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Potato, Leek and Spinach Soup with Diced Chicken Recipe
Whatever the time of year, as moms we are always looking for ways to prepare healthy meals, often within limited time. When I have some hours to prep for the coming week or weeks, I’ll pull out some of my favorite soup recipes that freeze well. Whether I’m feeding 1, 2, 3 or all 4 […]
A Florida 529 Savings Plan
“But mom, can’t we go to the movies again this weekend?” whined my tween. I knew she wouldn’t like my answer but it was important for her to understand why we didn’t want to spend another $100 going to the movies with the family a second weekend in a row. “Sweetheart, although going to the […]
5 Facts to Consider in Saving for College Tuition
Did you know that according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with bachelor’s degrees nationwide earn on average 65% more per year than those without? While a college education can bring financial success in the future, the average college student will often leave in debt. Is that what […]
Gift a College Education
We are often stuck with what to get a baby as his/her first gift. Another blanket? Another board book? A cute outfit for his/her next party? While each of these gifts are darling and will be well-appreciated, Smart Mamas and Grand Mamas ought to consider gifting that baby a college education instead. Yes, you can […]
Celebrating College Savings with Florida Prepaid
2019 has hit the ground running. Can you believe that we are already in February? The first month of the year always seems to be the fastest and the longest for whatever reason. I’m ready for February. Are you? The start of this cupid month not only means that we will be buying class Valentine’s […]
Back to School Haircut at Cartoon Cuts
Back to School Haircut at Cartoon Cuts A back to school haircut is a right of passage. Moms & Dads across the country head out to get the summer hair “mops” trimmed and ready for the 1st day. This year we were invited to visit Cartoon Cuts for our end of summer trims. Find the […]
How and Why to Make Date Night Happen
How and Why to Make Date Night Happen Be honest, how often do you and your spouse have a date night? Or even a date morning or afternoon? It is so hard to coordinate a place to go and what’s even more important, reputable child care for when we are out and about. We try […]
Top Chef Meals Delivers Custom Prepared Healthy Meals
I enjoyed devoured 7 meals from Top Chef Meals and I’m eager to share my experience on how much it helped this very busy smart mama eat healthy meals without taking away time from my crazy schedule. A mom’s life is busy. We are constantly running around worrying about everyone else. Did they get to […]
My Daughter Screams When I Brush Her Hair
This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them. Brushing a child’s hair can be […]
4 Sunscreen Facts and More
Family travel during the summer is a must. The trips may be a local, at the beach, at an amusement park, or a cool and interesting locale. Wherever you may travel with your family this summer there are many essential items you must bring. Previously I’ve shared the 5 medical items families should travel with, […]
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
A bowl of fresh tomatoes, basil from the garden and a box of pasta and you have most of the ingredients for a perfect pasta salad. Make a Caprese pasta salad, a salad served cold, for backyard barbecues or other get togethers. Big Fat Juice Tomatoes at Winn-Dixie Tis the season to toss in the […]
Gift Ideas for Dads Enjoying DIY Projects and BBQs
This post was written as part of my collaboration with eBay, but all opinions and dad’s are my own and not influenced. Father’s Day is around the corner! What will you get the dad(s) in your life? I’ve come up with two themes of gifts for Tom. Based on a recent successful weekend DIY project, […]
A Moms’ Night Out like the #MNOMovie!
Yes, I like the rest of you, am an exhausted mom. Between cleaning up potty training accidents, driving to soccer and understanding why my husband can’t put his shoes in the closet rather that in the middle of the bedroom, I am in need of a night out! Who better to have it with than […]
Creating Gift Collections for Moms
Challenge: I want to tell them what I want for Mother’s Day! Solution: Create a collection of gifts your want on eBay! A bouquet of flowers and a big pin saying that I’m the #1 Mom are some of the best Mother’s Day gifts I’ve received. This year I’m making Mother’s Day shopping a bit easier […]
What laundry detergent when traveling is best?
Family Travel Challenge: Stinky! How do I pack laundry detergent when I travel? Yes, doing laundry during vacation is okay. If you’re traveling for more than 4 days, you’ll likely want/need to do a quick wash for the family. Underwear, socks and sweaty shirts can’t be re-worn. Many hotels have laundry services available but they […]
Staying & Saving Green when Traveling with Kids & Medicine
Family Travel Challenge: Families run out just before a trip and spend way to much money on stuff like toothpaste, lotion and medicine. Family Travel Tip: I purchase medical travel items ahead of time and have them on hand for last-minute family travel. For example, I have 4 boxes of Band-Aids in our medicine cabinet. […]
You WILL Brush Your Teeth
This paid post is brought to you by the new free Oral-B Disney Timer App as part of a Type-A Parent Community Sponsored Post. But I brushed them mom. No you didn’t. There is chocolate cookie still stuck on your front tooth and a milk mustache. Go brush your teeth AGAIN – for longer than […]
Hormel Gathering Dips Review – An Easy Entertaining Idea
Last weekend we headed over to a last minute get together at the home of our good friends with anther family. We get together a lot. We’re not formal. We like to have fun, chat, eat and have a glass (or two) of wine. I said I would bring an appetizer. With the last minute […]
Johnson & Johnson Gets the Party Started
Let’s get this HEALTHY party started! That’s right, I’m co-hosting a party with Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday, January 14 at 1 PM ET as they celebrate the awesomeness of HealthyEssentials.com. During this Twitter party we will celebrate all things healthy to help us stick to our New Year’s resolutions and more. Plus, they are […]
Using the Swiffer SteamBoost Steam Mop & Child Labor
This holiday cleaning tips post is brought to you by Swiffer® as part of a Type-A Parent Community Sponsored Post. Holidays or not, this mama has to clean. Santa didn’t put a 7-day a week cleaning crew under the tree. I remain hopeful that one day it might be there, but until then I’ve got […]
It’s Time to Spa
Marriott International has over 3,800 properties in over 74 countries and territories around the world – 441 are spa hotels! In checking out the Marriott website I saw that there are over 35 “spa hotels” in Florida – either Marriott or one of it’s 16 brands. Have you enjoyed a hotel spa before? Spa Services Spa’s […]
Collection Obsession. Join Me?
Tis the season for finding exactly what the kids, spouse and you want! If you are interested in what I love, check out some of the collections I have made as part of my collaboration with ebay this year. Collections to Design, Organize or Map You see, I have spent countless hours browsing through all the […]
How to Use Leftover Ham or Turkey
You spent hours at the table devouring every last bite of turkey and ham. The meats were delicious and the leftovers must be used. I’ve shared with you our Ham Croquetas recipe that is perfect for the leftover ham like Hormel® Cure 81®. That same recipe can be easily be tweaked to make turkey croquetas. […]
Soccer Team, Dance Team Fundraising with Shopping!
Like to shop? Like to give to organizations in need? How about doing them both simultaneously? I’m thrilled to partner with FlipGive to showcase how easy it is to begin or support a fundraising program by simply shopping! What greater time of the year than now to find ways to connect shopping with giving! […]
Just Dance Kids 2014 Review
Yes, dancing is a great form of exercise. Whether it’s jamming to the radio, a download or a video game teaching you all sorts of dance moves, dancing is a great way for kids to bump up the hear rate and use up some kid energy! The Just Dance Kids 2014 game for XBOX 360 […]
Project Home Office Organize Underway
I have that bug. The de-clutter bug. I spend loads of time in this 12×12 office. It’s been just over a year in our home and I’m ready to make my home office more functional, organized and stylish. I’ve been inspired by other bloggers and friends. I see their photos and walk in their homes […]