google-site-verification: google25a08fc65649193e.html Living in Mommywood: summertime

Monday, June 20, 2016

Summers Officially here at Turn it Up Tuesday

It's officially Summer everyone!!! And we're celebrating all week on Turn It Up Tuesday!
Drop by and share your best stuff with us, let's get started.

Summer 2016

What are your plans for the summer? Do you have any tips for having a great summer? Do you have any great summer trips in the past? Share them all here on this week's Turn It Up Tuesday!
We had an amazing week last week, and we thank you so much for joining in the fun! And if you're new here...welcome! Feel free to share, share, share!
TUT new
Turn It Up Tuesdays is all about being happy, excited, energetic...and having fun! Link up all of your favorite posts (old or new) and meet some awesome bloggers in return! Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, recipes, mommy moments -- anything at all. We want to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, and have a good time! Thanks so much to everyone that joins us each week and makes this link party the best that it could be!

SPONSOR OF THE MONTH

Unfortunately, we don’t have a sponsor this month. But if you’re interested in being our sponsor for the remainder of the month, please sign up below!
We're looking for sponsors for next month! Be sure to sign up, and sponsor us for a month!
Click here to sign up for a month, or two!

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

12
(from the top - left to right)
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Stacey from This Momma's Ramblings | April from April Noelle | Tina from The Happy Creations | Tiffany from The Mrs Tee| Melissa from The Coupon Chronicles | Kelly from Making-More | Silvie from My Silly Little Gang | Mari from Living in Mommywood | Tenns from Bliss & Faith | Kimberly from Being a Wordsmith | Elaine from Ramblings of a Bad Domestic Goddess | Ginger from Does Your Sister Have Normal Hair | Bev from Eclectic Red Barn | Anuja from All I Do | Heather from Goodlicious

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for June!

TUT June 2016 (1)
Sarah from Roaring Mama Lion | Robin from Snippets of Faith | Lori from Saved by the Mommy | Jessica from Striving Towards Grace

Interested in being a guest host for the month or becoming a permanent co-host?

Complete the form here! Monthly guest hosts will be chosen on a first come first-serve basis.

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

butterfinger-cheesecke-768x576

Bev chose Butterfinger Cheesecake from Marilyns Treats. "Cheesecake and butterfingers – how can you go wrong with this dessert. I can have my dessert and chocolate together."

Greek-Gyro-Nachos-2-1c

Bev chose Gyro Nachos with Pita Chips from Take Two Tapas. "I love gryos and these nachos look great. Even better is that I can have them while on my diet. Low in sugar and high in taste."

Tomato-Mozzarella-Basil-and-Bacon-Pasta-Salad-7-768x768

April chose Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil and Bacon Pasta Salad from The Kittchen. "This looks delicious. I have never had this combo in a pasta salad, but in my quest of trying new things, I'll give it a go!"

4th-of-july-do-a-dots-printables

April chose 4th of July Do a Dot Pack for Preschoolers from Crystal & Co. "As we embark on more activities at home, I always need to do more with my preschoolers. I just bought a pack of dot paint bottles. This activity pack works great for my little girls."

CARAMEL BROWNIES

Stacey chose Caramel Pecan Brownies from our very own Bev from Eclectic Red Barn. "Oh my, you had me at brownies! The only problem that I see is that I would have to eat the whole batch...because my kids don't like nuts. Hee-hee! Thank you so much for sharing!"

50-Ways-To-31k6hsf233ekltun6bpj40

Stacey chose 50 Ways To Get Out of Debt Now! from Saving & Simplicity. "So many wonderful tips and some I have definitely started working on since becoming a single income family. Some of the others I will absolutely have to take a look at. Thank you for sharing!"
Natasha also chose this post. "Thank you for sharing these great tips! I will definitely be considering all of these tips in my path of being debt free."

patio-close-up-848x565

Tina chose DIY Geometric Vase (Psssst the trick is stickers) from Jennifer Perkins. "I love this wonderful craft project!Looks amazing and so easy to make.Thanks for sharing this beautiful DIY with us!

6dd355_355ee5d586b74aa691dd73fa941d155b-mv2

Tina chose DIY Painted Keys Using Nail Polish from White House Crafts. "What a cute and practical project!My keys are going to be painted:)Love it!Thanks for sharing this fun project with us."

Coconut-Cream-Bread-Pudding-with-Coconut-Glaze2

Mari chose Coconut Cream Bread Pudding with Coconut Glaze from Tornadough Alli. "Alli's coconut gift to my mouth! I look forward to trying this because it just looks so moist and yummy."

Recover-Barstools-collage-5

Mari chose How to Quickly Recover Barstools and Add a Padded Back from Dazzle While Frazzled. "Then I also loved this redo. Repurposing things around the house is a great way to save and a great way to always brighten up a boring spot."

Sign-of-a-Fun-Camping-Trip-Main

Sarah chose Almost Wordless Wednesday - Sign of a Fun Camping Trip from A Little Campy. "We are camping this week, so I'm on the lookout for advice and wisdom about camping with kids. I loved the simplicity of this post in "A Little Campy" - I need to remember that it's not about the STUFF and having everything we need, but it's about my kids being free and having a good time."

tent

Sarah chose Camping with Young Kids? Yes, You Can Do It! from Twin Cities Mom Blog. "As awesome as the wisdom of "let the kids run free" is, and as necessary as that is to my perspective, I also appreciated this post of practical tips for camping with young kids on Twin Cities Mom Blog. I love getting tips from moms who have "been there" already :)."

Root-Beer-Float-Pancakes-Recipe-b

Tiffany chose Root Beer Float Pancakes Recipe from Home Cooking Memories. "OMgosh I mean how could this not be a favorite of anyone with a sweet tooth. I need these on my plate now!"

4th-of-July-Craft

Tiffany chose Fun 4th of July Craft for Kids and Parents, too! from The Real Thing with the Coake Family. "I love all of these. Finding a way to have fun with my Kiddies is always something I love and what better way to help celebrate the 4th of July!"

Paneer-Tikka-Grilled-Paneer-and-Vegetable-Skewers-Cooking-Curries_thumb

Heather chose Paneer Tikka ~ Grilled Paneer and Vegetable Skewers from Sweet C's Designs. "These skewers look delicious and perfect for a summer night of grilling. I'm very interested in learning more about cooking Indian food and this is a great recipe to get me started."

ONE-ROASTThree-meals

Heather chose Cook a Pork Roast - Serve It Three Times! from The Lazy Gastronome. "I've said before I love serving pork, and slow-cooker pork shoulder is such a versatile, inexpensive protein. I like the idea of sharing three different recipes in one post."

preschool-parenting

Natasha chose 3 Simple Preschool Parenting Tips from Homeschool Preschool. "It's a lot of work parenting a preschooler. They are more confident, more self-aware, and have accumulated enough education that make them believe they can conquer the world. These are great and simple tips to help parent a preschooler; thanks for sharing!"

iStock_000012894561Small-Black-father-framed-660-framed-text

The post with the most views is Show Dad Some Love! 22 Fun, Fabulous, Ecofriendly Father's Day Gifts from Urban Naturale.
If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!

Epic Mommy Adventures

And the Best of the Best goes to...

Root-Beer-Float-Pancakes-Recipe-b

Root Beer Float Pancakes Recipe from Home Cooking Memories

Coconut-Cream-Bread-Pudding-with-Coconut-Glaze2

Show some love to our Best of the Best bloggers this week!!!!
Best of the Best Bloggers - make sure to showcase the button below on your blog!


Epic Mommy Adventures
So now that you've seen all that we have to offer in this week's Turn It Up Tuesday,

let's get started!

- Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back.
- Link up as many posts as you'd like! The more, the merrier!
- Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends!
- Grab the button below and showcase on your sidebar! Invite your fellow bloggers to join the fun!

Epic Mommy Adventures
Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured or become the Best of the Best on Turn It Up Tuesday! We will feature the favorite posts each week!
**Disclaimer: Adding your link to this link party gives permission to Epic Mommy Adventures, along with co-hosts, guest hosts, and participants of Turn It Up Tuesday, to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features, roundups, etc. with an explicit link back to the original source.**



Interested in reading all of our favorite posts on Turn It Up Tuesdays - past or present? Or do want to know if your post was featured before we go live next week? Follow Natasha Peter's board Featured on Turn It Up Tuesdays! on Pinterest.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

My Favorite Season in Pictures

Happy Sunday everyone! It's a gorgeous day outside and since I keep running into these darn end of summer posts, back to school blah blah and even lets start saving for Christmas stories I decided to head out the house early go out and enjoy my day but leave you with this.

If you were to ask me what my favorite season is I would respond...Summer, period hands down.

Being born and raised in a place where I experience the four seasons I have learned to lean towards warmth. New York City in the summer time is a different animal. It really is a collection of things to see and that's starting with the people. The places to go to and the many things to explore is another.


Summer is my favorite season because I get dressed in half the time compared to Winter. I never have to cover my feet and it's daylight for a longer period of time. I always feel energized and ready for an adventure. I don't concern myself as much about bad weather weekends or like to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Summer brings flowers, green grass, warm breezes and sand between my toes. Summer means intense Sunlight and cold Ice Cream. Amusement parks and Street Fairs. Summer means dinners outdoor, drinks with friends, strolls and holding hands. Sprinklers and slides, bike rides and flying kites.


Summer shows off those nice legs that were covered up during the cold, those abs your neighbor has been working on and that new pool in the community center gets put to good use. Summer means Freedom. What a shame it seems like it just last for a short time.

In my NYC today we have the Dominican Day Parade shout out to all my fellow Dominicans, lets go out and have some fun but lets also pray for those in distress. We have Harlem week, lots of great food and events and we have just day to day activities in all 5 boroughs so if your in my neck of the woods grab a map and get out there.

 Here are some pictures to encourage us to get out and keep us in the mood longer...


 

 




 


Hope you enjoyed the share if you want to see more come visit me at instagram.com/mar_y_cielo925

Always stress free xo.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

DIY Succulent Tier Planter

Good Morning loves, hope everyone enjoyed their 4th safely. I've been working on this project lately and I finally put the pictures together so I could share it with you. Summer time always brings out the green thumb in me. Though I don't have a home yet where I can go out to my backyard and get creative I do make the most of my NYC Apartment living.

You really can't go wrong with again my favorites, Succulent plants so here is my latest addition...
Tier Planter!
materials:
-variety of 2" succulent plants
-bag of miracle gro cactus palms & citrus potting mix
-tin planters variety of sizes (michael's craft store)
-glue gun
-drill
-chalk paint
-white paint
-decorative stones


I order a few new plants from Amazon.com they have numerous selections so that was a great choice for me. I headed to Michael's craft store and bought 3 tin planters on sale about $6.00 total. I had my potting soil from previous planting. I had to purchase a glue gun that was about $8.00 but its an investment for future projects so I was ok with it. I also had available my handy chalk paint which I just love!

I arranged the tins as I wanted them placed then I drilled several holes in the bottoms and sides for water drainage then I glued them together. I set them aside for a few minutes and then I used a small paint brush to chalk paint the tins. I used 2 coats and let them sit for about 2 hours.  
I made my labels with Word program at work and since I don't have a label printer at the moment I used the old fashion method of tracing. I used color chalk in the back of the paper and traced with a pencil. This was a trick I used back in the day in my sewing class as well. I find that making things with love for your home is very relaxing and when you use your imagination to bring a project to life that is the icing on top! Use what's available to you!
Once I was done tracing I used a white crayon pencil for outline then lightly dusted off remaining chalk then I used white paint to color my letters in.


Now came the fun part! While I let the paint dry which was about a 1/2 hour I began to sort my plants and work out ideas of placement. I wanted to include another favorite of mine "Mother in Law" plant or "Snake" plant so I chose to use the top tier for that one and work around her. I used this opportunity to also Propagate some of the leaves that came off the plants. I had some rooting powder handy as well.
The 2" pots the plants came with came in handy for some of my tricky placements. I cut them in half so the plants could stand upright better. This process for me was very soothing I invested about 2 hours and didn't even realize it. Planting to me is like therapy, it helps clear my head and helps me to step away from a stressful situation so I can find clarity.


I added some decorative stones as my finishing touch. Watered just enough to wet the new soil but not soak. The plants already came prepped for replanting. I used and old dish as water catcher and I was all set. Here you see my new babies!

Hope you enjoy today's post and it sparks some ideas of your own. I found that tier planting is an awesome way to make the most of your space and also its great eye candy. What do you think?
Please let me know what you think and if I wasn't clear on something please feel free to comment and I will be happy to walk you through it.
Happy Planting!

Always stress free xo.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Grilled Chicken Salad

Thursday's treat!!!

Why do I feel like this summer is just going by so quickly? I am not ready for Fall yet!!!

I am sick of hearing about Back to School blah blah blah...
I am even more upset about these Christmas in July posts, sorry ladies love your stuff but no. I don't want to get ready for Christmas in July.
Now August rolled in and surprised the heck out of me so I guess I have to get my butt in gear and go out and enjoy whatever is left of this Summer in NYC.

One way to do that is to continue to cut my time in the kitchen.

So here is another quick meal so I could go out and enjoy a few hours in the park.

-2 large chicken breasts
-1 large carrot
-Monterey Jack cheese
-mixed green salad

Since I didn't use my George Foreman grill, too lazy to clean the plates I used the flat pan I use to make my pancakes.
Sprayed with Pam grilling spray and set on medium heat.
Cut my chicken breast down the middle thin slice, pounded down some and seasoned.
I washed prior for a few minutes in cold water and lemon juice.
Anyway, so I seasoned it with some lemon pepper and Sazon Accent for coloring.
I Let it marinate for a few minutes while pan got hot.

I placed chicken breasts on pan about 10 to 15 minutes making sure juices ran clear, turned to the other side until juices did the same (time varies depending on where you are grilling).
Removed pan from flame, set aside.
Shredded the carrot, cut 3 medium slices horizontal on cheese bar then cut again into smaller cubes and set aside, got the plates set handful of the greens.

Sprinkled the cheese, cut the chicken into slices, placed on top of the cheese, added the shredded carrot and done.
I drizzled a little balsamic vinaigrette for extra kick but you can use any or no dressing if you wish.
After all we are trying to eat well, reduce kitchen time and have some fun!

Enjoy, always stress free xo


*Note: I got to enjoy my walk in the park for a few hours and help my digestion lol!

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Going to the Park

Summertime is my favorite time!

Yes it's hot, it can be sticky but let's look at the bright side...

It takes you half the time to get dressed, daylight is much longer and as a mommy or daddy you get a break from homework duties I say thank heavens for that!!!

On my walk around the park the other afternoon I came across a struggling mom.
Struggling, because she had two kids, five bags and a carriage.
Wow, I had to stop and really look at her situation and said to myself...Why?

If you are going to the park isn't it suppose to be a fun event?
Isn't it suppose to be a time of relaxation and letting loose?
Why all the baggage?

I say less is more...again.

These are the things I consider a must to go and have a great time at the park with the little ones:
-extra set of clothes
-baby wipes
-towel
-sunscreen
-snacks
-blanket
-book for mommy/daddy (depending on child's age)
-toys

Simple quick and easy. You even save on taking the toys if you go to the playground! Now when I say toys I don't mean their whole toy box.
As we all know our little ones get distracted easily so bring three options end of story.

Let them run around, that is what the park is for.
Have fun, be a kid yourself!!!

I walked around CVS the other day and came upon this section with some great treats and wanted to share how inexpensive and fun less is more can be.


I had to snap a quick pic so the clerk wouldn't get upset but in those bins I found water guns, water balloons, squishy balls, jump rope, playing cards etc etc
Very inexpensive, throw in a bag kind of fun.

Now enough of this writing, it's a gorgeous day out going to grab some sun and have some fun.
How will you be enjoying this summer day, will you be struggling with loads of things or will you be strolling through the park, hand and hand with your angels?

Always stress free xoxo

Oh here is link to a previous post I wrote on park life you might enjoy
Over Dressed