Simple Pleasures

Happy Baby
Originally uploaded by mommy-central

One of the most wonderful things a child teaches you is the simple pleasures in life. We took this picture a few weeks back because our little L loves soft things and being in a diaper. She squealed with joy and would laugh if her blankie fell on her face or if she could grab it from the couch. Since becoming a Mom I've caught myself smiling and laughing at L and other babies as they squeal with excitement from simple pleasures & joys; just the other day at the grocery store a little girl about 1 yr old was having the time of her life pulling her hat down on her eyes and letting out a high pitched happy screech at each person that walked by her cart. I couldn't help but laugh (which I'm sure looked funny as a was alone waiting in line). She did it at least 10 times and neither her parents who were loading their cart or the people walking by she was screeching at ever looked up or aknowledged her. The best part was, the little girl didn't care if anyone paid attention or not because shewas loving it! Simple Pleasures.

Social Networking Stole My Time!

As any Mom knows, every minute in the day counts! I swear downtime doesn't come until my head hits the pillow and even then I'm going through a list in my head of every I need to do the next morning (or sometimes the entire week!). With a to do list a mile long you would think the moment nap time starts I'd be busy checking things off the list, but no. It starts with opening up Internet Explorer there's a Facebook button at the top, and I think okay I'll just check real quick and then I see someone posted new photos...shoot there went 30 minutes (social network #1)! Okay then I start going through emails and see ooh someone commented on my blog...off to check that out (social network #2). Another 10 minutes, gone (well once I'm there I have to check out my friends' blogs)! Okay back to work, then Ding! For the love...instant messenger (social network #3)! At least I've mastered working and messaging! And if its night time...Skype (social network #4)! This doesn't even include the emails, cell phone calls and text messages... I could go on but you get the point. I'm stunned every time I hear a babbling baby signaling nap time is over and I hardly accomplished anything on my list. And now the pressure is on to get a Twitter account...I'm staying strong and saying NO on this one! (for all you twitters, my status is...back to work!)

Social networking is stealing my time...REWARD if you can create more time! ha!

Making Baby Food

Eating Baby Food
Originally uploaded by mommy-central

I hear moms talk about how easy it is to make your own baby food and how it saves them lots of money, so I decided to try it out for myself. I always pick the worst time to start these projects; so at 8:30pm I headed out to the store to get some food to make. I picked up organic squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots (and some more jars of food in case my project didn't turn out!). Then I came home and found directions online to be sure I was doing everything right, um it's as simple as boil the sweet potato until very soft. When the sweet potato was done boiling, we got out the food processor and my husband says "do you think this is going to be loud?" I have no idea (I've never used it before) but say "nah, it will be fine." (we have a small house & the baby is already sleeping). Sure enough after a few seconds of blending we start to hear her wake up. Crap! My response..."Quick, into our bathroom!" So we moved our baby food operation into the bathroom in our bedroom (the furthest thing from her room) and continue to blend laughing hysterically at ourselves while she peacefully sleeps. Once we finished blending we were suppose to pour them into ice cube trays; dang it, we have an ice maker! Luckily we had one tray from an old dorm fridge. We poured the sweet potatoes into an ice cube tray, covered with a Ziploc bag and stuck them in the freezer. Now I'm suppose to pop out the cubes as I need them. Start to finish it was maybe a 20 minute process (I did have to relocate mid-blending!) and relatively easy. After I get some more trays I think I'll try carrots.

Affiliate Marketing Programs

Every day it seems I'm learning something new! These days it's a lot of internet marketing, selling advertising, and website creation information. My latest nugget of knowledge is the great world of affiliate marketing. I am an avid Amazon.com shopper; you can find so many great deals there no matter what you're looking for books, CDs, mp3s, toys, even some groceries! I buy all my mp3 downloads from Amazon...many times they're cheaper and have less restrictions than iTunes! All my stuff to make iced coffees at home (which are better than Starbucks now!) I order from Amazon, last week I saved over $800 on computer software by purchasing it through Amazon.com, I could go on and on but you get the point...I love Amazon!

Anyways, I joined their affiliate program & now sell for Amazon. You can see the link "Claire's Amazon Store" on the right-hand side of my blog. I'm customizing all my favorites and adding them to my store, now if I find something great (like my new favorite CD or must read book) I can add it to my store. Check it out! I'm constantly adding new products, music, grocery finds, books, mp3s, etc. If there's something you love let me know & I'll add it my store for you & others to buy!