Here we are, in the depth of winter. It’s snowing outside and the kids have a serious case of “cabin fever”.

What’s a mom to do to help keep everyone happy, occupied, and sane? On days like this, I turn my kitchen and dining room into a playground.

Today, we will enjoy getting our hands dirty, and yes, it will be OK to do so in Mom’s kitchen.

We will make cookies, do arts & crafts, and pass the time away laughing and making memories that will last long after winter has passed!

Orange Snowball Cookies

These aren’t for throwing, but they are so good to eat! Orange Snowball Cookies are very simple no bake cookies that practically dissolve in your mouth! Let kids of all ages help any way they can.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 oz.) box vanilla wafers, crumbled
•  1 box powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup frozen orange juice (undiluted)
• 1 stick melted butter
• Shredded coconut (optional)

1. Mix crushed vanilla wafers, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and frozen orange juice together. Add butter, stir to combine.
2. Form into small to medium balls and roll them in powdered sugar, (or shredded coconut, if desired).
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 6 dozen.

Other Edible Gifts and Ideas

A snow day or bad weather day is an excellent time to keep children busy in the kitchen, but also utilize the time by creating little edible gifts such as cookies, candy, breads, cakes, and chocolate-covered pretzels. These can be made ahead of time, stored in air-tight containers, and frozen until needed. My children enjoy making gifts from the kitchen to give to their friends and loved ones on birthdays, special occasions, and holidays.

 Winter-Time Arts & Crafts

When I was a child, I loved making paper snowflakes. I’d take a piece of white paper and fold it over many times and then cut all sizes of triangles and diamond shapes throughout that folded piece of paper. I’d cut it and shape it just right and then slowly and carefully unfold it to reveal a one-of-a-kind beautiful snowflake all my own!

That was my level of creativity. My husband, on the other hand, took paper crafts to a whole new level. He first introduced the children to Origami and then he showed them what they could do using what is known simply as” paper craft.”

To my amazement, my children have made stand up 3-D versions of their favorite animals or cartoon characters completely out of paper!

 Marshmallow Shooters

I was not keen to this idea, but again my husband found it and the kids loved it. This would be a good project to do if Dad is home as it involves PVC pipe and some hand tools. However, once they are made, marshmallow shooters provide hours of giggly fun, for days and years to come. Instructions can be found at Familycapers.com The shooters cost about $2 to make.

Frugal Family Winter Time Fun

Spring will be here before you know it. Take advantage of these times to create special memories with your kids while you can. Be creative. Think of ways to create different work stations and play areas throughout the house that will appeal to various ages and interests within the household.

• Make several different kinds of no-bake cookies
• Turn the kitchen table into paper craft central
• Turn the dining room table into a play fort
• A bar or island can be set up for older children who might enjoy making candy, using melted almond bark and plastic molds.
• The sides of a fridge or chest freezer can be easily turned into a paint or drawing easel using magnets and large sheets of paper
• Set a step stool up at the kitchen sink and and fill one side of the sink with plain or colored water (with food coloring), and the other side with bubble water to create a simple and easy to clean water & bubble play area.
• Have dried beans? Place dried beans and measuring cups in little wash tubs. The is a safe alternative inside for sand play.

Share Your Frugal Fun Family Wintertime Ideas

“What do you do when you are stuck inside all day? How do you entertain your kids on those “Mom, I’m bored!”, stuck inside the house, bad weather days? Please share below!’

A few weeks ago, my family and I took a day trip to Lego Land. The admission price was not very cheap but because it was my son’s birthday we indulged. We were able to find a few coupons so that helped us with the price of admission. I am amazed at what can be created with Legos! They can be found in almost every retail chain store in America, but there’s no need to purchase them there. You can look at second hand stores and garage sales for a used collection.

At one point I saw a complete set of 458+ pieces for less than $5 at a second hand store! You can also ask around on your local Freecycle group or check prices on Ebay. Many times, simply asking around for old toys produces more options than you can imagine.

Legos Last

Legos can provide hours of fun, family entertainment for people of all ages. Picture Grandpa, Dad, and the children all working on various projects on the living room floor. That’s the power of Legos. It’s a toy that crosses generational boundaries and encourages creativity in all ages.

Legos make great stocking stuffers too. Check your local dollar store. I’ve found Lego keychains, watches, pens and ornaments, as well as little bags of generic building blocks for around $2 each.

Legos aren’t the only option out there, K’NEX are similar and have several sets available under $10 each. For a little more money, $10 to $20, Mega Bloks and Lego DUPLO can be purchased for children 18 months to 5 years old. Most of the traditional Lego sets are geared for children 7 to 12 years old. Legos and building/construction toys may be played with for years to come, buying them may be a wise investment for your family. I also love the fact that we can easily travel with a bucket of Legos with no batteries required!

Wooden block play-sets can be found for around $10 each. Guidecraft sells construction pieces similar to the old Tinker Toy sets, they offer several creative building options for under $20 each.  The traditional Lincoln logs and Tinker Toys can still be found for under $20 a set (Tinker Toys sets can also be found under the names TRIO and Superstruct).

What great toy finds have you come across this year and where did you find them?

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Christmas break is coming! Entertain your kids with these simple holiday cookie recipes. Roll, cut, bake and decorate- that’s the name of the game!

Make snow days and Christmas break fun for everyone! Keep kids occupied with cookie making for a holiday cookie exchange with family and friends. Children can enjoy every part of the process!

Sugar Cookies

A basic sugar cookie recipe is a holiday baking essential. This one sugar cookie dough recipe can be shaped, rolled, molded, or cut into several different holiday treats. With a little creativity and a pantry full of food coloring, flavorings, baking chips, and candy pieces, the options are endless.

Basic Sugar Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for shaping the cookies
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the egg and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla.
4. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated (the dough will be stiff). Shape into a disk and (unless otherwise specified in an individual recipe) refrigerate, wrapped, for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
5. Make cookies. Use whatever method desired: cut-outs, rolled, dropped, bar, etc. Bake at 350° F for 12-15 minutes per pan of cookies.
6. Store cookies in an airtight contain for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ginger Bread

I love gingerbread. There’s so much you can do with it depending on the recipe. Make gingerbread men, cakes, breads, cream-filled sandwich cookies, breakfast muffins, gingerbread houses, etc. Be creative!

** If you don’t have much time and don’t want to make your own cookie dough mix, not only can you buy refrigerated sugar cookie dough in your local market, but now they have gingerbread too. See if you can find a coupon and check for it the next time you go shopping!**

Ingredients:

• 1 (6 ounce) packages butterscotch pudding mix
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

Christmas Baking With The Kids

Holiday cooking and baking does take a little advanced planning and Christmas baking with the kids can have its own set of challenges. Plan recipes that are simple, easy and can be enjoyed quickly. Look for kid-friendly holiday cookie recipes with basic ingredients and directions. Let children help in every possible way. Give each child a job and when it comes time to decorate, give each child a plate of cookies to make their own.

Food Allergies and Sugar-Free Options

When baking especially during the holidays, it is good to be aware of any food allergies or dietary restrictions children might have. Nut allergies are fairly common so choosing a cookie recipe with allergy-friendly ingredients is a must. Do a little research when it comes to sugar-free recipes. You want a tasty turnout and one that is not too expensive to make. Gluten- free also falls into this category. A little research before baking day can go a long way!

Kids in the Kitchen

Allowing children to help make Christmas cookies, holiday gifts and treats is a great way to keep them occupied and happy during the winter break. It can take a little more planning but it’s a great way to build lasting holiday memories year after year.

It’s your turn! What is your favorite cookie recipe and how do you get the kids involved?

If you get my Freebie Friday newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s question about book choices for children (if you don’t get my newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner of the blog). Read below to find out my personal thoughts and to check out some of these book choices! Molly

Dear Midge,

In the case of book selection for my children, I consult quite a few different places. I begin with friends and family, who are like minded and hold the same value system that our family has. I ask for their opinions on the select age groups we have in our home. I then make a list of those choices and start investigating reviews, etc. You can search out different lists on Google based on your criteria, here is one example. You might run across a Top 10 list such as this. I also like to rely on the classics for my boys such as The Hardy Boys series. Here is a list I found to give you some more ideas for boys (be looking for age appropriate books).  Summer is also a great time to continue reading! Check out these reading lists categorized by grade level/age group.

Happy reading!

Love ya, Molly

Where do you look for good book titles? What types of books does your family read?

I’m just beginning to realize, this is the last week of October. Thursday is November 1st. Where did the year go!

As moms, we are so busy that one day blends into another, one week , one month……. it’s just a blur sometimes. I’m constantly looking for ways to organize better and plan ahead to save time and money. With the holidays approaching, I realize I have to be organized.

Do you feel that way too? There are so many things to remember and do, that if I’m not organized and I don’t plan on something or write it down, I’m likely to forget it, and that wouldn’t be good.

So, here I am, with pen, paper and calendar in hand, making sure nothing gets forgotten.

Menu Planning

Let’s start with menu planning. Keep stress to a minimum by keeping things simple. Plan holiday menus that will be gorgeous, tasteful, delicious, creative but very quick and easy to prepare. You don’t want to spend all your time in the kitchen. Holiday time is family time.

Over the next few weeks, watch the grocery ads. Stock up and buy as the sales hit. This is a good time to stock up on baking staples: flour, sugar, butter, pumpkin, chocolate chips, nuts, canned milk, corn meal and corn bread mixes.

Also, over the next few weeks, watch for the price of turkey to drop and stock up on poultry and canned vegetables. Trust me. This is the time to stockpile the pantry.

Start looking for new recipes and creative ideas that will save you time in the kitchen. One trick I learned from my mother-in-law, a overnight, crock-pot, turkey breast, that is so simple, it’s funny! (I’ll share it with you soon).

Keep your eyes peeled for tips, tricks and simple recipes that will give the cook something to be thankful for. I’ll be sharing some of my own tips over the next few weeks!

Cleaning, Organizing & Decorating

Don’t try to do everything in the 24 hrs before Thanksgiving. Do a little each day and remember to have some fun in between. Relax. This time of year is a time to enjoy family. Plan ahead, organize and don’t stress.

• Clean, shop and thaw. Make a list and check it twice. Do all the grocery shopping ahead of time.
• Get the kids involved. Make a chore chart. Even children as young as two can help Mommy with the laundry and putting things away.
• Once a week, do a thorough cleaning ( with everyone helping), change all the bed linens, sweep, mop, vacuum and dust every room.
• Bathrooms & Laundry – Plan. Cleaning the bathroom and doing laundry is almost a daily chore for some families. For others, smaller families, every other day or longer is possible. Decide what works for your family and plan accordingly. Also, take in consideration holiday guests. Stock up on toiletries and tissue paper.
• Clean out and throw out. This a great time of the year to do a complete Fall cleaning. Pick a room a day or a closet a day. Clean, dust and organize. Sort through clothes and toys. Get rid of anything and everything that is not used or needed. Have a garage sale or donate to local charities or Freecycle. Also, keep in mind, some things you no longer need or use can be re-gifted to others this Christmas!

Family Time

Make Family Time a PRIORITY this holiday season. Keep children entertained, cheerful and enthusiastic by involving them in whatever you may be doing as you prepare for the holidays. Make a game out of cleaning and cooking together. My children race to see who can make beds faster or vacuum rooms.

In the kitchen, have a few special recipes just for the kids to complete. Plan family fun  events periodically throughout the holidays: movies, hay rides, park days, cookie baking days, gift making days, gift wrapping days, craft days, etc.

If there’s a homeless shelter or soup kitchen in the area, perhaps the family can volunteer to help cook, serve and clean up one night. Let your children see there is another side to the holidays and give them opportunities to minister to others.

Here’s another way to share and care. Prepare and take gift baskets to friends, neighbors and shut-ins.  The possibilities are endless, just remember the priority is quality family time.

Stress Free Holiday

By doing a little each day and including family members in the holiday preparations, this can be can be a fun, stress free time for all. Do a little each day along the way and plan fun family activities and events throughout the season. Enjoy!

If you get my weekly newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s question regarding back-to-school shopping ideas for her sister’s 4 homeschooled children (if you don’t get my newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner of the blog). Here are a few thoughts I had on frugal back-to-school shopping tips. Molly

Dear Midge,

Back-to-school shopping can seem like a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be! Before heading out to purchase anything, do an inventory of what you already have on hand. There may be more hiding in your closets and desks than you think. Shopping at home is free! Set aside a place to collect the things you find, this could be a box or shelf. This spot can also be a place to store all the “extras” you may find and be in need of during the middle of the school year (i.e. extra boxes of crayons or pencils).

Once you’ve found all you can IN your home, it’s time to head OUTSIDE and hit the stores. Taking advantage of the loss leaders and using discount stores will help your bottom line. Make a plan before you shop, keep your MUST-HAVE list in front of you at all times and keep your budget in mind. If your child (or children) simply can’t live without the fancy backpack, you could do a little bargaining on binders or folders. Compromising a little may go a long way in staying on track, especially when buying for multiple children.

I’ve seen back-to-school supplies in the oddest of places! Craft stores, dollar stores and even supermarkets have school supplies. Check out their prices, you may score a great deal by shopping off the beaten path. Another shopping bonus for homeschoolers is that you can shop “late” to save even more. Usually about a week after school starts, supplies are marked down to clearance prices. Waiting a bit longer than usual may stretch your budget further.

We use second hand type stores for a lot of our clothes shopping and take advantage of used curriculum for our homeschool. These methods help us save money in other areas as we head into the school year. We’re always on the lookout for shoe sales, we hit those stores when they have a buy one get one half off sale!

Being creative and staying aware of sales and discounts will help tremendously during the back-to-school shopping craze!

Love ya, Molly

Here are 5 Tips for Teaching Teens about Money from guest poster, Mark Hansen. Molly

As children blossom into young men and women, most insist on planning and running their own lives. Parents worry about all the basic essentials for their kids’ independent living, like housing, eating properly, staying warm, being careful at night and more. But most parents forget to teach their youngsters one of the most important lessons of all – financial responsibility. The resulting turmoil can spell disaster for a child’s future.

Consider this: The average young adult amasses $45,000 in debt by the time they turn 29, according to a recent PNC Bank report.

“This generation of 20-somethings was raised during an economically-thriving period,” says financial expert Mark Hansen, author of Success 101 for Teens (www.success101forteens.com). “Undisciplined spending habits, student and car loans, and a tough job market have stymied their financial growth. Perhaps the worst culprit is financial ignorance, but we can count this as a lesson for future 20-somethings.”

For young people, organizing finances can be intimidating to the point of prohibitive, he says.

“We need to have a curriculum in schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade, that ensures our kids graduate with financially literacy,” he says. “From balancing a checkbook to understanding what it means to pay – and earn – interest, kids need basic money management skills to survive in the world, and most aren’t getting them.”

Hansen says all teens should know and practice so they can control their financial destinies:

o Saving for dreams – the three-envelope method: Use the first envelope for your day-to-day expenses: gas or lunch money. Pause before blowing this money at the movie theater or a fast-food restaurant! Envelope No. 2 is for short-term goals, which might be clothing or a new laptop. The third envelope is for long-term goals such as a car, college or a “future millionaire club” fund.

o How to create a budget: A budget lets us know what’s possible, and not possible, with money. There are six steps to creating a budget. 1. List all of your expenses. 2. List all income. 3. List monthly expenses. 4. Add up these lists separately. 5. Tweak your budget so you can meet your expenses with money left over for savings. 6. Review your budget every week.

o How to set and follow through on goals: First, figure out what your current finances are, then determine what they will be in the future — one year out, then two years out, then four years later, etc. How will you get to your one- or two-year goal? You need a plan, and most of the time that means either earning more money, spending less, or a combination of the two. Finally, you have to stick to your plan in order for it to work.

o Understanding interest rates, such as credit cards: Interest is a fee paid for using someone else’s money. Simple interest is straightforward: 5 percent accrued in your bank account with $100 yields $5 in interest at the end of the year. Compound interest, however, means ever-increasing amounts. This is crucial to understanding debt you may take on from lenders. Know what you are borrowing, and the terms thereof. Just as your money can work for you in a bank account, money borrowed can work against you if it is not paid back in a timely manner.

o How to write checks and balance a checkbook: These days, it’s easier than ever to review accounts online, which automatically tracks exchanges. HOWEVER, banks do make mistakes, which is why it’s wise to track your accounts independently. Ask. Don’t be embarrassed. Banks are putting a premium on service and want to establish a positive relationship with young customers.  If you have a question, speak to someone at the bank. As you take control of your money, you’ll also take control of your life.

A successful businessman, a former Palm Beach County, Fla., elected school board member and motivational speaker, Mark has dedicated his life to helping young people overcome obstacles and deal with the challenges of daily living. Struck by a car and nearly killed as a child, Mark fought back through positive actions and reactions to all that he had to overcome. As a result, he relates to teens in a very special way.  Through books such as, “Success 101 for Teens: Dollars and Sense for a Winning Financial Life,” and seminars, Mark Hansen is driven to make an impact on teens and young adults and to empower them to rise above and triumph over life’s obstacles.

Teaching Teens About Money Works For Me! For more WFM tips, visit We Are That Family.

If you get my weekly newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s situation regarding end of the school year celebrations (if you don’t get my newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner of the blog). Here are a few thoughts I had regarding her request for frugal party ideas. Molly

Dear Midge,

I’m not sure which event is more exciting to me, the end of the school year or the fact that summer is here! Ok, maybe it’s both. When I start thinking of celebrations, parties or get-togethers I immediately think about family & friends. It’s ultimately the time spent together that makes the memories, not the type of party we attended. So, in my mind, frugal parties are a breeze with a little imagination!

Just a few budget friendly ideas:

• An old-fashioned picnic- you could decorate tables with checkered tablecloths, make sub sandwiches & root beer floats and play games such as bobbing for apples, 3 legged races & water balloon fights.

• Show-and-tell- let the kids show you what they can do!  This idea could take many forms, the possibilities are endless.  You could have a talent contest, a magic show, everyone could try their hand at juggling or even joke telling.  Don’t forget your video camera!
• Camping party- you don’t even have to go anywhere, just set up a tent (or 2) in the yard and make hotdogs & smores over the campfire.  A little star gazing before bed might be fun or even a scary, campfire story (for the brave ones!).

• Yearbook signing- Most kids love autographs, receiving and giving them! If your child has a yearbook there should be a place for him/her/them to collect signatures from classmates or teachers.  Even homeschooling families can do this!  Try this idea: Title a piece of cardstock with your child’s name and school year and let them collect signatures. The cardstock can then be placed inside a sheet protector to be stored in a keepsake binder.
• Post Card Grab Bag- this is not only a fun activity to do over the summer but it encourages pen pals as well.  Have each child write their home address on 3 post cards.  All of the post cards get put into a large bag, each child can then randomly pick out 3 cards (not their own) and agree to send out one each month during the summer. The children can include things they’re doing during the summer or even just silly news/jokes about their vacation time.

I hope these gave you some ideas for your nieces and nephews. Let the summer fun begin!

Love ya, Molly

Frugal party ideas work for me!  To see more Works For Me Wednesday Tips visit: We Are That Family.

Were you able to join us at the Facebook party last week?  If so, you may remember me asking “Where do you need guidance in managing your household.”  Many of you commented on clutter or the need for decluttering in your homes.  So, here we are on Monday morning. It’s a new week, a new day and a fresh start to kick that clutter to the curb.  Depending on the type of clutter you have around your home will determine your strategy or strategies in removing it.  Take a minute and do an inventory of what you see.  Is it paper clutter that threatens to ruin your day?  Are piles of clothes tripping you up?  Maybe you’re in the season of life with lots of littles around your home- with toys & trinkets scattered about.  No matter the mess, it can be tackled and taken out. One.Step.At.A.Time.  You can do this!

The folks over at Organized Home.com have a lot to say about the matter of decluttering.  Their step-by-step instructions may be all you need to begin the process of getting rid of the excess in your home.  Declutter 101 talks about clearing the clutter and how to start (if you feel like the clutter monster has moved in for good).  Remember, slow and steady wins the race…

Every task needs a strategy, right?  Strategies lead to plans and plans lead to action.  Let’s do this thing!  See what the 4-box method is all about.

One of my worst ever habits was dumping the mail in a pile.  Doing this caused my pile to grow into a mountain.  I then had an unsightly mess to worry about, random avalanches to try and avoid and the daunting task of sorting through it all just to find the electric bill (before it was past due).  Over time I began sorting the daily mail over the trash can.  When the kids bring the mail in for me, I ask them to set it on the kitchen table.  This spot works for us because know that before the next meal I must clean it off before we can eat.  I be sure to get rid of the junk mail immediately and place the bills in their ‘designated spot.’  Implementing this one routine has helped me tremendously.

Getting rid of clutter is just part of the battle- once it’s gone it needs to never return!  Check out these tips about staying clutter-free.

What are some of your favorite decluttering routines?  Have any of these tips inspired you to attack your clutter?  Drop me a line and share your strategy…talk to you soon!

Molly

Decluttering works for me!  To see more Works For Me Wednesday tips visit: We Are That Family

So what’s your take on this? You know, the “O” word.  Some people live for it, others run from it. Where do you fall in the category of organization?  I understand this is quite a broad topic, there are oh so many things in life that could be organized. I’ll try my best to refrain from going down that rabbit trail!

I used to think organizing was simply trying to find a creative way to fit in more STUFF.  Then I realized ‘stuff’ can weigh a person down and I started trying to live life more simply.  I learned the art of donating unused items.  I’m telling you, this practice goes a long way in getting organized.  The more stuff you have, the more room you need to store it and the harder it is to organize it (and the more time it takes!).

Bookshelves work well for me, as long as I keep up with them!  I’ve found that for kid’s school supplies, it works well to have see-through shoe size bins that can be stacked on the bookshelf.  One bin for watercolor paints, one bin for markers, one bin for flash cards, etc.

Less-is-more really works well for me in the kitchen too.  I’ve also found there’s really no reason for 8 wooden spoons.  Hmmmm, really? Yes, I had 8 wooden spoons.  Tupperware type containers also tend to multiply in my cabinets and then jump out at the most inconvenient times.  This doesn’t happen to you, does it?

Bathrooms can be short on storage so make the most of what you have.  Utilize your cabinet(s) or bathroom closet and make it work for you.  *Note* I just so happened to have found 4 bottles of cleaning supplies under my sink.  Again, less-is-more!

So what organizing tips work for you? What space do you have that is organized well?  Where could you use some organizing help?