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Great Weekend and a Start to the Holiday Season

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Christmas starts for us with picking out our Christmas tree
Found on Christmasstockimages.com

I love this time of year, my two favorite holidays one right after the other.  For my family, the start of our Thanksgiving and Christmas starts with tagging our tree.   I love Thanksgiving and wish people would decorate and celebrate the coming of Thanksgiving more than they do.  It annoys me that the celebration and marketing of Christmas starts well before Thanksgiving.  With that said, it’s funny that for me, the start of the Thanksgiving holiday is getting together with my family to go and tag our Christmas tree.  It may be hypocritical but meh, I love it just the same.  Trust me, we are all in Thanksgiving mode until December hits.

Our beginning of Christmas Tradition

The four of us (me, my wife and my kids) met up with my sister and her family as well as my parents and drove out to the same Christmas tree farm we have been going to for the last couple of years.  It’s a great little family owned farm with many charms of it’s own.  The tagging is self service, you grab a tag, find a tree that you like and tag it as yours.  You don’t have to pay for the tree until you come back and pick it up.  When you do decide to go back and claim your tree, they cut it fresh, shake the loose needles off of it, wrap it up and help you load it into your car.  All for about $35 – $50 depending on the tree you pick and the size.  It’s a little more than we would pay if we went down to one of local pre-cut parking lot stands but the tradition of going and picking out our tree means much more to me than the extra $5 we spend.

After we tag our tree, we had over to a restaurant called Snuzzles.  It’s in the middle of nowhere, doesn’t even have a sign on the outside but the food, atmosphere and price is great.  At first it seems a little out of place as the whole thing looks like something you would find at a ski resort but the people are friendly and the food can’t be beat for the price.

It’s a day I look forward to every year and this year it did not disappoint.  I am part owner of an Ecommerce company and the next 4 – 6 weeks are going to be insane.  As our business grows, it’s tougher and tougher for me to enjoy the holidays.  I think that is why I cherish days like today more than I ever had before.

How do you kick off the christmas season? Where do you get your tree?

Five Family Dinners for Around Ten Dollars

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Chicken parm is just one easy recipe that can be made for under $10Are you getting bored with the same three or four meals on your dinner rotation each week? I know I am. With money tight and picky kids, I feel your pain. If you are looking for some fresh ideas to feed your family that cost around ten dollars, here are five ideas that have all passed the kid test in my household, yet don’t make my husband roll his eyes and say “that again?”

1) Easy Chicken Parm

I got this recipe off the back of a bag of Tyson’s Grilled and Ready Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Strips and modified it a bit to make it my own. It’s fast, easy, and nutritious.

Grocery List

  • One cup Tyson Grilled Chicken Breast Strips or use left-over cooked chicken from another night. A bag of pre-cooked grilled chicken costs about $7.00, but will make 3 or 4 meals. Approximate cost for tonight’s meal- $2.00.
  • One package shredded mozzarella (I use a low-fat variety)- about $2.50.
  • One jar spaghetti sauce- about $3.00.
  • One package fresh baby spinach-about $3.00.
  • Optional- one package of spaghetti- about $2.00.

Approximate Cost $10.00-$12.00.

Directions: Follow the recipe for Chicken Marinara on the back of the Tyson bag or at Tyson.com

After the chicken is sauteed and the sauce is simmering, add several cups of baby spinach leaves and cover. After the spinach is cooked to your taste, sprinkle dish with mozzarella cheese and cover again until melted. Serve over spaghetti or a pasta of your choice.

2) Chicken Fried Rice

This is a fan favorite in my house and my five-year-old loves to help scramble the eggs!

Grocery List

  • One cup Tyson Grilled Chicken Breast Strips (same as above)- around $2.00.
  • 3 eggs (out of a dozen, should run you about a dollar).
  • 3 cups instant brown rice (less than a dollar).
  • ½ cup frozen green peas (less than a dollar).
  • One bottle soy sauce- about $3.00.

Approximate Cost $8.00

Directions: Saute chicken in canola oil and then scramble three eggs in the same pan. While this is cooking, make your instant rice in a separate pot. When the rice is ready, drain and transfer to the chicken and egg mixture. Cook ingredients at high heat with a little more oil until it browns up. Add frozen peas and soy sauce last and cook over low heat until peas are cooked through.

3) Crock Pot Roast

Great for days when you know you come home late from kids’ activities, this dish smells great as soon as you walk through the door. There is no need to force the kids to eat a separate serving of vegetables… it’s in there! This recipe usually makes enough for left-overs, too.

Grocery List

  • Pot roast (enough for 4 servings)- $6.00
  • Pot roast seasoning packet- $1.00
  • 4 large potatoes- $2.00
  • 6 large carrots- $2.00

Approximate Cost– $11.00

Directions: Cut potatoes and carrots into large pieces and place on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place pot roast on top of vegetables. Add water to seasoning packet, mix and pour over the top. Cook around 4 hours on high, then cook on low for another 1-2 hours.

4) Baked Mac ‘n Cheese

If you are sick to death of the boxed kind, try this easy and inexpensive recipe for homemade mac ‘n cheese. It is a real comfort food that will fill up your kids’ bellies on chilly nights.

Grocery List

  • 1 (12 ounce) package macaroni- $2.00.
  • 1 egg- about 50 cents.
  • 2 cups milk- $1.00
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted- less than a dollar.
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese- $3.00
  • Salt and pepper to taste- pennies.

Approximate cost– $8.00

Optional: For variety, I like to add either diced ham with green peas or broccoli florets.

Directions: See allrecipes.com for complete directions. A four star recipe.

5) Bread Crumb Chicken or Chops

This recipe can be thrown together in about 10 minutes and it is a hit with my husband and both kids. When my son ate the recipe made with pork chops, instead of the usual chicken, he declared that it was the “best batch you have ever made.”

Grocery List

  • One package of chicken breasts (4) or Boneless Pork Chops- $6.00
  • ½ Cup Breadcrumbs- 50 cents
  • ½ cup milk- 50 cents.
  • Approximate cost- $8.00

P.S. I like to serve mine with rice pilaf and a veggie on the side.

Directions: Dip chicken or pork in milk and then roll in bread crumbs until covered. Saute in olive or canola oil, turning over frequently, until brown. Cover and cook at reduced heat until the meat is cooked completely through. Voila!

To save even more money at the grocery store, don’t forget to:

  • Buy on sale. Look in the fliers each week and plan your menu choices around what is on sale each week (cut out coupons too).
  • Buy fruits and vegetables in season, as they are always cheaper.

Do you have any favorite family dinners that cost less than $10 to make?

Affording Children’s Gifts and Toys

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Toys can be expensive if you don't shop smartFor us parents who take our children into any type of store that have toys we know just how expensive toys can be. I remember one time while out with my family I had to buy a birthday gift for a neighbor who was a little girl.

A family outing to the toy store

Having only one girl of my own who was older, I hadn’t shopped for “little girl” toys in a while. I decided I would look at the dolls. Now mind you, they have dolls now that can do more than I can get my boys here to do. They speak when they want something. And I mean speak! Not mumble and incoherently speak and point while pointing in a direction while watching a video game!

Okay, now that was a nice surprise seeing all of these dolls that can actually probably function to help me clean the house but I was in sticker shock! I needed to get a second job just to afford to buy this child a doll (albeit top of the line doll).

Is it more expensive buying for girls than boys? I take my boys and its “Hey Ma, can I get this bag-o-worms?” “Hey Ma, can I get this huge ball that only costs $5.00 pleeeeeeeze?” All the while I am convinced they just want to buy to the ball to test my theory of not throwing large objects around the house while “ma’s” back is turned. I have never heard them ask for a doll that could actually help me out around the house that costs over $50.00 though.

How to save money on toys

How do we parents do it? I mean how do we do it without working three jobs to afford one holiday? I have learned a huge lesson when buying toys.

BUY THEM ON SALE.

When I came back from my sticker-shocking family outing I made a list of all the children I buy for. Birthdays, holidays and anything else that may come up unannounced. I keep the list in a notebook that I know where it is (unless one of the boys grabs it, then you’ll hear someone calling for a list notebook).

When I am out shopping if I see something that is marked down and at a great savings I now buy it. I was always famous for convincing myself I would make a trip back to buy the item later. Another lesson, I cannot let myself do that.

With the holiday season coming up what are some ways you save when buying gifts and toys?

Year-round Money Saving and Fun Activites for Parents and Kids

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Arts & crafts are just one money saving family activityMore and more parents are having to work harder to make that extra buck so not only is saving money a concern but also making sure the time you have to spend with your family is maximized. As a parent, I am constantly challenged to find interesting and cost-effective ways to have fun with the kids. This can be tough considering how technology makes it tempting to spend and use expensive outlets for fun. All is not lost though as there are still lots of ways to spend qulity time with the kids and save at the same time

Here are some year-round activities you can engage in that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

For the indoors:

1. You can build your kids’ creativity and imagination by creating an art wall that can display artwork made all times of the year. First, allocate a part of the wall in your kids room for this. Mark it off by sticking letter cut-outs of thier names. You can make this from old magazines or use stencils to cut out handy art paper. Have your kids join the fun by having them sitck their names themselves. This can be educational too! Next, have them draw anything they want to display on the wall. It can be a drawing of your family, a cartoon character, a lesson in school, the ideas are limitless. And you can recycle these works of art to keep it fresh.

2. Have a rewards chart that you can make a household activity fun and a lesson at the same time. You can use old cardboard and markers to create a billboard that you can prop on the side, hang on the wall, or stick near your art center. Take a photo of each child and place it on the top and bottom or left and right side of the chart. Decorate the chart sides to match the personalities of each child. You can again use handy art material or old magazines. Every day, set aside times where you have them do easy chores like fixing their toys, or cleaning their room. Activities done successfully can be rewarded by a star or a picture tacked to the chart. At the end of the week you will have collected a number of markers. Set a limit and make this limit rewardable with a favorite snack or a favorite show or a favorite outdoor activity. Your kids learn how to be responsible, you have fun with them while doing chores, and you save money.

For the outdoors:

You can extend the rewards to the outside and make these money saving activities as well by choosing the places you visit.

1. You can have a picnic in the park on nice, sunny days. You have full control over what food you bring and the kids have access to a free playground.

2. You can visit the bookstore and take advantage of the kids section which allows free reading of kids books.

3. You can go to the local indoor pool for cold and overcast days and have a small swimming party.

4. And, if you really want to keep it simple, and multi-purpose, you can go grocery shopping and make it an adventure by having your kids help choose your grocery items. They will learn all about “good” food and how to budget as well. My kids love our Saturday afternoon grocery trips.

Remember that kids don’t mind simple activities as long as they are able to spend fun, quality-time with you. So saving and being with your kids need not be opposing activities.

Make the most of the simple things offered out there and you can’t go wrong!

What cheap and fun activities do you do with your kids?

Go Green and Save Money

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Go GreenMany folks mistakenly believe that going green around the home means having to buy expensive products and make costly conversions of electronics, appliances, etc.  However, there are many small things that you can do at home that really add up to a savings for you as well as for the environment. For starters, there are a few easy ways to be green and save money at the same time….

1) Charge It

And I don’t mean with a credit card. Cell phones, remote controls, hand held gaming systems, cordless phones, etc. all have their own chargers that eliminate the need for repeated battery replacements. After an initial investment, chargers pay for themselves while saving an infinite number of batteries. There is even a handy-dandy new contraption that will charge multiple items all at once (like your phone, iPod and Nintendo DS) on the same power pad. If you’d rather not buy a new charger, you can settle for rechargeable batteries instead that can be reused again and again. When it is time to get rid of old batteries, make sure to dispose of them properly and do not throw them in the trash as they contain toxic materials that are harmful to the environment. Usually, hardware stores, home improvement stores and even some libraries have receptacles for old batteries.

2) Take a Coffee (Filter) Break

Another small but meaningful change is switching to a reusable coffee filter. Many electric coffee makers come with their own permanent filters that replace the paper kind. You will save paper (and trees) and…you guessed it, you will also save money. Don’t forget to unplug your coffee maker when it is not being used because otherwise, it will still use energy, called “phantom electricity.”

3) A Light Bulb Moment

Switching to CFL bulbs is costlier at first than traditional bulbs, but they last considerably longer, which is better for your electric bill and the planet. Watch as your electric bill goes down after changing to CFL’s and you will also find yourself buying bulbs much less frequently.

4) Bottle Programs

Another way to save money while being green is to collect your bottles and cans and return them to a redemption facility or at the grocery store. If your state has a bottle bill, you will earn money back (up to 15 cents) on every bottle or can that you turn in. In my state, I can return my bottles and cans for a credit that I can use toward my grocery bill.

5) Plan Your Meals

When you plan your meals ahead of time and create a shopping list, you will actually spend less at the grocery store than if you buy on impulse or without a carefully thought-out plan. Menu planning will also cut down on the number of trips you have to make to the store each week, saving you money on gas while releasing less pollution into the atmosphere.

Making green lifestyle changes can be done in baby steps or big steps, depending on what works with you and your family. No change is too small, however, as when we all pitch in, it can really make a difference. You might be surprised how easy and affordable it can be.

Do you have any other environmentally and budget friendly tips to share?

Teaching Children About Money

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kids and moneyTeaching our children about money may sound easy to do but many times it is not. As our children get older they will begin to understand more so don’t give up and think your children will always think money just appears.

When children are about 5-6 years old they seem to love collecting coins. This is a great time to start the “piggy bank” or “money collection”. As they get a bit older they begin to understand that each coin has a different value. And when theses coins are added up it is enough to buy something that they have been wanting.

So how do we as parents begin to teach them the value of money and how to save? This is not an easy task at times but it is a very important lesson. Teaching our children to save for a certain item not only teaches them self discipline but also allow them to set goals.

Allowances and Chores

In many households the parents reward for chores that are completed by giving the child an allowance. By earning the money the child feels good about the accomplishment and then is able to save the money earned to buy something.

If the child wants something of a larger value the child will then have to save for it. This may mean more than a week worth of chores. And be warned, there are those that do not want to wait and will asked to be paid ahead of time. What we tell our children is that when a job or chore has been completed that is when they will receive the allowance. We do not pay for chores that have not been completed yet. By doing this we are teaching the child that things have to be earned. There is something about actually earning what they have bought that makes the child seem much happier with the item when they are finally able to buy it.

Saving Money

The next lesson is teaching about saving money. How much is the right amount to save? This is up to the individual parents. Some teach their children to save more while others just have their children put away a small amount to get the hang of saving up money.

When children get a bit older and have small jobs they are then able to set bigger goals. As they get older the “toys” also become more expensive. What was once a small truck or doll now may become a cell phone or video game. We as parents know just how expensive the “toys” can get.

It takes time to teach our children about money. With time and patience they will be saving money as well as setting goals for items that they want.

Do you have any ideas on teaching our children about money that you have used or are planning to use?

Cloth Diapers Vs. Disposable Diapers

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Although disposable diapers have been popular for a long time, the traditional cloth diaper method is making a come-back by new parents concerned with a reasonable diaper budget or a green lifestyle. Cloth diapers are generally assumed to be the less expensive method and environmentally friendly option, this is debatable. Let’s take a look at the specifics.

Pricing on Diapers

Cloth Diapers

When it comes to the baby budget, it seems that cloth diapers win out. Disposable diapers run in the range of $50 to $80 a month. Disposable diapers are thrown away after use, so they need to be bought again and again. Using cloth diapers runs about $25 to $60 a month, if you choose to launder at home. The initial investment is a little more costly: quality cloth diapers cost around $15 a piece. Babies need a fresh diaper 6 to 10 times a day, so in order to get through two days of diapers you might need to spend $300 initially. After that, you need to consider the cost of the water to run the washing machine, the laundry soap, dryer sheets, etc.

There is another option with cloth diapers: diaper service. A diaper service is a company that collects, washes, and returns your cloth diapers. This is a great tool for busy moms who want to use cloth diapers for other reasons, but don’t have the time or ability to wash cloth diapers at home. There is also a certain “ick” factor about washing your own cloth diapers that some moms want to avoid. The diaper service runs about $50 to $80 a month as well.

Clearly, washing cloth diapers in the home is the least costly option. But it is also worth considering how much your time is worth. As a new parent, you already have a great time of work to do. Is it worth another $25 a month to avoid the extra work that washing your own cloth diapers bring? If you’re answer is yes, then disposable diapers may be the wiser choice after all.

On The Environment

As far as the environment is concerned: at first glance, cloth diapers seem to be the winner. Obviously disposable diapers go to landfills, and don’t decompose easily. Cloth diapers are reusable. The water used washing them goes to waste treatment facilities instead of landfills. Disposable diaper waste sitting in a landfill could get into our ground water, contaminating it.

But the argument has been made that diaper services negate the environmental benefits of a cloth diaper. A diaper service has to pick up the diapers, wash them en masse, and take them back to the user. The chemicals used to clean the diapers, the carbon emissions from the truck, and the contaminated water, some say, make cloth diapers less earth-friendly. But if we want to look that closely at disposable diapers, we would also have to include the factory pollution from where they are made, the carbon emissions from supply trucks all over the country to put the diapers on shelves, and the disposable wipes that are often used hand in hand with disposable diapers.

While there does seem to be a reasonable argument both ways, it seems that cloth diapers are not only a better financial investment, but a better investment for the environment as well. I know that I personally wouldn’t have had the time or patience to really make cloth diapers more affordable. I paid for the convenience of disposable diapers, at the cost of the environment.

Which do you prefer?

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