Totsy Blog

Join Totsy for an extra special Twitter Party! We will be giving away amazing Disney Princess prizes (including one GRAND PRIZE), talking all about the Disney Princess sale on Totsy and dishing out some trivia & fun facts about our favorite Disney Princess characters! 

DATE: Tuesday, 5/22
TIME: 2-3PM ET
HOST: Totsy Mom Committee member, Kristin Cooper
HASHTAG: #totsyparty
FOLLOW: @totsyfan @disneyliving @couponin2disney @mytotsy

Just this afternoon, I was home with the girls for lunch and decided to clean out the fridge and make our own pizzas! I figured I could get them to eat some veggies and a healthy grain crust. For fun we decided to top it all off with cheese and salami! 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Gluten-free crust
• All natural tomato sauce with oregano and basil
• Grated fresh parmesan cheese
• Fresh off the vine tomato peeled
• Salami
• Red bell pepper
• Baby bell cheese

Instructions:

1. Line baking pan with heavy duty foil and spray with non-stick spray
2. Pre-heat over to 425 degrees F 
3. Roll out whole grain pizza crust and pile on toppings
4. Cook for 12 minutes and enjoy!

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When I was working on Anna’s changing table transformation last week, I had this ingenious idea {if I do say so myself!} I have quite the collection of reusable shopping bags, but my favorites are the huge bags from TJ Maxx. They have the cutest patterns and colors, and for only 99 cents each, I can’t leave the store without a new one :)

The best part is, you just leave the bag handle as it is and it becomes the top {neck} strap for your apron! I continued to cut down to include the bottom piece of the bag to make the apron longer. It still wasn’t quite as long as I wanted, so I added a few rows of ruffles. Then I just sewed on 2 pieces of ribbon for my ties.

For Anna’s, I used a little apron she already has as the pattern, and cut it out {using the top edge of the bag as the top of the apron}. I left the sides unfinished because the material is plastic-coated and doesn’t fray!

I added some pom poms and ribbon for her trim, and then re-attached the “handle” for her straps on top. I also used velrco to make it adjustable around the neck. Look at it on my baby…. Oh my cute!

These were SO quick and easy to make! The most time-consuming part was adding the ruffles and trim, but those are not even necessary… they would still be super cute without it. And they are great for kids because the material is totally wipeable! I am so excited to make more! $1 for 2 aprons — how can you beat that? Wouldn’t they make cute gifts?

About:

Nat & Holly

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Most of us are lucky if we get a few solid hours of sleep a night. Why all the tossing and turning though? Your nightly habits may be what’s causing it. Allure suggests breaking these bad habits so you can get a good night’s rest!

Television

Watching television before you go to bed causes your body to think its not time for bed yet!

Lights

Lights off! Any amount of light can disturb melatonin levels, which help you sleep! Shut the lights and turn those digital clocks away from you!

Clocks

Speaking of digital clocks, avoid them while trying to sleep. By looking at the clock before bed and when you wake up in the middle of the night, you will just become anxious. Turn the digital clock away from you-the lack of light also helps!

Caffeine

Whether it’s coffee, tea or soda, caffeine stays in your system a lot longer than you may think. Try avoiding caffeine eight hours before bed-yes that’s right, EIGHT!

Tight Pajamas

Skip the super tight pj’s and try slinky (which can also be sexy!). Tight pajamas interferes with circadian rhythms causing your melatonin levels to decrease and body temperature to increase! This will cause a bad nights sleep!

Image: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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Terrariums have always fascinated me so when I came across this project on Pinterest, naturally, I had to share with all you Totsy fans. A terrarium is “a small enclosure or closed lid container in which selected living plants and sometimes small land animals (lizards, turtles, etc) are kept and observed”*. It’s like a piece of the forest on your desktop! Here’s an easy terrarium project that will make the perfect centerpiece for your coffee table or office desk sans live animals though. Get the kids involved and teach them about the environment!

You’ll Need:

• A glass container – we like fishbowls
• Cactus soil
• Tiny succulents – check your local farmer’s market, we guarantee they will have a large variety
• Spoon
• Tiny decorative stones or dried navy beans

Step-by-Step

1. Line the bottom of your container with soil; about 3-4” thick.
2. Using a spoon, dig a hole big enough to plant your succulents then repack the soil.
3. Do this with as many succulents as you have.
4. Top off with a layer of stones or beans.

Be sure to water your plants several times a week!

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Images and instructions courtesy of http://brittanyanddylan.blogspot.com

*thefreedictionary.com

Sometimes you just want pizza. BUT, you don’t want the fat and high sodium that may come with takeout pizza. So what do you do? Make your own of course! I love this recipe because of the grilled crust. This makes the perfect dinner served up with some chilled white wine. Thanks to marthastewart.com for the inspiration.

You’ll Need:

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• All-purpose flour for dough shaping
• 2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 scallions, white and green parts separated
• 5 ounces of goat cheese
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 bag of baby spinach
• 1 avocado, haled, pitted, peeled and dicd
• 2 tablespoons, red wine vinegar,
• Meat of your choice (prosciutto, salami, etc)

Step-by-Step

1. Heat the grill to medium and brush a rimless baking sheet with olive oil.
2. On lightly floured work surface, woll and stretch the dough to two 8” ovals or rounds.
3. Transfer to baking sheet and brush the top with oil.
4. Transfer dough to grill to cook – don’t turn over until undersides are firm and begin to char – about 2-3 minutes.
5. Using tongs and a large spatula, take the crusts off the grill and place back on the baking sheet, grilled side up.
6. Scatter tomatoes, scallions, cheese, salt, pepper and meats then slide back on to the grill.
7. Rotate occasionally to cook until the cheese begins to melt; about 3-5 minutes.
8. Transfer to a cutting board.
9. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, avocado, scallion, vinegar and remaining teaspoon of oil and toss.
10. Pile mixture onto pizza
11. Serve immediately.

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Mother’s Day is just days away and instead of spending a ton of money on a gift, try making something that comes from the heart. Nothing says appreciation more than a gift that you put both time and effort into. Have the kids try these sweet and simple gifts that will be perfect for moms, aunts, grandmothers and sisters!

Mother’s Day Bouquet 

This craft from The Trendy Treehouse will help you make a special bouquet of flowers that will last forever! All you need for this adorable craft is paper, paint, paintbrushes and hands! Paint those little hands with any colors for the flowers. Use a paintbrush for the stems and bow!

Mother’s Day Flap Book

Wayward Girls Craftsgives a new spin to your average Mother’s Day card! All you need is paper, stapler and markers!

Instructions:

1. Cut 4 strips of paper of the same size. 

2. Layer the paper in a stack, but stagger each layer.

3. Fold the stack in half and staple it so all the papers are attached. 

4. Write words or draw pictures on each one! 

Long Distance Hug

Tons Of Fun has the perfect gift for that special someone who is far away! Give a hug in a unique, fun and special way! All you need for this craft is paper, paint and ribbon! Paint those little hands and make two handprints. Cut them out and attach a single piece of ribbon so they are connected. Send a hug! 

Images: 1, 2, 3

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Ever wonder how celeb mommies always look great when spotted out and about with their kids? Well you can too! Just follow these simple fashion tips from parenting.com!

Oversized Sunglasses-perfect for hiding tired eyes!

Easy Up Dos-try a sleek ponytail or messy bun if your in a hurry. They can look just as chic as blow drying your hair (which can take forever!).

Fashionable Hats- do you have a serious case of bedhead? Throw on fedora, knit beret, floppy hat- anything you like! It’s fashionable and hides that unkempt hair!

The Mom Bag- the mom bag is the most important accessory for any mom on the go! All because it’s a mom bag doesn’t mean it has to be ugly. Get an oversized, hobo bag that can fit all your essentials. Fringe is super cute right now!

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4

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The results are in from Totsy’s Earth Week Sweepstakes! On April 20th, we asked our readers:

“What little things do you do with your little ones, to make the world a greener place?”

We were touched by the thoughtful (and creative!) responses, ranging from unique twists on up cycling, to family-style park cleanups and classroom education. Environmental protection is one of the great challenges we face, and it’s clear that Totsy moms are rising to that challenge by creating change where is matters most- at home. The first 3 responses will receive a prize pack from our wonderful friends at iPlay, Bumkins Organics, Wear Your Intention & Full Circle. Totsy is also donating $100 to Texas Discovery Gardens, our grand prize winner’s favorite environmental non-profit organization. Thank you to everyone who submitted, we share your passion in creating a better world for the wee ones we love most.

Top 5 Answers:

1. We give our plastic bags to someone who uses them to crochet sleeping mats for homeless people, and we recycle our other plastic and cans.- Diana

2. My husband, my children and I go for a walk every other evening after dinner, and always each take a bag to collect trash that we see along our walk. We’ve turned it into a game, who ever picks up the most trash gets a special treat when we get home. -Veronica

3. We love to compost! When we eat our meals all our food scraps get put into our compost bucket which we use for our garden! - Jaime

4. I teach my daughter that almost everything can be recycled into something else. We use plastic bottles for planters; and egg cartons for paint trays. We also like to take a few minutes when we visit parks to pay it forward to mother earth and pick up some trash that has blown around. Every day is a new lesson in being friendly to our environment. - Amber

5. I plant native flowers in my yard as well as add things that will attract butterflies, bird, and bees. I like to keep my yard very nature-friendly. - Jacky

Image: 1, 2

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Mother’s Day is this Sunday and we have nothing but love and respect for our moms, grandmas and aunts. So instead of the usual flowers, candy and jewelry (which are always nice), why not celebrate a little differently this year. Here are a few ways thanks to momtastic.com.

• Gather all the generations in your family; grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and other “mom” family members for a joint celebration.
• Spend time together with her. Whether it was your grandma who raised you or an aunt, all they want is to spend time with you and feel appreciated. Set aside a day and treat her like a queen.
• Give mom a break by having everyone play a role in the daily routines that mom does. She could always use the time to relax, so let her and take over the mopping and dish washing.
• Help a mom in need by donating to organizations that help mothers and children. Check out Saving Mothers, an organization that is “dedicated to women’s health, education and empowerment. Through public health initiatives, we aim to give women and their health care providers the tools they need to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.”

Just celebrate. No matter what you decide to do with your mom, just show her that she is loved and appreciated. It’s something she will never forget.

Have a happy Mother’s Day from all of us here at Totsy!

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Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow and it’s a huge Mexican celebration!

This weekend I am at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne working. I have the privilege of speaking at the Mom 2.0 Summit in which all the women I admire are attending.

In the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, picture me sitting at the Cantana poolside bar at the Ritz sipping my new favorite drink-Spicy Margarita!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Tanteo Jalapeno tequila OR regular silver tequila with a slice of jalapeno in it
•  3/4 oz of Triple Sec or Cointreau
• 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime
• 3/4 oz Grand Marnier (adds a little sweetness!)

Shake it all up and serve on the rocks with salt on the rim!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! ENJOY!

xo,

Diana

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Sommer Poquette is the blogger behind Green and Clean Mom and author of My Mommy is a Blogger.

5 Edible Blossoms for a Gourmet Salad

When it comes to spring and summer I love a fresh salad, straight from the garden but what many people don’t know is that a salad can be dressed up with edible flowers. Yes, edible flowers! Your vegetable garden, lawn or herb garden might just have some tasty blossoms.

1. Broccoli. The pretty yellow flower of the broccoli is edible and if you pick this and clean it well it’s tasty with your lettuce in a light homemade vinaigrette dressing.

2. Cauliflower and Artichoke. Both actually flowers of the plant have flowering shoots that can be very flavorful when added to your salad and they’ll add some color.

3. Squash Blossom. This vegetable has blossom that often disappears as the vegetable begins to form but if you pick this blossom you’ll find that it tastes scrumptious! If picked when the blossoms are small and washed well they’ll add a sweet surprise to a spinach salad.

4. Dill. This herb is a favorite of mind and if you pick the yellow tops as they appear but before you see seeds and add this to a yogurt dressing you’ll have a crisp and fresh flavor. Delicious!

5. Chives. Chives grow a pretty blue flower and if picked has the flower begins to open and served on a spinach salad you’re ordinary salad will be pretty and have a gourmet taste!

It’s always nice to enjoy a fresh salad grown from your own backyard or in my case our container gardens but knowing that you left nothing to waste makes the salad taste even better. You’ll also impress friends when they come over and you’ve made a fancy salad with the edible blossoms. Growing your own food will not only save you money but you control the environment, soil and you can grow them without harmful pesticides.

Better for you and the environment!

About:

Hi. I’m Sommer and I am a mom, wife & blogger. My online home {sorry if it is messy I try to keep things tidy} is where I share bits and pieces of my life with a hope to inspire, motivate and encourage others to be a little bit greener, just a little bit isn’t too hard. Come on by and say hi! 

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If you’ve never celebrate Cinco de Mayo before, we can tell you, it’s a lot of fun! It’s a good way to introduce your kids to Mexican culture. Throw a small at-home fiesta with your family and cook up a Mexican feast, then dress the part. Read more on some tips.

[source: Google image]

1. Opt for some traditional Mexican pieces: sombreros, twirly skirts, cowboy hats, ponchos, color wraps. Little girls usually wear red and green ruffled dresses with really wide skirts.
2. Speaking of red and green, opt for those colors with some white – they are the colors of the Mexican flag when putting your outfit together.
3. Look the part of a Mexican mariachi band or go solo. Wear black pants, tuck in a white shirt, don a large sombrero, carry an accordion/guitar and drape a striped serape over your shoulder.
4. Ladies, wear brightly colored long, full skirts with a breezy white blouse (it can be off one shoulder). Pull back your hair and tie with colorful ribbons.
5. Men and boys can wear western clothes: large belt buckles, snap button shirts, broken in jeans. Remember to throw in a sombrero!

Have fun with it! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

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I’m not a big tequila lover but since Cinco de Mayo is coming up, I’ll love it for one day. But sometimes I want to switch it up. In walks the michelada. Think of the michelada as a Cinco de Mayo alternative and a Bloody Mary with beer instead of vodka. It’s a savory, salty and spicy drink and quite satisfying. Give this a try if you’re looking for something different this Cinco de Mayo.

Serves: 1

Time: 10 minutes

You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon pure chile powder
• 1 lime, halved
• 1 bottle Mexican beer – we prefer Modelo Especial
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Step-by-Step:

1. Stir together salt and chile powder on a plate.
2. Run lime around the edge of a pint glass.
3. Turn glass over onto plate and rotate to rim the glass with salt mixture.
4. Add lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, a few dashes of Tabasco to the glass and top off with beer.

This goes great with guacamole and chips! Enjoy!