tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32551494573375236072024-03-05T11:53:13.156-05:00Problem Solvin' MomSteph at Problem Solvin' Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195884439651922555noreply@blogger.comBlogger551125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-18948610741619176462020-01-22T05:07:00.000-05:002020-01-22T05:51:40.546-05:00How Metacognition Can Improve Student Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1401737297"></span><span id="goog_1401737298"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhWjmbuDQuO3OCbw0GV_LZ20gLyRuNUoAAl_Qg48zYgpGJT1RnbyNKJgXmExdAjM2GYcyR4jlDXo-hbtGzMx2i4nqnbDAoCm3bR_W8VGJnKQlgpxBL7fyhb4-oU8gL8wnuVGq0zJWw04/s1600/20190728_100719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhWjmbuDQuO3OCbw0GV_LZ20gLyRuNUoAAl_Qg48zYgpGJT1RnbyNKJgXmExdAjM2GYcyR4jlDXo-hbtGzMx2i4nqnbDAoCm3bR_W8VGJnKQlgpxBL7fyhb4-oU8gL8wnuVGq0zJWw04/s320/20190728_100719.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
You may have heard about metacognition, as it is mentioned in a large variety of sources - from teacher resources to educational research to the introduction of shows on Nick Jr. Metacognition is "thinking about thinking" or an ability to reflect on one's understanding of a topic or concept.<br />
<br />
I have been using strategies to improve metacognition in my classroom for several years. I have noticed a significant improvement in student success that translates easily to other subjects as well. In other words, metacognition can provide benefits across subjects and age groups. Strategies that focus on metacognition challenge students to take an active role in the learning process. It gives them skills to assess their readiness for evaluation or gains toward a goal, and an ability to make connections within and across curricula. As Dr. Natalie Saaris states in her article <a href="https://www.activelylearn.com/post/metacognition" target="_blank">Mastering Metacognition</a>, these skills have been linked to improved learning outcomes.<br />
<br />
Some children are naturally more metacognitive than others, but the good news is that these skills can be taught and honed with practice. Teachers can model behavior, actively assist in these new ways of thinking, and provide activities that allow for practice and feedback to improve performance. <br />
<br />
One simple way is to model metacognitive behavior in discussions. Talk through using context clues, mention what the subject makes you think or wonder about, bring up something similar and show how you might use the similar idea to understand the new concept. Then, help your students do the same by guiding them with leading questions. Group discussions are a great way to provide students with considerable feedback in a small amount of time. Students each get a chance to model thinking about their understanding, which provides a variety of different voices and examples. I find students often learn as much from each other during discussions as they do from my explanations. It is helpful for the listener and the student doing the explaining!<br />
<br />
Provide plenty of opportunity for students to demonstrate their thinking and support it with text or resources. Annotating an article or text book is a great way to demonstrate thinking. This works well done as a group at first for younger students, and then independently. Having students complete a reflective journal at a later time adds another layer of awareness. I will link to a set of annotation cue cards I've created to help make annotating text a habit in my classroom.<br />
<br />
Increasing student writing, especially reflective prompts, is another way to improve metacognition. My students keep a journal and respond to prompts that often challenge them to assess their understanding and make connections. Providing cues is helpful for all ages, but especially with younger learners. A poster or sign with reflective questions that is easily visible will help remind students to be thinking about whether what they are learning makes sense. Provide students with opportunity to evaluate their work, (with a key or rubric) revise their work, and then reflect on what they learned. I like to have students use the same rubric I'm going to use when we are doing projects, first to evaluate a peer and then their own work. Once I've graded the project we can discuss any discrepancies and share our viewpoints. Letting students grade their own quizzes is also helpful, as it presents them an opportunity in the moment to see what mistakes they made and determine where they went wrong. I like following up self grading activities with reflective journals or exit slips.<br />
<br />
What strategies have you tried that work well to improve metacognition? I'd love to hear them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-27940449696238709182020-01-15T16:43:00.000-05:002020-01-15T16:43:47.034-05:00Adaptation of a mom blogTime flies and our focus changes, which I guess is the best way I can explain how I walked away from blogging nearly five years ago. I am a firm believer that none of us can have it all, but by making hard choices we can have what we want. What I have wanted, ever since the girls were born, is to be present and connected as a family, and to ensure that family focus was possible no matter what other activities, professions and the like were part of our days. Both EmDee and I switched careers to focus on our family, and we are still both in the education field.<br />
<br />
I teach science at the high school level, as well as activities I do to facilitate learning and curiosity at home with the girls, now 10 and 12. My posts going forward will focus on education, play learning at home, and methods and activities that work well with my children and my students. I look forward to getting back to sharing with you! Here is a peek at what our family looks like today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPokgk7JAjlvzVj80Xaj6ELCVq8XJqnfknotDaOHv_dcI-kWa_H4gJd2NyJuA6Yl9btH2O4aBcKltQz19qNMiAvpeKzKIwumTHHVCZstSQ2sheqOomreBNSqdf2GhKniwu-MDRLZp8iGs/s1600/20190810_184457_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPokgk7JAjlvzVj80Xaj6ELCVq8XJqnfknotDaOHv_dcI-kWa_H4gJd2NyJuA6Yl9btH2O4aBcKltQz19qNMiAvpeKzKIwumTHHVCZstSQ2sheqOomreBNSqdf2GhKniwu-MDRLZp8iGs/s320/20190810_184457_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV-81XQCeZi-4FDkjzARA2_trU4gs8qwukyf_ddUCwC6Zdg4pHNX4aRghBLl6jgZGnrxKY7uj0HvedWnahmyyddlWGu2YkMWlslzb0gpeGUr5Uzs0KUZ75KMTiWo7LT7szcHWVcxkdyc/s1600/20191025_162932_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV-81XQCeZi-4FDkjzARA2_trU4gs8qwukyf_ddUCwC6Zdg4pHNX4aRghBLl6jgZGnrxKY7uj0HvedWnahmyyddlWGu2YkMWlslzb0gpeGUr5Uzs0KUZ75KMTiWo7LT7szcHWVcxkdyc/s320/20191025_162932_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQibkiPN3PL7Y1r3ykLubtZUbR5subcma_JonfrraSD66NrQuRmpDze19Os-ID_EjCAaKrKJosm_d0RV6lxlIhbThW8E7hG_I_JWsSdIK9i9keaxbrBIUEZ9Om8V6puYBaO__onAEbzg/s1600/20191126_164346_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="829" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQibkiPN3PL7Y1r3ykLubtZUbR5subcma_JonfrraSD66NrQuRmpDze19Os-ID_EjCAaKrKJosm_d0RV6lxlIhbThW8E7hG_I_JWsSdIK9i9keaxbrBIUEZ9Om8V6puYBaO__onAEbzg/s320/20191126_164346_resized.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zKoJB5WqYay0b0kT1VqHj8frnIxHLiCJ6E4AgHM97ye4u0YoR3J5Axd6NsHx4IZViTU9I8oZfkPr6zLylH1q7aIz9pegX_RrwJ9eIBycn_8t6oWwD2v_kGsrUUy_SwmSCV-mvxuzp64/s1600/20200104_120657_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zKoJB5WqYay0b0kT1VqHj8frnIxHLiCJ6E4AgHM97ye4u0YoR3J5Axd6NsHx4IZViTU9I8oZfkPr6zLylH1q7aIz9pegX_RrwJ9eIBycn_8t6oWwD2v_kGsrUUy_SwmSCV-mvxuzp64/s320/20200104_120657_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon!Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-42138404811747953952015-03-12T06:21:00.000-04:002015-03-12T06:21:10.716-04:00Showing our #Disneyside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddHfxfR5uz4zOv5XZbZRTnKSwAtIXjiHHB-VW97ym6LXl4BipbgAIt05Q15h3UZX-NZ6DaM9c3Ww2Jyamr3vTaIigNfG60mnEYITx0pNTAvi4CnRGmxzgbkkPBgXUQj2_FMHSF2a1aTM/s1600/20150307_161245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddHfxfR5uz4zOv5XZbZRTnKSwAtIXjiHHB-VW97ym6LXl4BipbgAIt05Q15h3UZX-NZ6DaM9c3Ww2Jyamr3vTaIigNfG60mnEYITx0pNTAvi4CnRGmxzgbkkPBgXUQj2_FMHSF2a1aTM/s1600/20150307_161245.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
*I received free products from Disney Parks and Momselect in order to host a Disney Side @ Home Celebration. As always, all opinions shared are my own. *<br />
<br />
I never imagined we would be a family that loved going to Disney parks...sure, I loved the movies growing up, but had never visited as a young child. We live near a major theme park packed with roller coasters, so the draw for us isn't the thrill of the rides, it's the magic. I love watching the joy on the girls' faces as they experience a new adventure, meet a new character, and stretch their imaginations. I love the memories we make as a family, the stories we still talk about of our three visits so far...of what we loved most and what we want to do again. So when I was approached to host a Disney Side party, I was excited - what a great way to let the girls have some friends over for some fun and at the same time share our love of Disney!<br />
<br />
We decided to have a crafty party highlighting our love of Mickey and Minnie. In preparation, the girls made Mickie and Minnie water bottles and bookmarks with Disney Duct tape. The bookmarks stood proud on the top of our goodie bags for the guests. They may not look perfect, but I wanted the girls to have the fun of helping. They decorated the bottles and made the bookmarks, and we're so proud of themselves!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5t4UZJaysImnfeTCgJONxciMQtLslqz8jjZvIyIlbbx5AqkxMw9OQFkwAv30tnBQp1Gtst4A8UJsqzFVE9IGZD9FRc2FqHef2lazaLL2GzvA9I1_AIq6xIFC-Ujuj4MnMRQvE2kmQwg/s1600/20150306_181851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5t4UZJaysImnfeTCgJONxciMQtLslqz8jjZvIyIlbbx5AqkxMw9OQFkwAv30tnBQp1Gtst4A8UJsqzFVE9IGZD9FRc2FqHef2lazaLL2GzvA9I1_AIq6xIFC-Ujuj4MnMRQvE2kmQwg/s1600/20150306_181851.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next we provided oversized coloring pages from various Disney movies as "placemats" to help entertain the guests while they waited for food or the next activity. As with most kids 5 - 8 this was a big hit!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vtawb9Q5iyAJZ3zJJxPlP1ZkJHet-Fwkfrr0yq_Vvc422fVOGmJ_8ZMylZb4gW4x1yG2bBdgVs0ibN1PNfJUflUwO2xo_Tt4FwhqtGyCfiPsU1rD3zc4xxRXrbRmm5SMt_u0ZYSv2J4/s1600/20150307_162216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vtawb9Q5iyAJZ3zJJxPlP1ZkJHet-Fwkfrr0yq_Vvc422fVOGmJ_8ZMylZb4gW4x1yG2bBdgVs0ibN1PNfJUflUwO2xo_Tt4FwhqtGyCfiPsU1rD3zc4xxRXrbRmm5SMt_u0ZYSv2J4/s1600/20150307_162216.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After some pizza, we let the kids decorate their own cupcakes with piping bags. It was so fun to watch some carefully create a design while others investigated how much frosting a single cupcake could support!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgy-I5-cdkg65F13tQL_pYs3blRg2sh5wBmoTChMawpVUPT5-15hQEvWJZmRzD4qmnN6EB4eS3CD-KbxxUnxYtP4lahUyCC_mAAqUiO-h1F1fjxat6JF3yRptuTqsjT_W64MOTLMXztrI/s1600/20150307_170311-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgy-I5-cdkg65F13tQL_pYs3blRg2sh5wBmoTChMawpVUPT5-15hQEvWJZmRzD4qmnN6EB4eS3CD-KbxxUnxYtP4lahUyCC_mAAqUiO-h1F1fjxat6JF3yRptuTqsjT_W64MOTLMXztrI/s1600/20150307_170311-1.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We finished the party off with a series of games: Mickey Go Fish, Disney Bingo, Disney Word Search, and Guess What Disney Character I Am?! The guests circulated through each activity station. Everyone seemed to have fun, but the best feedback I saw that our party was a success was when none of the guests wanted to leave! A party is always fun, especially when you throw in a little Disney Magic!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfKmqD5bRIme90ktcG_MZtzUx6PYA11uOSmrVz5RHobvQ2gabwRcBB_Z59ixnLDXqormEyak-1J2zNPvaesnoGCd_A0IZGa2bdyo-cYDn2FTV2JGDroVETLolN52WUPuO8oTXvcgxl6c/s1600/20150307_170222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfKmqD5bRIme90ktcG_MZtzUx6PYA11uOSmrVz5RHobvQ2gabwRcBB_Z59ixnLDXqormEyak-1J2zNPvaesnoGCd_A0IZGa2bdyo-cYDn2FTV2JGDroVETLolN52WUPuO8oTXvcgxl6c/s1600/20150307_170222.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks again to Disney Parks and Mom Select for sending us a Disney celebration box of goodies to help with our party. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-61787425628039063782015-02-18T21:32:00.000-05:002015-02-18T21:32:43.107-05:00Speak out against the DARK Act - Just Label It!<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">
<div class="s2" style="color: black; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img height="320" src="webkit-fake-url://3eacda15-a7c7-42e0-9daa-36ea67864fea/imagejpeg" width="320" /></span></div>
<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span>
<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I have long been a firm believer in whole food, local and organic when possible, and I strongly believe we as consumers deserve to know what is in our food. As such, I am a big proponent of GMO labeling. There is much to be concerned about on that front, and often I feel helpless to do anything. Today I am asking you to help our voices to be heard. If not now, it may soon be too late.</span><br />
<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Rep. Mike </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Pompeo is expected to reintroduce his </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">anti-labeling bill, the DARK Act, (Deny Americans the Right to Know) any day now. The DARK Act </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">threatens both national and state GMO labeling efforts across the country.</span></div>
<div class="s2" style="color: black; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s2" style="color: black; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">
<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The bill would preempt any state labeling laws while making it much harder for the FDA to ever mandate national GMO labeling. </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">TAKE ACTION NOW and tell Congress to reject this dangerous bill: <a href="http://justlabelit.org/take-action/take-action-congress/" target="_blank">http://justlabelit.org/take-action/take-action-congress/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> @Rep. Peter DeFazio and @Sen. Barbara Boxer were recently joined by @Chef Tom Colicchio to reintroduced their bipa</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">rtisan legislation, the Genetically Engineered Food Right To Know Act. Unlike @Rep. </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Pompeo’s</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">DARK Act, this legislation would require that the FDA require national labeling on all GMO whole foods and foods that contain GMO ingredients. Please tell congress to support the Genetically Engineered Food Rigt To Know Act, NOT the DARK Act:</span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1vdAzbN&h=TAQHjfvzV&enc=AZPUQtr6LECnILn26BtqzhohNmgBR5sd_aZBlh2kPji8th20auZb_IwKPgecmjJpFQZsnFJDGk7FuHRPwrGzt8JC7OPC7MStJHOWYGMIqU7OzxPV811V_N9Gi_NC0YB82dHO8kqzlSg3aATnhHAYT7V3-M-hSmkj9ZHLZDJBfsaGsQ&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1vdAzbN</a><br />
<br />
Together we can make a difference!</div>
</div>
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-31377099037594012392015-01-30T05:08:00.002-05:002015-01-30T05:08:27.193-05:00Little gifts everyday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm_3OdLpXmhzDl6Sn9xdOeW7YSTtMGY5dBmoMtJ8JgR7gzorSJcUng4DXIUq1eCcyt7IxaRR6sFhrsqRiXtxODA1NVK2YUzACvmowr8dvFoHpJmL0h9YvfknGbcruEhooeivJ5VgKxW4/s1600/20150126_153644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm_3OdLpXmhzDl6Sn9xdOeW7YSTtMGY5dBmoMtJ8JgR7gzorSJcUng4DXIUq1eCcyt7IxaRR6sFhrsqRiXtxODA1NVK2YUzACvmowr8dvFoHpJmL0h9YvfknGbcruEhooeivJ5VgKxW4/s1600/20150126_153644.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Has it really been a year since I posted?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Dusts off the old blog*</div>
<br />
As It is January, I have been working on coming up with my word of the year and reflecting, planning, and so on. The past year I have been blogging in my head all along, but I do want to try and <i>actually</i> post again this year :)<br />
<br />
I thought this cute snow drawing Sweetpea left for me on our hurried predawn exit was a good place to start. An adorable gift to come home to after a long day.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What are you feeling grateful for today? How have you been? Let's have a nice hot cup of something and catch up... <3 </div>
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-6582664939172704462013-12-28T09:00:00.000-05:002013-12-28T09:00:01.946-05:00Reflecting, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBCHsZ7McoE28FN5mq7Lc8Ze3gLQCRBfYtYF99GV4bupwip4PLirA5LYT0Dq1lEWm3b2SM2OgaxDMOiAZANbQA8lJACF3iZ4LKJBAkCizcr98qADTDuMdjdquyHY4UvdH6qnPH37lQOE/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBCHsZ7McoE28FN5mq7Lc8Ze3gLQCRBfYtYF99GV4bupwip4PLirA5LYT0Dq1lEWm3b2SM2OgaxDMOiAZANbQA8lJACF3iZ4LKJBAkCizcr98qADTDuMdjdquyHY4UvdH6qnPH37lQOE/s320/040.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tis the season for reflecting and resolving! The past year has been chock full of highs and lows, but as I look back there are so many blessings to count. Overall we are heading into 2014 stronger, more confident and with a full heart. As usual I have so many projects and ideas in my head, one of my goals for the year is to work on being clear with my direction and protective of my time and resources. I want my days to reflect my ideals and to lead by example...as I'm planning for the coming year, my goals fall into the following categories:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Family/Parenting</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Home</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Health</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Business</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I would like to share my favorite resources for each in case you too are focused in these areas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hands down my favorite parenting resource is <a href="http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/free-parenting-training" target="_blank">positive parenting solutions</a>. I attended a free webinar about a year ago and knew it was a resource I wanted (and needed...) Mindy offers practical advice on a huge variety of topics in a way that is accessible and immediately applicable to daily life with kids of any age.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In addition to my parenting goals I have a huge dream for our family this year. I'm using <a href="http://leoniedawson.com/affiliate-redirect/?p=psmom&w=amazingyr" target="_blank">Leonie Dawson's create your amazing year workbook</a>. This one planner has sections for both your personal and business goals in one handy workbook. Bright, colorful, artsy and full of inspiration for big bold dreams. For my everyday list loving self I'm also investing in the 100 days of a new year ebook from <a href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1464955" target="_blank">ListPlanIt</a>. Use code 100dAYS3OFF to get the 100 days planner for $5! Both of these resources are fabulously affordable, and beneficial for both life and business goals.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My biggest goal for our home this year is to finish decluttering and finally feel settled, organized and at peace with our home...no big deal, right?! Yikes! The tool I've been using toward this goal is Emilie Barnes book More Hours in my Day. This book is a fast read full of inspiration and practical suggestions for organizing as well as for creating a warm sustainable home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a new favorite cleaning product for nearly everything in my home - something I love so much I have to dish about it. <a href="http://www.branchbasics.com/" target="_blank">Branch Basics </a>is a cleaning product that isn't just non toxic, it's made of food grade materials. It appeals to my home and health goals, and better yet it works wonders! I will write more on this in the future...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Speaking of health, my other favorite resource for improving our health through real food, natural remedies, etc is the <a href="http://villagegreennetwork.com/" target="_blank">Village Green Network</a>. This is a great resource for blogs, ebook bundles, pod casts and more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What are your goals for the year? What tools are you planning to use? I would love to hear what you are up to!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-62648109687821963422013-07-18T12:29:00.000-04:002013-07-18T12:30:45.972-04:00Messy Messy - it's OK!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8OrXum_UiDqY70d4HvVRGsSLxFgnDAGbBF6MTKnziORKri6q-_pFQ4NCdDPh-_74wbup30FVotU9cnWvQ6bTvlHtyulJpbddp9uJ33fb9sf95jDB6-NUrnGc_6rMeV6PCUKGzqO-imY/s1600/20130718_085855_resized-745972.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8OrXum_UiDqY70d4HvVRGsSLxFgnDAGbBF6MTKnziORKri6q-_pFQ4NCdDPh-_74wbup30FVotU9cnWvQ6bTvlHtyulJpbddp9uJ33fb9sf95jDB6-NUrnGc_6rMeV6PCUKGzqO-imY/s320/20130718_085855_resized-745972.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5901993934246686370" /></a></p><div><br></div><div>Summer is the perfect time for messy crafts and play! I confess to trying to save this stuff until at least late spring when it is warm enough to be out for an extended period of time without freezing. Glitter and I have a love/hate relationship, but in the summer I dole it out with reckless abandon. Paint in the yard while I work in the garden? Why not, it washes off...what do you let your kids do when the weather is nice and the mess easier to corral?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div style="font-size:75%;color:#575757">Sent from Samsung Mobile</div></div> Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-2503801049153393742013-07-10T23:36:00.000-04:002013-07-10T23:37:25.740-04:00Raspberry {jam} delight<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gpW0qFTHKiNxDvN6tWX9w_t32-dR-al50lI51hTqs5L4ESKRjmq9N4_iNs8psgiBZGiWzJP6RMxs-LsPk8asYlTrOHPKG1FD9dH9z2JG7nHyzwB2z3AwBXCAVh8CbBMXzhZqeLLZZ5I/s1600/20130710_171320_resized-745740.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gpW0qFTHKiNxDvN6tWX9w_t32-dR-al50lI51hTqs5L4ESKRjmq9N4_iNs8psgiBZGiWzJP6RMxs-LsPk8asYlTrOHPKG1FD9dH9z2JG7nHyzwB2z3AwBXCAVh8CbBMXzhZqeLLZZ5I/s320/20130710_171320_resized-745740.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5899197049922364722" /></a></p><div>Our raspberry bushes are about five years old now, and this is the first year they have really produced. We were delighted with several quarts of berries from our six bushes, and are planning to add more bushes in the fall. I will say we have been spoiled by our thornless blackberries though, as my scratched up arms can attest! </div><div><br></div><div>At the start of raspberry season we were still getting strawberries, and I made several mixed berry pies. I would like to experiment with an alternative thickener,.do any of you fabulous readers have experience with arrowroot or something similar?</div><div>Now that the fresh raspberries are winding down, the blackberries are nearly ready and I'm making jam. It is a big hit, can you tell? :)</div><div>Here is my recipe, adapted from the ball canning site:</div><div>3 cups (organic) raspberries, mashed with my potato masher</div><div>1.5 cups dehydrated organic cane sugar</div><div>3 tsp natural pectin</div><div>Boil berries, stirring in pectin slowly. Add sugar once berries and pectin are at a rolling boil, then allow mixture to boil for one minute longer. Pour into jars and allow to cool...enjoy!</div><div>How does your garden grow?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div style="font-size:75%;color:#575757">Sent from Samsung Mobile</div></div> Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-70041465785030767572013-06-21T05:25:00.000-04:002013-06-21T06:15:52.187-04:00Outdoor Play Spaces<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXgDbr0sXM70Vd9lbWfd8s7xUE1fxGnTn5Wi9CiG_ljybkm2fHqU4r9XhlmvGqgR5t6OgTmqOPrL_pdIIojicmMEbTvb24G4ASu5TmLOcoEg5fSjjq7WOAQ6-Kq3Ztzm4tj5iNi0hq2k/s1600/20130526_131600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXgDbr0sXM70Vd9lbWfd8s7xUE1fxGnTn5Wi9CiG_ljybkm2fHqU4r9XhlmvGqgR5t6OgTmqOPrL_pdIIojicmMEbTvb24G4ASu5TmLOcoEg5fSjjq7WOAQ6-Kq3Ztzm4tj5iNi0hq2k/s320/20130526_131600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The early stages of this year's mud pit development</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
I'm always looking for activities that will capture the interest of my girls and allow them to explore and investigate nature at the same time. This is our second year designing a mud play area into the yard, and without a doubt it will be a permanent fixture for years to come. As you can see, the garden area is fairly spread out, or maybe it just feels that way because I have a three year old?</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zrxqlf26RXuBxOin67oDy1mteIlTmLocPBFsDm2h5v1lE9R_rCURUPzGOV3MyWiaaf7HXPWSH8Z_NBMi01TknxDh8evLo8a71CjgoLhZNcC4zrgQ4EAODTJ8h-k-eJ8Jzd-EP_mqolI/s1600/20130526_131825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zrxqlf26RXuBxOin67oDy1mteIlTmLocPBFsDm2h5v1lE9R_rCURUPzGOV3MyWiaaf7HXPWSH8Z_NBMi01TknxDh8evLo8a71CjgoLhZNcC4zrgQ4EAODTJ8h-k-eJ8Jzd-EP_mqolI/s320/20130526_131825.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls' play space is in the center of our garden area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
As this photo demonstrates, she is enthusiastic, energetic and totally in the throes of three :)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6uBkwd7FC7iK9VwfqpZex2NSmMIO6mrw4t3rljqk0KPz3g63aQqK6689mTUX1XjcT4huQVCJqEmTowcoZxs3W6jMCH7d7LqcQaC6PvcXcfVBB0_Udch3SvTITZrsq5OqUtz_JsBpmCU/s1600/20130526_130708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6uBkwd7FC7iK9VwfqpZex2NSmMIO6mrw4t3rljqk0KPz3g63aQqK6689mTUX1XjcT4huQVCJqEmTowcoZxs3W6jMCH7d7LqcQaC6PvcXcfVBB0_Udch3SvTITZrsq5OqUtz_JsBpmCU/s320/20130526_130708.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to my mud kitchen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
Throughout the summer, the girls never seem to get tired of the mud play. We include buckets, shovels, sand toys and any random things that catch their interest such as pine ones and rocks. They make mud pies, fancy restaurant meals, develop games, and capture insects and toads. It entertains them after they lose interest in weeding and picking vegetables, exercises their imaginative muscles and gets them in touch (literally) with nature. Win, win, win!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); nclear: both;">
Interested in other excellent outdoor play spaces? This is an excellent<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Childhood101" target="_blank"> resource for outdoor play ideas</a>. I love <a href="http://childhood101.com/2011/01/a-new-years-resolution-to-encourage-unstructured-outdoor-play/" target="_blank">this link</a> on the importance and challenge of undirected outdoor play. What have you been doing outside lately? I'd love to hear your successes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-53395286992209648672013-06-03T17:54:00.000-04:002013-06-21T06:39:37.061-04:00Strawberries three ways<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw1OrgtGvmsysO6zpbHhOY5u8oGxXqioq_f93llpOTcF63JM26fBh7ILTNLptaFhHTc1JlFMaSycMvD7bCRfDEvLrRfA5K1lZco_h7GU1hf6PbqD5vsApQoZ8RAV8e_Q9MKUzIUuQUek/s1600/2013-06-03+17.44.04-761715.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5885449357313577778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw1OrgtGvmsysO6zpbHhOY5u8oGxXqioq_f93llpOTcF63JM26fBh7ILTNLptaFhHTc1JlFMaSycMvD7bCRfDEvLrRfA5K1lZco_h7GU1hf6PbqD5vsApQoZ8RAV8e_Q9MKUzIUuQUek/s320/2013-06-03+17.44.04-761715.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With strawberry season upon us, we are eating these sweet treats every which way. Yesterday we made strawberry syrup for"snowcones" and today the leftover syrup became strawberry lemonade and strawberry orange popsicles!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To make strawberry syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar (we used organic cane sugar) and add a cup of berries to the mix add your syrup comes to a boil. Mash the berries with a potato masher, and if desired strain out the pulp...we left it in there. Cool and pour over crushed ice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To make strawberry lemonade, mix 1/3 cup syrup with 1/3 lemon juice and about two cups water (adjust amounts depending on how sweet or tart you like it).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We added a splash of lemonade to or popsicle molds and topped with orange juice to make some healthier popsicle treats. The girls love them, and it's nearly all fruit and juice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So far we aren't getting enough berries for a pie, but I'm hoping we will soon!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span id="st_finder"></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/widget/stblogger2.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">var switchTo5x=true;stBlogger2.init("http://w.sharethis.com/button/buttons.js", {"sharethis":["large","ShareThis",""],"pinterest":["large","Pinterest",""],"facebook":["large","Facebook",""],"twitter":["large","Tweet",""],"googleplus":["large","Google +",""],"linkedin":["large","LinkedIn",""],"email":["large","Email",""]} , "df03278b-f22d-4e86-b7ed-65a62f4e167e");var f = document.getElementById("st_finder");var c = f.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes;for (i=0;i<c.length;i++) { try { c[i].style.display = "none"; } catch (err) {}}</script>Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-33274247768490994082013-06-02T09:17:00.000-04:002013-06-02T09:18:42.405-04:00Happy Summer Break!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5IEUea7zIeLGbC3Yl8IpB38OHD6WkYXSonFHjAaA3rdB6TbenesctH12CKENrA3hujM12bhqKey4tV5w9owZDBv8QNfUZsP_E33_eBd64CQi_rbKQziOuHzUTUq9C6GKAsk2BoWSdZY/s1600/2013-06-02+09.12.09-722405.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5IEUea7zIeLGbC3Yl8IpB38OHD6WkYXSonFHjAaA3rdB6TbenesctH12CKENrA3hujM12bhqKey4tV5w9owZDBv8QNfUZsP_E33_eBd64CQi_rbKQziOuHzUTUq9C6GKAsk2BoWSdZY/s320/2013-06-02+09.12.09-722405.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5884874524567474834" /></a></p><div>Wishing you many lazy and lovely days with your family in the next few months. I am so happy that I decided to make the move to teaching - I love working with the kids and the extra time with family is such a blessing!</div> Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-22541844237522116042013-01-08T18:49:00.001-05:002013-01-12T08:25:52.933-05:00<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<div>
Nothing like a good spam blast trying to take over the blog...and Sugar Plum has been so sick this week I haven't been on my sight at all. Apologies to anyone who clicked through. :(</div>
</div>
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-9255363383280544082013-01-07T22:14:00.001-05:002013-01-07T22:14:28.034-05:00What a lovely gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsaoii2x8LspgMcFkg4QcEsDf9ZM1WYTe3a-RSt_iDMRLOk50xaOEH036UHeLpDMq0mB8pTePGGvIAIu0oZvBp8Y03ECFqor7CUqQ51ULFnq0Cs4vq8hDFqt8Wn4Qfe9NOWmU9fsaDmc/s1600/IMG_8548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsaoii2x8LspgMcFkg4QcEsDf9ZM1WYTe3a-RSt_iDMRLOk50xaOEH036UHeLpDMq0mB8pTePGGvIAIu0oZvBp8Y03ECFqor7CUqQ51ULFnq0Cs4vq8hDFqt8Wn4Qfe9NOWmU9fsaDmc/s320/IMG_8548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My<a href="http://problemsolvinmom.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-grandparents-are-famous.html" target="_blank"> famous grandpa</a> turned 97 yesterday. What an amazing gift it was to watch the girls dote on their precious Papaw. My heart is full,we are so blessed.</div>
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-59668715597040245342013-01-04T05:29:00.001-05:002013-01-04T05:50:08.388-05:00The danger of facebook when I'm half asleep...I love being able to email posts from my cell phone, it is so handy most of the time! The problem is when, half asleep and trying depserately to consume enough coffee to get the energy up to make it to the shower you accidentally email a post to your blog instead of to your actual email account...not that I did that this morning of anything! <br />
<br />
So, since I *didn't* do that this morning {ahem} I'll just replace that picture with this adorable one from our holiday break and recent snow event...Happy New Year everyone!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmwDGa6UVp0qlCw9Zbxljd__NfYfcEQtzgcoJvFeTLEJGxjZBpmpe2ERTyBB_w6d3nIRBvpiHGnZIjq1XllGoZpe4wyH7gSe8cMa2UxP0Mikazg04Jt4kYjJ0SuUuzoh-3zt3dWYea-A/s1600/2012-12-26+13.45.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmwDGa6UVp0qlCw9Zbxljd__NfYfcEQtzgcoJvFeTLEJGxjZBpmpe2ERTyBB_w6d3nIRBvpiHGnZIjq1XllGoZpe4wyH7gSe8cMa2UxP0Mikazg04Jt4kYjJ0SuUuzoh-3zt3dWYea-A/s320/2012-12-26+13.45.39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And maybe after a lot more coffee and another few days pondering I'll post my goals for this year. Are you making any resolutions? I'd love to hear about them!
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-31077445019185162582012-12-24T10:30:00.000-05:002012-12-24T10:30:04.613-05:00Glittery Christmas Salt DoughLooking for a quick and kid friendly activity this Christmas eve? I modified this simple recipe from <a href="http://www.momontimeout.com/2011/12/its-salt-dough-christmas/" target="_blank">Mom on Timeout</a> to add a little sparkle to our salt dough creations. We are making ornaments and will try our hand at coasters as well - I'll get back to you on how the coasters turn out after they cool and we test them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkmgl6epnlTt_0OK1b67vbvwY3lbL4-e6Y0fJdg2ZMPskzQkPxF0meBRAGc9yedeBJS2xYQgn99tGGM-x4nmuNLlgnk9dQhC5925JWRssUSxfZCsxJExFHt57n7e-IPDm4KnaFEMIMSQ/s1600/2012-12-24+10.02.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkmgl6epnlTt_0OK1b67vbvwY3lbL4-e6Y0fJdg2ZMPskzQkPxF0meBRAGc9yedeBJS2xYQgn99tGGM-x4nmuNLlgnk9dQhC5925JWRssUSxfZCsxJExFHt57n7e-IPDm4KnaFEMIMSQ/s320/2012-12-24+10.02.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Glittery Salt Dough<br />
<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1 cup salt<br />
1 cup warm water<br />
1 teaspoon glitter<br />
food coloring, if desired (make your water measurement a bit scant if you're using liquid color)<br />
1 tablespoon cinnamon, if desired<br />
knead for about 10 minutes<br />
<br />
The girls loved kneading the dough, and the smell of the cinnamon. Let the dough rest for 40 minutes and then roll out to ~ 1/4 inch thick, cut as desired. Cook at 200 degrees for 4-6 hours, or until dry. If you're going to use these as ornaments, be sure to poke a hole in them for hanging!Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-42061559255631071832012-12-22T18:05:00.000-05:002012-12-31T20:40:22.240-05:00Fast and Festive Rice Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6fnYVN8CShFvWAMnuqSrb7esAqzQ-7G2-V_gTP3cZ3REpHEh40pCnQhW7vFfDuhEzDhS5780rFhrNylfczumLBm3VLGN4ffOMHtR7aIOoJLz28XBpe96FKdSChc0EdBrfSzFDDcdh7k/s1600/IMG_8494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6fnYVN8CShFvWAMnuqSrb7esAqzQ-7G2-V_gTP3cZ3REpHEh40pCnQhW7vFfDuhEzDhS5780rFhrNylfczumLBm3VLGN4ffOMHtR7aIOoJLz28XBpe96FKdSChc0EdBrfSzFDDcdh7k/s320/IMG_8494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As we've officially reached the "holy cow it's crazy busy" season, I'm happy to share this quick and healthy side dish from Mizkan using Nakano natural rice vinegar! Aren't we all looking for fast and easy side dishes this time of year, something a little different than mashed potatoes and green bean casserole? This salad is done in the time it takes the rice to cook, and is even better if you make it a day or two ahead, which is great when there are always other things you <em>could</em> be doing, right?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYshWGRSrxmoBYjDUr_iLS8x1I59sJ3EgysBMHWfgp6uGFjG7RmdWO094pIb5eLw1LEDcymQ7zdINRhuRcAxsFeZZmh4H9fm-1hWJrK4fgPsKIH1n7heBobuFBqnXEk5H2NZAeUsb-tw/s1600/IMG_8492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYshWGRSrxmoBYjDUr_iLS8x1I59sJ3EgysBMHWfgp6uGFjG7RmdWO094pIb5eLw1LEDcymQ7zdINRhuRcAxsFeZZmh4H9fm-1hWJrK4fgPsKIH1n7heBobuFBqnXEk5H2NZAeUsb-tw/s320/IMG_8492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I should also add that this dressing is a favorite with my girls - so we make it for "everyday" salads as well, the kind with lettuce as the main ingredient rather than rice...and as a dipping sauce for vegetables and chicken tenders, etc.<br />
<br />
Check out the <a href="http://www.mizkan.com/Recipes/?action=view&recipeID=29258147770" target="_blank">Mizkan recipe site for the original recipe</a>. My variation is included below.<br />
<br />
Fast and Festive Rice Salad<br />
<br />
4 cups brown rice<br />
(make according to package instructions, and while it is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients)<br />
1/4 cup Nakano natural rice vinegar<br />
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil<br />
2 teaspoons dijon or honey mustard <br />
1 large fiji apple, diced<br />
1 red bell pepper, diced<br />
1/4 cup of dried cranberries<br />
1/2 cup of nuts of your choice, I prefer pine nuts or chopped almonds<br />
1/4 cup of diced onion (green onion would be great as well)<br />
<br />
Mix the vinegar, oil and mustard. Add apple to keep from browning. Toss the dressing, vegetables and rice once the rice has cooled. Chill and serve, or prepare a day or two in advance and refrigerate. Yum!<br />
<br />
I was supplied with vinegar and compensated for my time, but as always, ideas and opinions are my own.Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-38959584623681174242012-12-02T10:56:00.002-05:002012-12-02T10:56:46.796-05:00Conscious Christmas Gift GuideThis year we are continuing the pattern of less is more with our gift giving. The girls will each get a few things they really want, and we will focus on giving to others - friends, family and those less fortunate than ourselves. For those gifts we're buying, I'm trying to stay local when possible, and from there find companies I can trust to make safe quality products in the USA. Anything made outside the country I want to see has been made in a way that supports the local community. In case you're looking for ideas, I thought I would share my list of favorites with you! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/005/0/5243102/il_fullxfull.372993688_ezvh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/005/0/5243102/il_fullxfull.372993688_ezvh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CeadarHillHeirlooms" target="_blank">Ceader Hill Heirlooms</a> is an etsy shop that provides handmade wooden toys in Minnesota. These Waldorf inspired wooden animals and nature scenes are incredibly detailed and beautiful. I get just as excited as my girls when we make a purchase from this shop, and the owner is very sweet and responsive.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/007/0/6878893/il_fullxfull.387654752_7n76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/007/0/6878893/il_fullxfull.387654752_7n76.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking for more wooden toys or a beautiful doll for your little ones? I discovered <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DressyDollsCompany?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">TreeHouse Kids</a> on the recommendation of a friend, and just purchased some lovely toys there as well. All toys are made with eco friendly or recycled materials, and the shop owner plants a tree for every purchase! You'll find colorful blocks, peg people, bean bags and adorable rag dolls and doll clothing. If I wasn't already finishing a set of Waldorf inspired dolls for the girls, I would have purchased these in a heartbeat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5843037/il_fullxfull.334335471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5843037/il_fullxfull.334335471.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you have a little artist in the house, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GrammasShop" target="_blank">Kiddie Closet by GrammasShop</a> has adorable art totes at a very reasonable price. With a huge amount of fabrics to choose from, you're sure to find a tote that suits your child's interests. My girls love to play with their art totes anywhere - they are great for entertaining around the house, in the car or airplane, or while out running errands. We've had ours for nearly a year now, and they are holding up really well. This is another etsy shop, located in Utah. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5282415/il_fullxfull.189915668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5282415/il_fullxfull.189915668.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I adored Amy long before I realized she and her husband were the creators of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlealouette?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank">Little Alouette</a>. If you have younger ones in the house, these wooden teethers are just the thing. In addition to the beautiful bird teether that Amy gave Sugar Plum when they first met, the girls also have a darling dinosaur set that Santa sent for Christmas last year. I love how these beautiful toys grow with my girls, and they are so beautiful that they will be treasured for years to come.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3ern7KIZoWLgDW5Ur3lpxy1P9KOjRAKkJwPO-plH4nTwUhrYmskexi18Doblhlky9-Ck38w0el6LUea9aa_60-ttQxJWni59qwuChuGNeYTDO5Ya3BWt0NrUHR82VyC1gsVEGlP6tuY/s1600/astitcheroos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3ern7KIZoWLgDW5Ur3lpxy1P9KOjRAKkJwPO-plH4nTwUhrYmskexi18Doblhlky9-Ck38w0el6LUea9aa_60-ttQxJWni59qwuChuGNeYTDO5Ya3BWt0NrUHR82VyC1gsVEGlP6tuY/s320/astitcheroos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Want a cute shirt or tutu set for the holidays, or all year round? I discovered <a href="http://stitcheroos.com/" target="_blank">Sticheroos</a> when I wanted a personalized diaper cover for Sweetpea's first birthday party. I have since bought the girls 2 sets of shirts. The shop owner is willing to make custom designs to suit your needs or your child's interests, and the shirts we have purchased lasted well past the time the girls outgrew them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5288753/il_fullxfull.238430777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5288753/il_fullxfull.238430777.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Does your little one love lovies? These darling elephant sensory lovies are just the thing, from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/116275716/made-to-order-chloe-pink-damask-elephant" target="_blank">Icing on the Cupcake</a>. I purchased one similar to this and a minky blanket to match. Now that Sugar Plum is a bit old for her lovies she shares them with her dolls. Unique, well made and adorable, they make a great gift.<br />
<br />
In addition to the gifts mentioned above, I love giving experience gifts - memories that don't take up space in our small home! What child wouldn't love a Membership to Zoo or Children's Museum, or an Art, Dance or Sports Class? This kind of gift is so easy to personalize to your child's needs, and helps to support the local community as well. Is a membership or class more than you were looking to spend? Maybe a show or musical performance would be more your taste. We have a fabulous children's theater that has regular child themed performances (as well as acting classes available!) that Sweetpea loves. In our case, grandma takes her and they make an afternoon of it - she loves the special time and chance to feel like such a big kid!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw8RhYa-zWebmMn9JC6stg6w4_pXoBlyvSeXetc7vjAfv0U0a5Eg95EGUfELe5zjuKU-L9eOdgByzTW-xw4yskPxTXL78E3Kl1SHtUFy886fW0KjXnXroVt5iw5YfVrHMMLwdXNhROQc/s1600/heifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw8RhYa-zWebmMn9JC6stg6w4_pXoBlyvSeXetc7vjAfv0U0a5Eg95EGUfELe5zjuKU-L9eOdgByzTW-xw4yskPxTXL78E3Kl1SHtUFy886fW0KjXnXroVt5iw5YfVrHMMLwdXNhROQc/s1600/heifer.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
One last idea, and something we do each year as part of helping the girls understand the importance of giving. For those especially hard to buy for relatives, I have the girls help me pick out a gift from <a href="https://secure1.heifer.org/gift-catalog/?msource=KIK1K122942&gclid=CNW43aCB_LMCFYZaMgod1gMA5Q" target="_blank">Heifer International</a>. There are a wonderful variety of gifts, and you can buy a relatively inexpensive "share" of an animal, up to a large gift meant to help an entire community. I love that Heifer gifts keep on giving, because by being in the program, families agree to "pass on the gift" by giving the offspring of their gifts to others in need. Gifts such as honeybees, rabbits, goats and more provide families with income and food to become self sufficient. The girls love to hear about the types of gifts, how they will help a family, and make their own choice (given a fairly specific price target) as to what they want to purchase. Then we create a card to share with the person who we are buying the gift in honor of, explaining the program, the gift, and how the girls came to choose their specific gift.<br />
<br />
What are you buying this year? I'd love to hear what you love to buy for your family and for others!Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-83302814027456619372012-11-16T22:34:00.000-05:002012-11-16T22:35:34.668-05:00Chris Mann wows with Roads Album<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/S4ry4x" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://bit.ly/S4ry4x" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have been eagerly anticipating an album from Chris Mann for some time now - ever since Sweetpea and I were taken with his charm, thoughtfulness, and oh yeah - that amazing voice at BlogHer 2009. There we were, unexpectedly together in Chicago as my babysitter had changed plans at the last minute. Sweetpea was a few months past two years old, and I was every bit of eight months pregnant. I'm sure we made an interesting couple at the parties each evening, but we were having too much fun to care - especially at the people's party, when we were goofing off and dancing the night away with Anissa Mayhew and a few other newly aquainted friends from my online world. Chris was kind enough to invite Sweetpea up on stage and she loved every second of her time in the spotlight. I'm not sure she really remembers the experience now that several years have passed, but she still loves to hear the story, and to listen to Chris sing. <br />
<br />
We were both excited when One2One Network sent us the new album, <a href="http://bit.ly/SgkwJb" target="_blank">Roads</a>, to review. And I'm happy to say that it was every bit what we had hoped it would be. Showcasing Chris's fabulous voice and staying true to the sound you heard on The Voice, Roads will leave you wanting more (songs, that is). And for those of you who truly do want more, there is a Christmas Album that I'm sure is fabulous as well! <br />
<br />
To preview four songs from Roads, follow <a href="http://soundcloud.com/universalrepublic/sets/chris-mann/s-e7O63" target="_blank">this link</a>. Roads can be purchased on<a href="http://bit.ly/SgkwJb" target="_blank"> iTunes</a> and <a href="http://amazon./">Amazon.</a> I was supplied with a copy of the album for review. As always, all opinions are my own.Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-42542986302901949232012-11-10T21:55:00.000-05:002012-11-29T05:28:26.693-05:00Turnips with a twist - Love me some greens!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eDS5sRFjwC2XoeLBZBFZJqnJLzycS2PNXXvY8yHaCWJUW41ARDvupEGWx1UhWbKEJF22AxTUWGFKSaYcwzuolxLxpdSjcKoeIeSP0CaHKeHnSOAH_DL02PsG-de3m9v7eRRTMTmaooQ/s1600/2012-10-23+18.25.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eDS5sRFjwC2XoeLBZBFZJqnJLzycS2PNXXvY8yHaCWJUW41ARDvupEGWx1UhWbKEJF22AxTUWGFKSaYcwzuolxLxpdSjcKoeIeSP0CaHKeHnSOAH_DL02PsG-de3m9v7eRRTMTmaooQ/s320/2012-10-23+18.25.30.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love that we are still picking turnips from our garden in November. When cooking with the turnips, don't overlook the greens - they are a nutritional powerhouse and are very tasty when cooked up the right way! For years I've been cooking any and all greens coarsely chopped and boiled in chicken broth. Just as they finish cooking, I freshly grate some nutmeg into the mix and serve.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As the weather gets colder, the turnip greens are getting a little extra bite, so I added a few splashes of <a href="http://www.mizkan.com/brands/nakano/productsandflavors/" target="_blank">Nakano Natural Rice Vinegar</a> to the chicken broth. The added tang paired well with the stronger taste of the late season greens, and added a nice flavor without being overpowering. With no sugar, preservatives or calories, it's a great way to add flavor and feel good about it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love these greens as is, but they are also wonderful in other things like soups and casseroles. An extra big batch means there are leftovers to sneak into other dishes... Next week I'll share my "let's keep us all healthy!" chicken and veggie soup, with turnip greens as one of the star veggies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u>Tangy Turnip Greens</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 large batch of greens - about 4 turnips worth</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olive oil to coat your pan</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 - 2 cups of chicken or other broth</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2 dashes of <a href="http://www.mizkan.com/brands/nakano/productsandflavors/" target="_blank">Nakano natural rice vinegar</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
dash of nutmeg, freshly grated is preferred</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Coarsely chop your greens and rinse them well. (I find this is the best way to get rid of any dirt or grit that might have followed you in the house!) Don't worry to much about draining them thoroughly, as you're going to be boiling them anyway...toss them in the pan with a little olive oil and allow the greens to wilt for a few minutes. If necessary, add any remaining greens as the wilting begins. Now add the broth and vinegar. Cook until tender, then grate a bit of nutmeg over the top. Serve warm, and save leftovers to add to soups, casseroles and the like!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*disclaimer* I was provided with Nakano vinegar to test in my favorite recipes and compensated for my time. As always, all opinions are my own, and I only recommend products that I use and love. </div>
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-17955349836901380892012-10-29T07:01:00.000-04:002012-10-29T07:10:23.245-04:00Stop and pick the roses<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7G8z3Af507vshMiYWwFtDhCsbePQ5sSJwKbxvSboOC5keI_zz0kb_GUNDjU0hyqeNn8Q731YUF24GhwfYOXKtCpRpuaruM_ZH3Fooa8EA9-RPkJK_71vJ3qdwQlCD2wQmTch-WFo7uE/s1600/2012-10-25+05.44.03-731803.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5804684945818019970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7G8z3Af507vshMiYWwFtDhCsbePQ5sSJwKbxvSboOC5keI_zz0kb_GUNDjU0hyqeNn8Q731YUF24GhwfYOXKtCpRpuaruM_ZH3Fooa8EA9-RPkJK_71vJ3qdwQlCD2wQmTch-WFo7uE/s320/2012-10-25+05.44.03-731803.jpg" /></a></div>
This past week was a whirlwind. Emdee was working late every night, which mant it was just us girls for dinner, play and bedtime. The weather was wonderful, warm, sunny and full of fall color. We spent each evening playing outside and soaking up the last of the weather - having heard at each weather report that Sandy was bringing high winds, cold temps and maybe even our first snow.<br />
This past week I was reminded again just how much the girls have taught me. To slow down, to soak in the blessings of each day...and as we headed in for baths on Thursday, the sky blazing orange and pink, Sweetpea asked me to wait a minute longer. <br />
She headed toward the flower garden with nearly all the flowers dead and removed for the season, and came back with a bouquet. "Now we can enjoy these a little longer, mommy."<br />
So as the rains came, and the wind and the cold, we have these sweet flowers as one lst reminder of a fabulous season. Now if someone could just tell me how to hang on to this moment, these girls, this age, just a little longer...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-72821232045183634822012-10-01T16:03:00.001-04:002012-10-01T16:03:04.577-04:00Visit Panera in October and support the American Cancer Society of Southwest Ohio<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwgc8WAJPvMQgOJi4YSKgCSxNUCKNSG4n6rjS_eeOZS7upMHzeyLwosgcWvPH-SUwx1D_4XCCkTaV2Ehl9_EjPSZWFnioldYKGzNCFoTTSKq2MpF8_I9QfNJlAhaTcPLPksJn9NdrP1Q/s1600/Pink+Ribbon+Bagels_Panera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwgc8WAJPvMQgOJi4YSKgCSxNUCKNSG4n6rjS_eeOZS7upMHzeyLwosgcWvPH-SUwx1D_4XCCkTaV2Ehl9_EjPSZWFnioldYKGzNCFoTTSKq2MpF8_I9QfNJlAhaTcPLPksJn9NdrP1Q/s1600/Pink+Ribbon+Bagels_Panera.jpg" /></a>Panera Bread kicks off the 11th Annual Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign with “Pink Ribbon Bagel<br />Day” on Monday, October 1 to support the American Cancer Society of Southwest Ohio and<br />breast cancer research as part of a month-long campaign. Panera Bread will donate 100<br />percent of proceeds from its signature Pink Ribbon Bagel sold on Oct. 1 to the American Cancer<br />Society as part of the company’s commitment to the Cincinnati community. For the remainder of October, Panera Bread will donate ten cents of the proceeds from each Pink Ribbon Bagel sold.<br />
<br />
The Pink Ribbon Bagel is baked fresh each morning in the shape of the iconic pink ribbon,<br />featuring cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar. The<br />bagel was developed by Sue Stees in 2001 to help support breast cancer research. Stees is<br />a breast cancer survivor and one of Panera Bread’s first franchisees. To find out if a Panera<br />Bread near you is participating, visit <a href="http://www.panera-ohio.com/">http://www.panera-ohio.com</a>.<br />
Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-27388617476079790352012-08-16T17:40:00.001-04:002012-08-17T15:30:24.087-04:00Gentle reminders to help family reuse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvbGBpAKd4GKm1yEo2gcr9jDa9qeaYhBiCCYSA4_YxeGGOVDBkF7Z1KvhzbHZtXCwZ_VojD2gSzuApuLS7OnfLo3VLlwoIAMuLDPvhNIynUUeQ7ZaUA1PKDVFW5zFChACV52z2GuqctY/s1600/2012-06-05+15.49.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvbGBpAKd4GKm1yEo2gcr9jDa9qeaYhBiCCYSA4_YxeGGOVDBkF7Z1KvhzbHZtXCwZ_VojD2gSzuApuLS7OnfLo3VLlwoIAMuLDPvhNIynUUeQ7ZaUA1PKDVFW5zFChACV52z2GuqctY/s320/2012-06-05+15.49.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
I have been taking baby steps toward a much greener life since Sweetpea was born. Many of them don't require buy in or even get noticed by the rest of the family. When I started sending reused containers (yogurt, cottage cheese, etc) with EmDee's lunch, I noticed many of them weren't making it back home for another round. He would forget and throw them in the trash...these fun notes are a gentle reminder to bring home his containers, and also that I love him! :)<br />
How do you help your family participate in your "greening initiatives"?Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-75974194916895614252012-08-15T20:49:00.000-04:002012-08-15T20:49:14.409-04:00Summer, Fabulous Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4C_zufDOQxzMtbtyI6sRmKJMRaPxichlcMO6eOY4X4TucucgvdQyXkPVmjTag7xcfp5cuYEtuscWNKQh0x1_6lPon8sCfUPep3AUDoZCRBeukLEXb8epQnNiF4KBCZz7zCsZl9u7Stg/s1600/IMG00954-20120618-1344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4C_zufDOQxzMtbtyI6sRmKJMRaPxichlcMO6eOY4X4TucucgvdQyXkPVmjTag7xcfp5cuYEtuscWNKQh0x1_6lPon8sCfUPep3AUDoZCRBeukLEXb8epQnNiF4KBCZz7zCsZl9u7Stg/s320/IMG00954-20120618-1344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I absolutely love this photo of the girls...the relaxed, fun and spunky feel really captures the entire summer for me in one moment. As Sweetpea is fast approaching kindergarten and I'm headed back to school myself (this time as a teacher - my career transition is finally complete!) I will be keeping this photo handy as a reminder of the fabulous summer we had! <br />
<br />
There were some wonderful trips, and many fun days exploring and relaxing at home as well. I'll be sharing some of our favorites in the coming days, as well as some ideas for easing back into the structure and routines that the school year brings. What have you been up to this summer?!Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-61766211598090567562012-08-07T21:23:00.001-04:002012-08-07T21:23:20.312-04:00Make your own grass head friend!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X894Kqdrv9S4k1Qw6wCxjtVDl7tln05gM9C76CAGdsWU3wvk4sxt3F0t_giRdw_1oBoGoRRR4iwPKBf-yJWcuUXKWAbYw6UPyv4lHtk6T6TbM7fDEZ8wNuurakVNnwWx3ggqm_4RPMg/s1600/2012-07-18+14.01.26-700313.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X894Kqdrv9S4k1Qw6wCxjtVDl7tln05gM9C76CAGdsWU3wvk4sxt3F0t_giRdw_1oBoGoRRR4iwPKBf-yJWcuUXKWAbYw6UPyv4lHtk6T6TbM7fDEZ8wNuurakVNnwWx3ggqm_4RPMg/s320/2012-07-18+14.01.26-700313.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774106791101605586" /></a></p><p>This upcycled craft is both adorable and fun, and even better it provides plenty of opportunity to talk science! Sweetpea and Sugar Plum were able to attend "mad science" camp this summer and this was one of the fun crafts they brought home. If you've ever wanted to make your own chia pet like friend you'll love these!</p> <p>Start with a white tube sock - if your house is like mine you have several orphan socks to choose from...but that's a post for another day :) I like to have a picture or sketch of our finished product handy when we get started. This provides an opportunity to brainstorm the steps with your kids. We want the grass to be the hair, so where/when do we want to add the grass seed? This leads naturally into a discussion of what grass (and more generally, plants) need to grow. For more advanced learners, you can also discuss how do the needs of plants - water, light, soil and air compare to what people and animals need to grow and survive. Follow the questions and topics that seem to naturally interest your child, and if a question stumps you, head to the computer for a little research!</p> <p>Now for the instructions!<br> Supplies:<br> 1 tube sock<br> A handful of grass seed<br> A few cups of dirt or potting soil<br> Permanent marker<br> Google eyes or other embellishments if desired<br> A cup or pot for your pet to sit in</p> <p>Steps:<br> It helps to roll your tube sock up to shorten it while filling.<br> First, place the grass seed in the end of the sock. Add a few cups of potting soil to reach desired size of your pet. Tie a knot in the end of your sock, as close as you can to the soil. Now add a face and any embellishments! A hot glue gun works best for your embellishments as you will be watering your pet. Now place pet in his cup or pot "home" add water and find a sunny spot for him to live. In a few days he or she will be ready for a haircut!</p> Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3255149457337523607.post-26855461654023986102012-08-04T07:43:00.001-04:002012-08-04T07:54:03.650-04:00Splash it On, Step it Up with Nakano!Two things I'm always working on are staying active and eating healthy. I want my girls to know how important it is for them to take care of themselves - and to really understand what that means. As a Mizkan blogger advocate, I was really excited to see them launch the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NakanoSplash/app_401776406534086" target="_blank"> Nakano Splash it On, Step it Up challenge this summer</a>. The program encourages participants to get active and make healthy choices - one of the campaign goals is to help people eat more veggies - how cool is that?! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8lXhkE6Ud_FdGbd8kEBg5QreuifFHRTpE6QHg9apLi2vQJboQ42GyIhqdurBvCIvwo9JNflnZtGIksYjJYHvD0J3RvnOM8u_52m7vcqwNWwySaE0YsuOxa1udVWZxgItPNZNoscbaFY/s1600/NAK150_FB_TeaserPage+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8lXhkE6Ud_FdGbd8kEBg5QreuifFHRTpE6QHg9apLi2vQJboQ42GyIhqdurBvCIvwo9JNflnZtGIksYjJYHvD0J3RvnOM8u_52m7vcqwNWwySaE0YsuOxa1udVWZxgItPNZNoscbaFY/s320/NAK150_FB_TeaserPage+(1).jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're interested in becoming healthier or could use support in your healthy lifestyle, I encourage you to check it out. There is an<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NakanoSplash/app_235331563175216#!/NakanoSplash/app_226476290804931" target="_blank"> app to help participants worldwide track their steps</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NakanoSplash/app_401776406534086#!/NakanoSplash/app_192272950902569" target="_blank">healthy eating and workout tips</a>. Nakano rice vinegars are flavorful and pack a bold flavor that pairs wonderfully with vegetables. <a href="http://www.mizkan.com/Recipes/?action=search" target="_blank">The website has some great recipes that incorporate their products</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NakanoSplash/app_401776406534086#!/NakanoSplash/app_420678274618922" target="_blank">Entrants are eligible to win gym memberships, personal training sessions and workout bags</a>. What are you waiting for - let's Splash it on and Step it Up!<br />
<br />
Disclosure: I am compensated for my time working as a Mizkan Blogger Advocate, but my thoughts and opinions are my own.Steph @ Problem Solvin Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231059211999851568noreply@blogger.com0