Mom Musing: School Start= Clean House

This morning, I am smiling. I'm smiling at the thought that school starts in less than a week. Actually we HAVE been smiling around here because of the start of school for a little while now. My kids are so very excited about school- one starting kindergarten, the other one going to preschool for the first time. I have been excited that we will be back on a schedule.  We need a schedule, but if we try to just make one up, we know its not true and we break the schedule for things like lying in bed and watching extra cartoons. We have tried.

Moments ago, my smile got bigger as my random thoughts have led me to believe that this time next week, my house will miraculously be cleaner! As I indulge the dream, my house practically sparkles with clean. Did I make too big of a leap that kids in school means clean house? Here's how I got there. The kids are going to school. Therefore they will be out of the house more. If kids are not in the house, they won't be here pulling toys out of everywhere, or getting toothpaste all over the sink in an effort to brush their teeth without assistance, nor will they be changing their clothes fifteen times a day despite my one outfit a day rule. This equals, less toys to put away, less bathroom cleaning, less laundry. Therefore, the house will STAY cleaner! (See kids, that a->b, b->c, therefore, a->c geometry stuff is useful.)

Kids NOT in house= House staying cleaner

I'm so relieved. If this isn't true, please don't spoil my little daydream. I'm going to have nine whole hours a week to myself while both kids are in school. I'm pretty sure I am going to be able to solve all of the ails of the earth in that time period. Now, if only I could find my magic wand (and maybe a Reese's Peanut Butter Egg) so I can get started.

(Yes, some things shouldn't make me smile, but the thought of getting the house cleaned and it staying that way for more than while the kids sleep, is a BIG deal. Don't laugh.)

National S'mores Day and Awesome Ideas, Stolen

Today is National S'mores Day!  The list of important holidays in my world goes something like this:

#1. Christmas
#2. Easter
#3. Halloween (which to me means, the most awesome holiday, Christmas, is right around the corner)
#4. Talk Like a Pirate Day

Of course there are birthdays and anniversaries too, but these other days warrant preparation and fun.  Then, today, I find out about National S'mores Day!  I'm adding it to the list!  

I have been drafting a post for a while now about the things that Pinterest, Martha Stewart, and S'mores have in common with the unraveling of the traditional means of succeeding at motherhood. I didn't want to sound bitter, but there is a point to be made.  And here it is:

Pinterest and Martha Stewart are responsible for making mothers everywhere feel like failures.

Regarding Pinterest, how can one thing give so many great ideas and make you feel like a failure because you don't do all these things, all at the same time? Don't get me wrong. I am totally addicted to Pinterest. It can be a great reference tool, but I really hate that now, when I have an original idea, the first thing someone says is, "Did you see that on Pinterest?"  I want to scream, "No, doggone-it. I thought it up in my little pea-brain all by myself." My S'mores idea that I am about to share, all mine!  I came up with it on my own. Just sayin.

Then there is Martha. She has been making us look bad for years, with her "Pay no attention to the throngs of staffers I have behind the curtain" approach to crafting she has had for years. I was just looking through a back issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine (which I am not really sure that I ever subscribed to, but somehow it ends up at my house, so I just HAVE to read it, right?) and on the cover- s’mores.  Yes, right there.  Martha Stewart claiming to upgrade the s’more.  Yes, upgrade the s’more.  “How?” you ask.  She makes the graham crackers from scratch and then adds imported chocolate.  Well, lady, let me tell you.  That may be a little too far.  Besides, years ago, I upgraded the s’more, and I have throngs of people who can vouch for me.  (And if Martha Stewart ever reads this, I'm sorry if I offended you. Really, your staff comes up with some really super cute ideas. I just can't in good conscience cover anything in my house with glitter and I hate paper crafts- paper cuts.)

Back to the S'more. 

The s’more you see, is practically perfect in its store-bought practicality from the get go.  It reminds me of childhood and camping with the Girl Scouts and visiting northern family and campfires.  Have you ever had a bad memory involving a s’more?  I think not.  

Well, you may be wondering where this tangent is going and how exactly I think I could possibly improve the s’more. My upgrade does not at all compromise the simple practicality of the s’more, it simply increases its deliciousness by substituting your favorite chocolate candy for the Hershey's milk chocolate. (Side note: If you weren't using Hershey's Milk Chocolate in the first place, you weren't doing it right anyway. In my opinion.)  My personal favorite is to use the Reese’s Peanut Butter cup.  (Anyone who knows me will not be surprised. I have an addiction, or is it an obsession, with the Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg)

Here is what you do:

1. Go to the store.
2. Buy Graham crackers and large marshmallows.
3. The hard part- buy Hershey's chocolate bars if plain chocolate is your favorite.  If not, substitute Reese's, York's, or any other flat-ish candy bar.
4. Make a fire or use the microwave to make your s'mores.  
5. Eat.
6. SMILE. 

Happy S'mores Day! I know what we will be having for dinner...I mean dessert. :)

And don't let anyone else's ideas ruin your really good ones!

Toast! Raise your marshmallow sticks!

Oh, yeah, and follow me on Pinterest! I have a whole board dedicated to how Reese's Peanut Butter Cups should come out with a star shape for summer, because the break from Easter to Halloween is just too long! :) 

Market Totes: Back in Stock and NEW Colors!

If your weather has been anything like ours, which has been rain with about two seconds of sunshine before it rains again, you may also be starting to feel like you are NEVER going to get outside again.

Well, it cannot rain forever...right?

And football is going to start soon...right?

Therefore, we can get back outside and get ready for parties, picnics, tailgating and fun...right?

While you are surfing the internet, surely looking for ways to prepare for football season. So, now is a great time to order your very own Market Tote in Original-size or Mini-size.  These totes are so AWESOME for just about everything from daily errands to picnic basket substitutes to helping contain items in your trunk.  We LOVE ours!

Check out all of the colors and prints that are available! AND, these are all currently in stock for the Original size! Minis are available in a selection of colors and patterns.

NEW colors include: orange, lime floral, and royal blue!

If you see one you like, be sure to order quick because they sell out fast, especially closer to the holidays.

Market Tote Product Description:

- Mini size: 12"L x 9"W x 7"H

- Original Size: 18"L x 11.5"W x 9"H

- Collapsible Design (Stores Flat)

- Polyester Durable Removable

- Aluminum Frame

- Inside Open Mesh Pockets

- Easy To Carry Padded Handle

- Reinforced Bottom with Rubber Feet

- Colors and Monogram Options can be found at HappyLittleMonkeyShop.com

Monogrammed Floppy Hats, Engraved Jewelry, and more are part of the Game Day and Sports Fan category at the new shop!  Please swing on over to check it out.

 

Pay No Tax! Florida Sales Tax Holiday

The Florida Sales Tax Holiday started at midnight! Have you started saving already?

If not, don't fret. The sales tax holiday doesn't end until Sunday, August 5th, at 11:59 pm.

Many HappyLittleMonkey products are included in the tax exemption:
- Receiving Blankets
- Baby bibs
- Clothes (also be sure to checkout my Facebook page for a dress special and skirts!)
- Diaper Bags (Check out this awesome "baby" bag from Trumpette that I recently added to the shop)
- Backpacks and Lunch bags
- Purses (two new bags at the shop- "LOL" and "dance" from Trumpette)
- Hats
- Hair accessories

As a bonus, any items not included in the Sales Tax Exemption are now priced with "Sales Tax Included" so your transaction will not incur additional sales tax charges. (This includes the engraved jewelry at the new shop!)

So, please go shop at my stores:

www.HappyLittleMonkeyShop.com

www.HappyLittleMonkey.Etsy.com

If you have any questions, please email me.

Happy Shopping!
-Carrie

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The Florida Sales Tax Holiday takes place from 12:01 am on Friday, August 3rd, to 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 5th, 2012. For full information on the Florida Sales Tax holiday, please see this link to the Florida Department of Revenue.