Random thoughts on stuff that works for me:-ERGO baby carrier. It works for the front, back or side. I've carried little ones and big ones in it, super comfortable. It even has a zippered pocket for your wallet.
-Kangaroo bibs. The perfect bib.
-DuraTuff glasses by Libby. I've had these glasses for over 10 years and we've only broken one.
-Longaberger dishes. Ditto, had over 10 yrs, only broken one.
-Allrecipes.com for recipes. Each recipe is rated, so you know if you've got a winner.
-Doubling my recipes. I freeze one and serve one. I always have something in the freezer for a lazy meal or an emergency.
-White towels only. All of our towels match and can be moved between bathrooms.
-Keeping a toiletries travel bag packed at all times for each family member. It makes overnights for the kids easy and lessens packing stress for trips.
-Keeping a dark red washcloth in the first aid box. We use it on kids' booboos, but they can't see the blood on it and calm down.
-Tresemme Moisturizing Curls conditioner for SJ's hair. A cheap, terrific product that we use to wash and style.
-Daily pill boxes, the ones with a compartment for each day. I put the kids' vitamins in them, & can keep track of whether or not they've taken them today. Also, we use them for travel.
-Keeping a shelf by the door for the kids' shoes.
-Low hooks by the door for kids to hang their own coats.
-Fiber One pancake mix, yum. It's not flavored, so I can add bananas or pumpkin or cinnamon to flavor it up.
-Harry & David Pepper Relish. It makes great appetizers, soup, sandwich topping, anything!
-When having company, make sure the trash and dishwasher are empty. People can then help you with cleanup easily.
-Legalzoom.com. Cheap, fully legal wills and other legal documents.
-Keeping a hidden key to the house somewhere outside.
-Valerian. Herbal sleep aid that works for me!
-Avon makeup. Liberal return policy, good product, and cheap.
-Knox County Library website. I can put a book on hold, transfer it to my local branch, and renew materials from home.
-Doubling meals that I'm taking to church/MOPS/etc. If there's a potluck on Sunday, I'll double a recipe, take half to church, keep half at home for dinner that night.
-Homemade healthy popsicles. I can let the kids have a popsicle, they think it's a treat, but they're eating straight fruit, ha!
-Stir Crazy popcorn popper. Best. Popcorn. Period.
-Keeping a pen and notepad by the bed. If I think of something I need to remember, I just jot it down and it's off my mind.
-Nature's Own Double Fiber bread. 5 grams of fiber per slice, woo hoo!
-Probiotics. That's worth a whole post of it's own, but probiotics rock.
-BORAX. Earth friendly cleaner that works very well on any surface, and cheap too!
That's all I can think of now. What works for you?
As we approach the first anniversary of SJ's relenquishment, my heart is heavy for SJ's First Mother. We had the honor of meeting this amazing woman and it widens the gash on my heart as I think of what she must be going through at this time. SJ's First Mother made the painful choice to give her daughter more than she or her community were able to offer. I pray God gives her peace and the knowledge that her daughter is well loved. And, we will raise SJ to bring honor to Ethiopia and its people. Adoption stretches the heart more than humanly possible, this is God's work.
Random thoughts on stuff that works for me:
