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Grocery shopping is a once a week occurrence in our home, but it is the tasks that happen before grocery shopping that impact the trip the most.

Here are the 5 tasks you should do before you grocery shop.

Take Inventory. Open your refrigerator, your cupboards, and your pantry, so you can take stock of available items. As you look through these areas you will not only notice what you need, you might also possibly gain inspiration for meal planning.

Clean Out the Fridge. While taking inventory of your fridge you can also use this time to toss out any unwanted and spoiled items. Last week’s chicken dish shoved in the back corner? Toss it. Moldy carrots in your vegetable drawer? Toss them. I don’t like to waste food, but we all know that some items don’t get used and go bad. Take this opportunity to make some space in your fridge before you come home with a pile of new groceries.

Meal Plan. Since you took inventory you have a better idea of what’s available to you, ingredient-wise. Use the items you do have available, the sales you find in your local store flyer, and any recipes you have or find to create a basic meal plan for the week.

*If you want to read more about meal planning, you can find all my previous posts here. I promise, it’s easier than you think.

Make Your Shopping List. Now that you know what meals you are cooking for the week, you can create your shopping list. Don’t rely on your memory when it comes to shopping in the store and don’t use the store as “inspiration” for meals. A list keeps you organized and on-task.

Search for Coupons. I used to do much more couponing than I do now, but I still try to save money when I can. I usually have a few physical coupons found in a local circular. Sometimes I print a few coupons. I definitely use a lot of online coupons. I often shop at a store that has their own online coupons, so I always browse their app and click coupons before heading to the store.

*Have you tried Ibotta? You can scan your receipts and receive cash for certain purchases. Click my referral link to receive your $10 welcome bonus!!  https://ibotta.com/r/dkcywic

Once these 5 tasks are done you can head to the grocery store knowing you have done the necessary prep work.

What about you? What tasks do you do before heading to the store? Leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

Until next time,

Charissa

Continue reading “The 5 Tasks You Should Do Before You Grocery Shop”

Some days I’m tired. Sometimes my kids are sick. I have days when most of my morning is spent outside the home. Many times my day does not go as planned.

In the midst of these types of situations (and more) there is 1 household chore I try to do every day.

(This post contains affiliate links, so thenotsobusymom receives a very small commission if you make a purchase through the links.)

Every day I try to do 1 load of laundry.

Each morning I start a load of laundry while my kids are eating breakfast, and we’re all getting ready for the day. Later that morning I move the laundry to the dryer, and I fold it then (or certainly by the end of the day).

Why?

I try to do 1 load of laundry every day for 2 main reasons:

1. It’s a good way to stay on top of the laundry situation. And we all know laundry is definitely a situation!
2. If I get to the end of the day and have accomplished no other household task, I can feel good about having at least completed this 1 thing!

Maybe number 2 is a little bit of a mental game I play with myself, but I truly like knowing that even if my day “falls apart”, I did a load of laundry.

More Thoughts on Laundry

• Everyone has to find their own groove. I like to share my tips and ideas, and I also like reading about other laundry routines. Ultimately, we have to do what works for our families.
• Listening to a podcast, audio book or music is a great way to pass the time while folding laundry.

(my most recent “listen”)

• These mesh bags are my favorite things to use on delicates and “hand wash only” items. In fact, I wrote a post about them. (Yesterday, we washed my daughter’s Duplo legos in them.)
• Drying racks come in handy, too. Because we heat our home with a wood stove our clothes dry quite quickly on our drying rack!

Yes, laundry is never-ending, but doing a load a day brings some sanity and satisfaction to my life.

What about you? What is the 1 household chore you try to do every day?

Until next time,

Charissa

Continue reading “The 1 Household Chore I Try to Do Every Day”

Easter is a little more than a month away. I like to plan ahead and buy the clothing items and accessories we need for that day’s celebration.

There are so many great options available for you and your kids, so I will be sharing a few great finds that might be good ideas for you or perhaps will simply serve as inspiration.

(This post contains affiliate links, so thenotsobusymom receives a very small commission if you make a purchase through the links.)

For You

Jane.com is a favorite option for unique pieces at great prices. Usually the items are only available for a few days, so the clothing I share might not be available for long. Check out some of my fun finds and browse around to see what you find for unique options!

Floral dresses are always fun! ($23.99)

A sweet, simple dress in a variety of colors! ($22.99)

Update a current piece with a boho necklace! ($5.99)

For Them

Gymboree is having 40% off the entire store and 50% off the Easter shop. Here is a sampling of what they have.

A sweet floral dress!

Tulle & sequin!

Handsome gingham shirt!

Sailboat bowtie!
Crazy8 has free shipping this weekend.

Metallic braid sandal to complete an outfit!

Seersucker Cap!

Gently-Used Options

I am always a fan of the gently-used option! thredUp & Schoola are two online stores specializing in second hand clothing. I have purchased from both numerous time, and I am continually pleased! You can find items for you and your children!

thredUP

 

I purchased this LL Bean dress from thredUP for $14.99

Want to give thredUP a try? Click my link to receive a $10 credit towards your first purchase!

http://www.thredup.com/r/SPNFUN

Schoola

Want to give Schoola a try? Click my link to receive a $10 credit towards your first purchase!

https://www.schoola.com/stitch?ref=cp-3X192bDMX

What about you? Do you have any go-to stores or websites that you like to use when purchasing Easter clothing?

Until next time?

~Charissa

 

(This post contains affiliate links, so thenotsobusymom receives a very small commission if you make a purchase through the links.)

2 of my 3 children are in elementary school, and they have brought their lunch to school almost every day.

This is a choice I have made because I do like to have some control over what they eat for lunch. I am not super picky about food, and I don’t mind them eating school lunches every once in a while. I do like to be able to provide them with some good fruits and veggies that I know will end up in their bellies (and not the lunchroom trash can). Having them bring their lunch to school each day seems like the best choice for us.

Lunch ideas:

I always enjoy seeing lunch ideas on other blogs and in magazine articles. In fact, Lisa Leake from 100 Days of Real food has great, creative lunch ideas on her blog. Check out this link and be inspired! https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/school-lunches/

My ideas are probably not quite as inspiring as Lisa’s, but I wanted to share them with you in case you are on the hunt for simple ideas.

• Homemade waffles with peanut butter (At my kids’ school you can have peanut butter at lunchtime; you just sit on a specific side of the cafeteria.)
• Whole wheat bagel with cream cheese
• Cheese and crackers
• Ham & cheese on pita bread or a roll

and then fruit, veggies, yogurt & water

• Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes
• Veggies: Cucumbers, baby carrots, bell peppers
• Yogurt: squeeze or smoothie
• Water

Products we use:

• Lunch boxes

My son has an LL Bean box & my daughter has one from Lands End. I prefer the Lands End because it is slightly larger. The inside lining is also a bit easier to clean than the one from LL Bean. They both do their job, though and have held up quite well.

• Lunch containers

These containers by EasyLunchboxes have been my favorite. I love the compartments which encourage me to add variety with spaces that allow me to include fruit and veggies. I also like that we aren’t going through a bunch of plastic baggies. These containers have lasted 1 school year to a year and a half which is quite good considering their (almost) daily use.

• Water bottles.

The CamelBaks have been our bottle of choice. The kids love the fun designs. The price is good, and you can order replacement valves when needed.

Advantages to bringing:

• They have more time to eat. My children occasionally buy, but my son often complains that his eating time is shortened when they have to wait in line for their lunch. If a child brings their lunch from home then they can get to their seat right away and begin eating. Lunchtime is already a short amount of time, so any extra that can be given is important.
• You can see what they eat. I was a school teacher before having kids, and I saw the waste that occurred lunchtime after lunchtime. Most of that waste happened when children were eating school lunches. They would rush through their meal and then dump the tray after just a few bites. Kids who bring don’t tend to dump; instead, they usually leave what they don’t eat allowing parents to see the leftovers.

There may come a time when buying more school lunches makes sense, but for now we are happy to pack their lunches each evening and allow them to bring a lunch from home.

What about you? Do your children bring their lunch to school? Do you have any lunch ideas or helpful tips to share? I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Leave a comment below!

Until next time,

Charissa

Continue reading “Why My Kids Bring Their Lunch to School (Plus Lunch Inspiration & Tips)”

To assign chores or not to assign chores, that is the question.

In our house the answer is: assign chores.

Chores get a lot of mention on mommy blogs. Some families are pro-chores, some are anti; some parents like to pay their children for the tasks they complete, and others are just wanting their kids to contribute, no incentive needed.

(This post contains affiliate links, so thenotsobusymom receives a very small commission if you make a purchase through the links.)

The Why

I want our children to take part in the care and maintenance of our home. I am not going to send them up the ladder to paint our trim or into the bathroom to fix a leaky toilet, but I do want them involved in the daily tasks that keep our home in good running order.

It’s nice to let “kids be kids”, but it’s important to teach and encourage them to take care of the home and contribute to its proper functioning.

The Chores

My children are 10, 7 and 3. My two oldest each have 3 chores that they need to complete every day (except Sundays). My 10 year old unloads the dishwasher each morning, sweeps under the table after dinner and vacuums one room in the evening. My 7 year old takes the recycling outside to our trash area, does one load of laundry and helps clean up the kitchen each evening. My 3 year old helps here and there. Her main task is to straighten the shoes by the door. (She is so funny and cute when completing this chore.)

Possible chores your child(ren) can complete:

• taking out the trash
• loading & unloading the dishwasher
• setting the table
• clearing the table
• wiping down the counters
• sweeping
• vacuuming
• folding laundry
• feeding the pet
• watering the plants
• dusting the furniture

Payment with a Purpose

We do choose to pay our children each week for two reasons: motivation and the opportunity for money management. The amount of money given each week is not a lot, but they are excited to receive it. They are also learning to give, spend and save.

Our children do many more tasks around the house that are not assigned chores and not completed for pay. They clean up their rooms, put away laundry, help set the table and assist me with a wide variety of tasks when asked. We all (young and old) have a part to play in taking care of our home.

Extra ideas and Encouragement

Each evening when it’s time for the kids to complete their evening chores I play some fun music and join in the task of cleaning up the house for the next day. The kids love to throw in a couple dance moves while holding a broom or gathering the laundry.

Assigning chores and following through is not always easy. I am sometimes dealing with grumpy children; hence the music, it seems to boost moods. I don’t let unhappy kids or eye rolls keep me from asking the children to complete that which they have been asked to do. I know that completing these chores is building in them character that will last beyond these short years at home.

2 great books that inspired me and perhaps will do the same for you are:

Cleaning House: A Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Wills Wyma

Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money by Dave Ramsey & Rachel Cruz

You should know that many of the chores you assign will not be completed to your standard. That’s okay. Encourage them as much as possible and offer “helpful hints” when appropriate. Work alongside your children when you can. Promote a team mentality and be positive. Grow together as a family as you work together to care for your home.

What about you? Do your children have chores? Share your triumphs and struggles in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!

Until next time,

Charissa

Continue reading “Kids & Chores”

(This post contains an affiliate link, so thenotsobusymom receives a very small commission if you make a purchase through this link.)

The price on this scarf just keeps getting better and better!!

Today (2/28) only Cents of Style is offering their stylish and versatile blanket scarf for a terrific price.

Get 2 plaid blanket scarves for just $16 plus free shipping with the code    2FORPLAID.

Get this awesome scarf (make that 2 awesome scarves) while you can!!

Which two designs do you love??

Until next time,

Charissa