When my kids were old enough to start school, my mother-in-law passed down a tradition that she continued into adulthood with her children.On the first day of school, she would take a photo of the child holding the door knob ready to leave. She did this every year and even has a photo of her children in their college cap and gown, holding on to that same door knob.I've continued the tradition with my kids. Now that I have two high-schoolers and a middle schooler, I don't think my kids would … [Read more...]
Establishing “Family Jobs” & “Money Jobs” at Home
My kids have recently reached the age where they're interested in chores, money, earning, saving... all of that good stuff. And as we started to dip our toes into the world of chores and piggy banks, I realized it's not quite as straight forward as I had thought.So today we're publishing the first in a series of posts on responsibilities and money management for kids - a super important topic in our book.Our hope is that you'll get some good tips and resources and will also add your own … [Read more...]
Go-To Get Together Recipe: Fiesta Dip
One of my favorite recipes over the hot summer months when no one wants to cook is this Fiesta Dip.It comes together in 15 minutes, tastes amazing and doubles as a side dish.I've become known for this recipe and I'm not giving up the secret that it's so easy to make! Most days I have the ingredients on hand, so I can serve it with grilled chicken for dinner any night of the week.When we're headed to a potluck or get-together, I serve it as a dip and never go home with … [Read more...]
4th of July Fire Cracker Popcorn
Who remembers Pop Rocks? The snap, crackle, pop candy from when you were a kid is still around!And it's the key ingredient in this recipe for firecracker popcorn that actually pops in your mouth. How cool is that?I love the way the snack comes together visually. When you put it in a cute container, it would be the perfect thing to bring to a 4th of July get together. In fact, I'm pretty sure this dish will totally steal the show.If you're having trouble finding this candy from … [Read more...]
Summer Budget Bucket List: 25 Ideas that Don’t Cost a Lot of Money
I'm all about the bucket lists. Let me re-phrase that...I'm all about lists in general. Maybe it's the first grade teacher in me? I have found that lists help me stay on task, focus and get things done.So, when it comes to summer fun, of course I would make a bucket list. Summer seems to go as quickly as it comes. I want to make sure that we soak up every moment of enjoyment.The only problem is that I don't have endless amounts of cash to spend on amusement … [Read more...]
Good Idea: Protein-Powered Blender Muffins
What's better than a batch of freshly made muffins? Muffins that can be made in minutes in your blender.Simply dump ingredients into your blender and mix. Pour into the muffin tins and you're done! If only everything could be this easy. (To make it even more simple, check out this amazing non-stick and dishwasher safe silicon muffin tin.)Blender muffins are the perfect after school snack or lunch time accompaniment.The following recipe is made with Kodiak Cakes mix to add … [Read more...]
Spring Dessert: Creamy Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Growing up, my mom always did such a fantastic job bringing the whole family together with all the classics for Easter brunch.We always had deviled eggs, ham, scalloped potatoes and an assortment of salads. But, she would change up the desert and we loved it. Sometimes she would bake a cute Easter bunny cake. Other times she would make something with seasonal ingredients.This year Easter is falling a little later in the calendar, which means strawberries are now in season. When I … [Read more...]
The Secret to Gorgeous Plant Pots (The Forever Home Project)
Are you guys' big planters? I have to admit, I never really thought about planting until we moved into our forever home. Now when spring rolls around, I just can't wait to start adding bold, beautiful colors to the yard via a few artfully designed pots.In the past my mother-in-law has graciously done my pots for me as an anniversary present to my husband and I. This year, though, my kindergartner's elementary school was having a massive plant sale so he and I are going to attempt the task … [Read more...]
Parent Hack: Healthy Shamrock Shake
Around my house, everybody loves a good smoothie. We like to sneak in vegetables when we can, especially when no one can taste them!Spinach makes the whole smoothie green, but is 100% tasteless.This got me thinking about the shamrock shake that everyone looks forward to this time of year. Couldn't I just use spinach instead of green food dye?And wouldn't I be mom of the year for sneaking in another serving of vegetables?I started tinkering with the smoothie basics; … [Read more...]