(no title)

Chores, chores, chores…who’s gonna help?

Chores are one of those miserable things that no one ever really likes to do but some secretly enjoy behind closed doors. Chores are also the thing often “pawned off” to some one else. My thought is that if everyone in the house just contributed to keeping themselves tidy, chores wouldn’t even really be a thing…or at least not as awful.

Imagine if the whole family took 30 minutes each day and viola, you could head to the movies, park, mountain, library on Saturday?

While we are tackling bedtime, why not throw in a few stress saving, chore reducing, happy family inducing tips too??

Daily chore calendar

Something like this gives you a daily task list up top with those easy to do everyday tasks which are so important for kids to learn (teaching a sense of responsibility, too!) while also adding one more super helpful family chore. These are also able to be tailored to age appropriateness which is a bonus is my book.

Presentation is everything! Something like this is fun for the kids who like to see their progress. With this set up you can use magnets and baking sheets to show your kids what is on the to-do list and give them a spot to put all the completed tasks. You could use velcro on a laminated paper, or “chore tokens” that go in a jar whatever it is that helps your kids see where they started and when they will be “done.” Just like I enjoy crossing off my to-do list, kids also like acknowledging their jobs well done regardless of the task.

I also think it’s a fun idea to give a bonus for those chores that get done really focused and awesomely. Maybe even before the “assigned” day or without it being on the list. Teaching young that sometimes going the extra mile comes with a sweet reward encourages them to go for it all the time. Even if that sweet reward is just a few extra minutes with friends after school or an extra dessert in the lunch. It doesn’t always have to be a movie night, pizza party and $20 dollar bill (although a garage clean out, tupperware drawer organization, or donation closet clean out may warrant that), helping out is just that and it should always be acknowledged. My favorite is a thank you when one isn’t expecting it, or doesn’t know their good deed has been found out…the look is often priceless and the cost is nothing.

Here are a couple coupon ideas to get you started! Happy coupon-ing!

No one loves chores but they also don’t have to be a nightmare, hope you’ve found a hint or two to help you get the whole family in on the gig!

Parenting

Still ironing out bedtime routines with the start of the new school year?

Image result for bedtime

Hey parents, trying to juggle that new school year with new bedtimes? We hear you! It’s hard to make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row, and with all the changes in routines, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and disorganized.

We thought this might be an awesome place to share some of our tried and true (most of the time) tips and see if any one is willing to share one or two of their best kept tricks to getting those little ones down for the night.

First off, it’s important to know how much sleep your kids should be getting related to their age. This helps in knowing what time you should be aiming to get them into bed, lights out by counting backward from when you need them up and out the door. For example, if your 5 year old needs to be at school by 9 am and it takes about an hour to get moving each day, bedtime should be starting around 7 pm. Starting a few minutes early allows for those unforeseen “I need my other jammies!” “where is that ________?” , and an “ok, one more_____, then lights out.)” Bed time rarely goes like clock work, but allowing time help parents breathe easier and not stress themselves out. Hey, what harm is done if you get out the door 10 minutes “early?” Maybe a little grown up bowl of ice cream and some Bravo, shhhhhh, don’t jinx yourself!

hours of sleep

Once you know your timing, its important to figure out what all you want done in that time we’re calling ‘bedtime.” Are we talking teeth, jammies, book, and bed? Or packing back packing, picking out clothing, bath time, followed by teeth, jammies, book, bed? I think it is ideal to be realistic and flexible each day. We all know the dead line aka lights out, but we also know know two days are the same so no two bedtimes will go exactly the same. I’m a big fan of having visuals and/or to-do lists. It keeps me/us focused and it’s rewarding to see things being accomplished. There are a ton of free printables online or just make your own according to your families needs. I really like a quick and easy list or this little longer list for those who are a little more independent (guess where I found them- pinterest of course!).

Once the routine has begun, I find it best to stick as close to the “schedule” as possible. Kids are always looking for a way to stay up a little later and as adults, I think we often get played for fools. If you give an inch, they’ll take a mile…and the will keep that reinforcement in their memory for the next evening or poor sucker who tries to put them down. Bedtime shouldn’t be a battle but it often is. Looking back, how often did the adult in the situation keep saying “well, ok, one more but this is the last one…” or “fine, go get some water, then lights out.” I sure am guilty of it. And I then find myself guilty of being in that same hamster wheel almost daily. Lesson learned! I understand the importance of sleep on growing minds/bodies and realize schedules help the flow move smoothly in our home so I don’t mind being the “bad guy” and saying we need to save a story or two for the morning. I’d rather not end up with an over tired monster who can’t get to sleep or stay asleep.

Image result for grumpy kid bedtime

Every family is different, every routine varies. The key to your success is to find the “recipe” that works best in your household. Maybe it’s an all family story time, followed by soft music in each bedroom. Maybe it’s song during teeth, and stories in tub. Maybe you’re a house of artists and do a little drawing session in dim lights. Whatever you do, just keep bedtime a calm and quiet time- this is not the time to have a dance party or wrestle mania (however, not a bad idea after dinner to get those final wiggles out)! Dim the lights, turn off the screens, stop the chatter, calm the mind and body.

Rest and repeat.

Food/Recipes

I can’t help myself…he made me do it!

So…

On the heels of my “healthy” sandwich post, my husband graciously offered to make us lunch and I enthusiastically said “yes!”

He does not follow the same recipe I do. I love him dearly but couldn’t help but share this lunch made with all sorts of love…and mayo, mustard, hummus AND cheese. I do love that he added this amazing arugula, pear, and quinoa salad along side with a homemade Dijon dressing. Yum! hubby sandwich

Sometimes, you just gotta splurge and have ALL the condiments.

Food/Recipes

Lunch time!

Hey all!

Another week is upon us and I volunteered to tackle the lunch making. I know it isn’t much but here’s my take on a quick and easy lunch.

On the menu? Sandwich, sour fruit gummies, and baby carrots. I know it isn’t earth shattering or mind blowing but it is simple, healthy, a little fun, and targets nearly every food group-sorry dairy but we aren’t the best of friends so you aren’t represented.

Here’s my break down and a couple tips along the way:

Today’s sandwich is: ham, pepperoni, greens (from the garden!!!) with hummus spread.

I use hummus as a substitute for mayo/mustard and cheese. It’s my way to cheat some healthy points into the meal and subtract unneeded/unwanted calories.

For my family, eating fruits and veggies isn’t a problem at home, we love most anything! Getting them in outside of the home seems to be our problem. Too many choices get squished or bruised and look unappealing before lunch even starts! I’ve found that if I pop a few that are easy and mindless to eat while at a desk such as carrots, cherry tomatoes (when in solid container), apple slices, etc, they actually disappear by the end of the day- score!

Here’s a handful of carrots, a sweet treat for dessert (or save for the bus ride home) , and a little “love note” hidden under the sandwich.

Wrap your sandwich with your napkin- that way you know you’ve got one on hand at meal time AND it helps to hold your sandwich together (without using plastic)! I used the snack pack as my divider for carrots and sandwich- we’ll see if we end up with a soggy mess or crumby carrots…

I try my best to avoid plastic baggies so I love these boxes from our favorite Thai takeout. I gave up baggies as a personal challenge this year to reduce my plastic use and instead opt to reuse these containers as my “bento” box go to. They are super sturdy, stay closed, and help ensure lunches aren’t smashed before lunch.

With so little in the way of trash, it’s quick and easy to put the lid back on, put back in your bag and still have time to play a game or read your email! That’s what I call success on so many levels!

Voila! Lunch is served!

Outdoor Activities

What’s happening in Seattle this September

September! You found me, and I’m not sure I’m too thrilled. September is the start of the school year and therefore the end of summer, what a bummer! I say this as I’m panting and hiding from the heat of outdoors while guzzling water…clearly we haven’t gotten too far from summer yet which is good news!

It means it’s not too late for me to tell of some fun activities for you and your family to enjoy as we usher in fall. If I’m super lucky, it also means you have enough time to share some of your favorite September outings with me (and all the other Seattleites reading this)! I’m always so curious what others are up to on their time off, seems rather presumptuous to think we all enjoy hiking, gardening, community meetings, and Bravo 😉

Here are some of the fun things that caught my eye this month:

The Washington State Fair aka The Puyallup: This is a childhood memory I try to relive at least once every couple years. Rides, concerts, animals, vendors, rodeo? Hello fun! Why yes I do want to join you!! Hours vary (no Tuesdays- at all), tickets $14 and under, and last until the 24th! There is something here for everyone (and every inner child) in your family!

Saturday the 9th at 11 am The Not-It’s are putting on a live and FREE concert! Freeway Park Plaza, Seattle. Last one of the summer!

Image result for the not-its band

PARK(ing) Day! Gotta love this one…people can reserve a piece of public road and turn it into a park for a day!! Watch for these all around Seattle on September 15th starting at 9am. Another FREE event, and this one could take you on a field trip around the area so bring some snacks!

Image result for parking day 201 seattle

Here’s one more for the adults but the kiddos will never be the wiser…Oktoberfest, ALL ages day Sunday September 24th, noon- 6 pm.

FOKT KIDS

Okay okay, that’s just the tip of the iceberg but hopefully it inspires a little family fun before summer says it’s final good byes.

What are you hoping to get done before the seasons change? Any awesome end of the summer must do activities you’re willing to share?

Uncategorized

The garden is growing and so is my joy!

I’m so excited to share a few updates about round two of the rooftop garden…it’s working! I’ve got things growing, woohoo!

This weekend my family will finally be able to enjoy a salad fresh from the garden! We will be able to make sandwiches with greens from our rooftop garden. I will be able to entertain friends with a made from scratch egg bake loaded with tomatoes and spinach!! Granted, I can’t feed an army…yet, but my faith in growing my own produce is growing.

It seems silly that a few red tomatoes, or the return of leaves to on a plant that looked beyond fried, can bring such joy to my heart but it does.

still going

back to life!

Eat your heart out produce department!

baby kale

Outdoor Activities

Family camping- thank you sisters!

On the heels of sadness due to wildfires spreading in our beautiful Washington mountains, I wanted to spend a minute reflecting on one of my favorite summer outings this year- camping at Lake Easton!

Thank you to my sisters for organizing such an amazing weekend, regardless of menu changes and calendar confusion. We were able to get 5 families (dogs included) into 4 sites, attend ranger talks, visit the beach, hike, and even had time for games! Even without campfires, we had a blast!

Outdoor Activities

Fire season in Seattle

Admittedly, I did not venture outside yesterday. I know, I know! How awful of me, and on Labor Day none the less. I just couldn’t motivate myself to find any need to go out in the heat just to go out there. In my defense, I did spend upward of 10 hours at the zoo the previous two days and had encountered my share of conversation, questions, kids, adults, animals and sunshine…I was plain tuckered out and not afraid to admit it.

Imagine my wonder and confusion when I went out to my car this morning. What was all the added “stuff” on my already incredibly dirty car? I would have heard fireworks if they were set off this close, it clearly isn’t snowing, that isn’t the right color for pollen, my car was completely dusted in…ashes!

The work of a teenager, a firework, and a dry summer in Washington. So sad, on so many levels.

This was the sky at 7 am in Bellevue Washington. I kept the white van in the shot so you can have an idea of just how orange the sky is. It’s hard to capture the true hue with my phone camera

I was fortunate to leave work a little early today. We were down in numbers and I was high in errands and to-do’s. It was easy to edit my list to only include the items that took place inside, no way am I going to spend any more time out there then needed.

I was going to do a little more in the garden but would you want to breath in this air?

When this is what you are used to?

Now imagine you are not 116 miles away from the fire…

There are no words…

My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to those who are dealing with the trials of this season.

Be strong, know you are not alone, and you are LOVED!

Food/Recipes, Parenting, Resources

Back to School – Let’s do Lunch (and more!)

It’s official.

School is really knocking on the door. My question is, are you ready?

If you are anything like me, these things always sneak up on me and I find myself scrambling to be prepared on time. Even more often, I’m left with a heavy heart as I brainstorm awesome ideas- after the fact.

To make back to school time one of excitement for the learning that is about to occur and the social experiences our children will encounter, we hope and pray that everything goes smoothly, everyone enjoys their first days of adjusting, and dinner around the table is met with laughter, not tears and fears (for both kids and parents).

So…

In effort to kick of the 2017-2018 school year on the right foot, I’ve cheated and used my best friend pinterest to come up with a few ways to alleviate some stress and still feel like a rock star parent/caregiver.

To start off this school year, I’ve decided to go with some ideas of how to capture the memories of those first day cuties. How often are you wishing you had spent two more minutes getting that picture instead of rushing to the car/bus?

Back to school photo sign- Chalkboard/reusable

Another chalkboard photo opportunity

I’ve included some lunch making tips (for you or your “growing more independent daily” child) that aims to hit the healthy mark and gives multiple days of ideas! When the work day is too long and making lunches seems more like climbing a mountain, let these guys point you in the right direction.

Make your own school lunch

Build a healthy lunch

You’ll also find some fun notes and affirmations you can sneak into your kiddos lunch or back pack to let them know you are thinking of them…always!

Free printable lunch notes and jokes!

Printable lunch notes

Affirmations

Be warned, if you enter the world of “pinning” without a timer, you may find yourself doing more pinning then living. It’s a slippery slope but full of awesome time saving, parent helping, kid loving hints and tips.

Education, Parenting

Did I just see a school bus?

Hey all, can you believe it’s that time of year? I’ve been anxiously counting down the last few days of “kid summer.” You know what I’m talking about. It’s great to have the kids out of school, hanging out all day asking “what are we going to do?” “can we_________?’ “I’m bored,” ” I don’t wanna,” “can I invite all the neighbors?” “will you make me_________?”

I’m ready for a little more routine and a little less “I don’t know” coming from my mouth. I’ll miss the impromptu field trips, the accidental block parties, the on the fly art projects but I’ll welcome the quiet and I’ll cherish the regularity of a school day.

This week is the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year for a few districts nearby, the rest begin next week! Wow, the time flew by and aren’t you glad? We survived the heat, we made memories, we found some new parks, embarked on some new paths and now it’s time to start fostering that love of learning and social interacting.

I thought I’d do a quick “pit and peak” for my summer and I was hoping maybe you’d share yours with me! For those of you who don’t know or watch the housewives series on Bravo “pit and peak” is the best and worst part of said vacation, trip, season, year (you get the idea).

Pit: Working so hard to ready the garden for organic grown food for my family and having it fry in the sun before first harvest. *Here’s hoping next year this is my peak!

Peak: Any of those moments shared with my husband, family, and friends. Sharing life and adventures with those I care the most about regardless of weather or location…I am blessed.