Hey ya’all, Danielle here again! I have a confession: I’m totally addicted to my slowcooker! For us busy women (or men), it’s just a huge lifesaver. Throw a bunch of stuff in then forget about it a few hours, resulting in a delicious, homemade dinner? I’ll take it! This Tequila Lime Roast was so simple, and hubby loved it for his Father’s Day dinner!

Since my hubby and I are huge foodies, I get kind of nervous on holidays that revolve around him, such as his birthday or Father’s Day. I would hate to ruin a meal on his special day! This year for Father’s Day he wanted a tender and juicy roast with lots of flavor. I automatically thought of using tequila, and went from there to make this so dang juicy and fall-apart amazing!

Honestly, I never used tequila for a red meat before, so was a bit hesitant to try it. I couldn’t believe the flavor, though! Seriously, this will have you begging for seconds (or thirds, as he did)! The other wonderful part? Slow-cooker = super easy for you!

Notes: this was made in our 5-quart slow-cooker. You may need to adjust based on your slow-cooker size.

Ingredients

• Large Roast (ours was about 5 lbs)
• 1 cup Lime Juice
• 1/2 cup Tequila
• 1/2 cup Orange Juice
• 2 tbsp. Cilantro
• 1 small can (4 oz.) Green Chilis, diced
• 1/2-1 tbsp. Chili Powder
• 1/2 tbsp. Garlic, minced
• 1-2 tbsp. Honey
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 3/4 tsp. Pepper

Directions

1. Mix the Lime Juice, Tequila and Orange Juice in the slow cooker
2. Combine the Cilantro, Green Chilis, Chili Powder, Garlic, Honey, Salt and Pepper in bowl. Rub this mixture all over your roast. Place the roast in your slow-cooker.
3. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high 4-6 hours. Make sure it is fully cooked. Enjoy this flavorful, tender and juicy roast!

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Written by Janice, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom.

Written by 5 Minutes for Mom contributor Michelle of Honest & Truly! who received a replacement Roomba lithium battery for review purposes from Lithium Power, Inc. We are compensated, but all opinions remain our own.

We moved this past week. With three floors to our house, two kids, two cats, a husband, and wood floors throughout most of it, I don’t think I’ve cleaned this much in a long time. We cleaned before we moved in we cleaned once we got the furniture in and the movers were finished, and I feel like I’ve been cleaning almost every day since then.

To say that I’m grateful to have a Roomba that makes the vacuuming portion easier is putting it mildly, but poor Michelle (yes, my kids named her after me) is having a hard time keeping up. Her battery just isn’t up to the amount of cleaning that I want to do. Fortunately, I just replaced her battery with a new litium Roomba replacement battery from Lithium Power, Inc., and the difference is significant.

Utilizing lithium batteries is becoming the norm in most electronics because they last longer and hold a charge better. They are pretty much par for the course now for most electronics from tablets to cameras to phones and more. For some reason, my not exactly cheap Roomba still comes with a Nickel cadmium battery, however. Lithium batteries last four times longer and hold a charge for nearly twice as long as traditional batteries. Michelle used to last for about an hour and a half or so before she headed back to her charging base due to a lack of batteries. As I used her more and more, her battery life started dropping off.

Lithium batteries have a much stronger recharging cycle. After 800 charges, they retain 80% of their battery power. I obviously haven’t gotten that far with my charging yet, but given the experience I have with my phone, I fully expect to realize that difference. To me, the most important difference is that I can now use Michelle for well over 3 hours before she gives me that nasty red circle where she’s crying for help. Less time charging means a cleaner house for me!

When I first opened up the package, I was a little taken aback. The Roomba replacement battery was carefully wrapped in bubble wrap, but when I unwrapped it, I was surprised by the almost homemade looking bright colors on the battery. Once I opened up the battery case on my Roomba, I realized that this was merely typical of the batteries, as the Lithium Power Inc lithium battery for Roomba is merely a mirror image of colors from the one that was in Michelle to start.

The most frustrating part of the process in replacing my Roomba battery was the utter lack of instructions from Lithium Power, Inc. I was told to “Please refer to iRobot Roomba’s manual for battery installation.” Although I understand that they may not want to void any warranties for the Roomba or have out of date instructions, I expect more from instructions than that. Fortunately, the iRobot site has an easy visual instruction guide to Roomba replacement battery installation. Using a Phillips head screwdriver and following the iRobot Roomba instructions, I was able to switch out the battery quickly and easily.

One awesome part about the lithium replacement battery is that I did not have to spend an entire day charging the battery before Michelle was ready to go. Although I did allow the battery to charge some, she was ready to go quickly – something that traditional batteries are unable to do. Personally, when I want to clean, I want to clean now, not in 16 hours! These Roomba replacement batteries work for the 500, 600, 700, and 800 series, which covers most of the Roombas out there now.

I can’t be alone in my battery for Roomba declining in power, and the Lithium Power, Inc lithium Roomba battery works beautifully. It was quick and easy to install, and it is doing everything that it says it will. It isn’t cheap – $69.95, which includes shipping – but given that my Roomba is now able to clean for more than twice as long before running out of batteries, it’s a price I’m willing to pay for my sanity and peace of mind. And for more peace of mind, there is a second year warranty for the battery that you can purchase when you order for $10 more.

You get to win a Lithium Roomba Replacement Battery! That’s a $70 value. Use the entry form below to enter!

Michelle may never stop running around Chicagoland, but she always makes time for the important things in her life – her wee ones, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends – and of course, writing. You can see what she’s up to on her blog Honest & Truly! or on Twitter where she tweets as @HonestAndTruly.

Julia and Sophia love books with strong leading characters who are girls. These are their favorite chapter book series…

Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

#1 – Junie B. Jones

My girls screamed laughing throughout all the books in the Junie B. Jones series!

Junie B.’s Books in a Bus! (Books 1-27!)

I’ll admit, I purposely did NOT introduce my girls to Junie B. Jones at first. I was thinking, “Why would I have my girls read a book with ‘STUPID’ in the title when I tell them NOT to say it?”

But, after hearing over and over how fabulous the series is, I decided a few “bad” words wouldn’t hurt my girls.

I had never seen my girls experience such pure delight from a book as when they got to know the sometimes silly Junie B. Jones.

She is their all-time favorite character.

Click Here to Find Junie B. Jones

#2 The Ramona Series

Scenes from Beezus and Ramona have been playing out in my mind for the last 30 years.

I will never forget Beezus and Ramona getting their haircut at the Beauty Shop!

I’m absolutely loving sharing The Ramona Collection with my daughters. I’m reading these books aloud to my girls right now and laughing not only about the stories, but the differences in life in the “old days” and my memories of the stories as we go. The story lines are also helpful in triggering important conversations about money and responsibilities.

I think by relating to the Quimby’s struggles with money, my girls have come to better understand our own financial troubles and my situation of being a single working mother trying to pay our bills.

I highly recommend reading Beezus and Ramona and the rest of the Ramona series aloud to your children, even if they are strong readers themselves. The conversations it will spark are phenomenal.

Click Here to Find Beezus and Ramona

#3 – Judy Moody

My girls fell in love with Judy Moody and her little brother Stink.

They laughed out loud and screamed for more throughout the The Judy Moody Uber-Awesome Collection: Books 1-9.

I was worried at first about Judy being a bit of a brat and a little rude to adults, but my girls took such pleasure in being shocked by her behaviour. They recognized it wasn’t appropriate, but funny to read in a book.

Since my goal is getting them to love reading, I took the risk of exposing them to a little bad behaviour and it worked. This series really kicked up their love for books.

Click Here to Find Judy Moody.

#4 – Meghan Rose

Meghan Rose is the perfect book series if you’re avoiding the “bad words” and snarky attitudes of Junie B. Jones and Judy Moody.

I introduced my girls to the delightful Meghan Rose before any of the other characters in this list.

My mother picked up these books at our local Christian bookstore and I was thrilled with them. I read the books aloud to my girls a couple years ago and the story lines triggered many good conversations.

These are easy to read books and are the perfect early chapter books for young readers… especially when you want them to pick up good behaviour and learn some great life lessons while practicing their reading.

I only wish there had been more titles in this sweet series about Meghan Rose.

Click Here to Find Meghan Rose

What Are Your Favorites?

I’d love to hear what children’s book series top your lists. Please leave me a comment and let me know what my girls should read next.

Join Us On Pinterest

I love sharing book ideas and great educational posts I find on Pinterest… Follow us at 5MinutesForMom.

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Dislosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means we earn a very small commission when you purchase any of the books through the links in this post. This is at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting “5 Minutes for Mom”.

Written by Susan Carraretto, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with me at http://pinterest.com/5minutesformom/

“You can fail doing what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” Jim Carrey

U can fail doing what u don't want, so u might as well take a chance on doing what u love #JimCarrey
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Whenever I get the chance to hear Jim Carrey offer a glimpse into his mind, I am inspired by his life experience and wisdom.

I clicked on this video on my friend’s Facebook feed — it is Jim Carrey delivering the commencement address to graduates at Maharishi University — and I was so moved, I wanted to share it with you.

Jim Carrey may have made millions of us laugh and forget about our problems for a short time. But he has also inspired and taught millions of us how to be better people.

“The purpose of my life had always been to free people from concern – just like my dad… How will you serve the world? What do they need that your talent can provide? That is all you have to figure out… The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is. Because everything you gain in life will rot and fall apart. And all that will be left of you is what was in your heart.” – Jim Carrey

(If you are short on time – fast forward to ten minutes in and watch from there. The whole thing is fantastic though.)

 
Written by Janice Croze, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
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People usually write memoirs for one of a couple of reasons — they are famous or they have a story to tell about some sort of obstacle overcome. In Now I See You Nicole Kear writes about her descent into blindness after being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 19 years of age. She was given about 10 years, during which time her vision would gradually worsen.

This is her story of fighting to keep her identity and quality of life, as well as her life as a first generation daughter of immigrants, a New Yorker, and (Small Spoiler) yes – a new mother.

It’s pretty funny at times, and honest (even if most of her honesty is centered around the perfectly natural attitude of avoidance and denial). Like many memoirs, there are also times in which she gave TMI for my comfort, and also used stronger language than I prefer. This trailer gives an idea of the tone of the book:

When I was a young teen, I read all the books on teens going blind and dealing with other tragedies such as eating disorders. I think it was an extension of my Helen Keller phase that started in elementary school. So what initially drew me to this book, and what I liked best, was experiencing that process with her of going blind, and then learning to live with blindness. Of particular interest was her learning to be a mother without her sight. In one way it makes sense, because all of us feel like we are in the dark that first time around, and we like to share experiences, but of course her particular circumstances created more challenges.

Enter to Win

The publisher has offered two copies of the book (U.S. residents only). Please follow the instructions in the widget below to earn one or more entries.

Welcome to our weekly roundup here at 5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere.

You can come back all week and add your own posts or giveaways to the Linky List below. Be sure to check back often, as new links will be added daily. You don’t want to miss out on something fun.

Find #Giveaways and Add YOUR #Giveaway Link in Around the Blogosphere at #5MinutesForMom
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What’s been going on at 5 Minutes for Mom?

Take the Kidde Home Safety Challenge

Tomorrow, I Will Try Not to Scream

The Hudred-Foot Journey Culinary Inspiration #100FootJourney

Wordless Wednesday – Last Spin of the Season

Disney’s Big Hero 6 – First Look

Eat, Sleep, Poop – A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby’s First Year

Parenting – The Sweet & The Sour

We Love Pinterest, What Can We Pin For You? #PinItFriday

DIY Summer Bucket List

Learn to be a Professional Organizer with Profitable Organizer

Giveaways

Small Plates Book Review

Ivy Kids Literature Based Activity Kits

The Baby Tree Book & Wall Print

SweetLeaf Sweet Drops Cola

Aromatherapy Prize Pack from Dawn

Coffee Blenders Vitamin Coffee

Innova Nature’s Table Pet Food

Bamboobies – Essentials for Nursing Moms

Giveaway Winners Announced!

Giveaways galore… We’ve got more winners to announce for giveaways that ended this past week. Congratulations to all our winners! Emails have been sent…

The winner of the Clean Safe Green Mitt System is … Crystal R!

The winner of the Anna Boiardi Fast Cooker Set is … Francine A!

The winner of the Sunology Sun Blocker is … Maria B!

The winner of the Closed Doors Book is … Anita Y!

Please note: all giveaway winners were selected using random.org.

Link Up Your Giveaways

Would you like to share a giveaway? Please add it to the Linky list below. You can come here any time this week to add in your link. Don’t miss out on the fun. Be sure to visit throughout the week as the linky grows, and more sites are added.

Written by 5 Minutes for Mom managing editor, Anna. You can find her blogging at Green Eyed Country Girl.

5 Minutes for Mom contributor and long-time breast-feeder Bonnie Way received a package of nursing products from Bamboobies to try out for this review; all opinions expressed are her own.

I’ve spent five of the last seven years breastfeeding. I remember, as a new mom, struggling to learn how to nurse my baby daughter. Breastfeeding seemed like it should be so natural and easy, and yet it wasn’t. In the two babies I’ve had since then, I’ve learned more about the period of adjustment that comes after having a baby—the huge changes that happen in a mother’s body to nourish her child and how each child brings their own unique abilities to the breast as well. I’ve also learned to look for things that make this process easier.

I first encountered Bamboobies after my oldest daughter’s birth, when I needed a pad to soak up the constant milk leaking from my boobs. I found disposable pads annoying because they got lumpy and sometimes broke and felt clammy and, of course, created more garbage. Bamboobies pads are big, soft, and super absorbent, and even after three babies, my pads are still going strong. The pads come in two sizes, regular and overnight (for extra leak protection, such as when your milk first comes in).  The pads are discrete and never feel yucky, even when they’re full of milk.

The Bamboobies chic nursing shawl is light and soft, easy to slip over your head. I love the fact that it’s multipurpose; it can be used as a nursing cover, but it can also be worn as a light shawl while pregnant. The flower is a bright and pretty design on the black shawl. The stretchy fabric made it easy to put on and use, even with a baby who was squirming and growing.

Nothing my midwife or nurse said to me as a new mom prepared me for the pain of engorgement. I seem to have a huge supply of milk for my babies, and after my second daughter, my breasts so big and heavy with milk that I had a terrible sore back. I wish I’d had the soothing therapy pillows back then. These beautiful little pillows are so soft against your skin and the perfect shape to ease boob pain. They can be used warm or cold to help with engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis, pumping and even for babies’ and toddlers’ bumps and bruises.

In five years of breastfeeding, I’ve tried a lot of nursing bras. Some work better than others or fit better than others. The Bamboobies lounge bra is one of that works. Made of super soft, stretchy bamboo and organic cotton, this bra is a sports-style bra with relaxing support that’s super comfortable. I liked how easy it was to slip on (no playing with clasps) and the pretty flower in the center (similar to the flower on the shawl).

I was very excited to try the Boob-Ease Organic Belly & Baby Butter. I haven’t had a problem with stretch marks (thankfully), but my youngest daughter has had very dry skin since birth. I’ve tried a variety of lotions on her skin but hadn’t found one that I really liked—until I opened my Bamboobies package. The Boob-Ease Butter felt greasy when I first rubbed it onto her skin, but I was surprised at how quickly it rubbed in and how smooth it left her skin feeling. The butter is also two of my favourite scents: lavender and lemongrass. I’ve tried it on my own skin too and I like it just as much as my daughter does.

Bamboobies also offers a lanolin-free nipple balm which soothes, protects and moisturizes sore nipples, yet is also safe for baby—so there’s no need to wash it off or worry about when you’re next feeding the baby. The nipple balm is soft and easy to apply.

All of Bamboobies products are natural and organic. The therapy pillows have flax seeds in them, rather than a gel or other chemical. Flax seeds hold their temperature longer than gel. These products are great for both mom and new baby.

If you are expecting or have a friend who is, I totally recommend checking out Bamboobies. They have the best pregnancy and postpartum products available. I could tell, even before I dropped by the website to find out for sure, that this is a company run by a mom for moms. Their products show that they’ve been tried and tested by real women with real problems who’ve found real solutions. They offer gift certificates as well as awesome bundles (perfect for a baby shower gift).

You can also find Bamboobies on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest (follow them to hear about great deals and giveaways as well as new products).

Enter to win a new nursing mama prize pack that includes a Bamboobies Nursing Pads Multi-Pack (3 pair regular + 1 pair overnight), Bamboobies Nipple Balm, Bamboobies Brahh (black w/ flower accent), and Chic Nursing Shawl (blackberry w/ flower accent).

Susan here… I’m excited to share with you a fabulous training program called “Profitable Organizer”. This post is sponsored, but as always, my opinion is my own.

Do you love to organize?
Would you like to become a Professional Organizer?
Cynthia Murray can help!

First… A Story of My Own

Several years ago, when Julia was a baby, I met a neighbor who loved to organize. She also wished she wouldn’t have to go back to working outside the home.

I suggested she start a business as a professional organizer.

I could see a hint of excitement in her eye at the thought of it, but she quickly dismissed the idea because she had no knowledge of how to get started or build such a business.

She eventually, grudgingly, went back to her old job that she didn’t enjoy.

How differently this story could have ended if she had had a mentor to guide her through the process of starting a business as a professional organizer.

Passion + Talent = Opportunity

If you are lucky enough in life to have a passion and talent for something that others need and will pay money for, you should grab hold of that opportunity.

Passion + Talent = Opportunity (Do Not Miss Yours!)
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Organizing is a gift… and one I sure wish I had!

Becoming a professional organizer is the perfect business opportunity for those blessed individuals who know how to turn chaos into order.

But starting and running a successful business is a whole other skill set and requires experience. The best way to gain those skills is to learn from someone who has done it before.

Ideally, you want to learn to run a business in the exact same industry and niche that you’re starting in.

A business as an organizer is unique and you want to learn from someone who is where you want to be.

Profitable Organizer

Cynthia Murray knows exactly how to start and build a professional organizing business – because that’s exactly what she did in 2009.

Once Cynthia had built her organizing business, she and her husband decided to show other women how to have the same success.

Together they created Profitable Organizer to provide in-depth training, resources, and practical skills that allow aspiring organizers to set-up and run a successful organizing business. As well as all the training the program offers, members also gain access to a huge, interactive community area where they can get instant help from hundreds of other organizers.

If you have a talent for organizing, find out how you can turn your passion into a business.

Here’s How…

Get started by watching 4 Free Training Videos at ProfitableOrganizer.com.
 

Written by Susan Carraretto, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with me at http://pinterest.com/5minutesformom/

Writer, Sarah Normandie has an easy #DIY Summer Bucket List for you.

Looking for some fun, low cost ideas for the kids this summer? Want to keep a list of ideas on hand for those “I’m bored” days? A great way to stay organized and have some old fashioned fun is to create a summer bucket list.

Now you have a handy go to for fun! Each time you do something, put the clothespin inside the bucket. The kids will love keeping track and looking back at all the fun they had!

Create an ACTUAL Summer Bucket List with your kids. #SummerFun
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Here are some quick easy ideas to inspire you to creating your own bucket list:

1. Catch a frog (and let him go).
2. Make Smores or Smore brownies. For Smore brownies, just melt marshmallows on top and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.
3. Water Balloons! You can use Ziploc bags too!
4. Have a picnic.
5. Stargaze.
6. Catch a firefly.
7. Do “Art on the Lawn” by painting an old sheet with sponge shapes or painting with feet.
8. Make frozen paint pops by freezing tempura paint in ice cube trays with Popsicle sticks.
9. Have a make your own banana split night.
10. Interview an older person about what life was like when they were young.
11. Have a rubber duck race.
12. Family game night! Charades and Pictionary are always favorites.
13. Make treasure maps and go on a treasure hunt in your backyard.
14. Make a summer playlist.
15. Go bowling.
16. Make a music video.
17. Go to a Drive In Movie Theatre.
18. Watch old sitcoms on TV Land.
19. Go to an outdoor concert.
20. Make milk carton boats and race them in a kiddie pool.
21. Camp inside. Tell stories in the dark with flashlights.
22. Paint rocks for your very own “rock pet”.
23. Play balloon Ping-Pong. Make rackets by taping a Popsicle sticks to paper plates. Bat a balloon around with your rackets.
24. Bubble Pond! Pour bubble solution into a kiddie pool. Gather several bubble wands and have a bubble party!
25. Make homemade jam.

There are so many things you can do. As you can see, your list can be simple activities that require little or no cost. The only rule is to have fun! Enjoy!

More Summer Fun

Looking for more Summer Fun ideas? Check out 5 Minutes for Mom’s Summer Fun board on Pinterest: