Living a Simple, Happy Life

The longer we live in the country, the more I realize the benefits of living life simply. The newest purses, clothes and jewelry no longer bring the same excitement. Having fancy decorations and technology doesn't leave me jealous of those who have them. Instead, I appreciate what I have more, delight in a good bargain, make things I have last longer and focus on the simple things that make me happy. 

Little House Lifestyle

The Little House Lifestyle is what I'm calling this new lifestyle, which is really based on a whole new way of thinking. Imagine Little House on the Prairie here: A slower pace, enjoying life, relishing in the beauty around us, spending time with loved ones and living a life building memories rather than regrets. Living contentedly rather than wanting.

It's far to easy to fall into the trap of "someday." After XYZ happens, then I'll be happy. After I do ABC, I'll be happy. Striving for someday and missing out on what is happening now. Little House living is about living life for what is is rather than what it may be someday. Plan for the future and have goals, of course, but don't miss out on what you have now.

Let's face it, no one lies on their death bed wishing they'd gotten that awesome new cell phone, car or clothes. What haunts us in the end is not having enjoyed the simple parts of our days that matter most. 

Go Against the Grain to Find Happiness

Living simply goes against what society tells us we should want. We're supposed to love shopping, stuffing our closets, redecorating our homes every few years, buying the latest-and-greatest gadget. If something breaks, toss it and buy new. If close rip, throw them out, too. Rather than being grateful for and making the best of what we do have, we're supposed to desire what others have. We're always comparing how we look, what we have, what we do with others rather than being our own person. None of it gives us what we crave though --- to be happy and content. We're too busy focusing on what we don't have, how we don't measure up instead of recognizing the happiness right there in front of us. Being happy and content is about living for now, rather than what may come. It's the Little House Lifestyle.

Bank Account Bonus

A by-product of living simply is that you can live on less money. Needing less money means less stress and fights about money. Not spending as much allows you to build up that emergency fund you've been meaning to, or that has been looking a little slim. Or, you can save up for an experience the whole family is going to remember, a big purchase for the house (a garden you've been meaning to put in, a patio swing to enjoy your yard). All things you'll appreciate more than things that are likely to be forgotten, taking up space and making clutter in a few months. Win-win situation!

Now that you've read about the Little House Lifestyle from the mindset angle, check out tomorrow's post to find out what I've  been doing to actually implement this lifestyle.

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Quick, Healthy & Cheap Snack Ideas

Snacking is an every-day thing in our house. If M2 had her way, she'd probably eat nothing else but the snacks all day. With my weight loss mission, snacking comes in handy for me to keep my metabolism up and stop myself from getting so hungry I binge. Baby B isn't one to turn down a snack, either, especially when he sees someone else nibbling on something yummy. To keep us all eating healthy, without spending so much the grocery budget is blown or having to spend hours making it, these are the snacks I make sure to stuff the fridge and pantry with.

As an added bonus, some of these you can make yourself beforehand when doing meal prep, or when you want an activity to do with the kids. That ups the health  factor and cuts down on cost even more. All the foods on the list are ones that are staples in our house. With plenty of delicious snacks to choose from on this list, there are sure to be a few that you'll want to incorporate into your own household.

1. Hand fruit

Peaches, nectarines, apples, pears, bananas, grapes, plums -- anything you can grab, wash and eat on the go without any fuss qualifies as a hand fruit. They're great to keep around for when you want something sweet. While oranges aren't a hand fruit, I like to keep a bunch of them in the house as well. Bananas are probably the cheapest fruit you can find, which is why we've always got a pile in our fruit bowl.

2. Peppers, celery, cucumbers and carrots

Chop them up and keep them handy for when you're craving something yummy. I keep a container of carrot sticks drenched in water to keep them fresh in the fridge. A few cucumbers are always floating around the fridge to peel and slice.

Make-it-yourself bonus: You can grow your own garden and buy veggies that aren't pre-cut to save even more.

3. Peanut butter and bread

A serving of natural peanut butter without fillers along with whole grain bread makes for a healthy, protein-packed snack to keep you full.

Make-it-yourself bonus: Honey wheat or buttermilk wheat bread goes great with peanut butter. Both are easy to make, too.

4. Protein bars

Pick up a big box of store-brand protein bars rather than going for the small boxes or singles of the fancy brands to save money. All protein bars aren't created equal, so check to see how much protein, sugar, calories and fat each really has. You don't want your snack to end up a meal!

5. Granola bars

This is another treat you can buy a big, store-brand box of to keep cost down. Like with the protein bars, check the nutritional label to be sure it's not just empty calories you're noshing on.

Make-it-yourself bonus: To know exactly what goes into your bars, throw together some of your own in the kitchen.

6. Cheese sticks or slices

At any given time, we have about three different kinds of cheeses in the fridge drawer. American cheese slices, Swiss, Munster, mozzarella sticks -- you name it, the kids love it (so do I). When they're hungry, we often reach for low-fat cheese as a healthy, filling protein boost to last until the next meal.

7. Humus

Humus comes in so many flavors! My favorites are traditional and ranch. Grab your favorite along with some pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers or pretzels to scoop up a yummy serving.

Make-it-yourself bonus:  If you're adventurous, you can make your own humus easily and even whip up pita and tortilla chips.

8. Air-popped popcorn

Pop up some kernels (you can get a big bag or container for a few dollars) for a fun snack. Leave off the salt and butter to keep it healthy.

9. Greek or regular yogurt

Like the protein and granola bars, check the labels on yogurt for calorie, fat, protein and sugar content. You want something that's balanced so you have a satisfying snack. M2 loves the yogurt tubes and I often reach for a cup of Greek yogurt for myself. I get big packages rather than singles so it does't cost as much. Sales and the local discount grocery store also help me keep from breaking the bank on yogurt.

Make-it-yourself bonus: If you're up for the challenge, try making your own yogurt.

10. Nuts

Pistachios, peanuts, almonds, cashews -- oh, my! So many choices that you can get in large containers so that otherwise pricey nuts aren't so shocking to your wallet. A small handful at a time is all you need for an afternoon (or evening) pick-me-up.

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My Word of the Year

I've seen this everywhere lately: People picking a word of the year. It's kind of like setting goals, though this would be the overarching goal and theme for the entire year. What is it that sums up all the goals, where you want to be at the end of the year and what the year is going to be all about?

We were talking about this in my wonderful stay-at-home moms' group recently. It got me to thinking what my word of the year should be. It didn't take me long. With all I'm working toward, the answer was clear. Transformation.

I want to transform myself and my life in many ways this year. As you read, you'll probably notice something that I did while writing it -- everything fits together and really does form a bigger picture. That lets me know I really did choose the right word!

Transforming my body
It's no secret that I'm working on losing weight this year. My goal is to lose at least 52 pounds this year. I'm simply not comfortable with my weight and am determined to change it for the better. I've been setting two-week goals for myself to help me get that weight off.

Transforming my health
This goes hand in hand with transforming my body. Losing the weight helps with my health. Eating healthier foods, drinking more water, incorporating more movement and exercise into my life, and focusing on my health all goes along with that. I'm dividing body and health transformation into two because it's just that important and that big of a change. You can also lose weight, yet still be unhealthy, or even just gain it all back because it wasn't a total life style change. Neither of those are something I want! I'm going for the whole package.

Transforming my inner self
I am the type of person who worries and stresses to much. I strive for perfection in everything. Even simple things, like which milk to get at the store. I want to be sure it's the right choice, the best thing I can do. As you can imagine, this leads to more inner turmoil than is good for a person. I'm working on letting go of all this. Inner peace is going to be found this year. Expect to see more about this, from what I go through to how I plan to change it, at some point. I haven't quite gotten all my thoughts together yet, when I do I'll share.

Transforming my blog
You may have already noticed a few changes around here. New banner, new tabs, some changes to the layout and follow buttons, small things like that. There are so many things I've been meaning to do that I haven't gotten around to. Slowly, I'm ticking them off the list one by one.

I've also got big plans for what I want to write, how often I post and improving content to give you what you want to read. I want to bring a balance of types of posts to the blog to give you the whole stay-at-home-mom life overview.

Behind-the-scenes things to bring in more much-needed income are also in the works. I'm even thinking about writing a book. The blog is my job and how I make my income so that's always a part of the bigger picture.

Transforming my life balance
Going hand-in-hand with transforming the blog is finding life balance. I often feel that I'm putting too much time into the blog when I should be doing more with the kids or keeping up with the house. Or, that I'm spending too much time with the kids but not enough with A or on my own. It's all about balance and I need to transform my life to find that balance between all the roles I play. (More on balance is coming up soon.)

Transforming my daily life
To transform my life balance, I need to transform my daily life as well to get everything aligned. I want to get on a cleaning schedule, have more activities with the kids, stick to meal planning, not be as attached to social media and electronics, clearing out household items I don't need and organizing so the days run smoother, and other things along those lines.

Transforming my finances
So much has changed in our lives financially over the past year. Using my usual budget, I want to get all the finances in even better order. New ways to save, not spending as much on material goods, focusing on what matters in life and the experiences vs the "stuff."


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5 Romantic (and Frugal) Valentine's Day Dates for Parents

Valentine's Day is almost here! The day that brightens up the cold winter with some heart-warming romance and affection.

As parents, going out to celebrate becomes even more complicated with the need for a babysitter. For us, that isn't even an option since there are only a very few people we can trust to watch M2, let alone M2 AND B. Not to mention the cost, which is hard to cover when finances are tight.

I've come up with 5 romantic, easy-to-do dates that let you spend some special Valentine's Day time with your other half, without breaking the bank or going nutty looking for a sitter. These ideas are crazy simple, perfect for after the kids are in bed, and can even be mixed and matched to suit your preferences. We're doing #1 ourselves this year. Happy Valentine's Day!

Pizza and a Movie

If you've got the budget for it, splurge on a pizza, rent a movie from the Redbox and hit the couch to enjoy a few slices and cuddle time. For those who really feel adventurous (or don't have the funds), head to the kitchen with your honey to make a pizza together. Homemade crusts are easy to whip up, especially when you have a partner helping you out. Borrowing a movie from the library, picking one from Hulu/Amazon/Netflix or watching one you already have in your collection is another option. 

Chinese and Games

Pick a few yummy dishes from your favorite Chinese. Remember the egg rolls and some soup! Set up the boxes on the table so you can share. Add some candles and some chopsticks to feed each other for added romance. Once you're done, pick out a a few board games for a game-night marathon. If you're feeling frisky, strip poker can be entertaining. Or, if you're more of the video game type, hook up the system. Winner doesn't have to make dinner the next night.

Homemade Dinner and Music

Head to the kitchen to whip up your Valentine's favorite dinner. Have some chocolates on hand for dessert, along with a bottle of wine. Put on some love songs while you dine, along with dimming the lights and lighting a few tapers. After the food is gone, enjoy the chocolates and another glass of wine while snuggling on the couch. Talk and enjoy the music while you watch candlelight flicker on the walls.

Dessert and Coloring

Pick up your and your love's favorite desserts, or bake them yourself. Arrange the goodies on a pretty plate or tray with some paper heart cut outs to get the Valentine's vibe going. Get out your favorite coloring book, hand hubby a page, spread out the colored pencils so you can share, then color while you nosh on the yummy treats. (This 72-color box of pencils is my favorite to use along with this artist-quality 48 pack. My favorite books are The Secret Garden and The Enchanted Forrest. They are so neat!) Diffusing some oils can add to the relaxing, calming atmosphere you're building together.

Wine and Reading

Stick a couple bottles of white wine in the fridge the night before or set out some red. On Valentine's Day, pop the cork, get out your fanciest wine glasses and sip the night away with your sweetie and a good book on the couch. If you're in a Nicholas Sparks-inspired mood, read passages to each other or take turns reading some poems aloud. If you need some poetry inspiration, Shakespeare's Sonnet 29 and Sonnet 19, Byron's She Walks in Beauty, and Michael Arnold's Longing are some of my favorites. The level of romantic is totally adjustable depending on your tastes.

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Holiday Bucket List on a Budget

Around the holidays, there are so many fun activities to do with the family. This season, our budget is tighter than before to spend on special events and outings. I know many families are in similar positions as well. To help us all out, I've created a holiday bucket list of 13 activities to do for free or just a few dollars. I'm so looking forward to doing each one with M2 and B so that we can create all kinds of awesome holiday memories together!

For simple tips on how to save on holiday spending, check out this post.

1. Christmas lights
Even if Clark Griswold  doesn't live in your neighborhood, nothing says, "Christmas" like driving around admiring all the lights. It's a great time to sing carols with the family and spend time unplugged from technology simply enjoying the season.

2. Christmas festivals, craft fairs and tree lightings
Many towns and cities have tree lightings the first week of December. Everyone gathers together to watch the town Christmas tree and decorations be lit. Christmas festivals and craft fairs are also plentiful this time of year. Even if you don't buy anything at craft festivals, it's fun to wander to see the different gourmet foods and handicrafts people are selling. Our area is no exception. Over the next few weeks, there is lighting event after lighting event. Parades, Santa, lights, hot chocolate, mittens, scarves, oh my! A few of the local churches are having bazaars I want to hit, too. Last year we missed them all so I can't wait to finally take M2 and B to have some fun!!

3. Walk the mall
I love all the decorations that go up at the mall each year. Walking around to see them all then stopping by to see Santa is a favorite of mine. It also burns some calories so I can sneak in a couple gingersnaps when we get home along with a cup of hot tea.

4. Decorate the house
This year, decorating is going to be interesting. With a toddler and a baby on the prowl to destroy anything they can touch, I'm going to have to put everything up high or not put it out at all. Our tree is going to go up later than usual because I'm not looking forward to worrying about it crashing down! As for outside, we have a larger-than-ever light set up planned. I stocked up on clearance lights last year after the holidays so we an add more to our display.

5. Take a nature walk
The outdoors are beautiful this time of year, despite the cold. When there is snow on the ground it's even more breath taking. We'll be doing family walks to enjoy it all!

6. Watch Christmas movies
It's no secret that I have a good-sized collection of Christmas movies, from the holiday black-and-white classics like It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street to National Lampoon's Christmas, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, Rudolph and Frosty, we'll be watching them all. Come Christmas, we'll have an A Christmas Story Movie marathon. It's a family tradition (and one of M2's and my favorite movies)!

7. Walk Through Holiday Light Display
A park near us has a light display each year that you can walk through at night. We've never been. This year, that's going to change!

8. Crafts, crafts and more crafts
I'm planning to make: Two wreaths for our door, one with ornaments one with bells. Painted and salt dough ornaments. A felt Santa. A felt Christmas tree. Hand print decorations. Plus, anything else I can think up!

9. Holiday baking
My holiday baking list has been in the works for about a month. I've already started on the gingersnaps and a new cookie recipe I've created. Next up are peanut butter blossoms, chocolate cookies, sugar cookies using my family's secret recipe, gingerbread Colonial Williamsburg style and ricotta cookies. Yum! They'll get packaged up and given out as gifts to friends, family, mail carriers and more this season.

10. Christmas music
The whole family loves music in our house. We usually have Pandora going. During the holidays, Christmas songs take top priority. Carols delight our ears and get us into the Christmas spirit daily all through Christmas.

11. Ugly sweater shopping
I've already seen so many ugly Christmas sweaters at different stores. While we're out, I'm going to be wandering around to scout out the absolute worst one I can find, while being thoroughly amused as I go! No, I won't be buying one -- just admiring the garish holiday attire.

12. Hot cocoa, cookies and board games
Game nights with A are something I want to start doing. What better time to start than now? Throw in some hot chocolate and homemade cookies and the nights get even sweeter!

13. Library time
The local library has special holiday story times and activities we plan to take M2 and B to this year. Totally free and fun!

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17 Tips to Avoid Holiday Overspending Regret

Holiday shopping is here again. The wondrous time of year when your wallet takes a big hit and your budget is be blown if you're not careful with holiday spending. For us this year, finances are tighter than ever before so I have to be even more aware of what is being spent. Being a savvy shopper can mean the difference between paying the mortgage and putting food on the table come January or sitting there on New Year's Day saying, "What have I done??" while looking at a mound of credit card bills. Here are 17 easy tips to help you avoid Holiday Overspending Regret Syndrome come the new year. In case you haven't seen it already, check out my Holiday Gift Guide for Kids that is all items $20 and under. It'll help you stay on budget this year, too.

1. Check your budget and savings. 
Take a look at the budget you set earlier this year. (If you didn't set one, here are 7 simple steps so you can next year.) What did you set aside for the holidays, for gifts, food (for any parties, baking and the actual day) decorations, activities, etc.? That's the amount you'll have to start from. If you didn't set a budget, what do you have in savings that you can afford to put toward the holidays?

2. Set a limit for holiday spending, including gifts, stocking stuffers, food, decorations, activities, donations and anything else you usually spend.
Did you save the amount you'd budgeted? Did you already spend some of your budget by buying ahead to save (see farther down in the list for more on this tip)? Did unexpected costs pop up so that maybe you shouldn't spend as much as you'd planned? If you didn't save as much as you thought you would, or if you have bills coming up in the new year you'll need money from, reevaluate how much you have to spend and set a limit for yourself.

If you didn't set a budget, how much have you set aside for the holidays? Factor in any upcoming expenses as well so you can figure out what amount you can really afford.

3. Set a spending limit for each person.
Make a list of all the people you and your family would like to give gifts to this year. Looking at the total spending limit you've set, how much of that do you want to put toward gifts? It's a balance between all the holiday spending categories so if you spend more on gifts, that's less for the celebration category. Once you figure out your total gift amount, figure out what you can afford to spend on each person on your list. You may want to break out a special category for stocking stuffers. Your final numbers should add up to, or come in below, the total you want to spend on gifts.

4. Set a spending limit for celebration spending (i.e. food, decorations, wrapping paper, activities, etc.).
After you figure out gifts, how much of your holiday budget is left? That's your limit for celebration spending. Break it out into all the subcategories you spend on, such as food, decorations, a tree, wrapping paper, any holiday activities, donations you make, etc. Your list is personal to you. If you don't have enough for all your categories, you'll either have to trim some back or take it out of the gift spending.

5. If you can't pay for it right now, don't buy it.
Remember, only buy things you have the money to pay for right now. Don't put it on a credit card and carry a balance, it'll just hurt you in the long run. Lay away is a great option if you need to use it.

6. Shop sales for gifts and food.
Here are some great tips for saving money on food. More are here. As for gifts, it's always best to check out all the sales and get things as cheap as you can, especially as sales are the best around the holidays!

7. Buy ahead.
Speaking of sales -- Don't forget to take advantage of the after-holidays sales to start buying for next year. Decorations, wrapping paper, even gifts can be stored away for next season and you'll pay a fraction of the price. Keep your eyes open throughout the year to grab deals on gifts when you see them. I keep bins in our storage area that I fill with gifts as I pick them up for cheap. When you buy ahead, be sure to subtract it from your holiday budget for next year as you go so you don't end up spending more than you'd planned. Remember number five!


8. Scout flyers. Check online. Comparison shop.
Even if the sale looks good at one store, it may be even better at another. Scout the flyers and online deals to find the best price. Compare, compare, compare!

9. Shop thrifty.
Thrift stores can be a great place to find deals. You'll save money and be doing a favor for the environment by reusing. Many thrift stores benefit a cause as well. Scope out the ones that do so you also end up helping out someone who is in need this season.

10. Make gifts and decorations.
Yes, making gifts can save you money. But, the biggest benefit is that homemade gifts require thought, effort and time store bought ones don't. That means you're give an extra special gift with a whole lot of meaning and love with it. This is also a great option for those loved ones who already seem to have everything. A special homemade goodie basket with a selection of teas and hot chocolates, gifts made by the kids or a knitted blanket are some suggestions. There are plenty of fun home decoration crafts you can make, too! I'll be sharing a wreath tutorial or two in the coming weeks.

11. Want, need, read, wear.
So many of our kids have more than they really need or can use. Sticking to the "want, need, read, wear" rule means each kid gets one gift they want, one they really need, one they can read and one of clothes to wear. Less "stuff" to clutter the house and added savings for you.


12. Take inventory.
What do your kids and spouse already have? What do they really need? What wrapping paper, baking supplies, food and decor is hanging around? If you already have 5 dolls lying around never played with, should you really be getting little Susie another? It's also a great time to dig through toys that aren't played with, kitchen gadgets you don't use and clothes that are no longer being worn so that you can donate them to those in need.

13. Avoid cute, yet pointless, gifts.
That little trinket may look fun or be amusing, but is the person you're going to give it to really going to do anything with it the next day? If you suspect it'll just end up pitched in a drawer or collecting dust somewhere, skip it. You're saving yourself money and the giftee space.

14. Check in with your budget after each purchase and keep lists.
Keep the budget you outlined somewhere you can easily see it so you're less likely to stray. Each time you make a purchase, subtract the amount from the corresponding category. This keeps you accountable and on track so you're not saying, "Wait a minute...I don't remember spending that! Now there's nothing left and I still need to get XYZ!"

15. Take advantage of free activities.
There are so many fun, free activities around the community to do this time of year. You can get creative and have fun at home, too. Check out my list of free activities that'll be up on the blog in the next few weeks to get ideas.

16. Don't be afraid to return. 
If you buy something and it's cheaper a few days or a week later, either at the same store or another, take it back and get the lower price. Factor in the cost of gas to make the return to be sure it's still going to be a savings. Even if a gift has already been wrapped, it can still be exchanged if you unwrap it. Do it carefully so you can reuse the wrapping as the gift will be the same!

17. Remember the meaning of the season.
It isn't the amount of money you spend. It's the time you spend thinking of those you love. It's the memories you build with your loved ones. Those are things you'll remember year to year, not who gave you what gift. Years from now, your kids are going to remember how you sang Christmas carols, baked together, watched holidays movies each night leading up to Christmas, drank hot chocolate while watching the town parade, ate dinner together and enjoyed just being a family. They'll have no clue how many gifts were under the tree, how fancy the dinner was or even what was in those packages.

Happy holidays!

 

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