Family Friendly Meals

I thought since I have already shared on how I catalog/inspiration shop and since my cook book method is very similar I figure I would share it with you.

I started with a plain 4” binder; I love the flexibility of it and dressed it up with a piece of apple fabric. Actually, there isn’t a binder in my house that isn’t covered in fabric; they just look that much prettier and fun sitting on the shelf. 

Then I took everyday dividers and created the following sections:

Helpful Hints: This includes, the correct formal table settings, different fork types, product expiration dates (how long will ketchup last etc), centerpiece ideas.

Holiday- This is actually it’s own separate binder divided by holiday and ideas for each holiday go in there.

Soups

Salads

Sauces/ Dips

Drinks

Pasta

Side Dishes

Breakfast

Breads

Children’s

Entrees

Desserts

Cookies

When I come across a recipe, that I love in a magazine or even on Pinterest, I rip it off or print it off and add it to the try pile- Each of the dividers has a pocket on the back of it and when I come across an idea, I put it in there. Now, when I sit down and work out our family menu, I try to incorporate a new item a week (if the budget allows), if not once a month. If the item is a hit, we add the recipe to the appropriate section of the binder, if not it is thrown in the recycle bin! Easy Peasy!

Now where do I get the recipes, we all know I have my certain things that I am cheap about, one of which is magazines; I refuse to pay for them. I have worked out a deal with my local laundry mat, that every couple of months, I go in and take out their magazines, I also worked out the same deal with the library. Once I choose the recipes etc, that I want, I give the magazines to my local doctor’s office. This way, I am not only recycling but I am helping everyone save some money. 

Travel Maps

Continuing with our travel ideas, I love love love helping my kiddos learn when we are traveling. Not that traveling itself isn’t a learning experience, but I have always had the notion that you never know when you are going to be in that location or place again and take advantage of it the best you can.

With all the traveling that we do, I hate to hear “Are we there yet?” I kept trying to come up with a way to incorporate learning and a visual way to display where we are and where we are headed.

I searched google and really couldn’t come up with anything that seemed to suit my needs. I finally just decided to look for a kiddo friendly map of the US. Settling on this one, I love the color but also the little symbols throughout, it makes it sort of whimsical.

Placing a little dot where we are starting from and a dot at each stop along the way, then finally a star where we are ending up. During the drive, Peanut can draw a line with a marker to mark where we already have been. It also helps because he has a visual reminder of where we will be stopping next. Now, sometimes we take an unexpected stop, and I am easily able to show him the general idea of where we are on the map. 

With each dot, I try and write and give him some pictures about what we will be seeing there and what we might be doing.

For example:

Four Corners:

A place in the country, the only places that four states come together. You can walk and stand at four corners at once. The four states that border each other are Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona.

It is just a little blurb about the place, but it helps him to think about it and ask questions about the location. The best part is when he is thinking and describing different things. We also do a little activity about what it might be like to visit there or the different people we might meet.

It has solved my “Are we there yet problem?” and better yet it has helped him develop a knowledge o the country, where different places are located and gives him an idea of what our trip is like! 

Travel Gifts

I love to travel and I have been very blessed to be able to share that not only with Mr. Barefoot but also with my kiddos as well. One thing I have learned while all my traveling is that a tiny bit of preparation goes a LONG way in making life easier for the kiddos and myself.

We love road trips and often the kiddos find them boring and it is not my intention to always have them watching TV/movies while we drive. Trust me, we do have a portable DVD player for each kiddos and they are blessings when it comes to long drives or those moments when everyone needs a breather!

One of my all time favorite activities to do with the kiddos is our gifts of achievement. I created a list of achievements that a person will experience on a road trip, such as driving a 100 miles, or crossing a state line. With each little achievement, the kiddos are able to pull a gift from the basket and open it up. 

The gifts are little tokens, items to help them on the road or even a snack. On our last particular trip, I created 12 reasons or achievements, I created a little page for them and we crossed them off as we went on our trip. Each trip is different and a lot of the time, I will modify the achievements to fit the trip, the one displayed below is more of a general trip game.

Whenever I print or create road games for the kiddos, I take sheet protectors and a jump ring, this way, all of the pieces are close together, but I can separate them as needed. They are also great, because I can use a little wipe and clean them off as needed.

Since, our road trip was going to be a long one, I didn’t want a big basket in the truck to take up room, and so I used toilet paper tubes and painted them red and blue. Using a little tag, I labeled them A-L. Each time the kiddos finished an achievement they take the corresponding gift. The great part about the toilet paper tubes were they were small enough to fit in different spots and I didn’t have to worry about them getting broken. We just recycled them as we went into cardboard places! They worked out great. The size of the tubes also helped me to stay creative in my little gifts and keep them small.

Some of the favorite gifts: chalk for their chalkboard trays (you can read about those here), a new bunch of crayons for their crayon rolls (you can read about those here), bubbles to blow at a certain location (this trip we chose Four Corners), homemade goldfish crackers in a small Ziploc, coins to add to their “trip fund”, a new game with game pieces, glow sticks for our night hike/star gazing activity.

Before you start thinking, that this is something expensive or you cannot do it: Think again. The toilet paper tubes, I save anyway, I have a HUGE bin of them in my garage, you would be surprised how often I grab one to use for different things around the house or parties. (You can read about some of the uses here). The gift are little things I would have on the trip anyway, this just makes it more fun to pass out and gives the kiddos something to look forward to.

Try it and you will see how easy and fun it really can be!

Teach at Home Thursday: Postcard Writing

With summer officially on its way or in most cases almost over and many people hitting the roads for road trips, I thought I would share my favorite way to incorporate writing into summer activities. We recently took a road trip (more on that later) and with each major stop, I had the kiddos write a postcard to my sister and her boyfriend and one other person. Not only does this help to stay in touch with other people, but it also is a great way to have them reflect about the trip!

At each stop, we would take a few minutes, hit the gift shop and pick out a postcard for whomever we were writing too. After they choose, the postcard they wanted, we found a place to sit down and write. I usually help with the writing given their ages, but the ideas for the postcard and what to include are all their own! First, I start by asking them questions, what did you like about being here, what is the best part, what would you want this person to know? Did they learn any cool facts they want to share? What is the weather like?

After they answer all of the questions, we sit down and write. Using the back of the postcard as a guide, as to how much to write and where, we fill out the postcard and then write. We start by remembering to provide a greeting, each time; we try to think of a different one to use, I also have a list on my phone in case they cannot remember. Some examples are: Hi, Hey, Howdy, The person’s name, Hi There! We talk about them not being formal as this is a postcard and not a letter. The next part is to fill in the body or what I like to call the juicy details (what makes the person want to read this?) Finally, we talk about the closing and again using a different one each time such as: Love, From, Best Wishes, Can’t wait to see you and then their name. Since it is a small space and usually we are a little pressed for time, I handle the task of writing and the kiddos generate the content and sign their names.

Then comes the address part, I remind them whom they are writing to and how we have to put their name so the mail person knows who to give it to. Then, we talk about the street address, how do you know what house to deliver it to? Yes a house number on a certain street. Then finally, where is this street and house, in what city and state? The zip code throws them for a loop all the time, so usually I just tell them this is the way to make sure in case they can’t read my writing that it makes it there.

Finally, we take a picture of them writing the letter, the back of the postcard and then the post office we mail it from. Now, I know what you are thinking, wow, that sounds a little much, but they become part of the memories of the trip. Each place, we write is different, sometimes it is a table; sometimes it is a tree stump, we have even written on the back of an old street sign. All depends on where we are and when. Also, I like to take the picture of the back of the postcard for when I put together our trip book, using a photo program like Shutterfly, I create a book and it is fun to read what the kiddo’s take on the trip is and we have a permanent copy of their handwriting at the time. Finally, the post office because each one is unique in it’s own right and it is fun to compare them to each other.

I am lucky enough to have a very  ssupportive sister and she always takes pictures of all of the post cards to show the kiddos that she actually gets them! Here they are on her fridge!

* If you are interested in being pen pals with my kiddos, please email me at barefootnparadise.lorren@gmail.com. They love having new people to write too and I promise that it will help with any writing complications etc your child may be facing!

Catalog Shopping

I am often asked where I come up with my inspiration and where and how I remember them all. Well, I start with my favorite magazines and catalogs, use Pinterest and even things I have around the house.

My favorite is catalog shopping, there is something about touching and flipping through the pages, I know sounds a little funny but it is the truth!

I start by looking through the catalog and folding down the pages with something that I really like and would like to purchase or figure out a way to make it myself. About three days or so later (basically when I can find the time), I sit back down with my camera and look at those pages with the dog-ears.

I have a few questions; I mentally ask myself and then proceed. Is this something I really can do in my home or give as a gift? Can I make it cheaper than purchasing it? Will I actually use it if I make/buy it?

Once I do that, I take a picture of the catalog item and then recycle the catalog (I cannot stand all of those papers in my house, too messy!) Once I have the pictures uploaded, I pull them up in Photoshop and write my plan or making the item on the page. The pages/ pictures then get filed in my inspiration file on my computer, you would be surprised how often, I go there to look for ideas or even if I am looking for a craft idea.

Using the most current Pottery Barn (yup, my favorite store) catalog, I found a few items that I adore!

The first is this American Flag, it is a stunning piece, but not for the price! 

Using the picture as my inspiration, I thought of different ways, that I could easily recreate it and finally settled on using a palette and painting the pieces to create the flag. To create the rustic look, I plan on spreading a little bit of Vaseline (this will create that weathered look without me having to sand). The best part, I could easily get a palette for free from Mr.’s work! Score. The cost of supplies, maybe three dollars for paint. Then I break it down like this:

Palette- free

Paint- $3.00

Eyehooks to hang- check Mr.’s tools if not, $3/4 at hardware store

Rope – have at home

Stars- stencils from kid’s art supplies!

Vaseline- medicine cabinet (if not free sample, from the doctors office)

Now, I have it and I can add the supplies to my ongoing list for whenever the budget suits or when I come across them, I know I will and can use them. This helps to keep from grabbing things and keeping my house clean and organized.

The next inspiration piece is the Tuscan vases. I love the look of these and the best part, I could use these through out the year in my house, or as gifts.

 Now, $45 a piece or more, is

just insane to me. How can I make this for little to no money! First stop, thrift shop and see if they have anything similar (the idea it to take what I like and recreate the look, not match it perfectly), if they don’t go to an unfinished pottery store and see what they have. Using white spray paint or whatever color I feel like at the time, paint the vase to get the white rustic look. Now the rough texture of worn look: Sitting down, I can create this one of two ways, tape off little sections and tear the tape in funky shapes, using a mixture of plaster and paint or sand in paint the sections that show. Now the other is to paint the entire vase in the sand and paint mixture and then use white spray, this won’t get the white sections the finished look. It might be one of those things where I have to play around with it until I get the look that I want. Top it off with a clear sealer to ensure sand/glue mixture stays put.

Vases- $ depends on place, check thrift stores, free cycle, or pottery store

White spray paint- $5.00 hardware store

Painters Tape- check supply

Sand- have from yard projects

Glue- check supply closet (pick up a bottle at the dollar store)

Sealer- craft store/hardware supple store

Again, I file the picture with the notes into the folder and then add the items to my on going craft supplies list to watch for sales, coupons etc.

The next picture is more of an idea for a meal centerpiece or mantel decorations. Again using what I have try to figure out what I can use and what I might need to pick up.

You can see the majority of the items in the pictures are clear vases, seashells, a couple of candles and a piece of rope. The rope, we have in the garage in the supplies, I have a ton of sand everywhere, seashells, same thing have through out the house and in the craft closet, candles, check to see what I have purchase if necessary, vases, what do we have.

On these inspiration items, I usually figure out when I would use it and then decided how to recreate it. A lot of times, I might just get into the mood and spur of the moment recreate it!

What I love about my system is that it forces me to use what I already have or finding things cheaply. It also helps me to not get tunnel vision in having to go to the store and buying things that I already have.

Teach At Home Thursday: Math Cards

With a lot of children’s summers starting, I wanted to not necessarily forget about Teaching at Home Thursdays but wanted to focus on things that you could do that might not feel like schoolwork so much and that are simple and can be used through out the entire year.

One of Peanut’s favorite activities is math cards, using a plain deck of cards, we practice math facts, addition, subtraction, bigger than, less than, even fractions. The best part is that it is all you need is a deck of cards.

First start with laying them all out in a pile (similar to how you would for go fish)

Draw two cards and lay them out. I usually have Peanut draw six or eight and then we proceed with the addition/subtraction facts. 

Peanut likes to write his math problems out and then solve them. He is a very visual child and this helps him to see what he is solving.

The best part of this activity is that all you have to do is shuffle and you have an entire new set of problems.

When it comes to an Ace card, we made the rule that he can choose (like in most card games) whether the card is worth 11 or 1. It is also a guideline that he has to use an ace at least once each way.

I love this activity because I can easier work with him when we are on road trips, or hanging out etc.

When using this activity for subtraction, it is the same concept, just make sure that the “bigger number” is first, this turns into a lesson in itself, can you solve this math problem?

When doing it for less than, more than, bigger than, smaller than, I draw one card, Peanut draws another and we say whose is bigger, whose is smaller.

Now, for kiddos that are not at the level to solve problems, using the cards, have them choose a number (take out the face cards) and state what the number is…

Say they choose a 4, then after they say this is a four, have them find four objects in the room that are the same, or the same color etc.

I love the simplicity of this activity and the many possibilities that is offers. 

Calling Heaven!

As many of you know, my brother passed away a little over a year ago. It has been a huge adjustment for my kiddos and myself. You can read about our journey here, here, here, and here.

When Pumpkin was upset one day, I kept asking her what was wrong and she couldn’t put it into words and finally, she pointed to the sky and said Uncle Russell. Peanut tells me all the time that he speaks and prays with Uncle Russell and he will ask me questions about him. I try as hard as I can to be honest with him about death and supportive for what I believe is appropriate for a six almost seven year old to know and feel.

My biggest frustration about the situation is just trying to help the kiddos learn to adapt and cope. We created a Heaven phone, using an old cell phone that I had laying around.

The kiddos can call and talk to their Uncle anytime they want.

I love when I walk into their playroom and they have put Uncle Russell on speaker and they are playing games with him or singing him songs.

At first I was so nervous about whether this would hurt their healing ability or whether or not I was encouraging something that wouldn’t help them understand about death; but from seeing their reaction and how the tears have slowed down I realized that this has been a great tool for them to use and I am glad that they have a way that they feel can help them stay in touch with their Uncle.

My favorite part about the phone, is hearing them say “See you Later Alligator, and talk with you soon. All the Numbers all the Time”

All the numbers All the time is our family motto, you can read about that here and the story behind the reason we say it. 

Inspirational Sunday

Guest post: Healthy Snacks

5 Healthy Snack Ideas for Your Kids

Kids love to eat snacks, which should really come as no big surprise, and snack companies have capitalized on that big time. Snack packs of crackers and fake cheese, cupcakes disguised as an after-school pick me up, and tiny pizza rolls that you can just pop in your mouth are just some of the favorites that kids enjoy on a near daily basis. However it should also come as no surprise that these snacks are doing nothing in terms of keeping our kids healthy. The next time your child whines the typical, “I’M HUNGRY!!” replace those unhealthy snacks with these healthier options:

1.

Yogurt and fresh fruit: If your kiddo is craving something sweet after dinner skip the ice cream and give them a cup of yogurt with some sliced fresh fruit instead. Since yogurt has the same consistency as pudding it mimics the idea of dessert and the added fruit gives a healthy twist on a dessert topping that ups the sweetness factor. 

2.

Sliced vegetables and Greek yogurt: Instead of chips and dip, which give a big fat ZERO in terms of offering any nutritional value, try sliced veggies with Greek yogurt instead. The Greek yogurt will give them a dose of protein and can be mixed with a packet of ranch dip to give a healthier version of ranch dressing, and the veggies can offer the same crisp crunch that chips have, just minus the grease and plus some satisfying nutrients. 

3.

Apple slices and cheese: If you’re looking for a hearty mixture of savory and sweet, apple slices and cheese slices or a cheese stick will do the trick. The cheese will give them healthy proteins and fats that, when paired with the apple that gives a dose of fiber, will keeps kids fuller much longer than any packaged product will. 

4.

Sliced turkey and cheese sticks: Roll up cheese sticks in slices of deli meat turkey for a protein-packed snack that is easily eaten on the go. These are also easily customizable in that you can add in sliced veggies or condiments to add a punch of flavor and added nutrients. And, honestly, what kid doesn’t love finger foods?

5.

Boiled eggs with hummus: For a twist on the usually unhealthy deviled eggs, try boiled eggs with hummus instead. Scoop the yolks of the eggs out and replace with a scoop of hummus for a satisfying savory snack that the kids will love.

The earlier you expose your kids to a wide array of healthy snacks, the more likely they’ll be to carry these habits with them throughout their lives. So the next time you get that familiar tug on your shirt and hear them say they’re hungry, ditch the packaged products and opt for one of these snack options instead.

Author  Byline:

Monta the mother of three children serves as an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to many Organizations and groups, and is a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance.  She is a regular contributor of “find nannies”.  You can get in touch with her at montafleming6Atgmail dotcom.