Thursday, February 23, 2012

FABULOUS SEXY MOTHER RUNNER WEBSITE!


Check this out....

Awesome!! Inspiring Local Tazewell County FABULOUS Housewife.. created a Runners Website!




Just goes to show you... There are many RHOTC out there doing wonderful things and inspiring others!






FAB Cooking TIPS! Love #15, 20 and #8.







1.  After stewing a chicken for diced meats for a casserole.. let cool in broth before cutting.. it will have twice the flavor


2.  To Slice meat into thin strips for Chinese Dishes... partially freeze and it will slice easier.


3.  A roast with the bone will cook faster than boneless roast - the bone carries the heat to the inside of the roast quicker


4.  Never cook a roast cold- Brush with oil before and during roasting - the oil will seal in the juices.


5.  For juicier hamburger add cold water to the beef before grilling (1/2 c. to a 1 lb of beef)


6.  To freeze meatballs, place them on a cookie sheet until frozen.. place in plastic bags.. and they will separate easily so you can take as you need.


7.   To keep cauliflower white while cooking- add a little milk to the water.


8.  When boiling corn, add sugar to the water instead of salt.  Salt will toughen the corn.


9.  To ripen tomatoes - put them in a brown paper bag in a dark pantry and they will ripen overnight


10.  Do not use soda to keep veggies green ... it destroys Vitamin C.


11.  When cooking cabbage, place a small tin cup or can half full of vinegar on the stove near cabbage ... it will absorb all odor from it.


12.  Potatoes soaked in salt water for 20 minutes before baking will bake more rapidly.


13.  Let raw potatoes stand in cold water for at least half and hour before frying to improve the crispness of a french friend potatoes.


14.  Use greased muffin tins to bake stuffed green peppers.


15.  A few drops of lemon juice in the water will whiten boiled potatoes.


16.  Buy Mushrooms before they "Open". When stems and caps are snugly attached... they will be the most fresh.


17.  Don't use Metal bowls when mixing salads.  Use wooden, glass or china.


18.  Lettuce keeps better if you don't wash it when you get home from the grocery store.. wait til you plan to use it.


19.  To keep celery crisp- stand it up in a cold, SALTED pitcher of water and refrigerate.


20.  Don't despair if you over salt the gravy... stir in some instant mashed potatoes and you will repair the damage.




FABULOUSO!!!




FABULOUS Simple Household Tips - WHO KNEW all the uses for VINEGAR!





1.  Refinish Antiques and Revitalize Wood -

Use equal Parts of Linseed oil, White Vinegar, and Turpentine.  Rub onto furniture with soft cloth

2.  Stalk the ants

Seal off cracks where they are entering with putty or petroleum jelly.  Then sprinkle with red pepper

3.  A simple Polish for Copper Bottom Cookware

Equal Portion Flour and Salt made into a paste with Vinegar.  Rub with Soft Cloth.  Store in Refrigerator


4.  Iron Cleaner

Baking Soda on a damp sponge will remove starch deposits.  Iron must be cold and unplugged

5.  Cleaning Teflon

1 c. Water
2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
1/2 c. Liquid Bleach

Boil all ingredients in stained pan for  5- 10 minutes.  Wash rinse and dry and condition with oil before using pan again

6.  Use Instant Coffee to Clean Dark Wood Furniture

Make a thick paste with coffee and a little water... rub into nicks and scratches on dark wood furniture

7.  Clogged Shower Head

Boil 1/2 C. Vinegar and 1 quart of water for 15 minutes ... soak shower head in the solution.


8.  Create Spicy Aroma in your home 

Toss Dried Oranges and Lemon rinds into fireplace 

9.  Use Lemon Rinds to deodorize Garbage Disposal

10.  Tin coffee cans make excellent freezer containers for cookies



11.  Add Raw Rice to the salt shaker to keep salt free flowing

12.  Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage disposal blades

13.  Vinegar will remove Rust and Mildew Stains from most Chrome.

14.  How to Make Grandma's Homemade Cough Syrup

1 lg Onion -Finely Chopped
3 T. Brown Sugar
3 T. Honey
1/2 C. Lemon Juice

Blend all ingredients in a blender. Strain. Sip juice when needed for a cough suppressant.





15.  Arthritic Remedy Beverage

1 c. Unsweetened grape juice
1c. Unsweetened apple juice
1/2 c. vinegar

Mix and drink 1/4 c. each day

16.  For ease in sliding, rub wax along sliding doors, windows and wooden drawers that stick.


17.  Remove stale odors in the wash by adding baking soda.






What's YOUR Calling? Share your FABULOUS Services here!

OK... ALL HOUSEWIVES, Stay At Home Moms/Dads, Grandmothers/Grandfathers.. or anyone out there..... If you are New to the Central Illinois area and/or are looking for specific services that are not offered in the phone book... or are wanting to share your services...

I am compiling a great reference site where locals can go for contact information and references for any of the following services and/or not limited to...

(IF you or anyone you know is looking to share their skills, brain power, expertise or artistic expression with others while making some extra $$$$ for their cookie jars (see previous post - titled COOKIE JAR)... email me ... or post your information in the comment sections below..)

Besides.. you might find... your CALLING.. or BETTER pricing than those offered in a phone book!



WANT ADS

1.  Tutors  (attention all you former teachers..  wanting to tutor those students needing additional assistance in math, english... etc.. just a few hours a week.)

2.  Photographers (Amateur or Professional  (looking for a few sessions to do... on an as needed basis))

3.   Interior Designers (Professional or Amateur) - Offer interior Design advice and consultations

4.  Housekeeping Services (Laundry, Ironing, Cleaning House services.. )

5.  Piano Lesson Teachers

6.   In home or Private Personal Trainers for Stay at Home Moms

7.  GrandMOMMies.. or Stay at home Mommies (who are offering part time child care services on a as needed basis)
*** Must Offer References***

8.  Students/College Students (offering Child care services on a as needed basis)
***Must Offer References***

9.  In home Chef Assistance (Great for women who love to cook and want to share their tips and cooking secrets in the kitchen... have a cooking party....and hire a great stay at home mom.. that has the culinary skills to boot!)

10.  Are you an organizer... and have great ideas for Stay at home Moms/Dads that need some help in this department.. offer your services here!

11.  Dance Teachers... (Mommy and Me classes... private lessons... etc... ) Get the word out here!

12.  Private Yoga Instructors

13.  Music Lesson teachers - (Singing or Musical Instrument)

14.  Muralist.. (great for Moms that love to paint.. and are great at mural painting)

15.   TuTu Makers

16.  Hair Bow Makers

17.  Makeup Artists

18.  Sport Lesson Teachers  (Tennis Instructors, Swim Instructors, Golf Instructors... etc...)

19.  Financial Specialists  (Great with Budgets/Taxes/Organization of Finances... offer services for those in need)

20.  Needing something refurbished.. or upholstered .. (Mommies who love doing these type of projects can make some $$$ offering your services here)

21.  Landscape Artists... offer consultations and/or services in creating beautiful landscapes

22.  Party Planning Services

23.  Getting back into the work force soon.. needing help with your Resume... or have a great template to share for Resume Building .. offer your services here!

24.   Professional Shoppers (Fashion)

25.  Seamstress (Clothing, Curtains etc...)

26.  Graphic Design Artists  (Birthday Party Invitations/Paper Goods - Tags...etc...)

27.  Estheticians

28.  Massage Therapists

29.  Handy Man Help (CALLING ALL GRANDDADDIES FOR Basic Household fixes)

30.   Sign Language Teachers

32.  Private In Home Professional Licensed Counselors

33.  Carpenters  (Great Toy box makers ...etc...)

34.  Grocery Shoppers for those elderly.. or those in need

35.  Cupcake Makers/Birthday Cake Makers... etc..

35. Add your business Name Here (Unique Service offered, Mary Kay Consultations, Uppercase Living... etc...)













Saturday, February 18, 2012

FAB Birthday Party Locations and Entertainment Ideas for Central Illinois


Additional Ideas for Central Illinois Mommies and Daddies on the Perfect Birthday Party Locations, Prices and Ideas



Girl BIRTHDAY IDEAS AND PARTY LOCATIONS


1.  Host an American Girl Doll Tea Party

***Reserve Tea Time at Her Majesty Tea Room in Dunlap and Ask each girl to bring their American Girl Doll for Tea****





Call for Rates and Booking Times

***Nice Size Room and Great Instructors***

PS... LITTLE BOYS LOVE ARTS AND CRAFTS TOO!





PS... LITTLE BOYS LOVE SINGING AND DANCING TOO



**Call for Rate and Availability***




GREAT ENTERTAINMENT AND 
IDEAS FOR HOSTING A BIRTHDAY PARTY


***Always get references from anyone you hire... check background if possible.. remember we need to protect our children****

***Rate Varies depending upon the type of entertainment***



**Bouncers Start at $125... for 2 hours...**

DAVE - the owner - is amazing!

He will work with you and has many options that go beyond bounces such as Obstacle Courses, Laser Tag, Cannon Blasters, Photo Booths etc...

*** FYI - Keep in mind timing of party... Bouncers will be picked up before Dusk***



Fun on the Run has LARGE INFLATABLE MOVIE SCREEN FOR YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY MOVIES






Give him a call for Rates per hour!






Starting is $400 during a set of time!



Keep in mind of the timing of your party!
Call for additional details!


6.  Host a T-shirt Making Party!  

Purchase some puffy paint, tshirts, iron ons and tshirt markers!  

Have lots of Mommy Helpers and Have some fun!






These are just a few ideas that I have found on my search within the Peoria/Tazewell Area.  There are many   options out there to create a fabulous party.  As I go... I will blog more ideas ... keep following me.. and I hope to help with your search as much as I can!  Besides.. the only way I found this much variety is taking the time to research the area for what is available. There is NO ONE STOP SHOP FOR BIRTHDAY PARTY OPTIONS IN THIS AREA!

I have found that car pooling to a great party destination.. (FUN CITY in BURLINGTON, DISCOVERY MUSEUM IN BLOOMINGTON, RADAR FARMS OR TANNERS, AMERICAN GIRL DOLL STORE IN CHICAGO).. is another way to create a great birthday memory!


If you have any suggestions ... please email me or comment in the section below.  I would love to add more ideas and hear where you hosted your FABULOUS KIDS BIRTHDAY party!



Friday, February 17, 2012

FABULOUS KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY Locations & Prices in Central Illinois







KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES


LOVE to have them.. LOVE to host them.

However, if you are like me.. hosting them at your home is a lot of work!

I have struggled searching for the perfect birthday location in the Central Illinois area... but after researching the Central Illinois area for great ideas and locations.. I have found many options.   



HERE IS A LIST OF BIRTHDAY LOCATIONS AND IDEAS (MINUS CHUCK E CHEESE) that I found for those MOMMIES and DADDIES IN THE CENTRAL ILLINOIS AREA
NOT RANKED IN ANY PARTICULAR ORDER 

(HOWEVER, I will add my opinion on Price Point, Service and Birthday Package Offers)







GENERAL NON GENDER SPECIFIC BIRTHDAY LOCATIONS

1.  Utilize Peoria Area and Surrounding Area Parks with Great Play Equipment

(IT's FREE (SORTA -Our Taxes help with the cost)... GREAT PLAY EQUIPMENT AND TABLE USEAGE - KEEP IN MIND.. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE)


Here are just a few Great Park Locations

Sommerplace Park on Koerner Road off of 150


(Soccer & Baseball Field, Skate Park, Bike Riding Trail and Awesome All AGES NEW PLAY Equipment - Excellent Covered Area for Eating)

**New Park .. Not a Lot of Shade ... can be hot in the summer time***


WASHINGTON Park in Washington, Illinois


Great Area for Running and Exploring, A great amount of Sheltered Picnic Areas and A Nice Big Play System

*** NOT Handicapped Friendly***


Pekin Mineral Springs Park in Pekin, Illinois


Wonderful Play Equipment Area, Renting of Paddle Boats, Beautiful Pond View & Paved Walk Way, Great Foliage Coverage for Picnics

*** The Down side is that this Park is always busy and has a very large Play System that is difficult to keep a watchful eye on multiple children.***


EAST PEORIA (HIDDEN PARK on SAVANNAH DRIVE AND CENTENNIAL DR- NEAR ICC COLLEGE CAMPUS)

Very Private... Enclosed in a Neighborhood Similar to Sommer Pace ... with a Fenced Play Area. ...Equipment is Amazing and is Very New... Covered Gazebo.... A Mist Water Fountain... Easily Accessible

**One of My FAVORITE Parks***


Fondulac Farm Park Playground Equipment

Great Sheltered Area for Picnic.. View of the Farm Park... New Built Play System Area... Area to Watch the Horses... Big Sand Pit... Lots of Space to Run.. Bathroom Available

(When the Farm park opens in April... include admission into your bday cost and have a tour of the farm park... It is one of our favorite places to visit! ) 

ASK for MYRNA in the gift shop... she is wonderful and will point you in the right direction

***ITS opened the last week of April Til Labor Day***
***Book your party as soon as you can***


Peoria Bicycle Safety Town


Great Fun for those Bicycle Riders
Remember Helmets and Know that there is limited picnic areas 
so be prepared to bring lawn chairs
(It's Free)


Cost Driven Peoria Park District Bday Locations









2.  Rave Motion Pictures Theater at Grand Prairie 


Basic 2D Party Package is $16.00 per Child minimum of 10



3.  Monkey Joes on Knoxville Avenue in North Peoria


Start at $150 per 8 children party package

***FYI- you do not get the entire facility to yourself***



4.  Fired Up - Pottery Making Party in Peoria Heights


***Private Back room is not always available to your party... you may need to share this room with others**



5.  Created Just By Me - Pottery Studio in Washington, Illinois


$6 per child studio usage fee plus add cost of clay piece



6.  Rainbow Systems Play Center Birthday Party Hosting


Cost is $150 for 2 hour rental of space

***FYI... you do get the entire space to yourself ...plus great party room... area with microwave and sink...
BOOK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

***They will still have showroom open to public for sales purposes***



7.  United Stars Academy in Morton


Cost is $150 per 10 children - birthday child is Free

**It is AMAZING... You will have personnel attendants to the party and one specifically for your child - they write all the gifts down.. set everything up ... and keep everything in order****

*** 2 GREAT BIG BLOW UP BOUNCY HOUSES AND CLIMBING WALL***


8.  Morton Roller Rink


Cost is starting at $95 per 10 children

*** Great Private Party Location... just be prepared parents will have to help those that don't know how to skate.  It is a great party package deal for what you get ***

My suggestion is to host a party for kids 5 and Up 


9.  Bowling Party at the New Bass Pro Shop


Cost is $130 per 10 Children - 2 lanes and Pizza and Birthday Party Food Included

Great Atmosphere!


10.  Morton Indoor Soccer Arena Play Time Hours 


A fellow Fabulous Housewife hosted her daughters party there... great idea!  You have 2 hours worth of running and playing ... and the cost is $1 per child

Great Idea Jill!

11. Jillian's Game Zone at the Grand Prairie Mall


BDay Packages start at $16.95 per child min of 10 per party




GIRL SPECIFIC BIRTHDAY PARTY LOCATIONS

1. Her Majesty Tea Room in Dunlap, Illinois


*** You need to call and get reservations**


2.  Nail Salons and Beyond

Take Advantage of your local beauty and nail salon shops to host a girlie fun nail and pedi party


3.  Frozen Yogurt/Ice Cream Bday Parties

Spoonful in the Willow Knolls Shopping Courts
Ce Ce Sweets at Campus Town near Bradley
Spotted Cow Near Sheridan
Emack & Bolio in Peoria Heights

Great locations and lots of space on the inside for a party of 10





STAY TUNED TO MY NEXT BLOG FOR ADDITIONAL BDAY LOCATIONS AND IDEAS FOR KIDS BIRTHDAY ENTERTAINMENT



























Friday, February 10, 2012

FABULOUS & VINTAG-EE

FYI...  for those who love eclectic and vintage finds.....

A New WONDERFULLY FABULOUS place opened in the Peoria Heights area...

Check out LOST N FOUND in Peoria Heights


I think this might be my new obsession!

Can't wait to check it out!  Here is just some little diddies available at this shop...









LOVE THOSE FABULOUS RE-INVENTOR HOUSEWIVES!

FABULOUS FORMALITY and BEYOND



Etiquette and Formality is something lost in recent generations including my own generation.  Gone are the days of men opening doors for ladies (including car doors) ...and addressing elders as Mr, Mrs, Miss.

It saddens me to think of what will it be like for our children.  Kids will have very little respect for each other and especially for our aging population. 

I remember when I was dating ... the boys that lasted longer than one or two dates were the ones that opened my car door, opened the door to the movie theater for me, or offered to pay for my dinner or movie ticket.  I knew the minute when my husband opened my car door, took my coat off for me, and gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers... he had me hooked.

Even still.... on our weekly date nights.. he opens my car door for me when we leave the house and always leads me into a room and pulls my chair out for me to sit.  He was raised to have a great respect for women & always be chivalrous.   



My second concern for our young ones, is the lack of concern and care of manners at meal time.  I know kids will be kids... and it is extremely hard work to go out to dinner with our crazy offspring... but manners and table etiquette have to start somewhere.

I am not saying ... I am the QUEEN of ETIQUETTE... absolutely NOT!  I need lots of help in this department... however,

HOWEVER, I have been painfully taking my crazy boys and newbie daughter out to weekly lunches on my own since my oldest was One Years Old.  I put myself into these crazy situations .. not only to have quality time with my children... but to teach them the importance of table etiquette in a restaurant.  SO in the hopes that my husband and I don't have the type of children that we tend to see... running around the table while the parents are trying to eat... or they are embarrassingly eating their meals with their hands.  I don't want to have anxiety knowing that it is a free for all at dinner.  That is why we work regularly on boundaries and etiquette at meal time. 

1.  My children are not allowed to eat or touch their dinner until our meal time prayer as been said.
2.  My children are not allowed to eat with their hands (My two year old has a hard time.. but we are working on proper fork and spoon handling)
3.  My oldest is learning how to cut with his knife and use his fork to position his meat
4.  We always use our napkins.. not our shirt sleeves!
5.  THANK YOUS and PLEASE PASS THE... is a must!
6.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES... are any of them allowed to get up from the table unless they are asked to be excused.. with a "please" at the end.  It is absolutely adorable when my 2 year old says... "MOMMY, may I be EXCUEEESED PEAZZ."




There are many areas that we have yet to un tap regarding table manners... but I have found these 6 top boundaries/rules that I have instilled in my children at dinner time have made my weekly outings with the boys enjoyable and something that we all look forward to doing each week.

FIRST .. for all those ... "I don't want to spend the energy to discipline to my children... so we will avoid going out to dinner .. and swing thru McDonalds." parents... PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE and GO OUT TO A SIT DOWN RESTAURANT and BEGIN WORKING ON THESE LIFE LESSONS.

I know it will be difficult at first to begin implementing these basic rules at dinner time...but trust me... 

You will have people... coming up to your table and complimenting on how well behaved your children will be at meal time.    (Ok... a little .. TOOT TOOT.. of my horn) 

I know that this is hard to think about. ...but... one day... our kids will be in the business world... having business dinners and they will be thanking you for teaching them about the proper etiquette when conducting a business dinner with a prospective client.  There is actually classes that teach adults proper business dining etiquette... 


Amazing, RIGHT.. Even ADULTS NEED HELP!


For those Ladies that want to begin FABULOUS FORMALITY with our little ones now... there are some great etiquette programs in the Peoria Area... such as 



Check these out... and for GOD SAKES... FORMALITY starts somewhere... We are their teachers and if you can lead by example... start basic...

1. Ask your child to open the door for you!
2.  Address other fellow Mommy by... "Joey... this is Mrs. Little.. she is Tommy's Mommy"
3.  When you ask your child to do something.. ask them nicely.. "Please pick up your toys, Brianna."



HAVE A FABULOUSLY WELL MANNERED FAMILY!!

Thank YOU!!

(Wink Wink)












Thursday, February 9, 2012

FABULOUS FACIAL YOGA


 Ok... for those of you who have considered it ... or have done it.. or plan to do it... I am talking about BOTOX.   Here is a new Alternative that doesn't come in a cream... it is


Facial Yoga



Check out this video on some basic Facial Yoga Moves to Strengthen the Jowls

OMG.. I seriously laughed my butt off watching this video... but secretly went in the mirror and tried a few of these moves.  Ok... I can kinda see how it "Could" work in time and many "yoga" moments in the mirror.. but I think many of you will op for the quick stick and freeze method.  

For those of you ageless beauties.. is this your secret.??. lots of blow fish moves ???

Do tell Do tell!


I would love to find an alternative to BOTOX.. I am scared to death of needles... especially ones that are coming at my face. 

For all you BOTOX BEAUTIES ... you are one brave chick for the sake of beauty!

For the rest of us... FIGHTING THE LINES ... with expensive creams... try a few blowfish moves and sweat off those facial imperfections!



GOTTA LOVE THE LATEST TRENDS IN KEEPING US FABULOUS AND WRINKLE FREE!

Fabulous EASTER EGG HUNT IDEA



I found the most FABULOUS and Adorable Golden Egg to use in this year's Easter Egg Hunt.  The picture above is what the egg looks like and on the bottom is a capped hole to store "Special" Easter treats or money for your little Easter Egg Hunters.

I bought mine from the Fresh Market but I found a great little website that sells these.

 

On this website it explains that there is a story that goes with the Egg based on the Aesop Fable "The Goose who laid The Golden Egg".  So I found a great little website that goes along with the egg at 



It will be the prized Egg for the hunt but with a twist on the inside.  Money and Coins to be counted and shared amongst all who participate in the Easter Egg Hunt.

I do have a few suggestions for those that want to change things up a bit from your standard Easter Egg Hunt. 

....TRY THESE...

1.  Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt at Dusk


2.  Secret Clues and Notes Egg Hunt

Put little notes in plastic eggs. Things like “You have to give Aunt Mary a big hug” or 
“You get to take a piece of candy out of Andys basket” or 
“You must do one favor for uncle Tom”. Have some prize eggs too that have numbers inside 
which match a gift.

3.  I love the Idea of  Treasure Map Easter Egg Hunt

Make A Map on a Paper Grocery Bag and Give them clues on where to find the eggs .. the GOLDEN EGG could 
be where the "X" Marks the Spot









Monday, February 6, 2012

Fabulous Great Reasons to Celebrate!! PARTY IDEA #1

Ok... let's have some fun!




Who doesn't need a reason to go out with your Fellow Fabulous Housewives and celebrate!  Well.. I have some fun ideas for you!


HOST A ...



GORGEOUS GAMS GIRLS NIGHT OUT!


1.  Send out an Evite 
"To All Glamourous Housewives... I am hosting a 
GORGEOUS GAMS GIRLS NIGHT OUT"

2.  Request all ladies wear your shortest skirts or shorts
&
Their Highest Heels

(Ok... for all my Shy ... "My legs aren't pretty" Insecure Housewives... Man UP.. Short skirts & High Heels looks good anyone ... ask our fellow men!  If it is too much to bear to wear a short skirt... Slap on some bronzer....(Check out this great bronzer I found below).. or wear a pair of darker sexy hose or tights.  TRUST ME.. you will feel & Look Like a Sexy Biyatch!  Besides.. it's time to celebrate our Sexiness not hide it!)





3.  Decide if you are planning a night out on the town (Where & When)
or a Girls Night In at your House

4.  Provide Fun Libations such as LONG LEGGED Ice Teas (Long Islands) or 
Sexy Martinis 


5.  OK.. You have to have party favors...

Give away sexy thigh highs


The link below is a great place to find

Cute little Ankle Charm Bracelets
Get crazy and Personlize a fun Garter with a cute little
"G" Charm
Great Lotions that Shimmer



If you are planning on having a GORGEOUS GAMS GIRLS NITE IN

...Here is a fun idea..

1.  Rent or Buy a Stripper Pole

Stripper Pole Rental Website

2.  Ask for your guests to wear any high sexy Stripper Type Shoes


3.  Practice some fun Pole Moves and have a few Drinks.
YOU WILL DEFINITELY HAVE MANY LAUGHS!!!


COME ON LADIES..

IT's TIME TO BE SEXY..

SHOW OFF THOSE FABULOUS GAMS!











Sunday, February 5, 2012

FABULOUS DIY HOUSE DECOR

I LOVE THESE IDEAS... I actually stole the laundry detergent glass jars from a fellow FABULOUS Housewife! FYI.. she has an amazing blog at www.thetravelinghousewife.com/ CHECK HER OUT!