happy sacks - the reusable sandwich bag

This idea is genius!! I need to order some of these reusable snack and sandwich bag for school lunches. I hate using plastic bags and result to packing a lunch full of glad ware! This is a much better option. By purchasing from Happy Sacks! you are supporting local labor, which is great! You can check them out at www.happy-sacks.com

Here is what their site says about themselves:

happy-sacks! were invented in the hills of western Massachusetts by a mother of three who packs over 500 lunches every year!

They are made in our home-based workshop by talented local sewers. We are committed to keeping our business local, and will never outsource our labor.

happy-sacks! are a great alternative to plastic bags and wraps, especially when just one reusable bag has the potential to eliminate an average of 1000 plastic bags over its lifetime!

processed foods you can't live with out

I have eliminated probably 90% of the processed foods that we use to eat but there are a couple that I haven't let go of or found a better, more natural substitute for. Here is my list of top five most loved processed foods that I can't let go of! I would love to know if anyone has any great substitutes for some of these.

1. Cream of _____ soup -
Surely there is a better way to make my favorite casseroles with out using cream of chicken/potato/mushroom, etc. Surely there is a healthier choice, but until I find it, I just can't let go!

2. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls-
I love these things. They are so easy to add to a dinner, and make a great pizza crust, taco ring crust, stuffable yumminess. I know they aren't good for us, so I try and minimize my use, but I truly have a love affair with these.

3. Mac and Cheese out of the box-
I have gotten better by switching to Annie's, but bottom line the cheese is powder and I know homemade is better, but my kids only like the box kind and I try and balance it out with fruit and other healthy sides... it's a crutch I know!

4. Cereal Bars-
Again, I have switched to healthier/organic versions, but surely there are better breakfasts for my kids. I have limited our purchasing of these, but both my kids love them ( and hey it's better than an oreo or little debbie snack!)

5. Instant Oatmeal-
Again, I buy organic but know that the plain oatmeal would have a lot less sugar than the flavored packets. Personally I am just happy to get oatmeal in them, so is this the lesser of the evils??

What are your guilty pleasures??

hand me downs.... the ultimate recycling

A friend just recommended this great site! You should check it out. If they don't have your city already, you can get it started . You can sell/donate clothing, toys, and gear! What a great way to recycle!

www.handmedowns.com

soup's on!! what's for dinner this week!

Here is our menu for the week. I menu planned, cut coupons and shopped yesterday. I love starting the week off organized.

Monday- Baked Potato Soup, honey butter and crescent rolls, salad
Tuesday- Chicken and Brocolli casserole, brown rice
Wednesday- BBQ mini meatloafs and mashed taters
Thursday- Left Overs
Friday- Vegetable soup and homemade bread

What are you eating this week??

great deal for the georgia aquarium

Me and Mommy $20 ticket to the Georgia Aquarium!! Twenty dollars gets you and all your children under 5 Mondays-Fridays from now until 12/31/08! This is a super deal to get into an incredible aquarium!! Click here for all the details!

Who's up for a playdate?

winter coats and car seat safety

Now that it is getting cold I thought this was a great reminder of how to handle bulky winter clothing and still keep our kids safe in the car. It would be so easy to just loosen up those straps and squeeze all that fluff in but it just is not as safe. Here is a great article explaining why it's not safe and what you should do instead!