How do you fight off the strive to perfection?

Rebekah1021

DD is now in preschool and they are having  tailgate party themed class on Thursday. They asked me to bring in cookies. No problem. I have the stuff on hand for chocolate chip cookies, but I thought I could make sugar cookie cut-outs shaped like footballs and football helmets.

I have so much crap going on DH's gma, the house, laundry and I was going to work again tomorrow that I really should just do the chocolate chip cookies. I just know that the football ones would be so cute.

How do you keep it simple and happy?

KoriBrett

I try to go for middle ground.

Make the choco chip ones, but bag them in pairs in seran wrap, tie with a ribbon that has footballs on it or something.

Glendi2.0

really interesting question, namely because I'm so NOT that person... I totally appreciate the effort that goes into stuff like that, but honestly I believe the kiddos will be just as (if not more so) happy with plain ol' chocolate chip cookies and a sane mom.

melmax

lol, I love this post. I am a perfectionist to a T, and I believe it's to a fault! Nobody will think less of you if you don't bring in the best, most creative cookies! Everyone is going to love your chocolate chip cookies, and you have too many other things going on...so try not to sweat it. 

KoriBrett

OR  just go buy them.  LOL

happ17

hire people. JK. Sort of.

I'm just pulled in way too many directions to even try to be perfect.

I have to bring in cookies for PAC's thanksgiving party at school. Yeah, they're getting turkey-shaped cookies from the baker DH works with. I would have done it myself--but why?

In your case, I'd be calling up the local bakery. 

bugmommy

When I realized I was doing it all for me, I calmed down.  For me, I would spend all this time doing stuff like that and then would be short on time/sleep/energy when it came to bath time, play time, dinner conversation, etc.  I even did it with parties - I wasted so much time and energy cleaning, making perfect food, etc. that I didn't enjoy it.  When I make my kids laugh at bath time, that matters.  When I have the energy to dance and sing with them, that matters.  The perfect cookie that someone will notice for 2.5 seconds, not so much.

JOEBunny

When it comes to stuff like that, I figure chocolate chip just taste better.  I know what you mean though.  DD is making snow globes for her friends for Christmas.  DS has a bunch of used baby food jars I am using.  I went to get the other materials, which are suppose to be mineral oil and glitter and figured out they would be about $12, not counting the little figurines I got to go inside.  I backed off my plan and am now using rice and cooking oil, about $3 total.  Sure the glitter and mineral oil would look better, but the whole point was to have her make something that was mostly recycled and inexpensive to give to her friends.  I think it will teach her to be more resourceful and less wasteful in the long run, but it is frustrating that they won't be near as nice as the ones I could have bought for $1 at the dollar store, already made, but she would learn nothing from that.

mgfit1

I try to find shortcuts.  I wanted Elmo cupcakes for his 2nd bday and just didn't have the time.  I went to Kroger and they did just the cupcakes for me with the red grass frosting.  All I did was put the faces on them...people all assumed I made them myself.  They were adorable too!  Maybe a local bakery or grocery store can do some cookies....