Make Your Vacation Dreams Come True Without the Hassles

12 Jun posted by

Make Your Vacation Dreams Come True Without the Hassles

Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86603835@N00/2414350097/">thejbird</a> via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>

Photo Credit: thejbird via Compfight cc

 

Travelling with the children can be a fun and exciting adventure. It may have lost the spontaneity it had before the kids came along, but a little preparation goes a long way when traveling with children.  It is nice to be able to get away and simultaneously spend that quality family time together that is normally so hard to come by. If you focus on being prepared, you’ll have that enjoyable and hassle free vacation you’ve been dreaming of.

 

Family Friendly Accommodations

When planning your trip select a family friendly resort. These are quite popular at most vacation destinations, including ski areas, beaches, and theme parks. Choose one that offers activities your kids will enjoy such as horseback riding or water tubing. The resorts that have an indoor waterpark onsite are terrific. When my family traveled to Oahu, I researched and booked a fantastic kid-friendly resort that was still ranked amongst the top hotels in Honolulu.  The resort becomes a vacation within itself for the entire family. Ask about supervised kids clubs where you can leave the children while you and your spouse enjoy a day excursion, time at the spa, or golfing.

 

Keep Your Regular Routine

 

Children are creatures of habit. Turning their daily schedule upside down can result in disaster. Don’t skip the regular naptimes or snacks. Even though it sounds inconvenient to leave a theme park or other tourist spot, do it.  Most parks allow you to obtain a stamp or bracelet for re-entry later on in the day.  Going back to your room for a nap will keep everyone refreshed. Don’t expect kids to hold out for a late dinner, either. Give them something light to eat at their normal dinnertime so you can keep your reservations and avoid cranky little ones.

 

Zip Lock Bags

Zip lock bags can become a parent’s best friend during vacation. Be sure to bring along a variety of shapes and sizes for any mess you may encounter. Use them to create a small first aid kit to carry with you. They also work nicely for holding a clean set of clothes. After changing, put the dirty ones back in the bag. You can pack snacks and drinks in them as well, which is extremely helpful for long road trips. The best part is that you can throw them out when you’re done.

 

Swimming Lessons

Many vacations include a trip to a pool or beach. If your children have had the benefit of swimming lessons before leaving home, everyone will feel more comfortable around the water. Look for a certified program in your area and make sure to enroll before the deadline. Also call ahead to the resorts. Ask if they supply life vests for small children and have trained lifeguards on duty.

 

DVD Player

 

A portable DVD player can keep the children occupied for hours. They work wonderfully in cars and on planes.  Having a movie to focus on can help calm down an overly excited child. Try bringing along their favorite movie for transport as well as bedtime once you’ve arrived. Having something familiar to watch can be helpful when adjusting to new surroundings.

 

The above information was a guest post provided by Kendra Thornton. 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Family Fun, Money Saving Tips for Families

LandsEndSwimsuitSale

24 May posted by

MyKeyboardSpaceBarIsBroken….UntilThenConsiderThisBrainPushups.

JustGotThisInMyInbox.

landsend

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Money Saving Tips for Families

Eating & Healthy Shopping at Aldi

15 May posted by

For the most part the changes have been positive. Aldi has been increasing their line of organic products in their stores, especially so in the past 5 months. I have been super impressed with this and appreciate the less store juggling I have to do every month. Here is a list of organic products and just generally healthy products (less to no processing) I have found. By no means is this list exhaustive. Your local Aldi may not carry all of these or it may carry more. I also wrote a post about “What’s Worth Buying At Aldi” reporting all their prices on the groceries I regularly buy.

Photo on 2013-05-15 at 17.29 Photo on 2013-05-15 at 17.28 #2

 

 

The Aldi organic label is called Simply Nature.

Organic Agave Nectar 11.75 oz $2.49

Organic Spinach 5oz. $2.49

Refrigerated Almond Milk Half Gallon $2.49 (not organic however they do carry Organic Soymilk in Vanilla and Plain)

Organic Apples 3lb $4.69 ($1 more than Trader Joe’s per lb right now)

Oscar Meyer Angus Beef Hot Dogs Nitrite Free $2.99 (wow, on special)

Extra Fine Green Beans Frozen (compare to Trader Joes) $1.49

Instant Brown Rice $1.49 (great price, Minute Rice at Kroger was $2.49)

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats $2.19 (price change WAS $1.99 last year)

Roasted Salted Almonds 12oz  $4.29

Kidney Beans Can $.59 (their cans are lined with BPA plastic, so not the best)

Black Beans Can $.59 (their cans are lined with BPA plastic, so not the best)

Sweet Potato Chips $1.99

Hummus Quartet 4 Flavor Sampler $3.99

I have been loving Aldi Hummus lately, they have Red Pepper Hummus, Garlic Hummus and Regular Hummus for $1.99

They also have changed their stores around lately. So if you go give yourself a little more time to find what you are looking for. Aldi truly is awesome. They also carry delicious coffee, half n half, lunch meat (no nitrite free yet), imported cheeses, cheap cereal, grits, butter, salad dressings and everything you need for baking. Since they opened an Aldi I RARELY go to Publix or Kroger anymore. It’s just Trader Joes and Aldi for me!

But less Trader Joes with the increase of Aldi organics!

What do you like to buy at Aldi? Leave your favorite Aldi product or price in the comments.

PS Aldi did not pay me for this post however if you represent Aldi, I would say the same thing to you that I would say to the Land o Lakes company. YES! Contact me for sponsorship!

 

 

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Aldi, Money Saving Tips for Families, ZombieMommy

Is Hydroponic Gardening Right For You?

27 Mar posted by

Is Hydroponic Gardening Right for You?

Hydroponic Garden Karen.Simon credit

Credit Karen.Simon

As someone who makes healthy eating a priority, you already know that organic foods are better for you than those that are conventionally grown. However, you might not know about how good hydroponic gardening can be for you, as well.

Hydroponic gardening is a system of growing produce that eliminates soil and instead concentrates nutrients through a watering system. Hydroponic plants can be grown in water, gravel, sand or even the air. Whether you are growing your own hydroponic garden or you are shopping for plants grown in this system, there are many benefits of choosing foods that have been grown in a hydroponic garden. Here are a few of them:

More Nutrients

When soil is eliminated, plants are able to get more of their nutrients directly. Fewer nutrients are lost or filtered through the soil, and more are used by the plant itself. This results in a healthier plant, and one that has more nutrients when you eat it.

Bigger Yields

Because hydroponic plants receive more nutrients, they are able to grow stronger and bigger. That means that you get higher yields. You get fruits and vegetables that are larger, leaves that are broader and roots that are more hardy.

Fewer Pests

Many pests that plague gardens live in the soil in which the plants grow. When you remove the soil, you remove the pests. When there are no pests, there is no reason to use toxic pesticides and other chemicals that make your produce unhealthy and dangerous to eat.

Removing the soil also eliminates the risk of soil-borne diseases, which can cause acute health problems.

Environmental Benefits

Traditional gardening wastes a large amount of water, which is absorbed and lost in the soil before it gets to the plants. Water can also be lost through runoff and evaporation. With hydroponic gardening, all the water is applied directly to the plants, helping to save valuable natural resources.

Of course, eliminating the need for pesticides and other chemicals, you also reduce the amount of toxic materials that are being released into the environment. All of these benefits help the environment as much as they do your diet.

Hydroponic gardening offers a number of benefits for both the environment and for your health. You can get plants that are larger, more vibrant, and more nutritious, and in the meantime, also grow them in a way that is sustainable and eco-friendly. You can choose to purchase hydroponic produce from farmer’s markets and cooperatives, or you can choose to grow them yourself. Either way, you will reap the benefits.

Do you grow your own hydroponic garden? Share your experiences with it and how it has helped you to make your diet more healthy in the comments!

About the Author:

Bridget Sandorford is a freelance food and culinary writer, where recently she’s been researching schools like the Memphis Culinary Academy. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, painting and working on her first cookbook.

 

 

 

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Frugal, Gardening, Money Saving Tip, Money Saving Tips for Families

Overbaked Fish? Chowder Baby Chowder!

25 Mar posted by

I baked some fish the other day in the oven while I was spinning 3 other plates. Yes, I overbaked it.

It was a little on the ‘fish jerky’ side when I finally cut the heat.

I threw it in the fridge trying to figure out what to do with it (frugal Zombiemommy is not throwing out Wild Caught Trader Joe’s Mahi Mahi at $6.99 lb).

Then today I opened my Georgia door (do NOT cue the harps) to feel a wind chill hit of a mere 34 degrees.

Brrr….Mama needs some soup.

But we were out of jarred tomato sauce so I couldn’t make the easiest tomato soup in the world.

Then it dawned on me.

Chowder baby!

Fish Chowder

These potatoes are TOO big, cut into smaller chunks.
Credit Nate Steiner

 

 

Directions for Quick Fish Chowder Baby

Brown equal butter and flour (2 or 3 tbs. of each is fine) over medium heat.

Slowly add about 2 cups of milk, stirring until thickened.

Add about 2 cups of chicken broth (or more milk if you don’t have any).

Toss in a your fish jerky (moist fish would be good too, hee hee) one cut up onion, one diced potato (leave the skin, especially if its organic) and some seasoning (1 tsp italian seasoning or oregano, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper and some cajun seasoning).

Cook covered over medium heat for about 15 minutes, don’t forget to stir!

If the potatoes were chopped pretty good it should be done at this point, if not it might need a couple more minutes.

Delicious. Might need more salt, so grab some more Tony Cachere’s. However if you have small kids you might want to stick to plain ol salt.

Zombiemommy ate four bowls, my oldest ate three and everyone else had a least one. Except for the wee one. Fish soup does not get consumed by two year olds unless they are vietnamese two year olds. Then maybe, just maybe they might eat it. I say that but I am sure there is some mom in Hanoi smacking her head right now because her kid will only eat Wonder bread.

 

 

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Money Saving Tips for Families

The Path Less Travelled Musically

16 Mar posted by

There are times in your life when you realize its time to be renewed and try new things. For example, even changing the way you drive home from the grocery store can make new connections in your brain and inspire creativity.

Here are a couple of songs that I have come to appreciate lately that you have probably never heard before.

First up is a song from Rene Touzet. This song is the perfect song to play with the windows down while driving down the road on a beautiful day. The horns are AMAZING! My favorite is section is the trumpet solo starting at 2:20. And when he yells, “Salzzzza”.

 

 

A friend recently posted this on her FB page, I have never heard this particular artist before but its catchy and haunting. The song is basically about man who remembers a part of his childhood and a conversation with a girl when she told him to skip school and he did it purely out of love… There is more to it, but like most music PERSONALLY, I listen to the beats not the words.  Note I think this artist first name is also written as Manoochehr.

 

And finally, because all posts have to have at least 3 things ;) I submit, to you from the Savoy Family Cajun Band, its called Little Black Eyes in English, that being said it’s sung in french suppose in french it’s Le Noir Yeux (apologies to my sophomore french teacher for murdering that one). The Savoy Family Cajun Band has some amazing talent. The father creates custom cajun accordions Zydeco, the wife is a singer in her own right and their children are amazing too, playing piano and violins and more.  The quality of this is not studio, I have had a hard time tracking down anything on youtube that is recorded with less outside noise.  If you look closely at my page those are Cajun accordions on my sidebars from their shop (used with permission).

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Money Saving Tips for Families

Comedy Stylings of the Southern Sisters

4 Mar posted by

Yes, Zombiemommy moonlights as a comedian. Luckily I have a partner. Jazz.

Jazz is 32% funnier than me in the 35-44 female demograhic.

It’s hysterical when we get together.

We are disturbing visually when together.

 

Southern Sisters IMG_6066

In public people don’t know what to make of us. Consider us vintage french clowns with southern accents…and mullets.

 

 

2 Comments
Filed Under: Money Saving Tips for Families

Saving Money on Utilities for Families

23 Feb posted by

Saving Money for Families on Utilities

Saving money on utilities is important not only to keep your budget in check but also in an effort to conserve energy. Fuel surcharges, droughts, and water shortages all give us reasons to do what we can to save money on our utility bills.  There are a number of ways you can begin saving money on utilities.  Some are small changes that you can make today and others are changes you can work on slowly over time.

Saving money on utilities

  • Before you head to bed at night, take a look around the house and make sure that everything has been turned off. Did you remember the fan in the living room?  During the summer, I miss this one a lot. Did you forget to turn off the light in the kitchen?  Even small changes can add up.
  • Turn your hot water heater down to 120 degrees.  The EPA states that a heater that is set to 140 degrees or higher can waste up to $61 a year in standby heat loss. Remember when you go on vacation, you can turn your hot water heater off to save money. If you are handy add a water heater blanket. The Home Depot/Lowes guy can help you find the right one.
  • Upgrade your appliances to new energy efficient models.  Yes, this will require an upfront purchase but you will save money over time. Remember to check for rebates from your state when making your purchase. Found this website that lists a lot of rebates by state and appliance. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator
  • Weather strip and caulk around doors and windows to seal up cracks where cold or warm air escape. Remember to check the basement for any holes where pipes leave or enter your home. Not only can doing this save you money on utilities but also on rat traps if you know what I mean.
  • Buy a programmable thermostat that will remember to turn the heat down for you before bed and turn it up for you in the morning. I can’t tell you how often I forget to turn the heat down before I go to bed at night. Actually I find that my kids noses run the higher the temperature, so too hot means sinus issues in my home.
  • Save money using a power strip for your computer & entertainment devices.  Turn the whole power strip off at bed time to reduce phantom loads that use energy even when the items are off.

Incorporate just a few of these suggestions into your normal household routine and over time, the energy savings will surprise you.  Saving money on utilities can be easy with these ideas.  Have I missed any ways you save money on utilities in your home?

Let me know your money saving tip in the comments or on our Facebook page.

 

1 Comment
Filed Under: Money Saving Tips for Families

Swedish Meatballs Turkey or Beef

19 Feb posted by
Swedish Chef from Muppets, no copyright infringement intended

Swedish Chef from the Muppets, no copyright infringement intended

SWEDISH MEATBALLS

  •  1 to 1.5  pounds ground turkey or beef
  •  1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  •  1/2 to 1 tsp dill seasoning (DILL puts the Sweeee in Swedish)
  •  1/4-1/8 cup finely diced onion (toddlers complain if they are too obvious, love my off brand magic bullet)
  •  1 egg whites, lightly beaten
  •  1/4-1/8 cup chopped fresh parsley (almost necessary if it you are working with turkey, optional if using beef)
  •  1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  •  1 teaspoon salt
  •  1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  •  12 oz egg noodles

 

SWEDISH SAUCE GRAVY

  • 2 tablespoons Worstershire
  • 2 tsp of bouillon (chicken or beef) OPTIONAL
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/4 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream (if you don’t have cream, just use more milk, even plain yogurt is cool)
  • Pepper

 

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook egg noodles and put aside.

2. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey (or beef), bread crumbs, dill, onion, egg whites, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3.Form into 12-16 meatballs. Brown in 2 batches, in coconut/olive/vegetable oil over medium heat until brown in middle (about 10-15 minutes), continually moving them around so they don’t burn and cook evenly. Let them drain on paper towel after cooking and sprinkle lightly with SALT while they are cooling. Or bake at 375 for 12minutes or so.

4. Using the same pan, retain 2 tablespoons of drippings (if you don’t have 2 tablespoons add some more oil or butter baby).

5. Stir in flour and boullion granules and mix well on medium heat.

6. Next deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons worstershire, scrape all that good brown stuff off the bottom of the pan into your sauce. It’s called frond.

7. Add your milk continually stirring and then the sour cream (or use heavy cream if you have that) till thickened and bubbly.

8.Cook and stir one minute more. Add lots of pepper. Return meatlballs to skillet and heat meatballs back up.

9.Serve over the noodles.

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Money Saving Tips for Families

The Globetrotters Tour 2013

15 Feb posted by

The Globetrotters play at the Philips Arena, March 16th, 1pm

Coupon for Harlem Globetrotters

Looking for an awesome event the whole family will enjoy?  Get your tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters brand new “You Write the Rules” tour.  Your family’s smiles will start before you even get to the game as the Globetrotters take kid participation to a whole NEW level.  Your family can vote at harlemglobetrotters.com and decide rules for the game that could affect the final outcome.  With rules like double the points for every basket, and two balls in play at the same time, there’s an exciting rule that every kid will enjoy.  After the game, Globetrotter stars will stay on court to sign autographs and take photographs with your kids.  The only thing better than finding an awesome event for the whole family, is getting a great deal on it.  Use the promo code “USFAMILY” when you buy tickets for your family to save $7 on each ticket purchased http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets*.

Get ready to experience the show your family will remember for a lifetime!

You can get your tickets here http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets and don’t forget to use the promo code USFAMILY to save $7 on every ticket!

*Discount available on select seating levels

 

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Money Saving Tips for Families
«Older Posts