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The Farmer’s Market Part II

As it turns out my daughter was fairing better than reported while I was taking my weekly early morning “mommy break” at the farmer’s market with my sister. I am not against taking the kids with me to the farmer’s market but being able to go by myself serves two purposes. First, I finally get a much needed break from my adorable children. Second, I am able to talk with the farmer’s about how they produce their food to ensure that I am getting truly local and chemical free products (it is shocking at how many vendors are not selling … Continue reading →

Having Fun at a Farmer’s Market

Now that the weather is warming up, farmers markets are springing up around the country. In warmer climates these massive markets are open year round, but here in the chilly Upper Midwest, outdoor farmers markets are seasonal (and the indoor ones are only held bi-weekly). Their fleeting appearance from May until October is one of the reasons they are so popular in my neck of the woods. Another reason produce-loving residents flock to farmers markets here is that they are just plain fun. When was the last time you took your children to a farmers market? My preschooler loves visiting … Continue reading →

Family Fun Week in Review

Cool off inside and outside with great ideas in Family Fun. Jeff started off our week with a review of the game Sequence. It sounds like a great game for younger children and mixed ages, too. And it fosters decision making. Don’t miss Inside Fun for Hot Days and Five Cool Ways to Beat the Heat!. Lauri shared her summer way to grocery shop in Farmer’s Market Fun. In Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, Jeff shared great ideas for making walks fun for young children and their parents. Lauri’s family is anxiously awaiting the release of The Deathly Hollows. … Continue reading →

Family Friendly Home Business Ideas

If you are a working parent or parent – to – be and you are thinking of making the switch to home – based work or a home – based business so that you can be home with the kids, that is great. Many home – based professionals are able to successfully combine working with parenting. If you are wondering what kinds of home – based jobs or businesses work best for stay at home parents, here are a pair of ideas to get you started. One easy idea for home – based work that fits in with family life … Continue reading →

10 Ways to Save on Your Next Trip to Hawaii

Last year, my then six-old daughter celebrated her 12th visit to Hawaii. However, to her, the Aloha State is more than just a top tourist destination, it’s also home to grandma, grandpa, and a huge network of aunts, uncles and cousins. I kid that she would have been marking trip number 20 if it weren’t so dang expensive to fly from Wisconsin to Hilo. Fortunately, once we land in the “Land of Aloha” we score free room and board. Bottom line: traveling to Hawaii is not cheap. However, there are ways you can save on your next vacation there provided … Continue reading →

Ways to Save Money on Gluten-Free Foods

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In my experience, having a gluten allergy means that you are likely to end up spending more money on your weekly grocery shopping trip than you have in the past (before you discovered that you had this allergy). There are some ways to cut down on this expense, and make eating gluten-free a little easier on your budget. If you, or a family member, needs to start eating a gluten-free diet, this is going to change how you plan meals and shop for groceries. In general, shopping for foods that you can be certain are gluten-free can be expensive. There … Continue reading →

Atkins Diet – Days Four and Five

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The first three days that I was on the Atkins diet were easier than I expected them to be. I was having fun figuring out how to fix foods in ways that were new to me. On day four, things continued to go well. Day five, on the other hand, turned out to be the worst day since I started the Atkins diet. I started day four feeling optimistic. I had managed to stay under 20 carbs every day so far. I hadn’t had any soda since I started the Atkins diet, and I wasn’t experiencing any caffeine cravings. I … Continue reading →

Why Cook With Your Preschooler?

I love food. I’m not an epicurean cook, since life seems to be too busy to create fancy meals most of the time. However, I am big on fresh, local ingredients, invented recipes, and delicious seasonal produce. Most of the time, my preschooler is welcome in the kitchen. Why? 1. Cooking is a chance to talk together. As long as I don’t get too hung up on doing things the “right” way, it’s a good bonding time, and we’re both doing something that we enjoy, whether it’s creating sauces or having a taste of maple syrup. 2. Cooking is a … Continue reading →

Spring Veggie Recipes

Put a spring in your next meal by making use of the spectacular seasonal vegetables being offered at various farmer’s markets and roadside produce stands that have been popping up as the temperatures rise. The following recipes feature healthy spring vegetables in delicious dishes that your family is sure to love: SPRING SALAD Ingredients: 4 cups baby greens 1 granny smith apple, julienned 1/4 cup toasted pecans 3 tablespoons chopped bacon 2 ounces store bought Honey Mustard dressing 2 to 3 ounces goat cheese 4 grilled chicken breasts, sliced Directions: Toss the greens with Honey Mustard dressing, place in bowls … Continue reading →

Other Ways To Get Your Daily Water

Confession time! I usually don’t like drinking just water. Iced tea, lemonade, drink mixes — sure! Plain water? Only if there’s nothing else. But our bodies need water, and lots of it. The recommended daily amount of water in your diet is between eight and eleven glasses; that’s a whopping sixty-four ounces or more! Some benefits of water: Keeps your skin soft and supple. Keeps you feeling energized, especially on hot days. Keeps your body running at its best. Remember — if you’re feeling thirsty, you are probably already on your way to being dehydrated. Keeping a water bottle at … Continue reading →