Trace the Toddler

Yes, you read that correctly - I said trace the toddler not chase the toddler!

If you need a special but simple activity today, this is for you! Trace your toddler's shape onto a large piece of paper with a marker. For paper the easiest option would be butcher's block paper. If you don't have any on hand try taping together a few pieces of newspaper or tape paper grocery bags together.

After you have finished tracing let your toddler get out the crayons and decorate to their heart's content!

Inexpensive Entertainment - Shopping

To continue our series on inexpensive entertainment I thought we should discuss shopping!
I remember the days when I used to go to the mall with a friend and shop for fun! We would of course come home with something new, maybe a new shirt or who knows what! How things have changed!

These days I still enjoy a shopping trip every now and then, but I really don't enjoy spending that much money at the mall! So what do I do when I feel like shopping but don't want to bust the budget?

- Shop secondhand
I have honestly found that half of the fun is in finding the great deal! Challenge yourself to find just what you are looking for at a thrift store and you will save yourself a bundle! There are probably many local thrift stores for you to browse through so you will never be bored! Learn what thrift stores have the best deals in your area or even sales or other benefits. The store down the street from my house gives away free bread products once a week!

- Shop Garage sales
When garage sale season hits feel free to browse to your hearts content! Just remember to stick to the amount you have to spend! Feel free to try to bargain for items. I am not a huge "bargainer" but I have learned to ask if they will take a bit less then they are asking for at garage sales. Often people say yes.

- Shop at CVS and Walgreens for deals
CVS and Walgreens both offer items that are "free" in a sense that you either earn a coupon or get a rebate back for the full purchase amount. Often you can actually make money from these deals by using a coupon with your purchase! Here are some great posts from Money Saving Mom on how to begin shopping at Walgreens and CVS!

So it is possible to still enjoy a shopping trip out even when you are on a limited budget. Just remember to know how much you have to spend and alter your shopping route to include thrift stores, garage sales, and great deal stores like CVS and Walgreens! Have fun shopping!

For more great frugal tips visit Biblical Womanhood!

Be Inspired

- Toilet Paper Roll Race Cars

- Get good books at the library with kids in tow

- Anyone up for a game of war?

- The Birthday Table

- Draw a Dinosaur with your kids

- Food website for kids - recipes, coloring, activity pages

Healthy Foods to Have on Hand for Baby

Here is a list of healthy, simple foods I try to have on hand for my baby all the time! It is helpful to write this out so you know what to put on your grocery list each week.

Trying to keep up with a 1 year old doesn't leave much time for fancy snacks and lunches. Having these foods handy keeps things simple!

Use the following list or alter it to your babies taste buds! I like to keep these on hand so I know there is always something on hand for the baby's meals even if I desperately need to go to the grocery store!

• Avocado
• Frozen berries
• Frozen veggies like broccoli or peas
• Bananas
• Whole wheat bread
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Cereal (Cheerios or whatever you baby likes)
• Yogurt
• Crackers
• Grapes
• Applesauce
• Infant cereals like rice, oat, etc.
• Peanut Butter (if your baby is old enough to have it and isn't allergic!)
• Frozen baked goods like banana bread, waffles, muffins (I need to work on this one but it is a goal!)

Yummy Muffins

I read about these Peanut Butter Banana Muffins on With All That I've Been Given and was tempted to try them. I happened to have all the ingredients on hand and had some extra time so I got busy baking.

These muffins were delicious and are definitely going to be made again at our house. Luke loved them and I am just so pleased that he got a serving of hidden vegetables when he was chowing down on them! If you are curious about how to prepare the vegetable purees I suggest reading Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld.

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup carrot, cauliflower, or sweet potato puree
1/2 cup banana puree
1 large egg white
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Mix together and bake in greased muffin tins at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes.
Makes 10 - 12 muffins.
Enjoy! For more kitchen tips visit Tammy's Recipes.

Freebies in Chicago

Though visiting a large city is never technically free due to parking or transportation fees I wanted to list a few freebies in Chicago! I haven't been to all of these personally but found many of them listed as free in Around Chicago with Kids.

Feel free to do a little investigating on your own to find out more about these and to uncover any hidden fees that might crop up! At least you have a start with free admission though!

• Chicago Mercantile Exchange
• Chicago Music Mart at DePaul Center
• Chicago Tribune Freedom Center
• Navy Pier (I have been here and some areas and entertainment would be free but there is also a lot you would need to pay for like the ferris wheel!)
• New Maxwell Street Market
• The Pedway
• Chicago Cultural Center
• Chicago Botanical Gardens (tours cost money)
• Caldwell Woods (free aquatic center...come early!)
• ESPN Zone (pay based on what games you play)
• Garfield Park Conservatory
• The Grove (living history)
• Harold Washington Play-Lot Park
• Indian Boundary Park
• International Museum of Surgical Science (asks for donation)
• Lake front Bikeway
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum
• Museum of Broadcast Communications
• North Branch Bicycle Trail
• North Park Village Nature Center (some programs charge fees)
• Oriental Institute Museum(some programs charge fees)
• Ryerson Woods (some programs charge fees)
• Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
• Thomas Hughes Children's Library
• Millennium Park (see the bean and unique fountains)
  

The Junior Opera

I read this idea in Around Chicago With Kids and wanted to share!

"During a designated period of time, have your kids sing everything they want to say." This sounds like a fun way to pass a little time! Maybe you'll find out you have a budding opera star on your hands!