UltimateMama always likes to bring a little something when stopping by a friend’s home. These hostess gifts are usually quite unexpected but definitely greatly appreciated. Recently, UltimateMama found chocolate boxes from MarieBelle New York really bring smiles no matter what time of year! Her favorite are the 4 piece chocolate ganache blue box sets which feature beautiful designs on hand-made chocolate.
Posts tagged ‘mommy blog’
UltimateMama’s children will actually roll out of bed if they smell baked oatmeal for breakfast. It is an easy recipe that can be made all year long!
To do:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Grease a 9 x 13 pan
Mix:
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup 2% milk
1/3 cup olive oil
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Add:
3 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 – 2 cups of fruit or nuts that you like (we like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and walnuts and usually save a little to put on top)
Bake in 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes (check at the 15-20 minute mark and rotate)
Enjoy!
Ultimate Holiday Tablescape
Over the weekend, UltimateMama and her two children had a nice one hour shopping trip to stock up on holiday goods and craft supplies at Michaels. Killing time as it rained on Long Island was quite easy as UltimateMama challenged her family to come up with a gorgeous holiday tablescape that was pleasing for all ages and works for either a dining or side table. Mission accomplished with the 70% off doorbuster promotions at Michaels. Best of all the total cost was under $25! The breakdown:
Potted red poinsettia with gold foil (artificial): $6 (from $20)
Metallic garland: $3.60 (from $12)
Small champagne tabletop sisal tree: $6 (from $20)
Large champagne tabletop sisal tree: $7.50 (from $25)
Total cost: $23.10
Happy Holidays!
After enjoying several days in Athens, UltimateMama and her family flew directly to Santorini to experience a beautiful Greek island and it did not disappoint. A few tips for touring Santorini with kids:
– Figure out your transportation in advance. As of June 2018, UltimateMama heard there were less than 40 taxicabs on Santorini which means you will need to lock in a driver (we met a kind one at the airport–luckily) or rent a car (which UltimateMama did not do as Santorini doesn’t have many street signs or street lamps).
-Stay at the Santorini Palace Hotel in Firostefani if you have a family as it offers a great location only few meters away from the cliff of the Caldera and the panoramic view of the volcano. The pool was excellent, as was the location (a short 10 minute walk to the capital of Santorini, the village of Fira). Not to mention a full buffet breakfast was included with our booking which made mornings easy for all.
-Walk up the hill and grab a family photograph opportunity with one of Santorini’s most photographed chuches, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, in the background.
-Pamper your family members with some Garra Rufa fish spa therapy at Kissing Fish in Fira.
-Grab some gelato at Crema Latte Gelato in Fira.
-Spend the day at Perivolas Beach, a black sand beach with many amenities. UltimateMama and her family loved eating sushi under beach umbrellas at Sakura.
-Visit the prehistoric town and see the excavations at Akrotiri. UltimateMama had a guided tour that was extremely informative as we learned about the elaborate drainage system, beautiful artwork, and intricate jewelry of a settlement covered by a volcanic eruption (Thera).
-Explore a traditional village in Santorini. UltimateMama had a guided tour of Megalochori which had beautiful bell towers and mansions.
-Watch the sunset at Oia, one of the most beautiful places in Santorini.
Ultimate Camp Bunk Set-Up
UltimateMama has the perfect gift idea for your favorite camper at sleep away camp this summer – Confetti & Friends autographed pillow. The Camp Friends Forever pillow comes complete with a fabric pen. Memories will last forever! Additionally, Roberta Roller Rabbit’s sleepover bags make great bunk comforters when they are unzipped. What child doesn’t love Roberta Roller Rabbit’s cute little blue dogs on their bed?
UltimateMama loves her birthday cake alternative — chocolate fondue! It is decadent, easy, and fun for the whole family (regardless of age). UltimateMama served it with marshmallows, strawberries, and bananas. Other great dipping accompaniments include pineapple, apple, and angel food cake (or pound cake)!
Ultimate Pi Day Holiday
UltimateMama unveiled her new author homepage on amazon.com today! Check it out and purchase my book Ultimate Nanny: How to Find, Interview, and Manage the Most Important Person You Will Ever Hire — Your Child’s Nanny today. Everyone on Manhattan’s Upper East Side can find it in The Corner Bookstore as well!
Appears on care.com
In my new book Ultimate Nanny: How to Find, Interview, and Manage the Most Important Person You Will Ever Hire – Your Child’s Nanny which is on Amazon now (by Kristen J. Duca) I help parents and guardians navigate the childcare search in an organized manner.
The key to finding a great childcare provider (whether it be a nanny, sitter, or companion) for your child is to sit down and analyze your family’s foundation. There are many aspects to your family’s day to day life that you will want to consider before starting your childcare search. Taking the time to examine the composition of your family in the initial stages of your search will pay off in the end.
It is my belief that the groundwork toward building a stable childcare situation depends on the following:
- Your child/children: Think about their ages and developmental stages. Will there needs change over time? If so, how?
- You/your partner: Discuss both your work and social schedules. Figure out what days and hours you actually hiring a childcare provider for right now. Think about if you have flexibility in the hours you need childcare help.
- Your family: Analyze your household structure and examine if you are hiring solely for childcare services. Perhaps, you need assistance with housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, pet care, and errands in addition to childcare.
- Layers of help: Writing down a list of emergency contacts is essential for all parents. Consider your surroundings and determine if there are capable, motivated family members or friends nearby who can help you out from time to time.