My review of Beachbody On Demand

I was lucky enough to be part of the beta test group for the new online streaming service being offered by Beachbody.  I got to test out all of the features and make suggestions on the functionality of things before it was released to the public.

Accessing BOD is very simple.  You log into your Team Beachbody account and then there is a tab for it on the top left of the screen.  Once you are in, there is a menu button on the top left that can help you easily navigate through the workouts.  You can search by trainer or by type of workout. Or you can simply scroll through the Member Library which will list all of the workouts available.

These are the programs available for free with the service now. You not only get the workouts but you get the calendar, nutrition guide, recipes, basically everything you would get if you bought the DVD set:

Insanity
Insanity Asylum
P90X - 1,2 and 3
TurboFire
Brazil Butt Lift
ChaLEAN Extreme
10 Minute trainer

Now don't forget to check out the "Try Something New" section.  There you will be able to do one full workout from our newest programs so you can try them out before you decide to buy them.

These programs include:
21 Day Fix
21 Day Fix Extreme
T25
PiYo
Insanity Max 30
Body Beast
Slim in 6

They will be adding content to the library monthly, so your options will continue to grow.  

Now you may be thinking, but what about all of the programs I already OWN on DVD??  Well towards the end of March, they will be rolling out the capability to stream all of the programs that you have previously purchased.  And if you purchase any of the programs in the future you will also be able to stream them as well.

For me this part is a huge game changer.  We all have busy lives and aren't always home to do our workouts.  Now you don't have to stop your progress with your program OR have to lug around the laptop and DVDs.  You can do you programs anywhere you have an internet connection from your smartphone, tablet or computer!  

The workouts are easy to play, the only thing you have to do is click the liability waver check box each time you work out.  Then the workout starts right away!  No having to wait for all of the promos and "warning" messages.  It just gets right to it!

Another feature I really like is if you stop your workout before completing it (you know, like if your kids need you right this minute!), when you log back in, it is there waiting for you on the main screen.  Love that!

The quality of the videos is good and there don't seem to be any issues on speed or being choppy.  And my favorite thing about this is that I can use my Apple TV to stream the content right onto my TV so I don't have to always use my iPad or iPhone to view it.  Which sometimes makes it easier when you are doing a workout for the first time. 

Now for the price - you can get Beachbody On Demand for $38 for three months worth of unlimited streaming.  That comes out to about $12.66 per month!  You are billed quarterly in advance of the 3 months and then every 3 months thereafter.  AND when you get the service you also qualify for 10% off of any of your Beachbody purchases - apparel, programs, equipment, Shakeology for the entire time you subscribe to the service!  

All in all, this is THE solution that Beachbody lovers have been waiting for.  I have already used it a ton and I am so excited to add it to my fitness rotation :)

To sign up for the streaming service click here Beachbody On Demand

Back to School = Back to Routines

My kids went back to school this morning after two weeks off for winter break.  As some of you know, I am new to the work from home mommy world so I did enjoy having a break where I actually got to be HOME with my kids when they were off of school.

HOWEVER, I had established a pretty good routine while they were in school, so those two weeks really threw me off track.  So now that they are back, it is time to get back into it and get stuff done!!

I am spending my day (after getting work done) cleaning and organizing.  Man these kids can make a mess being in the house for long periods of time!  So to help you do the same, here are some more of my favorite cleaning tips and tricks!

1.  Have pets?  Have furniture?  Then you most likely have pet hair ON your furniture.  Try using a pair of rubber gloves (get them a little damp first) and gather up all of the pet hair on your furniture.  Works like a magnet!

2.  Use distilled white vinegar to clean hard water off of your sink faucets etc.  Use an old toothbrush to help with the scrubbing.

3.  Speaking of white vinegar....have you ever thrown a load of laundry in the washer and then forgot all about it until the next day??  Then you know the smell I am referring to.  For some reason, I can rewash the clothes and the smell comes out but the towels are impossible to get the smell out.  Try this trick courtesy of classyclutter.net.... Wash your load of towels on the hot cycle and add 1 cup of vinegar to the load. Do not use detergent or anything (especially bleach – that can be super dangerous!)… just hot water and the vinegar. Let the washer do it’s job. Then, if you still smell a little bit, rewash with just hot water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. I did not need to do this step but if your towels are bad, you might want to. Again, no detergent, just baking soda and hot water. Got it?

When your towels are done, throw them in the dryer with a dryer sheet. I use the Febreeze Bounce dryer sheets and now my towels come out smelling super clean and fresh!

This also works well on clothing, like stinky wet swimsuits that were left sopping wet out of the pool! Just be sure to be careful with the hot water and mixing colors. You don’t want the colors to bleed so do them separately or with very like colors.

4.  My kids seem to grow out of their clothes so fast sometimes.  Instead of going through closets and drawers once in a while, keep a cardboard box in your laundry room.  When sorting clothes after the dryer, simply watch for ones that no longer fit and toss them into the cardboard box.  When it is full, it is time for a donation!

Holiday cleaning - quick and easy

With Holiday Season in full swing you will either be entertaining at some point or at the very least having houseguests.  With all of the hustle and bustle this time of year brings, when will you find time to clean??

Here are some good cleaning tips and tricks that will hopefully help you get the cleaning done fast so you can move on to the fun stuff!

1.     Do your kids have tons of little toys that you would love to clean but don’t want to take the time to wash each individual piece (I’m looking at you legos!)?  Throw them in a mesh laundry bag and toss them into the washing machine or dish washer.

2.     Want to bake cookies but you are grossed out by your rusted cookie sheet?  Simply sprinkle with baking soda, then hydrogen peroxide, then another layer of baking soda and let it sit for a few hours.  Wipe off with a damp paper towel and your cookie sheet will look like new again!

3.     Clean off ceiling fans without getting dust in your face by sliding an old pillow case over the blade and wipe the blade off inside the pillow case!

4.     Ready to use the brand new Holiday plates you bought for your party?  But those dang stickers won’t come off.  Easy fix – put them in a bowl of warm water and a scoop of Oxy-Clean for 30 minutes.  The labels will just float right off!

5.     I don’t have this problem anymore because we don’t have carpet – BUT with two girls in our house with long thick hair we always had hair on the carpet and it drove me nuts!!  Take a squeegee and scrape across the carpet and all of the hair will come right up.

Okeedokee that is all for now.  I think I will do part 2 after the Holidays for some clean up after all of the decorations have been put away!

Untitled

A few months ago I committed myself to doing something I have never done before....run a half marathon!!  The race is in March and my official training start date was yesterday.  I am following a specific training program to get me ready for the race.  Yesterday I was to do 30 minutes of cross training which is basically anything cardio related that is not running.  So my daughter has gymnastics practice so I utilized the time and did the elliptical while watching her practice. 

Today's workout was 30 minutes of strength training. Because my son has karate tonight, I have no time to workout after work, so I woke up at 4:30 am to get my workout in at home with one of my favorite videos.  I love working out in the morning because I love the peace of the quiet house and I love the feeling of being done with my workout before the day even begins.

I am going to bring you all on this journey with me.  So be prepared for lots of sweaty selfies and posts about my training.  Who knows, maybe I will inspire one of you to do a half marathon as well!!

My favorite sanity saving tips

Busy Sports Moms have limited time for chores and other household duties.  Unfortunately they haven't invented a way to add hours to the day - yet.

I have compiled some of my favorite tips and tricks that I have used over the years to help save my sanity (a little).  I hope you get some use out of them as well!

1.  This is one of my most used cleaning tips: Try using a timer.  Sometimes, you   need to be able to focus on a single task in order to really get it done.  Set the timer for 10 minutes and start tackling a chore.  Once the timer is done, time to move on to the next chore. It's amazing how much you can get done if you’re trying to beat the clock!

2.  Remember all those beautiful ribbons that came on your kid's birthday gifts?  Don’t toss them, use them to tie around your sheet sets in the closet so you'll never have to look for stray pillowcases or bottom sheets again. 

3.  Keep your old bank check boxes and use them as dividers for the dreaded junk drawer. They are great at keeping all the junk separated out

4.  Keep all of your instructions and warranties in a three-ring binder so you won't be stuck sifting through paper stacks.  You can buy those clear plastic sleeves pretty cheap and that way you don’t have to punch holes in the papers

5.  Hang collapsing shelves from a closet rod and prepare your child's outfits for the week on Sunday nights

6.  If you're still in the infant stage, stick a plastic hook on the back of a high chair to hold bibs.

7.  Use old shoeboxes to hold your kids crayons and colored pencils, pencils, erasers or anything else they need for homework time.  And put it away once you are done.

8.  Use a shoe caddy to store games and snacks on a long road trip. If you hang the shoe caddy over the back of the front passenger seat, your kids will be able to easily reach the toys/games/headphones they want without you having to dig through a never-ending bag.

A TRUE Beginner's Program

I am doing something new here thanks to an ingenious new concept.  I am asking for your help in finding 6-8 people who are really struggling to get started in fitness.  These people want to get started, but don’t really know HOW to get started. I am offering a 60 day group that is designed to help people just like this.

Maybe not you, maybe you can think of a friend or family member that would benefit from a true beginner’s workout program. This is an introductory fitness program, designed for those people who need a slow start.  The workouts are simple, doable, and made to change your body right away—regardless of your age or fitness level.

Will you help me find 6-8 people who would like my help? No trips to gyms or fitness centers required. You are in the privacy of your own home.

If you know anyone, please share this information with them.  I am super excited to be able to reach a whole new set of people with this brand new program!! 

Please click the link below to add your name to the interest list and I will be in touch

Interest list for beginner's program

New group alert!!

This amazing woman is the creator of one of my most favorite programs. The last time I ran a group for her program, the 12 participants in it lost 82 pounds and 82.25 inches together. IN THREE WEEKS! I am going to run a new group because I know a lot of you are feeling like me right now, a little out of shape from all of the summer BBQs and vacations! 

Just fill out this form with your email address and I will send you more info!

New group info

Overnight Oats part 2!

A while back I posted about trying overnight oats for the first time.  It was a big hit with my daughter and I try to make it every week so she can have it in the mornings.  I like to have it once or twice a week myself instead of my usual shake.

But as anyone on the west coast can tell you we have been having an insane heat wave and the thought of eating something warm in the mornings was just not doing it for me.  So I saw a post a friend of mine made about overnight oats in the fridge that you eat cold and I thought I would give it a try.  OH MY GOODNESS was it amazing!!!  I literally did not want to stop eating it.

Here is the recipe for you all to try.  It really is hearty and yummy and healthy!  It hits the spot for sure, and keeps you satisfied like a good breakfast should.  And did I mention it is pretty much grab and go?  Which is KEY for us busy moms.

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup almond milk
1 TBSP honey
1 TBSP chia seeds
2/3 cup frozen or fresh fruit

Combine all ingredients except fruit into a bowl and stir well.  Pour half the mixture into a mason jar and top with fruit.  Repeat layers, put the lid on and put it in the fridge overnight.  It stores well for at least 5 days.  You can mix it up any way you want it really.  Peanut butter, cocoa powder, various fruits.  The choices really are endless.  Enjoy!!

Girls (and boys) just wanna have fun!!

According to a survey done by The Athletic Footwear Association, the #1 reason kids play their favorite sport is TO HAVE FUN!!! Sure we want to be sure they are picking up skills and putting in a good effort, BUT if they are not having fun they will NOT keep playing! 

Very good read if you have a minute....
http://www.insideyouthsports.org/2014/08/motivation-and-young-athlete-p

art-2.html

Keep up the great work Sports Moms!

As Sports Moms we know that involving our children in youth sports is beneficial.  It is one of the reasons we sacrifice so much for them to participate.  But did you know.....

Kids who play youth sports are less likely to:
-break the law or go to prison
-join a gang
-abuse alcohol or drugs
-abuse sex or become pregnant
-skip class
-have discipline problems in school
-drop out of school

Kids who play youth sports are more likely to:
-perform well in school
-have higher grades on national tests
-graduate from high school
-go to college
-become and remain employed
-become directors and managers
-become business and political leaders
-contribute to society by participating in social and charitable programs

The next time you are sitting in traffic, rushing from school to practice - keep this in mind.  You are helping to shape your child's future.  And THAT is worth all of the sacrifice in the world :)

I am currently looking for busy Moms who would love to turn their passion for sports/fitness into a second (or primary) source of income.  Bonus - you get to work on your own health and fitness in the process!!


Please click the link below to enter your name and email address and I will send you an email (please keep an eye on your junk box as my email could end up there):
More Information

What can YOU accomplish in 21 Days?

If I told you I had a program that would give you a fool proof, portion controlled meal plan that was as simple to follow as putting food in color coordinated containers, would you be interested?

If I told you I had a program that would give you 30 minute workouts but deliver the results of 1 to 2 hour workout sessions, would you be interested?

If I told you I had a program that lasted ONLY 21 days, but where you lost 5-10 pounds in those 21 days would you be interested?

If I told you I had a program that combined ALL THREE of the above into one simple program would you......never mind......of course you would!!!

If you want more information, please click the link below to provide your contact information and I will send you an email (keep an eye on your junk box as that is where they end up sometimes):


More information

Fit Mom Virtual Boot Camp

The Sacrificial Sports Mom’s 

Fit Mom Virtual Boot Camp

Sports Moms are constantly on the go.  Shuttling kids between practices, picking up sports equipment, attending parent meetings, etc.  Add on top of this regular “mom duties” – errands, laundry, cooking, cleaning, work, social life (haha) – the list goes on and on.  So where in all of this do you find time for YOU?

A healthy and happy mom equates to a thriving family.  How can you be “go go go” if you are too tired and sluggish to get anything done?  How can you be the best example for your kids if you are unhappy or just not feeling like you are at your best?

Like it or not, Moms are the center of our families.  We are the boss, the nurse, the therapist, the police, the taxi – we are everything to everyone in our families.  If we are taking care of all of those things, who is taking care of us?  We need to make time for ourselves, make fitness and nutrition a priority so that we have a strong foundation to build on and the endurance to get it all done!

There are so many things to take into consideration when putting together a program that delivers results - how many calories do you need to sustain your energy yet lose weight, what types of foods will provide adequate nutrition, what types of workouts should you do?  Forget trying to figure all of that on your own, The Sacrificial Sports Mom has developed a formula that is designed to get you the best possible results for busy Moms like you:

FITNESS + NUTRITION + SUPPORT = SUCCESS

FITNESS 

You and I will work together to choose a fitness solution that meets your needs and that will assist you in achieving your goals. There are quite a few fitness packages available for The Fit Mom Boot camp, although I find there are 2-3 that are perfect for busy moms because they fit into our busy lives. These Boot camp programs are quick-hitting programs that can be completed in your own home at any time of the day you choose! No taking time out of our busy days to drive to the gym; no trying to juggle your schedule to make the 5:30 class. This is important so you can focus your time on being a supportive SportsMom.

NUTRITION

All Fit Mom Boot Camp programs include a nutrition guide that has been prepared by a team of nutritionists. Why is this important? Because nutrition is 90% of the battle. Your Boot Camp package also includes a 30-day supply of a Super-Food meal replacement/nutrition supplement that contains over 70 natural, nutritious ingredients picked from the most fertile soils from around the world. Nothing artificial!!  This is important because we want you to get off on the right foot – especially during those first 30 days when you will need it the most.

SUPPORT

When you join the 30 Day Fit Mom Boot Camp, you will receive 1 on 1 peer support from a busy Sports Mom who understands how crazy our schedules can get.  As a community, we will work to achieve your fitness and nutrition goals. When you choose to be a member of the Fit Mom Boot Camp, you will be part of a community of busy moms committed to a balanced approach to fitness in order to be the healthiest mom you can be. This support system has been set up to ensure accountability and success for all, giving you a lifetime of a better/healthier you.

SUCCESS

When FITNESS + NUTRITION + SUPPORT come together, they create results!! By joining in the Sacrificial Sports Mom Boot Camp, you will have access to all three elements on a daily basis. No matter if you would like to lose weight, increase lean muscle or just be healthier overall; the proven formula of the Fit Mom Boot camp will give you the tools to get you the results you deserve. The only thing missing is YOU!!!

JOIN THE SACRIFICIAL SPORTS MOM’S FIT MOM BOOT CAMP

To join the Boot Camp, click on the registration link below and fill out the form and I will contact you with further instructions. Space is limited as to provide exceptional personal coaching for each participant. Once the Boot Camp is full, applicants will be placed on a waiting list for the next Boot Camp.

NEXT BOOT CAMP STARTS SEPTEMBER 15

REGISTRATION ENDS SEPTEMBER 8

Register HERE  Registration Link

Missed the boat?

Today was the start date for this month's boot camp.  But don't be sad that you missed out!  Sign up for next month's boot camp now and make yourself feel better!  Leave a comment if you want more info!

Eau De 8 year old

I entered uncharted territory this week.  Our oldest is 8 and she is very active with gymnastics practice 3.5 hours a day 3 days a week.  This past week I noticed that she is now in need of deodorant (OMG WHAT??).  So knowing all the dangers of aluminum, I did not want to begin putting that into her body at such a young age.  So I went out and bought her Tom's of Maine all natural deodorant.  She is trying it out now, but this morning I read the reviews and most people say it doesn't work too well.  Which I am not that worried about because, well, she is 8 and how stinky can she get?

But in my research for reviews of Tom’s I came across this pretty cool website.  It is called Growing Basics www.growingbasics.com and is a line of personal hygiene products for big kids and tweens ages 6-13.  The products are all natural and non-toxic and most importantly for me do not contain aluminum, paraben, alcohol or sulfates.

They are priced comparatively to the other natural deodorants out there as well.  I just ordered a twin pack for her to try along with the Tom’s to see which works better for her, but I really like that the Growing Basics deodorant is created specifically for kids, while Tom’s is not. 

I will do an update once she has tried both products and I will share with you which one we like best!!

No Bake Energy Bites

No Bake Energy Bites

 

I saw this recipe for a healthy snack for the kids.  I liked it because it was fast and easy (helloooo it has “no bake” in the title), had healthy whole ingredients, and was something that the kids would like.  I also really like that it gives you energy without involving a ton of sugar.  

I made a few adjustments though – I subbed chia seeds for flax seeds and I didn’t use the vanilla extract as I felt it would be sweet enough, and it sure was.  In fact next time I may cut back on the peanut butter or use a less sweet version or almond butter. 

 

They turned out amazing and the kids loved them!  I am making another batch in a day or two because they are already all gone – oooops!!

 

Below is the recipe and my swaps next to it in parentheses:

 

Ingredients:

 

1 cup dry oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter or other nut butter

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flax seed (I use 1/3 cup chia seeds)

1/2  cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla (I didn’t use and it was sweet enough – may have been the peanut butter I used though)

 

Instructions:

 

Place all ingredients into a medium bowl and mix until all is blended well together.  Place bowl in refrigerator for 30 minutes.  Remove once chilled and roll into small balls.  Place on wax paper and store in airtight container in the fridge for up to one week – like it will last that long :)

 

Enjoy!

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Overnight Oats To the Rescue!!

Weekends mean sleeping in, waking up and slowly rolling into the kitchen and preparing a big, involved breakfast for the family.  Well….not in MY HOUSE.

For me Saturday mornings mean waking up early, getting a workout in, walking the dogs and getting Riley off to gymnastics practice by 9am. 

Because of the hectic schedule, breakfast is always rushed and hurried, but I always want to get her full of a nice hearty breakfast to prepare her for 3 hours of practice.  While cereal is quick, it usually doesn’t keep her full for very long.

Enter overnight oats!  Yes that is right, they cook overnight – while you sleep.  So you wake up in the morning with breakfast already done and ready to eat (minus a little reheating and adding in some toppings!

I gave it a try this weekend.  We got into the kitchen in the morning and all I had to do was turn on the stove, reheat the oats and add in some brown sugar and fresh blueberries and it was ready to be devoured.

The oats were a huge hit and I felt good knowing that she had a nutritious breakfast that would keep her full and give her energy during her practice. 

The beauty of it is that you can add in anything you want!  I made mine with bananas and walnuts and it was amazing!  You can even put in a dollop of peanut butter instead of the brown sugar or use maple syrup.  Just get creative.  Below is the recipe and a few pics (I forgot to take a pic of the finished product until mine was all gone and Riley’s was near finished, lol).

Ingredients (serves 4):

4 cups filtered water (filtered water is KEY here as some tap water leaves a green slime on the oats, which is safe to eat, but not very yummy looking)

1 cup steal cut oats

¼ teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

Boil 4 cups water, and bring to a full, rolling boil, then pour in the oats and salt.  Give it a quick stir and let it cook for 1 minute (set a timer, it goes faster than you think!).

After 1 minute, turn off the heat, give the oats a quick stir, cover and let it sit out on the stove ALL NIGHT.

When you wake up the next morning, simply turn on the stove to medium heat and stir until heated through. 

Pour the oats into bowls and top with your favorite toppings (brown sugar, strawberries, blueberries, bananas you name it!)

Enjoy!!

Nutrition tips for Moms on the go

Being constantly on the go can be stressful on our minds and bodies.  Having adequate nutrition really helps combat that stress and make you healthier over all.  Below are some helpful nutrition tips for busy moms, check them out!

      1)  Limit Sugar and caffeine - Too much caffeine can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb calcium, the National Osteoporosis Foundation reports.  Huge Frappuccinos may make you feel good temporarily, but the crash afterwards will just reinforce your need for them, creating even more stress.  And sugar, well we all know the deal with that.  If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, try a few raspberries stuffed with a dark chocolate chip in the center.

2)    Eat fat…wait what?? - Omega-3 essential fatty acids and monounsaturated fats are the goal.  According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna and halibut, certain plants (including purslane), and nut oils. Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development and in preventing heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish- particularly fatty fish at least two times a week.  

Flax seeds, which experts say reduce inflammation, and walnuts are also are good sources of omega-3. Also recommended are monounsaturated fats, which are found in olives, avocados, hazelnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and olive, canola and peanut oils, according to Harvard School of Public Health.

3) Drink….water that is.  You should be drinking half of your body weight in ounces of water every day.  So if you weigh 160 pounds that is 80 ounces of water every single day. If you are exercising, you will need more, according to the American Council on Exercise. How can you tell if you are hydrated? Your urine should be clear or pale yellow (unless you take a vitamins which can darken urine) and plentiful, ACE reports.
Regularly drinking fluids help promote cell function and allow for the body to regulate itself.

     4)  Consume immune boosting foods - Deeply pigmented fruits and vegetables generally have the highest amounts of antioxidants.  You’ll want to try blueberries, cantaloupes, mangoes, kiwi, pomegranates, broccoli, kale, spinach, red/yellow/orange peppers and acai berry.

     5)  Get your snacking in check - Choose fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks. Then about 10 minutes afterwards to see if you are still hungry. The fiber in fruit and veggies will help fill out up (and keep you regular, yay!!)  You can also try to snack on lean protein combined with a carbohydrate such as whole grain crackers and reduced fat cheese, light yogurt with probiotics and low-fat granola, or peanut butter and an apple (one of my favorites!)

Save TIME in the kitchen

I spend a majority of my time when at home in the kitchen.  Meal prep, cooking, cleaning, packing lunches, making snacks, I feel like I am ALWAYS in there.  But, I have employed some time saving tips over the years that help me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time….doing other chores ;)  A mom’s work is never done!  haha

Time saving tips:

      1. Keep a supply of cone-shaped coffee filters on hand—even if you don’t have a coffee maker! These handy paper cups serve as little snack cups and you don’t have to waste a good bowl or plate, and if your kids snack as often as mine these will come in handy.  Perfect for trail mix, popcorn or cut up fruit.

.         2. Get  your kids to help! When I am making dinner or packing lunches, I enlist the help of one or two eager little helpers.  I have them help empty the dishwasher, or gather half empty cups from around the house to put into sink to be washed.  The kids love to help and I love to have a third or fourth hand.

      3.  Instead of rummaging through the pantry for beef or chicken broth for your recipes (then putting the left over can in the fridge to take up much needed space) I fill an ice cube tray with the broth and stick in the freezer for grab and go use later.

      4.  To save time on dessert for the kids, take a muffin tin and line with paper liners.  Scoop your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt in each muffin spot.  Once frozen, pop each one out and put in a gallon size Ziploc bag (try to keep the paper liners on them for grabbing ease later).  Then when the kids want ice cream for dessert no need to spend all that time scooping the rock hard ice cream.  Just grab a scoop and put in a bowl!

      5.  After cooking dinner, set your dirty pots on the stove with either vinegar and water or dish soap and water and let it boil while you eat.  When you are done with dinner, your pots will be un-stuck with food and easier to clean.

      6.  Make your dishwasher work for you!  Put like utensils in the same section of the silverware tray in the dishwasher (knives with knives, small forks with small forks, etc.) so that you can pull them out by group and put them away fast.  This also helps when you have the little ones unloading!

     7.  Just made a delicious dinner full of garlic but hate the smell in the house?  Instead of wasting time running around with air freshener or lighting all the candles in the house, while you’re cooking a meal or just after, set a small pot of water on the stove and drop in a slice of lemon, a cinnamon stick, or a couple pinches of your favorite aromatic spice. Let the pot boil for several minutes, and the smell will permeate your kitchen with its fragrance.

8.  Pre wash and chop your family’s favorite fruits and veggies and place them in a paper towel lined Tupperware (one for each type of course).  These make quick and easy to grab snacks for the kids, and you don’t even have to be involved.