Restaurant.com

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Cheri

A while ago,Heidi shared her wonderful experiences with Living Social and Groupon. Today, I want to share how much I love restaurant.com. If you've used it before, hopefully you love it. If you haven't tried it, go online and search the restaurants in your area to see if there's anything you'd like to try.

Restaurant.com is a source where restaurants agree to provide gift certificates for $10, $25, and $50 for deep discounts that can be used in their restaurant. Their standing price is $5 for a $10 GC, $10 for $25, and $20 for a $50 certificate. Not bad. However, if you sign up for their email list, you get notifications about once a week for the "deal" of the week. This typically drops the $25 gift certificate price to either $2, $3, or $4. You can't beat that.

Most of the restaurants listed are mom and pop shops or small chains. You're typically not going to find Applebee's or Chili's or restaurants like that because they are too national. But local places, like Giordano's in Illinois, may participate at only some of their locations. We've found this is a great way to try a new place and we even found a new favorite restaurant in our area because of it.

There are some stipulations. All certificates apply to dine-in only and almost all have a minimum purchase amount. I always purchase the $25 gift certificate, which requires that we spend $35 to get the $25 off. On top of the meal price, they automatically include 18% gratuity, which is not on TOP of the tip you would usually pay, but in place of it. So, if we spend $35 before tax, we get $25 off. So $10. Then the tax and gratuity...$10. Plus the cost of the gift certificate, and in total, we spend about $25 instead of $50. Sure, it's not perfect, but it is a great way to go out to eat for way less than normal, even with all the stipulations.

One thing we found is that most of these restaurants are not expensive. So going just as a couple, we've had a hard time reaching the $35 minimum purchase. You may have to order appetizers, sodas, entrees, AND desserts to reach it, but in the end, it will still be cheaper than if you had not used the gift certificate. Or, go with another couple or your kids and you'll be sure to hit it easily.

So if you're looking for a date idea for Father's Day or for an upcoming birthday, or maybe a gift idea for Christmas, check out the selection and sign up online and enjoy a night out for less.

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Posted in All Writers, Birthdays, Budgeting, Cheri, Dates, Family, Food, For You, Getaways, Holidays, Marriage & Spouse, Money Saving Tips, Relationships, The Moms | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Driving Lessons

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Sunny

I barely remember it now, but when my oldest child was a preschooler, we started driving lessons. I remember something falling through in our schedule and suddenly having a few minutes to ourselves. Not enough time to go anywhere and get something done, too early for the next appointment, so what to do? We already were in a deserted parking lot with the baby asleep in the back. So I let my son climb onto my lap behind the wheel. Boy was it a thrill (it probably means more to this car seat generation than it would have years ago) to actually steer the car around the parking lot. Of course, I had control of the accelerator and brake pedal (and wheel if I wanted, back then I could still muscle him), so I had nothing to fear. It was so fun that we would look for more opportunities to let him "drive." Now my daughter is excited for turns to drive as well.

Eventually though, the boys got too big for my lap. This is a bit scarier, but we go to the only private parking lot we know of that is kind of "ours"--our church parking lot--when it is deserted.

One thing I like about doing this, is that at an age when it seems kids stop listening to you, all of a sudden, they are all ears. We go through it all from seat belts and mirrors to the fact that they have complete control of the gas pedal and brake. No radio allowed; focus is important. They particularly love the ceremonial handing off of the keys as we pass each other, walking around the car to trade seats. We start slow, and it's still a thrill for them. If anyone walks or drives into the parking lot, they stop and wait.

I like doing this with them for several reasons besides having their attention. One is that it doesn't take a lot of time or money. Another is that I can feel their excitement, and not often do my teenagers get excited to do something with me! Another reason is their confidence and mine.

My second child is turning 15 soon and wants to know when we can go driving again. He's taking drivers ed and hopes to get his permit on his birthday. When I take him driving now, he likes working on his parking. Each time he parks, we both open our car doors and report how far we are from the line.

teen driving practice, checking parking job

Occasionally I hear the parent of a teenager express their angst at the prospect of their child driving. I've also heard the apprehension of a teenager at being behind the wheel. I hear stories of parents screaming while their child is driving. How safe is that? Figure out whether mom or dad has the best temperament and inclination for it, and take your child driving. It doesn't need to be often. They'll be thrilled, and when the time comes to let them on to the street, your nerves will thank you.

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Summer Fun at Home

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Janae

In a previous post, I promised fun summer ideas to keep you busy making memories throughout the summer. My last post was on taking advantage of what the community had to offer. But, for those days when you're stuck home with a napping baby or just want to take it easy at home, consider these fun summer ideas.

1. Have a sprinkler day.

2. Paint the yard day. Give your kids an empty food can filled with water and a paintbrush. Then, send them out to the yard to paint anything and everything they can find.

3. Chalk village. Arm your kids with chalk and let them build an entire village on your driveway, with houses, roads, schools, etc. Then, arm them with bikes and scooters and let them "drive around town".

4. Play water sports. Using pools for bases and a slip and slide to slide into home, play water baseball. Or, slip the kids' arms into a t-shirt so their hands are holding their sleeves and the t-shirt lays across their forearms. Then, toss water balloons back and forth to play a great game of water volleyball.

5. Picnic in the backyard. Spice up lunchtime with a picnic in the backyard.

6. Do crafts. My favorite craft site is familyfun.com. Check it out for zillions of great craft ideas ranging from super easy to difficult.

7. Water fight. Arm your kids with spray bottles and squirt guns and have a real live water fight.

8. Camp outside. If you have a trampoline, a campout on the trampoline is a perfect summer holiday. Just take out the sleeping bags and sleep under the stars. Don't have a trampoline. Don't hesitate to pull out the tent and make it an adventure.

9. Drive-In Movies. Do you or a friend have a projector? If so, project a movie up on your garage and invite the neighbors to watch a movie under the stars. We did this several weekends last summer and really got a big turn out from the neighborhood. No projector? No problem. Many projectors can be rented from local libraries.

10. Plant a garden. Whether you're planting flowers or veggies, kids love to plant and play in the mud. Give them a shovel and let them join in the fun. Don't want a garden but have a patch of dirt? Put on some old clothes and let the kids dig all they want. They'll easily come up with their own ideas.

11. Take some white T-shirts and decorate them outside. Use fabric paint, sharpies, you name it! If you're adventurous, even buy some tye-dye kits.

12. Tint some shaving cream, spread it in a baking pan, and doodle or write words. Or do the same thing with pudding!

13. Water slide! Put the kiddy pool at the bottom of the slide and watch your kids laugh (and get soaked) for hours.

14. Host a popsicle stand. Popsicles can be far more popular on a hot day than lemonade. Host a stand and then take the kids to the dollar store later to spend their hard-earned cash.

15. Make a backyard fort. This summer, my kids found a secret corner of our backyard, hidden by trees and an overgrown lilac bush. They've set up chairs in their fort and have their own entrance way. It's their secret "hideout" where they seem to be spending countless hours of fun together.

16. Slip and Slide!! Don't have one? You can pick one up at Walmart for around $5. But if you don't have time to run out, grab a tarp, wet it down, and place the hose at the top of an incline. Voila! The kids will love it. Add bubbles for slippery fun.

17. Paper airplane Golf. Set up targets all over the yard using cones, balls, whatever you have on hand. Then, teach the kids to make and color paper airplanes. When they're all done, play golf. Starting at the start line, aim for the first target. Each child goes in turn. Start again from where each airplane landed. Count up how many throws it took each child to get to the target. When done with the first "hole", move to the nexthole and so forth until you've played 9 holes!

18. Or just make paper airplanes and take turns throwing them from a second story window. See whose can fly the furthest.

19. Get some canvases and paint and let your kids paint the next Rembrandt for their bedroom.

20. Make a backyard obstacle course. Let your kids take turns building obstacle courses for you and the gang to race through.

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Children’s Tent – A Perfect Getaway…Hideout…Reading Nook…Outdoor Shade…Bed…anything!!

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Heidi

Recently my 3 year old earned an award for staying dry (ie- "potty training bribe"). It was the "Bella Butterfly Cabin Tent" designed by David Kirk, author of the well-known Little Miss Spider books. It was supposed to be a replacement for her shabby, torn little tent she likes to sleep in, but when I pulled the butterfly tent of the box, I realized this wasn't an equal replacement -- this one was way cooler! It is like a child's dream tent.


Bella Butterfly Tent

Bella Butterfly Cabin Tent by David Kirk

This tent and the others in his line are whimsical, with colorful bugs and flowers dancing along the sides, and functional. Here are other cool tents by David Kirk that I found on Amazon:


Blossom Bright Playhouse

Blossom Bright Playhouse by David Kirk


Sunny Patch Playhouse

David Kirk's Sunny Patch Playhouse

I love the mesh ceiling and the tie-up window that allows for good air flow (and allows for me to discreetly check on my sleeping child). It's a pop-up tent -- (you know, like those windshield covers?), meaning any fool can set it up, but it could take a master's degree in origami to fold it up completely. However, folding it enough to store flat is easy enough.

It is also large enough for a child up to 5 years old to lay down straight. (Dimensions: 38"X41"X41") The bottom is completely covered, with loops for stakes if you're going to use it outdoors.

What I most love about it is its sleeping power that way outweighs any lullaby I could sing. My child is soo excited to take a nap or go to bed because she gets to sleep in a tent! And what's more, since she is enclosed, this makes her sleeping area a bit more dark and there are less distractions to keep her awake. This means she falls asleep sooner and wakes up later. Okay, moms-of-nappers, doesn't this sound awesome?

Ready for the next best thing? These tents are cheap -- starting at only $19.99 on Amazon. This makes a great gift -- or, in my case, bribe.

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Computer Safety

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Cheri

This post is not going to receive the time and attention it deserves right now, so I will try to follow up with more information later. But I wanted to at least get this out there.

Have you been prompted to upgrade your internet browser to IE 8? If you have, and if you've upgraded, you may have noticed a new feature called "InPrivate Browsing". Basically, what this does is prevent any of your cookies, browsing history, etc. to NOT be stored. So no matter what is searched on your computer, no one would ever know.

I don't have teenagers, but I do know the dangers of the internet and the filth that is available out there. And now the internet provides a way for anyone to search whatever they want in complete secret. You cannot search browsing history or cookies to find out what has been visited on your computer.

This is seriously alarming to me. I think it is a terrible thing and I cannot come up with a single reason why this is possibly a good thing. It is not. It is dangerous and it only provides more incentive for deceit and perversion.

Thankfully, there is something you can do about it. First, don't upgrade to IE8. But if you love IE8 or don't want to uninstall it, then you can disable InPrivate Browsing. I have Windows 7 (also works for Vista), so I followed these steps:

1) To take back up of registry:

1. Click on Start.

2. Click on Run and in the run box please type regedit and press Ok. This will open the Registry editor.

3. Click onFile and then select Export.

(a) Select desktop as the location (for easy location if we want to undo the registry changes).

(b) Type backup in the File name field

(c) In theexport range select All

(d) ClickSave.

NOTE: In case we need to undo the modification, we can double click this backup file to restore the registry key.

2) To disable Inprivate browsing

1. Click onStart> All Programs> Accessories> Notepad.

2. Copy the text below and paste it into notepad

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Privacy]


"EnableInPrivateBrowsing"=dword:00000000

3. Click onFile and click on save. Choose to save it on thedesktop. In the filename field enter DisableInPrivateBrowsing.reg and click onSave.

4. Double click the newly create registration entries file to incorporate the changes in the registry and effectively disable In Private Browsing.

Or, if you have Windows XP Pro or other operating systems, try this:

1. ClickStart then click Run.

2. Typegpedit.msc and press Ok.

3. Go toUser Configuration > Administrative Templates >Windows Components >Internet Explorer > InPrivate

4. Here you will see the optionTurn off InPrivate Browsing
Double click the policy and set to Enabled to disable InPrivate Browsing.

5. Close the Group Policy window and open IE8 to check if it is disabled.

I hope it works for you. In the meantime, make sure you have your parental controls set. There is nothing that is worth the 5 seconds it takes for filth to infiltrate your family, so take the steps now to do all you can to prevent it from coming in thru your own computer.

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Your Personal Energy Boost

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Kerri

Feeling energetic is a key to feeling happy. It gets you moving, keeps you moving, and motivates you into action. On the other hand, when you are feeling exhausted, tasks that would otherwise bring you joy can seem overwhelming and daunting.

Here are some tips to keep your energy level high so you can be your best self!

  1. Exercise—even a quick ten-minute walk will increase your energy and boost your mood. This really works! Try it!
  2. Listen to lively music.
  3. Get enough sleep. If the alarm blasts you out of a sound sleep every morning, you’re not getting enough—and it matters.
  4. For some people, taking a 10-30 minute nap is a big help.
  5. Act energetic. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up. Acting energetic will make you feel more energetic.
  6. Talk to friends. I’ve noticed that if I’m feeling low, and then run into a friend on the street, I walk away feeling much more energetic. Reach out if you need a boost.
  7. Get something done. Crossing a nagging chore off your to-do list provides a big rush of energy. For a huge surge, clean out a closet. You’ll be amazed at how great you feel afterward.
  8. Do NOT use food. It’s tempting to reach for a carton of ice cream when you’re feeling listless, but in the end, all those extra calories and sugar will just drag you down.
  9. Realize that Doing SOMETHING feels a whole lot better than doing NOTHING. When you can't think of ANYTHING to do, remind yourself of this motto, get up, and just do SOMETHING, anything, and it will recreate your energy.
  10. Take a walk around the block. Let the sun and fresh air rejuvenate you.

Energy (or lack of energy) is contagious. If you feel energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic, too. And that makes them feel happier, too. In fact, studies show that being an energizer was one of the strongest predictors of a positive performance evaluation at work.

Today's tip is inspired by Gretchen Rubin, author of the best-selling The Happiness Project. She wrote the book after test-driving several claims and theories on happiness.


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Oven Pancakes using Coconut Oil

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Sunny

As promised in my previous post on coconut oil, here is my recipe for oven pancakes (a.k.a. puffed oven pancakes, baked pancakes, Dutch babies, german pancakes, etc.).

This is the recipe for one batch, but with my teenage boys, and the fact that even the picky ones like this and the leftovers, I’ve been making 7 batches for the 7 of us. I do 4 batches at a time in my blender (my old blender could only fit 3), then while those are cooking I do 3 more. A single batch I make in one pie pan, but I put 3 batches at once in a 9×13 pan (they are a little thicker, but some of us prefer it that way). Here I’ve got an enchilada pan I’m putting 2 batches in. You should see when we have company and I use the 4 batch pan, too. Hooray for double ovens.

7 batches of oven pancake pans

Here’s the recipe for 1 batch:

Oven Pancakes
1 to 2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 eggs
1/2 cup flour (I use whole white wheat)
1/2 cup milk (or other liquid)
dash of vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt

topping (we typically do canned peaches with the juice, and for some, powdered sugar)

oven: 400 degrees

Put the coconut oil in the pan and allow to melt in the oven. You may want to turn down your oven because coconut oil melts already at 76 degrees, but you’ll have to remember to turn it up again. Watch it if you leave it high. Take it out partly melted and let it finish melting on the counter while you do the rest.

Put the rest of the ingredients in a blender and give it a whirl. Doesn’t need a lot, it’s just the easiest way to mix it. You may have to scrape the flour off the insides and give it another whirl.

Pour into pan with the melted oil.

Bake 20-25 minutes, or until it looks nice and browned.

oven pancake using coconut oil

We have had a problem with it sticking to the pan, though (just with the coconut oil, not when we have used margarine or butter), so let me know if you figure out how to solve that problem (we’ve tried spraying the pan first, too). It’s still the breakfast that is received best in my house.

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Vinegar – Nature’s Natural Disinfectant

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Heidi

Two of my daughters have staph infections...again. Having been the 3rd time my 3 year old has contracted staph in the last 5 months, I said, "TO END WITH IT ALL!!" and researched what is the best type of disinfectant to use in the home. I want to make my home as sterile as a surgeon's kit to eliminate the case of staph being carried in our home.

You know what I found? Vinegar. Yup, that's right - plain old, white distilled vinegar

You have probably heard about its wonderful all-purpose cleaning ability, but were you aware of how powerful of a disinfectant vinegar is? According to studies,vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% of viruses. And according to this blog, mixing vinegar with hydrogen peroxide, or even better, bleach, makes the sterilization that much better.

I chose to mix it with citracidel, a derivative from grapefruit seed, that is known for its antibacterial properties, and is safe for virtually anything -- inside and outside the body. (More about this in another blog post.)

Here's what you do:

1. Pour vinegar in a spray bottle

2. Spray down everything (even fabric) that you want to clean and disinfect.

3. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes, then wipe dry.

It is suggested that you can add vinegar to your laundry to disinfect clothing. ( I even sprayed down my upholstered furniture with it and it did not leave a stain.)

Are you worried about the pungent vinegar smell like I was? The strong vinegar smell will linger only until it is dry. And here's the best part: I found that our childrens' room that usually smells like, well, children, smells even better than before. I concluded that because the vinegar kills odor-causing bacteria, the smell that remains is not only vinegar-free, but even fresher than ever!

So I am sold. Next time you need to disinfect your house, car, clothing, whatever, leave the Lysol on the shelf and pay the 83 cents to get yourself a bottle of white distilled vinegar, Nature's natural disinfectant.

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Out of the Box Fun

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Kerri

Speaking of recycling, (thanks, Cheri) this is SUCH a fun activity that I loved a as a kid, and just as much as a Mom.

Collect large boxes (I mean, HUGE, if you can). Or call your local supply store (Sears, Menards, Home Depot, etc.) and arrange to pick up some boxes before they crush them. Know someone who just moved in? Or a neighbor or friend who is getting a new appliance? Chances are good they have boxes that you can use.

Refrigerator boxes are the best -- a veritable sky scraper for anyone under 3 and a half feet tall! All you need are some markers or paints, a craft knife, and maybe some strong clear packing tape. A dash of imagination (or click on the links) and you've got yourself a new play house or mode of transportation!

Here are instructions to make a kitchen, an airplane, and race cars.

With a little pre-planning, you can construct elaborate castles, pirate ships, or a maze. For the more ambitious, Mr. McGroovy’s website has plans for all these, as well as instructions for cardboard trains, a princess carriage, fire trucks and more. (The website also sells special rivets that make connecting cardboard boxes a snap — literally.)

But if you're a Mom like me, I'm looking for quick and easy ideas to fill an afternoon. That's when I remember decorating the box with markers, then just having fun getting in with my friends, or rolling it down the yard.

Or cut it out to lay flat and you have a giant canvas for finger paints (foot paints, even), or the biggest city you can draw for these guys to play cars on.

It's been over 25 years, and these memories are still going strong for me. I hope for the same for you and your kids!

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Upcycling–What’s Old is New Again

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Cheri

It's spring time which means yard sales! (Or garage sales or rummage sales, depending on where you live.) Whether you are rich or poor, well off or getting by, we all can afford to be frugal. For me, part of living frugally is using your skills and talents to make your resources last longer or stretch further. We needed a computer desk desperately and had been looking on craigslist for months to see if anything matched what we were looking for...and our budget. Nothing did.

Around where I live, there are these wonderful things called bulk pick up day. Different neighborhoods are assigned a Saturday when they can put out ANYTHING. And I mean anything. Just pile it by the side of the road and the trash guys will come load it themselves. No need to schedule or pay extra for it. Just put it out and it will be taken away. Either by the trash men or the dumpster divers.

That's where I come in. I learned many years ago that there is no shame in garbage picking. My brother, who lives in a custom built home that is exquisite, STILL garbage picks because he understands that you are never too wealthy to pass up a great deal. And a lot of times you can find something either on the side of the road or in a yard sale that may look bad now or may not work, but can become something wonderful will a little TLC.

One particular Saturday, as I was driving around a neighborhood, I spotted a computer desk that matched everything I was looking for. Well, besides that it was covered in stickers and was oak colored. I don't like oak colored wood. Still, I knew I could do something with this beauty.

I managed to get it in my car with the help of a neighbor lady who saw me struggling to lift this 100 lb. piece of manufactured wood. I couldn't wait to get started on it. I peeled off all the stickers which peeled off a lot of the laminate, so I painted over the peeled parts to seal down the laminate.

Then I used Rust-Oleum Black Satin Finish Spray Paint. You can get it at a hardware store or even at Walmart, or buy it online. This stuff is awesome! It took about 3 cans to give the desk a proper coating. If I were to do it again, I think I'd paint the whole desk with just some regular ol' paint and then spray it. Once it was all sprayed, I finished it off with none other than my trusty old Mod Podge! Can you believe it!? Me neither. When I brought it insides, I just LOVED how it looked and how well it fit in our room.

So, the next time you are driving around or yard sale-ing and you see something that has potential, don't pass it up. Use your skills (or develop them) and turn useless into priceless.

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