Make Moving Easy With A Toddler

I know I have been a little quiet around here and on social media lately and its because we are moving and have entered into moving mode. This is nothing new to us, just another adventure! This will be our 3rd family move in the last 3 years, so I am really starting to get the hang of it. This time though, I have a toddler walking and talking which makes it a whole new experience.

This is what I do to help everything so smoothly and I hope it'll help you too!

Step 1: Write out what things are being donated, sold or thrown out - and where its going.

I have to admit, my son has a ridiculous amount of toys. A lot of which he has either grown out of or doesn't use at all. To try to minimize the things we move I will be donating and selling a ton of stuff to lighten the load. I mean who needs 4 different sets of dinnerware? And that box of stuffed animals that have been in the closet since we moved here. Yup they're going.

To make this easier on your toddler, do it when they are not around.

Step 2: Figure out what is used on a daily basis, and pack the rest.

Since we had only have a few short weeks to move it is good to identify what we use everyday so everything else can just be packed up quickly. I normally pack up my travel bag with everything I need so that I don't even have to worry about packing up something on accident when we are in the final stages.

Don't feel bad about living out of a suitcase for a few weeks. You can always wash your clothes if needed and it make things so much less stressful because you don't have to worry about packing the wrong things. My little K also has a TON of clothes, which means I need to pick a few outfits, pj's etc to wear while we pack and just pack up the rest.

With your toddler - keep out only a few of his/her favorite toys.  (I tried to pack a box of toys while my little guy was home and it just ended with all of the toys back on the floor, so pack up the toys when they're not there or really preoccupied)

Step 3: Color coordinate the boxes for easy access.

This helps moving into the new place much easier. Different Color Duck Tape is the most effective way, so when you move into your new place you just place the colored boxes in the room that is assigned that color.

Also, if you color code them then if you accidentally do pack something up that you need, you can easily find it.

Step 4: Get your toddler involved!

Grab a small box and have them "pack" too, this move my little guy has loved being able to press the tape down on the boxes as we close them up! Getting them included makes them feel excited and accomplished. If that doesn't work, boxes make great tunnels!

Step 5: Eat down your fridge/freezer/pantry.

I hate wasting money on food. By not eating it and allowing it to go bad. So we will be avoiding going to the grocery store for food except for milk which little man goes through quickly, and small things.

I will be having a lot of homemade shakes over the next few weeks to eat down the frozen fruit and massive bag of carrots we have!

Step 6: Create an activity basket.

I grab one of K's toy baskets, about 1ft x 1ft basket, that I place a few of his favorite toys, the portable DVD player, some movies, crayons, coloring books, books, snacks etc. This doubles as the small toys to occupy your little one while your packing his/her toys up, as well as a car travel basket if you moving via car.

Step 7: Mentally prepare yourself for the meltdown that will come. 

Moving with a toddler is a stressful thing on them because they don't really understand whats happening. You can prepare them with books and talking about it, but when they see their things being packed up or ask for a specific toy that is already in a box there may be a fit or meltdown, and that is normal. This is a new thing for them, and an adjustment for everyone, so give them some extra love during this transitional phase.

I don't know about you but I think the hardest thing about moving is getting rid of all of my excess stuff. I always think..well maybe at some point I will use this.. but then we never usually do. Oh the joys of moving!

Your Turn: What are your moving tips?

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How to Make Homemade Squeezable Fruit and Veggie Purees

Do your kids eat their veggies? Mine doesn't! Oh goodness it has always been such a fight to even get it remotely close to his mouth to try it. I don't know why he just won't eat them, its probably the inner radar of kids that screams Healthy Alert! when a vegetable gets close. 

We have had to get creative and seek ways to sneak them into his food, but with only a limited range of food he liked I could only serve him spaghetti with veggie sauce so many times! We finally found the squeezable veggie and fruit pouches at the grocery store and he absolutely loved them. He started eating 1-2 per day! This was such a good thing for our little guys health BUT not so good on our wallet. Those little pouches cost $1 - $2 EACH. When you add 2 per day for 7 days that gets pricy quick. We just couldn't afford to keep paying $56 a month for these things! 

Thats when we found these Reusable Squeeze Pouches at Walmart, 2 for $7. It was the exact same process as when I made my little guys baby food when he was younger. So easy and MUCH cheaper! 

Heres how you do it! 

1. Make sure your veggies and fruit are cleaned and peeled. 

2. Boil the hard fruit and veggies until tender. 

3. Place in blender and blend until smooth. 

If its too thick, add some of the cooking water. 

4. Pour into pouches. 

If you have more than your pouches can store, place them in ice cube trays and freeze for later. 

It may not be as convenient as the already store bought pouches, but the time it takes to make is practically nothing. All you have to do is make a note of what combinations of fruits and veggies your child likes and duplicate it! 

I hope this helps your little one eat their veggies as much as it helps my son! 

Your Turn: How do you get your kids to eat veggies? 

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You Deserve A Girlie Day!

About a month ago, I posted on the Faith In Every Day's Facebook page that I got a haircut for the first time in almost 2 years. As a Momma to my little 2 year old, my wants and needs often takes a back seat. I always tell myself that it costs too much for me to go get my hair done and to pamper myself so I don't end up taking a day for myself. 

Does that happen to you too? 

That is all going to change for me and it should change for you too! 

After getting my hair cut, I realized how much I deserved a girlie day because by the end of it I felt so much more beautiful and confident. 

I mean you can just see the difference in confidence! 

After the haircut I picked up some new nail polish colors at the drug store, planned a "me" night after my son went to sleep. 

I popped in a movie, grabbed some Dove chocolate and painted my nails. Then headed to my bathroom to give myself a mini facial courtesy of my friend Emily who sent over a Mary Kay facial sample packet.

She sent over the TimeWise Skin care collection to try which included: 

-TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set Samples

-TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser 

-TimeWise Night Solution

-TimeWise Day Sunscreen 

-TimeWise Replenishing Serum 

-TimeWise Firming Eye Cream 

I have to admit I was a little leery to try new products, my skin is so sensitive and dry that anything new really causes it to break out. However, I was pleasantly surprised! It all went on so nicely, and made me feel like my Girlie night was complete! After the facial my skin was so incredibly soft! I absolutely loved how it made me feel! I would absolutely love to buy these products if it wasn't for the price. I do admit they are expensive, though well worth it I am sure I just can't afford it right now. But I will definitely keep them in mind when we can afford it! 

Head over to Emily's Mary Kay site to order your facial necessities for your very own Girlie Day! 

I seriously feel like a new person and it just took a new haircut, a little nail polish and taking care of my skin! This confidence is something that I can tap into if I allow myself just one Girlie Night a Month, which I definitely am going to start doing! 

All day, every day we give and give to our kids, our husbands, our home, our friends but now its time to take a day for us. Just a few hours for you to do something for yourself because you know what tired momma? You Deserve it!!! 

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How To Save Money at the Grocery Store. 10 Helpful Tips!

When I was a little girl I was so insistent on always buying the name brand foods. I remember once I was in the cereal isle with my mother and I was dead set on getting Lucky Charms or whatever the most popular cereal was of that time. It had to be the name brand because the amazing commercial said it was the only one, the BEST one to buy!

 I had no comprehension then of the marketing ploys and expense of "Name Brand". My mom tried so hard to explain that we were only buying the name, not the product. But I insisted that they were in fact very different. 

Oh to be young and unconcerned with finances. I am happy to report that not only did I grow out of that but I have figured out quite a few ways to save at the grocery store! 

Here are 10 Ways that I save money at the grocery store!  

1. Do Not Buy Pre-washed and Prepackaged produce and fruit. It is so much cheaper to just buy the whole thing, wash and cut it yourself. Yes its not as convenient but I promise you that extra minute of work is worth the price. 

2. Number one is true, except for apples, grapefruit and oranges that come in 2-3 lb bags. You will get at least 40 cents off if you by them in bulk. 

3. Meal Plan! This will cut down on your grocery store spending because you can only buy what you have planed for and what is on your list. In the end, this way you only buy what you need. 

4. On top of meal planning, plan for meals with similar ingredients so that the fresh ingredients don't go bad. 

5. Buy ONLY what you need for the week or two of meal planning - so make sure you write a list of what you need. And NO adding to the list if you see something that you want, if its something you need for the meals but forgot to put it on the list go ahead and get it, but the hungry impulse buy of Oreos, chips, soda etc really adds up when you get to the cashier. So If its something you really want and plan to eat, write it on next weeks shopping list so that you can budget for that item. 

6. It is cheaper to buy meat sliced from the deli then to buy prepackaged. Again you are paying for packaging and convenience. Buy a little at a time because the shelf life of sliced deli meat is only 5 days. 

7. Buy Spanish and off brand spices/goods. In our grocery store we have a small spanish food section with a ton of spices, seasonings and herbs, all for the same price as the name brand but with 2-3 times more product. Seriously, it is so worth it to buy these off brand you will save 2-3 dollars guaranteed. 

8. But always compare prices to weight. This goes with everything! Always always always compare. At first it will seem like a really daunting task, and for that first comparison trip I recommend not taking the kids, but always double check because you will get the most bang for your buck if you calculate how much a product is per OZ. 

Don't know how to do that? 

The Weight in Oz's or lb's in the product DIVIDED BY  $ the price of the product = THE PRICE PER OZ, 

which is the best way to see which is the better deal. 

There also could be sales going on that you have to take into account when you are comparing. 

Also, Not everything is good to buy in bulk. Costco, Sams Club etc they are great, but do price comparing on the items you want to buy because somethings are just not cheaper in bulk. 

9. Be willing to buy off brand. You will find that majority of the time, off brand items taste identical to their  Name Brand counterparts, and $1 or more cheaper. Though, if you have tried the off brand and don't like it better, than don't buy it again. It is better to use a product and spend more than to waste a product and spend less. Because either way you are not saving that money. 

10. Somethings are better bought frozen. Fish - ALWAYS buy fish frozen, unless you live next to a fishing port. Because the likelihood of you getting fresh fish at your grocers stand is slim to none. Usually they buy flash frozen fish and thaw them for the displays. It is actually fresher, and cheaper to buy it frozen. Plus you will get to decide when you eat that fish, instead of being forced to eat it within the first few days of buying fresh fish. This is the same for veggies. Some frozen veggies are fresher than the "fresh" veggies in the stand. Just think about how long it took to get to your grocery. 

Extra Tip: Its true what they say, do not shop when you are hungry, or when the kids are hungry for that matter! Not only will it lead to impulse buying but it also leads to a very grumpy bunch! 

Your Turn: What are your tips to save money at the grocery store?

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Make the Perfect VALENTINE'S DAY Mugs!

Valentine's Day is this weekend! 

Yay! 

My hubby and I don't usually do much for Valentines Day, but I have decided to surprise him with these!!

 (Don't worry he hardly ever reads my blog! -- of course this may be the first time, but I thought I would risk it! haha Hubby- Just pretend you are surprised love!)

My love and I have always said to each other, forever and always my baby you'll be :) 

(Tell me what book its from in the comments!) 

And I thought it would be special to make matching mugs with our anniversary date and special saying on them! 

They are so easy and inexpensive to make! 

Here is How To Make The Perfect Valentine's Day Mugs! 

1. Go to the dollar store and pick up 2 ceramic coffee mugs.

(Yep! Just $2 right there!)

3. Grab some colored Sharpies. Write or Draw whatever is meaningful to your significant other and you, and let dry for a full day. (If you mess up, don't sweat! Wipe off with a Magic Eraser, wipe dry and try again!)

4. Place the mugs in the oven and turn the heat to 350 degrees. Let it bake for 30 minutes, then turn off the heat and let cool in the oven. 

5. Fill with your Loves favorite chocolate or candy and there you go! (My hubby loves the Raspberry candies but unfortunately they don't sell them in our town :( So I settled on Marshmallow Chocolate) 

Voila! The Perfect Matching Valentine's Day Mugs, 

because it reminds you both of your special moments together.

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Your Turn: What Are You Doing For Valentine's Day This Year? 

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Christmas Basket On A Budget!

Like I said on Fridays post: Les Cadeaux de Noël, we didn't have a ton of money to spend this Christmas. With my husband as the sole provider, a toddler who is still in diapers and a possible move coming up we needed to save where we could. 

How to Sew a Kitchen Curtains & My Favorite, Quick Late Night Treat

With my husband and I being married only a few years and having a 2 year old, we haven't had time or finances to go all out and decorate our apartment. We have our vision, and little by little we will make it all come to fruition. 

Knowing my love of sewing and the color scheme for the kitchen, my mother in law picked up this super cute fabric from a yard sale or something. It used to be living room curtains so there was more than enough to make small kitchen curtains! 

How to Reuse Old Candle Jars And Wax

Candles can be expensive, and to think you use the candle until it has about 1/4" wax left in it and then you throw it away. What a waste! 

Lets save some money and reuse instead of going out and buying new ones every time! Not only is it inexpensive but it is super easy! 

My family loves candles, we love having our home smell nice and warm. Who doesn't right? 

The problem was that we'd buy 2-3 $3-$5 candles at the store each month, and that is pretty steep once you add everything up. I hated to throw away the glass jars they'd come in so I'd save them on the top of our kitchen cabinets for a chance to make some of our own candles! 

The time has come! 

Stress Free Cleaning: Keeping Your House Constantly Clean With Minimal Effort

A few weeks ago I wrote out some of the Keys to Contentment, where I gave a few ideas as to how to be more content with your life. Being content with your life includes being content while doing the most mundane or stressful tasks such as cleaning and keeping up with your house. 

Especially if you have children. 

Life with a toddler brings a constant, never ending supply of messy flours, walls and rooms. 

It can be stressful adding cleaning to the many things still to do on the to do list. 

Here is how I keep cleaning less stressful, and more manageable, in turn, becoming more content while I do it. 

Repurpose An Old Dress Into A New Skirt!

Do you have a dress that you never wear in your closet but hate to just throw it away?? 

I just hate to throw away good clothes, especially if the budgets tight and you can't go out and buy a new wardrobe. 

How to Tailor a Thrifted Skirt to Fit You!

One of the main problems with being a small is the difficulty in finding clothes that not only fit but are modest. Everything is either too large around the waist or way too long. Luckily, I started sewing about a year ago which has allowed me to tailor what I buy to fit me!

A few months ago, after much prayer and discernment, I decided to start wearing more skirts and dresses. (Stay tuned for the Post on why next week!) I wore pants and jeans almost everyday for my whole life so when I wanted to switch I had to start from nothing. With a small budget I set out to find skirts that would be durable enough to wear around my toddler.

Before going and spending a ton of money I thought I'd check out my local thrift shops. I didn't expect to find any in my size, since it's hard enough finding clothes that fit in regular stores, but I did find some a few sizes larger. ( a size 6 and 14--More than a few sizes but they only cost me a few bucks!)