Come run with us! (for free)

We weren’t just placed here on this beautiful planet to “exist”.  We have to contribute; do our part; help our neighbor; give to others.  That’s our civic duty.  I look for opportunities to help out where I can.

For example: over the weekend, I helped contribute to the children of Haiti:

100% of proceeds from cupcakes purchased on Saturday went towards donations for children in Haiti.  Side note: I highly recommend their “Better Than Whatever” cupcake, or the chocolate pb cup, or the Madagascar vanilla, or the…. not that I ate all those cupcakes! …..what? ….phsst!

No way, because I’m “in training” for an upcoming race:

 The Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is sponsoring a 5K or 1 mile run/walk to benefit their disaster relief fund.  Every applicant will receive a T-shirt, goody bag, and breakfast afterwards.  There will even be prizes for the winners.  Everyone is welcome so if you’re in the Utah County or surrounding areas, sign up and come run/walk with us! 

March 6th at 10:00 am in Provo.

I’ll be the one either trying to squeeze my way through the crowd of runners with a double jogging stroller, or on the side of the course doubled-over trying to breathe.  Either way, it will be fun!

Registration cost is $20 adults; $15 students.

Or, leave a comment here, and be entered to win one of TWO registration passes being given away for the race! 

Winners will be chosen at random and announced February 14th – to give you time to prepare.

I figure it’s a win-win.  I get to donate to a good cause, plus I get to work off the cupcakes I ate over the weekend (and this coming weekend)…

Validation

I saw this on my SIL’s blog.  It’s too cute not to share.  Even if you don’t have 16 minutes to watch the whole short film, the first couple minutes will make you smile!  Sometimes we just need a little validation to help us throughout the day!

Balancing Life 101

Google Image

Chances are, you’re already a follower of the blog Mom It Forward , but for the two of you that aren’t, this post is for you.

I’ve had a 3-part series sharing ideas on how to balance a career and motherhood.  The 3rd and final post went up today, but if you missed any of the previous posts, check them out:

Part 1 - Keeping that relationship alive with your children

Part 2 - Working with your “team”

Part 3 - Remembering “you” in the balancing act.

Now, I’m no expert, just a mom who happens to work full-time.  And I know I’m not the only one, so please share your ideas on how you find that balance between making your income, and being a mom.

We’re sick over here…

But not too sick to take pictures in the doctor’s office.

Believe it or not, I’m not the one that is being seen by the doctor. It had just been a long day for me!

And that’s me on the right trying to take the camera from C8 without any accidental drops or “throws” of the electronic device.

Even the poor doctor couldn’t escape the violation of her privacy.

Yes, although C8 was (is) suffering from swollen glands, a tight cough, a fever, and ultimately, bronchitis, her attention span is still shorter than 2 minutes.

I guess that’s what I get for owning a pocket-size camera that fits in my purse!

Wasatch Woman of the Year 2010

Rarely do I get the opportunity to be involved in a community event that celebrates women.  So, when I was given the offer to help volunteer at the luncheon for the Wasatch Woman of the Year, I scheduled myself off for a half day at work and spent a few hours being surrounded by amazing women!

Without giving the whole rundown of the entire event, here are some of the highlights, according to Camille – in no particular order.

* Meshing the blogging world with the “real” world.  There are certain blogs I “stalk” because of the writing skills, content, and humor!  CJane is one of them.  And in a weird, “stalky” way I feel I know her and her family because of the updates, pictures, and references to Stephanie and the rest of the Clark family.  After realizing I was awkwardly staring at them once they entered the room, I decided to just introduce myself.  They were kind, gracious, and even granted a couple of pics.

* Seeing my “blogging friends” again.  Vanessa, Emily, Lauren, Stephanie, Quinn, Jyl, and meeting Shannon and Nicole

* Being in the heart of downtown, in the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, eating a delicious catered lunch.  Now you know you can’t go wrong with any meal that’s followed by a “triple chocolate confusion cake”!

* Learning about 6 women from our community who have succeeded and persevered in a certain area, and their specific stories.  You can go here to read about all of them.

* Meeting the beautiful Pamela behind the Wasatch Woman magazine – and putting my foot in my mouth.  Who else says, “you look so much younger in person!” to someone they’ve just met.  Yeah – the backpedaling didn’t even help.  I’m sorry Pamela.   She really is an amazing woman – to put on such an event!

* Linda Hill’s (Wasatch Woman of the Year 2010) amazing survival story of beating cancer 4 times in her lifetime, but not letting it affect her sense of humor. You need to check out her T-shirts she has created!  Even if you haven’t had your own struggle with cancer, they’ll make you laugh!

Start thinking about the women in your community who would be deserving of these awards 2011. Or at least plan on attending the luncheon!  Very much worth your time!  And I was so in need of some inspiration!!  Thanks Wasatch Woman!

Cherish Bound StoryStarter WINNERS

I love when more than one winner can be selected!  And like I mentioned with this giveaway, CherishBound is giving away Story Starters (of the winners’ choice) to 5 (five!) lucky winners.  And, random.org has selected the following:  (forgive my laziness of not copying and pasting 5 random.org numbers on this post – but I promise it’s all legit!)

Chelsey

Shannon

Micaela

Jill

Kirsten

Contact me (or leave a comment here) and let me know which story starter you’d like!

For the rest of you, if you’re still thinking of ideas for a fun date night, or family night, check out the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival taking place in Utah County from February 3rd – February 6th!  Prepare to be entertained and enlightened as professional storytellers captivate with their words and expressions!  You really have to experience it for yourself!  Definitely worth every penny!

Something for free

The funnest part about the blogging world are the giveaways and the high hopes that you’ll be getting something for free!  Who wouldn’t agree to that?  And just in case you’re overwhelmed with the millions of blogs on the web, let me narrow down some giveaways that you don’t want to miss out on!  And if you happen to win any of these, I only require at least 40% of the proceeds.

Of course, since it’s my blog, I can advertise that today is your last chance to enter to win a StoryBook Starter from CherishBound!  Enter here.

Then head over to SassyScoops for a chance to win $25 to the San Gelato Cafe for some great Italian paninis, wraps, pizza, and of course GELATO!  Seriously, some good stuff!

And to satisfy your cupcake addiction (me), enter Heather’s giveaway for a dozen gourmet cupcakes from Cupcake Chic!  I’ve never met a cupcake of hers that I didn’t like…

Happy 2010 * Guest Blogger Pamela

 Talk about talents, and Pamela is sure to come up in conversation!  This girl bakes, cooks, crafts, and quilts like nobody’s business!  She is co-owner of the Tom & Lucy’s Art Shoppe and keeps up on her own blog French Knots, where she combines her two passions – quilting and food!  Plus, she is the mother to two darling boys.  And on top of all of that, Pamela is just the nicest person you’ll ever meet!  Thanks for sharing your “crafty” idea on beating the winter blues, Pamela! 

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Hello, it is Pamela from Frenchknots guesting posting here at Make it Work Mom. Camille asked me to guest post about how I “creatively” chase away the grey clouds!! I have to admit after Christmas and the New Year it feels, at times, like a waiting game for spring. Although here in Utah, the sun does show its face, grey clouds, inversion, rain and or snow can’t help but get  any Gal down. At times I have been known to have S.A.D. ~ Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you watched 30 Rock last week you’ll get my drift.
 
I wanted to share some ideas for “creatively” keeping your home “happy” no matter how dreary the weather is outside.

 
#1 Create a Space to Decorate. In my home, I have a few select areas where I decorate for the current holiday and or decorate a cheerful place. They are high traffic areas where I spend most of my time and energy. Pictures, mirror, knick knacks, collections and a lamp can all help to lighten the winter mood.
 
 
#2 Create a Mini Makeover. Out with the old and in with the new. Who wants to see the same old stuff from 2 years ago? Give your house a mini facelift. I gave my bedroom a mini makeover here. New couch pillows, a tablecloth for the kitchen, new mirror, picture frames or floor rug can help make your home feel fresh and inviting. Discount stores or IKEA are a great place to buy “new” “less permanent” decorations without breaking the budget.
 
 
#3 Create a Kitchen Worth Visiting. Most of us spend quite alot of our “home time” in the kitchen. It is where we cook, chat on the phone, clean, pile in from the garage etc. put forth the effort and make this part of your home shine. Clear the dull drums away with a new vase and flowers, add pretty bright kitchen curtains, new cookie jar, festive tablecloth or place mats. Get creative! If this is the space you live in most, make it as welcoming as possible. A small investment, but it can go along way. 
 

 
I hope whereever you live, you can enjoy the rest of what winter has to offer and make your home your haven when winter makes us all feel S.A.D.

Happy 2010 * Guest Blogger Kitty

Kitty and I share something really special in common: sugar!  She knows how to create with it and I know how to appreciate the creations.  As it’s typical of most, anything sweet usually cheers up a “gray” day, so I asked my “sweet” friend to share one of her creations with my readers.  You can keep up with her creative baking ideas at Fahrenheit 350.

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I’m so excited to be guest posting over at Camille’s blog: Make it Work Mom! with this sugary sweet recipe to brighten your January Day.

Remember a few weeks ago on your first grocery trip excursion after Christmas, feeling a magnetic pull towards the shopping carts filled to the brim with discounted candy, finding yourself tempted with 25¢ flavored candy canes? The strawberry, raspberry, bubblegum and tangerine flavors were too enticing to pass up and now your pantry is filled with a rainbow of colors and flavors.

Lucky!

Candy Cane Pie

This is a fun recipe because you don’t have to exert much effort for it, yet you still receive just as much reward from it. Plus, everyone in your family can choose their own flavor, and you can appease each person with just one batch.

Candy Cane Powdered Sugar
Unwrap 4 candy canes
Place in blender
Pulse until they are finely ground
4 candy canes will make approx ¼ cup
Repeat for each flavor, set aside

Crust
10 Double Stuffed Oreos
Crush and line the bottom of your mini tart pans
Set aside

Pie
12 ounces sweetened condensed milk
16 oz. cream cheese
Whip together until smooth and creamy
Stir in 12 ounces cool whip

Separate batter evenly into as many flavors as you want to create
Add candy cane powdered sugar, per batch and flavor, stir to incorporate
Spoon over crust to fill tart pans
Place in freezer until set, approximately 6 hours
Yields 8-10 tartlette pies

For option decoration, reserve ½ of candy cane powdered sugar
Before freezing, place small cookie cutter over top of pie batter
Lightly spoon powdered sugar within shape
Remove cookie cutter and place in freezer

Editor’s note and disclaimer: I was given the finished product, in the bubble gum flavor (she knows my girls!), for vouching purposes. And I can definitely vouch for the deliciousness of this product, AND that it truly brightens a yucky January day!  :)  Thanks again, Kitty!

Happy 2010 * Guest Blogger Vanessa

You probably already know Vanessa from  I Never Grew Up.  She is the only blogger that I know (personally) who has turned blogging into a successful business! And still has fun with it! She keeps busy with her other blogs: Utah’s Natural Kids, Moms Make Money Blogging, Sassy Scoops and A Kick in the Buzz (a social media marketing site).  However, her main attraction is spending time with her two little girls – who are loved so much by my two little girls and me!  Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to share your ideas with us Vanessa!  You’re amazing!

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Blerg and double blah to January, February, March and sometimes even April. AND last year didn’t it snow in May or June or something?
Just last night I was asking my husband in my extra attractive whiny voice, “TYLER! What is wrong with me? I look like blah. I feel like blah. All I want to do is eat horribly heavy and chocolaty things.” He responded with the same sigh I had, “Its the W-I-N-T-E-R.  Let’s move to Panama.”  Still not sure why the guy is trying to get me to move to Panama.
Some days I let the winter blues get me down, and then some days I get a grip and have some fun. We are pretty good at the I Never Grew Up house on finding creative things to do INDOORS during the cold, bleak winter months. But lately I have been biting the bullet and figuring out things to do…you know out there…in the cold….outside. I have this rule of “Every Single Day Spend Time in Nature” that I made for myself and the kids ever since they were brand new. I had been counting the run to the mailbox or (honest to goodness) opening their bedroom window and telling them to stick out their hand in order to qualify for the rule.
Eh, I was cheating, so I have been trying extra hard to think of fun things to do outside for the past couple of weeks and would love to share with you. These are things other than going on a walk, sledding and playing in the snow normal style- you know the same old.
#1 Investigating Snowflakes

Supplies:
Magnifying Glass
Black Cloth
Explain to your kids a little bit about the uniqueness of snowflakes. Bundle up and when it is starting to snow, catch some snowflakes on your black cloth.  Then investigate with your magnifying glass. Try hard not to breath on them.  Maybe cover your mouth with your scarf because they disappear fast!
#2 Investigating Tracks

 Supplies:
A Forest or canyon or trail
A fresh patch of snow near the trees or at the base of a mountain
Camera
Notepad

Be on the hunt to find some tracks in the fresh snow! Take pictures of them and write down clues you find around them, like maybe a fresh pile of animal waste (sorry, but the kids think it’s a really cool clue), piece of hair, or which way the animal was headed. When at home, put your clues together to figure out what animal you think left the tracks!
 

#3 Secret Messages
 

Supplies:
Spray bottle
Water
Food Coloring or Tempura Paint
Fill your water bottle up with water and a bit of paint/coloring and shake. Then go outside and “spray” secret messages in the snow to others!

Look at all of this “investigating” and “secret messages” we are doing over here! We must think we are Super Spies!

Good luck with the rest of the Winter Blue Months.  We can do it guys!!