Welcome to the first edition of Migonis Tips and Tricks!
This tip was something my mom taught me, instead of buying jewelry cleaner just use some all purpose cleaner and a toothbrush, it works fabulously!
I put a fun textured bag by our door to catch all our shoes so they don't just lay in a pile. I can just bring the bag around with me to put them where they belong when the bag starts to overflow... like now. :)
When we were dating and for the first year of our marriage AJ brought me flowers every Tuesday. I told him to stop, even though I loved it, because it was taking money away from other stuff but if you want fresh flowers, but don't want to pay the price every week invest in an orchid. Mine generally last five months.
This is my fave tip. AJ and I recently started a weekend "dream list". We've done it for two weeks and it's a great way to get all your expectations and hopes for the weekend out in the open so you aren't finishing Sunday night up disappointed. It's especially good so it'll give each of you a heads up if you are going to swap time with kids (ie: I make a pillow while AJ does Drew duty). As you can see, I didn't put anything super exciting on this weekend Dream List... but AJ wrote "beach" and "grill outside" so it made it a smidge more exciting. :)
I made these cups filled with veggies and hummus for a ladies night and it was great having the leftovers already chopped to munch on. Kept me from snacking on things I shouldn't!
Whenever we are going on a string of errands I bring tons of ammo to keep Drew calm. Usually it works. We have books, toys, tons of food and milk. He loves these fruit strips Danielle introduced me to. They are Archer Farms Mixed Berry organic from Target.
I don't want my house to have kids toys everywhere and it feels amazing at the end of the night to throw everything in a box with a lid on it so that I don't have to see it all...
Last tip, if you have young kids it's really fun to pick a photo for each month and write a list of what they are loving at that time... like this month... sixteen months... yikkes.
Next week I am going to have a post with your tips and tricks... email them to me or leave them in the comments!
What great ideas, thanks for sharing! Love the basket and hiding all the kid stuff, I'll be keeping that in mind for one day...
ReplyDeleteI love a good tip. I have been making my own blueberries dipped in yogurt and then I freeze. So delicious. Do you ever go to the Mariposa Store in Manchester? I have been collecting it for a few years now and am crazy about it.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I really love the idea of documenting each month of a child's life with a photo and list of "what's going on". My cousin's wife is expecting their second child, she blogs and this is right up her alley, so I am sharing this link with her!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I would just caution on the jewelry cleaner tip NOT to use anything containing bleach! It weakens the soldering holding your stone(s). In fact, don't wear your rings when using bleach products for this very rason. I never knew this until recently when I almost lost a diamond. After being reset (yes, I was that close to loosing it) the jeweler told me this.
ReplyDeleteDenise
Such great tips. My coworker told me about the cleaning solution for diamonds/rings etc. Her jeweler told her about it. I stick mine in a shot glass with just enough liquid to cover the ring and let it soak for a while, then scrub it w/ a brush.
ReplyDeleteI also love how you document your son's growth, likes, and monthly milestones. SUCH a great idea. He's going to love that when he's older (I totally pinned that). :)
We love that "Who Hops?" book too! :)
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could be a part of your ladies nights... girlfriend parties are the best!
ReplyDeleteWeekend wish list is the best. Keeps your goals small... I always have these HUUUGGGE goals and end up only getting the house 1/2 clean, papers 1/2 graded, and all the plants just have to fend for themselves on rainwater because I just DON'T HAVE TIME. Then I end up feeling tremendously discouraged...
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite multi-purpose cleaning tips is the power of soak time... if there is something really stuck on the counter I just let the cleaner soak into it instead of scrubbing. (I think this is a well-known tip but I think it is such a good one.)
A variation on your jewelry cleaning tip is one my mother did: scrubbed her diamond rings with toothpaste on the toothbrush--and they came out sparkling!
ReplyDeleteNancy