Tea Collection - Buy 3, Get 4th Free

Fabulous sale alert! Starting today, through Wednesday, February 27^th, Tea Collection is offering you the chance to buy 3 separates and get the 4th free on select styles with promo code 4FUN. Just look for the 3+1 icon for participating styles. Stock up on comfortable and durable pants for boys. Mix and match adorable girls' tops and bottoms for endless outfit combinations. Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this amazing sale from Tea Collection! Happy Shopping! 

Domestically Disabled Mom and Kids?

Things have been crazy in my life lately, leaving little time for blogging, but today I was driving myself insane about something and thought...I can't be the only mom that goes through this!

Have you ever been frustrated with your kids, or a situation with your kids, so you ask other mom's how they handle it? But then get even more frustrated when you try the same things, or have already tried those things, and still get no where!

It's even worse when you have a child with special needs. Because you know that your child should be able to do these things...if they were "normal." The question of "is my child capable of doing this," taking into account whatever issues they have. It can be extremely frustrating!

For instance, Ethan is 11. When my daughter was 11, she could help me load an unload the dishwasher; she could pick up toys around the house; the could help a little with laundry; she could do basic cleaning - clean the table, clean the windows, clean the counters, etc. But Ethan, (who does have an alphabet soup of diagnoses) cannot. Well, to be fair, I think he CAN...he just doesn't want to. So how many allowances are right to give him...still trying to make him independent, but yet, being understanding about his sensitivities.

Some of my mom friends say that they don't let their kids play after school until their homework and chores are done. Some of them tell me they give their kids 1 hr. to play when they get home, then they have to do their homework and chores. Some tell me they take things away (like video games) unless their kids get their homework and chores done everyday. My answer, "Yeah, that hasn't worked so well at my house."

I started a chore board, listing out chores I wanted them to do and allowing them the choice of one or two. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Homework is supposed to be done as soon as they get home...but frequently, I hear "but I'm starving, I need a snack!" or "this is too hard, I can't do it!" So, in the end, I'm frustrated, they are frustrated and nothing has been done!

I'm convinced this is why mom's used to do everything at home...never expecting a child to lift a finger!

Blurb Sale

These days, its so important to have something tangible to reflect on good times, hard work paying off, or simply being creative. I am totally in love with making Blurb books for just about every occasion, whether it be a wedding book, a birthday album, a cookbook, all of our family trip pictures, even my Instagram account can be converted into a Blurb book! I have been meaning to make a new book for a while and as if Blurb read my mind, they are offering 25% off purchases from 2/22-2/25. Head over to Blurb now and tap into your creative side!

More Blurb Ideas...
If you would like some more ideas about what to use Blurb for, here are a few other perfect products Blurb allows you to create: 

• Facebook books that include photos, comments, and captions.
• Planners with beautifully designed templates and your favorite photos.
• Notebooks that are filled with photos, can be lined or unlined, and full of plenty of white space for you to add notes, stories or sketches.
• Plus you can turn your printed book or magazine into an ebook! This is a great way to share your creation with others.

Stella & Dot's Presidents Day Sale

I'm excited to share with you that Stella & Dot is offering their Laurel Stud Earrings for only $5 ($19 value) with any purchase of $100+! Need a new necklace? 

Shop Stella & Dot's collection of trendy necklaces. Or if you're looking for the perfect bracelet, browse the popular wrap bracelets, make a statement with a silver bangle, or slip on the perfect leather cuff. Stay fashionable year round with Stella & Dot. Whether you're treating yourself or looking for the perfect gift, don't miss your chance to get the gorgeous Laurel Stud Earrings for just $5! This offer is only valid 2/15 – 2/18. Enjoy! 

iPad 2 Giveaway

It’s a MPM Birthday Celebration Event

We are so excited to give you a chance to win an iPad 2!

iPad 2 Specs:

Wifi
Color: Black
Apple iOS 4, Apple A5 1 GHz.
It has 16 GB integrated.
9.7" IPS TFT , LED backlight and Multi-Touch.
802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR , 21.2 oz.
Camera: Front: 0.7 MP, Back: 0.7 MP

One winner will receive iPad 2 {Wifi, 16GB, Black}!

Giveaway ends March 4th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Special thank you to our co-hosts: Bay Area Mommy, My Vegan Gluten-Free Life, Franticmommy, Mommy Bear Media, Swank Savings, Misadventures with Andi, Boys Oh Boys, Capri's Coupons, Mom to Bed by 8, Powered By Mom, Real Mom Reviews and Baby Costcutters.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. the worstest mommy is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Tea Collection Sale

I'm so excited to share with you that from now through 2/14, Tea Collection is offering 15% off sitewide with promo code GOTHERE15. Shop the hottest spring looks inspired by Tea Collection's travels to South Africa or take an additional 15% off already reduced sale items. Hurry, don't miss your chance to shop this great sale from Tea! Happy Shopping! 

Weekly Pinterest Favorites

Last week's most popular pins...
This picture of The Old Well in Chapel Hill from Etsy is special to me because my husband and I got married on the campus of Chapel Hill. This reminds me of that.

Source: etsy.com via Meredith on Pinterest

For Valentine's Day...

Source: theworstestmommy.blogspot.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: lollyjane.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: thecraftingchicks.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: lisastorms.typepad.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: gatorademilitary.com via Meredith on Pinterest

And for some style...

Source: fashionmagazine.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: fashionmagazine.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Best Super Bowl Commercials

Do you watch the Super Bowl for the game or for the commercials? For me, it depends on who is playing and whether or not I'm emotionally invested. I do love those heartbreaking stories they tell before the game...makes you really want to pull for a player or a team. Mostly, I like the commercials. There are always some really memorable ones and some that really stink...especially with how much money they pay to air them! 

Here are some of my favorites....

Mean Joe Green Coke Commercial from 1979

Old Spice Commercial..."Look at your man, now look at me..."

The famous Budweiser commercial after September 11, 2001. Still a tearjerker! 

Funny Bud Light commercial..."Here WeGo!"

Audi's commercial starring Jason Statham...for a little action and easy on the eyes!

Snickers commercial from 2010 with Betty White and Abe Vigoda.

Darth Vader stars in this Volkswagen commercial...my kids loved this one!

And a preview from today's Super Bowl Commercials...and extended version of the Mercedes Commercial, starring Usher, Kate Upton, and others.

The Perfect SuperBowl Party

My son, at 8, has become obsessed with football. He loves the stats, the game play, and being that he's a boy, the hitting! The SuperBowl is something that he is looking forward to...not because of the teams playing, but because it's the ultimate football game. I want to make the day fun for him, so he is going to have a friend come over and play PlayStation until the game starts. They are looking forward to playing out the game themselves to see who wins.

To make things more fun, we have to have great food! But given that he has several food allergies, that makes preparing food (that tastes good!) much harder. Luckily, we've been doing this a long time and I have plenty of fall back recipes to go to.

 

Source: allrecipes.com via Meredith on Pinterest

It might seem strange, but my son loves chili! This is the easiest recipe...

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup green pepper & red pepper chopped (great way to hide veggies!)
• 2 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 (29 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (16 oz) can chili beans, undrained
• 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans, undrained
• 1 small can of mild Rotel

1. In a large saucepan over medium high heat, combine ground beef, onion, and bell peppers. Saute for 5 minutes, until beef is browned. Drain fat.
2. Add spices, tomatoes, sauce and beans. Bring to a boil then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. 

As you can see, it's a very simple recipe that even I can make! Plus, you can add or subtract whatever you would like. Sprinkle a little cheese on top, and it's a great game meal!

I have more great ideas on last year's post, Allergy Friendly Super Bowl Foods, so be sure to check it out if you need ideas!