Being a Mama in Real Life

So I had some big plans last night and today.  Ok, not really that huge but I thought that I could get the dishes done, make a good dinner (its not very hot so I can use the oven!), and maybe even make a treat for Husband.  And then reality happened.  Little was pretty fussy all day and I noticed that she felt warm.  Yep, she is sick.

Last night Little had a fever of 102.  That meant a lot of crying (just her so far) and not a lot of sleep (Little, Husband, and myself).  Last night, not only did I get nothing done, but my sweet girl would only sleep if I was holding her.  I spent the entire night sitting on the couch holding my girl.  Throughout the night she would wake up absolutely screaming.

This morning I took her to the doctor because she wasn't nursing well and I wanted to see if there was anything else we could do. The doctor decided that she probably has a virus.  My poor girl is trying to sleep it off right now and I am wishing she would let me catch a nap too.

Being a mama in real life is simply not as easy and glamorous as movies and such make it look!

Braided Headbands

I have been making braided headbands. 5 piece braided headbands actually.  I found the idea on Pinterest from make it and love it.  Lets be real, I love it.  For these awesome headbands all you need is an old t-shirt as many t-shirts as you can get your hands on and either a hot glue gun or a needle and thread.  I used a hot glue gun because I just bought a new one.

Luckily Husband just went through his t-shirts and made a big give away bag full of them.  He meant give to me right?  I have already made two for me and two four for Little.  I'm addicted.  They are quick, easy, and free as long as you have an old t-shirt.

I have been wearing them all the time.  They would be great for doing your make-up or going to the gym.  Or wearing everywhere.

Each t-shirt seems to make three or four headbands, depending on how thick you want them.  I have made thinner ones for Little and thicker ones for myself.

Start by cutting your t-shirt into strips.  You will need 5 strips, each long enough to go almost twice around your head.  I made the strips about 1 inch wide for me and about 1/2 an inch wide for Little.  I just cut around the bottom of the t-shirt and that was easily long enough (half of that worked for Little).

Put the ends of your strips together and glue them.  Pull on each strip of fabric so that they curl on the edges. If you're not sure its curled enough, pull harder.

Now its time to braid.  I clipped the glued end of my braid to a clipboard to make it easier to braid.  Separate your strips so there are 3 on the left and 2 on the right.

Working with the left group only, bring the left strip to the middle, then the right strip to the middle.  Now bring the new right strip to the right group.

Working with the right group only now, bring the right strip to the middle, then the left strip to the middle.  Now bring the new left strip to the left group.  Repeat.

When your braid is long enough (make it a little short since it will be stretchy) glue the end and cut off the extra strips.  Glue both ends of the braid together and cover with a small piece of t-shirt.  I glued some fabric do-dads to Little's headbands but I left mine plain.  All done!

Linked on http://frugallysustainable.com/ and http://www.iheartnaptime.net/

Southwest Quinoa Salad

I whipped up this salad for dinner the other day.  It is very easy, healthy, and also vegan.  Husband and I aren't vegan or even vegetarian but we do occasionally eat vegan/vegetarian meals because they tend to be healthier.  No saturated fats in here!

I tried cooking quinoa for the first time a few months ago and I love it. It is a whole grain and very high in protein. It has a lovely texture and flavor. It is also very cheap and easy to cook!

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
1 can black beans
1 cup corn (frozen, cut from a cob, etc)
1 small red bell pepper
1 small red onion
2 cloves garlic
2 limes

Put your quinoa in a pot. Rinse with cold water and drain as best you can. Add 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. When done, let quinoa rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, chop your bell pepper and onion. Mince (or garlic press) your garlic. Put everything except the limes in a large bowl. Toss and season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Linked at http://frugallysustainable.com/