Shelley's Box for Saturdays

Talking to another mom in Faribaut, Shelley, had a great idea.  She said that when she picks up toys that her kids leave out, she puts them in the "Saturday box".  

Then, when the kids say, "where is my MP3" or "where are my cars", she replies, "In the Saturday box."   

The kids then know they cannot get those items until Saturday.  Each Saturday, they empty the box, put it all away and then start fresh.  Innovative!  Thanks for sharing!!

This Southern Minnesota Mom used this idea recently.  After many urges to pick up their items that seemed to suddenly scatter across the house, I picked them all up and put them in a basket at the end of the hall.  To get their items out, they had to do a chore first and then they could take them out of the basket.  

I am sure there are a ton of ideas out there.    Feel free to share and as always, thanks for connecting.

Mom Road Warrior in Southern Minnesota

Yes, my van looks like a landing place for every scrap piece of paper, candy wrapper, water bottle and any other item that my kids can drag into it.   Here's the thing - I also use my van daily to see customers and am a road warrior during the day.

So, that (of 'course) means that I have to have hairspray, some mints, kleenex, perfume, a notepad, extra pens, highlighter and more to make my work, well.... work.  :)

When no one is riding beside this momma - I can keep all my must-haves in the seat beside me.  However, when my husband or kids decide they want to ride along side me....all of my items get quickly moved to the floor or tucked between the seats.   Or, worse, tossed to the back of the van.   And, do you know what is annoying?   Hearing things roll around your van as you take the kids to and from every imaginable event. 

I ran across Clever Container and actually got my teen daughter involved. It is my hope she can earn some extra money while learning to talk to others. 

 Check out this new organizer I got. It holds my file folders, my pens, my hairspray, perfume, advil, sticky notes And business cards. The BEST part? When someone rides with me, I just swing it to the back of the seat. I love it. Ordered it at www.mycleverbiz.com/SouthernMinnesotaMom

So, if you are a mom road warrior like me, check it out.  As always, thanks for connecting.  
Southern Minnesota Mom

Candy Stores in Southern Minnesota

If you have a sweet tooth, you don't have to go too far to satisfy it.  We tracked down some of our favorite candy stores and tested them for you.  :)   Yep, all for you.... te he he.

Sweet Spot Candies - Faribault, MN.   Located in downtown Faribault, Sweet Spot has homemade candies and fudge plus nostalgic candy that will transport you in time.  They also make unique homemade ice cream and have jars of candies that kids of all ages can get bagged up to go. 

Costa's Candies - Owatonna, MN.   Visiting Costa's is like a step back in time.  Their hand rolled chocolates have been savored since 1919.  And, you have to try the caramels.  Truly.   Costa's is also a restaurant so you can have some coffee and order from the menu. 

And, what about cupcakes?   Well, you may just find this mom at Perfect Day Cakes in Owatonna.  We have been known to get some with the perfect intention of taking some home for later only to have them gone in seconds. 












So, the next time you are looking for a sugar fix, visit one of these locations in Faribault or Owatonna. 

As always, thanks for connecting!
Southern Minnesota Mom