Saturday, December 2, 2017

Reader Tip: Top 10 Toys For The Minimalist Family and more...

Hannah emailed the following tip: I used get so frustrated with my children's toy mess… until I got very intentional about what toys we kept in our home. Then everything changed! The reality is, when my kids have less toys, […]

Intentional finance. Intentional family. Intentional business.

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Reader Tip: Top 10 Toys For The Minimalist Family

Hannah emailed the following tip:

I used get so frustrated with my children’s toy mess… until I got very intentional about what toys we kept in our home. Then everything changed!

The reality is, when my kids have less toys, they play with what they have more, they make less messes, there's less to clean up, they get more creative, they spend more time outside, they play with each other more, they're more content, and they have more space to play with those toys you keep.

It's seems counterintuitive but just try it and see for yourself.

My top 10 boy and girl toy recommendations are as follows.

1. A couple dolls with clothes for changing
2. A nice sturdy wooden dollhouse
3. Stuffed animals
4. Wooden blocks
5. Train tracks
6. Legos
7. Cars
8. Books
9. Art Supplies
10. Dressup clothes

I picked these toys based on quality, open-ended options for play, and the fact that both girls and boys can play with all of them.

Keep it simple, give them time to get outside and don't clutter up their play space or room with too many toys.

Adopt a minimalist philosophy with toys (and really everything in your home) and your kids will flourish. Plus, it will be SO much easier to manage and tidy up — for you and your kids!

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Brigette’s $85 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Aldi

2 bags Mandarin Oranges – $4.98

Bananas – $1.12

Pineapple – $0.89

1 3-lb bag McIntosh Apples – $1.69

1 tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.59

1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $1.69

1 pkg Broccoli Crowns – $1.49

2 Avocados – $0.98

1 3-pk Multi-Colored Peppers – $1.79

1 Cauliflower – $1.79

1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $2.99

1 5-lb tub 73/27 Ground Beef, reduced – $6.11

1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $1.89

1 1-lb pkg Butter – $2.24

2 cans Tuna – $1.26

1 pkg Rice Cakes – $1.19

1 12-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $2.15

1 12-oz bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – $2.49

1 pkg Deli Sliced Swiss Cheese – $1.19

1 pkg Sliced Turkey – $2.55

1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $0.65

1 bag Chopped Pecans – $4.99

1 Organic Ketchup – $1.49

1 canister Quick Oats – $2.29

1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.56

1 carton Orange Juice – $1.59

1 can Whipped Topping – $2.65

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.59

1 16-oz carton Heavy Whipping Cream – $1.55

1 can Garbanzo Beans – $0.55

1 Feta Cheese Crumbles – $1.89

3 dozen Eggs – $2.97

1 bag Nacho Chips – $0.75

1 tub Vegetable Shortening – $2.89

1 Ground Black Pepper – $2.29

1 Nutmeg – $1.56

1 Onion Powder – $0.99

1 Garlic Powder – $0.99

2 cans Chicken Breast – $3.10

Total: $78.72

Harris Teeter

3 pkgs Celanto Cheese Ravioli – $5.97, used 3 $1.00/1 Celantano Pasta – 10-1-17 SS; DND (exp. 12/31/17) (doubled) – FREE after coupons

2 bags Rosina Meatballs – $4.98, used 2 $1.00/1 Rosina Product – 10-1-17 SS; DND (exp. 12/31/17) (doubled) – $0.98/2 bags after coupons

4 large cans Tuttorosso Tomatoes – $3.96, used $1.00/4 Tuttorosso Tomatoes – 11-12-17 SS; Includes 14.5 oz or Larger (exp. 12/31/17) (doubled) – $1.96/4 cans after coupon

5 cans Harris Teeter Green Beans – $1.38

1 5-lb bag Pillsbury Bread Flour – $2.50

2 pkgs Mueller Pasta – $1.76, used $1.00/2 Mueller Pasta – 11-12-17 SS (exp. 12/23/17) (doubled) – FREE after coupon

Total: $6.82

Grocery Total for the Week: $85.54

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Bacon and Eggs x 2

Cereal and Fruit x 3

Oatmeal and Fruit x 2

Lunches

Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches, Raw Veggies with Dip, Fruit x 2

Build-Your-Own-Salad x 3 (Romaine, Spring Mix, Raw Veggies, Garbanzo Beans, Avocado, Shredded Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Feta Cheese, Chicken/Tuna, Nuts)

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

BBQ Meatballs, Twice-Baked Potatoes, Make Ahead Butterhorns, Green Beans, Tossed Salad

Thanksgiving #2 with Family and Friends – Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Make-Ahead Butterhorns, Cranberry Sauce, Tossed Salad, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Beans, Upside-Down Praline Apple Pie, Pecan Pie (This is the entire menu – but I won’t be making it all myself :))

Cheese Ravioli, Roasted Broccoli, Fruit Salad

Turkey Gravy Over Rice, Steamed Cauliflower, Biscuits

Taco Salad, Spanish Rice, Fruit Salad

Homemade Cheese Pizza, Raw Carrots with Dip

Leftovers

    
 

Free Random Acts of Kindness Christmas Challenge

Sign up for a free 7-day Random Acts of Kindness Christmas Challenge. You’ll also receive a FREE printable packet.

    
 

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