Tips for Moms

We are always looking for baby shower ideas and this is a great one for Moms with little ones already at home.  Have the guests bring frozen casseroles for their gifts.  But make sure the Mom knows to prepare her freezer ahead of time.

Go to freeprint.com for your printing needs.  The site will direct you to others that are free or, at least, very inexpensive.  You can find greeting cards, invitations, photo ideas, etc.

I use clear hanging shoe bags to help keep things organized.  In the playroom, I fill the slots with cars, legos, game pieces, etc.  In the pantry, I fill them with cleaning supplies, sponges, tools, etc.  My closet hanging shoe bag holds my jewelry, belts, and accessories.

Be sure to check manufacturer websites when making purchases.  You may find better deals or online coupons when shopping websites first.

If you are watching your budget, buy a grocery store gift card where you shop, for the amount you want to spend that month.  It will be easy to keep track and not spend more than your budget allows.

Poison Control 800-922-1117. Make sure you have this number programmed in your phone in case of an emergency.

I love my new Cuisinart Griddler/Panini maker. Make lunchtime sandwiches into worthy supper meals. And, cook burgers and vegetables without having to crank up the gas grill.

Homemade muffins are a great way to sneak in healthy food, and are easy and fun to make with your child. Have your child put the muffin liners in the pan. And although most recipes say to fill each 2/3 full, I usually make smaller ones that are easier for the little ones to handle.

When making pancakes or waffles, double the batch and freeze the leftovers. During the morning rush, just pop them in the toaster.

Join a Mom’s Group near you! See links below.

Tri-County Mom’s Group - www.moms.meetup.com/1194

The Charleston Area Mom’s Club - courtdyer@comcast.net

The Mom’s Club of Mt. Pleasant, Park West - momsclub_mtpnpw@yahoo.com

The Mom’s Club of Mt. Pleasant, North - momsclub_mtpn@yahoo.com

The Mom’s Club of Mt. Pleasant, South - momsclubmp@hotmail.com

Lowcountry Moms Connection - lowcountrymomsconnection@yahoo.com

Charleston Area Mothers of Multiples - www.camom.org

Don’t forget to trade babysitting duties with other moms! This is a great, affordable way to get to have date nights, business meetings or just run errands.

Have an “out basket’ by your front door. In it place dry cleaning to go to the cleaners, library books to be returned, letters to mail, etc..

Don’t wear headphones when strolling your child.  You need to be aware of your surroundings. Not hearing what’s going on around you could put you and your child in a vulnerable position.

We found www.spatulatta.com in Family Fun magazine.  It is “an online cookbook for 21st century kids.”  The recipes are easy, kid-friendly, and tasty. 

Visit www.thecouponmom.com for all sorts of coupons to grocery stores, restaurants, and drug stores.  You can also find out where to get free samples, diet program savings, and give donations to food banks. 

My friends and I shared the cost of a jump castle.  We use it for birthday parties, sleepovers, and play dates.  It has worked out very well and splitting the cost makes it affordable.

If you are breaking out a piñata for a celebration, be sure to provide the kids with ziplock bags for their goodies.

At www.familywatchdog.us,  you can type in your address to see if there are convicted sex offenders in your neighborhood.

Try putting sprinkles or chocolate chips in cake batter before baking.  That way, you won’t need the messy frosting because the cake is already decorated.

Make your own trail mix by combining the last bits of cereal, raisins, and nuts stashed in the rear of the cupboard. Try leftover Cheerios, pretzel pieces (including the salt at the bottom of the bag), almonds, and chocolate chips.

I have an extra set of clothes for both of my children in the car.  I’m always prepared for messes and accidents.

I have three bags that I put together every night for the next day: a Snack Bag for my 2yr old, a Toy Bag for my 2yr old, and a Diaper Bag for my 3mth old.  This allows me to run out the door and have everything I need.

I put all important phone numbers in my cell:  pizza place, business numbers, clients and friends.  It makes it easy to make phone calls on the go.

Want to get involved politically with Mom and family causes?  Log onto www.momsrising.org.  They will keep you informed about what’s going on in your community and around the country concerning Mom and family issues.

I was feeling guilty about all the baby pictures stacking up in the box until I found www.togetherbook.com.  You send them your box of photos and they organize and bind them in an album.  Thanks, Together Book!