Mommin' It Up!

September 2, 2014September 2, 2014

Back-to-School with Case Logic

My kids went back to school today… and let me tell you, this morning was bloggable in the worst way possible. But that’s a story for another day! Today’s story is about the backpack that went with Kate to fifth grade – the Griffith Park Plus Backpack from Case Logic.

I’m going to be honest – this thing is so nice I kind of hated to let Kate use it! It would be perfect for Andy, because he’s always hauling home papers to grade and it has a padded compartment designed to hold a laptop, but once Kate saw it he was out of luck.

This backpack has TONS of room. As I mentioned, it has a dedicated space designed to hold a 15″ laptop and an iPad, plus a lined phone pocket.

Kate has none of those things.

But she does have a lot of fifth-grader stuff like books, folders, and her Trapper Keeper, all of which fit into the Griffith Park Plus with room to spare.

I also like the mesh padding in the back – I can still remember the feeling of backpack-induced sweat on my back, can’t you? Actually the more I read about this, the more I want to use it for myself…

Check out Case Logic for more info!

September 1, 2014September 1, 2014

Foodie.com – Brinner-time

We love “brinner” (breakfast for dinner) around here – it’s often a quick, easy, and cheap go-to when I don’t have other plans. But sometimes it would be nice to get a little more creative than bacon and eggs, so this month’s Foodie.com collection is out-of-the-ordinary brinner fare.

Check out the cast iron skillet scrambled eggs – yum! I read not too long ago that you should cook eggs over low heat. I always hovered around medium, but switching to low really made a difference! Takes a little longer to cook, of course, but they really taste better. The cinnamon roll french toast bake looks rather amazing, and casseroles that can be made ahead and baked later are always helpful. And speaking of french toast, I can’t wait to try the pumpkin version in my collection. I think I’ll also whip some of those up for Jenny – pumpkin AND gluten, her favorites.

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This post is sponsored by Foodie.com and Glam Media.
Do you cook brinner at your house? What are your favorites?

August 27, 2014

It’s not that I don’t like acorns…

When we moved into our house, there was one thing that really bugged me – the hall bathroom. It was painted a cream color, and had lovely accents of a pine cone wallpaper border and stenciled acorns.

Eight years later, it still does.

Moose. On the wall.

It’s become one of those things that I see so often I almost forget about it. Until it’s time to take pictures for a blog post, and then I remember how hideous it really is.

But today is the day – the moose will be no more.

Andy and Sam are on their way to a baseball game in Pittsburgh, so Kate and I are taking matters into our own hands and redecorating.

Needless to say, we’re going to start with some paint. I’ve been scouring the interwebs for days, trying to pick a color, but I haven’t landed on anything. So, of course, I’m turning to you.

The tub and sink are cream, the trim and door are oak. What color should we paint? Also, any tips on removing an ugly wallpaper border?

Now here’s where things get really crazy.

I think I’m going to replace the light fixture as well. Don’t worry, Dad, I watched an instructional video on YouTube and I’m 83% sure I won’t electrocute myself.

I’ll report back with the results! If I am alive.