I've got an end-of-summer decluttering buzz going on! There is something about the beginning of the school year that feels very New Years-ish to me! Here are a few easy tips to help get you going on those tasks around the house you've been putting off during these busy summer months:
1. Set a timer for 30 minutes and play beat the clock. Focus on one room, one closet or just a general swoop around the house. When the time goes off, that's it! Pat yourself on the back for accomplishing something.
2. Turn on your favorite music. It's amazing how much zippier I feel when I've got some old B-52s or No Doubt blaring throughout the house! Time really does fly when you're listening to whatever
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The countdown 'til the last day of school has finally entered the very low single digits! I have to admit that I'm just as excited as Mimi is about the beginning of summer. Spending lazy hours at the pool and in the garden, sleeping in a little bit later, cooking on the grill, what's not to like?!
Vacation time also means, surprise, list time for me. My brother-in-law has made fun of me for years about my proclivity for making lists. I just love them and really can't function without them. Even though I use Microsoft Outlook religiously for my calendar, address book and, of course, email, the "Task" function has never lit my fire. I think I just need the added tactile buzz of putting pen
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Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up. A.A. Milne
As any self-respecting mom knows, A.A. Milne is the creator of Winnie the Pooh. This gentle, very Pooh Bear quote really boils organizing down to its essence. If you get something organized on the front end, your day-to-day "doing it" is not all mixed up!
The client who sent me this quote (a mom herself) mentioned in the same email that her husband absolutely loves working in his newly organized home office.
It's amazing how putting in the hours organizing a home office can pay real dividends in the way you feel about working in that office. And doesn't how you
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Posted by: Megan in Tip, Three Time Mommy on
Sep 07, 2008
Did you have any line of open credit (car loan, mortgage, credit card, student loan?) between January 1, 1987 and May 28, 2008? If you didn't I would be SHOCKED. So - that means, basically everyone is entitled to 6-9 months of daily monitoring of your credit file plus unrestricted access to your credit report and your credit score!!!
Apparently there was a big national class-action lawsuit against on of the major the credit reporting agencies, and to settle they had to provide this service. But you have to sign up by September 24, 2008. Do it - there is no reason not to. The website to sign up is www.listclassaction.com or call 866 416 3470.
The full article on it is here: ARTICLE
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Posted by: Emily in Veralana, Tip, Editors Pick on
Aug 30, 2008
As the cool breezes blow in and the leaves start to turn, the outdoors becomes a beautiful natural backdrop for family portraits. Custom portrait photographers offer a welcome alternative to the busy retail studios with their outdoor, in-home and boutique studio sessions. If you have thought about working with a photographer who will dedicate the time to get to know your family and be able to capture your child's true spirit in portraits, then it's the perfect time to start your search.
The biggest thing to consider when selecting a portrait photographer is whether or not you like his or her style. Good photographers are also artists, and will portray a certain consistent "feel" to their
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So yesterday we all went to Delaware for the day since Hubby had a meeting to attend. Things were going swimmingly with me toting all three kids around a new city: we went to the Zoo; made bead necklaces in the park; ate lunch; checked out a toy store, and then...on the way out of the Mall, Giggles slipped and fell and chipped.her.tooth!!!!
Of course she also cut her bottom lip a bit so she was beside herself crying and I was so shaken up when I realized that a piece of her tooth was missing. Anyway, I immediately called the pediatrician who said to call the dentist who said to come in first thing this morning. Giggles was fine after a few minutes, and we left to pick up Hubby from his
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Posted by: Claudine in Tip, Products, DC Metro Mommy on
Jul 13, 2008
The debate regarding the true detriment of the industrial chemical BPA (Bisphenol A) used in bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups, appears to be a moot point. Mothers have spoken and industry leaders such as Avent, Dr. Browns, Nuby and Playtex have given in to the mounting pressure by parents and major suppliers like Babies R Us and Toys R Us.
As of today, almost all of the major players in the baby business have converted to a BPA FREE product assortment for consumers. This comes as welcome news to parents who had the fear of God thrust on them in recent months over the BPA debate. Again, the jury is still out as to the true negative effects of BPA products. But it seems the mere
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Posted by: Claudine in Tip, DC Metro Mommy on
Jul 13, 2008
My title for this blog might be a bit extreme...but it is true!!!
After my husband discovered a leaky ceiling in the basement during the late evening, we were desperate to find a plumber. Of course the task got delegated to me. While he was submerged in a 4 hour conference call...I had the task of wrangling a toddler and calling 9 plumbers!!! While I have a litany of contractors that I trust, a plumber has just never come up until now. Oh joy...a new opportunity.
First issue, no one answers live. Second issue, no one wants to call you back. Third issue, some plumbers will come out for a $60.00 charge just to tell what is wrong. Are you kidding me! This appears to be one industry
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Posted by: Teia in Tip, Capitol Moms on
Jul 11, 2008
I am a reader, always have, probably always will be, and when it gets hot outside, I love to curl up under the ceiling fan and read. Now that I have little ones, nap time is a time to squeeze in a few pages between laundry, blog posts and dinner prep.
One of my latest reads is Jude Deveraux's Return to Summerhouse, available in our Amazon Store and at local booksellers nationwide.
This is the story of three women, Amy, Zoe and Faith, unexpected friends in need of healing, that come together with the help of Madame Zoya to step back in time to undo a tragedy of the past. The journey to the 18th century teaches them about love, healing, friendship and the power of choices.
Return to
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Posted by: Teia in Tip, Capitol Moms on
Jul 09, 2008
The fabulous ladies, Tammy Carmon and Cameo Person, at Indulge Mobile Spa have landed themselves a home in Annadale. Offering yummy services like a Chocolate-infused Inch Loss Body Wrap, Peppermint-infused Body Wrap, and Kalahari Melon Seed Massage a mom is sure to find a service to tone the body, calm the nerves and delight her senses.
All services are offered on an appointment-only basis at the Sunrise Wellness Center or can be scheduled at the location of your choice.
For more information or to schedule your appointment, call 703-732-2414 or visit, http://www.indulgemobilespa.net/.
Cross posted on http://capitolmoms.blogspot.com/.
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Posted by: Claudine in Tip, DC Metro Mommy on
Jun 26, 2008
After living in the DC Metro area for nearly a decade, I am always looking for a new restaurant to add to the list of potential Saturday night escapes. After being told that I must see Clyde's Willow Creek Farm in Ashburn, VA, I admit I was a little leery. On date nights I tend to make my way into the District versus a suburban haunt. But friends assured me that Willow Creek was worth the trip.
While it wasn't DC or Arlington, I welcomed the opportunity to take a break from Rt. 66, Constitution Avenue and valet parking. It was very nice to take a leisurely ride to Loudoun County on a beautiful Virginia evening. Ahh...no traffic. In addition to a stress-free ride and plenty of parking, the
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Posted by: Anne in Toddlers, Tip, Domestic Fiction on
Jun 16, 2008
Earlier today, in an attempt to be one of those go-getter mamas, the boys and I made the (short) hike to the park for some sun and interaction with the rest of humanity. Those of you who stay at home with your kids, you know exactly what I mean. Picture those last ten minutes of The Shining: Jack Nicholson, crazy hair, a severe personality disorder. You get it. See, lately, there's been this overwhelming feeling of "something has to change," like I want to take some real steps to improving the little things around here. The boys are getting old enough to join in the fun, and you can only go to the mall so many times before you're like "ok seriously, there is MORE TO LIFE than hanging out in
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Posted by: Claudine in Tip, Products, DC Metro Mommy on
Jun 16, 2008
A thing of beauty is the simplest way I can describe an enchanting mural. Murals bring beauty to an otherwise bland, flat, one dimensional surface. The artist starts with nothing but an idea and suddenly a wall comes to life. I am always impressed with anyone that has artistic talent. I prefer a computer. I can cut, paste and navigate my way through a maze of fonts to come up with an appealing web page...but to craft an elaborate picture on a wall. Well...I am awe struck.
I recently hosted a shower for one of my best friends. She opted to have her shower at our friend's $1,000,000 PLUS...house. While that number doesn't mean what it used to...it still gets you some decent real
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Posted by: Teia in Tip, Products, Capitol Moms on
Jun 15, 2008
Good thing alert:
See Kai Run to match all sales in June for one for one to give a fabulous pair of shoes to those that need it most through a donation to Soles4Souls.
The deal gets even sweeter with free shipping for purchases of $60 and over.
Check it out at http://www.seekairun.com/
Cross posted on http://capitolmoms.blogspot.com/
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Posted by: Claudine in Tip, DC Metro Mommy on
Jun 14, 2008
Yummy!! As a die hard fan of Philadelphia custard, I was ecstatic to find
Nielsens Frozen Custard, a great shop in the heart of Vienna that serves up a delicious offering of floats, concretes (just like a Dairy Queen Blizzard), sundaes, fries and even grinders. Grinders were very popular when I was growing up. Take your favorite hoagie (a.k.a. sub) and heat it up, you now have a grinder. Expect a fun family atmosphere. Note, Nielsen's is located on the cutest street you will ever find. So fun! While in The Town of Vienna, stop by Church Street Pizzeria, take a stroll or bike ride on the W&OD trail, visit the Vienna Farmers' Market on Sat mornings or take in a neighborhood concert on the
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