Introducing: Meal of the Month & the Monthly Newsletter

     This is the last introduction before the official changing of Raising Piggy.  In case you missed any of them, here's a link to view a composite post of all of the intros.  Today, I'll be introducing you to the Meal of the Month and go through the basics of the newsletter.  Let's get started!

Meal of the Month

 

When is Meal of the Month?

     Meal of the Month is the first Wednesday of the month.  So, for October, Meal of the Month will be on the 1st.  There are no exceptions as to why Meal of the Month won't be on the first Wednesday.  It's the beginning of the month!

 

What is Meal of the Month?

     Meal of the Month is when I take a recipe out of the "family approved" cookbook and share it.  But only when it's been tweaked to perfection...for my family.  Honestly, when it comes to Hubby and food, he could careless what it tastes like as long as it tastes good and edible.  With that said, feel free to tweak the recipes to how your family likes and share with the rest of the readers so they can experiment with your tweaks, like they experiment with mine!

 

What else should I know?

     Like anything else here at Raising Piggy, feel free to offer up some suggestions.  Just don't feel disappointed when it's not the next Meal of the Month.  There's a possibility that I have to find a similar recipe to fit with the pace here at Piggy Pen, tweak it because there needs to be a little more flavor (or a little less), or even tweak it because I need it to make more (or less).  Once it has been perfected to the point of being entered into the "family approved" cookbook, then it will have a good possibility of being the Meal of the Month!  Just not until it reaches perfection!

 

Newsletter



     Ah.  The newsletter.  With it only coming out on the first of the month, it won't spam up your inbox.  Simple structure for easy reading with obvious sections for quick reading makes for easy use.  Some sections of the newsletter include a "What to Look for This Month" with the post titles for the month, a "Meal of the Month Recipe" section containing the ingredients of the Meal of the Month so you're prepared for making the deliciousness, a "Tutu of the Week Sneak Peek" section where I give the names of the tutus I'll be making during the month plus a sketch or in-the-making picture of one of the tutus and a quick description of the sneak peek featured tutu, a "Book of the Month" section for a quick reminder of what the book of the month is (or in case you missed it), and even a "Question of the Month" section asking a question from one of Raising Piggy's readers.

     To sign up for the monthly Raising Piggy newsletter, become a follower!  Just go to the "Follow by email" section at the top, right.  Oh, and tell me how well it works.  I have yet to be able to test it out fully.  If you have any problems, you can fill out a contact form right below the "Follow by email" section.

 

 

     Well, we have reached the end of all introductions.  Let the changes begin!  I'll see you at the revamped Raising Piggy!

A Compilation of the Introductions

     Just in case you missed any of the introductions for the new Raising Piggy, I have compiled all of the topics into one place--here!  So just scroll to what you missed or, if you missed it all, read it all, or even just read what interests you.  My feeling won't be hurt, in fact, I probably won't know if you read it all or not.  So, have fun!

 

 

Info Wednesday

When is Info Wednesday?

     Info Wednesday is the third Wednesday every month.  That means for October, it will be on the 15th.

What is Info Wednesday about?

     Info Wednesday is about -well- information.  Whether it be how to get grease stains out of clothes, what to do when your little one isn't feeling to well, or how much wood a wood chuck chucks, it's all informative.

What else should I know?

     I pull the topics for Info Wednesday from your comments (and the majority of the Question of the Month questions).  Having problems getting your child to eat?  Ask!  Don't know the difference between a turnip and a collard?  Ask!  Can't figure out why your homemade rocket ship can't make it out of the Earth's atmosphere?  You might be a little out of luck on it, but still, ask!  Others might be having the same problem but are too shy to ask.  Unless it's the homemade rocket ship.  You might be alone on that.  But I could be wrong!  There might be another person trying to make a homemade rocket ship having the same problem, or, better yet, has solved the problem!

 

 

Product Sunday

When is Product Sunday?

     Product Sunday is the first Sunday of every month.  For October, the 5th will be product Sunday.

What is Product Sunday about?

     Product Sunday is when I take any product that I have around the house (a vacuum, diapers, sippy cups, hair products, etc.) and give it a review.  I'm not talking "I give it four stars" and leaving it at that.  I'm talking pros, cons, recommendations, price versus quality, how to use it, different ways to use it, and (if it is a Piggy thing) how Piggy Baby likes (or dislikes) it.

What else should I know?

     You can suggest products for me to review.  I'll try them and find out it doesn't work so you don't have to!  Products will have to be within reason though (a new car, 100 vacuums, and new furniture make the "Not Within Reason" list, sorry).

Book of the Month

When is Book of the Month?

     Book of the Month is the last posting day of the month.  If Sunday is the last posting day of the month, then the Book of the Month will be posted on Sunday.  If Wednesday is the last posting day of the month, then the Book of the Month will be posted on Wednesday.  For October, the last posting day is Wednesday the 29th, so that is when the Book of the Month will be posted.  Get it?  I hope so!

 

What is Book of the Month about?

     I love to read.  Before Piggy was born, I would read at least one book a week.  Since Piggy was born, though, I'm lucky to get in a page a day.  The Book of the Month is the book that I'm trying to finish that month.  You can join me in reading it and contribute to the Review.  All-in-all, it's like a book club!

 

What else should I know?

     You can suggest books that I should read.  If I've already read it and it was good, I'll read it again!  Also, the Book of the Month post is actually for the next month.  For example, the Book of the Month post in October is announcing the BOTM for November.  The reason I do this is so there is enough time to get the book before the month starts.  Then, the whole month can be dedicated to reading the book!  Oh!  I almost forgot!  There will either be two books of the month or just one.  If there are two, then one if for you (the parent) and the other is for children.  You can read the children's Book of the Month as a bedtime story, or whatever you'd like.

 

Book of the Month Review

 

When is Book of the Month Review?

     Book of the Month Review is the last Wednesday of the month.  Well, unless the last Wednesday of the month is the last posting day.  If that is the case, then it will be posted the week before the last posting day.  Since there isn't a Book of the Month for October, there won't be a Book of the Month Review post for October.

What is Book of the Month Review about?
     Simply put, the Book of the Month Review is a review on the Book of the Month.  I'll give a quick synapsis, a rating out of five, pros, cons, my favorite part(s), and my overall opinion about the book.  I might have more stuff or I might have less stuff to say about it than others.  It all just depends on the book.  I'll go on ahead and note that I don't give all that many five star ratings for...well...anything.  So, if it gets five stars, it must be pretty dang good!

What else should I know?
     You might be wondering why the Book of the Month Review comes before the announcing of the Book of the Month.  The "What else should I know?" section for the Book of the Month touches base on why that is.  Also, when I post the review, you can also include your input of the book.  Feel free to go into detail as to why you think it was written this way, what you think this means, how you think it should have ended, whatever you'd like about the book.  Hey, even if you were confused about something, you can ask about it.  I'm sure that if I can't answer it, someone else who has read it can answer it for you.

Funday Sunday

When is Funday Sunday?

     Funday Sunday is on the last Sunday of the month.  Unless it is the last posting day.  If that is the case, then Funday Sunday will be on the second to last Sunday.  Why?  If you go back and visit the Book of the Month post, you'll read that the Book of the Month is posted on the last posting day, whether that is on a Sunday or Wednesday.  For October, Funday Sunday will occur on the 26th.

 

What is Funday Sunday?

     Funday Sunday is when I think of something fun for Piggy to enjoy.  It can be anywhere from visiting a museum, playing with sand, making crafts, or even playing with water.  It's the simple things like that which can turn into fun!

 

What else should I know?

     Consider yourself warned.  There are going to be some Funday Sunday activities that can be a little messy.  So prepare yourself as needed!  You can also comment some things that you have done with your little one in the comments.  Who knows, maybe I'll be so interested in what you did that I'll want to do it too, creating a post on it!

    

 

DIY Sunday

When is DIY Sunday?

     DIY Sunday is the third Sunday of the month.  This means that for October, DIY Sunday will be on the 19th.

 

What is DIY Sunday?

     DIY Sunday is where I put on my artsy-fartsy pants and get creating.  Expect some mess from paint, glue, and glitter!  It can be a wreeth for Thanksgiving, a costume for Halloween, a cake for birthdays, or even a card for Valentine's Day.  You never know what it's going to be!

 

What else should I know?

     These will be nice steps that you can also follow.  That way, you can also participate in DIY Sunday.  I'm even open to any suggestions that you may have.  Remember: Raising Piggy is from me to you!  What better way for me to know what my readers want to read than for them to tell me what they want to read!

Meal of the Month

 

When is Meal of the Month?

     Meal of the Month is the first Wednesday of the month.  So, for October, Meal of the Month will be on the 1st.  There are no exceptions as to why Meal of the Month won't be on the first Wednesday.  It's the beginning of the month!

 

What is Meal of the Month?

     Meal of the Month is when I take a recipe out of the "family approved" cookbook and share it.  But only when it's been tweaked to perfection...for my family.  Honestly, when it comes to Hubby and food, he could careless what it tastes like as long as it tastes good and edible.  With that said, feel free to tweak the recipes to how your family likes and share with the rest of the readers so they can experiment with your tweaks, like they experiment with mine!

 

What else should I know?

     Like anything else here at Raising Piggy, feel free to offer up some suggestions.  Just don't feel disappointed when it's not the next Meal of the Month.  There's a possibility that I have to find a similar recipe to fit with the pace here at Piggy Pen, tweak it because there needs to be a little more flavor (or a little less), or even tweak it because I need it to make more (or less).  Once it has been perfected to the point of being entered into the "family approved" cookbook, then it will have a good possibility of being the Meal of the Month!  Just not until it reaches perfection!

 

Newsletter



     Ah.  The newsletter.  With it only coming out on the first of the month, it won't spam up your inbox.  Simple structure for easy reading with obvious sections for quick reading makes for easy use.  Some sections of the newsletter include a "What to Look for This Month" with the post titles for the month, a "Meal of the Month Recipe" section containing the ingredients of the Meal of the Month so you're prepared for making the deliciousness, a "Tutu of the Week Sneak Peek" section where I give the names of the tutus I'll be making during the month plus a sketch or in-the-making picture of one of the tutus and a quick description of the sneak peek featured tutu, a "Book of the Month" section for a quick reminder of what the book of the month is (or in case you missed it), and even a "Question of the Month" section asking a question from one of Raising Piggy's readers.

     To sign up for the monthly Raising Piggy newsletter, become a follower!  Just go to the "Follow by email" section at the top, right.  Oh, and tell me how well it works.  I have yet to be able to test it out fully.  If you have any problems, you can fill out a contact form right below the "Follow by email" section.

Introducing: Funday Sunday & DIY Sunday

     You've met Info Wednesday and Product Sunday last week, and Book of the Month and Book of the Month Review on Sunday.  Now, it's time to meet Funday Sunday and DIY Sunday!

Funday Sunday

When is Funday Sunday?

     Funday Sunday is on the last Sunday of the month.  Unless it is the last posting day.  If that is the case, then Funday Sunday will be on the second to last Sunday.  Why?  If you go back and visit the Book of the Month post, you'll read that the Book of the Month is posted on the last posting day, whether that is on a Sunday or Wednesday.  For October, Funday Sunday will occur on the 26th.

 

What is Funday Sunday?

     Funday Sunday is when I think of something fun for Piggy to enjoy.  It can be anywhere from visiting a museum, playing with sand, making crafts, or even playing with water.  It's the simple things like that which can turn into fun!

 

What else should I know?

     Consider yourself warned.  There are going to be some Funday Sunday activities that can be a little messy.  So prepare yourself as needed!  You can also comment some things that you have done with your little one in the comments.  Who knows, maybe I'll be so interested in what you did that I'll want to do it too, creating a post on it!

    

 

DIY Sunday

When is DIY Sunday?

     DIY Sunday is the third Sunday of the month.  This means that for October, DIY Sunday will be on the 19th.

 

What is DIY Sunday?

     DIY Sunday is where I put on my artsy-fartsy pants and get creating.  Expect some mess from paint, glue, and glitter!  It can be a wreeth for Thanksgiving, a costume for Halloween, a cake for birthdays, or even a card for Valentine's Day.  You never know what it's going to be!

 

What else should I know?

     These will be nice steps that you can also follow.  That way, you can also participate in DIY Sunday.  I'm even open to any suggestions that you may have.  Remember: Raising Piggy is from me to you!  What better way for me to know what my readers want to read than for them to tell me what they want to read!

 

 

     Well, we're almost done with introductions.  Sunday will be the last intro before Raising Piggy has completed it's transformation.  I'll be introducing you to the Meal of the Month and telling you about the newsletters that'll I'll be sending out.  I'll see you then!

Introducing: Book of the Month & Book of the Month Review

     Wednesday, I introduced you to Info Wednesday and Product Sunday.  In case you missed it, here's the link.  Today, I'm going to introduce you to the Book of the Month and Book of the Month Review.  Let's get started!

Book of the Month

When is Book of the Month?

     Book of the Month is the last posting day of the month.  If Sunday is the last posting day of the month, then the Book of the Month will be posted on Sunday.  If Wednesday is the last posting day of the month, then the Book of the Month will be posted on Wednesday.  For October, the last posting day is Wednesday the 29th, so that is when the Book of the Month will be posted.  Get it?  I hope so!

 

What is Book of the Month about?

     I love to read.  Before Piggy was born, I would read at least one book a week.  Since Piggy was born, though, I'm lucky to get in a page a day.  The Book of the Month is the book that I'm trying to finish that month.  You can join me in reading it and contribute to the Review.  All-in-all, it's like a book club!

 

What else should I know?

     You can suggest books that I should read.  If I've already read it and it was good, I'll read it again!  Also, the Book of the Month post is actually for the next month.  For example, the Book of the Month post in October is announcing the BOTM for November.  The reason I do this is so there is enough time to get the book before the month starts.  Then, the whole month can be dedicated to reading the book!  Oh!  I almost forgot!  There will either be two books of the month or just one.  If there are two, then one if for you (the parent) and the other is for children.  You can read the children's Book of the Month as a bedtime story, or whatever you'd like.

 

Book of the Month Review

 

When is Book of the Month Review?

     Book of the Month Review is the last Wednesday of the month.  Well, unless the last Wednesday of the month is the last posting day.  If that is the case, then it will be posted the week before the last posting day.  Since there isn't a Book of the Month for October, there won't be a Book of the Month Review post for October.

What is Book of the Month Review about?
     Simply put, the Book of the Month Review is a review on the Book of the Month.  I'll give a quick synapsis, a rating out of five, pros, cons, my favorite part(s), and my overall opinion about the book.  I might have more stuff or I might have less stuff to say about it than others.  It all just depends on the book.  I'll go on ahead and note that I don't give all that many five star ratings for...well...anything.  So, if it gets five stars, it must be pretty dang good!

What else should I know?
     You might be wondering why the Book of the Month Review comes before the announcing of the Book of the Month.  The "What else should I know?" section for the Book of the Month touches base on why that is.  Also, when I post the review, you can also include your input of the book.  Feel free to go into detail as to why you think it was written this way, what you think this means, how you think it should have ended, whatever you'd like about the book.  Hey, even if you were confused about something, you can ask about it.  I'm sure that if I can't answer it, someone else who has read it can answer it for you.


     Now, you've met Info Wednesday, Product Sunday, Book of the Month, and Book of the Month Review.  On Wednesday, I'll introduce you to Funday Sunday and DIY Sunday.  See you then!

Introducing: Info Wednesday & Product Suday

     Here, I talked about how Raising Piggy is getting changed around.  I also promised to introduce each theme.  Let's all give a warm welcome to Info Wednesday and Product Sunday!
 

Info Wednesday

When is Info Wednesday?

     Info Wednesday is the third Wednesday every month.  That means for October, it will be on the 15th.

What is Info Wednesday about?

     Info Wednesday is about -well- information.  Whether it be how to get grease stains out of clothes, what to do when your little one isn't feeling to well, or how much wood a wood chuck chucks, it's all informative.

What else should I know?

     I pull the topics for Info Wednesday from your comments (and the majority of the Question of the Month questions).  Having problems getting your child to eat?  Ask!  Don't know the difference between a turnip and a collard?  Ask!  Can't figure out why your homemade rocket ship can't make it out of the Earth's atmosphere?  You might be a little out of luck on it, but still, ask!  Others might be having the same problem but are too shy to ask.  Unless it's the homemade rocket ship.  You might be alone on that.  But I could be wrong!  There might be another person trying to make a homemade rocket ship having the same problem, or, better yet, has solved the problem!

 

 

Product Sunday

When is Product Sunday?

     Product Sunday is the first Sunday of every month.  For October, the 5th will be product Sunday.

What is Product Sunday about?

     Product Sunday is when I take any product that I have around the house (a vacuum, diapers, sippy cups, hair products, etc.) and give it a review.  I'm not talking "I give it four stars" and leaving it at that.  I'm talking pros, cons, recommendations, price versus quality, how to use it, different ways to use it, and (if it is a Piggy thing) how Piggy Baby likes (or dislikes) it.

What else should I know?

     You can suggest products for me to review.  I'll try them and find out it doesn't work so you don't have to!  Products will have to be within reason though (a new car, 100 vacuums, and new furniture make the "Not Within Reason" list, sorry).


     So that's it for Product Sunday and Info Wednesday.  On Sunday, I'll introduce Book of the Month and Book of the Month Review!  See you then!

The New Way of Things

     I have noticed that my blog has become all but abandoned.  Looking back on what triggered this abandonment, I have realized that the mixture of being a mom, going back to school, moving to a new state, and going back to work is a lot to have on a plate at once.  Much less adding a blog to the concoction.  So what am I to do?

     Considering that I no longer have to worry about moving to a new state...for the most part...I can gladly announce that blogging can be put back in!  Given the amount of time that has passed, I'm going to put the post challenge on the back burner.  If I come around to completing a post, then yay!  If not, then it won't hurt that much.  So say a (temporary) farewell to the list.

     So what has a busy mom like me been up to these past few months?  Who cares!  I pretty much summed it all up in the second sentence of this post.  The real question is "What has Piggy been up to?"  Well, she's reached a few milestones!  She started crawling, now has two teeth, says "mama", and is trying so hard to stand on her own.  In fact, it was just yesterday when she actually stood without holding on to anything for a whopping three seconds.

     Piggy is growing accustomed to the new place.  She is really starting to get used to Grandpa being around all the time.  It's actually quite cute; her and Grandpa will get into hissing contests.  So far, she is the supreme champion.  She has met a lot of family and is loving the dogs.

     With all of these new things going on, I decided to have Raising Piggy reflect it.  I'm keeping to posting every Wednesday and Sunday, but instead of a Tutu of the Week every week, it will only be the first and second to last Tuesday of every month.  That way, I'm not frazzled with getting a new tutu done every week.  Let's be real, if I have problems just doing a post twice a week, then how could I possibly make a tutu and make a post about it every week?  It's just more convenient.

     Something else that will make a change is that there will be themes!  I don't mean that every Wednesday is going to be this or every Sunday is going to be that.  No, no, no.  What I mean is...well...let me show you!

• 1st Wednesday- Meal of the Month
• 1st Sunday- Product Sunday
• 3rd Wednesday- Info Wednesday
• 3rd Sunday- DIY Sunday
• Last Wednesday- Book of the Month Review
• Last Sunday- Fun-day Sunday
• Last Posting Day- Book of the Month

     Bam!  Some of these might have you thinking "what is that supposed to be?" or "why would she have the Book of the Month Review before the Book of the Month?"  That's why for the next few posts, I'm going to take the time to introduce each theme.  Since there are four posting days left in September and seven themes, I'm going to introduce two themes each post, except for the last one.

     With these themes in place, I figured that it would be good to have a monthly newsletter to give you an insight to what to expect for the month.  Each newsletter will have the post title for the topic.  If there is a certain one that really speaks to you and you can't resist but to read, then you'll know when to expect it!  The newsletter will also consist of one Tutu of the Week sneak peek, the recipe for the meal of the month, Book of the Month reminder, and a Question of the Month.  The Question of the Month will be from a fellow reader for all of the other readers to give their input on.

     Oh, what a breath of change.  I'm so ready for the re-vamped Raising Piggy.  Are you ready for the change?  Give your opinions in the comments!

Tutu of the Week: Patriot

     For the Independence Day, my little Piggy sported an American flag inspired tutu.  This little number has the well-known red and white stripes and a blue top.  A red gerbera flower is paired up with the tutu.  All of this patriotism is topped off with a red headband and white gerbera daisy.

My First Mother's Day

Ah.  Mother's Day.  Spring is in the air, the sun is shining, birds are chirping, and children are flocking the card aisle in desperation for that last minute card since they forgot that today was the holiday you don't want to forget.  Seriously.  Have you ever not celebrated Mother's Day in some form or fashion?  It is the leading holiday for families to dine out.  Why?  Don't you dare make your mother cook on Mother's Day and PB&Js are out of the question!  So go out to eat.  Preferably some place fancy-ish.  Like Olive Garden.

I was pleased to officially celebrate my first Mother's Day as, not a child, but a mother.  So how exactly did my first Day of the Moms go?  Well, let's start at the best place to start anything...the beginning.

I woke up to my little Piggy crying and screaming around 7:30.  No matter what I did, nothing worked.  Fortunately, Hubby came to the rescue and scooped her up and went into the living room with her so I could continue to sleep.  At around 9:30, I was woken up to Hubby coming in with a slightly soggy Piggy from crying.  Of course, she was on the hungry side.  He sat her down with me and she went to eating.  An hour later, she was done eating and was wanting back into the living room.  She no longer wanted to cuddle while she ate (or pretended to eat).  Up we went into the living room.  There, I was met with Hubby holding a nice tall glass of sweet tea.  I sat on the couch and did absolutely nothing but cuddle with Piggy Baby and sip some tea.

It was my mother's birthday and I had just gotten done singing "If You're Happy and You Know It" to Piggy.  The thought came to me "Ooo!  It's Mom's birthday!  I can tell her 'happy birthday' through this song!"  Oh, what idea it seemed...at the time.  I sent her a text reading "Iiiiiiiiif you're 50 and you know it clap your hands!"  She responded in the expected way by "clapping".  Then without thinking, I continued with the song by saying "If you're 50 and you know it, then your face will surely show it, if you're 50 and you know it, clap your hands!"  I pressed send then realized the horrible thing that I had just done.  "If you're 50 and you know it...then your face will surely show it..."  It started to echo in my head "...then your face will surely show it...then your face will surely show it...then your face will surely show it..."  I hadn't thought that song all the way through.  I probably should have.  I immediately sent another text reading "...I would like to apologize...I didn't think that song all the way through..."  Soon after sending the apology text, my step dad texted me saying "She can't breathe, she's laughing so hard!"  I had redeemed myself.

After the redemption, I realized that I was hungry.  I scavenged the cabinets in search for some nourishment only to come up empty handed.  I sat back down onto the couch and started to think.  I was thinking about food.  I can't resist the stuff and it didn't help any that I was watching a TV show that suddenly decided that it would be a good idea to focus on food right now.  I turned and looked at Hubby and threw out the well known hint of a woman "I'm hungry."  He looked at me and asked "What do you want to eat?"  "I don't know.  I'm just hungry."  Poor Hubby has yet to catch on that by saying "I'm hungry", I'm actually saying "I don't feel like cooking or thinking about what to eat.  You cook something and figure out what we're going to eat."  He just said "Well, order some pizza."  *Sigh*  Still needs some basic training, but I was hungry and not in the mood to say "But you're supposed to do it!"  I ordered me some awesome stuffed crust Hawaiian pizza and him a stuffed crust super supreme.  We waited and finally got the pizza.  We were content.

A few hours after getting some yummies in my tummy, I Skyped my mom and talked to a few aunts and uncles and they wished me a happy Mother's Day as well as getting to see my little Piggy.  My step dad shoved banana nut muffins in my face since I couldn't eat any because they were there and I was here.  My brother added some comic relief by drawing a pair of eyes on his hand and randomly having his hand take a bite of banana nut muffin.  He wasn't even the one I was talking too.  All I saw was his knuckles creeping into the picture, then a pair of drawn on eyes, then the top of a muffin, then "Awmn!"  His hand ate the muffin.

That is pretty much all that I did on the all sacred Mother's Day.  I know, it's not a lot.  I'm actually happy that it wasn't a big shebang.  We're also going to go out to eat, but just not on Mother's Day.  One, we didn't have the money to go out to eat (too many days at the end of our pay check) and two...like I said before, Mother's Day is the number one dine out holiday.  Number one dine out day equals busy, busy, busy.  But on Friday, we're going to go to an all you can eat sushi bar!  Me gusta sushi!

So how did your Mother's Day go?

DIY Drain Cleaner

Have you ever done the dishes and noticed your drains are a little on the slow side?  Or that there is this nasty smell emanating from them?  Especially if you have a garbage disposal?  Well, I've had to deal with this smell all too often.  It smells like something crawled into your sink and died.  It's the worst.  You can use some of that expensive drain cleaner, but oh the chemicals!  Not to mention that if you aren't careful, those chemicals can corrode your pipes.  No body wants to deal with leaky pipes.  But why use that stuff then there's a less expensive and way safer alternative?

I present to you, yet another use of baking soda and vinegar!  Only this time, add some lemon juice!  Take a quarter cup of baking soda per drain and sprinkle in and around the drain.  Take a quarter cup of vinegar and pour in and around the drain too.  Let the stuff sit for about ten or fifteen minutes.  Pour about four cups of boiling water down the drain to flush everything out.  Repeat until you are satisfied (I normally do this twice).  Once you're happy, take two tablespoons of lemon juice and pour down the drain (gives a nice lemon-y smell...mmm...lemons).

If you have a garbage disposal, just pour the lemon juice into some ice cube trays and put into the freezer.  Once frozen, you can plop a few cubes down the "drain monster" and turn it on until there's no more cubes.  This helps to give that nice lemon-y smell and  cleans the blades!

Easy Toilet Cleaner

When it comes to cleaning a toilet, I feel dread building up in me.  The thought of the seat is possibly covered in pee and...whatever else...makes me cringe.  I don't want to touch the thing.  You can't make me!  I refuse!  The only thing that gets me to cleaning one of the nastiest places in the bathroom is that the next time I use it, I'll be sitting on an nice, fresh, clean seat.  That is enough to get me to clean.  The only problem is that just about any good toilet cleaner has bleach and I can't stand the smell of bleach.  This posses a problem.  I want a sparkling clean toilet but without the smell of bleach.  What ever shall I do?

Vinegar and baking soda.  That's it!  Sprinkle in one part baking soda to two parts vinegar into the bowl, leave it for an hour or so, scrub away, and done!  For the outside, use the same ratio but mix it in a bowl and use a rag.  I find that doing some scrubbing with just the baking soda helps to scrub away some harder...stains.

Now that you have a secret to clean toilets without the noxious smell, you too can enjoy a pearly white porcelain thrown

Piggy's First Easter Basket

     I started planning Piggy Baby's Easter basket back in March, before St. Patrick's Day even came around.  In fact, I actually got some of the things I was going to put in it on St. Patrick's Day!  Hubby just thought I was crazy for even planning an Easter basket for her "It's not like she'll remember it."  I know she might not remember it, but I sure as hell will!  I had an Easter basket every year up until I moved in with my dad.  Then, it was a hit or miss as to if we would even get anything on Easter.  But I still go on with how I was raised.

     Church was a big thing with my mom meaning Easter was also a big thing.  Every year, we would go shopping for a special Easter dress for me and a special Easter shirt and tie for my brother (he pretty much wore the same kind of dress pants every year).  There was even one year when my mom took me to get a special Easter perfume to wear!  On Easter, we would wake up, get all dressed up, and head to Sunday school then services right after.  We would come home and there would be baskets waiting for us on the table.  How they got there, I might never know.  There would also be bunny tracks (I discovered it was actually baby powder) leading from the door to the table then back to the door.


This is everything that was in the basket.



Some toys for her to play with.  There's a teether, textured playmat
rings, rattle ring, rattle, and a cool little Ferris wheel thing that can
suction cup to a high chair tray, table, or any smooth surface.
 Some nice, simple things for her and me to play with.

If you're going to have an Easter basket, you kind
of have to have the basket.  This cool
little number has a hat around the bottom. 
Of course, she has quite a bit of growing to
do before she can fit into it!



No Easter basket would be complete with out eggs.  Even though
she is too little to eat any candy, I still plan on filling these
babies up with random things like rice, beans, rocks,
 bouncy balls, sand, etc. and then gluing them
shut so that way she can shake them.  Easy DIY rattles!




A tutu for when she gets older (it's 12 months size) and some cool
 shades since she likes to stare at the sun or any bright lights.



This is Piggy's basket all put together.  Cute, isn't it?

To top off the basket, there's a cute little stuffed lamb for her.  The fact that this lamb is so fuzzy, it was a new texture to her and she was very intrigued by it.

 

        What did you put in your child's first Easter basket?  Share in the comments below!

Tutu of the Week: Easter!

     Celebrating her first Easter, Piggy is wearing an adorable pink and purple tutu.  Three layers of pink and purple in patterns and alternating with a pink and white daisy for the tutu and a pink headband with a purple lace flower on top to boot, this is a cute one to celebrate in!

Cleaning With a Baby

     After Piggy was born, I was so shrouded with love that couldn't care about how the house looked.  My parents and my mother-in-law were at the house with us and helping out by cleaning, doing the dishes, and making dinner.  I kind of got into the grove of my dad doing the dishes, my mother-in-law cleaning, and my mom cooking dinner.  I pretty much forgot that at some point, they'll all be back home.  That time finally came and my mind was thinking "The house is still clean so there's no need to clean.  You can do it next week."  Every week was the same thing.

     Once Piggy hit four weeks, I realized that the house was a complete wreck.  There were dishes overflowing the sink and onto the counters, trash piled up the wall being balanced onto more trash like a crazy game of Jenga, the couch was covered in random stuff, every piece of clothing was needing to be washed, the bathroom was a maze, the hallway became an obstacle course, and the bed was no where to be found.  Things needed cleaning and they needed cleaning now.

     I put my cleaning pants on and dove into the piles just to be interrupted ten minutes late by a cry Piggy.  Once she started crying, it would take her between half an hour to two hours to calm her down.  By then, I'd be too tired to clean.  I got the idea to let hubby watch her while I got to cleaning.  It worked...but only for a little while.  She would either get tired of being held by him or she was hungry making me stop what I was doing and come to her rescue.

     I hardly getting anywhere with cleaning.  I had to do something else.  I got to noticing a pattern.  I would go to clean, Piggy would want attention, Piggy Baby would get attention, she would calm down.  I had to give her attention while I cleaned.  What better way to give her attention than to wear her!  So I got a Moby Wrap.

     After the first week of wearing Piggy around while cleaning, I was able to get so much done.  The entire house went from looking like fifteen tornadoes, three hurricanes, and an earthquake struck to being nice and pristine.  I was loving it so much.  Unfortunately though, Piggy eventually got bored of me always wearing her that she would fuss whenever she was worn around for longer than half a hour.  So I had to think of something else.

     I made a cleaning schedule with times of when I was going to do what.  I made sure that every hour, I had time to feed and change Piggy.  I also made it flexible incase she decides to go on her own schedule instead of mine.  I had my days starting at ten in the morning and going until Piggy fell asleep or midnight, whichever came first.  From ten to two, I had everything that I needed to clean and then from three to midnight was catch up time incase I missed something because Piggy was being fussy or needed an extra change or threw up and needed to be cleaned up.  This was going great...until she decided to keep me up until four in the morning making me not wake up until one in the afternoon.  Even though she did go back to going to sleep around midnight, those few days of staying up until four hit me hard and I couldn't wake up before noon to save my life unless she was hungry or needed to be changed.

     Since I was getting up around noon, I was going to use it to my advantage.  I would wake up and give myself no more than fifteen minutes to fully wake up.  I would change Piggy Baby if she needed it, then before she could fully wake up, I would put her in her swing to lull her back to sleep.  I'd then do a load of dishes, eat me some breakfast, then get to cleaning.

     I am normally able to get a hour and a half of good cleaning done before she wakes up.  Once she does, I usually have thirty minutes before she wants attention of some sort.  By then, I'm either entirely done with cleaning, or almost done.

     When Piggy starts demanding attention, I give it to her.  I'll feed and change her and keep her happy until she decides she's tired again.  At that point, I just put her in her bouncer and bounce her to sleep then go back to finish my cleaning.  If she decides that she doesn't want me to leave her, then I just hang out with her until Daddy comes home.  Then I let him spend time with her and finish up my cleaning.  If it's after six though, I just go straight to cooking dinner and do what cleaning I can while it's cooking.  If Daddy doesn't get home until late (after eight), I just take her with me and bouncer her with one foot while I clean, do dishes, or cook.

     And that is how I get my cleaning done with Piggy.  It might take some experimenting, but eventually, you'll find a system that works for you!

Easy Window Cleaner

     When I say "easy window cleaner", I really do mean "easy window cleaner"!  Just two things - well, technically 3 - for this!  Ready?  Here you go:  vinegar and a spray bottle...and technically a wash cloth, paper towels, or sponge.  That's it!

     Vinegar brings a shine out of those windows.  Even better, you can use this on mirrors and fixtures like the bathroom faucet, kitchen sink, any thing you want to give a shine to!  Something else that vinegar has going for it is that it doesn't have those nauseating fumes.  If you're worried about your house smelling like a pickle jar, don't worry!  When it dries, it looses the scent so you won't smell anything.  Nice, eh?

     Compare vinegar to Windex and you won't tell a difference.  Well, except for Windex leaving that lingering scent, you won't be able to tell.  If it's a hot day outside and you don't get a chance to wipe off the vinegar, it won't leave any residue like Windex would.  Bonus:  you can get vinegar for, like, $2 for a gallon.  That's less than a small bottle of Windex!  Money saver!  And who's not into saving some cash?

Plastic Bag Storage

     If you're like me, after every store trip, you wind up with a lot of bags on your hands that you keep.  You never know what you can use these things for: the trashcan in the bathroom, dirty diapers, wet clothes, putting your husband's lunch in because he keeps loosing lunch boxes, the uses are endless really.  The only problem with these things is that they take over fairly quickly.  I have an entire cabinet full of them.  I practically have to shove them in and put the trashcan in front so the doors don't pop open.  Ok, so there's no "practically" about that.  I have to shove them in and put the trashcan in front of the doors.  I had  to do something about those bags.

     I present to you, my plastic bag storage containers! Alright.  Alright.  So they're just Lysol wipes containers and an old travel pack baby wipes container.  Not to high techy there.  But when you go from bulging cabinets to easy to carry wipes containers, it's hard to resist.

 

     How did I get my bags into the containers so neatly?  It must have been a lot of hard work, right?  Nope.  It just took me five minutes.  Alright, so maybe fifteen because I kept getting distracted by the TV, but it would have taken five without!  Fine.  The first container took me longer than that even without the TV distraction.  That was only because I was doing it the hard way.  Once I discovered the way easier way, it took five minutes.

     What did I do?  Well, first, you're going to need a Lysol container and/or travel baby wipes container and (of course) your stash of plastic bags.

     Step 1:  Separate all of the bags.  Don't have any inside of another.  That would just make it impossibly hard.  Take off the label (if you can) off of the wipes container.  If you can't, don't worry about it.  You can paint over it or something.

     Step 2:  Flatten out the bags.  This is where I discovered that I was doing things the hard way.  Before, I was just taking them and un-wadding and un-crinkling them aimlessly.  Then, I discovered that all I had to do was just find the "hem" on one handle and the "hem" on the bottom corner on the same side as the handle then pull.  It will straighten and align itself.  Then just do the same thing on the other side!  Viola!  Easy way that just takes a few seconds compared to the half minute before.  Once you've flattened out the bag, fold it in half where the handles are folded onto the handles (not handles onto the bottom).

This is what the "hem" looks like

After you pull, this is what it will look like

Ta-da!  Pulled on both sides and it's now flat!

Fold in half and push out the air

     Step 3:  Lay out as many bags as you want/can fit like this:

Handles go over the bottom

 

     Step 4:  Roll them up!  Make sure the get the air out before you start to roll up a bag.  Otherwise, you'll wind up with a big roll of air and a little bit of plastic bags.

Roll starting from the handle then move down to the bottom.  To make it easier to find the end once everything is all rolled up, on the first handle, flip it up then roll.

     Step 5:  Just put them in the container!  Ta-da!



Open the container...

...plop in the roll...

...pop the top back on and voila!

     For the wipes package, follow the first three steps then fold like below, then put in the wipes container.  Once again, ta-da!

Fold bottom just barely smaller than the width of the wipes package

Flip over and place the bottom of another bag on top, overlapping the same amount folded over for the above step

Fold handles in



Flip over and repeat with approximately twelve bags

 

Slip folded bags in through the opening then fix them flat inside



Pull top handle out and you're done!

     That's all there is to it!  I keep one big container near Piggy Baby's changing table (for those really stinky diapers) and one in the car (you never know what might happen: need a trash bag, wet clothes from the beach, muddy clothes from a Piggy rolling around in her "natural habitat", too much stuff and not enough hands, etc.)  I keep the little package in Piggy's diaper bag (for those stinky diapers and poopy/wet/dirty clothes when on the go).

     What will/do you use yours for?  Leave a comment and let me know!