GetItNext Parenting Today - Tips, Advice, Laughs and Love

Making the most out of your sick down-time

Another cold is upon me so I’ve huddled down to let it run its course. Since I feel like doing absolutely nothing, I‘ve chosen from a variety of books to read from Sophie Kinsella, Stephenie Meyer, and Barack Obama. Movies are always a good choice as well while waiting for the Cold-FX to kick in. The choices are numerous from romances like “The NoteBook” to action packed dramas such as “The Dark Knight”. Of course my day would not be complete without my flannel pajamas, slippers and blanket to keep the chill away. Hope to be back in the land of the living soon!

Silicone bakes it right

It all started with a silicone baking sheet as Martha Stewart preached the benefits of her Silpat nonstick. Without any additional grease needed, it was easy to clean up, and claimed when used it was hard to burn your baked goods. 

Intrigued, I went out and bought my first one and I quickly fell in love with it.  The obsession with silicone bakeware began there.  Subsequent purchases were made for traditional styles, bundt, cup cake and loaf-style “pans”.

I then became a fan of the whimsical shapes such as sunflower, butterfly and fleur-de-lis.  And let’s not forget about my holiday collection of hearts, pumpkins, pine trees, snowman and eggs.  My favorite, however, has got to be the giant cupcake…I’m sure you know why.   My entire silicone baking collection is oven, freezer and dishwasher safe in addition to being lightweight, easy to stack and even foldable if storage space is tight.

Collectibles - A Mother to Daughter tradition

After my daughter was born, I started a collection of “Precious Moments” figurines for her. I wanted her to have a special collection for the future that represented her years, as each year on her birthday she would be thrilled to receive another piece to add to her collection. Growing up, I collected dolls from all around the world and proudly displayed them on a shelf in my bedroom. Maybe one day she will share them with her daughter, or possibly start a new traditional collection of their own knowing that each milestone will be celebrated in its own special way.