Mess For Less

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

2015-07-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

As a busy work at home mom, I don't have the time to make an elaborate lunch for myself. Sometimes this results in me grabbing some fast food or other equally less healthy options. But in less time than it takes to do that, I can make this flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe thanks to the ready-to-eat Foster Farms® Refrigerated Grilled Chicken Breast Strips. These strips are low-fat and high-protein so they make the perfect addition to salads, wraps, fajitas, stir fries and pasta dishes. Thanks to Foster Farms® for sponsoring this Southwest Chicken Salad post.

Clothing Organization Tips

2015-07-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling overwhelmed lately by clutter and just the amount of stuff we have. Can you relate? It seems like ever since having kids our "stuff" has exploded. Add to that the fact that we have been adding things without purging anything and you have a full house and garage. This has made me unnecessarily stressed, and if I am being honest, cranky. So in an effort to reduce the clutter and crankiness I have started a full house clean up and reorganization. I have started with my clothing, and the results have been shocking. These Clothing Organization Tips can work for you too! A big thank you to the Visa Clear Prepaid program and the Green Dot® Reloadable Prepaid Visa® Card who are sponsoring this conversation on Clothing Organization Tips.

20 Popsicle Stick Crafts and Activities

2015-07-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

I have distinct memories of being a kid at summer camp and making a popsicle stick treasure box. I have no idea what happened to it, but now that I have my own kids, popiscle stick crafts are still popular. Popsicle sticks are great to always have on hand because there are so many ways to use them for play and learning. You'll want to be sure to keep a supply of colored and natural popsicle sticks on hand to make these 20 Popsicle Stick Crafts and Activities!

Tips to Teach Kids to Use the Dishwasher + A Special Offer

2015-07-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

These tips to teach kids to use the dishwasher have been sponsored, but all opinions are my own.

Most moms want their kids to help out more around the house. One of the best ways I have found to get our kids more involved in household chores is to teach them how to do the job correctly. When kids know how to do a job, they are more likely to feel successful and put up less of a fight when asked to help. One task that was always off limits to my kids was the dishwasher. I just felt like my kids were too young to help with it. But I discovered that there are lots of ways they can help with this chore. These tips to teach kids to use the dishwasher can even be used with small children.

Homemade Cat Treats Recipe

2015-07-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Do you have a cat? A lot of people will tell you that cats are clean animals and this is true when you are talking about their physical hygiene. They take great care to groom and keep themselves clean. But when it comes to eating and using the litter box, I find their habits can be a little more messy. My cat can make huge messes but that doesn't stop us from spoiling her. She has a cozy bed on each level of house and numerous cat toys. But being a cat, her favorite thing to do is eat. She recently got treated to some homemade cat treats and boy was she pleased! I made them using a few ingredients that you probably already have at home.

Learn With Play Book - Over 150 Kids Activities

2015-07-13T15:58:00.001-07:00

Some of my very favorite kid bloggers have put together a book with over 150 activities for fun and learning. It is so handy to have all of these kids activities and inspiration in one place. I find that especially during the summer and other school break times I am on the lookout for activities to keep my kids engaged, having fun and learning. Check out all the cool ideas in this book!

Drip Watercolor Painting

2015-07-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

We recently did a fun kids art activity that yielded beautiful abstract results. In fact, I love the finished products so much that I am thinking of framing them and using them to decorate. But this Drip Watercolor Painting is not so much about the end result as it is about the process involved. Your children will experiment with new techniques as they create their art. There is no wrong way to do this!

Pulled Pork BBQ Fried Wonton Recipe

2015-07-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Farm Rich Smokehouse BBQ for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

We recently had some friends over for a party. I wanted to offer a variety of yummy food options for my guests so I decided to make this Pulled Pork BBQ Fried Wonton Recipe. These make for an easy party appetizer since you can prepare them ahead of time, and the Farm Rich Smokehouse BBQ filling I used gives them a real kick. Try this unique twist on a traditional fried wonton recipe and surprise and delight your guests this summer!

1st Day of School Lunch

2015-07-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

The start of a new school year is upon us. After getting a break all summer long, it is time to start making school lunches again. I admit that at the end of the last school year, I fell into a lunch box rut. I was sending the same thing to school with my kids each day because they would eat it and it was easy. But the start of a new school year brings inspiration and new ideas. I have created a fun 1st Day of School Lunch sponsored by Wet Ones® that is super easy to prepare and contains yummy Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish. Don't forget to pack some Wet Ones® Singles so kids get their hands clean before eating!

How to Make Lasagna Cups - Food Fun Friday

2015-07-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Do you love lasagna but hate the time it takes to prepare? Then this Lasagna Cups recipe is for you! You can enjoy all the goodness of your favorite lasagna recipe in half the time. These are easy to assemble as they use wonton wrappers in place of lasagna noodles. If you know how to make lasagna, then these cups will be a breeze to prepare. If you have never tried a lasagna recipe before, this is a great one to start with. It is simple and foolproof, I promise! Looking for more meal ideas?Check out our other family friendly recipes such as these Italian Appetizers - Tortellini Salad Skewers. Enjoy your meal!

Sending Your Youngest Child to Kindergarten

2015-07-01T03:00:00.001-07:00

My youngest daughter is starting Kindergarten this year. She is 18 months younger than her twin sisters, and the fact that they got to go to "big kid" school and she didn't always irked her. She is very proud that she too will soon be going to the "big kid" school. But I have noticed that in the months leading up to Kindergarten she has become very clingy and reverted to baby talk. Clearly she is feeling some anxiety about the changes coming up. There are lots of good suggestions for dealing with that anxiety in Helping a Shy Child Prepare for Kindergarten. But since I am dealing with my own anxiety about sending my "baby" to Kindergarten, I thought a different type of post was in order. Since I had twins first, my youngest is the only child who has had significant one-on-one time with me while her sisters were in school. I think it will be a tricky transition for both of us, but these tips on Sending Your Youngest Child to Kindergarten have helped. These tips work for those of you with only children as well.

photo purchased from Shutterstock

How to Say No

2015-06-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

If you have kids in school or are involved in church or somewhere else in your community, then you might be inundated with requests to volunteer or help out in some way. There are lots of important jobs that need to get done and helping is a noble cause. Sometimes it seems like the same people volunteer all the time and are helping out every chance they get. Good for them! I am grateful for people like this as they are often the reason things happen and get done. But I have also come to realize that not everyone is gifted in the same way and not everyone is in the same season of life. Learning How to Say No is a vital skill that will save you countless stress and free you of built of resentment. Best of all it will free you up to say yes to what matters!

15 Toddler Recipes to Make Together - Food Fun Friday

2015-06-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

I started cooking with my kids when they were quite young. Even if a toddler can't make an entire recipe on their own, they can do plenty to help prepare meals and snacks. Cooking with toddlers is a great way to bond, and learn simple concepts like measuring and counting. If you have multiple kids then they can practice taking turns. You can also incorporate language skills into these toddler recipes as kids talk about what they are doing. These 15 Toddler Recipes to Make Together will get you guys having fun in the kitchen, but don't stop here. Anytime you are cooking, invite your toddler to help out in some small way. I have made all of these recipes with toddlers so it is possible to cook with toddlers and live to tell the tale!

Minion Crafts for Kids - Stick Puppets

2015-06-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

This Minion Crafts for Kids post is sponsored by Bounty, but all opinions are my own.

Are your kids as excited as mine are about the new Minions movie? Mine are practically counting down the days until July 10th when the Minions movie hits theaters. To help celebrate the movie's release and our love of Minions, we created these Minion Crafts for Kids using Bounty Minions Prints. Making stick puppets is a fun project to do with the kids and they can be used for lots of creative play opportunities.

The BEST Chicken Breast Recipes

2015-06-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

I always keep some chicken breasts on hand because they are so versitile and can be used in so many different ways. With one chicken breast you can make an number of dishes whether you are craving Italian, Mexican or American fare. Most of these Chicken Breast Recipes are family friendly recipes so you can make them with confidence knowing that everyone can enjoy them.

How to Stick to a Budget While Grocery Shopping

2015-06-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone grocery shopping for a "few things" and come out with a cart full of stuff and a bill totaling hundreds of dollars? I sure have, and it never feels good. The price of groceries can really take a large chunk out of your monthly expenses so setting a grocery budget is vital. Setting a grocery budget will give you a sense of awareness and control. It can help you to eliminate unnecessary spending and impulse buys. Thanks to the Visa Clear Prepaid program and the Green Dot® Reloadable Prepaid Visa® Card who are sponsoring this conversation about How to Stick to a Budget While Grocery Shopping.

Patriotic Game for Kids

2015-06-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

Anytime we entertain our friends, I look for fun ideas that will keep all the kids busy. If you are hosting a 4th of July BBQ or gathering and have kids attending, here is a simple to make Patriotic Game for Kids. I had my kids help me make the game, which truth be told, is very fun for adults as well. This game really gets kids moving and laughing. Try it and see for yourself! If you will be having kids at your gathering, you can also try these delcious Patriotic Cupcakes. You can use a box mix to make things easier and learn how to create patriotic red, white and blue frosting.

8 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained at their Grandparents' House

2015-06-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to have my parents living nearby. Whenever my kids go over to grandma and grandpa's house, they get spoiled and catered to. Certainly different than what they experience at our house! Sometimes my husband and I will drop the kids off at their grandparents' house and sneak away for a lunch date. While the kids always have fun at grandpa and grandma's house, they can get bored if they are there too long. So to keep the kids having fun and grandma and grandpa sane, we usually bring along some fun activities. Today I'll be sharing with you 8 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained at their Grandparents' House.

Grilled Flatbread with Pesto and Mozzarella

2015-06-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

This sponsored post about Grilled Flatbread with Pesto and Mozzarella is written by me on behalf of Kenmore Elite Grills.

One of our favorite things to make on the grill is flatbread. If you haven't tried grilled flatbread before, you are in for a treat! What I love about it, is that from one batch of dough you can make many varieties of grilled flatbread, both savory and sweet. Today I am sharing a recipe for Grilled Flatbread with Pesto and Mozzarella.

Paper Crafts for Kids - Spring Dog

2015-06-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

This activity was inspired by a toy dog I had as a kid. Maybe you had one too. It had a dog head and behind with a metal spring in the middle that allowed the dog to stretch and move. When my six year old daughter came home from school one day and showed me how to make these paper springs, the first thing that popped into my head was that dog toy from my childhood. If you want to check out the 2015 version of my beloved childhood toy, check him out here. This is a simple Paper Craft for Kids. Enjoy our version of a Spring Dog!

Cherry Almond Granola Recipe - Food Fun Friday

2015-06-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

I went shopping last week and had granola on my list. I was a little taken aback when an 11 ounce bag cost $5. I decided to research how to make my own granola since I am very frugal. I discovered making granola is pretty simple and best of all gives you can customize it in dozens of different ways. Making granola yourself also allows you to control the amount of sugar and salt. If you are trying to incorporate healthier eating into your diet then you will certainly appreciate that. Try this easy Cherry Almond Granola Recipe and never go back to store bought again! For more breakfast ideas, check out our other family favorite recipes.

25 Ways to Play and Learn with Pom Poms

2015-06-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since my kids were toddlers, I have kept a large supply of assorted sized pom poms in my craft closet. The reason? You can use them for so many fun learning activities and crafts. Plus, my kids just love how soft they feel. You'll be shocked at all the things you can do with them. They can be used with kids of all ages, so settle in and check out these 25 Ways to Play and Learn with Pom Poms.

4th of July Craft - Noisemaker

2015-06-01T03:00:00.001-07:00

Last year we went to a 4th of July parade. The kids enjoyed watching the parade and I thought it would be fun for them to make some 4th of July noisemakers so they could take part in the festivities. This 4th of July craft is great for preschoolers, but you will want to make sure that it is used by kids who don't put things in their mouths, noses or ears since there are small beans inside. Please use your best judgement. For more fun 4th of July ideas, check out this Patriotic Snack.

Free Shoe Matching Game for Preschoolers

2015-05-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

This post brought to you by Stride Rite. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Mess For Less.

My girls are very rough on their shoes. If you think that only boys put a ton of wear and tear on their shoes, then I am here to tell you that girls do just as much! My kids play hard and do so on all kinds of surfaces - blacktop, grass, gravel, bark, and sand. Any shoes they own need to be durable in order to last a long time. My youngest daughter is usually the receiver of hand-me-downs and frankly she doesn't get a lot of shoes handed down because her older twin sisters just destroy them. Stride Rite Made 2 Play Collection shoes are perfect for outdoor play. They are designed with dirt-shedding soles so kids aren't tracking so much dirt into the house. Read on to learn more about them and to download your free shoe matching memory game.

Saving for College PLUS Free Summer Tracing Printables

2015-05-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

This is a sponsored post on behalf of ScholarShare. I received compensation but all opinions are my own.

When we moved to Northern California we were shocked at the high cost of living. We had lived in a New York City suburb before and that isn't cheap, but it looks like a bargain compared to the prices of everything here. Saving for three kids to go to college while living in this area is tough. That's why I am so excited about ScholarShare’s 529 Day "You Start It, We Match It" Promotion . When you open up a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Account on Friday, May 29, 2015 from 12:01am to 11:59pm PT, ScholarShare will match $50 of the initial deposit! That is free money! Even though my kids are young (ages 5 and 6) we have been saving for college since they were babies. I hope that the learning they are doing now is something that they will continue through their college years. In the spirit of learning, I am sharing some free preschool/kindergarten printables to help your child keep the learning going this summer. Read on to find out how you can download them.