We're Chiquita Moms, May Edition, Vol. 5

Those of you that are regular readers of Charlotte Mom Favorites are aware that my kids are currently enrolled in swim classes.  I've also had Graham in soccer and plan to enroll him for another session soon.  This summer he'll be going to art and Spanish camp.  Why?  Do I think he's gonna be an artistic soccer player that can speak Spanish and win Olympic swimming medals?  Nope.  If you wanna know why I'm toting my kids around town, read on at Chiquita Moms: http://www.chiquitamoms.com/2012/05/to-be-or-not-to-be-a-soccer-mom/

I've also learned this week that I'm not the only Chiquita mom getting my fitness on.  Check out Vanessa's post on how she discovered her love for running, and Natalie's post about ways to motivate yourself into getting back into shape (the Brazilian Butt Lift may or may not be included!!).

Tricia shared a post about recreating a picnic from a Berenstain Bear's storybook.  Gotta admit... I loved me some Berenstain Bear's when I was growing up, and I think this idea is fantastic.

Finally, Angie shared a nice story about her grandfather and his year's of service in the Navy and Air Force, and what his contribution means to her family.

Next up, a whole new month of fun with the Chiquita Moms Community.  Haven't joined yet? It's not too late!  You never know what might be in store.  Just recently select new members were sent a FREE Chiquita Moms Welcome Kit!

Week 5, Swim Lessons at Charlotte Aquatics

Will and I are hanging out on the
sidelines at Graham's class!

I'm at a loss for words.  I thought I'd have something witty, silly, smart or otherwise to share with you about Week Five of our swim lessons at Charlotte Aquatics.  But, I got nothin'.  Things are going just swimmingly.  Woo hoo. I did it.  A pun.

Seriously though, over the first several weeks of swim lessons, we've had tears, drama, and a little bit of biting.  There has been laughter and splashing, water play and ball throwing.  Yep, it's been a roller coaster ride.  And all of the sudden... calmness.

This week, the boys did exactly as told.  Will smiled, splashed and played with the ball that I always kept within arm's reach.  He went underwater, and even just for a second or two, floated on his back.  There was however, a screamer in the midst.  For once, it wasn't Will.  I just looked over at the baby's mom and told her, "Trust me, I understand.  We've been there.  No one else is bothered.  Next week will be different."  She smiled at me, then continued to try and distract her frustrated babe.  When you're in a beginner's swim class with babies, you will get your turn.  For once, it wasn't mine!

Graham's class at Charlotte Aquatics also went seamlessly.  Last week went really well, but I wasn't sure if it was because I hid in another room.  This week I was there, front and center.  And, it was totally fine.  He did everything as instructed.  And you know what? He even managed to pass on to the next level.  I NEVER would have guessed that would have happened on Day 1 of our lessons.





And to prove that all is going well ('cause I wouldn't believe me either), here's a video of big man doing his "swimming." Sorry for the cruddy iPhone video. Need to start carrying my flip cam with me!



Want to learn more about swim lessons at Charlotte Aquatics Center? Click here for more info.  I was given the fabulous opportunity to send my children to these classes in exchange for my feedback and reviews, however as always all opinions are my own. 

Top Five List Winners!

Many thanks to all of the Charlotte Mom Favorites readers that contributed Top Five lists.  We've got lists on a wide variety of topics.  Some are very useful, some are laugh-out-loud funny, and other's... well I couldn't believe what strangers say to pregnant ladies.  Come on people!

I'm sure you'll love the creativity in these lists!  If you missed last week's deadline, no worries.  I'd still LOVE to receive additional Top Five lists and publish them on the Charlotte Mom Favorites blog.  If you are a blogger or business owner, we'll be sure to link back to your site so you can get additional traffic your way!

But, let's be honest... You're here to find out who the winners are!!!!  Without further ado...

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Beth Wysor - Winner of the Five class Om Yoga Pass

Lauren Gross - Winner of the Wine Palette Art Session for Two

Lindsey Parker - Winner of the Chuck E. Cheese Guest Pass

I look forward to sharing the great Top Five list submissions!  If you're unfamiliar with what a Top Five list is, visit this link. If reading these lists get your creative juices flowing, send your list over anytime to: katie.harding@gmail.com!

Happy Tuesday,

Affresh - A Clean Home Giveaway!

I was dismayed when a few years back I learned that you have to clean the machines that do your cleaning.  I mean, how counter-intuitive does that sound?  But, when my dishes were coming out smudged and grimy from the dishwasher, and my clothes smelled worse after being laundered than before I "cleaned" them, I realized something was amiss.  Yep, I learn things the hard way.

Since then, I've been giving my washing machine and dishwasher a monthly cleanse.  I've tried several different products, but was recently pleased to receive a product package from Affresh with various home cleaners inside.  The dishwasher cleaner has been the best cleaner I've tried.  Hands down.  One tablet a month.  Cleaner dishes.  Success.


The washing machine tablets are also rocking my world.  My laundry definitely smells better; I'm no longer masking my mildew-y clothing smell with perfumes and linen spray.  Phew.  And, the Affresh cooktop cleaner?  Well, let's just say my cooktop has never been cleaner.  The cleaner itself is great.  The buffer pads it comes with? Little miracle workers.

The other product that I'm having a slight love affair with is the Affresh stainless steel cleaner.  It doesn't leave my appliances greasy like other's I've tried.  Unfortunately, I can't keep little hands off of my appliances long enough to actually admire their finger-print free-ness.  But maybe one day.  A mom can dream.


I've been so pleased with all of my Affresh goodies, I've requested a second kit to use as a giveaway for you!  Wanna try out all of these wonderful Affresh goodies? Well, then be sure to enter by: Friday, June 1st.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on Monday, June 4th!


You can get up to four entries. You'll get one each time you:

• Fill out the form below. This one's the freebie!
• Tweet: "I want to win the #affresh cleaning products from @cltmomfaves!"
• Share this link on Facebook (you can copy & paste this onto your status update:  http://www.charlottemomfavorites.com/2012/05/affresh-clean-home-giveaway.html  )
• Leave a comment below about which product you are most excited to try.

Good luck!

Vegan Week of Recipes

If you follow me on Pinterest, you've no doubt seen my frantic pinning of vegan recipes.  Yep, Vegan Week started again.  It's gonna be a long week.  After my first Vegan Week last month, I learned a lot: over-all the vegan diet is exceptionally healthy, requires an insane amount of meal-planning and research, and is something I couldn't do permanently.  I am, however, more than glad to do it one week of every month.

I like the idea of focusing my meals on vegetables and grains.  I revel in going to farmer's markets and chatting with the farmers that harvested what I plan to eat that week.  It makes me feel good to not participate in the purchasing and consuming of industrialized meats and shunning the impact that industrialized meat has on the global environment.  At least for one week.  Hey, it's my part and I'm doing it.  :)

Before my first vegan week, I really wasn't aware of what a week of eating would look like without any meat, dairy, or animal by-products.  In fact, before that first day, I'm pretty darn sure I hadn't had a vegan day in my life;  I was pretty stunned by the limitations.  Now, that I'm an "experienced" vegan, for my second week, I've pulled together a wide range of vegan recipes.  I've scheduled out my breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks.

I've even put it in a spreadsheet.  And, because I love you (and hope that maybe you'll try a vegan day, week, or recipe), I'm sharing my eating plan for the next week.  Most of these are recipes I've never tried, so I'll be tinkering with the ingredients to fine-tune them to my tastes.  But, I'm thinkin' it's going to be flavorful, filling and colorful week of eating at the Harding abode.

Vegan Week of Recipes:


Sunday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with dried apples and raisins (made with soy milk)
Lunch: Israeli Couscous, Cherry Tomatoes, Pistachios and Basil tossed with EVOO and Balsamic Vinegar
Dinner:  Garden Veggies Rice and Beans





Monday
Breakfast: Vegan Pancakes
Lunch:  Leftover Rice and Beans
Dinner:  Black Bean Burgers (MorningStar) to take to Memorial Day Cookout




Tuesday
Breakfast:  Almond Yogurt (Healthy Home Market) with fruit and granola
Lunch:  Vegetable Gyoza (Trader Joe's) and Sesame Roasted Green Beans
Dinner:  Polenta Onion Pizza w/ Slow Roasted Tomatoes






Wednesday
Breakfast:  Vegan Blueberry Muffins
Lunch:  Leftovers
Dinner:  Coconut Spinach and Garbanzo Beans over Sweet Potatoes 

Thursday
Breakfast: Leftover Pancakes
Lunch:  Leftover Potatoes from Wed. night
Dinner:  Buckwheat noodles w/ Green Beans & Sesame Vinaigrette, and Roasted Cauliflower







Friday
Breakfast: Leftover Muffins
Lunch:  Sesame Noodles w/ Cashews and Pineapple (Moo Moo's Cuisine, Harris Teeter) and Stir fry
Dinner:  Lemony Leek Pesto Penne with Roasted Carrots




Saturday
Breakfast:  Almond Yogurt with Fruit
Lunch:  Leftovers
Dinner:  Chips and Guac, Sweet Potato Tacos & Margaritas!



Snacks
Air-popped poporn with olive oil, salt and hot sauce
Pretzels
Veggie Stix
Plantain Chips
Organic Trail Mix
Vegan Granola Balls
Fruit-based smoothies with soy yogurt

Let the Summer Begin!

Today is a big day.  There's no graduation.  Since when do pre-schoolers graduate, anyway?  Nope, he's not getting diploma, and I won't be making any cute pinterest cupcakes to celebrate the occasion (shocking right?), but today is still big.  My little boy is finishing his first year of pre-school.


I remember running him to his first day of class not so long ago.  His brother was a wee baby and much lighter in the jogging stroller, might I add.  Graham was chocked full of excitement, nerves, and questions about school, teachers and his classmates.

The first few weeks of pre-school, Graham was shy.  But, I saw him blossom in this new environment over the months to follow.  Instruction from adults other than me was important for him at this stage in his life.  Socialization without me around encouraged Graham to seek friends on his own.  He developed inside jokes with buddies, came home singing songs I've never heard, and sharing tidbits of knowledge that came from any number of sources.

He also came home with sand in his shoes, dirt on his knees, paint in his ears, and a full belly.  Job well done, teachers.  Job well done.  Those are worth the cost of preschool alone.  Especially on the days when he was worn out enough to nap in the afternoon.

Now it's my turn to be nervous.  What in goodness sakes am I going to do with two children all day every day all summer long?  How on God's green Earth am I going to be able to do my work, keep the house cleaned and well-stocked, squeeze in an exercise (and a shower if I'm/you're lucky), and maintain my sanity?

Well, that is all still up in the air folks.  But, like Graham, I hope to adapt to my new routine.  I might get a little sand in my shoes, but maybe I'll learn a few things and make some new friends along the way in the South Charlotte Playgroup.  Plus, I can't wait to see how much fun the two boys have together this summer.  I'm thinking this "brother thing" is gonna be pretty awesome.

Happy Summer,

Cocktail Time, Link Up Your Favorite Drink

Memorial Day is Monday, which means we get a whole extra day to enjoy with the family, revel in this delightful late spring weather, grill out, and.... Sip on some cool cocktails.  I can not wait!!!!

I've done some research.  I mean, I'll be honest, I research nothing so well as a good cocktail recipe and have come up with 6 cool cocktails, but I'm hoping you have a few other family favorites or Pinterest beverages you've come across and want to share with us.

So, without further ado, here are my picks for BBQ beverages this weekend:





1. Beer 'Garita.  Absolutely no outdoor adult party is complete without one.








2. Pimm's Cup. Fell in love with this drink at the Market Bar at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. I think it's about time to make one at home.










3. Champagne Jello Shots. Yes please.  I'll take two.

4. Champagne and Popsicles.  The only trick will be keeping the kiddos out of your drink. :)







5. The Dirty Flower. Fizzy, a little bitter and a little sweet.  Just the way I like it.







6. Raspberry Beer Cocktail.  A pink drink that the gals and dudes will enjoy!

You're Turn:

What's Trending in the Harding House, May 2012 Edition

What's Hot? And What's Not?

Up first, the what's not.... Ants.  I freaking cannot stand ants.  They are lovin' Will's high chair right now.  If you've got any eco-friendly tips on how to manage these things, lemme know.  They are going DOWN.

And, now onto what's hot...

Vegan Week: No longer a one-time affair, I aim to do a vegan week once a month.  For me (and consequently my husband when he eats at home), Vegan Week will begin on Sunday, May 27th.  I've already discovered some great vegan meals, but am open to new ones if you've got them.  The best vegan meals, I've found are the ones that are coincidentally vegan and not intentionally vegan.  Here are a few that I've enjoyed making during regular and Vegan weeks:

Roasted Tomato Basil Pesto over Whole Wheat Pasta from ohsheglows.com
Tamale Shepherd's Pie from theppk.com
Couscous Salad with Black Beans, Mushrooms, and Corn from marthastewart.com

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Reorganizing and Redecorating.  I'm cleaning up shop at the Harding house while the hubs has been out of town.  The first thing I tackled was the office and cables, next I redecorated the dining room table.  Not sure what my next project is going to be, but I thinking maybe the coffee table....

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Granola Balls: We used to buy granola bars in bulk; now, I make granola balls in bulk.  I have two recipes that I love, a vegan and non-vegan one.  Trust me when I say that the first option is only by happenstance vegan.  I put two balls in little snack size ziploc baggies, and keep them in my pantry.  Don't laugh when I tell you I make triple batches of both whenever I run out.

What I love about each of these recipes though is you can eyeball all of the ingredients.  If it turns out dry, add more wet ingredients or vice versa.  Also, you can sub any kind of dried fruit, chocolate chips, sweetened shredded coconut for the mix-ins.  Have fun and use what you have on hand!

Oatmeal Honey Peanut Granola Balls (Non-vegan)
http://www.charlottemomfavorites.com/2012/04/bake-sale-goodies.html

Oatmeal Cranberry Granola Balls (Vegan)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup flour (I like unbleached all-purpose, but whole wheat or oat flour would be fine too)
1/4 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup dried cranberries.

Stir all ingredients together, portion into balls and roll.  Keep in airtight container for up to two weeks.

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Google Reader and RSS Feeds.  Seriously, where have these been all my life?  I recently went on a subscribing rampage for all of my favorite blogs.  Simply click on that little RSS icon on a blog and select your Reader of choice (I like Google Reader but that's just me).  Then whenever I get time, I bust out my device of the moment (iPhone, laptop, iPad) and get to reading.  I get caught up on all of my favorite blogs and don't have to remember to visit the individual websites.

Shameless plug: if you are into this whole RSS concept, you can subscribe to Charlotte Mom Favorites!  Use the RSS icon located at the top right of the blog; it's the first social media icon.

Or if you'd rather, just use the good 'ol fashioned email version.  (You have to sign up for that too... it's in the green box).

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So, what's hot and not in your home for May???

Top 5 Things That Are Guaranteed to Ruin My Kids’ Day, by Heather Cellini

Heather and Noah Cellini

I used to think of the list below as innocent little sundries we had around our house.  Now, they are more akin to torture devices.  Usually, my kids start crying at the mere sight of these items, so by the time I actually try to use them, everyone in our house is near hyperventilation.

1 – Nail clippers.  Vegas odds of my toddler winning a lightweight boxing match: 1,000,000 to 1.  Arm his opponent with nail clippers and the odds go to even.

2 – Comb and/ or brush.  Maybe I should cut my boys some slack on this one.  They do have curly hair, which I’d imagine is more difficult to comb than straight hair.  Regardless, I’ve found a solution:  comb their hair on picture day only, which thankfully, is no more than twice per year.

3 – Nose suction thingy.  I have a friend who swears her one-year-old loves having his nose suctioned.  I’m not saying he doesn’t love it, but I am saying I don’t trust that kid.

4 – Vegetables.  Riddle me this:  it took my toddler a year to figure out he shouldn’t eat dog food, 2 years to figure out books really aren’t that tasty , but 0.4 seconds to figure out he didn’t like any and all vegetables in the history of food. 

5 – Eye drops.  My son recently had pink eye, and the instructions on his prescription eye drops read: “Insert 2 drops in each eye twice per day.”  They need to preface that with, “Swear to your child that you are not about to put eye drops in his eyes.  Slip the eye drops into your pocket and trick him into lying on the floor.  Stealthily straddle his chest and quickly pin his arms to the floor with your knees.  Forcefully, yet gently, peel open his eyelids and hold the bottle in the general vicinity of the eye.  Vigorously squirt the bottle until your child’s shrieks indicate that the drops have reached their intended destination.”

What things will send your little ones running for the hills?  Please share!

A note from Katie:

**So, in all honesty, I laugh out loud after every post Heather writes.  I can't write humor like this, and don't expect you too either... But... if you'd like to put together at Top Five list for Charlotte Mom Favorites (funny or not), we'd love to have you.  We've even got prizes if you submit on by Friday the 25th (of May).  Details are found here: 

http://www.charlottemomfavorites.com/2012/05/top-five-lists-submissions-needed.html.  Thanks!**

We're Chiquita Moms, May vol. 4

It's getting good this month in our Chiquita Moms community.  If you've missed these great posts, you'll wanna go back and catch up.

First, I posted THE picture. The picture that motivated me to begin exercising and to lose weight back in 2009.  Since then, I've caught the exercise bug and have found various ways to stay on my path of healthy living and fitness.  I've shared 5 great ways to motivate you to lose weight (if you want to).

But, let's be honest, you really just want to see the picture.  Here it is: http://www.chiquitamoms.com/2012/05/5-fitness-challenges-that-motivate/.

Angie has a very timely post highlighting some great DIY Teachers' Gifts.  Graham's last day of school is Friday, so y'all know I'll be throwing one of these together in the next day or so.  Nothin' like last minute!




With school being out for the little ones, there will be more time for family and outdoor activities.  If you run up short of ideas, Vanessa posted a great list of things to do here: http://www.chiquitamoms.com/2012/05/20-inexpensive-outdoor-family-activities/



Finally, if you've been craving chocolate and bananas lately (I mean, it is one heck-of-a combination), Natalie shares her recipe for Frozen Chiquita Banana Nutella Bites, and Tricia shared her recipe for Chocolate Chiquita Banana Chips.  Yum.

Week 4 of Swim Lessons at Charlotte Aquatics

If we were in college instead of beginner swim lessons, this would be mid-term week.  And you know what? We would have passed.... with (almost) flying colors.

Those of you that have been following our journey of swim lessons at Charlotte Aquatics this past month have read about my false sense of hope after the first class, and then two pretty bad weeks after with a crying baby during and terrified and tantrum throwing three-year-old.

It's been tough, especially with Will, the youngest.  Our fourth class started out much the same as the last few classes had.  He cried.  I cuddled.  I felt guilty.  I continued to smile throughout the class and did my best to encourage him to have fun, but in my heart I was beginning to falter.  Why make him go through this?

Why? Because, I don't want him to drown.  Yep, this was safety week and Lord knows, I'm all for safety in the water.  The babies wore their clothes in the water to simulate what it would be like if he unexpectedly fell in a pool.  They wore life jackets.  And, Will SCREAMED throughout the duration of this.

The teacher pointed out to me though, that although he's pissed with me and the pool, he actually does all of the things he is being coached to do.  He holds his breath under water, climbs out of the pool with assistance, and does the back-float.  So no, not a model student, but a student none the less.

The real ah-hah moment for me, though, was when our teacher brought out the balls.  Apparently, balls + pool = baby happiness.  Now, I know.  As long as that kid had a ball in his hand, he is happy.  No crying, no clamoring on me to get out of the water.  He was splashing and smiling and laughing.  Hurray!!  I will now ALWAYS have a ball in his hand during swim class.  

On to Graham.  During the last class at Charlotte Aquatics, I had to get all mean-mommy on him and tell him that under no circumstance was I going to let him get out of the pool.  He could throw a fit, scream bloody murder, but he was gonna be in that pool.  Like it or not.  Well, last week, he didn't like it so much.

This week? This week a different Graham showed up at swim class.  He walked right on into that pool.  He climbed along the wall, went under water... I couldn't believe it.  Like during Will's class, they had the opportunity to wear their clothes in the water, don life jackets and even ride in a boat in the pool.  Being a lake bum, this is where my kid shines.  He's used to wearing a life jacket and getting his clothes wet.

Whether it was the new class experiences or because I hid in another room for the duration of the class, I've yet to find out.  But it's getting better.  My kids are becoming swimmers.  Let's all do a little dance.

Want to learn more about swim lessons at Charlotte Aquatics Center? Click here for more info.  I was given the fabulous opportunity to send my children to these classes in exchange for my feedback and reviews, however as always all opinions are my own.

An Organized Office

I spend a very good portion of my day where I am right now - in my office.  I actually love the space.  It's bright and airy, with white furniture and cool colors.  There's a bay window overlooking my front yard, and it's on the opposite side of the house from the kids' rooms, so I can chat on the phone, tap away on the computer and not disturb the little 'uns.

But like all offices used with great frequency, it takes a beating.  Papers get strewn about, drawers become catch-alls for junk, and cables... oh the cables.  I've had enough of disorganization, and became determined to tidy up.  Nothin' a few file folders, drawer organizers and cable ties can't fix.

Here are my before and after's with only 90 minutes invested in hard labor.  Don't ask how much my cute paper supplies cost.  You don't wanna know.  Darn Paper Source.

The Desktop:

(Before)

(After)

The Drawers:  

What ever did I do before without accessible (and efficient) file drawers????

The Cables:  I feel like this deserves a major... TA DA!!!

The Supplies:

1. Owl File Folders from Paper Source

2.  File trays, mini file folders and mini desk organizer from Paper Source

3. Q knot: Adjustable & re-usable cable ties, from Container Store

4.  Stationary and Stamp - every office deserves nice stationary, from Paper Source

5.  Julia Rothman Journal, from Paper Source.  All my random ideas.  One Place.

Legacy

A post from Geoff G., our CMF Fitness Coach (and Token Dude):

One of my favorite ways to stay motivated on my fitness journey is to always remember to "Begin with the end in mind" (7 Habits of Highly Effective People).

Visualize the end of your life and having the ability to watch your life as a movie. Did you do everything in your power to provide not only your body but your family and the people around you your best foot forward? Everybody has a trigger that will give them that little extra invisible push. Mine is leaving an incredible legacy for my daughter.

For example, physically I'm going to do everything that I can do to stay young and vibrant so I'm truly present for her as the decades pass by. I can't see myself in the end being this crotchety old man moving at a snail's pace.

Instead, I can see grandchildren flying around me, and I'm still keeping up with them. My parting words towards creating a legacy: choose your trigger and always remember why everyday is truly a gift in making your movie amazing.

****Have any comments, feedback, or topics that you'd like to see the Graue's give fitness advice on? Leave a comment below! They'll be answering any questions you have and would love to hear what you'd like to see her blog about! For more great posts from Holly and Geoff, click here.****