"Recycling" World as a Mom

My sister and I have been sharing a table at a Mom2Mom sale once a year for the past 4 years.  I think the biggest thought to enter the world of Mom2Mom selling is... you aren't in it for the money. This doesn't mean you won't make money, but in my opinion by the time you sort and sell any money you do collect at the sale you will use on your laundry list of items you have been waiting to buy (probably for your kids). It all works out... out with the old and in with the new. If the clothes look new/barely worn you might as well help another mom out and give her a deal on them. Meanwhile you go hit a few tables and deals yourself.

The greatest thing about doing the Mom2Mom sale with my sister is it's a day full 5 to 6 hours of spending time with eachother. We love, chat, and it's almost like Moms Day out!

We have grown in the past years to where we now are in need for and reserve 2 tables one of girl and one of boy clothes with a hugs assortment of toys available.

Some things we have learned over the past years that I think make a BIG difference in a successful sale.

This was my table at our last sale. I took out how much I spent on the table, bought 2 pairs of shoes, a coat, couple pairs of pants for Stinker. Walked away for $75 in hand to "recycle" and spend on the kids for new stuff needed.

• Start your preparation for the sale months in advance if possible.
• Dedicate at least one or two evenings before the sale to layout ALL of the clothes.
• organize by size NB-3mon, 3mon-6mon, 6mon-9mon and so on.
• If there is any stains dont attempt to sell if. Ask yourself the question... if I saw this at a table would I buy it? Chances are no. Don't risk losing customers because they find a stain. Seems silly but sometimes if they see one flaw, they move on with the assumption that you didn't take the time to care for the clothes.
• Make sure you are bringing clothes in season. We recently found Fall sales people are coming for Fall and Winter. Then the Spring sales they are looking for the warmer clothes. If you have room on your table sure bring it all BUT if its going to be crowded, I suggest only in season and upcoming season. If anything bring the off season clothes and store them under your table incase someone asks for them.
• Always have a petty cash box set up. We use one of the billion crayon boxes from our kids. Set it up with small bills and maybe a few bucks in coins. We normally start with $40 = 20 singles, two $5 bills, one $10 bill. We keep a pad of paper and pen in the box to help us keep track of sales. Also, this is nice incase either of us use a few bucks to go shop ourselves.
• Signs.... bring some markers and blank paper. When you are all setup make a few signs that explains what you have for sale. "Boy Clothes NB-3T" or "Puzzles, Books, Video Games" Include prices on as many things as you can.
• You will be there a long time. Bring some treats, drinks, and wear comfortable shoes because chances are you will be standing alot. 
• We prefer to bring a sheet and cover the table before laying anything on it. No fault of the host but sometimes the tables are older, dirty, or if made out of wood you can even get splinters when picking up clothes (this is speaking from experience). Plus we think that the sheet once again shows a sign of preparation and care.
• The couple weeks before the sale when I do my grocery shopping I go to bag my own items and "borrow" a few extra bags or I am the overwhelming bagger with only 1 or 2 items per bag. Once again you don't want to lose a sale because you didn't have a bag. It seems silly but has happened!

Most importantly get some rest before the sale. Chances are the past few nights you were running around. The evening before the sale you can normally set up. As soon as you are done go home and sleep! Show up the next morning with a big smile and no matter how sales go enjoy your day and make the best of it. Good luck!!!

Cuddlebug

Over the summer schedules and routine tend to go out the window. We had 3 travel tournaments where we stayed in hotels in addition to several nights staying on the boat. Therefore, bedtime routine didn't necessarily exist every night. I also gained a cuddlebug Stinker!

I will be the first to admit I loved (still do kinda) when he started "sneaking" into our bed. He was NEVER a cuddler and during the day he still really isn't. So the first chance I had to hold, care, and snuggle him I took it.

HOWEVER, this Mommabear is getting worn out! Between him and Daddy AND don't forget our dog Rosie all battling the snore competition I can't catch a wink. Or the "massage" of tiny little feet kicking in my back as he rotates in his sleep isn't so enjoyable either.

We have talked and talked with him lately about staying in his super cool room. I have purchased different nightlights and lamps. We have set a routine of teeth, potty, and book. Going 6 days strong he has still joined us every night (sigh). We are debating about a reward plan but I still haven't decided if that's our next step. If you have any other ideas/suggestions please share!!!

Until then you will catch this Momma sleeping with her eyes open throughout the day and hiding for cat naps any chance I can get.

Look he even prefers the dogs bed over his own! Ahhhhhh We're lucky he is cute! :-)

You Were Right

I had major anxiety for a few weeks leading up to Sport starting Middle School... will he find his way, how will he remember all of his folders and books when I can't get him to remember to brush his teeth!?!?

So far he has managed to bring all his homework home (that we are aware). His first math assignment we had one of those "lovely" mother son chats because he didn't show any work. I swear he is Rainman! Numbers fly through his head and just comes so easily. Me on the other hand... I was using fingers, and toes, and asking to use his too!!! I discussed the importance of showing work and also we had a chat about remembering to write his Name, Date, and Page Number so we can find his work in order. I also suggested leaving some space to write changes/ notes if he got something wrong. Simple things so I thought but he just didn't agree. I get the age of wanting to do things on his own. I bit my tongue and let him turn it in how he wanted (WOW that was hard)!!!

The next day he came home and I asked how his homework turned out. A big sigh and mumbled under his breath "You were right she wanted more spacing and to show my work". As painful as that was for him to admit, I was so proud of him for being honest and sharing that with me. I chose not to gloat and make a big scene. Instead "OK well that's good at least we know what she expects". I ended the conversation and it was happily every after.

Although I am super proud of this situation. I will also say I wasn't so wrong to be in the panic I was in. I also suggested he put his "cool" new school ID in a safe spot in his backpack. He insisted in putting it in his locker. This morning I asked if he remembers where he put ..... the blank look was a give away as he said "Ummm I'm really not sure where that went". BIG breath.... I shared with him we will have to try to hunt that down and advised he looked in his locker, his room, and backpack when he has time. I then also pointed out to him that his school ID is his card for lunches therefore I loaded it with $20! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Take the good with the bad we are all learning from this experience together.

The Best Medicine

The first weekend in MONTHS we truly had no plans. That's not to say we didn't have opportunities to do something (boating, shopping, and friend get together) but at least we didn't HAVE to go anywhere. My body must've known because since this past Friday evening for the past 36hrs I have been a pretty much a helpless Mummabear laying on the couch trying to rest and ease the pain of an unexpected cyst. I can normally push them off and hide the pain but there comes a time when sometimes it actually weakens me to my knees and that's pretty much where I decided that a TLC weekend was in the future. My laundry list of things to do is growing but the truth is all of it can wait! I'm taking this as a piece to my puzzle God was telling me to slow down. Last night hubby went out with some friends while me and the munchkins searched through Netflix and stumbled upon a Golden Christmas (movie about puppies and Christmas). Yes, it's only September but something you must know is that Christmas lasts all year round in this house. More importantly, giggling watching the puppies play and in return me and the boys cuddling and relaxing together was the PERFECT medicine for me! Today it's Sunday. I still have slight pain but nothing compared to the last 24hrs. I'm on the road to recovery and diagnosed myself with no need to go into urgent care/ the Dr. I just need blankets, cuddles, and lots of hugs and kisses (ok and a little motrin and heating pad). So what's your secret medicine when you have pains or aren't feeling well?

Don't mind the shirtless boys we were all ready for bed in pjs but this is my crew trying to make me feel better.

Are You Ready for Another?

I know, I know this week has been all about Stinker turning 4 and his party. However with this big event brought many friends and family to call/ visit. One question that came up so often was .... are you ready for another? You guys need to have one more? You need a little girl. You get the picture.

As always, I smirk, shrug the shoulders and try to dismiss the question. If only people knew how hard and painful that question really is to hear.

Just reaching my 30s with my friends, coworkers, and relatives officially in full bloom and all announcing their due dates this is just one more hurdle. As a mom, friend, and family member I couldn't be more happy for each and every one.

Evening comes and I recap the daughting question "Are you ready for another" or I replay the faces of excitement as I get told the news about the families growing.

It's just not that easy. As a female with PCOS as much as I want to say YES we are ready, YES we are going to, those are the answers I can just shout. Im on my 8th month of trying to balance meds with my Doctors (I have 3 to 4). All of them mixed together of course mess with my hormone levels, digestive system, energy levels and much more.

Losing close to 14 lbs in 5months sounds like a perfect thing to a female, but in the same case the reason behind it is from being so sick from the meds I just can't handle the food and nothing tastes good. Waking up at 5am with an alarm for work after restless sleep isn't getting any easier either.

Take it for what it is, I promise I am not trying to complain! My hubby and I with the boys are a strong team. We can and will concur the world together! This was me thinking aloud and for anyone that cares to listen to please stop and think before asking that "simple" question. Although it's a great question unless you REALLY know the person sometimes it can really leave someone in pain. I'm not writing this to make anyone feel bad or second what they have done in the past. This was to raise awareness and to be open to all including myself.

So in answer to your question as well as many others.... Are you ready for another? Yes we are, but we are letting god decide if he is too. Meanwhile, I sit and count my blessing each and everyday for all that I have and couldn't be more happy with that!

Hot Diggity Dog Left Over Ideas

Better to have too much food rather than not enough. Stinkers 4th birthday party went well. The house is now in order and we are getting back to "normal" (whatever that may be).

With over 20 cooked hot dogs left over and closer to 40 buns (some people didnt use buns which threw my number off). I know you can freeze bread/buns but I had concerns about the bread drying out still PLUS I had no food plans for this week.  I had to get creative this week for the meals, but  because of work and school still keep it simple. I didnt want to throw the food away nor run to the grocery store.

Check out the ways we "recycled" the hot dogs and buns without getting sick of them.

• Homemade Croutons
• Corn Dog Muffins Found this recipe on pinterest. Thank you Taste of home  for the idea.  *Only difference from this recipe we used fresh corn because it is fall time here in MI. *
• Bruchetta
• Coney Pizza
• Bread Pudding - Thank you Foodnetwork for your recipe! We didnt add the nuts or rasins because our boys dont care for them.  Next time... I would suggest adding at least one of them which will tame down the sweetnees. WHEW it was sweet, yummy but sweet! Also, we used a packaged of hot dog buns chopped up and sat over 2 nights (to dry up). This was a fantastic evening snack hot with a cup of coffee building a puzzle as a family. Cant think of a better relaxing evening.

Bruchetta - quick and easy using hot dog buns

With many leftover hot dog buns from Stinkers 4th Birthday party; I had to get creative to reuse the leftovers.

Bruchetta on the left with chicken pasta. Great Fall dinner.

Bruchetta
With my garden overflowing with tomatoes and now the leftover hot dog buns this seemed too silly to not create.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 larger tomatoes (peeled and chopped OR you can use a can of tamatoes drained once again with garden season we used fresh because they were on hand)
• 1 clove of fresh garlic (thank you garden season garlic is full bloom and tasty as can be)
• 2 teaspoon garlic/balsamic vinegar (I had garlic expressions in my fridge and used that)
• fresh basil leaves, chopped to your liking (you could also use italian seasoning here)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 package of hot dog buns
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

1. Turn on the oven to 450°F to preheat.
2. In a bowl mix the tomatoes, garlic, garlic/balsamic vinegar. Add the chopped basil and add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Line a cookie sheet with foil.
4. Split the hot dog buns apart so a package of 8 buns is now 16 pieces of slice of soon to be fantastic bruchetta lay on the foil cookie sheet.
5. Brush with Olive Oil and flip all pieces over to brush again.
6. Place tray of bread slices in the oven on the top rack (I used my toaster over so I did it in a couple of batches). Toast for 3-5 minutes on each side, until the bread just begins to turn golden brown and get crunchy.
7. Place on serving platter with the brucheeta tomatoe mixture on the side to allow everyone to have control of how much they would like and avoid the bread to not get soggy before eating. This also makes for easier leftovers as you can retoast the bread quikly and add your mixture as needed.