On my post regarding the 5 lists you should create weekly to simplify your life, I got some requests for information on where I got my list pads. I own quite a few, well okay a lot. Amazon is my friend as well the dollar spot at Target, Dollar Tree and the stationary section of TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Homegoods.
Here are four of my favorites that I own and help me keep things in order around here.
For the past 5 years I have likely spent more time than not perusing the interwebs connecting and engaging with other moms. These interactions have exposed me to a variety of different parenting methods, and have offered more than a fair share of “Dear lady at Target that didn’t side eye me when my child threw a tantrum and broke a Lilly Pulitzer for Target vase.” You know of these articles of which I speak where we are all asked to have compassion for that mom struggling with her child because as an outsider looking in we don’t know that her child my have developmental or behavioral issues. I have read these articles and appropriately not side eyed that mom in the store and have at times offered my assistance if I see someone having a really hard time.
Compassion is a real thing and we all need to have it and display it when necessary.
That being said, if we are encouraging one another as moms to be more compassionate and less judgmental in our dealings with one another, let’s be mindful of how we let our children and their freedoms infringe on others.
Case in point.
In my daughter’s ballet class there is a student that is just….let’s say out of control. She is a constant disruption to the class, yells out and refuses to do what the teacher asks. The teacher reasonably tries to accommodate and encourage the child but depending on the day and how the wind is blowing she may or may not chose to participate. Here’s the thing, as a parent while I may exercise my right not to discipline my child, I would have to step in when I felt that my child’s issues were starting to impact and take time away from other students whose parent’s spend their hard earned money for uninterrupted lessons.
This is where I draw the line. While I can be compassionate and think about all of the reasons why a child may have a behavioral issue, please be mindful of the money I spend monthly to have my child participate in an activity. As a mother I don’t think I could sit back and watch my child no matter what his/her issue may be completely take time away from other paying customers without stepping in and disciplining when needed or maybe finding my child a private lesson if necessary.
The way my level of compassion is set up currently, if your child rams into my cart in Target while running full speed down a Target aisle as if it is a drag way (this happened), before issuing a side eye I kindly think your child has some behavioral issues and you deserve to be in Target like the rest of us because simply there would be no way that you would let that happen unless there were factors driving such behaviors that you have no control over. However, if you are continuously letting your child be a disruption in a setting outside of a public classroom, I’m handing out side eyes like candy on Halloween.
Seriously, I implore us all to really consider how our parenting methods affect those around us. My child won’t ram into your cart in Target without issuing an apology, and I expect the same respect…but I get it. If you are one of those that feel the need to let your child run free and disrupt others void of an apology I would hope you would expect to receive a side eye and not feel any kind of way.
This has been a NaBloPoMo rambling. Since I’m blogging everyday and this scenario has had me a little perturbed all day this has been my vent for the day. Thanks for listening?
Am I wrong? Am I still lacking in the compassion department? What would you do?
I was provided compensation for this post. All opinions are mine.
With the Holidays and cooler weather fast approaching, movie nights are a great way to wind down from the week and have fun with friends and family. While I had planned a fun outdoor movie night with a few friends and family, the weather wouldn’t cooperate so we had to bring the party indoors. I kept the festivities fun and light to allow myself more time to spend with family rather than be worried with the nuances of entertaining. During these next few months it is likely you will have guests or be a guest somewhere. Here are a few easy tips on how to throw a fun family movie night, whether it is indoors or out.
Provide Blankets: Cooler weather is here and it is hard to accommodate everyone’s temperature requests. Offer light blankets for your guests to cuddle up with if they like.
Popcorn Fixing Bar: Get rid of some of that leftover candy and create a fun fixings bar with a variety of items, including chocolate, trail mix and other sweet treats that will mix well with the saltiness of popcorn.
Use Themed Popcorn Containers: Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn offers a Pop Up Bowl that you take directly from the microwave and can use as a bowl. I absolutely love the popcorn bowls; the popcorn popped fast, all of the kernels popped up light and fluffy and there weren’t a ton of unpopped kernels lying at the bottom of the bag/bowl. The kids always seem to like these little popcorn containers so I brought them out. I found these at a local dollar retailer.
Movie-Themed Goodie Bags: For some added fun, create goodie bags full of boxed movie candy and other themed items based on the movie you are showing.
Create Paper Tickets: Children love fun, themed play. Create fun paper tickets and request them as guests enter the area where the movie will be shown.
These are just a few fun, easy, and affordable options you can pull together to create a fun family movie night.
I used to reserve sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving only. Yams please. Then I discovered all of the wonderful and tasty things you can do with them other than piling them with butter and sugar. One of my favorite go to side dishes is herb roasted sweet potatoes. The crunchiness and saltiness of the outer skin with the sweetness of the inside is just dam* good.
Cut up sweet potatoes + olive oil + herbs + a good toss + hot oven = good eating
This is the first Friday of the month so the Fab Five and I are sharing our favorite sweet potato recipes. Be sure to stop by and see what the other ladies have cooking.
MJ | Sweet Potato Grits: Love grits? Love sweet potato? Combine them for this delicious taste of fall and Southern eats. Enjoy with country ham, green onions and a splash of hot sauce.
LaShawn | Baked Sweet Potatoes with Feta and Sundried Tomatoes: For those of us looking for alternatives to the traditional sweet potato this holiday season. This is not your mama’s sweet potato.
Bernetta | Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries: Who said you couldn’t have fries because you are eating healthy now? This version allows you to eat good, get a french fry fix and enjoy all the health benefits that a Sweet Potato brings. You can make these fries sweet or spicy and it will still taste great.
Kita| Sweet Potato Souffle for one: a sweet potato casserole for one. It is for those who want to hide in their closets and indulge in their very own sweet potato casserole without making any for the rest of the family. It’s the holidays so you can be a little bah humbug and treat yourself.
