My Mommy's Neighborhood

serving moms for 9 years

My Mommy's Neighborhood - serving moms for 9 years

Monthly Archives: August 2011

Preparing for the New Year

I don’t know about you but my New Year begins right after Labor Day.

I understand what the calendar says, but think about it. September is when the randomness of summer once again finds you back in routine. For many of us, September is when the summer camps and vacations end and our kids school year begins.

In fact, it can be argued that January isn’t a change at all from December, but by comparison, September is a totally new world from the frolic and frenzy of the summer. It means no longer sleeping late and adhoc day trips.

September means a new teacher and a new grade, new shoes, clothes and new school supplies. A fresh start for mom and child to stick to their planned schedule:)

It reminds me of crisp, clear mornings where I can shop at the grocery store alone and actually clean out the closets of clutter. Whoever coined the name “Spring Cleaning” most not have kids.

This year we are preparing differently and not making resolutions but setting measurable goals. Here are a few:

  1. With 80 days to Thanksgiving, which is a big thing in our family, I will truly step up my fitness game to 3xs per week
  2. I will read all food labels and try to only buy natural.
  3. Couponer will truly become my middle name.
  4. I will learn the word no and take more time to smell the roses.
  5. Our mornings will not be hectic or rushed as we will prepare the night before.
  6. I will wash clothes every two days.
  7. I will purge two items for every one bought into the house.
  8. Everyone will participate in at least two extracurricular activities.
  9. Everyone will have at least two chores at home.
  10. Homework will continue to take precedence over all things.

What are your goals for the “New Year?”

Who is Irene?

If you live in the Northeast then you are constantly hearing about this Irene.

Who is she and why is she causes such an uproar? I think of an elderly receptionist with peppermints when I hear Irene but believe me they are not talking about her. This Irene is extreme hurricane that is stated to hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast corridors of the U.S.   We can expect flooding storm surge, wind damage, and inland flooding due to torrential rain

But that leads me back to “Why Irene?  Hurricane names are chosen each year by the World Meteorological Organization. This naming system  began in 1950 and by 1953 the alphabetic name system was in place.  Check out the National Hurricane Center for a list of names broken down by year.

Earlier this week, there was an earthquake and now the weather reports are telling us to prepare for Irene.

I visited the store today because the family ate everything that was not nailed down before we went on vacation and was surprised to see that there was no panic in the eyes of the shoppers. We all seem to just be trying to get a few items and not create a stockpile.

It never hurts to be prepared and it is actually a great lesson for the kids. Here is a list of a few things that we picked up today. Some of the items we had already.

  • One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • A three-day supply of non-perishable food, the kids got ice cream, guess we have to eat it all on the first day:)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Hopefully you have a Family Emergency Plan in place. If not here are a few tips to get you started.

  • Identify an out-of town contact.  It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
  • Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and can call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
  • Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
  • Subscribe to alert services. Many communities/states now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc

As you wait out the storm, its a great time to show the kids what the world was like before Ipods, Wii and the internet

The deals just keep on coming…

The Back to School season is upon us so the deals at stores like Target, Walmart, CVS and Walgreens are plentiful.

I just found a great deal on meal planning that is too good not to share. I take pride in the fact that I serve my family the healthiest meals I can although this past month I slacked up:( I plan to spend the next two weeks getting the family back on track. I love this service as I often run out of meal ideas. Relish is a great site that provides grocery lists and shows you how to spend less than $100 each week. They even offer kid-friendly, gluten free, and vegetarian options…plus menus for freezer meals! This deal is a great value as you pay $16 for six months of cost-saving meal-planning guidance from Relish! ($35.70 value)

 

What kid would not think you were the greatest parent ever when they receive this gift. This deal from Bay Meadow Farm of Bel Air Maryland offers horse riding lessons from $22- . Don’t miss the chance to be the world’s greatest parent.

 

Pair this deal up with all the wonderful Orlando deals and you can really plan a cheap trip.  Imagine paying $25 for $50 toward discounted tee time reservations through GolfHub.com. Golf anyone?

 

What Mommy could not appreciate someone else cleaning out the cheerios and chips out of their car. Imagine your car looking the way it looked the day you drove it off the lot or better yet before you had kids. Smiling?!  Bodies by Stone is offering a complete car detailing package in-shop, or at your home or office for $65.00 ( $130 value)

 

I love this place and deal. This was our second, maybe third home when the kids were young. I loved that it allowed me to have some adult conversation while the kids safely played. My kids truly grew their appreciation for music during this period.  This wonderful deal allows you to Save on a one month membership but I guarantee you will extend it.