we can have freedom. We can choose our own destiny. Yes, there may be obstacles, but we always have a choice.

4. Love. I get busy. We all do. I'm thankful for love. I need to tell more people that I love them. It really isn't a scary word. :)

5. Our Planet. How awesome is this world we live in? Out of the entire solar system, the Earth is the only planet that is just perfect. I love the changing of the seasons, the ocean, trees, fresh air. It's pretty amazing, isn't it? I'm thankful to just take a walk and enjoy it.

6. Children. Have you ever just played with a child, or went on an 'adventure' with them? Everything is so new, so fresh, so exciting to them. I remember laying in the grass, just watching ants for fun. :) Try to look through the eyes of a child and you might just find out how fascinating life really is.

7. Food. Good Food. I used to be stuck in the middle of a completely processed diet. I never tried anything new and exotic. (And by exotic I mean fresh food mixed together in ways I thought was odd ;) ). A few years ago I decided to be brave. There are a few things I still won't try (raw meat is one I can think of)...but sometimes the simplest of foods when prepared correctly are the most delicious.

                                                     Simple and Delicious Stuffed Date Appetizer

8. Friends. What would we do without our true friends? I am grateful for my friends I consider family. The people who are there for you, no matter what. Here's 10 Ways I Know I Have a True Friend ;)

9. Photographs. I LOVE pictures. It's how I remember things. I love to see how things, people, and places change over time.

10. My Home. It's not big. It's not fancy. But its mine. How many people are there out there in the world that aren't as fortunate?

11. Technology. Seriously. I don't think I would have fared to well in horse and buggy days. I like my car, dishwasher, washer, dryer, microwave. All those things we take for granted that were non-existent not that long ago!

12. My Career. I know that I will always have a good career to fall back on, if we need extra money or my husband gets laid off. I can always find work that will cover our living expenses.

13. Sorrow. Yes, this one may sound odd, but think about it. Without sorrow, how would we comprehend the extent of our happiness? How would we express our other emotions without it?

14. Creativity. It lets us express ourselves in other ways. Watching a creative mind in action is the most amazing thing of all. Without creativity what would we have?

15. -------> can I be self absorbed and put Makeup in here? I love makeup. No reason. I'm just thankful for it.

16. Memories. I think second to family these are my most favorite. I choose to remember only the good ones. Makes life so much more fulfilling.

17. Trees. They give us shelter, paper, fruit, oxygen, and so much more.

18. Rainbows. Aren't they amazing? I am in awe of the colors created and how exactly they are made.

                                                                           My Week in Review

19. Language. It's how we communicate, how we express ourselves. Without it, we wouldn't have movies, books, newspapers, blogs.

20. Schedules. Don't get me wrong, I love free time. But without schedules and time, things wouldn't happen! The world revolves around it, and it's gotten us where we are today.

21. Holidays. With our schedules, we sometimes forget the importance of family and friends. Holidays help remind us as we all join in celebration together and spend quality time together.

22. Change. Its scary sometimes. Sometimes it puts us out of our comfort zone. But I'm thankful for change. Without it there would never be any progress.

23. The 5 Senses. It goes along with our health - we take them for granted. What would our world be like if we couldn't smell anything? Feel anything? Taste anything? See anything? Hear anything?

24. Inspiration. This goes hand in hand with creativity. But different things inspire different people. In fact, these are the things that made me what to start a blog, and my blogs motto is "Creating.Simplifying.Inspiring."

25. Kindness. Especially random acts of kindness. Little pieces add up. What if everyone made it a point to do one kind thing to someone else every week, every day, with nothing expected in return. If everyone did this, how much better could life be?

26. Chocolate. Coffee. And Wine. And Cheese. And no, these do not fit under the food category - these are something I am grateful for every week :)

27. Goals. I love them. They help me stay focused. I'm thankful for these so much.

28. Individuality. We are not all the same. Some of us are blessed in different ways, with different abilities. Just because someone is not like you or societies perception of normal - doesn't make them any less than you.

29. My husband. Without him, my eyes may have never been fully opened to see the finer things life has to offer and beauty in it all.

30. Life. I am thankful to have been blessed with an opportunity to live. What is your definition of living? If you aren't fulling your definition, I think its time to start living. We only live once. Make it count!

~Melissa

P.S. I'd love to see what you've been up too! Come link up @ my Create.Simplify.Inspire party happening now! :) 

Creating.Simplifying.Inspiring.

Hey Everyone :). There's been a lot of new followers lately and I just want to say Thank You! It really does amaze me that people actually like to read my little blog when there are so many big fabulous ones out there.

I've been working a lot behind the scenes of my creative endeavor here, and want to let you know how excited I am to see my vision start to take form and come to 'life'. It has been six months since I began my blogging journey and I'm excited to see the progress and cannot wait to see what the next six months will bring.

Before I began blogging I sat down and really thought about what the content of my blog would be about. Would I stick to one theme? What would I post about? I am the kind of girl that always has thoughts and ideas running through my head, but I'm not always the best kind of girl to stick with a routine. In the beginning I thought I could do it, but I don't always work that way. I really began thinking, and I knew that I wanted to blog about the things I created and cooked, and also about some of our day to day life, and events that we go too.I came up with my "motto"

Creating.Simplifying.Inspiring.

 I think that pretty much sums up my blog. You will always see either something I have created, an attempt to simplify something in my life, and I always hope to inspire someone, in some way. You will begin seeing that I am tagging my posts with one of those themes, to help you refer to what category you'd like to catch up on.

In other news, I want to give a shout out too Amanda at The Little Giggler , who recently featured my 31 Fall Activities/Bucket List on her Love it, Link it up party!

Okay, so here's for the project of the day. It's simple really, man oh man I don't know why it took me so long to get too it. Our front closet was a disaster! It holds our games and coats. Ya, that's it....but in the before picture it sure looked like a lot more! The kids (yes I'm blaming this one on them) get into the games and never put them back properly, and well, things just get shoved in there. Organizing is something I always struggle maintaining...but I keep on trying. :)

Well, all I did was take everything out, throw away the torn up game boxes, put all the games back together in the proper boxes and organized them back on the shelves...nothing fancy...but look at how much room there is after doing just that!? Crazy huh?

That was only slightly embarrassing to show everyone, hope it inspires you!  :)

P.S. I would LOVE it if you would show me what you have been up to on my brand new Create.Simplify.Inspire. link up party!

~Melissa

Goals for Goals

     Ahh goals. I'm sure we are all familiar with them. Those things you form into lists and compile every January 1st. I know I've had my fair share of them. But as I'm sure you've heard before, a goal really isn't a goal unless it is attainable. How do you make it attainable? By making the necessary baby steps towards reaching it. You need to set a time frame and keep yourself in check occasionally to make sure you are still along the right path. You also need to be flexible, and understand that things for whatever reason could change the time frame for you goal - or even your goal itself! One thing I know for certain.... once you reach a goal you've worked so hard towards you have a brief moment of that sweet smell of success. Then, if you are a goal oriented person, you will probably quickly set a further goal. :)

I'm sitting here contemplating some of my goals that were not forgotten, but also not been managed well. A goal without a plan is only a dream, right? And I have tons of those too ;)

Right now I have made a top 5 - not in any order (well, with the exception of the financial ones). If you have to many at one time, it tends to get overwhelming....and the 5 I have vary in length. I'm gonna go ahead a share them:

1. Take the necessary steps towards finishing my ADN so I can take the N-CLEX for my RN.

2. Pay off our credit card. Period.

3. Start Saving more so we can ideally have 6 months of income in savings.

4. Start saving for my dream Italy Trip. I want to take this trip for my 30th birthday so I'd better get a move on it. I know its three years away, but I need to pay our credit card off first, and I do not plan on taking the trip of my lifetime on a super tiny budget. :)

5. Be the best mom I can be. - I know this sounds small compared to the rest of my list, but its really the

biggest one on here <3 . We all get in the hustle and bustle and tend to over look the little things.

So there you have it. Once you have your goals, do like I said and then take one a time and break it down piece by piece to see what you have to do to get there. :)

I plan on giving a mini update here and there to help keep myself accountable. ;)
What are your goals???

 

Oh Ya, Relaxation and Organization!

Happy Thursday! As usual, I climbed out of bed with two out of the three kids hollering for their morning 'coffee', which consists of warm milk and a teaspoon of creamer :). They are quite addicted to it these days. Then I got everyone ready, Anika went to school, took Emma to preschool, then Noah and I loaded up all of our recycle to turn it in, and a few other errands. Today was nothing special and out of the ordinary...until quiet time came....

 

The weather has been unusually gorgeous for this time of year around here, and amazingly both Noah and Emma fell asleep. So I threw on some old shorts and a tank top, grabbed a cool drink and a girlie book and snuck out onto the back deck to catch up on my Vitamin D. The normal part of me had to resist using this time for cleaning or catching up on things that needed to be done. I managed to stay out in that glorious sun for a whole hour before Anika came home and the Little's woke up. I am so glad that I seized the opportunity when it was available. Too often we just keep going and going and don't slow down to enjoy the little things in life, and relaxing in the sun is definitely one of them! Make sure you steal a little time to yourself every week when possible!

So, this IS Thursday, so I do want to show a little organization I have accomplished and feel slightly proud about. I actually did this a few weeks ago, and miraculously it is still in order. So one problem area we have always had is our storage under our TV console.....

Ya. BIG mess. There were old VHS, Cd's, Games, DVDs everywhere...the children LOVE to help me keep that organized....NOT. Well, its not perfect, but here's how it looks now.....

I bought a couple plastic bins from Walmart for a couple bucks and put them to work. On the top left next to the fax machine (I know, its ancient! LOL) is a little bin with CD'S, below that is all of our Wii stuff....I found a cute plastic pull out drawer that holds all of the game stuff now. On the Right side I have most of the DVDs/Cd's in zippered holders, I ditched the excess cases.  The middle right has more that I haven't finished going through yet, but at least they are all contained now. And there are some old VHS on the bottom. SO not perfect, but its a start and a huge improvement!

<3 Melissa