Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

The Average Grocery Bill for a Family of Four (and How to Save on Yours)

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average grocery bill

Do you ever read those outrageous headlines that read, “How I Feed My Family of Seven on $75 a Month” or something similar? They always manage to make me feel like I’m missing something. The grocery bill for my family (of four) would never come close to being that small for one month. Therefore, it got me thinking.

What is the average grocery bill for a family of four?  

The Food and Nutrition Service of the US Department of Agriculture provides guidelines based on “a nutritious diet where all meals and snacks are prepared at home.” The guidelines are based on four levels of spending: thrifty, low-cost, moderate, and liberal. Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender.

According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan, $989 under the moderate plan, and $1,207 under the liberal plan.  

Admittedly, $1,000 on a moderate budget for a family of four eating solely at home seems high to me.

However, if you factor in organic food and the cost of living in highly populated cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and NYC, this seems more reasonable.

Three tips to decrease your grocery bill

Each year, the cost of food rises. Typically with the cost of inflation, but often more due to the state of the economy and other factors such as natural disasters and other weather-related incidents. However, when trying to cut expenses in our budgets, groceries are one of the first places we look.

If you find yourself on the high end of the averages listed, here are three tips to help offset some of the rising costs and/or bring down your grocery bill.

1. Meal Plan

Meal planning is one of the best things you can do to eliminate food waste and to spend your grocery dollars with intention. Try planning one week at a time, including multiple meals with the same type of protein, which allows you to buy the most expensive item on your meal plan in bulk.

2. Use Money Saving Apps

Couponing has gone digital. Specifically, Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Checkout51 are a few of my favorite money-saving apps. Sit down with the meal plan you created above and add any items on your list directly through the app. Scan your receipt after you shop and instantly save. After you’ve accumulated so much in savings, you can transfer it in the form of PayPal or gift cards. It takes some time to get used to, but I’ve found them to be worthwhile.

3. Shop Your Pantry

Before you sit down to meal plan, take a look around your refrigerator, your freezer, and your pantry. I guarantee you have enough for one meal. You may have to get creative and hodgepodge a few items together, but you’ll be surprised how much you already have on hand. Not only is it a great way to reduce your grocery bill, but also be a good steward of the environment.

 

How much is your average grocery bill in your family? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more:

Meal Planning For A Family On A Budget

How to Become a Couponer: A Beginner’s Guide to Help Get Started

Experts Say That These Are the Most Unique Ways to Save Money in 2020

 

A Financial Guide To Childcare

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The costs of childcare depends on several factors including where you live, the types of childcare services you need, and the amount of hours you require childcare services for. With the right amount of planning, the costs of these services can be significantly reduced.

High Costs of Childcare

According to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) the cost of center-based day care in the US sits in the range of $3,582 to $18,773 per year. The average cost of such services is $11,666 per year. An au pair costs between $4,320 and $19,800 per year. The average cost of an au pair is around $18,500 per year.

Planning Ahead for Childcare

You can find the right au pair in the USA, using online resources. This way, you are better able to understand the different types of options you may have available to you. With a greater variety of options, you have a better chance of choosing a childcare service that is suitable for you financially.

The food needs of an au pair will need to be considered when budgeting. They will require food that meets their dietary requirements. Households must ensure that they do not spend money on food that does not get eaten. In order to avoid wasting money on food, it is advisable to merge the eating habits of an au pair with that of the family.

Managing Finances

A contingency fund helps when unexpected expenses arise. You can transfer a fixed amount of money to your fund. A provision for 50% of additional expenses should be made before the birth of a child.

A budget needs to set to guide the financial decisions in relation to childcare. Costs of childcare can increase significantly overtime. A budget helps to prepare a household for both expected and unexpected childcare costs. With a budget, you can have a better idea of the options you have.

It helps to reduce your debts in order to reduce the pressure of childcare expenses. With a documented plan to reduce debt, one can more easily afford childcare services. One of the best ways to reduce debts is to take active steps to reduce the use of credit cards.

There are different costs by members of the household that may not need to be accrued. An extra car, for example, can be sold in order to reduce monthly costs. Changes may also be made to your home to reduce utility bills.

Image source: pexels.com.

Four Legitimate Work From Home Jobs For Moms

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Last week I talked about three ways moms can make extra money. I want to continue the discussion with additional jobs to make money, notably work from home jobs. Court Transcript Proofreader They're, their, there - if you know the difference between these three words and have an eye for detail, proofreading court transcripts may be just the thing for you. Court cases typically have transcripts that document the court proceedings word-for-word. A court reporter captures the live conversation during a court proceeding with a stenotype. Because the reporting is simultaneously typing and listening, there is room for error. That's where a proofreader adds value to the process. The great thing about transcript proofreading is you are reviewing someone else's work. Your primary tool will be an iPad and your existing skillset. English teachers are great candidates for this side gig, as are you if you're the kind that scours social media comments for incorrect grammar. If this is something that interests you, check out Proofread Anywhere. Caitlyn Pyle s a former court transcript proofreader who created a course to teach you to do the same. She shows you both the skill, as well as how to find clients. There is a free quiz to see if it's something you have an aptitude for and might enjoy. You can do this job from anywhere - your couch, the car while at your son's soccer game, or on the plane to Disney World. Life Coach Do your friends and family come to you for advice? Do you like to serve and help people? Are you big on self-improvement? If you answer yes to each of these questions, you may want to consider becoming a life coach. A life coach is someone who helps others with struggles in their life and provides guidance and direction to lead them where they want to be. A life coach may be a generalist or may specialize in weight, business, or even organization. It's different from therapy but can serve as a partner to a mental health professional. Life coaching is an up and coming profession. Brooke Castillo likens it to the rise of the gym. In the 70s, no one had gym memberships. As health and personal care started to rise in the 80s and 90s through to the present, now everyone has a gym membership. Think of life coaching as the present-day equivalent of a gym membership. In a decade or so, everyone will have a life coach. There are many avenues available to become a life coach. Tony Robbins has a program, as does Martha Beck. Brooke Castillo has one of the best programs, and I'm a big fan of her podcast. A great example of a successful life coach who makes seven figures working from home three days a week on her business, while a full-time mom of 4 is Jody Moore. She is a student of Brooke's and is evidence a life coach is an excellent work from home options for moms. Pinterest Virtual Assistant Do you love social media? Is Pinterest your preferred search engine? You should think about making money off your love of Pinterest. Along with the rise of internet businesses and blogs, social media has blasted in growth as a marketing tool, Pinterest continues to grow. The reason Pinterest, such a popular marketing tool, is it's a legitimate search engine, just like Google. Online entrepreneurs recognize the value of Pinterest to their bottom line but don't want to spend the time building their Pinterest presence. As a result, you can capitalize on this need by creating Pinterest graphics typically through PicMonkey or Canva, creating pins for their blog articles or merchandise for sale, tagging the appropriate keywords, and creating descriptions. You can also set up and optimize their profile and Pinterest profile. As a Virtual Assistant specializing in Pinterest, you can work from anywhere there is internet, most importantly, from home while your toddler is sleeping. Since Pinterest is a 24/7 gig, you aren't required to keep 9 to 5 hours. Interested in learning more? Gina Horkey and Kristen Anderson have a great class called Pinterest VA. Bonus - if you love video, you can broaden the scope of your services to include YouTube. You can offer virtual assistant services for just about any social media platform or project management needs. Capitalize on your 9-to-5 skills Do you have a college degree? Did you work a traditional job before becoming a SAHM? I bet you have skills that are marketable that you can do from home. You also likely have a built-in client base and network you haven't thought of as such. Let's say you were a journalist in your working days. You can reach out to your old boss and request some freelance writing work. Perhaps you were an accountant and know your former employer needs some part-time work during tax season. Put a proposal together to offer your services as an independent contractor. In your proposal, note that you already have a working space (because your dining table counts) and high-speed internet that would allow you to work from home. Maybe you can market your skills to the public. If you were a chef pre-kids, and want to share your love of vegetarian cooking for kids, create a blog and sell an online course for a stream of passive income. The opportunities are endless with your current skillset. Brainstorm your skill sets and find one that you can offer from home, then market it. You may have to think outside the box, but the rewards are worth it. Do you work from home as a mom? Share what you do and how you got started in the comments below.

Last week I talked about three ways moms can make extra money. Today I want to continue the discussion with additional jobs to make money, specifically work-from-home jobs.

Four Legitimate Work-From-Home Jobs For Moms

1. Court Transcript Proofreader

They’re, their, there – if you know the difference between these three words and have an eye for detail, proofreading court transcripts may be just the thing for you. Court testimony is often transcribed word-for-word for future reference. A court reporter captures the live conversation with a stenotype. Because the reporter is simultaneously typing and listening, there is room for error. That’s where a proofreader adds value to the process.

Your primary tool will be an iPad and your eagle eye for grammatical errors. English teachers are great candidates for this side gig, as are you if you’re the kind that scours social media comments looking for the wrong use of the word “affect”.

If this is something that interests you, check out Proofread Anywhere. Caitlyn Pyle s a former court transcript proofreader who created a course to teach you to do the same. Included in the course is how to find clients. There is a free quiz to see if it’s something you have an aptitude for and might enjoy.

If court transcription proofreading doesn’t thrill you, you can also provide proofreading services to blogs, books, and website copy. These avenues are often less technical than court transcription proofreading.

As a mom, you can do this job from anywhere – your couch, the car while your son is at soccer practice, or on the plane to Disney World.

2. Life Coach

Do your friends and family come to you for advice? Do you like to serve and help people? Are you big on self-improvement? If you answer yes to each of these questions, you may want to consider becoming a life coach. A life coach is someone who helps others with struggles in their life and/or provides guidance and direction to lead them towards their personal goals. 

A life coach may be a generalist or may specialize in weight, business, or even organization. It’s different from therapy but can serve as a partner to a mental health professional. Life coaching is an up and coming profession. Brooke Castillo likens it to the rise of the gym. In the 70s, no one had gym memberships. As health and personal care started to rise in the 80s and 90s, a gym membership became the norm. Think of life coaching as the present-day equivalent of a gym membership. In a decade or so, everyone will have a life coach.

There are many avenues available to become a life coach. Tony Robbins has a program, as does Martha Beck. Brooke Castillo has one of the best programs, and I’m a big fan of her podcast. A great example of a successful life coach who makes seven figures working from home three days a week on her business, while a full-time mom of four is Jody Moore. She is a student of Brooke’s and is evidence a life coach is an excellent work-from-home options for moms.

3. Pinterest Virtual Assistant

Do you love social media? Do you spend your free time scrolling Pinterest for your next recipe? You can earn an income off your love of Pinterest. Along with the rise of internet businesses and blogs, social media has taken in growth as a marketing tool. Pinterest continues to rise and is a popular search engine alternative to Google. 

Online entrepreneurs recognize the value of Pinterest to their bottom line, but don’t want to spend the time building their Pinterest presence. As a result, you can capitalize on this need by creating Pinterest graphics . You don’t need a graphic design degree. You can create professional looking graphics using free tools such as PicMonkey or Canva.

As a Pinterest VA, you’ll create and upload pins for blog articles or merchandise for sale. You’ll create pin descriptions using appropriate key words and possibly optimize your clients Pinterest profile.  A VA can work from anywhere and anytime, so makes a perfect option for moms to generate extra money. 

Interested in learning more? Gina Horkey and Kristin Larsen have a great class called Pinterest VA. Furthermore, as a VA you can offer virtual assistant services for just about any social media platform, such as Instagram, Facebook, or You Tube.  

4. Capitalize on your 9-to-5 skills

Do you have a college degree? Did you work a traditional job before becoming a SAHM? You likely have a set of marketable skills that can be done from home. You probably also have a built-in client base and network you aren’t even aware of.

Let’s say you were a journalist in your working days. You can reach out to your former boss and request some freelance writing work. Perhaps you were an accountant and know your former employer needs some part-time help during tax season. Put a proposal together to offer your services as an independent contractor. In your proposal, note you already have a working space (because your dining table counts) and high-speed internet that would allow you to work from home.

You can also market your skills to the general public. If you were a chef pre-kids, and want to share your love of vegetarian cooking, create a blog and sell an online course for a stream of passive income.  Market to other moms who are trying to teach their picky children the value of a vegetarian diet.

The opportunities are endless with your current skillset. Brainstorm your skill sets and find one that you can offer from home, then market it. You may have to think outside the box, but the rewards are worth it.

 

Do you work from home as a mom? Share what you do and how you got started in the comments below.

Read more:

6 Must-Haves for Working Moms Who Breastfeed

3 Unexpected Options for Stay At Home Moms to Make Extra Money

Get Some Extra Cash: 9 of the Best Ways to Make Money From Home

   

The Best Humidifier for Babies: 11 Amazing Options

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A baby needs the utmost care in all things and that also means the best in supplemental equipment. Against the winter’s dry air or a nasty cold, a humidifier can be a lifesaver.

Finding the best humidifier for babies can be tough. There are many brands and many options. Sometimes it is hard to parse through all the details.

That is why we have done it for you. Here is a simple list of the best humidifier for babies you can find on the market.

Helpful Humidifiers

A humidifier can be a great tool for helping your child, but how does it best help? There are many ways.

A humidifier can help keep noses clear. It also prevents drying skin, which is great for sensitive extremities from toes to the nose.

It also works as a great sleep aid, getting your happy baby off to dreamland fast.

While all of these can help someone of any age, a baby has fewer tools that can help in these situations, making humidifiers a great tool in any nursery.

The Reasons for Cool Mist Humidifiers

Before we get to the list, you may have noticed a detail. A vast majority of humidifiers on the list are the cool mist variants.

These variants are often the better option over the warm mist options due to burn hazards. With the cool mist, you don’t have to make sure the humidifier is out of a toddler’s reach. Warm mist can run the risk of a burn hazard.

There are a few other details about cool mist humidifiers that put them ahead for use around babies.

1. TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier

TaoTronics makes a wonderful and balanced humidifier with its cool mist version. The brand has great all-around features with 3 different settings, an easy to read LED screen, and a variety of speed settings.

For $50, it is a great balanced product to hit any situation well enough.

2. AnyPro Cool Mist Humidifier

AnyPro rates around a similar rate to the TaoTronics, covering many of the same features. What sets it apart is a massive 3.5-liter tank and a knob to control the rate of misting to a fantastic level.

It rates a bit more expensive at $50 to $60.

3. TekJoy Cool Mist Humidifier

While the TekJoy model has a smaller tank than the AnyPro, the tank is still suitable enough to last the entire night on medium setting.

As well, it has precise timing features that allow you to set it for 4, 8, and 12-hour instances. This allows you to not worry about checking on the humidifier if you fear to overdo it.

TekJoy hovers around $50 in price.

4. Pure Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

The Pure Ultrasonic cool mist humidifier is a great simple, foolproof model. With one button for operation, it does not run the risk of a confusing interface.

The tank runs for a long stretch, clocking in at about 14 hours. Plenty of time for a full night with hours to spare.

The unit runs at around $50.

5. Safety 1st Soothing Glow Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

The Safety 1st brand is a solid one. This particular humidifier is on the low side at only 3 liters in capacity. Despite this, it can last a long time and has a bit more variance in its misting intensity.

It is also a bit cheaper than the average, coming in at $40.

6. TaoTronics Ultrasonic Humidifier

The second and smaller version of the TaoTronics model. It keeps many of the features of its bigger, though lacks a few of the more minute controls. At a smaller capacity, it still lasts for a while, clocking in at 10 hours on high.

Despite having fewer controls capacity, it still costs around $50.

7. Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier

While the previous humidifiers differ in small features and variable capacity, the Honeywell cool mist humidifier is a tank of a machine.

This humidifier has a gallon capacity and great misting intensity. When you need to keep a large room humid, or to keep a room humid for the whole day in preparation for naps and such, this is the humidifier for you.

The cost is solid, coming in at $50.

8. Safety 1st 360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

The second Safety 1st humidifier is another solid standout. It has a 360-degree spray nozzle, allowing it to cover a full room depending on where you place it. It also works at a very quiet sound level, making it perfect for nurseries.

It is also one of the cheapest on this list, clocking in at $30.

9. Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier with Diffuser

With the diffuser addition, this humidifier can give you options for various scents using essential oils and other products. This is a nice addition, though your mileage with it will depend on your child’s reaction to essential oils.

Even with the addition, it still clocks in at $50 to $60.

10. Vornadobaby Huey Evaporative Humidifier

The most expensive addition to this list by a long shot, this humidifier makes up for it with ease of use and reliable moisture output. It has dials that can allow you to set the desired humidity, turning off when the air is humid enough.

The issue, alongside the price, comes from its tiny tank and noisy output. You will have to refill it more often than all the other options and it may not work for when your baby is sleeping due to the noise.

This unit clocks in at a whopping $100.

11. Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

This is the only warm mist option on this list. If you are able to keep the unit in a safe space away from flammable objects and your child, it may be worth the extra work.

It has a massive 1-gallon tank and can use menthol tabs to help add a soothing element to your humidifier. This can be a great addition to help your baby get over a cold.

This unit clocks in at $30, making it a cheap option.

Getting the Best Humidifier for Babies

With all sorts of brands, features, and prices, humidifiers aren’t a one and done shopping trip. Now that you have a bit better focus on which humidifiers are the best humidifiers for babies, you can make the best purchase for your baby.

Parenting is hard, but don’t think this guide is all we have to offer! We are here to help you with every step of the way, so check out our other articles for tips around the house.

11 Super Fun Things to Do in Missouri With Kids

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Family vacations can be a wellspring of beautiful memories. While wonderful moments can happen at any point during a vacation, planning one is still essential.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Missouri with kids, or even if it wasn’t on our radar, you have a host of choices to choose from. All across the state are many great sites and interesting locations to put a bit of spark in your vacation.

Curious what places you need to see in the wonderful state of Missouri? Check them out here.

1. Historical Sites and Reenactments

Missouri has a rich history and there are many parks and areas dedicated to showcasing it as close as possible.

Civil War reenactments are some of the biggest ones and happen all around the state. They are safe and a great way to see impactful history up close.

2. Outdoor Water Parks

Excited for a bit of water fun? Missouri is host to many wonderful water parks.

Big Surf Waterpark, Timber Falls, and Miner Mike’s and Buster’s are only a handful of the bombastic water attractions in the state.

3. All Things Mark Twain

Born in Missouri, Mark Twain is an American icon and there are many sites across the state that honors him.

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri is a real treat. It showcases live performances and a variety of festivals in celebration of the famous author.

4. St. Louis Zoological Park

St. Louis Zoological Park is one of the biggest zoos in the country. It leads the country in animal research and conservation.

The best part is it is free! Outside of special exhibits, you can walk right in and enjoy the beauty of animals right up close.

5. All Things Branson

Branson, Missouri is a gem of the state. Living in the heart of Ozarks country, there is a massive variety of natural splendor and cultural heritage to explore.

Check out the list of things to do in Branson!

6. Johnson Shut-Ins State Park

Want a nature park with an educational twist? Johnson Shut-Ins State Park provides!

The campgrounds provide a lot of geological teaching in their Mother Nature’s classroom guides. Beautiful sites and a bit of education? A great combination.

7. Fantastic Caverns

Missouri has over 6,000 caves you can visit. It does live up to its second state moniker of The Cave State.

The Fantastic Caverns is a gorgeous example of the natural wonders of Missouri’s caves. The entire cave system is one of America’s only ride-through cave, allowing you to experience the entire thing in one convenient trip.

8. National World War 1 Museum

The National World War 1 Museum is in Kansas City, Missouri. Within you will find a beautiful and heart-wrenching look at one of the worst wars in history.

The museum may not be for the light of heart or the very young. Even so, it is a gorgeous memorial to a devastating time in world history and worth the look.

9. Lake of the Ozarks

The Ozarks are a beautiful batch of the countryside that is brimming with a wide range of color and beauty.

Lake of the Ozarks is a beautiful nature-focused resort that has something for the whole family. Whether you prefer a rugged splendor or relaxing resort, the Lake has everything you need.

10. Missouri Botanical Gardens

One of the oldest botanical institutions in the US, the Missouri Botanical Gardens is a ripe bit of paradise in the middle of a bustling city.

Filled with a massive variety of natural wonder, the Botanical Gardens are a perfect choice for a quiet day stroll through nature.

11. Many Museums

This last category had too many choices to list them all! Missouri is home to museums of all types of flavors.

The Titanic Museum, the St. Louis City Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum, and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Museum are only a few!

Enjoying The Things to Do in Missouri With Kids

Out of all the things to do in Missouri with kids, the biggest one is the time you’ll share with your kids. All of these activities can be learning experiences and big family activities. Enjoy the time with your kids!

For more help in organizing the hectic life of a parent, we have a massive host of articles on so many topics. Check some out today!

3 Unexpected Options for Stay At Home Moms to Make Extra Money

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side hustles for moms

Perhaps you were a career girl before you had babies. Or you were a young mom and never had a chance to build a working network. Either way, you decided there was nothing more valuable than staying at home to raise your family. Admittedly, however, you’re a little bored or strapped for cash. If you’re wondering how you can make extra money as a stay-at-home, I’ve got three possibilities that aren’t the usual options you’ll find in your Pinterest search. Don’t expect to find blogging on this list.

Bookkeeping

If you think a degree is required to be a bookkeeper, think again. Bookkeeping is a learnable skill if you have an eye for detail. The bookkeeping field has started to change as software (Quickbooks and Xero) has emerged to make it simpler for the small business owner.

However, while the software lends a helping hand, many business owners don’t a) have the desire, b) have the time, and c) want more understanding of what they’re looking at. As a result, you’ll send the bookkeeping field start to shift to a flat fee work from home field, rather than a low paid hourly rate brick and mortar store. This provides you with the flexibility to work from home and stay in control of your schedule. Both essential requirements for stay-at-home moms.

I recommend investing in a course to learn the basics of bookkeeping, as well as learn how to build an online business and find clients. It can be pricey, but certainly not to the level of a semester of college. Bookkeeper Business Launch is a course you should consider. They’ve got a great support community and it’s an overall amazing program. I’ve personally taken it, and as a former CPA, I can recognize it’s value. I highly recommend it if you’re interested in exploring this as an opportunity to build your own business.

Sell Your Own Product

Have you ever dreamed of selling your own product? You can! You can sell anything from wine to supplements to shower curtains with your very own label, all from the comforts of home. This is done via the private label industry.

Private label is the process of working with a manufacturer to produce a product to sell based on your specifications. You add a label on it and sell it directly to the public. You’ll want to stick to basic items that sell well on platforms such as Amazon and eBay. They should be light in weight and not fragile to ensure they ship well.

Once you decide on your product, find a manufacturer. Alibaba is a great place to start. You’ll also want to design a logo, label, and packaging. Finally, you’ll need a platform to sell. Amazon FBA is a popular and simple option. Or you can go all-in and sell through your own website.

Rent Baby Gear

As a stay-at-home mom, you likely have some baby gear at your disposal. You can sell it on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace, but there’s another option you may not have heard of. While not exactly an option that will allow you to stay at home, and requires a bit more flexibility – you can bring your children along.

BabyQuip is a baby rental company set up very much like Uber and Lyft. You provide the baby gear, and they provide the website and marketing. A tourist visiting your town that isn’t interested in hauling a crib, a car seat, and toys on their vacation can go to the website and rent the gear. You deliver the gear based on the hours you’ve set and receive 80% of the rental fee plus a delivery charge.

There’s minimal risk with this business model as the customer pays their order upfront which you can use to purchase any items you don’t have. If and when you decide to quit renting, you can sell your inventory, possibly at break-even. I was a BabyQuip quality partner for a little over a year. During my busiest month, I netted a $700 profit with minimal time investment.

Have you tried any of these side hustles to make extra money? How did you like it? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more:

7 of the Best Ways to Make Money on the Side With a Full Time Job

How A Side Hustle Can Save Your Family’s Budget

Get Some Extra Cash: 9 of the Best Ways to Make Money From Home

These Foods Are Essential for Developing Healthy Eating Habits for Kids!

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Despite the proven health benefits of fruits and vegetables, only one in 10 U.S. adults eats enough of them.

This unhealthy habit, unfortunately, is passing on to the nation’s children.

One study found that one in five one-year-old kids didn’t eat any vegetables during the study. The researchers noted the same thing for every one in four 6- to 11-month-old babies.

This may explain why more than half of kids in the U.S. suffer from one or more chronic illnesses.

All these should already tell you how crucial it is to develop healthy eating habits for kids. The earlier you get to help your little ones eat healthier, the lower their risks for illnesses.

The good news is, there are ways to make even the fussiest eater enjoy these healthy yet tasty foods.

Ready to find out how to get kids to eat healthy? Then keep reading to learn of the healthiest foods that’ll make your little ones lick their chops!

Whole-Grain Pancakes or Waffles

Whole grains, such as 100% whole wheat flour, are high in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like manganese. Whole-grain foods also contain antioxidants, which can help reduce risks of heart diseases. Moreover, they’re rich in plant compounds, like polyphenols, which can help prevent diseases.

The only drawback to these healthy foods for kids is that they can be a bit bitter.

Fortunately, the ingredients in whole-wheat flour pancakes and waffles will reduce this bitterness. To make it even healthier, substitute regular milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk. You can also swap out the butter with healthier oils, like extra virgin olive oil.

Some shredded coconut as a topping can also help minimize the bitter taste of whole wheat flour. Go easy on the syrup, or use fruit jam instead.

Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Even picky eaters like meat, so if your little one tends to snub chicken breast, the trick is to skewer it. Cut it into cubes and marinate it in yogurt. Yogurt is another healthy food for kids (and adults!) as it has shown to help boost immune system functions.

Also, yogurt will make your chicken kebabs creamier and more tender. It’ll help lock in moisture, so your kids will love snacking on these juicy, fat-less chunks of chicken.

As for seasoning, simply add a dash of sea salt, black pepper, and some garlic. If you want to use oil, stick to extra virgin olive oil, which is also packed with plant polyphenols.

Crunchy Chickpeas

Chickpeas, on their own, are high in vitamins A, C, and E, dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, folate, and iron. Recent studies have also found this legume to have weight loss potential. Moreover, researchers say that chickpeas may have a positive effect on cardiovascular diseases.

Chickpeas may not look that appetizing to your kids though if you serve it straight out of the can. However, roasting them with a bit of olive oil and some salt and pepper can turn them into a crunchy treat. To ensure they turn crispy, pat them dry before adding the oil.

Hummus

Speaking of chickpeas, another great way to introduce them to your kids is by making hummus. Hummus is healthier than most other dips and dressings, and it’s super tasty and versatile too. You can spread hummus on bread or serve it as a dip for pita chips and veggie sticks.

You can make hummus by using cooked, mashed chickpeas mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, and tahini. Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds, making it a healthy condiment. Sesame seeds, after all, are rich in plant proteins, B vitamins, and antioxidants.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

French fries are no doubt tasty, but baked sweet potato fries can be just as good. The baked version is a healthier alternative since it requires far less oil (you can use olive oil too!). Also, sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, calcium, iron, as well as B and C vitamins.

Since sweet potato fries resemble “French fries”, it’ll be easier to get your kids to try them out.

Other alternatives to fried potato are kale chips and parmesan zucchini fries. You can also alternate these with roasted parsnip fries. Baked green beans tempura can also satisfy your kids’ cravings for crispy foods.

Vegetable Dumplings

Veggie dumplings aren’t only healthy — they can also be pretty and fun to make with your children. You can fill these pasta-like pockets with minced mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots. You can also use mashed chickpeas as the filling.

Alternatively, you can mix ground chicken breast with vegetable filling. Once your kids get used to eating the vegetables, they’ll be more inclined to try the pure veggie version.

Fruits in Treats

Being creative in what you serve your little ones is key to getting them to eat fruits and veggies. For instance, instead of serving dried fruit out of a box, add them to baked goodies instead. You can try out these recipes with raisins for kids, or better yet, make them with your little ones.

Frozen yogurt with fruits is another healthy food for children. These frozen treats usually have lower saturated fat content than normal ice cream. They also have fewer calories and lower sugar content.

If you make them at home, it’ll be even easier to control their sugar and fat content. Plus, your kids are more likely to try them if they help prepare it.

Make It Easier to Develop Healthy Eating Habits for Kids

There you have it, your guide to the nutritious yet tasty foods to develop healthy eating habits for kids. By introducing these meals and treats to your little ones, you can make it easier for them to eat healthier. Plus, preparing them with your kids is a good way to spend quality bonding time with them.

Ready for more fun-to-make recipes that are as tasty as they are healthy? Then be sure to visit and bookmark the Healthy Living & Eating section for even more guides like this!

How Divorce Affects Recent Generations

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It is commonly accepted that divorce was less prevalent in previous generations. The termination of a marital bond was usually only reserved for cases involving infidelity or abuse. However, recent generations have seen an increase in divorce for a variety of reasons. This changing attitude towards divorce sometimes results in marriages of convenience, rather than commitment. This can lead to a complex set of relationship problems.

The rise of disputes and separation

The cause of divorce is not the same across the various social groups in today’s generation. Divorce can now happen for vague reasons, such as “irreconcilable differences.” Because of this, divorce has gradually become common. All it takes is a few months for a divorce to be finalized. Either spouse can file for divorce.

There has been a steady rise in the divorce rate in recent years. Many factors are associated with this increase in the divorce rate. Regardless, when one finds out that their marriage is about to end, the hope of a better future and a meaningful life dies. This can leads to depression and illness, also sometimes resulting in suicide. Divorce affects the rest of your life and the lives of your young ones and family too.

Reasons leading to divorce

In today’s busy, time-oriented society, there are multiple annoyances that can cause issues between spouses. When such disputes take place often, couple often take the plunge to get separated, and a dissolution of marriage takes place. The reasons are many, but a few common ones are infidelity, lack of communication, physical stress, emotional stress, and financial stress.

Effects of divorce on society

Getting divorced or separated in today’s world is often considered a personal life decision. But questions remain as to how children cope with the immense changes caused by divorce? Can spouses survive individually? These questions can create internal instability between individuals, which increases stress levels for everyone.

Hence, getting divorced in Mt. Pleasant, or anywhere in the states, can have an adverse impact on the future of both the divorcee and their children. However, hiring a divorce lawyer, may help ease the situation. Divorce lawyers can help by evaluating which route to take while going about the process of divorce. It is only natural for the spouses to be ignorant of the vast divorce laws put in place by the state. Without a well-versed lawyer there is sure to be a lack of communication, as well as a lack of legal guidance. This can result in less stress and instability.

So, if you are planning on getting divorced in Mt. Pleasant, go through the websites available on the internet. This will not only help you plan out a hassle-free way to go about the whole situation but will also help in getting in touch with an experienced lawyer.

Meal Planning For A Family On A Budget

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Meal Planning For A Family On A Budget
Meal planning is the holy grail of the kitchen. The most organized of moms have weekly meal plans prepped somewhere between chaperoning their kids to a myriad of extracurricular activities. You can’t help but wonder how they do it? How do they meal plan for a family on a budget.

But every time you try to pull a meal plan together, it seems more expensive than when you wing it. You’re on a budget, so you need to stick to a reasonable cost per meal, and you’d like some leftovers for lunches. You know there has to be a better way.

Five Tips to Help You Meal Plan For A Family On A Budget

1. Start By Cleaning Out Your Fridge

Before you start your meal plan for the week, open up your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Notice what leftovers you have and plan a meal based on those items. You’ll probably find you have all or most of the ingredients you need for an entire meal. 

This process kills three birds with one stone. One, it allows you to clean out your fridge. Two, you’re less wasteful of the food you’ve purchased. And three, you can save on your weekly grocery shopping. It’s a win-win-win.

2. Rotating Menu of Quick Meals

Make a list of 4 or 5 meals that your family likes and that can be made super quick. For example, every member of my family will eat pizza, anytime, anywhere. As such, there are always 4 or 5 frozen pizzas in our freezer. Other quick and easy dinners include spaghetti and meatballs, grilled cheese and tomato soup, chicken alfredo, and cheeseburger casserole.

Once you have your list complete, always make sure you have the ingredients for these meals on hand. The best practice is to buy them in bulk when they go on sale. Rotate one or two of these meals into your meal plan for the week for an easy, budget-friendly option you know your family will eat.

3. Change Your Life Chicken

The first time I read about Change Your Life Chicken from Kendra Scott of The Lazy Genius – I didn’t think I’d like it. But it seemed so simple that I decided I’d give it a shot. And guess what? I not only liked it, but I loved it.  It’s now a staple on the rotating meal plan in my house.

It’s inexpensive because it uses chicken thighs, it’s easy to make, super simple to clean up, and uses up any leftover vegetables in the fridge. Another good thing about it is the ability to change it up based on what your family likes, or to add variety from what you had last week.

Check out the recipe here and incorporate a version of Change Your Life Chicken into your meal plan once a week. It’ll change your life!

4. Breakfast for Dinner

Who doesn’t love pancakes and bacon for dinner? Breakfast for dinner is a great budget-friendly meal to incorporate into your meal plan once a week. It’s also a good meal for your kids to help out with. They can mix the pancake batter, or whisk the eggs for omelets.

I typically make breakfast for dinner on Sunday nights. We always nap after church so don’t like to eat a heavy meal in the evening.  Breakfast for dinner is is a fun, light meal to whip up together as a family and close out the weekend with.

5. Purchase Budget Meal Plans

If you’re not a creative cook and struggle to pull meal ideas together, consider buying one. Meal plans for sale are are crafted with intention. They pull together similar ingredients so are often budget-friendly and the cost is typically minimal because they’re prepared by seasoned experts.

Some of my favorite meal plans are $5 dinners, MyFreezEasy, and Momables. If you’re interested in taking an online course, I highly recommend Erin Chase’s Grocery Budget Makeover.  I personally took this class and was able to immediately apply some of the concepts to my budget. (contains affiliate links)

Do you have any tips for planning your meals on a budget? Share them in the comments below.

Read More:

The Importance of Family Dinner and How to Bring Back This Tradition

My Favorite Resources to Use When Cooking For My Family

Good Eating As A Parent Is Easier Than You Think