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Teach Kids About Stranger Danger

It seems like every time we turn on the news we hear about another Amber Alert for a child that has been taken. It has been said that nearly 800,000 children are reported missing each and every year. These alarming statistics make me want to hold my son just a little bit tighter each night. It makes me never want my son out of my sight. This week we had an interesting experience that gave me the opportunity to teach my son about stranger danger yet again. We were eating lunch at the mall with some good friends of mine. … Continue reading →

When the Food on the Box Doesn’t Look Like the Food in the Box

Those glossy photos of food on their boxes can sometimes mean the difference between purchasing the product and leaving it behind on the shelf. Confronted with an image of a fluffy cream-filled cake or a soup that is steam and filled with chunky vegetables, we instinctively want to enjoy it. That usually means purchasing the product, taking it home and maybe heating it or cooking it first. Unfortunately, somewhere between taking it out of the box and actually eating it, we may be left with a nasty surprise. The actual food looks not much like the picture we were given … Continue reading →

Pets Leaving Food: Should You Worry?

My cats have caused so many food-related problems this year. I went from giving my cats food once a day to twice a day, then three times, having to split up normal portions into weird smaller amounts. My cat’s gluttony, food thievery, mischievous behavior, and sudden desire to eat people food all prompted my decision. As spring progressed and melted into summer, I thought I’d finally sorted things out. No, now my cats have changed their eating habits again. It all started when Jon and I left for a weekend. I put out two days’ worth of food; we weren’t … Continue reading →

Mission Possible – Dining Out With Your Toddler

If the thought of dining out with your little one brings to mind images of ketchup – covered tantrums or macaroni meltdowns, know that while those things can and do happen it is also possible to have a fun dinner out with your entire family. While it is not possible to guarantee a successful restaurant outing with your toddler, there are things that you can do to increase your chances of having a good time. First, choose your venue carefully. Look for a place with gracious staff, an inviting atmosphere, and food that you know your toddler likes. Also, plan … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Fabric Softener

For years, I jut skipped the fabric softener in my home, since I viewed it as an unnecessary expense. Then one day, I got two bottles of fabric softener for practically nothing. Now I’m hooked. I love the softness and the smell of the laundry when I use fabric softener, and apparently so does everyone else in my family. There was a noticeable difference. Unfortunately, finding a lifetime supply of free fabric softener is probably an impossible task, unless someone invites me to go on the Extreme Couponing show. So now, when I can get the fabric softener cheaply, I … Continue reading →

Eating Out with Kids

My 7-year-old constantly begs to eat at Fazoli’s. Unfortunately for her, I refuse to pay five bucks for a fist-sized portion of spaghetti that I can make and serve at home for about 50 cents per serving. Needless to say, my kid doesn’t get her Fazoli’s fix very often. Nothing against Fazoli’s; I’m actually not a fan of kids’ restaurant menus in general. I am an equal opportunity hater. To me, there’s just something wrong about having to fork over $3 to $7 at a restaurant for my kid to dine on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, hot dog … Continue reading →

It’s Food Allergy Awareness Week

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This week, from May 13 -19, 2012, is Food Allergy Awareness Week. The purpose of this week is to spread awareness of how serious certain types of food allergies can be. Let’s make the world a little bit safer for people who have food allergies that can result in anaphylaxis and death! Food Allergy Awareness Week was first created in 1998 by the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). Now is the time to educate people about food allergies. There are many children and adults who cannot simply walk into a restaurant, order something off the menu, and reasonably expect … Continue reading →

Last Minute Superbowl Food for Less Than $10!

It was such a busy weekend. I didn’t even have time to put anything into the crockpot or even defrost some chicken. As a result, dinner time was fast approaching and there was nothing on the table. What makes it worse is that it is Superbowl Sunday! Ack! Here are some of my favorite ways to use prepared food for last minute cooking and still save money. Rotisserie Chicken Around here, an already cooked rotisserie chicken will run you about $7.99. Ouch, right? Still, it beats take out at $25-$40 (the prices in my area to feed our family of … Continue reading →

Serve Foods From Christmas Carols this Christmas

Want to try something a little bit unique at your family gathering this Christmas? You could serve some of the foods that are mentioned in lyrics from popular Christmas carols. This could lead to a family sing-a-long, or a culturally interesting set of appetizers. Christmas music evokes strong emotions in many people. You are either someone who loves it, (and cannot get enough of it), or you are someone who hates it, (and rushes to change the radio station whenever a carol starts playing). Either way, it is very likely that you have memorized the lyrics to several Christmas carols, … Continue reading →

Another Great Thing About Working From Home

Last week, my colleague Stephanie Romero wrote an excellent post about working from home while sick. I wholeheartedly agree that there is so much to appreciate about working from home when you are not feeling well. Home-based professionals can get the rest that they need when they need it, make themselves comfortable, and get things done during their sick days as they are able to. Additionally, we do not have to worry about getting other people at the office sick if what we are sick with is something contagious like a flu or stomach bug. Home-based professionals are also able … Continue reading →