Merry Christmas!
Love, the Spooners
12/25/17
12/21/17
Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas (File this post away for next year.)
We adore our teachers. I could cry thinking about how dear they are and how much they have loved our kids over the years. I want to celebrate them!
In the past, teacher gifts have sneaked (snuck?) up on me. But not so much now that I have become a little more seasoned school mom. If I could, I would buy every teacher a $100 gift card to their favorite restaurant. But... a few more realistic ideas...
Ideas of things that express our gratitude but also don't junk up their life.
Idea 1: Poinsettias
This is what we gave this year. My friend gave me the idea. I got most of them to our teachers early in the month so they could enjoy them all December long. Bonus: it was done early.
Idea 2: A personal gift wrapping party! My friend, Jessica, says this is her go-to gift for teachers. Some pretty wrapping paper, some tape, a nice bar of dark chocolate. Getting some gift wrap on sale for next year is a good idea. I also like the idea of getting some really special, upscale wrapping that is a step up of from Target or Walmart. Etsy has some great options.
Idea 3: This third idea takes some forethought and is a little labor intensive. Make a batch of the Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls and give some pretty napkins and paper plates to go along with them. Our teachers went crazy for this a few years ago.
Gift cards are always appreciated I'm sure, and I have gone that route many times. But as we have more and more teachers in our life, these ideas are better suited to our budget but still express our big, big love we have for them.
In full disclosure, I did not give gifts to Caroline's teachers. She only goes one day a week. I totally dropped the ball and forgot. Maybe I can show our love for them on New Year's or Valentine's. Which is a reminder that Christmas does not have to be the only time to give a gift.
What's your go-to teacher gift? Ideas?!
In the past, teacher gifts have sneaked (snuck?) up on me. But not so much now that I have become a little more seasoned school mom. If I could, I would buy every teacher a $100 gift card to their favorite restaurant. But... a few more realistic ideas...
Ideas of things that express our gratitude but also don't junk up their life.
Idea 1: Poinsettias
This is what we gave this year. My friend gave me the idea. I got most of them to our teachers early in the month so they could enjoy them all December long. Bonus: it was done early.
Idea 2: A personal gift wrapping party! My friend, Jessica, says this is her go-to gift for teachers. Some pretty wrapping paper, some tape, a nice bar of dark chocolate. Getting some gift wrap on sale for next year is a good idea. I also like the idea of getting some really special, upscale wrapping that is a step up of from Target or Walmart. Etsy has some great options.
Idea 3: This third idea takes some forethought and is a little labor intensive. Make a batch of the Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls and give some pretty napkins and paper plates to go along with them. Our teachers went crazy for this a few years ago.
Gift cards are always appreciated I'm sure, and I have gone that route many times. But as we have more and more teachers in our life, these ideas are better suited to our budget but still express our big, big love we have for them.
In full disclosure, I did not give gifts to Caroline's teachers. She only goes one day a week. I totally dropped the ball and forgot. Maybe I can show our love for them on New Year's or Valentine's. Which is a reminder that Christmas does not have to be the only time to give a gift.
What's your go-to teacher gift? Ideas?!
12/18/17
TGI...Christmas Break!
Hello out there! Merry Christmas!
Over here we are thrilled, thrilled that it is Christmas break. With school winding down, so do all the parties and hoop la that go with it.
I have found the way to enjoy the season is to embrace and love the things we do and be proud of the things that we don't do.
we do...
put up a tree/ decorate the house
go to the amazing music services at church
buy family gifts
buy teacher gifts
watch Christmas movies
make hot chocolate
make the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls
go to Christmas parties
we don't...
go see Santa
make gingerbread houses
do excessive baking/make sugar cookies and decorate with kids #nope
send holiday cards (love receiving! but I don't send)
give neighbor and friend gifts
do a family advent devotional #aintnobodygottimeforthat
All this could change one day, but for now this is where the lines fall.
My kids are happy as can be with a cup of hot chocolate, a fire, and a strand of lights in their rooms. Life is stressful, add in all the Christmas extra and its beyond too much. We have to be ruthless as we pick and choose for the sake of our souls!
A few of my Christmas favorites from this year and years past are....
these citrus ornaments made them last year! so pretty
a couple of playlists on Spotify - Christmas Peaceful Piano and Navidad Instrumental
I'm convinced my children behave better when there is instrumental music playing.
a movie - The Apartment - This is not a kids' movie. Actually, it's a little dark and its not exclusively a Christmas movie. But it takes place around Christmas. It won best picture in 1960. If you like old movies, you'll love it. You can rent it on Amazon for $2.99.
hot, peppermint tea - goes great with anything chocolate
chai tea
thought this was a super helpful gift guide, The Very Best Gift Guide for People You Sort of Know
lastly, a must read.... Christmas Guidance for Moms
What about you? What do you do? What don't you do?
Over here we are thrilled, thrilled that it is Christmas break. With school winding down, so do all the parties and hoop la that go with it.
I have found the way to enjoy the season is to embrace and love the things we do and be proud of the things that we don't do.
we do...
put up a tree/ decorate the house
go to the amazing music services at church
buy family gifts
buy teacher gifts
watch Christmas movies
make hot chocolate
make the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls
go to Christmas parties
we don't...
go see Santa
make gingerbread houses
do excessive baking/make sugar cookies and decorate with kids #nope
send holiday cards (love receiving! but I don't send)
give neighbor and friend gifts
do a family advent devotional #aintnobodygottimeforthat
All this could change one day, but for now this is where the lines fall.
My kids are happy as can be with a cup of hot chocolate, a fire, and a strand of lights in their rooms. Life is stressful, add in all the Christmas extra and its beyond too much. We have to be ruthless as we pick and choose for the sake of our souls!
A few of my Christmas favorites from this year and years past are....
these citrus ornaments made them last year! so pretty
a couple of playlists on Spotify - Christmas Peaceful Piano and Navidad Instrumental
I'm convinced my children behave better when there is instrumental music playing.
a movie - The Apartment - This is not a kids' movie. Actually, it's a little dark and its not exclusively a Christmas movie. But it takes place around Christmas. It won best picture in 1960. If you like old movies, you'll love it. You can rent it on Amazon for $2.99.
hot, peppermint tea - goes great with anything chocolate
chai tea
thought this was a super helpful gift guide, The Very Best Gift Guide for People You Sort of Know
lastly, a must read.... Christmas Guidance for Moms
What about you? What do you do? What don't you do?
9/28/17
When I Have No Real Time or Money to Decorate My House
How do you feel about decorating your house? Is it a priority? Do you make time for it?
I have had decorating on my brain lately. Sometimes I have long stretches where I just don't care. I'm content to do life in my space and not obsess over how it looks.
And then there are times when I CARE. I get the itch to change and improve things. My thoughts become obsessive. I think a large part of it is that it's a creative outlet. It's "play" and a break from the monotony of mothering taking care of the daily household stuff.
Rarely are any of us in a place to do a complete overhaul of a space. It is impractical for our lives, our time, and our finances.
Gradual improvements are more realistic for most all of us. It takes months and years to make a beautiful home. Patience. It's a process. Plus, I love an eclectic, collected look. We can't rush it.
I mentioned that we are renovating the main living area in our home. I'm dreaming of pillows and seating arrangements (finishing touches), but we don't have a ceiling. This is not the time to go hunting for a great piece of art. I need to hunker down, wait out the renovation, and save our money.
We all have limitations - time, money, new babies, sickness, general busyness. But even when it's just not the week to load up on throw pillows and candles and buy a new arm chair, we can still do a few little somethings.
I have found a few totally FREE tricks to hold me over when I am overcome by my desires to decorate but because of life, I simply can't make it a real priority.
These are my 5 no-spend "decorating" tips that settle me down.
1- clean up
Sometimes a clean house is all I need. It's refreshing and calming.
2- get rid of something
My best example for this is when my mom encouraged me to get rid of a too-big-for-the-space coffee table that was dark and awkward. The room didn't need a new thing, it needed some sparseness. It was a revelation to me that getting rid of something can improve a room verses adding something.
Even getting rid of a load of kids toys can be such a rush.
3- ROY G. BIV your books
I love books when like colors are together. Rainbow books are my favorite. It makes such an impact.
4- rearrange
I rearrange furniture all the time. Sometimes I move it right back. But it is worth a try to experiment with different layouts.
5- shop your own house
If you are trying to improve a particular space, sometimes you can "shop" your own house and find the perfect thing. Examples: moving art to better lighting, raiding your linen closet for a change of bedding, moving picture frames to a new shelf.
.....
All these things are free and can be done in a nap time. What are your thoughts?
new favorite podcast - How To Decorate
one of my favorite decorating and design books Design Mom....and this one too, The Nesting Place
Links are Amazon Affiliate links
9/25/17
Fake It Till I Make It - Fall Things
We started a renovation a few weeks ago (yea!), but we are in the not-fun phase. And it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Fall is here, but not because the heat is still very real. Always a downer.
I'm bogged down with helping two kids with homework every afternoon. (WHY?!)
Anyways, it all hit me over the weekend and I was over it. Bad mood galore.
These fall-y things were my attempts to embrace fall over the weekend and to be cheery in the midst of frustration.
mini pumpkins on the mantel
pumpkin muffins
dark floral dresses - so fall (love)
cheap Mums
switching over to our fall dishes, Woodland Spode
No doubt a crisp fall day would cheer me up. Until then, Jesus take the wheel. I'm just going to keep faking till I make it.
Fall is here, but not because the heat is still very real. Always a downer.
I'm bogged down with helping two kids with homework every afternoon. (WHY?!)
Anyways, it all hit me over the weekend and I was over it. Bad mood galore.
These fall-y things were my attempts to embrace fall over the weekend and to be cheery in the midst of frustration.
mini pumpkins on the mantel
pumpkin muffins
dark floral dresses - so fall (love)
switching over to our fall dishes, Woodland Spode
No doubt a crisp fall day would cheer me up. Until then, Jesus take the wheel. I'm just going to keep faking till I make it.
9/22/17
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Forgive me, this is not a real clear recipe but it's hard to mess up...and it's amazing!
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry makes a lot and it gets better after it has been refrigerated and reheated.
Seriously, this is one of my favorite meals. We eat it over white rice and top with cilantro and Sriracha (for the adults). It took a few tries for my kids to warm up to this meal, but I now have 3/4 of them eating it. I call that a win.
What I love is that you can use all kinds of vegetables. I usually put handfuls of frozen spinach and green peas and make it a really veggie heavy dish.
.......
large diced onion
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
tons of veggies - suggestions...
diced bell pepper
carrots
cauliflower
cabbage
frozen spinach
frozen peas
1/2 can of coconut milk (more if you like)
chicken broth (I use this)
teaspoon minced garlic
salt
red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon is a good starting point, less if you are sensitive to spicy
curry powder (2 tablespoons, more if you like)
turmeric (1 teaspoon, more if you like) (optional)
toppings:
cilantro
Siracha
............
This is how I make it...
Dice onion and put it in the slow cooker first, then layer chicken thighs. Salt to taste. Then add coconut milk and garlic. Give it a stir. Throw in tougher vegetables like carrots and peppers but hold off on vegetables like cauliflower or peas so they won't get soggy. You can add them at the end.
Pour in enough chicken broth to mostly cover the chicken and vegetables.
Add remaining spices.
Cook it on low for 4-6 hours. Add more delicate vegetables 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
Serve over white rice, add toppings.
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry makes a lot and it gets better after it has been refrigerated and reheated.
Seriously, this is one of my favorite meals. We eat it over white rice and top with cilantro and Sriracha (for the adults). It took a few tries for my kids to warm up to this meal, but I now have 3/4 of them eating it. I call that a win.
What I love is that you can use all kinds of vegetables. I usually put handfuls of frozen spinach and green peas and make it a really veggie heavy dish.
.......
large diced onion
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
tons of veggies - suggestions...
diced bell pepper
carrots
cauliflower
cabbage
frozen spinach
frozen peas
1/2 can of coconut milk (more if you like)
chicken broth (I use this)
teaspoon minced garlic
salt
red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon is a good starting point, less if you are sensitive to spicy
curry powder (2 tablespoons, more if you like)
turmeric (1 teaspoon, more if you like) (optional)
toppings:
cilantro
Siracha
............
This is how I make it...
Dice onion and put it in the slow cooker first, then layer chicken thighs. Salt to taste. Then add coconut milk and garlic. Give it a stir. Throw in tougher vegetables like carrots and peppers but hold off on vegetables like cauliflower or peas so they won't get soggy. You can add them at the end.
Pour in enough chicken broth to mostly cover the chicken and vegetables.
Add remaining spices.
Cook it on low for 4-6 hours. Add more delicate vegetables 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
Serve over white rice, add toppings.
9/20/17
Fall Meals
A while back I learned the magic of having a meal bank, a list of meals our family eats regularly that I can easily refer to when meal planning.
I recently switched out my summer list for fall and winter foods, whoo hoo! Though it's still summer temperatures where we live, it is time to change up the menu and embrace soups, glorious soups.
The beauty of fall and winter food is that much of it freezes well and is even better the 2nd or 3rd time around.
Today, I'm sharing my fall meals. I will link to some of the recipes, but honestly I am not a strict follower of recipes. I'm always substituting up and improvising. If I left a link off a recipe, it's because I can't find one close enough to the one I use. I will do my best to do separate posts on those meals....especially this slow cooker chicken curry pictured below.
Fall Meals
taco soup
turkey chili with black beans
super food soup
chicken and quinoa soup
lentil soup
vegetable soup
chicken tortilla soup
red beans and rice
chicken pie
hot ham and cheese sandwiches
sloppy joes
hamburgers/ turkey burgers
greens, black eyed peas, corn bread
sheet pan chicken
roasted sausage and veggies
tacos
enchilada casserole
slow cooker chicken curry
spaghetti
fish and roasted vegetables
homemade pizza
We don't strictly eat from this list. I do a lot of roasted vegetables and salads as sides. I use up leftovers and make random soups. Also, I use a lot of ground turkey instead of ground beef. This list is here for reference when times are tough and I'm stuck.
What are you favorite fall meals?
.....
P.S. Using Walmart's online grocery pick up is keeping me sane!
I recently switched out my summer list for fall and winter foods, whoo hoo! Though it's still summer temperatures where we live, it is time to change up the menu and embrace soups, glorious soups.
The beauty of fall and winter food is that much of it freezes well and is even better the 2nd or 3rd time around.
Today, I'm sharing my fall meals. I will link to some of the recipes, but honestly I am not a strict follower of recipes. I'm always substituting up and improvising. If I left a link off a recipe, it's because I can't find one close enough to the one I use. I will do my best to do separate posts on those meals....especially this slow cooker chicken curry pictured below.
Fall Meals
taco soup
turkey chili with black beans
super food soup
chicken and quinoa soup
lentil soup
vegetable soup
chicken tortilla soup
red beans and rice
chicken pie
hot ham and cheese sandwiches
sloppy joes
hamburgers/ turkey burgers
greens, black eyed peas, corn bread
sheet pan chicken
roasted sausage and veggies
tacos
enchilada casserole
slow cooker chicken curry
spaghetti
fish and roasted vegetables
homemade pizza
We don't strictly eat from this list. I do a lot of roasted vegetables and salads as sides. I use up leftovers and make random soups. Also, I use a lot of ground turkey instead of ground beef. This list is here for reference when times are tough and I'm stuck.
What are you favorite fall meals?
.....
P.S. Using Walmart's online grocery pick up is keeping me sane!
8/28/17
This Week's Meal Plan
I'm trying some new dishes this week.
zucchini fritters and a sausage and veggie sheet pan dinner served over rice
What's on your menu this week?
zucchini fritters and a sausage and veggie sheet pan dinner served over rice
What's on your menu this week?
8/26/17
A Few Things I'm Loving Lately
Hello out there!
How was your end of summer, your start of school?
We have transitioned semi-successfully, and I must admit I like the structure and routine school provides. We are getting more sleep, eating better meals, and benefiting from a little separation as all 4 of my kids are doing some school this year. Hallelujah!
I thought I'd pop in to say hello and share a few things I have been LOVING lately.
1. I bought a THIRD LOVE bra and it is 100% amazing, probably the only bra I've ever worn that actually fits and is comfortable. I can't wait to buy another one.
2. Wal-mart grocery pick up has changed my life. I used this service all summer, and it spared me the torture of taking kids with me to the store.
3. I just finished reading Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting. I found it totally fascinating!
Margo has some thoughtful insight on this book.
4. After all that reading about French parenting, I simply could not resist buying a 10-pack of these baguettes at Costco. They're made in France! Though how un-French to buy them in bulk. Ha!
5. For the past couple of Friday's we have had family movie nights. This is new for us, to enjoy a movie with the entire family. I think we've found a new weekly ritual. Last week was Beethoven, this week was Swiss Family Robinson.
What have you been loving lately?!
Some links are Amazon affiliate links.
How was your end of summer, your start of school?
We have transitioned semi-successfully, and I must admit I like the structure and routine school provides. We are getting more sleep, eating better meals, and benefiting from a little separation as all 4 of my kids are doing some school this year. Hallelujah!
I thought I'd pop in to say hello and share a few things I have been LOVING lately.
1. I bought a THIRD LOVE bra and it is 100% amazing, probably the only bra I've ever worn that actually fits and is comfortable. I can't wait to buy another one.
2. Wal-mart grocery pick up has changed my life. I used this service all summer, and it spared me the torture of taking kids with me to the store.
3. I just finished reading Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting. I found it totally fascinating!
Margo has some thoughtful insight on this book.
4. After all that reading about French parenting, I simply could not resist buying a 10-pack of these baguettes at Costco. They're made in France! Though how un-French to buy them in bulk. Ha!
5. For the past couple of Friday's we have had family movie nights. This is new for us, to enjoy a movie with the entire family. I think we've found a new weekly ritual. Last week was Beethoven, this week was Swiss Family Robinson.
What have you been loving lately?!
Some links are Amazon affiliate links.
7/26/17
No Spend Month...A Few Things
I'm having a no spend July
and all my blogging this month will be about managing the financial
side of home life. I'm sharing what I'm learning and ideas about saving,
spending wisely, and generally being responsible with our resources.
.....
I have a confession. I bought something.
I have been stalking this GAP, 100% cotton open cardigan that has been out of stock for quite some time because it's awesome and everybody wants one.
The other day it popped up in an ad in my sidebar. When I clicked over, my size available in one color - the gray. I had to snag it, on sale for $15. Open cardigans are my favorite, and it's very difficult to find one that's not made out of synthetic materials.
I'm a cotton girl through and through.
This was worth the splurge.
.....
My goal for groceries this month was to spend only $600. I had a ton in my freezer that needed to get eaten and I wanted to challenge myself to not be so lazy in the kitchen and to really stretch our food supply. I'm so close to the finish line! I have enough food to get us to the end of the month and $40 left in the budget. I think I can...I think I can...
One little tip if you love tomatoes as much as we do, save the little bits and leftovers and freeze them in a plastic bag. Also, if a tomato is mealy or partly bad you can salvage the good part and freeze it. Later you can use them in soups or pasta sauces. Lately I've been making pizza sauce with our freezer tomatoes bits.
Don't waste! Food is $$.
.....
This month, I evaluated the money we spend on subscriptions. I decided that my Audible subscription of 2 books per month is definitely a keeper. My 8 year old Stephen and I enjoy it the most.
I'm currently listening to and LOVING America's First Daughter.
Stephen is on the second Harry Potter.
A subscription I decided to cancel was to a Pilates site that was costing $13/month. I wasn't using it much any more. It was perfect to jump start my exercise plan when I was struggling with the craziness of school. But lately I have been walking in the evenings and finding great workouts on YouTube.
.....
Over all I'm loving the no spend month. It's not as hard as I thought it would be, and I find it very freeing to not have to decide or agonize about spending. Of course, it's not sustainable. I have to buy things. But the spending break has brought so much clarity and taught me how to be more disciplined with money.
.....
I have a confession. I bought something.
I have been stalking this GAP, 100% cotton open cardigan that has been out of stock for quite some time because it's awesome and everybody wants one.
The other day it popped up in an ad in my sidebar. When I clicked over, my size available in one color - the gray. I had to snag it, on sale for $15. Open cardigans are my favorite, and it's very difficult to find one that's not made out of synthetic materials.
I'm a cotton girl through and through.
This was worth the splurge.
.....
My goal for groceries this month was to spend only $600. I had a ton in my freezer that needed to get eaten and I wanted to challenge myself to not be so lazy in the kitchen and to really stretch our food supply. I'm so close to the finish line! I have enough food to get us to the end of the month and $40 left in the budget. I think I can...I think I can...
Don't waste! Food is $$.
.....
This month, I evaluated the money we spend on subscriptions. I decided that my Audible subscription of 2 books per month is definitely a keeper. My 8 year old Stephen and I enjoy it the most.
I'm currently listening to and LOVING America's First Daughter.
Stephen is on the second Harry Potter.
A subscription I decided to cancel was to a Pilates site that was costing $13/month. I wasn't using it much any more. It was perfect to jump start my exercise plan when I was struggling with the craziness of school. But lately I have been walking in the evenings and finding great workouts on YouTube.
.....
Over all I'm loving the no spend month. It's not as hard as I thought it would be, and I find it very freeing to not have to decide or agonize about spending. Of course, it's not sustainable. I have to buy things. But the spending break has brought so much clarity and taught me how to be more disciplined with money.
7/24/17
Spending and Saving + Girls' Clothes
I'm having a no spend July
and all my blogging this month will be about managing the financial
side of home life. I'm sharing what I'm learning and ideas about saving,
spending wisely, and generally being responsible with our resources.
.....
Girls' clothes are my weakness. If I have a tendency to impulse buy or make an emotional purchase, it's usually with little girl's clothes or my clothes.
Lately, I have found the best defense against overspending with little girl's clothes is to buy what I love to begin with and be selective with hand-me-downs. To love what we have and have what we love.
Because you are only a mom to little girls once and childhood goes so fast, I think it's important to
LOVE your little girl's wardrobe. If I only had boys, I would be more into what they wear. But since my boys are destroyers of all things nice, I choose to spend more time, effort, and money on dressing the girls.
I enjoy dressing Laurie and Caroline in pretty and playful prints and understated pieces. I like mostly simple, classic children's clothes, not ladies clothes shrunk down to children's size.
Even if it means spending a little more, I think it's so important to LOVE what your girls wear. Even pj's. Especially pj's.
.....
One way I'm finding to save money is to take a really good inventory. Every few months I have been going through my girls' things and evaluating what we already have. We have tons of hand-me-downs from cousins and friends and sometimes it all piles up and we just have SO MUCH that I get overwhelmed.
When I sort it out and decide what to keep I play this little game where I shop my own stuff. I'm very selective in what I keep. I ask myself "What would I pay for again if I was building my daughters' wardrobes from scratch?"
Another trick is to cull enough to "pack" for an imaginary 3 week vacation in your climate.
I find that these games help me make decisions. After a big inventory, I will make a list of needed items and then I try to buy exactly what I want so that it is a satisfying purchase.
.....
One last idea...
One day I was scrolling Instagram and I spotted a little girl wearing a summery dress that my daughter owns. This little girl also had on leggings and a sweater with that dress. It was styled so cute.
I don't know why this was such a revelation to me, but I realized I could definitely do more layering during the fall and winter instead of putting away summer dresses and replacing them with all long sleeved items.
Especially since where I live we have mild falls and winters. I think we will try hanging on to all the summer items as long as they last and still fit.
Laurie was a sweet little model for me for this post. Watch how she takes the same dress from summer to fall to winter.
summer...
fall...
winter....
See how that works! So fun reinventing the same dress. It's like getting a little shopper's high without shopping.
.....
So what are your thoughts on spending and girls clothes?
P.S. I appreciate all your comments on the previous posts in this series! Thanks for reading.
.....
Girls' clothes are my weakness. If I have a tendency to impulse buy or make an emotional purchase, it's usually with little girl's clothes or my clothes.
Lately, I have found the best defense against overspending with little girl's clothes is to buy what I love to begin with and be selective with hand-me-downs. To love what we have and have what we love.
Because you are only a mom to little girls once and childhood goes so fast, I think it's important to
LOVE your little girl's wardrobe. If I only had boys, I would be more into what they wear. But since my boys are destroyers of all things nice, I choose to spend more time, effort, and money on dressing the girls.
I enjoy dressing Laurie and Caroline in pretty and playful prints and understated pieces. I like mostly simple, classic children's clothes, not ladies clothes shrunk down to children's size.
Even if it means spending a little more, I think it's so important to LOVE what your girls wear. Even pj's. Especially pj's.
.....
One way I'm finding to save money is to take a really good inventory. Every few months I have been going through my girls' things and evaluating what we already have. We have tons of hand-me-downs from cousins and friends and sometimes it all piles up and we just have SO MUCH that I get overwhelmed.
When I sort it out and decide what to keep I play this little game where I shop my own stuff. I'm very selective in what I keep. I ask myself "What would I pay for again if I was building my daughters' wardrobes from scratch?"
Another trick is to cull enough to "pack" for an imaginary 3 week vacation in your climate.
I find that these games help me make decisions. After a big inventory, I will make a list of needed items and then I try to buy exactly what I want so that it is a satisfying purchase.
.....
One last idea...
One day I was scrolling Instagram and I spotted a little girl wearing a summery dress that my daughter owns. This little girl also had on leggings and a sweater with that dress. It was styled so cute.
I don't know why this was such a revelation to me, but I realized I could definitely do more layering during the fall and winter instead of putting away summer dresses and replacing them with all long sleeved items.
Especially since where I live we have mild falls and winters. I think we will try hanging on to all the summer items as long as they last and still fit.
Laurie was a sweet little model for me for this post. Watch how she takes the same dress from summer to fall to winter.
summer...
fall...
winter....
See how that works! So fun reinventing the same dress. It's like getting a little shopper's high without shopping.
.....
So what are your thoughts on spending and girls clothes?
P.S. I appreciate all your comments on the previous posts in this series! Thanks for reading.
7/12/17
Classic, Low-Cost Way to Dress Little Boys
I'm having a no spend July and all my blogging this month will be about managing the financial side of home life. I'm sharing what I'm learning and ideas about saving, spending wisely, and generally being responsible with our resources.
......
Today, I'm talking/typing about boys' clothing. My boys are wonderfully hard on their clothes. They frequently have holes and rips from climbing trees or grease stains from messing around with boats and vehicles with my husband.
I think their destructiveness on their wardrobe started around age 4 for each of them.
I remember sending Stephen to preschool in the cutest Honey Bee Tee, feeling like such a proud mama, dressing him so cute! He didn't wear his shirt two times before he took a pair of scissors and cut a huge hole in it.
It's pretty much been down hill from there.
So here is the most practical and economical way I've found to dress my boys during the summer months.
100% cotton, solid color tee from Walmart
shorts from Old Navy (toddler and big boy)
I buy solid tee's on sale from Old Navy and Gap, too, but the Walmart Fruit of the Loom ones are less than $3! And they have great colors. I'm a total stickler for 100% cotton, and I always check that before buying. Sometimes the manufacturers change on you and sneak a little polyester in there. Beware.
They have other random t-shirts from school or wherever, but if I'm buying I stick to this solid, boy-friendly uniform.
For shoes, we are loving Natives. They are a sneaker and a water shoe all in one, and they have held up really well.
.....
In addition to being low-cost, I really like the way the solid t-shirt and shorts combo looks.
I love understated, simple clothes on children. No obnoxious sayings please!
I do think sewing something cool like their age or a robot would be so cute, and a fun way to personalize the shirt. Inspiration from Margo. Maybe I'll get around to that.
My boys really don't have an opinion (yet) about what they wear, so let's hope we can hold off on the sports wear as long as possible. I'm sure it's only a matter of time.
....
Do you have outfit formulas for your kids? Boys or girls?
How do you manage the costs of children's clothes?
......
Today, I'm talking/typing about boys' clothing. My boys are wonderfully hard on their clothes. They frequently have holes and rips from climbing trees or grease stains from messing around with boats and vehicles with my husband.
I think their destructiveness on their wardrobe started around age 4 for each of them.
I remember sending Stephen to preschool in the cutest Honey Bee Tee, feeling like such a proud mama, dressing him so cute! He didn't wear his shirt two times before he took a pair of scissors and cut a huge hole in it.
It's pretty much been down hill from there.
So here is the most practical and economical way I've found to dress my boys during the summer months.
100% cotton, solid color tee from Walmart
shorts from Old Navy (toddler and big boy)
I buy solid tee's on sale from Old Navy and Gap, too, but the Walmart Fruit of the Loom ones are less than $3! And they have great colors. I'm a total stickler for 100% cotton, and I always check that before buying. Sometimes the manufacturers change on you and sneak a little polyester in there. Beware.
They have other random t-shirts from school or wherever, but if I'm buying I stick to this solid, boy-friendly uniform.
For shoes, we are loving Natives. They are a sneaker and a water shoe all in one, and they have held up really well.
.....
In addition to being low-cost, I really like the way the solid t-shirt and shorts combo looks.
I love understated, simple clothes on children. No obnoxious sayings please!
I do think sewing something cool like their age or a robot would be so cute, and a fun way to personalize the shirt. Inspiration from Margo. Maybe I'll get around to that.
My boys really don't have an opinion (yet) about what they wear, so let's hope we can hold off on the sports wear as long as possible. I'm sure it's only a matter of time.
....
Do you have outfit formulas for your kids? Boys or girls?
How do you manage the costs of children's clothes?
7/11/17
Grocery Budget
It's no spend July, and I'm working on all things money related this month. In much the same way a person tries to reset their eating habits by doing Whole 30, I'm doing a financial "diet" to reset some of my spending and saving habits. I'm not buying anything except the necessities aka groceries...and maybe a dinner out with adults because #sanity.
......
Taking a look back through the year, this is how much we have spent on groceries each month in 2017.
January $741.10
February $774.43
March $667.60
April $954.67
May $1,160
June $919.83
Average = $869.61
These numbers include household items, alcohol, and the occasional takeout meal.
To my surprise, we are way within an appropriate range for a family of 6.
According to the USDA recommendations (calculated in this blog post), $750/month is considered the thrifty plan and $1454/month is the liberal plan for a family of 6 with young children.
.......
Since it's no spend month, I set grocery budget goal for $600. We were out of town the first week in July and ate at my parents house. I have lots of food in the freezer. I'm cutting back on wine (more on that later). I think we can do it. I think $600 is a reasonable number and the challenge gives me a little thrill.
Even though we are steadily within range of recommended spending I know I could improve my numbers in future months with more careful planning and less impulse buying at Costco....and less wine.
So, what do you think about the USDA guidelines? What are the holes in your grocery spending, where you overspend or just plain blow it? Or, are you happy with how much you spend on food?
......
Taking a look back through the year, this is how much we have spent on groceries each month in 2017.
January $741.10
February $774.43
March $667.60
April $954.67
May $1,160
June $919.83
Average = $869.61
These numbers include household items, alcohol, and the occasional takeout meal.
To my surprise, we are way within an appropriate range for a family of 6.
According to the USDA recommendations (calculated in this blog post), $750/month is considered the thrifty plan and $1454/month is the liberal plan for a family of 6 with young children.
.......
Since it's no spend month, I set grocery budget goal for $600. We were out of town the first week in July and ate at my parents house. I have lots of food in the freezer. I'm cutting back on wine (more on that later). I think we can do it. I think $600 is a reasonable number and the challenge gives me a little thrill.
Even though we are steadily within range of recommended spending I know I could improve my numbers in future months with more careful planning and less impulse buying at Costco....and less wine.
So, what do you think about the USDA guidelines? What are the holes in your grocery spending, where you overspend or just plain blow it? Or, are you happy with how much you spend on food?
7/6/17
No Spend July
Normal is broke. Be weird.
- Dave Ramsey
This summer, life has slowed down enough for me to concentrate on some lost priorities - frugality and good stewardship at the top of the list.
Since Caroline was born almost two years ago, I have been on a frugality sabbatical of sorts. We still budgeted and saved, but the priority was to make the house run smoothly and with minimal unnecessary stress.
If I needed something, I bought it/ ordered it. I stopped keeping close tabs on our grocery budget. I didn't worry much with how much we spent on birthdays or Christmas. We just lived and spent, not crazily, but loosely enough that I think it's time to dial it back and re-master some good ol' money habits - pay yourself first, save, live below your means, budget, use what you have, give generously!
The next era is on the horizon, and I'm feeling the need to flex my frugality muscles.
We have four kids to put through private school - and college! Then there's their looming orthodontic needs, cars, insurance, cell phones, etc. Also, we want to pay cash for some home renovations, replace cars, and really get the ball rolling with retirement. Our financial future is going to require planning and discipline if we want to reach our goal!
The ultimate goal is PEACE and not a dollar amount.
..........
..........
To challenge myself as the primary shopper and spender for the family, I'm making July a no spend month. I've always wanted to do one of these!
The purpose is two fold. Of course I want to save some money and relearn some old frugality skills. But even more so I would like to untangle my heart from the love of money and stuff.
Even though I'm constantly decluttering and getting rid of stuff, I'm still compelled to buy new and nicer stuff even if I don't need it. And even if I'm not buying it, I'm sure spending a lot of time gushing over it online.
............
So, I thought it would be fun to share what I learn this month on SWM and keep all my posts money themed. I want to share the process of gaining a more frugal mindset. Also, the public accountability will help me stay on track!
I don't have any super specific rules except - don't buy anything. And anything includes entertainment. Of course, we will buy food. And if something vital like our coffee pot breaks, we will replace it.
Also, I have a hair appointment that I'm going to keep, some credit at Gap, and some gift cards to a couple of restaurants. Stephen and I might have night out because it's summer and I'm with kids 24/7.
I'm allowing for a little fun so we wont snap. My intent is not to be miserly, but to be calculated.
Thoughts? Questions? Have you ever done a no spend month?
I would love for this to be an interactive series, so please jump in and share!
- Dave Ramsey
This summer, life has slowed down enough for me to concentrate on some lost priorities - frugality and good stewardship at the top of the list.
Since Caroline was born almost two years ago, I have been on a frugality sabbatical of sorts. We still budgeted and saved, but the priority was to make the house run smoothly and with minimal unnecessary stress.
If I needed something, I bought it/ ordered it. I stopped keeping close tabs on our grocery budget. I didn't worry much with how much we spent on birthdays or Christmas. We just lived and spent, not crazily, but loosely enough that I think it's time to dial it back and re-master some good ol' money habits - pay yourself first, save, live below your means, budget, use what you have, give generously!
The next era is on the horizon, and I'm feeling the need to flex my frugality muscles.
We have four kids to put through private school - and college! Then there's their looming orthodontic needs, cars, insurance, cell phones, etc. Also, we want to pay cash for some home renovations, replace cars, and really get the ball rolling with retirement. Our financial future is going to require planning and discipline if we want to reach our goal!
The ultimate goal is PEACE and not a dollar amount.
..........
..........
To challenge myself as the primary shopper and spender for the family, I'm making July a no spend month. I've always wanted to do one of these!
The purpose is two fold. Of course I want to save some money and relearn some old frugality skills. But even more so I would like to untangle my heart from the love of money and stuff.
Even though I'm constantly decluttering and getting rid of stuff, I'm still compelled to buy new and nicer stuff even if I don't need it. And even if I'm not buying it, I'm sure spending a lot of time gushing over it online.
............
So, I thought it would be fun to share what I learn this month on SWM and keep all my posts money themed. I want to share the process of gaining a more frugal mindset. Also, the public accountability will help me stay on track!
I don't have any super specific rules except - don't buy anything. And anything includes entertainment. Of course, we will buy food. And if something vital like our coffee pot breaks, we will replace it.
Also, I have a hair appointment that I'm going to keep, some credit at Gap, and some gift cards to a couple of restaurants. Stephen and I might have night out because it's summer and I'm with kids 24/7.
I'm allowing for a little fun so we wont snap. My intent is not to be miserly, but to be calculated.
Thoughts? Questions? Have you ever done a no spend month?
I would love for this to be an interactive series, so please jump in and share!
6/29/17
Turkey Wraps
Sometimes we need a little reminder about the goodness of simple foods. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I think we get bombarded with recipes and food knowledge and the formula for the perfect green smoothie with 10 different vegetables in it that we forget that it is OKAY to make a quesadilla and a lovely side salad and a call it a day.
Oh yeah....tacos, bagels with cream cheese, a great bowl of berries cut up, corn on the cob.
Better to stick with the basics - to plan, shop, and cook at home with old favorites than to subscribe to a gluten free, Paleo, no carb meal plan that so easily becomes too much work.
I know I forget about the basics all the time. I feel pressure to discover new and exciting recipes and to eat healthier. I'm tempted, though rarely, by almond flour. I have to talk myself down, back to the kitchen where it is not a sin to make cornbread.
....unless you have a legitimate medical reason.
.....
The other day I re-discovered an old favorite. Oh yeah I remember - turkey wraps!
We have been eating these for lunch this week, and I think they would make a really great summer dinner - with a side of chips and some cut up fruit.
1 flour tortilla, heated so it rolls up easily
a nice scoop of cream cheese, spread all over the tortilla
turkey
loads of lettuce cut up thinly
Roll and enjoy.
....
What about you? Do you complicate your meal planning by being too ambitious about special diets?
Oh yeah....tacos, bagels with cream cheese, a great bowl of berries cut up, corn on the cob.
Better to stick with the basics - to plan, shop, and cook at home with old favorites than to subscribe to a gluten free, Paleo, no carb meal plan that so easily becomes too much work.
I know I forget about the basics all the time. I feel pressure to discover new and exciting recipes and to eat healthier. I'm tempted, though rarely, by almond flour. I have to talk myself down, back to the kitchen where it is not a sin to make cornbread.
....unless you have a legitimate medical reason.
.....
The other day I re-discovered an old favorite. Oh yeah I remember - turkey wraps!
We have been eating these for lunch this week, and I think they would make a really great summer dinner - with a side of chips and some cut up fruit.
1 flour tortilla, heated so it rolls up easily
a nice scoop of cream cheese, spread all over the tortilla
turkey
loads of lettuce cut up thinly
Roll and enjoy.
....
What about you? Do you complicate your meal planning by being too ambitious about special diets?
6/27/17
Dealing With Sentimental Baby Items
Dear Readers,
I do not mean to be away so long. But this girl....
She keeps me so busy. She's wild.
You can probably tell how sassy she is from this picture. Pulling the cat's tail, brushing her teeth in the toilet, opening the front door and sprinting towards the street are just a 'few' of her shenanigans.
The good things going for her are that she's happy and she's a great sleeper. But still, all her waking hours are hands on, me keeping her from harming herself or others.
We all adore her to pieces, and she becomes more and more endearing as her personality is really starting to shine.
Everyday, she's losing some of her baby-ness. It makes me weep. To be a mother is to grieve.
A couple of weeks ago, I did the hard work of sorting and passing on some of our baby things, mostly clothes and blankets, boy and girl stuff. I could not keep it ALL. For one, I don't have the space. But also, what a waste to keep so many great baby items that someone else could use! The world could end before my future grandchildren arrive, and I believe in using and enjoying stuff.
I passed on the majority of the boy things to my sister's baby, Charlie. Just yesterday he wore one of George's old outfits. It brought me so much joy to see my nephew wearing his cousin's hand-me-down. See what I mean....why would I save it?!
I get it if someone wants to save stuff for future babies. And I did...as long as we had the desire to grow our family.
But the way I we see it...I've had my babies. We are content with our two beautiful boys and two gorgeous girls.
If everything is special, then nothing is special.
I first heard about the gist of this concept from Joshua Becker. It's the idea that if everything is so sentimental and special, then nothing is. How much better to have a small, meaningful collection of special items rather than boxes and boxes.
So I chose my favorite baby things to keep, a small representation of all four that I could pass down to them should they want it for their own children. There are so many emotions folded up in one Rubbermaid box. I miss those babies!
I do not mean to be away so long. But this girl....
She keeps me so busy. She's wild.
You can probably tell how sassy she is from this picture. Pulling the cat's tail, brushing her teeth in the toilet, opening the front door and sprinting towards the street are just a 'few' of her shenanigans.
The good things going for her are that she's happy and she's a great sleeper. But still, all her waking hours are hands on, me keeping her from harming herself or others.
We all adore her to pieces, and she becomes more and more endearing as her personality is really starting to shine.
Everyday, she's losing some of her baby-ness. It makes me weep. To be a mother is to grieve.
A couple of weeks ago, I did the hard work of sorting and passing on some of our baby things, mostly clothes and blankets, boy and girl stuff. I could not keep it ALL. For one, I don't have the space. But also, what a waste to keep so many great baby items that someone else could use! The world could end before my future grandchildren arrive, and I believe in using and enjoying stuff.
I passed on the majority of the boy things to my sister's baby, Charlie. Just yesterday he wore one of George's old outfits. It brought me so much joy to see my nephew wearing his cousin's hand-me-down. See what I mean....why would I save it?!
I get it if someone wants to save stuff for future babies. And I did...as long as we had the desire to grow our family.
But the way I we see it...I've had my babies. We are content with our two beautiful boys and two gorgeous girls.
If everything is special, then nothing is special.
I first heard about the gist of this concept from Joshua Becker. It's the idea that if everything is so sentimental and special, then nothing is. How much better to have a small, meaningful collection of special items rather than boxes and boxes.
So I chose my favorite baby things to keep, a small representation of all four that I could pass down to them should they want it for their own children. There are so many emotions folded up in one Rubbermaid box. I miss those babies!
5/31/17
Summer Routine
It's summer and I'm taking the bull by the horns. We have a serious routine mapped out. I'm not even going to pretend that I'm laid back about it. It is my survival. My life.
It starts out strict and gets looser as the day goes on.
It goes like this.
wake up/ listen to music/ eat breakfast
get dressed
older kids do their school review work - Yes, we are doing some learning during the summer.
reading/ memory work
play/ run an errand/ go to pool or park
lunch
1:00 - rest time/ baby sleeps/ older kids read or play quietly and alone
2:00 - TV/ snack
3:00 play FREE TIME until dinner
This may fail, but so far it's really good. This routine gives me a quiet house for about an hour each day, something that did not work with the school schedule and left me feeling really burned out.
Also, quiet rest time was a challenge to get started, but now everybody knows what to expect.
If anybody asks me to watch TV before the hour of 2pm, my answer is this.
I'm thinking of incorporating some chores when we get more established.
Also, we have VBS and we will go out of town some. But on a regular day we have a plan!
Does your family have a summer routine?
It starts out strict and gets looser as the day goes on.
It goes like this.
wake up/ listen to music/ eat breakfast
get dressed
older kids do their school review work - Yes, we are doing some learning during the summer.
reading/ memory work
play/ run an errand/ go to pool or park
lunch
1:00 - rest time/ baby sleeps/ older kids read or play quietly and alone
2:00 - TV/ snack
3:00 play FREE TIME until dinner
This may fail, but so far it's really good. This routine gives me a quiet house for about an hour each day, something that did not work with the school schedule and left me feeling really burned out.
Also, quiet rest time was a challenge to get started, but now everybody knows what to expect.
If anybody asks me to watch TV before the hour of 2pm, my answer is this.
I'm thinking of incorporating some chores when we get more established.
Also, we have VBS and we will go out of town some. But on a regular day we have a plan!
Does your family have a summer routine?
5/17/17
10 Awesome Things
Hello there! I did not mean to be away for so long. But LIFE. We have had so many extra things with the end of school. I'm thrilled to finally see the light of summer around the bend. Whoo hoo!
Today, I thought I would share 10 awesome things that I heavily endorse. Don't you love a good recommendation?!
1. Caveman Bars - these are are mostly nuts and some chocolate. I have been looking for a somewhat healthful and delicious bar to eat for breakfasts on busy mornings or for an afternoon treat.
Larabars - no.
Cliff bars - heck no.
Caveman bars - thumbs up.
2. For some reason I am just now catching on to Costco's premade dinners. Our family has recently enjoyed the stuffed bell peppers twice. They are fantastic. It's basically a homemade meal that I didn't make. And the price is so reasonable considering you get a night off from cooking.
3. LAKE pajamas. Since I'm a 34 year old woman I thought it was about time to buy a decent pair of pajamas. These pj's are heaven. 100% cotton which is a must.
4. I picked up the Aztec Secret face mask at Whole Foods. I love it. It burns in the best kind of way - you feel like it's doing something - ha!
5. And to follow the face mask...St. Ives Face Moisturizer. It is much cheaper at drug stores than on Amazon.
The mask and the moisturizer are great products for their price.
6. My 8 year old received this amazing swing for his birthday from grandparents. It has become the new hearth of our home. We spend so much time gathered around this swing. We even read the children's bedtime story by the swing one night over the weekend.
7. A reader introduced me to Primary Clothing a while ago and I have yet to buy anything. I do plan to because I think the idea for plain, brightly colored children's clothes is genius. I am all about their swim collection and will totally be buying some rashguards before the swim season begins.
8. I have heard the author (Andy Crouch) of this book interviewed on two different podcasts. Everything he said was so thought provoking and good. I'm adding the book to my TBR list.
The Tech Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology In It's Proper Place
9. This is a lovely blog post about losing weight and staying slim. Such sound advice.
10. I have been all about knotting my tees lately. I find it goes great with skirts or when you want a neater look but do not feel up to tucking in your shirt.
What is awesome and what do you recommend?
Today, I thought I would share 10 awesome things that I heavily endorse. Don't you love a good recommendation?!
1. Caveman Bars - these are are mostly nuts and some chocolate. I have been looking for a somewhat healthful and delicious bar to eat for breakfasts on busy mornings or for an afternoon treat.
Larabars - no.
Cliff bars - heck no.
Caveman bars - thumbs up.
2. For some reason I am just now catching on to Costco's premade dinners. Our family has recently enjoyed the stuffed bell peppers twice. They are fantastic. It's basically a homemade meal that I didn't make. And the price is so reasonable considering you get a night off from cooking.
3. LAKE pajamas. Since I'm a 34 year old woman I thought it was about time to buy a decent pair of pajamas. These pj's are heaven. 100% cotton which is a must.
4. I picked up the Aztec Secret face mask at Whole Foods. I love it. It burns in the best kind of way - you feel like it's doing something - ha!
5. And to follow the face mask...St. Ives Face Moisturizer. It is much cheaper at drug stores than on Amazon.
The mask and the moisturizer are great products for their price.
6. My 8 year old received this amazing swing for his birthday from grandparents. It has become the new hearth of our home. We spend so much time gathered around this swing. We even read the children's bedtime story by the swing one night over the weekend.
7. A reader introduced me to Primary Clothing a while ago and I have yet to buy anything. I do plan to because I think the idea for plain, brightly colored children's clothes is genius. I am all about their swim collection and will totally be buying some rashguards before the swim season begins.
8. I have heard the author (Andy Crouch) of this book interviewed on two different podcasts. Everything he said was so thought provoking and good. I'm adding the book to my TBR list.
The Tech Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology In It's Proper Place
9. This is a lovely blog post about losing weight and staying slim. Such sound advice.
10. I have been all about knotting my tees lately. I find it goes great with skirts or when you want a neater look but do not feel up to tucking in your shirt.
What is awesome and what do you recommend?
4/25/17
More Streamlining
May is less than one week away.
Never before have I needed things to run smoothly and efficiently than in the month of May.
May is the busiest, not necessarily signing up for extras but fulfilling prior commitments. School has its end of the year projects and celebrations. Dance is finished off with a recital. There is prep required for summer activities, camps, and VBS. And then there is the beautiful weather which has us staying out longer in the afternoons. Oh, and the usual stuff like laundry, meals, carpool, 4 year old tantrums, 1 year old tantrums etc.
So I'm streamlining like crazy. Today, I want to share 3 more things I've added to my list of ways to make life a bit more manageable and that are now part of my streamlining repertoire.
1. The 3 oldest kids got a pair of Natives. My friends have raved about these shoes. You can get them wet. There are not shoestrings involved. They are durable. These shoes are a one shoe wonder in that they cover all our shoe needs.
These are my kids ONE pair of spring/summer shoes. Sure, we have back ups, but these are the shoes. I chose these because my children can easily put them on themselves. And that makes my life so much easier.
'
This one, easy shoe philosophy could totally be done with shoes you already have. I'm not recommending everyone has to go out and buy a pair of Natives (though they are great). But, it's worth considering with your next shoe purchase how involved you have to be as the parent in helping with kids' shoes.
2. I've gone hard core (again) with our color coded cups. Each of my children (and one neighbor friend) has an assigned color. George and Caroline each have a sippy cup. When someone asks for a drink, I say -"where's your cup?" - and they have to find it.
It is my hill to die on.
This has cut way back on dishes.
The one pair of shoes and the one cup thing are teaching us all to be more disciplined about keeping up with our stuff.
It is truly so much simpler, a paradigm shift creating real habit change!
Last but not least...
3. I'm taking full advantage of Walmart grocery pickup, averaging about once a week. Because it's usually required that you reserve a time slot 24 hours in advance, it's forcing me to be more organized. This service is saving me so much energy because what is more exhausting than taking little kids to the grocery store?!
If you have not tried it, you have not really lived.
The comments were so great on the last streamlining post. Share if you have more ideas!
Never before have I needed things to run smoothly and efficiently than in the month of May.
May is the busiest, not necessarily signing up for extras but fulfilling prior commitments. School has its end of the year projects and celebrations. Dance is finished off with a recital. There is prep required for summer activities, camps, and VBS. And then there is the beautiful weather which has us staying out longer in the afternoons. Oh, and the usual stuff like laundry, meals, carpool, 4 year old tantrums, 1 year old tantrums etc.
So I'm streamlining like crazy. Today, I want to share 3 more things I've added to my list of ways to make life a bit more manageable and that are now part of my streamlining repertoire.
1. The 3 oldest kids got a pair of Natives. My friends have raved about these shoes. You can get them wet. There are not shoestrings involved. They are durable. These shoes are a one shoe wonder in that they cover all our shoe needs.
These are my kids ONE pair of spring/summer shoes. Sure, we have back ups, but these are the shoes. I chose these because my children can easily put them on themselves. And that makes my life so much easier.
This one, easy shoe philosophy could totally be done with shoes you already have. I'm not recommending everyone has to go out and buy a pair of Natives (though they are great). But, it's worth considering with your next shoe purchase how involved you have to be as the parent in helping with kids' shoes.
2. I've gone hard core (again) with our color coded cups. Each of my children (and one neighbor friend) has an assigned color. George and Caroline each have a sippy cup. When someone asks for a drink, I say -"where's your cup?" - and they have to find it.
It is my hill to die on.
This has cut way back on dishes.
The one pair of shoes and the one cup thing are teaching us all to be more disciplined about keeping up with our stuff.
It is truly so much simpler, a paradigm shift creating real habit change!
Last but not least...
3. I'm taking full advantage of Walmart grocery pickup, averaging about once a week. Because it's usually required that you reserve a time slot 24 hours in advance, it's forcing me to be more organized. This service is saving me so much energy because what is more exhausting than taking little kids to the grocery store?!
If you have not tried it, you have not really lived.
The comments were so great on the last streamlining post. Share if you have more ideas!
4/18/17
Spring Around Our House
Loving Spring over here! It's my fave. We can't get enough outside time. The weather has been perfection.
I'm looking for a new audio book to listen to. Suggestions? Finished Lincoln in the Bardo....I liked it, but don't openly recommend it. It's not for everybody.
Failing at tea. I'm drinking coffee as I type.
Also, as I type, my kids are having "room time." This is a new thing for us - 30 minutes to 1 hour of quiet in their rooms in the afternoon. I'm loving it and they are learning to love it.
Laurie's kindergarten class is celebrating the wedding of Q and U tomorrow and I'm making this cake.
Stephen is turning 8 on Thursday. He is getting this Statue of Liberty 3D puzzle. He's already done the Titanic and an aircraft carrier.
Jennifer's 10 Item Spring Wardrobe - love it. I look forward to her videos every Monday and Thursday!
Got to go...room time is almost up!
4/11/17
Helping Kids Push Past Boredom
The other day it was hot and my kids got bored, a glimpse of summer :) They were begging to watch YouTube and play on the the iPad (uggh!).
This got me thinking...about summer and the endless hours of free time at home while the baby will be (hopefully) napping.
On one hand, I'm all for kids being bored. But I do think it's too much to ask them to "figure it out" for hours on end. Setting a little inspiration before them can go a long, long way. This is sort of a recent revelation for me.
As my kids get older, they have more of their own agendas and expectations. I'm learning that those agendas need to be carefully managed. I need to lead them, guide them, provide ideas for them - "run" their life so they don't run mine.
Serve them strawberries so they don't raid the freezer for ice cream, literally and metaphorically.
This takes energy and planning on the part of the parent. It's hard.
When they were full of complaints on this particular Sunday afternoon, I pulled out a new pack of beads and some Legos. I held firm. No YouTube. No iPad.
They got lost in their creations.
As I prepare for the summer, I'm filing away ideas of things to do. Simple things. But I have a feeling that my attitude is my biggest challenge.
Thoughts?
Can y'all relate?
What supplies/materials do you provide for your kids to keep them busy?
This got me thinking...about summer and the endless hours of free time at home while the baby will be (hopefully) napping.
On one hand, I'm all for kids being bored. But I do think it's too much to ask them to "figure it out" for hours on end. Setting a little inspiration before them can go a long, long way. This is sort of a recent revelation for me.
As my kids get older, they have more of their own agendas and expectations. I'm learning that those agendas need to be carefully managed. I need to lead them, guide them, provide ideas for them - "run" their life so they don't run mine.
Serve them strawberries so they don't raid the freezer for ice cream, literally and metaphorically.
This takes energy and planning on the part of the parent. It's hard.
When they were full of complaints on this particular Sunday afternoon, I pulled out a new pack of beads and some Legos. I held firm. No YouTube. No iPad.
They got lost in their creations.
As I prepare for the summer, I'm filing away ideas of things to do. Simple things. But I have a feeling that my attitude is my biggest challenge.
Thoughts?
Can y'all relate?
What supplies/materials do you provide for your kids to keep them busy?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
