“hand me my notepad…I thought up another way to change the world”

Today, like every day, I found myself contemplating how I can change the world.

I think about it often – how life just isn’t fair, how people are hurting and hungry and sick.

I have this notepad where I write down all the little things that I can do to make the world a better place, both locally and globally…and I carry it around with me almost all day long.

My 2-year-old is used to this. She’ll often say, “here’s your nurse pad, mommy” (She means “note pad,” of course…but, for some reason, she always calls it a “nurse pad“).

I always tell her that I’m writing down ways to help all the kids in the world that don’t have clothes or food or mommies and daddies. And I can tell she’s starting to pick up on that message. She scampers over to me with one of her toys or books at least once a week and says, “this is for the other kids.” It’s the sweetest thing.

Sometimes, I get discouraged. I think to myself, “I could be the president of a non-profit. I could be in Africa or India or South America. I could be speaking about poverty and disease prevention…

But, instead, I’m here.

Making smiliey faces for lunch:

smiley face lunch hand me my notepad...I thought up another way to change the world

Creating roads out of blocks:

road with blocks hand me my notepad...I thought up another way to change the world

Watching my two girls become the very best of friends:

cardboard box fun hand me my notepad...I thought up another way to change the world

And then I think: I AM changing the world. More importantly, I’m helping to create world-changers. I can see it when I look in their sweet faces, when my 2-year-old shares her things with “the other kids,” when my baby smiles.

Maybe one day, I’ll travel the country with my family with the sole purpose of helping others. Or, I’ll get that PhD that I’ve always dreamed about. Or, I’ll become a billionaire and create innovative solutions to pressing global problems.

But today?

Today, I’ll add to my list of world-changing ideas on my “nurse pad”:

  • Send thank you note to so-and-so.
  • Make dinner for ______.
  • Remember _______’s birthday.
  • Write to the little boy that we sponsor through World Vision.
  • Pray.

Wordless Wednesday: You Are My Sunshine

you are my sunshine 1 Wordless Wednesday: You Are My Sunshine you are my sunshine 2 Wordless Wednesday: You Are My Sunshine

Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web

j02933381 Tuesday Tours: Whats Happening on the WebWelcome to “Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web” where I serve as your tour guide and showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and reads for moms on the web…all in one convenient location.

Contests

The Kmart Design Team is giving away 25 $100 Kmart gift cards. I’m in desperate need of some new clothes due to the fact that I had a baby four months ago and my pre-preg clothes *still* don’t fit quite right. The deadline is July 31.

My 2-year-old is an arts & crafts aficionado. She’d love the Flip and Doodle Easel Desk with Stool that is up for grabs at Perfectly Provident. Deadline: July 31.

Inexpensively.com is giving away 2 $50 Amazon.com gift certificates to celebrate the launch of their site. Deadline: August 2.

Pregnant? I bet you want an Utterly Yours Pregnancy Pillow. Yes, you really do. Deadline: August 11.

Good Reads

Do you have an e-newsletter for your blog/company? You HAVE to read this: Why Email Marketing is Dead (And How to Bring it Back to Life) by Sonia Simone {copyblogger}.

Want to become a millionaire? Figure out how to create and promote a totally awesome iPhone app {via TechCrunch}.

If you do become a millionaire, can you please use that money to help save the world? There’s a famine in Uganda right now, for example. I’m trying to figure out what I can do about it.

Jo-Lynne {Musings of a Housewife} wrote this Twitter tutorial upon my request: Twitter for Dummies Beginners. Wait a minute…

Miscellany

You’ve probably around seen this – the YouTube vido sensation: Wedding party boogies down the aisle {via Today Show}. So funny!

I wish I could sew: Recycle and Reuse, right? {tutus & turtles}

Want to run in a 5K? Here’s some tips and plans to get you started {willrunforcake.com}.

This recipe looks easy and oh-so-delicious: Fresh Blueberry Pancake Syrup on Homemade Waffles {The Mother Load}.

Have you heard of TasteCasting? This is restaurant reviewing of the future. You can join an existing team or launch one in your city.

I don’t know how “legit” this is, but it sounds super fun. Become a Noe-It-All for your chance to “be a part of really cool contests, try out new products and services, and win lots of cool prizes.”

Here’s a little video by Kmart Design that features some of my favorite bloggers. I wish it were longer and I wish I could see the clothes better, but it’s still fun…

I’m not a huge “jewelry person,” but I LOVE this Antique Sparrow Necklace {etsy shop: beyondtherockz}. So Much.

Here’s a reminder about which fruits and vegetables you should buy organic…and which ones don’t matter so much. {The Dirty Work}.

BlogHer 2010 is going to be in NYC…which means I probably won’t be going…which I’m okay with. I think I’d rather go to a smaller, more intimate conference this year…something closer to home. But…oooh…I just noticed that there is a picture of Steph and Ivy {Adventures in Babywearing} up on the BlogHer website. Sweet!

Speaking of BlogHer, have you seen the Ode to BlogHer ’09 {via Telling Dad}? It made me laugh…and made me feel better about not going next year.

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*** If you have a contest or an announcement that you think might be a good fit for Tuesday Tours, e-mail me at stephanie@metropolitanmama.net.

Housekeeper Husband Reviews: Monster EZ1 Steam Mop

housekeeper husband reviews 21 Housekeeper Husband Reviews: Monster EZ1 Steam MopWe have a lot of tile in our house and, as a result, my husband sometimes uses the Swiffer to mop up our house (especially when he wants to do it quickly). It does a decent job, I suppose…but the smell is intoxicating and heady – in a bad way. I feel like I have to open all of the windows just to be able to breathe.

That has worried me for a while now – especially since I have a baby and a preschooler who spend a lot of time on or near the ground.

I’m happy to announce that I can officially say sayonara to the Swiffer because we now have something MUCH BETTER, thanks to Euroflex.

m floor pad on 177x300 Housekeeper Husband Reviews: Monster EZ1 Steam MopEuroflex sent me the Monster EZ1 Steam Mop and Floor Cleaner (~$89.99) to review and my “housekeeper husband” (he does all the mopping around here) gives it two thumbs up. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and it gets results. All you have to do is fill up the boiler with distilled water, wait 3 minutes until the light comes on, and start mopping. No chemicals are involved at all! The heat does all the work…and it does it well! Best of all, you can clean pretty speedily (and the floor dries quickly too…no slippery surfaces!). After you’re done, just toss the microfibre pad in the washing machine and you’re done. It’s so easy, in fact, that I might do it myself. But then my husband would have to hold the baby AND play with our 2-year-old. He prefers to mop and I prefer to hold the baby and do arts & crafts with our 2-year-old…so it’s an excellent arrangement.

The Monster EZ1 also comes with a “carpet sledge” so that you can clean your carpets with it as well. My husband tried that and he said it works for “the basics,” but not for stains (but it’s not really designed to do deep cleaning).

Overall, the Monster EZ1 is an excellent product – it will “scare away” all your dirt and debris and you can rest easy knowing that your floors will be clean AND chemical-free.

You can buy the Monster EZ1 on Amazon.com for $89.99 (and get 2 bonus microfibre pads).

WIN IT! One winner will receive a Monster EZ1 Steam Mop and Floor cleaner by Euroflex ($89.99). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Wednesday, August 5th at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #5 erica. Congratulations!

I’m A Grilling Girl

Exhibit A: Our AMAZING new grill – the Weber Genesis E-310 Espresso LP Gas Grill ($699) from Lowe’s.

weber genesis e 310 espresso Im A Grilling Girl

Exhibit B: Me in my apron before my first “grilling lesson” from my husband.

grilling girl Im A Grilling Girl grilling girl 2 Im A Grilling Girl

Exhibit C: Mmmm (not bad for my first steak).

steak on weber genesis e 310 Im A Grilling Girl

For the record, that grill is 100% awesome. It’s shiny, it’s slick, and it cooks everything to perfection. Oh, and is that color awesome or what? It’s deep and rich and elegant (and it’s a Lowe’s exclusive). The grill features an exterior temperature gauge, a food tray on the left side, and a storage area underneath.

In the market for a grill? Here are 5 reasons you should check out the options at Lowe’s:

1. Lowe’s offer FREE in-store assembly when you purchase any full-size gas grill.

2. Lowe’s offers a series of step-by-step, how-to grilling videos for your viewing pleasure (perfect for beginners!).

3. You can exchange your empty gas grill propane tank at your neighborhood Lowe’s.

4. Lowe’s is committed to helping the community – and the world.

5. Shipping is only $4.99 for orders over $99…or you can buy online and pick up your grill in-store.

***If you couldn’t tell from the pictures – I had my first “grilling lesson” today and I think it will be my last too. Because it was SO EASY. Move over, husband. The Grill Girl has officially entered the building…or the backyard…or whatever. Actually – just kidding – here are the tongs – I’m going to go snuggle with the baby. {But it’s nice to know I can do it}.

YOUR TURN: Do YOU grill…or does your husband?  How often do you use your grill?

PARTY IDEA: Ice Cream Theme

Today, I went out to get the mail with my baby on my hip. I pulled out a catalog from Birthday Express (not sure how I landed on their mailing address…) and, as I flipped through the pages, I noted that I wouldn’t want my girls’ parties to be like that. Hannah Montana, Disney Princesses, Littlest Pet Shop, Pokeman, SpongeBob, Elmo…blah.

For starters, we’re not really into “characters” around here. Second, it’s pretty expensive to have everything all matchy-matchy like that. Thirdly, the favors and decor and accessories were all “cheap” and likely to end in the trash bin, unappreciated. Finally, I prefer simpler…more handmade…parties.

I should stop right here and say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with big birthday bashes or even character-themed parties (If we get invited to those, we enjoy them thoroughly…even if my 2-year-old doesn’t know who the character is on the invitation). It’s just not US. Maybe one day my girls will ask for a character-themed party and I’ll probably say “yes,” but – for now – I prefer “non-branded” parties.

Here’s a party idea that is more up my alley: AN ICE CREAM PARTY.

And here’s how to plan a perfect one -

A. Send out Invitations.

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  1. I Scream for Ice Cream Pop-Up Card, $4.50 for 1 {etsy shop: CookieBits}
  2. Custom Embossed Ice Cream Cone Cards, $5.00 for 4 {etsy shop: scrapbookpatty}
  3. Cool Treats Ice Cream Note Cards, $14 for 8 {etsy shop: ordersupdesigns}

B. Set up a Make-Your-Own-Sundae Bar with vanilla ice cream and plenty of toppings:

  • m&m’s
  • chocolate chips
  • peanuts
  • crushed oreos
  • strawberries
  • blueberries
  • bananas
  • cubed pineapple
  • crumbled Reeses
  • whipped cream
  • hot fudge
  • maraschino cheeries

595074v1 PARTY IDEA: Ice Cream Theme

Pictured Above: Ice Cream Topping Carousel ($39.95) by Sur La Table

* Comes with six 3-oz. topping dishes, a 7″ ladle, six 5″ spoons, and an 8-oz. hot fudge bowl with lid.

C. Plan an activity or two (or don’t…sometimes parties without an “agenda” are best).

The activities don’t have to be “themed,” but if you want them to be…

D. Give out favors (if you want – don’t feel obligated).

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  1. Handmade Soapsicle Soaps, Choose Your Own Scent, $4.00 for 1 {etsy shop: BunnyBubbles}
  2. Pink Ice Cream Hair Clips, $3.00 for set of 2 {etsy shop: sweetsoutherndesign}

Come to think of it, this would be a pretty cool party for grown-ups too.

YOUR TURN: Do you host “themed” parties for your kids’ birthdays? If so, what themes have you done in the past?

5pm: I know exactly what’s for dinner

5:00 p.m., any day of the week, anytown, USA: “What are we going to have for dinner?

That’s the question that rings ’round the country. In my house too, I admit.

But not lately.

Because I finally found a system that works really well for our family and our “season” of life.

At this very moment, I have 8 dinners in my freezer. I can’t tell you how good that feels.

Basically, I take a Saturday and cook/prep for a few hours, while my husband entertains the girls (my 2-year-old usually “helps” me by pouring and stirring and tasting…). I label everything, stick it in the freezer, and then just pull things out to defrost when I’m ready. My feet hurt at the end of the cooking day and I’m a wee bit exhausted, but it is TOTALLY WORTH IT. My husband 100% agrees. It’s like going to one of those meal-assembly shops, but I don’t have to leave my house.

Now, if 5:00 p.m. rolls around and you come by my house, you’ll smell lasagna or enchiladas or tequila-lime chicken or steak skewers with blue cheese dipping sauce. Actually, if you knock at 5:00 p.m., you’ll likely catch me right in the middle of the 30-day shred (I just jumped to Level 3 today…no comment except that I’m dreading the next eight days). THEN, you’ll notice the smell of something succulent wafting through the air.

I’ve taken all my recipes so far from “FIX, FREEZE, FEAST” by Kati Neville and Lindsay Tkacsik {Storey Publishing, 2007}. The book features more than 125 make-ahead recipes in 6 categories:

  • Chicken Main Dishes
  • Beef Main Dishes
  • Pork Main Dishes
  • Meatless Mains, Sides, and Soups
  • Sauces, Marinades, and Flavored Butters
  • Breakfast, Snacks, and Sweets

The book gives clear, easy-to-follow instructions for how to best prep, store, and serve your recipes – and the appendix even includes labels that you can copy, print out, and tape to your meals (I LOVE that feature). My only “critique” is that the cookbook doesn’t have pictures, but – in this case – I actually don’t mind much because the instructions are extremely straightforward and the descriptions are vivid.

YOUR TURN: Have you ever tried the “make-ahead” way of cooking?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a copy of “FIX, FREEZE, FEAST” by Kati Neville and Lindsay Tkacsik ($14.95). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, August 4th at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #120 Julie. Congratulations!