I've Moved

And unfortunately I was unable to take all of you with me  :-(  Please come join me at our new spot on the net http://abusymommy.com and subscribe and follow me there.  I have a bunch of giveaways and great posts coming up in the next few days. 

I hope to see you all over there!

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Excuse my dust - I'm switching to wordpress

 It may be a bit crazy here for a day or two - I'm jumping in head first and hoping for a great result.  Wish me luck!!


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I'm Craving Organization...

Wow!

I have a lot going on.  It's crazy!  A good kind of crazy, almost chaotic!  But I thrive under pressure!  I tweeted out earlier that I need one bare wall that I can use as my planning board.  In the last few months I've taken on a lot...moving to the next level is how I like to think of it.  But, with that comes added responsibility.

I am now the director of The Classy Closet Review Panel.  A job I LOVE, it is right up my ally!  And since the founder of The Classy Closet is one of my very best friends @keepitclassyjen - I'm happy to get to work a little closer with her. 

I have also opened a social network,  along with my partner in Canadian Crime Cythina Crumb, from Crumbs in the Minivan. The Canadian Mom Blog Network  It's only a baby right now, and in severe need of site design.  But, she's growing and I am excited to be meeting new people on my own turf!

I also have some amazing events coming up, both online and in real life!  Soon, I'll be putting together a Huggies Potty Dance get together in my area! I am so excited that Mom Central (Canada) has chosen me as one of the hosts!  You'll be hearing much more of this in the near future.

I'll also be sending out the first newsletter for April 1st! And I'm not foolin' 

OK, so that is just some of what I'm doing right now, I'm sure there is a ton that I've forgotten.  That's why I titled this post, I crave organization.  If you know of any great organizational tools that would help me keep everything straight, please feel free to let me know!  I will say, It has to be something I can physically write - not online...I need to write it to remember it...kinda my thing.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter - so you don't miss out!!!










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hydraSense

Colds Suck!

Young or old, there isn't anything nice you can say about a cold.  Sore throat, sinus pressure, constant hacking and coughing, it really does suck.  As an adult, when I do come down with a nasty cold, I can deal with it.  I take my meds and go on with my day.  But when your young kids and babies get a cold it's so much worse.

I'm lucky.  I have two boys, the oldest almost 5 the youngest just 3 months.  And I so hope I don't jinx myself for writing this but they're pretty healthy kids.  I can count on one hand how many times Ben has actually had a cold.  He's got a rockin immune system that keeps him pretty healthy.  This past winter, he only had one cold, and it lasted about 3 days.  Wil, the baby, hasn't had one yet, thankfully.

I remember the first cold that Ben did have, he was about 6 months old.  And MISERABLE.  You see, he was pacifier dependent (yeah, he loved his sookie) So when it came time to sleep we had a problem.  He couldn't breath through his nose, and he wouldn't sleep without his sookie.  So, mom and baby Ben had a few very LONG nights.  Once, I tried to use that bulb/aspirator thingy that they sent home with us from the hospital, it seems way to big to try and put in his nose.  I think I may have actually tossed it right in the trash after my attempt, out of pure frustration.

This time around, I'm prepared.  With the new hydraSense nasal aspirator William wont have to go through what his big brother did.  I am confident that I can use this new aspirator without fail.  The tip is slender and soft, making it gentle on baby.  And knowing that I control the suction gives me a sense of  control.  But, what I like the best, it's clear.  You can actually see if you've removed any mucous.  hydraSense took the guessing game out of the situation.

Check out this short video, it shows you just how easy it is to use the new nasal aspirator from hydraSense!

hydraSense had teamed up with Mom Central to spread the word about the new aspirator and to share with you this great high value coupon!  When you join the Dolphin Club on the hydraSense website you can receive a coupon for $8 off!

Just put the code MC2010 under the online coupons tab in your Dolphin Club account to download your coupon. Coupon Expires December 31st 2010

Disclaimer: I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central and received a Mom Central gift pack to thank me for taking the time to participate

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Wordless Wednesday

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Hershey's Better Basket

Over the weekend, I was sent a bunch of Easter Baskets!  No, they weren't filled with Chocolate and toys, but something much better.  They were filled with the best of intentions.  You see, I was sent virtual Easter Baskets from some of my very best friends as part of a the Hershey's Better Basket blog hop.  The first was from Kelly at Childhood, then one from Carissa at My Everyday Miracles. 

So now I get to pass it along to a few more, and hope that they will share in the blog hop and, at the same time, get one more $10 donation for the Children's Miracle Network. 

I'm giving a basket to Jaime from An Optimistic Beauty, and Cynthia from Crumbs in the Minivan 

HERSHEY’S BETTER BASKET BLOG HOP RULES

* Create a blog post of giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger
* Link back to person who gave you an Easter Basket.
* Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket.
* Leave your link at http://betterbasket.info/bloghop where you can also find the official rules of this #betterbasket blog hop and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s.
* Hershey’s is donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket BlogHop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to total of $5,000 by blog posts written by April 4th, 2010).
* Please note that only one blog post by each blog url will count towards the donation.

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Guest Post - Rural Mom and Easy No Bake Cheesecake

RuralMom.com Recipe for Fun ~ Easy No-Bake Cheesecake

My rural boys (ages 7 and 9) expressed an interest in cooking and of course, I jumped on the chance to teach them some life skills and hopefully, to instill the love I have for baking from scratch.

While dessert may not be the “healthiest” alternative, it’s a great place to start when introducing children to measurements, kitchen tools, and well, the sheer joy of licking the bowl (the attached picture speaks volumes!)

You can certainly purchase a no-bake cheesecake kit at your local grocer, but I encourage you to prepare it from scratch. It’s an easy way to control the fat, sugar, and preservative factors. Plus, plain and simple, the real thing tastes better! – All lessons well worth teaching to your children.

Whether you choose this recipe or any other, keep in mind that simple recipes, that are already among your child’s favorites, work best for young children who are just beginning their adventure in cooking.

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake

Ingredients:

16 ounces of Cream Cheese (light or no-fat versions may be used)
2 cups of Whipped Topping (light or no-fat versions may be used)
1 ¼ cup of Sugar
1 tsp of Vanilla
1 cup of crushed Graham Crackers (or Vanilla Wafers- again, low-fat versions may be used.)
4 tsp of Butter

Optional- Pie Filling (such as cherry, apple, peach,) fresh fruit, chocolate syrup (to drizzle,) chocolate shavings, or any other toppings you desire

Tools:

Hand Mixer
Spatula
Fork
1 lg Mixing Bowl
1 md Mixing Bowl
Measuring Cups and Spoons
1 round 9-inch Pie Dish (or 8x8 Square Baking Dish)

Instructions:

Lightly grease pie dish (using your preferred method of butter, spray, shortening, or oil.)

Melt butter. In medium size mixing bowl, combine crush graham crackers, ¼ cup of sugar, and melted butter. Stir with a fork until graham crackers are thoroughly moistened. Press graham cracker mix into the bottom of pie dish until bottom of dish is evenly covered.

In large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, vanilla, and whipped topping. Using a hand mixer, beat at medium level until mixture is smooth.

Layer cream cheese mixture on top of graham crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top layer to create an even surface. Chill for one hour.

Optional(after cheesecake chills for one hour): If you would like to have a topping for your cheese cake, add a layer of cherry pie filling and chocolate shavings or a layer of peach pie filling and a sprinkling of chopped pecans… or whatever options for topping your family chooses.

Serve and enjoy!

Storage Tip: Leftover cheesecake should be refrigerated with a tight seal to prevent the dessert from drying out.

For more RuralMom.com ideas, recipes, frugal living, and eco-friendly tips from Barb Webb, visit http://www.ruralmom.com

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Have You Traveled Lately?

I haven't done too much travel in the past 10 years actually.  I want to, it's just not in the books right now. Though that is all going to change come the second half of this year.  I am planning two separate trips!

The first is still only a possibility.  I'm not sure if you've heard, but the Blissdom Conference is working on coming to Canada!  If it does I am so there.  Toronto is the rumored destination and since my wonderful, awesome, beautiful sister lives in T.O. I may possibly have a place to stay.  And, if at all possible, I may even bring the kids along to hang out with their Aunti kiki while I'm livin it up at the conference.  But...that's not a guarantee, not just yet.  There are a bunch of factors that will come into play.  Since I am a huge coupon nut, I'm already keeping my eyes open for travel coupons. I've seen quite a few around the net.  I can't wait until they set the date for the conference, so I can actually book my flight!

The second trip we're doing is DISNEY WORLD!!!  I know, I've shared this with you already, but it's so flippin exciting that I have to say it again!  DISNEY WORLD!!  My Wonderful Mom and Step Father are taking the whole family to DISNEY WORLD for Christmas!  No, I haven't told the kids yet - well, we've told William, but sworn him to secrecy, I don't think Ben understands baby babble anyway so the cat isn't going to get out of the Bag.  I do have to keep my eyes open for coupons for flights and car rentals though.  I've seen quite a few Southwest promotion codes and even a few Travelocity promotional codes. Hopefully we'll be able to save a bunch - since they are springing for a lot of flights...Can you buy them in bulk??

I'm excited to travel again. 10 years is really too long to stay in one place.  Especially for me.  I moved eight times in 3 years when I was younger - now that I have a family of my own, that's kind of unrealistic.  But I miss the thrill of change and adventure. As long as I don't have to do it on a Bus...But that's a whole other post all together.

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Yep! It's Broken...

As you may have noticed from a few of my tweets and my Wordless Wednesday post, my oldest rugrat broke his arm.  On Day 1 of March Break!  Why is it that no matter how many times we warn our kids, they insist on learning the hard way? 

For years we've told Ben not to pile things on his bed, on the coach, on anything and then try to climb on them...and for years he has done it anyway.  Not heeding our warnings of broken bones, trips to the hospital, and cast-ation.  (yes, I took out the R). 

Here's how it all went down.  I was dosing/nursing in the recliner, watching the news and waiting for DH to get home from work.  It was about 6pm and I hadn't even started supper yet - it was just one of those days.  Ben was playing in his room and being pretty well behaved. (I should have questioned him, he's not usually that content) DH walks in, says Hi to William and I and takes his shoes off.  Crash! Bang! and the an ear piercing scream comes from the end of the hall.  DH dashes as fast as he can to the mess that we call Ben's Room to make sure that his Mini-Me is ok.  He picks him up from the pile of blankets, toys and books that landed both under, and on top of him.  Ben cradles his arm and wailing in pain tries to tell us how much it hurts.  After about 10 minutes of constant screaming, tears and "It Hurts!!" I decided it's time to take him to the hospital.  I hand William to his Dad, wrap one of my sweaters around Ben's shoulders and put his shoes on.  Before we leave I gave him Tylenol for pain...I think he needed it.

Ben cried until he fell asleep in the car, and when I pulled into the parking lot of the hospital, he woke and continued to cry.  That's when I thought it might really be broken.  Usually he would be fine by now.  We go into the Outpatient Waiting room and he's still crying and wailing.  There were two people ahead of me for registration, and one person in with the nurse.  We waited about 10 minutes.  When the lady who was in with the nurse came out, both people ahead of me told me to go ahead of them.  Though not sure if it was for my benefit or theirs (Ben cries REALLY loud) I was grateful to them.  There are still a few nice people in the world. 

We go through the registration process and sit in the waiting area.  I expected to wait for a while, because that tends to be how it goes, but they got us in for an X-Ray in less than 20 minutes.  Then they put us in triage and we had to wait for a doctor to check out the X-Ray and tell us what was up.

By this time the Tylenol had kicked in and he wasn't in quite so much pain.  I was actually starting to think that his arm was fine.  The only thing that had me worries was the slight swelling (very slight) above his wrist.  So we sat, and sat, and sat.  Finally, after about an hour in comes a doctor, he goes, looks at the X-Ray, comes back and says "Yep!  It's Broken" He called it a blister break, and said it was perfectly aligned.  All he needed to do was put a cast on it.

He leaves to get the supplies to make a cast for Ben and I call home to share the wonderful news with DH.  He than tells me that William has been crying NON - STOP since I left.  William doesn't like it when I'm not around.  And he's very vocal about it. 

The doctor comes back, and starts to put the cast on Ben.  Ben was kind of grossed out by how messy it was, and wanted me to wipe up the doctor's mess.  He was ticked that we couldn't clean him up until it started to dry. 

Finally we're on our way home.  And Ben is more proud of the cast than worried about his arm!  William and Daddy were very happy to see me, and Ben was happy to show off the cast on his arm.  It was almost Midnight before we got him to sleep that night, then he woke up shortly after screaming in pain (Tylenol wore off).  For the next day and a half we gave him Tylenol for pain.  Then he was fine.  He says it doesn't hurt at all, and It has not slowed him down AT ALL!  We've gotten after him for doing handstands with the cast on. Though we're constantly warning him that if he hurts his arm more, he could end up in a cast all summer, it's like he doesn't even hear us. 

Why do kids insist on learning the hard way?  And, why do they need to do it more than once to actually learn the lesson? 

So that is the story of how Ben broke his arm.  His only complaint..."It Itches!!!"

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This Weeks Winners!

Here we go again!  Let make some of our readers start off this weekend right with a win from A Busy Mommy!

Winner of the PhotoWorks Giveaway is (drumroll please...)

Winner of the Flirty Apron is...

 The winner of the $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook Is

Congratulations to all our winners.  We still have a bunch of giveaways going on right now, check out my side bar to find the links.  Good luck!  We'll be announcing more winners next week!

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My Skins - Mega Review With The Classy Closet

What is The Most Frustrating part of dressing? Well for me, and so many woman, it's having the right undergarments for the outfit. With spring on it's way we're all unpacking those light colored clothes that have been hiding away for the long winter. (I'm Canadian...it's a long COLD winter here) With light colored clothes, you Must have the Perfect Bra and Panty set to go with them.

Why? Well, have you ever walked down the street behind a woman in white pants and black panties...or a light pink top with a bright red bra? Yeah, that's why. Though everyone has they're own sense of style, and to each their own...I can't help myself but comment (quietly in my head) "Why would they do that". Somethings are really better left unseen.

That's where My Skins come in.

My Skins is a lingerie line designed to match your skin tone. With 20 different shades of Nude, finding the color that best suits your skin tone should be easy. Between the perfect color undergarment and the special cut of their bras, you can say buh-bye to those awful lines, and peek-a-boo bras!

As a part of The Classy Closet Mega Review, I received the T-Shirt Bra and Thong Panty to review. They arrived at my door on my Birthday, which worked out perfectly because I was struggling to find the right outfit to wear out to dinner. Many of my bras aren't fitting properly because I'm nursing, and the nursing bra that I use (but loathe entirely) just wasn't working under the top I had chosen. As soon as I put on the My Skins Bra my outfit worked. I only wish I had chosen one shade lighter. I went with #3 - Blush which works just fine, but when I looked at the skin tone card they sent, my skin matched #2 Latte (no surprise, I'm addicted to my Lattes)

It is suggested that you hand wash your My Skins Bra - and I would have to agree with their suggestion. The soft foam like material that makes up the seamless bra is very unique. The bra is so well shaped that tossing it in the wash with your jeans really would not do it well. Best bet is to soak it for a few minutes with mild soap, rinse and reshape and lay it to dry. I had no problems washing it this way, and really, it only takes a couple minutes. And besides..when you find a bra you love as much as I love this one, you want to keep it as long as possible.

My Skins offers 3 different style of both bras and panties. The T-Shirt Bra, The Convertible Bra and The Plunge Bra. At only $48 you can't afford to pass them by. The Panties come in Thong, Full Cut Brief and Girl Short, and are only $12!

So, now you know how much I love My Skins, but you don't have to just take my word for it. Be sure to check out The two other lucky ladies who were given the opportunity to review My Skins. My Fabulous Life With The Crazies  &  A Psyche Mommy.

(I had every intention of including a picture of me wearing my skins (clothed of course) unfortunately my camera is unusable due to a battery leak and needs to be fixed - when I get it back I will post)

Buy It!  
Complete your wardrobe with My Skins

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Sixpence & Sunshine - Review and Coupon Code

Every once in a while I'll get contacted by a company who wants me to review a girls item.  Though I don't have any daughters, I do want to make sure that this site appeals to everyone.  Parents of girls are looking for products too right?  So usually what I do when reviewing a girly product is recruit my Sister In Law and her daughter. 

Now, a few weeks back I had a company contact me about reviewing a handmade skirt.  I asked my SIL if she would be interested, and she was...so I accepted the item.  When it arrived at my door I was just a little jealous.  But as I've said before, I don't think my boys would appreciate pictures of them in a skirt plastered over the internet.

Sixpence & Sunshine is a New Jersey based company that create fun and beautiful clothes for children.  Their clothing line is designed and manufactured at their headquarters in Princeton, N.J. and are sold in the USA and England.  A great attention to detail goes into their childrens' clothes, and as their company grows they have stayed dedicated to maintaining that same level of excellence.  

We received Charlotte Peasant Skirt from Sixpence & Sunshine for "T" to review.  As I said, when it first arrived I just had to check it out.  It was very well made and just adorable!  It consisted of 3 contrasting fabrics and 2 different fabric ribbons to separate them.  It also had a built in slip, which gave the skirt body.  It has a flat front and elastic waist in the back, making it easy to get on and take off.  The skirt is 100% cotton and machine washable. I love low maintenance. What I really loved was the colors of this skirt.  Perfect for Spring and it would make the perfect Easter Skirt! 

 
I passed it along to my SIL who then gave it to her (almost) 4 year old daughter "T".  "T"'s first reaction was that she loved it and was going to wear it when she danced like a ballerina. She wore it to an all girl birthday party over the weekend and got many compliments as well. 









Buy It!

You can get the Charlotte Skirt, and see their entire Spring/Summer 2010 line on the Sixpence & Sunshine website.  Use coupon code BUSYMOM10 to save 10% off your order!


Disclaimer:  I received the Charlotte Skirt free of charge to review with my family.  The opinions posted above are a collaboration of our opinions. 

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Hand Me Downs

My house is furnished with Hand Me Downs...

I'm really not complaining, many of them are pieces of furniture that I grew up with. Things from my mothers' house that she has grown tired of, and things from my grandmothers' that needed to find homes after she passed.

I wouldn't part with any of them.

I have two favorites...The first is a corner shelf.  It sits in my living room holding pictures of my Grandmother and the grandfather I never knew, though my son is named after.  It holds a few great candles and a gift from a neighbor from years past.  Though it is in need of some repair, the door handles are missing and it has a few stains, it still fits well in my home.  We all need a little fixing up don't we?

My second favorite is a dresser, again from my Grandmothers' house.  It is real wood!  So much furniture is made from MDF and pressed wood now, I love having something REAL.  It has a dark stain, and again, could use some fixing up.  But it's mine, and I'll keep it forever. 

I really can't think of any big furniture in my home that I bought new!  My coffee table was my Moms.  If you look on the underside you can see where my sister and I would write notes to each other.  My kitchen table was my Moms as well.  I have an old school TV stand (it think that's what it is) that is missing it's sliding doors.  One of our desks belonged to my other Grandmother, a beautiful desk but again, needs some nobs and handles.  Even our beds were given to us.  I suppose, looking around there are a few things that we bought...a pressed wood bookshelf, pressed wood pantry.  But they have no meaning...there are no memories attached to them.

There is something to be said about hand me downs, even if they're not in perfect shape anymore, they have heart and soul, and that can't be broken. 

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Wordless Wednesday - The Broken Arm

 Please Note, All the above pictures were taken while Ben had pain meds - later that night he wasn't quite so happy. 

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Organize.com - Giveaway

Is your kitchen organized?  Mine is not....not at all.  Though I try do try, for some reason with hubby and kids going in and out of the cupboards all the time - they just don't keep it the way I want it.  Hubby actually has 3 cupboard of his own for all his baking stuff - and I think he keeps those neater than the rest.

While I was scouring the pots internet looking for sites to feature during the Everything Kitchen event, I came across this site, Organize.com.  I started looking at some of the products that they offer and about 2 hours later I was still looking.  I realized they have everything.  Ok, well maybe they don't have the kitchen sink - but they have a shelves and mats to accessorize it!


I contacted them to see if they would be interested in providing a few prizes for all my lovely readers and they thought that would be a great idea!  So I have a giveaway for all of you!

One of you will be taking home a drawer organizer.  I need these terribly.  My drawers are a mess of gidgets and gadgets, from clothes pins to potato mashers (not in the same drawer).  This would fit perfectly in my mess!

This drawer organizer is made by Progressive.  It is customizable to suite your specific needs and measures 12" W x 16" L x 2.5" H.  It has a cool removable charger caddy in it as well!  Very neat for keeping all you charger cords in one place.






Buy It!

You can find this organizer, and SO MANY MORE at Organize.com

Win It!

Want to win this organizer to help you with your spring cleaning an organizing?  Head over to Organize.com and look around. Don't get lost!  Come back here and tell me in a comment of another organizational product you would like to have in your home!

Extra Entries:

• Blog about this giveaway and leave me a link in a comment
• Follow @abusymommy and tweet about this giveaway, can be done once per day
• Subscribe to A Busy Mommy through Feedburner 
• Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter
• Add the A Busy Mommy Button to your blog
• We love social bookmarks, Stumble, Digg, Technorati ect (one entry each)
• Add the Everything Kitchen Button to your blog
• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect

<br/><a href="http://www.abusymommy.com/2010/01/everything-kitchen-event-on-busy-mommy.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="250" src="http://i685.photobucket.com/albums/vv218/abusymommypro/evekitbut1.jpg" /></a>

The Fine Print

Contest ends on March 30th at 11:59 EST.  Contest is open to Canadian and US Residents.  Winner will be chosen using Random.org and contacted by email.  Be sure to leave a valid email address in your entries...If I can't contact you, you can't win. 

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post.  Just the opportunity to give away something to help with your organization, and as a result, your sanity.

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Spring Is In The Air...

And the mud is everywhere!

Here in Nova Scotia we've had above normal temperatures!  The snow is melting, the sun is shining and the dirt and mud is staining everything.  I can't stand to look at the siding on my place, it was white last fall.  Now, it's littered with specs of dirt, dried leaves and just basic gunk.  Who has time to go clean it?

Absolutely not me. 

So, like with everything I do, I turn to the internet to try and find a way have it cleaned, but in such a way so that I don't have to do it!  Ideally, I'd like it to be eco-friendly, and generally inexpensive.  But I haven't found much in my area.  I did come across a site for that would be great for any of you who live in Seattle though (lucky buggers).  It is a Seattle Pressure Washing Company that goes by the name of Mr. Pressure Wash.  I like the information that I found on their website.  I was pleased to read that they Clean Green.  By bringing their own water and reusing it, it significantly reduces the amount of water consumption.  Read more here   about how they clean green. You can even check out some of their work when you click here!

Now, If I can find a pressure washing company in my area that is green and reasonably priced who will come clean my walkway and siding I'll be smiling!  In the mean time, if you drive by my house you might just find me outside with a pail and sponge, trying to clean the caked on mud off my walls. 

Disclaimer:  Yeah, I earned a few bucks for writing this post, but my house really does need the siding cleaned and I really don't want to do it.  

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Tuesday's Tips - A Clean and Organized Kitchen

I know I've said it before, I am a Messy. I don't know why, or how it happened. I grew up in a clean house, was constantly gotten after to clean up behind myself, and am always willing to help clean up Other Peoples Houses (after dinner for example, not just for the sake of cleaning someone's house...I'm not crazy)

This is one of the things I am really trying to change about myself this year, going from a messy, to a not so messy...I know, it's not a huge jump, but at least it is something.

Here are a few of the things that I already do in my kitchen, this keeps it messy but not disgusting.  I do hope to grow this list and my kitchen cleaning abilities. 

1. Clean as you go - It is how my kitchen is not completely disgusting.  When I start cooking, I fill my sink (I don't own a dishwasher) and I try to keep up with the dishes as I use them.  It makes the job of cleaning up after dinner not quite so bad.  
2. Cleaning Caddy - I've seen this tip around, everywhere.  Put all your cleaning supplies in one little caddy, it makes for quick and easy clean up of spills and messes.
3. Clean your refrigerator the day before grocery shopping - If you family is anything like mine, you probably go grocery shopping on a regular basis.  If you get in the habit of cleaning your fridge the night before the big shop, you'll see what products your low on (making grocery list building easier) and you'll be able to put your groceries away with much less frustration.
4. Assign Jobs - If you kids are old enough, give them a job to do.  It makes you work just a little bit lighter and teaches them that these things must be done.  It could be for an allowance if your really nice.  
5. Once a month do a deep clean - the same goes for just about every room.  But since the kitchen is the where the food is kept, cooked and eaten, you want to make sure that it's pretty clean.  Wash your walls down, cupboard shelves, scrub and wax floors, and clean up any things that haven't found a home in the last 30 days. In our house it tends to be mail that has landed on top of the fridge. 

Check back next Tuesday for more Kitchen Cleaning and Organizing Tips!

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Sixpence & Sunshine Promotional Code

Two weeks ago I received a Charlotte Peasant Skirt from Sixpence & Sunshine for my Niece "T" to review.  Sixpence & Sunshine also wanted me to share with you a 10% off coupon code!  With Easter coming up I"m sure many of you are looking for that perfect outfit, why not get it and save a few dollars too!

Save 10% off your order at Sixpence & Sunshine using coupon code BUSYMOM10

And be sure to come back on Wednesday to check out our review of the Charlotte Peasant Skirt!

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Bugalug...Review

Sometimes I receive a product that makes me just a little envious...they make me wish that I had a daughter.  Don't get me wrong, I love my boys like crazy, I just don't think they'd be to keen on me posting pictures of them in hair accessories and skirts on my website...especially come highschool time. 

I the last little while I've received 2 separate products to review that made me yearn for a girl.  Since that just isn't going to happen, my niece gets the honor of testing out the girly stuff. Below you'll find her modeling off some adorable hair accessories from Bugalug.

Bugalug sent me a bunch of adorable hair accessories for my niece "T" to try out.  I wish I could have seen the look on her face when her Mommy showed them to her, she's such a girly girl that I bet she just lit right up!  Tonight her Mom sent me pictures of "T" wearing the Bugalug hair pretties.  Check them out...so adorable!

This is "T" wearing the Bugalug Barrettes. When I checked them out, I noticed that they were very well made, and they have a special silicone gel grip strip on the inside of the 'alligator clip' that keeps them from sliding around.  This style of barrette is perfect for long hair, or that little bit of peach fuzz that babies have.  At only $4 (sold individually) they are a steal!

The Pony Loops are too cute, and "T" wears it so well.  A little harder to get a really good picture of, because it has a bit of a shine to it, but none the less, very cute.  They come in so many different designs that you'll be sure to find one that matches her most adorable outfit!  These are only $3.50!

Last, but certainly not least is the bugalug headband.  Most definitely my favorite item of all that was sent.  Made of a strong, high quality ribbon and featuring the most innovative toggle style clasp that allows this headband to fit just about anyone, infant to tween, right up to Mommy (26").  All the ladies at "T's" preschool though the toggle was ingenious, and I'd have to agree!   The headbands are $8 and would be a perfect fit for her Easter Outfit!

Buy It!

You can order your bugalug products directly off their website at www.bugalugbaby.com  bugalug is a Canadian based company.  You can expect shipping within Canada to take 3-7 business days, In the US 7-10 business days.

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Mavea - Review & Giveaway

Water....

Fresh, Clean, Clear... My very favorite drink is a tall glass of  Ice Cold water.  But, most tap water just doesn't taste the way I think water should taste...it tastes...well...kinda gross.

My home is tied to the community water supply and the taste of chemicals stands out when you down a glass of my tap water.  Even when kept cold in the fridge, you can still taste the chlorine.  When we first moved in, (coming from a house with a well) we were buying 4L bottles of water from the grocery store.  The cost .99 cents each, and came with a plastic bottle that then needed to be disposed of...though recycled, it still is unnecessary.

Shortly after we decided that buying water for drinking wasn't realistic, I started taking those bottles I had aquired to my mother's and filling them up with her well water.  And though that did that wasn't a bad idea, I would run out at times, especially while I was hugely pregnant last summer and consuming close to 4L a day...yeah, that's a lot of water.

It was getting frustrating just how often I was filling up and lugging bottles of water around.  Almost seemed like an endless cycle, and I often wondered how many times I could do this without the plastic bottles breaking down and leaching some crazy chemicals into my water.

The answer for me was a water filtration system.  I was thrilled when Mavea agreed to be a part of the Everything Kitchen event here on A Busy Mommy.  Since water is used daily in just about every home in Canada and the US...it's something we all relate to.

Did you know that the quality of the water that your using in your recipes can dramatically change the flavor of the out come?  Try it sometime!  Make a pie crust or pizza crust using regular tap water, then make another with water filtered through a system like Mavea...I noticed a difference when I did it! I even notice it in my Coffee.  My Tassimo Coffee maker comes with its own Mavea Filtration System and when it's time to change the filter I don't need a reminder, I can taste it in the coffee.  (I only just realized the connection between the two products the other day)

I've been using the Mavea Elemaris Water Pitcher now for about a month and a half.  And does it ever make a difference.  It has some really nice features to it that some other popular water filter pitchers don't have.  The first I want to point out is it's size.  It's slim design allows it to fit on the shelves of the fridge door.  You also do not have to remove the cover to fill it up.  It has a place in the lid specifically for pouring your water in, directly from the tap.  But the best feature, in my opinion anyway is that you do not have to soak the filter...just give it a rinse and pop it in...within seconds you'll be drinking great tasting water.  Below is a little bit of information about the Filtration System Mavea features...

MAVEA MAXTRA

MAVEA water filter cartridge with unique MAVEA MAXTRA filtration technology provides cleaner, great-tasting filtered water.

MAVEA water filter cartridge reduces:

• Chlorine taste and odor and limescale for a great taste of hot and cold drinks,
• Contaminants such as:
• metals (like cadmium, copper, mercury),
• organic impurities (such as benzene, MTBE and tetrchloroethylene)
• pesticides (e.g atrazine or simazine) for your well being.

MAVEA water filter cartridge prolongs the lifetime of your domestic appliance by reducing limescale-build* up.

*Limescale reduction certified in internal tests, not certified by WQA

Have you ever had a filtration pitcher and when it came time to change the filter wondered what to do with it?  Most of us would just throw in into the recycle bin and forget about it...At Mavea they want them back  You can drop them off at participating store locations or send them back to Mavea....they'll even pay the postage!

Buy It!

You can purchase both the Mavea Pitcher and the replacement filters on Amazon.com

Win It!

I have the opportunity to give one of these awesome Mavea Elemaris Pitchers to one of you ever so lucky readers!

To Enter:  Go to the Mavea website and browse around.  Tell me about a feature or another product that interests you.  Easy Peasy.

• Blog about this giveaway and leave me a link in a comment
• Follow @abusymommy and tweet about this giveaway, can be done once per day
• Subscribe to A Busy Mommy through Feedburner 
• Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter
• Add the A Busy Mommy Button to your blog
• We love social bookmarks, Stumble, Digg, Technorati ect (one entry each)
• Add the Everything Kitchen Button to your blog
• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect

<br/><a href="http://www.abusymommy.com/2010/01/everything-kitchen-event-on-busy-mommy.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="250" src="http://i685.photobucket.com/albums/vv218/abusymommypro/evekitbut1.jpg" /></a>

The Fine Print

Contest ends on March 28th at 11:59 EST.  Contest is open to Canadian and US Residents.  Winner will be chosen using Random.org and contacted by email.  Be sure to leave a valid email address in your entries...If I can't contact you, you can't win. 

Disclaimer: I received a mavea water pitcher at no charge for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own and 100% honest.  Individual results may vary.

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The New Me.

Burning the candle at both ends is what they call it - If there was a candle with three ends, they'd all be on fire!  I am officially an unorganized chaotic freak show...ok, maybe not that bad.  But, I have taken on a lot, and I love all of it.  There isn't a chance in H.E. double hockey sticks that I'm giving any of it up, I just need to organize my life so it all kinda flows~~~~~~~(Is there such a thing?)

You see, in 6 weeks I need to go back to work - which means I need to go find a flippin job.  Not my ideal thing to be doing with a baby well under 6 months.  And, since he is so young, daycare isn't an option, so I need a job that will work around hubbies schedule and give me Christmas Off for our trip to Disney.  Hmmm, think I'm asking a lot??

So in my everyday life I will have a home to take care of, 2 small children, hubby, my blog, other online commitments and find time in there to work 30+ hours a week.  Ummmm I see a meltdown in my immanent future.  On top of all that I have some personal goals...just for me.

I want to get healthy.  I'm not sickly by any means, and I'd like to keep it that way.  I need to change my regular diet...it's not too bad but could be better.  I also want to lose 28lbs.  I only have 8lbs of baby weight left, which I think is pretty awesome. The 20 is just for me - My average weight is around 160-165 (Since mommy hood began) I'd like to get it around 140.  So with the nice weather starting I think it's time to get my butt moving and work on living an active lifestyle.

I took my first step yesterday at the grocery store.  I bought Special K and decided I'm going to take the Special K Challenge.  I'm designing my plan today, and will post every Monday how well I do.  I love having someone to answer to :-)

So, I ask you to wish me luck...I've never ever tried to lose weight before...ever.  And if you are doing something to help you lose a few extra pounds I'd love to hear it....especially that extra belly flab from pregnancy...

Here I go!!!

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Guest Post - The Bewitchin' Kitchen and her Boston Cream Pie recipe

 Today we have our second guest post!  Meet Randa from The Bewitchin' Kitchen and enjoy her yummy recipe!

My name is Randa and I am the woman behind The Bewitchin' Kitchen (http://bewitchinkitchen.blogspot.com). Over at The Bewicthin' Kitchen you will find out about my life. I am 21 years old and I LOVE to cook, bake (anything to do with an oven) I am also a scrapbooker and a mother. My son passed, he was a stillborn and instead of going to food to cope (like I started to) I, instead, lost 58 pounds! I have a bi weekly feature of "Weight Loss Wednesday" where I share my experience and tips. The alternating Wednesday is "Wedding Wednesday" because my fiancé and I (of almost six years together) are finally having my dream wedding this June. You can find that and more (recipes,reviews & giveaways included) over at The Bewitchin' Kitchen. I hope to see you all soon!

Boston Cream Pie

Pastry Cream:

1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar

3 large egg yolks

1/8 cup (20 grams) all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons (20 grams) cornstarch

1 1/4 cups (300 ml) milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sponge Cake:

5 large eggs

3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar, divided

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (60 grams) plain cake flour (not self-rising)

1/4 cup (35 grams) all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

1/8 teaspoon cream of tarter

Chocolate Glaze:

4 ounces (120 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon unsalted butter

Pastry Cream: In a medium-sized stainless steel bowl, mix the sugar and egg yolks. (Do not let this mixture sit too long or you will get pieces of egg forming.) Sift the flour and cornstarch together and then add to the egg mixture, mixing until you get a smooth paste. Set aside.

Meanwhile in a small saucepan, bring the milk just to a boil over medium heat. (Watch carefully and remove from heat just as the milk starts to foam up.) Pour the milk slowly into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. (If you get a few pieces of egg (curdling) in the mixture, pour through a strainer.)

Place the egg mixture into a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until boiling, whisking constantly. When it boils, continue to whisk constantly for another 30 - 60 seconds until it becomes thick.

Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Pour into a clean bowl and immediately cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming. Let the cream cool in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Sponge Cake: Preheat to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter and line the bottoms of two - 8 inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.

While the eggs are still cold separate three of the eggs, placing the yolks in one large mixing bowl and the whites in another bowl. To the yolks, add the two remaining eggs. Cover the two bowls with plastic wrap and allow the eggs to come to room temperature before using (about 30 minutes).

Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the flours, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Place the milk and butter in a small saucepan, over low heat, and warm until the butter melts. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.

In your electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, (or with a hand mixer) beat the whole eggs and yolks and 6 tablespoons (75 grams) of the sugar on high speed for about five minutes, or until they are thick, fluffy and light colored (when you slowly raise the beaters the batter will fall back into the bowl in a slow ribbon). Beat in the vanilla

In another clean mixing bowl, with the whisk attachment, (or with a hand mixer) beat the egg whites and cream of tartar, at low speed, until foamy. Increase the speed to medium-high and gradually add the remaining sugar, beating until soft, moist peaks form. Gently fold a little of the whites into the batter to lighten it, and then add the rest of the whites folding just until incorporated. Sift half of the flour mixture over the top of the batter and gently fold through with a rubber spatula or whisk. Sift the remaining flour over the batter and fold in. Do not over mix.

Make a well on one side of the batter and pour the melted butter/milk mixture into the bowl. Gently but thoroughly fold the butter mixture into the batter. Do not over mix.

 

Divide the batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops, and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until light brown and springy to the touch. (A toothpick inserted in the middle will come out clean.) Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Immediately run a spatula or sharp knife around the inside of the pans and then invert the cakes onto a wire rack. Remove parchment paper and re-invert. Cool completely.

When the cakes have cooled and you are ready to assemble the Boston Cream Pie, make the

Chocolate Glaze: Place the chopped chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. Bring the cream and butter just to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for a 3-5 minutes. Gently stir until smooth. Set aside for a few minutes until it has thickened to pouring consistency.

 

To Assemble: Place one cake layer on your serving plate bottom side facing up. Spoon the pastry cream onto the cake, spreading to make an even layer. Place the second cake layer (bottom side up) onto the filling. Pour the glaze onto the center of the cake and carefully spread the glaze, with an offset spatula, to the edges of the cake, allowing the glaze to drip down the sides. Let the cake sit until the glaze sets, about one hour. Serve. This cake is best eaten the same day it is made. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

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