Wearing makeup in 110 plus AZ heat.

To wear or to be bare the choice is truly yours. Weather you are a new mom or visitor to the area please  know that regardless of your skin color this AZ sun does not discriminate.  You will burn if you don’t protect your skin out here during hot sunny triple digits. My advice is to use sunscreen and keep the make up light. If you need to wear the full gauntlet I highly recommend getting professional advice from professionals and ask about the pros and cons of using a primer. Protect your skin Moms and please don't beat the face as the term goes in make up tutorials. Be gentle because our skin is delicate.  Then finally after these hot summer months of June, July, August, and even September.  Feel free to bring out the fall colors and foundations!

Tip for keeping kids out of your fridge.

Hi Moms!

Do you have kids that open your fridge and will stare inside with both doors open for a couple minutes? Or maybe your kids just go in and out of the fridge repeatedly. Do they sometimes leave the door open? Are your kids constantly wanting a snack that is unhealthy out of the pantry and you are getting tired of regulating snacks? Well I wanted to share my solution that kept my kids out of my fridge.

I have all boys, 4 to be exact. A baby, toddler, preteen, and young adult. In order to keep my sanity I purchased a mini fridge just for them. It also helped me to stay organized during the week. I would make the boys lunches in advance each week on Sunday. It included healthy veggie and fruit snacks bagged and ready to go. Some of my snacks are carrots, grapes, and steamed broccoli. I also made extra healthy snacks for after school or weekends. The mini fridge was the perfect size to hold everything including water or juice boxes in the bin below. My boys never had to ask for a snack and that gave them their independence they wanted.  They gained more independence placing their pre-made lunch snacks in their lunch bags every morning before school and I gained peace knowing they weren't in my larger fridge..

#1 Tip for a New Teen Driver

Hi Moms,

Schools out and its a great time to teach your big kiddo how to drive. If you dare take upon the challenge of anxiety, fear, and nerves that are over stimulated.  Now you don't have to personally teach them but sooner or later you will be in the car with them as a driver and you as a passenger.  There are so many helpful tips for your teen. You know the basics of check your surroundings, no cellphones, limit passengers, and many more.  Today I want to ease some of those nerves and share my favorite #1 tip that's just for you!

First go to the store and purchase a window marker. Write on your back windows, "New Teen Driver! Please Stay Back 500 Feet!"  You could also write "Student Driver" instead. You will be amazed at how drivers will respect your vehicle. They will stay back, go around, and give your teen well deserved space. Think about when you see a student driver on these Maricopa County Highways. What do you do? I normally move out the way or pass them completely! So here's your chance to give communication to surrounding drivers.

When I did this for my son who is now 18 I had drivers laugh and point at our vehicle. However I felt safer knowing other drivers were aware of my son's harsh breaking, wide turning, and improper lane changing. Accidents were nonexistent with the window paint. I was blessed with a son who is a comedian at school. His friends thought it was funny to see him drive and it wasn't embarrassing for him. He loved the attention from his friends!

Now without the writing we had a little road rage of impatient drivers who wanted him to floor it when the light hit green. I made him wait a brief sec and look for red light runners but fellow drivers hated our extra safety precautions. People can be so mean and press those horns fast without thinking or evaluating our driving situation. So get to the store if you need, buy a window marker, and notify impatient drivers to stay back. Once you try this tip you will be a little more at ease when your new teen driver is behind the wheel. Have fun, be creative in your writing, and be blessed!  Check out this funny video and share the tip!

Peter Potty Urinal Review.

My Son Never Misses!

 
Tip of the day for moms with little boys: Buy a urinal! I prefer this Peter Potty one. My 2 year old has been using this since he was 1. He never misses and you don't have to hug toilets to clean later. No wall sprays! No mess anywhere! It stays clean with each flush if you add a simple water cleaner solution.

I wish I had this with the other two. Plus it's so simple to teach them. Just stand them in front and tell them to go. It's like hitting a tree for them outdoors and he feels like the big boys. It depends on your kid if they flush all the water out. Mine flushes twice. It's his reward for going so I don't mine if he flushes it more than twice. It holds a lot of water and the green container is huge enough to support all the flushes and uses. I prefer the stand because we may move it from one bathroom to another depending if we are on one side of the house more. 


The height adjustment is perfect for when he grows. I love this especially the curved out feature so no stress on their aim. He never misses. Watch my video review HERE as well. I'm buying these now as gifts!

My Top 3 back to school shopping tips!

School is out for the summer but not to much longer as the count down begins for the kiddos to head back. I'm excited for the upcoming school year and a little overwhelmed with all the to-do's for my new H.S. Senior. So when it comes to back to school shopping I like to keep things simple and I wanted to share my Top 3 tips for the biggest savings ever.

Tip #1 Make a Plan and a budget.

If you don't plan than you can easily find yourself frustrated, exhausted, and running around in circles. You may even purchase duplicate items and spend way to much money on one shopping trip. I make a list for each kid and a amount I am willing to spend for them both. I recommend deciding which stores in advance you plan to go to. Example: If you're going to Kohl's you might want to go for just a few items and then come back later in the month for the remainder and use any Kohl's cash you may have received. Plan your discounts as well if you are looking for a huge savings.

Tip # 2 Shop at Home.

Before you make purchases for more pencils, spiral notebooks, highlighters etc. Have your kids go around the house and gather what they can. This is a way to be conservative/green and frugal at the same time. Many school supplies might not have even been used from the previous school year. Have them check your junk drawer, their rooms, or the area you keep office supplies in your home.  Then distribute these newly found treasures to the kids and mark those items off your list.

Tip# 3 Shop online.

If you want to avoid the crowds and find amazing deals I recommend shopping for your School Supplylist online from Amazon.com or local shops in the area. Their prices are very competitive to many of the large retail giants. You can even receive free shipping.  All while in the comfort of your home.

Good luck back to school shopping and remember you don't have to do it all in one trip and one month.

The 4th of July in Mesa, AZ.

This 4th of July my husband and 3 boys decided to attend the city of Mesa's event. It's called Arizona Celebration of Freedom and that's exactly what it represented. My family and I left our home with a bag full of snacks and drove to Mesa. We came down N. Center and parked conveniently at the post office. After unloading the car with a baby stroller, chairs, and bags we took a quick walk into a line and had our bags checked. That felt good and added a feeling of safety to know this was required before entering.

                                                
We enjoyed the Military Showcase and my boys marveled over the cars at the Patriot Car Show. Our hearts felt pain from the loss of amazing woman and men as we walked through the Fallen Soldier Memorial. The Naturalization Ceremony reminded our family that many still dream to become Americans. We felt joy for our new citizens as they proudly exited with their American flags held high in their hands.  As my family sat and rested from walking I was able to meet an amazing couple at the Mesa Genealogy exhibit.  Wow, what an excellent way to get others interested in knowing your past. The Sister that was there gave me insight to many different search techniques to try.

After walking hunger did creep upon us.  We easily found a spot at the Stars Stage to open our chairs, stretch out on the grass, and to eat some of the food we brought. I didn't bring drinks but the food court was just behind us and so was a Circle K. So I went and grab us a few drinks. The music playing at the stage wasn't to loud or soft and the song choices were very appropriate for this occasion. The band even played, "Born in the USA!" That brought back memories of when I first learned to play that song in my school days.

We packed up our belongings and moved closer to the food court. My oldest son and husband stayed as I walked my middle child and baby over to the Splash Zone. I truly have to give a huge Thanks to the Mesa firefighters who sprayed water from their truck and kept all the children laughing and splashing. I was able to let my baby get wet from a soft mist of water that came down like rain. My middle child ran around getting wet between a hydrant and the fireman's hose. Then he rode on a water inflatable. We walked backed a little drenched but in the AZ heat we were quickly drying. While gone my oldest (teenager) had walked the entire food court and made a summary of his next food items to eat. He purchased them and approximately 5 mins later the fireworks began to light the air.  The lights dimmed at the food court and we sat back and watched the show. Afterwards we packed up and loaded our car.  Driving out was a breeze with no congestion and we made it back home exhausted, full, and filled with American Pride!

Celebrating in Mesa was beyond amazing! There was something for all 3 of my boys to enjoy. Mesa did an awesome job to have an event for all ages. Even my 6 month old had fun looking up in the sky at the water spraying from the fire trucks, to the colorful exhibits of the flag displays, and the fireworks shinning brightly. Being able to keep a baby cool and to see his face smile the entire time made our evening more enjoyable. Not once did he cry because he was so entertained by sights and the good music from the stages. My teenager and hubby loved the car show and he was happy with the array of food selections. My middle child had a blast at the Splash Zone and I was thrilled to do a little research on my family history. Oh and I can't forget all the misting fans that kept us cool as well. If you are ever in AZ and have the opportunity to visit Mesa during the Fourth, this event is a must. Thanks again to the City of Mesa, EMT's, Fireman, Law Enforcement, and all who volunteered to help make our family's 4th of July evening one of the best!

Wanna go where someone knows your name?

Do you remember the theme song from the 1980's tv sitcom Cheers? If you are unfamiliar it starts off like this:

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go......

Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.
source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/cheerslyrics.html

Written by Gary Portnoy, Judy Hart-Angelo

Well there is a place that knows your name in our beautiful county! It's Chris Water and Ice located in the Ahwatukee foothills. It is owned by a husband and wife team, Rocky and Sarah. I remember my first time visiting their store. On that first visit Sarah greeted my family with a beautiful smile and she asked for our names. The next visit my family and I met Rocky and he as well greeted us with a welcoming smile and asked for our names. The second time I saw them each, they both remembered everyone in my family. I was impressed because my name is not simple. Neither Rocky nor Sarah asked for our names again after meeting them once.

Rocky and Sarah take the time to know each and everyone of their customers on a first name basis. Their greetings make you feel special. They greet you as if they haven't seen you in years. When you walk in they say, "Hey (your name) How's it going?" Shucks, they instantly become your friends. They are genuinely happy to see you and conversations are always uplifting! My kids love visiting their store for their shaved ice and candy selections. I enjoy their products and our brief talks.  Although I no longer live in Ahwatukee my family and I still enjoy visiting their store for their products. It's a great get away in our county for water, ice, candy, shaved ice, water supplies, and more. Once you visit you will make great friends. They are a part of our Maricopa community and like the song says, "They're always glad you came!" Trust me, they will remember your name.  


So if you ever need a place to go, stop by, and visit them at:

Chris Water and Ice
Their Facebook page
1334 E Chandler Blvd # 2, Phoenix, AZ 85048

(480) 460-5041