We had the most magical time at Disney On Ice earlier this week, and I’d love to share some tips that saved us money and made it a great experience. 1. Dress in Disney! Add to the fun and make it extra … Continue reading
Some evenings are on the busy, chaotic side and others, like yesterday, are perfectly relaxing family evenings. There was homemade chili on the stove, cornbread in the oven, and an orange candle flickering on the table while my daughter made sketches of pumpkins (to be painted orange later) and my son played in his cornmeal sandbox. And yes, I made the cornbread out of a (new and unopened) box of leftover cornmeal from the indoor cornmeal sandbox for quiet play.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Beware: there’s not measures in my recipes. Why? Oh, just because 1) my measuring cups/spoons are usually in the bathtub/sandbox/toy box/anywhere but the kitchen. 2) when I do measure I often lose count (hey between my hangry brain and two little humans running around, it’s not easy to count) and 3) I don’t like math and measuring sometimes leads to math. I’d rather add stuff, taste, and adjust as I go.
Easy Peasy Homemade Chili
Optional: corn, chopped carrots, more beans (kidney, etc), crushed red pepper flakes, cheese topping, cornbread to serve on the side. Everything but the kitchen sink.
Directions
Bonus tip: I like to cook double the meat needed, then use the extra batch of pre-cooked meat for dinner tomorrow. Tonight I’ll be making easy enchiladas with the extra cooked meat from last night.
“Nothin’ says lovin’ like something from the oven.”
What’s your favorite family dinner or favorite fall soup?
Today’s tips are inspired by the Daily Post: Recharge. As an introverted working mom, I don’t get a lot of alone time – and alone time is essential to helping introverts like me to recharge. I love people, I enjoy working … Continue reading
Dinner time can be rough – after working all day the kids want my attention, we are all hungry (possibly cranky), and dinner isn’t going to cook itself. This activity keeps the kids calmly entertained, and is great while you’re … Continue reading
I’ve tried many workout programs and I eat (mostly) clean, and although my health improved I just can’t seem to shed that last 5 pounds. So today marks the first day of a new approach – because if you change … Continue reading
Walt Disney says “All of your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” Pause for a moment and reflect on the truth in that quote. I just took my daughter to Disneyland and it was … Continue reading
A giant wave came rolling towards us and my 6-year old yells “Stand up mom! Pick me up!” I couldn’t stand, I tried with all my might but the water was strong and it was pushing me down. We had … Continue reading
Morning routines help us feel grounded, and they give us a solid start to the day. My mornings used to be rushed, and that rushed feeling would linger throughout the day. Now my mornings usually start with coffee in bed … Continue reading
My to do list is filled with tasks, there’s dishes in the sink, and the kids were craving some mommy time on that Saturday morning. I felt slightly torn between doing “productive” things on my list or taking them somewhere … Continue reading
We have what some would call morning chores and evening chores, but we don’t call them chores. We listed our tasks and named them “Happy Morning List” and “Good Night List”. 
I believe in making things simple and fun. Sometimes reframing chores as a happy morning routine is all you need to help change your mindset and attitude. These titles reflect my overarching goal and the reason we are doing these tasks: we want to have happy mornings and good nights.
“Discipline is the joyful act of pursuing your dreams.”
So far, it’s worked! My kindergartener and I pick out clothes together and sometimes race. We make lunches together and brush our teeth together. By syncing our routines, we actually spend more time together in the evenings – an unexpected and welcome impact of these simple check lists.
Now that I hold myself to the same standards of my kindergartener, my mornings have improved and my work day too! I wake up with my clothes ready and my lunch made, and I love having happy mornings and good nights.
Sara Crosby | the Mom Next Door 