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Can Frugal Living be Fun?

Rachel — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:05:56 +0000

If you ask a child what the best day of the year is, most of them are going to tell you Christmas Day, and they aren’t speaking from any religious convictions. Most of us grow up with the idea that “he who dies with the most toys wins”. So how can learning to live frugally ever be fun?

Turn Saving Money into a Game

When I first began to trim things from our family budget, I’ll admit, it was a chore. It was easy to convince myself that I needed everything we were paying for. The 500 TV channels were necessary even though I had never really watched TV before I was put on bedrest with my second son. The weekly pizza gave us a much needed break on Friday nights after a long week. All the things that were going to save money seemed to be taking something fun out of our lives.

I’ve never been a big spender but putting the time and effort into saving money on basics like groceries and new clothes for the kids sounded even less exciting than a trip to the dentist. It wasn’t until I started challenging myself by setting savings goals that I actually started to enjoy the process of cutting back. I started with my grocery bill since that was the most flexible bill in our budget. My first monthly grocery goal was just slightly lower than what I had been spending so that I wasn’t overwhelmed and I’ve gradually cut it back from there. I now feed a family of 5 for under $300 a month by combining sale prices with coupons (including long term food storage) and get far too excited when I find a high value coupon for a favorite product. Couponing has become a kind strange hobby for me but my kids, already used to me taking pictures of their dinner before they eat it have adjusted to my new habits beautifully.

Get More for Less

One of the main reasons my family has gotten so excited about our transition into a more frugal lifestyle is because they have discovered that making thrifty choices allows them to get more for less. We eat out more, have a bigger food storage, go to the movies more, and explore more local attractions than we did before we cut back on our family budget. That probably seems like a strange statement but it’s true. In our pre-frugal life, we would spend money we probably couldn’t afford on little extras just because we wanted to. Now, we spend a little bit of time each week researching deals and take advantages of sales, coupons, and local freebies. We spend less money but are able to do more.

Just recently, my children got free zoo tickets through our local summer reading program, I won a free toddler bedroom set and $30 in movie gift cards from entering a blog giveaway, saw The Last Airbender for free BEFORE it came out in the theatre, and I got $300 worth of groceries for $75. We do more, we get more, but we spend less. We have more fun as a family and spend less, which makes frugal living fun for everyone.

Teach Frugal Habits Early

I’m fairly certain that if my parents had asked me if I wanted to get one toy now or two toys later I would have gone for the single toy. I’m all about instant gratification. Fortunately my kids are learning to make wise choices early. My 7 year old son loves mangos and asks for one nearly every time we are at the grocery store. The other day when he asked for a mango they were nearly $1.50 each. There was no way I was going to pay that. I asked him to make a choice – buy 1 mango then or wait until they were cheaper and buy more. A few weeks later mangos went on sale at a local grocery store for 3/$1. We stocked up on more mangos than any of us could ever eat and filled our freezer with sliced fruit. My son was in heaven and smart enough to see that the bowls full of mango were a much better reward than the one, slightly shriveled mango that he almost settled for.

Learning to live a more frugal lifestyle does take some adjustment but it can improve more than just your family budget – it can improve your quality of life. How do you make frugal living fun?

Photo by Daniel Y. Go

Review: Lindsay Brin Shed 5 Fast DVD

Pamela — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:53:17 +0000

As a mom – I of course am constantly fighting those few pounds that get added with each child. So for me, with three boys, I am fighting more like 15 (or 30 but whose nitpicking, right?). As soon as I read the description for this workout DVD I was on board. The thing that grabbed me right off is that it is an attainable goal. I have talked to all before about setting attainable goals – like 5 pounds in a few weeks – to be more successful. The huge astronomical goals are never going to happen because you will always feel as though it is too much and give up. But if you set smaller manageable goals you are more apt to reach them. You can read more about that concept in my article,

My Review

Back to the DVD, which was a real butt-kicker!! But in an absolutely awesome way! I was totally impressed by the fun and intense get to it vibe Lindsay puts on film. Sometimes when you watch a workout video you just don’t want to do. All you see is a bunch of hard bodies bouncing around with endless energy. These gals are definitely in great shape, but they look like normal people, which is encouraging. I also like the variations offered, for people at different skill levels. As an aerobics instructor, I always like to include different levels for people not just of different ability but different moods on a particular day. Because let’s face, even if you are able to drag yourself to the gym and show up doesn’t mean you have the energy to give it 1000% every single time. It is okay to just go through the motions every once in a while. In this sort of situation it is more important to just keep the workout time in your routine, then to overwork yourself.

All in all, I really enjoyed this video and think it would be a great addition to any woman’s workout DVD Library. Lindsay has very graciously agreed to offer each of you 20% off your own purchase of the Lindsay Brin Shed 5 Fast DVD. Simply click the coupon and you are on your way!

Product Description

Workout 1
Warm-up: 3 minutes
3/3 Intervals: 24 minutes
Cool-down: 3 minutes

Workout 2
Warm-up: 3 minutes
3/3 Intervals: 24 minutes
Cool-down: 3 minutes

Did five extra pounds sneak up on you in your busy life? Lose 5 pounds fast with Lindsay’s Weight Loss methods. These two total-body workouts balance toning exercises with bursts of energetic cardio for maximum fat burning in only 30 minutes. This interval training is the most efficient way to burn calories, and two different workouts ensure you won’t hit a plateau during the six week program.

You’ll lose five pounds or more in just the first three weeks with this Weight Loss fitness DVD! Lindsay Brin uses the 3/3 interval method for the most effective fat burning workout – 3 minutes of toning using multiple muscle groups to boost metabolism, and 3 minutes of martial arts/kickboxing to melt fat in exercises that are simple and effective. Follow your level- beginner, intermediate or advanced, or step up your program to advanced as you start to see results.

To lose 5 pounds even faster make sure you use Moms Into Fitness Weight Loss Plan in addition to the Shed 5 Fast Workouts. Also found on our home page.
Equipment needed:
1-2 sets of weights, optional mat

Disclaimer: I did recieve my own copy of this DVD from Lindsay Brin in conjunction with MamaBuzz, but I was in no other way compenstated to publish this post. These are real and honest opinions.

Canned Salmon

Linda — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:34:04 +0000

Canned salmon is a good staple to have in the pantry. Salmon cakes are a quick meal when everyone is starving. The Salmon Loaf is delicious with a sauce that fits with it perfectly. The Salmon Loaf is elegant enough for company.

My family has made the Salmon Cake recipe for years. It is quick and easy and few ingredients. If you have leftovers, break up the Salmon Cake in bite-size pieces and add to a salad for lunch.

Pink salmon is milder than the red salmon and is less expensive. The red sockeye salmon looks better if you are serving it in a salad or in a dish that needs more red color. The bones in the canned salmon and do not have to be removed. Some people remove the round bones that are usually in the center. If you want to remove the round bones, drain the salmon, remove the salmon and gently open the salmon up with a fork or your fingers and you will find a row of round bones.

Salmon Cake

Oil or bacon grease
1 can salmon (drain the salmon and remove the small white round bones usually in the middle, the smaller bones are soft and do not have to be removed)
3 eggs
4-5 soda crackers (crumble them up with your hands)
Pepper to taste

Mix together in a bowl. Put oil or bacon grease in a skillet and get it hot. You can test it by dropping a tiny sliver of the mixture in the skillet. It should bubble around the edges. Take a serving spoon and fill it with the salmon mixture and gently put it in the skillet. (This can pop so use a lid or a pizza pan for a lid). Cook until golden brown—a few minutes on each side. Drain on a paper towel.

Salmon Loaf

1 1-pound can (2 cups) salmon drained and flaked
1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons minced onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup evaporated milk
1 beaten egg

In a bowl, combine salmon, crumbs, vegetables, spices, and lemon juice. Blend milk and eggs. Add to salmon mixture mixing gently. Put the mixture in a greased 9×5 loaf pan.

Bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes. When loaf is removed from oven turn it upside down on a platter or plate.

Olive Sauce

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup evaporated milk
water
1/4 cup stuffed green olives
1/4 cup chopped salted almonds

Combine mayonnaise and salt in bowl. Blend until smooth.

Pour evaporated milk into a measuring cup and add water to make 1 cup of liquid. Slowly add to mayonnaise mixture. Pour sauce into saucepan. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in ¼ cup of water. Add to sauce. Cook on medium heat. Stir until thick. Add sliced stuffed green olives and chopped almonds. When olives and almonds are warm remove from heat.

If the sauce is not getting as thick as you would like, mix a little more cornstarch and water together and add to the sauce.

Enjoy!

Winning Wednesday – July 28, 2010

Jennifer — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:09:39 +0000

Busy moms are often pressed for time, but entering blog giveaways can help you score some great products for your family for free. With some perseverance and a little luck, you too can be a winner! Busy Mommy Media has scoured the internet and discovered some of the greatest blog giveaways for mom bloggers so you can spend your precious free time entering giveaways instead of searching for them.

Winning Ways

This week’s tip is to create a separate twitter account for entering giveaways. Many blog giveaways will give extra entries for following them on Twitter. This is a simple way to earn extra entries. However, if you use Twitter to stay in touch with family and friends, you may not want all the giveaway tweets cluttering up your page. If you use a Twitter account solely dedicated for entering giveaways, you won’t have this problem. It also makes it easier to check Twitter for new giveaways.

Featured Giveaways

Enter to win a Sun Mate (UV Ray Strength Indicator)@ Great Blog Giveaways (7/31, US and Canada)
Enter to win Pediped Washable Kids Shoes @ Busy Mommy Media (8/3, US only)
Enter to win a $70 CSN Stores Gift Certificate @ Great Blog Giveaways (8/7, US and Canada)
Enter to win a Crayola Color Wonder Prize Pack containing 5 great kits @ Great Blog Giveaways (8/9, US only)
Enter to win a Total Pillow @ Great Blog Giveaways (8/10, US 18+)
Enter to win your choice of Jewelry from Domaine Ltd. @ Great Blog Giveaways (8/10, US and Canada 18+)

Giveaways for Moms

Enter to win a $50 Gift Certificate for China Baroque Fine Sterling Jewelry @ Table 4 Four (8/12)
Enter to win a $500 Head-to-toe Beauty Prize Pack @ Beauty Junkies Unite (8/22, US only)
Enter to win your choice of any 2 eyeshadows from Everyday Minerals @ Blissful Bee Blogging (8/9, Worldwide)
Enter to win a pair of hypo-allergenic titanium hoop earrings from Etsy artist, funnyfuser @ Tsue ~ That’s What She Said (8/7, Worldwide 18+)
Enter to win TicklerTags @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/12)
Enter to win Dryel 3-in-1 Touch-Up Spray (3 Winners) @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/26)
Enter to win Dryel On The Go Stain Pen (3 Winners) @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/19)
Enter to win Snikiddy Snacks @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (7/31)
Enter to win Kerasal Dry Foot Moisturizer @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/10)
Enter to win the Rock ‘N Learn Phonics Vol. 1 DVD @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/18)
Enter to win a Dryel Starter Kit @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/12)
Enter to win a SafeTpet Personalized Pet Collar @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/20)
Enter to win Near East Couscous (2 Winners) @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/15)
Enter to win a Pocket Purifier and SunMate @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/5)
Enter to win an Evengrow Turntable for Potted Plants @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (8/3)
Enter to win a Covergirl $20 Giftcard @ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood (7/31)
Enter to win a copy of The Last to Die by Kate Brady (3 Winners) @ Busy Moms Who Love to Read (7/30)
Enter to win your Choice of Books (3 Winners) @ Busy Moms Who Love to Read (8/20)
Enter to win a copy of All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins @ Busy Moms Who Love to Read (8/14)

Giveaways for the Young or Young at Heart

Enter to win a $15 GC to Piggy Paint @ Momvstheboys (8/5, Worldwide)
Enter to win a Little Tikes Spray and Rescue Firetruck @ My Wee View (7/30)
Enter to win a Fisher Price Bubble Mower @ Mama Makes Money (8/1)
Enter to win The Penguins of Madagascar DVD @ The Frugal Bug (8/5)

Giveaways for Baby

Enter to win a 30 Ct. Boogie Wipes (2 winners) @ Short On Cents (8/10, US only)
Enter to win a Set of 10 Bummas Cloth Baby Wipes in winner’s choice of colors @ The Cheap and Choosy (8/15, US and Canada)
Enter to win Organic Kicky Pants Tee and Miyim Teether @ HSUper Parents (8/10, US only)
Enter to win a Tommee Tippee Truly Spill Proof Sippy Cup @ Pacifiers, Pumps and The World (8/10, US 18+)

Giveaways for the Foodie

Enter to win a Box of Truvia @ The Purple Lady (8/1, US 18+)
Enter to win Peter Rabbits Organic Snacks @ Diabetic Snacker (9/1, US only)
Enter to win 5 bags of Food Should Taste Good Chips (2 winners) @ Featured Product Reviews (8/10, US only)
Enter to win an Oregon Chai Prize Pack @ Ten Talents (8/2, US only)

Giveaways for House and Home

Enter to win a Safe Plant and Garden Bundle by Eso Smart @ Everyday Mom Ideas (7/31, Worldwide)
Enter to win a $60 CSN Stores gift certificate @ Deckside Thoughts (7/31, US, UK, Canada)
Enter to win a Seventh Generation Free and Clear Starter Kit (including 11 FULL SIZE products!) @ Takin’ Care of Twins Reviews (8/9, US only)
Enter to win a Zak Designs bowl set @ Stretching the One Income Dollar (8/3, US only)

Jen’s Giveaway Pick

Enter to win a $100 Igigi Plus Size Clothing gift certificate @ Extreme Personal Measures (8/3)

For more blog giveaways, visit Great Blog Giveaways. Remember, you can’t win if you don’t enter!

Until next time,

Jen

Delicious Dry Beans – How to Cook Pinto Beans

Linda — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:07:28 +0000

Beans are very healthy, budget friendly, easy to cook. Beans can be used in many different recipes. Beans are high in protein, fiber, iron and minerals.

Growing up everyone we knew always cooked a pot of Pinto beans. You can serve the beans as a side dish or turn them into a variety of dishes like charro beans, refried beans, bean dip, and chili. Black beans can be substituted in most pinto bean recipes.

Great White Northern or Navy beans are mild creamy-white beans that are very good as a side dish with pork, in soup, or baked beans.

Dry beans store almost indefinitely if they are kept in a cool, dry place. If the beans have been stored for a year or more, you may need to cook them a little longer.

If you want the beans to cook in a shorter amount of time, you can sort through and clean the beans and soak them overnight in enough water to cover them. Drain the water the beans were soaked in and continue with the recipe.

Pinto Beans

Ingredients

1 lb. Pinto beans
1 smoke ham hock or 3-4 pieces of bacon
1 tsp salt
water to cover ham hock

Preparation

Slow Cooker

Sort through the beans and remove any pebbles, or defective beans. Rinse the beans a couple of time to make sure they are clean. Drain the water from the beans.

Put beans in the slow cooker. Add the ham hock or bacon.

Fill the slow cooker with water about 2 inches above the beans and ham hock.

Cover the beans and bring to a boil on high. When beans begin to boil, turn the slow cooker to low. Cook the beans 8-10 hours.

About one hour before the beans are done, add the salt and stir. Taste the beans to make sure they are salted enough for your taste.

The beans should be tender when done. Stir a couple of times while the beans are cooking. Add water as needed to keep the water above the ham hock.

One pound of dry beans makes around 5-6 cups cooked beans. Cooked beans can be frozen and used in other dishes.

Large Pot

Follow the directions above. When the beans begin to boil, turn the stove to simmer.

Cook the beans 5-6 hours on the top of the stove.

Variations

Black beans, Great White Northern beans, and kidney beans can all be cooked using the pinto bean recipe.

Cookbook Review: The $5 Dinner Mom

Lorie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:38:11 +0000

Do you think feeding your family well and staying on budget is even possible? Are you having a hard time coming up with ideas for dinners for your family? Well, I have found the cure for you, The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook.

Creation of $5 Dinner Mom

The $5 Dinner Mom is Erin Chase. I have enjoyed reading her blog since its inception. The blog started when the country was going through a recession and the cost of food was at an all time high. My family was no different and we were also having problems finding enough money to buy food. I started reading Erin’s blog and found a wealth of information. Erin, like many other bloggers today, started putting her ideas down and wrote a cookbook known as The $5 Dinner Mom.

Inside The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook

The $5 Dinner Mom has 200 recipes for quick, easy, healthy and budget friendly meal ideas that cost less than $5 a meal. The cookbook starts out with three whole chapters on Strategic Grocery Shopping, Strategic Couponing, and Strategic Meal Planning. Erin packs in all the information and tips that she has learned in her own experience of trying to feed her family healthy, budget friendly meals. I really enjoyed these chapters. It was like talking with a good friend who was sharing tips. The rest of the cookbook is broken down into several chapters of recipes for different food categories including; Pasta and Pizza, Chicken and Turkey, Beef, Pork, Soups and Stews, and Vegetarian. The last chapter is devoted to homemade recipes like dressings, sauces and breads. Many of these recipes are used in other recipes found in the cookbook. The recipes all contain price breakdowns by ingredients, which is very helpful for planning your own recipes. At the end of each recipe is a frugal fact that will help you and your family save money in the grocery store as well as time saving meal preparation tips. The really neat thing about the recipes is that they are an entire meal in one recipe and again all are $5 or less.

Testing $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook Recipes

I decided to review this cookbook so I really needed to test some of the recipes. The first recipe we tried was the Potato Pizza Pie on page 248. I think that the main reason I decided to try this recipe was because the picture in the book looked so yummy. I never really realized it was a recipe from the vegetarian chapter. This recipe was really interesting because it showed a different way to use potatoes. I had a lot on-hand that needed to be used so it made it a perfect choice for me. This recipe also uses the homemade pizza sauce found in the homemade chapter. Making your own sauces can really save you some money! According to the recipe, the total cost was $4.34. I had everything on-hand except the carrots, so this meal was pretty inexpensive to make. The Pizza Pie tasted a lot like pizza and was liked by the whole family. I also liked that her bread recipes included bread machine instructions.

$5 Dinner Mom Blog

You should check out Erin’s blog($5 Dinners), it is full of information on how to save money on healthy family meals, and she has lots of recipes. Most of the recipes in the cookbook are not listed on her blog so you need to buy the cookbook to get those recipes.

How Can I Get $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook?

I received a cookbook to review, but was not compensated for writing a review of the book by the author or publisher. If you are interested in buying a cookbook for yourself, you can find it on Amazon for $10.19, at the time of this writing. I have found the cookbook very helpful for my family and I hope each of you get the chance to check it out to help your family eat healthy, easy, budget friendly dinners.

Friday Faves – July 23

Rachel — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:50:33 +0000

I love to search the blogosphere for great advice on parenting issues and tips for fun projects to do with kids but there is simply so much information out there that it’s impossible to stay on top of all of it. Here are a few of our favorite posts from the week. Do you have a favorite blog post of the week that you wrote or discovered while blog hopping? Share it with us in the Linky below.

A Growing Concern – This touching article by Candace Alper is a great reminder for all of us to be considerate of the labels we place on our children. As short parents, Candace and her husband were not surprised when their daughter Hannah was tiny as well, but how does she feel about being labeled “cute” all the time by her friends?

Are Second-Born Children Braver - I’ve always believed that there’s some truth to the birth order personality theories. This great post at 5 Minutes for Mom raises the question of whether or not second-born children are braver because of their place in the family. My kids got one step braver each time so it’s an interesting question for me to consider.

Laundry Room Reveal - I am not even close to being a do-it-yourselfer so I have a huge respect for those who are. Emily over at Finding my Aloha redid her laundry room, including building this great riser for her washer and dryer. I rarely use the drawers under my washer and dryer so I love the idea of being able to put laundry baskets in that space. Way to go Emily!

Helping your Child Cope with Change – This guest post at the (Un)Experienced Mom was written by a social worker and has some great tips for helping children deal with all the change that, unfortunately, happens nearly constantly in all of our lives. I really enjoyed enjoyed this post on a personal level because over the past year my kids have gone through a lot of changes. They lost a sibling, moved out of the home they grew up in, moved again, but they’ve come through with flying colors. I was happy to see that we’d done a lot of the things that were suggested in this post already so it was great to see that we were doing something right.

Food Blog Faves

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts - It’s Christmas in July over at a Southern Fairy Tale and what better to celebrate Christmas with than candied nuts. This great guest post by Karly features one of the classic tastes of Christmas. I’ve enjoyed these every year at the mall but I’ve never made them at home. I may put these to use as a frugal Christmas gift this year. They look delicious!

How To – Homemade Popsicles – Homemade popsicles are classic summer and Marie LeBaron has some great ideas for mixing it up a bit and making something that everyone in the family will enjoy. We’ve been playing around with fresh juice popsicles this summer but I think this post has given me the motivation to get just a bit more creative.

Do you have a favorite blog post? Add your favorite blog posts from the week below.

First Steps to Potty Training

Rachel — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:36:37 +0000

What do you do if your toddler starts showing interest in the potty? Potty training can seem overwhelming, especially for first time parents but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just like everything else with parenting, it comes one day at a time and children learn a little bit more each day.

Toddlers will express interest in potty training at different times. It is best to follow their lead and encourage them when they begin to show interest.

Buy a Child Sized Potty

Purchase a child sized potty and put it somewhere that your toddler can see it often. Allow your toddler to explore the potty and sit on it if they show interest. At this stage it does not matter whether or not your toddler’s time on the potty is successful. Make your toddlers time on the potty fun and stress free.

Talk About What You Do on the Potty

You can talk to you toddler about what they will do on the potty. Diaper changing times are an important time to talk to your toddler. Toddlers enjoy conversation while they are having their diapers changed. It is a time that they have your complete and undivided attention and you have theirs. Talk about how someday they will use the potty instead of using their diaper and how big boys and girls do not wear diapers anymore. This will get them interested in learning more about the potty.

Let Your Toddler Watch Someone Else use the Potty

Toddlers learn about the world around them by watching other people. A wonderful introduction to the potty for a toddler can be watching other people use the potty. If you are not comfortable with your toddler watching you, an older sibling or another toddler or preschooler that is working on potty training is a great substitute.

Read Books About Potty Training with your Toddler

There are many wonderful books available about toddlers learning to use the potty. Books are a great way for your toddler to learn the basics about using the potty without putting any pressure on them. Toddlers enjoy reading and will come to understand that one day they will use the potty too.

At this age, you only to introduce toddlers to the idea of potty training. Do not expect instant success. If your toddler is interested in trying to use the potty you can encourage them but it is important to follow your toddlers lead. Rushing your toddler or criticizing them for mistakes will only lengthen the process.

How to Travel with a Toddler

Rachel — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:25:07 +0000

Going on a trip can be an exciting adventure for the entire family but it can also cause a lot of stress when you are traveling with a toddler. There are ways to make a road trip with a toddler more enjoyable but it takes some planning.

Pack Snacks and Drinks

A well fed toddler is a happy toddler. Make sure you have some of your toddlers favorite snacks to eat in the car or at rest stops. Bring plenty of water and juice. These can be kept in a cooler along with any perishable snacks. Crackers and pretzels are always a favorite but they can leave behind a crumbly mess. Cut celery, apples, grapes, and pears make wonderful snacks on the road. Bananas may be a favorite at home but they bruise easily and can become overly ripe in the heat.

Take Plenty of Breaks

A toddler cannot sit in a car seat for more than a few hours at a time. Make plenty of stops along the way to allow your toddler to stretch his legs and wiggle around. Many truck stops and gas stations along well traveled roads have playground equipment that can help your toddler to get some energy out. Being strapped in a car seat for too long can put your toddler at risk for blood clots. It will also give you a headache listening to your toddler scream for a break.

Plan Ahead

You cannot plan for everything but the more organized you are the better your trip will go. Know where your toddler is going to sleep at night while you are traveling so that you don’t have to make sleeping arrangements with a tired toddler. Make a packing list to be sure that you have not forgotten anything important.

Take a Comfort Item

If your toddler has a comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or a blanket, make sure you bring it with you. Your toddler will sleep better while you travel and adjust better to change if they have something that is comforting to them.

Bring Entertainment for the Car

Your toddler will enjoy traveling in the car much better if they have something to entertain themselves with. If you have a portable TV system, bring movies that hold your toddlers attention. Music can relax your toddler and help them fall asleep or can provide some entertainment watching Mom act crazy singing the words to the song.

It is hard to predict how your toddler will react while they are traveling but try and take care of yourself and get enough sleep each night so you are prepared for whatever happens. You may have a few toddler meltdowns but don’t let that spoil your trip. Enjoy the time you have with your family and don’t let the small obstacles that come up stop you from having fun.

photo by sean dreilinger

Winning Wednesday – July 21, 2010

Jennifer — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:01:38 +0000