I don’t know about the rest of the world but here in Arizona Spring is undeniably here! Today I sat on my back patio, drinking ice water, and sweating in the 90 degree sun. There I was trying to relax when I suddenly could no longer stand the sight of weeds in my backyard and began doing a little clean up. This is when I believe I was possibly bitten by either a desert recluse or a striped wolf spider. I was pulling on a weed when I felt a prick, I pulled my hand back and there goes running a huge spider out from the weeds. I was sooo mad at myself for not wearing gloves on both hands. I only had one on my left hand and of course was pulling with my right. I’ve seen these disgusting spiders in my backyard this time of year before and they give me the heeby jeeby’s. I just don’t understand why we need these creatures? I love nature and the outdoors but I am deathly afraid of anything that bites or stings and it ruins it for me.
Anyways, the real reason I’m writing this post is to tell you about the lovely time we had at the Renaissance fair this past weekend. Neither Chris or I had ever been but I have been wanting to go for years and knew a little bit about what to expect. It was a great way to spend a beautiful spring day. There were the usual costumed people with their fake accents and 16th century dialect. There were fairies, and royalty, and flower head wreaths. There was face painting, and walking/talking trees, tall people on stilts, and delicious treats. My favorite part was the laid back atmosphere and the characters that approach and interact with the fair-goers. Eva’s favorite part was the jousting tournament. She was enchanted by the beautiful horses, the Knights, and the King and Queen addressing the crowd.
I must say it was a delightful time and I really want to go back before it leaves at the end of March. So, if you have a Renaissance fair by you GO especially if you’ve never been before. If there’s not one by you then there must be some kind of fair close by.
Go forth and enjoy the Spring!
Photo Credit: RoyalFaires.com
Today’s tip isn’t really about child development or anything of that nature but it is about keeping a clean house which in itself is more challenging once you have children.
One word VINEGAR. Vinegar is pretty much my best friend when it comes to cleaning my house. I walk around with a little spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water and use it on everything. Kitchen counter tops, dinning table, wood blinds, the floor (wood or tile), all my wood furniture, bathroom, glass, stainless steel. I love using it to clean my stainless steel appliances because it doesn’t leave those ugly water streaks. It makes everything beautiful and shiny. You can use it on any wood surface, the vinegar dries quickly so it doesn’t ruin your wood. I spray a little on go over with a damp sponge or rag and then go over it again with a dry towel.
My other little friend that I just discovered recently is lemon juice. We have glass doors on our shower and I detest those water spots that are soooo hard to get off. So this is what I do. Squeeze the juice of about 5 or 6 lemons into a bowl, take some newspaper and dip it into the juice and then rub the spots off the door, spray with plain water and voila spotless shower doors! I hate using harsh chemicals especially in the shower because it always gives me a headache. This way your shower is clean and the bathroom smells nice too!
I haven’t done one of these in a while and the reason for that is well because I have been completely overwhelmed with this new stage DD is going through. I’m guessing it’s normal two year old behavior. It’s funny because I have always been determined never to call it the “terrible twos” because it seems like such a negative term but man no matter how many times I have heard that term and I still wasn’t prepared for this. Anyway she has definitely been challenging me and leaving me feeling like the worlds most incompetent mom so I just haven’t really had the heart to come on here and tell you all how I have it all figured out. Sarcasm? Yes! I have never thought that I’ve had it all figured out but lately I have been feeling like a fish out of water. Like I have no idea what I’m doing.
Soooo…my tip of the day is….Have a sense of humor!!! When your last button has been pushed and you feel like your gonna snap find the HUMOR in the situation! I’m not advising that you break out hysterically laughing at your toddling two year old who has just figured out a way to climb on top of the refrigerator. But when she is refusing to brush her teeth for the umpteenth time and it is getting on your last nerve just try to find the humor in it. Having a good laugh with your child will likely lighten the situation and if nothing else you will turn that frown upside down.
