How We Potty Trained our Dog - Check out this Helpful Tracking Chart

So we got a puppy. After years of traveling and saying we don't have time for a dog, we realized that now, right now, we have time and most importantly we needed a dog. We are a family of five stubborn people, who each had an opinion on what dog would complete us.
Finally we met Korra, we all fell for her hard. She has been with us four months now.

Housebreaking and training a dog with three teenagers has been such a remarkable experience. I'm actually so happy we waited so we could do this together. Now to the point of this post. We created this training log that made an incredible difference in how we potty trained her and how we shared responsibility. So I wanted to share it with you.

This is it.  We marked it with #1 (pee), #2(poo), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or Walk.  We are crate training, so basically the dog was with someone all day long or in the crate. This chart helped keep track of when she was last out, or if she had eaten or needed a walk.  Soon a pattern emerged, so we knew exactly what to expect and when. Hope this is helpful:)

Here's a video where I explain how we used the chart.

Summertime with your Kids - Prepare Now, Relax Later

Shelin Graziela CC BY-SA 2.0

Summer is quickly approaching. With the kids home, you may find yourself too busy running around, preparing meals, and chauffeuring them to and fro that you don't get a chance to enjoy yourself. Summer days can be long, busy, and not quite the relaxing vacation you deserve. Luckily there are a few things you can do to prepare now, so things run smoothly later. These items should head off most complications and allow you to relax and enjoy summertime.

10.  Frozen foods are your friends

"Grocery Store Frozen Food Aisle" by Colin Knowles  CC by 2.0

It's hot outside and there's so much to do. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen. Make sure to stock up on frozen foods for fast easy dinners that don't heat up the house. Keep some frozen rolls on hand for burger buns. Frozen fish and veggies make a delicious healthy dinner. Head over to Trader Joe's and stock up for some great meals.

9.  Stockpile Snacks  

When your kids get invited to a last minute event, have some snacks available for them to take along. Make sure to stash them away so the kids don't eat them.

8.  Don't forget the Googles

Never mind that you never wore them yourself. Your kids cannot survive without them. You can go ahead and pick up the big pack at Costco. Eventually your kids will need some new ones, so stock up to avoid a last minute run to the store.

7.  Sunscreen Stick

Face it, your kid isn't going to use regular sunscreen without you. Make sure to buy one of these sticks because your kids is much more likely to use it if you aren't around.  They may not get the full coverage that you would like, but it's something.  Pick your battles. 

6.  Jergen's Natural Glow

Don't be pasty. It's quick and easy to look like you have a healthy tan. It's affordable and it doesn't make you orange. Here's the amazon link, because you must get it now.

5.  Anti-Itch Cream

This cream is amazing. I discovered it in a pharmacy in Stokkel, Belgium. Mix equal parts Hydrocortisone cream, Benadryl cream and Lidocaine cream. It provides complete lasting relief from mosquito bites. Sometimes just one application is enough to make the bite entirely disappear.

4.  Stocked Beach Bag

Keep it ready for your kids last minute events - towel, sunscreen, goggles, pool toys, hair-ties. Just grab a suit, some snacks and they are out the door.

3. Stock your Trunk

It's time to check your trunk and prepare it for Summer. Don't forget a cooler (excellent for running errands), spare towel, beach blanket, sunscreen, first aid kit, bug spray.  I love this bag for my trunk.  And the collapsable cooler fits perfectly.

2.  Prep your Bikes

If your bike has been in storage all winter, it's time to get it prepared for the season.  Don't wait for the last moment only to find a flat tire; check out your bikes in advance. Pump up those tires and make sure you don't need new inner tubes. Tighten your chain and inspect your brakes and safety gear.

1.  Prep your Car

Get your car ready for a road trip.  Go ahead get the oil change, vacuum and wash the car.  Dig out that roof-top carrier and bike rack so you can be ready for anything. 




These tips should keep you prepared for all the summer time hiccups that prevent you from relaxing and enjoying the summer. Enjoy!

Shelin Graziela CC BY-SA 2.0

What my children think of me... and more about Limelight by Alcone

I made the mistake of showing my youtube videos to the experts.   You know my kids who spend countless hours watching youtube.  No kid watches TV anymore, it's all netflix or youtube.

I let them watch my video.  In my defense, I know I am horrible at making videos. But I won't get better until I make all the mistakes and make them 1000 times.   I think the real problem is that I completely lack wit.  I am weird and serious and just not any fun. Which is why I married my husband because he makes everything fun, so I don't have to.   But lack of wit and fun makes for a shitty youtube video.

Here is Nina's list.  I know, she's right.  I can stop knocking the table, but i don't know about the rest.  How do you stop looking at yourself.  If i don't look at myself I roll my eyes back and that is just disgusting.
So I decided to go old school and into my comfort zone.  I worked the numbers on this Limelight by Alcone Adventure.  I made a powerpoint presentation of my findings.   So,  Can you actually make money selling Limelight by Alcone.   Watch and see!