5 Creepy Cocktails For Any Halloween Party

Do you love Halloween parties, dressing up, and just random fun? Did you decide you want to host your own Halloween Spookfest this year? Your Halloween party is sure to be rocking with these spooky spirits and cocktail recipes. Doesn’t matter what your guests’ favorite poison is, we’ve got you covered.  

Chocolate Spider Web Martini

Oh-My Creative

Add a spooky twist to any chocolate martini with Black & White candy melts, some piping, and a black m&m. I love how the spider sits on the web, and your guests get a guilt-free snack! Get the Chocolate Spider Web Martini recipe.

Mr Hyde Potion

Sam Henderson-HGTV

Bubbling Cauldron of deliciousness, anyone? I love how this has a smoky look inside the glass, perfect for any Halloween Party. The blackberry liqueur and added blackberries make this almost sinful to share because it’s so good. The Mr. Hyde Potion is fearfully refreshing- made with blackberry liqueur, Vodka, & herbs.

Get the Mr Hyde Potion recipe

Candy Corn Flavored Vodka

HorseShoesNHandGrenades.com

Who wouldn’t want a little candy corn vodka? Candy corn is definitely one of my favorite things about Halloween. (Oh and those cool little pumpkin ones too). It’s one of the first things that pop in my mind when I think about Halloween. Drink as is, on the rocks, or mix up some crazy new cocktail with it. Get the Candy Corn Vodka Recipe.

Morgue-a-Rita

Sam Henderson- HGTV

Add some blood red syrup & ghoulish slime to your margarita mix. The syrup and goo turns any normal margarita recipe into a devilish good time. Get the Morgue-a-rita recipe.

Jack-o-Lantern

cocktails.about.com/

With all those Jack-o-Lanterns setting around as table toppers, why not add one to the drink collection? With this rounded type glass, this drink definitely does look cool. All you need is Cognac and Orange Juice but the topper is what makes this a hit. Get the Jack-o-Lantern recipe.


Have you ever tried any of these? Would you?

-Jessica

Invest Wisely: Home Improvements to Increase Property Value

Property values fluctuate based on the market, and if you’re looking to sell your home and get the top price for it, you may want to look into investing a little money into improvements that may be profitable in the event that your home sells. Small cosmetic changes do matter, and they are often quite easy and relatively inexpensive to make.

 They will create the first impressions that potential buyers have about your home, and they could make or break the buyer’s experience, even if they are as easy as simple as changing a paint color or updating plants in the yard. Here are a few great ideas for updating the look of your home without breaking the bank. These small changes will also likely pay for themselves with a little profit in the event that you sell your home.

Update Paint

Painting is easy to do yourself; therefore, it’s one of the least expensive but most powerful changes that you can make in your home. If you have any colors that are nontraditional, you may want to consider changing those to cleaner, more traditional colors that will appeal to a wide variety of people. Blues, greys, taupes, and classic whites all work well to appeal to a wide variety of buyers.

 If you do think color is appropriate (maybe you live in a community with plenty of artists), consider toning down bright colors or just leaving accent walls. As a rule, light colors tend to open up spaces, and you want individuals who step into your home to feel that it is open and has plenty of space. Fill in nail holes, and paint over dirty spots to make the entire place look and feel fresh and well-maintained.

Install New Siding

The first impression someone will have of your house will come from the curb. It’s important to make the outside look inviting and attractive to the average buyer. Siding is one important thing that can take an old, run-down house and make it look instantly cleaner and well-maintained. Vinyl siding is a great value and may just push a buyer over the edge from considering your house to putting in an offer. Consider replacing your exterior siding with vinyl before putting your house on the market. Many potential buyers are so burned out from selling their homes and moving, that they want a place that is move-in ready, where they can settle in right away. You can offer them that by updating the siding.

Stage Your Home

Many buyers just don’t have the vision to see their stuff in a home instead of yours. Unfortunately, not everyone has the gift of seeing potential in something. It may be worth your time and money to find an interior designer who can stage your home in a way that will appeal to the average buyer. Staging your home could also greatly increase your chances of getting a higher offer on your home.

-Jessica

Breast Cancer Breakdown- Everything You Need to Know & More #BreastCancerAwareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’ll be posting all month about not only the disease and what we ALL can do to raise awareness, but the amazing companies that do their part in raising awareness as well.


               
                           image source: nationalbreastcancer.org

What IS Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease where cancer cells grow in the tissues of the breast. The cancerous cells can attack neighboring tissues, turning them into cancer as well. With early breast cancer screening and treatment, most women do continue to live their normal lives as they once did.

The Facts
There are some pretty scary facts surrounding breast cancer and the impact it has on women’s lives. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and the second leading cause of death. 200,000 American Women are diagnosed yearly

That IS why getting yearly mammograms is super important. It might be scary to think about the procedure. Although nothing would compare to actually being diagnosed and knowing you could’ve, would’ve, should’ve gotten that appointment made when it was in the early stages.

Causes & Factors
The causes of breast cancer isn’t known. There are risk factors, but don’t let those risk factors scare you. Just because someone in your family has been diagnosed with it, doesn’t necessarily mean that YOU will get it. It is better to be safe than sorry though, women over 40 need to schedule an appointment every year to get a mammogram.

Signs, Symptoms & Self Breast Exams

                             Image Source: National Breast Cancer
You need to know how to do a self breast exam, so that you can detect any new formations or lumps in the tissues of your breasts. There is more than one way to do a self breast exam, but you DO need to do it regularly (at least once a month). Being able to feel new masses inside the tissues will help you know beforehand that you should definitely get into your doctor ASAP to have it checked out.
What you should be looking for are hard masses inside the tissue as you press firmly all the way around your breast. ANY new lump found should be checked because breast cancer can be lumps with or without pain.

Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt)
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

Breast cancer can also spread to the lymph nodes underneath your arm or around your collar bone. It cause cause swelling and a lump in either place before any tissue even forms inside the breast tissue. So if you feel swollen lymph nodes while doing your self exam, they also need to be checked by a doctor as well.

Mammograms at 40 or 50?

                                  Image Source: American Cancer Society

It might be confusing to know how often to make an appointment and where to start. Should you get it once a year, every two years? Should you start when you’re 40 or wait until you hit 50? This is a very heated topic within the medical community, and women tend to get caught in the net of what they should do. I am here to help you figure this out and get the help that you need.

Most doctors will recommend to you that you start at the age of 40 and schedule them yearly, but there are those that said to wait to you are 50 and schedule them every other year. I read through continuous research about the debates on each side, and which side was better for women.

Really the age range of the 40-50 debate started over the actual process that was used to determine the range. It was ALWAYS to start at age 40 until recently, when new studies were done. Instead of using real-life clinical trials, a computer was used to calculate these studies on how many women 40-49 who were diagnosed and how successful they were at catching and treating it. All the research (done by different sources) were drastically different. So, that’s why you should start early.

The American Cancer Society DOES NOT endorse these claims at ALL. Their research clearly shows that the percentage of women 40+ years old who report having had a mammogram within the past 2 years has stabilized around 67% who were diagnosed. So YES please start making mammogram appointments at 40. It could mean a longer, meaningful life without chemo treatments, tons of doctor appointments, and stress.

When & Where: Walking You Through Your Mammogram Appointment
You need to see your regular doctor first who will then refer you to a clinic who specializes in Mammograms. Most doctors offices don’t have the equipment necessary to do a mammogram, so you’ll need to be referred. Your doctor will make your appointment or give you a referral card, so you don’t need to stress about making your own appointment or WHERE to make it.

Mammogram before & after tips:
If you haven’t hit menopause yet, you should schedule your appointment during the first week of your menstrual cycle so your breasts aren’t so tender and sore.

On the day of the appointment make sure not to wear anything such as lotion or deodorant anywhere near your underarms or breasts.

Wear something that has a top AND bottom to your appointment such as jeans and a t-shirt. Avoid dresses or one piece outfits because you will be asked to take off your top to get the mammogram done.

A mammogram is a low x-ray procedure taken while your breasts are compressed between two pieces of plastic. It can be a little painful because of the plastic pieces, but please remember it only takes about 10 minutes. Just breath, think good thoughts, and know that this IS vital to your health.

Your results will be mailed to you and your doctor within 5-7 days, so it’s a pretty quick turn around. Just think about that while you’re getting it done.

-Jess

PACT Organic Clothing- Fall 2014 Line #Organic #FallFashion

 


Fall is in full effect here, and that means changing up our wardrobes. Putting those shorts and bathing suits away, and slipping into something warmer. Bringing out the boots, jackets, and pants! Pact has a brand new fall line that is brilliant at giving us what we need while making us look good while being comfortable.



 PACT has released a line of Fair Trade certified basics and new patterns for Fall 2014. Their Fair Trade line boasts 78 different items across 19 product styles including leggings, camisoles, t-shirts, and their amazing signature undies.



Pact has definitely stolen my fashionista heart straight from the beginning! They combine simple yet beautifully executed, comfortable clothes that are also affordable. What makes it even cooler is that their socks are made from WIND POWER! They even make a line for babies, how cute is that?

    

The Organic Cotton Watermelon Camisole is my absolute favorite camisole in my closet. The watermelon color is just amazing with my coloring, I absolutely love it. I can pair it with anything, and just about any color bottoms. Just depends on what look I’m going for. I can pair it with jeans and boots, dress pants with heels, or even leggings. It’s perfect!

With a below-the-hip length, a flattering rusched neckline and vintage lace trim its perfect as a layering piece or all by itself. I love how this feels on my body. It doesn’t feel like any other camisole I’ve ever worn, it feels super soft and comfortable. It lets my body breathe, so it’s amazing for working out or layering under another shirt. It keeps me from getting too hot when it’s layered. I love it.

   
It is very fitting, which I adore. It’s hard for me to find camisoles that fit me right because I’m small framed. Usually camisoles (especially those with a rusched neckline) leave me feeling naked. I would feel like if I leaned over too far it would show all my goods (not that I have MUCH to show, but still). I love that I don’t have to feel like crossing my arms around my chest when people are standing over me.

I also am amazed at how it clings to my bodies natural curves. It isn’t too tight or too lose, it feels absolutely amazing. The length is perfect for me because I don’t like my shirts riding up. I have a problem with my pants poking out when I sit down, where I have a larger butt than waist. I don’t have to constantly worry that someone is going to walk behind me when I’m sitting and see anything they shouldn’t!
   
I swear I couldn’t have found a better fitting camisole even if I had one custom made for me. The straps aren’t too long or too tight, which is awesome. It doesn’t have adjustable straps, which is fine by me. I usually end up hating the adjustable straps anyway, I end up getting them all crossed and messed up. Especially after a couple washes, they end up rolling up or doing something funky. It eventually ends up hurting if I lean back in a chair or whatever. These are perfect. 

It does NOT have a built in bra—which is also fine by me. I don’t really like the built-in bras, either. I wear my own underneath camisoles because I don’t feel the built-ins give me enough coverage. I always feel like I’m standing around half exposed. Even after I’ve washed it at least 5 times, there is still no shrinkage or shredding! It’s a great quality product, and is organic. So, again.. this is the PERFECT camisole for me.
      
A closet must-have, layer these supersoft PACT black stretch leggings under all the season's hottest dresses and skirts, or keep it simple and rock them with a PACT tee. I could seriously rock PACT leggings on a daily basis, they are extremely comfortable and look amazing.

I chose the black leggings because I could wear them with anything. I chose right, because I CAN wear these leggings anywhere and not look like I just woke up and rolled out of bed. I am 5’4 and 120 pounds and got a medium. I have thicker legs and butt compared to most petite girls, and so these fit me perfect.

They aren’t too snug on my legs or make me feel like I am smothering. They aren’t too loose in the waist, which is what I was afraid would happen. They feel a little on the lighter side of leggings, not super thick and uncomfortable when running or working out. The thicker leggings seem itchy and uncomfortable to me (well the ones I have worn).

They aren’t bulky and tight when worn under skirts or dresses. I really appreciated that. Usually the bands on the waist are a bit thick, causing my clothes to fit extra tight. These don’t, they fit like underwear because I don’t notice that they are there. I can even put these under jeans when I go on a hunting trip with my uncles, for extra warmth and not feel like I can barely move. Just perfect, because I don’t feel like they ride up when I sit down. AND no wedgies LADIES!!

They wash and dry very well, coming out the same as they went in. They weren’t stretched out, or shrunk into a tiny nothingness. The fabric holds extremely well, it doesn’t create those little pesky balls of rolling fabric that I call caterpillar balls.

Very high quality fabric and fits well, and not made with ANY kind of pesticides, fertilizers, bleaches, no sweatshops, no nasty stuff at all. For those who have sensitive skin or just don’t want to subject your body to nasty chemicals, PACT would be perfect for you! PACT definitely gets an A+ on the pleasing scale. If you are looking for leggings to wear throughout the different seasons, you have to try these!
This item fits true to size. Any way you wear them, these are some good legs to stand on.
The best part is that PACT is Fair Trade certified. Fair Trade matters because people make your clothes, not robots. Fair trade supports the people who make these clothes by giving back. You get super soft, organic clothes, socks, and underwear while helping pact support organic farmers to give even more back to the communities where it all starts. PACT is a GOTS certified brand that offer a safe, clean working environment that limits their impact on the environment.



Connect with PACT online:
Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest

What would you pair with these items? Let me know!



-Jess

Curious Creamery: At-Home Natural Ice-Cream Maker

Hold on to your cones, the ice cream industry has just been revolutionized! Wanted to share Curious Creamery  with you– the market’s first at-home, natural ice-cream system that allows anyone with a sweet tooth to make real, premium ice cream in any flavor, in a matter of minutes. The perfect after-school or weekend activity for your kids!



Currently in its kickstarter phase (with just 29 days left). Here’s how anyone, with any skill level in the kitchen can make any flavor of ice cream right in the recyclable tub, with NO MESS.

• Fill the tub to the indicated line with ice cold water (or any other cold liquid)
• Mix the full contents of the provided pouch and stir gently to combine
• Use an electric hand mixer (or just some strong hands) to evenly mix for 2-3 minutes
• Add flavor or inclusions as desired (fruit, cookies, candy, whatever!)
• Freeze!

 
The results?

• DIY artisanal ice cream (OR ICE CREAM CAKE!) with no machine
• Guilt-free indulgence (at just 100 calories per scoop)
• None of the yucky stuff: preservatives, gluten, trans-fats or artificial ingredients
• A carbon foot print 90% less than most ice cream

The Curious Creamery is an ingenious system that enables you to create premium frozen desserts and ice cream in any flavor in minutes.



The industrial process of ice cream making hasn't changed since it was invented in the mid 1800's, just with a lot more pollution and worse ingredients. But we are here to change all of that!
Fun for Friends, Family and Foodies. Are you looking for great activities to enjoy with your children? Or perhaps hosting a party for a special occasion that calls for a special dessert? Or just want to impress your friends with a unique gourmet treat? The Curious Creamery offers all of this and more. And with innovative packaging that makes it easy to prepare and clean-up, you have the opportunity to make something very cool within 10-minutes (plus freeze time...after all this product is all-natural).

The Power of Choice. The Curious Creamery offers a way to enjoy high quality ice cream that is tailored to your pallette or occasion. YOU choose whether to turn your ice cream and frozen desserts into fluffy, low-calorie treats or creamy indulgences. You can make any flavor you can imagine!

Nutritional Empowerment. The Curious Creamery Ice Cream Powder Mix contains NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS. When made with water, The Curious Creamery has only about 100 calories per serving! And that's just the start. Now you can choose whether to use water, skim milk, whole milk, or cream to control your caloric intake.

 You can even choose to use juice, liquid yogurt or iced teas and coffees. You can also choose your own mix-ins, so the choice of sweet gooey indulgences or healthy fruit or even vegetable-laden recipes is yours to make.

Save the Planet! No joking. By removing the process of making ice cream from large, energy-intensive factories and refrigerated supply chain, we've been able to reduce the carbon footprint of ice cream by almost 90%!

With lower calories, lower carbon footprint and delicious fun at your disposal you can truly enjoy a customized, guilt-free treat just the way you like it.


-Jessica

BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade™ Digital Blender with Personal Smoothie Jar

Create the perfect smoothie! The Black & Decker FusionBlade Digital blender features 4-function digital controls and a simple 30-second smoothie blend cycle. A two-tip stainless steel Fusion Blade provides enhanced blending that creates smoother smoothies, velvet-like purees and protein packed power drinks. This 2-in-1 blender comes with a full-size 48-ounce Perfect Pour glass jar.

My Review*
The Black & Decker FusionBlade Digital Blender is great for making smoothies, shakes, and even foods. This gives you all the blending power you need, without all the fuss. You have 4 different pulses, one being the smoothie pulse button.

                     

I was definitely drawn to this blender because of the smoothie cup. I wasn’t eating a  very healthy breakfast before, if I even ate breakfast at all. I was a straight for the coffee pot kind of chick, but I learned my lesson. I was getting headaches and feeling fatigued a lot, so I knew I had to start eating healthier.



Smoothies in the morning is definitely the way to go for me. Quick, simple, and absolutely delicious. Not only that, but have you seen all the smoothie recipes? How could I resist trying out all those delicious looking smoothies now that I had a blender JUST for blending my very own smoothies? Plus having it’s own smoothie cup makes it less of a fuss to clean.



Just toss your ingredients in, hit the smoothie button, and let the blender work it’s magic. I no longer have to use the bigger blender cup, find a to-go cup, and then wash the blender out. I can just put the smoothie cup lid on and out the door I go. Pretty cool, huh?



The kids and I went to the grocery store, and I got some ice cream. We had fun making chocolate milkshakes for their snack time drink while watching some cartoons. The girls helped me scoop in the ice cream, while Aidan poured in the milk. Dezi (my niece) got to push the pulse button, while I helped Aidan pour the drink in their cups. Adisyn got to choose the straws.

This is the Glass Carafe part of the blender, so it is pretty heavy. Not for me, but I had to help my son with pouring so he didn’t drop it. It didn’t miss a beat while blending the ingredients. We all got a perfectly smooth, non-clumpy milkshake. It was delicious and I love that I didn’t have to clean it. I just ran some warm water in it after and put in some dish washing soap, putting it back on the stand and turning it on, letting it clean itself for about 20 seconds.

Did you know that you can also make soup in your blender to increase your vitamin intake? It helps because you are actually getting the vitamins and minerals from the food, instead of a ton of sodium. When you buy canned soups, there is a ton of harsh preservatives and mountains of unhealthy sodium. Avoid it all by making your own soup at home with fresh veggies.

I will be posting some different blending recipes here soon. Recipes that you can make inside your blender. This week it will be MUST have smoothies. I would post them here, but I don’t have the room. I expect to have them up by the end of this week. I will also be writing about making soups and other non-traditional food recipes that you can make in a blender. Making life easier, and your lifestyle healthier!

It has dishwasher safe parts, so you can just wash them when you do your other dishes. I don’t have a dishwasher, but the blender DOES clean up very well. There aren’t any small crevices in which bacteria can hide, so it makes cleaning it a breeze. I also use the blender to clean itself. I fill the blender up with warm water and dishwashing liquid right after I use it, and put it on Pulse 1. It basically cleans itself!

• 4-Function Automatic Digital Control +l Pulse
• 6-Cup (48 ounce) Glass Jar
• Personal Smoothie Jar, Blade Base & Travel Lid
• FusionBlade ™ - 2 Tip Stainless Steel Blade
• Dishwasher-Safe Removable Parts
• Number of Speeds: 4
• Capacity (volume): 48.0 Oz.
• Appliance Capabilities: Blends, Grinds, Chops, Crushes Ice, Mixes
• Features: Adjustable Speed Control, Cord Storage, Push Button Controls, Automatic Start/Stop, Stainless Steel Blades, Pulse Feature, Pouring Spout
• Includes: Instruction Manual, Rubber Seal, 6 Cup Jar, Stainless steel multipurpose blade, Measuring Cup in Lid
• Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic, Glass
• Finish: Painted
• Metal Finish: Chrome
• Protective Qualities: Shock Resistant
• Safety and Security Features: Auto Shutoff
• Care and Cleaning: Wipe Clean, Dishwasher Safe Parts, Hand Wash
• Assembly Details: assembly required, no tools needed

Connect with Black & Decker online:
Facebook & Twitter

$100 Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway

Welcome to the $100 Toys R US Gift Card Giveaway Event

Sponsored by Sprinkles Media & Magazine

Hosted by Conservamom

The Holidays are almost here and it's time to start thinking about what you will get loved ones on your list. Sprinkles Media wants to make it easier for one person with the $100 Toys R US Gift Card Giveaway Sponsored by Sprinkles Magazine & Media. This giveaway will allow one person the opportunity to win a $100 Toys R US Gift card to help with Holiday Shopping. In the meantime head over here and check out the October/November Issue of Sprinkles Magazine. A fun PArenting magazine with great ideas,fun and more!

                    

Then head below to enter and win this grand prize! One person will win a $100 Toys R US Gift Card. This giveaway is open to US only and ends on 11/4 at 11:59pm.  

$100 Toys R US Gift Card Giveaway

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Disclosure: This Blog is not responsible for the fulfillment of prize. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network.All opinions and experiences are Conservamoms. Open to the US and Canada must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Conservamom will not be responsible for prize fulfillment. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact Elia At Conservamom
You also agree to the Giveaway Tools' Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

 

Disclosure: This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. All opinions and experiences are Conservamoms. Open to US & must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Conservamom will not be responsible for prize fulfillment. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact Elia At Conservamom

 

Good Luck,

 

Jessica

Lakota natural Pain Relief

There is definitely no scarcity of pain medicines on the market. Pain relief for headaches, back pain, extra strength this, arthritis that. It’s kind of confusing and the side effects can be even worse than what the medicines treat for.

That’s why I jumped on board when I was given the chance to review the natural pain medicines from Lakota. If you have been thinking about giving a natural pain medicine a try, you should definitely check them out.

They sent a wide variety of their products, which was kind of astonishing. They have everything you need to manage your pain naturally. Whether you have arthritis, back pain, muscle pain, problems sleeping or have a dog that has joint pain.



Lakota uses natural ingredients like white willow bark, devil’s claw, and yucca root. There is absolutely no side effects, whatsoever. They have both easy to swallow capsules and roll-on products available.

Working from home and spending a ton of time writing and working off the computer, gives me muscle cramps. I mean horrible, excruciating cramps in my shoulders and neck. I got one the other day, and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to meet my deadline on a campaign. I still had an hour worth of research and writing to do.

I immediately grabbed the Extra Strength Rub on (shown in the picture above red box). I have to say WOW! It feels absolutely amazing and worked instantly. The padded top works as a massager for the muscles while it’s applying the medicine. The medicine instantly soothes the muscles with a cooling effect.

It was instant, which was amazing. I was back to writing within 10 minutes, without any cramping at all. That was pretty awesome. Now when I feel a cramp coming on, I grab this baby and apply it before the cramp even has a chance. I also loved that it didn’t have a weird or overpowering smell like most muscle pain roll-ons do.
From their website:

Lakota is a blend of herbal medicine: white willow bark, yucca root and devil’s claw, boswellia and others; combined with modern, natural ingredients such as glucosamine and collagen type II.

Jessica

4 Creative & Simple Meal Planning Ideas

          
It is pretty mind-blowing to think about how many meals we have to plan and prepare. 3 meals a day, 21 meals a week, and 630 meals a month. That’s pretty hectic stuff when you stop to ponder that. The hardest part is keeping everything organized and within your budget.

Planning your meals for the week (or even the month) doesn’t have to be hard and something that you wish you didn’t have to do. Taking the time to plan out your meals will save you the sanity of running to the grocery store at the last minute. It will also help you stay within your budget because we already have what we need on hand. No late night shopping at the highest grocery store in town.

Meals are eaten whether we choose to plan for them or not. By taking some time to plan ahead, you are getting to control the cost and nutritional value. No more swings through the drive-thru window, because you forgot to un-thaw something for supper.

Here are some amazingly creative menu plan ideas, that will help you along the way!


The Balancing Beauty & Bedlam Blog have these amazing $3 Cookie Sheet Menu Planning Boards. I love how simple yet creative these are. $3 for a cookie sheet, and then whatever color scheme or layout you want. Not hard at all, weekly supper at a glance, and more color for your kitchen. How could you go wrong there?

I prefer the second layout, myself. I love how she laminated the recipes (which are recipes they use most in their home on a weekly basis). It only takes about 10-15 minutes to make, and it’s a great way to use all that scrap paper you have sitting around. (ahem, don’t tell me I AM the only one who keeps old scrapbook paper, lol).


The Thinking Closet has this Menu Planner to Rule them All. The design can be switched up to fit your favorite color, colors of your kitchen, or just mixmatch whatever supplies you have on hand. It doesn’t have to be exactly like hers in design or color. Just work with the essential “idea”.
I love the little boxes that hold the weekly dinners. You can just sort through them and choose which you’d like to make that week. Just clip them on to their “days” with those cute little hangers.



How Does She makes this super cute and thrifty menu plan idea. Cute picture frame, a few accessories *like the flowers* and some colored paper and you’re ready to roll. Make that menu planning seem conquerable with just a dry-erase marker. No printing, no hassle.


If you would rather print one off and stick it to your refrigerator or inside a binder, you can’t go wrong with this one. Jenny Collier made this printable menu that has breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snack spots. Amazingness, I tell ya.

Which would be a better fit for your family. I would rather print out the bottom one, laminate it, and then size it down to fit inside picture frame. That would be pretty cool and something I definitely want to try.

-Jess