5 Steps or Less!

To handling a "terrible two's" tantrum!

Disclaimer: This opinion is not coming from an expert. Just a highly imperfect mom who has a strong willed child doing this- all the time.

1. Try not to get angry. Stay calm. If possible, ignore the beginning of a tantrum and it might stop once they realize you are not watching.

2. Recognize and acknowledge the frustration your child is having. Even if it is over wanting "I-CEAM" and throwing oneself on the floor if there isn't any, or their desire to play in their tomato soup rather than eat it. They still have a limited ability to express themselves with words.

3. Remove child from situation (yes, it hurts to leave that full grocery cart, I know.) Paul and I had to scoop Zachary up off the floor 3/4 of the way though Sesame Street Live last week and leave. It was not ideal, but necessary.

4. Provide a safe, calm time away spot (we use the stairs at home, or at times just a hug/hold to help the calming process) and teach another skill. Ours lately has been "show me how you wait" then model sitting down, folding hands etc...

5. Laugh later with someone. "Did you see how he stomped away then threw himself on the ground? Man that's some will..... Did you see that fake crying? Where would he have learned that? "

5 Steps or Less!

To a gourmet meal....

Some moms make grilled cheese or canned soup for lunch.... mine goes for Scallops in a Tarragon Cream Sauce. I watched my mom whip this gourmet lunch on our most recent snow day up in 5 steps or less, and had to share!

You need:
Large sea scallops (10 to 12)
white flour + seasonings (pepper, salt, garlic powder, paprika, a dash of each)
butter/olive oil (about a tablespoon of each)
half and half (use about 1 cup, and you can use the fat free variety and it's still yummy)
tarragon (about a teaspoon)
grainy dijon mustard (1 tablespoon, and I bet any mustard would do in a pinch)

1. Mix flour and seasonings, dredge scallops in mixture.
2. heat oil and butter on medium in a frying pan
3. sautee scallops about 4 minutes per side, until brown, remove from pan
4. mix cream, tarragon, and mustard (salt and pepper too) in the pan, bring to simmer until thickened
5. pour over scallops, eat.
(note: this can be done with shrimp or chicken if you don't have/like scallops)

Sorry for the cell phone pic... but it just had to be done. Yum.

5 Steps or Less!

I have decided to feature a new weekly additon to my blog:

5 Steps or Less!

I am all about finding quick and easy ways to do things. Wit my full life, I just need ways to get things done fast and easy. I by no means claim to have a perfect house or flawless ways of doing things, but I try to find some cool shortcuts to make life easier so I have more time for the important things!

Here's my first one
Easy Micowave Cleaning:
1. Pour half white vinegar/half water in a micorwave safe bowl
2. Place bowl in microwave for 2 minutes, and wait one minute
3. Open micorwave, use a cloth to wipe clean (the vinegar and water loosens anything that may be in your microwave, and is all natural- no chemicals! Plus it deodorizes.)
4. Dip cloth in warm vinegar and water solution to shine outisde of mircowave and any other kitchen surfaces.

P.S.- Lemon juice can be substituted for the vinegar.