Friday Faves - Week 2

First of all, thank you for those of you who responded to the Friday Faves initiative that I started last week.  To those who are new, welcome!!  Read along and post a comment in response to the search of this week's faves.

Let me start out by summarizing the feedback I got to last week's questions:

1. Favorite kids' summer snack / treat
The reason why I posted this question was, because I was looking for suggestions.  Last year, Kai's favorite treat was water melon, but this year he doesn't want to have anything to do with it.
It seems like ice-cream / popsicles are the overall favorite. Joey mentions Dora popsicles, while CJ names the Edys'.  Mama Grits mentions Del Monte chillers.  I had never heard of them and need to try them out now.
I ended up ordering popsicle molds, so guess what I'll be doing this weekend.  Oh gosh, I am becoming so domesticated!!

2. Favorite tantrum soother
It's so awesome to see what different people approach meltdowns differently.  At the end it all depends on what works for you, the situation and your child, but here are some ideas:
A change of scenery is the cure for Adriel, while for others it's hugs, kisses, some quiet time (for the child and/or Mom), but CJ's take stood out for me.  She says: "Encourage them that they can get get themselves together. "Take a deep breath and tell me what you need in a big boy/girl voice so I can understand."   If it is a tantrum because they can't get what they want - I remind them that my room is a tantrum/bad attitude free zone.  If they want to cry they need to go into their room."  Obviously this wouldn't work so well with a baby, but I am going to give this a try with our toddler.
Mommycrat mentions her "Lalala song" which she blogged about a few weeks ago.  Check it out by clicking on her name in the previous sentence.

3. Favorite activity when you have 2 hours for yourself
...or should I say "IF you have 2 hours for yourself"?  Activities included blogging (who'd have thought?), reading, mindless TV (oh yeah baby!!), hanging out with a friend - all of which are better with a glass of wine as Mommycrat states, or a cocktail I might add.  Oh, and then there is the shopping....
Personally, I love going for a pedicure, a coffee with a friend, or a massage.  Anything relaxing without having to worry about the kids.

4. Favorite facial scrub
Personally, my favorite scrub is the Skin Prep Scrub from Dermalogica, but that stuff is not cheap.  Especially if you use it several times a week.  So, I have decided to use it once a week when I do my weekly at-home facial.  For the other times I am going to try some things out.
The most intriguing idea came from Crystal who suggested lemon and sugar.CJ mentioned sugar and corn meal and St. Ives Apricot scrub if she buys it.  I actually just bought it and it's nice.  It's cheap and it actually has beads in it that feel like they're doing their job.
TV mentions the Neutrogena Advanced Solutions scrub and says "It's helped my skin more than words can express."  That'll be the next one I try out.
And last but not least, Sweetums5 suggests Borax and water: "Fill bottom of squeeze bottle with 1-inch deep Borax cleaning powder (a natural mineral found under the earth), fill bottle  up with water, shake well and wash face with it morning & night/ just refill bottle with water till Borax is finished / buy Borax in Target, laundry detergent aisle."  Who knew?  I didn't.

5. Favorite staying-in date night
If $ wasn't an issue, I would definitely vote for a nice sushi dinner out and maybe a movie, but hiring a baby sitter on top of that for the evening all of a sudden makes even a simple evening out (not including sushi, but some standard middle-of-the-road dinner) an expensive one.  It seems like staying in might not be so bad after all.Mommycrat mentions something dear to my heart: cooking together.  There is something nice about that.  I love cooking, but it is so much nicer when the hubby is helping out, especially with a glass of something to make it even more fun.  Yeah, and then the challenge: not talking about the baby.  It's sad, but sometimes that is cause for the occasional silence in the conversation....:-0
Movies are an absolute must it seems, and then there are the activities that, according to Joey are not fit for publication.  I guess together with sleep (as CJ rightfully states) that would make for one lucky night!!


For next week, I would love feedback on the next 5 Favorites.  Comment away people, look forward to your responses!!

Your Favorite:
1. ... family car (and why)
2. ... store for kids' clothes
3. ... family dinner
4. ... kid's movie
5. ... way to trim your child's nails