In Part 1 of this series I talked about the importance of carefully composing a shopping list based on the sales. I'll say it again, when grocery shopping NEVER PAY FULL PRICE FOR ANYTHING! That post had a beautiful meal planning cheatsheet too, where you can create your plan based on which proteins are on sale. This is the most frugal way to meal plan so to that end I've got an epic ... Read More about 101 Meal Ideas for Busy Families: Simplifying Dinnertime Series Part 2
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Meal Planning on a Budget – Simplifying Dinnertime Series: Part 1
When I took a critical look at my day-to-day with the kids, I determined that the dinnertime hour is the most difficult part of our day. No question. Everyone is tired, hungry and irritable. The kids are extra needy while I'm desperately trying to produce a healthy (ish) meal. They start crying because I won't give them a snack and my husband comes home to find total chaos. Does any of ... Read More about Meal Planning on a Budget – Simplifying Dinnertime Series: Part 1
Fun Fall Family Activities
Last weekend I decided to put on my supermom cape and attempt a couple fun fall-themed activities with the kids. And it was actually a success! The kids were happy and didn't fight and we all had fun! I can hardly believe it myself. We did an autumn tree craft and decorated some monster rice krispies treats. I had the boys help me make the rice krispie treats the day ... Read More about Fun Fall Family Activities
30 Ways to Upcycle Baby Clothes
The trouble with baby clothes is that they are so darn cute. There's something about teeny tiny dresses and tuxedo onesies that makes everyone forget what their credit card limit is. The result is that most babies have way more clothes than they could possibly need after parents, grandparents, friends and church ladies have all made their purchases. And then, as moms, we go ahead and get ... Read More about 30 Ways to Upcycle Baby Clothes
34 Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas
One year for Halloween, I went out dressed as an 'animal princess'. I took all my stuffed animals and safety pinned them to my best dress. I think I was about 10 years old and needless to say it was an extremely last minute attempt at a costume. My siblings still tease me about that one! I'm going to hazard a guess that I'm by no means the only kid to ever have had need of some last minute ... Read More about 34 Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas
18 Gift Ideas for New Moms
There's nothing quite like the intense emotional roller-coaster of becoming a mom. It's a mess of hormones and overwhelm and feeling terrified and exhausted and being totally enamoured with your new baby. It's probably all of the best feelings and all of the worst feelings all wrapped into one. If you have a dear friend or family member who has just welcomed their first baby, ... Read More about 18 Gift Ideas for New Moms
17 Easy Science Experiments for Kids Using Household Items
When we're stuck indoors on a rainy weekend we are always trying to find activities to entertain the kids using things we already have at home. But usually we end up on our computers for 30 minutes trying to find ideas! So I thought I'd do a round up post of easy science experiments for kids that only require household ingredients. Easy Science Experiments for Kids These ... Read More about 17 Easy Science Experiments for Kids Using Household Items
9 Easy Ways For Busy Moms to Practice Self Care
"Self care" is kind of a hot topic for me. Maybe because it's such an on-trend concept these days and everybody's talking about it that I kind of cringe when I hear the term. It makes me crazy when I see recommendations of "get enough sleep" and "exercise" paraded around as elements of self care. Those things are actually basic necessities of life. They're non-negotiable. ... Read More about 9 Easy Ways For Busy Moms to Practice Self Care