Mother's Day

Expectations vs. Reality
I don't know if this is just a Deimling family issue, but I'm sure it happens in some other households. We plan the day out hoping we will spend it with family we love and have a really relaxed day, focused on our mom's and grandma's. In reality, the mom is usually stressing out and cleaning, preparing for a gathering of some type. I always feel so bad, I want the day to be one of the best days for my mom, but I feel like because of all the stress, that doesn't happen. I usually don't spend that time with my mom, but I usually hide in the basement with my sister to get away from certain people. I think (at least I hope) that the thing that matters is that you spend quality time with your mom that day. Going out to lunch, getting coffee, watching a movie or really doing anything should make your mom happy before your extended family get-together. That's typically not the plan, but as long as your with her, she should be happy.

Me and my mom in Costa Rica 2014

DIY Gift Ideas

My mom always says something like, "Don't spend too much money on my present, as long as its coming from your heart," but I don't know if thats true. My sister and I were able to come up with something cheap, easy and hopefully our mom will like it. It also made for some great bonding time with my sister.

Picture Board-

What you need:
•One wooden board
•Paints of choice
•Mason Jar Lids (optional)
•A picture your mom loves

I painted a wooden board with a color that matched the theme of the picture. While the paint dried, we painted lids we had laying around from a mason jar. My sister and I each painted three of them with something that had to do with our mom. I did a palm tree, sloth and city skyline, and my sister did her college logo, our dog, and pooh bear. We glued on the picture and the jars, and thats all. It's super easy, looks good, and actually really fun.

Candles-

What you need:

•Mason Jars
•Candle Wicks
•Soy Candle Wax
•Essential Oils
•Paints of choice

This is a little harder, but it's really fun to make. We melted the wax, added in essential oils that are mom's favorite, put it in mason jars with wicks in it, and we had homemade candles. It is a little bit confusing so this may help you out on how to make natural soy candles.

Spending time with your mom along with a gift coming from the heart will make your mom really happy. The day may be stressful for your mom, but try your hardest to make it easiest as possible.

Get Ready Quickly in the Morning

We all have the nights where you watch an extra episode of Gossip Girl the night before, making the morning seem nearly impossible. When you sleep in a little too much, I have a few simple life hacks to help you get ready super quickly, but still make it look like you tried to look presentable in the morning.

Organization-

This is an incredibly simple tip to that will help you get ready faster every single day. Instead of digging through your makeup bag every morning searching for small things like brushes or tweezers, lay it all out. I put every product I use in a cabinet in the order that I use them. I still have a makeup bag near with some products I like, but may not use everyday for school. This is also good to show you your different options in the morning so you can switch up your look, and not just wear the first thing you grab out of your bag. I usually keep two or three different brands/types of each product. For example, I have two mascaras, three eyeshadow pallets, a few concealers, etc. Also, keep a mason jar full of longer things like brushes and eyeliners. 

My cabinet full of my everyday/favorite makeup products. 

                  Get everything ready, at night-

Photo from
 http://www.image4world.com/vb/imgcache/2/23912poster.jpg

There are nights where you need to shower, finish homework, and pick out your outfit, but you decide to put it off until the morning. For me, I sleep so much better when I have everything done the night before, even if it does mean going to bed a lot later. Have your clothes and shoes out and ready, shower before bed, and pack your backpack before bed, just incase you accidentally over sleep. 

Keep it simple!

If you are the person who needs to look presentable everyday, throw on a light sweater with leggings and Uggs. If you want to have a lazy day, pick your favorite sweatshirt or T-Shrit and leggings. This is so quick and simple, plus everyone has their go to "lazy day" outfits.

If you are like me and have natural hair where you have to either straighten or curl your hair every day, there is a few solutions to speed up the process. My first suggestion is a simple side braid, or any braid. Your natural curl in your hair won't show, so there is no need to waste time with the straightener. Also, using a beach wave or sea salt spray defines your natural curl. I have mainly straight hair, but there is a little natural curl; when I use this spray, it makes it look like I have natural beach waves. It takes under a minute to style and gives you an effortless, yet beautiful look. Another plus about this product is there is plenty of options at the drug store for under five dollars. 

Photo from:
http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/116333222/id/wKTh5JKs4xGxEPbI6xSULw/size/y.jpg

5 Easy After School Snacks

There are many store bought things to eat after school, but I find it much more fun to make a snack after school. I made every one of these after school to make sure they are super easy and achievable for the average teen.

1) Mac and Cheese-

My Mac and Cheese using
this recipe.

This one has been my go-to after school snack since I learned how to make it in the third grade. This one is a little more time consuming, but if you have time, it is worth it. I'm pretty sure this is the classic recipe, but here is how I've always made it:

Noodles: All you need to do is follow the instructions on your favorite noodles for mac and cheese. Elbow pasta is what I normally do, but penne and shells are also fun and tasty.

Sauce: Start with two tablespoons of butter in a pan. Once that is melted, add the same amount of flour, and quickly add around half a cup of milk. When that thickens, add a little more milk until it is a thick and creamy consistency. Add in shredded cheddar cheese to your liking. Put in the cooked pasta and you have the perfect Mac and Cheese.



2) Apple Sandwiches-

I love making these apple sandwiches because you can personalize them so much. All you do is slice an apple sideways with a hole in the middle where the core is so you have two pieces to act as the bread. Next, add your filling, either peanut butter, cookie butter, Nutella, or whatever sounds best to you. Add chocolate chips, coconut shavings, sprinkles, or keep it plain for the sides! This is fun to experiment with different flavors and decorations.

3) Smoothies-

All ingredients used in my smoothie

I'm sure I'm not the only one who forgets how delicious and healthy smoothies are and never makes them. As I am writing this I am drinking my absolute favorite smoothie, peanut butter banana. I took one banana, ice, a spoonful of Nutella, milk, and a few teaspoons of powdered peanut butter. I blended all of this with milk in my Magic Bullet blender to create a perfect, filling snack.

4) Tuna Melts-

There is only a few simple steps to follow to make some delicious tuna melts in under five minutes. Mix one can of tuna with two tablespoons of mayo. Add 1/2 teaspoon of dill and one stalk of chopped celery and set aside. Heat skillet over medium heat. Butter two slices of bread. Add 1/4 cup of the tea mixture to the unbuttered side of great and top with a slice of American cheese. Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side out. Cook in skillet until golden. Then, turn and cook other side until golden.


5) Quesadillas

You can make this one super simple or super complex, its up to you! If you don't have much time, put two tortillas with shredded cheese in the middle into the microwave for about a minute. If you want to go a little more gourmet, use a skillet with a little butter instead. It doesn't take much longer, but it makes a huge difference. You can add guacamole, salsa, taco sauce or anything you want to personalize this.

These recipes are things my mom always made me or I made up, but if there are some great ideas on the internet. Food Network is a great place to find delicious and easy recipes for after school snacks.