"PRODUCTS I LOVE SERIES": MR. CLEAN MAGIC ERASERS

With a toddler in the house, I am always at one moment or another cleaning, cooking, or picking up after my little man. And since my son was born, I have really become more in tune with a lot of products out there to help me accomplish those tasks.  Over the last few years, I have found several "can't live without" products that have really made my life easier!! So I've decided to make a new series of posts now and then about some of the products that I love and how they really do make my life a whole lot easier!  These won't just be cleaning products. Some will be foods, organizational products, health and beauty....anything really.  Eventually, you will be able to find links to the posts from my main page. :) I hope they help some of you the way they have helped me!!

 

First up on my list are these heaven sent cleaning pads! Mr. Clean Magic Erasers! Click here to read about why I love them and how you can too!



SPACE SAVING DVD STORAGE

Pre-kid times, my home was always neat and tidy. Very seldom would there be a pile of mail on the table or clutter in the corner.  However, after my son was born, my living room began to look more like a daycare and less like a home.  And while I admit that I hate the clutter, I wouldn't change my lil human tornado for anything!

 

One thing in my living room that is a total eyesore, is our DVD collection.  When my husband and I first got married and we combined our DVD collections, we bought a big wooden DVD storage shelf. After a while, we managed to fill the shelving unit and then some.  (When I say "and then some", I mean 600+ DVDs).  And in my opinion, nothing looks tackier than a ton of DVD cases taking up space in my living room.  So I was determined to eliminate some of the clutter by figuring out a way to condense all the movies.

Click on the "ORGANIZING & CLEANING TIPS" page.



UPDATE

Three weeks in to 2013 and I have come to see that 2013 has come in just like 2012 went out.  To describe it in one word....CRAZY.  Life is wonderful but each day seems to be fuller than the last, and I've begun to wonder if twenty-four hours are enough. 

Lately, it has begun to feel as if I am a single parent.  My husband works so much during the day and spends his weekday evenings at the police academy, which leaves breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between up to me and me alone.  I feel guilty for being exhausted by the time evening rolls around, but I can't help it.  Many people don't realize that being a stay-at-home mom is tough JOB!  I, myself am guilty of thinking that way before I had kids.  I was truly one of those people who thought that stay-at-home moms laid around all day and watched soap operas while their children played.  However, now that I myself am one of those so-called "couch potatoes", I can honestly apologize for ever assuming that this life was a breeze.  An average day in our house consists of me battling my two year old to eat anything that I put in front of him.  Colton recently got into the phase of telling me he's hungry, telling me what he wants, and then when I make it for him, flat out not eating it.  Temper tantrums and whining are common in our home lately. But, out weighing everything else is the frequent cuddle time that I have with my son.  Just when I'm ready to yank my hair out by the roots, that cute little face looks at me, smiles, and then curls up next to me.  Heaven!  



In between all of the whines, cries, and cuddles are scattered moments where Colton is occupied long enough for me to get some things done around the house.  A load of laundry, dishes, or dusting seem like tremendous accomplishments on some days.  And another accomplishment that I hope to complete soon will be getting Colton potty trained before Easter.  We began to introduce the potty to him a few months ago when he began to show interest in it.  After a few attempts though, I felt that he might not be quite ready to move full force into it yet. So I waited.  Then the other day, when he woke up in the morning he took off his diaper (which ended up being dry) and proceeded to pee all over his bed.  Talk about a mess! Today, he woke up and took his poopy diaper off.  He now absolutely does not like wearing a diaper anymore!  I'm pretty sure this is a sign that he's finally ready. :)   Now if only I can get him potty trained in a few days like many people I know.  Fingers crossed!!!

Even with all the craziness of daily life, my husband and I have begun to talk about possibly building a new home within the next year.  We were planning on buying a home, but decided that the idea to build a brand new home is better!  Although we are just beginning to discuss it (we at least need to wait for him to finish the academy), I am already beyond excited!!! We have looked into builders and have found a couple that we like, and have browsed models and styles on the builder's website.  My husband is so preoccupied with work and school that he hasn't looked at much more than the initial floor plans.  I, however, have begun to obsess!  I spend a lot of time comparing styles and layouts, and making my "Need/Want" list for options. I've been told that the whole process is tiring, stressful, and exceptionally fun at the same time. I just can't wait to truly get started!



Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and I finally got all of our Christmas decorations packed away. Looking around my house now, it looks pretty lonely and bare.  So what does that mean??  It's time to decorate for Valentine's Day!!! I have lots of ideas to put together and I will blog about them as I get them finished!  I have always loved Valentine's Day....everything is red, pink, and pretty!!  Check my "Valentine's Day" page often to find how-to and ideas for decorations, crafts, and recipes!