Best Dressed Baby - Honest Baby

What sleep-deprived, spit-up covered, diaper-changing parent doesn't need a good laugh every once in awhile? At Honest Baby, I've discovered trendy tees that "celebrate the imperfect jouney of parenting" and remind the world exactly why you have those dark circles under your eyes.

Look - Parenting is tough stuff. Honest Baby says, why not embrace it? These tees are charmingly snarky, finding the funny in the day-to-day challenges of both parent and child.

Like this "not sleeping through the night" tee, which should quiet your Ferberizing friends in a hurry. And if not, Honest Baby's "Ferberizing stinks" tee will definitely do the trick.

As much as we love our little ones (and heavens knows we love 'em lots!), children aren't perfect, and neither are their parents! Even Aspiring SuperMoms get "I hate you!" yelled at them in the middle of library story time. Instead of making excuses for the public displays of humiliation, wouldn't it be nice to just put your little one in a "Back off I'm teething" top to explain away the difficulties?

Look - parenthood is not always pretty. Honest Baby says, why not embrace it? They're charmingly snarky tees find the funny in the day-to-day challenges of both parent and child. I especially dig the trendy colors and word-blurb style (my fave is "Sharing Is Overrated", shown above), because it's that much more fun to be both clever and stylish!

Being a parent is tough stuff. Honest Baby tees are guaranteed to keep a wry smile on your face, no matter how rough it gets.

SuperMom Discount: Honest Baby is offering Free Shipping to all SuperMom Central readers, when you use the code: HONESTIBABY. That should make your smile just a little bit bigger!

Works For Mom Wed. - The Super Tee!

Once again, I’m singing the praises of the beloved Tee shirt. Or should I say, the Super Tee?

This is Super Jude, smiling triumphantly after having saved mankind from the monster under his bed, the boogie man in his closet, and the “alligator” vacuum (as it is lovingly referred to around here). And what has given him the strength to overcome such dreaded childhood foes? His super de-duper Tee-shirt cape, which took mommy a whole two minutes to make! Here’s how:

Find an old tee, preferably blank on the back. Take your sharpest sewing scissors and, starting at the shoulder seam, cut right outside the stitching along the front of the neck. When you get to the opposite shoulder seam, start cutting diagonally downward along the back of the tee til you get to the bottom. Then do the same thing on the other side. Trim it up, if you like, to be the right length.

Ta-da! Supermom has made a Supercape for her Superkid!

Imaginative play is so important for developing young minds. Not only does creative activity use many parts of the brain, but it sends the message to your little ones that they can be anyone, do anything with their lives. It can give them heros to admire and goals to aspire to. The possibilities are endless to the child who knows how to dream!

*To get your kiddos involved in this craft, let them decorate their capes with fabric markers (we drew a big Superman-style J on Jude's) or help them sew colorful buttons onto the hem.

Monday Mommy Must-Haves - GIVEAWAY!

Confession: I am out-of-my-mind busy these days. Yet no matter how fast I run, most nights I fall in to bed with a "to do" list longer than ever. Girls, I'm exhausted. Which is why I'm SO looking forward to the Moms Who Make It Conference on July 16th!

I hope I've been yakkin' about it enough that you know exactly what I mean when I mention Moms Who Make It - but did you know you have the chance to attend for FREE?!?! Because I've got TWO tickets to giveaway and I can guarantee you'll love me forever for this one. This is a full day of classes designed to help moms everywhere achieve their goals both inside and out of the home. Plus fabulous food. Plus fun shopping. Plus ME! I'll be there soakin' it all up and enjoying every minute of this awesome opportunity to take a deep breath, re-focus my goals and learn from the amazing wisdom of other Moms Who Are Making It!

I am absolutely passionate about the message behind this conference, because we Moms have a wonderful, but tough job and it's easy to feel...

- Tired of juggling so many priorities that we miss quality time with our children and significant other.
- Frustrated with the economy; husbands are losing jobs and we struggle to help our households stay together.
- Overwhelmed by feelings of no/little control over our circumstances.
- Discouraged by the never-ending to-do list that we never seem to get a handle on.
- Too busy to spend time taking good care of ourselves.

Moms Who Make It promises to provide the tools that will help you "balance family, household and business responsibilities with greater ease, allowing more time for your top priority, your family". Does anybody else get a little teary-eyed at the thought? I love that the entire day is dedicated to helping your achieve your goals, while still keeping the focus on family. So right on!

Here's the Deets: Tickets are on sale right now at a sweet Early Bird price that ends at midnight tonight! There are both half day and full day options, so you can attend according to your schedule. I've got TWO FREE tix to GIVEAWAY that will hook you up for the entire conference, plus entrance for you and a friend to the VIP after-party (which is SO gonna rock!).
To enter to win, simply leave me a comment telling me why you'd like to attend the Moms Who Make It Conference. Make sure to give me your email address too so I can contact you ASAP if you win!

For 3 extra entries, put up this cute button showing everyone how much you want to be there:

I will announce the winners on Saturday, July 11th (which hopefully gives you enough time to get a babysitter or whatev). A few quick requests:

*** Please enter only if you truly hope to attend!
*** If you're thinking about snatching up a ticket at the Early Bird price, do it! We will reimburse you for your ticket if you win!
*** The conference takes place in South Jordan, UT so please only enter this giveaway if you know you'll be in the area on July 16th. I wish I could fly y'all in from all over the world, but then my kids would have nothing to eat. However, if you want to fly yourself in and need a place to crash, my spare room is all yours!

Rockin' Raw Snacks and how to get your Kiddos Cravin' Them!

After begging, pleading, threatening, bribing and cajoling my children into eating fruits and veggies (with very little success, I might add), I decided to take a different approach. I've spent the past few months seducing my children into healthy eating and do you know what I've learned?

It's All About Presentation

My kids will eat just about ANYTHING that looks cool! For instance, if I put colorful munchies in a muffin tin, they gobble them up! The same stuff on a plate? No way.

pic from www.sycamorestirrings.blogspot.com

I've also noticed that healthy dips make fresh foods more fun too. When I offer plain apple slices, I get nothing but grumpy faces. But those frowns turn upside down the minute I pull out blueberry yogurt for dipping! It's the same with veggies. So now, each day I put out a raw snack and healthy dip in my cute little Pampered Chef caddy and by the end of the day, it's all gone!

(The dip you see here is so simple - lowfat sour cream, a packet of onion soup mix, parmesan cheese and cooked spinach)

My inspiration for eye-pleasing presentation came from a fabulous catering business I visited last month - Utah Celebrations. Not only does their food taste amazing, it looks amazing too! I was enticed to try several new dishes because they were beautifully laid out.

I was very impressed by the elegant simplicity of their menus and freshness in the food their serve. I'm looking forward to enjoying Utah Celebrations again at the Moms Who Make It Conference, where they will be providing several fabulous meals throughout the day/evening!

Best Dressed Baby - Shoo Shoos

Hip mommies know that shoes not only complete the outfit, they can make it! But sometimes it can be a struggle to find styles that are both fashionable and functional. And yet, of all the products you will buy your children, there are few things more important than their shoes. It's imperative that your little one's feet have support, flexibility and comfort as they play through their days. And the best way to get new walkers started out on the "right foot" is a baby shoes that delights the toes. Shooshoos do just that, providing a great fit and a great look!

What sealed the deal for me as a fan of Shooshoos are their childlike, trendy styles. Check out my two faves below - perfect for your little monster or your little cupcake!

Shooshoos makes baby and toddler shoes that put a smile on both baby and mommy's face. Their online shop boasts over 80 styles to choose from - and almost half are on sale! (That gets a BIG smile from me).

Patriotic treats and lessons

A yummy little history lesson is just a sprinkle away! What could be sweeter than educating your child one cupcake at a time?

(Photo found at http://www.planningaparty.blogspot.com/)

This darling cupcake flag (set out to look like it's waving in the wind!) couldn't be more simple!You'll need 24 cupcakes total, frosting 10 white, 10 red, and 4 blue. To make the little stars, drop a spoonful of white frosting into a plastic baggie and snip the tip, the squirt little dots onto the 4 blue cupcakes.

Ok, I lied. To make it more simple, use white frosting and let your kids do red and blue sprinkles to make the flag!

BRAINY BONUS: While you bake/decorate, talk about our beautiful American flag - how it was made, it's significance, respect for what it stands for. Here are some fun facts you can discuss:

- On January 1, 1776, the Continental Army was reorganized in accordance with a Congressional resolution which placed American forces under George Washington's control. On that New Year's Day the Continental Army was laying siege to Boston which had been taken over by the British Army. Washington ordered the Grand Union flag hoisted above his base at Prospect Hill. It had 13 alternate red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the upper left-hand corner (the canton).

- In May of 1776, Betsy Ross reported that she sewed the first American flag. On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."

- Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.

- There is no law governing the proper folding of the US Flag. However, the tradition is to fold it 12 times into a triangle shape that looks like the 3 cornered hat.

- Only the President of the US or Governor of a state can order the flag flown at half-mast.

- When a flag passes in a parade you should always put your hand on your heart.

Happy Independence Day!

Totally Tip Tuesday - Dress to Impress for A Whole Lot Less!

Before I had children I used to wonder why many moms were dropping riduculous cash on brand name kiddo clothes. Excuse me, "Kiddie Couture". Even now, I don't quite get it. My son cares WAY more about whether there's a dinosaur on his shirt than the words "Calvin Clein", so why should I? I may pay a little extra for the dinosaur, but rarely for the label.

However, there is definitely something to be said for quality. Most kiddos are rough, rowdy and messy (as they should be) and their clothes take a beating. Well-made clothing is going to be more stain-resistant, tear-proof and will wash up without fade or stretch. If you're planning on having more than one child, the most frugal thing you can do is pass along older children's clothing to younger sibs. But that's pretty impossible to do if their full of holes or covered in red popsicle residue.

Which is why I love teaching moms how to get Brand names at Bargain prices. It's not as hard as you might think, if you've got someone willing to pass along the "insider tips"...

Ebay

I've had a love affair going with Ebay since we moved home from Switzerland. I was pregnant with my first son and smitten by all the lovely European childrens' brands I'd seen while working as an au pair. But when I tried to buy them here, boutiques and specialty shops were asking outrageous prices! I began to hunt Ebay and discovered passion the thrill of the auction and satisfaction in getting exactly what I want at a price I set. Now I buy about 50% of my children's clothing there and take great pride in paying so little for my favorite labels.
Savvy Savers Will...

do their homework. Know how much brand names sell for in the stores, especially when they're on sale, to make sure you're really getting a good deal. Take advantage of combined shipping rates by buying multiple items from the same seller. Refine your searches to look at "Time Ending Soonest" Auction Items and "Lowest Price" Buy It Now items to find the best deals. Buy off-season and ALWAYS make sure the listing indicates no stains, no rips, no holes, no fade and from a non-smoking home.
Why?

The endless selection! Put any item, size, and color into the search engine and presto! You'll get a huge variety of options that fit what you're looking for. Recently I was given a darling green & yellow shirt for Gabby that I knew would look fun with a green skirt. I put in my specifications and within minutes had purchased exactly what I wanted for a whopping $4.98! There are favorite styles I like to "search" for (like corduroy dresses or peter-pan collars) and favorite quality brands I keep an eye on for sweet deals. And when you find a great seller, you truly will pay 1/2 price or less for mint condition clothing. Like this cute Gap outfit I bought yesterday for $7.05 total (including shipping):

Plus, I can do it in my bathrobe at 2 am. Such convenience!
Why Not?

You can't really inspect things before you buy them, nor can you try them on. Technically, this is the seller's job and they are required to disclose accurate sizing as well as any flaws or wear. When they don't, Ebay is willing to get involved and keep their sellers honest. But it can be a pain to get your money back if something goes wrong. And a bummer to receive a really cute jogging set with a big stain on it.

Second-hand or Consignment Stores (like Kid2Kid or the DI)

I hit these a few times a year, usually with a coupon in hand. Many consignment stores (Savers, Kid2Kid, etc.) will put out decent coupons ever 2-3 months, which really make the savings worth the trouble. Red Cross and DI usually doesn't, but their prices are so low that coupons aren't necessary - LOTS of persistence is necessary!

Savvy Savers Will...

Ask shop owners when they're big "buying" days are, and visit the morning after. Keep a list in your purse of the things your child still needs for the upcoming season (ex.: brown pants to match a cute sweater you bought or 5 pairs of warm jammies) and be focused when you shop, because there can be alot to wade through and the racks are usually very disorganized. I also price out many things on Ebay beforehand, so I know whether I can find a certain item cheaper online.
Why?

Screaming deals, especially on shoes and baby clothes - once I got several darling Gymboree and Ralph Lauren jammies for my newborn at $2 a pop. I've also have stumbled upon "hard to find" European brands that shops arent' familiar with, and therefore are way under priced.
Why Not?

The selection is massive and generally poor. Your likely to spend alot of time pouring through seriously hashed clothing before you find the right item in the right size in the right condition. Also, some of these stores have gotten quite savvy at recognizing when they have popular items, and jack up the price way higher than what a patient Ebayer will pay.

TOTALLY TIP TUESDAY: What are your favorite ways to save money on quality clothes for your kiddos? Is there a certain store that runs great deals? Coupons you love? Please share!

All "tippers" will receive a second entry in our Eco-Friendly giveaway this week!

Monday Mommy Must-Haves - An All-Natural Summer

Popsicles that don't Poison

I'm sorry to say it, but you might want to think twice as you reach for those Otter Pops this summer. Not only do they contain ridiculous amounts of man-made sugars but they get their pretty colors from food dyes, including the dastardly Red Dye #40. If you're wondering what in the world I'm talking about, PLEASE check out this article on the negative effects Red Dye #40 on children.

Luckily, several family-friendly companies actually care about our children's health and make superfun popsicles, brightened and sweetened with all-natural ingredients. Hooray for The Original Brand Popsicle - we will be enjoying you all summer long!

If you'd like to make your own popsicles (even more ingredient control) check out this fun post.

"Just" Water

Staying hydrated during all your outdoor fun is a must, but at what cost? You can filter your children's drinking water all day but the wrong sippy will still leak BPA, putting harmful chemicals right back in. (wondering what I'm talking about? Read more here) The mommy-world in particular are taking these warnings to heart and demanding that our little one's live BPA-free.

Thank heavens Nalgeen has heard and answered this critical issue with some awesome new products! Their Grip-N-Gulp is safe, durable, leak-proof, inexpensive (less than 10 bucks) and rocks the unique "lid loop" so it can clip on to diaper bags. Love it!

Nalgeen also makes many grown-up versions, my favorite of their savvy bottles being the "Filter For Good" On The Go style. BPA free, taste/odor free, indestructible and with a one-hand flip top (perfect for us multi-tasking moms).

Eco-Friendly Reading for summer's Lazy Dayz

I'm always on the hunt for small tips that make a BIG impact - on my family, my budget, and my environment. But as much as I love Mother Earth, the practical gal in me (who pays the bills and folds the laundry) needs a healthy does of "good sense" behind any efforts to Go Green. So when "The Lazy Environmentalist On a Budget" by Josh Dorfman promises on it's cover to "Save Money. Save Time. Save the Planet." I'm immediately enticed.

Truth be told, it's all great advice! But chapter 9, "Better For Baby: Green Gear For the Small Set" should be given to every new mama everywhere (maybe they could include it in those free diaper bags you get a the hospital!). This is a comprehensive, yet no-nonsense approach to acquiring all you need for your little ones, in an inexpensive and eco-friendly way. The author naturally educates you on safety issues and environmentally responsible companies, while providing reviews and price quotes that pleasantly surprise even the cheapest parents (my husband can attest to this!).

GIVEAWAY: To help you have an All-Natural Summer, I've got a copy of "The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget" AND an awesome Nalgeen Filter-For-Good OTG bottle for one lucky reader! To enter, leave me a friendly message in the comments, along with your email address. How's that for lazy?

Contest ends July 11th, 2009 and winner will be chosen by random.org. Good luck!

Best Dressed Baby - Shabby Apple

When I discovered Shabby Apple over a year ago, I was instantly smitten. As in, Deep Smit. Because this hip clothing company fulfills all my mommy-wishes - classic styles with modern flair, charming patterns in eye-catching colors, plus a dash of modesty! These dresses are designed to draw adoring attention to any sweet little girl that wears them and compliments to the mom savvy enough to have shopped Shabby Apple.

They're fab, no doubt, but they're a whole lot more. Shabby Baby's designs are made to be worn everywhere - from chic summer parties to sunny-day playdates, your little girl will be comfortable and cute in any of fashionable frocks. Plus, she'll be covered - no under-tees or cardigans needed!

Gabby wore her "Pink Panther" style (courtesy of Shabby Apple) out to help mommy in the garden yesterday! Doesn't she look deliciously darling?

Thanks to Shabby Baby, girly glam can be part of a carefree childhood because these dresses are durable and machine-washable. They're also surprisingly affordable - most are around $30, but here's a hot tip: Shabby Apple is running killer summer sales right now. Not only that - they've offered all SuperMom Central readers an additional 15% off when you use the code SuperMomCentral150ff!

But why should our daughters get to have all the fun, right? Shabby Apple's Womens line is every bit as gorgeous as their Girls selection and made fit to flatter. They even provide a fun little 3-question quiz to help determine the best Shabby Apple styles for you! And once you've found the to-die-for dress you can't live without, they recommend super-cool accessories to ensure you are head-to-toe fab!

Want to love these fantastic fashions even more? The SuperGirls at Shabby Apple, owners Emily and CK, donate a portion of every sale to aiding women in India. When you buy, you help others!

I'm considering this chic Jackie O dress (above) with a pair of Persnickety boots for my big TV debut on Studio 5 - what do you think?

Run, don't walk, over to Shabby Apple and dress you and your little ones stylishly, affordably, comfortably and modestly!

(Don't forget to hook yourself up with a 15% discount - coupon code supermomcentral15off)

Works For Mom Wednesday - Purex

Technically, it's Thursday morn. But I was finally able to shoot a little vlog that demonstrates the #1 reason why Purex 3-in-1 sheets are Working For Me (and many other mom out there). Remember last week's WFMW, when I told you about the handiness of this cool new invention by Purex? Synopsis: One step detergent/softener/dryer sheet, no mess, cleans great, smells sooooooo good. But what I didn't tell you is how Purex has inspired my kiddos (check out this funny video of Merrick and I):

If that's not an awesome product perk, I don't know what is!

(please don't laugh at my very first entry into the world of Vlogging, even though it's obvious that I was looking at the monitor, not the camera eye! Yes, I know I also muttered and there was an enormous mess in the background - the point still got across, right? Purex rox.)

PS - "Woobie" came out cleaner than he's been in months. Really.

Totally Tip Tuesday - Get Inspired!

Let's face it: no matter how creative and brilliant each of us are (and we all know you are!), day in day out of Sesame Street and Good Night Moon can be draining! Someday I feel like the piles of dishes, piles of laundry and piles of bills are forming a wall to keep me from following my dreams. And yet, I know in my heart that one of the best things we can do for our children is let them see us reaching for the stars. Or better yet, take them along. And hopefully, as we pursue our goals, our little ones are learning that they can and should pursue theirs.

But it takes alot of work to keep your creative juices flowing while stepping on Barbies and Legos. Here's one way that I'm working to stay inspired:

Mom's Who Make It Conference (July 16th)

The second I heard about this conference, I knew I had to be a part of it! Luckily, the MWMI women felt the same way and invited me to be one of their "Sexy Six" Backstage Bloggers! Which means I'll be there workin' it with all the other amazing moms, women and business owners, learning from their wisdom and enjoying all the posh pleasures that MWMI will be offering. Like what?


Mom's Who Make It is being held at the gorgeous Noah's in South Jordan and is bringing together awesome sponsors like Today's Mama, StartUp Princess and Wasatch Woman. Add in fabulous florals, delectable food, amazing speakers/classes/vendors - you can't help but be inspired!

Best of all, it's headed up by one of my mom-heros, Quinn Curtis, the owner of CreatedbyMom.com, who inspires women every day to acheive their dreams. Here's what she's said about this amazing event:

"Get ready for the time of your life! This conference is all about empowering you to create the life you want! Though the conference is called “Moms Who Make It,” anyone & everyone is more than welcome to attend (not exclusive to moms)! The insights & instruction given from our excellent speakers will help anyone looking for a way to “make it.” Times are tough & the world is changing. Stay on top of the wave by executing winning strategies and networking with other women, mompreneurs and business owners. We are so excited to offer this conference at such an affordable price – the value far exceeds the ticket cost. Can’t wait to meet you and have you join us for the creative event of the year! You can make it!"

Are you as pumped as I am?

Want to hang with the girls making all this happen? You can!

Surrounding yourself with amazing moms is hands-down the best way to rejuvinate your creativity and get inspired!

Monday Mommy Must-Haves - UV Skinz Giveaway!

After weeks of mellow temperatures, punctuated by several crackin' good thunderstorms, the summer heat is about to hit Utah hard. I'm stocking up on my Mommy Must-Haves for keeping the kiddos kool!

Spunky Sprinklers

With 3 little ones 5 and under, you won't catch me dragging us all to the waterpark anytime soon. I simply don't have enough hands to keep all my kiddos afloat! So I figure, why not bring the waterpark to us?

This Octopus from Pottery Barn is not only adorable, it looks like a blast!

UV Skinz

As conscientious moms, our children's health is at the top of the priority list. Which is why I'm so thrilled when I find a product that makes safety a no-brainer! Those skin-damaging rays can try their hardest, but they're not getting at little Merrick's sweet baby bod while he's rockin' his UV Skinz...

Now, each morning before we swim, garden, bike-ride, nature walk or just mess about in the yard, I pop a UV Skinz shirt and hat on my baby and leave the worry behind (thanks, UV Skinz). Both are soft, cool and super cute! Want to see the hat? It's even cuter than the shirt!

The founder/owner of UV Skinz (SuperMom Rhonda) lost her husband to skin cancer at the shocking age of 32 and has dedicated her life to preventing this tragedy in the lives of others. Her sun-protectant clothing are designed to provide instant coverage and comfort so that you can do what you love outdoors without risking the health of those you love.

They come in a fun variety of short/long sleeved styles, many with matching bottoms and hats, which fit all sizes - little ones, big kids AND their SuperMoms!

GIVEAWAY: SuperMom Rhonda and UV Skinz has generously offered to give one lucky SuperMom Central reader the UV Skinz item of their choice!!! To enter, zip on over to UV Skinz, check out their savvy sun-safety products, come back here and tell me which one you would choose if you win. For extra entries...

- Sign up for UV Skinz monthly newsletter
- Blog about this giveaway
- Subscribe to UV Skinz blog RSS feed
- Follow/tweet about UV Skinz on Twitter

Contest will end June 29th at 11:59 pm MST and winner will be chosen by Random.org

Don't Forget SuperDad...

Happy Father's Day to all the SuperDads out there - especially ours! SuperMom Central would be nothing without him.

Thanks again to Pajamagram, who sent us these cutie-patootie SuperFam jammies!

Family Fun Friday - How Does Your Garden Grow?

The opportunities for family fun in a summer garden are endless, and it's not too late to plant! Any local gardening center can set you up with several varieties of veggies that will bring you a lovely fall harvest.

Involving your little ones right from the get-go is easy and wonderfully beneficial to them. As each child is given a job (weeding, watering, planting, rock removing, etc.) they experience responsibility and teamwork. The learning lessons are abundant! You can discuss with little ones what makes something "alive", what plants need to grow and the power of the sun.

As it comes time to harvest, older children can observe the difference in family budget when you eat what you grow. Talk about "sustainability" and all the ways the earth benefits when we buy less. Encourage little ones to take pride in what they've accomplished. And be sure to let your kiddos share your crop with a neighbor or two and experience the joy of giving something you've made yourself.

You can even make a craft out of your Garden Signs - how cute are these painted rocks for plant markers?

Works For Mom Wednesday - Handy Housework Helpers

Want to know my least favorite mommy-phrase?

“Not now, honey, mommy's busy.”

How I despise saying those words to my children when they request story time while I'm rinsing dishes, or hand me a dress-up princess crown as I'm folding laundry. But with 3 little ones underfoot, the housework is a full time job and then some!

I admit, there are many days where I simply shove the unfolded laundry aside, let the dishes pile in the sink and play. As much as the mess drives me crazy, I also know that to everything there is a season. Not so far in the future my children will go out into the world and I will have all the time in the world for sweeping floors in my empty home. And I'll miss the mess (or at least, the mess-makers!).

That being said, there is only so many crumbs and clutter I can stand! Thankfully, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve that help me keep the mess to a minimum around here:

Chore Charts

That's right – I've got my own little in-home workforce who go crazy for cleaning when it involves stickers, reward activities and a bit of healthy competition. All the “earned” prizes surround fun family activities We homemade our simple ones awhile back and laminated them so they could be reused over and over. It was a fun afternoon craft!

If you're not into making your own, there are some darling templates available online – some free, some for a small fee. Hands down, the cutest ones are from Scrap Girls.

Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets

Oh how I am crushing on these little wonder-sheets! I've tossed out my entire shelf of laundry supplies and replaced them with one sweet-smelling little box. Now, when I load my washer, I simply grab out a Purex 3-in-1 sheet, throw it in on top of the clothes and go! No measuring sticky liquids, no return to put softener in – not even a dryer sheet is needed. Right on!

The way it works: Purex sheets release detergent once wet and do a killer job getting laundry clean and bright. But the green strip at the top remains intact until it reaches the dryer, where it is heat activated to remove static and soften.

As a Purex Insider, I was sent a pack of these sheets before they hit the shelves and couldn't believe how they streamlined my laundry day. As soon as I ran out, I headed straight for Walmart to get a long-term supply! Want to win your own supply – as in a YEAR'S worth? Go here!

The E Cloth

I'm always looking for ways to avoid using harsh chemicals around my kiddos, as well as speed up the whole tedious kitchen-scrubbing process. Which is why I was intruiged by the E Cloth's claim that it could clean grease, dirt – even fingerprints on stainless steel – with only a little spritz of water! Thanks to the good people at Swanson, I've been putting my E-cloths to the test for several weeks now and haven't touched my 409 once!

My favorite place to use them are my non-stick pans, which we all know love to cling to soap residue. The E-cloth is made of tiny little fibers that pick up dirt normal washcloths don't. My pans get perfectly clean in less time, with less water, and no chemicals for the family to inhale. Even my kiddos like cleaning with them – Gabby has claimed the E-cloth Dusting Cloths as her own and likes making the “pixie dust” magically vanish from our computer screen (with a wave of her wand and a swish of her E-Cloth!).

And it's all in the name of more time for mommy! Because when my kiddos volunteer to help out, the laundry needs less attention and the counters need less scrubbing, I get to spend more of my day where I want to be - down on the floor playing with my little ones.

I'd love to hear what ideas and products are Working For Mom in your home to make the housework easier!

Totally Tip Tuesday - Healthy Treats for your Little Snackers

After employing many different methods, I'm pleased to say that my kiddos will put up with most fruits and veggies at mealtimes. But if I try to serve up even the smallest apple slice for snack, things quickly turn ugly. Revolutions are planned, coups staged - there was even a "sit in" once. Not pretty.

And don't get me wrong - I'm not opposed to a bowl of fishies here and there. Nothing wrong with some old-fashioned carb loading every so often! They're kids, not Olympic athletes. But I've also been working on some creative ways to use the foods I know will make them healthy in recipes I know will make them happy.

Cinnamon-Honey Crunch

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup honey

1/2 tsp cinnamon

6 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal

1 cup Explorer's Bounty Puffed Cinnamon Banana

1 cup unblanched whole almonds

1 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup Explorer's Bounty Puffed Cinnamon Pineapple

Combine brown sugar, butter, honey and cinnamon in a saucepan and heat until boiling. Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl then pour heated mixture over the top and stil until mixed. Lay everything in a greased cake pan and bake at 250 degrees for 40-50 minutes (stirring every 10 minutes). Let cool on wax paper, and serve in a big popcorn bowl for snacking!

I make a point of using Explorer's Bounty Puffed Fruit when I whip up this family treat because it's not just important to me that they eat fruits and veggies. I'm also concerned with the quality of these foods! Explorer's Bounty is dedicated to providing products that are grown, processed and packaged in accordance with the highest organic standards.

I was amazed, actually, at how quickly the puffed fruit disappears when I put it out at snacktime! My kids love the crunch and strong, pure flavor (no added sweetners or preservatives!). They also like to sprinkle Explorer's Bounty Fruits over their cereal and yogurt.

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An appreciation for purity in produce has made me a huge Musselman's Applesauce fan as well!They recently came out with two awesome new twists on traditional applesauce:

Musselman's Totally Fruit and Musselman's Healthy Picks

Both are No-Sugar Added / Artificial Coloring Free (some of my very favorite words!) - and both have been huge hits in the Horsley Home! My littlest dude, Merrick, who used to refuse traditional applesauce, now lights up at the sight of Musselman's Totally Fruit Peach Applesauce. Gabby loves her berries and downed all 4 cups (each worth 1 serving of fruit) of Musselman's Healthy Picks Blueberry Pomegranate in 2 days flat!

Want to try them yourself? Go here to print off a discount coupon.

Did you know applesauce can be a healthy substitute for oil in almost any sweet treat? I love doing this with cakes, bars and my personal fave, cookies.

Iced Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

(Based on Martha Stewart's recipe)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 egg 1/2 cup Musselman's organic applesauce

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 1/4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars, then add egg and applesauce and mix until well blended. Add in remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Drop golf-ball size chunks of dough onto cookie sheet and bake 13-15 min. at 350 degrees, until golden.
While they're cooling, whisk together 1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar, 3 TBS maple syrup and 3 TBS luke-warm water until smooth. Drizzle this icing several times over each cookie.

Totally Tip Tuesday: What is your child's favorite healthy treat? Do you have a healthy snack recipe that your kiddos love? Please share!

All tippers will receive a second entry into our JumpStart learning games GIVEAWAY!

Monday Mommy Must-Haves - JumpStart Giveaway!

These Monday Mommy Must-Haves all center around education, as I've been struck lately by the wonderful yet brief opportunity we get as moms to be our children's teacher. I know it's easy to indulge feelings of dread as school lets out for the summer, wondering what in the world you're all going to do for 3 whole months?! I suggest that the freedom of summer is a precious gift, because now YOU get to choose the curriculum. Will you craft your days away, developing artistic talents? Will you venture outdoors, letting nature be your teacher? Will you find fun ways broaden math and reading skills, encouraging your children's strengths and strengthening the subjects they struggle with?

It's completely up to you! Pass on to your children a deeper love of learning by making education, of some sort, a part of your summer.

For the Crafty Mommy
If your kiddos should tire of the usual drawing, painting, cutting and gluing, try something new! Knitting is not only fun, it's very useful. Children can make items to use, wear or give as gifts (why not spend the summer making handmade Christmas presents?) To get you started, check out this book:

For the Rockin' Mommy
Play classical music has been shown to increase children's brain activity during art projects and studying. This summer, while your kiddos mash their playdough or do exercises in workbooks, delight both their ears and their brains with some great music! We groove to "The Motzart Effect" during learning and craft time:

Other favorites in our home are "Peter and the Wolf" by Sergei Prokofiev and "The Nutcracker Suite" Tchaikovsky.

For the Brainy Mommy
After a year of schoolbooks and homework, your children will sing your praises when you sit them down to JumpStart! These awesome computer games are packed with cool adventures that make them total kid-pleasers, and educational tools that make them definite mom-pleasers as well!

I told you a bit last week about how much fun my little ones have been having with JumpStart, and their enthusiasm hasn't died one bit. They still beg for it each afternoon, and excitedly cheer one another on while waiting for their turns. Check out Jude helping Gabby with her letter game:

And the more I learn about JumpStart, the more I love what a great learning tool these games truly are. Each level is designed to encourage children in a well-rounded group of activities - math, reading, problem-solving, art, creativity and critical thinking skills. And if you can pry your kiddo away from the keyboard, there's a nifty "parent" area that tracks how your child performs in each group. This helps me stay aware of what skills Jude and Gabby might need extra encouragement in. The "parent" area also lets you customize the prizes your children receive when they complete games and earn points. You can create certificates for "icecream outting" or "swimming with dad" based on rewards that motivate your child. So cool!

Let's be honest - even SuperMom's have to do the laundry, talk on the phone and take a shower sometime before 5 pm. JumpStart is the perfect no-guilt activity that will enthrall your kids and buy you the time you need to actually get something done during the day! While you're washing your hair, they're learning, and having fun doing it!

GIVEAWAY: JumpStart wants to give one lucky SuperMom Central reader a FREE 3 month Membership so you kiddos can play and learn all summer long! To enter leave a comment here on your favorite educational activity to do with your kids.

Giveaway will end Monday, June 22 at 11:59 pm MST - winner chosen by random.org.

Best Dressed Baby - CleverMom.me

Have you ever shopped online and wished you had someone to give you the "inside scoop" on baby/kiddo items? Oh sure, product descriptions tell you size and materials and color choices. But when I'm buying for my little ones, I want the lowdown, girlfriend style!

So when I found CleverMom.me, I was an instant fan! This uber-chic shop offers you all the latest and greatest for making parenting fun, easy and stylish, but that's not all. CleverMom.me herself (aka SuperMom Ilana) provides insights on each product, and not just a quick "I like this". She's savvy and experienced with every item she introduces, sharing her own insider knowledge both as a mom and as a shop owner.

This feature has made CleverMom.me my favorite place to browse and buy! I love reading what she's has to say about all the fun baby products she offers, like the Taylor Made Sling she says "was the answer to my prayers. During my mom’s group at the hospital I would put him in my sling, feed him, and he would fall fast asleep...I will admit I felt very stylish in it and eco-friendly too, with the natural hemp fabric and great silver rings."

As stylish as my sister and her sweet babe? Lynsey's little Leah started out life with a bad tummy, but the comfort and closeness provided by babywearing help both mommy and newborn through the tough times. Even older siblings love slings because it means mom's hands are free to play, cuddle and fetch sippy cups.

As for me, I've been hauling around 25 lb. Merrick on my hip for the past year (such a clingy babe - he's like a little monkey!) and was thrilled when CleverMom.me sent a Taylor Made Sling my way to review. Mer took right to it and my aching arms thanked me for the break! Even though he's almost two, the sling is perfect for longer walks and nature hikes when his chubby little legs get tired. And truth be told, I love the cuddliness it gives us! The hemp fabric is soft yet sturdy, and so Earthy Mommy chic. The Taylor Made slings come in twill/cotton as well and can be worn several different ways, according to how you want to snuggle your baby. I tried out a few and can't wait to use it full-time when my next little one comes along!

Babywearing is a main section at CleverMom.me, along with many other helpful categories like "Fussy Baby", "Eco-Friendly", "Health and Safety" and "For Mom". There's even have a new Tween area! Everything is fun to browse, yet also informative. Check out a few more of my favorite CleverMom.me products:

(from top right to bottom left - Dwink juicebox holder, Vintage "Age" Tee, ColorMe table and the Bug Pod)

Thanks to SuperMom Ilana's great insights, shopping at CleverMom.me is like having the wisdom of my grandma, sensibility of my mom, and savvy style of my BFF with me while I pick out items I know my kids and I will love! Brilliant!

Be sure to check out CleverMom.me and while you do, put this awesome discount to good use:

Coupon Code SUPERMOMCENTRAL gets you 15% off!

Works For Mom Wednesday - A Summer of Savings!

Whether you're feeling the pinch of the economy dip or living high on the hog, everyone benefits from a frugal t or tipwo! Especially now that the boredom, uh I mean excitement of summer is settling in. If you're anything like me, you want to make the most out of your summer, without making minced meat out of your budget. That means no big vacations, and not many small ones either. And while "Staycations" like backyard camping are great, sometimes we just get the itch to get out!

For SuperMom Central's first Works For Mom Wednesday, I want to share a few free activities that will get you out of the house for BIG FUN on small money (or no money - even better!). These are all going on in Utah, but if you google "Free Family Activities" and your city or state's name, you'll find plenty of resources in your own community.

Fat Cats Free Summer Bowling For Kids: get the kids out of the house, even on rainy days! Ages 5-15 can bowl for free weekdays between 9 am-5pm through August 31st!

Friday Night Flicks in the Park: Bring a blanket and a bowl of popcorn and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars!

Family Day at the Utah Museum of Natural History: Admission is free and hours are extended the first Monday of every month - we're big fans of the dinosaur exhibits and "fun with physics" demonstrations. Plus, this summer they've got a special exhibit called "Toadally Frogs" that promises a hoppin' good time!

WFMW: Please share what's "working" for you when it comes to frugal fun this summer! Next week I would like to link up with any of you who blog your own "Works For Mom" Tips and we'll all come by for a visit!

Totally Tip Tuesday - Daddy Deserves It

I honestly don't know how I lucked out! I ended up with a husband who truly loves being a father - even when that means midnight feedings, wiping bums and cleaning up puke. I don't even have to ask. And it's not just the caretaking either – he sings lullabyes, plays princesses, coaches T-ball ... he is our Aspiring SuperDad! Which is why I've got a few fun surprises up my sleeve this coming Father's Day (one thing he doesn't do is read this blog much so my secret should be safe).

We'll be starting his day off right with a comfy pair of jammies to lounge around in. The good people at Pajamagram sent our whole family a pair of their “Superhero” sleepwear, packaged just lovely! The Daddy set came in a handsome travel case, while the children's jammies were snuggled up next to a soft stuffed puppy in his own little doghouse!

(That's not my husband – my guy's way hotter)

Of course there will be breakfast in bed – eggs made by yours truly and painted toast decorated by the kiddos!

Remember this fun idea from last year? Simply combine 1/4 cup of warm milk with 4 drops of food coloring, pull out the paintbrush and let your kiddos create their masterpiece on a slice of white bread. Then pop it in the toaster!

My youngest two will also be helping mommy craft this sweet Father's Day "Me-and-You" book out of a cereal box

(instructions here at Family Fun):

While Jude (age 5) has excitedly made a Snapily card from two darling “Daddy and Me” photos! It was easy – he simply uploaded his favorite pictures to Snapily (with Mommy's help) and picked out the template he liked best. Snapily combined the two photos into a LivingPrint – an animated card that will make a darling keepsake and be cool to show off around the office!

Totally Tip Tuesday: What sort of fun things are you and your kiddos working on for Father's Day? Got a unique present you know he'll love? A sweet hand-made craft that will melt his heart? Please share!

***All “tippers” will receive an extra entry in this week's giveaway for a Summer Fun Activity Book!