LEGOLAND Florida Adventure

This year on spring break, my family had the pleasure of visiting the LEGOLAND Florida Resort.  We had rented a house in Kissimmee, so it was about a 40 minute drive for us to the park.  We found LEGOLAND a little more reasonably priced versus other Orlando area theme parks.  Tickets at the gate are $89 for adults and $82 for kids ages 3-12.  They offer online discounts, but my insider tip is, if you plan on visiting, plan on subscribing to the LEGO Club Magazine.  There are coupons in there for buy an adult admission, get one free child’s admission.  We were able to get 2 free child’s admissions with these coupons (yes they let me use two).  We only purchased one day admission tickets and only visited the theme park, not the water park.

From my experience, I really think the park is geared for kids 10 and under.  To be honest, my 10 year old was a bit bored with park.  He has ridden much larger rides, so there was not a whole lot of rides to entertain him.  He did enjoy The Dragon, Merlin’s Challenge, Lost Kingdom Adventure, Mia’s Riding Adventure, and The Quest for CHI.  He went on the Ford Driving School, but that was way too slow for him (he is used to Go-Carts).

My 3 year old and 7 year old enjoyed the park a bit more.  They were able to ride the rides in the DUPLO area as well as other areas of the park.  The highlight was The Grand Carousel since it has two stories, however we never made it up to the second story since it was limited on the number of horses on that level. 

We did walk the entire park, but were not able to get on as many rides we wanted to near the back of the park.  The other coasters all had a 90 minute wait and two were broken down when we were there.  The other line queues seemed to move well with less than a 30 minute wait. 

Another favorite part of the park was MINILAND USA.  This was the section that had mini cities built from LEGOS.  We were able to see NYC, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and more.  The details were amazing and it was a nice break to walk through this area and view all of the creations. 

Finally, I must say the food prices were very reasonable.  When we ate lunch, we were able to get a kids cheeseburger meal which included fries, fruit pouch and drink for only $6 each!   They also had the ability to buy refillable frozen slushy drinks which are always a hit with my kids. 

We definitely enjoyed our visit and I took a lot of photos at the park.  I definitely recommend this park if you have kids 10 and under.  I do hesitate on bringing older kids, because there is not a lot for them to do or ride on that would keep their attention.  I’m not sure if we would go again since my boys are 7 and 10 now.  The next opportunity we may have, they are just going to be too old for it.  I am certainly glad we went this time though!

Renuzit Sensitive Scents - A Review and Giveaway

I recently had the opportunity to try out new Renuzit Sensitive Scents.  Each scent has been formulated and lab-tested to ensure effective, long-lasting, and pleasing scents without overpowering sensitive noses.  We used ours in our bathrooms.

Personally for me, I do not like the smell of certain air fresheners.  I prefer ones that cover the odor in a more neutral scent.  I suffer from migraines, so often scents are a trigger for me and my migraines.  These new Sensitive Scents were a perfect balance for me and my family.  Renuzit Sensitive Scents come in adjustable cones, universal scented oils, and a trigger spray.  Scents that are available are Pure Water Blossom and Cucumber, Pure Ocean Breeze and Pure White Pear and Lavender.

One luckily Spend Less 2 Save More reader will win 2 free product coupons, enter below!



The Renuzit brand provided me with samples of Renuzit Sensitive Scents in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed are my own. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Broccoli Cheese Soup - Easy, Fast, Kid Approved

This recipe is so quick, easy and delicious!  It is perfect on a cold night with little time to get dinner together!

Ingredients:
2 + 4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 can chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1/2 onion diced
2 cups chopped broccoli
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
1/2 tsp. paprika
Salt & Pepper to taste.
2 cups shredded cheddar

Directions:
1.  Melt 2 tablespoons butter in small saucepan.  Add onions and saute until clear.  Set aside.
2.  In stock pot on medium heat, melt remaining butter.
3.  Add flour to melted butter and still to combine.
4.  Whisk in 2 cans of chicken broth.
5.  Once combined, whisk in milk.
6.  Add spices and stir to combine.
7.  Cook on medium high until it begins to bubble.
8.  Add cooked onions and broccoli.
9.  Simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
10.  Stir in shredded cheese.
11.  Serve!  You can also top with extra cheese!

The Top Ten Most Frugal Things I Do

I have to laugh at this post because I thought a more appropriate title may be “The Top Ten Ways I Annoy My Husband”.  I always say I am frugal in select ways so that we can spend more money on other things we love to do.  With that being said, some of my frugal ways annoy my husband so much and all I can do is laugh, and say I’m saving money so we can spend it on something better! 

1.        I get every last drop out of every condiment bottle possible.  My favorite is the ketchup bottle and I blame my Mom for this because she does it all of the time!  You will often see a ketchup bottle turned upside down on a new bottle to ensure I got it all out! 

2.       For shampoo and soap bottles, I like to also use every last drop!  I often rinse these out in the sink and use the water to wash my intimates (especially bras).  Is this wrong?  I haven’t a clue, I had read somewhere that using shampoo is the same as using a delicate detergent?  Don’t quote me on that!

3.       I’m a Facebook garage sale site junkie.  I will try and sell anything possible on those sites.  I do keep track of my monthly sales to see just how much I sell every month.

4.       I reuse shopping bags to hold trash in all of the bathroom garbage cans and our recycle cans.  I do not buy garbage bags for these receptacles.  I call this one, saving the environment.  However, I refuse to throw out any shopping bags and my storage area (top of the basement steps) is often exploding with bags waiting to be used (oh yeah, this annoys my husband)!

5.       I pack my work lunches at least 4 days a week.  When you think about how much you can spend on lunch a day ($5-$10), this is a savings of over $900 a year!  I normally grab leftovers out of the Friday or buy a bag of salad that lasts me 2-3 days. 

6.       We normally only eat out as a family one day per week.  I would cut it down to less, but my husband does not let me know.  It frustrates me that I know I can make dinner for about $10 at home and a normal sit down restaurant will cost this family of 5 between $40 - $50 with a tip (and a 10 year old who also eats an adult meal). 

7.       If I shop online at stores that are local to me (Kohl’s, Target, Old Navy, etc), I will add extra items to my cart just to get free shipping.  I then normally return items to the store that I do not want. 

8.       I trade in clothes to local kids resale shops and then use the store credit to buy new clothes for my daughter.  Normally if you choose store credit, the store will give you a percentage more than if you took the cash.  I just completed a transaction this weekend, they were offering me $18 cash or $26 store credit.  I took the store credit and got my daughter two outfits, two dresses, and a top (all pink of course)!

9.       I wash straws. Yes sometimes I do.  You know kids sometimes they take one sip out of a straw and then they are done.  I wash them and reuse them.

10.   I reuse dryer sheets on laundry day (or I cut them in half).  I only use the laundry sheets to reduce the static, I could care less about the scent.  I find they are good for 3-4 loads of laundry.  You do have to find them in the previous load, but hey it is worth the effort.  If my husband does the laundry and I fold it, I’ll pull out those sheets too for the next time I do laundry!

There you have it!  My next list will have to be the top ten things I splurge on, that should be fun!

Seventh Generation 4X Ultra Concentrated Natural Laundry Detergent Review

Recently, I was able to test out Seventh Generation 4X Ultra Concentrated Natural Laundry Detergent at our house.  I received samples of the free and clear detergent from Seventh Generation to try in our daily laundry routine.  We have five people in our house, so normally we do 1-2 loads of laundry a day and just when you think you are caught up.... Think again!

Seventh Generation's mission is "To inspire a consumer revolution that nurtures the health of the next seven generation."  For 27 years they have been creating powerful plant-based solutions for your home & family.   Not only do their products work, they are concerned about the future of our planet for our kids and their families.  Seventh Generation's laundry products contain no dyes or fragrances.  They also strive to use 100% post-consumer recycled bottles for their packaging.   

My daughter has sensitive skin so I normally choose a free and clear variety of laundry detergent.  When using the Seventh Generation 4X Ultra Concentrated Natural Laundry Detergent in her laundry, her clothes came out clean and smelling fresh.  The clothes also did not irritate her sensitive skin.  I definitely recommend this laundry detergent for everyday use in your household.  I have an HE washing machine and had no issues.

Check out Seventh Generation's full line of products online at their website.

I received free samples for an honest review of the product.  All opinions are my own.

It Takes A Village (or Really Nice Neighbors) To Raise A Child

 

There are always those times when you have children that you need an extra hand. Whether it be a "date night" babysitter, an item of clothing to borrow for the school play, or some spice to finish baking that dessert! When we moved to our current neighborhood over 8 years ago (yes, 8 years, this is a miracle for us), we not only found a home we love, but also neighbors and friends always willing to help us out in a pinch!

I needed to share this story in the hopes that others have found the same type of community we have found. The type of neighbors that are willing to help you out as are you willing to help you out. The kind of person you can text or call in a pinch and they come through for you! I am so glad we have that in our neighborhood and it is one of the top reasons why we always consider not moving again. It is the fear of the unknown. Will our kids find other kids that they are able to play with all day on a Sunday? Will we find neighbors that watch our house for us when we are on vacation? Will be find good people that will run over and let our dogs out when we are gone all day? We just don't know, but we know we love our house and our neighborhood.

This week we had a bus incident where my parents were suppose to be at our house to get our youngest off the bus. They have done an EXCELLENT job this year and are NEVER late! Well, its cold, its been snowing and I was at work 45 minutes away when I got the call from the "bus garage" as my phone said. The bus was at my house and my parents were not. I tried to call them and the phone went to voicemail. Of course, my 70+ year old parents don't always remember to keep their phones on!

 I was in panic mode and quickly texted a neighbor, who instantly responded however she was also at work. She then texted another neighbor in which I then got in contact with quickly. This amazing lady, whom I am not direct friends with but only met a couple of times, got in her car and drove down the street to my house. Luckily my parents and then bus were there! What an amazing lady and I am incredibly grateful for her kindness and unselfishness to help someone in need!

I hope you all find this type of community we have found and I hope you are able to have this type of support! It really is challenging to raise kids and sometimes when they don't want to leave their basketball games with friends to run an errand, its really nice to have a neighbor say, "just go, I'll watch them".

Goals For 2016

Happy New Year!  For 2016, I am making only a few simple goals.  2015 was a challenging year for myself and our family regarding some developmental issues for our daughter.  She's on the right track now which is such a blessing.  I want to enjoy 2016 more and I think my simple goals will make it happen!

1.  Declutter - constantly, get rid of stuff we do not need in our house and lives!

2.  Experiences Over Things - I'm tired of things ruling our life, our family needs to have more fun and rely on less new things!

3.  Give More - we are so incredibly blessed and while we donate a lot of items and money, I need to look at more opportunities to give back and perhaps find some ways to volunteer more of our time.

4.  Kick That Student Loan Out of Here - 2016 is the year, my husband's Master degree student loan is getting paid off, END OF STORY!

5.  Serious Job Decision - this is specifically for me.  I made a goal that I would make a change for my full-time job in 2016

That's it!  Plain and simple!

Hope You Have a Wonderful New Year!

10 Ways to Make 2016 Financially Better Than 2015

Are you dreading paying the January bills after overspending on Christmas?  Are you tired of always just making ends meet and never having enough money to spend it on something fun?  Do you want to take a vacation, but don't want to put it on a credit card?  Do you want to stop feeling the weight of being in debt and instead feel the freedom of being financially free?

I've come up with 10 things you can do in 2016 to begin to either start to pay off debt, get rid of that last lingering credit card bill, be better prepared for Christmas spending 2016, or finally pay cash for that vacation you want to take the kids on!

1.  Track your income and expenses.  I do this every month and it allows our family to see exactly where our money is going.  I simply use a spreadsheet where I record all income and then expenses.

2.  Set-up an account to have funds transferred on a monthly basis and do not touch until Christmas.  I always use a Smarty Pig account.  If you are able to transfer $100 a month, by December you will have saved $1200 for Christmas!

3.  Stop eating out so much!  When my family of 5 eats out, we average a bill of about $50 for a sit-down restaurant and $25 for fast food..  I know if I make a meal at home, It can be for about $10.  That is a savings of $15 - $40 a day!  Our family only eats out typically only one night a week.

4.  Earn some quick cash (and a cash flow) by decluttering and selling unwanted items.  I sell all the time on Ebay and Facebook garage sale sites.  On average I make about $50 a month.  I keep a log of what I make every month.  This is an easy way to have some cash on hand and not have to do an ATM withdraw.  Bonus, you de-clutter your house!

5.    If you shop online, earn extra cash by using a cashback site first!  I use EBATES all the time and have earned a lot of money that gets transferred directly into my Paypal account.  You can then use the funds to make online purchases or move the funds to your bank account.  Here is what I have earned:

6.   Consider using cash back apps when you shop for groceries.  The two apps I use all the time are Ibotta and Checkout 51.  Once you reach a $20 balance, you can transfer the money to your Paypal account.

7.  Review your grocery shopping habits and perhaps see if you can switch some of your shopping to a lower cost store.  Look into a monthly trip to Aldi's or another retailer to pick up canned goods and staples that are generally a lot less expensive than at a large grocery store chain.

8.  Couponing!  I know this is not for everyone, but every little bit helps.  I'm in a local group for my favorite store Giant Eagle, and I normally pick up a few free or really cheap items every week!.

9.  Look into a money saving challenge.  This allows you to put cash away every week and increases the amount.  Check out the one here on Simplistically Living.

10.  For daily inspiration and encouragement, follow Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman on Facebook.  They always have all kinds of ideas and insight!

I hope some of these tips were insightful and help out in 2016!  No one likes being tied down by debt and you feel so much freedom when you are able to pay your bills every month and have a little extra left!

Happy New Year!

No Is A Complete Sentence

I catch myself all the time, I say “no”, but then have to insert an excuse! 

“No, we can’t make it, I have to work late.”

“No, he can’t come to the birthday party, he has another commitment.”

“No, I can’t help out in the classroom, I have a doctor’s appointment.”

Perhaps it makes me feel better, that I provide a reason?  But really when I think about it, is a reason necessary?  Sometimes the reason is not even true.  I guess the other option would be to tell the truth.

“No, we can’t make it because I would rather sit at home and rest in my jammies after a long day at work.”

“No, he can’t come to the birthday party, because his Mom does not feel like driving 30 minutes out of her way for a 2 hour party.”

“No, I can’t help in the classroom because I have helped the past 3 times, can’t another parent step up and volunteer?”

Don’t get me wrong, I say “YES” a lot but sometimes you just have to say “NO”.  Any maybe it makes we feel better when I explain why.  But really, if you say “no”, no explanation is needed.  Do you provide an explanation when you say “yes”?    I didn’t think so.

I’m learning to say “no” more often when I tend to be a bit overwhelmed.  I sometimes like to overcommit myself when given the opportunity to participate in multiple events and do not want to miss out.  But on the flipside, there are times when there is no need for me to participate and I really just need to say “no”.

So in 2016, I am going to attempt to say “no” just a little more, and try to every once in a while to leave it as a simple “no” with no explanation!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your family all of the blessings of the Christmas season.  May you enjoy time with friends and family celebrating the day that Jesus was born!

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Other Gifts For Kids

Do you struggle during the holiday season to buy the gifts your kids truly want? 

Is your house already "overrun" with "stuff" and you struggle to add more "stuff" to your house?

Do you have friends and family ask what to get your kids and you cannot give a good answer?

Have you considered gifts that aren't necessarily wrapped under the tree yet provide your kids with a fun or educational experience in the coming year? 

Here is a list of gifts that your children may appreciate (or parents) more than the wrapped ones under the tree.  I've provided links that are local to my area (Cleveland, OH), but free feel to research similar ideas in the area you live.

1.  A local zoo membership.
2.  A children's museum membership or history museum membership.
3.  A local botanical gardens membership or science center membership.
4.  A donation to a college fund.  Even if you cannot contribute a lot, if you have one open for your kids others can donate.
5.  A membership to a local recreation center.
6.  A book of the month club.
7.  If you know of an upcoming trip, perhaps offer to buy theme park tickets, airline tickets, etc.
8.  Kiwi Crate - delivers a creative learning box every month.
9.  Local events tickets - sporting events, Circus, theater performance, etc.
10.  Free night of babysitting.

What other creative ideas do you have?

Choosing Not to Continue a Friendship

As I grow older, I’m learning that not all friendships are right for me.  This year, was definitely a year of realization that I really want more true, authentic friendships.  With technology these days, the term “friend” is used in a very loose context.  A friend is definitely someone you can rely on, talk to live and in person, and will support you no matter what life throws at you.

This authentic friendship that I talk about has to be a friendship I can truly believe in and support.  I cannot be friends with someone that chooses values that I do not believe in.  It would be a lie on my part to say I am friends with someone that I do not agree with the choices he or she has made or is currently making in his or her life.

As a Christian, I have struggled with ending friendships.   Am I being mean and not being “Christ-like” by choosing not to be friends with somebody?  The answer I have come up with is no I am not.  I am being true to myself and my values by not supporting a friendship that goes against my values that I hold so dear to my heart. 

I constantly reflect on if I am setting a good example for my children by choosing to end a friendship?  But then I look at the other side, am I setting a good example for my children being friends with an individual that you know has a history and lying, cheating, and stealing?   I have come to the conclusion that the best example I can give my children, is to choose the right type of friends that carry similar values as yourself.  We constantly tell our children to not hang out with the “bad” kids, shouldn’t that premise be carried into adulthood?

The Big Guy - Santa 2015

Success!  All three kids looking at the camera and smiling at Santa!  Last year we had a crier, this year she was a little hesitant to get too close.  Luckily her brother saved the day and let our Little Miss sit on his lap!

I feel we are entering kind of an "in between" stage with Santa.  My oldest is 9 and quickly I am noticing he is not as excited to take part in some of the Christmas festivities.  On the positive side, he is ALWAYS a good sport, and does as he is asked.  He is an excellent role model for our younger two and he is the perfect oldest child!

I hope you have a good Santa experience too this year!

For those local, we visited Santa at Petitti's Garden Center.  The line was short and you could use your own camera.  Yeah for free and easy!

May God bless you and your family during this Christmas season!

Blueberry Breakfast Cake

This breakfast cake is light, fluffy, ooey-gooey deliciousness!  I used frozen blueberries we had left over from picking last summer, but feel free to use fresh ones too!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cups Bisquick Mix
2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk with tsp of lemon juice)
1 Tbsp sugar for top

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350F.
2.  Cream butter and sugar on low until light and fluffy.
3.  Add egg and vanilla.
4.  Add Bisquick slowly to butter/sugar mixture alternating with the buttermilk.
5.  Combine blueberries with flour.
6.  Fold in blueberries.
7.  Spray 8x8 pan with cooking spray.
8.  Spread batter into pan (it will be thick).
9.  Sprinkle top with remaining sugar.
10.  Bake for 40-45 minutes.
11.  Let stand for 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Cinderella Cupcake Dress - Celebrating the Big 3!

My daughter will be 3 in less than two days!  We celebrated over the weekend with a Cinderella Party!

I designed her Cinderella Cupcake Dress to match her actual princess dress!

 

For the most part this was pretty simple and inexpensive.  I was able to get the tiara at Target for $1.99.  The beads were simply silver beads from a local craft store that cost less than a $1.00.  The candy flowers for the bodice were $6.99 from the craft store and I added some white sprinkles.

 

 

My daughter loved it!  She had an amazing 3rd birthday party.  I will definitely be trying this out again.

Oven Baked Tacos - Easy, Fast, Kid-Approved

Themed nights make dinner time a snap!  Taco Tuesday is the current phenomenon in our house.  Please do not attempt to make something other than tacos on Tuesday, the natives (or kids) will not be happy.  Instead of plain, boring meat in a shell, I have been making this recipe which is a hit in our house!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1 can of refried beans
1 (8oz) can of tomato sauce
1 packet of taco seasoning
12 pack of hard shells
2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend
Toppings:  lettuce, sour cream, and salsa

Directions:
Brown the turkey and drain off the fat.  Add the can of refried beans, sauce, and seasoning mix.  Cook on low until combined and hot.  Line taco shells on a 9x13 pan.  Fill each shell 1/2 with meat mixture and top with shredded cheese.  Bake for 10 minutes at 350F.

Meat mixture can also be made ahead of time and then added to shells, you may just have to add on to the baking time.

Add toppings and enjoy!

Pizza Baked Ziti - Easy, Fast, Kid-Approved

I am that woman, the one who loves pinning away for the perfect recipe (not kidding, check out my boards).  I then spend hours in the kitchen prepping and preparing only to have my family tell me it was okay??  The way we judge new recipes in our house is, first did you eat seconds? And second, would you want me to make this again?  So many of the recipes I make we eat once and never again.

So I had some pepperonis in the fridge and I had some extra ground beef left over from making a dinner to take to some friends who are going through a rough patch right now.  Quickly, on a Monday night, my Pizza Baked Ziti was born and man did my family love it!  My husband had leftovers and exclaimed how wonderful this was!  My son ate his second helping as a bedtime snack and told me to make sure there was some leftover when he got home from school tomorrow!  Guess this one is a keeper! Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, it come in at less than $5 to feed a family of 5 - 6.

Ingredients:
1 box of Ziti, cooked to package directions
1/2# - 3/4# ground beef
1/2 an onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 - 1 jar of prepared spaghetti sauce
1 - 2 cups of shredded mozzarella
Pepperonis

Directions:
Brown ground beef with onion and garlic.  Once pasta is cooked, return to pot and add cooked beef mixture and spaghetti sauce and mix well.  Pour into a 9x13 pan (or use a foil pan for easy clean-up).  Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperonis.   Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.

Enjoy with a side a breadsticks!

New Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash - Review & Giveaway

The day I received this sample in the mail, it was -20 degrees Fahrenheit!  Yes, it was that cold in Ohio and yes the body wash was frozen!  However, I can happily report it thawed out nicely and I was able to try this little "miracle" product on my dry, hasn't seen the sun in 4 months skin!

New Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash is infused with caring Marula oil for beautifully, soft skin.  This new body wash is formulated with Micro Oil Technology for a luxurious, clean-rinsing lather that leaves skin feeling clean, soft and smooth.

I love soft, healthy skin and I love a skin care routine that allows me minimal time in the shower in the morning.  Hey, I have 3 kids, two of which have to catch a bus in the morning!  I love this new product from Dial and it truly did help heal my dry skin.  Now if only the sun would come out and heat up past 20 degrees!

Do you want to try Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash for yourself?  Three luckily readers will win a coupon for a free bottle, just leave a comment on this post on what you most look forward to in spring!

Thanks for reading and good luck!

I wrote this post on behalf of Purex Brands Company. Spend Less 2 Save More received Purex products in exchange for an honest review. This is not a sponsored review, all views and opinions are of my own and were not influenced in any way.  Spend Less 2 Save More is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Top 10 Parenting Tasks I Depise

Don't judge me, but there are some parenting tasks that I truly do not enjoy!  I love my children dearly and I love being a Mom so much, but sometimes I wish I there were things I did not have to do.  Since my kids are now 9, 6, and almost 3, I feel I have gathered enough experience to finally put this list out on the Internet.  I'm sure there are some you agree with and others that may not bother you as much as they bother me!

For dramatic effect, I'll count backwards from 10...

10.  Cleaning Up Kid Vomit - baby spit up is fine, everything else is not!

9.  The Stage When Kids Need to Nap Yet They Don't Want to Nap - this goes from when they go from 2 to 1 nap and then when the nap gets eliminated.

8.  Staying With Babies in Hotel Rooms - this never goes well for us, but I won't give it up I love to travel too much!

7.  Reading Books Before Bed - only because I have two children that have to have the same 20 books every night read in the same order, no exceptions!

6.  Holding Down Babies While Getting Shots - its a necessary evil, but it does get easier with more children!

5.  Not Being Able to Give Cold Medicine and Listening to Children Cough Over a Monitor - I hate this sound and I hate it even more that there is nothing you can do!

4.  Buckling 2-4 Year Olds in Winter Coats in Car Seats - I am never so happy when they can go into a booster seat.

3.  Teaching Kids to Tie Shoes - this is just painful and a LONG process!

2.  Changing Crib Sheets - one would think I would find an easier way, but I am not convinced there is an easy way!

1.  Potty Training - enough said, the third child should potty train themselves!

Do you agree, disagree, or have anything to ad?

Kick the Pre-Packaged Mix - 2015 Challenge

Call it convenience, lazy, or just a taste preference, I have a slight addiction with packages of different mixes.  I actually have a whole shoe-box size basket in my pantry loaded with these little envelopes!  Yes they are convenient, however they also contain a lot of ingredients that are really not necessary to make a meal.  In addition, most of the ingredients that you need are more than likely in your spice cabinet.

I am challenging myself to break this habit (and I may not eliminate it completely), I truly want to find out if a homemade mix is truly as good as these prepackaged ones.  I know when I am in a rush,  I will probably still grab a packet, but if I have the time I am consciously going to try at making my own mix!  If I find one I like, I can make a large batch and store it for future dinners!

The internet is an amazing place when it comes to recipes.  So much so, that I do not even think one truly needs a recipe box anymore!  I spent some time trolling the internet for some prepackaged alternatives.  Here is a good list to try!

Homemade Sloppy Joe Mix - $5 Dinners - I tried this and it was amazing!  The verdict?  I will use this instead of an envelop mix!

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe - Whole New Mom

Meat Loaf with Homemade Seasoning Mix - Just A Pinch

Homemade Gravy Mix - A Few Short Cuts

Homemade Fajita Seasoning - Lynn's Kitchen Adventures

Ranch Dressing Mix - Untrained Housewife

Beef Stew Seasoning Mix - Budget 101

Chili Seasoning Packet - Family Corner
 
Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Damn Delicious

Dry Onion Soup Mix - Yummly

Homemade Vegetable Dill Dip - Katrina's Kitchen

Caesar Salad Dressing - Heart Healthy Home

So do you have a favorite you care to share?  Leave the link in the comments!