Monthly Archives: July 2016

Why I DON’T Let My Husband Grocery Shop

Another post I wrote a while back and am transferring from another site. I really enjoy being able to look back and see what was going on in our lives!

After a really stressful week, my husband so kindly offered to go to the grocery store. I was so excited, not because I hate to go grocery shopping–it’s actually calming sometimes compared to being at home with the two little monsters–but I just really wanted to lay on the couch and do nothing. As he’s walking out the door, he tells me to text him a list because he’ll go to the store after he leaves his part-time job (What a great man! He works so hard for us! And yes, I’m feeling a little guilty writing a post that seems like I’m complaining when he’s going to the grocery story for me after leaving his second job…)

A little while later, I dutifully looked through the cabinets, saw what we need to get our week started and to pack Little Man’s lunches.

“milk, string cheese, Capri Sun, applesauce cups–store brand, green apples, and bananas”

I sent that text with my fingers crossed because I know good and well that he has a hard time sticking to the list! I hate to waste money on the extras!!! I was actually waiting for a reply text that said something like, “What aisle do I find applesauce on?”, but I got nothing. Relieved, I zoned out for a little while longer and relaxed with some mindless TV. (Again…feeling a little guilty…)

Well, a little while later, the front door opens up, and in he walks with about 5 full bags. UH-OH! What has he bought? Now, I’m not a huge food prude, well maybe a little, but I do try really hard to stick to a budget and not buy overly processed food. I started unpacking the bags, and this is what I found.
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Healthy Snacking: Prepping for the Whole Week

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Can I have these gummies? Can I have a piece of candy? I’m huuuuuungryyyyyyy!!!!

I realized a few weeks ago that my children our family had a snacking problem. The problem wasn’t so much that we were hungry, but what we were choosing to snack on. Crackers, leftover candy from whatever recent holiday, gummies, and cheese were our go to choices. I preach to my children the importance of eating healthy, but I was part of the problem because I wasn’t making these foods readily available for little hands to grab. There was always a bowl of apples on the counter, but every time you’re hungry you don’t want an apple, right? So I knew I needed to make a change.

I bundled up both of the kiddos and we headed to the store! They were going to choose the fruits and veggies they liked and thought they would eat throughout the week.

Here’s what we ended up with:

strawberries
grapes
sliced cucumbers
sliced carrots
chopped iceburg lettuce with shredded carrots and diced cucumbers

Just buying the healthy food wasn’t enough. I knew that if they were going to eat this food willingly, I had to get it all ready for whenever the feeding frenzy would begin. So, I got to work. I washed, peeled, and cut every vegetable and fruit we bought; packaged them up and we were set! But we needed the final touch…ranch dressing! If they will willingly eat carrots and cucumbers for a snack, I am more than happy for them to pair it with ranch–whatever it takes!

Yesterday morning Little Missy came upstairs with this in her hands:

Success!! She did this all on her own, so much better than a processed pack of gummies!

Want to load your kids up with fruits and veggies? Try this.

1. Take them to your favorite produce place.
2. Have your kiddos pick out what looks good to them. They will be more willing to eat their own selections.
3. Once you’re home, wash, cut, and prepare all fruits and veggies.
4. Place your prepared food in kid-friendly containers and put it low enough in the refrigerator so they can get it on their own.
5. Let them know they are free to eat these whenever they get hungry, or whatever your snacking rules may be. I told my kids this was the food they were always allowed to have and they didn’t need my permission to get it. (Would I really tell them, “No, you can’t have a carrot right now?” ?!?)
6. Step back and give yourself a pat on the back! Way to go Mama!

What snacking options do your kiddos enjoy?

A Traditionally Modern Mom

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A little something I wrote a couple of years ago…

Life is complicated, there is no way around that. Just when you think you have things figured out, something new comes along and makes you reevaluate everything. Like when you just get out of college and think you know what you want, only to realize that degree you just paid for doesn’t seem to hold much value. Or, when you get married and realize you want to go back to school, quit your job, and then only afterwards try to figure out how you are going to pay for everything. Or, when you decide to have children and realize you really don’t know ANYTHING!

My wonderful husband and I have been together since college. As a naive 19 year old in love with perhaps an even more naive 20 year old we decided we needed each other and would figure out this “adult” thing together. We started off pretty good. No credit card debt and a solid plan (as solid as barely 20 somethings can make) for the future. Marriage, kids, owning a home, and careers. We thought we knew what we wanted and how we were going to get there. Fast forward 12 years and here we are. Marriage, kids, a home, careers, and all the debt that has come with it. Somewhere along the way I think we failed to realize how different this modern world is from the world we grew up in. Wait?!? I have to work 40 hours AND clean AND cook AND be super mom?

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Why I Only Shop at ONE Grocery Store | grocery shopping, food lion, frugal