Top 6 Costco Purchases

I love me some Costco! That’s why this list is a Top 6 instead of a traditional Top 5. The top reason Costco has my heart is that it allows me to purchase certain items in larger quantities, therefore keeping them off my shopping list for long periods of time. Other reasons are that Costco allows me to make reasonably healthy choices for my family, and the shopping experience is not terribly unpleasant as the store is well laid-out and easy to navigate with wide aisles, even when crowded (the only exception to this is the eternal traffic jam in front of the milk and eggs cooler- if you know, you know).

Like other big box warehouse stores, Costco comes with an annual membership fee. We do the basic “gold star” membership, which is $60 per year. In the name of complete transparency, since I call myself the FRUGAL Frisco Momma, I personally don’t think a Costco membership saves us money. In fact, once the annual membership fee is factored in, it’s more likely that we end up spending a little more than we would if we stuck only to traditional grocery stores. But I think the benefits and convenience of a Costco membership outweigh the slight increase in the grocery budget. So by maintaining a membership, I am being frugal with my time and mental capacity expenditures. (How’s that for a justification!?)

I typically go to Costco once a month. I feel like that’s about the right amount of time for us to work through most of what I bought there the previous month. On my shopping trips, there are 6 main things I almost always buy. They are:

1. Paper Products - These products typically consist of paper towels, toilet paper, and paper plates (I love the environment, but not enough to wash dishes after every meal). We are picky about our paper products, and I feel like Costco does a good job on keeping the quality high and prices reasonable with its Kikrland’s line. However, if there is an in-store rebate being offered on the name brand (Bounty, Charmin, etc.), and there often is, I’ll get that instead. The biggest advantage to getting paper products at Costco is that I don’t have to inventory and purchase these things at any other grocery shopping trips during the month. In fact, these items will often last us up to two months. And no one ever gets stranded without toilet paper!

2. Chicken and Salmon - We’ve tried a lot of Costco meats, but the true winners in our book are their chicken and salmon. I LOVE Costco chicken because of the way it’s packaged- individually vacuum-sealed bags, making for easy freezing, thawing, and meal prepping. The vacuum-sealed chicken comes in boneless, skinless breasts and boneless, skinless thighs, both of which we purchase regularly. You also have the option of organic and non-organic for all raw chicken varieties.
   For the salmon, I typically only purchase the fresh salmon that is ready to pop right in the oven, located in the pre-packaged meals section. The salmon comes pre-cut into three large planks and is pre-seasoned with butter and herbs. But be warned, it’s A LOT of butter, so you may choose to remove some before popping it in the oven. One of these salmon filets (3 large planks) is enough to feed our family of four, so at about $22, it’s a good deal for a healthy(ish) meal.

3. Butter and Cheese - We’re a cheesy, dairy family and I’m not sorry about it! But if dairy isn’t your thing, you can skip this one. I typically buy all our butter, cheese, and sometimes even yogurt from Costco since we go through a lot of it. Again, the Kirkland’s brand usually does the trick for us on these items, such as the Kirkland’s organic butter sticks and all the Kirkland’s block cheeses. And there’s almost always an in-store rebate on some kind of yogurt product, from Chobani and Stonyfield to Activia and Dannon.

4. Produce - I have a love/hate relationship with Costco produce. I LOVE it because it’s always fresh and delicious, and there are plenty of organic options. I HATE it because we usually end up throwing some away because we don’t eat it all before it goes bad. But I continue to buy certain produce items from Costco, including strawberries, grapes, bananas, romaine hearts and butter leaf lettuce, green beans when available, and sometimes asparagus or Brussels sprouts. I feel like the prices on the organic produce items are especially good considering the quality and quantity you get.

5. Drinks - I’m ashamed to admit that in the recent past, I was a Coke junkie. The soda kind. And not diet soda, either. But in the last few months, I’ve kicked that dirty habit and have gone over to the light side. I have a hard time drinking only water, and I feel like I’ve given La Croix enough chances to grow on me, but it hasn’t. So when I’m tired of regular water, I reach for a Vitamin Water Zero. I’ve found it hard to find the Zeros (no sugar or calories) in regular stores, but Costco always has a 24-pack waiting for me. Costco has lots of other non-typical beverage options as well, including beer and wine. It’s always fun to explore their drink aisles!

6. Lunch! - Most of the time, I usually have at least one kid with me on a Costco run, so I try to time our trip around lunch time. Have you had the pizza from the Costco cafe? It is DELICIOUS. Like everything else in Costco, the portions in the cafe are oversized, so we split a slice of cheese pizza and a berry smoothie, sometimes a churro if we’re feeling wild, and still spend less than $5. That quick Costco meal gives us the carbs and energy we need to do our shopping, and helps me avoid putting unnecessary items in my cart because I’m not shopping on an empty stomach.

And I have one Honorable Mention- MUFFINS. (Which I guess makes this a Top 7 list…) I added this as an Honorable Mention because we don’t buy these each time; they’re more like a treat we pick up about once a quarter or when I have to provide a breakfast item for a school event. The fresh blueberry and almond poppyseed muffins are to die for. They’re huge, of course, and you get a dozen for about $9, so I freeze half of them as soon as we get home. They freeze and thaw beautifully so we have muffin treats whenever we want! For teacher or corporate breakfast potlucks, I quarter each muffin and arrange the pieces on a platter. It’s always a hit!

I buy other random items at Costco as well, but these 6 are the ones that I buy consistently. What about you? How do you feel about a Costco membership- yay or nay? If yay, what are your go-to Costco items?

Action shot- currently thawing Kirkland’s chicken for dinner

The Mommy Wars Gave Me Breastfeeding PTSD

This week, August 1-7, is World Breastfeeding Week. This is a week set aside, worldwide, to bring awareness to the importance of breastfeeding, education to those who don’t understand or support it, and celebration of the women who do or have done it. I fully support and encourage breastfeeding- it’s natural, it’s beautiful, it’s nutritious. But I want us to be careful of putting too much emphasis on the quality of a mother based on her ability or desire to breastfeed. Because of the pressure often placed on mothers to breastfeed exclusively, many mothers suffer at the hands of well-intentioned friends, co-workers, mothers-in-law, and even strangers who think they know what’s best for each individual mother and child. Because of this pressure and desire to be a “good mom,” I developed metric tons of guilt and shame surrounding my breastfeeding journey, leading me to term what I now have as Breastfeeding PTSD. This is my story.

My first child was born in August 2012, smack dab in the middle of the Mommy Wars. If you weren’t a new mom in an affluent suburb during this time period, let me explain. The Mommy Wars inundated every aspect of motherhood. You’re a working mom? That means you aren’t spending enough time nurturing and raising your kids. You’re a stay-at-home mom? That means you aren’t setting a good example for your children, especially your daughters, of what a self-sufficient, fully-empowered modern woman looks like. You don’t spend hours making, mashing, and packaging your own fully-organic, non-GMO, BPA-free, grass-fed, farm-to-market, ergonomically-correct, grown- and picked-with-your-own-two-hands baby food? That means you’re exposing your babies to cancer and setting them up for a lifetime of obesity, ADHD, and failure.

And the crowning jewel in the Mommy Wars crown- You don’t plan, or are unable, to breastfeed your baby well into toddlerhood? That means you must not be mom enough; you have failed at the most basic, natural, sacred element of not only motherhood, but womanhood itself. To this point, who remembers this polarizing 2012 TIME Magazine cover that fanned the flames of an already contentious situation? The struggle was real.

Thankfully, hallelujah, and amen, we are moving away from this ridiculous model of guilting and shaming moms for not fitting into a single mold. Moms come in all shapes and sizes, with different values, beliefs, and lines drawn in the sand. It’s been a breath a fresh air to hear more and more about women supporting each other as #mombosses, no matter their employment status or other parenting choices. I am especially excited to see traction in the #fedisbest movement, because shouldn’t a HEALTHY CHILD and a HEALTHY MOM be the ultimate goal and marker of success, no matter how that happens?

My breastfeeding journey was a rough one, especially in the climate in which my children were born. My milk supply was never great- in fact, it was downright abysmal. I would spend up to an hour nursing my baby, then the next 30 minutes or so hooked up to a medical-grade breast pump to encourage an increase in supply, only to start the entire process over again almost immediately. I was spending more time with my breast pump than my newborn. I walked around smelling like IHOP for months because I was taking so much fenugreek, eating so many lactation cookies, and drinking so much Mother’s Milk tea, all of which make you smell like syrup. I became isolated in my own home (save for my weekly standing appointment with my lactation consultant), chained to a very strict nursing and pumping schedule, which lead to mild post-partum depression, maximum dissatisfaction with motherhood, and crushing guilt. But I didn’t dare stop. What would the other mothers think? I felt like I would die of shame if another mom caught me mixing a bottle full of evil, harmful formula.

But finally one night when my daughter was 7 months old and I was doing my nightly sob over my last pumping session of the evening, my husband demanded I stop. He had been so supportive up until that point, tried to encourage me the best he could with his useless nipples, but he knew it was a losing battle. And he loved me and our daughter enough to tell me. With the unspoken finally out in the open, I felt relief wash over me. I’d received the permission I didn’t even know I needed to throw in the towel. I had done the absolute best I could, but I was spiraling and it was time to stop. So I did. And you know what? My daughter survived. She adjusted to the formula and after some trial and error, we found a bottle she would happily take.

After the guilt began to subside, I reveled in our newfound freedom. Friends are getting together for a play date? Let’s go! Daughter wakes up for her night feeding? Here’s her bottle, daddy- go feed her! I slowly became more comfortable bottle-feeding my child in public, and even had the courage to mix a few formula bottles in front of other people. Because at the end of the day, fed is best. I was still caring for my daughter, whether her milk came from my body or not. And we were both happier and healthier for it.

Unfortunately, and for reasons I still don’t quite understand, I would repeat the breastfeeding failure shame cycle again when my son was born two years later. I’ll blame it on the hormones. But I would realize and adjust more quickly this time- only four months in the valley with him. Then straight to bottles and formula for him too in order to protect my own mental health, thereby protecting the rest of my family.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I love breastfeeding. I am so proud and envious of women who are able to devote so much of themselves- body, mind, and spirit- to the task. I celebrate them and all the women who came before them this World Breastfeeding Week. But for those of us who struggle- physically, emotionally, mentally, or all of the above- I just want us to be kind and gracious to ourselves and to other mothers in the trenches, no matter what those trenches are, because we all have them.

So happy World Breastfeeding Week, breastfeeding mommas! I am so proud of you! And happy Fed Is Best Week (yes, I made that up), formula-feeding mommas! I am so proud of you, too!

As seen on For Every Mom.

Dear New Momma, Don't Feel Guilty for Needing Time Away

Dear New Momma,

It’s hard right now, isn’t it? Whether this is your first baby, second, or even third. Adding a new human to the mix can really mess some stuff up. It’s joyful too, of course, we all know that. But holy smokes- it’s just really hard. My kids are now 6 and 4, but some days I still feel like we’re in the thick of it. We don’t have any more sleepless nights or diapers or panic attacks over runny noses, thank the Lord, but emotions and tempers and disrespectful attitudes are at an all-time high in my house, with no end in sight. But hang in there, New Momma. Soon you will exchange this exhausting, holding-yourself-together-by-a-thread phase and enter a new one; one with a little more breathing room, a little more peace, and a lot more sleep.

But while you’re in the thick of it with babies (and I don’t mean only newborns- I’m talking babies up to about 2 years), please don’t make the same mistake I did. When I was a new mom, I carried around tons of guilt for sometimes needing time away from my babies, even for necessary things like doctor or dentist appointments. I’d rush to the dentist and back home as quickly as possible, even though I knew my sitter could stay all afternoon. I prided myself on being back home in less than two hours. Why? What was that even about? I had it in my head that I should be - needed to be - present for every single moment of my babies’ infancies and toodlerhoods, otherwise I’d be labeled a terrible mother, a hack who couldn’t cut this motherhood gig. My inner monologue went something like this: What kind of mom wants time away from her children? Something must be wrong with me. Why don’t they fulfill me 24/7?

But now, with some hindsight and experience, I realize I was buying into a lie. I was making myself miserable by insisting on carting an infant and a 2-year-old to IKEA or the grocery store or a crammed fitting room when I didn’t really need to. Sure, most days are just like that- your kids go where you go. But what about the days when I easily could have found a sitter and gotten away for some much-needed alone time, where no one was drooling or blowing their nose on me? What was I proving - and who was I proving it to - by wearing some worn-out, over-touched, under-stimulated “#1 Mom” badge that no one asked me to wear in the first place? I was allowing this guilt to steal my joy by handcuffing myself to my babies in the name of being a good mom. 

So New Momma, listen to an Old Momma. If you need some time away- THAT IS NORMAL AND IT IS OKAY. Do you feel like you’re reaching a breaking point? Do you feel like crying when your partner leaves for work in the morning, knowing you’re home alone with the babies again? Do you just need to shower and wash your hair? If so, here’s what you do. You find a babysitter. You stop listening to that voice in your head that lies to you by whispering, I should be able to handle this. I’m strong. I can do it all myself. That may well be true- I don’t doubt your mothering abilities because even on days when we don’t feel like it, we somehow get it done. But also, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. 

So find a babysitter. Ask around at the childcare area at your church or your gym. Call in a favor or two with your mother-in-law. Ask your neighbor who she trusts to watch her babies and get those digits. They’re out there, you just have to start looking. And when you find those one or two special someones you trust to care for your babes, it’ll be incredible. Welcome to a whole new world. Go get your hair done! Go shopping, grocery or otherwise, by yourself. Go read more than three sentences of a book in silence. Go to your gym and take a gosh darn shower. (I have been known to take my kids to my gym’s childcare solely for the purpose of taking a hot shower, getting dressed in peace, and hanging out in the locker room. It’s the best. Do it!)

I’m sure not every mom feels this way, and that’s a-okay too. Does spending copious amounts of time with your children just give you life and wind beneath your wings? Fantastic! I’m happy for that mom, and I even envy her. But does it make that mom a better mom than me? Not a bit. We’re all individuals with different preferences, different triggers, and different limits. I’m certainly not a perfect mom- a lot of days I’m not even a very good mom- but a little time away from my babies every now and then makes me a better mom, a better wife, and a better human. So my babysitters, who are part of my tribe, are never more than a text away. So New Momma, I encourage you to increase your tribe by a babysitter or two and go get you some of that sweet, sweet alone time. I’ll meet you at the nail salon.

Alllll the babies

10 Mother-Son Date Ideas

We already covered mother-daughter dates in my last post, so let’s dive into some mother-son date ideas. My son is only 4, so a few of these options are still pipe dreams for me. But when he gets to the right ages, you can bet we’ll start checking more off our list.

I’d love to hear from more seasoned boy moms who know more and better than I do at this point. It’s a little challenging for me to find things to do with my son at this age- things that both we’ll enjoy and that won’t end in a meltdown for one or both of us- so let me know what you guys do!

You’ll notice that some of these ideas also appear on the mother-daughter idea list. Who says boys and girls can’t enjoy the same things?

1. Arcade - This is one that we absolutely love! Our favorite place to play some games together is Dave & Busters. If you go to the Frisco location, consider going on a Thursday evening when they have unlimited wings and unlimited video game play for $20! Other locations may have this deal as well- check with your local D&B.

2. Go Karts - We love playing Mario Kart, so my son is super excited to go real karting, just as soon as he gets old enough and tall enough. If your kid is big enough, search online for go kart tracks in your area and make a date of it! In the Frisco area, you can try Kartland, an indoor (hello, A/C!) go kart track. Riders must be at least 48” tall and 6 years old.

3. Fun Lunch - While Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s are great options for a fun kids’ lunch, spicing it up a little can make your kiddo feel super special. We like to go on lunch or dinner dates to fun and unusual places like The Rainforest Cafe or Medieval Times. Sure, you’ll pay a premium for mediocre food, but kids love the experience.

4. Outdoor Adventure - Tap into the adventurous side of your boy and enjoy a day outside! (Maybe wait till fall if you’re in Texas… #hot.) I recently learned about Go Ape, a zip line adventure in Plano. The minimum age is 10, so it’ll be a while before we get to try it, but it looks like something older kids will love! Other local outdoor adventures include the Heard Museum, fishing at any of the stocked ponds, pick your own produce at Pure Land Farm in McKinney, and wear your helmet to the Frisco Skate Park.

5. Pottery Painting - Boys love crafting too! Mine especially loves to paint, so a trip to a studio like Color Me Mine is a lot of fun for us. My son really treasures his craft projects- they’re all over his room. So it’s nice to have mementos of our time together for his “rememberies,” as he calls his memories.

6. Community Service Project - Giving back to the community and loving others is a core value I want to instill in my children. Participating in community service projects is a great way to achieve this through example, and a great way to spend an afternoon together. Check online for service opportunities in your area. If you’re in the Frisco area, check these out: Frisco Family Services, Lovepacs, Frisco Fastpacs, and Feed My Starving Children.

7. Cook or Bake Something - Baking cookies with my son is usually the easiest option if we’re spending an afternoon in the kitchen together. But find something your kid loves, whether it be baking, grilling, chopping, sauteing… Crank the tunes and get to creating in the kitchen.

8. Geocaching - Download the Geocaching app and get to caching! Geocaching is like a giant outdoor scavenger hunt and is perfect for an outdoorsy and adventurous boy (we’ve had to climb a small tree to reach a cache before, so be prepared). We like to go to Sonic for our favorite drinks before heading out on the hunt.

9. Barnes & Noble - This is my favorite! Head to your local Barnes & Noble with your boy and take your time choosing a book together. Then head to the B&N Starbucks Cafe, order a coffee and kiddie frap, and sit down to read together. I love this relatively calm and quiet time engaged in literary pursuits.

10. Water Balloon Fight - Let the balloons and fun fly with this one! When I was a kid, my brothers and I would tie water balloons until our fingers bled. But these days, you can get self-tying balloons that make the experience so much more enjoyable. Granted, your kid will probably enjoy this activity more than you do, but being the “fun mom” every once in a while is so worth it.

No matter how you choose to spend quality, one-on-one time with your son, he’s sure to cherish it for years to come. Kids spell love T-I-M-E, so let’s carve some extra special time out just for them whenever we can.

10 Mother-Daughter Date Ideas

My daughter is at a great age (almost 7) to go on mother-daughter dates, and she’s very interested in doing things that make her feel big and grown up. While dates with just one of my kids are sometimes hard to fit in, I try to make one happen every once in a while. Sometimes this can only be accomplished by getting a babysitter for only one of them, or during the day with their varying school schedules. So when I do get the chance to make one of them feel special, I make sure to do it right.

Below are 10 ideas for mother-daughter dates. We haven’t tried all of these yet, but I’m looking forward to checking more off the list. And check back soon- I’ll have a mother-son date idea list up for boy moms in a couple days.

1. Mani/Pedi - My girl loves getting her nails painted! I don’t mind it either… Our favorite nail salons are ones that have mini chairs for kids, so try to find one of these for your quality pampering time. If you’re in the Frisco area, I highly recommend Kosmo Nail Bar. Or if you’re pressed for time or on a frugal budget, set up a spa and nail salon at home! This is arguably more fun, and much easier on the bank account.

2. Tea Party - There are a couple options for this one depending on your budget, and neither is better than the other. My daughter received a tea set from her grandmother last Christmas, so sometimes we set that up, get all gussied up, and have a tea party in our own home. But I think we’re going to take the tea party to the next level for her birthday next month by attending an actual High Tea at Edith’s French Bistro in Plano. Either way, civilized conversation is the winner here.

3. Lunch & Shopping - Just like grown-up girlfriends! Head to your favorite mall restaurant or food court stop, followed by a little window shopping. This is a great way to get an idea of what your girl may be interested in for her upcoming birthday or Christmas. One of our favorites that makes my daughter (and me!) feel very fancy is lunch at Nordstrom’s Bazille, followed by a little shopping.

4. American Girl Bistro - If you’re ready to introduce your daughter to American Girl dolls, a trip to an American Girl Store & Bistro is a must. Of course, you probably know the drill if your daughter is already into American Girl dolls. This date can get pricey, so be prepared to set expectations before you set out on your adventure.

5. Pottery Painting - Let your daughter’s creativity take over with a trip to Color Me Mine or a similar studio. I love this one because you’ll end up with a visual reminder of your time spent together in mutual creative pursuits.

6. Community Service Project - Giving back to the community and loving others is a core value I want to instill in my children. Participating in community service projects is a great way to achieve this through example, and a great way to spend an afternoon together. Check online for service opportunities in your area. If you’re in the Frisco area, check these out: Frisco Family Services, Lovepacs, Frisco Fastpacs, and Feed My Starving Children.

7. Bake Something - If you’re able to have a home date, baking something together is a great idea! Baking followed by decorating anything (sugar cookies, cupcakes, cake) is always a hit at my house. Crank the tunes in the kitchen and have some fun! Try not to think about the mess until later.

8. Geocaching - Download the Geocaching app and get to caching! Geocaching is like a giant outdoor scavenger hunt and is perfect for an outdoorsy and adventurous girl (we’ve had to climb a small tree to reach a cache before, so be prepared). We like to go to Sonic for our favorite drinks before heading off on the hunt.

9. Barnes & Noble - This is my favorite! Head to Barnes & Noble with your girl and take your time choosing a book together. Then head to the B&N Starbucks Cafe, order a coffee and kiddie frap, and sit down to read together. I love this relatively calm and quiet time engaged in literary pursuits.

10. See a Play or Movie - Check your local theaters for available kid-friendly plays and go see one! These tend to be more plentiful around the holiday season. If you can’t find a play in your area on the right night, then head to the movies. Make it extra special by going to a place that also serves food, like Moviehouse & Eatery or Alamo Drafthouse.

No matter how you choose to spend quality, one-on-one time with your daughter, she’s sure to cherish it for years to come. Kids spell love T-I-M-E, so let’s carve some extra special time out just for them whenever we can.

I Started My Kids' Preschool Journeys Early and I Don't Regret It

When my daughter was a baby, I was one of those moms who swore my precious snowflake would be my top priority, my one and only, the perfect child of a perfect mother. For some reason, that lead me to declare that I would hold her back from preschool for as long as possible so we could soak up every last minute together and do all the important developmental things, like taking an infant on excursions to art museums and galleries. [Ew. Eye roll.] But 18 months later, when I found out I was expecting my son, I could not drive fast enough to the nearest preschool to register my precious angel for the following school year. I even begged them to enroll her, that day, mid-year, as an 18-month-old. I knew I would need help. Let me explain my about-face.

In my first pregnancy, I suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). From 4 weeks after conception until the day I delivered 8 months later, I vomited multiple times a day, every day. I was nauseous literally every moment I was awake, was taking more medications than I care to admit now, and was in and out of the hospital for IV fluids and anti-emetic drugs. At 9 months pregnant, I weighed only 3 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight because I lost so much in the first and second trimesters. It was miserable. But I remember my superstar OB/GYN repeatedly reminding me that the sickest women end up having the healthiest babies. I don’t know if that’s actually true or if she was just trying to encourage me, but it worked. I clung to that hope for months, often from the bathroom floor.

This woman did not feel well. She asked her husband to take this photo to remind her why she would never again carry a child. Oops.

And then, at the end of the longest 9 months of my life, I gave birth to a perfectly healthy, beautiful, fully formed and nourished baby girl, as promised. But as a result of my previous HG experience, I panicked when I found out I was pregnant again. I, like, hard-core panicked. I knew that if I got that sick again, there was no way I could properly care for myself, much less an 18-month-old toddler. Thus my mad dash to the preschool; I just needed a safe and nurturing place I could take my daughter on the really bad days. But when it turned out that their 18-month program was already full, as was every other local preschool program I could find on Google, it began to sink in that it would just be me and her and the HG. As a stay-at-home mom and wife to a husband who worked full-time hours out of the home, it would largely be on my shoulders to keep us all in one piece.

Spoiler alert: We made it! Thankfully I was slightly less sick in my second pregnancy, though HG was still very much in the picture, along with some afternoons spent on the bathroom floor and a couple ER visits for fluids. But we started early, before I got too far behind on my fluids and nutrition, with a pump that delivered an antiemetic drug directly into my body through a needle in my belly. It meant I had to wear a medical fanny pack day and night (before fanny packs got cool again), but man, I loved that fanny pack. The Zofran inside helped so much and, along with a few additional oral meds, got me over the hump and through my second pregnancy.

Two months before my son’s due date, I dropped my daughter off for her first day of Preschool 2s. She was exactly 24 months old and had never even spent time with a babysitter who was not an immediate family member. I won’t sugarcoat it- those first two weeks were rough. She cried and clung to me at drop off every morning, while I cried with her from the parking lot. But the teachers and staff at her preschool performed miracles- by the end of the second week, my tiny daughter started looking forward to seeing her teachers and little friends. Within a month, she was coming out of her shy shell and singing her ABCs at top volume. I could see her blossoming before my eyes, and I was so grateful. Grateful for the love and guidance she was receiving from her preschool teachers and pals, and grateful that I was able to relax and rest, knowing that she was in good hands and having a far better time than if she were hanging out on the couch with a nauseous mother.

First day of Preschool 2s!

I started living for those two mornings a week. I was able to rest and concentrate on self-care, as well as prepare for the imminent arrival of my son. Those two mornings gave me life and a much-needed break. Soon I stopped feeling shame for “dumping” my young child off at preschool. I met other moms who also started their babes in preschool at barely two and, like me, they were always on the defensive and ready to defend their decision with a long list of explanations. But then I realized their reasons- and mine- didn’t matter. All I knew was that we were better mothers with that little bit of time away. So when my son was about to turn two, guess what I did? I registered him for preschool! His transition was smooth and flawless because he knew the preschool drill, having watched his big sister rock it since he was a newborn.

It turns out that in addition to being prone to HG, I’m also a closet introvert. Being a mother and experiencing an overload of togetherness winds me up tight, makes me cranky, and spreads me thin. Preschool days give me the time I need to decompress and recharge, even if that means spending my “alone time” at the grocery store. But it is enough, and I am able to more fully enjoy my children after their mornings at school.

I firmly believe that starting my kids’ preschool journey early has made me a better mom. I will never again judge another mom who makes time for herself to rest, recharge, and then return ready to face another day of wrangling their precious, darling, exhausting babies. This mothering gig is hard, sacred work, and we owe it to our children, our partners, and ourselves to be at our very best as often as we can. So you do you, momma, whatever that may be. I’ll be there right with you in the carpool line.

First day of Transitional Kindergarten and Preschool 2s!

My Top 10 Podcasts

I freely admit it- I am a podcast junkie. I listen to a podcast pretty much any time I’m completing a menial task or I have some downtime. Folding laundry? Podcast. Driving alone in the car? Podcast. Scrubbing toilets? You guessed it. Podcast. I view podcasts as free entertainment, knowledge, and perspective, and I am HERE. FOR. IT.

I’ve picked my top 10 favorite podcasts to tell you about here. It’s a pretty diverse grouping, so some may be your cup of tea and others not. But before I give you my list, and just to get it out of the way, I want to mention the three podcasts that got me into podcasts. They are now so ubiquitous that most people, podcast fans or not, have probably heard of them. They are great and I love each of them, but they’ve also made every Top 10 list for the last several years. These old classics are Serial (Season 1) , Dirty John, and Dr. Death (hello, Plano!). If you’re just starting on your podcast journey, start there.

For those who have already listened to the aforementioned classics, give a few or all of these fresher podcasts a listen. I think it will be a worthwhile investment in your house cleaning, toilet scrubbing ventures.

1. The Armchair Expert - Hosted by Dax Shepherd, this is a long-form podcast where episodes regularly cross the 90 minute mark. It takes me several days to get through one episode. But they’re all so interesting! On Monday episodes, Dax welcomes various famous people for chats about their background, their challenges and triumphs, and everyday life stuff that everyone deals with, regardless of fame, prestige, or wealth. On Thursdays, Dax hosts Experts on Expert where he has real experts come in to discuss their field (think Bill Nye, Steve Madden, Elizabeth Gilbert, etc.). This is my absolute favorite podcast, at least currently. But be forewarned: This podcast comes with a language and content warning (not safe for little ears or work).

2. Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend - This is another podcast in which a celebrity host welcomes fellow celebrities in for a chat. The podcast began as Conan inviting guests he didn’t personally know well and wanted to get to know better, but has morphed into a podcast chock full of household names discussing interesting things together. In true late-night comedian form, this podcast also comes with a language and content warning (not safe for little ears or work).

3. For the Love! with Jen Hatmaker - Jen Hatmaker is my girl. She loves Jesus, keeps it real, and makes me laugh. Win, win, win. Her podcast is excellent as well. She welcomes a wide variety of guests and chats with them about everything from broad “let’s save the world!” topics to the most recent episodes of The Bachelor. Her podcasts always involve a large element of faith, which I love and appreciate. It’s always a delightful and uplifting 45-60 minutes.

4. The Popcast with Knox & Jamie - These two hosts- Knox and Jamie- are hilarious! They have the absolute best chemistry and make me LOL at least a few times every episode. The opening line of every episode describes it perfectly: “The Popcast is a show dedicated to delightful idiocy, and we’re committed to educating you on things in entertainment that do not matter.” The Popcast keeps me up to date on what’s going on in current pop culture without having to follow any Kardashians on Instagram. Knox and Jamie do a great job keeping it light and clean.

5. The Bible Binge - Brought to you by Knox and Jamie of the Popcast! Each season of The Bible Binge focuses on a different area or theme of the Bible. The hosts, both Christians, do a deep dive into Bible stories in a fun and inventive way by “casting” each of the stories as if it were a movie. Did you know that Leonardo DiCaprio is a perfect fit for King David at all stages of Leo’s/David’s lives? But seriously, I learn a lot from this podcast, and have a lot of fun while doing it.

6. Pantsuit Politics - If you’re interested in politics but hate, well… politics, then this is the podcast for you. Hosted by Sarah from the Left and Beth from the Right, Pantsuit Politics offers an in-depth and nuanced look at current politics. It’s so refreshing in this day and age to listen to two intelligent and knowledgable women discuss their differing political opinions as friends filled with grace and love for one another. And they each offer much more nuanced perspectives than what is shouted at us in the current news cycles.

7. That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs - Who doesn’t love Annie F. Downs? She’s just so jolly and lighthearted. In this new weekly podcast, she shares whatever is on her mind or on her heart. It’s really quite random and I dig it! I especially enjoyed her latest series, EnneaSummer, where Annie, a true Enneagram 7, and her friends highlight and dive deep into each of the Enneagram types. (Spoiler, but not really because it’s so obvious- I’m an Enneagram 1.)

8. Stuff You Should Know - If you are an aspiring Jeopardy! contestant or like playing trivia at the bar with friends, you’ll love this podcast. There is an episode on EVERYTHING. Want to know more about sloths? How about Ancient Egypt or why yawns are contagious? You’ll find those answers, and more, on Stuff You Should Know. This podcast is generally short (about 20 minutes) and is always entertaining.

9. 30 for 30 BIKRAM - 30 for 30 podcasts are usually sportsy in nature, which doesn’t really appeal me (but if that’s your thing, dive in!). But there is one 30 for 30 series- BIKRAM- that fascinates me. It chronicles the rise and fall of Bikram Choudhury, the yogi responsible for bringing Bikram yoga to the West. His practice reached a cult-like following in the 1970s and it was all sorts of crazy. The BIKRAM series was a very interesting listen.

10. American Hysteria - As a millennial (though just barely), this podcast really speaks to me because it gives perspective and meaning to so many things from my childhood that I didn’t really understand at the time but accepted anyway. Like, why did my parents inspect every single piece of my Halloween candy with a magnifying glass? Why was everyone so obsessed with Satan and demon possession in the 80s? What was the deal with those freaky clowns running around in the woods a few years ago? This podcast will lay it all out for you. Warning: language and content (not safe for little ears or work).

What are YOUR favorite podcasts? Please let me know in the comments. I need some new toilet-scrubbing material!

Who Needs a Date Night!?

Who needs a date night!? [All the parents raise their hands.] Why does it always seem impossible to find a sitter when you most need one? Don’t let the lack of a babysitter dissuade you from going out on the town with your significant other- there are several options for quality Parents’ Night Out events in Frisco. Try one of these next time you’re in a pinch. Or just because- I bet your kid will love the novelty!

Craig Ranch Fitness Center - This is the only PNO event my kids have personally attended, which is why I’m listing it first. We love Craig Ranch Fitness, and my kids love all their kids’ activities, including Parents’ Night Out! This PNO includes dinner for the kids (usually pizza or equivalent), fun play and craft time, and a movie to match the theme of the night.

ASI Gymnastics Allen & West Plano - While we haven’t been to a PNO at ASI, my daughter attends gymnastics lessons there. We’ve found all the coaches and employees to be very friendly and great with kids. At PNO, they will enjoy dinner, a fantastic theme (ASI really goes all out with the themed decorating and activities), and supervised free play on the gym floor.

Jump!Zone - My kids love Jump!Zone for play dates and birthday parties. A PNO here is sure to knock them out just in time for bed once you get home from your date. This PNO includes dinner and lots and lots of open play time. Your kids better bring their energy!

MyGym Frisco - My little guy took classes here when he was younger and always loved it. The staff is very friendly and great with children, and the gym is always really clean and fun. A PNO here would be a real treat!

WOGA Frisco - If your kids are always full of energy, sign them up for a Friday Night Out at WOGA (Frisco location only). They’ll get pizza for dinner and lots of options to jump their energy out. There are also games and crafts for calmer kids (if there is such a thing).

Jungle Joe’s - If you haven’t been to Jungle Joe’s for playtime yet, you’re really missing out. While they don’t offer PNO dates in the summer, they’ll start up again on Friday and Saturday nights in the fall. Reserve your kids’ spots early so you can all look forward to a fun evening!

I’ve summarized the information for the PNO venues in the chart below. As always, be sure to check with the individual venue before making plans as their dates may be subject to change. Have a fun date night or two, you guys!

10 Creative and Hands-On Activities to Do With Your Kids

We’re here… the half-way point of summer. For us, that means the vacations are over, the kids are getting a little bored (I am too), and it’s too hot outside for anything but water activities. Time to mix it up.

I’ve compiled a list of 10 engaging, hands-on activities that kids of almost all ages can participate in and enjoy. A lot of them are indoors! Yay! Some make me cringe a little (the mess!), but my kids love every single one of these ideas and they provide literal hours of entertainment that make these late summer days fly by. I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

1. Make Cloud Dough - Also referred to as Moon Sand, Cloud Dough is easy to make and will provide hours of fun for your kiddos. Cloud Dough is moldable and clumps together for easy clean up, but it still tends to get a little messy once little hands are involved, so I like to either take it outside or put it in a deep, rectangular container for indoor play.

2. Make an Indoor String Laser Obstacle Course - Do you have an aspiring American Ninja Warrior or Mission: Impossible fan in the house? Put up a String Laser Obstacle Course for them to work their way through! This activity works best in a hallway, or even up/down the stairs if your kids are old enough to handle the incline and increased difficulty.

3. Make Slime - Ok, Mommas. This one makes me cringe a little. But kids love slime! So every once in a while, I give in and we make it. There are tons of different types of slimes to make, from traditional to fluffy, unicorn, and beyond. Search for a recipe that's just right for you and let's get messy!

4. Make Ice Cream or Popsicles - Making homemade ice cream will take you down memory lane to high school chemistry, and I guarantee your kids will think that you are an actual magician when you're done. Grab the ingredients, set aside five minutes, and enjoy the fruit (creaminess?) of your labor.

5. Open a Lemonade & Book Stand - Mix up some Crystal Light (or fresh-squeezed lemonade if you're feeling adventurous) and head out to a shady spot to set up a Lemonade & Book Stand. A good friend of mine recently held a kids' book sale at the end of her driveway and it was the cutest thing I've ever seen. Her kids went through their book collections and set aside any books they had grown out of, had duplicates of, or were just done with, and sold them for $1 each. Then they bought new books with their earnings. Adding lemonade to the stand just makes it sweeter for everyone.

6. Paint Rocks - For some reason, my kids love washing rocks. Once they're done washing and drying, why not decorate them with paint or Sharpies? Decorated rocks will add some colorful flair to your garden or flower bed, or check out Frisco Texas ROCKS for a fun and creative way to spread encouragement and joy in our community by leaving painted rocks around town.

7. Make a Homemade Bird Feeder - Our kids love identifying all the "customers" we get on a daily basis at our backyard bird feeder, including the squirrel we have affectionally named Fatty and BunBun the rabbit. You kids can make their own feeders out of almost anything (see link), so you'll be identifying your own customers in no time!

8. Go Backyard Camping - Or if you're like me, go backyard stargazing until 9:30 then head inside for a good night's sleep. Either way, whether you camp out in a tent all night or just spend some time outside in the quiet as a family, your kids will cherish memories of these family "camping" trips. Be sure to roast up some s'mores while you're at it, and don't forget the deet!

9. Make Play-Doh - Sure, it’s a lot easier to just buy fresh Play-Doh, but making your own turns it into a magical experience. It’s super easy to do and is actually less mess than you think. A bonus- it’s technically edible if your kids “accidentally” decide to take a taste.

10. Practice Spelling with a Sand/Salt/Flour Tray - To banish summer brain drain, spread a layer of sand, salt, or flour on a rimmed baking sheet and let your little reader practice spelling words with their finger or a dry paintbrush. For an added pop, put colored construction paper under whatever medium you're using so the words show through brightly. This strategy can also be used with simple math problems, single letters, or just for play with younger kids.

Summer is a great time for us to get to spend a little extra time with these little humans who just keep growing too fast. Hopefully some of these ideas will help your summer togetherness be a little more fun and harmonious.

This article also appeared on the Hope Fellowship Church blog.

Pogo Pass Dallas - Deal or No Deal?

I recently heard about the Dallas Pogo Pass, a sort of city pass for kid-friendly activities all over the Metroplex. Knowing me, you can probably guess that I dove straight into research mode and put pen to paper. Is it a good deal? When will it pay for itself? Will we actually use it? Here’s what I learned and what you need to know.

Without any kind of promo code, a 12-month Pogo Pass membership costs $49.98 per person. But if you use my Frugal Frisco Momma promo code (FFM20), you’ll save 20%, bringing the total cost of one Pogo Pass to $39.98. So with the promo code, that brings the total cost for a family of 4 to $159.92. With that, you get access to 24 DFW-area attractions. I won’t list them all here, but some of the highlights include:

Fort Worth Zoo Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
Hawaiian Falls Waterpark Sci-Tech Discovery Center
Texas Discovery Gardens Strikz

And many more! These are just the ones that immediately jumped out at me. And some of the attractions include more than one free visit with the Pogo Pass. For example, the pass includes four free games of bowling at Strikz, two free visits to Sci-Tech Discovery Center, etc.

I added it all up and the value of the Pogo Pass, if one were to visit every attraction the maximum number of allowable times within the calendar year, is about $370 for a single adult and $285 for a single child- a total of $1,310 for a family of 4! But since that’s not very realistic- for example, I’m not going to drive to all the way to Rockwall to claim a free jump session at Urban Air- I estimate that the totals for attractions we would actually go to is about $150 per adult and $125 per child. For a family of 4, that’s a total cost of $550. Considering four Pogo Passes cost about $160, I’d say that’s a deal!

I love that there is a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions included on the pass. With our crazy Texas weather, it’s good to have multiple options available on a whim. I also love that this pass would force my family to get out of our routine and try new things we’ve always wanted to do but just haven’t gotten around to because of the cost. However, there is some fine print for each of the different attractions, like certain blackout days, etc., so be sure to read through the Pogo Pass website thoroughly for a fully-informed purchase. And if you do purchase, remember to save 20% with the FFM20 promo code!

Any existing Pogo Pass holders out there? What’s your opinion? Tell us in the comments!

Summer Reading Recommendations for Kids

I am so excited about this post! My dear friend, Shelby, is taking over the Frugal Frisco Momma blog today to give us her summer reading recommendations for kids. As you will soon discover, Shelby is a children’s book expert and is more than qualified to make these recommendations. I hope you and your kiddos enjoy many of these selections over the summer, and beyond! Without further ado, here’s Shelby…

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Well hello, fellow frugal mommas! I am so honored to be a guest on the blog today. Like our wonderful host, I too am a stay-at-home mom to two wonderfully amazing kiddos, my 9-year-old son Grayson and my 6-year-old daughter Scarlett. Before I made the switch to being the COO of our household, however, I actually showered, got dressed, and left the house every day to teach English, Language Arts, and Reading to middle schoolers. Can I share a shocking secret with you? I absolutely loved teaching middle school! I know it’s hard to believe, but those awkward teenagers were such a joy. Although I haven’t been paid to be in a classroom for 9 years now, I still feel like a Language Arts teacher every day as I encourage my kids to grow as readers.

My kids absolutely love books, but this didn’t just happen overnight. I’ve been brainwashing them since birth. My almost-fourth-grade son logged 900 minutes of summer reading before he left for camp last Sunday, and my beginning reader daughter has logged well over 700 so far. (We really love books, people.) Even if hours of reading every day isn’t your goal as a family, there are several ways to encourage your kiddos to pick up a book and dive into reading this summer.

One of the easiest ways to help your kids learn to read is to sit down and read to them. Yes, even your 9-year-old that has been reading independently for years. As a classroom teacher, I regularly read aloud to my 12 and 13 year old students, and you know what? They loved it! And now, as a mom, I read books out loud to my kids every night. But if reading out loud to your kids at bedtime seems like a chore or is intimidating, another great way to sneak in reading is to listen to audiobooks in the car. Even short rides to Target and back can gain your kids 20 minutes of reading time.

Another tip for raising readers is to convince them that reading books is a reward, not a chore. Instead of saying, “You have to read for at least 20 minutes (chore) before you can watch TV (reward)” I try to say, “If you can get your stuff picked up quickly (chore), we can probably sneak in a quick trip to Barnes and Noble (reward) before dinner.” No amount of brainwashing will turn your kids into readers, though, if they don’t find books that appeal to them. I hope I can help you find some your kids will love. 

I wish I could share every one of our favorites with you, but it would be exhausting to sift through them all, so I am narrowing down my selections to give you a jumping off point. My favorite types of books are ones that my kids love, but it’s equally important to choose books that I actually enjoy reading as well (no terrible TV character adaptations!), so all the books on these lists are ones that my kids choose to read on their own, but that I have read aloud and loved as well. Also, it’s important to me that books encourage good character in my kids - this is another opportunity for brainwashing, mommas. We want our kids to be kind, smart, and independent, so the books we read should reinforce those traits as well. WIthout further ado, here are my recommendations for you and your kiddos. I hope they prove to be winners in your household, too! 

PICTURE BOOKS: In picture books, the illustrations are as equally important to the storyline as the words themselves, and each page features minimal amounts of words in comparison to the quantity of pictures. These are ideal for young children and emerging readers. I consider it a bonus if the words in picture books rhyme, as that helps develop beginning reading skills much earlier. The following picture books are some of our newer favorites.

• Crunch the Shy Dinosaur by Cirocco Dunlap

• Shake the Tree by Chiara Vignocchi and Silvia Borando

• The Princess and the Pig by Jonathan Emmett

• Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez

• I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

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BEGINNING READERS: The books in this category are great choices for your littles who are beginning to read  and want to move on to reading “Chapter Books.” They’re set up in chapters, but have lots of illustrations and fewer words per page than true Early Chapter Books.

• Fly Guy series by Tedd Arnold

• Unicorn and Yeti series by Heather Aryis Burnell

• Narwhal and Jelly series by Ben Clanton

• Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes

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EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS: The books is this section offer a bit more of a challenge for young readers who have built up stamina and won’t be intimidated by a slightly thicker book. The books are broken into chapters and include more words per page and fewer pictures.

• Princess in Black series by Dean Hale and Shannon Hale

• The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series by Poppy Green

• Bad Kitty series by Nick Bruel

• The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey

• Dory Fantasmagory series by Abby Hanlon

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CHAPTER BOOKS: The books in this section are true chapter books that would appeal to most middle and upper elementary students. 

• Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown

• Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes

• Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald

• My Weird School series by Dan Gutman

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ADVANCED CHAPTER BOOKS: These books are challenging for kids at advanced reading levels; they are complex stories, but have content that is still appropriate for younger readers. It is a challenge to find advanced chapter books that aren’t too mature for elementary students, but these are some gems.

• Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer

• Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

• Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series by Chris Grabenstein

• The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall

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AUDIOBOOKS: I truly believe MOST books benefit from being read aloud, but these books in particular lend themselves well to an audiobook format and make perfect entertainment for road trips (or even just trips to Target) during the summer. I lean toward audiobooks for series that both of my kids are equally interested in or for classic books that don’t have that shiny, new, enticing cover that my kids gravitate toward, but that I know is a story they will love. 

• Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

• The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien

• The Magic Misfits series by Neil Patrick Harris

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There are over 100 books accounted for in this list of recommendations, so hopefully enough to keep your kids quietly entertained for many, many hours this summer. And don’t forget what an amazing, and frugal, resource your public library is for reading with your kids. I fully believe in owning an expansive personal library in your own home, but when your kids start diving into chapter books (especially beginning readers and early chapter books), they will likely fly through books so fast that it makes much more sense to simply borrow books from friends or from the library. Happy reading, friends! 

Shelby Jones

…is a wife and stay-at-home mom to two fantastic kids. Once upon a time, she loved teaching English, Language Arts, and Reading to middle school students. These days, she loves fostering a love of reading in her own kids by reading with and to them often.

Where to Celebrate Independence Day

There are so many options for Independence Day celebrations in North Texas. If you’re like us and need to get the kids in bed before they turn into very cranky pumpkins, maybe one of the daytime festivals is best for you. But if your kids can handle partying past sunset, there are many high-powered fireworks shows to choose from as well. Take a look at the following links to find out which celebration is right for you this year.

Addison, July 3
Addison Kaboom Town!
Fireworks and more
addisonkaboomtown.com

Anna, July 4
Fireworks show at Anna Coyote Stadium
https://bit.ly/2ZV3JSQ

Dallas, July 3
Red, White & Boom On the Bridge
Music, food trucks, fireworks
kluv.radio.com/events/red-white-boom-0

Dallas, July 4
Fair Park Fourth
Fireworks, live music, rides, discounted museum admissions and lots more family fun
fairpark.org/index.php/en/2016-07-24-23-53-58/fair-park-fourth

Denton, July 4
4th of July in Denton
Yankee Doodle Parade, 4th of July Family Fun Jubilee, Fireworks, and other events
https://www.discoverdenton.com/original-event/4th-july-denton/?instance_id=232192

Fairview Town Center, July 4
July 4th Celebration
Morning event with kids’ bike and wagon parade
https://www.facebook.com/events/831541510558590/

Frisco, July 3 & 4
Frisco Freedom Fest
Children's fun expo, food fest, FC Dallas soccer match, fireworks and more
friscofreedomfest.org

Grapevine, July 4
Fireworks Extravaganza
https://bit.ly/2XI0Hnt

Lewisville, July 3
Sounds of Red, White & Lewisville
Fireworks and live music
www.visitlewisville.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/32039/974?curm=7&cury=2019

McKinney, July 4
Red, White and Boom
Fireworks, live music, car show and more
www.mckinneytexas.org/830/Red-White-and-BOOM

Plano, July 4
All American 4th of July Fireworks
Fireworks and music
www.plano.gov/2848/All-American-Fourth-Fireworks
Plano Symphonic Orchestra "Patriotic Pops Concert"
planosymphony.org/event/patriotic-pops-2019/

Prosper, July 3
Pride in the Sky
https://www.facebook.com/events/266513394013005/

Prosper, July 3
Silo Park
https://www.facebook.com/events/451173305715858/

Richardson, July 4
Family 4th Celebration
Fireworks, carnival games and more
www.cor.net/departments/parks-recreation/community-events/family-4th-celebration

The Colony, July 4
Liberty by the Lake
Family fun, food, live entertainment, 5K and 10K, fireworks and more
www.thecolonytx.gov/609/Liberty-By-The-Lake

I compiled this list from the Fox4 website. There are many other celebrations in other areas throughout DFW. I only listed ones I thought would most appeal to Frisco and surrounding area residents. Check out the full list here.

What did I miss? Are there any secret fireworks viewing areas that aren’t too crowded? Let me know!

I'm Stripping Down This Summer

Hey mommas. It’s summer, but you know that. There’s more time to sip coffee in the mornings, more time to clean out closets and playrooms, more time with our sweet (and sometimes infuriating) kiddos. More time to get in our heads, obsess over our weight, and dread going to the pool.

I said I was going to do it this year. Maybe you did, too. I was going to start early, in January, and work hard to shed those pesky 10, 15, 20 pounds that have somehow taken over my hips, thighs, waist, consciousness. But life happened. I got comfortable in my sweaters. I got busy with too many room mom responsibilities. I convinced myself, again, that one more cupcake and cocktail at the holiday party wouldn’t be a big deal. So here I am, again, with no summer bod in sight.

But instead of hiding in the shade this summer, rocking my knee-length cover-up, swim shorts, and rash guard, I’m determined to blaze a new path, one I’ve never blazed as a mother, jiggly thighs and all. I’m going to shed the layers along with the humiliation. I’m going to raise my head high enough to notice that most mom’s bodies aren’t as perfect as I thought when I only caught glimpses of them through lowered eyes. And I’m going to finally realize that those moms are probably feeling just as uncomfortable and awkward as I am. Together, we can find common ground that doesn’t revolve around the scale, our workout schedule, our WeightWatchers points, our excuses for why we still haven’t lost the baby weight. 

Instead, let’s focus on sharing best practices for guiding our bed wetters, our picky eaters, our “overzealous” ones. After that, maybe we can focus on ourselves as women, not only mothers- Where do you get your hair done? It’s so pretty on you! Did you hear about that big sale at Nordstrom/Target/Old Navy? I saw several things that would look so good on you. What are your plans this summer? Do you want to come over for coffee sometime soon so we can chat without the distraction of potential drownings? 

My kids are getting older, but for now they still want me to play with them, splash with them, go down the waterslide with them. How many more summers do I have where they will want me? Not enough. So this summer, I’m stripping down- shedding my cover-ups and insecurities to splash with them. I’m raising my eyes and lowering my defenses to really listen to the new mom who is struggling, to feel the freedom to laugh with the old friend about something ridiculous on The Bachelor. I’m putting myself out there, flaws and all, to make new friends and cultivate existing relationships.

This is the time, mommas, whether you think your body is summer ready or not. It doesn’t matter. Let’s choose to enjoy ourselves, our children, and our friends, instead of hiding in the shadows. Then we can start the cycle over again in January with renewed spirit and resolve.   

As seen on The TODAY Show, TODAY Parents, and For Every Mom.

Fourth of July Crafts

Independence Day is in one week, which means it’s time to break out the red, white, and blue crafts! I’m not a crafty momma by a long shot, so my motivation for festive holiday crafts is mostly borne of guilt and the “we should”s… But once we’re done crafting and we’ve all recovered from the sibling squabbles and my controlling tendencies, I’m always glad we did it.

At this time of year, sitting down with your kids to work on crafts is a great way to talk about what Independence Day means- it’s more than just cookouts and fireworks, though those things have become American institutions as well. Which of these crafts will you be doing with your kids this week? We’ll definitely be splatter painting!

Patriotic Necklaces or Bracelets - Let your little crafter knock him or herself out making a hundred of these for all their family and friends. An easy idea that most kids can accomplish with little help or supervision.

Splatter Paint Tees - You littles can fulfill a lifelong dream- destroy clothing and still wear it! Just go easy on the red paint if you don’t want a little Dexter running around. Blue is your friend on this one. You could also do red, white, and blue tie dye if that’s more your scene.

Patriotic Paper Chain - This one is easily adaptable for different age and skill levels. And if you don’t have patriotic scrapbook paper lying around the house, simple red, white, and blue construction paper will work just as well.

Independence Rocks! - Literally! Find (or buy) some smooth stones, red, white, and blue acrylic paint, and let your kids’ creativity take over.

Patriotic Slime - Ohhhh slime. Not my favorite by a long shot. But my kids love it and it keeps them occupied for quite a while.

Deep breaths, mommas. Happy crafting!

Dallas Zoo Membership - Worth It?

We LOVE going to the Dallas Zoo! My kids have a blast, I do too, the animals are so fun to watch, and we feel comfortable there. The new hippo exhibit and brand-new baby hippo, Adanna, is our current favorite, closely followed by feeding the giraffes in the Giants of the Savannah exhibit, and of course the animatronic dinosaurs at the temporary Dinos exhibit. We always end our visit with time in the Children’s Zoo, brushing the goats, feeding the birds in the aviary (say hi to Khaki for us!), and splashing in the water. A trip to the Dallas Zoo is one of our favorite ways to spend an entire day.

But as my readers know, we’re a frugal family, both out of necessity (single-income home) and by choice as we strive to live a minimalist(ish) lifestyle. Depending on your definition of frugality, the zoo isn’t exactly a “frugal” outing. One visit for a family can run upwards of $100. But one thing I insist on investing in, frugality be darned (to an extent), are experiences, rather than toys, gadgets, and junk that will ultimately be easily forgotten or broken. One of the experiences we choose to invest in is the Dallas Zoo, but we do it the most frugal way possible.

That means we purchase a Family Membership. The total cost of an annual family membership is $116 (normally $129, but 10% off with this promo). With a membership, you get free parking and free entry for two named adults and up to four kids. Also included in a membership are six tickets for the monorail or carousel and discounts at the zoo restaurants and gift shop. You’ll probably still face some extra expenses (feeding giraffes and birds, snow cones, gift shop, etc.), but a membership will offset those costs significantly.

On the other hand, you could choose to pay per visit. I’ve done the math and a single visit to the Dallas Zoo for a family of 4 is $72 minimum- that’s just for parking and entry.

Parking- $10
2 adult (ages 12+) entry- $34 ($17 each)
2 child (ages 3-11) entry- $28 ($14 each)
TOTAL: $72

As I mentioned, that total doesn’t include any extras such as feeding the giraffes and birds, riding the monorail or carousel, your kids cornering you in the gift shop, and snow cones. (You may be wondering, “What’s her deal with snow cones? Are they required for zoo admission or something?” No. My kids just love snow cones and will loudly ask for them two thousand times in the course of five minutes. I’m not proud of it, but on a fun zoo day, I tend to give in to these requests.) So it’s not hard to imagine that a family day at the zoo can easily add up to $100 or more. Youch! Given that info and the properties of basic mathematics, a Dallas Zoo family membership more than pays for itself after only two visits.

And there are several other membership perks as well. You get reciprocal membership (discounted admission) to over 150 other zoos and aquariums nationwide, so when you go on that Spring Break family vacation, you can check out the local zoo or aquarium at a discounted rate. But be warned, the Dallas World Aquarium and Fort Worth Zoo are not included in the reciprocation, unfortunately.

Members also get free access to special events throughout the year, such as the Safari Nights Concert Series, Member Mornings, and Member Happy Hours (21+). And there are even more perks and freebies if you choose a higher-level membership than just the basic family membership.

In a nutshell, if you think you’ll visit the zoo more than once in a calendar year (remember, it won’t always be boiling hot outside!), a membership is your most frugal option. It’s math, people.

Enjoy your Dallas Zoo days! I know we will too.

To the Recently Fatherless on Father's Day

Fourteen years ago, suddenly and traumatically, I lost my father. I was 22 and just out of college. I still had a 14-year-old brother at home, and a 20-year-old brother in transition. That first year after my dad’s passing is mostly a blur, a haze, but I do remember having three main goals that year- make it through dad’s birthday, make it through Father’s Day, and finally make it through that one-year anniversary. Those are the only guideposts I remember having that year. Countdowns. A new countdown would begin as soon as the previous one passed. And that’s how I made it through, just barely.

Even though it’s been fourteen years, my father’s death sometimes still seems recent to me. I’m shocked when I occasionally do the math and realize it’s been FOURTEEN YEARS. That seems so long. But also not long at all. Through this, I’ve come to realize that “recent” is a relative term. To some, the “recent” passing of a parent may mean they lost their loved one in the last year. To others, the loss is still so present and pervasive that “recent” may mean five years. Seven. Or more.

But no matter whether you’re at the beginning of your loss timeline, or well down it like I am constantly surprised to be, there are days that are just harder than others- certain holidays, milestone days, personally significant days. Today, Father’s Day, is definitely one of those days. I’m not here to tell you that it gets easier. It doesn’t really. But it does get different; it evolves. While I still feel the loss acutely on special days, on other, regular days it’s a dull ache that can easily be toned down and put aside. I’ve had a lot of practice at this and have developed a few exercises that I’ve found helpful.

The first is to remember that my dad would want me to be at my best for my family, even though he never got to meet his grandchildren. I know that sounds corny and trite, and that sentiment made me angrily defensive and bristly when I heard it for the first several years. But over time, I’ve come to accept that it is true, and it’s lovely if you really think about it. My dad WOULD want me to be enjoying my life, even on Father’s Day and his birthday, whether he is here or not, because he loved me and wanted only the best for me. Accepting this has also relieved the guilt I feel when I realize I haven’t been thinking about my dad as much as I used to, or certain memories are lost or the sound of his voice begins to fade. I know now that he would want me to be present with my children, the way he would be if he were here.

Another exercise I try on particularly hard days is to compartmentalize. If I start feeling overwhelmed and know it’s going to be a rough day, I make a deal with myself to put those feelings in a little box for later. Then, at a quiet and socially appropriate time that day, I’ll take a few moments to myself to unpack those feelings and memories, and treat them and myself gently. Maybe that means having a good cry. Or looking through a family photo album. Or telling my kids a story about their grandpa. Then I’m able to get back to the demands and routine of the day without a nagging sense of irritability or sadness. (Please note, I am not a therapist. Compartmentalizing may not be good, psychologically speaking- I don’t really know. But it works for me in these situations.)

And of course there’s talking about it. Find your person, let them know how you’re feeling, and get a big hug from them. Sometimes that’s all I need- a verbal recognition and reminiscence about my father in a safe place, with a safe person who gives good hugs. Expressing my feelings to my person (my husband) almost always keeps me from crossing the line from feeling a little down to feeling downright depressed.

So to someone who has recently lost their father- no matter how “recent” that that really is- I know this day sucks. Self-pity and envy is real. I mean, how dare other people post tributes to their perfectly alive fathers- don’t they know mine is dead? To you I say, don’t worry, sister- it’s natural and normal to feel that way. I had those same bitter thoughts for years. But I have hope that it will change and become different for you over time, the way it has for me. This day and others like it will still sting, oh yes. But eventually, if you were blessed to have a father like mine, the good memories will eventually prevail over the abyss and desperate shock of loss, and working through these days will become old hat, possibly even enjoyable as you treat your sacred memories with your father with joy and care and kindness. Happy Father’s Day, friends. I know we can do it.

5 Non-Traditional Date Nights in Frisco

It’s no secret that periodic date nights are vital to keeping a marriage happy and healthy. But sometimes you can get in a rut and date nights can become, well… boring and routine. Another dinner and movie? Really? What are we going to talk about at the restaurant that isn’t work or kids? And there’s a limit to how many couples’ painting classes you can attend. I mean, there are only so many walls in any given house. While there’s definitely a time and place for traditional date nights, why not try out some of these local twists on the classics on your next night out on the town. They’re sure to spice up the conversation, and maybe the competitive streaks too.

1. Nerdvana - There are two Nerdvana establishments to choose from: Nerdvana coffee+shop and Nerdvana food+spirits. The coffee+shop is a board game-based coffee house that is nostalgically decorated on the inside. Eighties babies will be thrilled! Order your drink and a macaron, find a table, and choose a game to play from the lending library. You can also bring your own game if you have a favorite from home. Even if games aren’t your thing, it’s still a nice place to just sit and talk a while with plenty of nostalgic conversation starters around.

   The Nerdvana sister restaurant next door- food+spirits- is a very different twist on a regular restaurant. Sit in one of the gaming booths and play video games together right at the table! They have lots of games choices, from the latest and greatest Mario Kart to the old classic Super Mario Bros. A little friendly competition is good for a marriage, right?

2. Frisco Roughriders - Go see a baseball game with your beloved! We love Roughriders games and minor league teams in general. The games are very relaxed and just a lot of fun. And Dr. Pepper Ballpark is so beautiful, you’ll feel right at home in its Southern charm. If you want to go all out, get tickets to watch the game from the outfield in the Choctaw Lazy River. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

3. Texas Sculpture Garden - This is a frugal couple’s dream date. Go to HALL Park to stroll through the interior HALL collection (open weekdays 9 am-5 pm) and then head outside to the Texas Sculpture Garden to see over 40 sculpture installations arranged across 4 acres of beautiful outdoor space. Grab a Summer Moon coffee or Andy’s Frozen Custard before your stroll and make an evening of it. Exterior collection open daily dawn till dusk.

4. Frisco Gun Club - Texas, y’all! A date just isn’t complete until you’ve shot some guns. The Frisco Gun Club is quite fancy for a shooting range, so enjoy the nice aesthetic as you release some stress on your targets.

5. Dinner and a Movie - I know! I basically called dinner and a movie super lame. But that kind of depends on the theater you choose. Instead of an old classic theater with sticky floors and stiff seats, give the Moviehouse & Eatery a try! (Technically in McKinney- Exchange & 121- but close enough to the bubble for consideration.) The food here is truly excellent, they serve adult beverages, and you can practically lie down in your recliner. It’s a one-stop-shop date night that’s sure to please.

I’ve been going on date nights with my husband in Frisco for a long time. Sometimes it feels like we’ve done everything there is to do. So what non-traditional, creative date night ideas do YOU have? I want to know because I want to go on them. Tell me in the comments!

What's All the Fuss About ALDI?

So what’s the all the fuss about ALDI? That’s the thing… there is no fuss! It’s just an easy-to-navigate, no frills, no fuss grocery store. As promised, I’m following up on last week’s post in which I compared the cost of several items across five popular grocery stores, and am focusing on German-based discount grocery retailer ALDI. I must admit that even though I’m a Frugal Frisco Momma, I had never shopped at ALDI until this week, though I’d always been curious.

Let me tell you- ALDI is a GAME CHANGER if saving money while still purchasing high-quality products is your jam. But it’s going to look a little different than you’re used to- while there are a few name-brand products available, most items are either the ALDI store brand or other brands I wasn’t familiar with until this week. So if your family is picky about brands, ALDI won’t be your one-stop-shop. But if your household is a little more flexible, you can get all your shopping done at ALDI just like at a normal, big-box grocery store. You’ll just pay a lot less.

There are some great pros about ALDI, but a few cons as well. Here are the pros:

• Fewer options - This is a pro to me. I often get overwhelmed at the grocery store, especially if I’m shopping with my kids, so having two options instead of six to choose from would really help me save time and sanity.

• Fewer people - The two times I’ve been to ALDI, at two different locations, there have only been a handful of other shoppers in the store. If you’re like me and just want to get in and out without having to navigate the entire population of Frisco, this is a huge pro.

• Smaller concept - Did you forget to pick up yogurt and now you’re at the shampoo end of the store? Not a problem at ALDI! You won’t have to backtrack a quarter-mile to get those precious yogurt tubes. ALDI only has 4-5 wide aisles, so it’s super quick and easy to navigate.

• Fresh produce - I’m picky about produce. While I do most of my shopping at Walmart, I rarely buy fruits or veggies there. But after carefully inspecting the produce at ALDI, I can say without hesitation that I feel comfortable buying their produce. There are a surprising number of organic produce items as well!

• Charcuterie - Having girlfriends over for wine and nibbles? ALDI should be your first stop to fill up that charcuterie board! I was very impressed with their sliced meat, cheese, and cracker options. And we already covered the fresh produce like grapes and bell peppers. Pair with some Winking Owl ALDI-brand bottles of wine and your girls’ night in will be a complete success! (Disclaimer: I am in no way a wine snob. A $40 bottle tastes the same as the 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe’s to me. So take the Winking Owl recommendation with a grain of salt if your taste buds are easily offended by cheap wine.)

I was consistently surprised by the options and prices on every aisle I wandered at ALDI. But it isn’t perfect… The cons I noticed are:

• Fewer name brands - As I mentioned earlier, if your family are sticklers for name-brand products, ALDI probably isn’t for you. I would say that my family is a little flexible on some items, but are definite brand loyalists on others. So if you’re like me, you probably won’t be able to get all of your shopping done at ALDI.

• Fewer organic options - While I was surprised that ALDI had any organic options at all, there aren’t going to be as many as at a larger, big-box grocery store. The good news is that most of the “dirty dozen” items had organic options at ALDI. But if you like to buy everything organic, then ALDI probably isn’t for you.

• No frills - Goodbye, impressively organized shelves, ambiance music, free bags (bring your own), free shopping carts (rent one for a quarter), and employees who sack your items for you (sack them yourself). ALDI has absolutely no frills. While this doesn’t bother me, I know that the shopping experience is important to some people, so the streamlined, Germanic efficiency of ALDI may be a turn off to you.

Drumroll please… Now for the price comparison. This one took a while, y’all, because once I learned that ALDI offered mostly non-name brand items, I realized that I needed to go back to Walmart to research prices on their non-name or store brand items, otherwise it wouldn’t be a fair comparison. So yeah, you could say I’m a little sick of grocery stores. Here’s the comparison:

As you can see, ALDI WINS, and by a fair bit considering the price differences between the other five big-box stores were only a few cents to a couple dollars. This exercise has made me an ALDI convert. Not only because of the potential savings, but because of the ALDI experience. If I’m going to spend my time in a grocery store, I want it to be fast, efficient, and without 1,000 people in my face. And I won’t complain about saving money either. I’ll probably still continue to go to a big-box store for the name-brand items my family is picky about and for paper products and meats, but otherwise, you can find me at ALDI!

Are You Paying Too Much for Groceries?

At the brilliant suggestion of my beautiful friend, Ashley M., Frisco Socialite, I went grocery shopping this week. Ashley asked if I could do a grocery store price comparison of several items across various grocery stores because she had a sneaking suspicion she was paying too much for common items (she was). Are you also paying too much for groceries? When every dollar counts, it’s prudent to be armed with information that will lead to wise and frugal choices. Thus began the research project.

Together with Ashley, we came up with a list of ten common “momma” grocery list items that would be consistent across all stores in quality, quantity, and brand. We stayed away from produce as the final price for those items depend on weight and season. The ten items that made the final list are:

• Milk

• Eggs

• Bread

• Yogurt

• Goldfish

• Cheerios

• CLIF Bars

• Coffee

• Wine (I see you, Momma!)

• Detergent

Next we chose the five most popular grocery stores in the Frisco area:

• Kroger

• Market Street

• Tom Thumb

• Target

• Walmart

So with my spiral notebook in hand and cookie-bribed sidekicks at my feet, I set out on my assignment to compare these items across the five stores. Many cookies later, we had our answer! But before the big reveal, it’s important to explain that it gets a little tricky because Kroger, Market Street, and Tom Thumb have rotating discounts, so you may pay one price this week and a slightly lower/higher price next week. However, Target’s and Walmart’s prices should remain fairly consistent- the Target RED card is always a 5% overall discount, while Walmart doesn’t offer a discount card. But then there’s the Target Circle app (formerly Cartwheel) that allows you to save further on selected items.

When did grocery shopping get so complicated?? For this experiment, I decided to keep things as simple and basic as possible by using only store discount card prices (where available) and leave out any coupon possibilities. I put the Target Circle app discounts into this coupon category, so I didn’t use Circle in the price comparison.

All other things being equal, the lowest-priced grocery store is… WALMART! Target comes in a close second, especially if you use the RED card and if Circle app coupons are available for any selected items.

But without any discount cards or coupons, Walmart looks to be the cheapest overall for our sample set of items. However, once discount cards are applied at the other stores, the totals come to within a few dollars of each other. This may not seem like much, but it can add up! From this sample set of ten items, it appears shopping at Walmart instead of one of the other stores would save about $4 for every $50 spent. Extrapolating that data, if you spend about $200 on groceries every week like I do, that’s a monthly savings of about $65. That’s worth it to me! Though I’m secretly glad that now I have hard evidence to show my husband that my Target trips are not “extravagant” and come within a couple dollars of the lowest-priced store. Starbucks drink and graphic tees not included…

What about you? Where do you prefer to shop, and is that preference based on price, store location and/or layout, or the variety of items offered? Do you have any grocery shopping questions you’d like to see some data on? Let me know and I’ll get my notebook back out and start investigating!

Researching this post and talking to momma friends actually opened up a lot more questions than I anticipated, so there will be a couple of follow-up posts to this initial one. Like, what about Costco? Aldi? Trader Joe’s? Sprouts? Stay tuned for more grocery shopping data coming in the next couple of weeks.

Bottom line: We are so fortunate to live in an area with easy and abundant access to high-quality, many organic food options. So no matter where we shop or what our average monthly grocery shopping budget is, we’ll always be able to feed our families well. And that certainty is such a blessing!

Top Frisco Parks

Summer is almost here! Which means it’s time to get the kids outside to enjoy the weather before it gets too hot to move- #WeLiveInTexasYall. I’ve compiled a list of some of the top parks and playgrounds in Frisco. Check a few of them out! Wear sunscreen!

Frisco Commons- Hands down the best and most popular park complex in Frisco. It’s even won some awards for design and inclusivity for Hope Park, a fabulous padded playground area that is designed to be fully inclusive of children of all abilities. Aside from this and other playgrounds, Frisco Commons includes open green areas for soccer or kite flying, pavilions and picnic tables, a stocked pond for fishing, and numerous paved trails for walking, hiking, or biking. A big highlight is the spray park (open May 15-September 30) where your kids can cool down while you watch from a shaded pavilion. And the best part? Restroom facilities are available! ‘Cause when your kids gotta go, they gotta go now.

Harold Bacchus Community Park- This park is first and foremost a sports complex, offering access to numerous baseball, softball, and soccer fields. It also boasts multiple playground areas spread across the complex, as well as a stocked pond, pavilions with picnic tables, and the all-important restroom facilities. The highlight of Harold Bacchus are the trails for walking, hiking, and biking, with connections to the creek and the two-mile-long Taychas Trail.

Shepherd’s Glen Spray Park- This hidden gem offers a cooling spray park (open May 15-September 30) without the crowds of more popular destinations. The playground area is on the small side, so the spray park is the real superstar here. There are also multiple green areas for playing soccer, flying kites, or running off some energy before nap time. A covered picnic area and paved walking trail around this park out as quaint and unusually quiet for a spray park. However, there are no restroom facilities, so come prepared!

Warren Sports Complex- A preeminent sporting complex in Frisco, Warren offers field opportunities for baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, sand volleyball, and tennis. Other opportunities include a playground for the littles, open green spaces, a stocked pond, paved walking and biking trails, pavilions, and restroom facilities (praise the Lord!).

Vivian Stark McCallum Park- This is our family’s personal favorite. It’s never crowded, there are two play areas for different ages and stages, a basketball court, open field to fly kites in, and a walking/biking trail encircling it all. Pack a lunch to eat under the pavilion. No restroom facilities, so come prepared.

Skate Park at Northeast Community Park- For those with older, adventurous kids, try the Frisco Skate Park. It’s North Texas’s largest skate park and is truly impressive. If you decide to “drop in,” don’t forget the helmets and pads!

What gems did I miss? Let me know in the comments. I may want to take my kids to one this summer too!