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10 ways to save money at the grocery store

October 5, 2014 by JJ

It’s Sunday! Grocery shopping for the week time.

Enjoy this Bellytich Rewind

According to the USDA a family of four spends approximately $200 per week on groceries. Over the course of the year, that $200 per week adds up pretty quickly. And while groceries are never going to be something that you cut out of your budget, even the USDA admits that there is room for considerable savings. If you were to become what the USDA considers a “thrifty” family of four you could end up saving $70 a week on groceries, which totals up to $3,640 a year!

If you’re looking for ways to shave money off your grocery bill, consider these tips.

Buy beans dried instead of canned. By purchasing dried beans and cooking them yourself you can save 60% on the total cost of beans. You are probably thinking that you don’t have time to prepare dried beans, but if you cook the beans on the stove while you are home on the weekend, you can package them up into portions, freeze them, and then defrost them as needed.
Buy generic when you can. Buying the generic brand over the brand name food can help you save up to 50% on an item. Macaroni and cheese is a great example of this. The name brand blue box costs $1.05 whereas the generic brand runs about $ .45. That’s a savings of 57% on one item.
Look for locally grown, in season produce. Farmers markets usually open in early summer and continue to sell through the fall. Buying locally grown fruits and veggies will not only support local farmers, it will also support your grocery budget. Not to mention the produce tastes better, is better for you, and is cheaper. Some stores will also advertise that they buy from local farmers, and these products will also be cheaper because they are plentiful and in season.
Purchase meat in larger quantities. Many times grocery stores will offer a discount if you buy a “family” package of meat. Once you buy your meat, divide it into portions and freeze it.
Compare pricing by size. Have you ever noticed that sometimes stores put items on sale, but it’s actually cheaper to buy a larger size of the same item? For example, if the store has ketchup on sale, 2 for $3 for the 16 oz. bottle check to see how much the bigger bottle costs. You may find that the 32 oz. bottle costs $2.75, so you can save $ .25 and only have one bottle to store.
Watch the sale ads. By buying what is on sale you will maximize your savings. When you sit down to create the menu for the week, take a look at the sale ads for that week. If baby back pork ribs are on sale this week it would be silly to plan to make beef ribs for dinner and pay twice as much per pound. Maybe you are really craving pork chops, but they aren’t on sale this week and pork tenderloin is. Making adjustments to your menu based on buying on sale can save you money.
Price match ad items from other stores. Most stores will price match with the ads from other stores. This will allow you to get the sale prices on certain items, but avoid having to run all over town picking up a few items here and a few items there. So you’ll have a cost savings in your food and your gas expenses.
Plan menus for the week ahead. By planning out your menus in advance you will create a list of items that you need for those meals. Buy what’s on your list and nothing more. If you go to the store with a plan then you will be less likely to buy unnecessary extras. Planning for the full week of menus also reduces the number of trips to the grocery store.
Avoid convenience items. If you buy your cheese in a block and grate it yourself, you will save about $3 per pound. The same goes for any other convenience item like pre-cut fruit or pre-chopped onions; you are paying for someone else to cut stuff up for you.
Use coupons. Consumers saved approximately $4.6 billion a year by using coupons. Keep in mind that it only saves you money if you use a coupon on an item that you would have bought anyway. Don’t spend money on items just because you have a coupon for it.

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10 Tips for Staying Cool During a Heat Wave

July 16, 2014 by JJ

Many areas in the country are currently suffering under a heat wave. Thank goodness for the nanny.net tips for staying cool during a heatwave. Phew! You too should keep these tips in mind if you find yourself living in a heat advisory this summer:

If you’re facing a heat wave, consider these 10 things:

1. Avoid the heat. Stay out of the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If you do venture out, be sure everyone has sunscreen and hats on.

2. Turn on the AC. Air conditioning can be a real lifesaver for those facing a heat wave. If you don’t have air conditioning, fill a pan with ice, put a box fan in front of it, and sit in front of the cool air.

3. Stay hydrated. During a heat wave it is essential that everyone stays adequately hydrated. Be sure to drink and offer lots of water and fruit juice. Adults should avoid anything with caffeine or alcohol, as both are considered diuretics.

4. Wear loose clothing. Light, breathable clothing will help keep you cool during hot and humid weather. Remember, the looser the fabric weave, the less protection it offers from the sun.

5. Shut the windows and draw the shades if it’s hotter outside than it is inside. If it is cooler inside than it is outside, keep it that way by closing the windows and shades. Light colored drapes may be more effective at keeping the heat out than darker or metallic colored ones.

6. Take cool baths or showers. Don’t underestimate the power of a cool bath or shower. A cool bath or shower can offer a refreshing break to the heat.

7. Avoid strenuous activity. Don’t overdo it during a heat wave. During a heat wave, you’ll want to skip yours and the kids exercise routine and keep active outdoor activity to a minimum.

8. Create indoor fun. From playing board games to doing arts and crafts, there are lots of fun things you can do inside with the kids during a heat wave. Older kids may enjoy playing card games and younger kids may enjoy coloring, cutting, and pasting to make their own artful creations. Watching movies together is another way to beat the heat.

9. Eliminate additional sources of heat. Incandescent light bulbs, appliances, and computers can throw off heat. Shut off and unplug all nonessential electronics during a heat wave to minimize the extra heat that is added to the environment. Instead of turning the oven on to cook, opt for simple suppers like cereal, sandwiches, or other items that don’t require using the oven or stove.

10. Head out for cooler fun. If the kids get cabin fever, consider heading out for an indoor adventure. Head to a family movie, go for a walk around the mall, take a swim at an indoor pool, or visit other family-friendly, air conditioned venues for something fun to do.

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10 ways to get more whole foods in your family’s diet

July 19, 2012 by JJ

I struggle everyday to get my three kids to eat better and healthier whole non-processed foods. It’s not only important for their nutrient needs but also key for they maintaining a healthy weight. It was great to get these 10 tips from Aupair.org on ways to incorporate more whole foods into your family’s diet and get on the path to healthier living.

Portion out fruits and veggies and keep them in the fridge for snacking. Kids and adults alike will readily grab a snack from the fridge if it’s convenient. The problem is that most of the time the most convenient options are chips and other unhealthy snack foods that come pre-portioned. Keeping pre-portioned baby carrots, apple slices, and other whole foods in individual containers in the fridge make them easier to grab, which makes them much more likely to be eaten. Eliminate the bad snack choices and offer only the healthy choices instead.
Add fruit to every meal. Most people like fruit because it’s a sweet snack option, but in a natural and healthy way. The FDA recommends that half your plate be filled with fruits and veggies. Fruit can also be mixed into a smoothie or consumed as a 100% juice. However when you can, choose whole fruits, because the fiber content of whole fruits is very important to a healthy diet according to the American Dietetic Association.
Make a salad for lunch. Instead of filling the kids up with white bread sandwiches for lunch try fixing them a salad. By adding things like dried and fresh fruit, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, and lots of different veggies to the lettuce base it becomes a tasty meal. By incorporating some of the kids’ favorites they will be more likely to eat the salad. If you are worried about protein feel free to add in some beans or lean meat.
Set aside one night a week to eat vegetarian. Call it Meatless Monday or Tofu Tuesday and make it a fun experience for your family. Make vegetarian lasagna using thinly sliced eggplant instead of pasta, and top it with plenty of low-fat cheese. Your family will be pleasantly surprised at how much it tastes like their old favorite. Soups are another easy way to go meatless, as are other pasta or casserole options.
Instead of a starch serve two vegetables. An easy way to get more vegetables into your family’s diet is by making two veggies with dinner. Leave out the pasta or potato that you might normally fix and serve a green salad and asparagus with a proper portion of meat instead.
Sweeten food with pureed fruit instead of sugar or syrup. If the kids normally enjoy waffles with syrup for breakfast, change it up so that they are eating whole grain waffles and some pureed strawberries or blueberries in place of the syrup. The natural sweetness from the fruit will make a nice alternative to the regular syrup topping.
Eat fruit for dessert. Sliced fresh fruit in a bowl with a little honey drizzled over it will make a light and refreshing end to any meal. To save money, try to look for fruits that are in season, or choose a good quality frozen fruit or fruit canned in its own juice. During the summer try grilled fruit for dessert.
Serve smoothies to your family for an on-the-go breakfast choice. Start with frozen fruit and you won’t need to add ice to the blender. If your kids don’t like veggies, you can easily hide them in a smoothie and they will never know, and for some extra protein blend in some Greek yogurt. These sweet concoctions can be made for four people just as easily as they can be for one, and offer a healthy option that’s perfect for the most important meal of the day.
Whole foods aren’t limited to just fruits and veggies. Anything that is consumed as close to how it appears in nature is considered to be a whole food. For instance, a baked or grilled chicken breast is unprocessed and unrefined, so it is a whole food and a very healthy protein choice, as are eggs and fish.
Add beans to everything. Okay, maybe not everything, but kidney beans can be added to sautéed ground turkey to make chili, and black beans can be added to some lettuce with some whole kernel corn, and fresh tomato salsa for a southwest salad. Beans are an easy, healthy way to bulk up nearly any savory meal.

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Working moms’ guide to getting out the house on time

July 14, 2012 by JJ

Mornings can be the most difficult part of the day for many working moms. Trying to get the kids and themselves ready and out the door on time seems to always take much longer than expected. With these 10 tips, working moms can make their mornings much more manageable and make their family’s morning departure one that is on time and not late.

1. Wake up 30 minutes before everyone else. If you don’t first care for your own needs, you won’t be able to care for the needs of others in your family. Waking up before everyone else allows you to get ready to start your day without interruption. Enjoy your coffee and paper in peace, prior to waking up the others.

2. Lay out clothes the night before. The older children get, the more say they want to have in their wardrobe choices. Provide children with two or three acceptable choices and let them choose what to wear. Hanging a plastic shoe organizer over the back of their door and filling each pocket with a matched outfit can make choosing an outfit easier for preschoolers.

3. Always repack your diaper bag once you return home. Resist the urge to drop it and forget about it. Once you are home, repack your diaper bag with spare clothing, diapers, snacks, and any other necessities you may need and then leave it by the door so it’s ready to go when you are.

4. Keep a tote filled with necessities in the car. Keeping a tote filled with spare clothes, nonperishable snacks and bottled water, diapers, a package of wipes, sun screen, and any other essentials can come in handy if you’re out longer than originally planned or if you forget your diaper bag.

5. Unpack and repack backpacks once you return home. Avoid scavenger hunts by emptying bags once home, tending to what needs your attention, and repacking such items soon after returning home. It’s much better to handle these tasks when you’re not rushed and pressed for time.

6. Have a set place for shoes. Avoid missing shoes by placing a large basket by the front door for everyone to place their shoes in when returning home. A boot tray can also be used to store wet shoes after wearing.

7. Get the kids up early enough. Whatever time you think you need to wake the kids up to allow them to be ready on time, add 15 minutes to it. It is inevitable that one child is going to spill something at breakfast and another is going to take too long in the bathroom, and those 15 extra minutes can be the difference between being on time and being late.

8. Have your stuff ready to go the night before. In the evening, get your work and personal stuff ready for the next day. Be sure your briefcase is packed and on the counter ready to go, and your work attire, along with accessories, are ready to wear.

9. Prepare lunches the night before. While some items can’t be packed the night before, if you’re sending something that can be, like leftovers, pack and prepare them right after dinner. Grabbing and going can make mornings easier.

10. Have a short and sweet goodbye routine. It can certainly be tempting to give your baby one last kiss or to leave and comeback to check on her several times before making your final departure, but don’t give into temptation. Doing so just prolongs the goodbye and makes the transition more difficult for you both. If you have a trusted caregiver, trust her to do her job and redirect your child after you leave.

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10 Ways to Teach the Kids how to Help with Laundry

June 20, 2012 by JJ

As soon as your child is tall enough to reach the dials on the washer and dryer, it’s time to teach him how to do his own laundry. Learning to properly do laundry is an important life skill, and the younger he is when you start teaching him how to properly do laundry, the more prepared he’ll be when he finally strikes out on his own. While you may not want him washing your laundry while he is learning, if he can do his own laundry, it is one less task that you have to do.

Here’s some help with 10 tips to teach kids to do laundry.

Let him watch: The first step in learning how to do laundry is observation. Helping to familiarize your child with what’s in the laundry room and where everything is kept is the key to a successful first lesson.
Show him how to measure: This next step may seem like a small step, but it is important in the grand scheme of things. Teach your child how to properly measure detergent. If you don’t you could end up repeating the sudsy scene from an episode of I Love Lucy. That, or end up with clothes that aren’t getting clean.
Talk about different sized loads: Show your child what constitutes a small, medium and large load of clothes. Let them know the maximum amount of clothes that should be in the washer so that they don’t overload it.
Ask him to sort his laundry: Everyone sorts laundry differently, but a good rule of thumb is to sort darks, lights, and reds. Explain that orange, maroon, and pink also go into the red load.
Draw a picture of the washer dials: To bring the dials down to where they can really see them, draw a quick sketch of the washer dials. Explain the different settings and when to use each setting. Let your child know how to stop and start a load if he has to.
Walk him through a few wash cycles: Once the clothes are sorted, you can walk your child through a wash cycle. Show him how you load the clothes so that they are evenly distributed in the machine. An unbalanced machine is a crazy one. Show him where to put in the detergent and where the bleach or fabric softener goes, if you use them.
Talk about the dials on the dryer: The dryer isn’t nearly as complicated as the washer. Show him the different temperatures on the dial, the buzzer and the different ways to dry clothes. One of the most important things to do when drying clothes is to make sure the lint trap is cleaned between every load.
Talk about static: There are different methods for dealing with static. You can simply stick a bar in your dryer that you can use for months, or if you prefer, you can use dryer sheets.
Explain wrinkles: Take your child from start to finish on a few loads of clothes and make it a point to discuss the importance of pulling the clothes out of the dryer promptly so that they don’t wrinkle.
Encourage him to read the labels. Not all clothes should be washed the same. Some items may need to be hand washed and line dried, while other must be washed separately. Be sure to review the importance of reading labels and laundering the items as directed.

From our friends at housekeeper.org

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10 Reasons Why you should NOT let your kid win at a game

June 9, 2012 by JJ

I think everyone does it at some point. Your little one is trying so hard and you don’t want them to get discouraged so you let them win at games so they feel great about themselves. How can that be a bad thing? In today’s society telling a child that they lost or that their team lost seems to be frowned upon. In soccer they don’t keep score for years because it’s just a recreation league not a competitive one so scores don’t matter. What message are we sending to our child and are we doing more harm than good when we do it? Check out 10 reasons to not LET your child win a game.

Win at all costs: Letting your child win once in a while isn’t going to hurt anything, but make sure they don’t know you are letting them win. That will send the wrong message. You don’t want your child to think that it’s okay to change the rules just so you can win or that winning is more important than following the rules.
Lose gracefully: A very important lesson to teach your children is how to lose gracefully. If you let your child know that it’s okay to lose as long as you tried your hardest they will learn how to lose gracefully. They will lose at things from time to time, but it’s more important to handle defeat well. Make sure that everyone congratulates the winner at the end of the game.
Start on level ground: If you feel like you need to ‘let’ your child win at a game that means that maybe you weren’t on equal footing from the start. You know how they give golfers a handicap? You might want to spot your child a few points or set up the game so that everyone has an equal chance to win while still playing by the rules.
Winning fairly feels great: Children are very smart and will spot that you are letting them win. If this happens then you will be robbing your child of the thrill of victory. When your child wins fair and square it will mean a lot more to them then having you let them win.
Learning to compete: When you allow your child to play the game they will learn over time what to do and then they will start playing with strategy. Strategy can be taught at a very early age and this knowledge will flow over into other aspects of their life.
Entitlement issues: One of the biggest things I’ve seen with this generation is this ‘sense of entitlement’ that kids seem to have these days. I wonder if it doesn’t stem back to taking away winning and losing at school, birthday parties, rec sports etc. If you let them win then they will feel like everyone should do that and that they are entitled to win no matter how much effort they put forth.
Improving skills: Losing will motivate your child to try harder next time and encourage them to practice and improve their skills so that next time they have a better chance at winning the game on their own.
Focus on the joy of the game: If you focus on having fun during the game then it won’t matter who wins and who loses, just how much fun you had playing the game. If you can teach your child to enjoy the ride then it will allow them not to take defeat too hard.
Reality check: Kids will lose occasionally and that is just a fact of life. Letting your child win does not prepare them for the real world. I love to win and I’m pretty disappointed when I lose, but from an early age I had a taste of both. Even at birthday parties, someone won the game of pin the tail on the donkey and we didn’t all go home with a prize. These are the facts of life and the sooner kids learn that life is not fair the better off they will be.
Play a variety of games: Instead of rigging the game so that your child wins, why don’t you play different kinds of games? There are games that stress playing as a team and everyone plays against the board instead of each other. Or games of chance where rolling the dice or picking a card is just random chance and everyone has the same chance of winning.

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10 ways to get kids to share a bathroom peacefully

June 2, 2012 by JJ

When you have more kids than bathrooms, you will eventually run into trouble, unless you are one of the lucky few parents who have already established some ground rules and bathroom sharing etiquette. Don’t despair; there are some simple things you can do to make bathroom sharing less challenging and more peaceful. Read on, for some suggestions.

Consolidate activities when possible – Depending on the ages and genders of your children it may be possible to consolidate some bathroom activities without giving up too much privacy. If you have older kids, talk with them about some of the concessions they would be willing to make for one another.
Make a schedule – Perhaps a bathroom schedule would work for your family. Each child could be assigned a time slot and they would have to get all their bathroom things done within that time slot.
Limit bathroom activities – Some activities that take place in the bathroom can be done elsewhere. For example, putting on make up doesn’t need to happen in the bathroom; hair can be groomed in the bedroom.
Create a space for grooming – Consider putting a nice vanity in the girls’ room. Making space in the bedrooms and providing necessary accoutrements could actually make older kids less likely to spend unnecessary time primping and preening in front of the bathroom mirror.
Use a timer – Putting reasonable time limits on bathroom use is another way to get kids to share. The timer can be set according to what needs to happen. Parents will still need to monitor the timer to make sure there is no cheating.
Reward good behavior – Sometimes just rewarding desired behavior is enough to reinforce it. Praising your kids for sharing the bathroom peacefully may be all that’s needed. Kids thrive on praise and attention, and they will repeat behaviors to solicit more of it.
Teach consideration – Don’t just assume your kids will share or not share the bathroom on their own. Just as you need to teach your kids manners, you will need to teach them to be considerate of one another’s bathroom time. Teaching them consideration in this area will probably spill over into other areas as well.
Create consequences for not sharing peacefully – Chances are, if your kids find out that fighting over bathroom time results in spending quality time in the bathroom – cleaning it – they will decide to share quietly. Creating consequences for undesirable behavior may work for getting the kids to think twice before they start the bathroom wars.
Alternate bath and shower times – Bedtime baths and good morning showers is one way to keep some peace around the bathroom. Those who like to bathe and younger kids who are yet using the shower can bathe at night before bed while those who prefer to shower can do so in the morning, since it takes less time.
Enforce the bathroom rules you create – In order to maintain the peace, you will need to be strict about enforcing any rules that are established around bathroom time. Being lax in sticking to the rules will eventually lead back to chaos and bathroom wars.

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10 tips for dealing with that sitter who steals from you

May 30, 2012 by JJ

Barbara Hustus of Maine was charged in 2009 for stealing prescription drugs while babysitting

The feeling of violation and intrusion that comes with having something stolen from your home by someone that you’ve entrusted with the safety and well-being of your children is a difficult one to deal with; and then trying to find a way to handle the situation on top of that can be an overwhelming challenge in itself. These ten tips might make the situation easier to deal with in the unfortunate event of it arising.

Make Absolutely Sure They’re the Guilty Party – Before doing anything, it’s imperative to make sure that your babysitter is, without a shadow of doubt, the guilty party. Accusations of stealing can severely damage a childcare provider’s reputation, which is inexcusable if they’re innocent.
Have An Open, One-On-One Discussion – For those people who are comfortable having a potentially-tense conversation, a frank discussion about your suspicions might be the best possible first step. This could give your babysitter the chance to confess and offer an explanation; it can also afford them the much-deserved opportunity to defend their innocence, if necessary.
Opt to Avoid the Confrontation – Parents who are more reserved or shy may not be thrilled with the idea of a confrontation that has the potential to become explosive. If you do choose not to address the issue, you should keep your suspicions to yourself unless they’re absolutely proven. Making an accusation without affording the sitter a chance to explain simply isn’t fair.
Take Their Age Into Consideration – When you’re trying to decide the best course of action, it might help to take the sitter’s age into consideration. A teenage girl who impulsively took something of little value might simply need a strong talking-to, whereas an older sitter should have better impulse control; the age of the sitter should affect the severity of your actions.
Decide Whether You’re Pressing Charges – If the stolen object(s) are of great value, or have the potential to cause problems in the wrong hands, it’s probably best to file a police report. If enough evidence exists for an arrest, the police will know after an investigation. This can take the entire matter out of your hands, but might be overkill for something small and inconsequential.
Speak to A Parent or Guardian (If Age-Appropriate) – While having a conversation with the parents of a thirty-year-old may be a bit silly, talking to the parents or guardians of a teenager that you’ve caught stealing is very important. If you’re choosing not to file charges then the consequences should be left in the hands of your sitter’s parents.
Take the Nature of the Stolen Item into Consideration – A small or inexpensive item stolen is still a violation, but probably doesn’t warrant police involvement. However, if the items stolen are prescription drugs, firearms or other potentially dangerous objects, they should be reported immediately. In the case of prescription drugs, it might be necessary to discuss the possibility of addiction with your sitter or their parents.
Determine If Your Kids’ Need to Know – If your children are older and have an idea of what happened then it’s best to explain the situation to them simply and plainly in order to allow them to process it without the weight of gossip or sensationalism. Younger, oblivious children probably don’t need to know much, if anything, about the situation.
Quietly Warn Friends or Neighbors – Once again, this step should only be taken if you’re certain that your babysitter is responsible for items being stolen; however, protecting unsuspecting friends and neighbors from sitters with a penchant for larceny is probably a good idea.
Take Steps to Ensure That It Never Happens Again – Expensive items left lying carelessly about or prescription drugs with street value are an invitation, even for kids that are mostly well behaved. Stowing valuables out of sight and keeping pills in out-of-the-way places are the best way to prevent a repeat occurrence.

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5 quick tips to make a plain maternity dress look fabulous

May 27, 2012 by JJ

We’ve covered maternity fashion hundreds of times before on Bellyitch. Here are some quick tips on turning a plain and drab maternity dress or tops and pants into a chic and stylish look in 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Drape a playful, colorful, scarf around your neck or in hot months use a corded belt to tie loosely above your belly below your breastbone for an easy and carefree empire look. Check out this link for tips on how to 45 different versatile ways to tie a scarf.

Step 2: Wear some cool aviators, Jackie-O or other fun shades in tortoise shells or another funky color or design.

Step 3: Carry a whimsical, structured or colorful tote or shopper’s style bag that is big enough to hold all your stuff and is useful when you don’t feel comfortable experimenting in color, patterns and designs.

Step 4: Add on chunky bracelets, conversation rings, bold hoops, or oversized double strand pearls to accessorize and accentuate your look.

Step 5: If you are comfortable, toss on a straw fedora, a Bo-Ho knit hat or wide brim hat or a newsboy cap to show off your eccentric and eclectic side, but if you are not comfortable wearing these hats, show off your free-spirit in leather gladiators sandals, strappy heels with ankle wraps or colorful wedges or espadrilles.

Good luck! Get out there and get your preginnista on!

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