They’ll have a fever for a day, be fine the next, then have a fever again and coughing & runny noses for a couple days. It seems like kids colds are never ending.

When my kids have sore throats, don’t feel like eating and are coughing a lot, warm drinks can help them feel more comfortable. I didn’t have my usual “kid friendly” tea and I didn’t want a drink with a lot of added sugar like sports drinks. So I was on the hunt for some alternate kid friendly warm drinks.

Whether you’re looking for warm drinks for toddler coughs or for older kids, this is a good starter list with 7 delicious warm drinks for sick kids. Add or subtract ingredients/flavors you know they’ll like.

1.Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup water

• 3/4 cup lemonade

• 1 citrus mint tea bag

• 1 peach-flavored tea bag

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Lemon slices, for serving

• 1 drop peppermint extract (optional)

  
  

  INSTRUCTIONS:

• Bring water and lemonade to a simmer in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Cover and steep for 3 minutes.

• Discard tea bags, add honey and stir until everything is dissolved. Add peppermint extract here, if using. Divide the tea into 2 mugs and serve immediately. Add a slice of lemon to each cup.

*This is my kid’s favorite warm drink when they are sick!*

2.Sore Throat Hot Cider

INGREDIENTS:

1 ¼ CUP ORANGE JUICE

1 ¼ CUP APPLE JUICE

1 TBS LEMON JUICE

1 TBS HONEY

⅛ TSP GROUND CINNAMON 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Using a glass cup, mix orange juice, apple juice and lemon juice.

2. Carefully heat in the microwave for 1 ½ to 2 minutes.

3. Stir honey into the hot juice mixture.

4. Whisk ⅛ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon and taste. If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor add an additional ⅛ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

5. Serve hot immediately.

*This is their next favorite warm drink when they aren’t feeling well. Seriously tastes like a warm orange apple cider*

3.Hot Spiced Lemonade

Ingredients:

9 cups water

1 cup lemon juice

2 cups orange juice

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

1/8 teaspoon cloves

Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer. Serve immediately.

4.Chamomile Tea

Ingredients:

Chamomile Tea Bag

Lemon slice

Honey

Instructions:

Boil water and pour over 1 tea bag. Steep for 4-6 minutes then remove tea bag. Add honey to sweeten and lemon slice for extra vitamin C.

* Chamomile may trigger an allergic reaction if child is sensitive to ragweed. So make sure to try a small amount or consult pediatrician before use if concerned.

5.Hot Spiced Cider

• Ingredients:

• 1/2 gallon (8 cups) apple cider or cloudy apple juice

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tsp whole cloves

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2–1 orange peel (try to avoid the white pith)

Instructions:

1. Pour apple cider into a Dutch oven or large soup pot.

2. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, ground nutmeg and orange peel.

3. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer on medium-low (or low heat) for at least 20-60 minutes, up to 2-3 hours. (The longer it simmers, the stronger it will taste. Water will start to evaporate, so keep the pot covered to help the cider from reducing too much.)

4. Skim off the whole spices and orange peel, if desired and pour into heat-safe cups or mugs.

5. Serve with additional cinnamon sticks, sliced apples or sliced oranges for garnish.

6.Babyccino

Ingredients:

• 4 fl. oz milk

• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder or cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Pour milk into a saucepan and place over medium heat.

2. Allow the milk to heat up gently for 2 minutes. If you have a thermometer - aim for 104°F to 113°F for milk temperature.

3. Froth milk with a drink mixer.

4. Pour the milk into a cup.

5. Sprinkle with cocoa powder or cinnamon.

7.Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 2 Tbsp cocoa powder

• 2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Warm almond milk in a small saucepan, then whisk in the cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk well to remove any lumps from the cocoa.

2. Optional: mix in your blender (make sure cocoa isn’t too hot – you don’t want to get burned) and blend until frothy.

3. Serve warm.

Although this is not a hot drink, I also wanted to mention smoothies! I always forget about smoothies!

You can pack a lot of ingredients and nutrients into smoothies that can help kids get nourishment and feel better if they don't want to eat. Think fruit, greens, protein and yogurt. Probably a good idea to stay away from milk & sugary juices but water & ice for the liquid would be great!

SAVE and SHARE this post if you found it helpful. <3

- Amanda @valuemindedmama

My kids have already circled everything in the Walmart toy catalog! It’s literally their new favorite book to just sit and look at. Lol

Of course they want everything but I try to pick toys that inspire creativity and have some sort of meaning to them. Like picking toys and games they can build, play with multiple ways or something that reminds them of their favorite shows. 

One of our kids favorite shows is Octonauts on Netflix. They love the animal characters and the fun deep sea adventures they go on. 

I love it because it’s educational. They’re learning about different wildlife creatures and their habitats that they may not have otherwise been introduced to. 

They are also learning real life, everyday skills, like problem solving, working together as a team and being brave.

Here are five Octonauts toys that inspire play and imagination. When they play with these collectible toys, they can go Above & Beyond to recreate scenes from their favorite episodes or imagine new missions and rescues. Shop HERE

1.First is the OCTOPOD PLAYSET. Kids can recreate scenes from the iconic Octocrew headquarters right from home. Included in this set is a net launcher, claw and spyglass to help find and rescue sea creatures: Vampire Squid, Starfish and Slime Eel. Captain Barnacles comes with a removable deep sea helmet.

2.Next, the OCTORAY TRANSFORMING PLAYSET has fast moving wheels and easily transforms into a 13” Octonauts mobile headquarters. 

It lights up and plays over 25 sounds and Octonauts phrases. Included is a Captain Barnacles figure, Giant Panda, Chinese Sturgeon, Chinese Giant Salamander and a detachable Mini-Ray!

3.The VEHICLE & FIGURE PACKS inspire creature rescues with the iconic Gup vehicles. Included is a detailed 3” Octonauts figure, wildlife creature and mission card that reveals the mission they can complete.

4.The ADVENTURE PACKS are based on popular Octonauts episodes and include a deluxe Octonauts figurine, mini environment, creature and mission card for kids to create their own quest.

5. Finally, my daughter loves the OCTONAUTS CREW PLUSH FIGURES. She loves how soft they are, cuddles them and brings them with her everywhere. 

They are 8” tall and made with super soft fabrics and embroidered details. Collect all four plush friends: Captain Barnacles, Kwazii, Peso and Paani. Snuggle in for story time with their Octonaut or they can create their own adventure!

Octonauts toys are now available at Walmart! These new collectible toys would make great birthday gifts or Christmas gifts. Easily shop in one convenient place HERE.

Octonauts motto is: Explore, rescue and protect. We have always encouraged our kids to explore new places and experiences. Even if they’re uncomfortable at first or may seem difficult. 

Rescuing is really just helping those in need. Which is something we can all practice to be more kind and generous. So important to remember during the holidays!

For protection, I try to encourage my kids to protect their environment in kid appropriate ways. Like recycling, picking up litter when they see it, not disturbing natural environments and being respectful to all living things.

Pretty deep stuff to learn from a kids show! But real world application in an age appropriate way is so important for those little growing minds. 

Having these Octonauts toys at home can reinforce those teachable & thought provoking moments in a fun, kid-friendly way.

It’s the season for comfort food and spending quality time with friends and family. Sharing four brands that make entertaining at home easy! Enjoy a cozy night in with loved ones or elevate your next gathering with these yummy meal ideas.

One of our family food staples: HUMMUS! 

Sabra Hummus is smooth and creamy while also having a delicious flavor. Made with nourishing ingredients, like chickpeas, garlic and tahini, Sabra Hummus is a versatile craveable snack everybody in our house enjoys. 

We add Sabra Classic Hummus to charcuterie snack boards, as an easy appetizer at family gatherings and just as a yummy dip for snacking!

For those of us with a more daring palate, Sabra Spicy Hummus is a snackable dip that hits the spot with a kick. Perfect for watching the game or hanging out with friends. Click HERE for more Sabra varieties and recipe ideas!

Roland foods is a premium brand that has been in business for 85+ years and imports specialty ingredients from all across the world. With their recent rebrand, Roland Foods new packaging is fun and colorful with illustrative packaging labels. 

Their products are great for home cooks and chefs who want to elevate their home dinner recipes or enjoy hosting and entertaining guests with unique menu options.Their new fig jam and truffle oils are sourced from Italy. 

Roland® Fig Jam is made with five simple ingredients imported from Italy. Made with 65% figs, acacia honey and no high fructose corn syrup.

Use in a charcuterie snack board with cheese, crackers, nuts and fruit. It also pairs well with muffins, biscuits and toast as a quick, delicious breakfast spread. More details HERE

Roland® Organic White Truffle Oil is made with extra-virgin olive oil and infused in a mildly peppery oil with truffle aroma. Pieces of organic white truffle are included in every bottle. 

This Organic White Truffle Oil pairs well with pasta, soups and roasted vegetables. Here’s the recipe for the Gnocchi Truffle Alfredo I made (it was delicious!). More ideas using truffle oil HERE

We have family movie night once a week and always settle in with a bowl of fresh popcorn. ACT II microwavable popcorn has the best value with delicious flavors.

Bring the heat and elevate your movie night with NEW ACT II Hot & Spicy microwave popcorn. ACT II Hot & Spicy popcorn has fluffy, 100% whole-grain kernels that pop with a bold and spicy flavor and builds with every bite. 

I enjoy spicy flavors but my son does not. He complains that garlic salt is “too spicy”. lol BUT he actually liked ACT II Hot & Spicy popcorn!

It’s just hot enough to give you a kick but not too strong to over power the buttery goodness. If you know someone who likes spicy foods, I highly recommend sharing this new flavor!

CLICK HERE for more products and popcorn recipes.

At the end of a long busy day, I don’t always have time or the energy to prepare a hearty meal. For those days, Banquet frozen meals come to the rescue! 

They have a wide selection of classic dishes the whole family will enjoy. Banquet MEGA Meals offer larger portions of your favorite foods, for when you’ve really worked up an appetite.

Banquet Country Fried Chicken MEGA Meal has a delicious country flavor with white meat chicken patties topped with southern gravy. This dish is accompanied with a side of bacon mac & cheese. So flavorful!

Banquet Country Fried Chicken MEGA Meal is a generously portioned meal with 30g of protein. It’s sure to satisfy a comfort food craving. 

As a busy, last minute cook, I really appreciate that it’s ready in the microwave in minutes! For more freezer meals and recipe ideas Click HERE

We love to entertain and have people over and just eat good food. I really enjoy making charcuterie snack boards for friends and family. It’s so helpful to have these quick snack and meal options. 

It’s that time of year. Back to school season is upon us. And I know for my family it is always a hectic busy time, as I’m sure it is for most of you.

Especially if you have students going to school for the first time or kids at different schools. Car lines seem to take forever and we could all use some help when it comes to meal prep during the busy back to school season.

I’ve got 3 delicious quick & easy kid friendly back to school meal ideas to help you meal plan and keep everyone happy and fed!

Jus Rol 

Jus Rol products are premade doughs, refrigerated and ready to use. They come pre-rolled on baking paper for easy prep and quick clean up. 

Jus Rol dough is Made in the USA with the finest US and imported ingredients. They are non-GMO and include no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors/colors or bleach flour. A bonus, all products are vegetarian.

We made kid’s mini pizzas for lunch with the Jus Rol Round & Thin Pizza Crust. It's so convenient to just unroll the dough and get prepping. 

I cut up our dough in little pieces for pizza muffins and it was so easy and mess free to transfer to the pan from the baking paper. But you can put it directly into the oven to bake, making transfer to the pan quick and clean up easy. 

My daughter helped decorate the pizzas with our favorite toppings and it was a special mommy & me moment together.

I want to try the ready to bake flaky Jus Rol Puff Pastry Dough for homemade pop tarts next! Just unroll, get creative and bake some extraordinary pastries - sweet or savory. 

You can make anything with Jus Rol products, appetizers, entrées or desserts. What would you create?

Make sure to visit Jus-Rol’s website www.jusrol.com for recipe inspiration and to find a retailer near you!

Farin’ UP

I really enjoyed these fun Farin’ UP breakfast mixes. They come in a resealable pack, with an easy to pour lid for perfect measurements. You can continue to store in the pantry even after it’s open. 

The instructions are simple and easy to follow. I really appreciate that you don’t need a lot of extra ingredients to make these dishes.

Make tasty french crepes for breakfast with Farin’ UP French Crepes Mix. All you need to add is milk and homemade crepes are ready in less than five minutes!

My son loved adding his favorite toppings to his crepes: chocolate spread & strawberries.Yum! So many delicious variations you can make with crepes! 

The Farin’ UP Protein Balls Mix was quick and easy to make. Just add water and honey to the mix, stir and roll into balls. They are ready to eat! No baking!!

We love protein balls for an easy, on the go breakfast or snack. This is a plant-based non-GMO mix with natural ingredients. A healthy fruit and nut blend with almonds, black currants and cranberries.

SAVE

Use code: BTS22INF01 for 15% OFF at www.farinup.us   (Valid 8/20/22 - 9/22/22) 

For more great ideas and recipes, follow Farin’ UP on social.

Minute Rice

Minute Rice is here to save your meal! They’ve got a new & improved tasty recipe for Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups. 

Make a meal big on flavor but short on prep time! Minute Rice Cups are conveniently ready in 1 minute in the microwave.

We made Southwest Chicken Rice Bowls for dinner using Minute Rice Cups. The kids love chicken and rice (as a meal and a flavor)! Just add chicken, some veggies and a Minute Rice Cup for a perfectly portioned, quick easy meal the whole family will enjoy!

Click here to find Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups near you and recipe ideas!

Find more quick meal ideas & inspiration HERE.

You can add some simple Halloween decor with plastic 3D bats (or cut some out of black construction paper) and spider webs. Cheap, easy and still classy!

Here’s our set up from last year on our dining room buffet.

Arrange all the food in easy to grab locations and put charcuterie snack boards in common areas.

Here are some spooky Halloween dishes and meal ideas for lunch or dinner.

Halloween Charcuterie snack board platters

I am so excited to add to this list every year. While I have a couple favorite Halloween snacks (like the creepy cheese pizza witch fingers & mummy lil Smokies). I love trying out new Halloween recipes to make things more fun at dinner time.

Or use clothing items around the house to make creative costumes, especially for little ones who will outgrow everything.

Now that we have a bigger family and kids that LOVE Halloween & dressing up and with all the Instagram & Pinterest inspo? We go ALL OUT with family Halloween costumes.

Here are seven awesome Family Halloween Costume ideas with kids that we’ve done over the years. I basically base them on what my husband can pull off (he has a huge beard & long hair) or what costumes I can find secondhand for my son & daughter that year.

2017 Family Halloween Costumes

There are so many cute pregnancy costume ideas for expectant mothers out there right now. People’s creativity blows me away. These were some affordable diy family Halloween costumes we came up with.

2018 Family Halloween Costumes

This year we did not do much. Ginny was almost one year old and I knew she’d immediately out grow any baby costume.

We got the baby pumpkin costume secondhand. And my son really wanted to be a ghost. So it all made for a pretty easy theme.

2019 Family Halloween Costumes

This was probably my favorite year for costumes! My husband and I love The Walking Dead. I really wanted to recreate the characters and knew I could pretty much thrift everything we needed for our costumes. My daughter was the perfect age for Judith, so it just all fell in line.

I knew my kids were not going to want to actually walk around on Halloween in our family costumes, so I asked my oldest what he wanted to be and of course he said a policeman. That made our costumes easy & affordable from there.

2020 Family Halloween Costumes

I love a good DIY Halloween costume and let me tell you, The Mad Hatter was a GOOD DIY Halloween costume! I made the hat from scratch (a cheap hat, cardboard and skirt fabric) and I went for a simple Red Queen costume with DIY card collar & crown.

The Office was officially off Nextflix at the end of 2020, and my kids had most of the outfit pieces, so I thought it would be a sweet send off to have them dress up as The Office characters, Angela & Dwight.

2021 Family Halloween Costume

One of the easiest places to find ideas for matching family Halloween costumes is a beloved movie. My husband got a Bubba Gump Shrimp hat from Amazon and since he already has the facial hair and hairstyle down, he knew he wanted to be Forrest Gump for Halloween. Lol

The rest of his outfit was found at the thrift store and on Amazon. My pieces for “Jenny” were also secondhand, diy and affordable at target. The kids outfits “Little Forrest” and “A Box of Chocolates” were secondhand at a kids consignment shop. So much fun and nostalgic.

2022 Family Halloween Costumes

These are some classic, easy mommy and me Halloween costume ideas. Wear a glamorous gown - ours are from Joyfolie, you can find them here: adult & girls. Or style with something you already have in your closet. You can make these looks as detailed or as simple as you want.

Vampires

I did sullen, gaunt make up for us, Vampire fangs and fake blood for this costume.

Witches

Can’t get any simpler than a witch costume for Halloween. Just add a witch hat, straw broom and may be a cauldron or spell book.

I did a pretty simple make up look with dark eyes, purple lipstick and sparkles on our cheeks.

Masquerade Ball

I have always wanted to go to a masquerade ball. Ideally in a regency ball gown but these gorgeous black lace dresses from Joyfolie are so beautiful.

I DIY our masks since I was looking for a specific color/style. Very easy to customize a mommy and me masquerade costume!

Went to the zoo with my kids one day and thought it would be super cute for us to dress up like we’re going on a safari. Literally use anything you have in your closet! Anything olive green, khaki or white will work. Add some straw/sun hats, binoculars and zoo stuffed animals.

Would love to know in the comments if you do family Halloween costumes every year or just let everyone be what they want. I’m excited to carry on the tradition as long as my kids will let me. I know it will be short-lived, so I will be thankful for the memories.

I have a confession. I have dandruff.

It’s not something a lot of people know about me and it’s not something I share. 

For me, it’s embarrassing and uncomfortable. My dandruff is not just white lightweight flakes.

My dandruff is patchy, thick, scaly and it itches. Kind of like a thick itchy scab. In several areas on my scalp. Sometimes they bleed. 

It's uncomfortable and if I give into temptation and try to pull off the flakes, chunks of hair come with it. 

I have tried expensive medicated shampoo from the dermatologist, high end formulas and “affordable” dandruff shampoos and conditioners. 

And I really didn’t see much of an improvement. Or at least significant enough for me to continue using those products.

So I wanted to share a dandruff relief treatment for your irritated scalp that has been helping me. Recently I have been giving the Flexitol Scalp Relief Serum & Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner 2 step system a try.

This is Flexitol’s new tar-free, steroid-free scalp care routine for those with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and dandruff.

I have been using Flexitol’s Scalp Relief two step system for the past couple of weeks and wanted to share about what this treatment does and my experience using it. 

Flexitol Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner contains anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties that work to help relieve an itchy scalp within minutes.

Some dandruff shampoos contain tar, which can leave unpleasant odors, cause skin irritations, burning or stinging, swelling, rashes, sun sensitivity, stains on hair, skin and nails, or dry and brittle hair. 

Not only is this system tar free, it’s steroid free as well.

The Flexitol Scalp Relief Serum contains 2% colloidal oatmeal and is designed to moisturize and soothe a dry, irritated scalp for those with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and dandruff.

This treatment is suitable for daily and long-term use. 

Here is how to use the easy Flexitol Scalp Relief two-step system:

Step 1 // Flexitol Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner

This 2 in 1 scalp relief shampoo and conditioner combo is designed to cleanse the scalp while gently removing oils, dirt and product buildup. 

With its anti-inflammatory formula it moisturizes and soothes an irritated scalp. The anti-itch properties work within minutes to relieve a scalp affected with dandruff, eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis.

Apply to wet hair and scalp, massaging in gentle circular motions. Leave on the scalp for 1 to 2 minutes then rinse thoroughly. 

Step 2 // Flexitol Scalp Relief Serum

This formula is designed to relieve dry and itchy skin on the scalp. It has a gentle, moisturizing base and is made with colloidal oatmeal, Canadian willowherb and menthol for a cooling affect.

Just apply a few drops of leave-in serum to affected areas of the scalp as needed. Massage gently. The hair can be wet or dry when applying the serum to the scalp.

The scalp relief serum also has an easy to use dropper bottle for a quick and precise application.

My Experience

I have definitely seen an improvement in my scalp irritation since using this dandruff relief treatment. 

As of right now, I still have dandruff patches but they cover a much smaller area on my scalp and they are not itchy, inflamed or painful. 

I love that the scalp relief serum can be used on dry or wet hair. I typically use it right after I towel dry my hair so it gets quickly absorbed. If I’m not able to wash my hair one day, I can still spot treat problematic areas.

This is one of the treatments available for an itchy scalp that I have found to be successful in helping ease and minimize the irritation from dandruff, eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis.

At this point in my dandruff journey, I am willing to try anything to get some much-needed relief from my irritated scalp. I was pleasantly surprised with Flexitol's Scalp Relief treatment. 

Do you struggle with meal planning during the back to school transition? I know I do! I have a couple family favorites, but sometimes it’s nice to have convenient food options available. Here are four easy back to school meal ideas for busy moms.

Feeding America®

This back to school season, we’re helping bring awareness to the millions of Americans across the country that are struggling to make ends meet and are having to choose between food or other basic necessities.

Feeding America® provides meals to over 40 million people each year. They support programs that promote the prevention of food waste and help improve food security on behalf of the people they serve. 

Feeding America also helps educate the public about the persistent problem of hunger and advocates for policies & lawmakers that protect people from going hungry. 

September is Hunger Action Month. This is an annual campaign dedicated to driving awareness and inspiring action to help end hunger in America. 

Let’s choose to stand against hunger together. Some ways to help end the impossible choices of hunger are by sharing, volunteering, pledging, fundraising, and donating. Food should not be an impossible choice for one of the richest countries in the world.

Every $1 you give can provide at least 10 meals to families in need through the Feeding America network of food banks. You can donate HERE.

1) Veggies Made Great Breakfast Muffins

One of our biggest struggles during the school year is getting a quick, healthy breakfast in the short amount of time we have to get ready before school. 

Veggies Made Great products are veggies rich and high in plant protein. They’re low calorie and make a great breakfast option or quick snack. 

The Spinach Egg White Frittata is only 70 calories and is full of yummy flavor. 

The Double Chocolate Muffins are our favorite and have hidden veggies in them with the first two ingredients being zucchini and carrots. Perfect for picky eaters!

These Veggies Made Great frozen muffins are so convenient for busy mornings since they are microwaveable and make for an excellent on the go meal. Pick them up at your local grocery store!

Get some coupons HERE

2) Mighty Sesame Organic Tahini Sauce

I loved adding Mighty Sesame Organic Tahini for some added flavor and protein to my falafel salad and falafel wraps. This creamy sesame seed paste is squeezable and ready to use!

Add Mighty Sesame Organic Tahini to all your favorite dishes from veggies and salads to smoothies and hummus. 

It can be used as a dressing, in dips and spreads, a mayo replacement and even in desserts. The possibilities are endless!

3) King Arthur Baking Company Instant Pancakes

We eat breakfast food any time of day in our house. One of our favorite meals is pancakes with some bacon and fruit. 

I made the King Arthur Baking Company Confetti Pancakes for a fun Back to School surprise and they were a hit for the whole family.

Make the Buttermilk Pancakes into fun shapes/face for brunch or seasonal fun. The good thing about a classic pancake is that you can add any topping! We like chocolate hazelnut spread, peanut butter, maple syrup and whip cream.

These pancakes are fluffy, fun and so full of flavor. And the best part?? For this pancake mix, all you need to add is water! 

You couldn’t ask for a simpler way to get breakfast on the table and experience some mouthwatering pancakes!

4)Minute Rice Bowl Meals

I am all for foods that are going to make my life easier, help contribute to less waste and still manage to be yummy and nutritious.

Ready in 90 seconds or less, Minute Ready to Serve cups are a great choice for easy, on-the-go breakfasts, lunches, snacks or a quick side for dinner.

Their microwavable rice is quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for someone like me who somehow always manages to undercook rice!

I also love that Minute Ready to Serve cups make a perfectly proportioned serving, reducing the amount of unused leftovers. And everyone can have a different variety thanks to individual cups that are BPA-free and 100% recyclable. 

Minute Ready to Serve White Rice

Meal #1: Broccoli, ham and cheese rice bowl.

Minute Ready to Serve Brown Rice

Meal #2: Chicken, black bean and cheese Mexican rice bowl.

Minute Rice products are available at major retailers!

Meal times are either pre-planned or a last minute disaster for me. I’m not usually good with “shopping” my pantry or coming up with recipes based on what we have on hand. 

That’s why it's great having some quick and easy meal options available for the busy back to school season. 

We have been reading to our kids since they were babies. It’s a lot easier to encourage and foster a love of reading with a good library. But books can be expensive and creating an at home children’s library from scratch is costly. 

I wanted to share some affordable ways we have grown our library at home and the places to find books. Here are four ways to get free and low cost books for your family.

#1 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a FREE gifted service for children to have access to books and help them develop & foster a love of reading. 

Each child in your family has the opportunity to receive a FREE book, every month, from birth until age 5. 

All you have to do is see if it’s available in your area. If it is SIGN UP! 

Both my children have been through the program. My daughter is still enrolled and she has loved getting her own mail and a new story every month. 

See if it’s in your area HERE

#2 Local Library

As always, the Library is your best resource for FREE books. We have visited all the libraries in our area and know which ones have the best kid crnters.

Stay there, hang out, read, play games, attend a class and go on your way. Or take some new reads home if you have a library card for that branch.

It’s FREE entertainment. The library is one of my favorite indoor activities for kids any season, any time.

#3 Library Apps

Most people know this, but if you don’t, there are apps where you can borrow ebooks & audiobooks right from your phone/tablet as long as you have a library card. And it’s completely FREE.

This CHANGED MY LIFE. I love to read, but I am so engrossed in my books I forget everything in my home. I ignore everyone and get nothing done. It’s not healthy or fair to them.

Audiobooks give me the opportunity to still “read” and get my “story fix” without abandoning all my responsibilities. So I mainly use these apps for myself & audiobooks. 

When I do use it for my kids, it’s because we travel a lot and mine go through books so fast, we can’t always make it to the library to pick out books or want to tote tons of books around with us while traveling. Apps make borrowing books easy & convenient.

Libby App

Love the Libby library app because although there is a set amount of books you can borrow, they have “holds” on top of your borrows and all you have to do is return a book to get a new one.

Our library lets us borrow 10 ebooks & have 20 holds at a time. When you’ve finished reading a book, just return it and you get that spot back. 

Once a book is available to borrow from your “holds” you can either borrow it or wait to deliver it until you’re ready to read it (this helps you not lose your spot in line). Genius!

For the kids, I’ll tag the childrens books we want to read and just borrow them when they’re ready for another book. We always have something new to read but don’t have to go anywhere to get it, worry about returning anything or a book getting lost.

Hoopla

What I love about the Hoopla library app is that it usually has newer and better titles. It also will have audiobooks where Libby will only have the e-book. 

You also don’t have to “hold” books because they’re always available. 

The only catch is, borrows are based on your library and they are per month. So, I get 6 borrows per month but once they run out, that’s it. And they don’t roll over to the next month.

I don’t use Hoopla for my kids books because of the limited borrows, just for my personal reading. 

#4 Secondhand Books

Thrift Stores

Goodwill has Children’s books for $.50-$1

Boutique/Small local thrift stores usually have books for $.50-$3 or bundle them.

Once Upon a Child is a kid’s consignment store. They should have a good selection of children’s books in good-new condition. They’ll range from $.50-$5.50

thriftbooks 

There are occasions when I want to have a favorite children’s book, seasonal kids books or a book for gift giving. But I don’t want to pay full retail price. 

That’s where shopping books secondhand online at thriftbooks comes in. They have different “conditions” which affect the price. 

I prefer to buy children’s books in “good” condition over “acceptable” when I can because it’s usually only a $.20 difference and they look fine to me. We’re not picky! 

And shipping is free when you spend $10. I always spend at least $10.

Plus, Thriftbooks has an affiliate program for everyone in their rewards program. When you refer a friend to sign up for ReadingRewards and they spend $30, you BOTH get a FREE book credit!

SecondSale

SecondSale is similar to thriftbooks. You can find specific books for affordable prices. 

I go between the two to find the exact books I’m looking for and choose whichever one has the best price or condition. FREE shipping on orders over $10. 

They also have a buying program where you can sell your books for cash. 

I hope this post was helpful for you to find affordable children’s books and books for your family library.

We love to read and have enjoyed participating in reading programs at the Library and through school where they can earn prizes. Just another fun way to encourage a love of reading any give your kids incentives to read.

I looked for the best deals and ideas for Dino party decor. Here’s what we did if you’re thinking of throwing a Boys Dinosaur Themed Birthday Party. If you’re throwing for a girl, just add pink & flowers!

I tend to make parties pretty low key & easy. They always take way more time to put together than I think they will, but are still fairly simple. 

We have affordable diy decor, easy snack/food options and party games/activities.

Dinosaur Party Decor 

Dinosaur Jungle Balloon Arch

(Easy DIY assembly. Shop HERE)

Dino Themed Foods

Dino Bones

T-Rex Claws & Dinosaur Scales

Dino Eggs

Stegosaurus Spikes

Herbivore Platter

Fossil Cookies

Dinosaur Dirt Cupcakes 

(I used yellow & chocolate cake, butter cream frosting dyed green & chocolate frosting, crushed Oreos for the “dirt” and put a Dino toy on each cupcake)

Dinosaur Party Activities

Dinosaur Bean Bag Toss

(as you can see, doubles as a photo booth) Get it HERE

Dino Excavation Dig

(sand box + large paint brushes + dinosaur skeleton toys)

Triceratops Sprinkler & Ring Toss (purchase HERE)

Dinosaur Watering Hole

(we basically have to use a pool for every one of his birthday parties because it’s July and a hundred degrees)

Dino Goodie Bags

Dino Toys (shop HERE)

Dino Temporary Tattoos (get them HERE)

Dino Excavation Eggs (shop HERE)

This was such a fun party to throw. I know there are so many more things out there I could’ve done but this was doable for my sanity and our budget. 

Let me know if you used any of these ideas for your party and follow me on Instagram (@valuemindedmama) for more easy & affordable DIYs (and all things family & kids & mom life)!

*This post is sponsored by Mayfield Ice Cream. The opinions are completely my own, based on my experience.*

We love being outside in the summer! The only problem is, it’s so dang hot & humid in Columbia, SC!

One of our favorite ways to cool off and still be together as a family is a refreshing, cool treat on the patio (under the umbrellas shade of course!) watching the sunset.

It’s summer so the days are brighter for longer, right. And we don’t have to be anywhere, so we are in no rush for bedtime. We love it!

We’re celebrating National Ice Cream Day this summer with an easy, at home, DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar using Mayfield Ice Cream.

I chose Mayfield Ice Cream because they are a co-op of family owned farms. They're using farmers right here in our community and that’s something I can definitely support. 

They use high quality ingredients and fresh cream from their own dairies creating the richest, creamiest ice cream.

And I love that you can take a sundae bar anywhere - at home, on family vacations, for birthday parties or hanging out with friends. It’s so fun and so tasty!

We got Mayfield’s Neapolitan Ice Cream (something for everyone!) and just used what we had on hand for the sundae toppings. But the possibilities are endless! 

Here’s what we used:

Sprinkles

Crushed Cookies

Gummy Worms

Bananas

Chocolate Chips

Whipped Cream

Chocolate Sauce

Cherries

They also have these cute, individual sized cups of pre-made sundaes for a quick & easy treat. It’s so good (and you don’t even have to share)! 

Our family really connects and gets to take a break around the table. Yes, we love to eat, but it’s also about slowing down and getting a chance to actually talk to each other that I love best. 

After all, I only get 18 summers with my kids where they’re all mine. I want to make them count and create lasting memories we can cherish for a lifetime. ❤️

Our stay was during the non-peak season (before June 11) and we stayed for one night. But we learned a lot in a short amount of time about the campsite in Golden Valley, North Carolina. Here’s what you need to know about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park!

Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by PivotPR and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ in Golden Valley, NC. All opinions are based on my own experiences.

First things first, let’s talk about lodging!

There are options for every preference. Got an RV? They have sites for that. Want to set up a tent? They have sites for that. Do you want to have all the comforts of home and lodge in a cabin? They have all the cabins! 

This is the one we stayed in. It had two sleeping quarters, one with a Queen bed and one with built-in bunk beds.

There was a decent sized full kitchen with a dining table and futon. It also had a closet bathroom with a shower. The deck had a pretty view of the mountains and seats for relaxing.

You can also add-on extras to make your visit easier. Rent linens during your stay so that’s one less thing you have to worry about (and clean!). 

I also highly recommend renting a golf cart to drive while you’re there. There are some spots that are “golf cart” only accessible and it just makes getting around easier and more fun.

Next, Where to eat.

I was shocked at how many different places there were to eat on site at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort. 

The newest on-site dining experience is Scouts’ Table. You can enjoy breakfast or dinner at this full service restaurant. They serve locally sourced, southern inspired dishes and drinks from local farms & mills.

We ate at the Creekside Café beside the pool. They have wood oven pizzas, wraps, burgers, amazing loaded French fries, homemade ice cream and more. Perfect for kids!

The Ranger Station has some convenient store groceries too!

When it’s available, you can also stop in for a quick morning pick-me up and pastries at the Coffee Bar.

**Make sure you check the restaurant’s Hours of Operation (especially during their non-peak season). Might be a good idea to check this info before you schedule your vacation to make sure something will be open when you visit. Shouldn’t be a problem during peak season, but it will help you plan your meals, if you plan on eating on-site.**

And what’s there to do??

The Waterpark was our favorite! It’s just the right size for families with young kids. And so fun to explore.

(Again, make sure you check their hours of operation during non-peak trips - it’s open during the spring month’s weekends)

The Pool and Warming Tubs (2) are open daily and were a nice respite from the spring heat. There are plenty of tables & seating during non-peak days.

And there is the Creekside Cafe, Blue Tavern (bar) and Ranger Station (convenience store) right next to the pool.

Mini Golf & Gem Mining are on the other side of the pool. They have everything you need to play already at the mini golf course and it’s such a beautiful course.

For Gem Mining you can pick up bags to sift through at the Check-In station when you arrive or at the Ranger Station beside the pool. They have guides to help identify what’s in your bag. The kids loved this activity!!

The Lake has a swimming section, boat rentals, fishing area, life size chessboard, cornhole and swings. It’s so easy to enjoy a relaxing day at the lake.

There are courts for tennis and other sports, and this cool geometric climbing structure. There’s also outdoor laser tag, but we weren’t there when it was open. Double check those hours!

Opposite the water park & pool there is a playground and jumping pads. It’s hot and they want you to take shoes off when jumping, so make sure you have spare socks and sunscreen/hats!

And I think that sums up our overnight weekend stay at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort. I feel like we did a lot for two days and saw everything at the park there was to see during non-peak season.

I would love to go back and try their restaurant Scouts’ Table. They also have a zip line scheduled for 2021 and a lookout tower is in the works. There are daily activities and Yogi Bear meet and greets during the peak season.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is an awesome kid-friendly destination for families looking for a fun getaway this summer. If you’re in the South East, I highly recommend a stay at the Golden Valley, NC location.

If you’re not already, follow me on Instagram @valuemindedmama for our family friendly trips in real time, local adventures and other fun family & motherhood related content.

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We spent Spring Break 2021 exploring Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with our little family of four. Pigeon Forge is a great travel destination for us because it’s a quick road trip and there is so much to do for kids of all ages. 

Pigeon Forge is known as the Center of Fun in the Smokies and I think you’ll see why. Check out our top family friendly things to do in Pigeon Forge!

Lodging

We stayed in the Smoky Oasis cabin at Eagles Ridge Resort. This rental community is so beautiful. It’s a bunch of log cabins tucked away, only a couple miles from the Parkway. You’re close to everything, but feel like you’re hidden up in the mountains. 

Our cabin had every feature you’d want at a resort, but it was all private!

We had a brand new cabin with all the modern updates and features. It was two stories with so many family amenities.

We had 3 master size bedrooms.

3 bathrooms. All had showers and toilets and one had this huge soaking tub.

Our own private pool, jacuzzi (off the main master), a game room and a theater room.

My kids could not stop talking about “our own private pool”. They enjoyed everything we did around town, but they were very eager to come back to the cabin. 

The accommodations alone were enough of a vacation. As parents, we enjoyed the day with the kids and had our own date night possibilities at the cabin. 

One night we enjoyed the hot tub, another we watched TV while playing pool and another night we played vintage arcade games with popcorn. 

If you stay at the Smoky Oasis cabin at Eagles Ridge Resort, you really don’t need to leave. But because Pigeon Forge is such a cool area, I’m sharing below the activities we did while we were visiting.

Activities 

During our trip to Pigeon Forge we visited so many attractions! It was probably our favorite activity trip we’ve done as a family. We took our 5-year-old and 3-year-old to every attraction. 

The Island at Pigeon Forge

The Island at Pigeon Forge was definitely our favorite activity. We went on The Island Ropes Course and The Great Smoky Mountain wheel. 

Both kids loved both attractions. I think their favorite was The Wheel because it was such a high perspective, they got to feel on top of the world and see things they normally wouldn’t. 

There is so much more to do in the area, plenty of dining, shopping and more attractions. There’s a little path by the river. Such a fun, family friendly spot. A must visit!

MagiQuest

MagiQuest was such a fun experience! There’s the interactive adventure quest with a magic wand you can do, an arcade, mirror maze and a mini golf course all right on the property. Something for everyone!

Pigeon Forge Snow

If you live somewhere warm that doesn’t get snow, or you just really love snow - you have to visit Pigeon Forge Snow! It’s a huge indoor snow tubing facility with an additional snow play area for kids. So cool for my southern babies that have never played in the snow!

Titanic Museum Attraction 

The Titanic Museum Attraction is so unique and one of a kind. It’s interactive, educational and a step back in time. It’s fun for families and kids of all ages. So impressed with this museum!

TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena

My kids love a good trampoline park. There are designated areas for kids to jump based on height. There is also a separate designated climbing section. This trampoline park is on the small side, in my opinion. It was fun but I would do something more unique to Pigeon Forge next time.

Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud

This was such a great show! The Lumberjack Feud is fun, family friendly live competitive entertainment. And the trained lumberjacks are so talented!

I definitely recommend bringing plenty of drinks and snacks with you. You never know how long you’ll have to wait in line at some of these places and hangry kids are no fun!

Also having comfortable walking clothes and shoes would be a good idea. Some things you might have to wait for outside and if you’re standing in line for up to an hour, in the sun, you want to be comfortable!

Restaurants

Pigeon Forge has some great dining experiences! There are restaurants everywhere, so I’m sure you won’t have any trouble finding a spot to eat. Check out the places we went.

Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grill

Old Mill is such a beautiful area. It’s on the river, historic and has several places to eat and shop. It’s just a quaint little cozy town experience. The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grill has a full menu with so many options. If you can, I highly recommend sitting outside by the koi pond. It’s just so beautiful outside!

Sunliner Diner

The Sunliner Diner at Pigeon Forge is a retro 50’s diner. It has vintage cars out front (and inside), typical 1950’s decor and a traditional American diner menu. The milkshakes were the bomb. So fun!

Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe

The Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe was an interactive dining experience. They have animatronic farm animals that move and sing while you’re dining. It’s fun, kid friendly and the food is so good!

I was so impressed with everything we did on our trip to Pigeon Forge, TN! This was one of our most fun family adventures to date.

We love getting out in nature whenever we visit the mountains, but with the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop to everything we did, I still felt like we got to experience the great outdoors. Pigeon Forge is truly a unique place you just have to experience with the family.

I’ll tell you - some uninterrupted self care time!! Here are 5 Self Care Gifts for Moms this Mother’s Day!

Standard Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx

1)Erin’s Faces Fruit Smoothie Lip Gloss

Erin’s Faces fruit smoothie lip gloss is made with strawberries and other organic ingredients. It’s a vegan lip gloss that provides a hydrating feel that’s not sticky. The packaging is a glass vial that’s not only beautiful but also recyclable. I’m wearing the color ‘Sonata’. It’s so smooth and gives the right amount of natural tint for everyday.

Use code SPRINGLIPS for 10% off through June 15, 2021.

Try Erin’s Faces fruit smoothie organic lip gloss HERE

2)The Woman with the Blue Star by Pam Jenoff

Pam Jenoff is the best-selling author of The Orphan's Tale and The Lost Girls of Paris.

The Woman with the Blue Star is a Park Row Books sharing the captivating story about the power of friendship and the strength of the human will to survive. I love nothing more than to curl up with a good book and just read for hours on end. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to gift mom a book she won’t want to put down!

Get The Woman with the Blue Star HERE

3)Clean Skincare from A Loyal Society

A Loyal Society Botanical Bath Soaking Salts add calming fragrance to your bath and help uplift your mood while soothing muscles after a long day (possibly chasing after the kids, cleaning and running errands). I can attest that your skin will smell amazing and feel so smooth after you soak in these bath salts.

A Loyal Society Flower Water Facial Mist provides a refreshing spray to incorporate into your skin care routine after cleansing. It can also double as an all natural soothing linen spray to add to your pillows and sheets for a restful night’s sleep.

A Loyal Society Floral Bath Rose & Lavender Soaking Salts Pack With Reusable Sachet can be enjoyed in either the bath or shower making it a MUST HAVE for busy mamas.

For the bath, you can pour half of the rose and lavender soaking salts on top of warm bath water or simply pour into the reusable paper sachet for easy clean up and drop into the bath and enjoy it that way.

For a shower, you can pour half of the aromatherapy soaking salts into the paper sachet and hang on the showerhead to release the aroma with the shower steam. Or simply place the paper sachet bag on the floor of the shower directly under the water stream.

These bath soaking salts make the perfect self care gifts for moms. Motherhood can be so demanding and exhausting and what better way to help mom relax this Mother’s Day than with an uninterrupted bath from the comfort of her own home? 

Use code CELEBRATE15 for 15% off through May 9th. Get these Botanical Bath Soaking Salts HERE

4)Roux® Weightless Precious Oils Luminous Shampoo, Softening Conditioner & Restorative Hair Masque

What I love about Roux Weightless Precious Oils Luminous Shampoo is that it cleanses impurities while removing product buildup. It also adds shine and controls frizz by restoring essential moisture. This formula does not have added sulfates or silicones.

The Roux Weightless Precious Oils Softening Conditioner boosts moisture and adds shine as well. It easily lathers into hair for a softness you can feel. Control frizz while detangling and without any added mineral oils.

Roux Weightless Precious Oils Restorative Hair Masque is formulated to enhance softness, shine and put moisture back into your locks. This hair masque smooths split ends and helps resist and protect against damage. All that for an extra five minutes!

For more information about Roux® products, visit HERE

To try this 3 part hair care system, click HERE

5)Vichy LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector 

Did you know that Vichy is the #1 anti-aging brand in European pharmacies and the #3 skincare brand recommended worldwide by dermatologists?? 

The Vichy LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector is an anti-aging face and eye serum with 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid that immediately visibly plumps skin making it more youthful. This face serum is formulated with Vitamin C and Vichy Volcanic Water and is clinically proven to deliver visible results in six weeks. 

After two weeks, fine lines & wrinkles are visibly filled. You can expect a 47% decrease in wrinkles and a 60% decrease in fine lines after just six weeks. With only 11 ingredients and a fragrance free, paraben free, non-comedogenic formula, this serum is safe for even sensitive skin types. 

Give mom the gift of younger looking skin this Mother’s Day. Check out Vichy LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector HERE 

As a mom, I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of these items. The lipgloss is perfect for everyday and my often chapped lips. I love to read and will ignore all my responsibilities for a good book. 

I often don’t have time for baths but when I do, I go all out with candles, books and bath salts! The 3 part hair care system keeps my locks healthy and luminous. 

I’m pushing my mid thirties, with two preschoolers, so I’m in definite need of some help with facial wrinkles. If you’re still wondering what to get mom for Mother’s Day, I guarantee she’d appreciate at least one of these awesome gift ideas! 

Moms really just want to be appreciated and thought of on Mother’s Day. (And a couple hours to herself would really go a long way!)

I love a pretty floral dress but it’s not the style I usually go-to. However, in the summer, it’s so much more comfortable and easy to just throw on a dress. Instant cooling outfit. But it can’t be too tight or too short. I’m 5’ 3” and all these dresses are still perfect for chasing kids and running errands.

Just click the individual number with dress description to shop! Or Follow me in the Liketoknow.it App to easily shop my posts & affordable budget friendly finds.

1. Sleeveless Smocked Dress 

2. Puff Long Sleeve Tiered Dress

3. Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress

4. Sleeveless Hem Knit Dress

5. Sleeveless Button Front Dress

6. Balloon Long Sleeve Tiered Dress

7. Long Sleeve Wrap Dress

8. Ruffle Sleeveless Tiered Dress

9.Floral Bohemian Short Sleeve Dress

10. Floral Print Short Sleeve Dress

11. Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress

12. Long Sleeve Tiered Dress

13. Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress

14. Sleeveless Dress

15. Short Sleeve Wrap Dress

1. Linen-Blend Shirt Shift Dress

2. Slub-Knit Flutter-Sleeve Midi Shift Dress

3. Ruffle-Sleeve Ponte-Knit Sheath Dress

4. Soft-Woven Keyhole Swing Dress

5. Vintage Striped Slub-Knit T-Shirt Shift Dress

6. Rib-Knit Button-Front Shift Dress

7. Linen-Blend Jersey Swing Dress

8. Vintage Garment-Dyed T-Shirt Shift Dress

9. Floral-Print Waist-Defined Midi Dress 

10. Sleeveless Waist-Defined V-Neck Dress

11. Sleeveless Tiered Dobby Swing Dress

12. Printed Fit & Flare Cami Mini Dress

13. Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Swing Dress

14. Waist-Defined Slub-Knit T-Shirt Dress

15. Smocked Fit & Flare Cami Midi Dress

1. Ruffle Mini Loose Pleated Dress

2. V Neck Pleated Babydoll Tunic Party Swing Mini Dress

3. Long Sleeve Floral Print Retro V Neck Tassel Bohemian Midi Dresses

4. Summer Tunic V Neck Casual Loose Flowy Swing Shift Dresses

5. Vintage Sleeveless Striped Ruffle Cotton Midi Dress with Pockets

6. Summer Mini Dress Sleeveless Ruffle Sleeve Round Neck Solid Color Loose Fit Short Flowy Pleated Dress

7. Striped Short Sleeve Bodycon Casual Pencil Dress with Belt 

8. Casual Crew Neck Short Sleeve Ruched Stretchy Bodycon T Shirt Short Mini Dress

9. Polka Dot V Neck Button Down Ruffles Loose Mini Short Dress

10. Summer Casual Short Sleeve Empire Waist Dress with Pockets

11. Casual Loose Bohemian Floral Print Dress Spaghetti Strap Long Maxi Summer Beach Swing Dress 

12. Summer Blue and White Porcelain Strapless Boho Maxi Long Dress

1. Puff-sleeved Dress

2. V-neck Dress

3. Airy Dress

4. Short Dress

5. Linen Dress

6. Balloon-sleeved Dress

7. Long Wrap Dress

8. Calf-length Dress

9. Cotton T-shirt Dress

10. Smocked-bodice Dress

11. Linen-blend Dress

12. Calf-length Wrap Dress

1. Ruffled Kimono Jumpsuit

2. Knot Front Printed T-Shirt Dress

3. Long-Sleeve Smocked Romper

4. Striped V-Neck Jumpsuit

5. Long-Sleeve Tiered Babydoll Dress

6. Printed Babydoll Dress

Hopefully there’s something in this spring dress round up that will work for all your motherhood needs. I like the more casual style, every day t-shirt dresses that you can dress up (sandals & statement earrings) or dress down (sneakers & a baseball cap).

There is free wine at some shops/venues, live music, new feature exhibits, free museum entry, discounts at shops & restaurants, yummy food trucks parked for easy, quick eats and more things to bring the community out.

It’s a really fun time for singles, couples and college students in the area but there are some fun, family friendly things to check out too. 

If you want to stop on Main St for First Thursday’s with the whole family, make sure you check out our favorite things to do below!

1. Columbia Museum of Art 

Free admission all day! They have different exhibits on the first floor every month and it’s free to get in. Take advantage of that deal with all your kids on First Thursday! 

The outdoor courtyard is fun for kids to play/stretch if the weather is nice. If you think young children can’t enjoy the art museum, think again!

Here are some tips to help young children have fun at the art museum.

2. Food Trucks 

Conveniently right outside the Columbia Museum of Art for a quick bite to eat. Sit & eat and enjoy the beauty of the courtyard.

3. Mast General Store

Mast general store is local to South Carolina and only has a handful of stores. 

It’s a modern day general store with outdoor apparel, shoes & equipment, home goods, some food items, and unique toys and candy. It’s a fun store to check out with the family.

4. Richland Library

Richland library, in my opinion, is the best library in Columbia. Their kid’s center is just top-notch and has so many different things for them to look at and play with. 

I’m not sure if they have all the toys/games out because of Covid but if you are downtown with the family for First Thursday, I would highly recommend checking out Richland Library while you’re there.

It’s a stay at home mom‘s dream (especially in the heat of the summer!) and is open till 9pm.

5. Sweet Cream Company

Local ice cream shop! Has classic flavors and custom, in house creations of ice cream and yogurt. Great family friendly kid stop to visit during First Thursday.

We have visited First Thursday on Main in both rain and wonderful weather with our kids. It’s fun either way and they have enjoyed it! 

I love just being out with the community and “getting out” at this point, so it’s worth it to me when there’s something going on. 

Tag me @valuemindedmama if you go so I know you went because of this post. One of my greatest passions is sharing affordable, family friendly things to do in “your” area. And since we live in Columbia, this is the area we’re sharing. 

I do the same thing when we travel. Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank and there are always affordable ways to make memories and explore the area around you. 

Check out these affordable family vacation trips we’ve taken in the past.

Charleston

Garden City

Gatlinburg

My husband has lived in Columbia, SC all his life and has seen the city grow tremendously since he was young. 

I have lived here for 10 years and we have been parents for five years. We have done a lot of exploring as a family both locally and state wide. 

Hopefully this park guide of the Midlands will help you find your next favorite family friendly park or inspire you to get out and explore and visit new places close by! I share all our local (and traveling) adventures on my Instagram @valuemindedmama and I would love for you to follow along.

Columbia

Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park

River access, paved walking trail, Adirondack wooden chairs by the river, hammocks, historic water facility, bathrooms, great place for photography!

Columbia Riverwalk North

Connects to Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park (it’s the other side), bathrooms on this side too, walking trail, river access (for non motor boating, tubing & fishing). Great spot for photography.

West Columbia Riverwalk 

Gorgeous views of the river. Large river rocks. Fishing, water sports like kayaking and tubing. Paved walking trail. Bathrooms at this Main Entrance (off Gervais Bridge by Black Rooster). Connects to the Cayce Riverwalk. Several different entrances. We visit at least once a week.

Carraway Community Park

New playground. Fenced in. Bathrooms and covered picnic tables. Smaller space.

Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park

One of the best Playgrounds in Columbia in my opinion! Splash pad, zip line, two age-appropriate playgrounds, swingset, small paved walking trail, mostly fenced in. Newer, well maintained. Only drawback, no bathrooms.

Owens Field Skate Park & Pump Track

Another one of our favorite parks in the area. Skate park with ramps and bowls, bathrooms, several baseball fields, paved walking trail, nature trail in the woods, inclusive playground with zip line and large swings.

Brand new rubber bike track (called a pump track) exclusive to the Columbia, SC area. It’s located on the other side of the park where the soccer fields are. Also next to a brewery (Hunter Gatherer) that is family friendly!

Saluda Riverwalk

Off 26, really great river access for fishing, tubing, laying out, boating. Nice long paved path. Great spot for photography! Bathrooms at the entrance however parking is terrible and only on the side of the road even though there’s a parking lot.

Sesquicentennial State Park

State park in Columbia, SC! Hiking trail, boat rentals and water access, lots of picnic tables, splash pad, playgrounds and bathrooms. *You do have to pay to get in.

Granby Park

Paved walking path by the river. River access. Closer to the college. Good spot for photography.

Earlewood Park

Cute park with playground equipment in Earlewood

Eric L. Fowler Community Park

Playground, baseball fields, bathrooms

B Avenue Park

Small neighborhood park. Has a baseball field with a playground.

Cayce

Cayce Riverwalk 

Connects to the West Columbia Riverwalk. Several different entrances. Gorgeous view of the river. Large river rocks., Fishing, water sports like canoeing and tubing, paved walking trail, bathrooms at the Main Entrance (off Gervais bridge by Black Rooster).

Granby Gardens

Play ground, small walking trail through the woods, bathrooms, historic Casey museum property & cabin structures, covered picnic tables.

Guignard Park

Off Knox Abbot. Cute little playground with covered picnic tables several covered picnic tables, a little 1 mile loop Trail, creek access is fun for littles.

Howard Park (Howard Sports Complex)

Rubber paved walking/running track, picnic tables, two playgrounds, bathrooms, baseball field (behind Riverbanks Elementary and Northside Middle school)

Timmerman Trail

Paved path in Cayce. Definitely recommend bringing a bike if you want to do the whole thing. No playground or bathrooms, it’s just a long trail in the woods.

Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve

I have never visited here but it looked like a cool spot to check out!

Lexington

Virginia Hylton Park

Really the only decent sized park/playground I know about in Lexington. Paved little walking path, two playgrounds, covered picnic tables, bathrooms. In downtown Lexington.

Springdale Town /City Hall

This is a great park in Springdale and not too far from downtown. Has several little playground areas, newly renovated splash pad, bathrooms and everything is fenced in.

Peachtree Rock

Haven’t been to Peachtree rock in a couple years. But if you’re looking to get out and explore this is a good local spot. The hiking trail is not too long. Little waterfall a short while in. Historic spot!

Irmo

Community Park of Irmo

Best kid’s playground in Irmo. Tons of equipment and different playgrounds. Walking path. Amphitheater for events. Bathrooms!

Saluda Shoals

This is a great park in Irmo! It has several walking trails, an environmental center, several areas for parties, a splash pad, an all inclusive playground. You do have to pay to get in but so much to do (in the warmer months).

Seven Oaks Park

Fun little park with playgrounds, covered picnic tables, long walking path, creek access for wading/playing. Baseball fields. So fun! Don’t remember about bathrooms though.

Dreher Island State Park

State Park with Lake Murray access for boating or swimming. Hiking trails, camping/lodging accommodations, picnic areas with lake views. Love this park!

Irmo Town Park

Walking path, pretty landscaping for picnics and pretty spot for photography. Gazebo and amphitheater. Just a quaint little park. No playground or bathrooms.

Harbison State Forest

Dirt trails for biking, hiking, running. Paid parking.

YMCA splash pads

I haven’t personally used these before, but I heard it’s only $5 per kid without a membership. So that’s a pretty sweet deal, especially in the heat of summer.

Chapin

Palmetto Trail

An old railway trestle bridge starts the Peak to Prosperity Passage on the Palmetto Trail. Lots of cool trails & bridges on this path.

Melvin park

I have not visited but someone local told me about it. Looks like a splash pad, covered picnic tables and baseball fields.

Hopkins

Congaree National Park

Hiking trails, canoeing & kayaking, fishing, camping. So much to see and explore here. We watch the fireflies every season.

We also have some great State Parks other than the two mentioned here. The closest ones are around an hour away and free or low cost to visit. We’re visiting all 47 State Parks with their Ultimate Outsiders Program if you want to follow along with our adventures on Instagram.

I hope this list of playgrounds and parks helps you find a fun place your family loves and enjoy exploring some of the others from this guide! Tag me on Instagram @valuemindedmama if you visit one of the parks from this list. I would love to see your adventures!

Pin this image below for later reference!

As a stay at home mom, I don’t really have a practical use for a blazer. Really the only places I could see myself wearing one is at church, a museum or a really sophisticated coffee date.

On top of that, blazers are not usually a cheap purchase, as they are meant for professionals to wear at the office. Instead of investing a ton of money in something I will get little use out of, but still want, I have found thrifting to be an affordable way to buy quality clothing pieces I want to try.

Even though I do not plan on wearing a menswear European vintage blazer weekly or even multiple times in a month, I still want to make sure I’m purchasing something I can style different ways.

If you are of a similar mind, or have blazers you’re looking for some style variation, here are six easy ways to style a thrifted menswear European blazer.

So to build this outfit you basically start with your main piece, the blazer. I thrifted mine, so I obviously can’t link it, but this blazer coat is a similar color/pattern at an affordable price.

And then you just pick basic pieces in the same colors as your blazer. Since my blazer is tan and black it makes styling pretty easy. I just used any tan and black pieces I have together, switched them up and added the blazer as the final touch.

I added a light wash denim because denim goes with almost everything. It also makes it more casual and realistic for my active mom lifestyle. A dark wash would work as well!

I know for me sometimes seeing the way other people style their outfits gives me inspiration for what I already have in my closet. If you need basic pieces, I shared some of my favorites above (just click the link!). And if you want to give the blazer look a try, I highly recommend hitting up a thrift store to find a truly unique one of a kind affordable piece.

We have a Children’s Museum (not going anywhere near that during a pandemic!) and a State Museum. Both have young children & kid friendly exhibits. 

So as a parent going to an art museum with priceless artifacts, I was not convinced my children would enjoy it or behave for our visit. Thankfully, the internet (and by “internet” I mean Pinterest) has everything parents need to feel confident and prepared for such events. 

I found some wonderful resources to help keep young children entertained, engaged and feel included on a museum trip. Check out how to bring young children to the art museum below!

Tip 1) Art Museum Scavenger Hunt

One of the first things that popped up on my search was an art museum scavenger hunt for kids. There are a couple different styles out there but the one that resonated with me the most was this simplistic design with kid friendly pictures and eight different pieces of art for them to find at the museum, from PreKinders.

I told my kids if they found and colored all the images during our visit, they would get a prize at the end. I think that gave them plenty of incentive to pay attention and hunt for the art on their card.

I printed out the scavenger hunt at home and put it on a clipboard for them so it was easy to hold/have something to write on. The museum gave us colored pencils so that’s what they use to color everything in but you could certainly bring your own! 

As for the prize, I wanted to shop local and put that money back into the museum by picking something from the gift shop but they have unfortunately permanently closed it. 

So we walked to a local store that I knew carried small kids toys. It could have even been a piece of candy, anything to keep their focus and encourage them to participate!

Tip 2) Take Breaks

Our art museum made it easy to take breaks. They had several benches scattered throughout the exhibits and we took advantage of them when the kids started getting antsy. Sometimes it’s nice just to get off your feet and look at a pretty picture.

Tip 3) Bring Snacks

As parents we know how important it is to bring snacks everywhere to keep our kids fed and their energy levels up! Thankfully I had some fruit snacks in my purse. 

When we were finished with our scavenger hunt & looking at all the exhibits, we went to the lounge area for a snack break. I think our trip would’ve been a lot worse if I didn’t have those snacks. A definite must for young children!

Tip 4) Bring Coloring Pages

Our museum was kind enough to give us coloring pages and colored pencils during our visit. I wasn’t quite ready to leave yet but the kids were done looking at exhibits and fading fast. 

The coloring sheets gave us some extra time and the kids were able to be little artists in their own way. And they were exposed to more art!

Tip 5) Bring a Sketch Pad

If your kids like to doodle or might be a little older, having a notebook or sketch pad with a pencil would be fun to bring with you. 

My kids were not particularly interested in randomly doodling or sketching, but I loved the idea to keep kids entertained and involved at the art museum.

Tip 5) Play Games

There are several age-appropriate games you could play to keep your kids entertained and interested at the art museum. 

Games like I spy, finding all the colors, picking your favorite portrait, guessing each other’s favorites paintings. The list goes ON. Anything to keep their attention and feel like they’re involved.

Tip 6) Prolong the Experience 

We prolonged the experience of the art museum and had an “art” themed day by making paintings at home and reading books about artists.

Little Artists

I found these adorable mini easels & canvases and had to have them. I knew we were going to the art museum and thought it would be so cute if my kids made their own paintings after a visit to the art museum. I was not wrong. 

It was absolutely adorable watching them make their own paintings on tiny easels and canvases. Art I will forever treasure and have fond memories to go along with it.

Reading about Artists

My children love to read. They are all about the stories. One of my favorite books is “Think Big, Little One”. It is an all inclusive book about women of different ethnicities and shares how they contributed to the world. 

Several of them are artists. We went through each artist mentioned in the book and looked up what kind of art they created. 

My son also has a reading app that he gets access to from his school. He gets two free hours a week. 

I just went through and searched for any books about artists. We read one about Vincent van Gogh and two about animals that create art. It was charming and a sweet way to end our day of Art.

Bonus Tip: You can always check out your local library for children’s books about art and artists! I tried to do that today but our libraries are currently closed.

If you are like me and skeptical of bringing your kids to an art museum, I highly encourage you to go! Our visit was way more fun than I expected and my children did really well. I’m glad I didn’t continue to withhold the experience from them because of my own doubts.

I am so thankful for the Internet mom community for sharing their ways to help nervous mamas overcome their reservations. That was me! 

I hope this post will be helpful to someone wanting to get out and explore new things with their children but not feeling confident about it. I am always visiting local places and companies with my children and love to share our favorites, any advice or answer questions! You can follow along with all of our adventures on my Instagram @valuemindedmama

As a stay at home mom, I don’t get to go anywhere unless I take my kids. So I am always looking for fun, affordable, family-friendly things we can do together. And if I help out a fellow mama in the process, all the better!