As the weather cools, there's nothing like a big hearty bowl of soup to end the day.I personally love setting up my crock pot, so I can come home to a simmering soup, just waiting to be scooped into bowls and topped with a crusty piece of buttered bread.Even though this is where my heart is this fall, it may not necessarily what my kids would like for dinner. Let's face it... chicken nuggets, pizza and mac and cheese will always rule.But, what if we could come up with some … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Thanksgiving Gratitude Conversation Starters
Gratitude isn't a new concept for us. We've talked before about regularly expressing gratitude toward our kids and putting our gratitude into writing.Do a simple search for gratitude on the blog and you'll see many ideas for crafts and thoughts about giving thanks.The benefits of being a grateful person range from being more optimistic, less materialistic and self-centered, to increasing our self-esteem and actually making us healthier. This is something we should be working on … [Read more...]
11 Brilliantly Simple DIY Halloween Costumes for Moms
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I'm going to my first adult Halloween party in years and I'm super excited about my DIY costume.That got me to thinking that there may be a lot of moms out there who could use some quick and easy ideas on how to throw together an easy costume for neighborhood parties, classroom parties, or just trick-or-treating with the kids. So I asked our contributor, Kristin, to throw together a list of costumes mom could throw together and she didn't … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life: What it REALLY Takes to Start a Thriving Diaper Drive
As a parent, you have probably heard of (or hopefully even participated in) a diaper drive in your area. But have you ever thought about what goes into getting an operation like this off the ground and running? Or how the need for diapers can truly be the difference between security and tough times for a family?Did you know, for example, that diapers aren't covered by federal subsidies? When I learned this while visiting the HomeAid Orange County, an emergency shelter for families and member … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life: Meet Emily – NICU Nurse, Toddler Mom and Pregnant with Twins!
I am so excited to share this project with you today. Warning, get the tissues ready!For decades, Huggies has believed in the power of hugs to help babies thrive. They’re inspired by the amazing benefits hugs have on babies and want to spread that power to those who have given so much.They are also committed to ensuring that no baby goes unhugged, and this conviction drives everything they do. No Baby Unhugged is Huggies vision to ensure all babies get the hugs they need. … [Read more...]
Must-Try Lunch Box and After School Snack Hacks
*This post is sponsored by Stonyfield YoKids, all opinions are 100% our own.Every year, just before school starts, I buy my kids a new lunch box and new ice packs to go with it. The ice packs tend to get dirty, broken or lost before the end of the year. But, in order for my kids to eat their homemade lunch, the veggies need to be crisp, the sandwich cool and the yogurt ice cold.I recently discovered my favorite new trick for packing lunches...freezing the yogurt.Not … [Read more...]
3 Hacks for Saving Time and Money While Back-to-School Shopping
This post is brought to you by CJ Affiliate’s VIP Content Service. Thank you Kmart for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Kmart, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.Our summer has consisted of trips to the beach, the local ice cream shop and play dates with friends. We've had our fill of fun and all that comes along with endless days off. Now my three kids are ready for school to start.I think they might be craving some structure and who … [Read more...]
Free Printable: The Organized Student Kit
Kristin is back today with another super helpful free printable. This one will teach your kids indpendence while keeping them organized (two things you guys know I love).Something else that I really love, though, is the section where kids can record what they're proud of for the day or week.Not to get off topic, but I've been reading Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant. Just the other night I underlined this passage:"Adam … [Read more...]
Free Printables: Kids’ Cleaning Kits for Every Room
This summer I'm starting out organized!We're planning all the fun things on our summer budget bucket list and we're also getting some money jobs and family jobs done! After all, with all the extra hours at home, kids need to stay busy. So, I've put together baskets like these (these are also really fun if you like color and smiley faces!) and added some simple checklists which we've made available for you guys to use too. Either print the paper and laminate it or print off … [Read more...]